Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) decoction pieces are a core carrier for the inheritance and innovation of TCM, and their quality and safety are critical to public health and the sustainable development of the industry. Conventional quality control models, while having established a well-developed system through long-term practice, still face challenges such as relatively long inspection cycles, insufficient objectivity in characterizing complex traits, and urgent needs for improving the efficiency of integrating multidimensional quality information when confronted with the dual demands of large-scale production and precision quality control. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, machine learning can deeply analyze multidimensional data of the morphology, spectroscopy, and chemical fingerprints of decoction pieces by constructing high-dimensional feature space analysis models, significantly improving the standardization level and decision-making efficiency of quality evaluation. This article reviews the research progress in the application of machine learning in the processing, production, and rapid quality evaluation of TCM decoction pieces. It further analyzes current challenges in technological implementation and proposes potential solutions, offering theoretical and technical references to advance the digital and intelligent transformation of the industry.
Machine Learning ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards* ; Quality Control ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; Humans

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of acupuncture therapy on dysphagia in patients with Parkinson's disease. METHODS: This randomized controlled study lasted 42 days and included 112 patients with Parkinson's disease and dysphagia. Participants were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups (56 cases each group) using the completely randomized design, all under routine treatment. The experimental group was given acupuncture therapy. The primary outcome was Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS). The secondary outcomes were (1) Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA), and (2) nutritional status including body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, prealbumin, and hemoglobin. Adverse events were recorded as safety indicators. RESULTS: One participant quitted the study midway. There were no significant differences in baseline assessment (P>0.05). After treatment, both groups showed significant improvement in PAS, SSA and nutritional status except for BMI of the control group. There were significant differences between the two groups in the PAS for both paste and liquid, SSA (25.18±8.25 vs. 20.84±6.92), BMI (19.97±3.34 kg/m²vs. 21.26 ±2.38 kg/m²), serum albumin (35.16 ±5.29 g/L vs. 37.24 ±3.98 g/L), prealbumin (248.33 ±27.72 mg/L vs. 261.39 ±22.10 mg/L), hemoglobin (119.09±12.53 g/L vs. 126.67±13.97 g/L) (P<0.05). There were no severe adverse events during the study. CONCLUSION: The combination of routine treatment and acupuncture therapy can better improve dysphagia and nutritional status in patients with Parkinson's disease, than routine treatment solely. (registration No. CLINICALTRIAL gov NCT06199323).
Humans ; Parkinson Disease/therapy* ; Deglutition Disorders/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/adverse effects* ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Nutritional Status ; Body Mass Index

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between serum chloride levels and prognosis in patients with hepatic coma in the intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: We analyzed 545 patients with hepatic coma in the ICU from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Associations between serum chloride levels and 28-day and 1-year mortality rates were assessed using restricted cubic splines (RCSs), Kaplan-Meier (KM) curves, and Cox regression. Subgroup analyses, external validation, and mechanistic studies were also performed. RESULTS: A total of 545 patients were included in the study. RCS analysis revealed a U-shaped association between serum chloride levels and mortality in patients with hepatic coma. The KM curves indicated lower survival rates among patients with low chloride levels (< 103 mmol/L). Low chloride levels were independently linked to increased 28-day and 1-year all-cause mortality rates. In the multivariate models, the hazard ratio ( HR) for 28-day mortality in the low-chloride group was 1.424 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.041-1.949), while the adjusted hazard ratio for 1-year mortality was 1.313 (95% CI: 1.026-1.679). Subgroup analyses and external validation supported these findings. Cytological experiments suggested that low chloride levels may activate the phosphorylation of the NF-κB signaling pathway, promote the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduce neuronal cell viability. CONCLUSION Low serum chloride levels are independently associated with increased mortality in patients with hepatic coma.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Intensive Care Units ; Prognosis ; Chlorides/blood* ; Aged ; Coma/blood* ; Adult

Objective:To investigate the association between cytokines and ocular chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and identify specific biomarkers for ocular cGVHD to enhance clinical diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation.Methods:A mouse model of cGVHD was established to explore the correlation between cGVHD and serum cytokines. Based on the findings from the animal experiments and literature review, a panel of 16 cytokine combinations was identified. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to compare the cytokine concentrations in the serum and tear samples from patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from June 2017 to March 2022 at the Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University.Results:① Compared with the control group, mice with cGVHD exhibited elevated serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IFN-γ, CX3CL1, CXCL11, CXCL13, CCL11, and CCL19 concentrations (all P<0.05). ② Analysis of the cytokine profiles of the serum and tear samples revealed that compared with patients without ocular cGVHD, those with ocular cGVHD exhibited increased serum IL-8 [ P=0.032, area under the curve (AUC) =0.678]; decreased serum IL-10 ( P=0.030, AUC=0.701) ; elevated IL-8, IFN-γ, CXCL9, and CCL17 in tear samples; and lower IL-10 and CCL19 in tear samples (all P<0.05, all AUC>0.7). Moreover, cytokines in tear samples showed correlations with ocular surface parameters related to ocular cGVHD. Conclusions:Tear fluid demonstrates greater specificity and sensitivity as a biomarker for diagnosing ocular cGVHD than serum biomarkers. Among the identified cytokines in tear samples, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, CXCL9, CCL17, and CCL19 serve as diagnostic biomarkers for ocular cGVHD post-transplantation, offering practical reference value for diagnosis.

Objective To investigate Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai has anti-hepatoma activity.Methods Cell experiment:HepG2 cells were divided into blank group(0.9％NaCl)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(2,4,8 mg·mL-1 Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai).The 24,48,72 h cell proliferation activity was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)method.Animal experiments:BALB/C mice inoculated with H22 cells were divided into model group(0.9％NaCl),cisplatin group(2 mg·kg-1 cisplatin),lappaconitine hydrobromide group(4 mg·kg-1 lappaconitine hydrobromide)and high-dose group(8 mg·kg-1 Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai).BALB/C mice were selected as control group(0.9％NaCl).After 14 days of continuous administration,the tumor inhibition rate of Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai was detected.The indexes of inflammation,liver cancer and liver function related factors in serum of mice in each group were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The apoptosis protein of tumor tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The median inhibitory concentration(IC50)of trichloromethane in HepG2 cells for 24,48 and 72 h were 5.71,4.37 and 2.12 mg·mL-1,respectively.The expression levels of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)in serum were 8.84±0.35,12.04±0.76,10.14±1.01,9.53±0.79 and 9.33±1.06 in control group,model group,cisplatin group,lappaconitine hydrobromide group and high-dose group,respectively.The tumor inhibition rates of cisplatin group,lappaconitine hydrobromide group and high-dose group were 48.40％,50.71％and 52.58％,respectively.The expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)in model group,cisplatin group,lappaconitine hydrobromide group and high-dose group were 101.09±7.15,65.92±6.11,67.12±7.88 and 62.60±10.75,respectively;the expression levels of pro-apoptotic protein Bel-2 associated X protein(Bax)were 48.57±15.50,89.09±8.54,60.40±3.24 and 108.79±3.17,respectively.Compared with the model group,the above indexes in cisplatin group,hyperaconitine hydrobromide group and high-dose group had statistical significance(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Conclusion Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai has significant anti-liver cancer activity,inhibits the proliferation of hepatoma cells,induces apoptosis,and thus exerts anti-hepatocarcinoma activity.

Objective Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1/transcription factor NF-E2-associated factor 2/hemoglobin oxygenase 1(Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1),phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B/rapamycin protein(PI3K/Akt/mTOR),stem cell growth factor/tyrosinase receptor(SCF/c-kit),liver kinase B1/adenylate-activated protein kinase(LKB1/AMPK)and other signaling pathways have irreplaceable roles in the development of oligospermia(OAS),and the study of targeting their related signals is a hotspot for the prevention and treatment of OAS.Therefore,taking many signaling pathways as breakthroughs.The review systematically summarized the mechanism of action of Chinese medicine extracts,proprietary Chinese medicines,Chinese medicine prescriptions and external Chinese medicine treatments such as acupuncture and moxibustion that intervene in the relevant signaling pathways for the treatment of OAS,with a view to providing theoretical basis and guidance for clinical practice.

Objective To investigate Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai has anti-hepatoma activity.Methods Cell experiment:HepG2 cells were divided into blank group(0.9％NaCl)and experimental-L,-M,-H groups(2,4,8 mg·mL-1 Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai).The 24,48,72 h cell proliferation activity was detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)method.Animal experiments:BALB/C mice inoculated with H22 cells were divided into model group(0.9％NaCl),cisplatin group(2 mg·kg-1 cisplatin),lappaconitine hydrobromide group(4 mg·kg-1 lappaconitine hydrobromide)and high-dose group(8 mg·kg-1 Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai).BALB/C mice were selected as control group(0.9％NaCl).After 14 days of continuous administration,the tumor inhibition rate of Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai was detected.The indexes of inflammation,liver cancer and liver function related factors in serum of mice in each group were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The apoptosis protein of tumor tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results The median inhibitory concentration(IC50)of trichloromethane in HepG2 cells for 24,48 and 72 h were 5.71,4.37 and 2.12 mg·mL-1,respectively.The expression levels of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)in serum were 8.84±0.35,12.04±0.76,10.14±1.01,9.53±0.79 and 9.33±1.06 in control group,model group,cisplatin group,lappaconitine hydrobromide group and high-dose group,respectively.The tumor inhibition rates of cisplatin group,lappaconitine hydrobromide group and high-dose group were 48.40％,50.71％and 52.58％,respectively.The expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)in model group,cisplatin group,lappaconitine hydrobromide group and high-dose group were 101.09±7.15,65.92±6.11,67.12±7.88 and 62.60±10.75,respectively;the expression levels of pro-apoptotic protein Bel-2 associated X protein(Bax)were 48.57±15.50,89.09±8.54,60.40±3.24 and 108.79±3.17,respectively.Compared with the model group,the above indexes in cisplatin group,hyperaconitine hydrobromide group and high-dose group had statistical significance(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).Conclusion Aconitum sinomontanum Nakai has significant anti-liver cancer activity,inhibits the proliferation of hepatoma cells,induces apoptosis,and thus exerts anti-hepatocarcinoma activity.

Objective Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1/transcription factor NF-E2-associated factor 2/hemoglobin oxygenase 1(Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1),phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B/rapamycin protein(PI3K/Akt/mTOR),stem cell growth factor/tyrosinase receptor(SCF/c-kit),liver kinase B1/adenylate-activated protein kinase(LKB1/AMPK)and other signaling pathways have irreplaceable roles in the development of oligospermia(OAS),and the study of targeting their related signals is a hotspot for the prevention and treatment of OAS.Therefore,taking many signaling pathways as breakthroughs.The review systematically summarized the mechanism of action of Chinese medicine extracts,proprietary Chinese medicines,Chinese medicine prescriptions and external Chinese medicine treatments such as acupuncture and moxibustion that intervene in the relevant signaling pathways for the treatment of OAS,with a view to providing theoretical basis and guidance for clinical practice.

Currently,the research or publications related to the clinical comprehensive evaluation of Chinese patent medicine are increasing,which attracts the broad attention of all circles. According to the completed clinical evaluation report on Chinese patent medicine,there are still practical problems and technical difficulties such as unclear responsibility of the evaluation organization,unclear evaluation subject,miscellaneous evaluation objects,and incomplete and nonstandard evaluation process. In terms of evaluation standards and specifications,there are different types of specifications or guidelines with different emphases issued by different academic groups or relevant institutions. The professional guideline is required to guide the standardized and efficient clinical comprehensive evaluation of Chinese patent medicine and further improve the authority and quality of evaluation. In combination with the characteristics of Chinese patent medicine and the latest research achievement at home and abroad,the detailed specifications were formulated from six aspects including design,theme selection,content and index,outcome,application and appraisal,and quality control. The guideline was developed based on the guideline development requirements of China Assoication of Chinese medicine. After several rounds of expert consensus and public consultation,the current version of the guideline has been developed.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Nonprescription Drugs ; Consensus ; China ; Reference Standards ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal

Objective To establish a rapid,sensitive method for the determination of vancomycin and norvancomycin in mice plasma and to investigate the pharmacokinetic(PK)characters of them in infected mice.Methods Propranolol was taken as the internal standard,the plasma samples were extracted by acetonitrile to precipitate protein.After centrifugation,the supernatant was analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy(LC-MS/MS).Chromatographic column:Kinetex Biphenyl 100A(2.1 mm ×50.0 mm,5 μm);mobile phase composed of methanol-water containing 0.2％formic acid in gradient elution mode;flow-rate of 0.4 mL·min-1;injection volume:10 μL.A triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization source was used as detector and operated by multiple reaction monitoring(MRM)in the positive ion mode.The specificity,standard curve,lower limit of quantification,precision and recovery,matrix effect,residual effect,dilution effect,and stability of this method were examined.The infected mice received three single oral doses(14,140 and 320 mg·kg-1)of vancomycin and norvancomycin and plasma samples were collected at different time points.Results The calibration curves of vancomycin and norvancomycin were linear between 50.0 and 3 000.0 ng·mL-1;the quantitation limit was 50 ng·mL-1;the intra-and inter-precision were ≤4.33％,≤18.26％and≤5.03％,≤15.19％,respectively;the extraction recovery were 80.61％to 109.38％and 83.94％to 97.34％,respectively;the intra-and inter-accuracy were-10.52％to 10.70％,-8.07％to 4.19％and-6.18％to 4.27％,-4.65％to 4.98％,respectively;and the matrix effects were 71.46％to 84.20％,and 85.64％to 93.11％,respectively.The results of methodological study of residual effect,dilution effect and stability conformed to the requirements.Conclusion A reliable LC-MS/MS method with high sensitivity,simple sample preparation and short elution time was developed for characterizing the PK profiles of vancomycin and norvancomycin in mice plasma.