Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder that severely affects the health of the elderly, marked by its incurability, high prevalence, and extended latency period. The current approach to AD prevention and treatment emphasizes early detection and intervention, particularly during the pre-AD stage of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which provides an optimal “window of opportunity” for intervention. Clinical detection methods for MCI, such as cerebrospinal fluid monitoring, genetic testing, and imaging diagnostics, are invasive and costly, limiting their broad clinical application. Speech, as a vital cognitive output, offers a new perspective and tool for computer-assisted analysis and screening of cognitive decline. This is because elderly individuals with cognitive decline exhibit distinct characteristics in semantic and audio information, such as reduced lexical richness, decreased speech coherence and conciseness, and declines in speech rate, voice rhythm, and hesitation rates. The objective presence of these semantic and audio characteristics lays the groundwork for computer-based screening of cognitive decline. Speech information is primarily sourced from databases or collected through tasks involving spontaneous speech, semantic fluency, and reading, followed by analysis using computer models. Spontaneous language tasks include dialogues/interviews, event descriptions, narrative recall, and picture descriptions. Semantic fluency tasks assess controlled retrieval of vocabulary items, requiring participants to extract information at the word level during lexical search. Reading tasks involve participants reading a passage aloud. Summarizing past research, the speech characteristics of the elderly can be divided into two major categories: semantic information and audio information. Semantic information focuses on the meaning of speech across different tasks, highlighting differences in vocabulary and text content in cognitive impairment. Overall, discourse pragmatic disorders in AD can be studied along three dimensions: cohesion, coherence, and conciseness. Cohesion mainly examines the use of vocabulary by participants, with a reduction in the use of nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adjectives in AD patients. Coherence assesses the ability of participants to maintain topics, with a decrease in the number of subordinate clauses in AD patients. Conciseness evaluates the information density of participants, with AD patients producing shorter texts with less information compared to normal elderly individuals. Audio information focuses on acoustic features that are difficult for the human ear to detect. There is a significant degradation in temporal parameters in the later stages of cognitive impairment; AD patients require more time to read the same paragraph, have longer vocalization times, and produce more pauses or silent parts in their spontaneous speech signals compared to normal individuals. Researchers have extracted audio and speech features, developing independent systems for each set of features, achieving an accuracy rate of 82% for both, which increases to 86% when both types of features are combined, demonstrating the advantage of integrating audio and speech information. Currently, deep learning and machine learning are the main methods used for information analysis. The overall diagnostic accuracy rate for AD exceeds 80%, and the diagnostic accuracy rate for MCI also exceeds 80%, indicating significant potential. Deep learning techniques require substantial data support, necessitating future expansion of database scale and continuous algorithm upgrades to transition from laboratory research to practical product implementation.

This study aimed to characterize and identify the non-volatile components in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the stems and leaves of Rhododendron tomentosum by using sensitive and efficient ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with a self-built information database. By comparing with reference compounds, analyzing fragment ion information, searching relevant literature, and using a self-built information database, 118 compounds were identified from the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of R. tomentosum, including 35 flavonoid glycosides, 15 phenolic glycosides, 12 flavonoids, 7 phenolic acids, 7 phenylethanol glycosides, 6 tannins, 6 phospholipids, 5 coumarins, 5 monoterpene glycosides, 6 triterpenes, 3 fatty acids, and 11 other types of compounds. Among them, 102 compounds were reported in R. tomentosum for the first time, and 36 compounds were identified by comparing them with reference compounds. The chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum leaves and stems showed slight differences, with 84 common chemical components accounting for 71.2% of the total 118 compounds. This study systematically characterized and identified the non-volatile chemical components in the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of R. tomentosum for the first time. The findings provide a reference for active ingredient research, quality control, and product development of R. tomentosum.
Rhododendron/chemistry* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Mass Spectrometry/methods* ; Plant Leaves/chemistry*

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of Taxillus chinensis from different hosts with different meridian affinity on bone microstructure and bone metabolism in ovariectomized osteoporotic rats， and investigate its mechanism of action. MethodEighty-eight specific-pathogen-free （SPF）-grade female Sprague-Dawley （SD） rats were selected and randomly divided into 11 groups： sham-operated group， model group， low-， medium- and high-dose groups of T. chinensis from Morus alba （2.5， 5， and 10 g·kg^-1）， low-， medium- and high-dose groups of T. chinensis from Cinnamomum cassia （2.5， 5， and 10 g·kg^-1）， and low-， medium- and high-dose groups of T. chinensis from C. burmannii （2.5， 5， and 10 g·kg^-1）. After 12 weeks of drug intervention， the rats were examined for proximal femur bone density and bone microstructure using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry （DXA） and micro-computed tomography （Micro-CT）. Histopathological changes in rat femur were observed by the hematoxylin-eosin staining （HE）. Contents of serum estradiol （E₂）， bone Gla protein （BGP）， bone alkaline phosphatase （BALP）， tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b （TRACP-5b） and pre-collagen type Ⅰ amino-terminal protopeptide （PINP） were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was employed to detect the messenger ribonucleic acid （mRNA） expressions of bone morphogenetic protein-2 （BMP-2）， Smad1， Smad9 and recombinant runt-related transcription factor 2 （Runx2） in rat humerus. Western blot was used to detect the protein expressions of BMP-2， p-Smad1/5/9 and Runx2 in rat humerus. ResultCompared with that in the sham-operated group， the femur microstructure of rats in the model group was significantly disrupted， with significant decreases in bone mineral density （BMD） value， bone volume fraction （BV/TV）， trabecular number （Tb.N）， and trabecular thickness （Tb.Th） （P<0.01）， and significant increases in trabecular separation （Tb.Sp） and structure model index （SMI） （P<0.01）. The serum levels of BGP， BALP， TRACP-5b and PINP were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and E₂ levels were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expressions of BMP-2， Smad1， Smad9， and Runx2 were significantly decreased in rat humerus （P<0.01）， and the protein expressions of BMP-2， p-Smad1/5/9， and Runx2 were significantly reduced （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the administration groups of T. chinensis from different hosts all elevated the BMD， BV/TV， Tb.N， Tb.Th， Tb.Sp， and SMI levels in the femur， improved bone microstructure， increased serum E₂ levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）， lowered the levels of serum BGP， BALP， TRACP-5b， and PINP， upregulated the mRNA expression of BMP-2， Smad1， and Runx2 and upregulated the mRNA expression levels of Smad9 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and upregulated the protein expressions levels of BMP-2， p-Smad1/5/9， and Runx2 （P<0.01）. The best effect was observed in the group of T. chinensis from C. cassia. ConclusionT. chinensis from different hosts improved osteoporosis in ovariectomized rats， with the group of T. chinensis from C. cassia being the most potent among the administered groups， and its treatment of osteoporosis may regulate the balance of bone conversion by regulating BMP/Smad signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of 4M1E refined management method in reducing dispensing time of outpatient prescription in outpatient pharmacies under the implementation of a long-term prescription policy.Methods The hospital started to implement 4M1E refinement management in July 2022.Ten thousand prescriptions were randomly selected for each of the pre-implementation(from January to June 2022)and post-implementation(from July to December 2022)human-machine hybrid dispensing windows.The dispensing time of a single prescription,the volume of prescriptions dispensed and the number of drugs prescribed during peak periods,the use of intelligent equipment,and patient satisfaction before and after imple-mentation were compared.Results After implementation,the single prescription drug dispensing time at the mixed human-ma-chine dispensing window was reduced from(96.88±1 401.17)s to(55.84±526.24)s(P<0.01);The number of prescriptions dispensed in the window increased from(135.20±21.06)to(147.19±21.24)prescriptions per 2 h,and the number of drugs pre-scribed increased from(871.74±215.61)to(1 008.53±267.87)prescriptions per 2 h during peak hours.The rate of straight prescription and the rate of equipment automation have been greatly improved.Outpatient satisfaction was higher than before man-agement.The data showed statistical differences(P<0.05).Conclusion Under long-term prescription pressure,hospital outpa-tient pharmacies can greatly reduce prescription dispensing time and improve patient satisfaction after applying the 4M1E fine management method.

ObjectiveTo explore the role and molecular mechanism of Weifuchun （WFC） in inhibiting inflammation and alleviating gastric precancerous lesions （GPL）. MethodHuman gastric mucosal epithelial cells （GES-1） were stimulated with N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine （MNNG） for the modeling of GPL （MC cells）， with Caspase-3 inhibition by Z-DEVD-FMK. MC cells were divided into control （20% blank serum）， WFC （15% and 20% WFC-containing serum）， and caspase-3 inhibitor groups. The cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） was used to examine the viability of GES-1 cells or MC cells. The Transwell assay and 5-acetylidene-2′-deoxyuridine （EdU） staining were employed to examine cell invasion and proliferation， respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to determine the level of reactive oxygen species. Real-time PCR was conducted to determine the mRNA levels of interleukin （IL）-1， IL-6， and tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α. Gene Expression Omnibus （GEO） was used to analyze the role of pyroptosis in gastric cancer progression. Western blotting was employed to determine the protein levels of nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） p65， gasdermin E （GSDME）， and Caspase-3. Immunofluorescence staining was employed to detect the NF-κB p65 protein level and nuclear translocation. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was carried out to observe the pathological changes in the gastric mucosa before and after WFC treatment in the patients. ResultCompared with the control group， MC cells presented enhanced proliferation and invasion energy （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank serum group， WFC-containing serum inhibited the proliferation and invasion of MC cells （P<0.01）， down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-1， IL-6， and TNF-α， and lowered the level of reactive oxygen species （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The transcriptome data at different stages of gastric cancer showed that pyroptosis was involved in gastric cancer progression， and the GSDME level was significantly higher in GPL patients than in the normal group. Compared with the blank serum， WFC-containing serum lowered the level of NF-κB and inhibited the nuclear translocation of NF-κB （P<0.05）， and it inhibited pyroptosis by suppressing the cleavage of Caspase-3 on GSDME （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The analysis of patient specimens further demonstrated that WFC treatment down-regulated the NF-κB level and GSDME cleavage （P<0.01）， inhibited pyroptosis， and alleviated gastric mucosal inflammation and intestinal epithelial metaplasia. ConclusionPyroptosis is involved in the progression of gastric cancer， and WFC inhibits pyroptosis via the NF-κB/GSDME pathway， thereby alleviating gastric mucosal inflammation in GPL.

OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of immune-related adverse events （irAEs） in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer （SCLC） treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors （ICIs）. METHODS The data from 130 patients with extensive-stage SCLC treated with ICIs at our hospital from January 1， 2023， to May 31， 2023 was collected retrospectively using the Chinese Hospital Pharmacovigilance System. The occurrence of irAEs and the use of corticosteroids during treatment for all patients were recorded. A multifactorial Logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors for the occurrence of irAEs. RESULTS Among the 130 patients included， 32 patients experienced 38 episodes of irAEs， with an incidence rate of 24.6% and severity of degree 1-3. Skin symptoms were the most common （8.4%） and predominantly occurred in the first cycle of treatment. Five patients developed irAEs involving multiple organ systems. The irrational use rate of corticosteroids in patients with irAEs was 23.1% （excluding patients with thyroid dysfunction）. Neuron specific enolase （NSE） was a independent factor influencing the occurrence of irAEs （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The incidence of irAEs caused by ICIs remains relatively high and can involve various organ systems throughout the body， with skin symptoms occurring earliest. NSE is an independent influencing factor for the occurrence of irAEs， and could predict the risk of irAEs to a certain extent.

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic performance of radiomics model based on contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS) in predicting pathological complete response(pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy(nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer(LARC).Methods:One hundred and six patients with LARC who underwent total mesorectal excision after nCRT between April 2018 and April 2023 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University were retrospectively included, the patients were randomly divided into a training set of 63(14 pCR patients) and a validation set of 43(12 pCR patients) in a 6∶4 ratios. Radiomics features were extracted from the tumors′ region of interest of CEUS images based on PyRadiomics. Intra-class correlation coefficient(ICC), Mann-Whitney U test, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO) algorithms were used to reduce features dimension. Finally, 7 radiomics features relevanted to pCR were selected to construct an ultrasomics model using elastic network regression, based on the R language. A combined model was constructed by jointing clinical feature. The performance of the models was assessed with the area under the ROC curve(AUC). Results:The AUC of the ultrasomics model and the combined model was 0.695(95% CI=0.532-0.859) and 0.726(95% CI=0.584-0.868) respectively in the training set. The AUC of the ultrasomics model and the combined model was 0.763(95% CI=0.625-0.902) and 0.790(95% CI=0.653-0.928) respectively in the validation set. Both univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses showed that CA199( P<0.05) and ultrasomics score( P<0.001) could be an independent predictor of pCR after nCRT in patients with LARC. Conclusions:The CEUS-based radiomics scores has certain predictive value for whether LARC patients achieve pCR after nCRT, and may provide a non-invasive imaging biomarker for predicting LARC patients achieve pCR after nCRT.

Aim To observe the behavioral effects of exogenous allopregnanolone(ALLO)and its inhibitor finasteride on the receptive period(R)and non-recep-tive period(NR)of PMDD liver-qi inversion model rats and the expression of GABAARα4,GABAARδ mR-NA and protein effects to explore its pathogenesis.Methods The PMDD liver-qi reverse syndrome rat model was prepared.The rats were divided into the normal group R and NR(control-R,control-NR),model group R and NR(Model-R,Model-NR),nor-mal group R+ALLO and NR+ALLO(Control+A-R,Control+A-NR),and model group R+ALLO and NR+ALLO(Model+A-R,Model+A-NR),model group R+finasteride and NR+finasteride(Model+F-R,Model+F-NR).The elevated cross labyrinth ex-periment and social interaction experiment were used to detect the behaviors of rats;fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of GABAARα4 and 8 mRNA and protein in rat amygdala and hippocampus.Results In the be-havioral evaluation,in the NR period,in the elevated cross maze test and in the social interaction test,the rats in the model group had anxiety behavior and de-creased social communication ability(P＜0.05),while the rats in the Model+A group could effectively relieve anxiety symptoms and improve their social com-munication ability(P＜0.05),and the rats in the Model+F group had increased anxiety behavior and social disorder(P＜0.05).In fluorescence quantita-tive PCR and immunofluorescence experiments,the ex-pression of GABAARα4 subunit in the model group was up-regulated in the hippocampus(P＜0.01),and the expression of δ subunit was down-regulated(P＜0.01);the expression of GABAARα4 subunit in the a-mygdala and hippocampus of the Model+A group de-creased(P＜0.01),and the expression of δ subunit increased in the hippocampus(P＜0.01).Conclu-sions The abnormal expression of GABAARα4 and 8 subunits mediated by ALLO improves the anxiety symptoms and social interaction ability of PMDD,which is the pathogenesis of PMDD liver-qi reverse syndrome,and provides basis and support for subse-quent exploration of the pathogenesis of PMDD liver-qi reverse syndrome.

Objective To understand the research hotspots and development trend of Hedyotidis Herba;To provide reference for related clinical studies.Methods The literature on Hedyotidis Herba was retrieved from CNKI,Wanfang Data,VIP and CBM from January 1,2003 to September 5,2023.NoteExpress 3.7 software was used to manage the bibliothems,and CiteSpace 6.2.R2 software was used to visualize the authors,institutions and keywords.Results Totally 2 713 articles were included,and the annual number of publications showed a fluctuating upward trend.There were 617 source journals,among which Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine published the most articles(136).799 authors were involved,and the core authors included Liu Jian,Lin Jiumao,Peng Jun,etc.The main research institutions were Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine,Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and so on.In recent years,high-frequency keywords were experience of famous doctors,data mining,medication law,apoptosis,lung cancer,liver cancer,etc.The research frontier involved the mechanism,data mining and molecular docking.Conclusion The study of the Hedyotidis Herba mainly focuses on disease treatment,compatibility application,component analysis,mechanism,and the experience summary of clinical application of the Hedyotidis Herba.Data mining for medication law of famous doctors,prediction of potential drug targets through network pharmacology and molecular docking technology and exploration of their mechanisms are the research trends in this field.

Pancreatic polypeptide(PP),a pancreatic hormone containing 36 amino acids,plays impor-tant roles in the diagnosis and evaluation of pancreatic function,injury and diseases.In this study,a phage nanobody library against PP was constructed to screen specific PP nanobodies,which would be used to evaluate whether they have binding activity with PP antigen.After PP antigen with high purity was prepared by prokaryotic expression system,it was used to immunize alpaca to construct the nanobody li-brary against PP with high storage capacity and high abundance,from which 8 strains of PP nanobodies were obtained by phage display.One of nanobody strain(PP-VHH)was selected to be expressed in a prokaryotic expression system,which was induced overnight by IPTG.After purification and identifica-tion,the antigen-antibody binding activity and PP level in serum were detected by indirect ELISA and Sandwich ELISA methods,respectively.The results showed that PP-VHH had binding activity with PP,which could be used to detect PP in chicken and human serum.The Sandwich ELISA methods with R2 of the fitting curve 0.9868 could be used to detect PP concentrations of 48-55 pg/mL in the serum of chick-ens,while the concentrations of PP in human serum varied significantly.In summary,PP-VHH screened from nanobody library against PP could detect PP in serum,which would supply the basis for evaluation of abnormal pancreatic function and diagnosis of relative disease.