1.Knowledge graph-enhanced long-tail learning approach for traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation
Weikang KONG ; Chuanbiao WEN ; Yue LUO
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):57-67
Objective:
To address the dual challenges of long-tail distribution and feature sparsity in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation within real clinical settings, we propose a data-efficient learning framework enhanced by knowledge graphs.
Methods:
We developed Agent-GNN, a three-stage decoupled learning framework, and validated it on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Diagnosis (TCM-SD) dataset containing 54 152 clinical records across 148 syndrome categories. First, we constructed a comprehensive medical knowledge graph encoding the complete TCM reasoning system. Second, we proposed a Functional Patient Profiling (FPP) method that utilizes large language models (LLMs) combined with Graph Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to extract structured symptom-etiology-pathogenesis subgraphs from medical records. Third, we employed heterogeneous graph neural networks to learn structured combination patterns explicitly. We compared our method against multiple baselines including BERT, ZY-BERT, ZY-BERT + Know, GAT, and GPT-4 Few-shot, using macro-F1 score as the primary evaluation metric. Additionally, ablation experiments were conducted to validate the contribution of each key component to model performance.
Results:
Agent-GNN achieved an overall macro-F1 score of 72.4%, representing an 8.7 percentage points improvement over ZY-BERT + Know (63.7%), the strongest baseline among traditional methods. For long-tail syndromes with fewer than 10 samples, Agent-GNN reached a macro-F1 score of 58.6%, compared with 39.3% for ZY-BERT + Know and 41.2% for GPT-4 Few-shot, representing relative improvements of 49.2% and 42.2%, respectively. Ablation experiments confirmed that the explicit modeling of etiology-pathogenesis nodes contributed 12.4 percentage points to this enhanced long-tail syndrome performance.
Conclusion
This study proposes Agent-GNN, a knowledge graph-enhanced framework that effectively addresses the long-tail distribution challenge in TCM syndrome differentiation. By explicitly modeling manifestation-mechanism-essence patterns through structured knowledge graphs, our approach achieves superior performance in data-scarce scenarios while providing interpretable reasoning paths for TCM intelligent diagnosis.
2.Compact Fundus Imaging System Using Shack-Hartmann Wavefront Sensing for High-speed Auto-focus
Zhe-Kai LIN ; Long CHEN ; Geng-Yong ZHENG ; Jin-Tian HUANG ; Jia-Xin DONG ; Shang-Pan YANG ; Wen-Zheng DING ; Ding-An HAN ; Xue-Hua WANG ; Ya-Guang ZENG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(4):1076-1086
ObjectiveThe widespread adoption of portable fundus cameras for primary care and community screening is hindered by limitations in current autofocus(AF) technologies. Image-based methods relying on sharpness evaluation require iterative searches, resulting in slow convergence, while projection-based techniques are susceptible to optical artifacts and calibration errors. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel AF system based on direct wavefront sensing, designed to deliver simultaneous high speed, high precision, and operational robustness within the compact form factor essential for portable ophthalmic devices. MethodsOur approach fundamentally reimagines the AF process by directly measuring the ocular wavefront aberration. We developed a custom portable fundus camera integrating a miniaturized Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor (SHWS) into the optical path. An 850 nm laser diode projects a point source onto the retina via oblique illumination to minimize corneal reflections. Light scattered from this spot carries the eye’s refractive error through the imaging optics and is directed to the SHWS, positioned at a plane optically conjugate to the primary color CMOS imaging sensor. A microlens array within the SHWS samples the incident wavefront, generating a pattern of focal spots on a CCD. Real-time centroid analysis of these spots provides a map of local wavefront slopes. These measurements are processed through a singular value decomposition (SVD) algorithm to fit a Zernike polynomial basis set, enabling real-time reconstruction of the wavefront phase. The defocus component (S) is extracted from the second-order Zernike coefficients, providing a direct, quantitative measure of the refractive error in diopters. This value serves as a precise error signal in a closed-loop control system, which commands a voice-coil actuated focusing lens to its null position in a single, deterministic step, eliminating the need for iterative search algorithms. ResultsComprehensive evaluation demonstrated the system’s high performance. Testing on a calibrated model eye (OEMI-7) established a highly linear relationship between the computed defocus S and the focusing lens position across a ±20 Diopter (D) compensation range, achievable within a 5 mm mechanical travel. The system achieved a focusing precision of 0.08 D, corresponding to an 18-fold improvement over a conventional projection spot-size method tested under identical conditions. The total focus acquisition time, encompassing wavefront measurement, computation, and lens actuation, averaged under 0.5 s. Clinical validation with 25 human volunteers (50 eyes, refractive range -15 D to +10 D) confirmed practical efficacy. The wavefront-sensing AF succeeded in 92% of attempts with a mean time of 0.5 s, substantially outperforming a projection-based benchmark which achieved only a 32% success rate with an average time of 4.25 s. The system provided instantaneous directional guidance and maintained stability during minor ocular movements. Objective assessment of image quality, via amplitude contrast of retinal vasculature, showed consistent and significant enhancement following AF correction across the entire tested diopter range. ConclusionThis work successfully implements and validates a direct wavefront-sensing autofocus paradigm for portable fundus cameras. By directly quantifying and compensating for the optical defocus aberration, this method bypasses the fundamental limitations of image-processing and projection-based techniques, enabling rapid, precise, and deterministic diopter compensation. The developed system delivers an exceptional combination of a wide operational range (±20 D), high accuracy (0.08 D), fast convergence (0.5 s), and a compact physical footprint. This technology provides a practical and high-performance focusing solution capable of enhancing the reliability, throughput, and diagnostic utility of portable retinal imaging in large-scale screening applications. Future efforts will be directed towards system cost optimization and performance adaptation for diverse ocular conditions.
3.Impact of optimized varicella vaccination strategy on varicella incidence among nursery children in Shenzhen
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(5):728-731
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of varicella among nursery children in Shenzhen from 2015 to 2024, and to evaluate the impact of optimizing varicella vaccine (VarV) immunization strategies on varicella incidence.
Methods:
Varicella incidence data for nursery children in Shenzhen from 2015 to 2024 were obtained from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. The study period was divided into three phases:one dose self pay VarV (January 2015 to October 2017), two dose self pay VarV (November 2017 to October 2019), and two dose free VarV (November 2019 to December 2024). Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis was conducted to assess changes in the level and trend of varicella incidence associated with each phase of policy implementation.
Results:
A total of 27 517 varicella cases was reported among nursery children from 2015 to 2024, with an average annual incidence of 514.01/100 000. During the same period, 136 clustered outbreaks were reported in nursery institutions, involving a cumulative total of 1 091 cases. ITS analysis showed that during the self pay 1 dose stage, the varicella incidence among nursery children showed an upward trend, with an average monthly increase of 2.58/100 000 (95% CI =2.21/ 100 000 -2.95/100 000, P <0.01). After the implementation of the self pay 2 dose strategy, the incidence decreased, with a change in incidence of -26.12/100 000 (95% CI =-37.30/100 000 to -14.94/100 000) and a change in slope of -2.65/100 000 (95% CI = -3.38/100 000 to -1.93/100 000)(all P <0.01). After the implementation of the free 2 dose strategy, the incidence decreased further, with a change in incidence of -40.03/100 000 (95% CI =-50.39/100 000 to -29.66/100 000, P <0.01) and a change in slope of -0.56/100 000 (95% CI =-1.20/100 000-0.08/100 000, P =0.09).
Conclusion
The gradual optimization of the VarV vaccination strategy in Shenzhen from self pay 1 dose to free 2 dose has significantly reduced the varicella incidence among nursery children, demonstrating good short term control and long term intervention effectiveness.
4.Status quo of health information screening ability of rural elderly and its influencing factors
Xinyu LI ; Xiangying WEN ; Enxu CHEN ; Xiangjian KONG ; Yingping ZHANG ; Ling ZUO
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(20):1545-1550
Objective:To understand the current situation of the ability to screen health information of the elderly in rural areas and analyze its influencing factors, so as to provide a basis for taking targeted measures.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was adopted, and rural elderly people in Yonghe Town, Dahu Town and Dayao Town of Liuyang City, Hunan Province were selected as the survey subjects by the convenience sampling method. The investigation was conducted using the general information Questionnaire, the Health Information Discrimination Ability Scale, the filial Piety Expectation Scale and the two-way Social Support Scale.Results:A total of 228 questionnaires were distributed, and 215 valid questionnaires were retrieved, with an effective recovery rate of 94.30%. Among the 215 rural elderly people surveyed, 86 were male and 129 were female. The ability to discriminate health information was (69.19 ± 13.41) points, the expectation of filial piety was (37.67 ± 6.12) points, and the two-way social support was (46.82 ± 8.11) points. The ability of rural elderly people to discriminate health information was positively correlated with filial piety expectations and two-way social support ( r = 0.340, 0.456; both P<0.01). The results of hierarchical regression analysis showed that educational level, filial piety expectations and two-way social support were the influencing factors of the current status of health information discrimination ability of rural elderly people ( t values were 2.60 to 5.35, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The ability of discriminating health information of the elderly in rural areas is affected by the educational level, filial piety expectation and two-way social support. The health information of rural elderly people with low education level should be screened and targeted, so as to enrich their cultural life and combine education with fun. Actively build a filial piety culture to promote children′s attention to their parents. In addition to providing social support for the elderly, we should promote their interpersonal and social communication and exert their self-value, so as to improve the health information screening ability of the elderly in rural areas.
5.Exploration of the integrated general and specialist comprehensive management model for concomitant diseases of breast cancer: 2 cases analysis and literature review
Xintao HUANG ; Sha WEN ; Lingquan KONG ; Yu ZHONG ; Lan LAN ; Xiaochun CHENG ; Yixiao FENG ; Xiang ZHANG ; Yuanyuan WANG ; HuiSheng DENG
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):456-458
With the extended survival period of breast cancer patients and the increasing health demands, the concomitant diseases of breast cancer have gradually attracted the attention of both doctors and patients, and it is imperative to conduct comprehensive management of these diseases, in which the general practitioners, as the more comprehensive and complex medical talents, have not yet played their due roles. In this article, we report two cases of comprehensive management of concomitant diseases of breast cancer through collaboration of general practitioners and specialists (integrated general and specialist care). The role and function of general practitioners in this process were deeply analyzed, and the establishment of a consultation-liaison general practice model to further promote the role of integrated general and specialist care in integrated oncology care was advocated.
6.Analysis of Chemical Components of Suanzaoren Decoction and Components Absorbed into Blood of Female Rats Based on UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS
Ziyang KONG ; Liang WU ; Wen LI ; Jie HAN ; Chenmin SHENG ; Yuheng LIAN ; Lingdong MENG ; Yunan ZHAO ; Yaoyao BIAN
Journal of Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;41(3):375-382
OBJECTIVE To analyze the blood components of Suanzaoren Decoction after oral administration using UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS technology.METHODS Female Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were used as experimental subjects,and Suanza-oren Decoction was administered orally.Serum samples were collected,and the aqueous extract of Suanzaoren Decoction and the serum were analyzed using UHPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap-MS technology to identify the prototype components and metabolites absorbed into the blood by comparing and analyzing with the LuMet-TCM database.RESULTS It showed that a total of 458 components were iden-tified in the aqueous extract of Suanzaoren Decoction,and 26 chemical components were identified in the blood,including 23 prototype components and 3 metabolites.CONCLUSION The prototype components absorbed into the blood discovered in this study may be the active ingredients of Suanzaoren Decoction,providing a reference for the research on the pharmacodynamic material basis of Suanza-oren Decoction.
7.Analysis of the effectiveness and acceptability of antidepressants in the treatment of postpartum depression
Wen-feng LI ; Ke XU ; Xin WEN ; Meng LI ; Hai YUAN ; De-rong KONG ; Wei-feng MI
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2025;41(2):245-249
Objective To systematically evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of antidepressant drugs in the treatment of postpartum depression(PPD).Methods The PubMed,Cochrane Library,Embase,Web of Science,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Database,VIP Journals of Chinese Scienc were searched,and Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System(SinoMed)database until November 2023.Screen randomized controlled trials(RCTs)of antidepressant drugs for the treatment of PPD.The treatment group was given antidepressant drugs,and the control group was given placebo or another antidepressant drug.Meta-analysis of effectiveness and acceptability is performed using Stata 17.0 software.Results A total of 27 RCTs with a total of 2 202 patients were included.The results of meta-analysis showed:The top three efficacy relative to placebo were mirtazapine[odds ratio(OR)=2.25,95%confidence interval(CI)=(1.20-3.30),P<0.05],nortriptyline[OR=1.50,95%CI=(0.55-2.44),P>0.05],venlafaxine[OR=1.35,95%CI=(0.13-2.56),P>0.05].Acceptability is compared with placebo in the top three Chinese herbal medicine[OR=0.47,95%CI=(-0.72-1.66),P>0.05],nortriptyline[OR=-0.08,95%CI=(-1.16-1.33),P>0.05],venlafaxine[OR=-0.12,95%CI=(-1.47-1.24),P>0.05].Conclusion Nortriptyline,venlafaxine,trazodone,and duloxetine are effective in treating PPD without obvious adverse drug reactions.
8.Exploration of the integrated general and specialist comprehensive management model for concomitant diseases of breast cancer: 2 cases analysis and literature review
Xintao HUANG ; Sha WEN ; Lingquan KONG ; Yu ZHONG ; Lan LAN ; Xiaochun CHENG ; Yixiao FENG ; Xiang ZHANG ; Yuanyuan WANG ; HuiSheng DENG
Chinese Journal of Endocrine Surgery 2025;19(3):456-458
With the extended survival period of breast cancer patients and the increasing health demands, the concomitant diseases of breast cancer have gradually attracted the attention of both doctors and patients, and it is imperative to conduct comprehensive management of these diseases, in which the general practitioners, as the more comprehensive and complex medical talents, have not yet played their due roles. In this article, we report two cases of comprehensive management of concomitant diseases of breast cancer through collaboration of general practitioners and specialists (integrated general and specialist care). The role and function of general practitioners in this process were deeply analyzed, and the establishment of a consultation-liaison general practice model to further promote the role of integrated general and specialist care in integrated oncology care was advocated.
9.The Research Progress of PI3K Inhibitors in the Treatment of Lymphoma——Review
Wen-Jin QIANG ; De-Li KONG ; Xing-Bin DAI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2025;33(6):1834-1839
There is a complex biological mechanism in the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(PKB/Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)signaling pathway,which plays a key role in the development and development of lymphoma.In this review,the relevant literature of PI3K inhibitor research in the past five years summarized and analyzed,and found that the research and development,application,efficacy,and adverse reactions of PI3K inhibitors are the current research hotspots,and the positive results of PI3K inhibitors in clinical trials and basic research have strongly demonstrated the potential of PI3K inhibitors in personalized treatment of lymphoma.In order to maximize the clinical benefits,a variety of strategies need to be explored,including novel drugs with better selectivity and safety,and related combination therapies.
10.Clinical features and prognosis of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis:An analysis of 107 cases
Tongtong MENG ; Weijia DUAN ; Xinyu LI ; Junqi NIU ; Huiguo DING ; Ying HAN ; Wen XIE ; Lu ZHOU ; Bangmao WANG ; Liping GUO ; Jie LI ; Bei JIA ; Lingyi ZHANG ; Liang WANG ; Xiaoqian XU ; Yu WANG ; Xiaojuan OU ; Xinyan ZHAO ; Hong YOU ; Jidong JIA ; Yuanyuan KONG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1337-1343
Objective To describe the clinical features of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis(PSC)in China based on a nationwide multicenter patient cohort,and to investigate the risk factors for prognosis.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PSC based on the electronic medical record system of seven grade A tertiary hospitals across the country,and related data were extracted.The Mann-Whitney U 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 was used to estimate liver transplant-free survival,and the log-rank test was used for comparison of survival rate between PSC patients with different features.The Cox regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for the prognosis of PSC patients and the interactions between key factors.Results A total of 107 patients were enrolled,among whom 55.6%(55/99)had large-duct PSC and 29.0%(31/107)had comorbidity with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).The positivity rate of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody(ANCA)was 32.9%(24/73),and 50.0%(40/80)of the patients had an increase in IgG/IgM.The median symptom-to-diagnosis interval was 1 year(<1-4.0),and 38.3%(41/107)of the patients had progressed to decompensated cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis.The median liver transplant-free survival time was 114 months(95%confidence interval[CI]:62-166),with a 5-year survival rate of 65.7%.The multivariate analysis showed that an increase in total bile acid(TBA)(hazard ratio[HR]=1.006,95%CI:1.002-1.010,P=0.001)and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval(HR=1.252,95%CI:1.059-1.480,P=0.009)were independent risk factors for prognosis.The interaction analysis showed that compared with the female patients with TBA<50 μmol/L,both male and female patients with TBA≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(male:HR=16.563,95%CI:2.103-130.449,P<0.001;female:HR=17.009,95%CI:2.113-136.934,P<0.001),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a TBA level of<50 μmol/L,the patients with an age of≥45 years and a TBA level of≥50 μmol/L had a significant increase in the risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=10.729,95%CI:1.325-86.859,P=0.026).Compared with the female patients with an symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the male patients with a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.825,95%CI:1.725-13.644,P=0.003),and compared with the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of≤2 years,the patients with an age of<45 years and a symptom-to-diagnosis interval of>2 years had an increased risk of liver transplantation or death(HR=4.983,95%CI:1.366-18.173,P=0.015).Conclusion Compared with the reports from Western countries,large-duct PSC is also the main type of PSC in China,but with a relatively low proportion,and there is also a relatively low proportion of patients with IBD or positive ANCA.An increase in TBA and a prolonged symptom-to-diagnosis interval are independent risk factors for prognosis,with significant interactions with age and sex.This suggests that early screening and intervention should be enhanced to improve prognosis.


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