[Objective]To explore the modern pharmacological mechanisms of Coptidis Rhizoma-Cimicifugae Rhizoma herbal pair in the treatment of recurrent aphthous ulcer(RAU)and analyze the possible traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)therapeutic factors to further guide TCM clinical diagnosis and treatment.[Methods]The Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP)was used to retrieve drug components and targets.Disease-related targets were obtained from databases such as Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM)and Human Genome Annotation Database(GeneCards).The intersection of targets was analyzed using the STRING platform for protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis.The PPI network was visualized using Cytoscape 3.7.2,and core targets were selected.Gene ontology(GO)enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the MetaScape database,and a network diagram was constructed.Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock 4.2.6,and the docking results were visualized using PyMOL software.A rat model of RAU was established by bilateral subcutaneous injection of complete Freund's adjuvant.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time qPCR)was used to detect the expression of core target genes in the oral tissues of rats in each group.[Results]A total of 19 active components of Coptidis Rhizoma-Cimicifugae Rhizoma were screened,along with 191 targets.There were 127 intersecting targets between herbs and diseases,and 23 core targets were identified for RAU intervention.Based on Degree,seven key targets were selected,and the core pathway was the signaling pathway associated with interleukin-17(IL-17)and tumor necrosis factor(TNF).The docking results showed that the core active component stigmasterol exhibited high binding activity with each key target.Animal experiments showed that the herbal pair treatment significantly reduced the number of oral ulcers in rats.Compared with blank control group,the expression of core targets in model group,low-dose group,medium-dose group and high-dose group was significantly higher(P＜0.05).The relative mRNA expression and number of oral ulcers in the high-dose group were significantly lower than those in model group,low-dose group and medium-dose group(P＜0.05).[Conclusion]The molecular mechanisms of Coptidis Rhizoma-Cimicifugae Rhizoma herbal pair in the treatment of RAU are related to its anti-inflammatory,oral mucosal protection and immunomodulatory effects.The relevant TCM therapeutic mechanisms involve heat-clearing and detoxifying,promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis,eliminating toxins,promoting wound healing and other effects.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of hemoperfusion combined with hemofiltration in the treatment of sepsis based on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway.Methods:One hundred and fifty patients with sepsis treated in the Heze Municipal Hospital from February 2020 to February 2023 were retrospectively selected and they were divided into two groups according to the treatment plan, with 75 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with standard treatment for sepsis, with hemofiltration in the control group and hemoperfusion combined with hemofiltration in the observation group. The TLR4/NF-κB signal pathway-related mRNA expression (TLR4 mRNA, NF-κB mRNA), related inflammatory factors, indicators of vascular endothelial function, the levels of indicators of liver and kidney function were measured between the two groups. The 28-d morbidity and mortality rate was compared between the two groups.Results:Compared with before treatment, the levels of TLR4 mRNA, NF-κB mRNA in two groups were decreased, and the levels of above index in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: 0.34 ± 0.12 vs. 0.63 ± 0.16, 0.30 ± 0.10 vs. 0.59 ± 0.12, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the levels of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-12 and C reactive protein (CRP) in two groups were decreased, and the levels of above index in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: (43.42 ± 7.82) ng/L vs. (56.37 ± 9.41) ng/L, (28.47 ± 6.03) ng/L vs. (39.41 ± 7.02) ng/L, (52.31 ± 5.42) ng/L vs. (70.84 ± 7.08) ng/L, (23.82 ± 7.06) mg/L vs. (38.41 ± 6.83) mg/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Compared with before treatment, the levels of advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), soluble intercellular adhesion factor-1 (sICAM-1), homocysteine (Hcy), glutamate transaminase (ALT), glutathione transaminase(AST), blood creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in two groups were decreased, and the levels of above index in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: (172.37 ± 73.63) mg/L vs. (249.41 ± 80.26) mg/L, (404.26 ± 68.42) ng/L vs. (459.36 ± 70.19) ng/L, (20.27 ± 4.53) μmol/L vs. (28.96 ± 5.02) μmol/L, (62.41 ± 10.69) U/L vs. (78.52 ± 13.41) U/L, (51.47 ± 12.35) U/L vs. (64.17 ± 15.83) U/L, (3.82 ± 0.79) mmol/L vs. (5.57 ± 1.16) mmol/L, (125.16 ± 23.96) μmol/L vs. (163.24 ± 30.12) μmol/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The 28-d morbidity and mortality rate in the observation group was lower than that in the control group: 12.00%(9/75) vs. 25.33%(19/75), there was statistical difference ( χ2 = 4.39, P<0.05). Conclusions:In the treatment of sepsis, hemoperfusion combined with hemofiltration can effectively alleviate the severity of the disease, reduce the damage of hepatic and renal function, and have a certain effect on the mRNA expression of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and related inflammatory factors.

Objective:To evaluate the deformity changes in the treatment of congenital clubfoot in infants by ultrasound, and to explore its clinical application value.Methods:Seventeen infants with congenital clubfoot treated in the Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March 2020 to June 2021 and 27 normal infants in the same period were selected. The distance between medial malleolus and scaphoids (MM-N distance) of all feet was measured by ultrasound. The distance from the tangent line of the lateral edge of calcaneus to the midpoint of the lateral edge of the chondroid bone (C-C distance), medial soft tissue thickness and tibial calcaneal angle were measured by ultrasound. The data before, after treatment and during follow-up were statistically analyzed.Results:A total of 88 feet of 44 infants were evaluated. The mean number of cast was 4.7±1.1, the follow-up time was (96.9±59.3)days. The MM-N distance, C-C distance and posterior tibial calcaneal angle in the clubfoot group were improved after treatment and at the last follow-up, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). During the treatment, 1 case had false correction, and 2 cases recurred in the last follow-up. Conclusions:Ultrasound can clearly display the medial, dorsal, lateral and posterior articular structures of normal and clubfoot, and can observe the deformity changes of clubfoot during the correction process, which can provide guidance for the clinical treatment of clubfoot.

Objective:To investigate the clinical application value of amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) in evaluating the prognosis of brain function in children with disturbance of consciousness.Methods:A total of 100 children with disturbance of consciousness admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2018 to September 2019 were enrolled.All patients completed aEEG and video electroencephalogram (vEEG) (monitoring hours≥ 6 h), modified Glasgow coma scale (GCS) rating, peripheral blood brain injury marker S100β protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) detection within 48 hours of admission.The prognosis was evaluated based on the above results.The actual prognosis of the children was recorded by telephone follow-up based on the pediatric cerebral performance category score (PCPC) until 6 months of onset or clinical death.The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze and compare the clinical efficacy of aEEG, vEEG, improved GCS, S100β protein, and NSE in evaluating the prognosis of brain function in children with disturbance of consciousness. Kappa consistency test was made to evaluate the correlation between the estimated prognosis and the actual prognosis. Results:The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of aEEG, vEEG, improved GCS, S100β protein and NSE was 0.847, 0.810, 0.729, 0.685 and 0.784, respectively, indicating the five methods had statistically significant value in evaluating the prognosis of brain function (all P<0.05). Taking the Z value as the gold standard, the clinical efficacy of aEEG in evaluating the prognosis of brain function was significantly different from that of S100β ( Z>1.96, P<0.05), but showed no significant difference with that of other 3 methods.Using the best cut-off value as the gold standard for evaluating the prognosis, aEEG had the highest sensitivity to evaluate a poor prognosis (90.5%). The Kappa consistency test showed that the prognosis predicted by aEEG was consistent with the actual prognosis ( Kappa=0.550, P<0.01). Conclusions:aEEG has a good evaluation value for the brain function prognosis of children with disturbance of consciousness.aEEG has high sensitivity, and the predicated prognosis is consistent with the actual clinical prognosis, so it can be widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of PICU.

Objective:To explore the relationship of risk factors and clinical features to assessments of children with cerebral palsy (CP ) using a magnetic resonance imaging classification system (MRICS).Methods:Medical records of CP patients under 18 years old were reviewed retrospectively. Data including high-risk factors, cranial MRI results and clinical characteristics were collected. The cranial MRI results were classified according to the MRICS.Results:Of 1357 patients studied, 1112 (82%) had received cranial MRI scans. Among them, 962 (86.5%) showed MRI-identified brain abnormalities, 489 in the periventricular white matter. Subjects with different weeks of gestation, birth weights, delivery times, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and neonatal cerebral hemorrhage had significantly different MRI classifications according to the system. Premature birth, low birth weight and multiple births correlated with the incidence of white matter brain injury. Only 4 of the subjects with neonatal cerebral hemorrhage were classified as having normal brain structures using the MRICS. However, gender, birth method, and pathological jaundice had no significant relationship with MRICS ratings. Significant differences in MRICS classifications were observed between patients with different CP subtypes, gross motor function scores, as well as with or without epilepsy, speech or language impairment. But degrees of mental retardation were not significantly related with MRICS classifications.Conclusion:MRICS classifications relate closely with risk factors and the clinical characteristics of CP patients. The system can play an important role in finding pathogenesis and predicting clinical outcomes. It is worthy of applying and promoting in the clinic.

Objective: To explore the genetic basis of a patient featuring global developmental delay, intellectual disability, cleft palate, seizures and hypotonia. Methods: Clinical examination and laboratory tests were carried out. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the patient and his parents. Whole genomic DNA was extracted and subjected to next generation sequencing. Candidate variation was analyzed by using bioinformatic software and validated by Sanger sequencing. Results: The proband was found to carry a heterozygous c. 2117T>C (p.Leu706Pro) variant of the NEDD4L gene, which was a de novo variant validated by Sanger sequencing and predicted to be likely pathogenic according to the American College of Medical Genetics Guidelines. Conclusion The heterozygous variant of c. 2117T>C (p.Leu706Pro) of the NEDD4L gene probably underlies the disorders in the patient.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of Ponseti method in treatment of secondary clubfoot in young children with Tethered Cord Syndrome(TCS).Methods:The clinical data of 53 young children with clubfeet treated with Ponseti method from March 2014 to March 2017 at Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were divided into TCS group and Idiopathic group according to the etiology. There were 19 patients (33 feet) in TCS group,with an mean age of 2.8 months(range:0.2 to 24.0 months), including 13 males and 6 females, 5 patients with unilateral clubfeet and 14 patients with bilateral clubfeet. There were 34 patients (45 feet) in idiopathic group, with an mean age of 3.1 months(range: 0.1 to 21.0 months), including 18 males and 16 females, 23 patients with unilateral clubfeet and 11 patients with bilateral clubfeet. All the children received casts correction according to Ponseti method, and were followed up at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and every 6 months after the Achilles tendon tenotomy or the last cast correction. Complications were recorded and therapeutic effect was evaluated of these children by Dimeglio Scoring System and the International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) at the last follow-up. Independent t test, Mann-Witney U test or χ 2 test were used to compare the indicators of the two groups. Results:The number of plaster fixation in TCS group was (6.1±2.0) times, and that of idiopathic group was (4.8±1.0) times( t=3.482, P<0.01).In TCS group, 22 feet treated with Achilles tendon transection and that of idiopathic group was 40 feet(χ 2=0.279, P=0.598). There were 18 cases recurrence in TCS group and 8 cases in Idiopathic group ( t=11.149, P<0.01). In TCS group, 16 cases (27 feet) completed the initial correction, the success rate was 60.6% (27/33), 3 cases (6 feet) could not correct the deformity after 9 to 10 times of plaster fixation, and then underwent soft tissue release.In idiopathic group, 34 cases (45 feet) achieved initial correction after Ponseti treatment(χ 2=6.488, P=0.011).At the last follow up, there were 5 cases (9 feet) in TCS group and 2 cases (2 feet) in idiopathic group underwent soft tissue release(χ 2=6.110, P=0.013). The classification grade of ICFSG score of the two groups without soft tissue release were (2.1±0.6) and (1.8±0.7), the difference was not statistically significant ( t=1.765, P=0.082). All the children had no skin ulceration, bedsores, skin allergy and other complications. Conclusion:Ponseti method is effective in the treatment of clubfoot secondary to TCS, and the functional recovery is similar to that of children with idiopathic clubfoot.

Objective:To explore the feasibility of Ponseti method in treatment of secondary clubfoot in young children with Tethered Cord Syndrome(TCS).Methods:The clinical data of 53 young children with clubfeet treated with Ponseti method from March 2014 to March 2017 at Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were divided into TCS group and Idiopathic group according to the etiology. There were 19 patients (33 feet) in TCS group,with an mean age of 2.8 months(range:0.2 to 24.0 months), including 13 males and 6 females, 5 patients with unilateral clubfeet and 14 patients with bilateral clubfeet. There were 34 patients (45 feet) in idiopathic group, with an mean age of 3.1 months(range: 0.1 to 21.0 months), including 18 males and 16 females, 23 patients with unilateral clubfeet and 11 patients with bilateral clubfeet. All the children received casts correction according to Ponseti method, and were followed up at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and every 6 months after the Achilles tendon tenotomy or the last cast correction. Complications were recorded and therapeutic effect was evaluated of these children by Dimeglio Scoring System and the International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) at the last follow-up. Independent t test, Mann-Witney U test or χ 2 test were used to compare the indicators of the two groups. Results:The number of plaster fixation in TCS group was (6.1±2.0) times, and that of idiopathic group was (4.8±1.0) times( t=3.482, P<0.01).In TCS group, 22 feet treated with Achilles tendon transection and that of idiopathic group was 40 feet(χ 2=0.279, P=0.598). There were 18 cases recurrence in TCS group and 8 cases in Idiopathic group ( t=11.149, P<0.01). In TCS group, 16 cases (27 feet) completed the initial correction, the success rate was 60.6% (27/33), 3 cases (6 feet) could not correct the deformity after 9 to 10 times of plaster fixation, and then underwent soft tissue release.In idiopathic group, 34 cases (45 feet) achieved initial correction after Ponseti treatment(χ 2=6.488, P=0.011).At the last follow up, there were 5 cases (9 feet) in TCS group and 2 cases (2 feet) in idiopathic group underwent soft tissue release(χ 2=6.110, P=0.013). The classification grade of ICFSG score of the two groups without soft tissue release were (2.1±0.6) and (1.8±0.7), the difference was not statistically significant ( t=1.765, P=0.082). All the children had no skin ulceration, bedsores, skin allergy and other complications. Conclusion:Ponseti method is effective in the treatment of clubfoot secondary to TCS, and the functional recovery is similar to that of children with idiopathic clubfoot.

Objective:To investigate the effect of DKK1 on linearly patterned programmed cell necrosis (LPPCN) and vasculogenic mim-icry (VM) and the related molecular mechanism in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods:A total of 173 human NSCLC speci-mens were collected to detect LPPCN by H&E staining, detect VM with CD31/PAS double staining, and investigate DKK1 and related protein expression by immunohistochemistry. The clinical pathological significance of LPPCN, VM, and DKK1 and the correlation of them were analyzed. Human NSCLC H460-DKK1 cells were engrafed in nude mice to evaluate the influence of DKK1 up-regulation on VM and LPPCN in vivo. Results:Approximately, 14.45%(25/173) of NSCLC had VM and 49.71%(86/173) had LPPCN. 25.6%(22/86) of NSCLC cases in LPPCN-positive group formed VM. Both of VM and LPPCN were all correlated with poor differentiation, late TNM stage, easy recurrence and metastasis and poor prognosis in NSCLC. DKK1 expression in the VM-positive group and the LPPCN-positive group was higher than that in the VM-negative group and the LPPCN-negative group, respectively. DKK1, LPPCN, and VM were positive-ly correlated with VE-cadherin, MMP-2,β-catenin nuclear expression and Twist1. H460-DKK1 transplantation tumor model confirmed that DKK1 promotes the expression of VM and LPPCN and related proteins in NSCLC. Conclusion:The increase of theβ-catenin and Twist1 expression induced by DKK1 may promote the formation of LPPCN and VM in NSCLC.

BACKGROUND:RACK1 is strongly associated with the occurrence and development of oral squamous cel carcinoma. However, the occurrence and development of tumor do not depend on a gene or protein, but a long-term complex process of a network structure of multiple genes and multiple molecules, multi-step, multi-stage joint action. Synergism between tumor genes promotes the formation and development of tumor cel s. Therefore, we cannot limit on a single gene or protein to discover the action mechanism of oral squamous cel carcinoma, but should pay attention on signaling network path related to differential protein or gene, investigate the alterations in related protein or gene expression in the whole signaling pathway, and analyze the action mechanism of the interaction of these molecules.
OBJECTIVE:To screen differential genes related to oral squamous cel carcinoma, construct an interaction network through bioinformatics using STRING database, and provide clues for future tests.
METHODS:In accordance with our previous classic proteomics results and microarray results of oral squamous cel carcinoma, genes with consistent expression and big differences were selected as differential genes. The differential genes were inputted into the database of STRING to find the possible relationship among the protein subunits and to construct network structure of their interaction.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The 19 differential proteins of oral squamous cel carcinoma construct a complicated net work, and the differential proteins interact through these networks. GNB2L1-encoded RACK1 is a node protein and interacts with other differential proteins via WD40 repeated protein (number COG2319) andβ-G protein subunit (number KOG0279). WD40 repeated protein (number COG2319) interacts with 5 differential proteins directly and constructs 10 interacting pathways.β-G protein subunit (number KOG0279) interacts with 8 differential proteins directly, which has 11 interacting pathways. We make a network structure picture based on the interaction of these 19 differential genes by the analysis of the STRING database. The results show that the two subunits of RACK1 protein have direct interaction with 8 differential proteins and have 18 interaction pathways on the picture. As a result, RACK1 is the core protein of the network, suggesting RACK1 is the key node protein in oral squamous cel carcinoma.