1.Joint Relation Extraction of Famous Medical Cases with CasRel Model Combining Entity Mapping and Data Augmentation
Yuxin LI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Hang YANG ; Dasheng LIU ; Jiaheng WANG ; Zhiwei ZHAO ; Jiaxu HAN ; Mengjie WU ; Qianzi CHE ; Wei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):218-225
ObjectiveTo address the challenges of unstructured classical Chinese expressions, nested entity relationships, and limited annotated data in famous traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) case records, this study proposes a joint relation extraction framework that integrates data augmentation and entity mapping, aiming to support the construction of TCM diagnostic knowledge graphs and clinical pattern mining. MethodsWe developed an annotation structure for entities and their relationships in TCM case texts and applied a data augmentation strategy by incorporating multiple ancient texts to expand the relation extraction dataset. A cascade binary tagging framework for relation triple extraction(CasRel) model for TCM semantics was designed, integrating a pre-trained bidirectional encoder representations from transformers(BERT) layer for classical TCM texts to enhance semantic representation, and using a head entity-relation-tail entity mapping mechanism to address entity nesting and relation overlapping issues. ResultsExperimental results showed that the CasRel model, combining data augmentation and entity mapping, outperformed the pipeline-based Bert-Radical-Lexicon(BRL)-bidirectional long short-term memory(BiLSTM)-Attention model. The overall precision, recall, and F1-score across 12 relation types reached 65.73%, 64.03%, and 64.87%, which represent improvements of 14.26%, 7.98%, and 11.21% compared to the BRL-BiLSTM-Attention model, respectively. Notably, the F1-score for tongue syndrome relations increased by 22.68%(69.32%), and the prescription-syndrome relations performed the best with the F1-score of 70.10%. ConclusionThe proposed framework significantly improves the semantic representation and complex dependencies in TCM texts, offering a reusable technical framework for structured mining of TCM case records. The constructed knowledge graph can support clinical syndrome differentiation, prescription optimization, and drug compatibility, providing a methodological reference for TCM artificial intelligence research.
2.Mechanism of Electroacupuncture Alleviating Inflammatory Pain in Rats by Regulating ErbB Subtypes in the Spinal Dorsal Horn
Yuxin WU ; Shuxin TIAN ; Zhengyi LYU ; Dingru JI ; Xingzhen LI ; Yue DONG ; Binyu ZHAO ; Yi LIANG ; Jianqiao FANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):69-78
ObjectiveTo observe the changes in the levels of different subtypes of epidermal growth factor receptor (ErbB), namely ErbB1, ErbB2, ErbB3, and ErbB4, in the spinal dorsal horn of inflammatory pain model rats, and to explore their mechanism of mediating hyperalgesia as well as the intervention mechanism of electroacupuncture at "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Kunlun (BL 60)". MethodsThe study was divided into five parts. In experiment 1, 14 Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into control and inflammatory pain group (7 rats each group) to observe the pain behavior and the protein expression of different ErbB receptor subtypes in the spinal dorsal horn. In experiment 2, 30 rats were randomly divided into control group 1, inflammatory pain group 1, and low-, medium-, and high-concentration TX1-85-1 groups, with 6 rats in each group, to observe the effect of inhibiting spinal ErbB3 on inflammatory pain. In experiment 3, 12 rats were randomly divided into control virus group and ErbB3 knockdown virus group, with 6 rats in each group, to observe the effect of knocking down ErbB3 in the spinal dorsal horn on inflammatory pain. In experiment 4, 44 rats were randomly divided into control group 2, inflammatory pain group 2, electroacupuncture group, and sham electroacupuncture group, with 11 rats in each group, to observe the effect of electroacupuncture. In experiment 5, 40 rats were randomly divided into control group 3, inflammatory pain group 3, electroacupuncture group 1, and electroacupuncture + NRG1 group, with 10 rats in each group, to observe the effect of activating ErbB3 on electroacupuncture. A rat model of inflammatory pain was established by subcutaneous injection of 100 μl of complete Freund's adjuvant into the sole of the unilateral hind foot of SD rats. Rats in the low-, medium-, and high-concentration TX1-85-1 groups were intrathecally injected with ErbB3 inhibitor TX1-85-1 on day 5 to day 7 after modeling. Rats in the ErbB3 knockdown virus group were injected with ErbB3 knockdown virus packaged with adenovirus vector-based short hairpin RNA (shRNA) into the spinal dorsal horn in situ 3 weeks before modeling. Rats in each electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture at bilateral "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Kunlun (BL 60)" from day 1 to day 7 after modeling, with dense-sparse waves at a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and a current of 0.5-1.5 mA for 30 minutes once a day. Rats in the electroacupuncture + NRG1 group were intrathecally injected with ErbB3 ligand recombinant human neuregulin-1 (NRG1) after electroacupuncture intervention from day 5 to day 7 after modeling. The mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats were measured on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after modeling to evaluate behavior, and Western Blot was used to detect the protein and phosphorylation levels of each ErbB subtype in the spinal dorsal horn. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the inflammatory pain group showed decreased mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats, and increased expression of phosphorylated ErbB3 (p-ErbB3) protein in the spinal dorsal horn on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after modeling (P<0.01). On day 5 and day 7 after modeling, compared with the inflammatory pain group 1, the mecha-nical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the medium- and high-concentration TX1-85-1 groups increased, and the expression of p-ErbB3 protein decreased (P<0.05). On day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after modeling, compared with the control virus group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the ErbB3 knockdown virus group increased (P<0.05). On day 5 and day 7 after modeling, compared with the inflammatory pain group 2 and the sham electroacupuncture group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the electroacupuncture group increased, and the expression of p-ErbB3 protein decreased (P<0.05). On day 5 and day 7 after modeling, compared with the electroacupuncture + NRG1 group, the mechanical withdrawal threshold and thermal withdrawal latency of rats in the electroacupuncture group 1 increased (P<0.05). ConclusionThe p-ErbB3 in the spinal dorsal horn involved in hyperalgesia in rats with inflammatory pain, and electroacupuncture at "Zusanli (ST 36)" and "Kunlun (BL 60)" can alleviate inflammatory pain by inhibiting the expression of p-ErbB3 protein in the spinal dorsal horn of rats.
3.Influencing factors of overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Pudong New Area of Shanghai
Mengyuan DING ; Ling HUANG ; Qian WU ; Chao LIANG ; Yuxin JIANG ; Chunhua GU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(6):142-146
Objective To investigate the status and influencing factors of overweight and obesity among primary and secondary school students in Pudong New Area of Shanghai, and to provide reference for formulating obesity-related intervention strategies for school-age children. Methods Stratified cluster random sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among primary and secondary school students in Pudong New Area. The overweight and obesity rate was calculated according to the Chinese health industry standard, and the risk factors of overweight and obesity in children and adolescents of different school age groups were analyzed by logistic regression. Results The overweight and obesity rate (25.3%) of primary and secondary school students in Pudong New Area exceeded the national average level. In primary school group, male, sleep time ≥ 8h per day, water intake ≥ 1200 mL per day, and the presence of mobile food stalls around the school were the risk factors for overweight and obesity. Daily extracurricular exercise time of 30 minutes to 2 hours was a protective factor. In junior high school group, male and electronic product use time of ≥ 2h per day were the risk factors for overweight and obesity. The daily extracurricular exercise time of 1 to 2 hours was a protective factor. In high school group, drinking water ≥1200mL per day was a risk factor for overweight and obesity. Eating breakfast every day for the past week was a protective factor. Conclusion Group intervention targeting overweight and obese school-age children, while changing corresponding unhealthy habits according to different school age groups, is crucial for weight loss in school-age children.
4.Aging and perioperative brain health: Mechanisms, management, and future.
Peilin CONG ; Qian CHEN ; Qianqian WU ; Jing WANG ; Xinwei HUANG ; Qian ZHANG ; Zheping CHEN ; Huanghui WU ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Mengfan HE ; Zhouxiang LI ; Li TIAN ; Lize XIONG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(19):2381-2398
Globally, over 300 million surgeries are performed each year, and more than 50% of surgeries involve patients aged 65 and older. Aging poses significant challenges to perioperative brain health, as the deterioration of brain structure and function increases susceptibility to postoperative neurological complications. Protecting perioperative brain health remains a worldwide clinical challenge. With senescence, the brain undergoes a progressive decline in homeostasis across various molecular, cellular, and regional functions. Anesthetics and surgical stimuli may accelerate the disruption of brain homeostasis and exacerbate age-related neurodegeneration. This review provides a framework for understanding how anesthesia and surgery can affect brain health in the aging population and contribute to postoperative neurological complications, with a particular focus on perioperative neurocognitive disorder.
5.Dihydroartemisinin enhances doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of triple negative breast cancer cells by negatively regulating the STAT3/HIF-1α pathway.
Di CHEN ; Ying LÜ ; Yixin GUO ; Yirong ZHANG ; Ruixuan WANG ; Xiaoruo ZHOU ; Yuxin CHEN ; Xiaohui WU
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(2):254-260
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the effects of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) combined with doxorubicin (DOX) on proliferation and apoptosis of triple-negative breast cancer cells and explore the underlying molecular mechanism.
METHODS:
MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with 50, 100 or 150 μmol/L DHA, 0.5 μmol/L DOX, or with 50 μmol/L DHA combined with 0.5 μmol/L DOX. The changes in proliferation and survival of the treated cells were examined with MTT assay and colony-forming assay, and cell apoptosis was analyzed with flow cytometry. Western blotting was performed to detect the changes in protein expression levels of PCNA, cleaved PARP, Bcl-2, Bax, STAT3, p-STAT3, HIF-1α and survivin.
RESULTS:
The IC50 of DHA was 131.37±29.87 μmol/L in MDA-MB-231 cells. The cells with the combined treatment with DHA and DOX showed significant suppression of cell proliferation. Treatment with DHA alone induced apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent manner, but the combined treatment produced a much stronger apoptosis-inducing effect than both DHA and DOX alone. DHA at 150 μmol/L significantly inhibited clone formation of MDA-MB-231 cells, markedly reduced cellular expression levels of PCNA, p-STAT3, HIF-1α and survivin proteins, and obviously increased the expression level of cleaved PARP protein and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and the combined treatment further reduced the expression level of p-STAT3 protein and increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio.
CONCLUSIONS
DHA combined with DOX produces significantly enhanced effects for inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells possibly as result of DHA-mediated negative regulation of the STAT3/HIF-1α pathway.
Humans
;
STAT3 Transcription Factor/metabolism*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit/metabolism*
;
Doxorubicin/pharmacology*
;
Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms/metabolism*
;
Cell Line, Tumor
;
Artemisinins/pharmacology*
;
Female
;
Cell Proliferation/drug effects*
;
Signal Transduction/drug effects*
;
Survivin
6.Ecological factors impacting genetic characteristics and metabolite accumulations of Gastrodia elata.
Zhaoyu ZHANG ; Xiaodong LI ; Yuchi ZHANG ; Niegui YIN ; Guoying WU ; Guangfei WEI ; Yuxin ZHOU ; Shilin CHEN ; Linlin DONG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(3):562-574
OBJECTIVE:
The investigation of the correlation between ecological factors and the genetic characteristics or metabolites of plants offers valuable insights into the regional causes of genetic and metabolic diversity. Here, Gastrodia elata, a medicinal plant, is employed as a model to explore the environmental factors that influence its genetic characteristics and metabolic accumulations.
METHODS:
A total of 23 G. elata populations from six cultispecies and 11 cultivated regions were selected based on the predictions of the global geographic information system. The genetic characteristics of these populations were evaluated using highly polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers. Additionally, the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers were measured employing colorimetry and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ecological data of each region were obtained from the WorldClim-global climate database and harmonized world soil database. To assess the influence of ecological factors on the genetic characteristics and metabolic profiles of G. elata, Pearson's correlation analysis was conducted.
RESULTS:
Genetic variation among G. elata populations exceeded that within populations. Genetic diverisity, distance and structure manifested regional and species-specific patterns. Metabolic profiling and antioxidant capacity exhibited regional variations. Notably, the Lueyang region demonstrated that a content range of total polysaccharide, total protein, and phenolic glycosides was 9.34%-189.67% higher than the average. Similarly, in the Hubei region, total phenolic content, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol content, and antioxidant indicators were observed to be higher than the average levels, by 106.57%, 136.47% and 12.50%-91.14%, respectively. Furthermore, ecological factors had a significant comprehensive impact on G. elata genetic characteristics (r > 0.256 and P < 0.05). Multivariate metabolite accumulations in G. elata were influenced by dominant ecological factors. Temperature notably impacted the accumulation of total protein (|r| > 0.528 and P < 0.05). Moisture, encompassing precipitation and soil content, significantly affected the production of phenolic glycosides (|r| > 0.503 and P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The genetic characteristics of G. elata manifested regional and species-specific patterns, with the metabolic accumulations and antioxidant capacity of mature tubers exhibited regional variations. Specifically, multivariate ecological factors comprehensively influenced genetic characteristics. Temperature and moisture played pivotal roles in regulating the accumulations of proteins and phenolic glycosides, respectively. These findings underscore the significant impact of ecological factors on the shaping of G. elata, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing the quality of Chinese medicinal materials.
7.Ginger protects against vein graft remodeling by precisely modulating ferroptotic stress in vascular smooth muscle cell dedifferentiation.
Xiaoyu YU ; Weiwei WU ; Jingjun HAO ; Yuxin ZHOU ; Deyang YU ; Wei DING ; Xuejuan ZHANG ; Gaoli LIU ; Jianxun WANG
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(2):101053-101053
Vein graft (VG) failure (VGF) is associated with VG intimal hyperplasia, which is characterized by abnormal accumulation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Most neointimal VSMCs are derived from pre-existing VSMCs via a process of VSMC phenotypic transition, also known as dedifferentiation. There is increasing evidence to suggest that ginger or its bioactive ingredients may block VSMC dedifferentiation, exerting vasoprotective functions; however, the precise mechanisms have not been fully characterized. Therefore, we investigated the effect of ginger on VSMC phenotypic transition in VG remodeling after transplantation. Ginger significantly inhibited neointimal hyperplasia and promoted lumen (L) opening in a 3-month VG, which was primarily achieved by reducing ferroptotic stress. Ferroptotic stress is a pro-ferroptotic state. Contractile VSMCs did not die but instead gained a proliferative capacity and switched to the secretory type, forming neointima (NI) after vein transplantation. Ginger and its two main vasoprotective ingredients (6-gingerol and 6-shogaol) inhibit VSMC dedifferentiation by reducing ferroptotic stress. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that 6-gingerol inhibits ferroptotic stress by targeting P53, while 6-shogaol inhibits ferroptotic stress by targeting 5-lipoxygenase (Alox5), both promoting ferroptosis. Furthermore, both ingredients co-target peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), decreasing PPARγ-mediated nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 1 (Nox1) expression. Nox1 promotes intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and directly induces VSMC dedifferentiation. In addition, Nox1 is a ferroptosis-promoting gene that encourages ferroptotic stress production, indirectly leading to VSMC dedifferentiation. Ginger, a natural multi-targeted ferroptotic stress inhibitor, finely and effectively prevents VSMC phenotypic transition and protects against venous injury remodeling.
8.The role and mechanism of heparanase in hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors
Yanan ZHANG ; Yang WU ; Chujiang WU ; Yuxin HE ; Yujie ZHAI ; Jiucong ZHANG ; Bin LIANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(11):2435-2440
Hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors are common types of digestive system disorders, and their complex pathogeneses have led to difficulties in early diagnosis and a high metastasis rate, with persistently high incidence and mortality rates in China, which greatly affects the quality of life and prognosis of patients. Studies have shown that heparanase (HPSE), as a key effector molecule in matrix remodeling, plays a crucial regulatory role in tumor invasion and metastasis and microenvironment remodeling, and it is significantly associated with clinical prognosis. This article reviews the molecular mechanism of HPSE in hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors, in order to provide a strong scientific basis for developing diagnostic markers and targeted interventions for hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors.
9.Mechanism of action of the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes signaling pathway in liver diseases and research advances in therapeutic targets
Yujie ZHAI ; Xiangxiang LI ; Chujiang WU ; Yanan ZHANG ; Yuxin HE ; Zhongyu LIU ; Jiucong ZHANG ; Bin LIANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):2180-2186
Liver diseases are a group of complex clinical conditions caused by various factors and can lead to hepatocyte damage and liver dysfunction, posing a serious threat to human health. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway plays a key regulatory role in the course of liver diseases and is involved in the development, progression, and treatment of various diseases such as viral hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. This article reviews the regulatory mechanisms of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in processes such as inflammation, autophagy, antiviral response, and oxidative stress, analyzes its molecular function in liver diseases, and explores its application prospect as a potential target for the treatment of liver diseases, in order to provide a theoretical basis for developing novel therapeutic strategies for liver diseases.
10.Longitudinal relationship between body image satisfaction and anxiety symptoms among Tibetan college students:the mediating role of disordered eating and moderating role of mindfulness
Ruipeng WU ; Zixuan GUANG ; Qiong NIU ; Chunyu ZHENG ; Yuxin XIE ; Bingheng QU ; Xiaopeng TONG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2024;45(5):872-879
Objective To explore the mediating role of eating disorders in the relationship between body image satisfaction and anxiety symptoms among college students,and further examine the moderating effect of mindfulness on this mediating pathway.Methods By using convenience sampling,we conducted baseline and follow-up surveys among freshmen and sophomores at two universities in Xizang Autonomous Region from September to December 2021.Measurements included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale,the body image satisfaction subscale of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire,the Eating Attitudes Test,and the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale.Data analyses performed using SPSS 23.0 included Pearson correlation analysis,mediation(model 4),and moderation(model 58)effect analysis.Results A total of 2 993 students participated in both the baseline and follow-up surveys,including 1 007 males(34.3%)and 1,666 Tibetan and other ethnic minorities(56.8%),with an average age of 19.8(SD=1.3)years.Body image satisfaction significantly predicted anxiety symptoms,and this relationship was partially mediated by disordered eating.The presence of mindfulness moderated the impact of body image satisfaction on disordered eating and the influence of disordered eating on anxiety symptoms,indicating varying strengths of these relationships at different levels of mindfulness.Conclusion This study demonstrates that body image satisfaction can significantly predict anxiety symptoms,with disordered eating playing a mediating role in this relationship.The moderating effect of mindfulness further reveals that students with high levels of mindfulness are less likely to experience eating disorders influenced by body image dissatisfaction.Interventions for college students'mental health should consider including management of body image and eating behaviors,as well as mindfulness training.


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