1.A machine learning-based depression recognition model integrating spirit-expression features from traditional Chinese medicine
Minghui YAO ; Rongrong ZHU ; Peng QIAN ; Huilin LIU ; Xirong SUN ; Limin GAO ; Fufeng LI
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):68-79
Objective:
To develop a depression recognition model by integrating the spirit-expression diagnostic framework of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with machine learning algorithms. The proposed model seeks to establish a TCM-informed tool for early depression screening, thereby bridging traditional diagnostic principles with modern computational approaches.
Methods:
The study included patients with depression who visited the Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center from October 1, 2022 to October 1, 2023, as well as students and teachers from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine during the same period as the healthy control group. Videos of 3 – 10 s were captured using a Xiaomi Pad 5, and the TCM spirit and expressions were determined by TCM experts (at least 3 out of 5 experts agreed to determine the category of TCM spirit and expressions). Basic information, facial images, and interview information were collected through a portable TCM intelligent analysis and diagnosis device, and facial diagnosis features were extracted using the Open CV computer vision library technology. Statistical analysis methods such as parametric and non-parametric tests were used to analyze the baseline data, TCM spirit and expression features, and facial diagnosis feature parameters of the two groups, to compare the differences in TCM spirit and expression and facial features. Five machine learning algorithms, including extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), decision tree (DT), Bernoulli naive Bayes (BernoulliNB), support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classification, were used to construct a depression recognition model based on the fusion of TCM spirit and expression features. The performance of the model was evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The model results were explained using the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP).
Results:
A total of 93 depression patients and 87 healthy individuals were ultimately included in this study. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The differences in the characteristics of the spirit and expressions in TCM and facial features between the two groups were shown as follows. (i) Quantispirit facial analysis revealed that depression patients exhibited significantly reduced facial spirit and luminance compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05), with characteristic features such as sad expressions, facial erythema, and changes in the lip color ranging from erythematous to cyanotic. (ii) Depressed patients exhibited significantly lower values in facial complexion L, lip L, and a values, and gloss index, but higher values in facial complexion a and b, lip b, low gloss index, and matte index (all P < 0.05). (iii) The results of multiple models show that the XGBoost-based depression recognition model, integrating the TCM “spirit-expression” diagnostic framework, achieved an accuracy of 98.61% and significantly outperformed four benchmark algorithms—DT, BernoulliNB, SVM, and KNN (P < 0.01). (iv) The SHAP visualization results show that in the recognition model constructed by the XGBoost algorithm, the complexion b value, categories of facial spirit, high gloss index, low gloss index, categories of facial expression and texture features have significant contribution to the model.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that integrating TCM spirit-expression diagnostic features with machine learning enables the construction of a high-precision depression detection model, offering a novel paradigm for objective depression diagnosis.
2.Clinical application of minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty in patients with infective endocarditis complicated with mitral valve insufficiency
Yubin ZHONG ; Yunqing SHI ; Quanlin YANG ; Songyi QIAN ; Limin XIA ; Kai SONG ; Sun PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):778-783
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) in the treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) with mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent MVP for IE with MR at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from 2016 to 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical incision: those with a right mini-thoracotomy were classified as a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) group, and those with a median sternotomy (MS) were classified as an MS group. All patients had isolated mitral valve involvement. Perioperative data were analyzed, and mid- to long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 86 patients were included, with 40 in the MIS group [22 males and 18 females, with a mean age of (39.78±15.36) years ranging from 14 to 75 years] and 46 in the MS group [27 males and 19 females, with a mean age of (49.94±16.13) years ranging from 14 to 71 years]. The patients in the MIS group were relatively younger (P=0.004) with better preoperative cardiac function (P=0.004). There was no statistical difference in preoperative fever, gender, or comorbidities between the two groups (P>0.05). The MIS group had shorter postoperative ventilation times, less postoperative 24-hour drainage, less blood transfusion, and shorter total hospital stays compared to the MS group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in cardiopulmonary bypass times or ICU stays between the two groups (P>0.05). The perioperative complication rates and mortality rates were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). Follow-up was conducted for 11-92 months, with a mean duration of (49±19) months and an overall follow-up rate of 91.9%. During the follow-up, 3 patients in each group required reoperation for mitral valve issues, with no statistical difference in incidence (7.5% vs. 6.5%, P=0.691). There were no warfarin-related complications, recurrences, or deaths in either group during follow-up. Multivariate regression analysis identified age, preoperative cardiac function, and surgeon experience as influencing factors for the choice of surgical approach. Conclusion Minimally invasive MVP for IE with MR is relatively safe in the perioperative period and shows significant efficacy, with clear mid- to long-term outcomes. It is recommended for younger patients with better preoperative cardiac function and when performed by surgeons with extensive experience in mitral valvuloplasty.
3.Risk factors for painful diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Xiaojun CAO ; Mengjie TANG ; Limin SHEN ; Ya SHEN ; Yezi SUN ; Huan LU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):168-171
Objective To explore the risk factors of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A total of 269 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who were treated in the Department of Endocrinology at Zhangjiagang Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from January 2020 to December 2024 were selected. The patients were divided into two groups: T2DM without PDN (n=190) and T2DM with PDN (n=79). The general characteristics and biochemical indicators of the two groups of patients were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the associated factors with PDN in T2DM. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate fasting C-peptide (FC-P), body mass index (BMI), and disease duration to predict the risk of PDN. Results Compared with the T2DM group without concurrent PDN, the T2DM group with concurrent PDN had a longer disease course, lower BMI, higher HDL-C, lower FC-P, and a higher proportion of diabetic retinopathy. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI, duration, and FC-P were associated factors of PDN. Conclusion BMI, duration and FC-P are associated factors of painful neuropathy complicated with type 2 diabetes.
4.Dynamic Interactions Between Hemispheres Reveal a Compensatory Pathway for Motor Recovery in Moderate-to-Severe Subcortical Stroke
Huaxin FAN ; Hewei WANG ; Zhengxu LIAN ; Qiurong YU ; Xinran WU ; Nanyu KUANG ; Benjamin BECKER ; Jianfeng FENG ; Mingxia FAN ; Lili SONG ; Limin SUN ; Jie ZHANG ; Craig S. ANDERSON
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(1):97-114
Background:
and Purpose Therapeutic target selection in noninvasive brain stimulation for poststroke motor recovery typically relies on the interhemispheric inhibition model, which is effective for mildly affected patients but offers limited benefits for severely affected individuals. The mechanisms governing recovery from moderate-to-severe stroke remain poorly understood, which hinders the development of targeted interventions.
Methods:
We analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from patients with unilateral subcortical stroke and moderate-to-severe upper limb deficits, both pre- and postintervention, along with data from healthy controls. We developed a novel dynamic lag analysis method for identifying recovery-related homotopic sensorimotor regions with altered interhemispheric interactions. To further uncover the global reorganization pathway, we developed dynamic lateralization approaches to detect large-scale functional connectivity (FC) alterations associated with the identified regions in transient lateralization states.
Results:
Dynamic time-lag analysis revealed significantly reduced synchronized states in the homotopic dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) post-intervention compared with pre-intervention, which correlated with motor recovery. Further dynamic lateralization analysis revealed a prolonged segregation state in patients, characterized by weakened interhemispheric and strengthened intrahemispheric interactions. In this state, patients showed decreased FC in the ipsilesional PMd and increased FC in the contralesional PMd with bilateral subcortical networks. These recoveryrelated alterations were absent in the traditional static analysis.
Conclusions
Dynamic analyses targeting interhemispheric interactions are valuable for understanding neural reorganization after stroke. The diminished interactions between the homotopic PMd indicate a compensatory mechanism. Importantly, a state-dependent compensatory pathway was identified, wherein the contralesional PMd assumes the functions of the ipsilesional PMd through enhanced interactions with subcortical structures, potentially guiding more effective interventions.
5.Efficacy of implantable neuromuscular electrical stimulation system on stress urinary incontinence model in female rats
Bohong LONG ; Chen LI ; Han DENG ; Haoyu SUN ; Limin LIAO ; Xing LI
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(5):438-441
Objective: To investigate the efficacy of implantable neuromuscular electrical stimulation system on stress urinary incontinence (SUI) model in female rats. Methods: A total of 21 female infertile SD rats were randomly divided into the control,sham stimulation,and stimulation groups,with 7 rats in each group.All rats received vaginal dilation (VD) to simulate postpartum SUI.One week after VD,the control group was given normal feeding,stimulators were implanted in the pelvic floor muscles of the sham stimulation and stimulation groups.The sham stimulation group received normal feeding for 2 weeks,and the stimulation group received pelvic floor electrical stimulation (PFES) for 2 consecutive weeks.The leak point pressure (LPP) of each rat was measured with cystometry before VD (baseline value),1 week after VD,and 2 weeks after PFES. Results: In the control group and sham stimulation group,LPP increased after 2 weeks of treatment compared with that after 1 week of VD,but it still did not return to the baseline level (P<0.001).In the stimulation group,after 2 consecutive weeks of PFES,LPP increased significantly compared with that 1 week after VD,and returned to the baseline value (P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the LPP baseline values and levels after 1 week of VD among the 3 groups (P>0.05).The LPP in the stimulation group after 2 weeks of PFES was significantly higher than that in the sham stimulation group and stimulation group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The implantable neuromuscular electrical stimulation system is effective in short-term intervention of SUI in female rats,the further studies are needed to confirm the long-term efficacy and safety of the system,the optimal stimulation sites,optimal stimulation parameters,and potential mechanisms of action.
6.Myeloid cells: key players in tumor microenvironments.
Qiaomin HUA ; Zhixiong LI ; Yulan WENG ; Yan WU ; Limin ZHENG
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(2):265-296
Cancer is the result of evolving crosstalk between neoplastic cell and its immune microenvironment. In recent years, immune therapeutics targeting T lymphocytes, such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and CAR-T, have made significant progress in cancer treatment and validated targeting immune cells as a promising approach to fight human cancers. However, responsiveness to the current immune therapeutic agents is limited to only a small proportion of solid cancer patients. As major components of most solid tumors, myeloid cells played critical roles in regulating the initiation and sustentation of adaptive immunity, thus determining tumor progression as well as therapeutic responses. In this review, we discuss emerging data on the diverse functions of myeloid cells in tumor progression through their direct effects or interactions with other immune cells. We explain how different metabolic reprogramming impacts the characteristics and functions of tumor myeloid cells, and discuss recent progress in revealing different mechanisms-chemotaxis, proliferation, survival, and alternative sources-involved in the infiltration and accumulation of myeloid cells within tumors. Further understanding of the function and regulation of myeloid cells is important for the development of novel strategies for therapeutic exploitation in cancer.
Humans
;
Tumor Microenvironment/immunology*
;
Myeloid Cells/immunology*
;
Neoplasms/therapy*
;
Animals
7.Research progress of unilateral biportal endoscopy technology in cervical degenerative disease.
Runmin TANG ; Lixian TAN ; Guoqiang LAI ; Limin RONG ; Liangming ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(4):495-503
OBJECTIVE:
To review the application and progress of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) technology in the treatment of cervical degenerative diseases, and to provide reference for clinical treatment decisions.
METHODS:
The literature related to UBE technology in the treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) and cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) at home and abroad was extensively reviewed, and the surgical methods, indications, effectiveness, and safety were analyzed and summarized.
RESULTS:
UBE technology is effective in the treatment of CSR and CSM, and has the advantages of good surgical field, reducing the injury of the posterior structure of the cervical spine, and protecting the facet joint process, but in general, the indications are relatively narrow, limited to single-segment or adjacent double-segment lesions, and the requirements for the operator are relatively high, and the learning curve is long.
CONCLUSION
UBE technology can be applied to the treatment of CSR and CSM, but it needs to be carried out by experienced UBE surgeons for specific cases.
Humans
;
Cervical Vertebrae/surgery*
;
Endoscopy/methods*
;
Radiculopathy/surgery*
;
Spondylosis/surgery*
;
Decompression, Surgical/methods*
;
Spinal Cord Diseases/surgery*
;
Treatment Outcome
8.Dipsacus asper Treats Alzheimer's Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans by Regulating PPARα/TFEB Pathway
Mengmeng WANG ; Jianping ZHAO ; Limin WU ; Shuang CHU ; Yanli HUANG ; Zhenghao CUI ; Yiran SUN ; Pan WANG ; Hui WANG ; Zhenqiang ZHANG ; Zhishen XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):104-114
ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-Alzheimer's disease (AD) effect of Dipsacus asper(DA) in the Caenorhabditis elegans model, and decipher the underlying mechanism via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα)/transcription factor EB (TFEB) pathway. MethodsFirst, transgenic AD C. elegans individuals were assigned into the blank control, model, positive control (WY14643, 20 µmol·L-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (100, 200, and 400 mg·L-1, respectively) DA groups. The amyloid β-42 (Aβ42) formation in the muscle cells, the paralysis time, and the deposition of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) in the head were detected. The lysosomal autophagy in the BV2 cell model was examined by Rluc-LC3wt/G120A. The expression levels of lysosomal autophagy-related proteins LC3Ⅱ, LC3I, LAMP2, and TFEB were detected by Western blot. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was employed to determine the mRNA levels of autophagy-related genes beclin1 and Atg5 and lysosome-related genes LAMP2 and CLN2 downstream of PPARα/TFEB. A reporter gene assay was used to detect the transcriptional activities of PPARα and TFEB. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the fluorescence intensity of PPARα, and the active components of the ethanol extract of DA were identified by UPLC-MS. RCSB PDB, Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP), and Autodock were used to analyze the binding between the active components and PPARα-ligand-binding domain (LBD). ResultsCompared with the model group, the positive control group and 200 and 400 mg·L-1 DA groups showed prolonged paralysis time (P<0.05), and all the treatment groups showed decreased Aβ deposition in the head (P<0.01). DA within the concentration range of 50-500 mg·L-1 did not affect the viability of BV2 cells. In addition, DA enhanced the autophagy flux (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA levels of beclin1, Atg5, LAMP2, and CLN2 (P<0.05, P<0.01), promoted the nuclear translocation of TFEB (P<0.05), increased LAMP2 expression and autophagy flux (P<0.05, P<0.01), and enhanced the transcriptional activities of PPARα and TFEB (P<0.01). The positive control group and 200 and 400 mg·L-1 DA groups showed enhanced fluorescence intensity of PPARα in the BV2 nucleus (P<0.01). UPLC-MS detected nine known compounds of DA, from which 8 active components of DA were screened out. The docking results suggested that a variety of components in DA could bind to PPARα-LBD and form stable hydrogen bonds. ConclusionDA may reduce the pathological changes in AD by regulating the PPARα-TFEB pathway.
9.Comparative efficacy of a miniature,implantable pelvic floor neuromuscular stimulation system at different frequencies for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence based on a rat model
Bohong LONG ; Chen LI ; Han DENG ; Haoyu SUN ; Limin LIAO ; Xing LI
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(5):839-844
Objective To investigate the comparative efficacy of different frequencies of pelvic floor electrical stimulation(PFES)on stress urinary incontinence(SUI)in rats.Methods Twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6,15,30 and 50 Hz group by random number table method.All rats underwent vaginal dilatation(VD)to simulate postpartum SUI.One week after VD,the sneeze test was conducted to determine whether the modeling was successful.If the sneeze test was positive,the modeling was successful.The miniature and wireless electric pelvic floor stimulator were implanted into the pelvic floor muscle of the modeled rats,and PFES were treated for 2 weeks in each group at the rates of 6,15,30 and 50 Hz,respectively.The Leak point pressure(LPP)of all rats before VD,1 week after VD and 2 weeks after stimulation were measured by cystometrograms(CMGs)for comparison.Results LPP was significantly reduced in all groups of rats after VD 1 week(P<0.001).Compared with after VD 1 week,after two consecutive weeks of PFES at four different frequencies of 6,15,30 and 50 Hz,LPP was again significantly increased(P<0.001)and reached the baseline level(P>0.05)in all groups of rats.In the between-group comparison of the rats in each group,there was no significant difference in their LPP at baseline value,after VD 1 week and after stimulation 2 weeks(P>0.05).Conclusion The present study suggests that of the several stimulation frequencies explored so far,6 Hz may be a more appropriate choice for PFES.Further studies are still needed to evaluate more frequencies and the long-term efficacy of PFES.
10.Research progress on the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Limin ZHANG ; Gang ZOU ; Shuo SUN ; Qianhui YANG ; Boshi LIU ; Xiaorong LI
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(10):825-829
Age-related macular degeneration(AMD)is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly.Wet AMD(nAMD)accounts for more than 90%of AMD-related vision loss.Pathologically,nAMD is defined by choroidal neovascu-larization(CNV)and chronic retinal inflammation driven by oxidative stress,complement activation,pro-inflammatory cy-tokines,and overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Yet anti-VEGF monotherapy often falls short.The nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)signaling cascade,acting through both canonical and non-canonical pathways,or-chestrates the expression of genes governing immunity,inflammation,apoptosis,and angiogenesis.In nAMD,oxidative stress and complement fragments ignite NF-κB,unleashing a repertoire of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic mediators that fuel CNV.Pharmacologic or genetic suppression of NF-κB dampens both inflammation and neovascularization,attenua-ting experimental CNV.Thus,dissecting the molecular machinery of NF-κB signaling in nAMD may uncover novel combina-tion strategies that enhance therapeutic efficacy and curb anti-VEGF resistance.


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