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.

Objective To investigate the effects of different doses of atorvastatin calcium on carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT)and serum lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2(Lp-PLA2),oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL)and homocysteine(Hey)levels in patients with atherosclerosis.Methods Patients with atherosclerosis were divided into low-dose group(atorvastatin calcium tablets,20 mg·d-1)and high-dose group(atorvastatin calcium tablets,40 mg·d-1)according to the treatment scheme.The levels of blood lipids[triglyceride(TG),total cholesterol(TC),high-density lipoprotein(HDL)and low-density lipoprotein(LDL)],carotid atherosclerotic plaque characteristics(CIMT and plaque area),serum Lp-PLA2,ox-LDL and Hcy levels were compared between groups.Adverse drug reactions in two groups were recorded.Results There were 98 cases in low-dose group,102 cases in high-dose group.After treatment,the levels of TG in high-dose group and low-dose group were(3.75±0.59)and(5.36±0.83)mmol·L 1;the levels of TC were(4.07±0.98)and(4.52±1.02)mmol·L-1;the levels of LDL were(1.89±0.58)and(1.49±0.42)mmol·L-1;the levels of and HDL were(1.85±0.58)and(2.67±0.73)mmol·L-1;CIMT were(1.14±0.18)and(1.30±0.20)mm;plaque areas were(18.59±2.17)and(22.72±2.81)mm2;the levels of Lp-PLA2 were(116.27±28.46)and(135.74±25.03)μg·L-1;the levels of ox-LDL were(12.07±2.59)and(13.42±2.25)μg·L-1;the levels of Hcy were(11.92±3.12)and(15.21±3.06)μmol·L-1.The above indexes were significantly different between high-dose group and low-dose group(all P＜0.05).The total incidence rates of adverse drug reactions in high-dose group and low-dose group were 22.55％and 14.29％(P＞0.05).Conclusion Compared with low-dose atorvastatin calcium,high-dose atorvastatin calcium can better improve blood lipid level of patients with atherosclerosis,reduce plaques,inhibit inflammatory reaction and reduce the formation of atherosclerosis.The two are comparably safe.

OBJECTIVE To mine adverse drug event （ADE） signals of lacosamide， and to provide references for clinically safe drug use. METHODS ADE data for lacosamide reported to the United States FDA adverse event reporting system from January 1， 2009， to December 31， 2022， were collected. Data mining was conducted using the reporting odds ratio method and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network method. Classification statistics were performed using the system organ class （SOC） and preferred terms （PT） from ADE terminology set of Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities （Version 25.0）. RESULTS A total of 21 360 lacosamide ADE reports were received， identifying 203 ADE signals across 24 SOCs， with 19 signals not included in the drug’s instruction. The top five PTs ranked by occurrence frequency were medication overdose， technical errors during device use， product use issues， intentional product misuse， and therapy discontinuation. The top five PTs ranked by signal strength were changes in seizure presentation type， congenital hypoplasia of depressor anguli oris muscle， multidrug resistance， brain surgery， and vagus nerve stimulator implantation. ADEs not recorded in the drug instruction included congenital hypoplasia of depressor anguli oris muscle， multidrug resistance， mitochondrial DNA mutation， dissociative identity disorder， and congenital auricular anomaly. CONCLUSIONS For lacosamide-induced ADEs that occur frequently and are already listed in the drug’s instructions， such as bradycardia and atrioventricular block， the clinical application should be careful and attentive， adjusting the dosage timely according to the patient’s condition to avoid severe ADEs. Newly discovered suspect ADEs， such as congenital hypoplasia of depressor anguli oris muscle， mitochondrial DNA mutation， overmature infant， dissociative identity disorder， pigmenturia， behavioral disorders， and dissociative disorders， should be vigilantly recognized to ensure the safety of drug use.

Decline of immunity is an epidemiological feature of opioid addicts.Recent work reveals a landscape of peripheral immune microenvironment in opioid addicts.Opioid addicts exhibit a significant expansion of fragile-like regulatory T cells(Tregs)and enhanced Treg-derived interferon-y(IFN-γ)expression.IFN-γ signaling reshapes synaptic morphology in nucleus accumbens(NAc)neurons,modulating subsequent withdrawal symptoms.Treg fragility transformation from WT Tregs is primarily due to opioid-induced global hypoxia during acute withdrawal period.Opioids increase the expression of neuron-derived C-C motif chemokine ligand 2(Ccl2)and disrupt blood-brain barrier(BBB)integrity through the downregulation of astrocyte-derived fatty-acid-binding protein 7(Fabp7),both of which trigger peripheral Treg infiltration into NAc.Recent studies suggest that subtle homeostatic changes in the peripheralimmune milieu may also contribute to modulating synapses that are responsible for addictive behaviors,which may lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Objective To perform semi-quantitative grading of carotid artery wall enhancement in patients with Takayasu arteritis(TA)using contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS),and to investigate the value of conventional carotid artery sonography combined with CEUS in evaluating the activity of TA.Methods A total of 59 patients with TA were en-rolled according to the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria,the clinical active and inactive stages were determined based on the National Institution of Health(NIH)score.The patients were divided into three groups ac-cording to the grade of enhancement on CEUS.The correlation of CEUS grade and conventional ultrasound parameters with clinical activity parameters of the disease was analyzed,as well as their value in predicting the clinical activity of the dis-ease.Results The CEUS enhancement grade,wall thickness,and outer diameter of the carotid artery were positively cor-related with NIH score,erythrocyte sedimentation rate,and C-reactive protein,among which CEUS enhancement grade showed the highest degree of correlation(r=0.438,0.560,and 0.471,P<0.01).CEUS grade≥2 and CEUS grade 3 had an area under the ROC curve(AUC)of 0.782 and 0.725,respectively,in predicting the clinical activity of the disease(P<0.001),with a sensitivity of 77%and 53%,respectively,and a specificity of 80%and 92%,respectively.Carotid ar-tery wall thickness≥1.95 mm combined with CEUS grade≥2 had an AUC of 0.804 in predicting the clinical activity of the disease(P<0.001),with a sensitivity of 80%and a specificity of 81%,showing a better predictive efficacy than carotid artery wall thickness alone(Z=2.535,P=0.011).Conclusion CEUS enhancement grade and wall thickness of the ca-rotid artery are significantly correlated with the clinical activity of TA,and carotid artery wall thickness combined with CEUS enhancement grade can effectively evaluate the clinical activity of TA.

Objective: First-line bevacizumab plus carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP) is approved for stage III/IV ovarian cancer treatment following initial surgical resection, based on global phase III GOG-0218 and ICON7 trials. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab + CP as first-line ovarian cancer therapy in Chinese patients. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III/IV epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer post-primary surgery were randomized 1:1 to receive 6 cycles of CP with bevacizumab/ placebo, followed by bevacizumab/placebo maintenance until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Stratification factors were FIGO stage and debulking status (stage III optimally debulked vs stage III suboptimally debulked vs stage IV) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0 vs 1 or 2). Results: Of randomized patients, 51 received bevacizumab + CP and 49 received placebo + CP. Median PFS was 22.6 months with bevacizumab + CP (95% confidence interval [CI]=18.6, not estimable) and 12.3 months (95% CI=9.5, 15.0) with placebo + CP (stratified hazard ratio=0.30; 95% CI=0.17, 0.53). Treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 46 of 49 (94%) patients receiving bevacizumab + CP, and 34 of 50 (68%) receiving placebo + CP. Conclusion Bevacizumab + CP showed clinically meaningful improvement in PFS vs placebo + CP, consistent with GOG-0218 results. Safety data were aligned with the known bevacizumab safety profile. These results support first-line bevacizumab + CP therapy in Chinese patients with ovarian cancer.

Objective: First-line bevacizumab plus carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP) is approved for stage III/IV ovarian cancer treatment following initial surgical resection, based on global phase III GOG-0218 and ICON7 trials. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab + CP as first-line ovarian cancer therapy in Chinese patients. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III/IV epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer post-primary surgery were randomized 1:1 to receive 6 cycles of CP with bevacizumab/ placebo, followed by bevacizumab/placebo maintenance until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Stratification factors were FIGO stage and debulking status (stage III optimally debulked vs stage III suboptimally debulked vs stage IV) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0 vs 1 or 2). Results: Of randomized patients, 51 received bevacizumab + CP and 49 received placebo + CP. Median PFS was 22.6 months with bevacizumab + CP (95% confidence interval [CI]=18.6, not estimable) and 12.3 months (95% CI=9.5, 15.0) with placebo + CP (stratified hazard ratio=0.30; 95% CI=0.17, 0.53). Treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 46 of 49 (94%) patients receiving bevacizumab + CP, and 34 of 50 (68%) receiving placebo + CP. Conclusion Bevacizumab + CP showed clinically meaningful improvement in PFS vs placebo + CP, consistent with GOG-0218 results. Safety data were aligned with the known bevacizumab safety profile. These results support first-line bevacizumab + CP therapy in Chinese patients with ovarian cancer.

Objective: First-line bevacizumab plus carboplatin and paclitaxel (CP) is approved for stage III/IV ovarian cancer treatment following initial surgical resection, based on global phase III GOG-0218 and ICON7 trials. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of bevacizumab + CP as first-line ovarian cancer therapy in Chinese patients. Methods: Patients with newly diagnosed, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage III/IV epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer post-primary surgery were randomized 1:1 to receive 6 cycles of CP with bevacizumab/ placebo, followed by bevacizumab/placebo maintenance until unacceptable toxicity or disease progression. Primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Stratification factors were FIGO stage and debulking status (stage III optimally debulked vs stage III suboptimally debulked vs stage IV) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (0 vs 1 or 2). Results: Of randomized patients, 51 received bevacizumab + CP and 49 received placebo + CP. Median PFS was 22.6 months with bevacizumab + CP (95% confidence interval [CI]=18.6, not estimable) and 12.3 months (95% CI=9.5, 15.0) with placebo + CP (stratified hazard ratio=0.30; 95% CI=0.17, 0.53). Treatment-related grade 3/4 adverse events occurred in 46 of 49 (94%) patients receiving bevacizumab + CP, and 34 of 50 (68%) receiving placebo + CP. Conclusion Bevacizumab + CP showed clinically meaningful improvement in PFS vs placebo + CP, consistent with GOG-0218 results. Safety data were aligned with the known bevacizumab safety profile. These results support first-line bevacizumab + CP therapy in Chinese patients with ovarian cancer.

To report the first case of chronic disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis in China. A 49-year-old male patient presented with papules and nodules of the skin for 1 year, and papules and ulcers on the oral mucosa for 2 months. Skin examination showed the edema of the left foot, multiple crusting ulcers on the sole of the left foot, ulcers with a granular base in the interdigital regions between the third and fourth toes as well as fourth and fifth toes of the left foot, accompanied by punctate hemorrhage and exudation; there were multiple papules, nodules, and plaques on the dorsum and medial side of the left foot and the left knee, with ulcers and crusts in the center; 2 papules were observed on the left wrist, and 1 papule on the left upper lip with a crusted surface; red plaques with ulcers and punctate hemorrhage were observed on the gingival mucosa, buccal mucosa, labial mucosa, and palate, and the lesions mainly occurred on the left side. Ultrasonography of superficial lymph nodes showed bilateral cervical and supraclavicular lymph node enlargement, which was more obvious on the left side. Computed tomography of the chest and abdomen showed diffuse miliary nodular shadows, and cordlike, cloudy flocculent and nodular high-density shadows in both lungs, as well as obvious thickening of the left adrenal gland in the abdomen. Yeast cells were observed by immunofluorescent staining of biopsy tissues from the oral mucosa and left lower limb. Histopathological examination of biopsy tissues from the oral mucosa and left lower limb showed granulomatous inflammation, and refractive double-membrane yeast cells could be observed inside or outside the multinucleated giant cells, without or with a single bud or multiple buds; periodic acid-Schiff staining and hexamine silver staining of the above biopsy tissues were positive. Fungal culture of the left lower limb lesion in Sabouraud dextrose agar medium at 25℃ and 37℃ both yielded fungal hyphae. Metagenomics sequencing of the oral mucosal tissue and alveolar lavage fluid indicated the infection with Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. The diagnosis of chronic disseminated paracoccidioidomycosis was confirmed. After 1-month oral treatment with itraconazole capsules at a dose of 400 mg/d, the lesions on the skin and oral mucosa markedly improved, and computed tomography imaging of the lung and left adrenal gland also showed obvious improvement. The dose of itraconazole was reduced to 200 mg/d after 3 months. The patient′s condition further improved during a 10-month follow-up.

Objective:To explore the current status of surgery for portal hypertension to grasp current status and future development of surgery in China.Methods:This study is jointly sponsored by China Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Specialist Alliance & Portal Hypertension Alliance in China (CHESS).Comprehensive surveying is conducted for basic domestic situations of surgery for portal hypertension, including case load, surgical approaches, management of postoperative complications, primary effects, existing confusion and obstacles, liver transplantation(LT), laparoscopic procedures and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS), etc.Results:A total of 8 512 cases of portal hypertension surgery are performed at 378 hospitals nationwide in 2021.Splenectomy plus devascularization predominated(53.0%)and laparoscopy accounted for 76.1%.Primary goal is preventing rebleeding(67.0%) and 72.8% of hospitals used preventive anticoagulants after conventional surgery.And 80.7% of teams believe that the formation of postoperative portal vein thrombosis is a surgical dilemma and 65.3% of hospitals practiced both laparoscopy and TIPS.The major reasons for patients with portal hypertension not receiving LT are due to a lack of qualifications for LT(69.3%)and economic factors(69.0%).Conclusions:Surgery is an integral part of management of portal hypertension in China.However, it is imperative to further standardize the grasp of surgical indications, the handling of surgical operation and the management of postoperative complications.Moreover, prospective, multi-center randomized controlled clinical studies should be performed.