1.Sclera Vessel Segmentation Based on Fusion Filtering and Reflection Suppression
Ming-Xuan FAN ; Zong-Qing MA ; Chu-Xiang GAO ; Yi-Xuan SHI ; Zi-Hang ZHANG ; Zhe-Xuan JIA ; Fan FAN ; Guo-Liang HUANG ; Jiang ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1195-1206
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.
2.Sclera Vessel Segmentation Based on Fusion Filtering and Reflection Suppression
Ming-Xuan FAN ; Zong-Qing MA ; Chu-Xiang GAO ; Yi-Xuan SHI ; Zi-Hang ZHANG ; Zhe-Xuan JIA ; Fan FAN ; Guo-Liang HUANG ; Jiang ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1195-1206
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.
3.Ligustilide improves demyelination of dMCAO mouse model by inhibiting inflammation through AIM2/caspase-1 signaling pathway
Ya-jie LIANG ; Jian LIU ; Ying CHEN ; Zi-wei ZHANG ; Meng PU ; Yi-bin TANG ; Hai-fei ZHANG ; Guo-bin SONG ; Cun-gen MA ; Qing WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):851-860
Aim To explore the mechanism of ligustil-ide(LIG)improving demyelination by inhibiting in-flammatory response in mice with distal middle cerebral artery occlusion(dMCAO)through AIM2/caspase-1 signal pathway.Methods Thirty C57BL/6N male mice were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation group(Sham group,n=10),model group(dMCAO group,n=10)and treatment group(LIG group,n=10).The dMCAO mouse model was estab-lished by electrocoagulation in dMCAO group and LIG group.The mice were scored by Longa after waking up,and the changes of cerebral blood flow were moni-tored by laser speckle blood flow imaging system after dMCAO.One hour after modeling,LIG(30 mg·kg-1·d-1)was injected intraperitoneally in LIG group,and the same amount of normal saline was injected in sham group and dMCAO group for one week until the end of the experiment.The mice in each group were stained with TTC,and the brain injury was observed pathologically.Fatigue turning bar test and open field test were used to evaluate the motor function and anxie-ty degree of mice,and then the brain tissues of mice were taken for black gold staining to compare the chan-ges of myelin sheath in each group.Immunofluores-cence staining was used to detect the average fluores-cence intensity of MBP,IBA1 and GFAP in CC,CPU and CX regions of mouse brains.ELISAwas used to de-tect the contents of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1 β,IL-17A and BDNF in brain tissue proteins of mice.Western blot-ting was used to detect the protein expressions of AIM2,caspase-1 and ASC-in each group.Results Compared with the dMCAO group,the infarct area was reduced,the behavior was significantly improved and the demyelination was reduced in the LIG group.The expression of MBP protein in CC,CPU and CX regions increased(P<0.05),the expression of IBA1 in CX decreased(P<0.01),and the expression of GFAP in-creased in CC,CPU and CX regions(P<0.01).The results of ELISA showed that the levels ofTNF-α(P<0.01),IL-6(P<0.01),IL-1β(P<0.05)and IL-17A(P<0.01)significantly decreased,while the ex-pression of BDNF increased(P<0.05).The protein expression levels of AIM2,caspase-1 and ASC in mouse brain decreased after treatment(P<0.01).Conclusion LIG has a protective effect on demyelina-tion in dMCAO mice,which may be related to the inhi-bition of AIM2/caspase-1 signaling pathway and in-flammation and to the promotion of BDNF secretion.
4.Ligustilide improves demyelination of dMCAO mouse model by inhibiting inflammation through AIM2/caspase-1 signaling pathway
Ya-jie LIANG ; Jian LIU ; Ying CHEN ; Zi-wei ZHANG ; Meng PU ; Yi-bin TANG ; Hai-fei ZHANG ; Guo-bin SONG ; Cun-gen MA ; Qing WANG
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(5):851-860
Aim To explore the mechanism of ligustil-ide(LIG)improving demyelination by inhibiting in-flammatory response in mice with distal middle cerebral artery occlusion(dMCAO)through AIM2/caspase-1 signal pathway.Methods Thirty C57BL/6N male mice were randomly divided into three groups:sham operation group(Sham group,n=10),model group(dMCAO group,n=10)and treatment group(LIG group,n=10).The dMCAO mouse model was estab-lished by electrocoagulation in dMCAO group and LIG group.The mice were scored by Longa after waking up,and the changes of cerebral blood flow were moni-tored by laser speckle blood flow imaging system after dMCAO.One hour after modeling,LIG(30 mg·kg-1·d-1)was injected intraperitoneally in LIG group,and the same amount of normal saline was injected in sham group and dMCAO group for one week until the end of the experiment.The mice in each group were stained with TTC,and the brain injury was observed pathologically.Fatigue turning bar test and open field test were used to evaluate the motor function and anxie-ty degree of mice,and then the brain tissues of mice were taken for black gold staining to compare the chan-ges of myelin sheath in each group.Immunofluores-cence staining was used to detect the average fluores-cence intensity of MBP,IBA1 and GFAP in CC,CPU and CX regions of mouse brains.ELISAwas used to de-tect the contents of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1 β,IL-17A and BDNF in brain tissue proteins of mice.Western blot-ting was used to detect the protein expressions of AIM2,caspase-1 and ASC-in each group.Results Compared with the dMCAO group,the infarct area was reduced,the behavior was significantly improved and the demyelination was reduced in the LIG group.The expression of MBP protein in CC,CPU and CX regions increased(P<0.05),the expression of IBA1 in CX decreased(P<0.01),and the expression of GFAP in-creased in CC,CPU and CX regions(P<0.01).The results of ELISA showed that the levels ofTNF-α(P<0.01),IL-6(P<0.01),IL-1β(P<0.05)and IL-17A(P<0.01)significantly decreased,while the ex-pression of BDNF increased(P<0.05).The protein expression levels of AIM2,caspase-1 and ASC in mouse brain decreased after treatment(P<0.01).Conclusion LIG has a protective effect on demyelina-tion in dMCAO mice,which may be related to the inhi-bition of AIM2/caspase-1 signaling pathway and in-flammation and to the promotion of BDNF secretion.
5.Investigation of tumor-suppressive mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin in Lewis lung cancer mice via TXNIP/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway
Qiong-qiong GUO ; Wen-jie LI ; Jin-tian LI ; Jian-qing LIANG ; Ping TIAN ; Rong HU ; Xu-chao DONG ; Mei-hao XUE ; Long-xin XU
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(9):2894-2901
AIM To investigate the tumor-suppressive mechanism of Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin in Lewis lung cancer mice.METHODS Ten intact C57BL/6J mice were assigned to the blank group.Sixty additional mice were developed into Lewis lung cancer models bearing transplanted tumor and subsequently allocated into the model group,the cisplatin group(5 mg/kg),the high-dose Guiqi Yiyuan Extract group(6.6 g/kg),and the low-dose,medium-dose and high-dose Guiqi Yiyuan Extract combined with cisplatin group(1.6,3.3,6.6 g/kg+5 mg/kg),with 10 mice in each group.Mice in the blank and model groups received saline via daily gavage,while treatment groups were administered Guiqi Yiyuan Extract orally(once daily),and cisplatin injection intraperitoneally(once every other day).After 14 days of drug administration,mice were euthanized for endpoint analysis.The following assessments were conducted:general health status and body weight changes monitored throughout the study period;tumor excision and weighing for inhibition rate calculation;histopathological examination of tumors via hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining;serum quantification of IL-1 β,IL-18 and HMGB1 by ELISA;ultrastructural analysis of tumor cell death using transmission electron microscopy(TEM);spatial localization of TXNIP and GSDMD-N in tumor sections via immunofluorescence(IF);and Western blot detection of TXNIP,NLRP3,Caspase-1,cleaved Caspase-1,GSDMD,GSDMD-N protein expressions in tumor tissues.RESULTS Compared to the model group,the cisplatin group and all combination therapy groups exhibited significant reduction in tumor weight(P<0.05)and increased tumor suppression rate;enhanced tumor tissue necrosis with characteristic pyroptotic morphology;elevated serum levels of IL-1β,IL-18 and HMGB1(P<0.05);and upregulated expressions of pyroptosis-associated proteins TXNIP,NLRP3,Caspase-1,cleaved Caspase-1,GSDMD and GSDMD-N(P<0.05).The high dose combination group demonstrated optimal therapeutic efficacy(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Guiqi Yiyuan Extract enhances cisplatin sensitivity,demonstrating synergistic anti-tumor effects in Lewis lung carcinoma-bearing mice.This combinatorial therapeutic effect likely involves modulation of the TXNIP/NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway.
6.MiR-330-5p targets OY-TES-1 to inhibit the migration of glioblastoma
Guo LIANG ; Zhen-kai ZHAO ; Zhao-yue ZENG ; Qing-mei ZHANG ; Wei-xia NONG ; Xiao-xun XIE ; Xi-sheng LI
Journal of Regional Anatomy and Operative Surgery 2025;34(2):98-103
Objective To explore the targeted regulatory relationship of miR-330-5p on OY-TES-1 in glioblastoma and the effect of miR-330-5p/OY-TES-1 axis on the migration ability of glioblastoma.Methods Bioinformatics analysis was performed to analyze the expression level of miR-330-5p in patients with glioblastoma and its influence on prognosis and survival of patients.The glioblastoma cells U251 were divided into miR-330-5p minics group,minics-NC group,and miR-330-5p+OY-TES-1 overexpression group(miR-330-5p minics+pcDNA3.1-OY-TES-1).The effect of miR-330-5p on the activity of OY-TES-1 3'UTR region was detected by double luciferase reporter gene experiment.The expression of OY-TES-1 mRNA was detected by qRT-PCR.The effect of miR-330-5p/OY-TES-1 axis on the migration ability of glioblastoma cells was detected by Transwell migration assay.Results The expression of miR-330-5p in glioblastoma tissue was significantly lower than those in non-tumor brain tissue and low-grade glioma tissue(P<0.05).The survival time of glioblastoma patients with high expression of miR-330-5p was significantly longer than that of patients with low expression of miR-330-5p(P<0.05).After overexpression of miR-330-5p,the activity of OY-TES-1 3'UTR region was decreased(P<0.05).Compared with minics-NC group,the expression levels of OY-TES-1 mRNA of U251 and U87MG cells in miR-330-5p minics group were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with minics-NC group,the numbers of migrating cells in miR-330-5p minics group and miR-330-5p+OY-TES-1 overexpression group were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with miR-330-5p minics group,the number of migrating cells in miR-330-5p+OY-TES-1 overexpression group was significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion MiR-330-5p targets OY-TES-1 to inhibit the migration of glioblastoma.
7.Design of detection gloves for orthopedic manipulation
Liu-peng SHI ; Bin SHI ; Sheng-nan CAO ; Ji-qing WANG ; Liang-yu XIE ; Guo-dong SUN
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(7):27-33
Objective To design a pairs of detection gloves for orthopedic manipulation to solve the problems of orthopedic manipulation in accurate,visual and quantitative description and reproduction in teaching.Methods The orthopedic manipulation detection gloves were mainly composed of a detection body worn on the hands,a main control module and a data visualization system.The detection body was made of multi-layer flexible materials such as rubber,cotton and non-woven fabrics,which integrated inertial sensors,pressure sensors and a data acquisition device;the main control module consisted of a filter circuit,an A/D converter(MCP3008)and a main controller(ARM-STM32 microcontroller);the data visualization system was designed based on the Unity 3D platform.Results The orthopedic manipulation detection gloves effectively detected the rotation angle of the knuckle during the orthopedic process with a high accuracy rate.Conclusion The orthopedic manipulation detection gloves can quantitatively display the abstract orthopedic manipulation,and can provide support for intelligent orthopedic teaching and orthopedic manipulation optimization.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(7):27-33]
8.Decellularized tendon scaffold:a biomedical material for tendon injury repair
Xiaoding YI ; Di ZHANG ; Hong GUO ; Liang QING ; Tianyu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(34):7385-7392
BACKGROUND:Due to the lack of blood supply to tendons and the low repair ability of tendon cells,the repair cycle of tendon tissue is long.With the maturity of decellularization technology,decellularized extracellular matrix is receiving increasing attention in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.Due to its high activity,low immunogenicity,and ability to support cell attachment,proliferation,and differentiation,decellularized tendon scaffolds are expected to promote tendon repair.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the biological characteristics of decellularized tendon scaffolds,elucidate the mechanism by which decellularized tendon scaffolds promote tendon healing,and explain the application methods and future limitations of decellularized tendon scaffolds in combination with other materials.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed databases using the Chinese search terms"tendon injury,tendon repair,tendon disease,decellularized tendon scaffold"and English search terms"tendon injury,tendon repair,tendinopathy,decellularized tendon scaffold,decellularized tendon scaffolds."By reading and screening relevant literature,77 articles were ultimately included for result analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Decellularization technology can be divided into physical treatment,chemical treatment,and biological procedures.(2)Decellularized tendon scaffolds,as a common biomedical material,have certain biocompatibility,biodegradability,and biomechanical properties,which provide a prerequisite and foundation for tendon injury repair.(3)Decellularized tendon scaffolds can alleviate the inflammatory response of tissues,promote the adhesion,proliferation,and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells/tendon derived stem cells,and maintain the biomechanical properties of tissues.(4)Decellularized tendon scaffolds can be used in combination with other materials,such as electrospinning,hydrogel,stem cell implantation,and 3D printing technology.(5)Future research can further investigate its pathogenic mechanism and improve tendon tissue repair by combining other biomaterials with decellularized tendon scaffold applications.
9.Decellularized tendon scaffold:a biomedical material for tendon injury repair
Xiaoding YI ; Di ZHANG ; Hong GUO ; Liang QING ; Tianyu ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(34):7385-7392
BACKGROUND:Due to the lack of blood supply to tendons and the low repair ability of tendon cells,the repair cycle of tendon tissue is long.With the maturity of decellularization technology,decellularized extracellular matrix is receiving increasing attention in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.Due to its high activity,low immunogenicity,and ability to support cell attachment,proliferation,and differentiation,decellularized tendon scaffolds are expected to promote tendon repair.OBJECTIVE:To summarize the biological characteristics of decellularized tendon scaffolds,elucidate the mechanism by which decellularized tendon scaffolds promote tendon healing,and explain the application methods and future limitations of decellularized tendon scaffolds in combination with other materials.METHODS:Relevant literature was retrieved from China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed databases using the Chinese search terms"tendon injury,tendon repair,tendon disease,decellularized tendon scaffold"and English search terms"tendon injury,tendon repair,tendinopathy,decellularized tendon scaffold,decellularized tendon scaffolds."By reading and screening relevant literature,77 articles were ultimately included for result analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Decellularization technology can be divided into physical treatment,chemical treatment,and biological procedures.(2)Decellularized tendon scaffolds,as a common biomedical material,have certain biocompatibility,biodegradability,and biomechanical properties,which provide a prerequisite and foundation for tendon injury repair.(3)Decellularized tendon scaffolds can alleviate the inflammatory response of tissues,promote the adhesion,proliferation,and differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells/tendon derived stem cells,and maintain the biomechanical properties of tissues.(4)Decellularized tendon scaffolds can be used in combination with other materials,such as electrospinning,hydrogel,stem cell implantation,and 3D printing technology.(5)Future research can further investigate its pathogenic mechanism and improve tendon tissue repair by combining other biomaterials with decellularized tendon scaffold applications.
10.Research Progress on Programmed Cell Death in Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia
Yi LIANG ; Chou DING ; Jing-yao GUO ; Xu ZHOU ; Bao-qing ZHANG
Progress in Modern Biomedicine 2025;25(10):1750-1760
Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia(MPP)was a respiratory disease caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP),with a complex and diverse pathogenesis involving multiple modes of cell death.Recent studies showed that programmed cell death(PCD)was associated with MPP.PCD includes cell apoptosis,necrotic apoptosis,autophagy,pyroptosis,extracellular capture network,iron death,and copper death.Therefore,it was of great significance to have a deep understanding of various PCD mechanisms and their relationship with MMP,and to analyze the role of PCD in the occurrence and development mechanism of MMP.This article aims to elucidate the latest developments in PCD research in MPP,to analyze the specific role of PCD in disease progression,and to explore their potential as therapeutic targets.In order to provide theoretical basis and practical direction for optimizing the diagnosis and treatment of MPP,and also to indicate the direction for the development of new target drugs.

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