Objective: To understand the current status of neglect among rural preschool children in Xi an under the multi child policy and the association with family characteristics, so as to provide a reference for preventing and reducing the occurrence of child neglect. Methods: A total of 7 052 parents of preschool children were selected using stratified cluster sampling across 9 suburban counties/districts in Xi an from March to April 2025. A questionnaire survey was administered using the Chinese Norm Scale for Neglect Assessment of Rural(Preschool) Children Aged 3-6. The t-test, Chi-quare test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for inter group comparisons. Results: The overall prevalence rate and mean score of neglect among rural preschool aged children in Xi an were 32.4% and 38.27±6.70, respectively. Statistically significant differences were detected in neglect rates and neglect degrees among preschool children of different genders and grade levels ( χ 2=30.41, 15.15, t/F =4.92,7.03, all P <0.05). Statistically significant differences were also detected in neglect rates and neglect degrees among preschool children from whether only one child, different family structures, numbers of children in a family and families with different annual incomes ( χ 2=29.22, 10.41 , 31.99, 186.47, t/F =-9.96, 5.50, 33.57, 68.63, all P <0.05). In multi child families, there was a statistically significant difference in neglect degree among children with different birth orders ( F =4.25, P <0.05), but there was no statistically significant difference in neglect rate ( χ 2=5.73, P >0.05). Among all subgroups, the highest neglect rates and neglect degrees were observed in children from multi child families(35.0%,39.00±6.71), other family types(50.0%，42.38±12.34) and families with three children(39.9%，39.50±7.43). Lower annual family income was associated with higher neglect rates and neglect degrees among preschool children( χ 2 trend =186.47， F =270.68，both P <0.05). Conclusions Under the multiple child policy, the neglect of preschool children in rural areas of Xi an is quite severe, particularly in families with multiple children and low income households. Targeted interventions should be implemented for high risk groups.

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.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disorder characterized by recurrent mucosal inflammation. Although biologics and small-molecule therapies can effectively suppress inflammation, only 13%-34% of patients achieve deep histological remission, and most experience relapse within 2-3 years. Existing biomarkers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), fecal calprotectin, and endoscopic measures, have limited ability to detect subclinical molecular abnormalities, suggesting that disease-driving factors may persist even during clinical remission. Recently, Pang et al. reported a study in Science that investigated the role of epithelial cell-death signaling using a prospective adult IBD cohort comprising 80 participants and more than 900 biopsy specimens. By integrating bulk and spatial transcriptomics, patient-derived organoids, and 24-36 months of longitudinal follow-up, the authors characterized epithelial cell-death programs associated with IBD persistence. They found that the necroptosis-associated marker pRIPK3 could be detected in the absence of overt histological inflammation and persisted during advanced therapy. IFN‑γ and TNF reshaped the transcriptional landscape of specific colonic epithelial cells, inducing an inflammatory macrophage-like program termed cluster B and triggering RIPK1-independent RIPK3 signaling. This was followed by NOS2/iNOS-mediated mitochondrial apoptosis driving colonocyte death, whereas PUMA-dependent apoptosis contributed to intestinal stem-cell loss. Higher baseline pRIPK3 levels were associated with subsequent disease activity, although their independent predictive value remains to be established. These findings suggest that persistent IBD may reflect not only residual immune inflammation but also inflammation-induced pathological epithelial states. Future therapeutic strategies may therefore need to extend beyond inflammation control toward “molecular repair”, including targeting noncanonical RIPK3 signaling, modulating iNOS/PUMA-dependent mitochondrial apoptosis, and developing relapse-risk stratification strategies based on tissue biomarkers such as pRIPK3. Such approaches may help shift the therapeutic goal from “clinical remission” toward “molecular healing”.

ObjectiveMagnetoencephalography (MEG), a non-invasive neuroimaging technique, meticulously captures the magnetic fields emanating from brain electrical activity. Compared with MEG based on superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID), MEG based on optically pump magnetometer (OPM) has the advantages of higher sensitivity, better spatial resolution and lower cost. However, most of the current studies are clinical studies, and there is a lack of animal studies on MEG based on OPM technology. Pain, a multifaceted sensory and emotional phenomenon, induces intricate alterations in brain activity, exhibiting notable sex differences. Despite clinical revelations of pain-related neuronal activity through MEG, specific properties remain elusive, and comprehensive laboratory studies on pain-associated brain activity alterations are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inflammatory pain (induced by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)) on brain activity in a rat model using the MEG technique, to analysis changes in brain activity during pain perception, and to explore sex differences in pain-related MEG signaling. MethodsThis study utilized adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Inflammatory pain was induced via intraplantar injection of CFA (100 μl, 50% in saline) in the left hind paw, with control groups receiving saline. Pain behavior was assessed using von Frey filaments at baseline and 1 h post-injection. For MEG recording, anesthetized rats had an OPM positioned on their head within a magnetic shield, undergoing two 15-minute sessions: a 5-minute baseline followed by a 10-minute mechanical stimulation phase. Data analysis included artifact removal and time-frequency analysis of spontaneous brain activity using accumulated spectrograms, generating spectrograms focused on the 4-30 Hz frequency range. ResultsMEG recordings in anesthetized rats during resting states and hind paw mechanical stimulation were compared, before and after saline/CFA injections. Mechanical stimulation elevated alpha activity in both male and female rats pre- and post-saline/CFA injections. Saline/CFA injections augmented average power in both sexes compared to pre-injection states. Remarkably, female rats exhibited higher average spectral power 1 h after CFA injection than after saline injection during resting states. Furthermore, despite comparable pain thresholds measured by classical pain behavioral tests post-CFA treatment, female rats displayed higher average power than males in the resting state after CFA injection. ConclusionThese results imply an enhanced perception of inflammatory pain in female rats compared to their male counterparts. Our study exhibits sex differences in alpha activities following CFA injection, highlighting heightened brain alpha activity in female rats during acute inflammatory pain in the resting state. Our study provides a method for OPM-based MEG recordings to be used to study brain activity in anaesthetized animals. In addition, the findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of pain-related neural activity and pain sex differences.

Objective:To investigate the application value of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT targeting CXC subfamily receptor 4 (CXCR4) in the subtyping and precise localization of primary aldosteronism (PA). Methods:Thirty-three patients with PA confirmed by clinical examination and undergoing 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT and adrenal vein sampling (AVS) in the Second Xiangya Hospital between July 1st 2022 and July 1st 2023 were prospectively enrolled (24 males, 9 females, age (49.6±10.3) years). Patients with a dominant side identified by PET/CT or AVS underwent unilateral adrenalectomy, while those without a dominant side received medical treatment. According to the standard of PA surgical outcome (PASO), patients underwent surgery were divided into unilateral PA (UPA) and bilateral PA (BPA) based on the pathological and follow-up results. Those who received medical treatment were BPA. The diagnostic efficacy of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT for UPA was calculated. The ROC curve was constructed to analyze the accuracy and optimal threshold of SUV max, the ratio of lesion SUV max to contralateral adrenal tissue SUV mean (LCR), and the ratio of lesion SUV max to liver SUV mean (LLR) in the diagnosis of PA subtype. The correlation between the quantitative parameters and the clinical features and lesion width of the patients was evaluated by Spearman rank correlation analysis. The differences of LCR and LLR between different efficacy groups were compared by the independent-sample t test. Results:A total of 20 patients underwent unilateral adrenalectomy. Nineteen patients were finally diagnosed with UPA and 14 with BPA. The agreement rate of PET/CT and AVS was 81.8%(27/33), and both methods independently detected UPA that was negative in the other examination. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT visual diagnosis of UPA were 18/19, 14/14, and 97.0%(32/33), respectively. ROC curve showed that the AUC of LLR for subtype diagnosis was 0.944, with the optimal threshold of 3.1. SUV max, LCR, and LLR were positively correlated with aldosterone concentration ( rs values: 0.35, 0.47, and 0.36, all P<0.05) and lesion width ( rs values: 0.43, 0.49, and 0.58, all P<0.05). The LCR (3.9±2.2 vs 1.6±0.3; t=2.00, P=0.041) and LLR( 8.7±4.1 vs 4.2±1.3; t=2.06, P=0.045) of the dominant side lesions in patients who achieved complete biochemical and clinical cure were higher than those in patients with partial improvement. Conclusions:68Ga-Pentixafor PET/CT imaging can be used in the diagnosis and precise localization of PA subtype. It also can detect patients with PA which can be surgically cured but not detected by AVS, and the quantitative analysis may be valuable for prognosis prediction.

Periodontitis, a common chronic inflammatory disease, progressively damages the supporting tissues of teeth, ultimately resulting in tooth loss. The rising incidence of periodontitis in adults has prompted researchers to observe a frequent co-occurrence of mental health disorders (such as anxiety disorders, depression disorders) in patients undergoing periodontitis onset and treatment. The existence of severe periodontitis can even aggravate the mental and psychological disorders of patients. Furthermore, the long-term fast-paced, high-pressure modern life is easy to cause a series of psychological problems, in turn affecting the occurrence and development of periodontitis. At present, researchers have reported the correlation between periodontitis and anxiety disorders/depression disorders. However, due to the lack of systematic understanding, most of them are clinical investigations or epidemiological statistics without deep mechanism studies. In view of the above problems, this article elucidates the bidirectional relationship between periodontitis and depression/anxiety disorders in recent years by examining recent epidemiological findings, exploring potential bidirectional pathogenic mechanisms, and discussing current treatment strategies. Ultimately, this review seeks to provide new perspectives for improving both oral and mental health outcomes in patients affected by periodontitis and anxiety/depression disorders.

Objective To draw the genome-wide distribution and remodeling characteristics of H3K27me3 silencers in signet-ring cell carcinoma of the stomach(SRCC)through epigenetic sequencing technology,and to investigate their roles in transcriptional regulation in order to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of SRCC malignant progression.Methods The study was conducted on 35 gastric samples obtained by gastroendoscopic biopsy(15 normal and 20 SRCC tissues)from Department of Gastroenterology of Army Medical Center of PLA between January 2021 and December 2023.Multi-omics analyses,including assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with high-throughput sequencing(ATAC-seq),cleavage under targets and tagmentation(CUT&Tag)and transcriptome sequencing(RNA-seq),were performed to identify chromatin accessibility,H3K27me3 silencer regions,and transcriptional changes,with aid of Illumina NovaSeq 6000.H3K27me3 related differentially expressed genes(|Log2FC|>1,FDR<0.05)were screened using DESeq2.Gene Ontology(GO)analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analysis were employed to analyze the enrichment function,and Homer was employed to identify transcription factor motifs.A regulatory network was constructed using Cytoscape,and then validated using immunohistochemistry to explore its regulatory mechanism.Results H3K27me3 silencers were primarily located in distal intergenic regions(37.06%)in SRCC.Compared with the normal tissues,SRCC showed a significant reduction in H3K27me3 silencer signals(95%CI:1.34～2.30,P=0.007)with 6 257 lost sites(FDR<0.01).Integrating CUT&Tag and RNA-seq revealed 380 up-regulated immune-related genes,particularly in T cell receptor signaling(OR=4.2,95%CI:2.8～6.3,P=0.002).Immunohistochemistry confirmed elevated expression of transcription factor EHF(P<0.05).Conclusion There is the remodeling of H3K27me3 silencers in SRCC,and EHF may potentially play a crucial role in the SRCC malignant progression.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the cardioprotective effect and impact of Qishen Granules (QSG) on different ischemic areas of the myocardium in heart failure (HF) rats by evaluating its metabolic pattern, substrate utilization, and mechanistic modulation. METHODS: In vivo, echocardiography and histology were used to assess rat cardiac function; positron emission tomography was performed to assess the abundance of glucose metabolism in the ischemic border and remote areas of the heart; fatty acid metabolism and ATP production levels were assessed by hematologic and biochemical analyses. The above experiments evaluated the cardioprotective effect of QSG on left anterior descending ligation-induced HF in rats and the mode of energy metabolism modulation. In vitro, a hypoxia-induced H9C2 model was established, mitochondrial damage was evaluated by flow cytometry, and nuclear translocation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1 α) was observed by immunofluorescence to assess the mechanism of energy metabolism regulation by QSG in hypoxic and normoxia conditions. RESULTS: QSG regulated the pattern of glucose and fatty acid metabolism in the border and remote areas of the heart via the HIF-1 α pathway, and improved cardiac function in HF rats. Specifically, QSG promoted HIF-1 α expression and entry into the nucleus at high levels of hypoxia (P<0.05), thereby promoting increased compensatory glucose metabolism; while reducing nuclear accumulation of HIF-1 α at relatively low levels of hypoxia (P<0.05), promoting the increased lipid metabolism. CONCLUSIONS QSG regulates the protein stability of HIF-1 α, thereby coordinating energy supply balance between the ischemic border and remote areas of the myocardium. This alleviates the energy metabolism disorder caused by ischemic injury.
Animals ; Myocardial Infarction/physiopathology* ; Male ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Glucose/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Energy Metabolism/drug effects* ; Rats ; Fatty Acids/metabolism* ; Myocardium/pathology*

This study aims to reveal the effect and mechanism of Gentianella turkestanorum total extract(GTI) in ameliorating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to identify the chemical components in GTI. SwissTarget-Prediction, GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD were utilized to screen the targets of GTI components and NASH. The common targets shared by GTI components and NASH were filtered through the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.9.0 to identify core targets, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. AutoDock was used for molecular docking of key components with core targets. A mouse model of NASH was established with a methionine-choline-deficient high-fat diet. A 4-week drug intervention was conducted, during which mouse weight was monitored, and the liver-to-brain ratio was measured at the end. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Sirius red staining, and oil red O staining were employed to observe the pathological changes in the liver tissue. The levels of various biomarkers, including aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), hydroxyproline(HYP), total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C), malondialdehyde(MDA), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and glutathione(GSH), in the serum and liver tissue were determined. RT-qPCR was conducted to measure the mRNA levels of interleukin 1β(IL-1β), interleukin 6(IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), collagen type I α1 chain(COL1A1), and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). Western blotting was conducted to determine the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and potential drug targets identified through network pharmacology. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS identified 581 chemical components of GTI, and 534 targets of GTI and 1 157 targets of NASH were screened out. The topological analysis of the common targets shared by GTI and NASH identified core targets such as IL-1β, IL-6, protein kinase B(AKT), TNF, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma(PPARG). GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the ameliorating effect of GTI on NASH was related to inflammatory responses and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K)/AKT pathway. The staining results demonstrated that GTI ameliorated hepatocyte vacuolation, swelling, ballooning, and lipid accumulation in NASH mice. Compared with the model group, high doses of GTI reduced the AST, ALT, HYP, TC, and TG levels(P<0.01) while increasing the HDL-C, SOD, and GSH levels(P<0.01). RT-qPCR results showed that GTI down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, COL1A1, and α-SMA(P<0.01). Western blot results indicated that GTI down-regulated the protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, phosphorylated PI3K(p-PI3K), phosphorylated AKT(p-AKT), phosphorylated inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B alpha(p-IκBα), and nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)(P<0.01). In summary, GTI ameliorates inflammation, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress associated with NASH by regulating the PI3K/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Animals ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/genetics* ; Mice ; Network Pharmacology ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Liver/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Humans ; Mass Spectrometry ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Molecular Docking Simulation