1.The Development and Application of Chatbots in Healthcare: From Traditional Methods to Large Language Models
Zixing WANG ; Le QI ; Xiaodan LIAN ; Ziheng ZHOU ; Aiwei MENG ; Xintong WU ; Xiaoyuan GAO ; Yujie YANG ; Yiyang LIU ; Wei ZHAO ; Xiaolin DIAO
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2025;16(5):1170-1178
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technology, chatbots have shown great potential in the healthcare sector. From personalized health advice to chronic disease management and psychological support, chatbots have demonstrated significant advantages in improving the efficiency and quality of healthcare services. As the scope of their applications expands, the relationship between technological complexity and practical application scenarios has become increasingly intertwined, necessitating a more comprehensive evaluation of both aspects. This paper, from the perspective of he althcare applications, systematically reviews the technological pathways and development of chatbots in the medical field, providing an in-depth analysis of their performance across various medical scenarios. It thoroughly examines the advantages and limitations of chatbots, aiming to offer theoretical support for future research and propose feasible recommendations for the broader adoption of chatbot technologies in healthcare.
2.Dual activation of GCGR/GLP1R signaling ameliorates intestinal fibrosis via metabolic regulation of histone H3K9 lactylation in epithelial cells.
Han LIU ; Yujie HONG ; Hui CHEN ; Xianggui WANG ; Jiale DONG ; Xiaoqian LI ; Zihan SHI ; Qian ZHAO ; Longyuan ZHOU ; JiaXin WANG ; Qiuling ZENG ; Qinglin TANG ; Qi LIU ; Florian RIEDER ; Baili CHEN ; Minhu CHEN ; Rui WANG ; Yao ZHANG ; Ren MAO ; Xianxing JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):278-295
Intestinal fibrosis is a significant clinical challenge in inflammatory bowel diseases, but no effective anti-fibrotic therapy is currently available. Glucagon receptor (GCGR) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) are both peptide hormone receptors involved in energy metabolism of epithelial cells. However, their role in intestinal fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. Herein GCGR and GLP1R were found to be reduced in the stenotic ileum of patients with Crohn's disease as well as in the fibrotic colon of mice with chronic colitis. The downregulation of GCGR and GLP1R led to the accumulation of the metabolic byproduct lactate, resulting in histone H3K9 lactylation and exacerbated intestinal fibrosis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Dual activating GCGR and GLP1R by peptide 1907B reduced the H3K9 lactylation in epithelial cells and ameliorated intestinal fibrosis in vivo. We uncovered the role of GCGR/GLP1R in regulating EMT involved in intestinal fibrosis via histone lactylation. Simultaneously activating GCGR/GLP1R with the novel dual agonist peptide 1907B holds promise as a treatment strategy for alleviating intestinal fibrosis.
3.Coral calcium hydride promotes peripheral mitochondrial division and reduces AT-II cells damage in ARDS via activation of the Trx2/Myo19/Drp1 pathway.
Qian LI ; Yang ANG ; Qing-Qing ZHOU ; Min SHI ; Wei CHEN ; Yujie WANG ; Pan YU ; Bing WAN ; Wanyou YU ; Liping JIANG ; Yadan SHI ; Zhao LIN ; Shaozheng SONG ; Manlin DUAN ; Yun LONG ; Qi WANG ; Wentao LIU ; Hongguang BAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(3):101039-101039
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common respiratory emergency, but current clinical treatment remains at the level of symptomatic support and there is a lack of effective targeted treatment measures. Our previous study confirmed that inhalation of hydrogen gas can reduce the acute lung injury of ARDS, but the application of hydrogen has flammable and explosive safety concerns. Drinking hydrogen-rich liquid or inhaling hydrogen gas has been shown to play an important role in scavenging reactive oxygen species and maintaining mitochondrial quality control balance, thus improving ARDS in patients and animal models. Coral calcium hydrogenation (CCH) is a new solid molecular hydrogen carrier prepared from coral calcium (CC). Whether and how CCH affects acute lung injury in ARDS remains unstudied. In this study, we observed the therapeutic effect of CCH on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced acute lung injury in ARDS mice. The survival rate of mice treated with CCH and hydrogen inhalation was found to be comparable, demonstrating a significant improvement compared to the untreated ARDS model group. CCH treatment significantly reduced pulmonary hemorrhage and edema, and improved pulmonary function and local microcirculation in ARDS mice. CCH promoted mitochondrial peripheral division in the early course of ARDS by activating mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 (Trx2), improved lung mitochondrial dysfunction induced by LPS, and reduced oxidative stress damage. The results indicate that CCH is a highly efficient hydrogen-rich agent that can attenuate acute lung injury of ARDS by improving the mitochondrial function through Trx2 activation.
4.Machine learning-assisted microfluidic approach for broad-spectrum liposome size control.
Yujie JIA ; Xiao LIANG ; Li ZHANG ; Jun ZHANG ; Hajra ZAFAR ; Shan HUANG ; Yi SHI ; Jian CHEN ; Qi SHEN
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(6):101221-101221
Liposomes serve as critical carriers for drugs and vaccines, with their biological effects influenced by their size. The microfluidic method, renowned for its precise control, reproducibility, and scalability, has been widely employed for liposome preparation. Although some studies have explored factors affecting liposomal size in microfluidic processes, most focus on small-sized liposomes, predominantly through experimental data analysis. However, the production of larger liposomes, which are equally significant, remains underexplored. In this work, we thoroughly investigate multiple variables influencing liposome size during microfluidic preparation and develop a machine learning (ML) model capable of accurately predicting liposomal size. Experimental validation was conducted using a staggered herringbone micromixer (SHM) chip. Our findings reveal that most investigated variables significantly influence liposomal size, often interrelating in complex ways. We evaluated the predictive performance of several widely-used ML algorithms, including ensemble methods, through cross-validation (CV) for both liposome size and polydispersity index (PDI). A standalone dataset was experimentally validated to assess the accuracy of the ML predictions, with results indicating that ensemble algorithms provided the most reliable predictions. Specifically, gradient boosting was selected for size prediction, while random forest was employed for PDI prediction. We successfully produced uniform large (600 nm) and small (100 nm) liposomes using the optimised experimental conditions derived from the ML models. In conclusion, this study presents a robust methodology that enables precise control over liposome size distribution, offering valuable insights for medicinal research applications.
5.Exploring the Material Basis of Guben Qushi Huayu Prescription in the Treatment of Psoriasis Recurrence Based on Constituents Absorbed into Blood Analysis and Molecular Docking Techniques
Haiming CHEN ; Qi WANG ; Xuwei ZHENG ; Yujie YANG ; Yanjuan ZHAI ; Song LI ; Shengjun CHEN ; Xiehe WANG ; Bin TANG ; Yiliang XU ; Chuanjian LU
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(1):176-184
Objective To clarify the active ingredients and the potential molecular mechanism of Guben Qushi Huayu Prescription in treating psoriasis recurrence.Methods An ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF/MS)was applied to analyze the whole formula and the constituents absorbed into blood of Guben Qushi Huayu Prescription,and molecular docking technology was used to study the binding affinity of the constituents absorbed into blood with psoriasis-related immunomodulatory proteins such as CD69 and CD103 proteins.Results Mass spectrometry analysis identified 21 active ingredients such as paeoniflorin in Guben Qushi Huayu Prescription,including several known anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds.Analysis of the constituents absorbed into blood identified 11 ingredients,including paeoniflorin,that may affect the course of psoriasis through blood circulation.Molecular docking studies revealed that the constituents absorbed into blood,including astilbin,isoastilbin,chlorogenic acid,neochlorogenic acid,cryptochlorogenic acid,helicine,paeoniflorin,ononin,all had high binding affinities with CD69 and CD103 proteins.Conclusion This research reveals the main active ingredients of Guben Qushi Huayu Prescription and their potential mechanism for regulating the recurrence of psoriasis by mass spectrometry and molecular docking technology,contributing to providing scientific basis for further pharmacological research and clinical application.
6.Investigation of the effects of Gabra3 gene knockout on sleep regulation in mouse neurons
Lizhong ZHANG ; Yujie TANG ; Yi SUN ; Qi YU ; Xuechun LU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(3):206-213
Objective To construct a Gabra3 gene knockout cell model and explore transcriptomic and proteomic alterations in murine neuronal cells,in order to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the increased depth of slow-wave sleep observed following Gabra3 deletion.Methods Multiple sgRNA sequences were designed,and the CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to knock out the Gabra3 gene in the murine GT1-7 neuronal cell line.Gene sequencing was performed to assess knockout efficiency,and TA cloning was used to validate the knockout results.Protein immunoblotting experiments were conducted to confirm the knockout,while cell proliferation assays were used to validate the knockout phenotype.Total RNA and protein were extracted for transcriptomic and proteomic sequencing,respectively.A range of bioinformatics analyses was conducted to assess the functional consequences of Gabra3 knockout in GT1-7 neuronal cells.Results Following Gabra3 gene knockout,pathways related to cortisol and aldosterone synthesis and secretion,as well as circadian rhythm,were significantly enriched.Three key genes,BMP2,GLI2,and DLL1,were identified.Proteomic profiling revealed widespread disturbances in protein expression following Gabra3 knockout.Conclusion Gabra3 gene knockout may increase slow-wave sleep depth by modulating the expression of hormone secretion-related genes and altering circadian regulatory pathways.
7.Pituitary Crooke cell neuroendocrine tumor of adrenocorticotropic hormone differentiation-specific transcription factor lineage: a clinicopathological analysis of six cases
Chong GE ; Qi WANG ; Wu WANG ; Lanqing CHENG ; Yue′e WANG ; Liangliang HUANG ; Yujie LI ; Haibo WU ; Anli ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2024;53(7):722-727
Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological features of Crooke cell tumor of adrenocorticotropic hormone differentiation specific transcription factor (TPIT, also known as transcription factor 19, TBX19) lineage neuroendocrine tumors.Methods:Six cases of Crooke cell tumor diagnosed at the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China from October 2019 to October 2023 were collected. The clinical and pathological features of these cases were analyzed.Results:Among the six cases, one was male and five were female, with ages ranging from 26 to 75 years, and an average age of 44 years. All tumors occurred within the sella turcica. Clinical presentations included visual impairment in two cases, menstrual disorders in one case, Cushing′s syndrome in one case, headache in one case, and one asymptomatic case discovered during a physical examination. Preoperative serum analyses revealed elevated levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormones in two cases, elevated cortisol in two cases, elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone in one case, and one case with a mild increase in prolactin due to the pituitary stalk effect. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed uneven enhancement of masses with maximum diameters ranging from 1.7 to 3.2 cm, all identified as macroadenomas. Microscopically, tumor cells exhibited irregular polygonal shapes, solid sheets, or pseudo-papillary arrangements around blood vessels. The cell nuclei were eccentric or centrally located, varying in size, with abundant cytoplasm. Some tumor cells showed perinuclear halo. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated diffuse strong positivity for TPIT in five cases, focal weak positivity for TPIT in one case, diffuse strong positivity for adrenocorticotropic hormone in all cases, and faint staining around the nuclei in a few cells. CK8/18 showed a strong positive ring pattern in more than 50% of tumor cells, focal weak positive expression of p53, and the Ki-67 positive index ranged 1%-5%. Periodic acid-Schiff staining revealed positive cytoplasm and negative perinuclear areas.Conclusions:Crooke cell tumor is a rare type of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors. Its pathological characteristics include a distinctive perinuclear clear zone and immunohistochemical markers, such as CK8/18 exhibiting a ring or halo pattern. This entity represents a high-risk subtype among pituitary neuroendocrine tumors, displaying a high risk of invasion and a propensity for recurrence. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for the postoperative follow-up and multimodal treatment planning.
8.Study on correlation between circulating exosome miR-485-3p and STYX expression with onset of premature coronary heart disease
Fan WANG ; Qingyong LI ; Yujie LIU ; Jingcai LUO ; Jinling SU ; Tongwen DING ; Qi SUN
Chongqing Medicine 2024;53(16):2462-2466,2471
Objective To investigate the correlation between the expression of circulating exosome miR-485-3p and STYX with the risk of premature coronary heart disease.Methods A total of 50 inpatients with early onset coronary heart disease diagnosed by coronary angiography or CT angiography (CTA) in Af-filiated Puyang Municipal People's Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College from August to December 2023 were selected as the study group and 50 patients with excluded coronary artery disease by examination during the same period were included in the control group.The general clinical data of the two groups were collected,the plasma exosome miR-485-3p and STYX levels were detected.The degree of coronary arterial lesions in the pa-tients of the study group was evaluated by the Gensini score.The Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between plasma exosome miR-485-3p and STYX with LDL and Gensini score.The re-ceiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of plasma exosome miR-485-3p and STYX in the diagnosis of premature coronary heart disease.The multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the independent risk factors for premature coronary heart disease.Results Compared with the control group,the family history of coronary heart disease,smoking history,LDL and plasma exo-some miR-485-3p level in the study group were increased,the plasma STYX level was decreased and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05);the Spearman correlation analysis showed that miR-485-3p was positively correlated with LDL (r=0.546) and Gensini score (r=0.485),and negatively correlated with STYX (r=-0.576).STYX was negatively correlated with LDL (r=-0.389) and Gensini score (r=-0.531).The ROC curve showed that the area under the curve of miR-485-3p,STYX and their combination in the diagnosis of premature coronary heart disease was 0.821 (95%CI:0.736-0.906),0.850 (95%CI:0.772-0.927) and 0.899 (95%CI:0.837-0.960) respectively.Conclusion The expression of circulating exosome miR-485-3p in premature coronary heart disease is up-regulated and the expression of STYX is down-regulated,the both are closely related to the degree of coronary artery lesion,which could be used as the po-tential biomarkers for the diagnosis of premature coronary heart disease.
9.Biomechanical effect of pre-setting high-strength sutures by suture weaving on tendon grafts
Han CHANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Yujie LIU ; Ji WANG ; Fei LI ; Wei QI
Academic Journal of Naval Medical University 2024;45(12):1579-1582
Objective To reduce the mechanical impact caused by postoperative creep and relaxation of tendon grafts by pre-setting high-strength sutures using suture weaving.Methods Fresh pig tendo calcaneus specimens were used to prepare 30 anterior cruciate ligament tendon grafts,and they were randomly divided into control group,2-strand suture implantation group,and 4-strand suture implantation group,with 10 tendon grafts in each group.The control group were not given suture implantation in the tendon grafts,and the 2-and 4-strand suture implantation groups were pre-set 2 and 4 strands of high-strength No.2 sutures,respectively.The tendon grafts in each group were subjected to 1,100,500,1 000,1 500,2 000,2 500,and 3 000 fatigue tests in turn,and the relaxation was recorded.Finally,the tendon grafts in each group were pulled to failure at a constant rate of 5 cm/min,and the traction force when the relaxation reached 5 mm,i.e.the failure load,was recorded.Results The relaxation of tendon grafts after each fatigue test was significantly lower in the 2-and 4-strand suture implantation groups than that in the control group,and the relaxation was significantly lower in the 4-strand suture implantation group than that in the 2-strand suture implantation group(all P<0.05).The failure loads of tendon grafts were significantly higher in the 2-and 4-strand suture implantation groups than that in the control group,and the failure load was significantly higher in the 4-strand suture implantation group than that in the 2-strand suture implantation group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Pre-setting high-strength sutures in tendon grafts by suture weaving can effectively improve the mechanical properties of tendon grafts.
10.Protective effect of sodium butyrate on hypoxia tolerance in rats exposed to hypoxia and cold
Xiaoyu GUO ; Xiaoling TAN ; Qi CUI ; Hongchen XIE ; Yujie HUANG ; Xiangqiong MENG ; Wenjun JIANG ; Yu DING ; Haixia JING
Journal of Army Medical University 2024;46(8):901-911
Objective To investigate the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of sodium butyrate on rats exposed to hypoxia and cold conditions.Methods Fifty-eight male SD rats (aged 7~8 weeks,weighing 240~260 g ) were randomly divided into normoxia normothermia saline control (NNC ) group (n=10),normoxia normothermia sodium butyrate(NNB)group(n=10),hypoxia cold saline control (HCC) group (n=19),and hypoxia cold sodium butyrate (HCB)group (n=19).The intragastric dose of sodium butyrate was 200 mg/kg for the NNB and HCB groups,while the NNC and HCC groups were given normal saline of 5 mL/kg.①After continuous intragastric administration for 7 d,the rats in the HCC and HCB groups were placed in a low-pressure hypoxic chamber to simulate an altitude of 5000 m and exposed to a temperature of 8 ℃ for 7 d.Subsequently,blood samples were collected from the abdominal aorta for blood gas analysis,blood routine test,and detection for serum biochemical indicators.ELISA was used to determine serum inflammatory cytokines and endocrine hormones.The rats in the NNC and NNB groups(n=10)were fed outside the chamber and underwent the same tests in 7 d later to evaluate the protective effects of sodium butyrate on the body.②Core body temperature monitoring was conducted to assess the impact of sodium butyrate on the rmoregulation in rats exposed to hypoxia and cold(n=3).③Hypoxia exercise tolerance of the HCC group and HCB group in a hypoxic chamber (11%O2 )was evaluated for their hypoxia resistance (n=6).Results Compared to the NNC group,the rats in the HCC group exhibited significant decreases in arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2 )and arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2 ),serum levels of IL-4,estradiol (E2)and cortisol (F),core temperature,and exercise duration (P<0.05),and had notably increased levels of red blood cell (RBC)count,hemoglobin (HGB),hematocrit (HCT),cardiac troponin (CRDAC-T),uric acid (UA),alanine aminotransferase (ALT),total cholesterol (TC),low-density lipoprotein (LDL),IL-6 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)(P<0.05).Compared to the HCC group,the rats in the HCB group exhibited significant increases in SaO2,PaO2,IL-4,E2,F,corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH)and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)(P<0.05),remarkably longer exercise duration under hypoxic exposure (P<0.05 ),but decreases in RBC count,serum levels of HGB,HCT,CRDAC-T,UA,ALT,TC,LDL,IL-6,GM-CSF and free thyroxine (FT4 ),and core temperature (P<0.05).Conclusion Sodium butyrate exhibits protective effects on rats exposed to hypoxia and cold conditions,and it is helpful in their adaptation to these hypoxia and cold environments.

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