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.

This paper summarizes Professor WANG Xixing's clinical experience in treating immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis （CIP） based on the theory of "cough attributed to the five zang （脏） organs". Cough is a common predominant symptom of CIP. According to the theory of "cough attributed to the five zang organs"， drug toxicity triggers cancer toxin， leading to disharmony among the five zang organs， and then lung failing to diffuse and govern descent as the core pathogenesis. Therefore， treatment should focus on harmonizing the five zang organs to restore the normal function of lung qi to diffuse and govern descent. In clinical practice， CIP can be classified into four syndrome patterns， including lung yin depletion， deficiency of both the lung and the spleen with phlegm-dampness， liver fire harassing the lung， and lung-kidney yin deficiency. Correspondingly， Chaimai Jinluo Runfei Decoction （柴麦金络润肺汤） is used to nourish yin and moisten the lung； Qigui Peitu Huayin Decoction （芪桂培土化饮汤） is used to fortify the spleen and tonify the lung， resolve dampness and dispel phlegm； Chaidan Shuyu Runjin Decoction （柴丹疏郁润金汤） is used to drain liver and clear the lung； and Dimai Jinshui Xiangsheng Decoction （地脉金水相生汤） is used to nourish the kidney and moisten the lung.

Hyperthyroidism （HT） is frequently complicated by atrial fibrillation （AF） in clinical practice. Based on traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） zang-xiang （藏象） theory and clinical experience， both HT and AF are closely associated with dysfunction of the liver. The pathogenesis is initiated by the liver failing to govern the free flow of qi， and liver constraint and qi stagnation， with the key turning points being liver constraint transforming into fire and the internal stirring of liver wind， ultimately leading to liver blood depletion and insufficient nourishment of the heart spirit. Thus， it is proposed to treat the disease from the liver， with stage-specific therapeutic approaches according to the evolution of the disease. In the early stage， the treatment should focus on soothing the liver and relieving constraint to reduce goiter and calm the heart， while in the progressive stage， the method of clearing liver and draining fire is suggested to subdue yang and stabilize palpitations. In the acute stage， the strategy is calming the liver and nourishing yin to subdue yang and extinguish wind. In the later stage， it is suggested to soften the liver and benefit qi， so as to nourish yin and restore pulse. These methods are sequentially applied to synergistically reduce goiter and stabilize palpitations， providing a therapeutic approach for HT complicated by AF.

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of liquiritin (LQ) in the improvement of ventricular remodeling (VR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Molecular docking was used to predict the binding affinity of liquiritin to thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). After 2 weeks of modeling, the rats were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose liquiritin group (20 mg/kg LQ), and a high-dose liquiritin group (40 mg/kg LQ). Liquiritin was administered by gavage once a day, and the sham group and model group were given the same volume of 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC-Na), with intervention of 4 consecutive weeks. Echocardiography was employed to detect the cardiac function, HE staining was used to observe cardiological changes, ELISA was used to detect the activity of serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) activity, and the colorimetric method was adopted to detect serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities. RT-qPCR was used to detect the gene expressions of TXNIP, thioredoxin (TRX) and NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3(NLRP3). Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of TXNIP, TRX and NLRP3 in rat myocardial tissue. Molecular docking results showed that liquiritin had a good binding affinity to TNXIP target. After 20 and 40 mg/kg liquiritin intervention, the levels of ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the levels of LVIDs, LVIDd, LVESV, and LVEDV were decreased (P<0.01). The myocardial structure was significantly improved, the cell arrangement tended to be regular, and the area of inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis was reduced. Liquiritin significantly reduced the level of CK-MB (P<0.01), decreased the activity of MDA, and increased the activities of CAT and T-SOD (P<0.01). Liquiritin effectively inhibited the overexpression of TXNIP and NLRP3 genes and proteins, and enhanced the expression of TRX genes and proteins in the myocardial tissues of AMI rats. In conclusion, liquiritin has a regulatory effect on the TXNIP/TRX signaling pathway, inhibits the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, and thus improves ventricular remodeling after acute myocardial infarction.

Acute pancreatitis （AP） often has an acute onset， and although most cases are self-limiting， there is still a risk of rapid deterioration， posing a serious threat to the lives of patients. Currently， traditional assessment tools such as clinical scoring systems and serum biomarkers are widely used to determine disease severity and prognosis. To enhance the accuracy of assessment， combined detection strategies integrating different scores and biomarkers are often used in clinical practice； however， there are still certain limitations such as insufficient specificity， limited early sensitivity， and a lack of consistent cut-off values. Therefore， current studies are actively exploring novel biomarkers with superior specificity and sensitivity and continuously optimizing their combined application strategies. This article summarizes the current application status of traditional assessment tools and reviews the research advances in novel biomarkers.

Laccases (LACs), belonging to the multicopper oxidase family, are closely associated with various biological functions including lignin synthesis and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in plants. However, few studies have reported the laccase genes in China rose (Rosa chinensis). Prickles cause difficulties to the management and harvest of R. chinensis and have become a trait concerned in the breeding. To investigate the expression patterns of laccase genes in roses, we cloned a laccase gene from an ancient variety R. chinensis 'Old Blush' and named it RcLAC15. The expression level of RcLAC15 in prickles was significantly higher than those in roots, stems, and leaves. Fifty-eight laccase genes were identified in the genome of R. chinensis, and bioinformatics analysis revealed that RcLAC15 was a homolog of AtLAC15, predicting that RcLAC15 was a stable hydrophilic protein without transmembrane structures. The recombinant expression vector pBI121-proRcLAC15:: GUS was introduced into Arabidopsis, and GUS staining results showed that the RcLAC15 promoter specifically drove GUS gene expression at the edges of Arabidopsis leaves. In summary, RcLAC15 is a gene specifically expressed in the prickles of R. chinensis. This discovery provides a reference for exploring the biological functions of laccase genes in the prickles of R. chinensis.
Laccase/metabolism* ; Rosa/enzymology* ; Cloning, Molecular ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Plant Proteins/metabolism* ; Arabidopsis/metabolism* ; Plants, Genetically Modified/metabolism*

Purpose To explore the key molecules mechanisms underlying the selective activation of macrophage and the regulation of Dicer expression induced by glioblastoma(GBM)cells,as well as its prognostic significance.Methods Glioblastoma conditional medium(GCM)was fractionated by molecular weight using ultrafiltration.Specif-ic molecular weight components of GCM that upregulate Dicer expression in mouse bone marrow derived macrophages(BMDMs)were identified.Secreted proteins were identified by mass spectrometry(MS).The correlation between candidate proteins and GBM prognosis was analyzed using the TCGA and CGGA database.In vitro experiments of the candidate proteins on Dicer expression in BMDMs were further carried out.Results GCM components with a molecu-lar weight of＞50 kDa significantly upregulated Dicer expression in BMDMs.MS identified five key secreted proteins:Prg4,Psap,Hexa,Aebp1,and Itih2.High expression of Prg4 was significantly positively correlated with poor progno-sis in GBM patients(P＜0.001)and was associated with the expression of selective macrophage activation markers.Recombinant Prg4 protein stimulated BMDMs and induced Dicer expression in mouse BMDMs.Conclusion This study reveals that glioma cells induce Dicer expression in macrophages by secreting Prg4,providing a theoretical basis for GBM therapeutic strategies targeting the Prg4-Dicer axis.

"Weibing" is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), representing a transitional state characterized by diminished self-regulatory abilities without overt physiological or social dysfunction. This perspective delves into the biological foundations and quantifiable markers of Weibing, aiming to establish a research framework for early disease intervention. Here, we propose the "Health Quadrant Classification" system, which divides the state of human body into health, sub-health, disease-susceptible state, and disease. We suggest the disease-susceptible stage emerges as a pivotal point for TCM interventions. To understand the intrinsic dynamics of this state, we propose laboratory and clinical studies utilizing time-series experiments and stress-induced disease susceptibility models. At the molecular level, bio-omics technologies and bioinformatics approaches are highlighted for uncovering intricate changes during disease progression. Furthermore, we discuss the application of mathematical models and artificial intelligence in developing early warning systems to anticipate and avert the transition from health to disease. This approach resonates with TCM's preventive philosophy, emphasizing proactive health maintenance and disease prevention. Ultimately, our perspective underscores the significance of integrating modern scientific methodologies with TCM principles to propel Weibing research and early intervention strategies forward.

Objective To analyze temporal trends in infectious disease burden among Chinese elderly(≥60 years)using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study(GBD 2021),evaluate age-period-cohort effects on disease burden,predict trends through 2045,and propose evidence-based medication management strategies.Methods We conducted a threefold analysis of infectious disease burden from 1990 to 2021 using Joinpoint regression to identify temporal trends,Age-Period-Cohort(APC)modeling to disentangle epidemiological effects,and Nordpred projections for 2045 disease burden estimates.Results Over 32 years,all infectious disease categories except HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections demonstrated significant declines.Enteric infections showed the most rapid reductions in mortality(AAPC=-7.85,P﹤0.001)and disability-adjusted life year rates(DALYR;AAPC=-7.18,P﹤0.001).We also found a significant decrease in the incidence of tropical diseases and malaria(AAPC=-6.77,P﹤0.001).APC analysis found that the age effect was mostly negative in terms of the annual percentage change in mortality and DALYR for each disease,except for HIV/AIDS,with an overall decline in period risk over time,and a generally higher risk of morbidity and mortality for the early birth cohort,and an overall decline in the risk of each disease as the year of birth progressed,but the risk of HIV/AIDS death and DALY period and cohort risks trended upward.While the overall risk for certain diseases was slightly higher in males compared to females,the trends were largely consistent across both sexes.In terms of projections,the absolute prevalence of respiratory infections and tuberculosis in terms of number of cases and age-standardized rates,and the growth of the disease burden of HIV/AIDS were particularly prominent,making them important health challenges for the future.The burden of disease in the elderly often results in issues such as potential polypharmacy,which must be addressed to improve medication management.Conclusions China has achieved remarkable progress in reducing infectious disease burdens among older adults,though HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections present an escalating public health threat.These findings advocate for enhanced surveillance systems,age-specific prevention strategies,and precision medication protocols to optimize therapeutic outcomes in geriatric populations.