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.

OBJECTIVE To explore the mechanism by which Cuscuta chinensis flavonoids （CCF） promote decidualization and improve recurrent spontaneous abortion （RSA）. METHODS HTR-8/SVneo cells in logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into blank group， lipopolysaccharide （LPS） group， CCF group， SGK2 inhibitor （GSK650394， abbreviated as “GSK”） group and CCF+GSK group. Each group was treated with the corresponding agents accordingly. HTR-8/SVneo cells with SGK2 knockdown were randomly divided into small interfering RNA of SGK2 （siSGK2） group and siSGK2+CCF group； additionally， blank group and LPS group were established； each group was treated with the corresponding agents accordingly. The cell survival rate， expression levels of WNK signaling pathway- and decidualization-related proteins and mRNAs， as well as mitochondrial membrane potential levels， were assessed in each group before and after SGK2 knockdown. RSA mice model was constructed and randomly divided into model group， CCF low-dose group， CCF high-dose group， GSK group， and combined dosing group， with 4 mice in each group. Other 4 normal pregnant female mice were selected as the control group. The number of implanted embryos， viable fetuses， and lost embryos in mice was recorded. The morphological changes of endometrium and decidualization were observed， and WNK signaling pathway- and decidualization-related proteins and mRNAs expressing levels as well as mitochondrial membrane potential levels were all detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group， the cell survival rate， as well as the protein and mRNA expression levels of SGK2， WNK1， WNK4， prolactin， insulin-like growth factor- binding protein-1， oxidative stress responsive kinase 1， and Ste20-like proline-/alanine-rich kinase were significantly reduced in the LPS group （P＜0.05）； compared with the LPS group， the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above- mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly increased in the CCF group， while the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly decreased in the GSK group （P＜0.05）； compared with the CCF group， the cell survival rate and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly reduced in the CCF+GSK group （P＜0.05）. After knocking down SGK2， compared with the LPS group， the cell survival rate， red/green fluorescence intensity ratio， and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly reduced in the siSGK2 group （P＜0.05）； compared with the siSGK2 group， the cell survival rate， red/green fluorescence intensity ratio， and the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs were significantly increased in the siSGK2+CCF group （P＜0.05）. The in vivo experimental results showed that CCF treatment can significantly improve the number of implanted embryos and viable fetuses in RSA model mice and reduce lost embryos， the expression levels of the above-mentioned proteins and mRNAs in endometrial tissue were significantly increased， and the red/green fluorescence intensity ratio was significantly increased （P＜ 0.05）； the combined dosing group could reverse the effect of CCF （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS CCF can activate SGK2， up- regulate the WNK signaling pathway， promote endometrial decidualization， and improve RSA.

Objective: To analyze the change trends in the body shape indicators and proportions of students in Harbin from 2010 to 2024, and to investigate ergonomic compatibility of functional dimensions of school desks and chairs with current student shape indicators, so as to provide a reference for revising furniture standards of desks and chairs. Methods: Between September and November of both 2010 and 2024, a combination of convenience sampling and stratified cluster random sampling was conducted across three districts in Harbin, yielding samples of 6 590 and 6 252 students, respectively. Anthropometric shape indicators cluding height, sitting height, crus length, and thigh length-and their proportional changes were compared over the 15-year period. The 2024 data were compared with current standard functional dimensions of school furniture. The statistical analysis incorporated t-test and Mann-Whitney U- test. Results: From 2010 to 2024, average height increased by 1.8 cm for boys and 1.5 cm for girls; sitting height increased by 1.5 cm for both genders; crus length increased by 0.3 cm for boys and 0.4 cm for girls; and thigh length increased by 0.5 cm for both genders. The ratios of sitting height to height, and sitting height to leg length increased by less than 0.1 . The difference between desk chair height and 1/3 sitting height ranged from 0.4-0.8 cm. Among students matched with size 0 desks and chairs, 22.0% had a desk to chair height difference less than 0, indicating that the desk to chair height difference might be insufficient for taller students. The differences between seat height and fibular height ranged from -1.4 to 1.1 cm; and the differences between seat depth and buttock popliteal length ranged from -9.8 to 3.4 cm. Among obese students, the differences between seat width and 1/2 hip circumference ranged from -20.5 to -8.7 cm, while it ranged from -12.2 to -3.8 cm among non obese students. Conclusion Current furniture standards basically satisfy hygienic requirements; however, in the case of exceptionally tall and obese students, ergonomic accommodations such as adaptive seating allocation or personalized adjustments are recommended to meet hygienic requirements.

Objective To analyze the influencing factors for carotid plaque formation in patients with essential hypertension(EH)with LASSO-Cox regression.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 325 patients with new-onset hypertension admitted to the First Affiliated Hos-pital of Zhengzhou University from March 2020 to March 2021.Among them,308 completed a fol-low-up of 2-year,and then according to carotid plaque occurred or not(the carotid intima-media thickness≥1.5 mm),they were divided into in the occurrence group(85 cases)and non-occur-rence group(223 cases).Clinical data and circular RNA expression level were compared between the two groups.LASSO regression model was used to screen out the predictors of carotid plaque formation,and Cox regression model was employed to explore the influencing factors of the for-mation.Results The occurrence group had significantly advanced age,higher body mass index and CIMT,larger proportion of diabetes mellitus,and elevated serum uric acid and homocysteine(Hey)levels,but lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C)than the non-occurrence group(P＜0.01).In addition,the expression levels of has-circ-0105130,has-circ-0109569,has-circ-0072659,has-circ-0079586 and has-circ-0064684 were obviously higher in the occurrence group than the non-occurrence group(P＜0.01).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that has-circ-0109569 and Hcy were independent risk factors for carotid plaque formation(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and HDL-C was an independent protective factor(P＜0.01).The AUC value of for the combination of has-circ-0109569,HDL-C and Hcy in prediction of carotid artery plaques was 0.977(95％CI:0.953-0.991,P＜0.01).Conclusion High has-circ-0109569 and Hcy and low HDL-C levels are risk factors for carotid plaque formation in the EH patients.

Objective:To analyze the molecular characteristics of prevalent Bordetella pertussis (Bp) isolates in Liaocheng City, Shandong Province in 2024. Methods:From March to August 2024, oropharyngeal swabs were collected from suspected pertussis cases at Liaocheng People′s Hospital in Shandong Province for Bp isolation. A total of 99 Bp isolates were obtained. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on all isolates, followed by Multilocus Sequence Typing (MLST), vaccine antigen-related gene typing (including ptxP, ptxA, ptxB, ptxC, ptxD, ptxE, fhaB, fim2, fim3, and prn), 23S rRNA gene typing, and phylogenetic analysis. To capture the differences between Bp isolates and vaccine strains in Liaocheng City, the international vaccine strain Tohama I and the Chinese vaccine strain CS were included in the analysis. Antimicrobial resistance testing against 11 agents was performed on 52 isolates. Results:The throat swabs of 99 Bp isolates were collected from patients aged 44 days to 42 years, and the median age of the patients was 7 (5, 8) years. All isolates ptxP were ptxP3 type. 74 isolates (74.75%) carried the prn150, while 21 isolates (21.21%) were prn-deficient. The predominant antigenic profile was ptxP3/ ptxA1/ ptxB1/ ptxC4/ ptxD1/ ptxE4/ fhaB1/ fim2-1/ fim3-1/ prn150, found in 72 isolates (72.73%). All 99 isolates carried the A2047G mutation in the 23S rRNA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the MICs of macrolides and clindamycin for all 52 Bp isolates were all >256 mg/L. However, the isolates showed low MIC for seven other antimicrobials tested, including trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, and levofloxacin. MLST typing revealed that 94 isolates (94.95%) were identified as ST-2, while 5 isolates (5.05%) belonged to a novel sequence type (ST-118). Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that all 99 Bp isolates were highly homologous but clustered in evolutionary branches distinct from vaccine strains. Conclusion:In 2024, Bordetella pertussis isolates in Liaocheng City exhibit distinct clonal epidemic characteristics, with the predominant antigenic genotype being ptxP3/ ptxA1/ ptxB1/ ptxC4/ ptxD1/ ptxE4/ fhaB1/ fim2-1/ fim3-1/ prn150. All isolates are resistant to macrolide antibiotics.

Objective:To evaluate the long-term protective efficacy of the recombinant Chinese hamster ovary cell-derived hepatitis B vaccine（CHO-HepB）26 years post-vaccination in the rural China.Methods:Zhengding county，Hebei province was designated as a rural monitoring site for CHO-HepB efficacy. Study participants included individuals born between 1997 and 1999 who had completed the three-dose CHO-HepB primary series without booster doses. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in late 2024 using random sampling. Demographic and vaccination history data were collected via questionnaires，and hepatitis B virus（HBV）serological markers were detected using chemiluminescence. Historical surveillance data were integrated to infer infection statuses of HBsAg-positive individuals and evaluate longitudinal trends in anti-HBs seropositivity and antibody titers.Results:Among 178 participants（mean time since vaccination：26.2 years），the seroprevalence rates were 0.6% for HBsAg（95% CI：0.0%-1.6%），64.6% for anti-HBs（95% CI：57.6%-71.6%），and 1.1% for anti-HBc（95% CI：0.0%-2.7%）. Compared to the pre-vaccination baseline HBsAg positivity of 11.3% in children under 10 years of age，the estimated vaccine protection rate was 95%. Two notable cases were identified：one with concurrent HBsAg and anti-HBc positivity and one with anti-HBs and anti-HBc positivity，suggestive of transient HBV exposure（1999—2009）without chronicity. Natural immune boosting was inferred for the latter case based on anti-HBs titer dynamics. Longitudinal analysis of four prior cross-sectional surveys（2005，2009，2013，and 2017）revealed no significant upward trends in HBsAg and anti-HBc positivity（both P>0.05）over 26 years，while anti-HBs seropositivity declined significantly（ P<0.05）from 6 to 26 years post-vaccination. Conclusion:The CHO-HepB vaccine demonstrates sustained immunological persistence and robust long-term protection up to 26 years post-immunization. Continued emphasis on rigorous implementation of mother-to-child transmission prevention strategies is critical for future hepatitis B control.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of two types of micro-focused ultrasound devices combined with botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) injection for facial rejuvenation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted, including 60 female patients aged 28-70 (41.3±7.9) years, who received facial rejuvenation treatment at the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, from April 2023 to April 2024. Patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment method: the control group (received only micro-focused ultrasound treatment, n=30) and the combined group (received both micro-focused ultrasound and BoNT-A injection, n=30). Additionally, patients were further categorized into four subgroups based on the type of micro-focused ultrasound device used: Peninsula Microultra? (PM) device group ( n=15), Intelligent Ultrasound? (IU) device group ( n=15), PM device + BoNT-A injection group ( n=15), and IU device + BoNT-A injection group ( n=15). The severity of facial wrinkles was assessed using the wrinkle severity rating scale (WSRS), the Merz aesthetic scale (MAS), and the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) at baseline and 6 months post-treatment. Adverse event rates were also recorded. Results:At 6 months post-treatment, the combined group showed significantly lower WSRS and MAS scores than the control group (both P<0.001). No significant differences were found between the PM and IU device groups, or between the PM + BoNT-A and IU + BoNT-A groups regarding WSRS and MAS scores (all P>0.05). Self-reported GAIS improvement was 56.7% (17/30) for the control group and 80.0% (24/30) for the combined group, with the combined group showing superior results ( P=0.015). The physician-assessed GAIS improvement was 70.0% (21/30) for the control group and 96.7% (29/30) for the combined group, again with the combined group showing superior results ( P=0.007). No significant differences were found in self-reported or physician-assessed GAIS improvement between the PM and IU device groups, or between the PM + BoNT-A and IU + BoNT-A groups (all P>0.05). No severe adverse reactions, such as blisters, scabbing, purpura, bruising, scarring, peripheral facial paralysis, allergies, muscle weakness, dysphagia, or dysphonia, were observed in any patient. Conclusion:The combination of micro-focused ultrasound and BoNT-A injection for facial rejuvenation is more effective than micro-focused ultrasound alone, while there are no significant differences in efficacy between the two micro-focused ultrasound devices.

BACKGROUND:The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating osteoclast activation,which is essential for maintaining bone homeostasis.Bone destruction in osteoarticular tuberculosis is caused by aberrant osteoclastogenesis induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.However,the role of the PI3K signaling pathway in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced aberrant osteoclastogenesis remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor BYL-719 on aberrant osteoclastogenesis induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS:RAW264.7 cells were infected with bovine Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacillus calmette-cuerin vaccine,and Ag85B was used for cellular immunofluorescence staining.The cell counting kit-8 assay was employed to determine the safe concentration of BYL-719.There were four groups in the experiment:blank control group,BYL-719 group,BCG group,and BCG+BYL-719 group.Under the induction of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand,the effects of BYL-719 on post-infection osteoclast differentiation and fusion were explored through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and phalloidin staining.RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of osteoclast-related genes and proteins,and further investigate the mechanism of action. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Immunofluorescence staining showed that RAW264.7 cells phagocytosed Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Cell counting kit-8 data indicated that 40 nmol/L BYL-719 was non-toxic to cells.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and phalloidin staining showed that BYL-719 inhibited the generation and fusion ability of osteoclasts following infection.RT-PCR and western blot results also indicated that BYL-719 suppressed the upregulation of osteoclast-specific genes(including c-Fos,NFATc1,matrix metalloproteinase 9,and CtsK)induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection(P<0.05).Western blot and immunofluorescence staining revealed that BYL-719 inhibited excessive osteoclast differentiation induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis by downregulating the expression of IκBα-p65.To conclude,BYL-719 inhibits aberrant osteoclastogenesis induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis through the downregulation of IκBα/p65.Therefore,the IκBα/p65 signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for osteoarticular tuberculosis,and BYL-719 holds potential value for the preventing and amelioration of bone destruction in osteoarticular tuberculosis.BYL-719 has the potential to prevent and ameliorate bone destruction in osteoarticular tuberculosis.

Objective:To investigate the protective effect of prunetin on the neurons in the rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury(CIRI),and to clarify its possible mechanisms.Methods:Thirty-six SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,low dose of prunetin group(3.5 mg·kg-1),medium dose of prunetin group(7.0 mg·kg-1),high dose of prunetin group(14.0 mg·kg-1),and positive drug edaravone(Eda)group(n=6).Zealonga method was used to evaluate the neurological function damage of the rats in various groups;open field experiment was used to evaluate the autonomous motor function;Triphenyltetrazolium chlorde(TTC)staining was used to evaluate the areas of cerebral infarction of the rats in various groups;HE staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the pathomorphology of brain tissue of the rats in various groups.Additionally,twenty-one SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group,model group,prunetin group,c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)inhibitor group,p38 inhibitor group,JNK inhibitor+prunetin group,and p38 inhibitor+prunetin group(n=3).TUNEL staining was used to detect the positive rates of apoptosis of neurons of the rats in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins and JNK/p38 signaling pathway-related proteins in brain tissue of cerebral infarction side of the rats in various groups.Results:Compared with sham operation group,the neurological deficit score of rats in model group was significantly increased(P＜0.001),the total motor distance was shortened(P＜0.001),and the ratio of cerebral infarction area was increased(P＜0.001).In sham group,the neuronal structure in the rat brain tissue was clear and well-organized,with an abundance of Nissl bodies and no apparent pathological changes observed.Compared with model group,the neurological deficit scores of the rats in medium and high doses of prunetin groups were decreased(P＜0.05),total motor distances of rats were increased(P＜0.05),and the cerebral infarction areas of rats were decreased(P＜0.05);the neurons showed disarrayed arrangement,cytoplasmic condensation,nuclear consolidation,and lysing and deletion of Nissl bodies were decreased.Compared with sham operation group,the positive rate of apoptosis of neurons in model group was significantly increased(P＜0.001),the expression level of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)and cleaved Caspase-3 proteins in brain tissue of the rats were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).Compared with model group,the positive rats of apoptosis of neurons of the rats in prunetin group were decreased(P＜0.05),the expression level of Bcl-2 protein in brain tissue of the rats was increased(P＜0.001),and the expression levels of Bax and cleaved Caspase-3 proteins were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with inhibitor groups,the positive rates of apoptosis of neurons in inhibitor+prunetin groups were decreased(P＜0.01),and the expression levels of p-JNK and p-p38 proteins in brain tissue of the rats as well as the ratios of p-JNK/JNK and p-p38/p38 were decreased(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Prunetin has the effect of reducing the neurological function damage,decreasing the area of cerebral infarction,reducing the pathological damage,and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis in the rats,and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting neuronal apoptosis through regulating the JNK/p38 signaling pathway.

Objective:To discuss the protective effect of TUG-891 on ischemic stoke(IS)induced by ischemia-hypoxia,and to clarify its potential mechanism.Methods:A total of 60 healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham operation group(n=20),model group[distal middle cerebral artery occlusion(dMCAO)group,n=20],and model+TUG-891 group(dMCAO+TUG-891 group,n=20).After modeling,the mice were intraperitoneally injected with TUG-891 solution(35 mg·kg?1·d?1)for 3 consecutive days.Modified neurological severity score(mNSS)and rotarod test were used to evaluate the neurological function of the mice in various groups;2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC)staining was used to observe the cerebral infarction volumes of the mice in various groups;biochemical method was used to detect the malondialdehyde(MDA)level and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity in the supernatant of brain tissue of the mice in various groups;Hematoxylin-Eosin(HE)and NISSL staining were used to observe the pathomerphology of brain tissue of the mice in various groups;terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL)staining was used to detect the apoptotic indexes of neuronal cells in brain tissue of the mice in various groups;Western blotting method was used to detect the expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78),protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK),phosphorylated PERK(p-PERK),and C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP)proteins in brain tissue of the mice in various groups.Results:The mNSS and rotarod test results shoued that compared with sham operation group,the mNSS of the mice in dMCAO group was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the time on the rod was significantly decreased(P<0.01);compared with dMCAO group,the mNSS of the mice in dMCAO+TUG-891 group was decreased(P<0.05),and the time on the rod was increased(P<0.05).The TTC staining results shoued that compared with sham operation group,the volume of white infarct foci in the cerebral cortex of the mice in dMCAO group was increased(P<0.01);compared with dMCAO group,the cerebral infarction volume of the mice in dMCAO+TUG-891 group was significantly decreased(P<0.01).The HE staining results showed that compared with sham operation group,the cortex of the mice in dMCAO group was severely damaged,manifested by disordered arrangement of neuronal cells and obvious nuclear pyknosis in the infarct area,and the morphology of cortical infarct area of the mice in dMCAO+TUG-891 group was improved;the NISSL staining results showed that the Nissl bodies in the cortical infarct area of the mice in dMCAO group became thinner,elongated,and lost more.The pathological damage of brain tissue of the mice in dMCAO+TUG-891 group was significantly improved.Compared with sham operation group,the MDA level in brain tissue of the mice in model group was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the SOD activity was decreased(P<0.01);compared with model group,the MDA level in brain tissue of the mice in TUG-891 group was significantly decreased(P<0.01),and the SOD activity was significantly increased(P<0.01).The TUNEL staining results showed that compared with sham operation group,the apoptotic index of neuronal cells in brain tissue of the mice in dMCAO group was increased(P<0.01);compared with dMCAO group,the apoptotic index of neuronal cells in brain tissue of the mice in dMCAO+TUG-891 group was decreased(P<0.01).Compared with sham operation group,the expression levels of GRP78,p-PERK,and CHOP proteins in brain tissue of the mice in dMCAO group were increased(P<0.05);compared with dMCAO group,the expression levels of GRP78,p-PERK,and CHOP proteins in brain tissue of the mice in dMCAO+TUG-891 group were decreased(P<0.05).Conclusion:TUG-891 can alleviate neurological injury caused by ischemic stroke,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis.