1.Development status and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine
Jiaqing DAI ; Yuxuan JIANG ; Jingnan HU ; Liu YANG ; Lifang GUO
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):173-178
In the context of the rapid development of 5G technology, the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) faces new opportunities and challenges. Focusing on how to uphold tradition while innovating in the development of AI in TCM, starting from the current development status of AI in Chinese medicine, including the integration of four diagnostic methods, syndrome differentiation and treatment, auxiliary diagnosis and treatment, research and development of Chinese herbal medicine, prevention and treatment of diseases, knowledge inheritance, and other aspects, this paper discussed the support of policies and technical advancements, as well as development opportunities such as increased demand for health. Regarding machine ethics, data ethics, regulatory review, and other aspects, it also proposed some suggestions that the training algorithm should be improved to assist medical work; data ownership should be clarified to ensure data security; and an AI ethics committee should be set up to improve the review system, aiming to maximize the advantages of smart healthcare and accelerate the modernization of TCM for the benefit of patients and the service of human health.
2.Mass spectral database-based methodologies for the annotation and discovery of natural products.
Fengyao YANG ; Zeyuan LIANG ; Haoran ZHAO ; Jiayi ZHENG ; Lifang LIU ; Huipeng SONG ; Guizhong XIN
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(4):410-420
Natural products (NPs) have long held a significant position in various fields such as medicine, food, agriculture, and materials. The chemical space covered by NPs is extensive but often underexplored. Therefore, high-throughput and efficient methodologies for the annotation and discovery of NPs are desired to address the complexity and diversity of NP-based systems. Mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as a powerful platform for the annotation and discovery of NPs. MS databases provide vital support for the structural characterization of NPs by integrating extensive mass spectral data and sample information. Additionally, the released annotation methodologies, based on a variety of informatics tools, continuously improve the ability to annotate the structure and properties of compounds. This review examines the current mainstream databases and annotation methodologies, focusing on their advantages and limitations. Prospects for future technological advancements are then discussed in terms of novel applications and research objectives. Through a systematic overview, this review aims to provide valuable insights and a reference for MS-based NPs annotation, thereby promoting the discovery of novel natural entities.
Biological Products/chemistry*
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Mass Spectrometry/methods*
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Databases, Factual
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Drug Discovery/methods*
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Humans
3.Epidemiological characteristics of clustered vomiting and diarrhea outbreaks in Minhang District of Shanghai from 2018 to 2023
Zhiyin XU ; Lifang ZHAO ; Minhui ZHU ; Long CHEN ; Wanli CHEN ; Weibing WANG ; Yaxu ZHENG ; Xiaohua LIU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(9):737-741
ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics of clustered vomiting and diarrhea outbreaks in Minhang District of Shanghai, to identify the influencing factors of outbreak scale and duration of epidemic, and to provide scientific evidence for further strengthening surveillance early-warning efforts in key settings and for optimizing prevention and control measures. MethodsThe data for describing epidemiological characteristics of clustered vomitting and diarrhea outbreaks in Minhang District from 2018 to 2023 were collected, multivariable logistic regression models were applied to analyze the influencing factors for epidemic scale,and Spearman rank correlation analyses were applied to analyze the factors duration. ResultsA total of 136 clustered vomiting and diarrhea outbreaks were reported in Minhang District from 2018 to 2023, all occurring in school settings, with an overall attack rate of 0.90%. The outbreaks exhibited distinct seasonality, predominantly occurring from October to December (43.38%) and March to May (32.35%). The primary settings were preschools (45.59%) and elementary schools (44.12%), with students accounted for the majority of cases (99.48%). The predominant clinical manifestation was vomiting (90.44%), with person-to-person contact being the primary transmission route (98.53%). Norovirus genogroup Ⅱ was identified as the main pathogen (71.32%). Standardized terminal disinfection of outbreak sites (OR=0.39, 95%CI=0.20‒0.74) and effective isolation of affected classes (OR=0.23, 95%CI=0.09‒0.57) were significant protective factors for reducing outbreak scale. Both response time (r=0.64, P<0.001) and the number of case generations (r=0.71, P<0.001) showed positive correlations with outbreak duration. ConclusionSchools are the key settings for the prevention and control of clustered vomiting and diarrhea outbreaks in Minhang District, with peak occurring in autumn and spring. Early detection, timely reporting, and prompt response to outbreaks are crucial. Strengthening school-based surveillance systems and standardizing outbreak management protocols are of particular importance.
4.Association between beverage and snack intake and vitamin D insufficiency among primary and secondary school students in Yunnan Province
ZHANG Lifang, CHANG Litao, AN Weiwei, HUANG Dafeng, LIU Chunyan, LEI Yuanting, HUANG Xin
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(12):1701-1705
Objective:
To understand the association between beverage and snack intake and insufficient serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] among primary and secondary school students, so as to provide a scientific basis for targeted intervention measures.
Methods:
From October to December 2021, a stratified random sampling method was used to select 2 477 primary and secondary school students aged 8 to 15 years old from 9 counties in Yunnan Province implemented the Nutrition Improvement Plan for Rural Compulsory Education Students. The intake of beverages and snacks was investigated using the Rural Student Nutrition Monitoring Questionnaire from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The snack intake intensity was calculated and classified into no intake, extremely low, low, medium, and high intensity. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured in the laboratory, and levels <20 ng/mL were defined as insufficient. Chi square tests, LASSO regression, random forest and binary Logistic regression were used to analyze the association between 20 types of beverages and snacks and serum 25(OH)D insufficiency.
Results:
Insufficient serum 25(OH)D was detected in 564 boys (45.9%) and 855 girls (68.5%), with a total of 1 419 cases (57.3%). Binary Logistic regression results showed that extremely low intake intensity of carbonated beverages ( OR =1.51), plant protein beverages ( OR =1.61), and milk tea beverages ( OR =1.39) increased the risk of insufficient serum 25(OH)D, while protective factors were fruits and vegetables ( OR =0.77) and pure milk and yogurt ( OR =0.74) (all P <0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that extremely low intake intensity of carbonated beverages, milk containing beverages, tea beverages, fruit and vegetable juices, and plant protein beverages increased the risk of insufficient serum 25(OH)D in girls ( OR =2.22, 1.72, 1.67, 1.74, 1.92), and high intake intensity increased the risk of insufficient serum 25(OH)D in boys ( OR =1.73, 1.48, 1.52, 1.49, 1.97) (all P <0.05). Extremely low intake intensity of carbonated beverages, plant protein beverages, and milk tea beverages in junior high school students ( OR =1.92, 2.54, 1.68) and low intake intensity in primary school students ( OR =1.40, 1.33, 1.45) increased the risk of insufficient serum 25(OH)D (all P <0.05).
Conclusions
Frequent intake of beverages and highly processed snacks increases the risk of insufficient serum 25(OH)D in primary and secondary school students, while natural foods such as fruits, vegetables, pure milk and yogurt can reduce the risk. Girls and junior high school students are more susceptible to these effects.
5.Epidemiological trends analysis of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023
TAN Min, CHANG Litao, ZHANG Wanyue, HUANG Dafeng, LIU Chunyan, ZHANG Lifang, YANG Yanling
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(5):737-740
Objective:
To analyze epidemiological trends and changing characteristics of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023, so as to provide evidence for the comprehensive prevention and control of syphilis in schools.
Methods:
The case data of syphilis among students in Yunnan Province from 2005 to 2023 were obtained from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The Joinpoint regression model was used to conduct a time trend analysis of the reported incidence rate of syphilis.
Results:
From 2005 to 2023, a cumulative total of 3 191 cases of syphilis were reported in schools in Yunnan Province(1 248 male cases and 1 943 female cases). The reported incidence rate rose continuously from 0.17/100 000 in 2005 to 8.26/100 000 in 2023, with an average annual percent change (AAPC) of 24.89%( Z =13.18, P <0.01). The reported incidence rate was higher in female students than in male students ( χ 2=229.48, P <0.05). The incidence rates in the primary school, junior high school, senior high school and higher education were 0.21/100 000, 2.42/100 000, 4.45/100 000 and 6.29/100 000 respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=3 432.84, P <0.05). The average annual growth rate was the highest in the junior high school stage(AAPC= 30.68% , Z =7.57, P <0.05),followed by the senior high school stage (AAPC=24.28%, Z = 5.70 , P <0.05).The reported incidence rate of primary and secondary syphilis increased from 0.12/100 000 in 2005 to 2.06/ 100 000 in 2023, with an AAPC of 16.86% ( Z = 4.57, P <0.05).
Conclusions
The overall reported incidence rate of syphilis among students in schools in Yunnan Province shows a sustained upward trend, with the most rapid annual increase observed in junior high schools. Schools should prioritize syphilis education and expand awareness campaigns to curb transmission.
6.Safety and efficacy of a new single-needle dialysis model in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Bin ZHAO ; Lihong ZHANG ; Shen ZHAN ; Lifang LIU ; Wei LIU ; Shanshan GUO ; Guanghui XIAO ; Yuzhu WANG
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(2):125-127
The study was a prospective observational study. A total of 24 patients who underwent maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) at Haidian Hospital in Beijing from May 2024 to June 2024 were included as the study subjects. The safety and efficacy of a new single-needle dialysis in MHD patients were evaluated. The reasons for using single-needle dialysis included waiting for the maturity of internal fistula(7 cases, 29.17%), autogenous arteriovenous fistula thrombosis occurred (6 cases, 25.00%), puncture difficulty occurred (7 cases, 29.17%), and pain sensitivity or elderly (4 cases, 16.67%). The results showed that the average blood flow was (155.65±5.90) ml/min, total blood volume was (35.92±2.65) L during single-needle dialysis. One patient had slight puncture leakage, and the puncture success rate was 95.83%. Relevant indicators of dialysis adequacy showed that the average urea clearance (Kt/V) was 0.90±0.42, urea reduction ratio was 58.31%±7.93%, and online real-time Kt/V monitoring average value was 0.98±0.55. The results suggest that the application of the new improved single-needle dialysis mode in MHD patients is safe and effective.
7.Adverse reaction surveillance analysis of domestic human papillomavirus vaccines with different production processes
Haibo WANG ; Yu LIU ; Shuchan CHENG ; Wenfei TAO ; Chunfang HU ; Lifang ZHOU ; Bangjun LYU ; Min XU ; Jieqiong HUANG
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;59(11):1952-1957
This study aims to compare the vaccination rates and incidence of adverse reaction rates following administration of two domestically produced human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines in individuals aged 9-30 years,investigate the impact of distinct manufacturing processes and vaccination schedules on adverse reaction rates. From November 2023 to June 2024, the Immunization Planning Department of Liuzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a single-center, randomized, open-label, parallel-group trial using community-based recruitment of eligible participants aged 9 to 30 years. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either of two domestically produced HPV vaccines (Walrinvax or Cecolin). As specified in the vaccine package inserts, subjects were stratified into a two-dose regimen group (aged 9-14 years) and a three-dose regimen group (aged 15-30 years). Vaccination rates were recorded, and adverse reactions within 0-30 days post-vaccination were monitored. The results showed that a total of 400 participants were enrolled. Both the full vaccination rate and the timely completion rate were significantly higher in the two-dose regimen group compared to the three-dose regimen group (Fisher′s exact test, P<0.01; χ2=7.06, P<0.01). A total of 985 doses were administered. The overall adverse reaction rate was 18.78% (185/985), with local and systemic reactions occurring at 8.02% (79/985) and 10.76% (106/985), respectively. The most frequent adverse reactions were injection site pain (4.97%, 49/985) and fever (4.47%, 44/985). No grade 4 or special-interest adverse events were reported.The incidence of adverse reactions for the two domestic HPV vaccines with different production processes (at 0/6 months) was 13.96% (55/394) and 17.46% (69/395) respectively, with no statistically significant difference (χ2=1.83, P>0.05).The adverse reaction rate was significantly lower in the 9-14 years group (9.77%) compared the 15-30 years group (24.91%)(χ 2=35.67, P<0.01). In conclusion, both domestic HPV vaccines demonstrated a favorable safety profile in the 9-30 years age group, with mostly mild adverse reactions. Compared to the three-dose schedule (15-30 years group), the two-dose HPV vaccination schedule (9-14 years group) significantly reduced the incidence of adverse reactions and improved vaccination compliance.
8.Analysis of serum bile acid profiles in patients with hepatitis B virus infection complicated with liver cirrhosis
Wang ZHANG ; Jia LIU ; Aixia LIU ; Jie SUN ; Lifang XIA ; Bo LI ; Boan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(4):419-426
Objective:By analyzing the concentration distribution and hydrophilic/hydrophobic proportion differences of 15 bile acid subtypes in the serum of patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection complicated with liver cirrhosis and primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)complicated with liver cirrhosis,this study aims to explore the potential associations between bile acid metabolism and these diseases,providing a reference basis for identifying disease-specific metabolic fingerprints in the diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of liver diseases. Furthermore,building on the pharmacological mechanisms of ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA)in the treatment of PBC,this research investigates potential therapeutic applications of bile acid drugs in HBV infection.Methods:A retrospective analysis method was adopted. We enrolled 27 HBV infection complicated with liver cirrhosis patients and 59 PBC complicated with liver cirrhosis patients who received outpatient or inpatient treatment at the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from November 2024 to April 2025. The general data and routine clinical laboratory data of the two groups of patients were collected and analyzed. Using the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-QqQ-MS/MS)platform,precise quantification and differential analysis of 15 bile acid subtypes were performed in serum samples. Partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA)was employed to perform discriminant analysis on serum bile acid profiles data between the two groups,and variable importance in projection(VIP)values were calculated to identify key bile acid subtypes that could differentiate the two diseases. Box plots were constructed to analyze proportion differences in serum hydrophilic and hydrophobic bile acids between the two groups,aiming to explore potential associations between bile acid metabolism and the diseases.Results:The HBV infection group and the PBC group exhibited similar impairment of routine liver function parameters. The HBV infection group had higher serum concentrations of cholic acid(CA),chenodeoxycholic acid(CDCA)and deoxycholic acid(DCA),but lower concentrations of UDCA,glycoursodeoxycholic acid(GUDCA)and tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TUDCA). The score plot generated by the PLS-DA model demonstrated significant differences in bile acid profile characteristics between the two diseases,with VIP values for UDCA,CDCA,GUDCA,TUDCA,and DCA all greater than 1. Box plots demonstrated a higher proportion of hydrophobic bile acids in the bile acid profile of the HBV infection group compared to the PBC group.Conclusion:This study found significant differences in serum bile acid profile characteristics between patients with HBV infection complicated with liver cirrhosis and those with PBC complicated with liver cirrhosis,specific bile acid subtypes such as CDCA and DCA have the potential to become specific metabolic fingerprints for these two diseases. HBV infection group exhibited higher proportion of hydrophobic bile acids in their bile acid profiles compared to PBC group. The characteristic changes in bile acid profiles can reflect the pathological characteristics of liver diseases,and their differences in hydrophilic/hydrophobic bile acids proportion represents a novel dimension independent of traditional liver function indicators,with potential value for disease prognosis assessment. UDCA or its derivatives may hold therapeutic potential for HBV infection patients with liver cirrhosis who exhibit accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids.
9.Relationship between serum klotho level and risk of all-cause mortality in the population with diabetic kidney disease
Jing WANG ; Jingjing JIN ; Jia LIU ; Lifang HE ; Yanyun XUE
Chinese Journal of Nephrology 2025;41(10):731-737
Objective:To investigate the association between serum klotho level and risk of all-cause mortality in the population with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Methods:It was a retrospective cohort study. DKD patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database in the United States, which covered five survey cycles from 2007 to 2016 were selected. Relevant demographic and laboratory examination data were collected, and all-cause mortality was regarded as the endpoint event. Patients were divided into high serum klotho group and low serum klotho group according to the optimal klotho threshold of predicting survival outcomes, and the differences of baseline characteristics between the two groups were compared. The weighted Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curves of the high and low serum klotho groups during the follow-up period. Log-rank test was used to compare the survival rates between the two groups. Weighted Cox proportional hazards regression analysis and further stratified analysis were used to estimate the correlation between serum klotho level and the risk of all-cause mortality.Results:A total of 633 DKD patients were included in this study, with age of 65 (56, 72) years, and 323 (51.03%) males. Among them, there were 510 patients in the high klotho level (>556.6 ng/L) group, and 123 patients in the low klotho level (≤556.6 ng/L) group. The serum creatinine level in the high klotho level group was significantly lower than that in the low klotho level group ( Z=-2.650, P=0.010), while the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR, Z=2.489, P=0.015) and fasting blood glucose ( Z=2.275, P=0.026) were significantly higher than those in the low klotho level group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender distribution, racial distribution, proportion of smoking, body mass index, proportion of hypertension, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and urine albumin/creatinine ratio (all P>0.05). The follow-up time was 81 (49, 116) months, and a total of 204 (32.23%) all-cause death events occurred. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the survival rate of the high klotho level group was significantly higher than that of the low klotho level group (Log-rank test, χ2=4.21, P=0.040). Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for gender, age, race, smoking, body mass index, hypertension, blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol and eGFR, the risk of all-cause death in the low klotho level group was 1.63 times than that in the high klotho level group ( HR=1.63, 95% CI 1.03-2.63). Further stratified analysis showed that there was no interaction effect of age, gender, race and eGFR on the impact between low serum klotho level and the risk of all-cause death (all P>0.05), indicating that the correlation between low serum klotho level and the risk of all-cause death was consistent when DKD individuals were divided into different subgroups. Conclusions:Low serum klotho level are significantly associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality in the DKD population. Maintaining an adequate serum klotho level may reduce the risk of death in DKD patients.
10.Analysis of clinical features and prognostic factors of focal cerebral arteriopathy in children
Xiuwei ZHUO ; Zemou YU ; Lingbing MENG ; Ji ZHOU ; Weihua ZHANG ; Changhong REN ; Shuai GONG ; Lifang DAI ; Xinying YANG ; Shen ZHANG ; Ming LIU ; Hua CHENG ; Xiaojuan TIAN ; Jiuwei LI
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2025;63(2):174-179
Objective:To summarize the clinical characteristics of focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA) in children, and to analyze its influencing factor of prognosis.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data from 40 children with FCA who were hospitalized at the Department of Neurology, Beijing Children′s Hospital, Capital Medical University, from September 2015 to August 2024 were collected. A centralized follow-up was conducted in October 2024 via outpatient clinics or the internet. The pediatric stroke outcome measure (PSOM) was used to evaluate their outcomes. Based on the PSOM, the children were further divided into a group with normal neurological function and another group with abnormal neurological function. Differences between groups were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test and Fisher exact test. Univariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the influencing factors for neurological outcomes in children with FCA. Results:A total of 40 children were included, with 20 males and 20 females, and the onset age of 9.2 (6.8, 12.5) years. Among them, 12 cases (30%) had a history of varicella within 1 year before onset. There were 23 cases (58%) presenting with transient ischemic attack (TIA) or recurrent fluctuating symptoms of onset, while 3 cases (8%) developed progressive stroke within the first month of onset. The M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery was the most commonly affected vascular site, with a total of 16 cases (40%). Arterial occlusion occurred in 8 cases (20%). Lumbar puncture was completed in 36 children, and white blood cell counts in cerebrospinal fluid was increased in 6 cases. All 23 patients who completed magnetic resonance vessel wall imaging (VWI) showed circular enhancement of the arterial wall. A total of 28 patients (70%) received antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, and 16 patients (40%) received hormone therapy. At admission, the pediatric National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (PedNIHSS) score was 6.0 (2.0, 8.8) points, which decreased to 0.5 (0, 3.0) points at discharge. The follow-up duration was 1.6 (0.8, 4.9) years, with 1 case lost to follow-up. There was 1 case presenting with recurrence course manifesting as TIA. Among the 39 cases who completed the follow-up, 23 cases (59%) were assessed as neurologically normal by PSOM, while 16 cases (41%) were assessed as neurologically abnormal. Among the 29 cases who completed the imaging review, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) review in 23 cases indicated stability or improvement in the original arterial stenosis, with 6 cases experiencing transient worsening of arterial stenosis early in the disease course (within 2 months), which later improved. Arterial stenosis progression occurred in 6 cases at the final review of 29 cases who completed the imaging review, with 1 case developing progressive cerebral arteriopathy. The proportion of patients with headache, altered consciousness, and aphasia in the abnormal neurological function group, as well as the PedNISS scores at admission and discharge, were all higher than those in the normal neurological function group (all P<0.05). Univariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that only a PedNISS score>6 points at onset was an influencing factor for abnormal neurological function ( OR=20.58, 95% CI 3.93-107.70, P<0.001). Conclusions:Childhood FCA often presents with fluctuating onset, and the proximal segment of the middle cerebral artery is frequently affected. Progression of arterial stenosis is common within 2 months of the disease course, but clinical progression and new ischemic lesions are uncommon. Most patients have a favorable long-term prognosis. PedNIHSS score>6 points at admission is related to abnormal neurological function outcomes.


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