Retinal microcirculatory disorder is a key factor in the occurrence and development of diabetic retinopathy （DR）， and also an important link in the prevention and treatment of DR. The theory of "Gaozhuo" holds that the microcirculatory disorder in DR is based on the deficiency of spleen Qi and is characterized by the obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis. The deficiency of spleen Qi is an essential precondition for the endogenous formation and accumulation of Gaozhuo， while Gaozhuo invasion is the direct cause of microcirculatory disorders in DR. The deficiency of spleen Qi and the endogenous formation of Gaozhuo mean the process in which glucose metabolism dysfunction induces an excessive production of inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites. The obstruction caused by "Gaozhuo" and blood stasis is the direct pathogenesis of microcirculatory disorders in DR， encompassing two stages： Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation. Gaozhuo obstruction and turbidity and stasis stagnation represent the process in which inflammatory factors and lipid metabolites damage the retinal microcirculation and induce thrombosis， thus mediating microcirculatory disorders. Turbidity and stasis stagnation and blood extravasation outside the vessels reveal the progression to microvascular rupture and hemorrhage resulting from the microcirculatory disorders. According to the pathogenesis evolution of the theory of "Gaozhuo"， microcirculatory disorders in DR can be divided into deficiency of spleen Qi with Gaozhuo obstruction， deficiency of spleen Qi with turbidity and stasis stagnation， and turbidity and stasis stagnation with blood extravasation outside the vessels. Clinically， treatment principles should focus on strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi， resolving turbidity， and dispersing stasis. Different syndrome patterns should be addressed with tailored therapies， such as enhancing the spleen and benefiting Qi while regulating Qi and reducing turbidity， strengthening the spleen and benefiting Qi while resolving turbidity and dispelling stasis， and strengthening the spleen and resolving turbidity while removing stasis and stopping bleeding. Representative prescriptions include modified Wendantang， modified Buyang Huanwutang， modified Danggui Buxuetang， Zhuixue Mingmu decoction， Tangmuqing， Shengqing Jiangzhuo Tongluo Mingmu prescription， Danhong Huayu decoction， and Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Lishui formula.

Objective: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Chinese patent medicines and classic traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions were systematically reviewed from both Chinese and English journals published in 2023. A preliminary summary and evaluation were conducted on the generation and translation of clinical evidence for these treatments. This analysis aims to inform future research on clinical efficacy evaluation and guide the rational application of evidence. Methods: RCTs of Chinese patent medicines and classic traditional Chinese prescriptions published in 2023 were comprehensively retrieved from the Artificial Intelligence Clinical Evidence Database for Chinese Patent Medicine (AICED-CPM), with supplementary searches conducted in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, Chinese Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed), Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science. The study characteristics and methodological quality of these RCTs were systematically analyzed and evaluated. Results: A total of 1 443 RCTs of Chinese patent medicines were included, comprising 1 399 Chinese articles and 44 English articles. Additionally, 334 RCTs of classic traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions were found, with 331 published in Chinese and 3 in English. 196 567 participants were included, covering 585 types of Chinese patent medicines (487 oral, 61 injectable, and 37 topical) and 179 classic traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. The involved studies encompassed 22 types of diseases, with research primarily focusing on diseases of the circulatory system, the respiratory system, and the genitourinary system. The sample sizes ranged from 18 to 3 777 participants, and most studies were conducted at a single center. Methodologically, the implementation of allocation concealment and blinding remained insufficiently emphasized. Conclusion Overall, compared with 2022, both the number of RCT publications and their methodological quality have improved in 2023, with heightened attention to research on diseases of the genitourinary system. However, quality control and standardized management in the design and implementation processes still require enhancement to produce more high-quality clinical evidence and accelerate the translation and application of this evidence.

Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs， which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition， immune regulation， and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation， smearing， topical application， bathing， gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification， through methods like diffusion， vaporization， or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience， quick absorption， and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However， there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions， indications， safety， and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils， and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation， and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently， accurately， and safely， thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective To investigate clinical efficacy of endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(Endo-TLIF)combined with huge-large cage insertion technique in the treatment of lumbar instability.Methods A retrospective analysis was made on 18 cases of lumbar instability from May 2022 to August 2022.Endo-TLIF was performed to complete neural decompression,Kambin's triangle exposure,and endplate preparation.A huge-large cage was inserted in the intervertebral space through the Kambin's triangle with full-visualization endoscopy.Results The operation time was(180.3±24.4)min,and the intraoperative blood loss was(72.2±25.6)ml.Symptoms of numbness and weakness in the front thigh were gradually relieved after symptomatic treatment in 1 case.The hospital stay was(7.9±1.8)d.The 18 cases were followed up for 19-22 months(mean,19.9±1.1 months).As compared to pre-operation,Visual Analogue Scale[(2.3±1.4)points vs.(7.7±1.0)points,P=0.000;(1.1±0.4)points vs.(7.7±1.0)points,P=0.000]and Oswestry Disability Index[(18.61±4.79)％ vs.(52.78±8.08)％,P=0.000;(9.28±4.03)％ vs.(52.78±8.08)％,P=0.000]were significantly improved at 3 months after surgery and at final follow-up.As compared to pre-operation,the intervertebral height[(12.56±1.62)mm vs.(8.28±1.27)mm,P=0.000;(12.11±1.45)mm vs.(8.28±1.27)mm,P=0.000]and intervertebral foramen heigh[(22.89±2.00)mm vs.(17.17±1.69)mm,P=0.000;(22.61±1.86)mm vs.(17.17±1.69)mm,P=0.000]were significantly improved at 3 months after surgery and at the final follow-up.All the patients had a good bone fusion,and the excellent and good rate of the modified Macnab criteria was 94.4％(17/18).Conclusion Endo-TLIF combined with huge-large cage insertion can acquire a significantly good clinical outcomes in patients with lumbar instability,with advantages of safe and simple performance,good recovery of intervertebral height,and minimal damage to paraspinal soft tissue.

Objective The aim of this study is to examine the Chinese version of Visual Prostate Symptom Score(CVPSS)and the International Prostate Symptom Score(IPSS)in the assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms in BPH pa-tients.Methods By using convenient sampling,inpatients in the urology department of a tertiary grade A hospital in Shanghai were selected as the survey subjects from March 2023 to March 2024.The lower urinary tract symptoms of the patients were eval-uated using the self-designed general information questionnaire.And the CVPSS and IPSS with their urine flow rate were meas-ured.A comparative analysis was conducted from aspects such as internal consistency,correlation of item scores,completion time of the scale,and assistance rate.Results A total of 246 patients with BPH were recruited.The total score and life quality score were 13.93±3.55 and 4.23±1.02 by CVPSS.And the total score and life quality by IPSS was 18.33±7.55 and 4.36±1.02,respectively.The Cronbach's α coefficient were 0.761 and 0.787,respectively.The time taken on CVPSS was less than that on IPSS(P＜0.01).And the rate of needing assistance was 23.58％for CVPSS,which was significantly lower than that(65.24％)for IPSS.Conclusion CVPSS is significantly correlated with the corresponding items and total scores of IPSS,as well as the quality of life.Moreover,it takes less time and can be used as a simple and effective self-assessment tool for lower urinary tract symptoms in elderly BPH patients with lower education levels.It reduces the burden of medical staffs as well.

Objective: To elucidate the potential mechanisms by which Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) regulates gut microbiota (GM) to influence the development of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Methods: Data mining, network pharmacology, and Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses (two-sample design) were conducted in integration to systematically explore the CHM-GM-POAG axis. Literature-based data mining method was applied to identify frequently used herbs and herb pairs for POAG, and the properties and meridian tropism of the herbs were analyzed as well. Target prediction and pathway enrichment analyses were performed to identify shared molecular pathways among CHM components, GM, and POAG. MR analysis was performed to assess the genetically predicted causal associations between specific microbial taxa and POAG risk. Results: Our data mining work indicated that commonly used CHMs were mainly bitter and sweet in flavors and cold in property, with meridian tropism toward the liver, lung, and kidney. The predominant therapeutic effects of the CHMs included soothing the liver and regulating Qi, promoting blood circulation, and reducing fluid retention. Representative herb pairs were Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata)-Gouqi (Lycii Fructus) with Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Gouqi (Lycii Fructus)-Fuling (Poria) with Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), and Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos)-Gouqi (Lycii Fructus) with Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma). Network pharmacology revealed overlapping targets involving antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic regulation pathways. MR analysis demonstrated that higher abundances of Ruminiclostridium 6 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58 – 0.92, P = 0.007], Ruminococcaceae UCG-002 (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.63 – 0.96, P = 0.018), Ruminococcus torques group (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.57 – 0.90, P = 0.004), and Victivallis (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70 – 0.96, P = 0.016) were causally associated with reduced POAG risk, whereas Actinomyces (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.06 – 1.68, P = 0.013) and Blautia (OR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.01 – 1.90, P = 0.042) showed positive associations. Conclusion This study revealed potential causal links between GM and POAG and provided integrative evidence that CHM may modulate the microbiota to exert neuroprotective effects. These findings offer new integrative insights into the gut-eye axis and a theoretical basis for developing microbiota-targeted CHM strategies in glaucoma management.

With the deepening of the "Belt and Road" initiative, Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) presents new opportunities for the development of TCM. In recent years, CEE countries have made some progress in TCM by expanding legislation, establishing educational systems, and diversifying services. These advancements are attributed to cultural recognition, evolving health concepts, and government support. However, challenges persist in sustainability, legal adaptability, and a shortage of professional talents. To effectively tackle these challenges, this article proposed the following suggestions: gradual integration, initial implementation of non-pharmaceutical therapy-centered TCM health services to address legal adaptation issues; empowering with technology to alleviate talent shortage by launching remote medical service models; tailoring measures to local conditions and promote the sustainable development of the TCM industry by integrating regional characteristics; thereby promoting the robust development of TCM in the CEE regions.

Luxembourg boasts a strategically advantageous geographical location, a robust economic foundation, and an open cultural environment, all of which serve as essential pillars for the promotion of TCM. Its population is diverse and enjoys a significantly high average life expectancy; however, it faces notable health challenges such as chronic diseases, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and an aging population. The citizens benefit from extensive medical coverage, access to high-quality healthcare services, and substantial public investment in healthcare. Modern medicine forms the backbone of its healthcare system while traditional therapies, such as acupuncture and moxibustion, play a complementary role as alternative treatments. The development of TCM in Luxembourg has been influenced by neighboring countries, promoted by TCM experts, and supported by the government. At present, TCM is mainly regulated in Luxembourg based on modern medical regulations and relevant EU standards. Its clinical application in health care and chronic disease management has become increasingly important. Relevant education and training are also gradually promoted through international cooperation with the support of the government. It is suggested to promote the establishment of relevant legal norms of local TCM; promote the service and application of TCM to continuously adapt to market demand and sustainable development; increase support to deepen the research and education of TCM, and realize the in-depth promotion and application of TCM in Luxembourg and even in Europe.

Autoimmune disease is a kind of disease characterized by immune imbalance,abnormal activation of immune cells,massive production of inflammatory factors and immune complexes,which leads to the damage of multiple organs and systems.Autoimmune disease is easy to recur in clinical practice.The previous studies showed that there is a correlation between dampness syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and immune dysfunction.This paper explains the theoretical basis for the correlation between dampness syndrome of TCM and the recurrence of autoimmune diseases,and the similarities between the two in macro appearance,pathogenesis characteristics,etc.,analyzes the possible correlation about biological mechanism between dampness syndrome and autoimmune diseases,and discussed the correlation between pathogenic dampness of TCM and the recurrence of autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis,rheumatoid arthritis,ulcerative colitis,and nephrotic syndrome.It is pointed out that pathogenic dampness of TCM is an important pathogenic factor for the recurrence of autoimmune diseases,and is closely related to the recurrence of autoimmune diseases.Autoimmune diseases can be treated from the perspective of pathogenic dampness in TCM,and therapy of invigorating spleen,replenishing qi and removing dampness is frequently adopted,which is beneficial to alleviating the clinical symptoms of patients and reducing the recurrence of autoimmune disease.

Aromatic inhalation therapy is a key traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） approach for preventing respiratory infectious diseases. Its foundational theory， "aromatics acting on the spleen"， is deeply rooted in TCM principles and supported by modern medical research. The theory posits that the aromatic properties of medicinals primarily act on the spleen， and the aromatic inhalation therapy achieved its protective effects by modulation of the spleen and spleen channel to enhance the regulation of wei qi， striae and interstices. In TCM， the spleen is considered the mother of the lungs， with the function of nurturing lung； it is also seen as the source of wei qi， responsible for external defense； and the root of healthy qi， forming the foundation of acquired （postnatal） constitution. Thus， preventive strategies for respiratory infectious diseases focus on strengthening the spleen. From a modern medical perspective， the spleen's role in regulating lung immune responses， the shared immune functions of the respiratory and gastrointestinal mucosa， and the spleen's overall immune modulation provide scientific evidence for using aromatic inhalation therapy to prevent respiratory infections. Additionally， aromatic inhalation therapy offers several advantages， including direct action， rapid onset， minimal side effects， controllable risks， convenience， and ease of dissemination， making it a practical and effective preventive measure for respiratory infectious diseases.