1.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
2.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
3.Research progress on ethical issues and regulatory pathways of large language models in clinical applications
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(1):24-30
Large language models (LLM) are increasingly applied in the medical field, yet their clinical implementation faces numerous ethical and regulatory challenges. This paper reviews seven major ethical challenges: patient safety and accuracy, bias and fairness, privacy and data protection, transparency and explainability, accountability and legal liability, patient autonomy and informed consent, and the doctor-patient relationship and trust. At the regulatory level, international research indicates that United States currently lacks specific regulations for medical LLM use, while is exploring the regulation of high-risk LLM. The EU’s AI Act classifies medical AI as high-risk and imposes stringent compliance requirements. China has issued generative AI management measures and advocates industry standards, though its legal framework remains incomplete. Solutions include embedding ethical principles during model development, strengthening human-machine collaboration and manual oversight in clinical settings, establishing clear legal standards for accountability, safeguarding data privacy and security, implementing continuous monitoring and improvement, and deepening international cooperation and multidisciplinary governance.
4.Effect of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方) on Inflammatory Response in Lesional Tissue and Skin Barrier Damage in Acne Model Mice
Yunni LIU-TANG ; Yutong DENG ; Gaiying HE ; Huishang FENG ; Xuewen REN ; Yimei FANG ; Xuewan WANG ; Yatong LI ; Lingling CAI ; Yuanwen LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(11):1211-1219
ObjectiveTo investigate the possible mechanism of Pibai Yucuo Formula (枇柏愈痤方, PYF) in treating acne from the perspective of skin barrier damage. MethodsThirty-two mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, minocycline group, and PYF group, with 8 mice in each group. Except for the blank group, mice were induced by intradermal injection of Cutibacterium acnes (C.acnes) combined with topical application of artificial sebum to establish acne model. The blank group and model group received intragastric administration of 0.2 ml of distilled water, while the PYF group received intragastric administration of 22.75 g/(kg·d)of PYF, and the minocycline group received 0.013 g/(kg·d)of minocycline suspension, all once daily for 5 consecutive days. On day 0 and day 6 of the experiment, the body weight of mice in each group was recorded, and the absolute value of the body weight difference during the experiment was calculated. Skin conditions were assessed with multifunctional skin imaging system on the 2nd, 4th and 6th day of the experiment. Skin barrier function indicators including transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and the water content of the stratum corneum and epidermis on day 0, 2, 4 and 6 of the experiment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to observe stratum corneum and skin thickness on the 1st, 3rd and 5th day of the experiment. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe histopathological changes, while ELISA was used to detect interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels, and immunofluorescence staining was used to assess skin barrier-related proteins filaggrin (FLG) and loricrin (LOR) levels of skin lesions on day 6 of the experiment. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body weight on day 6, and an increase in the absolute value of the difference in body weight before and after the experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, TEWL values increased, while water content in the skin stratum corneum and epidermis decreased (P<0.05), accompanied by elevated IL-17A level and reduced immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins (P<0.05). The model group mice showed papules or pustules at the skin modeling site with progressively worsening desquamation under multifunctional skin imaging system. OCT revealed focal epidermal protrusions, blurred epidermal-dermal boundaries, and disorganized structural layers. HE staining showed significant epidermal hyperkeratosis and incomplete keratinization in the skin, with keratin plug formation in hair follicles and glandular lumens, thickened stratum corneum, hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum, as well as dense dermal inflammatory cell infiltration, and capillary dilation. Compared to the model group, both the minocycline group and the PYF group showed a reduced difference in body weight before and after experiment (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the TEWL value decreased, and water content of the skin stratum corneum increased (P<0.05); on day 6, the IL-17A level in the skin lesions decreased and immunofluorescence intensity of FLG and LOR proteins increased (P<0.05). On day 4 and 6, the severity of the skin lesions and range of redness and swelling were lighter than those in the model group, with reverted epidermal thickness, smoother surface and clearer epidermis-dermis boundary. HE staining showed that the degree of skin keratinization was reduced, and the inflammatory infiltration and vascular dilation in the dermis were improved compared to the model group. The PYF group showed better results than the minocycline group in reducing TEWL value on day 4 (P<0.05). ConclusionPYF may improve inflammation and skin barrier damage by downregulating IL-17A levels in lesion tissue and increasing skin barrier-related proteins, which could be one of the potential mechanism of action on acne.
5.Literature analysis of tislelizumab-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Rui HAN ; Mingxi SHEN ; Hua YANG ; Zhaoshuai JI
China Pharmacy 2025;36(16):2046-2050
OBJECTIVE To analyze the clinical characteristics of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) induced by tislelizumab, providing evidence for clinical medication safety. METHODS Case reports of tislelizumab-related SJS/TEN were retrieved from CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Embase. Descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS Seventeen cases from 17 publications were included (SJS 4 cases, TEN 13 cases). Among them, there were 10 males and 7 females. Twelve patients were aged between 70 and 79 years. The predominant tumor type was lung cancer (10 cases). Thirteen patients received combination therapy with chemotherapeutic drugs. The median onset time of SJS/ TEN was 26 (4, 104) days. Nine patients developed SJS/TEN after the first administration of the drug. Sixteen patients exhibited prodromal rash symptoms, primarily characterized by severe skin damage such as skin detachment, accompanied by mucosal injury. Sixteen patients improved after symptomatic treatment, while one patient died. CONCLUSIONS Tislelizumab-associated SJS/TEN risk is higher in elderly patients, males, those with lung cancer and those receiving combination chemotherapy. Mucosal lesions and atypical rashes may indicate the early onset of SJS/TEN. During clinical use, pharmaceutical care can be carried out through measures such as identifying high-risk populations, closely monitoring skin symptoms from the first administration to the fifth treatment cycle, and enhancing patient education. When relevant symptoms occur, the medication should be promptly discontinued and symptomatic treatment should be administered to ensure the patient’s medication safety.
6.Research status of automatic localization of acupoint based on deep learning.
Yuge DONG ; Chengbin WANG ; Weigang MA ; Weifang GAO ; Yuzi TANG ; Yonglong ZHANG ; Jiwen QIU ; Haiyan REN ; Zhongzheng LI ; Tianyi ZHAO ; Zhongxi LV ; Xingfang PAN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(5):586-592
This paper reviews the published articles of recent years on the application of deep learning methods in automatic localization of acupoint, and summarizes it from 3 key links, i.e. the dataset construction, the neural network model design, and the accuracy evaluation of acupoint localization. The significant progress has been obtained in the field of deep learning for acupoint localization, but the scale of acupoint detection needs to be expanded and the precision, the generalization ability, and the real-time performance of the model be advanced. The future research should focus on the support of standardized datasets, and the integration of 3D modeling and multimodal data fusion, so as to increase the accuracy and strengthen the personalization of acupoint localization.
Deep Learning
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Acupuncture Points
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Humans
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Neural Networks, Computer
7.2D SECara-Net and 3D U2-Net for detecting unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms with MR angiography
Zongren NIU ; Qiang MA ; Jingjing DU ; Yande REN ; Mengjie LI ; Yaqian QIAO ; Yueshan TANG ; Jianbo GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2025;41(2):245-249
Objective To observe the value of 2D SECara-Net and 3D U2-Net models constructed based on 2D maximal intensity projection(MIP)and 3D time-of-flight MR angiography(3D TOF-MRA)images,respectively,also of their combination for MRA detecting unruptured saccular intracranial aneurysms(USIA).Methods Totally 973 patients with single USIA and 300 subjects who underwent healthy physical examination were retrospectively collected and divided into training set(n=923,containing 723 cases of USIA and 200 healthy subjects)and test set(n=350,containing 250 cases of USIA and 100 healthy subjects)at the ratio of 7:3.Pre-processed 3D TOF-MRA and the obtained 2D-MIP images in training set were imported into 3D U2-Net and 2D SECara-Net models for training and adjusting parameters,respectively.The efficiency of 2 models and their combination for detecting USIA were evaluated.Results The sensitivity,specificity and accuracy of 2D SECara-Net model for detecting USIA in test set was 78.80%(197/250),95.00%(95/100)and 83.43%(292/350),of 3D U2-Net model was 82.80%(207/250),86.00%(86/100)and 83.71%(293/350),respectively.The specificity of 2D SECara-Net model was higher than that of 3D U2-Net model(P=0.030),while no significant difference of sensitivity nor accuracy was found between 2 models(both P>0.05).The specificity of the combination of the 2 models was 99.00%(99/100),higher than that of 3D U2-Net model(P<0.05),and the sensitivity and accuracy of the combination was 91.20%(228/250)and 93.43%(327/350),respectivelty,both higher than those of 2 single models(all P<0.05).Conclusion 2D SECara-Net and 3D U2-Net models had similar,sensitivity and accuracy for MRA detecting USIA.Combination of them could improve the detecting efficacy.
8.Clinical and CT machine learning model for predicting acute liver function deterioration in hepatocellular carcinoma patients after the first time TACE
Yongnian REN ; Changqian TANG ; Xingbo WEI ; Dongxiao LI ; Liancai WANG ; Deyu LI
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2025;22(3):153-158
Objective To observe the value of machine learning(ML)models constructed based on pre-treatment clinical and CT features for predicting acute liver function deterioration(ALFD)in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients after the first time TACE.Methods Totally 320 HCC patients who underwent the first TACE were retrospectively enrolled and divided into training set(n=256)and test set(n=64)at the ratio of 4∶1.ALFD was evaluated according to clinical,laboratory and image findings within 2 weeks after TACE.Univariate analysis was performed to compare clinical baseline data and diameter of HCC on pre-TACE CT in training set,and parameters being statistical different between patients with and without ALFD were used to construct ML models using 9 different ML algorithms.The efficacy of each model for predicting ALFD in test set was evaluated,and the optimal model was selected.The calibration degree and clinical value of the optimal model were assessed in test set,and the contribution of each parameter was analyzed using SHAP method.Results In training set,76 cases were ALFD and 180 cases were non-ALFD,while in test set,18 cases were ALFD and 46 cases were non-ALFD.Among 9 ML models,the sensitivity,specificity,accuracy,area under the curve,F1 value and Kappa value of extreme gradient boosting(XGBoost)model in test set was 85.12%,89.34%,88.08%,0.927,0.811 and 0.725,respectively.XGBoost model was considered as the optimal one,with predicted probability in test set in good agreement with actual probability and high clinical net benefit.The contribution of patients'age,lesion diameter on pre-TACE CT,glutamic-pyruvic transaminase,glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and TACE time were all great for XGBoost model.Conclusion XGBoost model based on pre-treatment clinical and CT features could be used to effectively predict ALFD in HCC patients after the first time TACE.
9.Expert consensus on holistic integrative management of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Moyi SUN ; Zongxuan HE ; Qianwei NI ; Xiaoying LI ; Lin KONG ; Qing XI ; Wei GUO ; Zhangui TANG ; Guoxin REN ; Zhijun SUN ; Jian MENG ; Jie ZHANG ; Jichen LI ; Yue HE ; Chunjie LI ; Lizheng QIN ; Kai YANG ; Bing HAN ; Yan SUN ; Haijun LU ; Xiaohong ZHAN ; Dapeng HAO ; Kai SONG ; Haoyue XU ; Lingxue BU ; Jieying LI ; Man HU ; Mingjin XU ; Yun LI ; Wei SHANG
Journal of Practical Stomatology 2025;41(3):293-304
Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(OPSCC)is a malignant tumor originating from the squamous epithelium of the oro-pharyngeal mucosa,accounting for more than 90%of oropharyngeal malignancies.In recent years,human papillomavirus(HPV)infec-tion has become one of the primary etiological factors of oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma.The incidence of HPV-associated oropharyn-geal squamous carcinoma has been rising annually,with a noticeable trend toward younger populations,posing a significant threat to hu-man health.Due to the distinct biological behavior and clinical characteristics of HPV-associated oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma com-pared to its non-HPV-related counterpart,the diagnostic and treatment strategies for oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma have undergone substantial changes.Prevention and screening for oropharyngeal squamous carcinoma are of critical importance.The diagnostic and treat-ment process involves multi-disciplinary collaboration,including oral and maxillofacial surgery,otolaryngology,head and neck surgery,oncology,radiology and pathology.Based on evidence from clinical practice,a comprehensive,integrated diagnostic and therapeutic ap-proach has been established,centered around the concept of"prevention,screening,diagnosis,treatment,and rehabilitation",covering the entire patient lifecycle and providing a valuable reference for clinical practice.
10.Comparison of Biomechanical Properties of Ilizarov External Fixator with Three Configurations for Treating Humeral Stem Defects
Yuanyang REN ; Liang JI ; Qingsong LI ; Yanchun HU ; Dengnan WU ; Jian TANG ; Xiang QIAO
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(4):916-921
Objective The biomechanical performance of Ilizarov fixator models with different configurations for humeral shaft defect was compared,so as to provide a biomechanical basis for selecting the appropriate circular external fixation structure for the clinical treatment of humeral shaft defects using Ilizarov technology.Methods Based on CT data of the humerus from a healthy volunteer,the external fixators with three configurations,namely,hybrid frame,semi-ring frame and 90° fan frame were established.The finite element method was used to simulate the displacement and stress distribution under different loading conditions,and the finite element results were validated by biomechanical tests.Results Finite element analysis results:in terms of displacement,under compression,tensile and torque conditions,the displacement of 90° fan model was smaller than that of hybrid and semi-ring models.In terms of stress,the 90° fan model had the smallest displacement under tensile condition.In compression and torque tests,the semi-annular model had the lowest stress.Biomechanical test results:the semi-ring model exhibited the smallest displacement under axial compression,but there was no significant difference between the three models(P>0.05).Conclusions The semi-ring and 90° fan frames can achieve a similar stability as the traditional hybrid frame through the strategy of'reducing the ring and increasing the stem'.The unilateral structure of the 90° fan frame has the advantages of small size,light weight,and structural stability,as well as a small impact on the shoulder and elbow joints,which makes it more valuable in clinical applications.

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