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.

Objective To investigate the status of population dynamics and distribution changes of Aedes aegypti in Guangdong Province.Methods Continuous monitoring was conducted from May 2018 to July 2024 in Wushi Town and Qishui Town,Leizhou City,Zhanjiang City,Guangdong Province.Additionally,a survey of the distribution of Ae.aegypti along the Leizhou Peninsula coast was carried out.Results The density of Ae.aegypti in Zhanjiang showed a gradual decline from 2018 to 2024.The last detection of adult Ae.aegypti in Wushi Town was in September 2021,and the last larva was found in October 2023.No Ae.aegypti was detected in Qishui Town during surveys from 2021 to 2024.A survey of 18 coastal villages in the Leizhou Peninsula revealed no detections of Ae.aegypti.Conclusions This study provides a basis for understanding the distribution and population density fluctuations of Ae.aegypti,assessing its invasion risk,and scientifically conducting relevant prevention and control efforts.

Objective:To understand the prevalence and characteristics of Rhinovirus (HRV) infection in influenza-like Illness (ILIs) patients in Mianyang, Sichuan province, China.Methods:Throat swabs were collected from patients of ILIs in sentinel hospitals in Mianyang during 2021—2022. Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect 16 common pathogens. The VP4/VP2 coding region genes of HRV positive samples were amplified by nest PCR. The phylogeny, consistency and amino acid variation of different serotypes were analyzed and compared with reference sequences from GenBank database.Results:A total of 332 ILIs′ samples were collected with a virus detection rate of 58.73% (195/332) in Mianyang. Among them, 23 samples (23/332) were HRV-positive, and 18 VP4/VP2 sequences of HRV strains were successfully amplified. It was found that 13 HRV serotypes were detected in ILIs samples in Mianyang, which belonged to three genotypes, namely HRV-A (12 strains), HRV-B (5 strains) and HRV-C (1 strain).Conclusions:HRV was one of the pathogens of ILIs cases in Mianyang during 2021—2022, with HRV-A types as the dominant strains.

Genetic risk factors have been shown to contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction. However, the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants in the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear. In this study, we recruited 1254 participants who underwent ED assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5. The MTHFR c.677C>T variant was also measured by fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No significant difference in the genotypic frequency of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism (CC, CT, and TT) was observed between men from the ED and non-ED groups. In addition, on binary logistic regression analysis, both crude and adjusted models showed that the risk of ED was not significantly associated with the C677T polymorphism. Interestingly, a significantly higher frequency of the 677TT polymorphism was found in severe and moderate ED (P = 0.02). The positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and severe ED was confirmed by logistic regression analysis, even after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-5.50, P = 0.02). These findings suggest a positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and the risk of severe ED. Identification of MTHFR gene polymorphisms may provide complementary information for ED patients during routine clinical diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of 3D printing percutaneous surgical guide plate in closed reduction and cannulated screw internal fixation of femoral neck fracture. METHODS: The clinical data of 12 patients with femoral neck fracture from March 2019 to March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into observation group and control group according to different operation plans, with 6 cases in each group. The observation group received percutaneous operation guide plate assisted closed reduction and hollow screw internal fixation, while the control group received closed reduction and hollow compression screw internal fixation. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy times, and Kirschner needle puncture times were compared between two groups. The location of screws were recordedon postoperative X-ray films, follow-up time, time of complete fracture healing, Harris score of hip joint and the incidence of complications were recorded on postoperative X-ray films. RESULTS: The operation time of observation group (32.17±6.18) min was shorter than that of control group (53.83±7.31) min (P<0.05). The amount of intraoperative bleeding in the observation group (18.33±2.94) ml was less than that in the control group (38.17±5.56) ml(P<0.05). The times of fluoroscopy in the observation group (7.50±1.05) were less than those in the control group (21.00±4.82) (P<0.05). The number of Kirschner needle punctures (8.00±0.63) in observation group was less than that in control group (32.67±3.08) (P<0.05). The follow-up time was(12.88±0.74) months in observation group and (12.83±0.72) months in control group, there was no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). One year after operation, Harris score of hip joint in the observation group was(82.00±4.52) points, while that in the control group was(81.00±3.41) points, there was no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05). The time of complete fracture healing in the observation group was (7.50±1.05) months, while that in the control group was (7.67±1.21) months, there was no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05). The parallelism of the screws in the observation group was (0.50±0.11) ° and (0.76±0.15) °, which were lower than that in the control group (1.57±0.31) ° and (1.87±0.21) ° (P<0.05). The screw distribution area ratio (0.13±0.02) cm2 in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (0.08±0.01) cm2 (P<0.05). No complications such as necrosis of femoral head, nonunion of fracture, shortening of femoral neck and withdrawal of internal fixation occurred in both groups. CONCLUSION The application of 3D printing percutaneous surgical guide plate improves the accuracy and safety of closed reduction and cannulated screw internal fixation for femoral neck fracture. It has the advantages of minimally invasive, reducing radiation exposure, fast and accurate, shortening the operation time and reducing intraoperative bleeding.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Femoral Neck Fractures/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Bone Screws ; Printing, Three-Dimensional

This study explored a new model of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PIRADS) and adjusted prostate-specific antigen density of peripheral zone (aPSADPZ) for predicting the occurrence of prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). The demographic and clinical characteristics of 853 patients were recorded. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), PSA density (PSAD), PSAD of peripheral zone (PSADPZ), aPSADPZ, and peripheral zone volume ratio (PZ-ratio) were calculated and subjected to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The calibration and discrimination abilities of new nomograms were verified with the calibration curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC). The clinical benefits of these models were evaluated by decision curve analysis and clinical impact curves. The AUCs of PSA, PSAD, PSADPZ, aPSADPZ, and PZ-ratio were 0.669, 0.762, 0.659, 0.812, and 0.748 for PCa diagnosis, while 0.713, 0.788, 0.694, 0.828, and 0.735 for csPCa diagnosis, respectively. All nomograms displayed higher net benefit and better overall calibration than the scenarios for predicting the occurrence of PCa or csPCa. The new model significantly improved the diagnostic accuracy of PCa (0.945 vs 0.830, P < 0.01) and csPCa (0.937 vs 0.845, P < 0.01) compared with the base model. In addition, the number of patients with PCa and csPCa predicted by the new model was in good agreement with the actual number of patients with PCa and csPCa in high-risk threshold. This study demonstrates that aPSADPZ has a higher predictive accuracy for PCa diagnosis than the conventional indicators. Combining aPSADPZ with PIRADS can improve PCa diagnosis and avoid unnecessary biopsies.
Male ; Humans ; Prostate/pathology* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen/analysis* ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Biopsy ; Nomograms ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics and clinical phenotypes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and provide the basis for further understanding, interventions and outcomes of this disease. METHODS: RA patients attended at Peking University People's Hospital from 2018 to 2021 were enrolled in the study. Data collection included demographic data, the sites and numbers of joints involved, extra-articular manifestations (EAM), comorbidities and laboratory variables. Statistical and bioinformatical analysis was performed to establish clinical subtypes by clustering analysis based on the type of joint involved, EAM involvement and other autoimmune diseases overlapped. The characteristics of each subtype were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 411 patients with RA were enrolled. The mean age was (48.84±15.17) years, and 346 (84.2%) were females. The patients were classified into 4 subtypes: small joint subtype (74, 18.0%), total joint subtype (154, 37.5%), systemic subtype (100, 24.3%), and overlapping subtype (83, 20.2%). The small joint subtype had no medium or large joint involvement, and 35.1% had systemic involvement. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and platelet count (PLT) were lower than those in other subtypes, and the rates of positive rheumatoid factors (RF-IgA and RF-IgG) were significantly higher in the small joint subtype. The total joint subtype had both large and small joint involvement but no systemic involvement. The rate of morning stiffness and positive antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in this subtype were lower than those in other subtypes. In the systemic subtype, interstitial lung disease and secondary Sjögren syndrome were the most common systemic involvements, with prominent levels of disease activity score 28-joint count (DAS28-ESR and DAS28-CRP). The overlapping subtype was commonly combined with Hashimoto's thyroiditis or primary Sjögren syndrome. Female in the overlapping subtype was more common than in other subtypes. This subtype was characterized by hyperglobulinemia, hypocomplementemia and high rate of positive ANA, especially spotting type. CONCLUSION Based on the clinical features, RA patients could be classified into 4 subtypes: small joint subtype, total joint subtype, systemic subtype, and overlapping subtype. Each subtype had its own clinical characteristics. They help for further understanding and a more individualized treatment strategy of RA.
Female ; Male ; Humans ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Sjogren's Syndrome ; Rheumatoid Factor ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Blood Sedimentation ; Phenotype

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichumin in the treatment of osteoarthritis by network pharmacology. MethodThe active ingredients and the corresponding targets of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichumin were screened out by a Bioinformatics Analysis Tool of Molecular mechANism of Traditional Chinese Medicine （BATMAN-TCM）. The targets related to osteoarthritis were obtained through GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM）. The targets corresponding to the active ingredients and those related to osteoarthritis were intersected to reveal the common targets， and STRING was adopted to build a protein-protein interaction （PPI） network. DAVID was used for gene ontology （GO） annotation and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes （KEGG） pathway enrichment on the anti-osteoarthritis targets of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichumin， and R x64 3.6.3 was employed to produce the advanced bubble charts of GO terms and KEGG pathways. Cytoscape 3.7.2 was used to establish the “Chinese medicinal herb-active ingredient-target-signaling pathway” network. In vitro experiments were performed to detect the viability of RAW 264.7 cells exposed to oxidative stress and the tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α level in RAW 264.7 cells with inflammation under the treatment by Cervi Cornu Pantotrichumin. ResultA total of 20 active ingredients of Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum were obtained， of which ceramide， 6'-O-β-D-glucosylgentiopicroside， cerebroside， oleuropein， sphingomyelin， and cholesterol ferulate did not meet the screening conditions. Therefore， a total of 14 active ingredients were finally screened out， and 303 and 3 093 targets of active ingredients and osteoarthritis were respectively obtained. The two target sets were taken to intersect， which revealed 92 common targets. GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment showed that the targets were mainly involved in redox process， positive regulation of RNA polymerase Ⅱ promoter transcription， inflammatory response， protein synthesis， osteoclast differentiation， TNF signaling pathway， signaling pathways in cancer， mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway， mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） signaling pathway， and cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP） signaling pathway. The results of in vitro experiments showed that a certain concentration of protein in Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum significantly increased the viability of RAW 264.7 cells exposed to H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage （P<0.05， P<0.01） and reduced the level of TNF-α in the RAW 264.7 cells experiencing lipopolysaccharide （LPS）-induced inflammation （P<0.05）. ConclusionBased on the network pharmacology method， the mechanism of the multi-component， multi-target and multi-pathway treatment of OA by antler antler was explained， and the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of antler antler were confirmed， which provided theoretical guidance and scientific basis for further research on the treatment of OA by antler antler.

Aim To study and verify the effeet and po¬tential mechanism of punicalagin ( Pun) in the treat-ment of depression by preliminary experiments based on network pharmacology.Methods The intersection genes of Pun and depression were obtained through the database, and protein interaction ( PPI ), GO and KEGG were enriched and analyzed.Molecular docking technology was used to preliminarily verify the binding ability of Pun active components to core therapeutic targets.The depression model of CUMS mice was es¬tablished by chronic stress, and Pun was administered by gavage.Open field experiments were conducted to investigate behavior changes.The content of neuro¬transmitters in hippocampus was detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry ( LC-MS / MS ).Results The results of network pharmacology showed that Pun had 76 targets involved in the occurrence of depression, and PPI network showed that the intersec¬tion genes were closely related.Proteoglycans, lipids and atherosclerosis enriched in cancer.The results of molecular docking showed that there was a good bind¬ing between the compound and the target protein.The results of animal experiments showed that Pun could in¬crease the exploration desire of open field experimental mice.The levels of DA and 5-HT in hippocampus in-creased ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01 ).Conclusions Pun can significantly reduce the depressive state of mice, and its mechanism may act on ALB and AKT1 targets, mediate proteoglycans, lipids and atherosclerotic path¬ways in cancer, so as to improve the secretion of neu¬rotransmitters.