1.A review of transformer models in drug discovery and beyond.
Jian JIANG ; Long CHEN ; Lu KE ; Bozheng DOU ; Chunhuan ZHANG ; Hongsong FENG ; Yueying ZHU ; Huahai QIU ; Bengong ZHANG ; Guo-Wei WEI
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):101081-101081
Transformer models have emerged as pivotal tools within the realm of drug discovery, distinguished by their unique architectural features and exceptional performance in managing intricate data landscapes. Leveraging the innate capabilities of transformer architectures to comprehend intricate hierarchical dependencies inherent in sequential data, these models showcase remarkable efficacy across various tasks, including new drug design and drug target identification. The adaptability of pre-trained transformer-based models renders them indispensable assets for driving data-centric advancements in drug discovery, chemistry, and biology, furnishing a robust framework that expedites innovation and discovery within these domains. Beyond their technical prowess, the success of transformer-based models in drug discovery, chemistry, and biology extends to their interdisciplinary potential, seamlessly combining biological, physical, chemical, and pharmacological insights to bridge gaps across diverse disciplines. This integrative approach not only enhances the depth and breadth of research endeavors but also fosters synergistic collaborations and exchange of ideas among disparate fields. In our review, we elucidate the myriad applications of transformers in drug discovery, as well as chemistry and biology, spanning from protein design and protein engineering, to molecular dynamics (MD), drug target identification, transformer-enabled drug virtual screening (VS), drug lead optimization, drug addiction, small data set challenges, chemical and biological image analysis, chemical language understanding, and single cell data. Finally, we conclude the survey by deliberating on promising trends in transformer models within the context of drug discovery and other sciences.
2.Analysis of Major Syndromes and Their Typical Related Symptoms and Signs in 135 Patients with Metabolic Syndrome:A Clinical Study Based on Syndrome Element Differentiation and Latent Class Analysis
Tong WANG ; Mingqian JIANG ; Lifen MI ; Shanyi SHEN ; Shujie XIA ; Candong LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):376-381
ObjectiveTo explore the typical syndromes and their characteristic of symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). MethodsTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnostic information was collected from 135 MS patients. Syndrome element differentiation and latent class analysis (LCA) were applied to identify the major TCM syndromes in MS patients. Symptoms were analyzed based on the differentiated syndromes, and a binary logistic regression model was constructed to determine symptoms and signs with high diagnostic value. ResultsA total of 135 MS patients were included, involving 163 symptoms and signs with a total frequency of 1749; twenty-three syndrome elements were extracted, 367 times frequency in total, among which 8 syndrome elements occurred ≥10 times with 323 frequencies (88.01% of the total). These included location-related elements such as kidney (48 times), spleen (14 times), and stomach (14 times), and nature-related elements such as phlegm (71 times), yin deficiency (64 times), dampness (57 times), heat (42 times), and qi deficiency (13 times). Based on LCA, the 135 patients were categorized into two groups distinguished by the syndrome elements of dampness and phlegm, forming the "phlegm-dampness syndrome" as the major syndrome type. Nine high-frequency symptoms and signs associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome were identified,i.e. obesity (39 times), greasy coating (38 times), slippery pulse (33 times), white coating (31 times), preference for fatty and heavy foods (30 times), excessive urination (30 times), fatigue and lack of strength (29 times), wiry pulse (25 times), and dark red tongue (25 times). A binary logistic regression model was constructed combining these nine symptoms and signs with the LCA classification results, ultimately identifying obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating as independent factors associated with the phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients (P<0.05). ConclusionThe major TCM syndrome in MS patients is phlegm-dampness syndrome, and obesity, greasy coating, fatigue and lack of strength, and white coating are the typical symptoms and signs for diagnosing phlegm-dampness syndrome in MS patients.
3.Analysis on current situation of position training of clinical pharmacists in medical institutions in China
Dongni ZHENG ; Ya CHEN ; Mi GAN ; Shunlong OU ; Yongdong JIN ; Zhiqiang HU ; Xiaoyi CHEN ; Jinqi LI ; Qian JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(12):1424-1429
OBJECTIVE To summarize the current status of position training for clinical pharmacists in China and provide references for the continuous optimization of such training programs. METHODS SinoMed, CNKI,VIP and Wanfang Data were electronically searched to collect position training of clinical pharmacists studies from the inception until November 5th 2024. After data extraction and quality evaluation, descriptive analysis was performed on the results of the included studies. RESULTS & A total of 68 pieces of relevant literature were included in the study. Among them, 50 studies reported on training content, 49 involved the allocation of teaching resources in the bases, 48 addressed training methods, and 39 focused on training evaluation; only 2 studies mentioned faculty development. There were notable variations in the clinical pharmacist training programs across different bases, particularly in the allocation of teaching resources, such as the composition of the teaching team and the utilization of auxiliary teaching tools. Additionally, differences existed in training approaches, such as those employing a single method versus a blended approach. Conversely, the core training content of each base generally revolved around clinical pharmacy practice, demonstrating a degree of consistency. Moreover, the overall emphasis on teacher training and assessment tended to be obviously insufficient. Each base can focus on enhancing the competence of clinical pharmacists by allocating teaching resources, selecting training methods, improving training content, and using evaluation tools, to further enhance the quality of clinical pharmacist training.
4.Evaluation of anorectal dynamics in children with tethered cord syndrome before and after surgery and its clinical significance.
Qian-Cheng XU ; Zhi-Peng SHEN ; Pei-Liang ZHANG ; Jing-Yi FENG ; Mi-Zu JIANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(5):563-567
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the characteristics and clinical significance of anorectal manometry measurements in children with tethered cord syndrome (TCS) before and after surgery.
METHODS:
A retrospective study was conducted on 44 children with TCS treated at the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2022 to September 2023. These patients were divided into effective subgroup (n=34) and non-effective subgroup (n=10) based on postoperative symptom improvement. Additionally, 34 children with functional constipation were selected as a control group. Baseline data and manometry measurements were compared between the preoperative TCS group and the control group, as well as between the non-effective and effective subgroups.
RESULTS:
The TCS group had lower short contraction time and defecation relaxation rate compared to the control group (P<0.05), while defecation residual pressure and maximum rectal tolerable threshold were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The length of the anal canal in the high-pressure zone in the effective subgroup was greater postoperatively than preoperatively (P<0.05), and the initial rectal sensation threshold decreased postoperatively (P<0.05). The non-effective subgroup had lower preoperative maximum rectal expulsion pressure compared to the effective subgroup (P<0.05). Postoperative rectal anal inhibition reflex values in the effective subgroup were higher than those in the non-effective subgroup (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
There are some differences in anorectal dynamics between children with TCS and those with functional constipation. Maximum rectal expulsion pressure may be a key predictor of surgical outcomes. Surgery can alter certain defecation functions in some children.
Humans
;
Male
;
Anal Canal/physiopathology*
;
Female
;
Rectum/physiopathology*
;
Child
;
Child, Preschool
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Manometry
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Neural Tube Defects/physiopathology*
;
Infant
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Defecation
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Adolescent
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Constipation/physiopathology*
;
Clinical Relevance
5.Design and verification of accurate measurement of human body mass in microgravity environment
Zhe ZHANG ; Weibo LIU ; Zhi XU ; Yan ZHANG ; Jianping GUO ; Yu ZHANG ; Sheng Yuan WANG ; Yong XUAN ; Yue GAO ; Mi JIANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(1):50-57
Traditional mass measurement methods are not applicable in microgravity environments,and the main challenge for in-orbit body mass measurement technology based on inertial principles is to address the random errors brought about by the weightless environment.These include additional torques due to shifts in the center of mass,nonlinear accelerations due to non-rigid human bodies,mechanical energy consumption due to organ vibrations,and random vibrations of the measurement device itself.To address the above difficulties,the project proposes a technical scheme based on the principle of linear acceleration,designs and constructs a ground-specific air-floating experimental and simulation platform,studies key data such as motion trajectory,acceleration change,and vibration frequency amplitude during the mass measurement process,and simulates the changes in the center of mass and random vibrations of the human body in a weightless environment.The project has designed an adjustable posture bracket to adapt to changes in the center of mass,enhance body restraint,and greatly reduce shaking;it has also developed an integrated four-bar linkage motion guidance mechanism,high-precision integrated photoelectric distance measurement,and modular motion constant force measurement device to ensure the accurate measurement of acceleration and constant force data.The product has undergone simulation calculations,ground human applicability tests,and in-orbit applicability verification in the space station.Ground test results show that the device achieves a body mass measurement accuracy better than 0.5%,and the dispersion is better than 0.38%;after flight mission verification and evaluation,the in-orbit body mass measurement dispersion is less than 0.4%,which is superior to the SLAMMD,a mass measurement device of the same principle on the International Space Station,and is at the forefront internationally,achieving accurate body mass measurement.
6.The neuroprotective effect of W1302 on acute ischemic stroke in rats
Shao-feng XU ; Jiang LI ; Jie CAI ; Nan FENG ; Mi ZHANG ; Ling WANG ; Wei-ping WANG ; Hai-hong HUANG ; Yan WANG ; Xiao-liang WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2024;59(9):2539-2544
2-(4-Methylthiazol-5-yl) ethyl nitrate hydrochloride (W1302) is a nitro containing derivative of clomethiazole, which is a novel neuroprotective agent with both carbon monoxide (NO) donor and weak
7.Safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet 2 h versus overnight fasting before non-emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial
Wenbo MENG ; W. Joseph LEUNG ; Zhenyu WANG ; Qiyong LI ; Leida ZHANG ; Kai ZHANG ; Xuefeng WANG ; Meng WANG ; Qi WANG ; Yingmei SHAO ; Jijun ZHANG ; Ping YUE ; Lei ZHANG ; Kexiang ZHU ; Xiaoliang ZHU ; Hui ZHANG ; Senlin HOU ; Kailin CAI ; Hao SUN ; Ping XUE ; Wei LIU ; Haiping WANG ; Li ZHANG ; Songming DING ; Zhiqing YANG ; Ming ZHANG ; Hao WENG ; Qingyuan WU ; Bendong CHEN ; Tiemin JIANG ; Yingkai WANG ; Lichao ZHANG ; Ke WU ; Xue YANG ; Zilong WEN ; Chun LIU ; Long MIAO ; Zhengfeng WANG ; Jiajia LI ; Xiaowen YAN ; Fangzhao WANG ; Lingen ZHANG ; Mingzhen BAI ; Ningning MI ; Xianzhuo ZHANG ; Wence ZHOU ; Jinqiu YUAN ; Azumi SUZUKI ; Kiyohito TANAKA ; Jiankang LIU ; Ula NUR ; Elisabete WEIDERPASS ; Xun LI
Chinese Medical Journal 2024;137(12):1437-1446
Background::Although overnight fasting is recommended prior to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), the benefits and safety of high-carbohydrate fluid diet (CFD) intake 2 h before ERCP remain unclear. This study aimed to analyze whether high-CFD intake 2 h before ERCP can be safe and accelerate patients’ recovery.Methods::This prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial involved 15 tertiary ERCP centers. A total of 1330 patients were randomized into CFD group ( n = 665) and fasting group ( n = 665). The CFD group received 400 mL of maltodextrin orally 2 h before ERCP, while the control group abstained from food/water overnight (>6 h) before ERCP. All ERCP procedures were performed using deep sedation with intravenous propofol. The investigators were blinded but not the patients. The primary outcomes included postoperative fatigue and abdominal pain score, and the secondary outcomes included complications and changes in metabolic indicators. The outcomes were analyzed according to a modified intention-to-treat principle. Results::The post-ERCP fatigue scores were significantly lower at 4 h (4.1 ± 2.6 vs. 4.8 ± 2.8, t = 4.23, P <0.001) and 20 h (2.4 ± 2.1 vs. 3.4 ± 2.4, t= 7.94, P <0.001) in the CFD group, with least-squares mean differences of 0.48 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.71, P <0.001) and 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57–0.95, P <0.001), respectively. The 4-h pain scores (2.1 ± 1.7 vs. 2.2 ± 1.7, t = 2.60, P = 0.009, with a least-squares mean difference of 0.21 [95% CI: 0.05–0.37]) and positive urine ketone levels (7.7% [39/509] vs. 15.4% [82/533], χ2 = 15.13, P <0.001) were lower in the CFD group. The CFD group had significantly less cholangitis (2.1% [13/634] vs. 4.0% [26/658], χ2 = 3.99, P = 0.046) but not pancreatitis (5.5% [35/634] vs. 6.5% [43/658], χ2 = 0.59, P = 0.444). Subgroup analysis revealed that CFD reduced the incidence of complications in patients with native papilla (odds ratio [OR]: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.95, P = 0.028) in the multivariable models. Conclusion::Ingesting 400 mL of CFD 2 h before ERCP is safe, with a reduction in post-ERCP fatigue, abdominal pain, and cholangitis during recovery.Trail Registration::ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT03075280.
8.Comparison of early efficacy of manual technique and navigation positioning system-assisted reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament in children and adolescents
Qiuzhen LIANG ; Jiang ZHENG ; Zandong ZHAO ; Xin KANG ; Peidong LIU ; Mi ZHANG ; Chaofan LIAO ; Yue WANG ; Liang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics 2024;44(7):485-491
Objective:To investigate the initial effectiveness of manual techniques versus navigation positioning system-assisted reconstruction for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children and adolescent populations.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 28 patients with ACL rupture who underwent primary total epiphyseal ACL reconstruction in the Sports Medicine Treatment Center of Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2019 to October 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the method of guide needle insertion: the manual group (guide needle insertion relying on the operator's expertise) and the robot-assisted group (guide needle insertion assisted by the Tianji robot navigation and positioning system). The manual group comprised 14 cases (9 males, 5 females) with an average age of 13.59±1.59 years, while the robot-assisted group included 14 patients (10 males, 4 females) with an average age of 13.27±1.66 years. The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, guide needle placement times, the distance between the central point of the internal articular opening of the tibial and femoral bone tunnel and the ideal point, the rate of epiphyseal inflammation, and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective score, Lysholm score, KT-2000 ligament relaxation, lower limb force line were compared between the two groups.Results:The follow-up duration was 19.9±6.3 months for the manual group and 18.8±4.9 months for the robot group ( t=0.546, P=0.589). The manual group's operation duration was 123.0±12.6 min, significantly longer than the robot group's 96.4±12.9 min ( t=5.502, P<0.001). Intraoperative fluoroscopy was performed 11.8±3.1 times in the manual group, markedly more than the robot group's 3.7±0.8 times ( t=9.434, P<0.001). The robot group required only one guide needle placement for both femur and tibia, while the manual group had 5.7±1.2 placements on the femur side and 4.6±1.8 on the tibia side. The distance between the femoral joint's central point and the ideal point was 0.87±0.20 mm in the robot group, superior to the manual group's 1.92±0.64 mm ( t=5.816, P<0.001). Similarly, the distance between the central point and the ideal point was 1.15±0.34 mm for the robot group, better than the manual group's 1.94±0.55 mm ( t=4.582, P<0.001). No cases of epiphyseal irritation were observed in the robot group, while 21% (3/14) of the manual group experienced tibial or femoral epiphyseal plate involvement. At 3 months post-surgery, the robot group exhibited higher IKDC subjective scores (90.57±8.46) and Lysholm scores (86.29±5.09) compared to the manual group (83.50±6.19 and 80.93±5.93), respectively ( P<0.05). However, at the final follow-up, there were no significant differences in IKDC subjective scores, Lysholm scores, or KT-2000 ligament relaxation between the two groups ( P>0.05). Both groups showed normal lower limb force alignment and no abnormal growth or development. Conclusion:Tianji robot navigation and positioning system-assisted ACL reconstruction in children and adolescents offer advantages such as precise positioning, shorter operation times, reduced intraoperative fluoroscopy, faster recovery, and enhanced epiphyseal protection compared to manual methods.
9.Effect of remazolam on sleep rhythm and postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery
Jianzhong WANG ; Tingting LI ; Hongying JIANG ; Wei ZHOU ; Aihua SHU ; Xiaobo CHEN ; Mi ZHOU
The Journal of Clinical Anesthesiology 2024;40(7):693-698
Objective To investigate the effects of remazolam on melatonin secretion,sleep rhythm and postoperative delirium(POD)in elderly patients undergoing spinal surgery.Methods A total of 160 elderly patients,76 males and 84 females,aged 65-80 years,BMI 18.5-24.0 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ,from November 2023 to January 2024 undergoing spinal surgery(lumbar interbody fusion,posterior approach)under general anesthesia were selected.The patients were divided into two groups by random number table method:the remazolam group(group R)and the propofol group(group P),80 pa-tients in each group.Group R was given remazolam 0.3 mg/kg for anesthesia induction,and then continued to pump remazolam 0.3-0.8 mg·kg-1·h-1 for anesthesia maintenance.Group P was given propofol 2.0 mg/kg for anesthesia induction,and then continued to pump propofol 4-6 mg·kg-1·h-1 for anesthesia maintenance.The levels of melatonin and cortisol were recorded at 04:00 a.m.on the day of surgery,1 day,2 and 3 days after surgery.Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)and VAS pain scores at rest were recorded 1 day before surgery,1 day and 2 days after surgery and before discharge.The occurrence of POD and post-operative sleep disorder(POSD)were recorded.The duration of extubation,PACU stay time,total analgesia pump compressions,effective analgesia pump compressions,number of remedial analgesia cases,intraoperative hypotension,postoperative nausea and vomiting,dizziness,respiratory depression and other adverse events were recorded.Results Compared with group P,the extubation time and PACU residence time in group R were significantly shortened(P<0.05),the level of melatonin was significantly increased while the level of cortisol was significantly decreased at 4:00 a.m.,and the PSQI was significantly decreased 1 day after surgery(P<0.05),the incidence of POD,POSD,and intraoperative hypotension were signifi-cantly decreased(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in extubation time,total and effective times of analgesic pump,rate of remedial analgesia,intraoperative hypotension,postoperative nausea,vom-iting,dizziness and respiratory depression between the two groups.Conclusion Remazolam has little effect on the secretion rhythm of melatonin and cortisol and the sleep rhythm after spinal surgery in elderly pa-tients,and the recovery is faster,which can reduce the incidence of POD and alleviate the sleep disorder af-ter spinal surgery.
10.Effects of sennoside A on atherosclerotic plaque formation and expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine signal moleculars in mice with diabetes mellitus type 2
Meizhi LIU ; Ziyang WANG ; Yaning JIANG ; Meng MI ; Yongning SUN
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2024;44(8):991-998
Objective·To investigate the effects of sennoside A(SA)on the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT)and its receptor in mice with diabetes mellitus type 2(T2DM).Methods·Twelve mice with knocked-out apolipoprotein E gene were randomly divided into two groups,namely the model group and the model+SA group,with six mice in each group.Six C57BL/6J mice with the same genetic background were used as the control group.The control group was fed with normal diet,and the model group and the model+SA group were given intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(30 mg/kg)daily on the basis of high-fat diet to establish a model of T2DM.The model+SA group was given SA daily by gavage for 8 weeks,and the control group and the model group were given equal volume of distillation-distillation H2O by gavage.The body weight,fasting blood glucose(FBG)and 2-h postprandial blood glucose of mice were compared before and after modeling and treatment.The area of aortic plaque was observed by oil red O staining and hematoxylin-eosin(H-E)staining,and the level of 5-HT in serum and thoracic aorta was measured by ELISA kit.Western blotting was used to detect the expression of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B(HTR2B)and serotonin transporter(SERT)in thoracic aorta of mice.Results·Compared with the control group,the body weight,FBG and 2-h postprandial blood glucose in the model group increased,and glucose metabolism was disordered.The expression of HTR2B and SERT protein in thoracic aorta increased,while the concentration of 5-HT in thoracic aorta decreased.The serum 5-HT concentration increased(all P<0.05).After treatment with SA,compared with the model group,the body weight of the model+SA group decreased,and FBG and 2-h postprandial blood glucose were significantly improved.The area of aortic plaque and the expression of HTR2B and SERT protein in thoracic aorta significantly decreased,while the concentration of 5-HT increased.The serum 5-HT concentration decreased(all P<0.05).Conclusion·SA can reduce atherosclerotic plaque area in T2DM mice,which may be related to lowering blood glucose and inhibiting the expression of 5-HT and its receptor.

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