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.

Objective:To develop the Motivation for Bedtime Procrastination Questionnaire for College Students(CS-MBPQ)and evaluate its validity and reliability.Methods:Based on literature analysis,interviews with severe bedtime procrastinators,and open-ended surveys with college students,the initial questionnaire was formed.A total of 389 college students were recruited to conduct item analysis and exploratory factor analysis.Additionally,691 college students were selected for confirmatory factor analysis,criterion validity testing,and internal consistency reliability analysis,and 132 of them were retested two weeks later.The subscale of behav-ioral intention from the Theory of Planned Behavior Questionnaire(TPBQ),Bedtime Procrastination Scale(BPS),and a self-made question for the frequency of bedtime procrastination were used as criterion tools.Results:The CS-MBPQ consists of 10 items,encompassing three factors:emotional need,external influence,and behavioral attitude,explaining 63.31％of the variance.Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the three-factor structure model of CS-MBPQ fitted well(x2/df=4.90,RMSEA=0.07,CFI=0.96,TLI=0.94).The CS-MBPQ total scores and scores for each factor were positively associated with the score of intentions to sleep on time,BPS scores,and bed-time procrastination frequency(ICC=0.14-0.53,Ps＜0.05).The internal consistency reliabilities for CS-MBPQ and the three factors were 0.87,0.89,0.74,and 0.66,respectively,and the test-retest reliabilities(ICC)were 0.74,0.66,0.69,and 0.58,respectively.Conclusion:The Motivation for Bedtime Procrastination Questionnaire for College Students(CS-MBPQ)demonstrates good validity and reliability,which could be used as a tool to evaluate motivations for bedtime procrastination among Chinese college students.

microRNA(miRNA),as a short non-coding RNA molecule,regulates bone-immune signal and stress response through transcription,translation as well as the combination of shear process,exerting the effect of promoting angiogenesis and repairing damage bone;type H vessels play a role in the cou-pling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis in the formation of new bone and promoting bone regeneration at the defect site.In re-cent years,miRNA regulates hypoxia inducible factor 1α(HIF-1 α)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),Notch,plate-let-derived growth factor-BB(PDGF-BB),Wnt/glycogen syn-thase kinase-3 β(GSK3 β)to affect the migration,recruitment,proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells(ECs)and osteoblast(OB),promote the coupling of H-type vessels and os-teoblasts to improve bone homeostasis,and then prevent and treat bone metabolic diseases.This article explains the role of miRNA in regulating H-type vascular osteogenic coupling to provide tar-gets and pathways for improving bone homeostasis.In addition,the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine affect the differential expression of miRNA to promote H-type angiogenesis and provide strategies for clinical prevention and treatment of bone metabolic diseases.

Objective:Based on the background of high-quality development,we analyze the operational efficiency of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)hospitals in China's Yangtze River Economic Belt in 2021 and explore the impact of external environmental factors on operational efficiency,so as to provide a reference for promoting the high-quality development of TCM hospitals in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.Methods:The three-stage DEA model was used to analyze the operational efficiency of TCM hospitals in 11 provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Economic Zone in China in 2021.Results:After three-stage DEA analysis,the values of comprehensive efficiency,pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency of TCM hospitals in China's Yangtze River Economic Belt are 0.976,0.986 and 0.990,respectively.5 provinces and cities,Shanghai,Jiangsu,Hunan,Chongqing and Guizhou,are efficient before and after the adjustment,and the comprehensive efficiency of Zhejiang,Anhui,Hubei,Jiangxi,Sichuan and Yunnan have increased compared with that before the adjustment.Ranking of the average value of the comprehensive efficiency of TCM hospitals operation in the three major city clusters of the Yangtze River Economic Belt after adjustment:Chengdu-Chongqing city cluster(0.998)>city cluster in the Yangtze River Delta(0.964)>city cluster in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River(0.962).Conclusion:The operational efficiency of TCM hospitals in the Yangtze River Economic Zone has been underestimated,and the comprehensive efficiency is mainly affected by scale efficiency;there are differences in the operational efficiency of TCM hospitals in the three major urban agglomerations,and balanced development is needed between regions;the operational efficiency of TCM hospitals is affected by the external environment,and it is necessary to improve the external environment;it is necessary to strengthen the construction of digital and informatization of TCM,and to pay attention to the role of talents in TCM,so as to promote the high-quality development of TCM hospitals.

Objective:To develop the Motivation for Bedtime Procrastination Questionnaire for College Students(CS-MBPQ)and evaluate its validity and reliability.Methods:Based on literature analysis,interviews with severe bedtime procrastinators,and open-ended surveys with college students,the initial questionnaire was formed.A total of 389 college students were recruited to conduct item analysis and exploratory factor analysis.Additionally,691 college students were selected for confirmatory factor analysis,criterion validity testing,and internal consistency reliability analysis,and 132 of them were retested two weeks later.The subscale of behav-ioral intention from the Theory of Planned Behavior Questionnaire(TPBQ),Bedtime Procrastination Scale(BPS),and a self-made question for the frequency of bedtime procrastination were used as criterion tools.Results:The CS-MBPQ consists of 10 items,encompassing three factors:emotional need,external influence,and behavioral attitude,explaining 63.31％of the variance.Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the three-factor structure model of CS-MBPQ fitted well(x2/df=4.90,RMSEA=0.07,CFI=0.96,TLI=0.94).The CS-MBPQ total scores and scores for each factor were positively associated with the score of intentions to sleep on time,BPS scores,and bed-time procrastination frequency(ICC=0.14-0.53,Ps＜0.05).The internal consistency reliabilities for CS-MBPQ and the three factors were 0.87,0.89,0.74,and 0.66,respectively,and the test-retest reliabilities(ICC)were 0.74,0.66,0.69,and 0.58,respectively.Conclusion:The Motivation for Bedtime Procrastination Questionnaire for College Students(CS-MBPQ)demonstrates good validity and reliability,which could be used as a tool to evaluate motivations for bedtime procrastination among Chinese college students.

microRNA(miRNA),as a short non-coding RNA molecule,regulates bone-immune signal and stress response through transcription,translation as well as the combination of shear process,exerting the effect of promoting angiogenesis and repairing damage bone;type H vessels play a role in the cou-pling of angiogenesis and osteogenesis in the formation of new bone and promoting bone regeneration at the defect site.In re-cent years,miRNA regulates hypoxia inducible factor 1α(HIF-1 α)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),Notch,plate-let-derived growth factor-BB(PDGF-BB),Wnt/glycogen syn-thase kinase-3 β(GSK3 β)to affect the migration,recruitment,proliferation and differentiation of endothelial cells(ECs)and osteoblast(OB),promote the coupling of H-type vessels and os-teoblasts to improve bone homeostasis,and then prevent and treat bone metabolic diseases.This article explains the role of miRNA in regulating H-type vascular osteogenic coupling to provide tar-gets and pathways for improving bone homeostasis.In addition,the active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine affect the differential expression of miRNA to promote H-type angiogenesis and provide strategies for clinical prevention and treatment of bone metabolic diseases.

BACKGROUND: The primary limitation to kidney transplantation is organ shortage. Recent progress in gene editing and immunosuppressive regimens has made xenotransplantation with porcine organs a possibility. However, evidence in pig-to-human xenotransplantation remains scarce, and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is a major obstacle to clinical applications of xenotransplantation. METHODS: We conducted a kidney xenotransplantation in a brain-dead human recipient using a porcine kidney with five gene edits (5GE) on March 25, 2024 at Xijing Hospital, China. Clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were employed, and the observation period lasted 22 days. We collected and analyzed the xenograft function, ultrasound findings, sequential protocol biopsies, and immune surveillance of the recipient during the observation. RESULTS: The combination of 5GE in the porcine kidney and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens prevented hyperacute rejection. The xenograft kidney underwent delayed graft function in the first week, but urine output increased later and the single xenograft kidney maintained electrolyte and pH homeostasis from postoperative day (POD) 12 to 19. We observed AMR at 24 h post-transplantation, due to the presence of pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies and cytotoxicity before transplantation; this AMR persisted throughout the observation period. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment mitigated the AMR. We observed activation of latent porcine cytomegalovirus toward the end of the study, which might have contributed to coagulation disorder in the recipient. CONCLUSIONS 5GE and clinical-grade immunosuppressive regimens were sufficient to prevent hyperacute rejection during pig-to-human kidney xenotransplantation. Pre-existing anti-porcine antibodies predisposed the xenograft to AMR. Plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin were safe and effective in the treatment of AMR after kidney xenotransplantation.
Transplantation, Heterologous/methods* ; Kidney Transplantation/methods* ; Heterografts/pathology* ; Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/administration & dosage* ; Graft Survival/immunology* ; Humans ; Animals ; Sus scrofa ; Graft Rejection/prevention & control* ; Kidney/pathology* ; Gene Editing ; Species Specificity ; Immunosuppression Therapy/methods* ; Plasma Exchange ; Brain Death ; Biopsy ; Male ; Aged

Gegen Qinlian Decoction(GQD) is a classic prescription for the clinical treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC). This study, based on the differences in efficacy observed in UC mice under different level of bile acids treated with GQD, aims to clarify the impact of bile acids on UC and its therapeutic effects. It further investigates the expression of bile acid receptors in the liver of UC mice, and preliminarily reveals the mechanism through which GQD affects bile acid synthesis in the treatment of UC. A UC mouse model was established using dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) induction. The efficacy of GQD was evaluated by assessing the general condition, disease activity index(DAI) score, colon length, and histopathological changes in colon tissue via hematoxylin and eosin(HE) staining. ELISA and Western blot were used to evaluate the inflammatory response in colon tissue. The total bile acid(TBA) level and liver damage were quantified using an automatic biochemistry analyzer. The expression levels of bile acid receptors and bile acid synthetases in liver tissue were detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR. The results showed that compared with the model group, GQD treatment significantly improved the DAI score, colon shortening, and histopathological damage in UC mice. The levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 in the colon were significantly reduced. Serum TBA levels were significantly decreased, while alkaline phosphatase(ALP) levels significantly increased. After administration of cholic acid(CA), UC symptoms in the CA + GQD group were significantly aggravated compared with the GQD group. The DAI score, degree of weight loss, colon injury, serum TBA, and liver injury markers all increased significantly. However, compared with the CA group, the CA + GQD group showed a marked reduction in TBA levels and a significant improvement in UC-related symptoms, indicating that GQD can alleviate UC damage exacerbated by CA. Further investigation into the expression of bile acid receptors and synthetases in the liver showed that under GQD treatment, the expression of farnesoid X receptor(FXR) and small heterodimer partner(SHP) significantly increased, while the expression of G protein-coupled receptor 5(TGR5) and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(Cyp7A1) significantly decreased. These findings suggest that GQD may affect bile acid receptors and synthetases, inhibiting bile acid synthesis through the FXR/SHP pathway to treat UC.
Animals ; Colitis, Ulcerative/genetics* ; Bile Acids and Salts/biosynthesis* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Male ; Humans ; Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/metabolism* ; Colon/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Liver/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective:Based on the background of high-quality development,we analyze the operational efficiency of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)hospitals in China's Yangtze River Economic Belt in 2021 and explore the impact of external environmental factors on operational efficiency,so as to provide a reference for promoting the high-quality development of TCM hospitals in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.Methods:The three-stage DEA model was used to analyze the operational efficiency of TCM hospitals in 11 provinces and cities in the Yangtze River Economic Zone in China in 2021.Results:After three-stage DEA analysis,the values of comprehensive efficiency,pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency of TCM hospitals in China's Yangtze River Economic Belt are 0.976,0.986 and 0.990,respectively.5 provinces and cities,Shanghai,Jiangsu,Hunan,Chongqing and Guizhou,are efficient before and after the adjustment,and the comprehensive efficiency of Zhejiang,Anhui,Hubei,Jiangxi,Sichuan and Yunnan have increased compared with that before the adjustment.Ranking of the average value of the comprehensive efficiency of TCM hospitals operation in the three major city clusters of the Yangtze River Economic Belt after adjustment:Chengdu-Chongqing city cluster(0.998)>city cluster in the Yangtze River Delta(0.964)>city cluster in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River(0.962).Conclusion:The operational efficiency of TCM hospitals in the Yangtze River Economic Zone has been underestimated,and the comprehensive efficiency is mainly affected by scale efficiency;there are differences in the operational efficiency of TCM hospitals in the three major urban agglomerations,and balanced development is needed between regions;the operational efficiency of TCM hospitals is affected by the external environment,and it is necessary to improve the external environment;it is necessary to strengthen the construction of digital and informatization of TCM,and to pay attention to the role of talents in TCM,so as to promote the high-quality development of TCM hospitals.