1.Advances and prospects of the integration of multi-omics and artificial intelligence in traditional Chinese medicine research
Guicheng Liu ; Xi Long ; Qinghua PENG ; Sainan Tian ; Shujuan Hu
Digital Chinese Medicine 2025;8(3):300-312
Objective:
To map the research hotspots, developmental trends, and existing challenges in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with multi-omics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) through comprehensive bibliometric analysis.
Methods:
China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chaoxing Journal Database, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to collect literature on the theme of AI in TCM multi-omics research from the inception of each database to December 31, 2024. Eligible records were required to simultaneously address AI, TCM, and multi-omics. Quantitative and visual analyses of publication growth, core authorship networks, institutional collaboration patterns, and keyword co-occurrence were performed using Microsoft Excel 2021, NoteExpress v4.0.0, and Cite Space 6.3.R1. AI application modes in TCM multi-omics research were also categorized and summarized.
Results:
A total of 1 106 articles were enrolled (932 Chinese and 174 English). Publication output has increased continuously since 2010 and accelerated after 2016. Region-specific collaboration clusters were identified, dominated by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed that current AI applications predominantly centered on metabolomics and algorithms such as cluster analysis and data mining. Research foci mainly ranked as follows: single herbs, herbal formulae, and disease-syndrome differentiation.
Conclusion
Machine learning methods are the predominant integrative modality of AI in the realm of TCM multi-omics research at present, utilized for processing omics data and uncovering latent patterns therein. The domain of TCM, in addition to investigating omics information procured through high-throughput technologies, also integrates data on traditional Chinese medicinal substances and clinical phenotypes, progressing towards joint analysis of multi-omics, high-dimensionality of data, and multi-modality of information. Deep learning approaches represent an emerging trend in the field.
2.Differentiation and treatment of urticarial vasculitis based on the theory of Xuanfu-collateral theory
Keyi LIU ; Ye TIAN ; Yue DU ; Ziye XI ; Haomin ZHANG ; Sisi LU ; Xin LI ; Lingling LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):542-546
Urticarial vasculitis is a skin disease with urticaria-like lesions and a histopathological pattern of leukocytoclastic vasculitis. It is considered a "hidden rash" in traditional Chinese medicine. Xuanfu is the portal that regulates qi, blood, fluid, and the ascending, descending, exiting, and entering of nutrition qi and defensive qi. Collaterals are the pathways for the circulation of qi and blood. The two accompany each other, connecting zang-fu organs, reaching the surfaces of the skin, hair, and external body, circulating qi and fluid, and moistening and protecting the skin. Based on the theory of Xuanfu-collateral, this study aimed to clarify the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment method of urticarial vasculitis. External assault by wind and Xuanfu blockage are believed to be the initiating factors of this disease. The malnutrition of Xuanfu and collaterals and accumulated dampness-heat are important links in the occurrence and development of urticarial vasculitis. It spreads from Xuanfu to the collaterals, and blockage of the collaterals is the immanent trend of this disease. Clinically, by closely adhering to the core pathogenesis of blockage of Xuanfu-collateral, treatment method such as using wind medicinals to open Xuanfu with pungent and dispersing properties, using the method of supplement deficiency and removing the blockage, and using medicinals to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis to unblock the blocked collaterals. The herbs are flexibly added or subtracted to unblock Xuanfu and collaterals, harmonize qi and blood, thus all symptoms can be relieved. We hope that this study will provide new ideas for the treatment of urticarial vasculitis with traditional Chinese medicine.
3.Cervical spondylosis: innovative understanding from traditional Chinese medicine and treatment by classic formulas.
Heng CHEN ; Cong-Yang XUE ; Shuang CHEN ; Zi-Ting CHEN ; Tian TANG ; Xin LIU ; Zhi-Peng XI ; Ran KANG ; Lin XIE
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(9):2596-2604
As one of the chronic diseases with high incidence in contemporary society, cervical spondylosis has increasing patient groups who gradually present a low age, and it seriously affects social and public health. Although modern medicine has made great progress in the pathological research and clinical treatment of cervical spondylosis, patients still face gastrointestinal side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs), neck pain, limited mobility, upper limb numbness, and other symptoms after conservative or surgical treatment. In the theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), cervical spondylosis belongs to the categories of "Bi syndrome" "stiff neck" "stiff Bi", etc. With the change of the times, the change of lifestyle, and the application of western medicine treatment, the etiology and pathogenesis of TCM in cervical spondylosis also show new characteristics. In terms of etiology and pathogenesis, it involves the invasion of wind, cold, and dampness, long-term strain, liver and kidney deficiency, Qi and blood stasis, which are associated with factors such as cervical degeneration, muscle tension and spasm, intervertebral disc herniation, and nerve root compression in modern medicine. In terms of the evolution of pathogenesis, in the early stage, wind, cold, and dampness, were more common in Xuanfu, resulting in unfavorable muscles and bones, poor flow of Qi and blood, and cervical spondylosis and radiculopathy. Medium-term phlegm stasis and internal knots, sluggish muscles and veins, and long-term weathering and fire are more likely to occur in the vertebral artery and sympathetic radiculopathy. In the later stage, the positive Qi is depleted; the true Yin is damaged, and the viscera Qi and blood are deficient, which is most common in cervical myelopathy. The strategy of treating cervical spondylosis with TCM classic formulas applies Gegen Decoction, Wutou Decoction, Qianghuo Shengshi Decoction, Mahuang Jiazhu Decoction to patients with wind, cold, and dampness. Patients with phlegm dampness and blood stasis are treated with Huoxue Xiaoling Dan, Jinlingzi Powder, Siwu Decoction, Banxia Baizhu Tianma Decoction, Shuanghe Decoction, etc. For those patients with liver, spleen, and kidney deficiency, Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction, Tianma Gouteng Decoction, Guishao Dihuang Pills, Shenling Baizhu Powder, and Lizhong Decoction are used to invigorate the spleen, nourish Qi and blood, and tonify liver and kidney. In clinical practice, the authors advocate a safe and effective treatment plan of classic formulas based on deficiency and excess, the integration of formulas and syndromes, and the combination of modern research results, so as to relieve symptoms, reduce recurrence, and reduce medical burden.
Humans
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Spondylosis/drug therapy*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods*
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*
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Cervical Vertebrae/pathology*
4.Exosomal circRNAs: Deciphering the novel drug resistance roles in cancer therapy.
Xi LI ; Hanzhe LIU ; Peiyu XING ; Tian LI ; Yi FANG ; Shuang CHEN ; Siyuan DONG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101067-101067
Exosomal circular RNA (circRNAs) are pivotal in cancer biology, and tumor pathophysiology. These stable, non-coding RNAs encapsulated in exosomes participated in cancer progression, tumor growth, metastasis, drug sensitivity and the tumor microenvironment (TME). Their presence in bodily fluids positions them as potential non-invasive biomarkers, revealing the molecular dynamics of cancers. Research in exosomal circRNAs is reshaping our understanding of neoplastic intercellular communication. Exploiting the natural properties of exosomes for targeted drug delivery and disrupting circRNA-mediated pro-tumorigenic signaling can develop new treatment modalities. Therefore, ongoing exploration of exosomal circRNAs in cancer research is poised to revolutionize clinical management of cancer. This emerging field offers hope for significant breakthroughs in cancer care. This review underscores the critical role of exosomal circRNAs in cancer biology and drug resistance, highlighting their potential as non-invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could transform the clinical management of cancer.
5.Evaluation of pharmacokinetics and metabolism of three marine-derived piericidins for guiding drug lead selection.
Weimin LIANG ; Jindi LU ; Ping YU ; Meiqun CAI ; Danni XIE ; Xini CHEN ; Xi ZHANG ; Lingmin TIAN ; Liyan YAN ; Wenxun LAN ; Zhongqiu LIU ; Xuefeng ZHOU ; Lan TANG
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.) 2025;23(5):614-629
This study investigates the pharmacokinetics and metabolic characteristics of three marine-derived piericidins as potential drug leads for kidney disease: piericidin A (PA) and its two glycosides (GPAs), glucopiericidin A (GPA) and 13-hydroxyglucopiericidin A (13-OH-GPA). The research aims to facilitate lead selection and optimization for developing a viable preclinical candidate. Rapid absorption of PA and GPAs in mice was observed, characterized by short half-lives and low bioavailability. Glycosides and hydroxyl groups significantly enhanced the absorption rate (13-OH-GPA > GPA > PA). PA and GPAs exhibited metabolic instability in liver microsomes due to Cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) and uridine diphosphoglucuronosyl transferases (UGTs). Glucuronidation emerged as the primary metabolic pathway, with UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10 demonstrating high elimination rates (30%-70%) for PA and GPAs. This rapid glucuronidation may contribute to the low bioavailability of GPAs. Despite its low bioavailability (2.69%), 13-OH-GPA showed higher kidney distribution (19.8%) compared to PA (10.0%) and GPA (7.3%), suggesting enhanced biological efficacy in kidney diseases. Modifying the C-13 hydroxyl group appears to be a promising approach to improve bioavailability. In conclusion, this study provides valuable metabolic insights for the development and optimization of marine-derived piericidins as potential drug leads for kidney disease.
Animals
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Male
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Mice
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Aquatic Organisms/chemistry*
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Biological Availability
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Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/metabolism*
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Glucuronosyltransferase/metabolism*
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Microsomes, Liver/metabolism*
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Molecular Structure
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Biological Products/pharmacokinetics*
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Pyridines/pharmacokinetics*
6.Associations between suicidal ideation and clinical features, inflammation and thyroid hormones in patients with schizophrenia
Haiyun Yu ; Lewei Liu ; Xi Zhang ; Yinghan Tian ; Huanzhong Liu
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2025;60(4):748-754
Objective:
To investigate associations of suicidal ideation with clinical features, inflammatory markers, and thyroid hormones in patients with schizophrenia.
Methods:
The subjects of this study were 203 schizophrenic patients, grouped on the basis of suicidal ideation. Clinical characteristics were assessed using multiple scales. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio(PLR), monocyte to lymphocyte ratio(MLR) and thyroid hormones were also detected. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analyses.
Results :
The prevalence of suicidal ideation was 21.7% in patients with schizophrenia. Logistic stepwise regression analyses showed that Calgary depression scale(CDSS) total score(OR=1.490, 95%CI=1.287-1.724,P<0.001), insomnia severity index scale(ISI) total score(OR=1.096, 95%CI=1.011-1.187,P=0.025), modified overt aggression scale(MOAS) total score(OR=1.111, 95%CI=1.016-1.215,P=0.021), MLR(Ln)(OR=15.123, 95%CI=3.868-59.125,P<0.001), and triiodothyronine(T3)(OR=0.037, 95%CI=0.003-0.388,P=0.006) were the independent influences of suicidal ideation. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analyses revealed that the five-item combination of CDSS total score, ISI total score, MOAS total score, MLR(Ln), and T3(AUC=0.908, 95%CI=0.867-0.949,P<0.001) had better ability to identify suicidal ideation.
Conclusion
The risk of suicidal ideation is relatively high in patients with schizophrenia, and there may be stronger associations between suicidal ideation and depression, insomnia, aggression, MLR, and T3.
7.Chinese expert consensus on pre-hospital and emergency diagnosis and treatment of adult traumatic brain injury
Yang YANG ; Xiao-Xi TIAN ; Zheng-Hua SHI ; Ji-Peng WANG ; Li-Hong LI ; Ming-Hua LIU ; Xiao-Dong ZHAO
Medical Journal of Chinese People's Liberation Army 2025;50(2):123-133
Traumatic brain injury(TBI)is a serious condition characterized by high rates of mortality and disability.Deaths caused by severe TBI usually occur within the first few hours after the injury.Timely and effective management of TBI during pre-hospital and emergency treatment phases is crucial for improving patients'prognosis.To address this issue,the Emergency Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association,the Emergency Medicine Professional Committee of the People's Liberation Army,the Beijing Emergency Medicine Society,and the Chinese Emergency Medicine Specialist Association have jointly selected national experts in emergency medicine and neurosurgery to formulate the"Chinese Expert Consensus on the Pre-hospital and Emergency Diagnosis and Treatment of Adult Traumatic Brain Injury".This consensus consists of two parts focusing on pre-hospital and emergency diagnosis and treatment of TBI,with 24 recommendations put forward to guide relevant clinical practices in pre-hospital and emergency management.
8.The impact of early short-range olfactory training and visual stimulation on olfactory identification function and quality of life in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Zhenni TIAN ; Yunpeng ZANG ; Qian DUAN ; Yudi SHAO ; Xi WANG ; Hao WANG ; Wen LIU
Chinese Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;60(4):457-463
Objective:To investigate the effects of short-term olfactory training and visual stimulation on olfactory recognition function and quality of life in patients following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS).Methods:A total of 80 patients who underwent FESS in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between December 2023 and February 2024 were enrolled in this study. The cohort comprised 67 males and 13 females, aged from 17 to 75 years. Participants were randomly allocated to either a control group ( n=40) or an experimental group ( n=40). The participants in control group received routine postoperative management, including nasal irrigation, oral antibiotics and glucocorticoids, topical budesonide nasal spray, and hypertonic saline solution for 12 weeks. In addition to the standard care, the participants in experimental group underwent olfactory-visual stimulation training starting 24 hours postoperatively, lasting for 2 weeks. The olfactory identification test (OIT), visual analogue scale (VAS) for olfaction and Questionnaire of Olfactory Disorders of Life (QOD-QoL, hereafter referred to as QOD) were administered preoperatively. Follow-up assessments were performed 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively, with the same tests repeated. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and GraphPad Prism 7 statistical software. Results:There was no significant difference in preoperative OIT, VAS, and QOD scores between the two groups. The olfactory recognition function of some patients was improved after removing the packing material 24 hours after FESS surgery. The OIT scores of 2 weeks post-surgery were significantly higher than preoperative values in both groups (the experimental group Z=-4.73, P<0.001; the control group Z=-4.73, P<0.001). Participants in both groups showed improvements in olfactory VAS and QOD scores (experimental group Z value was -2.88 and -5.45, P<0.01 and<0.001, respectively; the control group Z value was -4.42 and -5.50, respectively, both P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the VAS score between the two groups ( Z=-0.68, P=0.499). The paticipants in experimental group showed greater improvement in OIT and greater reduction in QOD scores compared to the control group ( Z=-2.19, P=0.029; Z=-2.99, P=0.003). There was no significant difference in the decrease of olfactory VAS between the two groups ( Z=-0.02, P=0.988). There were no statistically significant differences of all patients in VAS, OIT and QOD scores at 2 weeks and 3 months after surgery (experimental group Z value was -0.91, -0.90 and -1.43, respectively, all P>0.05; control group Z value was -1.21, -0.84 and -0.91, respectively, all P>0.05). At 3 months post-surgery, the OIT scores in the experimental group were higher, the QOD scores were lower than those in the control group ( Z=-2.89, P=0.004; Z=-2.87, P=0.004). Conclusion:Short-term olfactory-visual stimulation training in the early postoperative period of FESS significantly improves the olfactory recognition function and enhances the quality of life of patients.
9.Clinical efficacy analysis and learning curve of the robot-assisted Warshaw procedure using the da Vinci system
Hongliang LIU ; Qisheng HAO ; Xi WANG ; Mengxing CHENG ; Fabo QIU ; Lantian TIAN ; Bin ZHOU ; Hao ZOU
Chinese Journal of Hepatobiliary Surgery 2025;31(2):96-100
Objective:To analyze the clinical efficacy and learning curve of robotic-assisted Warshaw procedure using the da Vinci system.Methods:Clinical data of 91 consecutive patients with pancreatic body and tail lesions undergoing robotic-assisted Warshaw procedure at Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital from October 2021 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed, including 21 males and 70 females, aged (50.2±14.3) years. Patient characteristics, operative time, and intraoperative blood loss were recorded. The learning curve was constructed using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis, with case number on the x-axis and CUSUM values on the y-axis. Linear fitting was performed, and the model with the highest determination coefficient was selected as the optimal fitting model. The learning process was divided into two phases based on the inflection point of the CUSUM learning curve: the learning phase and the proficiency phase. Perioperative outcomes were compared between these two phases.Results:All 91 procedures were successfully completed using the da Vinci robotic system with R0 resection margins. There were no perioperative mortalities or reoperations due to postoperative splenic infarction. The operative time was (227.84±76.68) min. The optimal fitting equation for the CUSUM learning curve was: CUSUM=0.005 640X 3-1.501X 2+ 92.59X-183.1. The CUSUM learning curve showed an inflection point at case 39, dividing the learning process into the learning phase (cases 1-39) and proficiency phase (cases 40-91). Compared to the learning phase, the proficiency phase demonstrated significantly shorter operative time [(203.0±75.6) min vs. (260.9±65.5) min], less intraoperative blood loss [50.0 (20.0, 50.0) ml vs. 100.0 (50.0, 100.0) ml], and reduced postoperative drainage duration [(8.7±2.4) d vs. (10.8±3.2) d] (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The robotic-assisted Warshaw procedure feasible for patients with pancreatic body and tail lesions. Surgeons require approximately 39 cases to complete the learning curve and achieve proficiency in this procedure.
10.Efficacy and learning curve of 69 cases of robot-assisted resection of retroperitoneal benign tumors
Hongliang LIU ; Li WANG ; Xi WANG ; Lantian TIAN ; Qisheng HAO ; Fabo QIU ; Bin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Surgery 2025;63(2):147-152
Objectives:To explore the efficacy of robotic-assisted retroperitoneal benign tumor resection and to analyze its learning curve.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. The data of patients who underwent robotic-assisted retroperitoneal benign tumor resection from August 2015 to February 2023 at the Department of Retroperitoneal Tumor Surgery was analyzed retrospectively. There were 24 males and 45 females, with an age of (46.3±10.6) years (range: 19 to 76 years). The perioperative data, postoperative pathological results, and follow-up data were recorded. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) method was used to analyze the robotic system setup time and operative time to plot the learning curve. A linear regression model was applied to determine the best-fit curve, selecting the model with the highest R2 value. Based on the vertex of the learning curve for surgical time, the patients were divided into a learning group and a mastery group. The general data and perioperative conditions of the two groups were compared. Independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and χ2 tests were used for comparisons. Results:All 69 patients successfully completed the surgery without intraoperative complications. The diameter of tumors was (49.7±18.6) mm (range: 16 to 131 mm). The setup time for the robotic surgical system was (35.3±9.8) minutes (range: 20 to 61 minutes); the surgical time was (169.2±36.5) minutes (range: 70 to 305 minutes); intraoperative blood loss ( M(IQR)) was 10.0 (15.0) ml (range: 2.0 to 200.0 ml). The tumors in 32 patients (46.4%) were adherent to major blood vessels. All patients were discharged without complications. The follow-up period lasted until February 2024, and no patients required reoperation, readmission, or died due to retroperitoneal benign tumors. There were no severe long-term complications, and no radiological evidence of tumor recurrence was found. The best-fit equation for the learning curve based on surgical time was CUSUM=0.010X3-1.648X2-68.573X-61.091, and the best-fit equation for the learning curve based on robotic system setup time was CUSUM=0.0018X3-0.285X2+10.460X+57.541 (where X represents the number of surgeries). The R2 values of 2 learning curve models were 0.953 and 0.957, respectively, and the fit model tests had P<0.05. The inflection point of the learning curve based on surgical time was the 28th case, which is considered the minimum number of surgeries required to achieve proficiency in robotic-assisted retroperitoneal benign tumor resection. Based on this, the patients were divided into a learning group (cases 1 to 28) and a mastery group (cases 29 to 69). The surgical time for the learning group was significantly longer than that of the mastery group ((194.7±30.0) minutes vs. (151.9±31.4) minutes, t=4.126, P<0.01). No statistically significant differences were found for other parameters (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Robotic-assisted retroperitoneal benign tumor resection is feasible. The minimum number of surgeries required to achieve proficiency in overcoming the learning curve is about 28 cases.


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