1.Joint Relation Extraction of Famous Medical Cases with CasRel Model Combining Entity Mapping and Data Augmentation
Yuxin LI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Hang YANG ; Dasheng LIU ; Jiaheng WANG ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jiaxu HAN ; Mengjie WU ; Qianzi CHE ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):218-225
ObjectiveTo address the challenges of unstructured classical Chinese expressions, nested entity relationships, and limited annotated data in famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) case records, this study proposes a joint relation extraction framework that integrates data augmentation and entity mapping, aiming to support the construction of TCM diagnostic knowledge graphs and clinical pattern mining. MethodsWe developed an annotation structure for entities and their relationships in TCM case texts and applied a data augmentation strategy by incorporating multiple ancient texts to expand the relation extraction dataset. A cascade binary tagging framework for relation triple extraction(CasRel) model for TCM semantics was designed, integrating a pre-trained bidirectional encoder representations from transformers(BERT) layer for classical TCM texts to enhance semantic representation, and using a head entity-relation-tail entity mapping mechanism to address entity nesting and relation overlapping issues. ResultsExperimental results showed that the CasRel model, combining data augmentation and entity mapping, outperformed the pipeline-based Bert-Radical-Lexicon(BRL)-bidirectional long short-term memory(BiLSTM)-Attention model. The overall precision, recall, and F1-score across 12 relation types reached 65.73%, 64.03%, and 64.87%, which represent improvements of 14.26%, 7.98%, and 11.21% compared to the BRL-BiLSTM-Attention model, respectively. Notably, the F1-score for tongue syndrome relations increased by 22.68%(69.32%), and the prescription-syndrome relations performed the best with the F1-score of 70.10%. ConclusionThe proposed framework significantly improves the semantic representation and complex dependencies in TCM texts, offering a reusable technical framework for structured mining of TCM case records. The constructed knowledge graph can support clinical syndrome differentiation, prescription optimization, and drug compatibility, providing a methodological reference for TCM artificial intelligence research.
2.Neuroprotective Mechanism of Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo Prescription on VaD Rats Based on NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Bingmao YUAN ; Wei CHEN ; Xiu LAN ; Lingfei JIANG ; Lin WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):88-96
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism by which Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription regulates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway to improve neuronal function in vascular dementia (VaD) rats. MethodsA VaD model was established by intermittently clamping the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) combined with bilateral vascular occlusion (2-VO). Eighty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, sham group, model group, piracetam group (0.2 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription groups (6.09, 12.18, and 24.36 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 7 after surgery, once daily for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral experiments were used to evaluate learning and spatial memory. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was applied to observe pathological morphological changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the CA1 region. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the positive expression rate of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN). Immunofluorescence single staining was used to assess nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 in brain tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK), NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in platform-crossing frequency (P0.01), aggravated hippocampal injury, a significant increase in neuronal apoptosis (P0.05), decreased NeuN positivity in the CA1 region (P0.05), increased nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 (P0.05), and significantly elevated expression of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β (P0.05). Compared with the model group, all drug-treated groups improved learning and spatial memory in VaD rats, alleviated hippocampal pathological injury and neuronal apoptosis, and protected neuronal ultrastructure. Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription at doses of 12.18 and 24.36 g·kg-1 reduced hippocampal expression levels of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β in VaD rats (P0.05), showing dose-dependent inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. ConclusionYifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and inhibiting hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
3.Neuroprotective Mechanism of Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo Prescription on VaD Rats Based on NF-κB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Bingmao YUAN ; Wei CHEN ; Xiu LAN ; Lingfei JIANG ; Lin WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):88-96
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanism by which Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription regulates the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway to improve neuronal function in vascular dementia (VaD) rats. MethodsA VaD model was established by intermittently clamping the bilateral common carotid arteries (CCA) combined with bilateral vascular occlusion (2-VO). Eighty-four SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group, sham group, model group, piracetam group (0.2 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription groups (6.09, 12.18, and 24.36 g·kg-1). Drug administration began on day 7 after surgery, once daily for 28 consecutive days. Behavioral experiments were used to evaluate learning and spatial memory. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was applied to observe pathological morphological changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to examine the ultrastructure of hippocampal neurons. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) was used to detect neuronal apoptosis in the CA1 region. Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the positive expression rate of neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN). Immunofluorescence single staining was used to assess nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 in brain tissue. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of inhibitor of κB kinase (IKK), NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in platform-crossing frequency (P0.01), aggravated hippocampal injury, a significant increase in neuronal apoptosis (P0.05), decreased NeuN positivity in the CA1 region (P0.05), increased nuclear expression of NF-κB p65 (P0.05), and significantly elevated expression of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, cleaved Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β (P0.05). Compared with the model group, all drug-treated groups improved learning and spatial memory in VaD rats, alleviated hippocampal pathological injury and neuronal apoptosis, and protected neuronal ultrastructure. Yifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription at doses of 12.18 and 24.36 g·kg-1 reduced hippocampal expression levels of p-IKK, p-NF-κB p65, NLRP3, Caspase-1, ASC, and cleaved IL-1β in VaD rats (P0.05), showing dose-dependent inhibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. ConclusionYifei Xuanfei Jiangzhuo prescription may exert neuroprotective effects by regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and inhibiting hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
4.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
5.Multidimensional Innovation for medical-rehabilitation integration
Bin LIAN ; Lin ZHOU ; Qinfeng WU ; Jiajia WANG ; Wei LU ; Guoen FANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):40-44
ObjectiveTo conduct a theoretical study on the medical-rehabilitation integration. MethodsStarting from the background, objectives and content of the medical-rehabilitation integration, this study analyzed its innovative points from the dimensions of conceptual innovation, organizational innovation, model innovation and technological innovation. Results and ConclusionThe medical-rehabilitation integration is an innovation in medical services that takes conceptual innovation as the forerunner, organizational innovation as the foundation, model innovation as the carrier and technological innovation as the core.
6.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
7.Value of immunoglobulin G/immunoglobulin M ratio in predicting the prognosis of patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with tyrosine kinase inhibitor and programmed cell death protein-1 inhibitor
Xingzhi LI ; Wei LUO ; Yuan FENG ; Yu CAI ; Xiaohong LIU ; Feixiang WU ; Yong PENG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):117-124
ObjectiveTo investigate the association between immunoglobulin G (IgG)/immunoglobulin M (IgM) ratio and prognosis in patients with initially unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (iuHCC) receiving TTP triple therapy with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 151 iuHCC patients who received TTP triple therapy in Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, from November 2019 to December 2022, and according to IgG/IgM ratio, they were divided into high IgG/IgM group (IgG/IgM ratio >13.23) and low IgG/IgM group (IgG/IgM ratio ≤13.23). The t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were used for survival analysis, and the Cox proportional hazards model was used to investigate the potential influencing factors for overall survival (OS). ResultsThe 151 patients had a median OS of 26.7 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 19.8-not reached) and a median progression-free survival of 12.5 months (95%CI: 10.4 — 15.8). The objective response rate was 83.4% and the disease control rate was 94.0%. There were no significant differences in baseline data between the high IgG/IgM group and the low IgG/IgM group (all P>0.05). There was a significant difference in median OS between the high IgG/IgM group and the low IgG/IgM group (20.6 months vs not reached, P=0.016). In both the high IgG/IgM group and the low IgG/IgM group, salvage hepatectomy was significantly associated with the improvement in OS (χ2=8.297 and 10.307, both P<0.05). The multivariate analysis showed that high IgG/IgM ratio (hazard ratio [HR]=1.799, 95%CI: 1.077 — 3.006, P=0.025), baseline alpha-fetoprotein >400 ng/mL (HR=1.762, 95%CI: 1.017 — 3.050, P=0.043), and BCLC stage (HR=2.265, 95%CI: 1.212 — 4.232, P=0.010) were independent influencing factors for OS. ConclusionHigh IgG/IgM ratio is associated with a poorer prognosis in iuHCC patients receiving TTP triple therapy, and salvage hepatectomy has a potential value in improving the prognosis of patients with a high IgG/IGM ratio.
8.Effect and mechanism of Biejiajian Pill on subcutaneous xenograft tumor model of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells
Lu LU ; Huanling CHEN ; Jian XU ; Yuanqin DU ; Xiaoli LIU ; Yingsheng WU ; Chengting WU ; Wei BAN ; Jingjing HUANG ; Hongna HUANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):125-133
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of Biejiajian Pills (BJJW) on the growth of liver cancer, as well as its potential mechanism in mediating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway through mitochondrial energy metabolism. MethodsHuman hepatoma Huh7 cells were used to establish a nude mouse model of subcutaneous xenograft tumor. A total of 18 tumor-bearing nude mice were randomly divided into model group, BJJW group (2.2 g/kg), and metformin group (250 mg/kg), and the corresponding drug was given by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Tumor volume and weight were monitored during the experiment; HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes; the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in tumor tissue were measured; immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to measure the expression levels of proteins associated with the AMPK/mTOR pathway. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Tukey’s test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between multiple groups, and the Dunn’s test was used for further comparison between two groups. ResultsCompared with the model group, the BJJW group had a tumor inhibition rate of 45.73%, with significant reductions in both tumor volume and weight (P<0.01). Pathological examination showed that compared with the model group, the BJJW group had a significant reduction in the number of tumor cells and the presence of extensive necrosis. Mechanistic studies showed that compared with the model group, the BJJW group had a significant increase in ROS level (P<0.001) and a significant reduction in ATP level (P<0.001), as well as significant increases in p-AMPK/AMPK ratio (0.81±0.20 vs 0.13±0.04, P<0.01) and p-ULK1/ULK1 ratio (0.69±0.17 vs 0.18±0.13, P<0.01) and a significant reduction in p-mTOR/mTOR ratio (1.34±0.16 vs 3.20±0.62, P<0.01). ConclusionBJJW may inhibit the growth of liver cancer by inducing mitochondrial energy metabolism dysfunction, increasing the level of ROS, reducing the level of ATP, and activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway.
9.Effect of balance training with different visual conditions on proprioception in patients with chronic ankle instability
Yihan WU ; Zhongqiang LIU ; Qiaoye WEI ; Mingdong LIU ; Keyi CHEN ; Zhigang LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1050-1057
BACKGROUND:Stroboscopic visual training can force sensory reweighting to restore the original weights by increasing sensitivity to proprioceptive information,which may be an effective method to improve proprioception. OBJECTIVE:To determine the effects of balance training in three conditions,low frequency,high frequency and normal vision,on ankle proprioception in patients with chronic ankle instability. METHODS:Thirty-six patients with chronic ankle instability recruited from the students of Southwest Medical University were randomly assigned to a low-frequency vision training group,a high-frequency vision training group,and a normal vision training group,with 12 subjects in each group.Subjects in the three groups underwent progressive hop stabilization and balance training,in which the low-frequency vision training group and the high-frequency vision training group wore stroboscopic spectacles during the training,with a stroboscopic frequency of 1.75 and 5 Hz,respectively.The training in each group was performed three times a week for 4 consecutive weeks.Assessments,including ankle proprioception,ankle stability self-assessment and dynamic postural stability,were performed before training and within 1 week after the completion of training. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:There was a significant main effect of time factor in ankle proprioception(P<0.05).Compared with the pre-training period,subjects in the low-frequency vision training group and the high-frequency vision training group showed significant improvement in ankle proprioception after 4 weeks of training(P<0.05);and subjects in the low-frequency vision training group showed a significant improvement in ankle proprioception compared with that of the normal vision training group after 4 weeks of training(P<0.05).There were significant main effects of time factor and group×time interaction in ankle proprioception(P<0.05).Compared with the pre-training period,the ankle stability self-assessment in all three groups was improved after 4 weeks of training(P<0.05).And the ankle stability self-assessment in high-frequency visual training group was higher than that in normal vision training group after 4 weeks of training(P<0.05).Compared with the pre-training period,subjects in the low-frequency vision training group and the high-frequency vision training group showed significant improvements in forward dynamic postural stability,posteromedial dynamic postural stability,and posterolateral dynamic postural stability after 4 weeks of training(P<0.05),while in the normal vision training group,forward dynamic postural stability and posterolateral dynamic postural stability were significantly improved after 4 weeks of training(P≤0.05).To conclude,balance training under stroboscopic visual conditioning improves proprioception,ankle stability self-assessment,and dynamic postural stability in patients with chronic ankle instability regardless of frequency.
10.Screening of biomarkers for fibromyalgia syndrome and analysis of immune infiltration
Yani LIU ; Jinghuan YANG ; Huihui LU ; Yufang YI ; Zhixiang LI ; Yangfu OU ; Jingli WU ; Bing WEI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1091-1100
BACKGROUND:Fibromyalgia syndrome,as a common rheumatic disease,is related to central sensitization and immune abnormalities.However,the specific mechanism has not been elucidated,and there is a lack of specific diagnostic markers.Exploring the possible pathogenesis of this disease has important clinical significance. OBJECTIVE:To screen the potential diagnostic marker genes of fibromyalgia syndrome and analyze the possible immune infiltration characteristics based on bioinformatics methods,such as weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA),and machine learning. METHODS:Gene expression profiles in peripheral serum of fibromyalgia syndrome patients and healthy controls were obtained from the gene expression omnibus(GEO)database.The differentially co-expressed genes were screened in the expression profile by differential analysis and WGCNA analysis.Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination(SVM-RFE)machine learning algorithm were further used to identify hub biomarkers,and draw receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosing fibromyalgia syndrome.Finally,single sample gene set enrichment analysis(ssGSEA)and gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)were used to evaluate the immune cell infiltration and pathway enrichment in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Eight down-regulated differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were obtained after differential analysis of the GSE67311 dataset according to the conditions of log2|(FC)|>0 and P<0.05.After WGCNA analysis,497 genes were included in the module(MEdarkviolet)with the highest positive correlation(r=0.22,P=0.04),and 19 genes were included in the module(MEsalmon2)with the highest negative correlation(r=-0.41,P=6×10-5).After intersecting DEGs and the module genes of WGCNA,seven genes were obtained.Four genes were screened out by LASSO regression algorithm and five genes were screened out by SVM-RFE machine learning algorithm.After the intersection of the two,three core genes were identified,which were germinal center associated signaling and motility like,integrin beta-8,and carboxypeptidase A3.The areas under the ROC curve of the three core genes were 0.744,0.739,and 0.734,respectively,indicating that they have good diagnostic value and can be used as biomarkers for fibromyalgia syndrome.The results of immune infiltration analysis showed that memory B cells,CD56 bright NK cells,and mast cells were significantly down-regulated in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome compared with the control group(P<0.05),and were significantly positively correlated with the above three biomarkers(P<0.05).The enrichment analysis suggested that there were nine fibromyalgia syndrome enrichment pathways,mainly related to olfactory transduction pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,and infection pathway.The above results showed that the occurrence and development of fibromyalgia syndrome are related to the involvement of multiple genes,abnormal immune regulation,and multiple pathways imbalance.However,the interactions between these genes and immune cells,as well as their relationships with various pathways need to be further investigated.

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