1.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
2.Current Status,Strategies and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Yandong WEN ; Zhi YANG ; Shaogang HUANG ; Zhongyu LI ; Xiangxue MA ; Qing XU ; Liqing DU ; Bochao YUAN ; Yibing TIAN ; Wentong GE ; Xiaofan ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):404-409
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized primarily by abdominal pain and altered defecation habits. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made progress in multiple aspects of IBS research and treatment, including syndrome distribution, development of TCM formulas, clinical efficacy evaluation, external therapies, and psychosocial regulation. However, it still faces challenges such as over-reliance on symptomatic manifestations rather than biomarkers for diagnostic criteria, and the lack of high-quality evidence-based data supporting the efficacy of TCM formulas in treating IBS. This paper proposed that TCM diagnosis and treatment of IBS should adhere to the strategy of integrating the holistic concept with syndrome differentiation and treatment, combining TCM external therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion and acupoint application), and emphasizing individualized diagnosis and treatment for psychosomatic abnormalities. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence and other methods to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBS and the mechanisms of TCM formulas, so as to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS.
3.Regulation of TGF-β1/JNK signaling pathway in patients with different types of mitral valve diseases complicated by atrial fibrillation
Chao CHANG ; Bo FU ; Xiaolong ZHU ; Chongjie ZHANG ; Xia ZHAO ; Hong TANG ; Xijun XIAO ; Yunpeng BAI
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(02):291-299
Objective To investigate the regulatory mechanism of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in different types of mitral valvular disease (MVD) with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods From August 2011 to August 2012, patients with moderate to severe MVD accompanied by AF who required mitral valve replacement at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were included. Based on echocardiographic results, patients were divided into two groups: a mitral regurgitation (MR) with AF (MR-AF) group and a mitral stenosis (MS) with AF (MS-AF) group. Left atrial tissue samples were collected during surgery. Techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to detect key molecules in the TGF-β1/JNK pathway. Results Sixteen patients were enrolled. There were 8 patients in the MR-AF group, including 5 males and 3 females, with an average age of (41.38±11.19) years; and 8 patients in the MS-AF group, including 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of (43.12±5.30) years. The left atrial volume load was higher in MR-AF patients, while the left atrial pressure load was higher in MS-AF patients. In MS-AF patients, the relative expression levels of MAPK9, JUN, CASP3, BAX, and BCL2 mRNA in left atrial tissues were significantly upregulated. The serum TGF-β1 protein level and the relative expression levels of p-JNK, p-c-Jun, and Caspase-3 proteins in the left atrial tissues of the MR-AF group were higher. Myocardial cell damage was more severe in the MS-AF group, and the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was higher. Conclusion Different MVD have distinct hemodynamic characteristics. The myocardium of the left atrium in MR-AF patients is more prone to apoptosis, possibly through the activation of the TGF-β1/JNK signaling pathway.
4.Qiangjing Tablets Alleviate Oxidative Stress Damage in Varicocele by Regulating Keap1/Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Liang DONG ; Fang YANG ; Jingyi ZHANG ; Xinyi TANG ; Yulin LI ; Xujun YU ; Degui CHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):347-359
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which Qiangjing tablets (QJT) alleviate the spermatogenic function damage caused by varicocele (VC) based on the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway-mediated oxidative stress. MethodsTen Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into a control group and a model group. Pathological examination confirmed the stability of the model. Thirty-six SD rats were randomized into control, model, low-dose (0.23 g·kg-1) QJT, medium-dose (0.46 g·kg-1) QJT, high-dose (0.92 g·kg-1) QJT, and mazhilin (61.7 mg·kg-1) groups, with 6 rats in each group. A rat model of experimental left varicocele (ELV) was established by partially ligating the left renal vein to simulate the human nutcracker syndrome. The rats were administrated with corresponding agents once a day for 28 consecutive days. The in vitro testicular culture model of rats was established through the Transwell chamber method and intervened with QJT-containing sera (2.3, 4.6, and 9.2 g·kg-1). Microscopic observation was carried out for the morphology of the left kidney. A micrometer was used to measure the diameter of the left spermatic vein (LSV). The body weights of rats were recorded weekly, and the epididymis and testis weights were measured. The pathological changes of the testicular tissue was observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The levels of testosterone (T) in the cell culture supernatant and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the rat testicular tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was employed to determine the ROS content. Immunohistochemical staining was conducted to analyze Keap1, Nrf2, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-Hsd), GATA-binding protein-4 (Gata-4), and proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase (C-kit). The ultrastructure of the tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Cell apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expression of Keap1, Nrf2, glutathione S-transferase α2 (Gsta2), glutathione S-transferase μ1 (Gstm1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), and thioredoxin reductase 1 (Txnrd1) was quantified by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the control group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the T concentration was significantly decreased (P<0.01), the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ROS content and the percentage of apoptotic cells in each dose group of the Qiangjing Tablets were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expressions of Nrf2, Gsta2, Gstm1, HO-1, Nqo1 and Txnrd1 were significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionQJT improves sperm motility in the rat model of VC by modulating the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and reducing oxidative stress injury.
5.Divergent Small Vessel Disease Burden in Warfarin-Associated and Direct Oral Anticoagulant-Associated Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Sung-Chun TANG ; Ya-Fang CHEN ; Chih-Hao CHEN ; Ching-Hua KUO ; Yuan-Chang CHAO ; Yu-Fong PENG ; Shu-Wen LIN ; Shin-Yi LIN ; Jiann-Shing JENG
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(2):334-338
6.Association of hippocampal subfield volumes and cross-domain associative memory impairment in patients with schizophrenia
Zhao-lin ZHAI ; Di CHANG ; Xuan LI ; Chang LU ; Yu-ke DONG ; Yan WANG ; Chun-hong SHAO ; Qing KANG ; Deng-tang LIU
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2025;52(6):775-782
Objective To investigate the possible association between cross-domain associative memory(AM)impairment and hippocampal subfield volumes in patients with schizophrenia(SCZ).Methods We enrolled 28 SCZ patients from Shanghai Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine,and 28 healthy controls(HCs)between 2019 and 2021.Based on an innovative AM paradigm and automated segmentation,3D-T1 weighted data of the objects were processed with PhiPipe and FreeSurfer.Differences in subfield volums between the two groups were analyzed using ANCOVA,while their relationship with AM scores was assessed using Pearson correlation.Results SCZ patients exhibited significantly poorer AM performance across three conditions compared with HCs.Marginally significant reductions were observed in the total volume of bilateral hippocampus,encompassing both the hippocampal head and body.Significant volume reductions were identified in the bilateral presubiculum and parasubiculum.The volumes of bilateral presubiculum head(r=0.273,P=0.042),parasubiculum(r=0.397,P=0.002),and CA1 head(r=0.382,P=0.004)exhibited positive correlations with cross-domain AM performance.Conclusion The bilateral presubiculum and parasubiculum,as hippocampal subregions significantly associated with cross-modal AM deficits in SCZ,may play a crucial role in the pathology of AM.
7.The effects of short-chain fatty acids on the proliferation,migration and adipogenic ability of dental pulp stem cells
Yufan WEI ; Xinxia CHANG ; Xiao ZHANG ; Genxiong TANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(6):816-822
Objective:To investigate the effects of short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)on the proliferation,migration and adipogenic ability of dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs).Methods:Dental pulp stem cells were extracted from young permanent teeth and treated with sodium acetate and sodium propionate.CCK-8 assay was used to detect the activity of DPSCs.Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the proliferation of DPSCs.The scratch test was employed to assess the migratory activity of DPSCs,alizarin red staining was utilized to evaluate the capacity for calcification nodule formation,and red oil O staining was applied to determine the adipogenic potential of DPSCs.Results:The acetate and propionate significantly enhanced the viability,promoted the proliferation,migration and adipogenic differentiation of DPSCs.The osteogenic differentiation ability of DPSCs,which were with sodium acetate and sodium propionate,was observed.There was no significant difference in the osteogenic differentiation ability of DPSCs compared to the control group.Conclusion:The findings suggest that SCFAs have the potential to enhance the viability,proliferation,migra-tion,and adipogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells,thereby promoting their application in pulp repair and tissue engineering.
8.Research on a crisis management-based risk management protocol for dysphagia after extubation in pa-tients with tracheal intubation
Jiaying TANG ; Xiaoxia HUANG ; Zhiting GUO ; Chang LIU ; Lan CHEN ; Xiuqin FENG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(1):52-60
Objective To construct and implement a swallowing disorder assessment and management program for tracheal intubated patients after extubation based on the 4R crisis management theory,providing standardized and scientific interventions for oral feeding.Methods Utilizing the expert meeting method with the 4R crisis management theory framework,a swallowing disorder assessment and management program was developed for post-extubation tracheal intubated patients.A convenience sampling method was employed to select patients with tracheal intubations treated from July to December 2023 in the emergency ICU,central ICU,and cardiovascular surgery ICU of a tertiary hospital in Zhejiang Province.The patients treated from October to December were assigned to an experimental group(n=68),while those treated from July to September were designated as a control group(n=58).The experimental group received the 4R crisis management-based intervention,whereas the control group received standard ICU assessment and management.Outcomes indicators included the incidence of post-extubation swallowing disorders,time to first oral intake,incidence of aspiration during initial feeding,nasogastric and nasointestinal tube placement duration,incidence of aspiration pneumonia during hospitalization,re-intubation rates,ICU readmission rates,ICU stay duration,and total hospitalization days.Results Of the initially recruited subjects,68 in the experimental group and 54 in the control group were included in the final analysis.After the intervention,the experimental group exhibited significantly lower rates of post-extubation swallowing disorders,shorter time to first liquid oral intake,aspiration incidence during first feeding,shorter durations of nasogastric and nasointestinal tube placement,aspiration pneumonia,ICU readmission compared to the control group(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed between the groups in time to first regular oral intake,re-intubation rates(P>0.05).Conclusion The risk management program for dysphagia following tracheal extubation based on the 4R crisis management theory is scientifically robust and safe,offering a valuable reference for clinical assessments and management of swallowing and eating post-extubation in tracheal intubated patients.
9.The value of artificial intelligence-assisted cytology in the diagnosis of esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions
Min XU ; Lin LIU ; Zhiheng CHANG ; Bofu TANG ; Tong DANG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Endoscopy 2025;42(4):314-318
Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of artificial intelligence-assisted cytology in detecting esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions.Methods:Outpatients who were scheduled for endoscopic examination at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Baotou Medical College from June 21, 2021 to May 12, 2022 were selected. Artificial intelligence-assisted cytology and painless gastroscopy (add narrow-band imaging and biopsy pathology when need) (hereinafter referred to as gastroscopy) were performed. The detection rates of esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions by the two methods were compared. Taking gastroscopy as the standard, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value of artificial intelligence-assisted cytology diagnosis were calculated to verify its diagnostic efficacy.Results:A total of 849 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were included. Artificial intelligence-assisted cytology detected 365 cases of esophageal lesions, with a detection rate of 42.99%. One hundred cases of esophageal cancer, precancerous lesions, and atypical squamous cell hyperplasia were detected, with a detection rate of 11.78%. Gastroscopy detected 281 cases of esophageal lesions, with a detection rate of 33.10%. Eighty cases of esophageal cancer and precancerous lesion were detected, with a detection rate of 9.42%. The sensitivity and specificity of artificial intelligence-assisted cytology diagnosis were 81.25% (65/80) and 95.45% (734/769), respectively. The positive predictive value was 65.00% (65/100), and the negative predictive value was 98.00% (734/749). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of artificial intelligence-assisted cytology in dectecting esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions was 0.785.Conclusion:Artificial intelligence-assisted cytology demonstrates relatively high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing esophageal cancer and precancerous lesions, exhibiting good diagnostic performance for esophageal lesions.
10.Neuronal Differentiation and Proliferation Inhibition of Human Glioma Cell A172 Induced by Clozapine
Zhaoqi TANG ; Zhenhui CHEN ; Chang CAO
Journal of Medical Research 2025;54(3):126-131
Objective To investigate the effect of clozapine on neuronal differentiation and proliferation of human glioma cells.Methods Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the effect of clozapine on the morphology of human glioma cell A172.Immunocytochemistry was used to detect the expression of neuronal markers neuronal nuclei antigen(NeuN)and microtubule-associated protein 2(MAP2),as well as the expression of astrocytic markers glial fibrillary acidic protein(GFAP)and S100 calcium binding protein B(S100B),and oligodendrocytic markers myelin basic protein(MBP)and Olig2.ki-67detection,CCK-8 assay and clone formation assay were used to assess the effects of clozapine on the cell proliferation of A172.SwissTargetPrediction,GeneCards,and STRING data-bases were utilized to predict the potential mechanism of clozapine.Western blot was used to detect the expression level of β-catenin.Results Clozapine(30μmol/L)changed the morphology of A172 cells,with elongated cell projection.Clozapine induced the expression of neuronal markers NeuN and MAP2 in A172 cells,without inducing the expression of astrocytic or oligodendrocytic markers.Clozapine significantly inhibited the proliferation of A172 cells.Database analysis suggested that the mechanism of clozapine might be related to the Wnt signaling pathway.Clozapine down-regulated the expression of β-catenin in A172 cells.Conclusion Clozapine induced neuronal differentiation of human glioma cells A172,and inhibited their proliferation.

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