Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control programme in Wuhan City from 2005 to 2023, so as to provide insights into precision control and elimination of schistosomiasis. Methods The integrated measures for schistosomiasis control implemented by health, agriculture, water resources, and forestry departments of Wuhan City, and the epidemiological data of schistosomiasis in Wuhan City were collected from 2005 to 2023, and the prevalence of human schistosomiasis, prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and bovines, areas of S. japonicum-infected snail habitats, areas of snail habitats in inner embankments, and actual areas of snail habitats were retrieved. In addition, the trends in prevalence of schistosomiasis in humans and livestock and snail status were evaluated in Wuhan City from 2005 to 2023 using Mann-Kendall test and a Joinpoint regression model. Results Mann-Kendall test revealed a tendency towards a decline in the prevalence of human schistosomiasis (Z = -4.41, P < 0.01), prevalence of S. japonicum infections in humans (Z = -4.89, P < 0.01) and bovines (Z = -4.50, P < 0.01), areas of S. japonicum-infected snail habitats (Z = -3.91, P < 0.01), areas of snail habitats in inner embankments (Z = -2.28, P = 0.02), and actual areas of snail habitats (Z = -5.95, P < 0.01) in Wuhan City from 2005 to 2023. Joinpoint regression analysis showed an average annual reduction of 8.58% in the prevalence of human schistosomiasis in Wuhan City from 2005 to 2023 [average annual percent change (AAPC) = -8.58%, 95% confidence interval (CI): (-10.02%, -6.65%), P < 0.01], with two joinpoints in 2013 and 2016, respectively, and the tendency towards a decline showed statistical significance during the period from 2013 through 2016 [annual percent change (APC) = -34.41%, 95% CI: (-40.36%, -20.01%), P < 0.01]. The prevalence of S. japonicum human infections appeared an average annual reduction of 51.91% in Wuhan City from 2005 to 2023 [AAPC = -51.91%, 95% CI: (-58.12%, -44.25%), P < 0.01], with two joinpoints in 2014 and 2017, respectively, and the tendency towards a decline showed statistical significance during the period from 2014 through 2017 [APC = -98.17%, 95% CI: (-99.17%, -90.87%), P < 0.01]. The prevalence of S. japonicum infections in bovines appeared an average annual reduction of 53.12% in Wuhan City from 2005 to 2023 [AAPC = -53.12%, 95% CI: (-59.65%, -42.44%), P < 0.01], with two joinpoints in 2011 and 2014, respectively, and the tendency towards a decline showed statistical significance during the period from 2014 through 2017 [APC = -98.63%, 95% CI: (-99.44%, -90.93%), P < 0.01]. The areas of S. japonicum-infected snail habitats appeared an average annual reduction of 47.09% in Wuhan City from 2005 to 2023 [AAPC = -47.09%, 95% CI: (-52.92%, -38.26%), P < 0.01], with two joinpoints in 2011 and 2014, respectively, and the tendency towards a decline showed statistical significance during the period from 2011 through 2014 [APC = -97.27%, 95% CI: (-98.65%, -88.06%), P < 0.01]. The areas of snail habitats in inner embankments appeared an average annual reduction of 4.45% in Wuhan City from 2005 to 2023 [AAPC = -4.45%, 95% CI: (-5.18%, -3.82%), P < 0.01], with three joinpoints in 2011, 2015 and 2018, respectively, and statistical significance was seen in the tendency towards a decline during the period from 2005 through 2011 [APC = -16.38%, 95% CI: (-20.15%, -14.25%), P < 0.01]. In addition, the actual areas of snail habitats appeared an average annual reduction of 2.65% in Wuhan City from 2005 to 2023 [AAPC = -2.65%, 95% CI: (-2.89%, -2.40%), P < 0.01], with a joinpoint in 2013, and the tendency towards a decline showed statistical significance during the period from 2013 through 2023 [APC = -4.06%, 95% CI: (-4.66%, -3.58%), P < 0.01]. Conclusions The integrated schistosomiasis control programme achieved significant effectiveness in Wuhan City from 2005 to 2023, with a tendency towards a decline in morbidity due to schistosomiasis in humans and livestock and snail status. The integrated schistosomiasis control strategy with emphasis on management of the source of S. japonicum infections should continue to be implemented to consolidate the schistosomiasis control achievements and achieve the goal of schistosomiasis elimination in the city.

ObjectiveTraditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutes a valuable cultural heritage and an important source of antitumor compounds. Poria (Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf), the dried sclerotium of a polyporaceae fungus, was first documented in Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica and has been used therapeutically and dietarily in China for millennia. Traditionally recognized for its diuretic, spleen-tonifying, and sedative properties, modern pharmacological studies confirm that Poria exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antitumor activities. Pachymic acid (PA; a triterpenoid with the chemical structure 3β-acetyloxy-16α-hydroxy-lanosta-8,24(31)-dien-21-oic acid), isolated from Poria, is a principal bioactive constituent. Emerging evidence indicates PA exerts antitumor effects through multiple mechanisms, though these remain incompletely characterized. Neuroblastoma (NB), a highly malignant pediatric extracranial solid tumor accounting for 15% of childhood cancer deaths, urgently requires safer therapeutics due to the limitations of current treatments. Although PA shows multi-mechanistic antitumor potential, its efficacy against NB remains uncharacterized. This study systematically investigated the potential molecular targets and mechanisms underlying the anti-NB effects of PA by integrating network pharmacology-based target prediction with experimental validation of multi-target interactions through molecular docking, dynamic simulations, and in vitro assays, aimed to establish a novel perspective on PA’s antitumor activity and explore its potential clinical implications for NB treatment by integrating computational predictions with biological assays. MethodsThis study employed network pharmacology to identify potential targets of PA in NB, followed by validation using molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, MM/PBSA free energy analysis, RT-qPCR and Western blot experiments. Network pharmacology analysis included target screening via TCMSP, GeneCards, DisGeNET, SwissTargetPrediction, SuperPred, and PharmMapper. Subsequently, potential targets were predicted by intersecting the results from these databases via Venn analysis. Following target prediction, topological analysis was performed to identify key targets using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking was conducted using AutoDock Vina, with the binding pocket defined based on crystal structures. MD simulations were performed for 100 ns using GROMACS, and RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and hydrogen bonding dynamics were analyzed. MM/PBSA calculations were carried out to estimate the binding free energy of each protein-ligand complex. In vitro validation included RT-qPCR and Western blot, with GAPDH used as an internal control. ResultsThe CCK-8 assay demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of PA on NB cell viability. GO analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve cellular response to chemical stress, vesicle lumen, and protein tyrosine kinase activity. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the anti-NB activity of PA might involve the PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and Ras signaling pathways. Molecular docking and MD simulations revealed stable binding interactions between PA and the core target proteins AKT1, EGFR, SRC, and HSP90AA1. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses further confirmed that PA treatment significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of AKT1, EGFR, and SRC while increasing the HSP90AA1 mRNA and protein levels. ConclusionIt was suggested that PA may exert its anti-NB effects by inhibiting AKT1, EGFR, and SRC expression, potentially modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. These findings provide crucial evidence supporting PA’s development as a therapeutic candidate for NB.

This study was aimed at understanding the trends in,and scope of,severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome(SFTS)in Nanjing,analyzing the spatial distribution pattern,detecting high incidence cluster areas and key popula-tions,and scientifically guiding prevention and control strategies and measures.We obtained data on SFTS cases from 2010 to 2023 in Nanjing from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System,and described the time,popu-lation,and spatial distribution characteristics.We used joinpoint regression to calculate the annual percentage change(APC)in incidence,then used FleXScan spatial clustering scan analysis to explore spatial clustering areas at the street level.A total of 507 SFTS cases were reported from 2010 to 2023 in Nanjing.The APC was 31.8％(95％CI:22.5％-41.9％,P＜0.001),and the reported incidence in 2023 was 1.42/100 000(134 cases).The seasonal indices from May to August were 2.7,2.1,3.0,and 1.3,respectively,accounting for 76.1％of the total cases.The median age was 66(IQR:55,73)years,which gradually increased from 59 years in 2010-2011 to 68 in 2022-2023(P＜0.001);94.1％of cases were in individuals 45 years or older.Farmers,homemakers/unemployed individuals,and retirees accounted for 90.1％.The epidemic area increased from 11 streets in four districts in 2010-2011 to 58 streets in 11 dis-tricts in 2022-2023.Except for 2012-2013,global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed positive Moran's I values(0.224-0.526,P＜0.001),and FlexScan scan indicated that several streets in Lishui District and Jiangning District were the most likely clusters.Four streets in Pukou District were the secondary clusters from 2018 to 2023,and three streets in Luhe District in 2022-2023 were the secondary clusters(all P＜0.05).The reported incidence of SFTS in Nanjing showed a rapid upward trend,with spread of epidemic areas.The spatial distribution pattern was clustered.Strengthened training in diagnosis and treatment technology and detection ability of medical institutions,surveillance in high-incidence areas,tracing of case flow,and health education of tick and disease prevention knowledge are recommended.

Objective To establish a stable rat model of non-obese polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS)with clinical characteristics.Methods Dehydroepiandrosterone(DHEA)was used to establish a PCOS rat model by subcutaneous injection.Three-week-old female SD rats were divided into a normal group,6 mg/kg DHEA model group,and 60 mg/kg DHEA model group.The model groups were subcutaneously injected with the corresponding dose of DHEA daily,while the normal group was subcutaneously injected with glycerol daily for 21 consecutive days.The model was evaluated with ovarian histopathology as the gold standard to determine the optimal dosage of DHEA to induce a PCOS rat model.On this basis,the optimal DHEA modeling dose was selected,and stop and continue modeling groups were set up to observe the model for 28 days and evaluate its maintenance.The stop modeling group was no longer given DHEA,and the continued modeling group was subcutaneously injected with 60 mg/kg DHEA every 48 h.The evaluation indicators included body mass,estrous cycle,fasting blood glucose,serum insulin,histopathologic morphology of the ovaries,and serum sex hormone levels.Results(1)Compared with the normal group,the 6 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg DHEA model groups showed no significant difference in body mass,and their estrous cycles were irregular.There were more cystically dilated large follicles in the ovaries;fewer mature follicles;reduced layers of granulosa cells,which were arranged in a sparse and disorganized manner;and fewer lutea in the 6 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg DHEA model groups than the normal group.Furthermore,serum T and E2 levels were significantly higher in the 60 mg/kg DHEA model group(P＜0.05)than the normal group.(2)The stop modeling group(A2 group)resumed regular estrous cycles after 2 weeks,various growth follicles and corpora lutea were observed in the ovarian tissues,the number of cystic follicles was reduced,the number of granulosa cell layers increased,mature follicles were visible,oocyte morphology was locally intact,and the levels of E2 and AMH were reduced compared with the normal group(A1 group)(P＜0.05).(3)The continue model group(B2 group)was in the late stage of estrous cycle for a long period,and there were more large follicles with cystic dilatation,fewer mature follicles,fewer layers of granulosa cells with a sparse and disordered arrangement,and significantly fewer corpus lutea in the ovaries compared with the normal group(B1 group).The levels of serum LH,LH/FSH,and T were elevated(P＜0.05).Conclusions Subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg DHEA for 21 consecutive days can be used to successfully construct a non-obese PCOS rat model that possesses clinical characteristics.Subcutaneous injection of 60 mg/kg DHEA every 48 hours maintains the stability of the model.

Objective To explore the possible causes of CAST/EiJ mouse susceptibility to multiple pathogens,the immune cell phenotypes in the peripheral blood and spleen of CAST/EiJ mice were analyzed to clarify their composition.Methods Classical dendritic cells(cDCs),natural killer(NK)cells,B lymphocytes,T lymphocytes,and their subsets in the peripheral blood and spleen of CAST/EiJ mice and C57BL/6J mice were detected by flow cytometry using the cell surface markers CD3,CD4,CD8,CD11b,CD11c,CD19,CD27,CD49b,and TCRβ.Results There was no significant difference in the proportion of cDCs between CAST/EiJ and C57BL/6J mice,but the cDC1 cell subset population was smaller in CAST/EiJ.The proportions of NK cells(mainly mature NK cell subsets)and T lymphocytes(mainly CD8+T cells)were both lower in CAST/EiJ mice than C57BL/6J mice,while the proportion of B cells was higher in CAST/EiJ mice than C57BL/6J mice.Conclusions The proportions of NK and T lymphocytes in CAST/EiJ mice were lower than those in C57BL/6J mice.

Infectious bronchitis in chickens is a serious threat to the global poultry industry.Despite the availability of commercial vaccines,the epidemic has not been effectively controlled.Therefore,the development of novel vaccines may provide new ways to prevent and control this disease.In this study,BLP-S1,a bacterium-like particle displaying the S1 subunit of infectious bronchitis virus on its surface,was constructed using the GEM-PA system.The immunoprotection results showed that BLP-S1 effectively induced the production of specific IgG and sIgA in commercial chickens and provided effective protection against a heterologous strain with a protection rate of up to 90％.This study demonstrated that BLP-S1 has good immunogenicity and immunoprotection,with the poten-tial to develop a novel vaccine against infectious bronchitis.

Objective:To prepare mesenchymal stem cells with antioxidant capacity (AO-MSC ) from human umbilical cords and evaluate its cell biological properties.Methods:In control group,mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were isolated by digesting human umbilical cord Wharton's Jelly tissues with 0.2％ collagenase Ⅱ,and the released cells were collected and cultured in an animal serum-free culture medium.In AO-MSC group,incompletely collagenase Ⅱ-digested tissue debris were allowed to adhere to flusk flat bottoms and the AO-MSC was harvested by adherent culture. The conventional digestion and culture method was used as control.MSC colony forming ability was evaluated by fibroblast colony forming assay (CFU-F).MSC proliferative capacity was evaluated by CCK-8 assay.The MSC surface markers were detected by using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining.The adipogenic and osteogenic capacity of MSC was evaluated by multi-differentiation in vitro,and the mRNA expression of genes that control adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR );Moreover,the mRNA expression of antioxidant substances such as SOD-1,GSH,GAT,and NQO1 in MSC was also evaluated by RT-qPCR.Results:The AO-MSC isolated by this strategy reached a confluence of 80％-90％ at around 18 days and grew in a swirling pattern.Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining assays showed that CD73,CD29,CD105,CD90 were highly expressed and CD31,CD45,HLA-DR were scarcely expressed in AO-MSC.AO-MSC exhibited stronger self-renewal and differentiation ability compared to MSC.However,the in vitro adipogenic-osteogenic capacity of MSC in the control group was stronger than that of AO-MSC.RT-qPCR assay showed that AO-MSC expressed higher mRNA levels of antioxidant substances compared to MSC.Conclusion:Human AO-MSC is successfully prepared from human umbilical cord without animal serum.

Objective:To explore the differences in dynamic spontaneous brain activity in individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and its correlation with spatial navigation ability in SCD subjects.Methods:A total of 72 SCD subjects(SCD group) and 67 normal controls (NC group) matched for age, gender and education level were recruited from September 2020 to February 2023 at the Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University. All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) examinations, spatial navigation tests and cognitive function assessments. The rs-fMRI time series were segmented using a sliding time window method, and statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS 26.0 software to compare the differences in the dynamic amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (dALFF) between the two groups. Correlation analysis was conducted between dALFF values in different brain regions and scale scores and spatial navigation tests.Results:Compared with the NC group, the dALFF variability in the right precuneus(0.119±0.021, 0.130±0.031) and left cuneus(0.143±0.034, 0.156±0.032) in SCD group decreased ( t=-3.41, -3.12, P<0.05, FDR corrected), and the dALFF variability in the right middle occipital gyrus(0.146±0.023, 0.137±0.020) and right angular gyrus(0.148±0.025, 0.139±0.026) increased ( t=4.51, 3.36, both P<0.05, FDR corrected). The temporal variability of dALFF in the right precuneus in SCD group was negatively correlated with egocentric spatial navigation ( r=-0.341, P=0.025), delayed allocentric spatial navigation ( r=-0.286, P=0.035) and memory function ( r=-0.332, P=0.009). The temporal variability of dALFF in the left middle occipital gyrus was positively correlated with language function ( r=0.339, P=0.015) and visuospatial function ( r=0.343, P=0.008) in SCD group. Conclusions:The temporal variability of dALFF in the right precuneus and the left middle occipital gyrus may be the neurobiological basis of cognitive decline and spatial navigation impairment in SCD subjects, and it can be used as a potential imaging marker for early identification of SCD patients.

Objective To develop a Psychological Birth Trauma Assessment Scale and to test its reliability and validity.Methods Through literature review,semi-structured interview,expert conference,Delphi expert enquiry and preliminary investigation,a pre-test scale was formed.From March to May 2023,postpartum women from 38 hospitals of different levels in 15 provinces(Jiangsu,Anhui,Zhejiang,Fujian,Tibet,and Shanghai,etc.)were conveniently selected for investigation.The sample size of the first-round survey was 547,which was used for reliability and validity test.The sample size of the second-round survey was 550,which was used for confirmatory factor analysis.Results The psychological birth trauma assessment scale consisted of 2 parts,with a total of 29 items in 6 dimensions.The intrapartum feeling part included 4 dimensions,with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 63.992％,and the postpartum effect part included 2 dimensions,with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 68.208％.The content validity index of the scale was 0.947,and the content validity index of each item was 0.809～1.000.The total score of the scale and the scores of each dimension were significantly negatively correlated with the total score of the calibration scale(r=-0.784～-0.533,P＜0.001).The total Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.941,and the split-half reliability coefficient was 0.883.Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the main evaluation indicators were all within the acceptable range.Conclusion The Psychological Birth Trauma Assessment Scale has good reliability and validity,and it can be used as an assessment tool for the degree of maternal psychological birth trauma.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of the position pillows for neuraxial anesthesia.Methods:This was a prospective randomized controlled trial. Four hundred and twelve patients regardless of gender, aged ≥18 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅰ-Ⅲ, who underwent elective surgery under neuraxial anesthesia at Peking University Third Hospital from February to October 2023, were selected and divided into 2 groups ( n=206 each) using a random number table method: pillow group (P group) and control group (C group). Group C underwent the conventional procedure for neuraxial anesthesia. The patients were placed in a position using the position pillow on the basis of oral education before routine anesthesia in group P. The success rate of puncture at first attempt, puncture time and position placement time were recorded. The adjustment of position, body movement and occurrence of discomfort during the puncture were also recorded. The visual analogue scale score was used to evaluate the level of anxiety before positioning, after positioning and after anesthesia. The visual analogue scale score was used to evaluate the patient′s comfort and the operator′s satisfaction with position after the anesthesia was completed. Results:Compared with group C, the time for positioning was significantly shortened, the anxiety level was decreased after positioning and after anesthesia, the rate of improvement in anxiety was increased, the scores for the patient′s comfort and the operator′s satisfaction with position were increased ( P<0.05), and no significant changes were found in the success rate of puncture at first attempt, puncture time and incidence of body movement during the puncture and incidence of the adjustment of position ( P>0.05). No discomfort was observed in either group during the puncture. Conclusions:This new type of position pillows for the neuraxial anesthesia can not only optimize the effect of position placement, but also improve the patients′ comfort.