To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications （DMC）， refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles， and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine， hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine， was held in Beijing， 2024. Experts in TCM， Western medicine， and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis， diagnostic and treatment challenges， and mechanism research related to DMC， ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development， research prioritization， and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM， strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.

Based on the theory of "disease of both blood and water" in Essentials from the Golden Cabinet （《金匮要略》）， and in combination with the dynamic syndrome evolution of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction （HFpEF）， this paper systematically clarifies the pathomechanism of HFpEF， characterized by yang deficiency as the root， blood stasis as the pivotal factor and water retention as the manifestation. Accordingly， the therapeutic principles have been proposed， which are warming yang and banking up original qi to consolidate the root， activating blood and unblocking collaterals to smooth the mechanism， and promoting urination and regulating pivot to remove the branch. On this basis， a compound formula structure of "one monarch， one minister and one assistant" is established， forming an integrated intervention strategy that synergistically combines the three methods of warming yang， activating blood， and promoting urination through combined classical formulas. Zhenwu Decoction （真武汤）， which warms yang and dissolves rheum， is used to consolidate the root and directly target the source of yang deficiency， serving as the monarch； Guizhi Fuling Pills （桂枝茯苓丸）， which activates blood， promotes urination and unblocks the pivot， assists in interrupting the binding of blood stasis and water retention， serving as the minister； Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction （葶苈大枣泻肺汤）， which regulates qi， disperses retained fluids， and eliminates the manifestation， alleviates acute water-retention symptoms， serving as the assistant. This compound formula is warming without being drying， diuretic without being drastic， and dispels stasis without consuming blood， thereby achieving the therapeutic effects of warming yang， activating blood， and promoting urination.

Objective To screen and analyze key genes in rabbit corneal alkali burns based on transcriptomics se-quencing technology and bioinformatics techniques.Methods Thirty healthy male New Zealand rabbits were randomly di-vided into 2 groups(n=15 per group):The control group received no intervention,while the alkali burn group underwent corneal alkali burn modeling.Histological evaluation of corneal tissues was performed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)stai-ning.Transcriptome sequencing was conducted for library construction and sequencing.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified using DESeq2,followed by Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Ency-clopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis.A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed to screen hub genes,and RT-PCR was employed to validate mRNA expression levels of key genes.Results HE staining revealed orderly arranged corneal stromal layers and scattered stromal cells in the control group,whereas the alkali burn group exhibited stromal edema,thickened collagen fibers with loose/disorganized alignment,and increased fibroblast and inflammatory cell infiltration.Compared to the control group,1 827 significant DEGs were identified in the alkali burn group,including 1 495 upregulated and 332 downregulated genes.GO analysis showed biological processes such as immune response,plasma membrane,and identical protein binding.KEGG analysis indicated that DEGs were enriched in pathways related to cancer,lipid and atherosclerosis,and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction.The PPI network screened 11 key genes:neutrophil cytosolic factor 1(NCF1),neutrophil cytosolic factor 2(NCF2),matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2),ma-trix metallopeptidase 9(MMP9),interleukin-1α(IL-1α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-8(CXCL8),cluster of differentiation 4(CD4),C-C motif ligand 2(CCL2)and tumor necrosis factor(TNF).RT-PCR valida-tion revealed that the mRNA expression levels of key genes in the corneal tissues of the alkali burn group were significantly higher than those in the control group(all P＜0.05),consistent with the transcriptomic sequencing results.Conclusion Based on the rabbit corneal alkali burn model,this study identified 11 key genes(NCF1,NCF2,MMP2,MMP9,IL-1α,IL-1β,IL-6,CXCL8,CD4,CCL2 and TNF)through transcriptomics and bioinformatics analysis.

AIM:To explore suitable methods for the induction and cryopreservation of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages(BMDMs).METHODS:Mouse fibroblasts(L929 cells)were cultured under varying conditions of temperature,seeding density,and serum concentration.The concentration of macrophage colony-stimulating factor(M-CSF)in the cell supernatant was measured using ELISA to determine the optimal conditions.Mouse bone marrow cells were extracted,and a differential adherence method was employed to pre-culture the bone marrow cells for 4 h,followed by flow cytometry to assess the proportion of resident macrophages.Flow cytometry was utilized to assess the ratio of F4/80 positive cells among the suspended and adherent cells.Induction of BMDMs was conducted using L929 cell supernatant or recombinant M-CSF for 7 d,and flow cytometry was applied to evaluate the proportion of F4/80 and CD11b double-positive cells.The morphologic changes during cell induction were observed under an inverted microscope,and the phagocytic ca-pacity and inflammatory response levels of BMDMs derived from C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mice were evaluated using neu-tral red and ELISA methods.The cells were immediately cryopreserved after extraction,and then induced after recovery,or cryopreserved after successful induction and recovered.The cell morphology was observed under an inverted micro-scope,cell viability was assessed using the CCK-8 method,and phagocytic ability was measured using the neutral red method.RESULTS:The M-CSF concentration in the supernatant from L929 cells cultured at 33℃,10%fetal bovine se-rum(FBS)for 7 d was rich.Following 4 h of pre-culture,the proportion of F4/80 positive cells in adherent cells was sig-nificantly higher than that in suspended cells(P＜0.01).After 7 d of induction with L929 cell supernatant or recombinant M-CSF,the proportions of F4/80+CD11b+cells showed no significant difference(P＞0.05).Compared with the BMDMs derived from C57BL/6J mice,those from C57BL/6N mice exhibited stronger phagocytic capacity(P＜0.01),and released lower levels of TNF-α(P＜0.01)and IL-6(P＜0.05),and higher levels of IL-1β(P＜0.05).Compared with the BMDMs that were induced after recovery from initial cryopreservation,those cryopreserved immediately after extraction and in-duced upon recovery exhibited better macrophage morphology,higher cell viability(P＜0.01),and enhanced phagocytic ability(P＜0.01).CONCLUSION:The supernatant from L929 cells cultured at 33℃,10%FBS for 7 d is rich in M-CSF,successfully inducing bone marrow cells to differentiate into mouse BMDMs.The differential adherence method for pre-culturing can eliminate resident macrophages from the original bone marrow.The phagocytic capacity and inflammato-ry response levels differ between BMDMs derived from the C57BL/6N and C57BL/6J mouse subtypes.Cryopreserving bone marrow cells immediately after extraction and subsequently inducing them upon recovery is a preferable method for BMDM cryopreservation.

High myopia is a refractive abnormality characterized by excessive elongation of the eye axis.The sclera,as an important part of the eye axis regulation,plays a key role in the occurrence and development of high myopia.In this pa-per,based on the domestic and international articles,the pathological changes and related regulatory molecules of the scle-ra in high myopia were systematically summarized from the features of scleral lesions in high myopia and the gene regula-tion and signaling pathways affecting the ultrastructure and mechanical properties of the sclera,thus providing a theoretical basis for the study of the pathological mechanism of high myopia.

Objective To explore the application value of serum Syndecan-1 and endocan-1 combined with rapid sequential organ failure(qSOFA)score in the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis.Methods The severity of 118 patients with sepsis was divided into the general sepsis group(48 cases),the severe sepsis group(42 cases)and the septic shock group(28 cases).According to the prognosis,patients were divided into the death group(n=32)and the survival group(n=86).A total of 118 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group.Serum Syndecan-1 and endocan-1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The value of serum Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA scores in the early diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,and the area under the curve(AUC)was compared.Results Compared with the control group,levels of Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA scores were increased in the study group(P＜0.05).The serum Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA score in the general sepsis group,the severe sepsis group and the septic shock group were significantly increased in sequence(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of serum Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA score in the diagnosis of sepsis(0.967)were higher than that of Syndecan-1(AUC=0.868),endocan-1(AUC=0.798)and qSOFA score(AUC=0.873)alone(Z=6.541,5.495 and 6.395,P＜0.001).Compared with the survival group,the levels of Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA scores were significantly increased in the death group(P＜0.05).The combined prediction of AUC(0.983)was higher than that of Syndecan-1(AUC=0.814),endocan-1(AUC=0.834)and qSOFA score(AUC=0.924)alone(Z=6.596,9.268 and 6.904,P＜0.001).Conclusion Serum levels of Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA are increased in patients with sepsis,and the combination of the three has higher clinical value in the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of sepsis.

Objective To screen and analyze key genes in rabbit corneal alkali burns based on transcriptomics se-quencing technology and bioinformatics techniques.Methods Thirty healthy male New Zealand rabbits were randomly di-vided into 2 groups(n=15 per group):The control group received no intervention,while the alkali burn group underwent corneal alkali burn modeling.Histological evaluation of corneal tissues was performed via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)stai-ning.Transcriptome sequencing was conducted for library construction and sequencing.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified using DESeq2,followed by Gene Ontology(GO)functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Ency-clopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis.A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed to screen hub genes,and RT-PCR was employed to validate mRNA expression levels of key genes.Results HE staining revealed orderly arranged corneal stromal layers and scattered stromal cells in the control group,whereas the alkali burn group exhibited stromal edema,thickened collagen fibers with loose/disorganized alignment,and increased fibroblast and inflammatory cell infiltration.Compared to the control group,1 827 significant DEGs were identified in the alkali burn group,including 1 495 upregulated and 332 downregulated genes.GO analysis showed biological processes such as immune response,plasma membrane,and identical protein binding.KEGG analysis indicated that DEGs were enriched in pathways related to cancer,lipid and atherosclerosis,and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction.The PPI network screened 11 key genes:neutrophil cytosolic factor 1(NCF1),neutrophil cytosolic factor 2(NCF2),matrix metallopeptidase 2(MMP2),ma-trix metallopeptidase 9(MMP9),interleukin-1α(IL-1α),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-8(CXCL8),cluster of differentiation 4(CD4),C-C motif ligand 2(CCL2)and tumor necrosis factor(TNF).RT-PCR valida-tion revealed that the mRNA expression levels of key genes in the corneal tissues of the alkali burn group were significantly higher than those in the control group(all P＜0.05),consistent with the transcriptomic sequencing results.Conclusion Based on the rabbit corneal alkali burn model,this study identified 11 key genes(NCF1,NCF2,MMP2,MMP9,IL-1α,IL-1β,IL-6,CXCL8,CD4,CCL2 and TNF)through transcriptomics and bioinformatics analysis.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of the degree of neuromuscular blockade on the intraoperative surgical conditions and postoperative recovery quality in patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusion.Methods:In this randomized controlled trial, 100 patients of either sex, aged 18-79 yr, with a body mass index of 18.5-35.0 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification < Ⅳ, scheduled for elective lumbar interbody fusion at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from August to October 2024, were allocated into 2 groups ( n=50 each) using stratified randomization based on the number of lumbar segments: deep neuromuscular blockade group (group D) and moderate neuromuscular blockade group (group M). The intraoperative post-tetanic count was maintained at 1 or 2 in group D, and the intraoperative train-of-four was maintained at 1 or 2 in group M. The scores for surgical conditions, duration of operation, blood loss, length of incision, occurrence of severe hypoxemia after extubation, requirement for rescue analgesia in post-anesthesia care unit, 15-item Quality of Recovery scale score and length of stay were recorded. Results:Compared with group M, the scores for surgical conditions were significantly increased, the rate of rescue analgesia in post-anesthesia care unit was decreased, 15-item Quality of Recovery scale scores were increased at 3 days after surgery ( P<0.05), and no significant changes were found in the duration of operation, blood loss, length of incision, incidence of severe hypoxemia after extubation and length of hospital stay in group D ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Compared with moderate neuromuscular blockade, deep neuromuscular blockade can provide better surgical conditions and improve the quality of early postoperative recovery for patients undergoing lumbar interbody fusion.

Objective:To analyze the relationship between serum neutrophil elastase (NE) level and assisted pregnancy outcome in infertility patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods:A total of 137 infertility patients with PCOS who planned to undergo in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment in Xianyang Central Hospital from January 2020 to January 2023 were prospectively selected. Serum NE level was measured before IVF-ET transplantation, and the pregnancy-assisted outcome of infertility patients with PCOS were analyzed. The relationship between serum NE level and assisted pregnancy outcome in PCOS infertility patients was analyzed.Results:The proportion of age ≥ 35 years old and serum NE levels in the failure group were higher than those in the success group: 50.00% (41/82) vs. 30.91%(17/55), (73.64 ± 6.74) mg/L vs. (60.71 ± 5.99) mg/L, while serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) level were lower than those in the success group: (3.61 ± 1.17) μg/L vs. (4.89 ± 1.25) μg/L. The thickness of the endometrium was thicker than that in the success group: (10.63 ± 1.78) mm vs. (7.88 ± 1.28) mm, with statistically significant differences ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that thick endometrial thickness, high serum NE level and low serum AMH level were associated with assisted pregnancy failure in PCOS infertility patients ( P<0.05). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the results showed that the AUC of endometrial thickness, serum NE and AMH levels for predicting IVF-ET assisted pregnancy failure in PCOS infertility patients was greater than 0.7, which had certain predictive value. Serum NE had the best predictive effect, and when serum NE was 66.60 mg/L, ideal sensitivity and specificity of 85.40% and 87.30% could be obtained. Conclusions:The level of NE is related to the outcome of assisted pregnancy in PCOS infertility patients, and an increase in serum NE level can increase the risk of assisted pregnancy failure in PCOS infertility patients.

Objective To explore the effect of evening primrose oil(EPO)on aortic endothelial damage in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS),using network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.Methods The potential targets of EPO for improving aortic endothelial injury in PCOS rats were predicted by network pharmacology,and the selected core targets and renin-angiotensin signaling(RAS)pathway were verified by experiments.Fifty-eight female SD rats were divided randomly into a blank group(n=10)and a modeling group(n=48).Rats in the blank group were fed a normal diet and rats in the modeling group received a high-fat diet for 8 weeks.The PCOS model was prepared at week 6 by administration of letrozole(1 mg/(kg·d))for 21 days.Blood was taken from the tail vein after modeling and serum was collected to detect hormone levels.The model rats were then divided randomly into four groups and treated with the corresponding drugs for 6 weeks.Blood,blood vessels,and ovaries were then collected.Tissue morphology was examined by hematoxylin and eosin staining and serum levels of luteinizing hormone(LH),testosterone(T),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),endothelin(ET-1),and tumor necrosis factor(TNF-α)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Serum levels of nitric oxide(NO)were determined by spectrophotometry.Protein expression levels of core targets and RAS pathway-related factors were assessed by western blotting and immunohistochemistry.Results Twenty-five intersection targets of EPO and PCOS were identified by network pharmacological analysis.Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes analysis showed that EPO improved vascular injury in PCOS rats via multiple pathways,including RAS.Serum levels of ET-1,FSH,LH,and T measured by ELISA were significantly decreased after EPO treatment,compared with the model group(P＜0.01).EPO significantly decreased the expression levels of Ang Ⅰ,VEGF-B,AT2R,ET-1,and TNF-α proteins in the aorta(P＜0.01)and significantly increased expression levels of Ang Ⅱ,CD31,and endothelial NO synthase proteins(P＜0.01).Conclusions EPO may ameliorate vascular endothelial injury in PCOS model rats by inhibiting the RAS signaling pathway and by overactivation of the ACE/Ang Ⅱ/AT1 axis.