Objective To investigate the prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode human infections in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023, so as to provide insights into formulation of soil-transmitted nematodiasis control strategies and evaluation of soil-transmitted nematodiasis control effectiveness. Methods There were 10 surveillance points established in Hubei Province for soil-transmitted nematodiasis each year from 2016 to 2023. The surveillance points were divided into eastern, western, southern, northern and central regions according to geographical locations, and one administrative village was sampled from a township in each region as a surveillance point. Then, at least 200 permanent residents at ages of over 3 years were randomly sampled at each point, with at least 1 000 individuals sampled. Soil-transmitted nematode infection was detected using a modified Kato-Katz thick smear method (two slides for one stool sample), and Enterobius vermicularis infection was additionally detected with a cellophane tape test among children at ages of 3 to 9 years. The prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode human infections was descriptively analyzed. Results A total of 80 547 individuals underwent surveillance for soil-transmitted nematodiasis in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023, and a total of 262 individuals were detected with soil-transmitted nematode infections, including two cases with mixed infections, yielding an overall prevalence rate of 0.33% (262/80 547). The prevalence rates of hookworm, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and E. vermicularis infections were 0.02% (20/80 547), 0.07% (55/80 547), 0.02% (15/80 547) and 0.22% (174/80 547), respectively, appearing a parasite species-specific prevalence rate (χ² = 250.235, P < 0.05), and the prevalence rates of soil-transmitted nematode infections were 0.50%(51/10271),0.37%(34/9120),0.39%(39/10099),0.40%(41/10168), 0.36% (37/10 234), 0.45% (46/10 211), 0.03% (3/10 238) and 0.11% (11/10 206) in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023, respectively, showing a year-specific prevalence rate (χ² = 60.589, P < 0.05). Soil-transmitted nematode infections were detected across 36 surveillance points, and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of soil-transmitted nematode infections among surveillance points (0.02% to 3.30%, P < 0.001). In addition, the differences in prevalence rates of human soil-transmitted nematode infection among different age groups (χ² = 531.091, P < 0.05), occupations (P < 0.001), and education levels (P < 0.001) were all statistically significant. Among these, the children at ages of 3 to 9 years old (1.40%, 174/12 461), nursery-school children (1.69%, 90/5 312) and preschool-aged children (1.56%, 93/5 969) were relatively high. Conclusions The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodiasis was low in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2023; however, the prevalence varied across regions and among populations, with E. vermicularis as the predominant species of soil-transmitted nematode. Soil-transmitted nematodiasis control should be given a high priority in key areas in Hubei Province, and preschool children, primary school students, and individuals with a low educational level are recommended as key target populations for health education and interventions.

This study investigated the effect of Wuling San on transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)-induced fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress in human renal tubular epithelial cells(HK-2) and its mechanism of antioxidant stress injury. HK-2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into a control group, a TGF-β1 model group, and three treatment groups receiving Wuling San-containing serum at low(2.5%), medium(5.0%), and high(10.0%) doses. TGF-β1 was used to establish the model in all groups except the control group. CCK-8 was used to analyze the effect of different concentrations of Wuling San on the activity of HK-2 cells with or without TGF-β1 stimulation. The expression of key fibrosis molecules, including actin alpha 2(Acta2), collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1 chain(Col1α1), collagen type Ⅲ alpha 1 chain(Col3α1), TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1(Timp1), and fibronectin 1(Fn1), was detected using qPCR. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8), and interleukin-4(IL-4), were measured using ELISA kits. Glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px), malondialdehyde(MDA), catalase(CAT), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) biochemical kits were used to analyze the effect of Wuling San on TGF-β1-induced oxidative stress injury in HK-2 cells, and the expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1(HO-1), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1(NQO1) was analyzed by qPCR and immunofluorescence. The CCK-8 results indicated that the optimal administration concentrations of Wuling San were 2.5%, 5.0%, and 10.0%. Compared with the control group, the TGF-β1 model group showed significantly increased levels of key fibrosis molecules(Acta2, Col1α1, Col3α1, Timp1, and Fn1) and inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-4). In contrast, the Wuling San administration groups were able to dose-dependently inhibit the expression levels of key fibrosis molecules and inflammatory cytokines compared with the TGF-β1 model group. Wuling San significantly increased the activities of GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD enzymes in TGF-β1-stimulated HK-2 cells and significantly inhibited the level of MDA. Furthermore, compared with the control group, the TGF-β1 model group exhibited a significant reduction in the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 genes and proteins. After Wuling San intervention, the expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 genes and proteins was significantly increased. Correlation analysis showed that antioxidant stress enzymes(GSH-Px, CAT, and SOD) and Nrf2 signaling were significantly negatively correlated with key fibrosis molecules and inflammatory cytokines in the TGF-β1-stimulated HK-2 cell model. In conclusion, Wuling San can inhibit TGF-β1-induced fibrosis in HK-2 cells by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, improving oxidative stress injury, and reducing inflammation.
Humans ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Fibrosis/genetics* ; Cell Line ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Epithelial Cells/immunology* ; Inflammation/metabolism*

Aim To explore the role of SIRT1/Nrf2 / HO-1 in alleviating the cognitive function impairment by sevoflurane treatment in a mouse model of postoperative cerebral reperfusion. Methods C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups: sham operation group, hemorrhagic shock reperfusion group, sevoflurane postconditioning group, sevoflurane postcondition-ing + SIRT1 inhibitor group and sevoflurane postconditioning + Nrf2 inhibitor group. Mice were subjected to Morris water maze test after cerebral ischemia reperfusion. The ATP, superoxide dismutase (SOD), ROS and MDA contents in tissue of mice were detected. SIRT1, Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in tissue were detected by Western blot. Results After hemorrhagic shock, the learning and memory ability of mice was reduced.ATP and SOD concentration in hippocampus was reduced , MDA and ROS concentration increased, and the SIRT, Nrf2 and HO-1 concentration was reduced. Sevoflurane improved the cognitive dysfunction and oxi-dative damage in postoperative mice, and the neuro-protective effect of sevoflurane on hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation mice was weakened followed with SIRT1 and Nrf2 inhibitors. Conclusion Sevoflurane probably alleviates the oxidative reaction damage and cognitive impairment caused by cerebral reperfusion in mice through SIRT1/Nrf2/H0-1 pathway.

This study was aimed at understanding the etiological and genetic characteristics of Yersinia enterocolica isolated in Jiangsu Province between 2005 and 2019.All 110 identified strains of Y.enterocolica were from patients with foodborne diar-rhea in Jiangsu Province,or from pigs,dogs,cattle,sheep,poultry,flies,or food.Virulence genes,biological serotypes,drug resistance,multilocus sequence typing(MLST),and core genome multilocus sequence typing(cgMLST)based on whole-genome sequencing were performed.The strains included 27 pathogenic strains(24.5％)and 83 non-pathogenic strains(75.5％).Non-pathogenic strains accounted for a high proportion,particularly among strains from patients(15/16,93.8％).The biological serotypes of pathogenic strains were mainly type 3/O∶3(26/27,96.3％).Non-pathogenic strains included 1A/O∶8 type(23/83,27.7％),1 A/O∶5 type(14/83,16.9％),and the other four biological serotypes(excluding unknown se-rotypes).Pathogenic strains were dominated by type 3/O∶3(26/27,96.3％),and more than 80％of these strains were sensi-tive to 19 antibiotic types.Whole-genome sequencing indicated that the pathogenic strains were all ST135 type,whereas the non-pathogenic strains were more diverse and scattered.HierCC clustering analysis grouped all strains into three clus-ters:pathogenic strains were in one cluster,and strains from patients were found in all three clusters.In conclusion,the Y.enterocolica strains from patients were primarily non-patho-genic.Non-pathogenic strains showed richer epigenetic and ge-netic diversity than pathogenic strains.The monitoring of these strains should be strengthened to decrease the risk of human infection.

This study was aimed at understanding the etiological and genetic characteristics of Yersinia enterocolica isolated in Jiangsu Province between 2005 and 2019.All 110 identified strains of Y.enterocolica were from patients with foodborne diar-rhea in Jiangsu Province,or from pigs,dogs,cattle,sheep,poultry,flies,or food.Virulence genes,biological serotypes,drug resistance,multilocus sequence typing(MLST),and core genome multilocus sequence typing(cgMLST)based on whole-genome sequencing were performed.The strains included 27 pathogenic strains(24.5％)and 83 non-pathogenic strains(75.5％).Non-pathogenic strains accounted for a high proportion,particularly among strains from patients(15/16,93.8％).The biological serotypes of pathogenic strains were mainly type 3/O∶3(26/27,96.3％).Non-pathogenic strains included 1A/O∶8 type(23/83,27.7％),1 A/O∶5 type(14/83,16.9％),and the other four biological serotypes(excluding unknown se-rotypes).Pathogenic strains were dominated by type 3/O∶3(26/27,96.3％),and more than 80％of these strains were sensi-tive to 19 antibiotic types.Whole-genome sequencing indicated that the pathogenic strains were all ST135 type,whereas the non-pathogenic strains were more diverse and scattered.HierCC clustering analysis grouped all strains into three clus-ters:pathogenic strains were in one cluster,and strains from patients were found in all three clusters.In conclusion,the Y.enterocolica strains from patients were primarily non-patho-genic.Non-pathogenic strains showed richer epigenetic and ge-netic diversity than pathogenic strains.The monitoring of these strains should be strengthened to decrease the risk of human infection.

Abstract: Objective　To evaluate the completion and final effect of key parasitic disease prevention and control planning tasks in Hubei Province from 2016 to 2019, summarize the experience, find out the problems, and provide the basis for the next stage of prevention and control. Methods　According to the requirements of the Final Evaluation Plan of the National Plan for the Prevention and Control of Hydatid Disease and Other Major Parasitic Diseases (2016-2020), a retrospective survey method was adopted to collect relevant data on the implementation and safeguard measures of the prevention and control of major parasitic diseases, and population infection status in Hubei Province in 2016-2019. Results From 2016 to 2019, We carried out 2 920 992 person times of publicity and education, 209 times of prevention and control technology training, 7 680 person times of business training, with an average of 52 sessions and 1 920 person times per year. We have allocated 3.445 2 million yuan for the prevention and control of parasitic diseases, including 1.722 2 million Yuan froom provincial government, to achieved full coverage of safe drinking water in rural areas under the current national standards, and 7.687 9 million harmless toilets have been built in rural areas. From 2016 to 2019, we carried out 39 658 person times of monitoring and disease investigation, the infection rate of human liver fluke was 0, and the infection rate of soil transmitted nematode was 0.42%. While the annual infection rates varied, there was no statistically significant difference in infection rate between years (χ2＝2.276, P>0.05), but there were statistically significant differences in the infection rates between various soil nematodes (χ2=112.807, P<0.01). From 2016 to 2019, a total of 5 393 people were detected at 17 monitoring points, with the serum positive rate of 3.93% for paragonimiasis, there was a statistically significant difference in serological positive rate between years (χ2=146.011, P<0.01); a total of 738 stream crabs were collected, and the infection rate of intermediate host was 16.26%, wtih a statistically significant difference in the infection rate of stream crabs between years (χ2=49.731, P<0.01). Conclusions　From 2016 to 2019, we adhered to the prevention and control strategy of "prevention first, prevention and control combined", implemented comprehensively various prevention and control measures, and achieved remarkable results in Hubei Province. The key parasitic diseases have been in a low epidemic situation, meeting the requirements of the prevention and control objectives. But the transmission risk still exists, the next step is to continue to strengthen security and monitoring and consolidate the achievements of prevention and control.

Abstract: Objective　To collect and organize malaria case data in Hubei Province from 2017 to 2021, compare and analyze the malaria epidemic characteristics on the before and after malaria elimination, and provide scientific support for Hubei Province to further optimize the comprehensive strategies to prevent re-transmission after the elimination of malaria. Methods The study was conducted by collecting the data of reported malaria cases of Hubei during 2017-2021 from the Infectious Disease Surveillance Reporting and Management System, and conducting the epidemiological characteristics of malaria on pre-elimination (2017-2019) and post-elimination (2020-2021). Results A total of 429 cases of imported malaria were reported in Hubei Province from 2017 to 2021, and the malaria epidemic showed an obvious trend of rising first and then falling. On the pre-malaria elimination, 374 malaria cases were reported, including 262 cases of P.falciparum (70.05%); on the post-malaria elimination, 55 malaria cases were reported, including 25 cases of P.falciparum (45.45%). There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of infections caused by the four types of malaria parasites before and after the elimination of malaria (χ2=14.248, P<0.05). On the pre-malaria elimination, the peak of disease onset mainly occurred in January, July, and November; on the post-malaria elimination, the peak of disease onset mainly occurred in January to February, and December. Both before and after malaria elimination, the reported cases were mainly concentrated in Wuhan, Yichang, Huangshi, Xiangyang, Shiyan and Huanggang, but the range of cases showed a clear trend of narrowing. Before and after malaria elimination, malaria cases in Hubei Province were mainly among young and middle-aged males aged 30-49. The proportions of workers and migrant workers increased from 37.70% and 9.09% before the elimination to 50.91% and 18.18% after the elimination, respectively, with a statistically significant difference (χ2=17.839, P<0.05). The percentage of interval from onset of illness to initial diagnosis ≥ 5d decreased from 21.66% before the elimination to 10.91% after the elimination (χ2=6.448, P<0.05). The percentage of definitive diagnosis of malaria at initial diagnosis in town clinic increased from 18.18% before the elimination to 50.00% after the elimination. The proportion of malaria cases diagnosed by county-level medical institutions increased from 22.73% before the elimination to 34.55% after elimination. There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of malaria cases diagnosed by medical institutions at all levels before and after the elimination of malaria (χ2=5.630, P>0.05). The proportion of cases with the interval between initial diagnosis and diagnosis within 24h increased from 43.85% before the elimination to 70.91% after the elimination. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of cases with the interval between initial diagnosis and diagnosis before and after the elimination of malaria (χ2=14.006, P<0.05). Before and after malaria elimination, all reported cases were mainly imported from African countries. Conclusions There are imported malaria cases reported every year in Hubei Province before and after the elimination of malaria, which poses a great challenge to the prevention of re-transmission. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the surveillance system, detect and standardize the treatment of imported malaria cases in a timely manner, conduct targeted retransmission risk surveys and assessments, and consolidate the achievements of malaria elimination.

The present study designed and prepared near-infrared responsive sinomenine hydrochloride(SIN) reservoir microneedles and evaluated the feasibility of this type of microneedles in increasing the drug loading and transdermal absorption by characterizing their mechanical properties and in vitro release characteristics.SIN was selected as the model drug, and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) poly(caprolactone)(mPEG-PCL) copolymers and indocyanine green(ICG) were employed as amphiphilic block copolymers and light inductor to prepare near-infrared responsive nanoparticles.Based on the preparation principle of bubble microneedles, near-infrared responsive SIN reservoir microneedles were designed and prepared.The features of the near-infrared responsive SIN reservoir microneedles were characterized by measuring the morphology, length, mechanical properties, and skin penetration of microneedles.Meanwhile, the drug release performance of reservoir microneedles was evaluated by in vitro release assay.The results showed that the prepared SIN microneedles were conical, with an exposed tip height of about 650 μm.Each needle could load about 0.5 mg of drugs per square centi-meter, and this type of microneedle showed good mechanical properties and performance in skin penetration.The results of the in vitro release assay showed that the 24 h cumulative release per unit area and release rate of the microneedle were 825.61 μg·cm~(-2) and 74.3%, respectively, which indicated that its release kinetics was in line with the first-order kinetic model.This study preliminarily proved that the reservoir microneedle could effectively increase the drug loading with good mechanical properties and release perfor-mance.
Drug Delivery Systems/methods* ; Drug Liberation ; Indocyanine Green ; Morphinans ; Needles ; Polyethylene Glycols

Traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides is a biologically active ingredient that is not easy to be digested. It is fermented by intestinal microflora to promote qualitative and selective changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiome, which often result in beneficial effects on the health of the host. People call it "prebiotics". In this review, we systematically summarized the anti-diabetic effect of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides. These polysaccharides regulate the metabolism of sugar and lipids by inter-influence with the intestinal microflora, and maintain human health, while improving type 2 diabetes-like symptoms such as high blood glucose, and abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism.
Blood Glucose/metabolism* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/metabolism* ; Humans ; Lipids ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Polysaccharides/pharmacology* ; Probiotics/therapeutic use*

Aim To evaluate the reno-proteetion of saxagliptin combined with metformin in mice with T2DM anrl its relationship with redox balance.Meth¬ods C57BL/6J mice were fed with high fat diet and injected with low dose STZ intraperitoneally to establish T2DM mouse model.Then they were randomly divided into T2DM group, glibenclamide group ( Gli group), metformin group ( Met group) , saxagliptin group ( Sax group) and saxagliptin + metformin group ( S + M group) , and normal control group ( NC group) with 8 mice in each group.Eight weeks after intervention the mice were weighed.Blood, urine and renal tissue sam¬ples were collected to measure GHbA,c, FBG, Alb, 8-OHdG, 8-iso-PG, SOD, GSH, GSSG and Ucr.The pathological morphology of renal tissues in each group was observed.Results Saxagliptin combined with metformin reduced significantly the levels of Alb/Ucr ( UACR) , 8-0HdG/Ucr( UOCR) , 8-iso-PG/Ucr( UP- CR) , increased the activity of SOD and GSH/GSSG ratio, and improved the pathological changes of renal tissues, which were superior to those in Met group and Sax group.Conclusions Saxagliptin combined with metformin have a synergistic protective effect on the kidneys of type 2 diabetic mice.The mechanism is partly related to alleviating oxidative stress and impro¬ving redox balance in vivo.