It is believed that the occurrence and development of squamous cell carcinoma （SCC） is closely associated with inflammatory responses. The theory of fire and heat， advocated by LIU Wansu， provides significant clinical guidance for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of SCC. Based on this theory， the pathological mechanisms and clinical characteristics of SCC at different stages were analyzed. In the precancerous and early stages， the primary pathogenesis is qi stagnation leading to internal generation of constrained heat； in post-surgery， the condition shifts to qi deficiency with latent yin fire； during the treatment phase， the pathogenesis involves accumulation of pathogenic factors， excess toxins， and severe heat toxicity； in the late stage， the main pathology is yin deficiency with toxic heat， and phlegm-stasis obstruction of the internal organs. Corresponding stage-based treatment strategies are proposed. In the early stage， regulating qi movement to dissipate constrained heat； for post-surgery， tonifying qi and raising yang to dispel latent fire； during treatment stage， clearing heat and detoxifying to eliminate cancerous toxins； and in the late stage， nourishing yin and unblocking the bowels to clear deficiency heat.

"Stagnation" is an important pathological state in the development and progression of malignant tumors. However， its intrinsic connection with different stages of tumor evolution has not been clearly elucidated in previous studies. Drawing on clinical practice， this paper proposes the theory of stagnant toxin， emphasizing stage-specific pathogenesis and differentiated treatment strategies for tumors based on the varying manifestations of stagnation at each phase. The theory interprets the pathogenesis of stagnant toxin across the stages of tumor development through the five elements "wood， fire， earth， metal， and water" corresponding respectively to wood stagnation in the precancerous stage， metal stagnation in the postoperative phase， fire stagnation during adjuvant therapy， earth stagnation in the progressive stage， and water stagnation in the advanced stage. Each type of stagnation reflects a distinct pathogenic mechanism， such as wood stagnation giving rise to disease， metal stagnation inducing residual symptoms， fire stagnation resulting in ulceration， earth stagnation spreading toxin transmission， and water stagnation leading to critical deterioration. Accordingly， the treatment principles include guiding wood stagnation with counterflow， dispersing metal stagnation to harmonize symptoms， venting fire stagnation to regress ulcers， depleting earth stagnation to block progression， and controlling water stagnation to preserve vitality. This theoretical framework offers a traditional Chinese medicine perspective for understanding and treating malignant tumors based on the concept of stagnant toxin.

Lung cancer （LC） is a significant global public health issue， with both its incidence and mortality rates ranking among the highest worldwide. The age-standardized incidence and mortality rates are increasing annually， posing a serious threat to the life and health of LC patients. Radical surgical resection is the primary treatment for malignant lung tumors. However， postoperative multidimensional functional impairments， including respiratory， mucosal， and psychological functions， are common. These impairments not only reduce patients' quality of life and affect their treatment tolerance and duration， but also negatively correlate with prognosis， facilitating disease recurrence and metastasis. At present， postoperative functional dysfunction after LC surgery remains a key clinical challenge that urgently needs to be addressed. There is a lack of standardized and regulated postoperative rehabilitation treatment management and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） differentiation and treatment strategies for LC. Focusing on the core underlying pathogenesis of "Qi sinking" after LC surgery， and guided by the classical TCM theory of "lungs governing Qi"， this study， based on the core concept of the "five perspectives on treatment" theory， innovatively proposes the respiratory dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking in the chest" during the rapid rehabilitation phase， mucosal dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Yin deficiency and Qi sinking" during the postoperative adjuvant treatment phase， and the psychological dysfunction as the core pathogenesis of "Qi sinking with emotional constraint" during the consolidation phase. Accordingly， stage-specific dynamic functional protection strategies are constructed. In the rapid rehabilitation phase， the strategy emphasizes tonifying Qi and uplifting sinking Qi， with differentiation and treatment based on the principle of ''descending before ascending''. In the adjuvant treatment phase， the approach focuses on nourishing Yin and uplifting Qi， with prescription combinations that integrate unblocking and tonification. In the consolidation phase， the strategy aims to resolve constraint and uplift Qi， with clinical treatment emphasizing a combination of dynamic and static methods. At each stage of functional rehabilitation， clinical differentiation and treatment should support healthy Qi and eliminate pathogenic factors simultaneously. This study is the first to propose the concept of postoperative functional protection in TCM， offering a new approach for TCM differentiation and treatment in the full-cycle， stage-based， and dynamic protection of postoperative function in LC patients. It is expected to contribute to the construction and development of an integrated TCM-Western medicine comprehensive program for cancer prevention and treatment in China.

Tumor treatment-related adverse reactions are a major focus of clinical concern， among which recurrent aphthous oral ulcers （RAU） associated with targeted therapy for lung cancer （LC） are among the most painful and distressing for patients. Currently， modern medical interventions show limited efficacy， and there is an urgent need for more effective treatment strategies. This study differentiates RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC from chemotherapy-related and ordinary oral ulcers， elucidates the pathophysiological basis of such ulcers， and traces the theoretical origin of "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse". Based on the new system of "five perspectives on diagnosis and treatment" for tumor prevention and treatment， with a focus on the core and symptom perspectives and rooted in the traditional concept of "lung dominating Qi"， we innovatively propose the concept of "medicine-induced ulcer" and are the first to introduce the theory of "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse" into the syndrome differentiation and treatment of RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC （i.e.， medicine-induced ulcer）. We propose that "Yin deficiency and Qi collapse" is the core pathogenesis of medicine-induced ulcers， in which the collapse of formless Qi is the key to their onset， while the deficiency and stasis of tangible Yin and blood constitute the root of recurrence. A hierarchical strategy for syndrome differentiation and treatment is established： first treating the collapse of formless Qi， then replenishing tangible deficiencies， and concurrently preventing recurrence. We emphasize that treatment should address both root and manifestation， with appropriate prioritization. In the acute phase， while relieving symptoms and promoting ulcer healing by nourishing Qi， uplifting collapse， and generating body fluids， attention should also be paid to nourishing spleen Yin， facilitating the circulation of nutritive Qi， and alleviating stasis to target the root pathogenesis and reduce recurrence. A verified case is presented to support this approach. This study enriches the theoretical framework and clinical methods of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in the treatment of RAU associated with targeted therapy for LC， promotes symptom management of treatment-related adverse reactions through integrated TCM and Western medicine， and provides theoretical support for the construction and development of a comprehensive differentiation and treatment system for lung cancer prevention， treatment， and rehabilitation.

Haematitum and Limonitum are two iron-containing mineral medicines included in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. They have similar main components and major differences in their property, flavor, channel tropism, and clinical uses. In this study, we investigated the surface properties, mineral composition, mineral dissociation, elemental composition, and iron state of Haematitum and Limonitum to explore their mineralogical differences. Scanning electron microscopy(SEM), specific surface and porosity analyzer, X-ray diffractometer(XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer(XPS), and advanced mineral identification and characterization system(AMICS) were used to analyze the mineralogy of Haematitum and Limonitum. The results showed that Haematitum had an angular surface with granular attachments and a specific surface area of 17.04 m~2·g~(-1). In comparison, Limonitum had a smooth and flat surface with a bundled acicular crystal structure and a specific surface area of 46.29 m~2·g~(-1). Haematitum consists of 31 detectable minerals containing 18 elements, with the major element, iron(44.5% Fe~(2+) and 55.5% Fe~(3+)) distributed in 17 minerals, including hematite, iron oxide, knebelite, siderite, and magnesioferrite. Limonitum consists of 32 detectable minerals containing 17 elements, with the major element, iron(14.5% Fe~(2+) and 85.5% Fe~(3+)) distributed in 19 minerals, including limonite, iron oxide, chlorite, and knebelite. In summary, the elemental composition of Haematitum and Limonitum does not differ greatly, but there are large differences in the mineral composition and iron state. The large specific surface area and strong adsorption capacity of Limonitum may be one of the mechanisms of its anti-diarrheal action. The Fe_2O_3 and illite contained in Haematitum and Limonitum may be the key substances for their hemostasis effects. The mineralogical differences are expected to provide a reference for explaining the scientific connotation of mineral medicine and laying a material foundation for studying its mechanism of action.
Iron/analysis* ; Minerals/chemistry* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; X-Ray Diffraction ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Photoelectron Spectroscopy

This study aims to investigate the protective effects and mechanisms of polysaccharide extract PCP1 from Polygonatum cyrtonema in ameliorating cerebral ischemia-reperfusion(I/R) injury in rats through modulation of the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3) signaling pathway. In vivo, SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group, model group, PCP1 group, nimodipine(NMDP) group, and TLR4 signaling inhibitor(TAK-242) group. A middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion(MCAO/R) model was established, and neurological deficit scores and infarct size were evaluated 24 hours after reperfusion. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in ischemic brain tissue. Transmission electron microscopy(TEM) assessed ultrastructural damage in cortical neurons. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure the levels of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-18(IL-18), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-10(IL-10), and nitric oxide(NO) in serum. Immunofluorescence was used to analyze the expression of TLR4 and NLRP3 proteins. In vitro, a BV2 microglial cell oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion(OGD/R) model was established, and cells were divided into the control, OGD/R, PCP1, TAK-242, and PCP1 + TLR4 activator lipopolysaccharide(LPS) groups. The CCK-8 assay evaluated BV2 cell viability, and ELISA determined NO release. Western blot was used to analyze the expression of TLR4, NLRP3, and downstream pathway-related proteins. The results indicated that, compared with the model group, PCP1 significantly reduced neurological deficit scores, infarct size, ischemic tissue pathology, cortical cell damage, and the levels of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, and NO(P<0.01). It also elevated IL-10 levels(P<0.01) and decreased the expression of TLR4 and NLRP3 proteins(P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, in vitro results showed that, compared with the OGD/R group, PCP1 significantly improved BV2 cell viability(P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced cell NO levels induced by OGD/R(P<0.01), and inhibited the expression of TLR4-related inflammatory pathway proteins, including TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6(TRAF6), phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappaB dimer RelA(p-p65)/nuclear factor-kappaB dimer RelA(p65), NLRP3, cleaved-caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), GSDMD-N, IL-1β, and IL-18(P<0.05, P<0.01). The protective effects of PCP1 were reversed by LPS stimulation. In conclusion, PCP1 ameliorates cerebral I/R injury by modulating the TLR4/NLRP3 signaling pathway, exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-pyroptotic effects.
Animals ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Reperfusion Injury/genetics* ; Male ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Polysaccharides/isolation & purification* ; Polygonatum/chemistry* ; Brain Ischemia/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Humans

This study applied the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation(GRADE) system and the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine(Eff-iEC) to evaluate the evidence for 12 commonly used Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of osteoporosis, which are frequently recommended in guidelines or expert consensuses. The results showed that Xianling Gubao Capsules/Tablets were rated as C(low-level evidence) according to the GRADE system, and as BA~+B~+(intermediate evidence) according to the Eff-iEC system. Jintiange Capsules were rated as C(low-level evidence) by the GRADE system, and as AA~+B(high-level evidence) by the Eff-iEC system. Gushukang Granules/Capsules were rated as C(low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as BA~+B~+(intermediate evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Zuogui Pills were rated as C(low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~(++)B~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Qianggu Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~+B~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Zhuanggu Zhitong Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as BA~+B(intermediate evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Jingui Shenqi Pills were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~+B(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Quanduzhong Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AD~+B~+(low-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Epimedium Total Flavones Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AAB~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Yougui Pills were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~(++)B~(+ )(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Qigu Capsules were rated as D(extremely low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as BB~+B(intermediate evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Liuwei Dihuang Pills were rated as C(low-level evidence) by GRADE system, and as AA~(++)B~+(high-level evidence) by Eff-iEC system. Overall, the Eff-iEC system provides a more comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness evidence for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) than the GRADE system. However, it still has certain limitations that hinder its wider promotion and application. In terms of clinical evidence evaluation, both the Eff-iEC and GRADE systems reflect that the current clinical research quality on Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of osteoporosis is generally low. High-quality clinical trials are still needed in the future to further validate clinical efficacy.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Osteoporosis/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Nonprescription Drugs/therapeutic use* ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

The prevalence of Class III malocclusion varies among different countries and regions. The populations from Southeast Asian countries (Chinese and Malaysian) showed the highest prevalence rate of 15.8%, which can seriously affect oral function, facial appearance, and mental health. As anterior crossbite tends to worsen with growth, early orthodontic treatment can harness growth potential to normalize maxillofacial development or reduce skeletal malformation severity, thereby reducing the difficulty and shortening the treatment cycle of later-stage treatment. This is beneficial for the physical and mental growth of children. Therefore, early orthodontic treatment for Class III malocclusion is particularly important. Determining the optimal timing for early orthodontic treatment requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, dental age, and skeletal age, and can lead to better results with less effort. Currently, standardized treatment guidelines for early orthodontic treatment of Class III malocclusion are lacking. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the etiology, clinical manifestations, classification, and early orthodontic techniques for Class III malocclusion, along with systematic discussions on selecting early treatment plans. The purpose of this expert consensus is to standardize clinical practices and improve the treatment outcomes of Class III malocclusion through early orthodontic treatment.
Humans ; Malocclusion, Angle Class III/classification* ; Orthodontics, Corrective/methods* ; Consensus ; Child

Objective:To evaluate the effect of propofol on parvalbumin (PV) neurons in the medical prefrontal cortex(mPFC)of rats with social behavior disorders induced by chronic sleep deprivation.Methods:Forty-two SPF male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8 weeks, weighing 200-250 g, were divided into 3 groups ( n=14 each) using a random number table method: control group (group Con), chronic sleep deprivation plus natural sleep group (group CSD+ NS), and chronic sleep deprivation plus propofol group (group CSD+ Pro). Sleep deprivation model was established by the modified multiple platform method, the rats were placed in the sleep-deprivation tank for 20 h a day (14: 00-10: 00), and allowed to sleep naturally for 4 h (10: 00-14: 00) a day for 28 consecutive days. Propofol 40 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected for 28 consecutive days after sleep deprivation in CSD+ Pro group. While the equal volume of 10% fat emulsion was given in Con and CSD+ NS groups. After the end of sleep deprivation, a three-box social experiment was used to detect the social behavior of rats, and the number of the PV positive cells and density of the perineuronal network (PNN) in the mPFC area were measured by immunofluorescence. Results:Compared with group Con, the pertentage of rapid eye movement sleep and sniffing time preference coefficients for the strange rat 1 in the first stage and for the strange rat 2 in the second stage were significantly decreased, and the number of the PV positive cells and density of PNN in the mPFC area were decreased in group CSD+ NS ( P<0.05). Compared with group CSD+ NS, the sniffing time preference coefficients for the strange rat 1 in the first stage and for the strange rat 2 in the second stage were significantly increased, the number of the PV positive cells and density of PNN in the mPFC area were increased( P<0.05), and no significant change was found in the percentage of the rapid eye movement sleep in group CSD+ Pro. Conclusions:Propofol probably increases the number and function of PV neurons in the mPFC and ameliorates sleep deprivation-induced social behavior disorders in sleep-deprived rats.

Malocclusion,identified by the World Health Organization(WHO)as one of three major oral diseases,profoundly impacts the dental-maxillofacial functions,facial esthetics,and long-term development of～260 million children in China.Beyond its physical manifestations,malocclusion also significantly influences the psycho-social well-being of these children.Timely intervention in malocclusion can foster an environment conducive to dental-maxillofacial development and substantially decrease the incidence of malocclusion or reduce the severity and complexity of malocclusion in the permanent dentition,by mitigating the negative impact of abnormal environmental influences on the growth.Early orthodontic treatment encompasses accurate identification and treatment of dental and maxillofacial morphological and functional abnormalities during various stages of dental-maxillofacial development,ranging from fetal stages to the early permanent dentition phase.From an economic and societal standpoint,the urgency for effective early orthodontic treatments for malocclusions in childhood cannot be overstated,underlining its profound practical and social importance.This consensus paper discusses the characteristics and the detrimental effects of malocclusion in children,emphasizing critical need for early treatment.It elaborates on corresponding core principles and fundamental approaches in early orthodontics,proposing comprehensive guidance for preventive and interceptive orthodontic treatment,serving as a reference for clinicians engaged in early orthodontic treatment.