1.A machine learning-based depression recognition model integrating spirit-expression features from traditional Chinese medicine
Minghui YAO ; Rongrong ZHU ; Peng QIAN ; Huilin LIU ; Xirong SUN ; Limin GAO ; Fufeng LI
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):68-79
Objective:
To develop a depression recognition model by integrating the spirit-expression diagnostic framework of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with machine learning algorithms. The proposed model seeks to establish a TCM-informed tool for early depression screening, thereby bridging traditional diagnostic principles with modern computational approaches.
Methods:
The study included patients with depression who visited the Shanghai Pudong New Area Mental Health Center from October 1, 2022 to October 1, 2023, as well as students and teachers from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine during the same period as the healthy control group. Videos of 3 – 10 s were captured using a Xiaomi Pad 5, and the TCM spirit and expressions were determined by TCM experts (at least 3 out of 5 experts agreed to determine the category of TCM spirit and expressions). Basic information, facial images, and interview information were collected through a portable TCM intelligent analysis and diagnosis device, and facial diagnosis features were extracted using the Open CV computer vision library technology. Statistical analysis methods such as parametric and non-parametric tests were used to analyze the baseline data, TCM spirit and expression features, and facial diagnosis feature parameters of the two groups, to compare the differences in TCM spirit and expression and facial features. Five machine learning algorithms, including extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), decision tree (DT), Bernoulli naive Bayes (BernoulliNB), support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classification, were used to construct a depression recognition model based on the fusion of TCM spirit and expression features. The performance of the model was evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The model results were explained using the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP).
Results:
A total of 93 depression patients and 87 healthy individuals were ultimately included in this study. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The differences in the characteristics of the spirit and expressions in TCM and facial features between the two groups were shown as follows. (i) Quantispirit facial analysis revealed that depression patients exhibited significantly reduced facial spirit and luminance compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05), with characteristic features such as sad expressions, facial erythema, and changes in the lip color ranging from erythematous to cyanotic. (ii) Depressed patients exhibited significantly lower values in facial complexion L, lip L, and a values, and gloss index, but higher values in facial complexion a and b, lip b, low gloss index, and matte index (all P < 0.05). (iii) The results of multiple models show that the XGBoost-based depression recognition model, integrating the TCM “spirit-expression” diagnostic framework, achieved an accuracy of 98.61% and significantly outperformed four benchmark algorithms—DT, BernoulliNB, SVM, and KNN (P < 0.01). (iv) The SHAP visualization results show that in the recognition model constructed by the XGBoost algorithm, the complexion b value, categories of facial spirit, high gloss index, low gloss index, categories of facial expression and texture features have significant contribution to the model.
Conclusion
This study demonstrates that integrating TCM spirit-expression diagnostic features with machine learning enables the construction of a high-precision depression detection model, offering a novel paradigm for objective depression diagnosis.
2.Clinical application of minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty in patients with infective endocarditis complicated with mitral valve insufficiency
Yubin ZHONG ; Yunqing SHI ; Quanlin YANG ; Songyi QIAN ; Limin XIA ; Kai SONG ; Sun PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(05):778-783
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive mitral valvuloplasty (MVP) in the treatment of infective endocarditis (IE) with mitral regurgitation (MR). Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent MVP for IE with MR at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from 2016 to 2020. Patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical incision: those with a right mini-thoracotomy were classified as a minimally invasive surgery (MIS) group, and those with a median sternotomy (MS) were classified as an MS group. All patients had isolated mitral valve involvement. Perioperative data were analyzed, and mid- to long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 86 patients were included, with 40 in the MIS group [22 males and 18 females, with a mean age of (39.78±15.36) years ranging from 14 to 75 years] and 46 in the MS group [27 males and 19 females, with a mean age of (49.94±16.13) years ranging from 14 to 71 years]. The patients in the MIS group were relatively younger (P=0.004) with better preoperative cardiac function (P=0.004). There was no statistical difference in preoperative fever, gender, or comorbidities between the two groups (P>0.05). The MIS group had shorter postoperative ventilation times, less postoperative 24-hour drainage, less blood transfusion, and shorter total hospital stays compared to the MS group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in cardiopulmonary bypass times or ICU stays between the two groups (P>0.05). The perioperative complication rates and mortality rates were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). Follow-up was conducted for 11-92 months, with a mean duration of (49±19) months and an overall follow-up rate of 91.9%. During the follow-up, 3 patients in each group required reoperation for mitral valve issues, with no statistical difference in incidence (7.5% vs. 6.5%, P=0.691). There were no warfarin-related complications, recurrences, or deaths in either group during follow-up. Multivariate regression analysis identified age, preoperative cardiac function, and surgeon experience as influencing factors for the choice of surgical approach. Conclusion Minimally invasive MVP for IE with MR is relatively safe in the perioperative period and shows significant efficacy, with clear mid- to long-term outcomes. It is recommended for younger patients with better preoperative cardiac function and when performed by surgeons with extensive experience in mitral valvuloplasty.
3.Risk factors for painful diabetic neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Xiaojun CAO ; Mengjie TANG ; Limin SHEN ; Ya SHEN ; Yezi SUN ; Huan LU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):168-171
Objective To explore the risk factors of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods A total of 269 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who were treated in the Department of Endocrinology at Zhangjiagang Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University from January 2020 to December 2024 were selected. The patients were divided into two groups: T2DM without PDN (n=190) and T2DM with PDN (n=79). The general characteristics and biochemical indicators of the two groups of patients were compared. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the associated factors with PDN in T2DM. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate fasting C-peptide (FC-P), body mass index (BMI), and disease duration to predict the risk of PDN. Results Compared with the T2DM group without concurrent PDN, the T2DM group with concurrent PDN had a longer disease course, lower BMI, higher HDL-C, lower FC-P, and a higher proportion of diabetic retinopathy. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI, duration, and FC-P were associated factors of PDN. Conclusion BMI, duration and FC-P are associated factors of painful neuropathy complicated with type 2 diabetes.
4.Dynamic Interactions Between Hemispheres Reveal a Compensatory Pathway for Motor Recovery in Moderate-to-Severe Subcortical Stroke
Huaxin FAN ; Hewei WANG ; Zhengxu LIAN ; Qiurong YU ; Xinran WU ; Nanyu KUANG ; Benjamin BECKER ; Jianfeng FENG ; Mingxia FAN ; Lili SONG ; Limin SUN ; Jie ZHANG ; Craig S. ANDERSON
Journal of Stroke 2026;28(1):97-114
Background:
and Purpose Therapeutic target selection in noninvasive brain stimulation for poststroke motor recovery typically relies on the interhemispheric inhibition model, which is effective for mildly affected patients but offers limited benefits for severely affected individuals. The mechanisms governing recovery from moderate-to-severe stroke remain poorly understood, which hinders the development of targeted interventions.
Methods:
We analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from patients with unilateral subcortical stroke and moderate-to-severe upper limb deficits, both pre- and postintervention, along with data from healthy controls. We developed a novel dynamic lag analysis method for identifying recovery-related homotopic sensorimotor regions with altered interhemispheric interactions. To further uncover the global reorganization pathway, we developed dynamic lateralization approaches to detect large-scale functional connectivity (FC) alterations associated with the identified regions in transient lateralization states.
Results:
Dynamic time-lag analysis revealed significantly reduced synchronized states in the homotopic dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) post-intervention compared with pre-intervention, which correlated with motor recovery. Further dynamic lateralization analysis revealed a prolonged segregation state in patients, characterized by weakened interhemispheric and strengthened intrahemispheric interactions. In this state, patients showed decreased FC in the ipsilesional PMd and increased FC in the contralesional PMd with bilateral subcortical networks. These recoveryrelated alterations were absent in the traditional static analysis.
Conclusions
Dynamic analyses targeting interhemispheric interactions are valuable for understanding neural reorganization after stroke. The diminished interactions between the homotopic PMd indicate a compensatory mechanism. Importantly, a state-dependent compensatory pathway was identified, wherein the contralesional PMd assumes the functions of the ipsilesional PMd through enhanced interactions with subcortical structures, potentially guiding more effective interventions.
5.Comparative efficacy of a miniature,implantable pelvic floor neuromuscular stimulation system at different frequencies for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence based on a rat model
Bohong LONG ; Chen LI ; Han DENG ; Haoyu SUN ; Limin LIAO ; Xing LI
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(5):839-844
Objective To investigate the comparative efficacy of different frequencies of pelvic floor electrical stimulation(PFES)on stress urinary incontinence(SUI)in rats.Methods Twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6,15,30 and 50 Hz group by random number table method.All rats underwent vaginal dilatation(VD)to simulate postpartum SUI.One week after VD,the sneeze test was conducted to determine whether the modeling was successful.If the sneeze test was positive,the modeling was successful.The miniature and wireless electric pelvic floor stimulator were implanted into the pelvic floor muscle of the modeled rats,and PFES were treated for 2 weeks in each group at the rates of 6,15,30 and 50 Hz,respectively.The Leak point pressure(LPP)of all rats before VD,1 week after VD and 2 weeks after stimulation were measured by cystometrograms(CMGs)for comparison.Results LPP was significantly reduced in all groups of rats after VD 1 week(P<0.001).Compared with after VD 1 week,after two consecutive weeks of PFES at four different frequencies of 6,15,30 and 50 Hz,LPP was again significantly increased(P<0.001)and reached the baseline level(P>0.05)in all groups of rats.In the between-group comparison of the rats in each group,there was no significant difference in their LPP at baseline value,after VD 1 week and after stimulation 2 weeks(P>0.05).Conclusion The present study suggests that of the several stimulation frequencies explored so far,6 Hz may be a more appropriate choice for PFES.Further studies are still needed to evaluate more frequencies and the long-term efficacy of PFES.
6.Research progress on the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Limin ZHANG ; Gang ZOU ; Shuo SUN ; Qianhui YANG ; Boshi LIU ; Xiaorong LI
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(10):825-829
Age-related macular degeneration(AMD)is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly.Wet AMD(nAMD)accounts for more than 90%of AMD-related vision loss.Pathologically,nAMD is defined by choroidal neovascu-larization(CNV)and chronic retinal inflammation driven by oxidative stress,complement activation,pro-inflammatory cy-tokines,and overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Yet anti-VEGF monotherapy often falls short.The nuclear factor kappa-B(NF-κB)signaling cascade,acting through both canonical and non-canonical pathways,or-chestrates the expression of genes governing immunity,inflammation,apoptosis,and angiogenesis.In nAMD,oxidative stress and complement fragments ignite NF-κB,unleashing a repertoire of pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic mediators that fuel CNV.Pharmacologic or genetic suppression of NF-κB dampens both inflammation and neovascularization,attenua-ting experimental CNV.Thus,dissecting the molecular machinery of NF-κB signaling in nAMD may uncover novel combina-tion strategies that enhance therapeutic efficacy and curb anti-VEGF resistance.
7.Analysis of independent risk factors for poor prognosis after transnasal-intestinal obstruction catheterization under endoscopic ultrasound and construction and verification of nomogram
Chuan WANG ; Haibin SUN ; Junmei LI ; Limin NIE ; Yanwei FANG
China Journal of Endoscopy 2025;31(8):8-17
Objective To explore the independent risk factors influencing the poor prognosis after transnasal-intestinal obstruction catheterization under endoscopic ultrasound,construct a nomogram for predicting poor postoperative prognosis,and conduct external validation of the nomogram.Methods Clinical data of 451 patients with intestinal obstruction who underwent endoscopic ultrasound transnasal-intestinal obstruction catheterization from February 2019 to February 2022 were collected to establish a nomogram.Then,194 sets of data with the same conditions from February 2022 to February 2024 were collected as the external validation group to validate the model externally.The recovery at 30 d after operation was observed and divided into good prognosis group and poor prognosis group.Multivariate Logistic regression model was used to analyze the independent risk factors influencing the poor prognosis after transnasal-intestinal obstruction catheterization under endoscopic ultrasound.Using R 3.6.3 software and the RMS package,a nomogram model for predicting the risk of poor prognosis after intestinal obstruction catheterization under endoscopic ultrasound was constructed..The discrimination and consistency of the model were evaluated using receiver operator characteristic curve(ROC curve)and calibration curve.Results The patients in the poor prognosis group were older than those in the good prognosis group,the levels of C-reactive protein(CRP),procalcitonin(PCT)and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR)were higher than those in the good prognosis group,the length of hospital stay was longer than that in the good prognosis group,and the proportion of diabetes,abdominal pain and hormone using were higher than those in the good prognosis group,body mass index(BMI),preoperative albumin level and preoperative nutritional support ratio were lower than those of the good prognosis group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis(introduction level was 0.05,exclusion level was 0.107)showed that:age≥68 years(OR^=2.631,95%CI:1.927~3.593),BMI<22.31 kg/m2(OR^=2.142,95%CI:1.436~3.195),preoperative albumin<32.47g/L(OR^=1.962,95%CI:1.506~2.556)and preoperative nutritional non-support(OR^=2.814,95%CI:1.401~5.654)were independent risk factors affecting the poor prognosis after endoscopic transnasal-intestinal obstruction catheterization(P<0.05).The column nomogram showed that old age,low BMI,low preoperative albumin,and no preoperative nutritional support all increased their corresponding weights.Internal and external validation results indicated good consistency and discrimination of the model.Conclusion age≥68 years,BMI<22.31 kg/m2,preoperative albumin<32.47 g/L,and no preoperative nutritional support are all independent risk factors affecting the ineffective of intestinal obstruction catheterization under endoscopic ultrasound.The nomogram model established in this study based on these four factors has high reliability and practicality.
8.Comparative efficacy of a miniature,implantable pelvic floor neuromuscular stimulation system at different frequencies for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence based on a rat model
Bohong LONG ; Chen LI ; Han DENG ; Haoyu SUN ; Limin LIAO ; Xing LI
Journal of Capital Medical University 2025;46(5):839-844
Objective To investigate the comparative efficacy of different frequencies of pelvic floor electrical stimulation(PFES)on stress urinary incontinence(SUI)in rats.Methods Twenty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6,15,30 and 50 Hz group by random number table method.All rats underwent vaginal dilatation(VD)to simulate postpartum SUI.One week after VD,the sneeze test was conducted to determine whether the modeling was successful.If the sneeze test was positive,the modeling was successful.The miniature and wireless electric pelvic floor stimulator were implanted into the pelvic floor muscle of the modeled rats,and PFES were treated for 2 weeks in each group at the rates of 6,15,30 and 50 Hz,respectively.The Leak point pressure(LPP)of all rats before VD,1 week after VD and 2 weeks after stimulation were measured by cystometrograms(CMGs)for comparison.Results LPP was significantly reduced in all groups of rats after VD 1 week(P<0.001).Compared with after VD 1 week,after two consecutive weeks of PFES at four different frequencies of 6,15,30 and 50 Hz,LPP was again significantly increased(P<0.001)and reached the baseline level(P>0.05)in all groups of rats.In the between-group comparison of the rats in each group,there was no significant difference in their LPP at baseline value,after VD 1 week and after stimulation 2 weeks(P>0.05).Conclusion The present study suggests that of the several stimulation frequencies explored so far,6 Hz may be a more appropriate choice for PFES.Further studies are still needed to evaluate more frequencies and the long-term efficacy of PFES.
9.Effect of diltiazem on coronary microcirculation and vascular endothelial function in patients with acute coronary syndrome before surgery
Pengjin SU ; Ziqian WANG ; Xiuquan SUN ; Xiaoqian LI ; Limin MENG
China Modern Doctor 2025;63(26):51-54
Objective To study the effect of diltiazem on coronary microcirculation and vascular endothelial function in patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS)before surgery.Methods A total of 96 ACS patients admitted to Fengfeng General Hospital of North China Medical and Health Group between October 2023 and October 2024 were selected as subjects.The patients were divided into experimental group(n=48)and control group(n=48)by using a random number table method.The experimental group received slow intravenous infusion of diltiazem dilution before surgery and continued intravenous diltiazem during the procedure,while the control group received normal saline both preoperatively and intraoperatively.During the operation,coronary microcirculation parameters[coronary angiography,myocardial perfusion grading(TIMI),microcirculatory resistance index,intraoperative slow blood flow,and no-reflux status]were monitored.Vascular endothelial indexes(endothelin-1,vascular endothelial growth factor)were detected before and one week after surgery.Cardiovascular adverse events were also observed within six months postoperative.Results Postoperative TIMI myocardial perfusion grading in experimental group was superior to than that in control group,and the incidence of slow blood flow and no reflux during surgery in experimental group were lower than those in control group.The levels of endothelin-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor in experimental group were lower than those in control group,and the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events in experimental group were lower than those in control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion The use of diltiazem before percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with ACS can effectively increase coronary blood flow,improve coronary microcirculation,and protect vascular endothelial function.
10.Clinical efficacy of lateral interbody fusion versus posterior lumbar interbody fusion in the treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis
Bing CHEN ; Chao CHEN ; Xiaopeng LI ; Hanming BIAN ; Wentao WAN ; Gang LIU ; Dong ZHAO ; Haiyun YANG ; Limin SUN ; Baoshan XU ; Xiangqian FANG ; Xinlong MA ; Qiang YANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2025;45(9):596-603
Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of lumbar lateral interbody fusion (LLIF) versus posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in the treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods:The data of patients with severe lumbar spinal stenosis who underwent LLIF or PLIF from February 2019 to December 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 30 patients in the LLIF group, 10 males and 20 females, aged 62.7±5.6 years (range, 53-74 years), including 21 cases of single segment and 9 cases of double segment. There were 46 patients in the PLIF group, including 20 males and 26 females, aged 63.2±8.4 years (range, 43-75 years), 40 cases of single segment and 6 cases of double segment. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), intervertebral space height, intervertebral foramen height and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results:All patients were followed up for an average of 21.3±6.4 months (range, 12-32 months). The intraoperative blood loss in the LLIF group was 112.2±76.9 ml, which was significantly lower than 193.9±88.2 ml in the PLIF group ( P<0.05). The VAS scores of back pain and leg pain after operation were significantly lower than those before operation in the two groups ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in back pain VAS scores at preoperative, 6 months postoperative, and final follow-up ( P>0.05); the back pain VAS score at 1 month postoperatively in the LLIF group was 1.6±1.2, which was less than 2.8±0.7 in the PLIF group ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in leg pain VAS scores at preoperative, 1 month postoperative, and 6 months postoperative ( P>0.05); the leg pain VAS score at the final follow-up in the LLIF group was 1.2±1.5, which was smaller than 1.8±1.0 in the PLIF group ( P<0.05). The postoperative ODI was smaller than the preoperative one in both groups, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05); the preoperative, 1-month postoperative, 6-month postoperative, and final follow-up ODIs in the LLIF group were 45.7%±16.0%, 17.9%±12.0%, 16.2%±11.6%, and 15.7%±11.7%, and those in the PLIF group were 47.9%±15.4%, 20.1%±9.3%, 16.9%±10.6%, and 14.6%±11.0% in the PLIF group, and the difference between the groups was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The preoperative intervertebral space height in the LLIF group was 10.6±2.0 mm, which was smaller than that in the PLIF group 11.8±2.2 mm ( P<0.05). The intervertebral space heights in the immediate postoperative period and at the final follow-up were 13.3±2.3 mm and 12.3±2.2 mm in the LLIF group and 13.7±1.7 mm and 13.0±1.9 mm in the PLIF group ( P>0.05). The preoperative intervertebral foraminal height in the LLIF group was 18.0±3.2 mm, which was smaller than that of 19.7±2.4 mm in the PLIF group ( P<0.05); the intervertebral foraminal heights in the immediate postoperative period and at the final follow-up were 21.4±2.5 mm and 20.2±2.4 mm in the LLIF group, and in the PLIF group were 20.7±2.4 mm and 19.7±2.6 mm in the PLIF group ( P>0.05). In the LLIF group, 2 cases had femoral nerve injury and 2 cases had transient back pain after operation. There were 2 cases of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 1 case of screw loosening, and 2 cases of deep vein thrombosis in the PLIF group. In the PLIF group, 2 patients underwent revision, including 1 case due to cage displacement and 1 case due to screw malposition. The fusion settling rate was 21% (8/39) in the LLIF group and 12% (6/52) in the PLIF group ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Both LLIF and PLIF can effectively restore the intervertebral height, improve the lumbar function and the symptoms of back and leg pain in the treatment of severe lumbar spinal stenosis.


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