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.

Inflammatory response,immunosuppression,and drug sensitivity have been reported to have a significant correlation with the disulfidptosis levels in cancer patients.However,the value of disulfidpto-sis in colorectal cancer therapy remains unclear.Therefore,we classified the CRC cells into different cell types using single-cell sequencing data and cell-specific markers and analyzed their relationship with the cell disulfidptosis level.We found that the high disulfidptosis regions were concentrated in epithelial-like CRC cells.Further exploration using the disulfidptosis and programmed cell death 1 inhibitor therapy treated differential expression genes indicated that CRC patients with high disulfidptosis levels exhibited a lower risk profile and increased sensitivity to immunotherapy.By using the spatial transcriptomic analy-sis,we found that ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein 1(UQCRC1),a disulfidptosis-related gene,is highly expressed in epithelial-like CRC cells and co-localized with immune-infiltrated tumor re-gions.Additional bioinformatic analyses and experimental validation further confirmed that UQCRC1 was downregulated in CRC tissues.Overexpression of UQCRC1 suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migra-tion.These findings indicate that UQCRC1 is a potential target for CRC diagnosis and treatment.

Objective:To investigate the factors that affect pelvic floor muscle repair in postpartum women.Methods:The clinical data of 100 patients who gave birth at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University between January 2021 and January 2024 and underwent pelvic floor muscle repair were analyzed retrospectively. Based on whether they received the repair, the patients were divided into a repair group ( n = 70) and a non-repair group ( n = 30). The clinical data of both groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to analyze the main factors that influence postpartum pelvic floor muscle repair. A predictive model was constructed, and its predictive value for the effectiveness of postpartum pelvic floor muscle repair was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Results:After pelvic floor muscle repair, total effective rate was 70% (70/100). There were significant differences between the repair group and the non-repair group in terms of age, parity, number of pregnancies, prenatal body mass index (BMI), neonatal body weight, mode of pelvic floor muscle repair, delivery mode, relaxin level, elastin level, pelvic floor muscle strength classification, degree of stress urinary incontinence, and training compliance (all P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis results indicated that age, prenatal BMI, parity, number of pregnancies, neonatal body weight, pelvic floor muscle strength grading, training compliance, relaxin level, and elastin level were independent influential factors for the effectiveness of postpartum pelvic floor muscle repair. The model can be represented as: Y = 1.253 × age + 0.131 × prenatal BMI + 1.313 × parity + 2.603 × number of pregnancies + 0.559 × neonatal body weight -1.512 × pelvic floor muscle strength grading + 1.271 × training compliance + 0.404 × relaxin level -9.945 × elastin level -4.015. The receiver operating characteristic curve results showed that the area under the curve values for age, prenatal BMI, parity, number of pregnancies, neonatal body weight, pelvic floor muscle strength grading, training compliance, relaxin level, and elastin level in predicting the effectiveness of postpartum pelvic floor muscle repair were 0.650, 0.634, 0.657, 0.786, 0.610, 0.783, 0.645, 0.949, and 0.991, respectively. The area under the curve values for relaxin and elastin levels exceeded 0.9, with the corresponding sensitivity and specificity for relaxin level being 90.00% and 92.90%, respectively, and for elastin level being 100.00% and 95.70%, respectively. Conclusions:Age, prenatal BMI, parity, number of pregnancies, neonatal body weight, pelvic floor muscle strength grading, training compliance, relaxin level, and elastin level are factors that affect the effectiveness of postpartum pelvic floor muscle repair. These factors have certain predictive value for the effectiveness of pelvic floor muscle repair, with relaxin and elastin levels showing particularly high predictive value. Clinically, this information can be used to develop a reasonable pelvic floor muscle repair plan for postpartum women.

In July 2024,the Diagnosis Related Groups(DRG)2.0 is released based on the Notice from the National Healthcare Security Administration on Issuing the DRG 2.0 and Deepening the Relevant Work.Compared with DRG 1.1,version 2.0 was established based on a wider range of suggestions regarding the Adjacent Diagnosis Related Groups(ADRG),Major Comorbidity or Complication(MCC),and Comorbidity or Complication(CC)from various institutions.A list of disease diagnoses and surgical operations that are not used as grouping rules was compiled,and grouping efficacy was further improved by upgrading the algorithms for MCC and CC with the help of AI.Meanwhile,it is necessary to pay more attention to the number of cases of ADRG,the better methods to list the MCC/CC,the suggestions of various doctors and continuously standardize the data and update the grouping scheme of DRG.

Recent studies have revealed a significant association between Porphyromonas gingivalis(P.gingivalis)infection and poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Although cer-tain circular RNAs(circRNA)have been shown to suppress ESCC tumorigenesis and progression,their regulatory mechanisms in P.gingivalis infection-associated ESCC remain elusive.In this study,RT-qPCR analysis demonstrated that P.gingivalis infection downregulated hsa_circ_0057552 expression in ESCC cells and tissues in a time-and dose-dependent manner.Actinomycin D assays further confirmed that P.gingivalis infection reduced the RNA stability of hsa_circ_0057552 in ESCC cells(P＜0.05).Functional assays in vitro and a subcutaneous tumor xenograft model in vivo revealed that hsa_circ_0057552 overexpression significantly inhibited ESCC cell proliferation,migration,invasion,and tumor growth(P＜0.05).Additionally,PCR array screening combined with RT-qPCR and Western blotting in-dicated that P.gingivalis infection markedly upregulated human antigen R(HuR)expression at both RNA and protein levels(P＜0.05).Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that HuR knockdown signifi-cantly increased hsa_circ_0057552 expression(P＜0.01),whereas hsa_circ_0057552 overexpression had no regulatory effect on HuR.Finally,si-HuR treatment reversed the inhibitory effect of P.gingivalis on hsa_circ_0057552 transcription.This study demonstrated that P.gingivalis may promote the progression of ESCC through a novel mechanism involving the regulation of HuR/hsa_circ_0057552,thereby identif-ying a novel therapeutic target and molecular marker for P.gingivalis-associated ESCC.

Objective:To investigate the effect of preoperative nabuliumab adjuvant chemotherapy on tumor marker levels in patients with early and middle stage non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods:Using a prospective study method, 106 patients with early and middle stage NSCLC patients who underwent pulmonary lobectomy at Jiaozhou Central Hospital of Qingdao from January 2019 to January 2021 were selected and divided into two groups according to a random number table method, with 53 patients in each group. The control group received preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with docetaxel, while the observation group received preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with nivolumab. The pathological response rate, tumor markers, disease-related indicators, adverse reactions, surgical conditions were compared between the two groups.Results:After treatment, the pathological remission rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group: 69.81% (37/53) vs. 41.51% (22/53), there was statistical difference ( χ2 = 8.60, P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum thymidine kinase 1 (TK1), carbohydrate antigen 125, specific tissue polypeptide antigen and transforming growth factor beta 1, lactate dehydrogenase, vascular endothelial growth factor in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: (1.42 ± 0.37) pmol/L vs. (1.73 ± 0.42) pmol/L, (43.55 ± 4.19) kU/L vs. (47.85 ± 5.36) kU/L, (4.12 ± 1.05) μg/L vs. (6.85 ± 1.39) μg/L, (38.75 ± 5.85) μg/L vs. (43.72 ± 6.19) μg/L, (173.65 ± 15.37) U/L vs. (189.75 ± 20.18) U/L, (367.52 ± 14.35) ng/L vs. (393.47 ± 18.49) ng/L, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). The incidence rate of diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and bone marrow suppression in the observation group were lower than those in the control group: 11.32%(6/53) vs. 30.19%(16/53), 15.09%(8/53) vs. 43.40%(23/53), 22.64%(12/53) vs. 56.60%(30/53), there were statistical differences ( χ2 = 5.74, 10.26, 12.78, P<0.05). The R0 resection rate and the incidence of surgery-related adverse reactions between the two groups had no statistical differences ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Preoperative nivolumab based adjuvant chemotherapy can improve the treatment effect of early and middle stage NSCLC patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy, regulate tumor marker levels, inhibit tumor progression, reduce the risk of gastrointestinal reactions and bone marrow suppression, and does not affect surgical treatment.

Objective To investigate the requirement of blood sugar management in elderly patients with Type Ⅱ diabetes and to provide a reference for development of a program in management of blood sugar.Methods Using interpretive decriptive phenomenological research,an interview outline based on the theoretical domain framework was developed and face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 aged patients who had Type Ⅱ diabetes in the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism of a Grade ⅢA hospital in Jiangxi Province.The participants were selected by purposive sampling.Colaizzi 7-step analytical method,in conjunction with Nvivo 11 software,was used to analyse,summarise and extract the themes.Results Seven themes related to the theoretical domain framework were extracted,which included knowledge,skills,environmental context and resources,behavioural adjustment,motivation and goals,emotions and self-efficacy.After refinement,nine sub-themes on major requirement for blood glucose management were extracted,which included the requirements for knowledge and skills in blood sugar management,support from the community and healthcare resources,support from the family,changes in maladaptive behaviours,individualised blood sugar management,motivation for self-management,clarity in goals of blood sugar control,emotional support and psychological adjustment,and support for strengthened beliefs(9 sub-themes).Conclusion Elderly patients with Type Ⅱ diabetes have diverse and individualised needs in management of blood sugar.In the future,healthcare staff should develop appropriate strategies or programs to meet the individual needs of patients by addressing the actual needs of patients,improving the self-management behaviours of patients so as to improve the effects of the blood sugar control.

Objective To explore the feasibility and corresponding implementation methods of constructing a sample resource bank based on individual-level data of completed clinical trials and using it to construct external controls for drug/device clinical trials.Methods Taking the pre-marketing clinical trial of transcatheter active valve replacement(TAVR)for the treatment of aortic valve stenosis as an example,the individual-level databases of multiple trials were standardized to form a sample bank.The original data of any trial in the sample bank were selected as the experimental group,and the remaining samples were selected as the control group.The potential confounding was handled by using the propensity score matching and stratification methods to clarify the process of constructing external controls based on the sample bank of individual-level data of clinical trials.Results This study included individual-level data of single-group trials of 4 TAVR devices,with a total of 569 subjects(59.2%male).The number of subjects in Trials 1 to 4 was 120,120,163,and 166,respectively.Propensity score matching enabled the matching of 113,117,125,and 147 subjects with comparable or similar characteristics from individual-level data from other trials,respectively,demonstrating a high matching success rate.The PS score distribution plot after stratification showed that the proportions of subjects in the experimental and control groups in strata 1 to 5 in scheme 1 were 4/103,11/103,22/92,32/87,and 51/64,respectively.For all constructed external controlled trials,a certain number of control samples with similar baseline characteristics to the experimental groups were distributed within each propensity score stratum.The results of the simulation test also reflected the potential differences between different devices in the 12-month all-cause mortality rate.Conclusions The sample bank constructed with individual-level data from clinical trials,as a high-quality data source,can serve as a source of external control for single-arm trials in the same field,and as a useful supplement to the external control scenario of real-world evidence to support drug and device development.At the same time,targeted research on research methods and bias control measures in related fields is also needed.

Inflammatory response,immunosuppression,and drug sensitivity have been reported to have a significant correlation with the disulfidptosis levels in cancer patients.However,the value of disulfidpto-sis in colorectal cancer therapy remains unclear.Therefore,we classified the CRC cells into different cell types using single-cell sequencing data and cell-specific markers and analyzed their relationship with the cell disulfidptosis level.We found that the high disulfidptosis regions were concentrated in epithelial-like CRC cells.Further exploration using the disulfidptosis and programmed cell death 1 inhibitor therapy treated differential expression genes indicated that CRC patients with high disulfidptosis levels exhibited a lower risk profile and increased sensitivity to immunotherapy.By using the spatial transcriptomic analy-sis,we found that ubiquinol-cytochrome c reductase core protein 1(UQCRC1),a disulfidptosis-related gene,is highly expressed in epithelial-like CRC cells and co-localized with immune-infiltrated tumor re-gions.Additional bioinformatic analyses and experimental validation further confirmed that UQCRC1 was downregulated in CRC tissues.Overexpression of UQCRC1 suppressed CRC cell proliferation and migra-tion.These findings indicate that UQCRC1 is a potential target for CRC diagnosis and treatment.