Objective To analyze the infection status and epidemic trends of soil-borne nematode infections in Yubei, Chongqing City, in 2010,2021, and 2022. Methods The local populations from four survey sites of four towns in 2010 and five sites of five towns in 2021 and 2022 were surveyed regarding their basic information using a unified form. Fecal samples of the participants were collected and tested for soil-borne nematode infections using the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method. Results In 2010, 2 049 participants were surveyed, followed by 1 000 participants in 2021 and 2022. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections declined significantly from 3.86% to 0.20%. In 2010, soil-transmitted nematode included hookworms(3.81%) and roundworms(0.29%). In 2021, the infection rates of roundworms and hookworms were 1.70% and 0.10% respectively. Notably, only Ascaris was identified in 2022(0.20%). The≥60 age group consistently exhibited the highest infection rates across all surveys, followed by the 40-59 age group. The infection rates of males in the three surveys were 3.31%,1.92%, and 0.20% respectively, and those of females were 4.37%, 1.46%, and 0.20% respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the infection rates between males and females. Educational attainment was inversely associated with infection; in 2010, the highest prevalence was observed among those with primary education or below, whereas in 2021, illiterate or semi-literate individuals showed the highest susceptibility. The occupational distribution of infections in 2010 indicated that retirees (8.33%), farmers(4.86%), and homemakers or unemployed individuals(3.45%)were the most affected. However, in 2021 and 2022, farmers emerged as the predominant occupational group with soil-transmitted nematode infections. Conclusions The infection rate of soil-borne nematodes showed a decreasing trend in Yubei, and the infection species changed from hookworms in 2010 to Ascaris in 2022. Farmers, the elderly, and people with low education levels should continue to be the focus of preventive and control efforts.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of liver-targeted fibroblast growth factor 21 （FGF21） overexpression against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury （ALI） and its association with silent information regulator 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 （SIRT1/GPX4） expression and ferroptosis-related markers. MethodsFemale ICR mice （8 weeks old） were randomly divided into Control， CCl₄， adeno-associated virus （AAV）-FGF21， and AAV-FGF21 + CCl₄ groups. Liver-targeted FGF21 overexpression was achieved via tail vein injection of AAV8-FGF21 virus with green fluorescent protein （GFP） labeling. ALI was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ （0.3 mL/kg）， with sample collection at 12 hours. Body weight and liver weight were recorded to calculate the liver weight/body weight. Alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） levels were measured using a biochemical analyzer. FGF21 expression in liver tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. Hepatic histopathology was evaluated by HE staining. RT-qPCR was performed to assess mRNA expression of ferroptosis and iron metabolism-related genes （ACSL4， PTGS2， HJV， FPN， GPX4）， FGF21， and SIRT1. Protein expression of FGF21， SIRT1， and GPX4 were determined by Western blot. Iron content， malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione （GSH）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity in liver homogenate were quantified using assay kits. ResultsCompared with the Control group， the FGF21 mRNA and protein expression elevated in CCl₄ group； serum ALT/AST levels and liver weight/body weigh increased. The HE staining results showed that the liver cell membranes were ruptured. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2， the iron content and MDA levels all increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA levels of SIRT1， GPX4， HJV， and FPN， the GSH level and SOD activity all decreased （P<0.05）， and the protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the CCl₄ group， the serum levels of ALT and AST in the AAV-FGF21 + CCl4 group were decreased （P<0.01）， and the liver/body ratio of mice decreased （P<0.01）. The results of HE staining showed that the degree of liver injury was alleviated. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2， iron content and MDA level all decreased （P<0.01）， while the mRNA levels of SIRT1， GPX4， HJV， FPN， GSH level and SOD activity all increased （P<0.05）. The protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both increased （P<0.05）. ConclusionFGF21 overexpression is associated with enhanced SIRT1/GPX4 expression and suppression of ferroptosis features， thereby contributing to the alleviation of CCl₄-induced ALI.

Objective To compare the long-term survival outcomes of patients with T_1-2N₀M₀ duodenal neuroendocrine tumor (DNET) after endoscopic resection (ER) or surgical resection (SR). Methods Patients diagnosed with T_1-2N₀M₀ DNET between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2015, were extracted from the SEER database. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and log-rank test were used to compare overall survival (OS) rate and cancer-specific survival (CSS) rate between patients undergoing ER or SR. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce grouping differences, and multivariate Cox regression was used to analyze factors affecting OS and CSS before and after PSM. Results A total of 656 patients were included, with 457 in ER group and 199 in SR group. Before PSM, there was no significant difference in the 5-year OS rate between the ER and SR groups (88.9% vs 89.6%), but there was a significant difference in the 5-year CSS rate (99.3% vs 96.9%, P＝0.017). Before PSM, multivariate Cox regression analysis showed advanced age was an independent risk factor for decreased OS (P＜0.001). After PSM, there was no significant difference between the ER group (n＝187) and SR group (n＝187) in 5-year OS rate (90.2% vs 88.9%) or CSS rate (98.9% vs 96.7%). After PSM, multivariate Cox regression also showed advanced age was an independent risk factor for decreased OS, while resection method was not an independent factor for OS or CSS. Conclusions There is no significant difference in OS or CSS after endoscopic treatment and surgical treatments for patients with T_1-2N₀M₀ DNET, and advanced age is an independent factor for OS.

Objective To explore the potential mechanisms of hypoxic adaptive metabolic changes in the kidneys of plateau pikas at different altitudes using non-targeted metabolomics analysis via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole electrostatic field orbital trap-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS). Methods 10 plateau pikas were captured at an altitude of 4 360 m in Xingxiuhai area, Maduo County, Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province (MD group), and 10 plateau pikas were captured at an altitude of 2 900 m in Menyuan area, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province (MY group). After anesthesia, serum samples were collected, and kidney samples were collected after euthanasia. General physiological and biochemical indicators were measured and metabolomics analysis was performed. Part of the serum samples was used for hematology analysis, another part for blood gas analysis, and the remaining part for biochemical indicator detection. Metabolites were extracted from the kidney tissue samples and then analyzed using UHPLC-QE-MS. Differential metabolites were analyzed using metabolomics principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), with screening criteria set as variable importance in projection (VIP)>1.5 and fold change (FC)>1.5, or VIP>1.5 and FC<1/1.5. Correlation analysis heatmaps, significance analysis volcano plots, signaling pathway recognition bubble charts, and rectangular graphs were used for the analysis of differential metabolites and related signaling pathways. Results The red blood cell count, glucose, urea nitrogen, uric acid, and homocysteine levels in the MD group plateau pikas were higher than those in the MY group, while hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinine, and carbon dioxide combining power were lower than those in the MY group. This indicated a significant difference in the blood oxygen-carrying capacity of plateau pikas at different altitudes. The principal component pattern recognition analyses, and OPLS-DA permutation test showed that the kidney metabolites of the MD and MY groups of plateau pikas had distinct clustering distributions (R²Y=0.930, Q²=0.655). According to the screening criteria and database comparison, 46 differential metabolites were identified in the kidneys of plateau pikas at different altitudes. In the MD group of plateau pikas, the expression levels of bufadienolide, adenosine, adenine, diosgenin, berberine chloride, carnosol, and astaxanthin were significantly increased (VIP>1.5, P<0.05), while the levels of arachidonic acid, histamine, and coumarin were significantly decreased (VIP>1.5, P<0.05). The analysis of related signaling pathways showed that the biosynthetic pathways of valine, leucine, and isoleucine had the largest impact factors (P<0.05), while the biosynthetic pathways of pantothenate and coenzyme A showed the most significant enrichment (P<0.05). Conclusion The differential metabolites of amino acids, pantothenate, and coenzyme A pathways in the kidneys of plateau pikas at different altitudes may be involved in the metabolic mechanisms of plateau pikas' hypoxia adaptation in high-altitude environments.

Objective To investigate the potential association between methylation levels of CpG locus of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF)gene and risk of acute stress disorder(ASD)[post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD)or post-traumatic depression].Methods(1)30 specific pathogen-free(SPF)-grade male ICR mice were randomly divided into control group,24 h restraint stress(Res)group,and Res+5-Aza-2'deoxycytidine(Res+5-Aza-cdR)group,with 10 mice in each group.An ASD mouse model was established using 24h restraint stress.The body weight of the mice was recorded daily.At 24 h and 48 h after the successful establishment of the model,open field tests were conducted to evaluate locomotor activity level and anxiety-like behavior of the mice.Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)and Western blotting were used to detect BDNF mRNA and protein expression levels in the hippocampus of mice in each group.(2)Relevant genome-wide association study(GWAS)summary data were utilized for instrumental variable(IV)selection.A two-sample Mendelian randomization(TSMR)approach was applied to analyze the causal relationship between CpG site methylation of BDNF gene and ASD risk.The leave-one-out method was used to verify the results.Results(1)The results of body weight monitoring and the open field test showed that compared with control group,the body weight,the residence time in the central area,the total movement distance,and the activity times of mice in Res group were significantly decreased(P＜0.001).Compared with Res group,the body weight,the residence time in the central area,the total movement distance and activity times of mice in Res+5-Aza group were significantly increased(P＜0.00l).The results of RT-qPCR and Western blotting showed that compared with control group,the expression levels of BDNF mRNA and protein in the hippocampus of the mice in Res group were significantly decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with Res group,the expression level of BDNF mRNA and protein in Res+5-Aza group was significantly higher(P＜0.001).(2)TSMR analysis results showed that the cg10635145 site in BDNF gene(OR=0.862,95％CI 0.793-0.938,P=0.043)was negatively correlated with the risk of PTSD.The cg08362738 site(OR=0.975,95％CI 0.960-0.992,P=0.003)was negatively correlated with the risk of trauma-related depression,whereas the cg18117895 site(OR=1.008,95％CI 1.000-1.016,P=0.047)was positively correlated with the risk of trauma-related depression.The results of Leave-one-out test showed that the causal relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP)of CpG site in BDNF gene and ASD was not affected by a strong Ⅳ.Conclusion The CpG loci cg1063145 and cg08362738 of BDNF gene maybe protective factors for ASD-related diseases,while cg18117895 maybe a riskfactor.

Objective The aim of the study is to reveal the polymorphisms of Eustrongylides spp.in Monopterus albus.Methods A total of five Eustrongylides spp.collected from five M.albus in the Yongzhou area were sampled to amplify ribosomal ITS sequence by PCR in vitro,then sequenced after extracting the DNA templates of Eustrongylides.The phylogenetic tree based on the ITS sequence was also constructed to explore the evolutionary history of Eustrongylides.Results The length of the ITS sequence of the five Eustrongylides spp.is approximately 933 bp,and the genetic differences between the isolates are 0.00％-0.90％and the genetic inheritance differences with other nematodes are 15.5％-18.20％,maintaining a certain genetic distance from other families.Conclusions The ITS sequence of Eustrongylides spp.in M.albus will be used as a genetic marker for the molecular identification of Eustrongylides spp.and will provide a basis for the prevention and control of Eustrongylides spp.in the future.

Objective:This study aims to determine the risk perception, evacuation decision-making, and influencing factors related to typhoon disasters among public.Methods:A cross-sectional study will be conducted in residents of Hainan from September 2024 to January 2025. The study will employ chi-square tests, t-tests, and binary logistic regression analysis to examine factors influencing evacuation behavior decisions. Furthermore, structural equation modeling based on ordered choice model will be constructed to validate the mechanisms through which risk perception affects evacuation decision-making processes.Results:Among 517 respondents from 11 administrative districts (counties) in Hainan Province, 62.09% of the residents were willing to evacuate. The decision of public evacuation behavior was significantly related to disaster knowledge, official trust, risk perception, source of warning information and some demographic characteristics. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that warning information sources positively correlated with disaster knowledge and official trust (path coefficients: 0.363, 0.315, both P < 0.001). Both disaster knowledge and official trust showed positive correlations with risk perception (path coefficients: 0.157, 0.165, both P < 0.001), while risk perception positively influenced evacuation decisions (path coefficient: 0.137, P = 0.003). Moreover, source of warning information, disaster knowledge and official trust further positively affect evacuation behavior decision through risk perception, a key mediating variable. Conclusions:Disaster knowledge, official trust, risk perception and other factors can directly or indirectly affect the evacuation behavior of the public following the typhoon disaster. In typhoon-prone areas, it is recommended to enhance public risk perception through strategies such as authoritative training, diversified early warning channels, and improving government credibility, thereby promoting disaster preparedness and evacuation behaviors.

Objective : To investigate the high-risk human papillomavirus ( HR-HPV) infection and its relationship with vaginal infectious diseases among women and to provide a basis for the prevention and control of cervical canc- er among women in this region． Methods: Uterine exfoliative cells and vaginal secretions were collected from women aged 25－64 years in the resident population ( ≥6 months of residence) who participated in cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus typing and vaginal microecology tests were performed to compare the status of HPV infections in different age groups．The study subjects were divided into HR-HPV-positive and HR-HPV-nega- tive groups according to whether HR-HPV infection was detected or not，and multifactorial Logistic regression anal- ysis was used to explore the relationship between HR-HPV and vaginal infectious diseases． Results : The HR-HPV infection rate of women in this study was 10. 43% ，and the HR-HPV infection rate of each age group was 14. 34% from 25 to 34 years old，10. 16% from 35 to 44 years old，8. 70% from 45 to 54 years old，and 11. 89% from 55 to 64 years old，and there were differences in the infection rate of HR-HPV among different age groups ( P < 0. 05) ．Among HR-HPV，HPV52，HPV16，HPV58，HPV51，HPV68 were the most common，with 76. 69% of sin- gle infections，18. 02% of dual infections，4. 46% of triple infections，and 0. 83% of quadruple infections．HR- HPV single infections and multiple infections were prevalent in the age group of 25－34 years old and 55－64 years old．HR-HPV mono-infection and multi-infection rates were statistically different between age groups ( P＜0. 05) ． The infection rates of bacterial vaginosis ( BV) and trichomoniasis vaginitis ( TV) were higher in HR-HPV-positive patients ( P ＜0. 05) ． Logistic regression analysis showed that the infection rates of BV ( OR = 1. 560，95% CI: 1. 195－2. 035 ) ，TV ( OR = 2. 208，95% CI: 1. 221 －3. 993 ) were risk factors for HR-HPV infection ( P < 0. 05) ． Conclusion In the screened population of the Fourth Division of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps，HR-HPV mono-infection is the most prevalent type．Women aged 25－34 and 55－64 years old show higher rates of HR-HPV infection．The most common HR-HPV genotypes，in descending order，are 52，16，58，51，and 68．BV and TV are the two major risk factors closely associated with HR-HPV infection．

BACKGROUND: Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is indicated as a broad-spectrum medicine for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiac disease. While the role of ATO in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ATO on HIRI. METHODS: In the present study, we established a 70% hepatic warm I/R injury and partial hepatectomy (30% resection) animal models in vivo and hepatocytes anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) models in vitro with ATO pretreatment and further assessed liver function by histopathologic changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was transfected to evaluate the role of ERK1/2 pathway during HIRI, followed by ATO pretreatment. The dynamic process of autophagic flux and numbers of autophagosomes were detected by green fluorescent protein-monomeric red fluorescent protein-LC3 (GFP-mRFP-LC3) staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: A low dose of ATO (0.75 μmol/L in vitro and 1 mg/kg in vivo ) significantly reduced tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic I/R. Meanwhile, ATO obviously promoted the ability of cell proliferation and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, in vitro  studies have shown that nontoxic concentrations of ATO can activate both ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) pathways and further induce autophagy. The hepatoprotective mechanism of ATO, at least in part, relies on the effects of ATO on the activation of autophagy, which is ERK-dependent. CONCLUSION Low, non-toxic doses of ATO can activate ERK/PI3K-AKT pathways and induce ERK-dependent autophagy in hepatocytes, protecting liver against I/R injury and accelerating hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy.
Animals ; Arsenic Trioxide ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control* ; Mice ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology* ; Arsenicals/therapeutic use* ; Oxides/therapeutic use* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

OBJECTIVE: Xuebijing injection has been recommended as a therapeutic approach for individuals with severe and critical COVID-19. This study aims to explore the correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR) with the severity and prognosis of COVID-19, and the effect of XBJ on the prognosis of patients with COVID-19 in different inflammatory states. METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at Wuhan Union Hospital in China. COVID-19 patients admitted between November 1, 2022 and February 1, 2023 were included. In predicting prognosis for individuals with COVID-19, new inflammatory indicators were used, and their prognostic value was assessed by using Cox regression models and receiver operating characteristic curves. Furthermore, a calculation was made to determine the cutoff value for NLPR. Relative risk and Cox regression models were used to examine the effects of Xuebijing injection on prognosis in patient cohorts that had been stratified by the NLPR cutoff. RESULTS: This research included 455 participants with COVID-19, with a mean age of 72 years. Several inflammatory indicators were found to be strongly correlated with prognosis, and NLPR shows the greatest predictive power. Patients with NLPR > 3.29 exhibited a mortality rate of 17.3%, which was 6.2 times higher than in patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29. Importantly, providing Xuebijing injection to patients with NLPR > 3.29 was associated with a lower risk of 60-day all-cause mortality. However, there was no discernible improvement in survival among patients with NLPR ≤ 3.29 who received Xuebijing injection. CONCLUSION NLPR is the most reliable inflammatory marker for predicting prognosis among individuals with COVID-19, and can accurately identify individuals who may benefit from Xuebijing injection. Please cite this article as: Liao M, Zhang LT, Bai LJ, Wang RY, Liu Y, Han J, Liu LH, Qi BL. Xuebijing injection reduces COVID-19 patients mortality as influenced by the neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(3): 282-288.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Neutrophils ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; COVID-19/blood* ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Lymphocytes ; Blood Platelets ; Platelet Count ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adult