1.Joint Relation Extraction of Famous Medical Cases with CasRel Model Combining Entity Mapping and Data Augmentation
Yuxin LI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Hang YANG ; Dasheng LIU ; Jiaheng WANG ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jiaxu HAN ; Mengjie WU ; Qianzi CHE ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):218-225
ObjectiveTo address the challenges of unstructured classical Chinese expressions, nested entity relationships, and limited annotated data in famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) case records, this study proposes a joint relation extraction framework that integrates data augmentation and entity mapping, aiming to support the construction of TCM diagnostic knowledge graphs and clinical pattern mining. MethodsWe developed an annotation structure for entities and their relationships in TCM case texts and applied a data augmentation strategy by incorporating multiple ancient texts to expand the relation extraction dataset. A cascade binary tagging framework for relation triple extraction(CasRel) model for TCM semantics was designed, integrating a pre-trained bidirectional encoder representations from transformers(BERT) layer for classical TCM texts to enhance semantic representation, and using a head entity-relation-tail entity mapping mechanism to address entity nesting and relation overlapping issues. ResultsExperimental results showed that the CasRel model, combining data augmentation and entity mapping, outperformed the pipeline-based Bert-Radical-Lexicon(BRL)-bidirectional long short-term memory(BiLSTM)-Attention model. The overall precision, recall, and F1-score across 12 relation types reached 65.73%, 64.03%, and 64.87%, which represent improvements of 14.26%, 7.98%, and 11.21% compared to the BRL-BiLSTM-Attention model, respectively. Notably, the F1-score for tongue syndrome relations increased by 22.68%(69.32%), and the prescription-syndrome relations performed the best with the F1-score of 70.10%. ConclusionThe proposed framework significantly improves the semantic representation and complex dependencies in TCM texts, offering a reusable technical framework for structured mining of TCM case records. The constructed knowledge graph can support clinical syndrome differentiation, prescription optimization, and drug compatibility, providing a methodological reference for TCM artificial intelligence research.
2.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
3.Clinical Efficacy of Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue Prescription in Treatment of Cathartic Colon and Analysis of Influencing Factors of Disease Severity
Youcheng HE ; Jingyi SHAN ; Fengru JIANG ; Yue WU ; Chunyu ZHOU ; Lu HANG ; Yan ZHOU ; Lian MO ; Shuyu CAI ; Keyi PAN ; Lifeng WEI ; Jianye YUAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):173-184
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of the Yiqi Yangyin Huoxue prescription (YYHP) in the treatment of cathartic colon (CC) and its effects on fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 98 patients meeting the diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and Western medicine for CC with the syndrome of Qi-Yin deficiency complicated by blood stasis were randomly assigned to an observation group and a control group. The observation group received YYHP granules, while the control group received lactulose. Both medications were administered twice daily, one sachet each time, half an hour after breakfast and dinner, with a treatment course of 8 weeks. The primary constipation symptom score, Patient Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) score, and TCM syndrome score were assessed before and after treatment and at the 8th week after the end of treatment. The overall clinical effective rate, as well as the efficacy attenuation index and degree, were evaluated. Fecal SCFA levels were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Spearman correlation analysis was performed to explore the correlations among CC severity indicators and between these indicators and patient history. ResultsThe overall clinical effective rate in the observation group (95.83%) was higher than that in the control group (78.72%) (P<0.05). After treatment, the total scores for primary constipation symptoms, PAC-QOL, and TCM syndromes decreased in both groups (P<0.05), with more significant reductions in the observation group (P<0.05). The severity of all primary constipation symptoms was alleviated in both groups (P<0.05). In terms of "excessive straining and difficult defecation", "anal heaviness, incomplete evacuation, and bloating sensation", "abdominal distension", and "defecation frequency", the observation group showed better efficacy than the control group (P<0.05). Scores of the four PAC-QOL dimensions and the scores and severity of primary and secondary TCM symptoms were reduced in both groups (P<0.05), with more significant reductions in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, and total SCFAs in the observation group increased significantly (P<0.05). The efficacy attenuation index and degree in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group, and there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Positive correlations of varying degrees were observed among the total scores of primary constipation symptoms, PAC-QOL, and TCM syndromes, as well as between these scores and the history of stimulant laxative use, disease duration, and age. ConclusionYYHP can effectively alleviate the primary constipation symptoms in CC patients, improve quality of life, and ameliorate TCM syndromes, with good safety. It also has the advantage of a lower rebound degree after drug withdrawal, and its mechanism may be related to increasing fecal SCFA levels. Long-term abuse of stimulant laxatives may aggravate the severity of CC and prolong the disease course.
4.MCC950 Targeted Inhibition of TXNIP-NLRP3 Axis-mediated Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Hong ZHENG ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Hang LIU ; Xi-Zhang PAN ; Bing WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):418-430
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, representing a major global health burden with limited disease-modifying therapies. Podocyte injury serves as the core pathological hallmark of DN, and conventional treatments targeting metabolic disorders or hemodynamic abnormalities fail to reverse the progressive decline of renal function. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has established that high glucose-induced podocyte pyroptosis—a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death—is a key driving force in DN progression. Its core molecular mechanism hinges on the activation of the TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Under sustained hyperglycemic conditions, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated via pathways including the polyol pathway, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Concurrently, methylglyoxal (a glucose metabolite) mediates post-translational modification of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). These events collectively trigger the dissociation of TXNIP from thioredoxin (TRX), a redox-regulating protein. The free TXNIP then translocates to the mitochondria, where it binds to The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and promotes inflammasome assembly. This assembly activates cysteine-aspartic acid protease 1 (caspase-1), which cleaves Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to generate its N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT). GSDMD-NT oligomerizes to form membrane pores, leading to podocyte swelling, rupture, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). These cytokines amplify local inflammatory responses, induce mesangial cell proliferation, and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, ultimately exacerbating glomerulosclerosis. MCC950, a highly selective NLRP3 inhibitor, exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-layered mechanism: it binds to the NACHT domain (NAIP, CIITA, HET-E and TP1 domain) of NLRP3 with nanomolar affinity, forming hydrogen bonds with key residues (Lys-42 and Asp-166) within the ATP-hydrolysis pocket to block ATP hydrolysis, thereby locking NLRP3 in an inactive conformational state. Additionally, MCC950 interferes with the protein-protein interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 and regulates mitochondrial homeostasis to reduce ROS production. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MCC950 dose-dependently reduces proteinuria, restores the expression of podocyte-specific markers (nephrin and Wilms tumor 1 protein, WT1), and alleviates podocyte foot process fusion and glomerulosclerosis in both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic models (characterized by absolute insulin deficiency) and db/db type 2 diabetic models (driven by insulin resistance). However, discrepancies in therapeutic outcomes exist across different models—some studies report exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced models—which may stem from differences in disease pathogenesis, intervention timing (early vs. mid-stage disease), and dosing duration. Despite its promising preclinical efficacy, MCC950 faces significant translational challenges, including low oral bioavailability, insufficient podocyte targeting, potential hepatotoxicity, and drug-drug interactions with statins (commonly prescribed to diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk management). Furthermore, off-target effects such as the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase 2 have been identified, raising concerns about its safety profile. Nevertheless, its unique mechanism of action—directly blocking podocyte pyroptosis by targeting the TXNIP-NLRP3 axis—endows it with substantial translational value. In the future, strategies to overcome these barriers are expected to advance its clinical application: targeted delivery via nanocarriers (e.g., PLGA-PEG nanoparticles or nephrin antibody-conjugated systems) to enhance renal accumulation and podocyte specificity; precise patient stratification based on biomarkers such as serum IL-18 and renal TXNIP/NLRP3 expression to identify “inflammatory-phenotype” DN patients most likely to benefit; and combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—whose metabolic benefits synergize with MCC950’s anti-inflammatory effects. These approaches hold great potential to break through clinical translation bottlenecks, offering a novel, precise anti-inflammatory treatment option for DN and addressing an unmet clinical need for therapies targeting the inflammatory underpinnings of the disease.
5.MCC950 Targeted Inhibition of TXNIP-NLRP3 Axis-mediated Podocyte Pyroptosis in Diabetic Nephropathy
Hong ZHENG ; Zhong-Cheng MO ; Hang LIU ; Xi-Zhang PAN ; Bing WEI
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(2):418-430
Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) globally, representing a major global health burden with limited disease-modifying therapies. Podocyte injury serves as the core pathological hallmark of DN, and conventional treatments targeting metabolic disorders or hemodynamic abnormalities fail to reverse the progressive decline of renal function. Accumulating evidence over the past decade has established that high glucose-induced podocyte pyroptosis—a pro-inflammatory form of programmed cell death—is a key driving force in DN progression. Its core molecular mechanism hinges on the activation of the TXNIP-NLRP3 inflammasome axis. Under sustained hyperglycemic conditions, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated via pathways including the polyol pathway, advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Concurrently, methylglyoxal (a glucose metabolite) mediates post-translational modification of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). These events collectively trigger the dissociation of TXNIP from thioredoxin (TRX), a redox-regulating protein. The free TXNIP then translocates to the mitochondria, where it binds to The NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and promotes inflammasome assembly. This assembly activates cysteine-aspartic acid protease 1 (caspase-1), which cleaves Gasdermin D (GSDMD) to generate its N-terminal fragment (GSDMD-NT). GSDMD-NT oligomerizes to form membrane pores, leading to podocyte swelling, rupture, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18). These cytokines amplify local inflammatory responses, induce mesangial cell proliferation, and accelerate extracellular matrix deposition, ultimately exacerbating glomerulosclerosis. MCC950, a highly selective NLRP3 inhibitor, exerts its therapeutic effects through a multi-layered mechanism: it binds to the NACHT domain (NAIP, CIITA, HET-E and TP1 domain) of NLRP3 with nanomolar affinity, forming hydrogen bonds with key residues (Lys-42 and Asp-166) within the ATP-hydrolysis pocket to block ATP hydrolysis, thereby locking NLRP3 in an inactive conformational state. Additionally, MCC950 interferes with the protein-protein interaction between TXNIP and NLRP3 and regulates mitochondrial homeostasis to reduce ROS production. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that MCC950 dose-dependently reduces proteinuria, restores the expression of podocyte-specific markers (nephrin and Wilms tumor 1 protein, WT1), and alleviates podocyte foot process fusion and glomerulosclerosis in both streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic models (characterized by absolute insulin deficiency) and db/db type 2 diabetic models (driven by insulin resistance). However, discrepancies in therapeutic outcomes exist across different models—some studies report exacerbated renal inflammation and fibrosis in STZ-induced models—which may stem from differences in disease pathogenesis, intervention timing (early vs. mid-stage disease), and dosing duration. Despite its promising preclinical efficacy, MCC950 faces significant translational challenges, including low oral bioavailability, insufficient podocyte targeting, potential hepatotoxicity, and drug-drug interactions with statins (commonly prescribed to diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk management). Furthermore, off-target effects such as the inhibition of carbonic anhydrase 2 have been identified, raising concerns about its safety profile. Nevertheless, its unique mechanism of action—directly blocking podocyte pyroptosis by targeting the TXNIP-NLRP3 axis—endows it with substantial translational value. In the future, strategies to overcome these barriers are expected to advance its clinical application: targeted delivery via nanocarriers (e.g., PLGA-PEG nanoparticles or nephrin antibody-conjugated systems) to enhance renal accumulation and podocyte specificity; precise patient stratification based on biomarkers such as serum IL-18 and renal TXNIP/NLRP3 expression to identify “inflammatory-phenotype” DN patients most likely to benefit; and combination therapy with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors—whose metabolic benefits synergize with MCC950’s anti-inflammatory effects. These approaches hold great potential to break through clinical translation bottlenecks, offering a novel, precise anti-inflammatory treatment option for DN and addressing an unmet clinical need for therapies targeting the inflammatory underpinnings of the disease.
6.Value of conventional radiological features and ct radiomics features in differentiating parotid adenolym-phoma from malignant tumors
Guoliang WEN ; Hang FANG ; Wei ZHANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(21):3442-3448
Objective To investigate the value of conventional radiological features and CT radiomics fea-tures to differentiate parotid adenolymphoma from malignant tumor.Methods Radiological data from 128 patients with adenolymphoma and 39 patients with parotid malignancy were collected between December 2018 and October 2023.Radiomics features were extracted to obtain Rad-score and construct a radiomics model.Conventional radiologi-cal features were analyzed to obtain independent predictors,and a conventional radiological model was constructed.Model performance was compared by the DeLong test,and the Rad-score was combined with radiological features to establish a comprehensive model and plot a nomogram.Results Based on CT venous phase images,9 optimal radiomic features were selected.Conventional radiological features were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and found that shape and degree of enhancement were independent predictors of adenolymphoma and malignant parotid tumors.The CT radiomics model is superior to the conventional radiological model(P<0.05).The area under the curve(AUC)of the radiomics model was 0.938(95%CI:0.887~0.988),and the specificity and sensitivity were 0.856 and 0.923,respectively.Conventional radiological features and Rad-score were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and found that Rad-score and degree of enhancement were independent predictors of adenolymphoma and malignant parotid tumors.The difference between the diagnostic efficacy of the comprehensive model created by the Rad-score combined with the degree of enhancement and the diagnostic efficacy of the radiomics model was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusion The CT radiomics model per-formed better than the conventional radiological model in discriminating parotid gland adenolymphoma from malignant tumors.The diagnostic performance of the comprehensive model has improved,aiding in clinical decision-making.
7.Application of an improved"outside-in"technique in hip arthroscopic surgery
Jing YANG ; Qiang WANG ; Baojin SU ; Baohua HE ; Hang SHI ; Yuchen SHANG ; Wei DONG ; Mengru LI ; Yuhao ZHENG ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(3):171-176
Objective To explore the clinical effect of applying an improved"outside-in"technique in hip arthroscopic surgery.Methods Totally 136 patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery between June 2021 and July 2023 were selected and studied retrospectively.According to their different surgi-cal approach,they were divided into a modified approach group(n=75,including 30 males and 45 fe-males,with an average age of 36±14)and a classic approach group(n=61,including 33 males and 28 females,with an average age of 31±11).Before as well as 4 weeks,3 months and 6 months after the surgery,both groups were evaluated using the visual analog scale(VAS)and Harris hip score,and observed their surgical complications.Moreover,the surgical outcomes and time of sur-gical approach establishment were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in general information,preoperative VAS and Harris scores.More-over,no significant difference was found between the two groups in the Harris score after surgery.Compared with the classic approach group,the improved group had significantly less surgical time(49.0±16.9 min vs.66.0±13.3 min,P<0.05),without using the C-arm fluoroscopy during surgery.Moreover,in the modified approach group,the time for establishing the mid-anteriorapproach was sig-nificantly shortened(10.4±5.9 min vs.25.9±15.1 min,P<0.05),along with the traction time during surgery(66.0±13.3 min vs.49.0±16.9 min,P<0.05).Conclusion The modified"outside-in"hip ar-throscopy technique is a safe and effective surgical method,easier to operate,with shorter surgical time.
8.Application of an improved"outside-in"technique in hip arthroscopic surgery
Jing YANG ; Qiang WANG ; Baojin SU ; Baohua HE ; Hang SHI ; Yuchen SHANG ; Wei DONG ; Mengru LI ; Yuhao ZHENG ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Sports Medicine 2025;44(3):171-176
Objective To explore the clinical effect of applying an improved"outside-in"technique in hip arthroscopic surgery.Methods Totally 136 patients undergoing hip arthroscopic surgery between June 2021 and July 2023 were selected and studied retrospectively.According to their different surgi-cal approach,they were divided into a modified approach group(n=75,including 30 males and 45 fe-males,with an average age of 36±14)and a classic approach group(n=61,including 33 males and 28 females,with an average age of 31±11).Before as well as 4 weeks,3 months and 6 months after the surgery,both groups were evaluated using the visual analog scale(VAS)and Harris hip score,and observed their surgical complications.Moreover,the surgical outcomes and time of sur-gical approach establishment were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference between the two groups in general information,preoperative VAS and Harris scores.More-over,no significant difference was found between the two groups in the Harris score after surgery.Compared with the classic approach group,the improved group had significantly less surgical time(49.0±16.9 min vs.66.0±13.3 min,P<0.05),without using the C-arm fluoroscopy during surgery.Moreover,in the modified approach group,the time for establishing the mid-anteriorapproach was sig-nificantly shortened(10.4±5.9 min vs.25.9±15.1 min,P<0.05),along with the traction time during surgery(66.0±13.3 min vs.49.0±16.9 min,P<0.05).Conclusion The modified"outside-in"hip ar-throscopy technique is a safe and effective surgical method,easier to operate,with shorter surgical time.
9.Exploring the sustainability of China's medical and health assistance and cooperation with Uganda
Ru-zhang JIANG ; Xiao-xing FU ; Jian JI ; Yi-hang LU ; Zhi-wei LENG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(2):69-75
Sustainability is a critical issue in China's medical and health assistance and cooperation with Africa.As China enters a new phase in this field,achieving sustainability presents both opportunities and challenges.Summarizing past successes and identifying barriers are of great practical significance for future development.This study examines the current state of China's medical and health assistance and cooperation with Uganda and finds that China has actively sought to integrate into local communities by collaborating with Ugandan medical institutions.However,several factors continue to constrain the sustainability of these efforts,including Uganda's fragmented public-private healthcare system heavily reliant on external aid,the personnel structure of Chinese medical teams,and linguistic and cultural barriers between China and Uganda.Based on official policy documents from both countries and field research findings,this study recommends supporting and assisting Uganda in establishing an independent healthcare system,with a particular focus on maternal and child health,youth health,and chronic disease management.Furthermore,strengthening cultural exchanges can contribute to the sustainable development of China-Uganda and broader China-Africa medical and health assistance and cooperation.
10.Analysis on the development status of medical robot industry at home and abroad
Xiping GENG ; Hang QU ; Lingjun YAN ; Wei SUN
China Medical Equipment 2025;22(1):82-89
Objective:To research the development status of medical robot industry at home and abroad at present,and analyze the development dynamics,technological advances,market trends,and existing challenges of this field,so as to promote the long-term development of health industry of Chinese population. Methods:The systematic review was adopted. According to declaration standards of preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) of systematic evaluation and meta-analysis in 2020,the relevant research literatures of medical robots from January 10th 2015 to January 10th 2024 was retrieved. The CNKI was used as the data source of Chinese literature,and the Web of Science (WOS) of American was used as data resource of English literature. The preliminary screening of 245 research papers were screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally,the screened 194 literatures were used as core samples to conduct qualitative analysis in industrial development situation,development scale and growth trend,policy and requirement of development and existing problem of medical robots. Results:The development of medical robots in China was later than that in foreign countries. As a result,the industrial collaborative innovation mechanism had not yet been fully established,and the core technique innovation capability was relatively weak. In recent years,the size of the market of medical robots in China has continuously expanded,and we had obtained significant breakthroughs in the development and application of single-port robots and micro-robots. Under the guidance and support of government policies,China's enterprises of medical robot had achieved critical technical advancements in the research and development of core components,and the degree of autonomy of industrial chain continuously was improved. As the advanced intelligent manufacturing,the technique of medical robot had played an increasingly important role in medical services and other fields in China. Conclusion:The industry of medical robots in China is currently in a period of strategic opportunities driven by high-speed growth and innovation. But it also facing a series of challenges such as upgrading core technique,optimizing industrial structures and intensifying international competition. In the future,China must further strengthen basic research,and enhance original innovation capabilities,and strengthen the integration of upstream and downstream of the industrial chain,so as to realize sustainable development with high quality in the industry of medical robots in China.

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