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.Analysis of Bp-DNA Detection and Clinical and Laboratory Results of 2 649 Suspected Pertussis Patients in Xi'an Area
Xiaokang WU ; Chaoliang XIONG ; Jiafeng YIN ; Ni ZHANG ; Ke LEI ; Li JIN ; Yue ZHANG ; Wenting SUI ; Dong CHEN ; Shuanying YANG ; Qian HE
Journal of Modern Laboratory Medicine 2025;40(5):158-161,171
Objective To analyze the status of 2 649 suspected pertussis patients in Xi'an and the changes in laboratory diagnostic indi-cators.Methods 2 649 patients with suspected pertussis who visited the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from June 2023 to May 2025 were collected as the research subjects.Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from the patients,and pertussis nucleic acid was detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-fluorescence probe method.Laboratory diagnostic indicators were an-alyzed.Results Among the 2 649 samples tested,250 were positive for pertussis nucleic acid,with a positive detection rate of 9.44%.The detection rate in male patients was 9.37%(127/1 356),and in female patients was 9.51%(123/1 293),with difference no was statis-tically significant between the two groups(χ2=0.019,P=0.894).There was a statistically significant difference in the positive detection rate among different age groups(χ2=46.473,P<0.05),with the highest positive detection rate in the 7~19 age group(14.98%).The prevalence of pertussis showed a seasonal characteristic with a peak from April to September.21.2%(53/250)of the positive patients were mixed infections.In the 1~14 age group,the white blood cell count(WBC),lymphocyte percentage(LYMP%),and lymphocyte count(LYMP#)in the pertussis infection group were higher than those in the Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP)infection group(t=10.179,5.819,8.614)and the Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)infection group(t=16.570,2.618,7.185),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.01),respectively.In the>14 age group,the LYMP%and LYMP#in the pertussis infection group were higher than those in the MP infection group(t=3.275,2.319)and the RSV infection group(t=2.401,4.617),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion The pertussis infection status in Xi'an area from 2023 to 2025 shows significant char-acteristics in terms of age,season and laboratory test results.It is necessary to further improve the pertussis surveillance system in this area,optimize the clinical diagnosis and treatment process and strengthen the vaccination work of pertussis vaccine.
3.Identification and mechanistic analysis of core genes associated with morphine tolerance in dorsal root ganglion:an integrative transcriptomics approach using WGCNA and machine learning algorithms
Zhiyuan YU ; Haiping DONG ; Nan GAO ; Ke MA
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2025;45(10):1308-1319
Objective·To develop a multi-algorithm collaborative computational biology strategy for constructing a predictive model of the peripheral morphine tolerance network and for screening high-confidence candidate targets.Methods·A murine model of morphine tolerance was established across multiple treatment time points.Bulk RNA sequencing was performed on harvested dorsal root ganglion(DRG)tissues.Using the expression matrix as a basis,a weighted gene co-expression network was constructed to identify co-expressed gene modules.Candidate genes were subsequently screened through the integration of differentially expressed genes(DEGs)with key weighted gene co-expression network modules.These candidates underwent functional annotation via Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analyses.A protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was established,and hub genes were systematically identified using the cytoHubba algorithm.Three distinct machine learning approaches,least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression,support vector machine recursive feature elimination(SVM-RFE)model,and random forest(RF)model,were strategically integrated to screen characteristic signature genes.Finally,gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)was implemented to functionally validate both the hub and signature genes.Results·Weighted gene co-expression network analysis(WGCNA)identified 8 297 key module genes,of which 177 candidate genes overlapped with DEGs.These genes were significantly enriched in biological processes including ion channel regulation and vascular smooth muscle contraction.A combination of PPI network analysis and machine learning revealed four signature genes[actin γ2,smooth muscle(Actg2),centriolar coiled-coil protein 110(Ccp110),neural cell adhesion molecule 2(Ncam2),and selenium binding protein 1(Selenbp1)]and six hub genes[actin α2,smooth muscle(Acta2),von Willebrand factor(Vwf),cellular communication network factor 2(Ccn2),integrin β4(Itgb4),integrin α11(Itga11),and TEK receptor tyrosine kinase(Tek)]closely associated with morphine tolerance.Conclusion·In this study,we successfully constructed a multi-algorithm collaborative peripheral nerve regulation network prediction model for morphine tolerance,and screened out 10 core genes with high confidence.
4.Effect of Qishen Yixin Granules on microcirculatory endothelial dysfunction induced by Ang Ⅱ and high-fat diet in mice and its mechanism
Wen-fang JIN ; Zhen-ni ZHANG ; Tian-tian ZHU ; Hu-gang JIANG ; Xin-qiang WANG ; Chun-zhen REN ; Xi-ping XING ; Kai LIU ; Ying-dong LI ; Xin-ke ZHAO
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(10):1982-1990
Aim To clarify the mechanism by which Qishen Yixin Granules improved microcirculation vas-cular endothelial dysfunction(VED)in mice,through activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to regulate oxidative stress.Methods C57 mice were randomly divided into six groups:blank group,model group,pos-itive drug group,and low-,medium-,and high-dose groups of Qishen Yixin Granules.The VED model was established by long-term infusion of Ang Ⅱ combined with a high-fat diet.Each treatment group received the corresponding drug intervention.After four weeks of drug intervention,cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography.Carstairs staining was used to ob-serve the formation of microthrombi in myocardial tis-sue.The micro vascular ischemia was evaluated by Hei-denhain staining.The ultrastructure of endothelial cells was observed by electron microscopy.The levels of EMPs,ROS,NO,ET-1,TF,TM,VWF,and TXA2 in serum were measured by ELISA.The expression levels of MDA,SOD,and GSH-Px in mouse heart tissue were determined by chemical methods.Cardiac microvascu-lar density and the expression of Nrf2,Keap1,and HO-1 proteins were detected by Immunohistochemical stai-ning.The protein expressions of Keap1,cytoplasmic Nrf2,nuclear Nrf2,and HO-1 in myocardial tissue were detected by Western blot.Results Qishen Yixin Granules could effectively improve the cardiac function of mice,alleviate the damage of endothelial cells and endothelial function.They could up-regulate serum NO levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GSH-Px,while down-regulating the expression of ROS and vascular inflammatory injury factors such as ET-1,VWF,TXA2,TF,TM,and EMPs.Qishen Yixin Granules also increased the positive counts of CD34,Nrf2,and HO-1,as well as microvessel density.Fur-thermore,they inhibited the expression of MDA,Keap1,and cytoplasmic Nrf2 protein in myocardial tis-sue,while increasing the expression of nuclear proteins HO-1 and Nrf2.Conclusions Qishen Yixin Granules may inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory response by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway,thereby improving vascular endothelial damage and cardiac function in VED mice.
5.Research progress on magnetic resonance imaging and neurobiological mechanisms of anhedonia in major depressive disorder
Peishan HUANG ; Ke WANG ; Xuelin ZHANG ; Yi MIAO ; Qiangli DONG
Chinese Journal of Nervous and Mental Diseases 2025;51(3):180-185
Major depressive disorder is a common mental disorder,one of the core symptoms of which is anhedonia,characterized by a reduced ability to respond to pleasurable stimuli.Brain images of patients with major depressive disorders with anhedonia show the following features:reduced volume or cortical thickness in brain regions such as the striatum and temporal lobe,changes in the microstructure of white matter tracts,abnormal neuronal activity in the frontal lobe,temporal lobe,and limbic system,and altered connectivity in the default mode network,reward network,and fronto-parietal network.Additionally,factors such as stress,gene expression,the glutamate system,and biological rhythms may also influence anhedonia.The neurobiological mechanisms of anhedonia are intricate,and are crucial for the diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of depressive disorders.
6.A comparative study of depression phenotype in a tumor-bearing mouse model of breast cancer
Xiaofei LI ; Ke JIANG ; Mengting DONG ; Yuelian WANG ; Jiaqi LIU ; Xin LI ; Jiayu SHENG
Acta Laboratorium Animalis Scientia Sinica 2025;33(2):232-240
Objective Compare the depression phenotypes of a breast cancer tumor-bearing mouse model constructed using two different method and a mouse model of breast cancer depression with clinical manifestations,as well as assess their suitability for basic research.Methods We constructed a tumor model with 4T1 breast cancer cells alone(4T1 group)and a tumor-depression composite model given chronic unpredictable mild(CUMS)(4T1+CUMS group).The experimental period was 42 d,and the body mass,tumor volume,and survival time of the mice were monitored throughout the whole process.Two depressive behavioral tests(of sucrose preference test,open field test,tail suspension test,and elevated plus maze)were performed on the 15th and 29th days,respectively.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe the pathological changes of hippocampal neurons in brain tissue sections.Results(1)Body mass:The body mass of the 4T1 group and 4T1+CUMS group began to decrease from 29 d,and the body mass of the 4T1+CUMS group was significantly lower than that of the 4T1 group and Control group at the end of the experiment(P<0.001).(2)Tumor volume:There was no significant difference in the growth rate of tumors between the two model groups throughout the experiment(P>0.05).(3)Survival time:The survival rates of the 4T1 group and 4T1+CUMS group were 100%and 60%,and the first death of mice in the 4T1+CUMS group was on the 36th day.(4)Behavior test of depression:There was no significant difference between the three groups in the first depressive behavior tests(P>0.05),and the two groups showed obvious depressive phenotypes in the second behavioral tests.The sucrose preference index and activity distance in the central area were significantly decreased in the two model groups(P<0.001),and the immobility time was significantly increased(P<0.001).(5)Pathological section of brain tissue:On pathological examination of brain tissue,we observed a reduced number of neuronal cells in the hippocampus of the 4T1 group and 4T1+CUMS group,their morphology was irregular,the arrangement between the cells was disordered and the gap was unclear,and some nucleoli were blurred.Conclusions Although the tumor-only method and the tumor with compound stress stimulation method can both be used to prepare breast cancer depression models,the tumor-only modeling method is simpler and the mortality rate after successful modeling is higher.The long window of time is convenient for subsequent drug administration and detection,and the causes of the depression phenotype are more in line with the clinical causes and manifestations.Therefore,the 4T1 model can provide a reference model for future animal experiments on breast cancer tumor-related depression.
7.Real-world Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Eeneric Venlafaxine Extended-release Capsules in Centralized Procurement
Min YANG ; Lirong PENG ; Hehe BAI ; Xiaonian HAN ; Jinping WANG ; Ke WANG ; Xianzhe DONG ; Lan ZHANG
Herald of Medicine 2025;44(4):584-589
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness,safety and economy of generic venlafaxine sustained-release capsules and the original drug in clinical practice based on real world clinical data.Methods This is a multicenter,retrospective real-world study.The information of outpatients who used venlafaxine sustained-release capsules in 7 hospitals from October 2021 to October 2022 was collected,including prescription data and laboratory data.They were divided into generic drug group and original drug group.After the baseline level was corrected by propensity score match method,the prescription daily dose,plasma concentration,medication possession ratio,the continuous medication rate for 3,6 and 9 months,dressing change rate,the incidence of adverse reactions,the frequency of drug use,the average daily cost,the annual cost per capita and the proportion of the average annual cost of drugs were compared between the two groups.Results After the baseline level was corrected by propensity score matching method,the prescription daily dose and medication possession ratio(MPR≥0.8)in the generic drug group were higher than that of the original drug group(P<0.05).There was no statistically difference in plasma concentration between the two groups(P=0.294).The continuous medication rate for 3,6 and 9 months in the generic drug group were statistically higher than those in the original drug group(P<0.01).The single dressing change rate of the generic drug group was lower than that of the original drug group(P=0.032).There was no significant difference in the rate of secondary dressing change between the two groups(P=1.000).There were no significant differences in the incidence of abnormal ALT,AST,TC,Na,APTT,and PLC between two groups(P>0.05).The average daily cost of the generic drug group was lower than that of the original drug group.The per capita annual cost of drugs and the proportion of average annual cost of drugs in the generic drug group were significantly lower than those in the original drug group(P<0.01).Conclusion In the actual clinical diagnosis and treatment,no clinically significant differences in effectiveness and safety were found between the generic venlafaxine sustained-release capsule and the original-patented,while the economic advantages of the generic drug were better than that of the original-patented drug.
8.Maintenance of Bausch&Lomb BL11110 phacoemulsification system:Three case reports
An-hai WEI ; Rui NIE ; Li-dong FAN ; Ke-xin PAN ; Zhen-zhen CAO ; Qing-hui REN ; He-hua ZHANG
Chinese Medical Equipment Journal 2025;46(4):118-120
The working principle of Bausch&Lomb BL11110 phacoemulsification system was described.Three cases of typical faults of the phacoemulsification system were introduced,and the causes were analyzed,then the maintenance measures were given accordingly.References were provided for diagnosing and eliminating the faults of the phacoemulsification system.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(4):118-120]
9.The impact of urban-rural resident health insurance integration on non-agricultural employment of rural labor
Ke-yong DONG ; Guo-quan SHEN ; Jing-xia QIN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2025;18(3):65-73
Objective:To assess the impact of urban-rural health insurance integration on the non-agricultural employment of rural labor in China.Methods:Using CHFS data(2011-2019)and a DID model,this study analyzed the impact on non-agricultural employment probability and quality(wage income,job stability)and examined the effect of different integration models.Results:The integration of urban and rural health insurance significantly increases the probability and quality of non-agricultural employment among rural labor.This effect operates through three key mechanisms:easing household liquidity constraints,improving health-related human capital,and expanding job search scope.Moreover,the"unified urban-rural tier"model proves more effective than the"one-system-multi-tiers"model in promoting non-agricultural employment and enhancing job quality.Conclusion:The integration positively contributes to improving rural labor allocation efficiency and mobilizing surplus rural labor capacity.Policy recommendations include accelerating the adoption of the"unified urban-rural tier"model and further refining the urban-rural resident health insurance system.
10.Effect of miR-129-3p mimetic on bone loss in tail-suspended mice
Yi WU ; Zi-dong AN ; Yong-jie PANG ; Li-qiang WANG ; Xin-yang WANG ; Yu-hai GAO ; Xue-yan LI ; Ke-ming CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2025;41(4):703-709
Aim To study whether intravenous injec-tion of miR-129-3p mimetic(agomir)can resist bone loss caused by hind limb disuse,and to provide new i-deas for preventing bone loss in microgravity environ-ment.Methods Forty-eight C57BL/6J male mice were randomly divided into the control group(CON),tail suspension model group(TS),tail suspension+miR-129-3p agomir administration group(miRNA)and tail suspension+miR-129-3p negative sequence agomir control group(NC).The miRNA group was given 4 mg·kg-1 miR-129-3p agomir by intravenous injection into the medial canthus twice a week.The NC agomir group were consistent with those in the miR-129-3p agomir group,and the CON and TS groups were given only equal volumes of normal saline.After four weeks,all mice were sacrificed and samples were collected.Micro-CT scan of femur,three-point femur bending test,serum bone metabolism index detection,oxidative stress index detection and osteogenesis-related protein expression analysis in bone tissue were per-formed.Results After four weeks,the number of tra-becular bone in the TS group was significantly re-duced,and Tb.BMD,Tb.Th,Tb.N,Tb.BS/TV and Tb.BV/TV were significantly lower than those in the CON group(P<0.01).While Tb.Sp TS group was significantly higher than the CON group(P<0.05),the maximum load and flexural strength of the femur significantly decreased(P<0.01),the content of ser-um bone formation index PINP was significantly lower than that of the CON group(P<0.01),and the con-tent of bone resorption index CTX-I was significantly higher than that of the CON group(P<0.01),the content of serum oxidative damage indexes 8-iso-PGF2α and 8-OHdG significantly increased(P<0.01),and the expression of osteogenesis-related pro-teins in bone tissue markedly decreased(P<0.01).However,the increase or decrease of all indexes in miRNA group was significantly lower than that in TS group.Conclusions miR-129-3p mimetic can signifi-cantly reduce bone loss caused by hind limb disuse.This experiment provides a new idea and method for preventing bone loss in microgravity environment.

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