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.Epidemiological characteristics analysis of tuberculosis among college students in Yangzhou during 2020-2024
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):109-112
Objective:
To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) among college students in Yangzhou from 2020 to 2024, so as to provide a scientific basis for developing prevention and control strategies.
Methods:
An epidemiological investigation was conducted among 162 college students with PTB, and 7 134 of their contacts were screened. Data were obtained from the tuberculosis information management system and on campus screening records. Using descriptive epidemiological methods, trends in incidence, seasonal distribution, and bacteriological characteristics were analyzed.
Results:
From 2020 to 2024, the annual average incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among college students in Yangzhou was 29.42 per 100 000, showing an overall fluctuating downward trend ( χ 2=12.36, P <0.01). Cases were mainly concentrated in summer and autumn, with the highest proportion in autumn (41.36%, 67/162), followed by summer (23.46%, 38/162). The proportion of etiologically positive cases increased from 37.21% in 2020 to 71.43% in 2024; among positive cases, the proportion of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) decreased from 66.67% (10/15) to 26.67% (4/15). The etiological positive rate was higher in females than in males ( χ 2= 11.76 , P <0.01). Comparison of screening methods showed that among index cases, the LTBI detection rate of the recombinant Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion protein skin test (C-TST) was higher than that of the tuberculin skin test (TST), but the difference was not statistically significant ( χ 2=0.65, P =0.42); among close contacts, the detection rate of TST was higher than that of C-TST (15.1%,10.1%; χ 2=5.23, P <0.05).
Conclusion
From 2020 to 2024, the annual average incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis among college students in Yangzhou showed an overall fluctuating downward trend, with differences in TB infection screening methods and gender.
3.Effect of Bushen Huoxue Granule (补肾活血颗粒) on Dopamine Homeostasis and ERK/CREB/VMAT2 Signaling Pathways in the Striatum in Parkinson's Disease Model Mice
Hehao SUN ; Yingfan CHEN ; Peng WANG ; Xiaohan GENG ; Yuzhi ZHANG ; Qian ZHANG ; Min LI ; Shaodan LI ; Minghui YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(23):2484-2493
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Bushen Huoxue Granule (补肾活血颗粒, BHG) in treating Parkinson's disease (PD) from the perspecitve of dopamine (DA) homeostasis. MethodsSeventy-two mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, madopar group and BHG low-, medium- and high-dose groups, with 12 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, all mice were administered intraperitoneal injections of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) for 7 consecutive days to induce a PD model. On the day following the injection, BHG low-, medium- and high-dose groups were administered BHG at doses of 1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/(g·d) by oral gavage, respectively, while the madopar group received madopar tablets at dose of 0.093 8 mg/(g·d) by oral gavage. The blank group and the model group were given 0.2 ml/10 g of distilled water by gavage. All treatments were given once daily for 14 days. Open field test, pole climbing test and grip test were used to evaluate the behavior of mice in each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in striatum. Nissl staining was used to detect the activity of striatal neurons. The contents of DA and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in striatum were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. The number and volume of synaptic vesicles were observed by transmission electron microscope. The expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) in striatum was detected by immunofluorescence. Western Blot was used to detect the expression of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylated ERK (p-ERK), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) and VMAT2 in striatum. ResultsCompared to the blank group, mice in the model group showed a significant decline in total distance and average speed in the open field test, along with an increase in total resting time; in the pole test, both the time required for the mice to turn completely downward (T-turn) and the total time taken to reach the bottom of the pole (T-total) were prolonged; forelimb grip strength was reduced; in the striatum, the mean optical density of TH, the average fluorescence intensity of VMAT2 protein, and DA content all decreased, while the number of striatal neurons was reduced, and the DOPAC/DA ratio was elevated; the levels of p-ERK/ERK, p-CREB/CREB, and VMAT2 in the striatum significantly decreased (P<0.01); transmission electron microscopy revealed that both the number and volume of synaptic vesicles in striatal neurons were markedly reduced. Compared to the model group, mice in the madopar group and BHG low-, medium- and high-dose groups showed significant improvements in all the above indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared to madopar group, the BHG high-dose group exhibited increased DA content and elevated p-CREB/CREB ratio in the striatum (P<0.05). Compared to the BHG low-dose group, the BHG high-dose group showed increased total distance and mean velocity, decreased total resting time, T-turn, and T-total, as well as enhanced forelimb grip strength; moreover, the average fluorescence intensity of VMAT2 protein, DA content, p-ERK/ERK, p-CREB/CREB, and VMAT2 levels in the striatum were all significantly elevated (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionBHG may restore DA homeostasis and alleviate the damage of dopaminergic neurons by regulating ERK/CREB/VMAT2 signaling pathway.
4.Rabies epidemic surveillance analysis,China,2024
Xiaonuo XU ; Na ZHANG ; Pengcheng YU ; Shuqing LIU ; Qian LIU ; Minghui ZHANG ; Xiaoyan TAO ; Wuyang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(5):598-603
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of rabies in China during 2024 to understand the patterns of disease transmission and provide a scientific basis for optimizing prevention strategies and advancing the rabies elimination process.Methods:Data on the national rabies epidemic in 2024 and case-specific information from national surveillance sites were collected from China's National Notifiable Disease Reporting System(NNDRS). Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the disease trends and epidemic characteristics.Results:In 2024,China reported 167 human rabies cases across 20 provincial-level administrative divisions(PLADs),resulting in 148 fatalities. This represents a 39.17% increase from 2023(120 cases)and the highest annual incidence recorded since 2019. The epidemic exhibited a distinct geographic clustering in central and southern China,with four provinces(Henan,Guangxi,Hunan,and Hubei)accounting for 62.87%(105/167)of nationally reported cases. October(20 cases)and November(20 cases)recorded the highest monthly incidence,while February had the lowest(2 cases). Farmers constituted the primary affected demographic(80.84%),with a marked male predominance(male-to-female ratio:2.15∶1)-higher than the 2023 ratio(1.86∶1). Cases spanned all age groups,predominantly affecting middle-aged and older adults. Analysis of 54 cases revealed dogs as the primary exposure source(93.88%),with domestic dogs constituting 75.00% of these.The laboratory diagnosis rate of rabies cases in 2024 was 43.71%(73/167).Conclusion:After 16 consecutive years of decline,China's rabies epidemic rebounded in 2024,primarily driven by deficiencies in domestic dog management and weaknesses in post-exposure prophylaxis. Key recommendations include enhancing canine vaccination coverage in high-risk areas,implementing targeted health education for farmers and middle-aged and older adults,improving standardized post-exposure treatment protocols,and optimizing integrated surveillance-alert-response systems,ultimately advancing the achievement of rabies elimination goals.
5.The characteristics and mechanism of dynamic changes of different components in microenvironment in regulating the progression of liver fibrosis
Huilan ZHAO ; Zongxu LIU ; Shumin LI ; Zhifeng WANG ; Minghui LIU ; Qian SHENG ; Kunbin KE ; Xinan SHI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(4):755-760
The liver has diverse functions such as metabolism, detoxification, and immune defense, and the maintenance of hepatic microenvironment homeostasis is crucial for overall bodily health. The hepatic microenvironment consists of the components such as parenchymal cells, non-parenchymal cells, and non-cellular components. Chronic inflammatory responses induced by various etiological factors may promote the formation and progression of liver fibrosis. During the dynamic progression of liver fibrosis, from the early to advanced stages, various components within the hepatic microenvironment undergo a series of changes, which can promote the malignant progression of liver fibrosis. An in-depth exploration of the mechanisms underlying such changes in each component of the liver fibrosis microenvironment is of great significance for understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and discovering potential treatment strategies.
6.Correlation between residual cholesterol and hearing loss in noise-exposed workers
Jing QIAN ; Aichu YANG ; Minghui XIAO ; Danyan CAO ; Jijun GUO ; Xiufeng LU
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(1):40-44
Objective To analyze the effect of residual cholesterol (RC) on hearing loss in noise-exposed workers. Methods A total of 3 412 workers engaged in noise operation work in an underground railway enterprise were selected as the research subjects using the judgment sampling method. Their occupational health examination data were collected to analyze the relationship between RC and hearing loss. Results The noise intensity of workplace in the underground rail enterprise was 80.0-85.0 (81.4±3.2) dB(A). The detection rate of hearing loss was 20.2% (691/3 412). The rates of abnormal total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were 35.6%, 25.7%, 9.5% and 42.4%, respectively. The median and the 25th and 75th percentiles [M(P25,P75)] of RC level were 0.24 (0.15, 0.37) mmol/L. The levels of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and RC of workers in hearing loss group were higher than those in normal hearing group [M(P25,P75): 4.91(4.37, 5.58) vs 4.84(4.30, 5.46) mmol/L, 1.29(0.91, 1.93) vs 1.16(0.82, 1.67) mmol/L, 0.26(0.16, 0.41) vs 0.24(0.14, 0.37) mmol/L, all P<0.05]. The detection rate of hearing loss in abnormal triglyceride group was higher than that in normal triglyceride group (24.8% vs 18.7%, P<0.01), and the detection rate of hearing loss in abnormal HDL-C group was higher than that in normal HDL-C group (25.0% vs 19.8%, P<0.05). The higher the serum RC level, the higher the detection rate of hearing loss (P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression result showed that individual with older age, longer work time and higher serum RC level had higher risk of hearing abnormality (all P<0.05), and the risk of hearing abnormality was higher in patients with abnormal fasting blood glucose than patients with normal faseing blood glucose (P<0.05) after controlling for confounding factors such as gender, alcohol consumption, body mass index, and elevated blood pressure. However, abnormal triacylglycerol and HDL-C levels were not significantly related to the risk of hearing abnormality (both P>0.05). Conclusion Serum RC levels are an independent risk factor for hearing loss among noise-exposed workers exposed to noise level of 80.0-85.0 dB(A) in the workplace.
7.Development history and hotspot analysis of research on overweight and obesity in children and adolescents based on CiteSpace
TIAN Xiaoli, XIANG Minghui, ZHANG Qian
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(4):479-484
Objective:
To explore the development history trends and research hotspots in children and adolescent overweight and obesity studies, so as to provide a basis for conducting scientific research in related fields.
Methods:
Relevant literature were retrieved from CNKI, WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform, China Biomedical Literature Service System, Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed database from January 1980 to September 2024, and knowledge graph was constructed by using CiteSpace visualization software to explore and analyze.
Results:
A total of 9 108 articles were retrieved (5 197 in Chinese and 3 911 in English). From 1980 to 2024, the number of publications in the field of overweight and obesity research in children and adolescents showed an upward trend. Keyword cooccurrence analysis showed that body fat percentage (intermediary centrality:0.69), body mass index (intermediary centrality:0.50) and physical activity (intermediary centrality:0.13) were the bridge keywords connecting the research field. The keyword clustering results showed that coexistence outcomes of multiple diseases such as cardiovascular metabolic diseases and psychological disorders, as well as intervention plans based on family, school and community became research hotspots. The evaluation of the effects of highintensity interval training and emerging weight loss interventions such as electronic games gradually became a new trend in research.
Conclusion
Influencing factors, coexistence outcomes of multiple diseases, and the application and evaluation of intervention remain key research focuses in children and adolescent overweight/obesity studies.
8.Propensity score matching analysis of the efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin combined with insulin and double filtration plasmapheresis in treating patients with hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis
Jing DAI ; Liulan QIAN ; Wenbin MAO ; Xiaofeng YE ; Minghui ZHU ; Min LIN
Chinese Journal of Pancreatology 2025;25(4):268-274
Objective:To analyze the effects of low-molecular-weight heparin combined with insulin (LMWH+INS) and double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) on lipid profiles and clinical outcomes in patients with hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) based on propensity score matching.Methods:The clinical data of 126 patients with HTG-AP from October 2022 to February 2024 in The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Traditional Chinese Medicine University and Changzhou First People's Hospital were retrospectively included. Patients were divided into LMWH+INS group ( n=87) and DFPP group ( n=39) according to the treatment. Propensity score matching was applied at a 1∶1 ratio. The repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to assess dynamic changes of blood lipids within the 5 days of admission between the LMWH+INS and DFPP groups after matching. Clinical symptoms and outcomes were compared between the two matched groups following matching. Results:29 patients were included in both LMWH+INS group and DFPP group after propensity score matching. No statistically significant differences were observed in triglycerides (TG), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ) score, or bedside index for the severity of acute pancreatitis (BISAP) between the two groups (all P value >0.05), indicating comparability. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that TG and TC levels in the DFPP group were significantly lower than those in the LMWH+INS group at 2-5 days after admission [TG 2 d: (5.26±2.59) mmol/L vs (10.79±3.81) mmol/L, 3 d: (3.35±1.01) mmol/L vs (7.72±3.64) mmol/L, 4 d: (3.45±0.77) mmol/L vs (6.57±3.17) mmol/L, 5 d: (3.73±1.26) mmol/L vs (5.61±3.07) mmol/L; TC 2 d: (4.83±2.29) mmol/L vs (8.2±2.82) mmol/L, 3 d: (4.23±2.17) mmol/L vs (7.71±2.68) mmol/L, 4 d: (4.28±1.59) mmol/L vs (7.55±2.41) mmol/L, 5 d: (4.1±1.21) mmol/L vs (7.84±2.6) mmol/L], with a more rapid decrease. LDL levels in the LMWH+INS and DFPP groups showed similar trends, with significant decreases at 2 day after admission [(5.41±3.24) mmol/L vs (2.96±1.47) mmol/L, (4.99±3.51) mmol/L vs (2.47±1.53) mmol/L]. The differences mentioned above are all statistically significant (all P value <0.001). No significant changes were observed in HDL levels in either LMWH+INS and DFPP groups at 2-5 days after admission. After matching, the DFPP group had a significantly longer time of resuming feeding [3(2, 3) days vs 4(3, 6) days] and higher hospital cost [12113.87 (9055.31, 14401.84) yuan vs 28025.34 (25388.11, 36335.48) yuan] compared with the LMWH+INS group, with statistically significant differences. Conclusions:DFPP could reduce TG and TC levels more rapidly and effectively than LMWH combined with INS, but does not show an advantage in improving clinical outcomes and reducing hospitalization costs.
9.Propensity score matching analysis of the efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin combined with insulin and double filtration plasmapheresis in treating patients with hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis
Jing DAI ; Liulan QIAN ; Wenbin MAO ; Xiaofeng YE ; Minghui ZHU ; Min LIN
Chinese Journal of Pancreatology 2025;25(4):268-274
Objective:To analyze the effects of low-molecular-weight heparin combined with insulin (LMWH+INS) and double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) on lipid profiles and clinical outcomes in patients with hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) based on propensity score matching.Methods:The clinical data of 126 patients with HTG-AP from October 2022 to February 2024 in The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Traditional Chinese Medicine University and Changzhou First People's Hospital were retrospectively included. Patients were divided into LMWH+INS group ( n=87) and DFPP group ( n=39) according to the treatment. Propensity score matching was applied at a 1∶1 ratio. The repeated measures analysis of variance was conducted to assess dynamic changes of blood lipids within the 5 days of admission between the LMWH+INS and DFPP groups after matching. Clinical symptoms and outcomes were compared between the two matched groups following matching. Results:29 patients were included in both LMWH+INS group and DFPP group after propensity score matching. No statistically significant differences were observed in triglycerides (TG), acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHEⅡ) score, or bedside index for the severity of acute pancreatitis (BISAP) between the two groups (all P value >0.05), indicating comparability. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed that TG and TC levels in the DFPP group were significantly lower than those in the LMWH+INS group at 2-5 days after admission [TG 2 d: (5.26±2.59) mmol/L vs (10.79±3.81) mmol/L, 3 d: (3.35±1.01) mmol/L vs (7.72±3.64) mmol/L, 4 d: (3.45±0.77) mmol/L vs (6.57±3.17) mmol/L, 5 d: (3.73±1.26) mmol/L vs (5.61±3.07) mmol/L; TC 2 d: (4.83±2.29) mmol/L vs (8.2±2.82) mmol/L, 3 d: (4.23±2.17) mmol/L vs (7.71±2.68) mmol/L, 4 d: (4.28±1.59) mmol/L vs (7.55±2.41) mmol/L, 5 d: (4.1±1.21) mmol/L vs (7.84±2.6) mmol/L], with a more rapid decrease. LDL levels in the LMWH+INS and DFPP groups showed similar trends, with significant decreases at 2 day after admission [(5.41±3.24) mmol/L vs (2.96±1.47) mmol/L, (4.99±3.51) mmol/L vs (2.47±1.53) mmol/L]. The differences mentioned above are all statistically significant (all P value <0.001). No significant changes were observed in HDL levels in either LMWH+INS and DFPP groups at 2-5 days after admission. After matching, the DFPP group had a significantly longer time of resuming feeding [3(2, 3) days vs 4(3, 6) days] and higher hospital cost [12113.87 (9055.31, 14401.84) yuan vs 28025.34 (25388.11, 36335.48) yuan] compared with the LMWH+INS group, with statistically significant differences. Conclusions:DFPP could reduce TG and TC levels more rapidly and effectively than LMWH combined with INS, but does not show an advantage in improving clinical outcomes and reducing hospitalization costs.
10.Rabies epidemic surveillance analysis,China,2024
Xiaonuo XU ; Na ZHANG ; Pengcheng YU ; Shuqing LIU ; Qian LIU ; Minghui ZHANG ; Xiaoyan TAO ; Wuyang ZHU
Chinese Journal of Experimental and Clinical Virology 2025;39(5):598-603
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of rabies in China during 2024 to understand the patterns of disease transmission and provide a scientific basis for optimizing prevention strategies and advancing the rabies elimination process.Methods:Data on the national rabies epidemic in 2024 and case-specific information from national surveillance sites were collected from China's National Notifiable Disease Reporting System(NNDRS). Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the disease trends and epidemic characteristics.Results:In 2024,China reported 167 human rabies cases across 20 provincial-level administrative divisions(PLADs),resulting in 148 fatalities. This represents a 39.17% increase from 2023(120 cases)and the highest annual incidence recorded since 2019. The epidemic exhibited a distinct geographic clustering in central and southern China,with four provinces(Henan,Guangxi,Hunan,and Hubei)accounting for 62.87%(105/167)of nationally reported cases. October(20 cases)and November(20 cases)recorded the highest monthly incidence,while February had the lowest(2 cases). Farmers constituted the primary affected demographic(80.84%),with a marked male predominance(male-to-female ratio:2.15∶1)-higher than the 2023 ratio(1.86∶1). Cases spanned all age groups,predominantly affecting middle-aged and older adults. Analysis of 54 cases revealed dogs as the primary exposure source(93.88%),with domestic dogs constituting 75.00% of these.The laboratory diagnosis rate of rabies cases in 2024 was 43.71%(73/167).Conclusion:After 16 consecutive years of decline,China's rabies epidemic rebounded in 2024,primarily driven by deficiencies in domestic dog management and weaknesses in post-exposure prophylaxis. Key recommendations include enhancing canine vaccination coverage in high-risk areas,implementing targeted health education for farmers and middle-aged and older adults,improving standardized post-exposure treatment protocols,and optimizing integrated surveillance-alert-response systems,ultimately advancing the achievement of rabies elimination goals.


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