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.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw. (L. japonicum, Hai Jin Sha) by comparing its components without stewed (W) and stewed (S) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and chemometric analysis. Additionally, network pharmacology was employed to investigate the possible mechanisms of action of L. japonicum in the urinary calculi (UC) treatment.MethodsA fingerprinting method was established to identify components through UHPLC-tandem mass spectrometry. Chemometric techniques were used to compare the L. japonicum extraction methods. Furthermore, various network pharmacological approaches were used to identify and analyze the potential targets of the identified components in relation to UC.ResultsThe W and S extracts were distributed into two distinct clusters. Significant differences in the levels of protocatechuic aldehyde, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid were observed between S and W. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the primary targets of L. japonicum in the UC treatment were serum albumin and epidermal growth factor receptors, with potential active components including protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid.ConclusionThis study comprehensively examined the therapeutic components of L. japonicum before and after boiling, shedding light on its potential mechanisms of action in UC treatment. These findings offer valuable insights into the development and utilization of L. japonicum resources.

Objective To genetically investigate the protective effects of statins on breast cancer. Methods Instrumental variables for the statin target gene HMGCR and five other cholesterol-regulated genes (LDLR, PCSK9, ABCG8, APOB, and NPC1L1) were obtained from previous expression quantitative trait locus (eQTL) studies. Cholesterol-regulated genes predicted by these instrumental variables served as the exposure factors. Mendelian randomization based on pooled data (SMR) was conducted to explore the genetic effects of exposure factors on the incidence risk of all breast cancers, ER+ breast cancer, and ER-breast cancer. Instrumental variables for total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) were derived from a previous human genome-wide association study and restricted to be chromosomally located within 100 kb of the above cholesterol regulatory genes; the instrumental variables could predict TC, LDL-C, or non-HDL-C levels under the regulation of the abovementioned cholesterol-associated genes which were used as exposure factors. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (IVW, MR-PRESSO, and MR-Egger) was used to explore the genetic effects of exposure factors on the risk of all breast cancers, ER+ breast cancer, and ER− breast cancer. Results SMR analysis reported that elevated HMGCR expression was significantly associated with the increased incidence risk of all breast cancers and ER+ breast cancer (P=0.044 and P=0.039, respectively) but not with the change in incidence risk of ER− breast cancer (P=0.190); the other five regulatory genes were not significantly correlated with the change in incidence risk of all breast cancers, ER+ breast cancer, and ER− breast cancer (all P>0.05). IVW analysis reported that under the regulation of HMGCR, elevated levels of peripheral TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C significantly increased the incidence risk of all breast cancers (P=1.160e-05, P=1.248e-05, and P=1.869e-05) and the incidence risk of ER+ breast cancer (P=3.181e-04, P=2.231e-04, and P=3.520e-04), but they were not associated with a change in the incidence risk of ER− breast cancer (P=0.062, P=0.133, and P=0.055). The results of MR-PRESSO and MR-Egger analyses supported the IVW results. Conclusion Statins could reduce the incidence risk of ER+ breast cancer at the genetic level, but there is no such protective effects on ER− breast cancer.

Following the release of the Technical Requirements on Quality Control and Standard Establishment of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Granules by the National Medical Products Administration in 2021, Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission has promulgated 296 national drug standards so far, and most provinces have started the work of establishing provincial standards as supplements. The promulgation of standards fostered high-quality development of the industry. Since the implementation of national and provincial standards for more than three years, enterprises have gained deep understanding and hands-on experiences on the characteristics, technical requirements, production process, and quality control of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) formula granules. Meanwhile, challenges have emerged restricting the high-quality development of this industry, including how to formulate quality control strategies for medicinal materials and decoction pieces, how to reduce manufacturing costs, and how to improve the pass rate and product stability under high standards. Based on the work experiences from standard management and process research, this article analyzed the distribution of sources, processing methods, dry extract rate ranges, process requirements for volatile oil-containing decoction pieces, control measures of safety indices, characteristics and trends of setting characteristic chromatograms or fingerprints, characteristics and trends of setting content ranges, and main differences between national standards and provincial standards. On the one hand, this article aims to present main characteristics for deeply understanding different indicators in standards and provide basic ideas for establishing quality and process control systems. On the other hand, from the perspective of industrial practice, suggestions are put forward on the important aspects that need to be focused on in the quality and process control of TCM formula granules.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Quality Control ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; China ; Drug Industry/standards*

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*

"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.

According to the latest 2022 Global Cancer Burden report released by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer,the number of newly diagnosed cancer patients worldwide continues to rise,and this trend is expected to become more pronounced by 2050.In the same year,China's cancer incidence report for 2022 revealed that both the number of new cancer cases and cancer-related deaths have continued to increase compared to previous years,indicating a worrying situation.Amid the growing demand for effective cancer therapies,the development of anti-cancer drugs is gaining significant momentum.Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)has begun to play an increasingly prominent role in the anti-cancer drug market,contributing a unique"Chinese solution"to global cancer treatment.However,TCM is characterized by its multi-component,multi-pathway,and multi-target nature,making it challenging to comprehensively study its anti-cancer mechanisms using traditional research models.Consequently,there is an urgent need to develop new research models that align with the characteristics of TCM.Organoids,as an emerging technology and an ideal preclinical model for human diseases,address the limitations of traditional disease models in TCM research.Their application in the study of TCM's anti-cancer effects is rapidly expanding.This article reviews and summarizes the use of organoid technology in TCM-based anti-cancer research,analyzing its advantages,limitations and developmental trends.

Objective:To explore the feasibility and clinical outcomes of transperineal prostate multimodal image fusion-targeted biopsy under the day surgery model.Methods:Clinical data of 258 patients who underwent transperineal prostate biopsy at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University between December 2022 and June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups，and the experimental group（ n = 141）underwent transperineal prostate multi-modal image-fusion targeted biopsy in the day-surgery mode，with age of（70.0 ± 8.8）years，median prostate-specific antigen（PSA）level of 11.10（7.63?17.06）ng/ml，and median Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System（PI-RADS）score of 4（3，5）. The control group（ n = 117）underwent traditional transperineal systematic biopsy，with age of（69.3 ± 7.4）years，median PSA of 25.20（16.18-54.40）ng/ml，and median PI-RADS score of 4（3，5）. The experimental group was given the day surgery mode：preoperatively，multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging（mpMRI）of the prostate was multimodally fused with ultrasound images，the location of target lesions in the prostate was manually mapped，and a targeted biopsy plan was developed. Intraoperatively，under ultrasound guidance，precise puncture was performed at the lesion sites，followed by systematic biopsy. After the operation，the patients were observed for 4-6 hours，and could be discharged if there were no obvious abnormalities，with the total hospitalization time within 24 hours. For the control group，the conventional biopsy mode was used. Intraoperatively，under ultrasound guidance，the standard 12-core transperineal systematic biopsy protocol was adopted，and sampling was conducted according to the anatomical regions of the prostate（base，midportion，apex，transition zone，and peripheral zone）to cover the entire gland. Patients in this group required routine hospitalization，with a hospital stay of 3-5 days. Operative time，intraoperative pain Numerical Rating Scale（NRS）score，complications within one week postoperatively，treatment costs，overall prostate cancer detection rate，and clinically significant prostate cancer（csPCa，defined as Gleason score ≥ 7 or pathological stage ≥ T 2b）detection rate were compared between the two groups. Results:All procedures were successfully completed without special incidents. The operative time was（13.49 ± 2.00）min in the experimental group and（13.05 ± 2.89）min in the control group，showing no significant difference（ P > 0.05）. The intraoperative pain NRS scores were（3.01 ± 1.17）and（3.10 ± 1.25）in the experimental and control groups，respectively，with no significant difference（ P > 0.05）. Pathological examination revealed that the overall prostate cancer detection rates were 46.8%（66/141）in the experimental group and 42.7%（50/117）in the control group，while the csPCa detection rates were 35.5%（50/141）and 31.6%（37/117），respectively. The differences were not statistically significant（ P > 0.05）. The complication rate was 6.4%（9/141）in the experimental group（including 2 cases of acute urinary retention，3 hematuria，3 fever，and 1 sepsis）and 6.0%（7/117）in the control group（including 3 acute urinary retention，1 hematuria，2 fever，and 1 sepsis），with no significant difference（ P > 0.05）. All complications improved after symptomatic treatment. The treatment costs were（4 063.25 ± 67.26）yuan in the experimental group and（5 185.14 ± 469.15）yuan in the control group，demonstrating a statistically significant difference（ P < 0.05）. Conclusions:Transperineal prostate multimodal image fusion-targeted biopsy can be safely performed under the day surgery model，offering advantages including a relatively high detection rate for csPCa，low complication rate，and better cost-effectiveness.