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.

As the biggest tissue of human body, skin is the first barrier of resisting external aggression. Collagen is one of important parts of the skin, which could not only affect the aesthetics of skin, but also influence the health and normal function of skin. It is the great significance to find ways that could inhibit the loss of collagen. The mechanisms of the collagen degradation in skin are complex and multifaceted. Natural bioactive products have unique advantages in treating the loss of collagen, which have multi-targets and mechanisms. In this review, the mechanisms of skin collagen degradation are discussed, and the research progress of natural bioactive products in resisting skin aging through promoting collagen synthesis are reviewed, in order to provide references for futural research.

Cervical spinal cord injury without fracture-dislocation (CSCIWFD) is referred to as a special type of cervical spinal cord injury characterized by traumatic spinal cord dysfunction and no significant bony structural abnormalities on imagines. Duo to the high risk of missed diagnosis during the initial consultation, CSCIWFD may lead to progressive neurological deterioration or even complete paralysis, severely impacting patients′ prognosis. Currently, there are no established consensuses over the diagnosis and treatment of CSCIWFD, such as the lack of evidence-based standards for indications of non-surgical treatment and risk of secondary neurological injury, as well as debates over the optimal timing for surgical intervention and indications for different surgical approaches. To address these issues, the Spine Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the relevant fields to formulate Diagnosis and treatment guideline for acute cervical spinal cord injury without fracture- dislocation in adults ( version 2025) . Based on evidence-based medicine and the principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability, the guidelines proposed 11 recommendations covering terminology, diagnosis, evaluation treatment, and rehabilitation, etc., aiming to standardize the management of CSCIWFD.

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.

Objective:To establish and optimize a novel method, focus forming assay (FFA), for quantitation of influenza A virus (FluA) and compare its application performance with traditional plague forming assay (PFA).Methods:The foci chromogenic effects of three peroxidase substrates in immunostaining were compared. The PFA and FFA methods were used to explore FluA incubation times and plaque morphology on 12-well plates, and to determine optimal incubation times and virus adsorption volumes for different FluA subtypes on 96-well plates. The correlation between FFA and PFA was evaluated, and the optimized FFA was applied to the in vitro antiviral efficacy analysis of Favipiravir and neutralization test against different subtypes of FluA. Results:TRUEBLUE substrate was identified as the optimal substrate for foci visualization. Compared with the PFA, the FFA showed improved sensitivity and reduced detection time in FluA titration, and good correlation was shown between the two methods′ results. By replacing the 96-well plate with the 12-well plate for FFA titration of different subtypes of FluA, the detection time was shortened, and the amount of serum samples used could be further reduced by optimizing the virus adsorption volume. The half-maximal effective concentration of favipiravir against influenza viruses assessed by the FFA and PFA methods showed no significant difference, and was consistent with the results obtained from quantitative PCR. Additionally, the focus reduction neutralization test and hemagglutination inhibition assays demonstrated strong correlation in determining antibody titers against FluA in serum neutralization assays.Conclusions:The improved FFA method developed here provides a more efficient experimental tool for FluA titration, antiviral drug screening and broad-spectrum vaccine evaluation.

Objective:We aimed to analyze the spatio-temporal trend of breast cancer incidence and mortality in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2023 and predict the development trend from 2024 to 2030.Methods:Data on the incidence and mortality of breast cancer in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2023 were obtained from the Shandong Cancer Registry. The incidence, age-specific incidence, mortality, and age-specific mortality in different years, as well as in urban and rural areas, were calculated, and the rates were standardized based on the age composition of the Chinese standard population in 2000. The average annual percent change (AAPC) rate was calculated using Joinpoint 4.8.0.1 software. The global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis were performed using GeoDa 1.12 software. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the trend of breast cancer incidence and mortality from 2024 to 2030.Results:From 2012 to 2023, the breast cancer age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) showed an increasing trend. The ASIR increased from 30.48/100 000 in 2012 to 39.94/100 000 in 2023 (AAPC=2.59%, P<0.001). The ASIR of urban and rural females also showed an upward trend. Additionally, the ASIR in rural areas (AAPC=3.33%, P<0.001) increased more than that in urban areas (AAPC=1.83%, P=0.002). The incidence peak of breast cancer mainly concentrated in population aged 45-64 years, and with the increase of years, the incidence peak gradually moved forward. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) showed a downward trend. The ASMR decreased from 6.89/100 000 in 2012 to 4.93/100 000 in 2023 (AAPC=-3.12%, P<0.001). The ASMR of urban and rural females also showed a downward trend (urban: AAPC=-3.56%, P=0.007; rural: AAPC=-2.72%, P<0.001). The spatial analysis showed that from 2015 to 2023, the clustering areas of breast cancer incidence and mortality in Shandong had changed significantly. In 2015, the "High-high clusters" of ASIR mainly included Wendeng District in Weihai City, Dongying District, Kenli District, Lijin County, Guangrao County in Dongying City, Tianqiao District, Shizhong District in Jinan City; In 2023, the "High-high clusters" mainly included Jiaxiang County, Liangshan County, Jinxiang County, Wenshang County, Rencheng District in Jining City, Hedong District in Linyi City, Guangrao County in Dongying City. In 2015, the "High-high clusters" of ASMR only included Wenshang County in Jining City. In 2023, the "High-high clusters" mainly included Laizhou County in Yantai City, Junan County and Yishui County in Linyi City, Gaotang County in Liaocheng City, Dongping County and Ningyang County in Taian City. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model predicted that the ASIR trend of breast cancer in Shandong tended to be smooth (AAPC=0.33%, P=0.001). However, the ASMR remained decreasing (AAPC=-4.68%, P<0.001). Conclusions:The breast cancer incidence in Shandong showed an increasing trend, and it is expected to be smooth by 2030. However, the mortality showed a continuous downward trend. The incidence peak was mainly in the population aged 45-64 years, with obvious regional differences. Targeted prevention and control measures should be taken for high-risk groups and areas in Shandong Province.

Objective To explore the five-circuit and six-qi features of birth time and onset time of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia(ALL).Methods A total of 877 cases of children with ALL from Children's Hospital of Soochow University from June 2021 to February 2023 were collected,and their five-circuit and six-qi features of birth time and onset time were analyzed.And then the correlation of five-circuit and six-qi features of birth time and onset time with ALL was explored preliminarily,and the pathogenic characteristics of congenital factors and acquired pathogenic factors were revealed.Results(1)The children who were born in the year with the heavenly stems being bing(the 3rd of the ten heavenly stems)and ding(the 4th of the ten heavenly stems)and with the earthly branches being shen(the 8th of the twelve earthly branches)and you(the 9th of the twelve earthly branches)are prone to suffer from ALL,and the birth year of children with ALL had the five-circuit and six-qi features of the joining of guest circuit with dominant circuit being rebellious.ALL is commonly seen in the year with the heavenly stems being geng(the 7th of the ten heavenly stems)and xin(the 8th of the ten heavenly stems)and with the earthly branches being zi(the 1st of the twelve earthly branches)and chou(the 2nd of the twelve earthly branches),and the onset year of ALL in children had the five-circuit and six-qi features of the yearly circuit being gold-circuit and water-circuit,sitian-zaiquan yearly circuit qi being shaoyin monarch-fire with yangming dryness-gold,taiyin damp-earth with taiyang cold-water,and the qi-circuit assimilation relationship being celestial correspondence,same celestial correspondence,celestial correspondence in convergent year,disharmony,mildly-rebellious,and celestial restriction.Conclusion Gold-dryness and water-cold are the congenital factors and acquired pathogenic factors of ALL.The onset of ALL in children is closely related to qi insufficiency and qi stagnation of wood and fire in five-circuit and six-qi theory.

Objective:To explore the effects and potential mechanisms of chemokine-like factor-like MARVEL transmembrane domain-containing Protein 3 (CMTM3) on the proliferation and migration of glioblastoma (GBM) cells.Methods:Using CMTM3 expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases, we analyzed the differential expression of CMTM3 in GBM tissues and its impact on the prognosis of GBM patients. Immunohistochemical staining and protein content determination of CMTM3 was performed on GBM and adjacent non-cancerous tissue samples from 11 GBM patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University between November 3, 2022 and March 15, 2023. Additionally, the expression of CMTM3 was validated in GBM cell lines U87, U251, LN229, and the human astrocyte (NHA) cell line using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analyses. Stable cell lines with silenced and overexpressed CMTM3 (sh-CMTM3 group and OE-CMTM3 group) were constructed using U251 cells. The effect of CMTM3 expression on cell proliferation was assessed using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Flow cytometry was employed to examine the impact of CMTM3 expression on the cell cycle. Transwell assays were conducted to evaluate the influence of CMTM3 expression on cell migration. Bioinformatics analysis, Western blotting, NF-κB activation-nuclear translocation assays, and the NF-κB pathway inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate ammonium (PDTC) were used to validate the effect of CMTM3 on the NF-κB pathway. Finally, a subcutaneous tumorigenesis assay in nude mice was performed to observe the impact of CMTM3 expression on the in vivo growth of U251 cells. Results:Bioinformatics analysis revealed that CMTM3 is highly expressed in GBM tissues. Patients with a high CMTM3 expression had lower overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates compared with those with a low CMTM3 expression (with P values of 0.010 and 0.032, respectively). Among the 11 GBM pathological specimens, 10 samples exhibited higher CMTM3 protein expression levels in the cancerous tissue compared with the adjacent non-cancerous tissue. The average CMTM3 protein expression in these samples was 0.44±0.09, significantly higher than that in the adjacent non-cancerous tissues (0.12±0.02, P＜0.001). In one sample, the difference in CMTM3 protein expression between the cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissues was not statistically significant ( P=0.750).The RT-qPCR results showed that the mRNA expression level of CMTM3 in NHA cells was 1.0±0.1, whereas in GBM cells U87, LN229, and U251, the levels were 2.1±0.3, 3.4±0.5, and 3.7±0.8, respectively, all significantly higher than that in NHA cells (all P＜0.01). Western blot results demonstrated that the protein expression levels of CMTM3 in GBM cells U87, LN229, and U251 were 1.5±0.2, 1.8±0.2, and 1.9±0.1, respectively, also higher than that in NHA cells (0.7±0.2, all P＜0.01), with the highest level observed in U251 cells. The CCK-8 assay, Flow cytometry, and Transwell migration experiments indicated that cell viability was inhibited in the sh-CMTM3 group, with an increase in the proportion of cells in the G 0/G 1 phase ( P＜0.01) and a decrease in the S phase ( P＜0.01), and the number of migrated cells was 233.6±35.5, lower than that in the sh-NC group ( P＜0.001). Conversely, the OE-CMTM3 group showed enhanced cell viability, a reduction in the proportion of cells in the G 0/G 1 phase ( P＜0.01), and an increase in the S phase ( P＜0.01), and the number of migrated cells was 1212.0±20.8, higher than that in the OE-NC group ( P＜0.001). However, in the OE-CMTM3+PDTC group, cell viability, cell cycle distribution (G 1, S, and G 2 phases), and cell migration numbers showed no significant changes (all P＞0.05). Western blot analysis and NF-κB activation-nuclear translocation assay results indicated that in the sh-CMTM3 group, the p-p65/p65 ratio was 0.51±0.04 and the p-IκBα/IκBα ratio was 0.39±0.03, both lower than those in the sh-NC group (both P＜0.01). The cytoplasmic staining rate was (49.29±1.98)%, higher than that in the sh-NC group ( P＜0.01). In the OE-CMTM3 group, the p-p65/p65 ratio was 2.27±0.10 and the p-IκBα/IκBα ratio was 2.14±0.15, both higher than those in the OE-NC group (both P＜0.01). The cytoplasmic staining rate was (18.96±1.44)%, lower than that in the OE-NC group ( P＜0.01). In the OE-CMTM3+PDTC group, there were no significant differences in the p-p65/p65 ratio, p-IκBα/IκBα ratio, and cytoplasmic staining rate compared with the OE-NC group (all P＞0.05). The subcutaneous tumorigenesis assay in nude mice showed that the tumor volume in the sh-CMTM3 group was (408.9±96.2) mm3, smaller than that in the sh-NC group ( P=0.003). The tumor volume in the OE-CMTM3 group was (1 514.5±251.5) mm3, larger than that in the OE-NC group ( P=0.005). Conclusions:In GBM, CMTM3 is highly expressed and negatively correlated with both OS and DFS of patients. CMTM3 regulates the proliferation and migration abilities of U251 cells through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the spatial clustering of the mortality rate of cervical cancer in different counties (cities, districts) in Shandong Province from 1970 to 2021 and its 50-year changing trend, so as to provide basis for the implementation and evaluation of prevention and control strategies and programs such as cervical cancer screening, early diagnosis and treatment, human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination, etc.Methods:The mortality data of cervical cancer were obtained from the death registration system of Shandong Province and the data of three retrospective surveys of death causes. The mortality rate and age-standardized mortality rate (using the population composition of China in 1964) are used to describe the changing trend of cervical cancer in different years. The contribution values of population factors and non-population factors in cervical cancer mortality change are calculated by mortality differential decomposition method. ArcGIS 10.8 software is used for spatial distribution and spatial autocorrelation analysis.Results:From 1970 to 2021, the crude mortality rate and age standardized mortality rate of cervical cancer in Shandong Province showed a trend of first rapid decline and then slow increase. The crude mortality rate and standardized mortality rate of female cervical cancer in Shandong Province in 1970-1974 were the highest, reaching 17.22/10 5 and 13.17/10 5, respectively. In 2004-2005, it dropped to the lowest levels of 1.50/10 5 and 0.83/10 5. Subsequently, it slowly rose to 4.12/10 5 and 1.56/10 5 in 2020-2021. The differential analysis of cervical cancer mortality in different years found that the change of cervical cancer mortality was caused by the combined action of population factors and non-population factors. Among them, demographic factors (aging population) led to the increase of cervical cancer mortality, but non-demographic factors (early diagnosis and treatment, HPV infection level, medical technology level, etc) lead to the decrease of cervical cancer mortality. Compared with 1970-1974, with the passage of time, the absolute values of the contribution values of population factors and non-population factors showed an increasing trend, while the contribution of non-population factors was greater than that of population factors, which led to the decline of cervical cancer mortality. From the perspective of spatial distribution, there were great regional differences in the mortality rate of cervical cancer in different counties of Shandong Province. In 2020-2021, the mortality rate of cervical cancer in all counties decreased to a great extent compared with that in 1970-1974, and the high-high and low-low concentration areas of cervical cancer mortality in different years changed obviously. The high-aggregation areas of the cervical cancer mortality rate in Shandong Province from 2020 to 2021 were mainly distributed in some counties and districts of Linyi City, Zaozhuang City, and Heze City in the southwest. Conclusions:There are significant temporal and spatial changes in the mortality rate of cervical cancer in Shandong Province from 1970 to 2021. According to these trends and their geographical and spatial clustering, prevention and control strategies of cervical cancer in different regions should be further formulated and evaluated.