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.

The integrin alpha 2（ITGA2）gene locates on chromosome 5q11.2，encodes the α 2 subunit of the integrin family.The α 2 subunit is found on many cell surfaces.The α 2 subunit plays an important role in the regulation of platelet aggregation，cell migration，cell proliferation and angiogenesis.Through a wide range of studies conducted in recent years，researchers have discovered that this gene is linked to some diseases，such as rheumatoid arthritis，pediatric sickle cell disease，Kawasaki disease，malignant tumor and biliary atresia.These studies have contributed to the early identification of diseases associated with this gene and the exploration of diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for them.This article reviews the advancements in research concerning the association of ITGA2 gene with various diseases.

OBJECTIVE To establish a method for determining the content of multiple components in Astragalus membranaceus,compare the content differences of Astragalus membranaceus in different regions and with different extraction methods in Gansu,and e-valuate the quality of Astragalus membranaceus from different origins of Gansu.METHODS Astragalus membranaceus samples from 40 origins in Gansu were collected on site.The content of Astragaloside Ⅳ,Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,Ononin,Form-ononetin and Calycosin was determined by HPLC external standard method,and the quality differences of Astragalus membranaceus from 40 origins of Gansu were analyzed by combining bar graphs and line graphs.RESULTS Weiyuan County and Min County of Dingxi City showed high Astragaloside Ⅳ content in both extraction methods,indicating that the Astragalus membranaceus in these two regions has advantages in Astragaloside Ⅳ as an active component;for Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and Ononin,although the performance of different regions in different extraction methods was different,in general,Weiyuan County and Min County of Dingxi City and Longnan City showed high content in both extraction methods.Water extraction method was more conducive to the extraction of Calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and Ononin,while alcohol extraction method was more conducive to the extraction of Astragalo-side Ⅳ,Calycosin and Ononin.CONCLUSION The content of chemical components of Astragalus membranaceus from different ori-gins is quite different,and the choice of extraction method has a significant effect on the content of active components,while the change trend of different compounds in the two extraction methods is basically the same.The established HPLC multi-component content de-termination method of Astragalus membranaceus is stable and reliable,which can provide a scientific basis for the quality control and comprehensive evaluation of Astragalus membranaceus medicinal materials.

Professor Zou Yunxiang proposed the"kidney essence theory"in 1955,which believes that the kidney,as an important excretory organ in the human body,participates in the body's metabolism,and the basis for producing this effect is the essence of the kidney.Subsequently,the Zou nephrology team established the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element"based on this foundation,constructed a system of syndrome differentiation and treatment for chronic kidney disease,proposed the traditional Chinese medicine names,causes,and mechanisms of chronic kidney disease,as well as four major methods for diagnosing and treating chronic kidney disease,and developed representative drugs representing the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element"-Huang-zhi Yishen Capsules and Shenwu Yishen Tablets.In addition,the Zou nephrology team has extensively applied and promoted the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element".

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) and the live birth rate (LBR) using different propensity score methods. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, eligible women who underwent a COH were divided into acupuncture and non-acupuncture groups. The primary outcome was LBR, as determined by propensity score matching (PSM). LBR was defined as the delivery of one or more living infants that reached a gestational age over 28 weeks after embryo transfer. The propensity score model encompassed 16 confounding variables. To validate the results, sensitivity analyses were conducted using three additional propensity score methods: propensity score adjustment, inverse probability weighting (IPW), and IPW with a "doubly robust" estimator. RESULTS: The primary cohort encompassed 9751 patients (1830 [18.76%] in the acupuncture group and 7921 [81.23%] in the non-acupuncture group). Following 1:1 PSM, a higher LBR was found in the acupuncture cohort (41.4% [755/1824] vs 36.4% [664/1824], with an odds ratio of 1.23 [95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.41]). Three additional propensity score methods produced essentially similar results. The risk of serious adverse events did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION This retrospective study revealed an association between acupuncture and an increased LBR among patients undergoing COH, and that acupuncture is a safe and valuable treatment option. Please cite this article as: Zheng XY, Jiang ZY, Li YT, Li CL, Zhu H, Yu Z, Yu SY, Yang LL, Tang SY, Lü XY, Liang FR, Yang J. Association between acupuncture and live birth rates after fresh embryo transfer: A cohort study based on different propensity score methods. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(5):528-536.
Humans ; Female ; Propensity Score ; Embryo Transfer ; Adult ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy ; Live Birth ; Birth Rate ; Cohort Studies

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

Objective To explore the effect of hyperbaric oxygen combined with synchronous brain bionic electrical stimulation on patients with stroke-related sleep disorders.Methods From November,2023 to November,2024,a total of 68 stroke patients with stroke-related sleep disorders ad-mitted to Huashan Hospital,Fudan University were selected.They were randomly divided into control group(n=34)and experimental group(n=34).The control group received routine hyperbaric oxygen therapy,while the ex-perimental group received routine hyperbaric oxygen therapy combined with synchronous brain bionic electrical stimulation inside the chamber,for four weeks.Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI),sleep-monitoring wrist-bands,Self-rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)and Self-rating Depression Scale(SDS)were used to assess the outcomes before and after treatment..Results Four patients in the control group and one in the experimental group dropped out.After treatment,the scores of each factors of PSQI decreased in both groups(t>2.693,P<0.05),and were lower in the experimental group than in the control group(t>2.699,P<0.01),expect hypnotic drug use(P>0.05);the total sleep time,deep sleep time and rapid eye movement sleep time became longer in both groups(|t|>7.270,P<0.001),and they were longer in the experimental group than in the control group(|t|>5.712,P<0.001);the scores of SAS and SDS decreased in both groups(t>9.530,P<0.001),and they were less in the experimental group than in the control group(t>4.740,P<0.001).Conclusion Synchronous brain bionic electrical stimulation in hyperbaric oxygen chamber could effectively prolong the total sleep time,deep sleep time and rapid eye movement time of patients with stroke-related sleep disorders,re-lieve anxiety and depression after stroke,and improve sleep quality.

Professor Zou Yunxiang proposed the"kidney essence theory"in 1955,which believes that the kidney,as an important excretory organ in the human body,participates in the body's metabolism,and the basis for producing this effect is the essence of the kidney.Subsequently,the Zou nephrology team established the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element"based on this foundation,constructed a system of syndrome differentiation and treatment for chronic kidney disease,proposed the traditional Chinese medicine names,causes,and mechanisms of chronic kidney disease,as well as four major methods for diagnosing and treating chronic kidney disease,and developed representative drugs representing the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element"-Huang-zhi Yishen Capsules and Shenwu Yishen Tablets.In addition,the Zou nephrology team has extensively applied and promoted the core medical technique of"tonifying the kidney element".

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease(CJD)is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by prions,with certain infectivity and iatrogenic transmission risks.With the rapid progress and application of new dia-gnostic biomarkers and detection methods,as well as the construction and improvement of surveillance and reporting systems,the detection of CJD in patients domestically and internationally has shown an increasing trend year by year.Due to its long incubation period and heterogeneity of early symptoms,early identification and diagnosis of the disease is difficult,increasing the risk of transmission within medical institutions.Currently,there is a lack of con-sensus on the infection prevention and control of CJD.In order to timely identify and diagnose CJD as well as effec-tively block its transmission in medical institutions,this consensus summarizes 15 clinical concerns and formulates 24 specific recommendations based on the latest domestic and international research findings and clinical evidence,as well as combines with clinical practice,aiming to standardize healthcare-associated infection prevention and control measures for CJD and reduce its transmission risk in medical institutions.