1.Sclera Vessel Segmentation Based on Fusion Filtering and Reflection Suppression
Ming-Xuan FAN ; Zong-Qing MA ; Chu-Xiang GAO ; Yi-Xuan SHI ; Zi-Hang ZHANG ; Zhe-Xuan JIA ; Fan FAN ; Guo-Liang HUANG ; Jiang ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1195-1206
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.
2.Genetic diversity analysis of Aedes albopictus populations in Shandong Province using mitochondrial mtDNA-COⅠ gene sequences
Fan-jin MENG ; Yong LIU ; Huan HUANG ; Wei-bo MA ; Yi-fan WU ; Wei-long TAN
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(1):31-39
Objective This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity, differentiation, and population structure of Aedes albopictus across different geographical regions in Shandong Province, and to explore the relationship between genetic diversity and geographical distribution. Methods Between July and August 2024, ten Ae. albopictus populations were sampled from seven cities in Shandong Province. Genomic DNA was extracted from individual mosquitoes, and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I(COⅠ)gene was amplified using PCR and sequenced. The obtained sequences were verified using BLAST and analyzed with MAFFT, MEGA 11, DnaSP v6.12, Arlequin 3.5, PopART 1.7, STRUCTURE 2.3.4 and the R packages adegenet and vegan to assess genetic diversity and population structure. Results A total of 229 COⅠ sequences(662 bp) was obtained, revealing ten variable sites with no insertions or deletions. The overall base composition showed an AT bias of 67.7%. Haplotype analysis identified 11 haplotypes, with Hap2 being the dominant and most widely distributed haplotype across all populations. Neutrality tests showed significant population expansion only in the Rizhao population. Mantel testing result revealed that geographical distance does not significantly impede gene flow. Overall, genetic differentiation among populations was low, indicating frequent gene flow. When combined with additional samples from Shanghai, Fujian, Guangdong, Yunnan, Hainan and Guangxi, STRUCTURE, UPGMA and DAPC analyses revealed two primary genetic clusters of Ae. albopictus. Conclusions Ae. albopictus populations in Shandong Province exhibit frequent gene flow, low genetic differentiation, and relatively low overall genetic diversity. However, the Rizhao population showed signs of recent expansion, highlighting the need for enhanced surveillance and targeted control measures in this area.
3.Sclera Vessel Segmentation Based on Fusion Filtering and Reflection Suppression
Ming-Xuan FAN ; Zong-Qing MA ; Chu-Xiang GAO ; Yi-Xuan SHI ; Zi-Hang ZHANG ; Zhe-Xuan JIA ; Fan FAN ; Guo-Liang HUANG ; Jiang ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1195-1206
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.
4.Clinical pharmacist’s participation in long-term pharmaceutical care for a patient with disseminated Cryptococcus gattii infection
Chuhong WANG ; Fang ZHAO ; Meifang CHEN ; Yue ZHOU ; Rongrong FAN ; Yanguo LIU ; Yi LIU ; Lin HUANG ; Xiaohong ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(16):2171-2175
OBJECTIVE To provide guidance for pharmaceutical care in patients with severe Cryptococcus gattii infections.METHODS Clinical pharmacists participated in the diagnosis and treatment of a male patient with disseminated Cryptococcus gattii infection (involving the lungs and central nervous system). Given the patient’s poor response to initial therapy, the clinical pharmacists, based on antimicrobial susceptibility test results, recommended voriconazole as an alternative azole. In response to refractory hypokalemia caused by liposomal amphotericin B, the clinical pharmacists assisted the physician in developing an intensive potassium replacement regimen. Regarding the interaction between voriconazole and nifedipine, the clinical pharmacists proactively identified the risk and intensified monitoring of the patient’s blood pressure. In response to the onset of hepatitis C during treatment, the clinical pharmacists thoroughly weighed the priority of infection treatment and recommended temporarily postponing antiviral therapy for hepatitis C. For the individualized use of voriconazole, the clinical pharmacists repeatedly performed therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Regarding the patient’s poor lesion resolution, the clinical pharmacists participated in multidisciplinary team discussions to clarify the indications for surgery.RESULTS The physician adopted the clinical pharmacists’ recommendations. Following pharmacological treatment and surgical intervention, the patient’s condition stabilized, and he was discharged while still on medication.CONCLUSIONS For severe Cryptococcus gattii infections, clinical pharmacists should focus on pathogen characteristics, strengthen adverse reaction management, pay close attention to drug interactions, conduct TDM, and actively participate in multidisciplinary team collaboration to ensure the safety and efficacy of patient treatment.
5.Innovative practice of inter-hospital transfer services for critically ill patients under the guidance of party building
Ke FAN ; Yi HUANG ; Xia LI ; Qing ZHOU
Modern Hospital 2025;25(4):505-507
The deep integration of party building and business operations is a crucial pathway to strengthen party building in public hospitals and promote high-quality hospital development under the new situation.This article takes the"Hongyan Van-guard Inter-hospital Transfer Service Task Force for Critically Ill Patients"of The Second Hospital of Chongqing Medical Universi-ty as the research object.Based on cross-branch collaboration practices,it systematically constructs a three-dimensional integra-tion model of"goal synergy-organizational reconstruction-capability closed-loop"and deeply analyzes the internal logic of party building leading business challenges.The research uses party building as the ideological guide and organizational reconstruction as an important measure to establish a standardized transfer process and a digital quality control system.Data shows that more than 150 cases of inter-hospital transfers of critically ill patients have been completed within a year,with a growth rate exceeding 40%.Patient satisfaction reached 98.7%,and the CMI value improved significantly.This provides an empirical model for public hospitals to solve the collaboration problems between cross-functional departments and clinical frontline departments,and achieve the"double helix"development of party building and business operations.
6.Targeting PDE4B with Ditan Decoction Inhibits Neutrophil Infiltration to Mitigate Neurovascular Unit Injury
Shuhong YU ; Sijie LIU ; Jiayi ZHU ; Ling FAN ; Jiamei GU ; Hao HUANG ; Yi LUO
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(3):306-312
OBJECTIVE To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Ditan Decoction(DTD)on ischemic stroke.METHODS A mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)model was used to induce cerebral ischemia and assess the role of DTD in post-stroke NVU injury.DTD was gavaged once a day for 3 days after MCAO.Transwell neutrophil chemotaxis assay was used to explore the role of DTD in the neutrophil chemotaxis.RESULTS In the MCAO model,DTD treatment significantly reduced infarct volume(P<0.01)and attenuated blood-brain barrier disruption,as evidenced by decreased IgG leakage and preserved laminin expression(P<0.05).Furthermore,DTD suppressed neutrophil infiltration into ischemic brain tissue,as demonstrated by reduced neutrophil elastase(P<0.01)and myeloperoxidase(P<0.05)levels.Mechanistically,DTD inhibited neutrophil chemotaxis in a dose-dependent manner and downregulated phosphodiesterase 4B(PDE4B),a key regulator of neutrophil migration(P<0.05).Molecular docking analysis i-dentified four active DTD components-apigenin,vitexin,chlorogenic acid,and orientin-with strong binding affinities to PDE4B(bind-ing energies<-5 kcal·mol-1),suggesting their potential role in mediating DTD's therapeutic effects.CONCLUSION These find-ings highlight DTD as a promising intervention for ischemic stroke,targeting NVU preservation and PDE4B-dependent neutrophil mod-ulation.
7.Comparison of efficacy of different regimens treating pruritus in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis
Suzhen SHAO ; Yi ZHANG ; Huijuan XU ; Jian HUANG ; Fan DING
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(8):62-65
Objective To compare clinical efficacy of different regimens in treatment of pruritus in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients.Methods A total of 50 patients with MHD admitted to the Sixth People's Hospital of Jiujiang City from August 1,2022 to April 30,2024 as subjects and were divided into two groups according to random number table method.Control group(n=25)was treated with sodium thiosulfate.On this basis,gabapentin combination therapy was added in observation group(n=25).Effects of two groups were compared after 8 weeks of treatment.Results Total clinical effective rate of observation group was significantly higher than that of control group(P<0.05).After 8 weeks of treatment,scores and total scores of all dimensions of quality of life in two groups were higher than before treatment,and observation group was higher than control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Sodium thiosulfate combined with gabapentin in treatment of MHD patients with pruritus can not only relieve pruritus symptoms,improve sleep quality,but also have good safety.
8.Determination of polymyxin E in human plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application in therapeutic drug monitoring
Yan CHEN ; Xiaolan HUANG ; Yi LI ; Xin LI ; Beining GUO ; Yaxin FAN ; Hailan WU ; Mengting CHEN ; Wanzhen LI ; Jing ZHANG ; Xiaofen LIU
Chinese Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy 2025;25(2):155-161
Objective To develop and validate an efficient and simple liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS)method for determination of polymyxin E in human plasma,and apply the established method in therapeutic drug monitoring(TDM)of polymyxin E.Methods The LC-MS/MS platform was based on AB SCIEX HPLC-4500MD system.Gradient elution was performed with 0.2%formic acid in water and 0.2%formic acid in acetonitrile.Phenomenex Kinetex XB-C18 column(100 mm × 2.1 mm,2.6 μm)were used.The analytes were detected by electrospray ionization(ESI)positive multiple reaction monitoring mode.The ion pairs for analytes(polymyxins E1,E2)and internal standard(polymyxins B1)were m/z 390.7→101.3,m/z 386.0→101.2,and m/z 402.3→101.2,respectively.Plasma samples were processed with protein precipitation method.Results Polymyxin E1 and E2 showed good linearity in the range of 0.031 2-6.24 mg/L and 0.006 15-1.23 mg/L,respectively.The within-run accuracy of polymyxin E1 and E2 in plasma ranged from 89.4%to 99.8%and 91.5%to 108.2%,respectively,while the between-run accuracy ranged from 91.8%to 104.7%and 95.6%to 105.2%,respectively.The within-run precision of polymyxin E1 and E2 in plasma ranged from 4.9%to 8.9%and 2.8%to 8.5%,respectively,while the between-run precision ranged from 4.1%to 7.6%and 4.2%to 9.8%,respectively.The average internal standard normalized matrix effect factors of polymyxins E1 and E2 were 96.9%-111.2%and 106.1%-112.8%in blank plasma samples from 6 different sources,102.5%-106.8%and 98.8%-105.2%in lipemic plasma,respectively,107.8%-108.9%and 106.9%-1 07.4%in hemolyzed plasma,respectively.The precision of matrix effects was less than 15.0%.The average recovery rate was 102.9%-107.5%for polymyxin E1 and E2,and 107.0%for internal standard polymyxin B1.The precision was less than 3.7%.Conclusions In this study,a simple and efficient LC-MS/MS method was established for determination of polymyxin E1 and E2 in human plasma,which is reliable in the therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacokinetic study of polymyxin E.
9.Innovative practice of inter-hospital transfer services for critically ill patients under the guidance of party building
Ke FAN ; Yi HUANG ; Xia LI ; Qing ZHOU
Modern Hospital 2025;25(4):505-507
The deep integration of party building and business operations is a crucial pathway to strengthen party building in public hospitals and promote high-quality hospital development under the new situation.This article takes the"Hongyan Van-guard Inter-hospital Transfer Service Task Force for Critically Ill Patients"of The Second Hospital of Chongqing Medical Universi-ty as the research object.Based on cross-branch collaboration practices,it systematically constructs a three-dimensional integra-tion model of"goal synergy-organizational reconstruction-capability closed-loop"and deeply analyzes the internal logic of party building leading business challenges.The research uses party building as the ideological guide and organizational reconstruction as an important measure to establish a standardized transfer process and a digital quality control system.Data shows that more than 150 cases of inter-hospital transfers of critically ill patients have been completed within a year,with a growth rate exceeding 40%.Patient satisfaction reached 98.7%,and the CMI value improved significantly.This provides an empirical model for public hospitals to solve the collaboration problems between cross-functional departments and clinical frontline departments,and achieve the"double helix"development of party building and business operations.
10.A retrospective matching study of partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy for pathological T3a stage renal cell carcinoma
Zezhen ZHOU ; Liyuan GE ; Fan ZHANG ; Shaohui DENG ; Ye YAN ; Hongxian ZHANG ; Guoliang WANG ; Lei LIU ; Yi HUANG ; Shudong ZHANG
Journal of Peking University(Health Sciences) 2025;57(4):704-710
Objective:To evaluate the long-term oncological outcomes of partial nephrectomy(PN)in patients with renal cell carcinoma(RCC)who were clinically staged as clinical T1(cT1)preoperatively but upstaged to pathological T3a(pT3a)after surgery.Methods:A total of 427 RCC patients postopera-tively diagnosed as pT3aN0M0 at Peking University Third Hospital from February 2013 to December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed.Among them,33 cT1 patients upstaged to pT3a RCC received PN(PN group),while 394 non-upstaged pT3a RCC patients underwent radical nephrectomy(RN,RN group).Propensity score matching was performed at a 1∶1 ratio based on baseline characteristics.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess overall survival(OS),cancer-specific survival(CSS),and disease-free survival(DFS),with Log-rank tests and Cox regression models for multivariate analysis.Results:Before matching,the PN group(n=33)had significantly higher rates of perirenal fat invasion(PFI,45.5%vs.15.2%)and segmental renal vein involvement(42.4%vs.20.8%),but lower rates of renal sinus invasion(RSI,21.2%vs.73.6%)and renal vein tumor thrombus(0%vs.15.2%)compared with the RN group(n=394,all P<0.05).After matching,baseline characteristics were comparable between the PN group(n=33)and RN group(n=33).No significant differences were observed in operative time,blood loss,mean hospital stay,complication rate,positive margin rate,or conversion to open surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).However,the PN group showed significantly higher estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)postoperatively[76.9(55.4,87.3)mL/(min·1.73 m2)vs.61.7(56.8,73.5)mL/(min·1.73 m2),P<0.05],indicating better renal function preserva-tion.No significant differences were found in OS,CSS,or DFS between the groups(P>0.05).Multi-variate ana-lysis identified renal vein invasion(RVI),higher Fuhrman grades(Ⅲ-Ⅳ),and sarcoma-toid differentiation as independent risk factors for DFS and CSS in the pT3a RCC patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:For cT1 RCC patients upstaged to pT3a,PN preserves renal function more effectively while achieving com-parable oncological outcomes to RN.RVI,higher Fuhrmann grade,and sarcomatoid differentiation are independent risk factors for pT3N0M0 RCC patients.


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