ObjectiveBased on traditional quality evaluation of Gardeniae Fructus（GF） recorded in historical materia medica， this study systematically compared the quality differences between wild and cultivated GF from morphological characteristics， microscopic features， and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. MethodsVernier calipers and analytical balances were used to measure the length， diameter and individual fruit weight of wild and cultivated GF， and the aspect ratio was calculated. A colorimeter was used to determine the chromaticity value of wild and cultivated GF， and the paraffin sections of them were prepared by safranin-fast green staining and examined under an optical microscope to observe their microstructure. Subsequently， the contents of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts of wild and cultivated GF were detected by hot immersion method under the general rule 2201 in volume Ⅳ of the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China， the starch content was measured by anthrone colorimetric method， the content of total polysaccharides was determined by phenol-sulfuric acid colorimetric method， the sucrose content was determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detection（HPLC-ELSD）， and the contents of representative components in them were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography（UPLC）. Finally， correlation analysis was conducted between quality traits and phenotypic traits， combined with multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis（PCA） and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA）， key differential components between wild and cultivated GF were screened. ResultsIn terms of traits， the wild GF fruits were smaller， exhibiting reddish yellow or brownish red hues with significant variation between batches. While the cultivated GF fruits are larger， displaying deeper orange-red or brownish red. The diameter and individual fruit weight of cultivated GF were significantly greater than those of wild GF， while the blue-yellow value（b^*） of wild GF was significantly higher than that of cultivated GF. In the microstructure， the mesocarp of wild GF contained numerous scattered calcium oxalate cluster crystals， while the endocarp contained stone cell class round， polygonal or tangential prolongation， undeveloped seeds were visible within the fruit. In contrast， the mesocarp of cultivated GF contained few calcium oxalate cluster crystals， or some batches exhibited extremely numerous cluster crystals. The stone cells in the endocarp were predominantly round-like， with the innermost layer arranged in a grid pattern. Seeds were basically mature， and only a few immature seeds existed in some batches. Regarding primary metabolite content， wild GF exhibited significantly higher total polysaccharide level than cultivated GF（P<0.01）. In category-specific component content， wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of total flavonoids and total polyphenols compared to cultivated GF（P<0.01）. Analysis of 12 secondary metabolites revealed that wild GF exhibited significantly higher levels of Shanzhiside， deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester， gardenoside and chlorogenic acid compared to cultivated GF（P<0.01）. Conversely， the contents of genipin 1-gentiobioside， geniposide and genipin were significantly lower in wild GF（P<0.01）. ConclusionThere are significant differences between wild and cultivated GF in terms of traits， microstructure， and contents of primary and secondary metabolites. At present， the quality evaluation system of cultivated GF remains incomplete， and this study provides a reference for guiding the production of high-quality GF medicinal materials.

ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.

ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.

ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.

Parotid gland tumors account for 80％of salivary gland tumors and are the most common salivary gland tumors.Limited by the location of the disease,the traditional approach to remove parotid gland tumors will leave obvious surgi-cal scars on the face and neck,affecting the patient's physical and mental health.The pursuit of smaller and more hidden surgi-cal approaches and better surgical results is the unchanging goals of maxillofacial surgeons in the evolution of parotid gland sur-gery.In recent years,maxillofacial surgeons have tried to introduce endoscopic-assisted technology into parotid gland tumor sur-gery to meet patients' demands of facial aesthetics,hoping to achieve better surgical results through a more minimally invasive approach.This article will review the current incision approach selection for endoscopic parotid gland surgery and its advantages and disadvantages compared with conventional parotid gland surgery,and look forward to the future based on the current situa-tion.

Objective:To investigate the influencing factors and perinatal outcomes associated with monozygotic twins (MZT) following elective single embryo transfer (eSET) via in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic sperm injection and embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET). Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 12 079 patients who achieved pregnancy after undergoing IVF/ICSI-eSET at Reproductive Health Hospital of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2015 and September 2023. Patients were stratified into two groups based on ultrasound findings 30 d post-transfer: singleton pregnancy group and MZT pregnancy group. Finally, 300 MZT and 1 500 single pregnancies, which were randomly matched according to 1∶5 were included by study period. General patients' characteristics, embryo-related factors, and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to identify risk factors for MZT after single embryo transfer, adjusting for potential confounding variables.Results:The incidence of twin pregnancy following single embryo transfer was 2.48% (300/12 079), which was higher than that of naturally conceived monozygotic twin pregnancy. No significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups (all P>0.05). The blastocyst transfer rate was higher in the MZT pregnancy group [93.3% (280/300)] than in the singleton pregnancy group [88.8% (1 332/1 500), P=0.022]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis also showed that blastocyst transfer was associated with an increased risk of MZT ( OR=0.552, P=0.016, 95% CI: 0.341-0.894). Analysis of blastocyst cycles showed that the risk of MZT was higher when transferring high-quality blastocysts [79.6% (223/280) vs. 67.8% (903/1 332), P<0.001], where as a trophectoderm (TE) grading of C [20.4% (57/280) vs. 32.2% (429/1 332), P<0.001] had a lower risk of MZT. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of MZT was found to increase with the transfer of blastocysts with a B-grade inner cell mass (ICM) ( OR=0.601, P=0.001, 95% CI: 0.442-0.819) and A/B grade TE (grade A: OR=2.951, P<0.001, 95% CI: 1.980-4.399; grade B: OR=1.840, P<0.001, 95% CI: 1.315-2.576). The risk of complications during pregnancy [47.7% (143/300) vs. 19.3% (289/1 500), P<0.001], preterm labor [55.1% (140/254) vs. 7.4% (101/1 368), P<0.001], and the risk of stillbirth [3.7% (11/300) vs. 1.5% (22/1 500), P=0.016] were significantly higher in the MZT pregnancy group than in the singleton pregnancy group. Conclusion:Assisted reproductive technology may contribute to the risk of MZT. Transfer of blastocysts, particularly those with loose ICM arrangement and dense TE arrangement, appears to increase the risk of MZT in patients undergoing eSET.

Parotid gland tumors account for 80％of salivary gland tumors and are the most common salivary gland tumors.Limited by the location of the disease,the traditional approach to remove parotid gland tumors will leave obvious surgi-cal scars on the face and neck,affecting the patient's physical and mental health.The pursuit of smaller and more hidden surgi-cal approaches and better surgical results is the unchanging goals of maxillofacial surgeons in the evolution of parotid gland sur-gery.In recent years,maxillofacial surgeons have tried to introduce endoscopic-assisted technology into parotid gland tumor sur-gery to meet patients' demands of facial aesthetics,hoping to achieve better surgical results through a more minimally invasive approach.This article will review the current incision approach selection for endoscopic parotid gland surgery and its advantages and disadvantages compared with conventional parotid gland surgery,and look forward to the future based on the current situa-tion.

Objective To make a retrospective analysis of the prevalence and trend of hyperuricemia(HUA)in the health examination population at The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from 2014 to 2023 so as to offer insights into the development of preventive strategies.Methods A total of 319 924 individuals who underwent health check-up at the Department of Health Medicine,The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University,from 2014 to 2023 were included in the study.All of them met the research criteria.We collected and analyzed the demographic information and laboratory test results of the participants.Using Logistic regression to investigate the influence of demographic factors and metabolic disorders on HUA in the year 2023.The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to analyze the changing trend of HUA prevalence over a 10-year period,which was further stratified by gender;multivariable Logistic regression was used to calculate the annual prevalence of HUA after adjusting for confounding factors.Results The overall prevalence of HUA in 2023 was 21.7％(men:30.8％,women:11.0％).Compared with the women,the men had a higher risk of HUA(AOR=3.004,95％CI:2.835-3.184,P＜0.001).Hypertension,dyslipidemia,and obesity were the risk factors for the occurrence of HUA.The effects of age and diabetes on HUA showed gender differences:Increased age was a protective factor for HUA in men,while it was a risk factor in women.Diabetes was only a protective factor in men,and its effect in women was not statistically significant.Trend analysis showed that from 2014 to 2023,the prevalence of HUA presented a gradual upward trend in both genders,with the most significant increase in the 20-39 age group.After adjusting for confounding factors,the prevalence of HUA increased from 22.7％ in 2014 to 31.7％ in 2023 among men,and from 7.0％ in 2014 to 11.5％ in 2023 among women.Conclusion From 2014 to 2023,HUA prevalence demonstrated a gradual increase among people over 20 years old,with the most significant growth seen in the 20-39 age group for both genders.In particular,men aged 20-39 years old were at a high risk for HUA.There is an urgent need to formulate strategies for the prevention and control of HUA.

Objective:To analyze the preferences of medical staff in TCM hospitals in Beijing regarding the achievements transformation of hospital traditional Chinese medicine preparations,and to provide a reference for formulating incentive policies.Methods:233 medical staff from five TCM hospitals in Beijing were taken as the research objects,and surveyed with a questionnaire designed based on the discrete choice experiment(DCE).Mixed logit models and latent class models were then used to analyze their transformation preferences.Results:The mixed Logit model revealed that seven key attributes significantly influenced medical staff's preferences for the achievements transformation of traditional Chinese medicine preparations(P<0.05).Latent class analysis identified three distinct preference groups among respondents:an organization-dependent group(27.0%),a pro-transformation group(61.4%),and a conservative group(11.6%).Conclusions:Medical Staff preferred transformation conditions that increased monthly income;utilized"human use+re-experimentation";involved the hospital's achievements transformation department as the entity;were funded by the hospital;offered a 70%profit share;enabled promotion three years earlier,and assigned patents to the hospital.The study recommends implementing diverse incentive measures and developing differentiated strategies tailored to the distinct Medical Staff categories to facilitate the transformation of hospital traditional Chinese medicine preparations into new drugs.

Objective:To investigate levels of endothelin-1(ET-1)and Apclin in patients with hypertrophic car-diomyopathy(HCM)and diagnostic value of their combination with ECG for HCM,and their association with prognosis.Methods:A total of 150 HCM patients admitted in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical Uni-versity between June 2020 and June 2022 were selected as observation group.According to death during follow-up,the observation group was divided into survival group(n=64)and death group(n=86),and another 100 healthy volunteers who underwent physical examination in our hospital simultaneously were selected as control group.ET-1,Apelin and ECG indexes were compared between above-mentioned groups.Diagnostic value of ET-1,Apelin and ECG combined detection for HCM was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze influencing factors of death within 6-month follow-up in HCM patients,and nomogram model was established.Results:Compared with participants in control group,those in the observa-tion group had significant higher ET-1[(0.64±0.15)pmol/L vs.(0.39±0.07)pmol/L],QRS wave group(∑QRS)[(23.60±3.96)mm vs.(14.02±1.78)mm],Cornell voltage index(SV3+RaVL)[(2.12±0.40)mV vs.(1.05±0.20)mV]and S-wave on V1 lead+R-wave on V5 lead(SV1+RV5)[(3.88±0.73)mV vs.(2.24±0.34)mV],and significant lower Apelin[(1.10±0.25)pg/ml vs.(1.58±0.17)pg/ml]level(P＜0.001 all).ROC curve indicated that the area under the curve(AUC)of combined detection of above five indexes diagno-sing HCM was 0.933(95％CI 0.895～0.961),significantly higher than any single detection(Z=3.681～6.428,P＜0.001 all),the H-L goodness of fit test showed P=0.056,suggesting that the model was well accepted,and DCA showed that ET-1 and Apelin combined ECG detection model had good clinical application value in HCM.Multivariate Logistic regression indicated that ET-1,∑QRS,SV3+RaV and SV1+RV5 were independent risk factors for death within 6-month in HCM patients(OR=2.617～3.600,P＜0.001 all),and Apelin was its inde-pendent protective factor(OR=0.271,P＜0.001).The nomogram model of HCM patients dying within 6 months was 4.627+0.452 × ET-1+0.536 × Apelin+0.575 × ∑QRS+0.541 × SV3+RaVL+0.352 × SV1+RV5.Conclusion:Serum ET-1 and Apelin levels significantly change in HCM patients,and the combination of ECG detection and both indexes have good performance diagnosing HCM and are independent influential factors for the death of HCM patients within 6 months.