1.The Development and Application of Chatbots in Healthcare: From Traditional Methods to Large Language Models
Zixing WANG ; Le QI ; Xiaodan LIAN ; Ziheng ZHOU ; Aiwei MENG ; Xintong WU ; Xiaoyuan GAO ; Yujie YANG ; Yiyang LIU ; Wei ZHAO ; Xiaolin DIAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1170-1178
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, chatbots have shown great potential in the healthcare sector. From personalized health advice to chronic disease management and psychological support, chatbots have demonstrated significant advantages in improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. As the scope of their applications expands, the relationship between technological complexity and practical application scenarios has become increasingly intertwined, necessitating a more comprehensive evaluation of both aspects. This paper, from the perspective of he althcare applications, systematically reviews the technological pathways and development of chatbots in the medical field, providing an in-depth analysis of their performance across various medical scenarios. It thoroughly examines the advantages and limitations of chatbots, aiming to offer theoretical support for future research and propose feasible recommendations for the broader adoption of chatbot technologies in healthcare.
2.Dual activation of GCGR/GLP1R signaling ameliorates intestinal fibrosis via metabolic regulation of histone H3K9 lactylation in epithelial cells.
Han LIU ; Yujie HONG ; Hui CHEN ; Xianggui WANG ; Jiale DONG ; Xiaoqian LI ; Zihan SHI ; Qian ZHAO ; Longyuan ZHOU ; JiaXin WANG ; Qiuling ZENG ; Qinglin TANG ; Qi LIU ; Florian RIEDER ; Baili CHEN ; Minhu CHEN ; Rui WANG ; Yao ZHANG ; Ren MAO ; Xianxing JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):278-295
Intestinal fibrosis is a significant clinical challenge in inflammatory bowel diseases, but no effective anti-fibrotic therapy is currently available. Glucagon receptor (GCGR) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) are both peptide hormone receptors involved in energy metabolism of epithelial cells. However, their role in intestinal fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Herein GCGR and GLP1R were found to be reduced in the stenotic ileum of patients with Crohn's disease as well as in the fibrotic colon of mice with chronic colitis. The downregulation of GCGR and GLP1R led to the accumulation of the metabolic byproduct lactate, resulting in histone H3K9 lactylation and exacerbated intestinal fibrosis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Dual activating GCGR and GLP1R by peptide 1907B reduced the H3K9 lactylation in epithelial cells and ameliorated intestinal fibrosis in vivo. We uncovered the role of GCGR/GLP1R in regulating EMT involved in intestinal fibrosis via histone lactylation. Simultaneously activating GCGR/GLP1R with the novel dual agonist peptide 1907B holds promise as a treatment strategy for alleviating intestinal fibrosis.
3.Coral calcium hydride promotes peripheral mitochondrial division and reduces AT-II cells damage in ARDS via activation of the Trx2/Myo19/Drp1 pathway.
Qian LI ; Yang ANG ; Qing-Qing ZHOU ; Min SHI ; Wei CHEN ; Yujie WANG ; Pan YU ; Bing WAN ; Wanyou YU ; Liping JIANG ; Yadan SHI ; Zhao LIN ; Shaozheng SONG ; Manlin DUAN ; Yun LONG ; Qi WANG ; Wentao LIU ; Hongguang BAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):101039-101039
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common respiratory emergency, but current clinical treatment remains at the level of symptomatic support and there is a lack of effective targeted treatment measures. Our previous study confirmed that inhalation of hydrogen gas can reduce the acute lung injury of ARDS, but the application of hydrogen has flammable and explosive safety concerns. Drinking hydrogen-rich liquid or inhaling hydrogen gas has been shown to play an important role in scavenging reactive oxygen species and maintaining mitochondrial quality control balance, thus improving ARDS in patients and animal models. Coral calcium hydrogenation (CCH) is a new solid molecular hydrogen carrier prepared from coral calcium (CC). Whether and how CCH affects acute lung injury in ARDS remains unstudied. In this study, we observed the therapeutic effect of CCH on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute lung injury in ARDS mice. The survival rate of mice treated with CCH and hydrogen inhalation was found to be comparable, demonstrating a significant improvement compared to the untreated ARDS model group. CCH treatment significantly reduced pulmonary hemorrhage and edema, and improved pulmonary function and local microcirculation in ARDS mice. CCH promoted mitochondrial peripheral division in the early course of ARDS by activating mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), improved lung mitochondrial dysfunction induced by LPS, and reduced oxidative stress damage. The results indicate that CCH is a highly efficient hydrogen-rich agent that can attenuate acute lung injury of ARDS by improving the mitochondrial function through Trx2 activation.
4.Machine learning-assisted microfluidic approach for broad-spectrum liposome size control.
Yujie JIA ; Xiao LIANG ; Li ZHANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Hajra ZAFAR ; Shan HUANG ; Yi SHI ; Jian CHEN ; Qi SHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):101221-101221
Liposomes serve as critical carriers for drugs and vaccines, with their biological effects influenced by their size. The microfluidic method, renowned for its precise control, reproducibility, and scalability, has been widely employed for liposome preparation. Although some studies have explored factors affecting liposomal size in microfluidic processes, most focus on small-sized liposomes, predominantly through experimental data analysis. However, the production of larger liposomes, which are equally significant, remains underexplored. In this work, we thoroughly investigate multiple variables influencing liposome size during microfluidic preparation and develop a machine learning (ML) model capable of accurately predicting liposomal size. Experimental validation was conducted using a staggered herringbone micromixer (SHM) chip. Our findings reveal that most investigated variables significantly influence liposomal size, often interrelating in complex ways. We evaluated the predictive performance of several widely-used ML algorithms, including ensemble methods, through cross-validation (CV) for both liposome size and polydispersity index (PDI). A standalone dataset was experimentally validated to assess the accuracy of the ML predictions, with results indicating that ensemble algorithms provided the most reliable predictions. Specifically, gradient boosting was selected for size prediction, while random forest was employed for PDI prediction. We successfully produced uniform large (600 nm) and small (100 nm) liposomes using the optimised experimental conditions derived from the ML models. In conclusion, this study presents a robust methodology that enables precise control over liposome size distribution, offering valuable insights for medicinal research applications.
5.Pituitary Crooke cell neuroendocrine tumor of adrenocorticotropic hormone differentiation-specific transcription factor lineage: a clinicopathological analysis of six cases
Chong GE ; Qi WANG ; Wu WANG ; Lanqing CHENG ; Yue′e WANG ; Liangliang HUANG ; Yujie LI ; Haibo WU ; Anli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2024;53(7):722-727
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features of Crooke cell tumor of adrenocorticotropic hormone differentiation specific transcription factor (TPIT, also known as transcription factor 19, TBX19) lineage neuroendocrine tumors.Methods:Six cases of Crooke cell tumor diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China from October 2019 to October 2023 were collected. The clinical and pathological features of these cases were analyzed.Results:Among the six cases, one was male and five were female, with ages ranging from 26 to 75 years, and an average age of 44 years. All tumors occurred within the sella turcica. Clinical presentations included visual impairment in two cases, menstrual disorders in one case, Cushing′s syndrome in one case, headache in one case, and one asymptomatic case discovered during a physical examination. Preoperative serum analyses revealed elevated levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormones in two cases, elevated cortisol in two cases, elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone in one case, and one case with a mild increase in prolactin due to the pituitary stalk effect. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed uneven enhancement of masses with maximum diameters ranging from 1.7 to 3.2 cm, all identified as macroadenomas. Microscopically, tumor cells exhibited irregular polygonal shapes, solid sheets, or pseudo-papillary arrangements around blood vessels. The cell nuclei were eccentric or centrally located, varying in size, with abundant cytoplasm. Some tumor cells showed perinuclear halo. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated diffuse strong positivity for TPIT in five cases, focal weak positivity for TPIT in one case, diffuse strong positivity for adrenocorticotropic hormone in all cases, and faint staining around the nuclei in a few cells. CK8/18 showed a strong positive ring pattern in more than 50% of tumor cells, focal weak positive expression of p53, and the Ki-67 positive index ranged 1%-5%. Periodic acid-Schiff staining revealed positive cytoplasm and negative perinuclear areas.Conclusions:Crooke cell tumor is a rare type of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. Its pathological characteristics include a distinctive perinuclear clear zone and immunohistochemical markers, such as CK8/18 exhibiting a ring or halo pattern. This entity represents a high-risk subtype among pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, displaying a high risk of invasion and a propensity for recurrence. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for the postoperative follow-up and multimodal treatment planning.
6.Changes in the subfoveal choroidal thickness of children and adolescents with different refractive states
Jinling ZHANG ; Yujie LIAO ; Xiaoyan YU ; Qi YANG ; Jiaqing KANG ; Jiawen LU ; Chen CHEN ; Haohao ZHU
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2024;44(11):883-886
Objective To observe the changes in the subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT)of children and adoles-cents with different refractive states using optical coherence tomography angiography.Methods A total of 171 children and adolescents were followed.They were divided into the lower primary school group(6-8 years old),upper primary school group(9-11 years old),and junior high school group(12-14 years old)according to their age at the time of en-rollment.Dioptric examinations(including best corrected visual acuity,diopter,intraocular pressure,corneal curvature,axial length and SFCT)were performed,data collection was conducted twice in half a year(initial examination and review after half a year),and the eyeball parameters and changes in eyeball parameters after half a year among all groups were compared.Results The axial length and SFCT of subjects had significant differences among all groups(both P<0.05).In children and adolescents,the axial length gradually lengthened and SFCT gradually thickened with age,while intraocular pressure and corneal curvature were not associated with age(both P>0.05).In the initial examination and review after half a year,there was no significant difference in intraocular pressure,corneal curvature and SFCT of subjects with differ-ent refractive states in all groups(all P>0.05),while the axial length of myopic subjects was greater than that of non-my-opic subjects in all groups(all P<0.05).In the review after half a year,the SFCT of non-myopic subjects in the lower pri-mary school group and upper primary school group was significantly thickened(P<0.001,P=0.003),while there was no significant difference in SFCT of myopic subjects in all groups compared with the value half a year ago(all P>0.05).The axial length of all subjects showed a positive correlation with the SFCT in the initial examination and review after half a year(r=0.354,0.228,P<0.05).Conclusion Myopia affects the increase in SFCT in children and adolescents.
7.Study on correlation between circulating exosome miR-485-3p and STYX expression with onset of premature coronary heart disease
Fan WANG ; Qingyong LI ; Yujie LIU ; Jingcai LUO ; Jinling SU ; Tongwen DING ; Qi SUN
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(16):2462-2466,2471
Objective To investigate the correlation between the expression of circulating exosome miR-485-3p and STYX with the risk of premature coronary heart disease.Methods A total of 50 inpatients with early onset coronary heart disease diagnosed by coronary angiography or CT angiography (CTA) in Af-filiated Puyang Municipal People's Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College from August to December 2023 were selected as the study group and 50 patients with excluded coronary artery disease by examination during the same period were included in the control group.The general clinical data of the two groups were collected,the plasma exosome miR-485-3p and STYX levels were detected.The degree of coronary arterial lesions in the pa-tients of the study group was evaluated by the Gensini score.The Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between plasma exosome miR-485-3p and STYX with LDL and Gensini score.The re-ceiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of plasma exosome miR-485-3p and STYX in the diagnosis of premature coronary heart disease.The multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factors for premature coronary heart disease.Results Compared with the control group,the family history of coronary heart disease,smoking history,LDL and plasma exo-some miR-485-3p level in the study group were increased,the plasma STYX level was decreased and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05);the Spearman correlation analysis showed that miR-485-3p was positively correlated with LDL (r=0.546) and Gensini score (r=0.485),and negatively correlated with STYX (r=-0.576).STYX was negatively correlated with LDL (r=-0.389) and Gensini score (r=-0.531).The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of miR-485-3p,STYX and their combination in the diagnosis of premature coronary heart disease was 0.821 (95%CI:0.736-0.906),0.850 (95%CI:0.772-0.927) and 0.899 (95%CI:0.837-0.960) respectively.Conclusion The expression of circulating exosome miR-485-3p in premature coronary heart disease is up-regulated and the expression of STYX is down-regulated,the both are closely related to the degree of coronary artery lesion,which could be used as the po-tential biomarkers for the diagnosis of premature coronary heart disease.
8.Biomechanical effect of pre-setting high-strength sutures by suture weaving on tendon grafts
Han CHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yujie LIU ; Ji WANG ; Fei LI ; Wei QI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2024;45(12):1579-1582
Objective To reduce the mechanical impact caused by postoperative creep and relaxation of tendon grafts by pre-setting high-strength sutures using suture weaving.Methods Fresh pig tendo calcaneus specimens were used to prepare 30 anterior cruciate ligament tendon grafts,and they were randomly divided into control group,2-strand suture implantation group,and 4-strand suture implantation group,with 10 tendon grafts in each group.The control group were not given suture implantation in the tendon grafts,and the 2-and 4-strand suture implantation groups were pre-set 2 and 4 strands of high-strength No.2 sutures,respectively.The tendon grafts in each group were subjected to 1,100,500,1 000,1 500,2 000,2 500,and 3 000 fatigue tests in turn,and the relaxation was recorded.Finally,the tendon grafts in each group were pulled to failure at a constant rate of 5 cm/min,and the traction force when the relaxation reached 5 mm,i.e.the failure load,was recorded.Results The relaxation of tendon grafts after each fatigue test was significantly lower in the 2-and 4-strand suture implantation groups than that in the control group,and the relaxation was significantly lower in the 4-strand suture implantation group than that in the 2-strand suture implantation group(all P<0.05).The failure loads of tendon grafts were significantly higher in the 2-and 4-strand suture implantation groups than that in the control group,and the failure load was significantly higher in the 4-strand suture implantation group than that in the 2-strand suture implantation group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Pre-setting high-strength sutures in tendon grafts by suture weaving can effectively improve the mechanical properties of tendon grafts.
9.Protective effect of sodium butyrate on hypoxia tolerance in rats exposed to hypoxia and cold
Xiaoyu GUO ; Xiaoling TAN ; Qi CUI ; Hongchen XIE ; Yujie HUANG ; Xiangqiong MENG ; Wenjun JIANG ; Yu DING ; Haixia JING
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(8):901-911
Objective To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of sodium butyrate on rats exposed to hypoxia and cold conditions.Methods Fifty-eight male SD rats (aged 7~8 weeks,weighing 240~260 g ) were randomly divided into normoxia normothermia saline control (NNC ) group (n=10),normoxia normothermia sodium butyrate(NNB)group(n=10),hypoxia cold saline control (HCC) group (n=19),and hypoxia cold sodium butyrate (HCB)group (n=19).The intragastric dose of sodium butyrate was 200 mg/kg for the NNB and HCB groups,while the NNC and HCC groups were given normal saline of 5 mL/kg.①After continuous intragastric administration for 7 d,the rats in the HCC and HCB groups were placed in a low-pressure hypoxic chamber to simulate an altitude of 5000 m and exposed to a temperature of 8 ℃ for 7 d.Subsequently,blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta for blood gas analysis,blood routine test,and detection for serum biochemical indicators.ELISA was used to determine serum inflammatory cytokines and endocrine hormones.The rats in the NNC and NNB groups(n=10)were fed outside the chamber and underwent the same tests in 7 d later to evaluate the protective effects of sodium butyrate on the body.②Core body temperature monitoring was conducted to assess the impact of sodium butyrate on the rmoregulation in rats exposed to hypoxia and cold(n=3).③Hypoxia exercise tolerance of the HCC group and HCB group in a hypoxic chamber (11%O2 )was evaluated for their hypoxia resistance (n=6).Results Compared to the NNC group,the rats in the HCC group exhibited significant decreases in arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2 )and arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2 ),serum levels of IL-4,estradiol (E2)and cortisol (F),core temperature,and exercise duration (P<0.05),and had notably increased levels of red blood cell (RBC)count,hemoglobin (HGB),hematocrit (HCT),cardiac troponin (CRDAC-T),uric acid (UA),alanine aminotransferase (ALT),total cholesterol (TC),low-density lipoprotein (LDL),IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)(P<0.05).Compared to the HCC group,the rats in the HCB group exhibited significant increases in SaO2,PaO2,IL-4,E2,F,corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)(P<0.05),remarkably longer exercise duration under hypoxic exposure (P<0.05 ),but decreases in RBC count,serum levels of HGB,HCT,CRDAC-T,UA,ALT,TC,LDL,IL-6,GM-CSF and free thyroxine (FT4 ),and core temperature (P<0.05).Conclusion Sodium butyrate exhibits protective effects on rats exposed to hypoxia and cold conditions,and it is helpful in their adaptation to these hypoxia and cold environments.
10.A Randomized,Double-blind,Multi-center Clinical Trial of Tengfu Jiangya Tablets Combined with Valsartan/Amlodipine in Treatment of Grade 2 Hypertension with Hyperactivity of Liver Yang
Yuchen QI ; Yunlun LI ; Yujie WU ; Haiquan WANG ; Yu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(9):83-92
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tengfu Jiangya tablets combined with valsartan/amlodipine in the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity syndrome. MethodAccording to a randomized,double-blind,and placebo parallel control method,288 patients with grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity from 7 subcenters were included. They were randomly divided into an observation group (144 cases) and a control group (144 cases),and then treated with Tengfu Jiangya tablets combined with valsartan/amlodipine and placebo combined with valsartan/amlodipine,respectively. The efficacy was evaluated after four weeks of intervention. During the experiment,the safety indicators and adverse reaction events of the subjects were recorded for safety evaluation,and the efficacy indicators and TCM syndrome scores were recorded for effectiveness evaluation. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted on the statistical results of the main efficacy indicators such as blood pressure (BP) compliance rate to ensure the accuracy of the analysis results. 88 groups of blood samples from each of the treatment and control groups were included as test subjects. Fasting blood samples were collected from the patients in the clinical trial on the day before and after medication,and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed on the treated serum. The levels of arachidonic acid (AA),thromboxane B2 (TXB2),and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in the serum of the patients before and after treatment were measured to explore the regulation of inflammatory factors in the body by Tengfu Jiangya tablets. ResultA total of 271 patients (133 in the observation group and 138 in the control group) completed the trial. There was no statistically significant difference before and after treatment in such safety indicators as the blood routine (white blood cells,red blood cells,and platelets),urine routine (urinary protein and urinary red blood cells),alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,urea,and abnormal electrocardiogram,and no serious adverse reactions were observed. After four weeks,the systolic blood pressure (SBP) difference and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) difference of patients in the observation group were greater than those in the control group(P<0.01). According to the criteria for determining the antihypertensive effect,the overall response rate in the observation group[89.47%(119/133)] was higher than that in the control group[57.97%(80/138)] (Z=2.593,P<0.01). The SBP compliance rate was 61.65%(82/133) and 37.68%(52/138) in the observation group and control group, respectively. The DBP compliance rate in the observation group was 78.20%(104/133),while in the control group it was 55.07%(76/138). The overall BP compliance rate in the observation group was 48.12%(64/133),while in the control group it was 23.19%(32/138). The BP compliance rates in the observation group were all significantly higher than those in the control group(χ2=15.571,16.236,18.404,P<0.01). According to the criteria for evaluating the therapeutic effect of TCM syndrome integration,the overall response rate of the observation group[57.89%(77/133)] was higher than that of the control group[38.41%(53/133)] (Z=-3.172,P<0.01).Compared with those before treatment, the levels of serum AA and TXB2 in the two groups were significantly decreased after treatment (P<0.01), and the level of PGE2 in the observation group was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those of the control group after treatment, the levels of AA and TXB2 in the observation group were significantly decreased, while the level of PGE2 was significantly increased (P<0.01). The results suggest that Tengfu Jiangya tablets can effectively reduce inflammatory factors,reduce the production of inflammatory mediators,and thus prevent the occurrence of inflammatory reactions in the treatment of patients with grade 2 hypertension. ConclusionTengfu Jiangya tablets can more effectively reduce patients' SBP and DBP,improve their BP compliance rates,and improve their TCM syndromes in the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity. Its clinical application is safe. Tengfu Jiangya tablets has outstanding clinical efficacy and can be used as an effective intervention method for the treatment of grade 2 hypertension with liver Yang hyperactivity syndrome.

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