ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of salt processing of Psoraleae Fructus （PF） through modern analytical techniques and biotechnology， focusing on its effects related to hepatotoxicity and anti-osteoporosis activity. MethodsThe zebrafish model was utilized to evaluate the impact of PF and salt-processed Psoraleae Fructus （SPF） on the hepatotoxicity （using 134.17 ， 178.89， 268.34 mg·L^-1 as low， medium， and high dose groups of PF， 135.04， 180.06， 270.08 mg·L^-1 as low， medium， and high dose groups of SPF， respectively） and anti-osteoporotic activity （using 33.54 ， 67.08 and 134.17 mg·L^-1 as low， medium， and high dose groups of PF， 33.76， 67.52， 135.04 mg·L^-1 as low， medium， and high dose groups of SPF， respectively）， which was using alizarin red skull staining of zebrafish as an indicator of different batches of PF. The specific dosage of a batch of PF was taken as an example. Then ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） analysis was employed to identify the chemical composition of PF before and after salt processing， and PCA， OPLS-DA， and independent sample t-test were used to elucidating the compositional changes associated with the effects of salt processing on hepatotoxicity and anti-osteoporosis activity. ResultsUnder specific conditions， PF induced notable hepatotoxicity in zebrafish while simultaneously demonstrating protective effect against prednisolone-induced osteoporosis. In comparison to PF， SPF showed alleviated hepatotoxicity while retaining significant anti-osteoporosis activity. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis revealed that after salt processing， the overall chemical composition of PF showed a downward trend， with 69 components showing a decrease in content， represented by psoralen， and 13 components showing an increase， represented by 4′-O-methyl psoralen B. Further multivariate statistical analysis revealed 11 key differential components before and after salt processing of PF， including psoralen and bakuchiol. ConclusionSalt processing effectively diminishes hepatotoxicity without impairing therapeutic efficacy against osteoporosis of PF， which may be related to the compositional changes before and after salt processing of PF and provides key evidence to reveal the scientific significance of salt processing of PF.

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.

Impaired glucose regulation （IGR） is an intermediate state between normal blood glucose and diabetes， falling under the category of splenic pure heat in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. The core pathogenesis is believed to be the dysfunction of the zang-fu （脏腑） organs， leading to metabolic abnormalities of subtle essence and the generation of "turbid pathogen". Its accumulation can block qi movement， damage the vessel collaterals， and promote the disease progression toward diabetes. The concept of "turbid pulse" is proposed as an early sign of IGR， characterized by full and heavy sensation with stagnated and astringent circulation， which can serve as an effective supplement to clinical screening. The differentiation and treatment approach in clinical practice is summarized as follows. If the ascending and descending mechanisms of qi movement in the middle jiao （焦） are disrupted， with mutual interference between the clear and the turbid， treatment should focus on harmonizing the ascending and the descending， and transforming dampness with aromatic medicinals. For spleen-stomach qi deficiency due to long-term restriction of the spleen and stomach's function of transportation and transformation， it is suggested to fortify spleen and harmonize stomach， and transport turbid with sweet-warm medicinals. For spleen deficiency and liver constraint induced by internal generation of damp-heat in the middle jiao， the treatment should focus on soothing the liver and opening constraint， and directing the turbid downward with sour-sweat medicinals. For solid accumulation and stagnation caused by liver qi constraint， it is recommended to unblock intestine and remove stagnation， and discharge turbid with bitter-cold medicinals. When the disease is transmitted to the lower jiao， and the kidneys are affected， the treatment should be regulating spleen and kidney， and rectifying turbid with salty-sour medicinals. In conclusion， it is emphasized to promote the transformation of turbid pathogen to restore metabolic homeostasis， providing methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of IGR.

ObjectiveTo establish and evaluate a hyperuricemia （HUA） mouse model with the damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome. MethodsThirty-six C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group， chemically induced model group （Model）， and model combined with high-fat and fatigue group （Model+HF）. Twenty-four uricase gene knockout （UOX^-/-） mice were randomly divided into UOX^-/- group and UOX^-/-+HF group， with 12 mice in each group. The Model group and the Model+HF group established the HUA model by intragastric administration of potassium oxyazinate combined with adenine. The Model+HF group and the UOX^-/-+HF group adopted a high-fat diet combined with weight-bearing exhaustive swimming to establish the HUA model with the damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome. On day 1， 7， 14， 21， and 28 after modeling， the damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome score of each group was evaluated. On day 1 and day 28， a weight-bearing swimming exhaustion test was performed， and the exhaustive swimming time was recorded. On day 28， liver and kidney indexes were calculated， and hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues. Serum levels of uric acid （UA）， xanthine dehydrogenase （XDH）， xanthine oxidase （XOD） and urea nitrogen （BUN） were detected through biochemical assays. ELISA was used to detect serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of organic anion transporter 1 （OAT1） and glucose transporter 9 （GLUT9） in renal tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR （qRT-PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expressions of adenosine triphosphate binding transporter G2 （ABCG2）， hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）， urate anion transporter 1 （URAT1）， and GLUT9 in renal tissues. ResultsOn day 14 of modeling， the damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome scores of mice in the Model+HF group and the UOX^-/-+HF group were elevated compared with the control group（P＜0.05）； on day 28， the scores significantly increased， and the exhaustive swimming time was shortened （P＜0.01）， indicating successful establishment of the damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome model. Compared with the control group， all other groups exhibited increased kidney index， serum levels of UA， XDH， XOD， BUN， TNF-α， and IL-1β， elevated renal mRNA expression of HIF-1α， URAT1， OAT1， and GLUT9， and decreased renal ABCG2 mRNA expression （P＜0.01 or P＜0.05）. Significant pathological damage in the kidney was observed in the Model+HF group and the UOX^-/-+HF group compared to the Model group and the UOX^-/- group， with decreased serum UA and increased BUN and TNF-α levels （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， as well as increased expression of OAT1 and GLUT9 in the renal tissue. ConclusionBoth chemical induction and gene knockout， combined with a high-fat diet and weight-bearing exhaustive swimming， can successfully establish mouse models of HUA with damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome. Chemical induction is simple to operate and cost-effective， suitable for short-term drug screening， while UOX gene knockout induces spontaneous elevation of serum uric acid levels without drug administration， which may better mimick human metabolic characteristics.

ObjectiveTo establish and evaluate a hyperuricemia （HUA） mouse model with the damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome. MethodsThirty-six C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group， chemically induced model group （Model）， and model combined with high-fat and fatigue group （Model+HF）. Twenty-four uricase gene knockout （UOX^-/-） mice were randomly divided into UOX^-/- group and UOX^-/-+HF group， with 12 mice in each group. The Model group and the Model+HF group established the HUA model by intragastric administration of potassium oxyazinate combined with adenine. The Model+HF group and the UOX^-/-+HF group adopted a high-fat diet combined with weight-bearing exhaustive swimming to establish the HUA model with the damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome. On day 1， 7， 14， 21， and 28 after modeling， the damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome score of each group was evaluated. On day 1 and day 28， a weight-bearing swimming exhaustion test was performed， and the exhaustive swimming time was recorded. On day 28， liver and kidney indexes were calculated， and hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe histopathological changes in liver and kidney tissues. Serum levels of uric acid （UA）， xanthine dehydrogenase （XDH）， xanthine oxidase （XOD） and urea nitrogen （BUN） were detected through biochemical assays. ELISA was used to detect serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） and interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the protein expression of organic anion transporter 1 （OAT1） and glucose transporter 9 （GLUT9） in renal tissues. Quantitative real-time PCR （qRT-PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expressions of adenosine triphosphate binding transporter G2 （ABCG2）， hypoxia-inducible factor-1α （HIF-1α）， urate anion transporter 1 （URAT1）， and GLUT9 in renal tissues. ResultsOn day 14 of modeling， the damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome scores of mice in the Model+HF group and the UOX^-/-+HF group were elevated compared with the control group（P＜0.05）； on day 28， the scores significantly increased， and the exhaustive swimming time was shortened （P＜0.01）， indicating successful establishment of the damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome model. Compared with the control group， all other groups exhibited increased kidney index， serum levels of UA， XDH， XOD， BUN， TNF-α， and IL-1β， elevated renal mRNA expression of HIF-1α， URAT1， OAT1， and GLUT9， and decreased renal ABCG2 mRNA expression （P＜0.01 or P＜0.05）. Significant pathological damage in the kidney was observed in the Model+HF group and the UOX^-/-+HF group compared to the Model group and the UOX^-/- group， with decreased serum UA and increased BUN and TNF-α levels （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， as well as increased expression of OAT1 and GLUT9 in the renal tissue. ConclusionBoth chemical induction and gene knockout， combined with a high-fat diet and weight-bearing exhaustive swimming， can successfully establish mouse models of HUA with damp-turbidity internal accumulation syndrome. Chemical induction is simple to operate and cost-effective， suitable for short-term drug screening， while UOX gene knockout induces spontaneous elevation of serum uric acid levels without drug administration， which may better mimick human metabolic characteristics.

Objective To observe impact factors of average glandular dose(AGD)of full field digital mammography(FFDM)and digital breast tomosynthesis(DBT)under breast Combo mode.Methods Totally 169 subjects who received FFDM and DBT under Combo mode were collected retrospectively.The breast compression thickness,tube voltage,tube current and AGD of FFDM and DBT exposure at cranio-caudal(CC)and mediolateral oblique(MLO)positions of bilateral breast were recorded.FFDM or DBT exposure conditions and AGD among different breast compression thickness and breast types were compared,and their correlations were analyzed.The impacts of breast compression thickness and breast density on AGD of FFDM or DBT were observed.Results There were significant differences in tube voltage,tube current and AGD of FFDM or DBT among different breast compression thicknesses(all P＜0.001).With the increase of breast compression thickness,tube voltage,tube current and AGD of FFDM or DBT all increased(all P＜0.001).There were statistical differences in breast compression thickness,tube voltage,tube current and AGD of FFDM or DBT among different types breast(all P＜0.001).Hierarchical analysis showed that,when breast compression thickness was＜50 mm,50-59 mm and＞59 mm respectively,statistical differences in AGDFFDM and AGDDBT among different breast types at CC or MLO positions were found(all P＜0.001).Under the same breast compression thickness,tube current,AGDFFDM and AGDDBT of FFDM or DBT all increased with the increase of breast density(all P＜0.001),while tube voltage of FFDM or DBT had no obvious change(all P＞0.05).Breast compression thickness and breast density were both independent factors of AGD of FFDM or DBT(all P＜0.001).Conclusion Under breast Combo mode,breast compression thickness and gland density both had impacts on AGD of FFDM or DBT,and the former had more significant impact on AGD.

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:To evaluate the clinical outcomes of right vertical infra-axillary thoracotomy technique (RVIAT) versus traditional median sternotomy (MS) for ventricular septal defect (VSD) repair in infants weighing ≤5 kg.The study further investigates the safety and feasibility of these two surgical approaches.Methods:Retrospective case-series study.Three hundred and fourteen children weighing no more than 5 kg who received VSD repair in Fuwai Central China Cardiovascular Hospital from January 2020 to June 2024 were analysized.Of these children, 252 cases who underwent RVIAT were included in the RVIAT group, and 62 cases who received traditional MS were classified as the MS group.Clinical data such as day age, body mass, the VSD type and diameter were compared between the 2 groups.The operation time, extracorporeal circulation time, block and postoperative mechanical ventilation time, intensive care unit (ICU) treatment time, 24-hour postoperative chest drainage volume and intraoperative bleeding, postoperative secondary intubation, and cardiac arrhythmia of the 2 groups of patients were recorded.Children with unstable blood pressure and active bleeding after taking vasoactive and hemostatic drugs underwent a secondary surgery.The peak airway pressure, oxygenation index, and lung dynamic compliance of the 2 groups of children were recorded before chest opening, immediately after surgery, and 24 hours after surgery. t test, χ2 test and rank sum test were used to compare the clinical data, perioperative results, complications and lung function data of the two groups. Results:(1) No significant differences were observed between the two groups in gender, age, body mass, VSD type and diameter, preoperative pneumonia, and mechanical ventilation rate (all P>0.05).(2) One-stage VSD repair was successfully completed in all cases.In the MS group, 1 infant required a secondary surgery for pericardial tamponade due to excessive bleeding.In the RVIAT group, 1 case necessitated a secondary surgery for third-degree atrioventricular block.Two cases in the MS group and 3 cases in the RVIAT group suffered postoperative arrhythmia, all of who supplemented electrolytes, received a secondary surgery to remove patches and adjust suture positions, and took antiarrhythmic drugs to restore sinus rhythm.(3) The operation time [(137.4±9.1) minutes], hospital stay [(8.2±2.1) days], postoperative mechanical ventilation time [8.0 (6.0, 13.0) hours], postoperative ICU stay [2.9 (2.0, 3.6) days], 24-hour postoperative chest drainage volume [(11.3±1.2) mL], intraoperative bleeding [(11.6±1.2) mL], and hospital costs [(70±7) thousand yuan], the postoperative incidence of incision infection [0.4%(1/252)] and the postoperative incidence of sternal malformation (0) in the RVIAT group were significantly lower than those in the MS group [(151.9±20.2) minutes, (13.1±1.7) days, 12.0 (9.0, 15.0) hours, 2.9 (2.5, 3.7) days, (14.3±1.6) mL, (15.8±2.0) mL, (78±4) thousand yuan, 4.8%(3/62), and 4.8%(3/62), respectively] (all P<0.05).There was no significant difference in extracorporeal circulation time, aortic occlusion time, postoperative arrhythmia rate, residual shunt, and atelectasis between the two groups (all P>0.05).(4) The peak airway pressure, oxygenation index and lung dynamic compliance before chest opening, immediately after surgery, and 24 hours after surgery did not differ significantly between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:In infants with low body mass (≤5 kg), RVIAT for VSD repair offers good exposure through a small incision, capable of reducing operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay, and hospital costs, and facilitating faster recovery.With high safety and effects, RVIAT can be considered as a viable alternative to MS.