1.Interdisciplinary integration and development trends of intelligent diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine: a topic evolution analysis
Chenggong XIE ; Keying HUANG ; Zhengquan DU ; Xinyi HUANG ; Bin WANG
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):43-56
Objective:
To systematically characterize the developmental trajectory and interdisciplinary integration of intelligent diagnosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) through quantitative topic evolution analysis, we addressed the fragmentation of existing research and clarified the long-term research structure and evolutionary patterns of the field.
Methods:
A topic evolution analysis was performed on Chinese-language literature pertaining to intelligent diagnosis in TCM. Publications were retrieved from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, and China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), covering the period from database inception to July 3, 2025. A hybrid segmentation approach, based on cumulative publication growth trends and inflection point detection, was applied to divide the research timeline into distinct stages. Subsequently, the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model was used to extract research topics, followed by alignment and evolutionary analysis of topics across different stages.
Results:
A total of 3 919 publications published between 2003 and 2025 were included, and the research trajectory was divided into five stages based on data-driven breakpoint detection. The field exhibited a clear evolutionary shift from early rule-based systems and tongue-pulse image and signal analysis (2006 – 2010), to machine-learning-based syndrome and prescription modeling (2011 – 2015), followed by deep-learning-driven pattern recognition and formula association (2016 – 2020). Since 2021, research has increasingly emphasized knowledge-graph construction, multimodal integration, and intelligent clinical decision-support systems, with recent studies (2024 – 2025) showing the emergence of large language models and agent-based diagnostic frameworks. Topic evolution analysis further revealed sustained cross-stage continuity in syndrome modeling and prescription association analysis, alongside the progressive consolidation of integrated intelligent diagnostic platforms.
Conclusion
By identifying key technological transitions and persistent core research themes, our findings offer a structured reference framework for the design of intelligent diagnostic systems, the construction of knowledge-driven clinical decision-support tools, and the alignment of AI models with TCM diagnostic logic. Importantly, the stage-based evolutionary insights derived from this analysis can inform future methodological choices, improve model interpretability and clinical applicability, and support the translation of intelligent TCM diagnosis from experimental research to real-world clinical practice.
2.Modified Xiehuangsan Regulates Microglial Polarization and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway to Treat Tic Disorders in Rats
Mengjie ZHAO ; Qiong ZHAO ; Cuiling YANG ; Hongyun ZHOU ; Xiangjuan SUN ; Xinyi GUO ; Sajiyue HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):10-18
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of modified Xiehuangsan in treating tic disorders (TD) based on microglial polarization and the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway. MethodsSeventy-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into six groups: control, model, tiapride (0.025 g·kg-1), and low-, medium-, and high-dose (12, 24, 48 g·kg-1, respectively) modified Xiehuangsan, with 12 rats in each group. Except the control group, the other groups received intraperitoneal injection of 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile (IDPN) for 7 consecutive days for the modeling of TD. After successful modeling, the control and model groups were given normal saline via gavage, and the other groups were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage. After 28 days of continuous intervention, rat behaviors were observed, and the modified Xiehuangsan group showing the best anti-TD effect was selected for deciphering the treatment mechanism. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was conducted to observe morphological changes in the rat striatum. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of CD16 and CD206 in the striatum. Real-time PCR was employed to measure the mRNA levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-4, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the striatum. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1), Fc receptor family for immunoglobulin (Ig)G type Ⅲ (CD16), mannose receptor (CD206), TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 in the striatum. ResultsCompared with the control group, the model group showed increased stereotyped behaviors, locomotor activity, total movement distance, and movement speed, shortened resting time (P<0.01), and noticeable pathological changes in the striatum. Compared with the model group, the tiapride group and modified Xiehuangsan groups exhibited reduced stereotyped behavior, locomotor activity, total movement distance, and movement speed, prolonged resting time (P<0.05, P<0.01), and alleviated pathological changes in the striatum. Among the modified Xiehuangsan groups, the high-dose group had the best intervention effect and the mildest pathological changes. Therefore, the high-dose group was selected for further research. Compared with the control group, the modeling of TD increased Iba1 and CD16 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA level of IL-4 (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4 and MyD88 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulated the protein level of NF-κB p65 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, modified Xiehuangsan reduced Iba1 and CD16 expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the protein level of CD206 (P<0.05, P<0.01), down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1β and TNF-α (P<0.05), up-regulated the mRNA level of IL-4 (P<0.01), and down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionModified Xiehuangsan demonstrated a definite therapeutic effect on TD in rats. It may reduce neuroinflammation in TD rats by regulating the polarization of microglia in the striatum via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Visual analysis of the current status of research on traditional Chinese medicine treatment for allergic rhinitis
Wenhui HUANG ; Danni HUI ; Mengjie HAN ; Xinyi HUANG ; Erle LI ; Yajuan XUE
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(1):6-9,42
Objective To analyze the hotspots and frontiers of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for allergic rhinitis(AR)in China,aiming to provide reference for the treatment of AR patients in China.Methods Literatures related to traditional Chinese medicine treatment of AR published by CNKI,Wanfang Data and VIP database from January 2004 to December 2023 were searched,and CiteSpace software was used for visual analysis of the number of literatures,key words,research institutions and authors.Results A total of 1604 literatures were included,and the annual number of literatures generally showed an upward trend.The research frontiers in the last 5 years include medication patterns,immune function,quality of life,data mining,and thumbtack needle.The top five institutions in terms of publications were Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,the First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.The core authors were Yuan Weiling,Yan Daonan,Zhao Jiping,Zhang Qinxiu,and Feng Weiyun.Conclusion The application of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of AR has always been in a high research heat,and giving full play to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine can be the development direction of AR research in the future.
4.Z-Score of Fetal Cardiothoracic Ratio in Prediction of Homozygous α-Thalassemia in Early Pregnancy
Xinyi ZHOU ; Xinyan LI ; Caiying PANG ; Huan HUANG
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2025;33(9):999-1003
Purpose To explore the predictive value of fetal cardiothoracic ratio(CTR)and their Z-scores for homozygous α-thalassemia major in early pregnancy.Materials and Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on fetuses at high risk of α-thalassemia major(at 11-13?? weeks of gestation)who received prenatal care at the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from June 2016 to December 2023.Ultrasound examinations were performed on these fetuses to measure the CTRs[including cardiothoracic diameter ratio(CTDR),cardiothoracic circumference ratio(CTCR)and cardiothoracic area ratio(CTAR)],which were simultaneously converted into Z-scores.The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of each group of CTRs and their corresponding Z-scores for fetal α-thalassemia major.Results ①A total of 363 high-risk fetuses were included,including 91(25.1%)in the affected group and 272(74.9%)in the control group.②All the CTRs(including CTDR,CTCR and CTAR)and their corresponding Z-scores in the affected group were significantly higher than those in the control group(t=3.705-21.320,all P<0.001).③The area under the curve(AUC)analysis showed that the AUCs of cardiothoracic ratio Z-scores were higher than those of the corresponding cardiothoracic ratios.The AUCs were ranked from largest to smallest as CTDR Z-score,CTDR,CTAR Z-score,CTCR Z-score,CTAR,CTCR,and the CTDR Z-score had the highest predictive efficacy(when the optimal cut-off value was 1.10,AUC=0.959,with a sensitivity of 94.5%and a specificity of 90.4%).Conclusion The predictive efficacy of fetal CTR Z-scores is higher than that of the corresponding CTRs,which are new indicators for effectively predicting homozygous α-thalassemia major in early pregnancy.Among them,the CTDR Z-score has the highest predictive efficacy,which can improve the prenatal diagnosis rate of this disease and reduce some unnecessary invasive procedures.
5.Yiqi-Yangyin-Quyu prescription attenuates skeletal muscle injury and related metabolic disorders in mice with Sj?gren syndrome by targeting Hadhb
Ting ZHAO ; Yue SHEN ; Wenyue JIAO ; Xinyi YAO ; Dingqi LU ; Yating REN ; Liying CHEN ; Yihan WANG ; Wenhan HUANG ; Runrun ZHANG ; Xinchang WANG
Chinese Journal of Pathophysiology 2025;41(9):1793-1806
AIM:The aim of this study was to explore the effects of Yiqi-Yangyin-Quyu prescription(YP)on skeletal muscle injury and related metabolic disorders in mice with Sj?gren syndrome(SS),and to clarify the role of hy-droxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase trifunctional multienzyme complex subunit beta(Hadhb)in mediating the effect of YP on skeletal muscle in SS.METHODS:The SS mice underwent YP treatment for 8 weeks.The morphological changes of the submandibular gland and muscle tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining.The mitochondrial status in mus-cle tissue was assessed through transmission electron microscopy.Additionally,combined transcriptome and proteome se-quencing was conducted on skeletal muscle samples.The omics sequencing results were validated by RT-qPCR.Immuno-fluorescence was used to confirm the levels of key proteins involved in the P53/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma(PPARG)signaling pathway.Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to determine the levels of Hadhb key targets.RESULTS:Combined transcriptome and proteome analysis identified 1 523 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)and 182 differentially expressed proteins(DEPs)between the muscle tissue of SS mice(model group)and that of control animals(ICR group),12 of which showed co-differential expression at both transcriptomic and proteomic levels.Compared with model group,1 232 genes and 432 proteins were found to be differentially expressed in the muscle tissue of the mice in YP group.Among these,23 exhibited co-differential expression at both mRNA and protein levels.Gene Ontology(GO)analysis showed that the DEGs and DEPs between ICR and model groups were mainly involved in ener-gy metabolism and fatty acid oxidation,while the DEGs and DEPs between YP and model groups were primarily associated with sarcomere tissue and actin structure.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis indi-cated that the DEGs and DEPs between ICR and model groups and between model and YP groups were enriched in the com-plement and coagulation cascade and lipid and pyruvate metabolism.The RT-qPCR validation results were consistent with those of the transcriptome analysis.Furthermore,the protein expression of the tumor suppressor P53 was significantly de-creased in YP group compared with model group,whereas that of PPARG was significantly increased.Western blot analy-sis showed that compared with ICR group,Hadhb protein expression was significantly decreased in model group,whereas the opposite trend was detected in YP group.CONCLUSION:The SS-related skeletal muscle damage is closely related to amino acid metabolism disorder and fatty acid degradation.Treatment with YP modulates innate immune defenses,lipid metabolism and energy metabolism in SS,and Hadhb is the key target of YP in SS-related skeletal muscle.
6.Influencing Factor Analysis and Prediction Model Construction of Immune-Related Thyroid Dysfunction Caused by Sintilimab Treatment in Solid Tumors
Yanjun CUI ; Tian MA ; Yi LIU ; Libo ZHAO ; Xinyi DU ; Ling JIAO ; Aijun CHAI ; Rongrong FAN ; Yanguo LIU ; Lin HUANG ; Xiaohong ZHANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(10):1556-1561
Objective To explore the influencing factors of immune-associated thyroid dysfunction caused by sintilimab treatment in solid tumors and construct a prediction model.Methods Medical records of patients diagnosed with solid tumors and treated with sintilimab at Peking University People's Hospital(Xizhimen Campus,Tongzhou Campus,Shijiazhuang Campus)from January 2023 to September 2024 were collected to explore the influencing factors that caused immune-related thyroid dysfunction using univariate and multifactorial binary logistic regression analyses and to establish a prediction model.The predictive effect of the model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results A total of 120 patients were included,and 33 presented with immune-related thyroid dysfunction.Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)[OR=2.470,95%CI=(1.279,4.771)]and treatment cycles[OR=1.298,95%CI=(1.117,1.509)]were independent risk factors for the occurrence of immune-associated thyroid dysfunction,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The area under the ROC curve was(0.897±0.043)[95%CI=(0.813,0.981)],the Yoden index was 0.703,and the model prediction accuracy was 86.5%.Conclusion The risk of immune-related thyroid dysfunction caused by sintilimab is high,and TSH and treatment cycle are the influencing factors,and the constructed model has certain predictive value and is of reference significance.
7.Visual analysis of the current status of research on traditional Chinese medicine treatment for allergic rhinitis
Wenhui HUANG ; Danni HUI ; Mengjie HAN ; Xinyi HUANG ; Erle LI ; Yajuan XUE
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(1):6-9,42
Objective To analyze the hotspots and frontiers of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for allergic rhinitis(AR)in China,aiming to provide reference for the treatment of AR patients in China.Methods Literatures related to traditional Chinese medicine treatment of AR published by CNKI,Wanfang Data and VIP database from January 2004 to December 2023 were searched,and CiteSpace software was used for visual analysis of the number of literatures,key words,research institutions and authors.Results A total of 1604 literatures were included,and the annual number of literatures generally showed an upward trend.The research frontiers in the last 5 years include medication patterns,immune function,quality of life,data mining,and thumbtack needle.The top five institutions in terms of publications were Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Nanjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,the First Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.The core authors were Yuan Weiling,Yan Daonan,Zhao Jiping,Zhang Qinxiu,and Feng Weiyun.Conclusion The application of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of AR has always been in a high research heat,and giving full play to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine can be the development direction of AR research in the future.
8.Mechanism of mitochondrial dysfunction on immune thrombocytopenia-related fatigue based on the"excessive fire consuming healthy qi"theory
Yuxin CHENG ; Xiaohua HUANG ; Diu WEI ; Wei MA ; Xinyi CHEN ; Haiyan LANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(5):703-710
Immune thrombocytopenia(ITP)is an autoimmune disease characterized primarily by bleeding and fatigue.ITP-related fatigue can substantially affect health-related quality of life and has been recognized as a treatment indication in the latest guidelines.However,its pathogenesis remains unclear,and targeted therapies are lacking.This paper explores the theoretical foundation of the"excessive fire consuming healthy qi"theory,linking two key conceptual pairs:"excessive fire"with inflammation and"healthy qi consumption"with mitochondrial dysfunction.Chronic inflammation leads to continuous"qi consumption"and damage to mitochondrial structure and function,ultimately resulting in symptoms of qi deficiency such as tiredness and fatigue.The imbalance between qi and fire,leading to imbalance of yin and yang,is the primary pathogenesis of ITP-related fatigue,with the disease mainly affecting the spleen.Considering the etiology and pathogenesis of ITP,and relative equilibrium of yin-yang,the therapeutic approach of invigorating spleen and benefiting qi to promote the production of blood serves as a core treatment strategy.Previous research has demonstrated the clinical efficacy of Jianpi Yiqi Shexue Formula,consisting of milkvetch root,tangshen,Indian bread,largehead atractylodes rhizome,India madder root,and ass hide glue in treating patients with ITP-related fatigue.Designed to invigorate the spleen and regulate qi and blood,this formula aligns with the pathogenesis of ITP-related fatigue characterized by deficiency of spleen qi and stomach qi.The formula also modulates the expression levels of key proteins and genes involved in mitochondrial energy metabolism and alleviates the immune dysfunction.These findings highlight the potential for further research into the mechanism of ITP-related fatigue,particularly by using inflammation-mediated mitochondrial energy metabolism as a promising entry point.
9."State-Target Differential Diagnosis and Treatment"in management of patten of qi sinking and blood stasis of coronary heart disease with angina pectoris
Xinyi ZHOU ; Di XIE ; Yanpi LI ; Zihan WANG ; Haozhe XIONG ; Li HUANG ; Xiaoyan LU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(5):599-604
Coronary heart disease with angina pectoris,characterized by myocardial ischemic injury as its fundamental pathological mechanism,represents a prevalent cardiovascular condition.The"State-Target Differential Diagnosis and Treatment"presents a holistic regulatory framework,integrating macroscopic state regulation with microscopic targeting.Guided by this approach,the pathological evolution of coronary heart disease is examined through four dimensions:"state-target-cause-effect."The"cause"encompasses both the pathogenesis and etiological factors of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.The"effect"manifests as adverse cardiovascular events,including myocardial infarction and heart failure.The"state"delineates the progressive development pattern of qi to blood to deficiency,beginning with qi stagnation and cold congealment in the initial stage,followed by blood stasis and phlegm obstruction in the intermediate stage,and culminating in qi-blood deficiency in the advanced stage.The"target"encompasses multi-level therapeutic interventions addressing both symptomatic manifestations and clinical indicators.Building on this theoretical foundation,this research focuses on the pattern of qi sinking and blood stasis commonly observed in late-stage angina,systematically elucidating its state regulation and targeting therapeutic strategies.Using the clinical empirical formula Shengxian Quyu Decoction as the baseline state prescription,an in-depth investigation was conducted to determine optimal combination patterns of symptom-and biomarker-targeted medications.This study aims to establish a modernized differential treatment system for angina pectoris with the pattern of qi sinking and blood stasis,providing novel research perspectives and theoretical foundations for enhancing clinical efficacy and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
10.Development of the Chinese Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Quality of Life Scale
Yunling ZHENG ; Yuxin ZOU ; Yucheng LI ; Zhuoting CHEN ; Liuqian HUANG ; Xinyi PAN ; Ling ZHU
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(5):1287-1296
Objective To develop a quality of life(QoL)scale for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency(POI)with high reliability and validity in accordance with China's national conditions.Methods The theoretical framework of the scale was constructed under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory with reference to the development method of the QoL scale.Literature analysis method,medical record review method,patient interview method,Delphi expert consultation method and clinical investigation were used to establish,improve and screen the scale items to form the final scale,and the characteristics and differentiation in terms of reliability and validity and feasibility of the final scale were evaluated.Results After screening the entries by the Delphi method and clinical surveys,the Chinese Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Quality of Life Scale was formed,which included three domains of physiology,psychology,and society,and eleven aspects such as menstruation,fertility,and physical symptoms,with 30 entries and two overall evaluations.The Cronbach's coefficient of this scale was 0.910,the fold-half coefficient was 0.956,and the re-test correlation coefficient was 0.868,which showed good internal consistency,fold-half and re-test reliabilities;the scale extracted 9 factors with characteristic root>1,and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 71.063%,the comparative fit index was 0.959,and the goodness-of-fit index was 0.919,and the degree of correlation was tested has showed that the content validity,structural validity and calibration correlation validity were good;the difference in the total scores of the scale between patients with POI and the healthy population was statistically significant,and the scale had a good degree of differentiation.Conclusion As confirmed by this study,the Chinese Premature Ovarian Insufficiency Quality of Life Scale has good reliability,validity,differentiation and feasibility,and can be used as a tool for evaluating the quality of life of POI patients in China as well as enriching the efficacy evaluation system of TCM in treating POI,and it is suitable for clinical popularization and application.

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