1.Revisiting Intelligent Syndrome Differentiation in Traditional Chinese Medicine under the Disease-Syndrome Combination Model:Perspectives from Disease "Ambiguity and Precision"
Xinlong LI ; Sulin WANG ; Dongning YAN ; Xinran ZHAO ; Genming ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):705-709
The ambiguity of symptom information in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation can be amplified in the direct reasoning process from symptoms to syndromes in the absence of constraints, which affects the accuracy and stability of intelligent syndrome differentiation. TCM disease concepts, while historically rational, are structurally ambiguous in both their connotation and extension, making it difficult to serve as stable prior knowledge in intelligent modeling. In contrast, modern medical diseases, based on objective testing and quantifiable indicators, have relatively clear boundaries and reproducible standards. This study proposes a disease-syndrome combination model, adopting modern medical diseases as structural prior variables to reconstruct the hierarchical relationships among disease, symptoms, and syndromes. By applying disease constraints, effective screening of information from the four examinations and compressing the reasoning space are achieved. Furthermore, by integrating artificial intelligence technologies, such as multimodal fusion and knowledge graphs, an intelligent syndrome differentiation model driven by both prior knowledge and clinical data is constructed, providing a feasible path to enhance the accuracy of syndrome differentiation and realize the intelligentization of TCM diagnosis and treatment.
2.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.
3.Rapid health technology assessment of brivaracetam as adjunctive therapy for drug-resistant focal epilepsy
Xiaohua CHOU ; Qian ZHANG ; Xinran QIU ; Bo ZHANG ; Daoli JIANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(17):2320-2326
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of brivaracetam (BRV) as adjunctive therapy in patients with drug-resistant focal epilepsy.METHODS PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and official health technology assessment (HTA) agency websites were searched from inception to January 31, 2026 for HTA reports, systematic reviews/meta-analyses, and pharmacoeconomic studies on BRV. After literature screening and quality assessment, a descriptive analysis was performed.RESULTS A total of 21 publications were included: 13 systematic reviews/meta-analyses, 7 pharmacoeconomic studies (including one study that simultaneously conducted a systematic review/meta-analysis), and 2 HTA reports. Regarding efficacy, BRV significantly improved the 50% responder rate [risk ratio (RR)=1.81] and seizure-freedom rate (RR=5.89) versus placebo. Among third-generation anti-seizure medications (ASMs), BRV ranked 1st-2nd for seizure freedom, while its 50% responder rate was at a moderate level. The optimal adult dose for seizure freedom was 100 mg/d. Regarding safety, BRV was well tolerated, overall adverse event rates did not differ from placebo, though withdrawal due to adverse event rates were higher than with placebo. Tolerability ranked 1st-2nd among the third-generation ASMs. Psychiatric/behavioral adverse event rates were lower with BRV (6.4%) than with levetiracetam (14.1%). Regarding cost-effectiveness, BRV showed pharmacoeconomic advantages in countries with lower drug pricing (Australia, Finland) and only in high-risk subgroups in Japan, but did not show such advantages at current prices in the US or Italy. BRV has been included in China’s national reimbursement drug list in 2025, and the economic conclusions drawn during its initial market launch are outdated and require re-evaluation.CONCLUSIONS BRV has proven efficacy and good safety, especially suitable for patients intolerant to levetiracetam. However, due to pricing and medical insurance policies, the cost-effectiveness of BRV after its inclusion in China’s national reimbursement drug list still needs to be re-evaluated.
4.Structural and epitope characterization of HIV-1 V1V2 highly effective neutralizing antibodies based on AlphaFold 3
Junjie ZHANG ; Qianying WANG ; Ying LIU ; Shuhui WANG ; Li REN ; Shuo WANG ; Yutao SHI ; Yuhua RUAN ; Xiaojing LIU ; Xinran DU ; Yanling HAO ; Dan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(5):548-555
Objective:To screen broadly neutralizing antibodies in human immunodeficiency virus-1(HIV-1)chronically infected individuals and characterize their molecular features and to provide new strategies for rational vaccine development and antibody-based therapeutics.Methods:A total of 34 treatment-na?ve individuals with chronic HIV-1 infection were enrolled. Plasma antibody binding levels were measured against two HIV-1 envelope proteins. Single antigen-specific memory B cells were sorted from high-binding samples,and antibody variable region genes were amplified by PCR for paired expression. The monoclonal antibodies were evaluated for neutralizing activity using pseudovirus assays,and their structural features were analyzed by integrating AlphaFold 3 prediction with Discovery Studio molecular docking.Results:Plasma samples showed strong binding to DU422-GP140 and BG505-GP140. Eight monoclonal antibodies were isolated from two donors. Among them,antibodies 0919-A4,0919-A9 and 0808-A2 could cross-react with GP140 from HIV-1 subtypes AE,BC and B. The monoclonal antibody 0919-A9 demonstrated potent neutralizing activity against SF162(Tier 1)and CH181(Tier 2)pseudoviruses,with somatic hypermutation rates of 13.27%(heavy chain)and 15.58%(light chain). Structural modeling revealed its specific targeting of the V1V2 region on GP120.Conclusion:The isolated antibody 0919-A9 effectively neutralizes Tier 2 pseudoviruses. Its high somatic mutation frequency and V1V2-targeting property underlie its neutralizing activity,providing both a promising candidate and mechanistic insights for HIV vaccine development and antibody-based therapeutic strategies.
5.Visualization analysis on research status and hotspots of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for headache based on VOSviewer
Xinran ZHAO ; Xinlong LI ; Yu ZHANG ; Wenna LIU ; Xing LYU
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(7):999-1004
Objective:To explore the research status and hotspots of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for headache using bibliometrics.Methods:Literature about TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for headache was retrieved from CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and CBM from the establishment of the databases to July 18, 2024. Excel 2023 was used to extract information such as publication time, author, unit and keywords of the literature. The authors' affiliation and keywords were preprocessed. VOSviewer software was used for keyword co-occurrence analysis and clustering analysis, and a keyword temporal overlay network was constructed.Results:Totally 1 513 articles were finally included. The journal with the largest number of publications was Henan Traditional Chinese Medicine. 346 authors were involved, initially forming research teams represented with Cao Kegang, Zhou Jianwei, Ni Jinjun, etc., mainly from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, etc.; the included literature included a total of 2 153 keywords, which the frequency of 5 931 times in total. The top three keywords in frequency were acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, clinical efficacy, and experience of famous doctors. Current research hotspots included data mining, network pharmacology, literature research, syndrome elements, medication law, venturing and bloodletting therapy, calcitonin gene-related peptide, classic prescriptions, nitric oxide, etc. Conclusions:At present, research on TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment for headache mainly focuses on three major sections: acupuncture, moxibustion and massage, clinical efficacy of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, and experience of famous doctors. Future research mainly focuses on data mining, medication law, network pharmacology, syndrome elements, and pathogenesis.
6.Predictive value of acute liver failure for sepsis-free survival in burn patients
Xinran DING ; Wei ZHANG ; Yifan LIU ; Dayuan XU ; Xirui TONG ; Yuntao YAO ; Runzhi HUANG ; Shizhao JI ; Zhaofan XIA
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2025;34(5):648-655
Objective:To assess the predictive value of acute liver failure (ALF) for sepsis-free survival (SFS) in burn patients and to identify associated risk factors.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on burn patients meeting inclusion criteria from the 2014 Kunshan aluminum dust explosion disaster (August 2, 2014 - April 13, 2015). Eligible patients were stratified into ALF and non-ALF groups based on the development of ALF. Demographic characteristics, total burn surface area, organ dysfunction, time to sepsis onset, and clinical outcomes were collected and compared between groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression were performed to assess the impact of ALF on SFS. A nomogram model was constructed for individualized risk prediction.Results:Among 185 enrolled patients (ALF group:21, non-ALF group:164), ALF incidence was 11.35%. The ALF group demonstrated higher mortality (85.71% vs. 34.15%, P<0.001) and SFS failure rates (100.00% vs. 61.59%, P<0.001) compared to non-ALF patients. Multivariate Cox analysis identified ALF as an independent sepsis predictor ( HR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.00-2.80, P<0.05). Time-dependent ROC analysis showed AUCs of 0.626, 0.714, 0.703, and 0.706 for SFS prediction at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks respectively. The nomogram model demonstrated that ALF combined with other parameters effectively predicted sepsis risk within 2-12 weeks post-injury. ALF development showed significant associations with concurrent organ dysfunction including acute kidney injury, acute heart failure, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (all P<0.001). A higher proportion of ALF patients received hemodialysis ( P<0.001) and pre-hospital central venous catheterization ( P=0.017). Conclusions:ALF independently predicts SFS failure and correlates strongly with poor prognosis in burn patients. Early ALF recognition and targeted interventions may facilitate sepsis risk stratification and precision prevention strategies.
7.Development and validation of an innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis
Jiajun FENG ; Chaoming DENG ; He HONG ; Fan WU ; Guogui TAO ; Xiaoqing SUN ; Xiaomin LIU ; Tiantian ZUO ; Wanhong WU ; Xinran WANG ; Zichuan CHEN ; Hu ZHANG ; Zhiqi HU ; Guobin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Medical Physics 2025;42(7):952-955
Objective To develop an innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis,and conduct clinical validation.Methods The design concept,technical principles and system composition of the innovative minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis were introduced.A total of 73 patients(146 axillae)with axillary osmidrosis were enrolled as subjects,and underwent surgery using the newly developed surgical system.Clinical validation of the system was performed by evaluating postoperative scarring,odor elimination rate,postoperative complication incidence,and patient satisfaction.Results The study demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes in the following aspects:postoperative scarring,odor elimination rate,postoperative complication incidence,and patient satisfaction.Conclusion The minimally invasive rotary-cutting surgical system for axillary osmidrosis is rationally designed.The rotary-cutting puncture device is safe,effective,minimally invasive,and convenient for axillary osmidrosis surgery,warranting further clinical validation and widespread application.
8.Effects of different contrast injection schemes on the image quality of triple-rule-out CT angiography
Xingru LU ; Cunzhong MENG ; Shengxi ZHENG ; Qinyi HE ; Tianyang LUO ; Hongliang HUANG ; Xinran LIU ; Hengxin GONG ; Xiaoyi ZHANG ; Junqiang LEI
Journal of Practical Radiology 2025;41(1):124-128
Objective To investigate the effects of different contrast injection schemes on the image quality of triple-rule-out com-puted tomography angiography(TRO-CTA).Methods A total of 691 patients with acute chest pain who underwent TRO-CTA exami-nation from multiple centers were prospectively selected and randomly divided into mixed group and unmixed group according to dif-ferent contrast injection methods.The image quality of aorta,pulmonary artery and coronary artery in the two groups was evaluated subjectively and objectively and the radiation dose was calculated.Results There were no significant differences in subjective image quality scores,aorta and coronary CT values,signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)between the two groups(P>0.05),while there were significant differences in pulmo-nary CT values,SNR,CNR and radiation dose between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion The utilization of a mixed contrast injection scheme in TRO-CTA can satisfy diagnostic require-ments while ensuring a low proportional dosage and reduced radiation dose,which has clinical application value.
9.Morphological and hemodynamic parameters of CT angiography for predicting recurrence of intracranial aneurysms after endovascular embolization
Xinran WANG ; Bin HU ; Zhao SHI ; Longjiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(1):9-14
Objective To investigate the value of morphological and hemodynamic parameters of CT angiography(CTA)for predicting recurrence of intracranial aneurysms(IA)after endovascular embolization.Methods Totally 205 patients with ruptured IA who underwent endovascular embolization were retrospectively collected and divided into recurrence group(n=35)and non-recurrence group(n=170)according to follow-up results after embolization.The morphological and hemodynamic parameters of IA in CTA before treatment were compared between groups.Variance inflation factor(VIF)was used to explore whether there was collinearity between morphological and hemodynamic parameters,and those without collinearity were included in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to screen predictors of recurrence of IA after endovascular embolization.Two prediction models were constructed based on morphological parameters(model 1)and combination with hemodynamic parameters(model 2).Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy of models.Results The maximum diameter,aneurysm neck width,maximum height,maximum vertical height and size ratio(SR)of IA in recurrence group were all higher than those in non-recurrence group(all P<0.05),while gradient oscillatory number(GON)in recurrence group was lower than that in non-recurrence group(P<0.05).The neck width,SR,pressure at IA neck plane,intra-aneurysm time-averaged wall shear stress(TAWSS),oscillatory shear index(OSI)and GON had no significant collinearity(all VIF<10),among which the neck width,SR and TAWSS were all independent predictors(all P<0.05).AUC of model 1 and model 2 for predicting recurrence of IA after endovascular embolization was 0.668 and 0.723,respectively,which of model 2 was higher than which of model 1(integrated discrimination improvement index was 0.055,P=0.025).Conclusion CTA morphological parameters combined with hemodynamic parameters of IA could be used to predict its recurrence after endovascular embolization.
10.Diagnostic value of MS score in macrophage activation syndrome associated with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Lingling GENG ; Yue PENG ; Duomei SHI ; Li WANG ; Xianyan TANG ; Xinran WEN ; Wenhua ZHANG ; Xiaoqing LI
International Journal of Pediatrics 2025;52(7):476-480
Objective:To explore the diagnostic value of the macrophage activation syndrome/systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis(MS)score in macrophage activation syndrome(MAS)associated with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis(sJIA),and to provide a reference for clinical work.Methods:This study was a retrospective case-control analysis,conducted on the patients initially diagnosed as sJIA-associated with MAS and admitted into the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Xi 'an Jiaotong University from July 1st,2016 to June 30th,2023. All of the patients met the diagnostic criteria for patients with MAS associated with sJIA according to the 2016 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology(EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology(ACR)/Pediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organization(PRINTO)standards. The basic information at baseline,clinical manifestations,and auxiliary examination results were collected. The MS score was applied to re-evaluate the children diagnosed as sJIA-associated with MAS. When the MS score ≥-2.1,the possibility of sJIA with MAS was high. Thirty cases of sJIA without MAS were randomly selected as the control group.Results:There were 28 cases in the MAS group,including 13 males(46.43%)and 15 females(53.57%),with an average age of(7.51±4.01)years. Compared with the control group,the MAS group were significantly more likely to have high fever( χ2=8.539, P=0.003),hepatomegaly( χ2=11.621, P<0.001),splenomegaly( χ2=11.710, P<0.001)and neurological involvement( χ2=27.619, P<0.001),with the differences being statistically significant. Meanwhile,there were statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of white blood cell count( Z=-4.001, P<0.001),neutrophil count( Z=-3.659, P<0.001),platelet count( Z=-4.687, P<0.001),albumin level( Z=-4.018, P<0.001),alanine aminotransferase( Z=-3.846, P<0.001),aspartate aminotransferase( Z=-5.932, P<0.001),lactate dehydrogenase( Z=-6.150, P<0.001),triglycerides( Z=-5.874, P<0.001),fibrinogen( Z=-5.808, P<0.001),ferritin( Z=-5.280, P<0.001),erythrocyte sedimentation rate( Z=-3.971, P<0.001),ferritin/erythrocyte sedimentation rate( Z=-5.433, P<0.001),reduction of two-line cells in blood( χ2=11.408, P<0.001)and the presence of hemophagocytosis in bone marrow smears( χ2=28.260, P<0.001). Moreover,there was a statistically significant difference in MS scores between the two groups( Z=-6.148, P<0.001),with higher MS scores in the MAS group. Nevertheless,this study showed the median MS scores of both groups ≥-2.1. Conclusion:The MS score was significant to a certain degree as reference for the diagnosis of MAS,and this study showed that the MS score in the MAS group was significantly higher than the control group. However,the median MS scores in both groups were no less than -2.1. This might be related to the influence of factors during the assessment,which made it necessary to optimize the cutoff values of the MS score. Therefore,prospective studies should be carried out on the role of MS score in early identification of MAS.

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