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.Current Research Status of Digital Technology in the Rehabilitation of Rare Neurological and Muscular Diseases
Yixuan GUO ; Yi GAO ; Yiyang YAO ; Zhuoyue QIN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Jiaqi JING ; Jing XIE ; Jian GUO ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):122-131
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 To review the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) at home and abroad on digital intelligence (DI)-driven rehabilitation in patients of neuromuscular disease, compare the effects of DI-driven rehabilitation with traditional rehabilitation, summarize the special needs and challenges faced by patients in rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases, and provide evidence for the development and quality improvement of rehabilitation for rare neuromuscular diseases. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases for literature on neuromuscular diseases, rare diseases, digital and intelligent technologies, and rehabilitation published from the inception of the databases to June 2024. Basic and research-related information from the retrieved literature was extracted and analyzed. A total of 43 RCTs in English from 14 countries were included. The most studied diseases were Parkinson′s disease and multiple sclerosis. The application of DI-driven technologies in rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases was still limited. The commonly used technologies were virtual reality (VR) games, intelligent treadmill assistance, gait training robots, hybrid assistive limb (HAL), wearable sensors and tele-rehabilitation (TR) systems. These technologies were applied in patients′ homes or rehabilitation service centers. The VR games significantly improved both static/dynamic balance functions and cognitive functions. The intelligent treadmill assistance significantly enhanced gait speed and stride length. The gait training robots significantly improved balance, gait speed and stride length of patients. The wearable exoskeletons significantly enhanced walking ability. DI-driven rehabilitation measures have great value and potential in the field of neuromuscular disease rehabilitation. Their advantages and characteristics can meet the diverse needs of rare disease patients. In the future, a hierarchical and collaborative rehabilitation service system should be established to meet the urgent needs of the rehabilitation of rare neuromuscular diseases. Combining the advantages of digitization and intelligence will provide standardized, scientific, convenient and affordable rehabilitation services to patients.
		                        		
		                        	
3.The Application of Digital Intelligence Technology in the Management of Non-Hospitalized Patients with Rare Diseases
Yiyang YAO ; Yi GAO ; Yixuan GUO ; Zhuoyue QIN ; Yaofang ZHANG ; Jiaqi JING ; Jing XIE ; Jian GUO ; Shuyang ZHANG
JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES 2025;4(1):46-53
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			 To provide references to and give suggestions to the development and optimiza-tion of Digital Intelligence (DI) technology in management of non-hospitalized patients by systematical review the application of digital technology in non-hospital settings. We designed the search strategy and used the words " rare diseases"" patient management"" non-hospitalized management"" community management"" digital intelligence"" big data"" telemedicine" as MESH terms or free words. We searched the database of PubMed, Science-Direct, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from the beginning of the database to July 2024 and used computer retrieval to get the literatures on the application of DI technology in the management of patients with rare diseases in non-hospital setting. We extracted the information of the first author, country or region, publication time, research participants, DI technology application, and application effect for summary analysis. A total of 13 articles were included in this study, which were from 8 countries or regions. We found that DI technologies used were in the following forms: Internet information platform, wearable devices, telemedicine management platform and electronic database. The DI technology was used by the patients with rare diseases, patient caregivers and professional medical staffs. The application of all the forms above in different populations had good effect. The Internet information platform helped patients and their caregivers learn more about the disease and improved their self-management ability. The wearable device helped monitor the health status of patients in real time and predict the risk of emergent events. The telemedicine management platform facilitated to optimize the allocation of medical resources and strengthen doctor-patient communication. The electronic health database promoted the interconnection of data inside and outside the hospital and improved the accuracy of decision-making through data sharing. The application of DI technology in the management of patients with rare diseases in non-hospitalized settings has shown positive results. In the future, it is necessary to correct the shortcomings and to deal with the challenges in terms of accuracy, readiness, applicability, and privacy protection. Besides, the DI can be integrated into the tri-level management system of patients known as the "patient-community-hospital". It is advisable to take the advantages of digital intelligence technology to improve the efficiency and quality of management of patients in non-hospitalized settings.
		                        		
		                        	
4.Correlation of platelet parameter changes and prognosis in children with severe community-acquired pneumonia
Yiyang MAO ; Suyun QIAN ; Hengmiao GAO ; Boliang FANG ; Rubo LI ; Guoyun SU ; Jun LIU ; Gang LIU ; Chaonan FAN
Chinese Pediatric Emergency Medicine 2024;31(2):120-125
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To investigate the dynamic trend of platelet(PLT)count and mean platelet volume(MPV)in children with severe community-acquired pneumonia(SCAP)in PICU and their correlation with prognosis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted in 215 SCAP children who were admitted to the PICU of Beijing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2016 to December 2019.According to the disease outcome,the patients were divided into improvement group ( n=184) and unrecovered group ( n=31).The changes of PLT count and MPV at admission,on the 2nd,3rd,and 7th days of hospitalization and before discharge were observed,and the relationship between changes in PLT parameters and poor prognosis was analyzed. Meanwhile,the correlation between thrombocytopenia on admission and on the 7th day of hospitalization and prognosis was further explored. Results:The PLT count of improvement group at admission,on the 2nd,3rd,and 7th days of hospitalization and at discharge[(328±159, 329±137, 362±159, 439±168, 510±171)×10 9/L] were significantly higher than those of unrecovered group [(210±142, 207±152, 267±143, 260±162, 343±159)×10 9/L]( P<0.05).Although the MPV of improvement group [(10.9±1.9)fL] on admission was significantly lower than that of the unrecovered group[(12.7±2.5) fL]( P<0.05),there was no significant difference in MPV between two groups on the 2nd,3rd,7th days of hospitalization and discharge( P>0.05).In addition,compared with the admission,children in improvement group had significantly higher PLT count on the 7th day of hospitalization and before discharge( P<0.05),but there was no significant change in unrecovered group( P>0.05).Compared with SCAP patients with thrombocytopenia at admission (PLT<100×10 9/L)( n=22),those with thrombocytopenia on 7th day of hospitalization had a significant higher rate of non recovery( P<0.05). Conclusion:The occurrence of thrombocytopenia on admission and after 7 days of hospitalization in children with SCAP is associated with poor prognosis.No significant increase or decrease in PLT count after 7 days of hospitalization is often indicative of poor prognosis.Dynamic monitoring of PLT parameter changes may help to better judge the prognosis of severe pneumonia.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
5.CT radiomics combined with CT and preoperative pathological features for predicting postoperative early recurrence of local advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Jingjing XING ; Yiyang LIU ; Yue ZHOU ; Pengchao ZHAN ; Rui WANG ; Yaru CHAI ; Peijie LYU ; Jianbo GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2024;40(6):863-868
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To investigate the value of CT radiomics combined with CT and preoperative pathological features for predicting postoperative early recurrence(ER)of local advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(LAESCC).Methods Data of 334 patients with LAESCC were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into training set(n=234)and verification set(n=100)at the ratio of 7:3 and were followed up to observe ER(recurrence within 12 months after surgery)or not.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze clinical,CT and preoperative pathological features of LAESCC in patients with or without ER in training set.The independent risk factors of ER were screened,and a CT-preoperative pathology model was constructed.Based on venous phase CT in training set,the radiomics features of lesions were extracted and screened to establish radiomics model,and finally a combined model was established based on radiomics model and the independent risk factors.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were drawn,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of each model.Results Among 334 cases,168 were found with but 166 without ER.In training set,117 cases were found with while the rest 117 without ER,while in verification set,51 were found with but 49 without ER.The length of lesions,cT stage and cN stage shown on CT and tumor differentiation degree displayed with preoperative pathology were all independent risk factors for ER of LAESCC(all P<0.05).The AUC of CT-preoperative pathology model in training set and validation set was 0.759 and 0.783,respectively.Ten best radiomics features of LAESCC were selected,and AUC of the established radiomics model in training set and validation set was 0.770 and 0.730,respectively.The AUC of combined model in training and validation set was 0.838 and 0.826,respectively.The AUC of CT radiomics combined with CT and preoperative pathological features in training set was higher than that of CT-preoperative pathologymodel and radiomics model(both P<0.01).Conclusion CT radiomics combined with CT and preoperative pathological features could effectively predict postoperative ER of LAESCC.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
6.Dual-energy CT radiomics combined with clinical and CT features for predicting differentiation degree of gastric adenocarcinoma
Mengchen YUAN ; Yiyang LIU ; Hongliang LI ; Lin CHEN ; Bo DUAN ; Shuai ZHAO ; Yaru YOU ; Xingzhi CHEN ; Jianbo GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2024;40(10):1542-1547
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To observe the value of dual-energy CT(DECT)radiomics combined with clinical and CT features for predicting differentiation degree of gastric adenocarcinoma(GAC).Methods Totally 254 patients with GAC were prospectively analyzed and divided into high-grade group(low differentiation GAC,n=88)and low-grade group(middle-high differentiation GAC,n=166)according to pathological results.The patients were also divided into training set(n=203,including 70 high-grade and 133 low-grade GAC)and verification set(n=51,including 18 high-grade and 33 low-grade GAC)at the ratio of 8∶2.Radiomics features were extracted and screened based on venous phase single-level(40,70,100 and 140 keV)DECT,and a multi-energy radiomics model was constructed to predict GAC classification.Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze clinical and CT features as well as DECT parameters in training set to construct a clinic-CT model.Then a combined model was constructed through combining clinic-CT model with radiomics model.The predictive efficacy of the models were evaluated,and the calibration degree of the combined model was assessed.Results The area under the curve(AUC)of clinic-CT model,multi-energy radiomics model and combined model was 0.74,0.75 and 0.78 in training set,and 0.73,0.77 and 0.78 in verification set,respectively.Except for AUC of combined model was higher than that of clinic-CT model in training set(P<0.05),no significant difference of AUC was found among models in training set nor verification set(all P>0.05).The calibration degree of combined model was good in both training set and verification set(both P>0.05).Conclusion DECT radiomics combined with clinical and CT features could effectively predict differentiation degree of GAC.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
7.Spectral CT quantitative parameters for evaluating T stage of advanced gastric cancer
Yaru YOU ; Yiyang LIU ; Mengchen YUAN ; Shuai ZHAO ; Liming LI ; Yusong CHEN ; Yue ZHENG ; Jianbo GAO
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging Technology 2024;40(11):1704-1709
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To observe the value of spectral CT parameters for evaluating T staging of advanced gastric cancer(AGC).Methods Totally 155 AGC patients were collected and divided into T2 stage(n=40)and T3/4a stage(n=115)according to postoperative pathology.CT values,water concentration(WC)and iodine concentration(IC)of AGC lesions on 40-140 keV arteriovenous phase single energy level images were measured,and the standardized IC(nIC)and spectral curve slopes k1 and k2 were calculated.Clinical variables and spectral quantitative parameters were compared between groups,and receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted,the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the value of each parameter and model for identifying T2 and T3/4a stage AGC.Results Tumor thickness,proportion of low differentiation degree,CT100kev,CT140kev,and WC values in T3/4a group were all significantly higher than those in T2 group(all P<0.05).CT140keV of AGC lesions on venous phase images presented the highest discrimination efficacy among single parameters,with AUC of 0.782.AUC of clinical-arterial phase-venous phase model was 0.848,higher than that of clinical model and arterial phase model alone(both P<0.05)but not significantly different compared with AUC of venous phase model(P>0.05).Conclusion Spectral CT quantitative parameters,especially venous phase parameters could be used to effectively identify T stage of AGC.Multi-parameter combined models had higher diagnostic value.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
8.Comparative study of low-keV deep learning reconstructed images and conventional images of gastric cancer based on dual-energy CT
Mengchen YUAN ; Yiyang LIU ; Hejun LIANG ; Lin CHEN ; Shuai ZHAO ; Yaru YOU ; Jianbo GAO
Chinese Journal of Radiology 2024;58(8):836-842
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective:To assess the quality of low-keV monoenergetic images using deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) algorithm combined with dual energy CT (DECT) in gastric cancer and to compare them with images from the conventional adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASiR-V) algorithm.Methods:In this cross-sectional study, DECT images of 31 gastric cancer patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were prospectively collected from September 2022 to March 2023. The 55 keV monoenergy images were reconstructed using the DLIR algorithm at low-, medium-, and high-intensity levels (DLIR-L, DLIR-M, and DLIR-H) based on arterial phase and venous phase images, respectively. The 70 keV 40% mixing coefficient (ASiR-V40%) images were reconstructed using the ASiR-V algorithm. In the objective evaluation of images, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) for both lesions and muscle were calculated across four sets of reconstructed images. In the subjective evaluation of images, scores were assigned to the overall image quality, lesion visibility, and diagnostic confidence for each set of reconstructed images. Comparisons of SNR and CNR between the 4 groups were made by One-way repeated-measures ANOVA or Friedman′s test. Comparisons of scores were made by Friedman′s test. The P value of pairwise comparison was adjusted using Bonferroni correction methods. Results:In the objective evaluations, CNR lesion, SNR lesion and SNR muscle were highest on the 55 keV DLIR-H images in the arterial and venous phases, and showed a gradually increasing trend on the 70 keV ASiR-V40%, 55 keV DLIR-L, DLIR-M, DLIR-H images ( P<0.05). In subjective evaluations, compared to the 70 keV ASiR-V40% images, overall image quality scores were numerically higher for the 55 keV DLIR-H ( P>0.05), similar or slightly worse for the 55 keV DLIR-M, and significantly lower for the 55 keV DLIR-L ( P<0.05). The lesion visibility and diagnostic confidence on the 55 keV DLIR reconstruction images were higher in both arterial and venous phases than 70 keV ASiR-V40% images ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared to the conventional 70 keV ASiR-V40% images, the 55 keV DLIR-H images had higher lesion contrast and diagnostic confidence with lower image noise. The 55 keV DLIR-M images had comparable overall image quality to 70 keV ASiR-V40% images, but the former had higher lesion contrast and diagnostic confidence. The 55 keV DLIR-L was unable to improve image quality to the level of 70 keV ASiR-V40%.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
9.Nomogram based on CT radiomics for predicting pathological types of gastric cancer:Difference between endoscopic biopsy and postoperative pathology
Shuai ZHAO ; Yiyang LIU ; Siteng LIU ; Xingzhi CHEN ; Mengchen YUAN ; Yaru YOU ; Chencui HUANG ; Jianbo GAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2024;21(6):343-348
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To observe the value of CT radiomics-based nomogram for predicting difference of Lauren types of gastric cancers between endoscopic biopsy and postoperative pathology.Methods Totally 126 patients with gastric cancer diagnosed by surgical pathology were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into concordant group(n=77)and inconsistent group(n=49)according to the concordance between endoscopic biopsy and postoperative pathology results or not,also divided into training set and validation set at the ratio of 2∶1.Clinical predictors were screened,then a clinical prediction model was constructed.Radiomics features were extracted based on venous-phase CT images and screened using L1 regularization.Radiomics models were constructed using 3 machine learning(ML)algorithms,i.e.decision trees,random forests and logistic regression.The nomogram based on clinical and the best ML radiomics model was constructed,and the efficacy and clinical utility of the above models and nomogram for predicting inconsistency of Lauren types of gastric cancers between endoscopic biopsy and postoperative pathology were evaluated.Results Patients'age,platelet count,and arterial-phase CT values of tumors were all independent predictors of inconsistency between endoscopic biopsy and postoperative pathology of Lauren types of gastric cancer.CT radiomics model using random forests algorithm showed better predictive efficacy among 3 ML models,with the area under the curve(AUC)of 0.835 in training set and 0.724 in validation set,respectively.The AUC of clinical model,radiomics model and the nomogram in training set was 0.764,0.835 and 0.884,while was 0.760,0.724 and 0.841 in validation set,respectively.In both training set and validation set,the nomogram showed a good fit and considerable clinical utility.Conclusion CT radiomics-based nomogram had potential clinical application value for predicting inconsistency of Lauren types of gastric cancers between endoscopic biopsy and postoperative pathology.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
10.Spectral CT multi-parameter imaging for preoperative predicting lymph node metastasis of gastric cancer
Yusong CHEN ; Yiyang LIU ; Shuai ZHAO ; Mengchen YUAN ; Weixing LI ; Yaru YOU ; Yue ZHENG ; Songmei FAN ; Jianbo GAO
Chinese Journal of Interventional Imaging and Therapy 2024;21(10):596-601
		                        		
		                        			
		                        			Objective To observe the value of spectral CT multi-parameter imaging for preoperative predicting lymph node metastasis(LNM)of gastric cancer.Methods Totally 136 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were retrospectively enrolled.The patients were further divided into LNM group(n=74)and non-LNM group(n=62)according to postoperative pathological findings of lymph nodes status.Clinical data,conventional CT findings and spectral CT parameters were compared between groups.Factors being significant different between groups were included in multivariate logistic regression analysis to screen independent predictors of gastric cancer LNM.Clinical+conventional CT model(model 1),spectrum CT model(model 2)and combined model(model 3)were constructed based on the above independent predictors,respectively.Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn,and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the efficacy of each model for preoperative predicting LNM of gastric cancer.Results CT-N stage,CT-T stage,70,100 and 140 keV CT valuestumor at arterial phase(AP),arterial enhancement fraction(AEF)and normalized iodine concentration at venous phase(NICVP)were all independent predictors of gastric cancer LNM(all P<0.05).AUC of model 3 was 0.846,higher than that of model 1 and model 2(AUC=0.767,0.774,Z=-0.368,-2.373,both P<0.05)for preoperative predicting LNM of gastric cancer,while the latter two were not significantly different(Z=-0.152,P=0.879).Conclusion Spectral CT multi-parameter imaging could effectively predict LNM of gastric cancer preoperatively.
		                        		
		                        		
		                        		
		                        	
            
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail