1.Advances in computational approaches to herbal prescription recommendation in traditional Chinese medicine: A review
Xin DONG ; Geyan PAN ; Juxian TANG ; Xuchen ZHANG ; Yutong HOU ; Peng ZHANG ; Xiaohan MAO ; Zhipeng KE ; Zongyao ZHAO ; Xuezhong ZHOU
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(2):119-131
Intelligent prescription recommendation has become an important research direction in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), offering new opportunities to support clinical decision-making and promote the modernization of TCM practice. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), a variety of computational approaches have been proposed to learn prescription patterns from clinical data and generate personalized treatment recommendations. However, despite increasing research activity, systematic and comprehensive reviews of AI-driven methods for TCM prescription recommendation remain limited. In this study, we present a comprehensive review of computational approaches for herbal prescription recommendation (HPR) in TCM. Existing methods are systematically categorized into several major paradigms, including traditional machine learning methods, topic model methods, sequential generative methods, deep learning and graph-based methods, and large language model–based frameworks. In addition to summarizing methodological developments, we also review commonly used public datasets and evaluation metrics in this field. Furthermore, representative models with publicly available implementations are experimentally evaluated on multiple benchmark datasets to provide a comparative analysis of their performance on the HPR task. Finally, we discuss the key challenges that hinder the practical deployment of intelligent prescription recommendation systems, including data heterogeneity, limited interpretability, and insufficient integration of TCM domain knowledge. Future research directions are outlined to facilitate the development of more reliable, interpretable, and clinically applicable AI-assisted HPR systems for TCM.
2.Postoperative lower limb ischemic necrosis following xenogeneic heart transplantation from gene-edited pigs to rhesus macaques
Xianzhi WANG ; Zhipeng REN ; Ziqiang DAI ; Rong ZHOU ; Gen ZHANG ; Jie YAN ; Yulong GUAN ; Guangyu PAN ; Xingzhuang HE ; Tingting LIU ; Shangxuan LI ; Guanzheng CUI ; Chenghong LAI ; Dengke PAN ; Dianyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(09):1474-1481
Objective To investigate the causes and management strategies for lower limb ischemic necrosis following xenogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation from a multigene-edited pig to a rhesus monkey. Methods A xenogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation was performed on December 16, 2023, at the Institute of Experimental Animals of Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, using a quintuple-gene-edited pig as the donor and a rhesus monkey as the recipient. On postoperative day (POD) 9, the recipient monkey underwent left lower limb amputation due to ischemic necrosis. Blood samples were collected at various time points after transplantation for analysis of hematologic parameters, liver and renal function, myocardial enzymes, and coagulation profiles. Ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) were used to evaluate anastomotic patency and cardiac structure. Immunological assays, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and IgG/IgM antibody detection, combined with clinical observations, were employed to assess rejection type and therapeutic response. Results The recipient monkey survived for 46 days after transplantation. Echocardiography demonstrated preserved biventricular systolic function in the recipient’s native heart, with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) consistently exceeding 50%. In the donor pig heart, left ventricular endocardial thickening was noted on POD 9, followed by right ventricular endocardial thickening on POD 24, while LVEF remained around 35%. No hyperacute or acute rejection was detected immunologically. CDC positivity ranged between 3.4% and 5.1%, with IgG/IgM antibody binding trends consistent with CDC results. Following amputation, the recipient exhibited elevated inflammatory markers, coagulopathy, and reactive thrombocytosis, which later normalized. Immunohistochemical staining of the necrotic limb revealed arterial and venous thrombosis; however, no T-cell or B-cell infiltration was observed in vascular structures, thrombi, nerves, muscles, fascia, or skin tissues, with CD3 and CD20 staining both negative. Conclusion Limb ischemia after xenogeneic heart transplantation may be associated with lower extremity vascular thrombosis triggered by local trauma in the context of transplantation-induced inflammatory activation and coagulation dysfunction. While no clear lymphocyte-mediated rejection was observed, further studies are needed to explore the potential role of non-lymphocyte-mediated immune mechanisms.
3.The regenerative effect of young plasma microenvironment on aging ovaries of aged mice
Zhipeng LIU ; Xiaowen ZHANG ; Peixian LI ; Yihao CHEN ; Dan ZHOU ; Shengli YANG ; Zhuxing CHEN ; Jia LIU
Tianjin Medical Journal 2025;53(8):808-813
Objective To explore the effect of young plasma intraperitoneal injection on the fertility and ovarian function of aging mice and analyze its potential molecular mechanism.Methods Fifty-four-week-old female C57BL/6 mice and 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were selected.Among them,the female mice were randomly divided into three groups:the young plasma group,the aging plasma group and the normal saline group.The young plasma group and the aging plasma group received intraperitoneal injection of plasma from young(25-29 years old)and elderly(45-49 years old)female donors,respectively.Each injection was 500 μL,administered every other day for 2 weeks.The saline group received an equal volume of saline.After the last injection,mating experiments were conducted to evaluate fertility.Ovarian histopathological changes were observed by HE staining.Oocytes and fertilized eggs were collected after superovulation and cultured in vitro to assess oocyte quality and embryo developmental potential.Transcriptomic analysis of ovarian tissue was performed,followed by KEGG and GO enrichment analysis.Results Compared with the normal saline group and the aging plasma group,the number of offspring increased in the young plasma group,which reflected higher extrusion rate of first polar body(PB1),decreased fragmentation rate of oocytes and increased conversion rate of two-cell embryos and increased formation rate of blastocysts.There were no significant differences in these indicators between the aging plasma group and the normal saline group.Transcriptomic sequencing revealed that the differentially expressed genes in ovarian tissue of the young plasma group were mainly involved in steroid biosynthesis and metabolic pathways.Among them,the expression level of steroid sulfatase protein was significantly upregulated.Conclusion Systemic infusion of young plasma enhances the reproductive potential of aging ovaries in elderly mice.The sulfated steroid metabolites in plasma may be key substances in restoring ovarian function and delaying the process of ovarian aging.
4.Influence of neuromuscular function on the risk of biomechanical injury in landing manoeuvres in patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
Xia WANG ; Boshi XUE ; Chen YANG ; Zhipeng ZHOU ; Liangliang ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(26):5556-5562
BACKGROUND:The re-injury rate of the anterior cruciate ligament continues to be high and the unclear relationship between neuromuscular function and biomechanical risk factors may be one of the reasons for poor injury prevention and rehabilitation.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the biomechanics and neuromuscular function characteristics of the knee joint during landing movements after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,and to further explore the effects of muscle strength,proprioception,and dynamic postural control on the risk indicators of anterior cruciate ligament injury during landing maneuver.METHODS:Twenty-six male anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction patients and 26 healthy control males at the age of 18-35 years were recruited and randomized to undergo joint kinesthesia test,Y-balance test,and isometric muscle strength tests.Kinematic and kinetic data of the knee joints during single-legged jump landing tasks were collected using an infrared motion capture system and force plates.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the healthy control group,patients after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction demonstrated higher knee valgus angle(P=0.021),lower hamstring muscle strength(P<0.001),lower quadriceps muscle strength(P<0.001)and Y-balance anterior reach distance(P<0.001),and worse knee flexion kinesthesia(P<0.001)and extension kinesthesia(P=0.001).(2)The predictor variables of knee extension moment were quadriceps strength and knee flexion kinesthesia(R2=0.298,P=0.007).The predictor variable of knee varus and valgus angle was hamstring strength(R2=0.117,P=0.048).The predictor variable of knee internal and external rotation angle was the hamstring-to-quadriceps peak torque ratio(R2=0.134,P=0.037).(3)The results showed that after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,patients still had abnormal biomechanical action patterns and neuromuscular function defects in the frontal plane of the knee joint,and elevating the muscle strength of the hamstrings,avoiding excessive quadriceps muscle strength and enhancing the proprioception of the knee joint were helpful to improve the biomechanical patterns of the sagittal plane,frontal plane and horizontal plane of the knee joint and reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury during landing maneuvers.
5.Impact of postoperative complications on adverse outcomes following curative-intent resection for gallbladder cancer: a national multicenter real-world study
Zhipeng LIU ; Cheng CHEN ; Jie BAI ; Yan JIANG ; Dong ZHANG ; Wei GUO ; Zhixin WANG ; Xiang LAN ; Yufu YE ; Zhaoping WU ; Jinxue ZHOU ; Shuo JIN ; Yi ZHU ; Wei CHEN ; Dalong YIN ; Yao CHENG ; Haisu DAI ; Lei ZHANG ; Zhiyu CHEN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2025;24(7):874-881
Objective:To investigate the impact of postoperative complications on adverse outcomes following curative-intent resection for gallbladder cancer (GBC).Methods:The multi-center real-world study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 629 patients with GBC, who were admitted to 14 medical centers including The First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from the national multicenter database of Biliary Surgery Group of Elite Group of Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery, from April 2020 to April 2024 were collected. There were 225 males and 404 females, aged (64±10)years. Patients underwent open curative-intent resection for GBC. Observation indicators: (1)surgery, postoperative complica-tions and adverse outcomes; (2) analysis of risk factors affecting postoperative adverse outcomes in patients and population attributable fraction (PAF). Missing data in predictor variables were addressed using multiple imputation with chained equations, while cases with missing outcome variables were addressed using the "multiple imputation then deletion (MID)" strategy. The severity of multicollinearity among independent variables was assessed using the variance inflation factor (VIF) test. Multivariable possion regression models with log link and robust error variance were construc-ted incorporating restricted cubic splines (3 knots) to address nonlinear relationships in continuous variables, calculating adjusted relative risk ( RR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval ( CI). Adjusted PAF was calculated for each imputed dataset using the AF package of R software, with subsequent pooling performed according to Rubin's rules. Results:(1) Surgery, postoperative complications and adverse outcomes. All 629 patients underwent curative-intent resection for GBC, of which 143 cases had postoperative complications, including 68 cases of intra-abdominal ascites, 39 cases of pulmonary infection, 21 cases of bile leakage, 12 cases of intra-abdominal hemorrhage, 11 cases of liver failure, 10 cases of pan-creatic fistula, 10 cases of wound infection, 10 cases of gastroparesis, 7 cases of cholangitis, 7 cases of sepsis. The same patient could have more than one kind of complication. Of 629 patients, there were 19 cases of postoperative 90-day death and 11 cases of missing data, 42 cases with post-operative 90-day reoperation and 7 cases with missing data, 44 cases with postoperative 90-day readmission and 3 cases with missing data, 155 cases with prolonged postoperative hospital stay and 3 cases with missing data. (2) Analysis of risk factors affecting the postoperative adverse outcomes in patients and PAF. Results of multivariate analysis showed that pulmonary infection and liver failure were independent risk factors for postoperative 90-day mortality ( RR=3.74, 12.15, 95% CI as 1.18-11.83, 1.98-74.48, P<0.05). Pulmonary infection demons-trated the highest PAF as 4.61% (95% CI as 3.94%-5.28%, P<0.05). Intra-abdominal ascites, pulmonary infection, bile leakage, and intra-abdominal hemorrhage were independent risk factors for post-operative 90-day reoperation ( RR=4.80, 3.62, 3.46, 4.99, 95% CI as 2.49-9.26, 1.42-9.21, 1.34-8.92, 1.55-16.06, P<0.05). Intra-abdominal ascites demonstrated the highest PAF as 8.65% (95% CI as 8.22%-9.08%, P<0.05). Intra-abdominal ascites, bile leakage, and liver failure were independent risk factors for postoperative 90-day readmission ( RR=6.20, 3.33, 14.33, 95% CI as 3.21-11.95, 1.33-8.35, 3.72-55.28, P<0.05). Intra-abdominal ascites demonstrated the highest PAF as 9.11% (95% CI as 8.85%-9.37%, P<0.05). Intra-abdominal ascites, pulmonary infection, bile leakage, liver failure, and wound infection were independent risk factors for prolonged postoperative hospital stay ( RR=2.29, 2.21, 2.26, 2.14, 3.35, 95% CI as 1.63-3.23, 1.41-3.46, 1.32-3.86, 1.11-4.13, 1.70-6.60, P<0.05). Intra-abdominal ascites demonstrated the highest PAF as 6.03% (95% CI as 5.71%-6.35%, P<0.05). Conclusion:Pulmonary infection is the most significant risk factor for postoperative 90-day mortality after curative-intent resection for GBC, while intra-abdominal ascites is the most significant risk factor for postoperative 90-day reoperation, postoperative 90-day readmission, and prolonged postoperative hospital stay.
6.Yiqi Wenfei Tongqiao decoction alleviates inflammatory response in rats with allergic rhinitis of lung qi deficiency and cold type by regulating JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway
Yijin ZHOU ; Zhipeng ZHU ; Xinlei TIAN ; Wenjin ZHAO ; Shan ZHU
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(9):826-831
Objective To investigate the effect of Yiqi Wenfei Tongqiao decoction on the inflammatory response in rats with allergic rhi-nitis(AR)of lung qi deficiency and cold type based on the Janus kinase 1(JAK1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)signaling pathway.Methods A AR model of lung qi deficiency and cold type was established in rats using ovalbumin(OVA)combined with smoking and cold stimulation.After modeling,the rats were randomly divided into model,loratadine,low-dose Chinese medicine,high-dose Chinese medicine,and high-dose Chinese medicine+RO8191(JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway activator)groups,with 12 rats per group.Twelve healthy rats were used as controls.After 14 days of drug intervention,the changes in the symptoms of lung qi deficiency and cold syndrome and AR were observed in the rats.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-4,interferon-γ(IFN--γ),and ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E(OVA-sIgE).The number of inflammatory cells in the nasal lavage fluid was determined and the eosinophil(EOS)percentage was calculated.Pathological changes in the nasal mucosal tissue were observed after hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway-related proteins in nasal mucosal tissue.Results Compared with those in the model group,the AR symptom score,serum IL-4,TNF-α,and OVA-sIgE levels,EOS percentage in nasal lavage fluid,and levels of p-JAK1/JAK1 and p-STAT3/STAT3 in the nasal mucosal tissue of rats in the loratadine,low-dose Chinese medicine,and high-dose Chinese medicine groups were lower,whereas the serum IFN-γ level was higher(P<0.05).RO8191 weakened the inhibitory effect of Yiqi Wenfei Tongqiao decoction on the inflammatory response in rats with AR of lung qi deficiency and cold type.Conclusion Overall,Yiqi Wenfei Tongqiao decoction can alleviate the inflammatory response in rats with AR of lung qi deficiency and cold type by inhibiting JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway acti-vation and regulating the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines.
7.Analyzing the current status and influencing factors of occupational stress, job burnout and sleep quality of workers in the secondary industry in Jinshan District, Shanghai City
Shuang LIU ; Xuesong ZHOU ; Zhipeng DAI ; Xiaobin WU ; Fengyang LIANG ; Liping WANG ; Wei LI ; Yanping ZHANG ; Mingjia XU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(5):522-528
Objective To analyze the current status and influencing factors of occupational stress, job burnout and sleep quality among workers in the secondary industry in Jinshan District, Shanghai City. Methods A total of 1 418 workers from six key industries in Jinshan District, Shanghai City were selected as the study subjects by the stratified cluster sampling method. The Occupational Stress Core Scale, Maslash Burnout Inventory General Survey and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used to investigate occupational stress, job burnout and sleep quality of the workers. Results The detection rates of occupational stress, job burnout and sleep disturbance among the study subjects were 33.6%, 65.4% and 23.3%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the workers with a monthly income <5 000 yuan had a higher risk of occupational stress than those with a monthly income ≥5 000 yuan (P<0.01). The workers with ≥5.0 years of service had a higher risk than those with <1.0 year (P<0.05). Lack of physical exercise, employment in medium- and large-sized enterprises, and shift work were risk factors of occupational stress in the workers (all P<0.01). The workers aged 18-<30 years had a higher risk of job burnout than those aged 45-<60 years (P<0.05). The workers monthly income <5 000 yuan was associated with a higher risk of job burnout than those with ≥9 000 yuan (P<0.05). The workers with 1.0-<10.0 years or ≥15.0 years of service had higher job burnout risks than those with <1.0 year (all P<0.05). Being unmarried, lack of physical exercise, and employment in medium- and large-sized enterprises were risk factor of job burnout in the workers (all P<0.05). The workers with an educational level of high school or above had a higher risk of sleep disturbance than those with junior school or below (P<0.05). The workers who work >56 hours per week had a higher risk than those working ≤40 hours per week (P<0.01). Conclusion There is a high detection rate of occupational stress, job burnout, and sleep disturbance in the secondary industry workers in Jinshan District, Shanghai City. Special attention should be given to workers with low income, lack of physical exercise, employment in medium- and large-sized enterprises, shift work, long service duration, and long weekly working hours to protect their physical and mental health.
8.Three-dimensional CT study on the position and length of anchor placement during anterior talofibular ligament repair in adolescents with unclosed epiphyseal plates
Jie WANG ; Mingliang CHEN ; Chengyi GU ; Zhipeng TIAN ; You ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(5):288-293
Objective:To explore the position and length of anchor placement during the repair of anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) in adolescents with unclosed epiphyseal plates by measuring the relevant data in three-dimensional CT.Methods:A total of 100 three-dimensional CT images of adolescent patients with unclosed epiphyseal plates were collected from the database of the Radiology Center of Renhe Hospital Affiliated to China Three Gorges University from January 1, 2017 to January 1, 2024. There were 69 males and 31 females, aged 12.38±0.90 years (range, 11-14 years), 47 on the left side and 53 on the right side, with a height of 155.72±5.84 cm (range, 145-175 cm), a weight of 48.02±5.93 kg (range, 40-72 kg), and a body mass index (BMI) of 19.77±1.61 kg/m 2 (range, 17.69-24.91 kg/m 2). The built-in measurement tool of the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) was used to measure the angle (α) between the direction of the nail placement and the longitudinal axis of the fibula, the distance between the nail placement point and the posterior edge of the fibula ( d), and the height from the nail placement point to the level of the fibula tip ( h) to evaluate the position and length of the anchor placement. Results:In adolescent patients, α was 47.50°±3.28° (range, 40.00°-56.00°), d was 17.12±1.80 mm (range, 11.70-21.90 mm), and h was 5.21±1.17 mm (range, 3.40-7.90 mm). The α, d and h of male patients were 47.48°±3.13° (range, 42.00°-56.00°), 17.49±1.54 mm (range, 14.45-21.90 mm) and 5.25±1.07 mm (range, 3.70-7.90 mm), respectively. Those of female patients were 47.55°±3.66° (range, 40.00°-53.00°), 16.30±2.07 mm (range, 11.65-20.30 mm) and 5.07±1.56 mm (range, 3.40-7.00 mm), respectively. There was a significant difference in d between male and female patients ( t=3.193, P=0.002), but there was no significant difference in α and h ( t=0.098, P=0.922; t=0.296, P=0.770). Conclusions:The safe range of anchor placement during ATFL anatomical repair in adolescents with unclosed epiphyseal plates is about 3.40-7.90 mm above the tip of fibula and 56°-90° with the longitudinal axis of fibula. Male patients with unclosed epiphyseal plates should choose anchors with a length of 14 mm and shorter, while females should choose anchors with a length of 10.8 mm.
9.Research progress in transcranial ultrasound stimulation for modulation of Alzheimer′s disease
Xiaoyu SONG ; Xu LIU ; Xiaoqing ZHOU ; Tao YIN ; Zhipeng LIU
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2025;48(2):197-204
Transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique that demonstrates great potential in treatment of neurological disorders due to its high spatial resolution and focused penetration ability, enabling millimetre-level precision modulation of specific brain regions with ultrasound to achieve neuromodulation of targeted areas. At present, numerous animal experiments and human studies have been carried out on the regulation of Alzheimer′s disease by TUS. In this review, the regulation effects of TUS on Alzheimer′s disease were introduced from the perspective of targeting different brain regions, including the hippocampus, frontal lobe and whole brain.
10.Establishment of HPLC fingerprint of Gentiana rigescens and determination of four iridoid glycosides
Zhenyu LI ; Yueyi LIANG ; Jie YANG ; Tianrui XIA ; Fangping ZHANG ; Roushan CHEN ; Zhipeng CHEN ; Lin ZHOU ; Xiangdong CHEN ; Dongmei SUN
International Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;47(4):522-528
Objective:To establish HPLC fingerprint and methods for determining the contents of four iridoid glycosides of Gentiana rigescens; To evaluate the quality of Gentiana rigescens from different origins; To improve the quality control level of Gentiana rigescens medicinal materials.Methods:Using 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens from the main production areas and authentic production areas as raw materials, the common mode of HPLC fingerprints of Gentiana rigescens was established, and the chemical components of the common peaks were identified. Referring to the common mode of fingerprints, similarity analysis was conducted on the fingerprints of Gentiana rigescens from different origins. Using chemometric methods, cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (HCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed on 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens, with the common peak area of fingerprint as the variable. The contents of four types of iridoid glycosides in Gentiana rigescens were determined. Combined with the fingerprints and the content results of four types of iridoid glycosides, the quality of Gentiana rigescens from different origins was evaluated.Results:The fingerprints of Gentiana rigescens contained 9 common peaks, with 4 identified iridoid glycosides. The similarity of the fingerprints of 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens ranged from 0.962 to 0.999. HCA and PCA divided the 15 batches of Gentiana rigescens into two categories. OPLS-DA analyzed 3 significantly different components, namely gentiopicroside, peak 7, and loganic acid. The content determination results showed that the average contents of loganic acid, swertiamarin, and gentiopicroside in Gentiana rigescens from Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and Yunnan Province were the highest, and the total amount of four iridoid glycosides was also significantly higher than that from other regions, indicating that the overall quality of Gentiana rigescens from Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture and Yunnan Province was relatively good.Conclusion:This method is simple, fast, accurate, and can provide reference for improving the quality standards of Gentiana rigescens.

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