1.The Use of Speech in Screening for Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
Si-Wen WANG ; Xiao-Xiao YIN ; Lin-Lin GAO ; Wen-Jun GUI ; Qiao-Xia HU ; Qiong LOU ; Qin-Wen WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(2):456-463
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.
2.Correlation analysis between patient stature-based optimization of image acquisition parameters and low-dose coronary angiography
Hai QIAN ; Yu-Qin ZHANG ; Ke-Nan LOU ; De-Xing HU
Chinese Journal of Interventional Cardiology 2024;32(4):191-196
Objective To explore the correlation among image acquisition parameter optimization,coronary angiography radiation dose and image quality.Methods 60 patients scheduled for elective percutaneous coronary angiography from January 2022 to January 2024 in our hospital were selected.Basic information and body measurements were collected.Patients were divided into three groups based on BMI,and patients in each BMI group were randomly assigned to the conventional mode group(coronary mode image acquisition:Cardiac Left Coronary,15fps)and the optimized mode group(electrophysiology mode image acquisition:Cardiac EP,7.5fps).Radiation dose data were collected.Image quality was evaluated using an image quality scoring table.Independent sample t-tests,Mann-Whitney U tests,and one-way ANOVA were used for comparisons between groups.Pearson analysis was used for correlations.Results Higher BMI and larger chest circumference were associated with higher radiation doses in a positive linear correlation.Within each BMI group,all radiation dose data(Dose-Area Product,Air Kerma and Chest skin dose)were lower in the optimized mode group than in the conventional mode group(all P<0.05,reduction rate 48.95%-70.59%).The difference in image quality scores between two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05),and all images were of the required quality.Conclusions The radiation dose of percutaneous coronary angiography is affected by the patient's body size,image acquisition parameters,exposure time and many other factors.Optimizing the image acquisition parameters can ensure the quality of the image while realizing the low dose of radiation and reducing the radiation hazards to the patient and the operator.
3.Summary of best evidence for prevention of hemodialysis catheter thrombosis
Yi ZHENG ; Min XU ; Rong HU ; Xinrui HUANG ; Chunmei ZHENG ; Lanfang WANG ; Longjuan RUAN ; Yinya LOU
Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing 2024;30(14):1891-1897
Objective:To retrieve, evaluate, and integrate the best evidence for prevention of hemodialysis catheter thrombosis, so as to provide evidence-based basis for catheter thrombosis prevention in hemodialysis patients.Methods:Guidelines, clinical decisions, evidence summaries, systematic reviews, and expert consensus on the prevention of hemodialysis catheter thrombosis were systematically searched on Guidelines International Network, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, UpToDate, British Medical Journal (BMJ) Best Practice, Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Health Care Center Database, European Renal Association, National Kidney Foundation, UK Kidney Association, Canadian Society of Nephrology, Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy, Medlive, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, and Wanfang Data and Chinese Biomedical Database. The search period was from database establishment to March 31, 2023. Investigators conducted quality evaluations separately and extracted and summarized evidence based on the theme.Results:A total of 16 articles were included, including five clinical decisions, four guidelines, two evidence summaries, and five expert consensuses. Finally, 15 best pieces of evidence were formed, including four themes of indwelling dialysis catheters, anticoagulation strategies, flushing and sealing techniques, and daily management.Conclusions:Nursing staff should choose the best evidence for preventing thrombosis in hemodialysis catheters based on clinical situations, reduce the occurrence of catheter thrombosis, extend the usage time of catheters, and improve patient outcomes.
4.Incidence and risk factors of parastomal hernia after colostomy
Minping BI ; Xiaowei YANG ; Meng LOU ; Pengyun HU ; Baobin SHI ; Yiming SHAN ; Xing RUAN ; Hongfeng ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(9):1195-1199
Objective:To explore the incidence and risk factors of parastomal hernia after colostomy.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 145 patients undergoing colostomy in Xinxiang Central Hospital from January 2015 to January 2019 were collected. There were 86 males and 59 females, aged(59±11) years. Patients received pelvic and abdominal computed tomography once every 6 months after colostomy to detect the occurrence of parastomal hernia. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and the independent sample t test was used for comparison between groups. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range). Count data were represented as absolute numbers, and chi-square test or Fisher exact probability was used for comparison between groups. Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the cumulative annual incidence of parastomal hernia. Logarithmic rank test was used to analyze the cumulative incidence based on clinical variables. COX proportional hazard regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Results:(1) Incidence of parastomal hernia after colostomy. All the 145 patients were followed up for 86(range, 60?108)months after colostomy, of which 46 cases had parastomal hernia and 99 cases had no parastomal hernia. There were significant differences in gender, age, body mass index (BMI) and chronic liver disease between patients with and without parastomal hernia after colostomy ( χ2=23.28, t=13.27, χ2=6.17, 5.82, P<0.05). (2) Annual cumulative incidence of parastomal hernia after colostomy. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative incidence of parastromal hernia after colostomy was 8.5%, 26.4% and 42.7%, respectively. When the follow-up time is more than 5 years, the incidence of parastromal hernia tended to be stable. The 5-year incidence of parastomal hernia after colostomy in female patients was higher than that in male patients (70.7% vs 20.3%, χ2=12.37, P<0.05). The 5-year incidence of parastomal hernia after colostomy in patients≥60 years old was higher than that in patients under 60 years old (49.8% vs 20.0%, χ2=10.52, P<0.05). The 5-year incidence of parastomal hernia after colostomy in patients with BMI >28 kg/m 2 was higher than that in patients with BMI ≤28 kg/m 2 (55.3% vs 33.2%, χ2=11.76, P<0.05). The 5-year incidence of parastomal hernia after colostomy in patients with chronic liver disease was higher than that in patients with non-chronic liver disease (45.2% vs 32.4%, χ2=15.32, P<0.05). (3) Analysis of risk factors for parastomal hernia after colostomy. Results of multivariate analysis showed that female, age >60 years old, BMI ≥28 kg/m 2 and chronic liver disease were independent risk factors for parastomal hernia after colostomy ( hazard ratio=2.70, 2.51, 1.85, 5.88, 95% confidence intervals as 1.39?6.74, 1.01?4.59, 1.02?4.87, 1.05?8.24, P<0.05). Conclusions:The incidence of parastomal hernia after colostomy is increasing year by year, and tends to be stable after 5 years. Female, age >60 years old, BMI≥28 kg/m 2, and chronic liver disease are independent risk factors for parastomal hernia after colostomy.
5.Dosimetric and radiobiological differences in three radiotherapy techniques of whole breast irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost
Jiming YANG ; Hang CHENG ; Rui HU ; Xuhao DAI ; Yong WU ; Pengrong LOU ; Jianliang ZHOU ; Jianxin GUO ; Jiangping REN
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2024;44(9):764-770
Objective:To identify the dosimetric and radiobiological differences of three radiotherapy techniques of whole breast irradiation with simultaneous integrated boost (WBI-SIB) following breast-conserving surgery for early breast cancer (EBC).Methods:The data of 20 patients with early left-sided breast cancer who received radiotherapy following breast-conserving surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Three radiotherapy techniques, namely hybrid intensity-modulated radiotherapy (HIMRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), were redesigned with the same prescription dose and target conditions. Then, doses to target volume (TV) and organs at risk (OAR), along with the normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) and secondary cancer risk (SCR) for specific organs, were compared.Results:Compared to HIMRT and IMRT, VMAT led to significant decreases in various dosimetric indices of the affected lung and heart and increases in the Dmean doses to the healthy lung and healthy breast and V5 Gy doses to the healthy breast, with the differences being significantly different ( P < 0.05). The average NTCP values of cardiac death, radiation pneumonitis, and pulmonary fibrosis induced by VMAT were 0.41%, 1.62%, and 23.59%, respectively, significantly lower than those caused by other two techniques ( P < 0.05). No statistical differences were found in 10 dosimetric indices of OAR between IMRT and HIMRT, while the NTCP analysis suggested that the risks of cardiac death ( t = 2.70, P < 0.05) and pulmonary fibrosis ( t =4.11, P < 0.05) induced by IMRT were slightly lower than those caused by HIMRT. In addition, the excess absolute risk (EAR) to the healthy lung posed by VMAT was 1.65 and 1.83 times those induced by HIMRT and IMRT, respectively ( z = -3.92, t = -6.43, P < 0.05). In contrast, the EAR to the healthy breast induced by VMAT was 2.79 and 2.65 times those posed by HIMRT and IMRT, respectively ( z = -3.21, -3.70, P < 0.05). Conclusions:Among three intensive-modulated radiotherapy techniques of WBI-SIB for EBC, VMAT provides the optimal protection for the heart and affected lung but leads to the highest SCR to the healthy lung and breast. When VMAT is employed for young EBC patients or those with normal cardiopulmonary function, special attention should be paid to reducing low-dose irradiations to the healthy breast and thereby minimizing SCR. In contrast, VMAT might be more favorable for patients with pronounced cardiopulmonary risks or aged patients.
6.Preparation of anti-PD-L1 nanobodies fused with C3Fab and their effect on plasma half-life
Zhanxiong WANG ; Meng LEI ; Yichen DENG ; Chu LOU ; Tianning YANG ; Qianqian HU ; Jiangwei LI
International Journal of Biomedical Engineering 2024;47(1):53-59
Objective:To prepare the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) nanoantibody P3C8-C3Fab by ligating with C3Fab and to investigate its role in plasma half-life.Methods:The C3Fab peptide derived from protein G was molecularly fused with the nanobody P3C8 by DNA recombination technology. The nanoantibody P3C8-C3Fab was inducibly expressed and purified in the E. coli BL21 strain, and the binding of it to PD-L1 protein, mouse IgG, and PD-L1-expressing tumor cells was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The residual P3C8-C3Fab was detected in mouse serum at different times using double-antibody sandwich ELISA to assess the prolongation of the plasma half-life of PD-L1 nanobodies by C3Fab. Results:The nanoantibody P3C8-C3Fab was successfully constructed, and it could efficiently express itself in soluble form in BL21. The purified NbP3C8-C3Fab protein was obtained with a mass fraction of about 90% at a yield of 7.18 mg/L. The affinity of P3C8-C3Fab for PD-L1 protein and mouse IgG gradually increased with increasing mass concentration and showed a concentration correlation. The binding of P3C8-C3Fab to lung cancer A549 cells showed a concentration correlation. The concentration standard curve of P3C8-C3Fab in mouse serum showed a typical S-shape with a concentration correlation. The plasma half-life of P3C8 was only 0.44 h, while the plasma half-life of P3C8-C3Fab was 21.27-fold higher, up to 9.36 h.Conclusions:The linkage of C3Fab to the nanobodies of P3C8 can significantly prolong the plasma half-life of P3C8, which is valuable for the improvement of in vivo nanobody effects.
7.Effect of resveratrol on gluconeogenesis in exercise-induced fatigue rats
Rong RUAN ; Xujia LOU ; Qiguan JIN ; Libing ZHANG ; Shang XU ; Yulong HU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2024;28(8):1229-1234
BACKGROUND:Resveratrol is a natural antioxidant extracted from plants.Its mechanism of improving exercise-induced fatigue mainly focuses on the protective effect against oxidative stress and inflammation.In this study,the protective mechanism of resveratrol on exercise-induced fatigue was mainly discussed from the perspective of gluconeogenesis. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of resveratrol on gluconeogenesis in exercise-induced fatigue rats. METHODS:After 1 week of adaptive training,male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups with 12 rats in each group:blank control group,resveratrol group,exercise group,resveratrol + exercise group.Weight-bearing swimming training was used to simulate long-term medium-high intensity exercise.After swimming with a weight of 5%for 1 hour every day,50 mg/kg resveratrol solution or the same volume of dimethyl sulfoxide solvent were given orally,6 days a week,for a total of 6 weeks.Samples were collected 24 hours after the last exercise,and the levels of urea nitrogen,creatine kinase,blood glucose,liver glycogen and lactic acid and pyruvate in liver tissue were detected by the kit.The activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase was detected by microassay,and the activity of glucose-6-phosphatase was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to detect the gene expression of silent information regulator 1,cAMP-response element binding protein and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:In the exercise group,plasma urea nitrogen and creatine kinase levels of rats were significantly increased(both P<0.05),liver lactate and pyruvate levels and lactate/pyruvate ratio were significantly increased(all P<0.01),and blood glucose and liver glycogen contents were significantly decreased(both P<0.01).Resveratrol supplementation could effectively improve the above conditions.Exercise significantly decreased the activities of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase(P<0.01,P<0.05),and resveratrol supplementation significantly increased the activity of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in liver tissue(P<0.01).The mRNA expression levels of silent information regulator 1,cAMP-response element binding protein and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α in liver tissue of the exercise group were significantly decreased(all P<0.01),while resveratrol supplementation could significantly increase the gene expression levels of this pathway.To conclude,resveratrol can relieve exercise-induced fatigue caused by long-term medium-high intensity exercise,and its mechanism may be related to up-regulating the gluconeogenesis regulatory pathway,improving rate-limiting enzyme activity,promoting liver gluconeogenesis,and increasing blood glucose and liver glycogen levels.
8.Protective Mechanism of Paeoniflorin on Mice with Ulcerative Colitis Based on AMPK/mTOR Autophagy Pathway
Xin DAI ; Rou LI ; Yang HU ; Yuhang WANG ; Ruizhu ZHAO ; Jiaxuan FENG ; Shilei LOU ; Cong SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(3):45-53
ObjectiveTo explore the protective mechanism of paeoniflorin on mice with ulcerative colitis (UC) through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) autophagy pathway. MethodUC mouse model was established by allowing mice freely drink 4% DSS, and 56 BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into model group, AMPK inhibitor group (20 mg·kg-1), paeoniflorin (50 mg·kg-1) + inhibitor (20 mg·kg-1) group, and high dose (50 mg·kg-1), medium dose (25 mg·kg-1), and low dose (12.5 mg·kg-1) paeoniflorin groups. After seven days of drug intervention, the protective effect of paeoniflorin on mice with UC was determined by comparing the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) changes, and Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining results. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the serum of mice in each group, and immunofluorescence was utilized to detect microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) content in the colon, AMPK, mTOR proteins, and their phosphorylated proteins including p-AMPK and p-mTOR in the colon tissue were detected by Western blot, and the mRNA expression levels of AMPK, mTOR, Beclin1, LC3, and p62 were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultCompared with the blank group, the model group showed a decrease in body mass, an increase in DAI score, and severe pathological damage to the colon. The levels of inflammatory factors including TNF-α and IL-6 increased in serum (P<0.01), while the protein levels of LC3 and p-AMPK/AMPK were down-regulated in colon tissue, and those of p-mTOR/mTOR were up-regulated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPK and LC3 were down-regulated, while the mRNA expression levels of mTOR and p62 were up-regulated (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the paeoniflorin + inhibitor group, the mice treated with paeoniflorin showed an increase in body mass, a decrease in DAI score, a reduction in pathological damage to colon tissue, and a reduction in the levels of inflammatory factors of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum (P<0.05). The protein levels of LC3 and p-AMPK/AMPK in colon tissue were up-regulated, while the protein levels of p-mTOR/mTOR were down-regulated (P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of AMPK, Beclin1, and LC3 were up-regulated, while the mRNA expression of mTOR and p62 were down-regulated (P<0.01). The colon tissue of the inhibitor group was severely damaged, and the trend of various indicators was completely opposite to that of the high dose paeoniflorin group. ConclusionPaeoniflorin can enhance autophagy and reduce inflammatory damage in mice with UC by activating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and thus play a protective role.
9.Virulence determinants and genetic diversity of foodborne Yersinia enterocolitica isolated from Wenzhou
Ai-Rong XIE ; Yi LI ; Hui-Huang LOU ; Zhong-Bi XIE ; Le-Yi ZHANG ; Yu-Qin HU ; Yue-Jin WU
Chinese Journal of Zoonoses 2024;40(1):40-45
The aim of this study was to investigate the virulence determinants and genetic diversity of foodborne Yersinia enterocolitica from Wenzhou.A total of 71 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica were isolated from food and foodborne diarrhea ca-ses in Wenzhou,and their biotypes,serotypes,and drug resistance were analyzed.On the basis of whole genome sequencing,we assessed virulence gene profiles,and performed multilocus sequence typing(MLST)and core gene multilocus sequence typ-ing(cgMLST).A total of 94.4%(67/71)of isolates belonged to biotype 1A,and the highest proportion had serotype lA/O∶5(29.6%,21/71).The sensitivity rates of the isolates to 14 antibiotics exceeded 95.8%.A total of 16 categories and 126 viru-lence genes were identified,with two strains carrying the pYV plasmid and chromosome-related virulence genes.ST3(31.6%,12/38)was the most widespread MLST type,and cgMLST analysis revealed no dense clusters of genotypes except for strains sharing the same ST.In conclusion,pathogenic strains were identified from foodborne Yersinia enterocolitica in Wenzhou and were found to exhibit high genetic polymorphism.Enhanced regulatory supervision is essential to prevent the outbreak of food-borne diseases caused by Yersinia enterocolitica.
10.Preoperative Prediction of Lymphovascular Invasion of Node-Negative Gastric Cancer Based on CT Radiomics
Feifei LOU ; Qingqing CHEN ; Hao HUANG ; Fang WANG ; Jie HE ; Enhui XIN ; Hongjie HU
Chinese Journal of Medical Imaging 2024;32(1):73-80
Purpose To explore the value of CT-based radiomics in the preoperative prediction of lymphatic invasion of node-negative gastric cancer,and to construct a nomogram combined with clinical variables.Materials and Methods The clinical and CT imaging data of 173 gastric cancer patients with lymph node negative and pathologically confirmed gastric cancer in the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital from January 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.A total of 60 cases with lymphovascular invasion(LVI)positive patients and 113 cases with LVI negative patients were included,and randomly divided into train cohort(n=121)and test cohort(n=52)at 7∶3.Based on the train cohort,the clinical model,the radiomics model,the fusion model were constructed and verified in the test cohort.Clinical data and conventional CT features included age,gender,tumor marker,tumor location,tumor morphology,enhancement range,etc.The clinical significant variables were selected through univariate and multivariate analysis to establish the clinical model.The tumor regions of interest were segmented and radiomics features were extracted by using the 3D-Slicer software.Key features were screened through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis,and then the radiomics model was constructed with random forest algorithm,and converted to random forest score(RF score).The fusion model was constructed via combining clinical significant variables and RF score,and visualized as a nomogram.The receiver operator characteristic curve and area under curve(AUC)were used to evaluate the prediction performance of the models.Decision curve analysis was used to calculate the clinical practicability.Results The radiomics model was superior to the clinical model.The radiomics model AUC of the train cohort and the test cohort were 0.872(0.810 to 0.935)and 0.827(0.707 to 0.947),the clinical model AUC were 0.767(0.682 to 0.852)and 0.761(0.610 to 0.913).The nomogram further improved the predictive efficiency,the AUC in train cohort and test cohort reached 0.898(0.842 to 0.953)and 0.844(0.717 to 0.971),respectively.Decision curve analysis demonstrated clinical benefits of nomogram.Conclusion The radiomics model can be used to preoperatively predict LVI of node-negative gastric cancer.The nomogram can further improve the prediction efficiency.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail