Meibomian gland alterations in allergic conjunctivitis: insights from a novel quantitative analysis algorithm.

Purpose: To investigate the changes in meibomian gland (MG) structure in allergic conjunctivitis (AC) patients using an intelligent quantitative analysis algorithm and to explore the relationship between these changes and clinical parameters.

Methods: A total of 252 eyes from patients with AC and 200 eyes from normal controls were examined. Infrared meibography was performed using the non-contact mode of the Keratograph 5M.

Eating "rubbish"? Exploring the herbal secrets of "Laji-He," a traditional herbal rice snack from southern China.

Background: Laji-He is a traditional rice-based snack from the Beibu Gulf region in southern China. In the Beibu Gulf region, "Laji-He" (literally "garbage He") signifies the removal of toxins from the body, making it a truly "green" food. Laji-He holds essential cultural and medicinal value, incorporating various medicinal plants into its preparation.

Longitudinal association of statin treatment with insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function in the PROMISE cohort.

Context: Statin treatment lowers low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol thereby reducing cardiovascular risk. Meta-analyses of clinical trials report a higher risk of new-onset type 2 diabetes with statins. Current clinical evidence regarding effects of statins on insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function is limited.

Association of Increased Risk of Injury in Adults With Hearing Loss: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

This nationwide retrospective cohort study examines the association between adults with hearing loss (HL) and subsequent injury risk. Utilizing data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (2000-2017), the study included 19,480 patients with HL and 77,920 matched controls. Over an average follow-up of 9.