ObjectiveBased on the established characteristic profiles， quantitative analysis of multiple components， and chemometric analysis of Taraxacum mongolicum， the quality of different T. mongolicum germplasms was evaluated at the chemical level， thereby providing a reference for the screening of high-quality germplasms and the rational utilization of wild resources. MethodsAn ultra-performance liquid chromatography （UPLC） was employed to establish characteristic profiles. Principal component analysis （PCA） and partial least squares-discriminant analysis （PLS-DA） were then adopted to screen and comprehensively rank marker compounds. ResultsThe UPLC fingerprint of T. mongolicum germplasm identified 13 chromatographic peaks corresponding to gallic acid， coumaric acid， neochlorogenic acid， monocaffeoyltartaric acid， chlorogenic acid， cryptochlorogenic acid， caffeic acid， p-coumaric acid， cichoric acid， luteoloside， isochlorogenic acid B， isochlorogenic acid A， and isochlorogenic acid C. Combined with chemometric analysis such as PCA and PLS-DA， eight core markers （cichoric acid， luteoloside， cryptochlorogenic acid， isochlorogenic acid B， chlorogenic acid， caffeic acid， isochlorogenic acid C， and isochlorogenic acid A） were screened for distinguishing wild and cultivated germplasms. Additionally， eight core markers （cichoric acid， caffeic acid， luteoloside， chlorogenic acid， cryptochlorogenic acid， isochlorogenic acid A， monocaffeoyltartaric acid， and neochlorogenic acid） were selected for the evaluation and screening of different T. mongolicum germplasms. ConclusionThis study establishes a UPLC analysis method capable of simultaneously determining 13 characteristic components in T. mongolicum， such as cichoric acid and chlorogenic acid， as well as their precursor compound contents in the biosynthetic pathway. Based on the above methods， three T. mongolicum germplasms （PGY-004， PGY-009， and PGY-010） with promising medicinal potential are selected for subsequent research on variety breeding. The present study provides a reference for quality control of Taraxacum mongolicum， germplasm screening， and the rational development and utilization of wild resources.

Dry eye disease(DED)is a common ocular surface disorder worldwide, primarily characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film, and frequently associated with meibomian gland dysfunction(MGD), decreased tear film stability, ocular discomfort, and visual impairment. In recent years, factors such as the widespread use of digital devices,the aging population, and environmental changes have contributed to a significant increase in its global prevalence, making it a major public health concern. Red light therapy(RLT), also known as low-level laser therapy(LLLT)or photobiomodulation(PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes low-energy red or near-infrared light to irradiate tissues. It exerts photobiomodulatory effects to promote cellular repair and functional recovery. This therapy has demonstrated considerable potential in treating various ocular conditions. Its broader clinical application could improve therapeutic outcomes, alleviate patient discomfort and financial burden, and reduce the consumption of healthcare resources, thereby yielding significant socio-economic benefits. This paper systematically reviews the multifaceted mechanisms and application prospects of RLT in managing DED, including its anti-inflammatory effects, improvement of meibomian gland function, promotion of conjunctival goblet cell repair, and alleviation of visual fatigue, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation and practical reference for its clinical adoption.

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Pibai Yucuo Formula （枇柏愈痤方， PYF） in treating acne from the perspective of skin barrier damage. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， minocycline group， and PYF group， with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group， mice were induced by intradermal injection of Cutibacterium acnes （C.acnes） combined with topical application of artificial sebum to establish acne model. The blank group and model group received intragastric administration of 0.2 ml of distilled water， while the PYF group received intragastric administration of 22.75 g/（kg·d）of PYF， and the minocycline group received 0.013 g/（kg·d）of minocycline suspension， all once daily for 5 consecutive days. On day 0 and day 6 of the experiment， the body weight of mice in each group was recorded， and the absolute value of the body weight difference during the experiment was calculated. Skin conditions were assessed with multifunctional skin imaging system on the 2nd， 4th and 6th day of the experiment. Skin barrier function indicators including transepidermal water loss （TEWL）， and the water content of the stratum corneum and epidermis on day 0， 2， 4 and 6 of the experiment. Optical coherence tomography （OCT） was used to observe stratum corneum and skin thickness on the 1st， 3rd and 5th day of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe histopathological changes， while ELISA was used to detect interleukin-17A （IL-17A） levels， and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin （FLG） and loricrin （LOR） levels of skin lesions on day 6 of the experiment. ResultsCompared to the blank group， the model group showed a decrease in body weight on day 6， and an increase in the absolute value of the difference in body weight before and after the experiment （P＜0.05）. On day 4 and 6， TEWL values increased， while water content in the skin stratum corneum and epidermis decreased （P＜0.05）， accompanied by elevated IL-17A level and reduced immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins （P＜0.05）. The model group mice showed papules or pustules at the skin modeling site with progressively worsening desquamation under multifunctional skin imaging system. OCT revealed focal epidermal protrusions， blurred epidermal-dermal boundaries， and disorganized structural layers. HE staining showed significant epidermal hyperkeratosis and incomplete keratinization in the skin， with keratin plug formation in hair follicles and glandular lumens， thickened stratum corneum， hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum， as well as dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltration， and capillary dilation. Compared to the model group， both the minocycline group and the PYF group showed a reduced difference in body weight before and after experiment （P＜0.05）. On day 4 and 6， the TEWL value decreased， and water content of the skin stratum corneum increased （P＜0.05）； on day 6， the IL-17A level in the skin lesions decreased and immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins increased （P＜0.05）. On day 4 and 6， the severity of the skin lesions and range of redness and swelling were lighter than those in the model group， with reverted epidermal thickness， smoother surface and clearer epidermis-dermis boundary. HE staining showed that the degree of skin keratinization was reduced， and the inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilation in the dermis were improved compared to the model group. The PYF group showed better results than the minocycline group in reducing TEWL value on day 4 （P＜0.05）. ConclusionPYF may improve inflammation and skin barrier damage by downregulating IL-17A levels in lesion tissue and increasing skin barrier-related proteins， which could be one of the potential mechanism of action on acne.

Objective: To investigate characteristics of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020, so as to provide a basis for optimizing regional prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data on incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in cancer registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020 were collected from the Cancer Follow-up Registration System and the All-Cause Mortality Registration Reporting System of the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The crude incidence, crude mortality, truncated rate for 35 to 64 years, and cumulative rate for 0 to 64 years were calculated, and standardized using the Segi's world standard population. Descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze the characteristics of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality by different genders, urban/rural areas and ages. Results: A total of 14 771 cases of colorectal cancer were reported in Guangdong Province in 2020. The crude incidence, world population-standardized incidence, truncated incidence for 35 to 64 years and cumulative incidence for 0 to 64 years were 35.18/100 000, 24.84/100 000, 38.87/100 000 and 1.37%, respectively. A total of 5 384 deaths of colorectal cancer were reported, with crude incidence, world population-standardized incidence, truncated incidence for 35 to 64 years and cumulative incidence for 0 to 64 years were 14.55/100 000, 8.83/100 000, 10.39/100 000 and 0.37%, respectively. The crude incidence and mortality were higher in males than in females (40.35/100 000 vs. 29.88/100 000, 16.51/100 000 vs. 12.54/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and mortality were higher in urban areas than in rural areas (38.94/100 000 vs. 26.10/100 000, 16.60/100 000 vs. 10.42/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence of colorectal cancer initially increased with advancing age (P<0.05), reaching a peak of 239.36/105 in the 80-<85 age group, followed by a marked decline after 85 years. The crude mortality of colorectal cancer increased with advancing age (P<0.05), reaching a peak of 174.25/100 000 in the ≥85 years age group. Conclusions In 2020, the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in registration areas of Guangdong Province were higher than the national averages. There were differences in the characteristics of incidence and mortality among genders, urban/areas and age. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the comprehensive prevention and control efforts for colorectal cancer in males, urban areas, and the elderly population.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer in cancer registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020, so as to provide the evidence for improving prevention and control strategies of lung cancer. Methods: Data of incidence and mortality in 2020 from 30 cancer registries in Guangdong Province were collected from the Cancer Follow-up Registration System and the All-Cause Mortality Registration Reporting System of the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The crude incidence, crude mortality, and cumulative rate for 0 to 74 years were calculated. The Chinese population-standardized rate and world population-standardized rate were calculated using the age structure of the standard population from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000 and Segi's world standard population. The incidence and mortality characteristics of lung cancer in different genders, urban/rural areas and ages were described. Results: In 2020, there were 25 357 new cases of lung cancer in Guangdong Province. The crude incidence, Chinese population-standardized incidence, world population-standardized incidence, and cumulative incidence for 0 to 74 years were 60.40/100 000, 43.75/100 000, 43.26/100 000, and 5.30%, respectively. There were 14 366 lung cancer deaths. The crude mortality, Chinese population-standardized mortality, world population-standardized mortality, and cumulative mortality for 0 to 74 years were 38.82/100 000, 24.49/100 000, 24.36/100 000, and 2.88%, respectively. The crude incidence and crude mortality of lung cancer in males were higher than those in females (71.19/100 000 vs. 49.42/100 000, 52.94/100 000 vs. 24.36/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and crude mortality of lung cancer in urban areas were higher than those in rural areas (66.37/100 000 vs. 45.95/100 000, 40.68/100 000 vs. 35.07/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and crude mortality of lung cancer exhibited upward trends with increasing age (both P<0.05), peaking in the age of 80-<85 years (347.97/100 000 and 342.14/100 000). Conclusions Comparing to the national data, the incidence of lung cancer in registration areas of Guangdong Province remained relatively high, while mortality remained relatively low. Males, urban residents and the elderly constitute the key populations for lung cancer prevention and control. It is recommend to optimize the allocation of medical resources between urban and rural areas and strengthen lung cancer screening among high-risk groups.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV8) on urodynamics and the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and immediate early gene (c-fos) in pontine micturition center (PMC), periaqueductal gray (PAG), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of neurogenic bladder (NB) rats after spinal cord injury. METHODS: Twenty-four SPF female SD rats were randomly divided into a sham-operation group (6 rats) and a modeling group (18 rats). In the modeling group, T₉ complete spinal cord transection method was used to establish a neurogenic detrusor overactivity model, and the 12 rats with successful modeling were randomized into a model group and a moxibustion group, with 6 rats in each group. The rats in the moxibustion group were treated with ginger/salt-insulated moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV8), and 4 consecutive moxa cones were delivered in one intervention. Moxibustion was operated once daily and for 14 days. After intervention completion, the urodynamic indexes of rats in each group were detected. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of BDNF and c-fos in PMC, PAG and mPFC in rats. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of BDNF and c-fos in PMC, PAG and mPFC. RESULTS: The rats in the sham-operation group did not show phasic detrusor contraction during bladder filling. Compared with the model group, the frequency and amplitude of the phasic detrusor contraction were reduced 5 min before urine leakage in the rats of the moxibustion group (P<0.05), and the duration of the first phasic detrusor contraction during bladder filling was prolonged (P<0.05). Compared with the sham-operation group, the mRNA and protein expression of BDNF and c-fos in PMC, PAG and mPFC increased in the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the mRNA and protein expression of BDNF and c-fos in PMC, PAG and mPFC decreased in the moxibustion group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Moxibustion at "Shenque" (CV8) can improve the phasic contraction during bladder filling in NB rats after spinal cord injury, possibly by down-regulating the mRNA and protein expression of BDNF and c-fos in PMC, PAG, and mPFC.
Animals ; Moxibustion ; Female ; Rats ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Acupuncture Points ; Spinal Cord Injuries/metabolism* ; Urinary Bladder, Neurogenic/etiology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism* ; Humans ; Urinary Bladder/physiopathology* ; Brain/metabolism* ; Urination

The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding acupuncture direction published from January 1st, 2013, to November 7th, 2023 were searched in China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and VIP Chinese Journal Database. As a result, 21 RCTs were included. The problems identified included conceptual misunderstandings regarding acupuncture direction, incomplete selection strategies, confounding research factors, and inaccuracies in reporting. Based on the findings, four strategic approaches for enhancing therapeutic efficacy through acupuncture direction were summarized: aligning needle direction with the meridian pathway, directing the needle toward the lesion site, orienting the needle toward adjacent acupoints, and targeting special anatomical structures. Two additional strategies were proposed for optimizing the procedure: simplifying acupuncture operations and directing the needle toward safe anatomical sites. Recommendations were made to improve the rationality of research factor settings and the completeness of acupuncture operation reporting. Furthermore, three methods for reporting acupuncture direction were discussed: reporting the tip-pointed position, reporting the insertion angle and orientation, and reporting azimuth and polar angles, aiming to promote greater standardization and completeness in acupuncture practice and reporting.
Acupuncture Therapy/standards* ; Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic ; Meridians

After being treated with acupuncture, some patients with idiopathic tinnitus may experience a short-term aggravation of tinnitus symptoms on the original basis. These symptoms can be gradually relieved and the overall condition fluctuates towards recovery. This phenomenon has brought some difficulties to patients and clinicians. Based on the academic view of TCM, "destroying pathogens and re-building balance", and in association with the existing understanding of acupuncture in modern medicine for tinnitus, this paper briefly discusses the mechanism and influencing factors of symptom fluctuation in patients with idiopathic tinnitus after acupuncture treatment in terms of both TCM and modern medicine, and proposes the future direction in the research of symptom fluctuation, so as to promote the recognition of clinicians and patients on symptom fluctuation and make rational use of its positive effects. Besides, it is hoped that more researchers will pay attention to symptom fluctuation and advance the exploration of it in academic field.
Humans ; Tinnitus/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Male ; Female

ObjectiveTo develop a scientifically rigorous and contextually appropriate instrument for evaluating the health service experience of pulmonary tuberculosis patients in China, to enable systematic assessment of core medical care dimensions, and to provide quantitative evidence for service improvement. MethodsGrounded in the theoretical framework of healthcare accessibility and the clinical care pathway for tuberculosis patients, the tool was developed through a systematic literature review and the Delphi expert consultation method. A multi-stage cluster sampling strategy was employed to survey pulmonary tuberculosis patients who had been receiving treatment for more than two months, aimed to explore the scale’s applicability in real-world settings. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s α and split-half reliability coefficients. Validity was evaluated through content validity, structural validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. ResultsThe tool was composed of 21 items across four dimensions: awareness, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability of tuberculosis medical care. It demonstrated a Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.838 and a split-half reliability coefficient of 0.859. Exploratory factor analyses extracted six factors: satisfaction with healthcare services, supportive role of nurses, affordability of treatment costs, doctor-patient communication, waiting time for medical appointments, and transportation cost. The goodness-of-fit index (GFI) and other indices met the recommended standards, with the loading matrix indicating robust structural validity of the tool. The constructed factor model exhibited satisfactory content validity and discriminant validity. ConclusionThe scale for assessing patients’ experiences with tuberculosis-related medical care developed in this study demonstrates good reliability and validity and serves as a practical tool for evaluating patient experiences of tuberculosis medical care in China.