Objective: To explore the distribution of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in children with hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson disease, WD) based on factor analysis and cluster analysis. Methods: From November 2018 to November 2023, general information (gender, age of admission, age of onset, course of disease, clinical staging, Western medicine clinical symptoms, and family history) and TCM four-examination informations (symptoms and signs) were retrospectively collected from 757 cases of children with WD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, and factor analysis and cluster analysis were used to investigate TCM syndromes in children with WD. Results: A total of 757 children with WD were included, of which 483 were male and 274 were female; the median age at admission was 12.58 years, the median age at onset was 8.33 years, and the median course of disease was 24.37 months; clinical typing result indicated 506 cases of hepatic type, 133 cases of brain type, 99 cases of mixed-type, and 19 cases of other type; 36.46% of the children had no clinical symptoms (elevated aminotransferases or abnormalities in copper biochemistry); a total of 177 cases had a definite family history, and 10 cases had a suspected family history. Forty-three TCM four-examination information were obtained, with the top 10 in descending order being feeling listless and weak, brown urine, slow action, inappetence, dim complexion, slurred speech, angular salivation, body weight loss, hand and foot tremors, and abdominal fullness. In children with WD, the syndrome element of disease location was primarily characterized by the liver, involving the spleen and kidney, and the syndrome elements of disease nature were characterized by dampness, heat, and yin deficiency. Based on factor analysis and cluster analysis, five TCM syndromes were derived, which were, in order, syndrome of dampness-heat accumulation (265 cases, 35.01%), syndrome of yin deficiency of the liver and kidney (202 cases, 26.68%), syndrome of liver hyperactivity with spleen deficiency (185 cases, 24.44%), syndrome of qi and blood deficiency (79 cases, 10.44%), and syndrome of yang deficiency of the spleen and kidney (26 cases, 3.43%). Conclusion The TCM syndromes of children with WD were primarily syndromes of dampness-heat accumulation, yin deficiency of the liver and kidney, and liver hyperactivity with spleen deficiency. The liver was the main disease location, and the disease nature was characterized by deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality, excess and deficiency mixed. These findings suggest that treating children with WD should be based on the liver while also considering the spleen and kidney.

Autism spectrum disorder in children (hereinafter called "childhood autism") is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition; however, ancient Chinese medical texts did not provide detailed accounts of it. The concept of "the sovereign fire illuminates, while the ministerial fire occupies its position" was first introduced in the Plain Questions: The Great Treatise on the Origin of Heavenly Influences chapter. Subsequent medical practitioners have elaborated on this idea, identifying the sovereign fire as the master of the spirit and governing life activities, while the ministerial fire is the assisting minister that supports the functions of the zang-fu organs. When these two are in harmony, they complement each other, collectively sustaining the body′s normal physiological functions. In the context of this theory, the pathogenesis of childhood autism is attributed to the imbalance between the sovereign and ministerial fires. The root cause lies in the mutual antagonism of these two fires, resulting in the dysfunction of the spirit. Central to childhood autism onset is the dimming of the sovereign fire and a deficiency in the spirit, while the displacement of the ministerial fire and the impaired function of the five viscera contribute significantly to the progression of the condition. Effective treatment for childhood autism involves restoring these imbalances: dispelling yin-related obstructions to illuminate the sovereign fire, nourishing the spleen and kidney to nourish the ministerial fire, and regulating the liver and lung to harmonize the sovereign and ministerial fires. The ultimate goal is to integrate body and spirit, harmonize the sovereign and ministerial fires, and restore the interconnectedness between spirit and the function of the five zang viscera. This article, based on the "the sovereign fire illuminates, while the ministerial fire occupies its position" theory, provides a novel perspective and insights for understanding and treating childhood autism through the holistic principles of traditional Chinese medicine. Emphasizing the integration of body and spirit offers new insights and approaches for the clinical management of childhood autism in traditional Chinese medicine.

The lung collaterals form a network that branches from the lung meridian, traversing the lung system and extending across the body′s surface. Lung collateral disease refers to the structural alterations or dysfunction in these collaterals caused by external or internal pathogens. Research into the structural and physiological functions of children′s lung collaterals, as well as the pathogenesis and syndrome differentiation for treating lung collateral diseases in children, holds significant value in guiding the prevention and treatment of pediatric respiratory conditions. Drawing on the theory of collateral disease, the clinical insights of both historical and contemporary physicians, and modern research findings—while considering the unique physiological and pathological characteristics of children′s respiratory systems—this study provides a foundational summary of the morphology and spatial distribution of children′s lung collaterals. The characteristics of these collaterals are highlighted as thin, sparse, short, narrow, brittle, and tender. From this structural understanding, the unique physiological functions of children′s lung collaterals are analyzed. The study further explores the interactions between pathogenic factors and lung collaterals, elucidating the pathogenesis and progression of children′s lung collateral diseases. It proposes treatment principles centered on "seeking treatment in the collaterals and employing the method of unblocking collaterals, "which align with the unique features of pediatric lung collaterals. Common treatment approaches, and relevant prescriptions for managing these diseases are summarized. This paper lays the foundation for a theoretical system encompassing the structure, function, pathogenesis, and syndrome differentiation for treating children′s lung collateral diseases. It offers valuable insights for the clinical diagnosis and management of pediatric respiratory diseases linked to collateral dysfunction and serves as a reference for the systematic development of a broader theoretical framework for children′s collateral diseases.

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease with complex clinical manifestations, presenting substantial challenges in clinical diagnosis and treatment. Its symptoms and the eight extraordinary meridians are potentially correlated; therefore, this article explores the association between MSA symptom clusters and the eight extraordinary meridians based on their circulation and physiological functions, as well as their treatment strategies. The progression from deficiency to damage in the eight extraordinary meridians aligns with the core pathogenesis of MSA, which is characterized by "the continuous accumulation of impacts from the vital qi deficiency leading to eventual damage". Liver and kidney deficiency and the emptiness of the eight extraordinary meridians are required for the onset of MSA; the stagnation of qi deficiency and the gradual damage to the eight extraordinary meridians are the key stages in the prolonged progression of MSA. The disease often begins with the involvement of the yin and yang qiao mai, governor vessel, thoroughfare vessel, and conception vessel before progressing to multiple meridian involvements, ultimately affecting all eight extraordinary meridians simultaneously. The treatment approach emphasizes that "the direct method may be used for joining battle, but indirect method will be needed in order to secure victory" and focuses on "eliminate pathogenic factors and reinforce healthy qi". Distinguishing the extraordinary meridians and focusing on the primary symptoms are pivotal to improving efficacy. Clinical treatment is aimed at the target, and tailored treatment based on careful clinical observation ensures precision in targeting the disease using the eight extraordinary meridians as the framework and core symptoms as the specific focus. Additionally, combining acupuncture, daoyin therapy, and other method may help prolong survival. This article classifies clinical manifestations based on the theory of the eight extraordinary meridians and explores treatment.

Objective : To investigate the role and mechanism of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA) H19 in osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) and bone regeneration in mice with foot fracture. Methods: BMSCs were divided into microrNA-149-5 p(miR-149-5 p)-mimic negative control(miR-mimicNC) group and miR-149-5p-mimic(miR-mimic) group and transfected with IncRNA H19-wt and IncRNA H19,respectively.Mut recombinant plasmid,or bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2) 3'UTR-wt and BMP2 3' UTRmut recombinant plasmid were transfected,respectively.Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was used to detect the luciferase activity of each group.To study the regulatory effect and mechanism of IncRNA H19 on osteogenic differentiation in vitro,BMSCs were divided into control group and osteogenic induction group(osteogenic group).After osteogenic induction,BMSCs were transfected with corresponding plasmids and divided into osteogenic+si-NC group,osteogenic+si-H19 group,osteogenic+si-H19+miR-inhibitor-NC group,osteogenic+si-H19+miR-inhibitor group,osteogenic+si-H19+pcDNA-NC group,and osteogenic group si-H19+pcDNA-BMP2 group.Osteogenic differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity assay and alizarin red staining.A mouse foot fracture model was established,and 36 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,model+pcD-null group,and model+pcD-H19 group,with 9 mice in each group.Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by ALP activity assay.Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR(qPCR) was used to detect the expression of IncRNA H19,miR-149-5p,and BMP2.Western blot was used to detect the expression of BMP2,OCN,OSX,RUNX2,and OPN. Results : In cells transfected with lncRNA H19-wt , the luciferase activity in miR-mimic group was lower than that in miR-mimic-NC group (P < 0. 05) . The luciferase activity of miR-mimic group was lower than that of miR-mimic-NC group ( P < 0. 05) . Compared with the control group , the alkaline phosphatase activity , the degree of cell mineralization and the expression of lncRNA H19 , BMP2 , OCN , OSX , RUNX2 and OPN increased , and the expression of miR-149-5p decreased in the osteogenic group ( P < 0. 05) . Compared with the osteogenesis + si-NC group , the alkaline phosphatase activity , the degree of cell mineralization and the expression of lncRNA H19 , BMP2 , OCN , OSX , RUNX2 and OPN significantly decreased , and the ex- pression of miR-149-5p increased in the osteogenesis + si-H19 group (P < 0. 05) . Compared with the osteogenesis + si-H19 + miR-inhibitor-NC group , the ALP activity , the degree of cell mineralization and the expression of ln- cRNA H19 , BMP2 , OCN , OSX , RUNX2 and OPN increased in the osteogenesis + si-H19 + miR-inhibitor group . The expression of miR-149-5p significantly decreased (P < 0. 05) . Compared with the osteogenic + si-H19 + pcD- NA-NC group , the alkaline phosphatase activity , the degree of cell mineralization and the expression of BMP2 , OCN , OSX , RUNX2 and OPN significantly increased in the osteogenic + si-H19 + pcDNA-BMP2 group ( P < 0. 05) . Compared with the sham-operation group and the model group , the alkaline phosphatase activity and the expression of lncRNA H19 , BMP2 , OCN , OSX , RUNX2 and OPN decreased , and the expression of miR-149-5p increased (P < 0. 05) . Compared with the model + pcD-null group , the alkaline phosphatase activity and the ex- pression of lncRNA H19 , BMP2 , OCN , OSX , RUNX2 and OPN significantly increased , and the expression of miR-149-5p decreased in the model + pcD-H19 group (P < 0. 05) . Conclusion lncRNA H19 promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSC s and bone regeneration in mice with foot fracture through miR-149-5p/BMP2 axis .

Objective : To investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the occurrence and development of fatty liver induced by high fat. Methods : In the high-fat Drosophila model, the high-fat group was fed with high-fat medium, while the control group was fed with normal medium; in the mouse fatty liver model, the high-fat group was fed with high-fat diet, and the control group was fed with normal diet; in the HepG2 cell steatosis model, the high-fat group was induced by palmitic acid(PA), and the control group was cultured with DMEM. The fat body size of the third instar larvae of Drosophila melanogaster was photographed. Steatosis in mice liver and HepG2 cells was observed by H&E and Oil Red staining. The expression levels of ATF6, Bip and CHOP in the third instar larvae, liver tissues of mice and HepG2 cells were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qPCR) and Western blot. Results : In Drosophila model, fat body and fat storage were obviously increased in high fat fed flies when compared with control group. The formation of liver fat droplets and cells vacuolation were confirmed by H&E and Oil Red staining in mice livers fed with high fat and HepG2 cells with palmitic acid treatment. The expression levels of ATF6, Bip and CHOP were significantly increased in third instar larvae and mice livers fed with high fat and palmitic acid treated HepG2 cells with palmitic acid treatment. Conclusion High fat may induce the occurrence and development of hepatic steatosis by activating endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Objective : To analyze the differential expression profile of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes of fetu- ses with Down syndrome (DS) and provide insights for identifying novel biomarkers for the prenatal diagnosis of DS . Methods : Amniotic fluid samples were collected from fetuses with DS and chromosomally normal fetuses . Exo- somes were isolated from the amniotic fluid and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified , and target genes were predicted using TargetScan and miRanda. Target genes located on chromosome 21 were selected , and their biological functions and associated diseases were analyzed using Gene- Cards , HGNC , NCBI Gene , UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot , Ensembl , and OMIM databases . GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to investigate the biological functions of the enriched genes . Results : A total of 59 differ- entially expressed miRNAs were identified , including 31 upregulated and 28 downregulated miRNAs . Based on a fold change > 2 and P < 0. 05 , 10 upregulated and 9 downregulated miRNAs with the highest expression levels were selected . Key miRNAs included hsa-let-7b-5p , hsa-let-7c-5p , hsa-let-7b-3p _ 1ss22CT , and hsa-miR-199b-5p , with BACH1 and IFNAR1 identified as their shared target genes . GO analysis revealed that the enriched target genes were primarily involved in protein binding , metal ion binding , transferase activity , DNA binding , transcriptional regulation by RNA polymerase Ⅱ , and nucleotide binding. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the target genes were mainly associated with metabolic pathways , cancer-related pathways , the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway , and the Rap1 signaling pathway . Conclusion Differential expression of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes was ob- served between DS fetuses and those with normal karyotypes . Combined analysis with placental miRNAs revealed hsa-miR-199b-5p as a common differentially expressed miRNA in both DS amniotic fluid and placenta. It is hypoth- esized that BACH1 and IFNAR1 , shared target genes of hsa-miR-199b-5p , hsa-let-7b-5p , hsa-let-7c-5p , and hsa- let-7b-3p_1ss22CT , may play a role in the pathogenesis of DS .

Objective : To compare the antiviral efficacy and renal safety of nucleoside analogs(NAs) monotherapy versus combination therapy in hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients with high viral load. Methods : This study enrolled a total of 353 treatment-naïve HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with high viral load , the treatment regimen was divided into 5 groups , consisting of 4 monotherapy groups and 1 combination therapy group as follows : 88 cases in the Entecavir (ETV) group , 135 cases in the Teno- fovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) group , 34 cases in the Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate (TAF) group , 25 cases in the Tenofovir Amibufenamide (TMF) group , and 71 cases in the ETV combined with TDF (ETV + TDF) group . A retrospective cohort study design was adopted to analyze HBV DNA levels , serological indicators ( HBsAg and HBeAg levels) , renal function indicators ( serum Scr levels , eGFR) at 24 and 48 weeks of treatment across various groups , as well as the HBsAg clearance rates , HBeAg seroconversion rates and HBV DNA suppression rates (HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml) at 48 weeks across the groups . Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the influencing factors for HBV DNA suppression . Results : At 24 weeks , the HBV DNA level in the ETV + TDF selected . Key miRNAs included hsa-let-7b-5p , hsa-let-7c-5p , hsa-let-7b-3p _ 1ss22CT , and hsa-miR-199b-5p , with BACH1 and IFNAR1 identified as their shared target genes . GO analysis revealed that the enriched target genes were primarily involved in protein binding , metal ion binding , transferase activity , DNA binding , transcriptional regulation by RNA polymerase Ⅱ , and nucleotide binding. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the target genes were mainly associated with metabolic pathways , cancer-related pathways , the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway , and the Rap1 signaling pathway . Conclusion Differential expression of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes was ob- served between DS fetuses and those with normal karyotypes . Combined analysis with placental miRNAs revealed hsa-miR-199b-5p as a common differentially expressed miRNA in both DS amniotic fluid and placenta. It is hypoth- esized that BACH1 and IFNAR1 , shared target genes of hsa-miR-199b-5p , hsa-let-7b-5p , hsa-let-7c-5p , and hsa- let-7b-3p_1ss22CT , may play a role in the pathogenesis of DS .

Abstract Breastfeeding has an irreplaceable effect on the growth and development of premature infants and the reduction of complications during hospitalization. In recent years, with the opening of China&prime;s birth policy, the incidence of premature babies has increased, and the corresponding complications have also gradually increased. Breast milk not only carries a rich supply of nutrients, including rich proteins, lipids, sugars to support the normal growth and development of infants, but also contains a large number of immunoglobulins, hormones and other bioactive substances to promote the improvement of body immune function and the development of nervous system. In recent years, many studies have been carried out on the current situation of breast milk operation in breast milk bank, the collection and influencing factors of breast milk, the strategies of breast milk enrichment and its effects on the growth and development of premature infants and complications. Therefore, breast-feeding and intensive breast-feeding can effectively promote the growth and development of premature infants, and reduce the occurrence of complications.

Abstract Skin, the largest organ of the human body, serves as the primary barrier against environmental hazards. Skin aging is a complex process influenced by both intrinsic factors, such as endogenous physiological changes, and extrinsic factors, including environmental exposures, reflecting the internal health status of the body. During skin aging, various cell types exhibit diverse responses to aging-related stimulations. This paper systematically reviews the roles of cells in the pathogenesis of skin aging and explores potential therapeutic strategies for mitigating this process. Furthermore, based on the biological activities of cells during skin aging, we elucidate the interaction mechanisms among cells within the skin microenvironment.