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.

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.

Chemical pollution-induced damage to ecosystem function has been a global challenge.The latest"Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework"proposed reducing pollution risks to levels harmless to biodiversity and function,placing higher demands on chemical risk management at the ecosystem level.Conventional ecotoxicity tests have focused on single species,only to neglect genetic diversity protection and simplify species interactions.Here,we proposed using environmental RNA(eRNA)and metatranscriptomic analysis to establish a multi-species,multi-biological level chemical pollution ecological risk assessment approach in exposed communities.We reviewed the current status and trends of eRNA in chemical pollution risk assessment and proposed a strategy for bioeffect testing from molecules to communities based on eRNA,constructing ecological risk assessment models for different protection goals.Finally,we summarized the theoretical and technical challenges facing eRNA-based toxicity testing and outlined the future applications of eRNA in capturing real ecological effects of chemical pollution in the field.

To investigate the existence of tick-borne pathogens infection of rodents at the border of China and the Demo-cratic People's Republic of Korea(DPRK).PCR was used to detect the spotted fever group rickettsiae(SFGR)ompA gene,Ehrlichia chaffeensis(Ec)and Anaplasma phagocytophilum(Ap)16S rRNA,Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis(CNm)groEL gene,Bartonella(Ba)rpoB gene,and Francisella tularensis(Ft)fopA gene in rodents samples collected from Ji'an of Jilin province and Kuandian of Liaoning Province.The positivity rates of 132 wild rats spleen samples,SFGR,Ec,Ap,CNm,Ba,and Ft were 9.85％,12.88％,5.30％,3.79％,51.52％,and 6.06％,respectively,with statistical differences in in-fection rates(x2=149.236,P=0.000).The infection rate of Ba was the highest in wild rats in this area.There was no signifi-cant difference in the infection rate of SFGR,Ec,Ap,CNm,and Ft among different rats species,but there were significant differences in the infection rate of Ba(x2=13.36,P=0.010).The infection rate of Apodemus agrarius was the highest.A-mong 132 wild rats specimens,the coinfection rate of the two pathogens was 15.9％(21/132),with Ba as the main species(15/132),and two cases of coinfection with three pathogens were detected.The infection of six tick-borne pathogens is common in wild rats at the China/DPRK border.Co-infection of two or three pathogens indicates a risk of multiple tick-borne pathogens and mixed natural foci of multiple tick-borne infec-tious diseases.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for late-onset hemorrhagic cystitis(LOHC)after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT),the risk factors for the progression of LOHC to severe LOHC,and the effect of LOHC on survival.Methods:The clinical data of 300 patients who underwent allo-HSCT at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The relevant clinical parameters that may affect the occurance of LOHC after allo-HSCT were selected for univariate and multivariate analysis.Then,the differences in overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)between different groups were analyzed.Results:The results of multivariate analysis showed that the independent risk factors for LOHC after allo-HSCT were as follows:age≤45 years old(P=0.039),intensified conditioning regimen with fludarabine/cladribine and cytarabine(P=0.002),albumin ≤ 30 g/L on d30 after transplantation(P=0.007),CMV-DNA positive(P=0.028),fungal infection before transplantation(P=0.026),and the occurrence of grade Ⅱ-Ⅳ aGVHD(P=0.006).In the transplant patients who have already developed LOHC,the occurance of LOHC within 32 days after transplantation(P=0.008)and albumin ≤ 30 g/L on d30 after transplantation(P=0.032)were independent risk factors for the progression to severe LOHC.The OS rate of patients with severe LOHC was significantly lower than that of patients without LOHC(P=0.041).Conclusion:For the patients aged ≤ 45 years old and with intensified conditioning regimen,it is necessary to be vigilant about the occurrence of LOHC;For the patients with earlier occurrence of LOHC,it is necessary to be vigilant that it develops into severe LOHC.Early prevention and treatment of LOHC are essential.Regular monitoring of CMV-DNA and albumin levels,highly effective antiviral and antifungal therapies,and prevention of aGVHD are effective measures to prevent the occurrence and development of LOHC.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors of Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(allo-HSCT)and its impact on survival.Methods:The clinical data of 347 patients who underwent their first allo-HSCT in our hospital from January 2014 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were divided into EBV(n=114)and Non-EBV(n=233)groups according to whether they were infected with EBV.The incidence of EBV infection after allo-HSCT was calculated,and the risk factors of EBV infection were analyzed.Results:A total of 114(32.8％)patients presented EBV infection(all peripheral blood EBV-DNA were positive).EBV infection occurred in 88 patients within 100 days after transplantation,which accounted for 77.2％of all patients with EBV infection.5 cases(1.44％)were confirmed as post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder(PTLD).The median onset time of patients was 57(7-486)days after transplantation.Multivariate analysis showed that the use of ATG/ATG-F,occurrence of CMV viremia,and grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ aGVHD were risk factors for EBV infection.Furthermore,compared to BUCY,the use of intensified preconditioning regimens containing FA/CA was significantly increased the risk of EBV infection.Conclusion:EBV infection is a common complication after allo-HSCT.Intensified preconditioning regimens,use of ATG/ATG-F,CMV viremia and grade Ⅲ to Ⅳ aGVHD increase the risk of EBV infection after allo-HSCT.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors of primary poor graft function (PGF) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in patients with myeloid malignancies and the impact of primary PGF on survival. Methods:The clinical data of 146 patients with myeloid malignancies who underwent allo-HSCT in our hospital from January 2015 to December 2021 were retrospectively studied. Some relevant clinical parameters which may affect the development of primary PGF after allo-HSCT were selected for univariate and multivariate analysis,as well as performed survival analysis. Results:A total of 9 patients (6.16％) were diagnosed with primary PGF,and their medium age was 37(28-53) years old. Among them,1 case underwent matched sibling donor HSCT,1 case underwent matched unrelated donor HSCT,and 7 cases underwent HLA-haploidentical related donor HSCT. Moreover,5 cases were diagnosed as cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection,and 3 cases as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that CD34+cell dose<5×106/kg and pre-transplant C-reactive protein (CRP)>10 mg/L were independent risk factors for occurrence of the primary PGF after allo-HSCT in patients with myeloid malignancies. The 3-year overall survival (OS) rate of primary PGF group was 52.5％,which was significantly lower than 82.8％ of good graft function group (P<0.05). Conclusion:Making sure pre-transplant CRP≤10 mg/L and CD34+cell dose ≥5×106/kg in the graft may have an effect on preventing the occurrence of primary PGF after allo-HSCT. The occurrence of primary PGF may affect the OS rate of transplant patients,and early prevention and treatment are required.

Objective:To explore the prevalence and independent associated factors of vascular calcification (VC) in non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients of stage 3-5.Methods:It was a single-center cross-sectional observational study. Non-dialysis stage 3-5 CKD patients ≥18 years old who were admitted to the Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from May 1, 2022 to December 31, 2022 with VC evaluation were enrolled. The patients' general information, laboratory examination and imaging data were collected. Coronary artery calcification (CAC), thoracic aorta calcification (TAC), abdominal aorta calcification (AAC), carotid artery calcification and aortic valve calcification (AVC) were evaluated by cardiac-gated electron-beam CT (EBCT) scans, lateral lumbar x-ray, cervical macrovascular ultrasound and echocardiography, respectively. The differences in clinical data and the prevalence of VC at different sites of patients with different CKD stages were compared, and the prevalence of VC at different sites of patients in different age groups [youth group (18-44 years old), middle-aged group (45-64 years old) and elderly group (≥65 years old)] and patients with or without diabetes were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the independent associated factors of VC for different areas.Results:A total of 206 patients aged (51±14) years were included, including 129 (62.6%) males. There were 44 patients with CKD stage 3 (21.4%), 51 patients with CKD stage 4 (24.8%), and 111 patients with CKD stage 5 (53.9%). CKD was caused by chronic glomerulonephritis [104 cases (50.5%)], diabetic kidney damage [35 cases (17.0%)], hypertensive kidney damage [29 cases (14.1%)] and others [38 cases (18.4%)]. Among 206 patients, 131 (63.6%) exhibited cardiovascular calcification, and the prevalence of CAC, TAC, AAC, carotid artery calcification, and AVC was 37.9%, 43.7%, 37.9%, 35.9% and 9.7%, respectively. The overall prevalence of VC in young, middle-aged and elderly patients was 24.6%, 73.6% and 97.4%, respectively. With the increase of age, the prevalence of VC in each site gradually increased, and the increasing trend was statistically significant (all P<0.001). The overall prevalence of VC in CKD patients with diabetes was 92.5% (62/67), and the prevalence of VC at each site in the patients with diabetes was significantly higher than that in the patients without diabetes (all P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (every 10 years increase, OR=2.51, 95% CI 1.77-3.56, P<0.001), hypertension ( OR=5.88, 95% CI 1.57-22.10, P=0.009), and diabetes ( OR=4.66, 95% CI 2.10-10.35, P<0.001) were independently correlated with CAC; Age (every 10 years increase, OR=6.43, 95% CI 3.64-11.36, P<0.001) and hypertension ( OR=6.09, 95% CI 1.33-27.84, P=0.020) were independently correlated with TAC; Female ( OR=0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.72, P=0.011), age (every 10 years increase, OR=3.90, 95% CI 2.42-6.29, P<0.001), diabetes ( OR=5.37, 95% CI 2.19-13.19, P<0.001) and serum magnesium ( OR=0.01,95% CI 0-0.35, P=0.014) were independently correlated with AAC. Moreover, age and diabetes were independently correlated with carotid artery calcification, AVC and overall VC Conclusions:The prevalence of VC in non-dialysis CKD patients of stage 3-5 is 63.59%, of which CAC reaches 37.9%, TAC is the most common one (43.7%), while AVC is the least one (9.7%). Age and diabetes are the independent associated factors for VC of all sites except TAC, while hypertension is an independent associated factor for both CAC and TAC.

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.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of Tripterygium wilfordii multiglycoside (TGW) in the treatment of psoriatic dermatitis from a cellular immunological perspective. METHODS: Mouse models of psoriatic dermatitis were established by imiquimod (IMQ). Twelve male BALB/c mice were assigned to IMQ or IMQ₊TGW groups according to a random number table. Histopathological changes in vivo were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Ratios of immune cells and cytokines in mice, as well as PAM212 cell proliferation in vitro were assessed by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was determined using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: TGW significantly ameliorated the severity of IMQ-induced psoriasis-like mouse skin lesions and restrained the activation of CD45⁺ cells, neutrophils and T lymphocytes (all P<0.01). Moreover, TGW significantly attenuated keratinocytes (KCs) proliferation and downregulated the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor α, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Furthermore, it reduced the number of γ δ T17 cells in skin lesion of mice and draining lymph nodes (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS TGW improved psoriasis-like inflammation by inhibiting KCs proliferation, as well as the associated immune cells and cytokine expression. It inhibited IL-17 secretion from γ δ T cells, which improved the immune-inflammatory microenvironment of psoriasis.
Male ; Animals ; Mice ; Tripterygium ; Psoriasis/drug therapy* ; Keratinocytes ; Skin Diseases/metabolism* ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Imiquimod/metabolism* ; Dermatitis/pathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Skin/metabolism*