ObjectiveIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the foundational doctrine that the eyes reflect the essence of the internal viscera establishes ocular observation as a cornerstone of diagnostic practice. Specifically, the morphological characteristics and coloration variations of the scleral microvasculature serve as critical clinical indicators for assessing the dynamic balance of Qi and Blood, as well as the pathological status of internal organs. Historically, however, TCM eye diagnosis has relied predominantly on the subjective clinical experience and visual acuity of individual practitioners, leading to inherent challenges in standardization and reproducibility. While automated computer-aided diagnostic systems offer a promising solution, existing vessel segmentation algorithms encounter significant domain-specific bottlenecks when applied to scleral imagery. These challenges primarily stem from the highly reflective and moist nature of the ocular surface, which generates severe reflective interference. Furthermore, the inherent low contrast of fine capillary networks against complex background textures, compounded by non-uniform illumination, frequently results in high false-positive rates, misdetections, and severe vessel fragmentation. To address these critical limitations and advance the objective quantification of TCM diagnostics, this paper proposes a novel, highly robust sclera vessel segmentation framework that innovatively integrates Frangi-Sato dual-filter adaptive enhancement with pixel-level reflection detection. MethodsThe proposed methodology systematically addresses the segmentation pipeline through three synergistic stages. First, to overcome the structural limitations of single-filter approaches, a multi-scale weighted fusion strategy is meticulously designed to harness the complementary extraction capabilities of both Frangi and Sato filters. This adaptive enhancement optimally balances the preservation of main vessel trunk continuity with the heightened sensitivity required for delineating delicate, low-contrast peripheral capillaries. Second, to tackle the persistent issue of reflective highlights, a sophisticated multi-feature synergistic reflection detection module is introduced. By jointly analyzing local information entropy, gradient field variations, and intensity statistical distributions, this module achieves precise, pixel-level identification and elimination of reflective artifacts without compromising the underlying vascular structures. Finally, a dual-level adaptive thresholding strategy, featuring an innovative “core protection” mechanism, is implemented. This critical step effectively suppresses complex background noise while rigorously preserving the structural and topological integrity of the intricate vessel network, preventing the structural breaks often seen in conventional binarization methods. ResultsThe efficacy of the proposed framework was rigorously evaluated using both self-constructed clinical datasets specifically acquired for TCM research and standardized public datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art traditional approaches and contemporary deep learning models. Specifically, the proposed method achieves a Dice similarity coefficient of approximately 0.71 on the private clinical dataset, and secures the best performance across the majority of quantitative metrics on both datasets. Notably, the framework exhibits exceptional robustness and generalization capabilities in highly challenging scenarios characterized by intense reflective interference, low signal-to-noise ratios, and cross-domain image variations. ConclusionThis study successfully realizes the high-integrity, automated segmentation of scleral vessel networks under complex clinical imaging conditions. By overcoming the fundamental algorithmic challenges of reflection interference and micro-vessel loss, the proposed methodology provides potential support for the digitization, objective standardization, and intelligent advancement of modern TCM eye diagnosis systems.

ObjectiveIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the foundational doctrine that the eyes reflect the essence of the internal viscera establishes ocular observation as a cornerstone of diagnostic practice. Specifically, the morphological characteristics and coloration variations of the scleral microvasculature serve as critical clinical indicators for assessing the dynamic balance of Qi and Blood, as well as the pathological status of internal organs. Historically, however, TCM eye diagnosis has relied predominantly on the subjective clinical experience and visual acuity of individual practitioners, leading to inherent challenges in standardization and reproducibility. While automated computer-aided diagnostic systems offer a promising solution, existing vessel segmentation algorithms encounter significant domain-specific bottlenecks when applied to scleral imagery. These challenges primarily stem from the highly reflective and moist nature of the ocular surface, which generates severe reflective interference. Furthermore, the inherent low contrast of fine capillary networks against complex background textures, compounded by non-uniform illumination, frequently results in high false-positive rates, misdetections, and severe vessel fragmentation. To address these critical limitations and advance the objective quantification of TCM diagnostics, this paper proposes a novel, highly robust sclera vessel segmentation framework that innovatively integrates Frangi-Sato dual-filter adaptive enhancement with pixel-level reflection detection. MethodsThe proposed methodology systematically addresses the segmentation pipeline through three synergistic stages. First, to overcome the structural limitations of single-filter approaches, a multi-scale weighted fusion strategy is meticulously designed to harness the complementary extraction capabilities of both Frangi and Sato filters. This adaptive enhancement optimally balances the preservation of main vessel trunk continuity with the heightened sensitivity required for delineating delicate, low-contrast peripheral capillaries. Second, to tackle the persistent issue of reflective highlights, a sophisticated multi-feature synergistic reflection detection module is introduced. By jointly analyzing local information entropy, gradient field variations, and intensity statistical distributions, this module achieves precise, pixel-level identification and elimination of reflective artifacts without compromising the underlying vascular structures. Finally, a dual-level adaptive thresholding strategy, featuring an innovative “core protection” mechanism, is implemented. This critical step effectively suppresses complex background noise while rigorously preserving the structural and topological integrity of the intricate vessel network, preventing the structural breaks often seen in conventional binarization methods. ResultsThe efficacy of the proposed framework was rigorously evaluated using both self-constructed clinical datasets specifically acquired for TCM research and standardized public datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art traditional approaches and contemporary deep learning models. Specifically, the proposed method achieves a Dice similarity coefficient of approximately 0.71 on the private clinical dataset, and secures the best performance across the majority of quantitative metrics on both datasets. Notably, the framework exhibits exceptional robustness and generalization capabilities in highly challenging scenarios characterized by intense reflective interference, low signal-to-noise ratios, and cross-domain image variations. ConclusionThis study successfully realizes the high-integrity, automated segmentation of scleral vessel networks under complex clinical imaging conditions. By overcoming the fundamental algorithmic challenges of reflection interference and micro-vessel loss, the proposed methodology provides potential support for the digitization, objective standardization, and intelligent advancement of modern TCM eye diagnosis systems.

: To analyze the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency among primary and secondary school students in Rural Nutrition Improvement Program areas of Guizhou Province in 2023, and to explore the related factors, so as to provide evidence for Rural Nutrition Improvement Program optimization. Methods: In September 2023, a stratified random cluster sampling strategy was used to select 40 rural compulsory education schools with rural nutrition improvement program in five counties of Guizhou Province. School level questionnaire was employed to collect information of basic characteristics and school meal implementation. A total of 7 826 primary and secondary school students aged 6-16 underwent anthropometry and hemoglobin (Hb) determination; serum ferritin (SF) was additionally measured in a random subsample of 1 795 pupils. Students in Grade 3 and above also completed a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, dietary behaviours and nutrition knowledge. Group comparisons were conducted by Chi square test or Fisher s exact test, and multivariable Logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with anemia and iron deficiency. Results: The overall Hb level was (133.21±12.95)g/L, with an anemia prevalence of 7.17%. The overall SF level was (69.58±59.01)μg/L, with an iron deficiency prevalence of 2.73%. Multivariable analysis showed that stunting ( OR =1.88), school menus without nutrient calculation ( OR =1.61) and absence of menu planning software in the current semester ( OR =2.34) independently increased anemia risk, whereas obesity reduced it ( OR =0.54) (all P <0.05). Girls ( OR =4.16) and Grades 7-9 ( OR =5.93) increased iron deficiency risk (both P <0.05). Compared with rarely eating fresh vegetables, students with consuming <3 kinds per day ( OR =0.08) or exactly 3 kinds per day ( OR =0.06) had lower iron deficiency risks (both P <0.05). Conclusions Anemia and iron deficiency are prevalent among primary and secondary school students in Guizhou. Targeted intervention measures should be implemented for key populations to enhance the effectiveness of nutrition improvement program.

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Weicanqing Formula （微残清方， WF） combined with chemotherapy in treating acute myeloid leukemia （AML） based on malic enzyme 2 （ME2）-mediated bone marrow immune-metabolic homeostasis and . MethodsSixty-five male C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into control group， model group， WF group， chemotherapy group， and the combination group （WF plus chemotherapy）， with 13 mice per group. Except for the control group， mice were injected with C1498 cells （appro-ximately 1×10⁶ cells per mouse） via the tail vein on day 1 to establish an AML model. Starting from day 8， mice in the chemotherapy group and the combination group were administered with cytarabine at 30 mg/（kg·d） via subcutaneous injection， once daily for 3 consecutive days； WF group and the combination group received WF at 7.54 g/（kg·d） by gavage， once daily for 21 consecutive days. On days 1， 7， 14， 21 and 28， hemoglobin （Hb） and white blood cell （WBC） levels were determined in each group. On day 28， Giemsa staining was used to observe morphological changes in bone marrow cells. Flow cytometry was employed to detect the expression levels of bone marrow T lympthocyte subsets， including CD8⁺， CD4⁺， and regulatory T lymphocytes （Treg）. The contents of glutamine （Gln）， nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADP⁺）， and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） in bone marrow were determined using visible spectrophotometry. Adenosine triphosphate （ATP） concentration in bone marrow was measured by chemiluminescence assay. The mRNA expression of malic enzyme 2 （ME2） in bone marrow was detected by RT-qPCR， and the protein expression level of ME2 was determined by Western blotting. ResultsCompared to the control group， the model group showed decreased Hb levels on day 14， 21， and 28， and increased WBC levels on day 7， 14， 21， and 28 （P＜0.05）. On day 28， bone marrow CD8⁺ and CD8⁺/CD4⁺ levels decreased， while Treg cells， ATP， Gln， NADP⁺， NADPH， ME2 mRNA， and their corresponding protein levels increased （P＜0.05）. Compared to the model group， the chemotherapy group and the combination group both exhibited reduced Hb level on day 14， 21 and 28， as well as the increased WBC level； the combination group showed increased CD8⁺ level， decreased Treg， ATP， Gln， and NADPH content， as well as reduced ME2 mRNA expression and protein levels （P＜0.05）. Compared to the chemotherapy group， the combination group showed significantly increased Hb level on days 21 and 28， and increased WBC level on day 28 （P＜0.05）. Bone marrow smear pathology revealed that， in the model group， myeloid blast cells exhibited cytoplasmic vacuoles indicative of abnormal metabolic activity. In contrast， both the chemotherapy group and the combination group showed large numbers of metamyelocytes and band neutrophils， with only a few immature granulocytic blast cells observed. ConclusionWF may improve the prognosis of AML when used as an adjunct to chemotherapy by modulating ME2 expression， inhibiting metabolic energy competition within the bone marrow microenvironment， and reshaping the distribution of T lymphocyte subsets in the bone marrow.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To establish 30-day of age transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) reference curves for healthy neonates, and to investigate regional variations in bilirubin dynamics.Methods:A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted. A total of 220 950 healthy neonates born at a gestational age of 35-<42 weeks, with a birth weight ≥2 000 g, who did not receive phototherapy within 60 h after birth were recruited. All of them underwent remote TcB monitoring using the Bilibaby remote jaundice monitoring system between August 1 st, 2020 and December 31 st, 2024 in 426 hospitals. TcB data were collected within the period from birth to 30-day of age. The P40, P75, and P95 of TcB values were calculated, and dynamic TcB curves for 30-day of age were constructed. Patterns of bilirubin change, rates of change, and transition outcomes were described. Regional comparisons between South and North were conducted using linear mixed-effects models for TcB trajectories and Pearson′s chi-square test for outcome differences. Results:A total of 220 950 neonates were included, of whom 101 711 (46.03%) were female. Gestational age at birth was (38.75±1.12) weeks, and birth weight was (3 272±417) g. TcB levels increased rapidly within 3-day of age, peaked at 4-6-day of age, with peak values at P40, P75, and P95 of 200.6, 239.7 and 275.4 μmol/L (11.8, 14.1 and 16.2 mg/dl), respectively. TcB levels gradually declined thereafter and stabilized after 13-day of age, with values at P40, P75, and P95 fluctuating between 147.9-159.8, 190.4-200.6, and 231.2-239.7 μmol/L (8.7-9.4, 11.2-11.8, 13.6-14.1 mg/dl), respectively. Notably, among neonates categorized as low-or low-intermediate-risk within 3-day of age, 6 700 (12.76%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk between 4 and 30 days of age. Before 13-day of age, TcB levels in the southern regions were consistently higher than those in the northern regions ( P=0.039); from 14 to 30 days of age, the overall TcB levels had no statistically difference, but the temporal changes in TcB still showed regional differences (degrees of freedom=3, all interaction P<0.05). Among neonates classified as low-or low-intermediate risk within 3-day of age, 25 326 were from southern regions, of whom 4 254 (16.80%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk between 4 and 30 days of age. In northern regions, 27 193 neonates were classified as low-or low-intermediate risk within 3-day of age, among whom 2 446 (8.99%) progressed to intermediate-high or high risk. The risk progression between the 2 regions had statistically difference ( χ2=716.49, P<0.001). Conclusions:A TcB percentile curve for neonates within 30-day of age was established, revealing that both the overall TcB level and its temporal trend were higher in southern than in northern newborns. These findings provide baseline data to support continuous management of neonatal jaundice.

OBJECTIVE To explore the colonization rates of carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria(CRGNB)in intestinal tracts of intensive care unit(ICU)patients and analyze the influencing factors.METHODS The ICU patients were recruited from a three-A general hospital of Shanghai from Jan.2024 to Dec.2024,an ac-tive screening was carried out for intestinal tract CRGNB,and the detection rates of 5 types of carbapenems resist-ance genes(CRGs)in the CRGNB strains were observed.The baseline data and hospitalization data before the ac-tive screening were collected from the patients,logistic regression analysis was performed for the influencing fac-tors for the colonization of CRGNB.The effects of targeted infection control measures on length of ICU stay,hos-pitalization cost and prognosis were observed and compared before and after the active screening was carried out.RESULTS A total of 748 patients were included in the active screening,and the colonization rate of CRGNB in intestinal tracts was 11.50％(86/748).Among the CRGs,the detection rate of blaNDM was the highest(6.82％),followed by blaIMP(4.55％)and blaKPC(2.54％).The result of logistic regression analysis showed that,with an increase of 1 each day of hospital stay before the admission to ICUs,the risk was increased by 1.055 times(OR=1.055,95％CI:1.030 to 1.081,P＜0.001),the risk was 0.442 times the use of as aminoglycosides as the use of β-lactams(OR=0.442,95％CI:0.244 to 0.801,P=0.007).The targeted infection control measures that were taken after the active screening shortened the length of hospital stay(Z=-3.514,P＜0.001),reduce the hospitalization cost(Z=3.030,P=0.002)and improve the prognosis of the patients(x2=7.470,P=0.006).CONCLUSIONS The colonization rates of CRGNB in intestinal tracts are high among the ICU patients.It is necessary to reduce the length of hospital stay prior to ICU and strengthen the surveillance of drug-resistant strains and management of antibiotics.

Chronic heart failure(CHF)is a common end-stage manifestation of cardiovascular disease,and the"spleen-small intestine-heart"axis is its important mechanism.Current studies have shown that the"spleen"in TCM and mitochondria function are similar,and the physiological dysfunction of the"small intestine"is also closely related to intestinal bacterial dysbiosis,and the pathology of the spleen and the small intestine will be transmitted to the heart to accelerate the occurrence and development of CHF.Based on the relevant theory of spleen-small intestine-heart,this article described the correlation between abnormal mitochondrial energy metabolism and imbalance of intestinal flora and CHF from the aspects of the spleen,small intestine and heart,and believed that the essence of CHF is a pathological condition formed by mitochondrial energy metabolism crisis and intestinal microecological disorders,which could provide theoretical references for the TCM prevention and treatment of CHF.

Objective:To explore the role and mechanism of Ras homolog gene family member E (RhoE) gene in myocardial fibrosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy.Methods:Wild-type SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin solution (STZ, 70 mg/kg) and an equal volume of sodium citrate solution to establish the type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) group ( n=15) and the T1DM control group ( n=15), respectively. db/db spontaneous type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice and wild-type C57BL/6J mice were conventionally housed for 8 weeks to establish the T2DM group ( n=5) and the T2DM control group ( n=5), respectively. Heterozygote SD rats with systemic knockout of the RhoE gene were intraperitoneally injected with STZ solution (70 mg/kg) and an equal volume of sodium citrate solution to establish the RhoE knockout T1DM group ( n=5) and the RhoE knockout control group ( n=5), respectively. Wild-type SD rats were injected with RhoE-overexpressing adeno-associated virus 9 through tail vein and intraperitoneally injected with STZ solution (70 mg/kg) to establish the RhoE overexpression T1DM group ( n=5), while wild-type SD rats injected with negative control virus through tail vein and intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of sodium citrate solution served as the RhoE overexpression control group ( n=5). After successful modeling, all animals in each group were conventionally housed for an additional 6 or 8 weeks, which marked the experimental endpoint. At the experimental endpoint, echocardiography was performed to assess cardiac function of animals in each group, and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and the ratio of early to late diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E/A ratio) were analysed. Masson staining was used to detect collagen fiber deposition in myocardial tissue of animals in each group. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression levels of RhoE gene, type Ⅰ collagen, type Ⅲ collagen, Smad2/3, and phosphorylated Smad2/3 protein in myocardial tissue of rats. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in serum of rats. Results:Compared with their respective control groups, the expression of RhoE in the heart tissues of mice in the T2DM group and rats in the T1DM group was significantly downregulated, and the deposition of collagen fibers was more significant ( P<0.05), and LVEF and E/A ratio were lower (all P<0.05). Compared with the T1DM group, the phosphorylation level of Smad2/3、the levels of type Ⅰ collagen and type Ⅲ collagen in myocardial tissue and the level of TGF-β1 in serum were higher in the RhoE knockout T1DM group (all P<0.05). Additionally, rats in the RhoE overexpression T1DM group had higher LVEF and E/A ratios (both P<0.05) and less collagen fiber deposition ( P<0.05) compared with the T1DM group. Conclusions:Myocardial fibrosis induced by diabetes mellitus activates TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway by inhibiting RhoE gene expression. Myocardial targeting overexpression of the RhoE mediated by adeno-associated virus 9 can alleviate myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy.

This study was aimed at evaluating the characteristics of H9N2 subtype avian influenza viruses(AIVs)origina-ting from wild birds in major wetlands in Fujian.Five H9N2 subtype AIVs isolated from fecal samples from wild birds in wet-lands of the Minjiang River,Jiulong River,Sandu Bay,Xinghua Bay,and Quanzhou Bay in Fujian were sequenced.Sequence a-nalysis of the HA genes of the five H9N2 subtype AIVs indicated that the five isolates shared 89.8％-99.4％nucleotide se-quence identity.All five isolates belonged to the same h9.4.2.5c evolutionary branch.The cleavage site motifs of HA were all PSRSSR ↓ GLF,thus indicating molecular characteristics of AIVs with low pathogenicity.The HA proteins of the viruses orig-inating from wild birds bore eight identical potential glycosylation sites,among which the glycosylation site at position 313 was located near the HA protein cleavage site.The 226th amino acid of HA in the receptor binding site was leucine in each virus,thus indicating that HAs of the five H9N2 subtype AIVs had mammalian sialic acid α-2,6 receptor binding affinity.In conclu-sion,the five H9N2 subtype AIVs originating from wild birds in Fujian had low pathogenicity,and the HAs had mammalian sialic acid α-2,6 receptor binding affinity.