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.

Endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) offers substantial advantages in the management of degenerative spinal diseases, including accelerated postoperative recovery. However, its technical complexity and steep learning curve pose risks for nerve root injury. Optimizing nerve root protection in full-endoscopic facet-sparing TLIF (FE fs-TLIF) and full-endoscopic facet-resecting TLIF (FE fr-TLIF) is essential for enhancing surgical safety. This study aimed to improve the nerve root protection in FE fs-TLIF and FE fr-TLIF by optimizing cage glider selection and insertion techniques based on the specific cage shape—banana-shaped or bullet-shaped. The goal was to ensure safe cage positioning and mitigate nerve root injury during discectomy, endplate preparation, and cage insertion. These strategies were validated through cadaveric simulations and clinical implementation. In FE fr-TLIF utilizing bullet-shaped (straight) cages, one-tip and two-tip cage gliders effectively protected the traversing nerve root by facilitating medial cage entry, thereby minimizing irritation of the exiting nerve root. Conversely, in FE fr-TLIF with banana-shaped cages, the lateral tilt of the cage holder during implantation required the use of a two-tip cage glider to protect the traversing and exiting nerve roots, thereby mitigating the potential risk of nerve irritation. In FE fs-TLIF, a one-tip cage glider is preferred for safeguarding the exiting nerve root, while the traversing root is inherently protected by the medial wall of the facet joint. The use of a two-tip cage glider in FE fs-TLIF can cause injury to the nerve root during glider insertion. In addition to the selection of cage gliders, improper cage insertion steps can also contribute to postoperative neurapraxia. The appropriate selection of cage gliders with corresponding insertion techniques is critical for nerve root protection in endoscopic TLIF. Tailoring these choices to the specific approach (FE fs-TLIF or FE fr-TLIF) and cage type (banana or bullet) enhances surgical safety and clinical outcomes.

ObjectiveTo establish a model that can quickly identify the aroma components in different parts of Nardostachys jatamansi， so as to provide a quality control basis for the market circulation and clinical use of N. jatamansi. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry（HS-SPME-GC-MS） combined with Smart aroma database and National Institute of Standards and Technology（NIST） database were used to characterize the aroma components in different parts of N. jatamansi， and the aroma components were quantified according to relative response factor（RRF） and three internal standards， and the markers of aroma differences in different parts of N. jatamansi were identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA） and cluster thermal analysis based on variable importance in the projection（VIP） value >1 and P<0.01. The odor data of different parts of N. jatamansi were collected by Heracles Ⅱ Neo ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose， and the correlation between compound types of aroma components collected by the ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose and the detection results of HS-SPME-GC-MS was investigated by drawing odor fingerprints and odor response radargrams. Chromatographic peak information with distinguishing ability≥0.700 and peak area≥200 was selected as sensor data， and the rapid identification model of different parts of N. jatamansi was established by principal component analysis（PCA）， discriminant factor alysis（DFA）， soft independent modeling of class analogies（SIMCA） and statistical quality control analysis（SQCA）. ResultsThe HS-SPME-GC-MS results showed that there were 28 common components in the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi， of which 22 could be quantified and 12 significantly different components were screened out. Among these 12 components， the contents of five components（ethyl isovalerate， 2-pentylfuran， benzyl alcohol， nonanal and glacial acetic acid，） in the aboveground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the underground part（P<0.01）， the contents of β-ionone， patchouli alcohol， α-caryophyllene， linalyl butyrate， valencene， 1，8-cineole and p-cymene in the underground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the aboveground part（P<0.01）. Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose results showed that the PCA discrimination index of the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi was 82， and the contribution rates of the principal component factors were 99.94% and 99.89% when 2 and 3 principal components were extracted， respectively. The contribution rate of the discriminant factor 1 of the DFA model constructed on the basis of PCA was 100%， the validation score of the SIMCA model for discrimination of the two parts was 99， and SQCA could clearly distinguish different parts of N. jatamansi. ConclusionHS-SPME-GC-MS can clarify the differential markers of underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi. The four analytical models provided by Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose（PCA， DFA， SIMCA and SQCA） can realize the rapid identification of different parts of N. jatamansi. Combining the two results， it is speculated that terpenes and carboxylic acids may be the main factors contributing to the difference in aroma between the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi.

AIM:To investigate whether casein kinase 2(CK2)/calmodulin(CaM)/small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+channel type 2(SK2)signaling pathway mediates autophagy-induced sympathoexcitation in the paraventricu-lar nucleus(PVN)of rats with chronic heart failure(CHF).METHODS:We randomly divided 180 Wistar rats,aged 6 to 8 weeks,into 10 groups:sham+dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO),sham+artificial cerebrospinal(aCSF),CHF+DMSO,CHF+aCSF,CHF+rapamycin(RAPA),CHF+3-methyladenine(3-MA),CHF+5,6-dichlorobenzimidazole riboside(DRB),CHF+calmidazolium chloride(CMDZ),CHF+N-cyclohexyl-N-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-methyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amine(CyPPA),and CHF+apamin groups.We measured cardiac function,hemodynamic parameters,anatomic indicators,and sympathetic drive indicators(n=18).Western blot was used to examine the protein levels of mi-crotubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II(LC3-II)/LC3-I,beclin-1,P62,CK2α,SK2,and phosphorylated CaM.The number of SK2-positive neurons was measured using immunofluorescence staining.The NG108 cells were randomly divided into 6 groups:DMSO,aCSF,RAPA,3-MA,RAPA+DRB,and RAPA+CMDZ groups.Radioisotope 32P-ATP pro-tein kinase activity assays were used to detect CK2 activity in cultured NG108 cells.We used Western blot to examine the protein levels of CK2α,SK2,and phosphorylated CaM.RESULTS:Compared with CHF rats treated with vehicle,CHF rats treated with RAPA or apamin exhibited increased sympathetic drive indicators,but decreased left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening(P<0.01).However,CHF symptoms,including sympathoexcitation,were attenuated by 3-MA,DRB,CMDZ or CyPPA infusion into the PVN(P<0.01).In CHF rats,RAPA infusion into the PVN induced CK2 activity,up-regulated LC3-II/LC3-I,beclin-1,CK2α,and phosphorylated CaM levels,but down-regulated P62 and SK2 expression,as well as the number of SK2-positive neurons(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In CHF rats,infusion of 3-MA or DRB into the PVN decreased CK2 activity,and down-regulated phosphorylated CaM level(P<0.01).Infusion of 3-MA,DRB or CMDZ into the PVN up-regulated SK2 expression and the number of SK2-positive neurons(P<0.01).In cultured NG108 cells,RAPA induced CK2 activation and up-regulated the expression of CK2α and the phosphorylation of CaM,but down-regulated SK2 expression(P<0.01).Treatment with RAPA increased the level of phosphorylated CaM and down-regulated SK2 expression in cultured NG108 cells(P<0.01),which was inhibited by DRB and CMDZ(P<0.05 or P<0.01).CONCLUSION:In rats with CHF,the CK2/CaM/SK2 signaling pathway in the PVN contributes to autophagy-induced sympathoexcitation.

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence(GAI)technologies,their widespread application in academic research and writing is continuously expanding the boundaries of sci-entific inquiry.However,this trend has also raised a series of ethical and regulatory challenges,inclu-ding issues related to authorship,content authenticity,citation accuracy,and accountability.In light of the growing involvement of AI in generating academic content,establishing an open,controllable,and trustworthy ethical governance framework has become a key task for safeguarding research integrity and maintaining trust within the academic community.This expert consensus outlines ethical requirements across key stages of AI-assisted academic writing-including topic selection,data management,citation practices,and authorship attribution.It aims to clarify the boundaries and ethical obligations surrounding AI use in academic writing,ensuring that technological tools enhance efficiency without compromising in-tegrity.The goal is to provide guidance and institutional support for building a responsible and sustainable research ecosystem.

This study was aimed at preliminarily investigating the genetic and antimicrobial resistance characteristics of Salmonella Alachua isolates through whole-genome analyses.Five Salmonella Alachua isolates from various sources(both hu-man and non-human)were collected and identified.Phenotype and serotype verification,antimicrobial susceptibility testing,and whole-genome sequencing were performed.Virulence genes,antimicrobial resistance genes,and plasmid replicons were predicted according to globally available Salmonella Alachua genomic data.A phylogenetic tree was constructed to explore the genetic background.The first report of Salmonella Alachua in China emerged in Shanghai in 2015,and patients presented pri-marily with diarrhea.The isolates have been found predominantly in the eastern and southern coastal regions.Among the five i-solates analyzed,four belonged to sequence type(ST)2061,and one belonged to ST1298.All isolates were susceptible to most commonly used clinical antibiotics.Whole-genome analyses revealed that two ST2061 strains carried the blaKPC-2 gene,and one ST1298 strain carried the fosA7 gene.Phylogenetic analysis of global Salmonella Alachua populations indicated that the ST2061 clone belonged to the C1 clade,which was closely related to strains from the UK,whereas the ST1298 clone was found in the C4 clade,a globally disseminated fosA 7-positive lineage.This study provides initial insights into the genetic and antimi-crobial resistance characteristics of Salmonella Alachua in China,highlighting the presence of strains carrying blaKPC-2 and fo-sA7 genes.These findings may provide a reference for future large-scale molecular epidemiological surveillance and source-trac-ing efforts,and they underscore the importance of enhanced resistance monitoring for Salmonella Alachua.

AIM To study the effects of Jiaotai Pills and their single composition drugs on high-fat diet-induced hypothalamic inflammation in obese mice.METHODS C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group(15 mice)and the high-fat group(75 mice).The mice given 12 weeks of high-fat diet feeding were further randomly divided into the model group,the Jiaotai Pills group,the Coptis chinensis group,the Cinnamomum cassia group and the positive metformin group,with 15 mice in each group.After 6 weeks of administration,the mice had their body weight and fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels detected;their hypothalamic expressions of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and Socs3 mRNA detected by RT-qPCR;their hypothalamic expressions of TLR4,MyD88,IKKβ and activated NF-κB protein detected by Western blot;their hypothalamic expressions of Iba1 and GFAP detected by immunohistochemistry;and their ultrastructural changes of nerve tissues observed using transmission electron microscopy(TEM).RESULTS Compared with the model group,each drug group displayed decreased hypothalamic expressions of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and Socs3 mRNA(P＜0.01),and improved number and morphology of nerve cells revealed by TEM.The groups intervened with Jiaotai Pills,or Coptis chinensis,or metformin shared decreased body weight and FBG levels(P＜0.05);decreased protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88,IKKβ and p-NF-κB(P＜0.05);and decreased number of hypothalamic astrocytes and microglia(P＜0.05).Additionally,decreased p-NF-κB protein expression was observed in the Cinnamomum cassia group(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION Jiaotai Pills and their single composition drugs can improve high-fat diet-induced hypothalamic inflammation in obese mice.

AIM To study the effects of Jiaotai Pills and their single composition drugs on high-fat diet-induced hypothalamic inflammation in obese mice.METHODS C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the normal group(15 mice)and the high-fat group(75 mice).The mice given 12 weeks of high-fat diet feeding were further randomly divided into the model group,the Jiaotai Pills group,the Coptis chinensis group,the Cinnamomum cassia group and the positive metformin group,with 15 mice in each group.After 6 weeks of administration,the mice had their body weight and fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels detected;their hypothalamic expressions of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and Socs3 mRNA detected by RT-qPCR;their hypothalamic expressions of TLR4,MyD88,IKKβ and activated NF-κB protein detected by Western blot;their hypothalamic expressions of Iba1 and GFAP detected by immunohistochemistry;and their ultrastructural changes of nerve tissues observed using transmission electron microscopy(TEM).RESULTS Compared with the model group,each drug group displayed decreased hypothalamic expressions of IL-1β,IL-6,TNF-α and Socs3 mRNA(P＜0.01),and improved number and morphology of nerve cells revealed by TEM.The groups intervened with Jiaotai Pills,or Coptis chinensis,or metformin shared decreased body weight and FBG levels(P＜0.05);decreased protein expressions of TLR4,MyD88,IKKβ and p-NF-κB(P＜0.05);and decreased number of hypothalamic astrocytes and microglia(P＜0.05).Additionally,decreased p-NF-κB protein expression was observed in the Cinnamomum cassia group(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION Jiaotai Pills and their single composition drugs can improve high-fat diet-induced hypothalamic inflammation in obese mice.

This study investigated the potential pathogenicity and genetic characteristics of ST314 Salmonella Kentucky(S.Ken-tucky)isolates from a broiler slaughterhouse.Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole-genome sequencing(WGS)were used to determine antimicrobial resistance,virulence factors,and the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes(ARGs)and mobile genetic elements(MGEs)among the isolates.The three multidrug resistant(MDR)isolates exhibited high resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents.The F4-2S strain exhibited resistance to 14 drugs across seven categories,whereas the F4T strain showed resistance to 13 drugs in the same number of categories.In contrast,the Y23 strain was resistant to nine drugs in six categories.Notably,F4-2S dem-onstrated high homology with F4T:both possessed 13 ARGs distributed across nine categories,in addition to a wide range of virulence factors,including secretion systems and effector proteins.The presence of IncR and IncX1 plasmids significantly enhanced both the antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity of the isolates.The genome map of Y23 revealed a chromosome alongside two plasmids.The chromosome containedonly one resistance gene but several virulence factors,including the type III secretion system(T3SS),which is crucial for bacterial invasion.The plasmid pY23-1 contained eight types of 19 ARGs.Comparative analysis indicated that pY23-1 ex-hibited high homology with pZ1323SSL0055 and pSAL-045,all of which contained multiple ARGs,thus suggesting critical roles of these genes in the evolution of bacterial resistance.In conclusion,ST314 S.Kentucky demonstrated a complex mechanism of resis-tance coupled with significant pathogenic potential.The ARGs and MGEs in the plasmid contributed to the emergence and dissemina-tion of antimicrobial resistance.The multiple virulence factors present in the chromosome may be key factors driving the increasing virulence of ST314 S.Kentucky.

This study analyzed the genetic evolutionary characteristics of sandflies and their effects on the spread of kala-azar in various environments in endemic provinces in China,to provide a scientific basis for kala-azar disease prevention and control.Sand-flies were collected in kala-azar endemic areas such as southern Xinjiang,the large hilly areas of southern Gansu,the northern Sich-uan and Taihang Mountains,and surrounding small hills.The cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b gene fragments of mito-chondrial DNA were amplified to identify sandfly species.The COI and Cytb gene sequences of sandflies from southern Xinjiang and Si-chuan recorded in NCBI were also collected.The intraspecific and interspecific genetic differences of sandflies were calculated in MEGA11.0,and a phylogenetic tree was constructed through the neighbor-joining method,for analysis of the genetic and evolutionary characteristics of sandfly populations and their effects on disease transmission.A total of 155 sandflies were collected from nine sam-pling sites in seven provinces of China;the species included Phlebotomus chinensis,Phlebotomus wui,and Sergentomyia squamirostris.Five sandfly species belonging to two genera were collected:P.chinensis,P.wui,and Phlebotomus alexandri in the genus Phleboto-mus,and S.squamirostris in the genus Sergentomyia.Genetic evolution analysis based on COI and Cytb gene sequences indicated intra-specific genetic distances of 0-0.062 and 0-0.056,respectively,and interspecific genetic distances of 0.126-0.176 and 0.110-0.171,respectively.The phylogenetic tree indicated that P.wui,P.alexandri,Phlebotomus longiductus,and S.squamirostris clus-tered into one branch.The sequences of P.chinensis in the large and small hilly areas clustered into two geographical clades.In the small hilly areas,the sequences of P.chinensis aggregates showed small genetic differences,the pathogen infection was consistent,and the cases showed an epidemic spread trend.Large genetic differences at the molecular level were observed among sandflies in dif-ferent ecological regions,thus indicating key effects on leishmaniasis transmission.On the basis of these findings,prevention and con-trol strategies should be adapted to local conditions,and precise and effective prevention and control measures should be formulated according to the genetic evolution characteristics of sandflies in different regions,to better control the transmission of Kala-azar.