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.

ObjectiveTo determine whether Jinshui Huanxian component formula Ⅱ （ECC-JHF Ⅱ） and matrix hardness interfere with the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） during pulmonary fibrosis by regulating integrin β₁ （ITG β₁）， and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. MethodsA pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was established by a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin （BLM）. To observe the disease progression at various time points， the mice were sacrificed before modeling and on days 7， 14， 21， 28 and 42 after modeling for assessment of relevant indicators. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of drug intervention， the mice were given ECC-JHF Ⅱ and pirfenidone （PFD） by gavage starting on day 29 after modeling for 14 days of treatment， after which the mice were sacrificed. Pulmonary function， pathological changes， collagen deposition， lung tissue hardness and EMT markers were detected. Polyethylene glycol （PEG） composite hydrogels with different hardness were prepared in vitro using biomaterials such as eight-arm polyethylene glycol thiol （PEG-SH） and eight-arm polyethylene glycol maleimide （PEG-MAL）. Human type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells cultured in hard matrix culture dishes were treated with low， medium， and high doses of ECC-JHF Ⅱ （15.31， 30.63， 61.25 mg·L^-1） to observe the intervention effect of ECC-JHF Ⅱ on EMT induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 （TGF-β₁）. Human type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells cultured on soft （3.8 kPa） and hard （culture dishes， ~ GPa） matrices were treated with ECC-JHF Ⅱ， respectively. The mRNA and fluorescence expression levels of the epithelial marker E-cadherin （CDH1）， the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin （CDH2） and vimentin （VIM）， as well as ITG β₁， were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of CDH1， CDH2 and ITG β₁， and the biomechanical mechanism of ECC-JHF Ⅱ on EMT and pulmonary fibrosis was further verified by knocking down and specific activation of ITG β₁. ResultsECC-JHF Ⅱ treatment improved BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice， as evidenced by significantly increased minute ventilation （MV） and 50% expiratory flow at tidal volume （EF₅₀） （P<0.05）， and significantly increased tidal volume （TV） after treatment （P<0.01） compared with the model group. Immunohistopathological analysis revealed attenuated inflammation and alveolar injury， reduced deposition of type Ⅰ collagen （Col-Ⅰ）， and significantly decreased lung tissue stiffness （P<0.01）， thereby alleviating disease progression. The real-time PCR results showed that， compared with the model group， the ECC-JHF Ⅱ group showed increased CDH1 expression and decreased CDH2 and VIM expression in mouse lung tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）， indicating that ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibited the EMT process to ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis. In vitro experimental results showed that both ECC-JHF Ⅱ and matrix softening reversed the EMT phenotype switch. Specifically， compared with the hard matrix group， the cells cultured on the soft matrix exhibited significantly upregulated expression of the epithelial marker CDH1 （P<0.01） and significantly downregulated expression of the mesenchymal markers CDH2 and VIM （P<0.05）. Furthermore， ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibited the expression of ITG β₁ both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown and specific activation of ITG β₁ further confirmed that ITG β₁ is involved in the regulatory process by which ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibits EMT and ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis. ConclusionECC-JHF Ⅱ and matrix softening can block the EMT process and ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis， and the underlying mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of ITG β₁-mediated mechanotransduction. This study reveals a novel mechanism of ECC-JHF Ⅱ intervention in pulmonary fibrosis from a biomechanical perspective.

AIM: To compare the differences in intraocular pressure and anterior segment biometric parameters among Tibetan populations permanent residing at different altitudes in Xizang autonomous region, and to explore the impact of high-altitude environments on ocular characteristics.

METHODS:This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Data were collected from Tibetan patients who visited the People's Hospital of Xizang Autonomous Region from September 2019 to October 2021. Participants were divided into two groups based on their permanent residence altitude: a higher altitude group(2 500-3 750 m)and a very high-altitude group(>3 750 m). The eye with better best corrected visual acuity was selected for each participant. Intraocular pressure, refractive error, and anterior segment biometric measurements \〖white-to-white corneal diameter(WTW), central corneal thickness(CCT), anterior chamber depth(ACD), lens thickness(LT), axial length(AL)\〗 were recorded and compared between the two groups.

RESULTS: A total of 43 Tibetan patients(43 eyes)were enrolled in this study, comprising 23 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 57.88±13.90 y. There were 19 patients(19 eyes)in the very high-altitude group and 24 patients(24 eyes)in the higher altitude group. The mean intraocular pressure in the very high-altitude group was 11.79±1.72 mmHg, which was significantly lower than 13.44±2.43 mmHg in the higher altitude group(P=0.019). CCT in the very high-altitude group was 482.70±23.76 μm, significantly thinner than 503.00±31.09 μm in the higher altitude group(P=0.012). AL in the very high-altitude group was 22.96±0.96 mm, significantly shorter than 23.64±1.10 mm in the higher altitude group(P=0.020). No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups in WTW, ACD, LT, or refractive error(all P>0.05).

CONCLUSION:Among the Tibetan population in Xizang autonomous region, as the altitude of residence increases, intraocular pressure significantly decreases, CCT becomes thinner and AL shortens. These morphological changes suggest possible adaptive remodelling of the eye in very high-altitude environments, and a thinner cornea may be an important factor contributing to the lower measured intraocular pressure values.

Objective:To estimate the radiation dose to caregivers and the public from 177Lu- peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) for pediatric neuroblastoma patients and determine the duration of contact restrictions, in order to provide a reference for relevant radiation protection measures. Methods:A retrospective study was conducted by collecting data from 18 pediatric neuroblastoma patients, aged between 3 and 13 (6.72±2.72), who received 177Lu-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraacetic acid-D-Phe1-Tyr3-Thr8-octreotide (DOTATATE) treatment at the Nuclear Medicine Department of Shandong Cancer Hospital from June 2023 to July 2023. Absorbed dose rate in air at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2 m from the patients was measured using a radiation-survey at 1, 4, 24, 48 and 96 h after administration. The whole-body region of interest was delined using HERMES software. Subsequently, curve regression fitting was performed using a biexponential function model. By incorporating hypothesized social contact durations, the effective doses received by family members and the public in contact with patients were estimated. Additionally, MIM software was used to outline the whole-body VOI to obtain the total volume of lesions, and the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationship between the absorbed dose rate in air and clinical indicators as well as the total volume of lesions. Results:The 177Lu-DOTATATE administration dose was (4 353.42±1 451.51) MBq. All patients were discharged from hospital 24 h after 177Lu-DOTATATE administration. At the time of discharge, patients had excreted (76.70±3.99)% of the administered activity, and the absorbed dose rate in air at 0.1, 1 and 2 m from the patients were (32.74±6.98), 3.68(3.01, 4.70) and (1.22±0.51) μSv/h, respectively. After being discharged, the radiation doses to caregivers from children aged 2-5 years and 5-13 years were (2.47±1.80) mSv and (0.88±0.47) mSv, respectively. The contact restriction duration was 2 d for nighttime sleeping with family members and 1 d for contact with other children. On the day of discharge, patients should limit their time on public transportation within 4 h and do not need to restrict private transportation. Conclusions:To ensure the effective dose kept within the safety limits stipulated by current regulations, it is necessary to implement contact restrictions for patients’ family members and the public. After implementing preventive measures, 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment is a safe radionuclide therapeutic option.

Objective:To estimate the radiation dose to caregivers and the public from 177Lu- peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) for pediatric neuroblastoma patients and determine the duration of contact restrictions, in order to provide a reference for relevant radiation protection measures. Methods:A retrospective study was conducted by collecting data from 18 pediatric neuroblastoma patients, aged between 3 and 13 (6.72±2.72), who received 177Lu-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraazacyclododecane-1, 4, 7, 10-tetraacetic acid-D-Phe1-Tyr3-Thr8-octreotide (DOTATATE) treatment at the Nuclear Medicine Department of Shandong Cancer Hospital from June 2023 to July 2023. Absorbed dose rate in air at 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2 m from the patients was measured using a radiation-survey at 1, 4, 24, 48 and 96 h after administration. The whole-body region of interest was delined using HERMES software. Subsequently, curve regression fitting was performed using a biexponential function model. By incorporating hypothesized social contact durations, the effective doses received by family members and the public in contact with patients were estimated. Additionally, MIM software was used to outline the whole-body VOI to obtain the total volume of lesions, and the Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficient was employed to analyze the relationship between the absorbed dose rate in air and clinical indicators as well as the total volume of lesions. Results:The 177Lu-DOTATATE administration dose was (4 353.42±1 451.51) MBq. All patients were discharged from hospital 24 h after 177Lu-DOTATATE administration. At the time of discharge, patients had excreted (76.70±3.99)% of the administered activity, and the absorbed dose rate in air at 0.1, 1 and 2 m from the patients were (32.74±6.98), 3.68(3.01, 4.70) and (1.22±0.51) μSv/h, respectively. After being discharged, the radiation doses to caregivers from children aged 2-5 years and 5-13 years were (2.47±1.80) mSv and (0.88±0.47) mSv, respectively. The contact restriction duration was 2 d for nighttime sleeping with family members and 1 d for contact with other children. On the day of discharge, patients should limit their time on public transportation within 4 h and do not need to restrict private transportation. Conclusions:To ensure the effective dose kept within the safety limits stipulated by current regulations, it is necessary to implement contact restrictions for patients’ family members and the public. After implementing preventive measures, 177Lu-DOTATATE treatment is a safe radionuclide therapeutic option.

Objective:To evaluate changes in operational effectiveness after the implementation of ambulatory surgical management in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).Methods:A retrospective clinical study. 17 528 surgeries in 10 895 eyes of 10 895 patients who underwent minimally invasive PPV on an ambulatory and/or inpatient basis at Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital from August 2015 to June 2023 were included in this study. Among them, 5 346 eyes in 5 346 cases were male; 5 549 eyes in 5 549 cases were female. The age ranged from 0 to 95 years, with the mean age of (57.74±13.15) years. 6 381 surgeries in 3 615 eyes from August 2015 to December 2018 (the initial period of day surgery) were used as the control group; 11 147 surgeries in 7 280 eyes from January 2019 to June 2023 (the expanded period of day surgery) were used as the observation group. According to the management mode of ambulatory surgery, the observation group was subdivided into the decentralized management group (January 2019 to December 2020) and the centralized management group (January 2021 to June 2023), with 2 905 and 4 375 eyes and 4 646 and 6 501 surgeries, respectively. Changes in the percentage of day surgery, average hospitalization days, and average unplanned reoperation rate were compared. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare numerical variables between groups; the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables. Results:The number of cases of daytime PPV performed in the observation group and control group was 7 852 (70.44%, 7 852/11 147) and 24 (0.38%, 24/6 381) cases, respectively, and the average hospitalization days were 1 (1) and 5 (3) d. Compared with the control group, the observation group had a significantly higher percentage of day surgery ( χ2=8 051.01) and a considerably lower mean hospitalization day ( Z=4 536 844.50), and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.000 1). The mean hospitalization days in the decentralized and centralized management groups were 2 (3) and 1 (0) d, respectively, and unplanned reoperations were 34 (0.73%, 34/4 646) and 171 (2.63%, 171/6 501) eyes, respectively. Compared with the decentralized management group, average hospitalization days was significantly lower ( Z=1 436.94) and unplanned reoperation rate was significantly higher ( χ2=54.10) were significantly lower in the centralized management group, both of which were statistically significant ( P<0.000 1). Conclusion:PPV ambulatory management model can significantly reduce the average hospitalization day, but also results in higher rates of unplanned reoperations.

【Objective】 To investigate the anemia status of infants and toddlers aged 6 - 24 months in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province, and to comprehensively evaluate the differences in feeding behaviors between anaemic and normal children through the infant and child feeding index (ICFI) and feeding knowledge scores, so as to provide reference for the guidance of infants and young children feeding in ethnic minority areas and the promotion of children′s growth and development. 【Methods】 Taking infants and young children aged 6 - 24 months in Linxia Prefecture as the study subjects, a multi-stage random sampling method was used to select children who met the requirements from 5 townships and 5 villages in 7 counties in 2019 and 2020.Periphral blood samples were collected to test the level of hemoglobin, so as to determine the anemia status.Meanwhile, physical examination was performed and a questionnaire survey of guardians was conducted to analyze the association betweenanaemia and feeding patterns 【Results】 A total of 3 901 infants and children were included in this study, of whom 729 (18.70%) were anaemic, with a mean ICFI score of 12.56±2.70 and a mean feeding knowledge score of 1.97±1.01.There was no statistically significant association of low feeding knowledge score and low ICFI with anaemia after adjusting for confounders (P>0.05), Unqualified meat addition in ICFI was a risk factor for anaemia (OR=1.355, P=0.042), while non-bottle feeding in the past 24 hours (OR=0.762, P=0.021), and breastfeeding in the past 24 hours of infants and toddlers aged 12 - 24 months (OR=0.228, P=0.018) were protective factor for anemia in infants and toddlers aged 12 - 24 months. 【Conclusions】 The average prevalence of anemia in infants and toddlers aged 6 - 24 months in Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu Province is high, but the level of infant feeding and the level of feeding knowledge of caregivers are low.Early adherence to breastfeeding, timely addition of supplementary food, and more comsumpution of meat for children are conducive to preventing anemia.

Objective This study aims to reveal the effects of the Yiqi Huoxue Formula(YQHXF)on the function of the pulmonary alveolar-capillary barrier in rats with acute lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury and to explore the potential mechanism.Methods Sixty adult male SD rats were randomly assigned to the sham operation,model,dexamethasone(5 mg/kg,gavage),Yiqi Huoxue Formula low-dose(3.6 g/kg,gavage),medium-dose(7.2 g/kg,gavage)and high-dose(14.4 g/kg,gavage)groups.The rats in the sham group received intratracheal instillation of normal saline,and those in other groups received intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS,5 mg/kg)for the modeling of ALI.The rats in the sham and model groups were administered normal saline by gavage,and those in the other groups were administered the corresponding drugs once a day for 7 days.Specimens were collected 12 h after the last administration.Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed under a light microscope.The wet/dry weight ratio of the lung and the total protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were measured.Immunofluorescence staining was used to measure the protein expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1).Western blotting was used to measure protein levels of occludin,aquaporin-1(AQP-1),and AQP-5.Results Compared with the sham group,the model group showed an increased histopathological score of the lung tissue,lung wet/dry weight ratio,and protein concentration in BALF(P<0.01).Yiqi Huoxue Formula medium-and high-dose groups were lower than those in the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the sham group,the model group downregulated the expression of ZO-1,occludin,AQP-1,and AQP-5(P<0.01).Yiqi Huoxue Formula medium-and high-dose groups upregulated the protein levels compared with the model group(P<0.01).Conclusion The findings suggest that the Yiqi Huoxue Formula can improve the dysfunction of the pulmonary alveolar-capillary barrier in the rat model of ALI induced by LPS,and its mechanism is related to regulating tight junction protein(ZO-1,occludin)and aquaporin(AQP-1,AQP-5)expression.

The coronary plaque burden represents an essential tool for evaluating coronary blood flow and cardiovascular outcomes. However, the concept of "coronary plaque burden" does not accurately reflect the complex pathological progression of coronary artery disease. In this review, various aspects of the total coronary atherosclerosis burden are present, including its mechanics, geometrical characteristics, plaque morphology, coronary artery calcium deposition, and coronary inflammation, to provide a complete view. Different tools used to evaluate the coronary atherosclerosis burden are also assessed according to the most recent studies. Compelling evidence is provided by our findings to advocate for a comprehensive use of the term "coronary atherosclerosis burden" .

Objective This study aims to reveal the effects of the Yiqi Huoxue Formula(YQHXF)on the function of the pulmonary alveolar-capillary barrier in rats with acute lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury and to explore the potential mechanism.Methods Sixty adult male SD rats were randomly assigned to the sham operation,model,dexamethasone(5 mg/kg,gavage),Yiqi Huoxue Formula low-dose(3.6 g/kg,gavage),medium-dose(7.2 g/kg,gavage)and high-dose(14.4 g/kg,gavage)groups.The rats in the sham group received intratracheal instillation of normal saline,and those in other groups received intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide(LPS,5 mg/kg)for the modeling of ALI.The rats in the sham and model groups were administered normal saline by gavage,and those in the other groups were administered the corresponding drugs once a day for 7 days.Specimens were collected 12 h after the last administration.Pathological changes in lung tissue were observed under a light microscope.The wet/dry weight ratio of the lung and the total protein concentration in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were measured.Immunofluorescence staining was used to measure the protein expression of zonula occludens-1(ZO-1).Western blotting was used to measure protein levels of occludin,aquaporin-1(AQP-1),and AQP-5.Results Compared with the sham group,the model group showed an increased histopathological score of the lung tissue,lung wet/dry weight ratio,and protein concentration in BALF(P<0.01).Yiqi Huoxue Formula medium-and high-dose groups were lower than those in the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the sham group,the model group downregulated the expression of ZO-1,occludin,AQP-1,and AQP-5(P<0.01).Yiqi Huoxue Formula medium-and high-dose groups upregulated the protein levels compared with the model group(P<0.01).Conclusion The findings suggest that the Yiqi Huoxue Formula can improve the dysfunction of the pulmonary alveolar-capillary barrier in the rat model of ALI induced by LPS,and its mechanism is related to regulating tight junction protein(ZO-1,occludin)and aquaporin(AQP-1,AQP-5)expression.