Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails in Yunnan Province fol-lowing interruption of schistosomiasis transmission, so as to provide the evidence for assessing the risk of schistosomiasis transmission and scientifically formulating the schistosomiasis surveillance program. Methods According to the requirements of the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Scheme (2020 Edition), O. hupensis snail surveillance data were collected from 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province from 2020 to 2024, including area of snail survey, area of snail habitats, area of re-emerging snail habitats, number of frames surveyed, number of frames with O. hupensis snails, number of O. hupensis snails captured, and number of living snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails were calculated. Changes in snail status over the 5-year period from 2020 to 2024 and the differences in snail distributions specified by epidemic intensity, environmental type, and vegetation type were analyzed. Results The areas of snail survey increased from 1 727.96 hm² in 2020 to 3 894.45 hm² in 2024 (peak) across 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province during the period from 2020 through 2024. The areas of snail habitats increased from 70.36 hm² in 2020 to a peak in 2023 (172.04 hm²), followed by a reduction to 132.36 hm² in 2024, and the areas of re-emerging snail habitats increased from 42.71 hm² in 2020 to a peak in 2022 (78.43 hm²), followed by a reduction to 40.21 hm² in 2024. The occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails increased from 1.24% (3 025/244 404) and (0.033 2 ± 0.038 7) snails/0.1 m² in 2020 to peaks at 2.03% (6 231/307 563) and (0.066 9 ± 0.068 4) snails/0.1 m² in 2023, followed by reductions to 1.04% (5 829/559 941) and (0.032 6 ± 0.057 7) snails/0.1 m² in 2024, respectively. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of frames with snails over the 5-year study period (χ² = 1 962.95, P < 0.05), and the occurrence of frames with snails reduced by 48.71% in 2024 relative to in 2023 (χ² = 1 411.05, P < 0.005); however, there was no significant difference in the mean density of living snails over the 5 years (H = 5.310, P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the occurrence of frames with snails (χ² = 481.27, P < 0.05) and mean density of living snails (H = 6.872, P < 0.05) in schistosomiasis-endemic areas with different epidemic intensities. The occurrence of frames with snails (χ² = 25.32 and 38.70, both P values < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = 28.55 and 49.96, both P values < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted and eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas without snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails (χ² = 453.54, P < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = −56.97, P < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted areas with snails. O. hupensis snails were mainly distributed in paddy fields, dry farmlands and ditches; however, the occurrence of frames with snails (13.40%, 424/3 164) and mean density of living snails [(0.252 8 ± 0.158 7) snails/0.1 m²] were higher in ponds/weirs than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Rice, dry farmland crops and weeds were main vegetations in which O. hupensis snails were distributed, and the occurrence of frames with snails (2.29%, 7 111/310 140) and mean density of living snails [(0.072 3 ± 0.018 9) snails/0.1 m²] were higher in weeds than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Conclusions O. hupensis snails have been effectively controlled in Yunnan Province following implementation of integrated schistosomiasis control measures; however, there are still risk factors for schistosomiasis transmission, including reduced attention to schistosomiasis control and snail re-emergence. Improved control efforts and surveillance system construction and timely identification of risk factors of snail status and timely management are recommended to ensure the achievement of the target of schistosomiasis elimination as scheduled.

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild murines in schistosomiasisendemic areas of Yunnan Province, so as to provide the evidence for improving the schistosomiasis surveillance and early warning capability and implementing precise interventions in the province. Methods A total of 56 natural villages were sampled from 14 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province as surveillance sites from 2024 to 2025. Wild murines were captured using traps at night and characterized for species. Liver samples were collected from wild murines, S. japonicum eggs and miracidia were simultaneously detected using liver tissue compression microscopy, liver tissue homogenate microscopy, and liver tissue homogenate hatching. In addition, stool samples were collected from wild murine rectum, with S. japonicum eggs detected using a modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique and S. japonicum miracidia detected using the hatching test with nylon gauzes. Results A total of 15 577 valid murine traps were recovered, and 891 wild murines belonging to 16 species were captured, with a capture rate of 5.72%(891/15 577). The captured wild murines were predominantly districted in paddy fields, dry lands, ditches, ponds and marshlands, with Apodemus chevrieri, Rattus norvegicus, Crocidura attenuata, R. rattus sladeni, R. flavipectus, and Eothenomys miletus as dominant species. No S. japonicum eggs or miradicia were in laboratory; however, other parasites were identified in 25 wild murines. The prevalence rates of Schistosoma sinensis, Capillaria hepatica and Hymenolepis nana were 2.24% (20/891), 0.90% (8/891) and 0.56% (5/891), and the prevalence of S. sinensis and C. hepatica co-infection was 0.90% (8/891), respectively. Conclusions S. sinensis, C. hepatica and H. nana are predominant parasite species in wild murines in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunan Province. No S. japonicum infection was detected during the study period; however, there is still a risk of wild murines as a potential source of infection for schistosomiasis transmission. Continuous intensified surveillance of S. japonicum infections in wild murines is a critical programme in schistosomiasis surveillance and early warning in Yunnan Province.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Tianmeng Lingjiao Formula（天礞羚角方， TLF） as an adjunctive therapy for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation （PAF） with phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome. MethodsNinety patients with PAF and phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome were enrolled and randomly assigned in a 2∶1 ratio to test group （60 cases） and control group （30 cases）. The control group received conventional western medicine， while the test group received TLF in addition to the conventional treatment， with one dose administered daily. The treatment course for both groups was 4 weeks. The efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome and the rate of atrial fibrillation （AF） conversion were compared between groups. Assessments included AF burden， frequency and duration of AF episodes， TCM syndrome scores， and European Heart Rhythm Association （EHRA） AF symptom classification before and after treatment. Safety indicators such as blood routine， urine routine， stool routine， liver function， kidney function， and electrolytes were also monitored. Adverse events were recorded. ResultsA total of 82 patients completed the study （54 in the test group and 28 in the control group）. After treatment， AF burden， the frequency and duration of AF episodes， and TCM syndrome scores were significantly reduced in both groups， and the test group showed lower indicators than the control group （P＜0.01 or P＜0.05）. The AF conversion rate was 25.93% （14/54） in the test group， significantly higher than 3.57% （1/28） in the control group （P＜0.05）. The total effective rate for TCM syndrome efficacy was 83.33% （45/54） in the test group， which was significantly higher than 67.86% （19/28） in the control group （P＜0.05）. After treatment， the EHRA atrial fibrillation symptom severity in the test group showed significant improvement， and the improvement in atrial fibrillation symptoms was superior to that in the control group （P＜0.01or P＜0.05）. No significant abnormalities were observed in safety indicators， and no adverse events occurred during the trial. ConclusionTLF as an adjunctive therapy can reduce AF burden， enhance the conversion rate of AF， decrease the frequency and duration of episodes， and improve clinical symptoms in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation presenting with phlegm-heat harassing the interior syndrome， with a favorable safety profile.

Objective To evaluate the performance of the artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled snail identification system for recognition of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni and Tricula in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province. Methods Fifty O. hupensis robertsoni and 50 Tricula samples were collected from Yongbei Township, Yongsheng County, Lijiang City, a schistosomiasis-endemic area in Yunnan Province in May 2024. A total of 100 snail sample images were captured with smartphones, including front-view images of 25 O. hupensis robertsoni and 25 Tricula samples (upward shell opening) and back-view images of 25 O. hupensis robertsoni and 25 Tricula samples (downward shell opening). Snail samples were identified as O. hupensis robertsoni or Tricula by schistosomiasis control experts with a deputy senior professional title and above according to image quality and morphological characteristics. A standard dataset for snail image classification was created, and served as a gold standard for recognition of snail samples. A total of 100 snail sample images were recognized with the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system based on a WeChat mini program in smartphones. Schistosomiasis control professionals were randomly sampled from stations of schistosomisis prevention and control and centers for disease control and prevention in 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (districts, cities) of Yunnan Province, for artificial identification of 100 snail sample images. All professionals are assigned to two groups according the median years of snail survey experiences, and the effect of years of snail survey experiences on O. hupensis robertsoni sample image recognition was evaluated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Youden’s index and the area under the curve (AUC) of the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification were calculated for recognition of snail sample images. The snail sample image recognition results of AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification were compared with the gold standard, and the internal consistency of artificial identification results was evaluated with the Cronbach’s coefficient alpha. Results A total of 54 schistosomiasis control professionals were sampled for artificial identification of snail sample image recognition, with a response rate of 100% (54/54), and the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Youden’s index, and AUC of artificial identification were 90%, 86%, 94%, 0.80 and 0.90 for recognition of snail sample images, respectively. The overall Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of artificial identification was 0.768 for recognition of snail sample images, and the Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was 0.916 for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images and 0.925 for recognition of Tricula snail sample images. The overall accuracy of artificial identification was 90% for recognition of snail sample images, and there was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni (86%) and Tricula snail sample images (94%) (χ² = 1.778, P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images with upward (88%) and downward shell openings (92%) (χ² = 0.444, P > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images between schistosomiasis control professionals with snail survey experiences of 6 years and less (75%) and more than 6 years (90%) (χ² = 7.792, P < 0.05). The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and AUC of the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system were 88%, 100%, 76% and 0.88 for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images, and there was no significant difference in the accuracy of recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni snail sample images between the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification (χ² = 0.204, P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images with upward (90%) and downward shell openings (86%) (χ² = 0.379, P > 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the accuracy of artificial identification for recognition of snail sample images between schistosomiasis control professionals with snail survey experiences of 6 years and less and more than 6 years (χ² = 5.604, P_adjusted < 0.025). Conclusions The accuracy of recognition of snail sample images is comparable between the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system and artificial identification by schistosomiasis control professionals, and the AI-enabled intelligent snail identification system is feasible for recognition of O. hupensis robertsoni and Tricula in Yunnan Province.

Immune checkpoints include a series of receptor-ligand pairs that play a key role in the proliferation, activation, and immune regulatory responses of immune cells. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as programmed death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) have achieved good therapeutic effects in clinical practice, some patients still experience ineffective treatment and immune resistance. A large amount of evidence has shown that immune checkpoint proteins are related to cell metabolism during immune regulation. On the one hand, immune checkpoints connect to alter the metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells to compete for nutrients required by immune cells. On the other hand, immune checkpoints regulate the metabolic pathways of immune cells, such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) to affect the activation of immune cells. Based on a review of the literature, this article reviews the mechanisms by which PD-1, CTLA-4, T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3), cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) regulate cell metabolic reprogramming, and looks forward to whether targeting the ligand-receptor pairs of immune checkpoints in a "dual regulation" manner and inhibiting metabolic pathways can effectively solve the problem of tumor immune resistance.
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Humans ; Neoplasms/genetics* ; Metabolic Networks and Pathways/immunology* ; Animals ; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/pharmacology*

As the intricate interplay between microbiota and the host garners increasing research attention, a significant parallel surge has emerged in the investigation of intestinal bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs). Most intestinal bacteria secrete BEVs, which harbor specific cargo molecules and exhibit diverse functions, encompassing interactions among bacteria themselves and between bacteria and the host. These interactions can either bolster host health or contribute to various pathologies. By integrating the characteristics of BEVs, we summarized the current research landscape, delving into the intricate interplay between BEVs and different diseases. Furthermore, we offer a succinct overview of the challenges faced in BEVs-based research, encompassing separation, detection, engineering for drug purposes, clinical diagnostics, safety, and future study. In essence, these summaries may serve as invaluable guides for BEVs as communication tools between the gut microbiome and host, ultimately propelling the discovery of novel studies and drug discovery.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of enteroscopy in the treatment of rare small intestinal diseases,including Peutz-Jeghers syndrome(PJS),blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome(BRBNS),and cryptogenic multifocal ulcerative stenosing enteritis(CMUSE),thereby providing a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods Patients with rare small intestinal diseases diagnosed and treated in the De-partment of Gastroenterology,Shanghai Changhai Hospital,from January 2020 to December 2024 were included.Detailed records of patients' general information,clinical manifestations,auxiliary examinations,and endoscopic treatment data were collected and systematically analyzed.Results A total of 30 PJS patients un-derwent 88 small intestinalpolypectomies under enteroscopy,including 62 procedures via the oral approach(mean operative time:92.8±30.1 min;largest polyp diameter:2.9±1.2 cm)and 26 via the anal approach(95.0±29.4 min;1.9±1.3 cm).Six adverse events occurred in the oral approach group.Ten BRBNS patients received 26 endoscopic treatments(25 sclerosing agent injection under enteroscopy and 1 sclerosing agent injec-tion combined with ligation session),with a mean operative time of 68.1±17.4 min.Eleven intestinal venous aneurysms were ligated,and 4 adverse events were reported.Five CMUSE patients underwent 6 endoscopic treatments(5 samll intestinal stenosis balloon dilations and 1 samll intestinal stenosis incision),with no ad-verse events observed.Conclusions Small intestinal endoscopy is feasible,safe,and effective for treating rare small intestinal diseases such as PJS,BRBNS,and CMUSE.For PJS patients,the oral approach should be pri-oritized.Sclerosing agent injection under enteroscopy for intestinal venous aneurysms in BRBNS via small bowel endoscopy is safe and effective,though the safety of ligation of venous aneurysms under enteroscopy requires further investigation.Stenosis balloon dilation and incision under enteroscopy are both feasible options for CMUSE,and these two approaches can complement each other.

Objective:To explore the effect of EAERI (E: environment; A: accompany; E: emotion; R: respect; I: information) support strategies in the application of nurse second victims in restoring the passage of a patient safety incident, and to provide support to nurse second victims experiencing a safety incident in restoring the incident and mitigating secondary victimization from the incident.Methods:The method of historical comparison was adopted. A convenience sampling method was used to select nurses who experienced patient safety events in Shanxi Bethune Hospital (Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences) from January 2023 to February 2024 as the study subjects, which were divided into observation group and control group by the historical control grouping method. The observation group used the EAERI support strategy for patient safety incident reduction, and the control group used the conventional reduction method. The second victims of the nurses in both groups were assessed for their level of harm and support in the patient safety incident using the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool before and after the event reduction, respectively.Results:A total of 124 second victims completed the study. There were 63 cases in the control group, including 13 males and 50 females, with an age of (30.24 ± 4.91) years old. There were 20 males and 41 females in the observation group, with an age of (30.85 ± 5.50) years old. Before the restoration event, there was no significant differences in the total scores of victim experience and support, the degree of injury and the degree of support between the two groups (all P>0.05). The total scores of victim experience and support, the degree of injury and the degree of support were (89.35 ± 10.69), (44.57 ± 6.19), (44.78 ± 9.40) points in the control group, and (64.13 ± 9.36), (33.56 ± 8.84), (30.56 ± 3.17) points in the observation group. The differences were significant between the two groups ( t=14.02, 8.07, 11.29, all P<0.01). Conclusions:The EAERI support strategy is feasible and effective. The implementation of the EAERI support strategy can reduce the degree of injury when the second victim of the nurse restores the safety incident and improve the degree of support.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of electroconvulsive therapy(ECT)in reducing suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms of major depressive disorder patients,as well as its effect on cognitive function.Methods A total of 160 adolescent patients with major depressive disorder were recruited for this study.The ECT group(n=81)received conventional antidepressant medication combined with 8 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy,and the control group(n=79)received conventional antidepressant medication only.Depressive symptoms,suicidal ideation,and cognitive functioning were assessed using 17-item Hamilton rating scale for depression(HAMD-17)and self-rating idea of suicide scale(SIOSS),at baseline(before ECT),after ECT,and at 2 and 6 weeks after treatment.The Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)was used to evaluate the cognitive function of the patients,and the patients were followed up for side effects such as dizziness and nausea.Results Generalized estimating equation(GEE)analysis of HAMD-17 and SIOSS scores showed significant group×time interaction effects(P<0.01).Both groups exhibited a reduction in HAMD-17 scores before and after treatment(scores at four time points:ECT group 24.59±4.56 vs.13.25±4.32 vs.6.20±1.95 vs.3.62±2.04,control group 23.48±3.66 vs.15.42±3.11 vs.10.10±2.05 vs.4.68±2.01;P<0.01).The mean difference in HAMD-17 scores before and after treatment was-9.62±3.13 in the ECT group,and was-8.16±1.71 in the control group.Additionally,suicidal ideation reduced in both groups after treatment(SIOSS scores at four time points:ECT group 18.57±2.85 vs.10.93±3.52 vs.8.02±2.79 vs.3.70±1.96,control group 18.97±3.03 vs.15.51±2.98 vs.11.11±2.18 vs.6.44±1.78;P<0.01).For cognitive function scores,there was no interaction between group and time(P=0.21),the difference in the change in MoCA scores at different follow-up time points was significant(P<0.01),and the difference in the change in MoCA scores between the two groups was not significant(P=0.05),and the cognitive functions of the two groups could be restored to the baseline level at 6 weeks after treatment.No severe side effects were reported in either group of patients during the study.Conclusions Our findings confirm that ECT is effective and safe for improving suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms in adolescents with major depressive disorder.The impairment of cognitive function by ECT in adolescent patients with major depressive disorder is reversible.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of electroconvulsive therapy(ECT)in reducing suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms of major depressive disorder patients,as well as its effect on cognitive function.Methods A total of 160 adolescent patients with major depressive disorder were recruited for this study.The ECT group(n=81)received conventional antidepressant medication combined with 8 sessions of electroconvulsive therapy,and the control group(n=79)received conventional antidepressant medication only.Depressive symptoms,suicidal ideation,and cognitive functioning were assessed using 17-item Hamilton rating scale for depression(HAMD-17)and self-rating idea of suicide scale(SIOSS),at baseline(before ECT),after ECT,and at 2 and 6 weeks after treatment.The Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)was used to evaluate the cognitive function of the patients,and the patients were followed up for side effects such as dizziness and nausea.Results Generalized estimating equation(GEE)analysis of HAMD-17 and SIOSS scores showed significant group×time interaction effects(P<0.01).Both groups exhibited a reduction in HAMD-17 scores before and after treatment(scores at four time points:ECT group 24.59±4.56 vs.13.25±4.32 vs.6.20±1.95 vs.3.62±2.04,control group 23.48±3.66 vs.15.42±3.11 vs.10.10±2.05 vs.4.68±2.01;P<0.01).The mean difference in HAMD-17 scores before and after treatment was-9.62±3.13 in the ECT group,and was-8.16±1.71 in the control group.Additionally,suicidal ideation reduced in both groups after treatment(SIOSS scores at four time points:ECT group 18.57±2.85 vs.10.93±3.52 vs.8.02±2.79 vs.3.70±1.96,control group 18.97±3.03 vs.15.51±2.98 vs.11.11±2.18 vs.6.44±1.78;P<0.01).For cognitive function scores,there was no interaction between group and time(P=0.21),the difference in the change in MoCA scores at different follow-up time points was significant(P<0.01),and the difference in the change in MoCA scores between the two groups was not significant(P=0.05),and the cognitive functions of the two groups could be restored to the baseline level at 6 weeks after treatment.No severe side effects were reported in either group of patients during the study.Conclusions Our findings confirm that ECT is effective and safe for improving suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms in adolescents with major depressive disorder.The impairment of cognitive function by ECT in adolescent patients with major depressive disorder is reversible.