Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and pathogenesis informatization processing method based on ontology semantic framework

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of traditional Chinese medicine informatization processing, and discloses a traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and pathogenesis informatization processing method based on an ontology semantic framework, and the method comprises the following steps: S1, syndrome and pathogenesis concept carding; s2, designing a syndrome and pathogenesis ontology model. Through systematic carding and precise definition of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome and pathogenesis related concepts, a model is constructed by using a top layer ontology and a domain ontology, the relationship between core concepts is defined, and on the basis of standardized terms and a logic framework, traditional Chinese medicine knowledge is converted into a form which can be understood and processed by a computer; and according to the constructed semantic framework, factors such as symptoms, signs, etiological factors and pathogenesis and mutual relations thereof are accurately analyzed, so that informatization processing of traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and pathogenesis is realized, and the efficiency and accuracy of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge management and application are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of information processing of traditional Chinese medicine, and in particular to an information processing method for traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and pathogenesis based on an ontology semantic framework. Background Art

[0002] Current Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) knowledge management systems have significant limitations in terminology parsing and knowledge integration, particularly when dealing with complex concepts of syndromes and pathogenesis, which lack effective semantic support and a logical framework. In TCM theory, syndromes and pathogenesis are key to understanding and treating disease. However, existing technologies have numerous deficiencies in standardization and information processing in this area, making the sharing and reuse of TCM knowledge difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a systematic, ontology-based semantic framework to standardize the concepts of TCM syndromes and pathogenesis and their relationships.

[0003] Limitations of existing technologies:

[0004] 1. Ambiguous terminology: Existing systems often fail to provide accurate interpretations of complex TCM terminology. This ambiguity directly impacts data accuracy and reliability, potentially leading to user misunderstandings during clinical decision-making, thus impacting diagnosis and treatment outcomes. This situation not only reduces user trust in the system but also hinders the scientific application of TCM knowledge.

[0005] 2. Lack of a Logical Framework: Current systems often struggle to adapt to the multidimensional nature of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) knowledge and lack a clear logical framework. This results in poor interoperability, the formation of information silos, and the difficulty of sharing and integrating data across disparate systems. Users struggle to access consistent information across platforms. This situation not only impacts the efficiency of clinical practice but also limits the depth of academic research.

[0006] 3. Insufficient Knowledge Integration: Current knowledge management systems lack effective mechanisms to integrate TCM knowledge from disparate data sources, leading to knowledge fragmentation. This lack of integration limits the system's functionality and scope of application, preventing it from providing users with comprehensive TCM knowledge support. This not only reduces the overall value of the knowledge management system but also hinders the modernization of TCM.

[0007] To this end, we propose an information processing method for TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on the ontology semantic framework. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention mainly solves the technical problems existing in the above-mentioned prior art and provides an information processing method for TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on an ontology semantic framework.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a method for informatization processing of TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on an ontology semantic framework, comprising the following steps:

[0010] S1: Concepts of syndromes and pathogenesis;

[0011] S11: Collect relevant terms and definitions of syndromes, pathogenesis, etc. from international standards, national standards, dictionaries, monographs, textbooks and other authoritative sources over the years and conduct comparative analysis;

[0012] S12: Syndrome is defined as the unity of the essence and phenomena of a disease, including "syndrome" and "symptom". "Syndrome" is the summary of the pathogenesis of the syndrome, and "symptom" is the symptoms and signs of the external manifestation of the syndrome. The concept of syndrome is understood as "a summary of the pathological essence of the stage + a group of representative symptoms and signs".

[0013] S13: It is clear that syndromes and pathogenesis are the relationship between internal essence and external manifestation, that is, "pathogenesis is the internal mechanism of syndromes", etiology is the cause of the disease, and pathogenesis is the internal pathological mechanism process of the human body with the participation of etiology, which is composed of several disease-syndrome elements. The whole process of the occurrence, development and change of pathogenesis is defined as the "pathogenesis process". Disease-syndrome elements are divided into state type and process type. In the process-type disease-syndrome element, the etiology participates in the disease-syndrome element;

[0014] S2: Design of syndrome pathogenesis ontology model;

[0015] S21: Construct a syndrome pathogenesis model based on the top-level ontology BFO and HPO, CARO, ENVO, and EO. BFO is a theoretical framework for expressing general knowledge, HPO provides standardized terminology for phenotypic abnormalities of human diseases, CARO is a structural classification method developed based on the basic anatomical model, EO is about emotional phenomena such as emotions, and ENVO describes environmental entities.

[0016] S22: Analyze, define, and categorize concepts related to syndrome pathogenesis. Syndrome and state-related syndrome mechanisms are categorized as "entity-normality-free normality," action-related syndrome mechanisms are categorized as "entity-action-process," symptoms and signs are categorized as HPO (phenotypic abnormality), internal etiology is categorized as EO (emotion process), and external etiology is categorized as ENVO (environmental variability).

[0017] S23: Construct relationships between core concepts, including constructing the syndrome-syndrome hierarchical structure with subclass relationships, expressing the syndrome-pathogenesis process relationship with "syndrome---mechanism--→pathogenesis process", expressing the syndrome-symptom-sign relationship with "syndrome---clinical manifestations--→symptoms and signs", constructing the disease-syndrome mechanism-pathogenesis process relationship with part relationships, constructing the disease-cause-disease mechanism relationship with participation relationships, and constructing the syndrome-body structure relationship and the disease-syndrome mechanism-body structure relationship with location relationships;

[0018] S24: The syndrome and pathogenesis framework is constructed by integrating BFO and other ontologies. The upper structure includes entity, constant body, action body, free constant body and process. The relationship with syndrome and pathogenesis is expressed by subclass, location, participation and part. The analysis in the framework is presented by taking specific syndromes such as "Yinshu syndrome" as an example.

[0019] As a further limitation of the above scheme, the syndrome-syndrome relationship is divided into eight categories, etiology, qi, blood, yin and yang, essence, body fluids, viscera, organs, meridians, six meridians, triple burner, Wei Qi, Ying Qi and blood according to the national standard syndrome classification system, and the sub-category relationship is transitive.

[0020] As a further limitation of the above scheme, the pathogenesis process is composed of one or more disease-syndrome mechanism elements, and the partial relationship between disease-syndrome mechanism elements and pathogenesis process is used to construct the internal structure of the pathogenesis concept.

[0021] As a further limitation of the above scheme, the participation relationship between the cause and the disease syndrome mechanism represents the relationship between the normal body and the process. The cause is associated with the disease syndrome mechanism in a participating manner and participates in the pathogenesis and the pathogenesis process.

[0022] As a further limitation of the above scheme, the location relationship in the syndrome-body structure relationship and the disease mechanism-body structure relationship describes the part where the syndrome and disease mechanism act on the human body through the disease location, and the disease location is used to determine the location of the disease.

[0023] The present invention provides an information processing method for TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on an ontology semantic framework. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0024] 1. This method for information processing of TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on the ontology semantic framework systematically analyzes and formally defines TCM terminology, reduces ambiguity in term parsing, improves data accuracy, provides a reliable information basis for clinical practice, and enhances user trust in the system.

[0025] 2. This information processing method for TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on the ontology semantic framework uses the ontology semantic framework to clarify the logical relationship between syndromes and pathogenesis, construct a clear hierarchical structure, enhance the systematicity and consistency of knowledge expression, and promote the normalization and standardization of diagnosis and treatment.

[0026] 3. This information processing method for TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on the ontology semantic framework improves the interoperability of different data sources through a term mapping mechanism, promotes the integration and sharing of TCM knowledge, facilitates users to obtain multi-faceted information, and enhances the system's comprehensive application capabilities.

[0027] 4. This information processing method for TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on the ontology semantic framework provides a structured method to help researchers and clinicians effectively access and use TCM knowledge, improve work efficiency, promote the in-depth development of TCM research, create more possibilities for academic exchanges and cooperation, and effectively promote the modernization of TCM. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The structures, proportions, sizes, etc. depicted in this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification for people familiar with this technology to understand and read, and are not used to limit the conditions under which the present invention can be implemented, and therefore have no substantive technical significance.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the basic semantic relationship of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a hierarchical relationship design diagram of the core concepts of syndromes and pathogenesis based on BFO and other ontologies of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is the semantic framework diagram of syndromes and pathogenesis of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is an example diagram of the syndrome and pathogenesis framework design of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] See also Figure 1-4 As shown in FIG, the information processing method of TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on the ontology semantic framework includes the following steps:

[0034] S1: Concepts of syndromes and pathogenesis;

[0035] S11: Collect relevant terms and definitions of syndromes, pathogenesis, etc. from international standards, national standards, dictionaries, monographs, textbooks and other authoritative sources over the years and conduct comparative analysis;

[0036] S12: Syndrome is defined as the unity of the essence and phenomena of a disease, including "syndrome" and "symptom". "Syndrome" is the summary of the pathogenesis of the syndrome, and "symptom" is the symptoms and signs of the external manifestation of the syndrome. The components of the pathogenesis include the cause, location, nature and course of the disease. The concept of syndrome is understood as "a summary of the essence of the stage pathology + a group of representative symptoms and signs".

[0037] S13: It is clear that syndromes and pathogenesis are the relationship between internal essence and external manifestation, that is, "pathogenesis is the internal mechanism of syndromes", etiology is the cause of the disease, and pathogenesis is the internal pathological mechanism process of the human body with the participation of etiology, which is composed of several disease-syndrome elements. The whole process of the occurrence, development and change of pathogenesis is defined as the "pathogenesis process". Disease-syndrome elements are divided into state type and process type. In the process-type disease-syndrome element, the etiology participates in the disease-syndrome element;

[0038] S2: Design of syndrome pathogenesis ontology model;

[0039] S21: Construct a syndrome pathogenesis model based on the top-level ontology BFO and HPO, CARO, ENVO, and EO. BFO is a theoretical framework for expressing general knowledge, HPO provides standardized terminology for phenotypic abnormalities of human diseases, CARO is a structural classification method developed based on the basic anatomical model, EO is about emotional phenomena such as emotions, and ENVO describes environmental entities.

[0040] S22: Analyze, define, and categorize concepts related to syndrome pathogenesis. Syndrome and state-related syndrome mechanisms are categorized as "entity-normality-free normality," action-related syndrome mechanisms are categorized as "entity-action-process," symptoms and signs are categorized as HPO (phenotypic abnormality), internal etiology is categorized as EO (emotion process), and external etiology is categorized as ENVO (environmental variability).

[0041] S23: Construct relationships between core concepts, including constructing the syndrome-syndrome hierarchical structure with subclass relationships, expressing the syndrome-pathogenesis process relationship with "syndrome---mechanism--→pathogenesis process", expressing the syndrome-symptom-sign relationship with "syndrome---clinical manifestations--→symptoms and signs", constructing the disease-syndrome mechanism-pathogenesis process relationship with part relationships, constructing the disease-cause-disease mechanism relationship with participation relationships, and constructing the syndrome-body structure relationship and the disease-syndrome mechanism-body structure relationship with location relationships;

[0042] S24: The syndrome and pathogenesis framework is constructed by integrating BFO and other ontologies. The upper structure includes entity, constant body, action body, free constant body and process. The relationship with syndrome and pathogenesis is expressed by subclass, location, participation and part. The analysis in the framework is presented by taking specific syndromes such as "Yinshu syndrome" as an example.

[0043] 1. Conceptualization of syndromes and pathogenesis

[0044] (1) Conceptualization: We collected terms and definitions related to syndromes, pathogenesis, etc. from authoritative sources such as international standards, national standards, dictionaries, monographs, and textbooks, and compared and analyzed the differences in their conceptual understanding. For example, “syndrome” has different definitions in different literatures, and the concept of “pathogenesis” is also controversial. Based on the opinions of all parties, we determined that syndrome is a unity of the essence and phenomenon of the disease. The components of the pathogenesis include the cause, location, nature, and course of the disease. The concept of syndrome is understood as “a summary of the essence of the stage pathology + a group of representative symptoms and signs.”

[0045] (2) Relationship analysis: It is clear that syndrome and pathogenesis are the relationship between internal essence and external manifestation, that is, "pathogenesis is the internal mechanism of syndrome"; etiology is the cause of the disease, which is closely related to pathogenesis. Pathogenesis is the internal pathological mechanism process of the human body with the participation of etiology, which is composed of several syndrome elements. The whole process of the occurrence, development and change of pathogenesis is defined as "pathogenesis process". Syndrome elements are divided into state type and process type. The etiology in the process type syndrome elements participates in the syndrome elements.

[0046] 2. Design of syndrome and pathogenesis ontology model:

[0047] (1) Selection and introduction of reused ontology: Based on the top-level ontology BFO and HPO, CARO, ENVO, and EO, a syndrome pathogenesis model is constructed. A brief introduction to the reused ontology is as follows:

[0048] BFO is a theoretical framework for expressing generalized knowledge, based on the principles of real-world composition.

[0049] The HPO provides standardized terminology for phenotypic abnormalities in human diseases.

[0050] CARO is a structural classification method developed based on an anatomical foundation model to promote anatomical ontology interoperability.

[0051] EO supports interdisciplinary research on emotions and other affective phenomena.

[0052] ENVO describes environmental entities.

[0053] (2) Concept analysis, definition and classification

[0054] "Symptoms and signs" are defined as abnormal manifestations of illness; "etiology" is the cause of disease; "pathogenesis" refers to the mechanism of disease onset, development, and change, including the nature, location, and course of the disease; and the "pathogenesis process" is composed of multiple pathological mechanisms. Syndrome and state-related pathological mechanisms are categorized as "entity-normality-self-normality," while action-related pathological mechanisms are categorized as "entity-action-process." Symptoms and signs are categorized as HPO (phenotypic abnormality), internal etiology as EO (emotional process), and external etiology as ENVO (environmental variability).

[0055] (3) Construction of relationships between core concepts

[0056] Syndrome-syndrome relationship: Use sub-category relationships to construct a hierarchical structure. For example, according to the 2021 national standard syndrome classification system, syndromes are divided into eight categories, etiology categories, and other types. Sub-category relationships are transitive.

[0057] The relationship between syndrome and pathogenesis process: expressed as "syndrome---mechanism--→pathogenesis process". The pathogenesis is composed of multiple syndrome elements and is the internal mechanism of the syndrome.

[0058] The relationship between syndrome and symptoms and signs: expressed as "syndrome---clinical manifestations--→symptoms and signs", symptoms and signs are the specific clinical manifestations of syndrome.

[0059] The relationship between pathogenesis and syndrome-pathogenesis process: The internal structure of the pathogenesis is constructed using partial relationships, and the pathogenesis process is composed of one or more pathogenesis-syndrome elements.

[0060] The relationship between etiology and pathogenesis: The hierarchical structure is constructed using the participation relationship. The etiology participates in the pathogenesis and pathogenesis process, and the pathogenesis and pathogenesis process are composed of pathogenesis, so the etiology participates in the pathogenesis.

[0061] The relationship between syndromes and body structures and the relationship between disease mechanism and body structure: both are constructed using location relationship. Disease location is used to describe the relationship between syndromes and disease mechanism and body structure, revealing their site of action in the human body.

[0062] (4) Design and example of the cause-mechanism-syndrome semantic framework: The syndrome-pathogenesis framework is constructed by integrating BFO and other ontologies. The upper structure includes entity, constant body, action body, self-constant body, and process. The relationship with syndrome and pathogenesis is expressed by subclass, location, participation, and part. Taking "Yinshu syndrome" as an example, its analysis in the ontology framework and the complete framework example are demonstrated.

[0063] According to the national standard syndrome classification system, syndromes are divided into eight categories, etiology, qi, blood, yin and yang, essence, body fluids, viscera, organs, meridians, six meridians, triple burner, Wei Qi, Ying Qi and blood, etc. The sub-category relationship is transitive.

[0064] The pathogenesis process is composed of one or more pathogenesis elements, and the partial relationship between pathogenesis elements and pathogenesis process is used to construct the internal structure of the pathogenesis concept.

[0065] The participation relationship between etiology and pathogenesis indicates the relationship between the normal body and the process. The etiology is associated with the pathogenesis in a participatory manner and participates in the pathogenesis and pathogenesis process.

[0066] The locational relationship in the relationship between syndromes and body structures and the relationship between disease mechanisms and body structures describes the parts of the body where syndromes and disease mechanisms act through the location of the disease, which is used to determine the location of the disease.

[0067] First, we sorted out the concepts of syndromes and pathogenesis, comprehensively collected relevant term definitions from authoritative materials, organized experts to conduct in-depth discussions, compared and analyzed different viewpoints, and determined a unified understanding of concepts and relationship definitions, such as analyzing the controversial points of the concepts of "syndrome" and "pathogenesis" to reach a consensus.

[0068] Based on the top-level ontology BFO and related domain ontologies HPO, CARO, ENVO, and EO, we designed a syndrome and pathogenesis ontology model. We selected appropriate reusable ontologies and accurately identified, defined, and categorized syndrome and pathogenesis-related concepts based on their characteristics and functions, ensuring compliance with TCM theory and informatics standards.

[0069] Carefully construct the relationship between core concepts, and use sub-category relationships, location relationships, participation relationships, and part relationships to accurately express the relationships between syndromes and syndromes, syndromes and pathogenesis, syndromes and symptoms and signs, disease-syndrome mechanisms and pathogenesis, etiology and disease-syndrome mechanisms, syndromes and body structures, and disease-syndrome mechanisms and body structures to form a rigorous logical system.

[0070] Taking specific syndromes such as "Yinshu syndrome" as an example, it is incorporated into the designed semantic framework for detailed analysis, showing the presentation of multiple aspects in the framework, from symptoms and signs, causes, pathogenesis to the relationship with body structure, providing an example for the treatment of other syndromes, and gradually improving the information-based processing methods of the entire TCM syndrome and pathogenesis.

[0071] Working principle of the present invention: The present invention is based on the ontology semantic framework. Through the systematic sorting and precise definition of concepts related to TCM syndromes and pathogenesis, the top-level ontology and domain ontology are used to build models to clarify the relationship between core concepts. Based on standardized terminology and logical framework, TCM knowledge is converted into a form that can be understood and processed by computers. When dealing with specific syndromes, based on the constructed semantic framework, its symptoms, signs, etiology, pathogenesis and other elements and their mutual relationships are accurately analyzed, thereby realizing the information processing of TCM syndromes and pathogenesis, and improving the efficiency and accuracy of TCM knowledge management and application.

[0072] The basic principles, main features and advantages of the present invention are shown and described above. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The above embodiments and descriptions are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Various changes and modifications may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. The information processing method of TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on ontology semantic framework is characterized by: The following steps are involved: S1: Concepts of syndromes and pathogenesis; S11: Collect relevant terms and definitions of syndromes, pathogenesis, etc. from international standards, national standards, dictionaries, monographs, textbooks and other authoritative sources over the years and conduct comparative analysis; S12: Syndrome is defined as the unity of the essence and manifestation of a disease, consisting of "syndrome" and "symptoms." "Syndrome" is a summary of the pathogenesis of a syndrome, while "symptoms" are the symptoms and signs that manifest as the syndrome. Pathogenesis refers to the mechanism and process of disease onset, development, change, and outcome, and is composed of one or more pathogenesis elements in a specific temporal causal sequence. The concept of syndrome is understood as "a summary of the pathological essence at a certain stage + a set of representative symptoms and signs." S13: Clarify the relationship between syndromes and pathogenesis, namely, "pathogenesis is the internal mechanism of syndromes." Etiology is the cause of the disease. Pathogenesis is the internal pathological process of the human body with the participation of etiology, and is composed of several syndrome-element elements. The entire process of the occurrence, development, and change of pathogenesis is defined as the "pathogenesis process." Pathogenesis elements are divided into state-type and process-type. The etiology in the process-type syndrome-element element participates in the syndrome-element element. S2: Design of syndrome pathogenesis ontology model; S21: Construct a syndrome pathogenesis model based on the top-level ontology BFO and HPO, CARO, ENVO, and EO. BFO is a theoretical framework for expressing general knowledge, HPO provides standardized terminology for phenotypic abnormalities of human diseases, CARO is a structural classification method developed based on the basic anatomical model, EO is about emotional phenomena such as emotions, and ENVO describes environmental entities. S22: Analyze, define, and categorize concepts related to syndrome pathogenesis. Syndrome and state-related syndrome mechanisms are categorized as "entity-normality-free normality," action-related syndrome mechanisms are categorized as "entity-action-process," symptoms and signs are categorized as HPO (phenotypic abnormality), internal etiology as EO (emotion process), and external etiology as ENVO (environmental variability). S23: Construct relationships between core concepts, including using subclass relationships to construct the syndrome-syndrome hierarchical structure, using "syndrome---mechanism--→pathogenesis process" to represent the syndrome-pathogenesis process relationship, using "syndrome---clinical manifestations--→symptoms and signs" to represent the syndrome-symptom-sign relationship, using part relationships to construct the disease-syndrome mechanism-pathogenesis process relationship, using participation relationships to construct the cause-disease-syndrome mechanism relationship, and using location relationships to construct the syndrome-body structure relationship and the disease-syndrome mechanism-body structure relationship; S24: The syndrome and pathogenesis framework is constructed by integrating BFO and other ontologies. The upper structure includes entity, constant body, action body, free constant body, and process. The relationship with syndrome and pathogenesis is expressed by subclass, location, participation, and part. The analysis of specific syndromes such as "Yinshu syndrome" is presented in the framework as an example.

2. The method for information processing of TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on ontology semantic framework according to claim 1 is characterized by: The syndrome-syndrome relationship is classified into eight categories, etiology, Qi, blood, Yin, Yang, essence, and body fluids, viscera, organs, meridians, six meridians, triple burner, Wei Qi, Ying Qi, and blood according to the terminology classification system such as the national syndrome standard, to ensure that the sub-category relationship has logical transitivity, otherwise corresponding adjustments need to be made.

3. The method for information processing of TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on ontology semantic framework according to claim 1 is characterized by: The pathogenesis process is composed of one or more pathogenesis elements, and the partial relationship between pathogenesis elements and pathogenesis process is used to construct the internal structure of the pathogenesis concept.

4. The method for information processing of TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on ontology semantic framework according to claim 1 is characterized by: The participation relationship between the cause of disease and the pathogenesis of disease represents the relationship between the normal body and the process. The cause of disease is associated with the pathogenesis of disease in a participating manner and participates in the pathogenesis and the pathogenesis process.

5. The method for information processing of TCM syndromes and pathogenesis based on ontology semantic framework according to claim 1 is characterized by: The location relationship in the syndrome-body structure relationship and the disease mechanism-body structure relationship describes the part where the syndrome and disease mechanism act on the human body through the disease location, which is used to determine the location of the disease.

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