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.Clinical Application and Pharmacological Effects of Guizhi Fulingwan in Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: A Review
Xiang ZHANG ; Xiaoli WEN ; Biting CHENG ; Hongning LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):299-307
Uterine fibroids are a common benign tumor of the female reproductive system, characterized by increased menstrual flow, lower abdominal pain, and prolonged menstrual periods. Modern medicine believes that the onset of this disease is related to genetic factors, environmental factors, hormone levels, et al, while the specific mechanism remains unclear, and the prevention and treatment of uterine fibroids has become a hot topic of concern for many experts and scholars in the medical field. At present, the treatment of uterine fibroids in clinical practice is mainly based on hormone drugs and uterine artery embolization, and severe cases require hysterectomy. However, the use of hormone drugs for treatment has serious side effects and is prone to recurrence after surgery. Since hysterectomy can cause severe harm to women, it is necessary to explore safer and more effective treatment methods. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has rich clinical experience in the treatment of uterine fibroids, advocating for syndrome differentiation and treatment. The TCM methods that regulate Qi and blood and balance Yin and Yang have been commonly adopted, with significant efficacy and minimal side effects, being more conducive to the recovery. Guizhi Fulingwan are first recorded in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber written by the famous medical expert ZHANG Zhongjing during the Eastern Han dynasty. This prescription has the effects of activating blood, resolving stasis, and eliminating mass, and it is thus mainly used for treating abdominal mass in women. In recent years, Guizhi Fulingwan has also been applied in the clinical treatment of tumors and has demonstrated definite efficacy in the treatment of uterine fibroids. Studies have shown that the therapeutic mechanisms of Guizhi Fulingwan for uterine fibroids involve regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis, improving immune function, reducing inflammation, improving hemorheological indicators, inhibiting tumor angiogenesis, and regulating sex hormone levels. This article mainly reviews the treatment of uterine fibroids with Guizhi Fulingwan from three aspects: theoretical basis, clinical application, and pharmacological mechanism. It is expected to provide scientific research ideas and guidance for exploring the clinical treatment of uterine fibroids.
3.Visual function training combined with surgical intervention for the treatment of intermittent exotropia
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):29-34
AIM: To observe clinical outcomes of visual function training combined with surgical intervention in children with intermittent exotropia.METHODS: Retrospective study. A total of 100 pediatric patients with intermittent exotropia admitted to the Children's Hospital of Soochow University from January 2022 to December 2024 were selected and divided into two groups based on treatment modality. Both groups underwent intermittent exotropia correction surgery. The control group did not follow a visual rehabilitation program postoperatively, while the visual rehabilitation group did. The differences were compared between the two groups in preoperative and postoperative 12 wk results of perceptual eye position examinations, visual perception stereopsis function tests, multifocal visual evoked potential outcomes, Chinese version of the Child-International Quality of Life for Children with Strabismus(Child-IXTQ)scores, and strabismus angle.RESULTS: The baseline data of the two groups were comparable. Both groups showed reduced horizontal and vertical perceptual eye position deviation at 12 wk postoperatively compared to preoperative levels, with the visual group exhibiting lower values than the control group(all P<0.01). At 12 wk postoperatively, the number of children in the visual group who recovered fine and dynamic stereopsis increased compared to preoperative levels, and this number was higher than that in the control group(all P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of children who recovered coarse stereopsis preoperatively and 12 wk postoperatively(all P>0.05). Both groups showed reduced latency for the first and second rings at 12 wk postoperatively compared to pre-surgery, with the visual group exhibiting lower latency than the control group(all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in latency for the third and fourth rings between pre-surgery and 12 wk postoperatively in either group(all P>0.05). Both groups showed increased Child-IXTQ scores at 12 wk postoperatively compared to preoperatively, with the visual group scoring higher than the control group(all P<0.05). Both groups exhibited reduced strabismus angles at 33 cm and 6 m at 12 wk postoperatively compared to preoperatively(all P<0.01), but the visual group showed no difference compared to the baseline group(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION: Combining visual function training with surgical intervention for intermittent exotropia can improve multifocal visual evoked potentials, promote visual function recovery, and enhance quality of life.
4.Mechanism study of SIRT3 alleviating oxidative-stress injury in renal tubular cells by promoting mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating mitochondrial redox balance
Yaojun LIU ; Jun ZHOU ; Jing LIU ; Yunfei SHAN ; Huhai ZHANG ; Pan XIE ; Liying ZOU ; Lingyu RAN ; Huanping LONG ; Lunli XIANG ; Hong HUANG ; Hongwen ZHAO
Organ Transplantation 2026;17(1):86-94
Objective To elucidate the molecular mechanism of sirtuin-3 (SIRT3) in regulating mitochondrial biogenesis in human renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods Cells were stimulated with different concentrations of H2O2 and divided into four groups: control (NC), 50 μmol/L H2O2, 110 μmol/L H2O2 and 150 μmol/L H2O2. SIRT3 protein expression was then measured. SIRT3 was knocked down with siRNA, and cells were further assigned to five groups: control (NC), negative-control siRNA (NCsi), SIRT3-siRNA (siSIRT3), NCsi+H2O2, and siSIRT3+H2O2. After 24 h, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and mitochondrial superoxide anion (O2•−) levels were determined, together with mitochondrial expression of SIRT3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), acetylated-SOD2 and adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase α1 (AMPKα1). Results The 110 and 150 μmol/L H2O2 decreased SIRT3 protein (both P<0.05). ATP and mitochondrial O2•− did not differ between NC and NCsi groups (both P>0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the siSIRT3 group exhibited elevated O2•− level, decreased SIRT3 protein and increased expression levels of SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein (all P<0.05). Compared to the NCsi group, the NCsi+H2O2 group exhibited decreased cellular ATP levels, elevated mitochondrial O2•− levels, and reduced protein expression levels of SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 (all P<0.05). Compared with the siSIRT3 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, SOD2, TFAM, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1 protein expression levels and a decrease in acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Compared with the NCsi+H2O2 group, the siSIRT3+H2O2 group showed a decrease in cellular ATP levels, an increase in mitochondrial O2•− levels, a decrease in SIRT3, AMPKα1, PGC-1α and NRF1, TFAM protein expression levels, and an increase in SOD2 and acetylated SOD2 protein expression levels (all P<0.05). Conclusions SIRT3 promotes mitochondrial biogenesis in tubular epithelial cells via the AMPK/PGC-1α/NRF1/TFAM axis, representing a key mechanism through which SIRT3 ameliorates oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
5.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Fengfan WANG ; Yajie XIANG ; Jian FENG ; Wencheng HOU ; Wenlan LI ; Yangyang LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):235-244
ObjectiveTo compare the differences between wild Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(WAOF) and cultivated Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus(CAOF) through a traditional quality evaluation system for medicinal materials. MethodsA total of 10 batches of WAOF and 12 batches of CAOF samples were collected from various regions of Hainan province. Relevant analytical methods from the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China were employed to observe the characteristics of WAOF and CAOF, followed by microscopic identification, thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification, moisture content(toluene method), total ash, acid-insoluble ash, water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts(hot dipping method), water-soluble protein, total polysaccharides and total flavonoids(ultraviolet spectrophotometry), and volatile oil content(method A under general rule 2204). The contents of five active components(protocatechuic acid, chrysin, kaempferol, tectochrysin and nootkatone) were quantified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and the antioxidant activity was evaluated. Building upon traditional quality evaluation of AOF, quantitative measurements were conducted on its appearance traits including diameter, length, plumpness(diameter/length ratio), and color. Canonical correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 to explore relationships between appearance traits and intrinsic quality. ResultsNo significant differences were observed between WAOF and CAOF in microscopic observation, TLC identification, moisture content, protocatechuic acid content, kaempferol content, odor, or antioxidant activity measured by 2,2ʹ-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS) method. WAOF exhibited significantly higher levels in water-soluble extracts, alcohol-soluble extracts, total polysaccharide content, water-soluble protein content, 100-grain weight, length, and total color difference(ΔE*ab) compared to CAOF(P<0.01). In contrast, CAOF showed significantly higher levels of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, content of total flavonoids, volatile oil content, chrysin content, tectochrysin content, nootkatone content, diameter, plumpness, lightness(L*), red-green chromaticity(a*), yellow-blue chromaticity(b*), and antioxidant activity measured by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) method compared to WAOF(P<0.01). Correlation analysis between 7 phenotypic traits and 8 quality traits revealed that among the phenotypic traits, plumpness, L*, a*, and b* exerted significant influence on intrinsic quality. Among the quality traits, total flavonoids, volatile oils, nootkatone, chrysin, and tectochrysin contributed substantially to intrinsic quality. ConclusionPlumpness, L*, a*, and b* of AOF significantly influence its intrinsic quality, and higher values of these parameters indicate relatively superior intrinsic quality. The comprehensive quality evaluation reveals that CAOF samples collected in this study are superior to their wild counterparts.
6.Meta-analysis and Grade Evidence Evaluation of Qi-reinforcing and Blood-activating/ Stasis-expelling Chinese Patent Medicines in Treatment of Coronary Microvascular Disease
Jiaping CHEN ; Juju SHANG ; Hongxu LIU ; Xiang LI ; Xiaolei LAI ; Huiwen ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):157-166
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qi-reinforcing and blood-activating/stasis-expelling Chinese patent medicines in the treatment of coronary microvascular disease (CMD). MethodsPubMed, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP were searched for the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of CMD with Chinese patent medicines for reinforcing Qi and activating blood/expelling stasis with the time interval from inception to December 31, 2023. The primary outcome indicators included the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR), coronary flow reserve (CFR), and corrected TIMI flow frame count (cTFC). The secondary outcome indicators included symptomatic efficacy, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), nitric oxide (NO), and adverse events. Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool 2.0 (RoB 2.0) and Stata 17.0 were used for literature quality evaluation and meta-analysis of the included RCTs. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to evaluate the quality of evidence. ResultsA total of 36 RCTs were included in this study, involving 3 029 patients. Compared with conventional Western medicine alone, the combined use of Chinese patent medicines for reinforcing Qi and activating blood/expelling stasis and Western medicine reduced the IMR [mean difference (MD)=-5.93, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) [-8.73,-3.14], n=382, P<0.01], cTFC (MD=-9.35, 95%CI [-13.94,-4.76], n=618, P<0.01), and hs-CRP [standard mean difference (SMD)=-1.50, 95%CI [-1.90,-1.11], n=1 483, P<0.01], improved the CFR (SMD=1.14, 95%CI [0.08,2.19], n=304, P=0.03), symptomatic efficacy [relative risk (RR)=1.36, 95%CI [1.21,1.53], n=756, P<0.01], LVEF (MD=4.39, 95%CI [2.31,6.47], n=533, P<0.01), and NO (SMD=3.16, 95%CI [2.07,4.25], n=946, P<0.01) of CMD patients. In terms of safety, the combined therapy reduced the occurrence of adverse events in CMD patients (RR=0.49, 95%CI [0.29,0.82], n=591, P=0.01). GRADE showed moderate quality evidence for adverse events, low quality evidence for cTFC, symptomatic efficacy, LVEF, and NO, and very low quality evidence for IMR, CFR, and hs-CRP. ConclusionBased on microcirculatory function indicators, the combined use of Qi-reinforcing and blood-activating/stasis-expelling Chinese patent medicines and Western medicine may further improve the coronary microvascular function in CMD patients with good safety. The above conclusions remain to be verified with high-quality clinical trials.
7.Application of serological methods combined with flow cytometry in the detection of immune hemolytic transfusion reaction
Lei LIU ; Qunjuan ZENG ; Guoqin GONG ; Dong XIANG ; Zhongying WANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):116-121
[Objective] To explore the effects of different methods on antibody detection through investigating the causes of cross-matching incompatible in a patient with gastric malignant tumor, and to establish flow cytometry protocol for confirming hemolytic transfusion reaction (HTR). [Methods] Antibodies in the patient's serum were identified by red blood cells (RBCs) blood grouping, antibody screening and identification, acid elution test and PEG enhancement test. To confirm HTR, patient RBCs, proximal and distal ends RBCs, separated by capillary centrifugation, were tested by direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and Jka antigen single label and double label flow cytometry. [Results] Routine serological technology revealed the presence of anti-C, e (titer:2) and anti-Jka (titer >1) in the patient’s serum. After separation using capillary centrifugation technology, both the proximal and distal DAT and Jka antigen tests were negative. Both DAT and Jka antigen positive red blood cells (0.21%, 6/6 327) were found in the patient's blood samples by flow cytometry. After separation of blood samples by capillary centrifugation, there were significantly more DAT and Jka antigen double-positive RBCs in the distal end (0.43%, 33/7 707) than in the proximal end (0.09%, 15/7 225). Two blood samples were screened from over 100 donor blood samples that are compatible with the patient's cross-matching, and the transfusion effect was favorable. [Conclusion] Serological methods combined with flow cytometry could improve the sensitivity of antibody detection, provide a more accurate basis for the diagnosis of HTRs, and guarantee the safety of blood transfusion.
8.Herbal Textual Research on Spatholobi Caulis in Famous Classical Formulas
Yajie XIANG ; Yangyang LIU ; Jian FENG ; Chun YAO ; Erwei HAO ; Wenlan LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(6):238-248
Through consulting herbal medicine, medical books, and local chronicles from past dynasties to modern times, this paper systematically researched Spatholobi Caulis from name, origin, producing areas, harvesting, processing, usage, quality evaluation, functions and indications, providing a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing Spatholobi Caulis. According to the research, Spatholobi Caulis was first recorded in the Annals of Shunning Prefecture from the Qing dynasty. It was originally a medicinal herb commonly used in Shunning, Yunnan, and was named from the red juice resembling chicken blood that flowed out after the vein was cut off. The mainstream original plants of each dynasty were Kadsura heteroclita and Spatholobus suberectus. Among them, K. heteroclita mainly focused on dispersing blood stasis and unblocking meridians, mainly treating rheumatic pain and injuries caused by falls or blows, and it is mostly used as the raw material of Jixueteng ointments. S. suberectus was commonly used as decoction pieces in decoction, which had the functions of promoting blood circulation and replenishing blood, activating meridians and collaterals, and mainly used for treating anemia, irregular menstruation, and rheumatic bone pain. The production area of Spatholobi Caulis recorded in the Qing dynasty was Yunnan. Currently, the main production area of S. suberectus is Guangxi, while the main production area of K. interior is Yunnan. In the Qing dynasty, the usage of Spatholobi Caulis was an individual prescription with other herbs before making ointments, which was usually composed of the juice of it, safflower, angelica, and glutinous rice. But in modern times, Spatholobi Caulis is mostly sliced and dried for use. The quality of Spatholobi Caulis is often determined by the number of reddish-brown concentric circles on the cut surface, with a higher number indicating better quality. Additionally, the presence of resinous secretions is also considered desirable. Based on the research findings, it is suggested that when developing famous classical formulas containing Spatholobi Caulis, the choice of the primary source should be S. suberectus or K. heteroclita, taking into consideration the therapeutic effects of the formula. It is also recommended that the latest plant classification be referenced in the next edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, adjusting the primary source of Kadsurae Caulis to K. heteroclita to avoid confusion caused by inconsistent original names, and the functions adjust to promote Qi circulation and relieve pain, disperse blood stasis and unblock collaterals, treating injuries caused by falls and bruises.
9.Genotype and phenotype correlation analysis of retinitis pigmentosa-associated RHO gene mutation in a Yi pedigree
Yajuan ZHANG ; Hong YANG ; Hongchao ZHAO ; Dan MA ; Meiyu SHI ; Weiyi ZHENG ; Xiang WANG ; Jianping LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):499-505
AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.
10.Genotype and phenotype correlation analysis of retinitis pigmentosa-associated RHO gene mutation in a Yi pedigree
Yajuan ZHANG ; Hong YANG ; Hongchao ZHAO ; Dan MA ; Meiyu SHI ; Weiyi ZHENG ; Xiang WANG ; Jianping LIU
International Eye Science 2025;25(3):499-505
AIM: To delineate the specific mutation responsible for retinitis pigmentosa(RP)in a Yi pedigree, and to analyze the correlation of RHO gene mutation with clinical phenotype.METHODS:A comprehensive clinical evaluation was conducted on the proband diagnosed with RP and other familial members, complemented by a thorough ophthalmic examination. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from the proband and familial members, from which genomic DNA was extracte. Subsequent whole exome sequencing(WES)was employed to identify the variant genes in the proband. The identified variant gene was validated through Sanger sequencing, then an in-depth analysis of the mutation genes was carried out using genetic databases to ascertain the pathogenic mutation sites. Furthermore, an exhaustive analysis was performed to delineate the genotype and phenotype characteristics.RESULTS:The RP pedigree encompasses 5 generations with 42 members, including 19 males and 23 females. A total of 13 cases of RP were identified, consisting of 4 males and 9 females, which conforms to the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. The clinical features of this family include an early onset age, rapid progression, and a more severe condition. The patients were found to have night blindness around 6 years old, representing the earliest reported case of night blindness in RP families. The retina was manifested by progressive osteocytoid pigmentation of the fundus, a reduced visual field, and significantly decreased or even vanished a and b amplitudes of ERG. The combined results of WES and Sanger sequencing indicated that the proband had a heterozygous missense mutation of the RHO gene c.1040C>T:p.P347L, where the 1 040 base C of cDNA was replaced by T, causing codon 347 to encode leucine instead of proline. Interestingly, this mutation has not been reported in the Chinese population.CONCLUSION:This study confirmed that the mutant gene of RP in a Yi nationality pedigree was RHO(c.1040C>T). This variant leads to the change of codon 347 from encoding proline to encoding leucine, resulting in a severe clinical phenotype among family members. This study provides a certain molecular, clinical, and genetic basis for genetic counseling and gene diagnosis of RHO.

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