Objective To investigate the prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis human infections in Congjiang County, Guizhou Province in 2023, so as to provide insights into formulation of the clonorchiasis control strategy. Methods Congjiang County was divided into eastern, western, southern, northern and central areas according to the geographical locations, and one township was randomly sampled from each area. Then, each administrative village was randomly sampled from each township, and 200 permanent residents over 3 years of age were randomly sampled from each village. Participants’ stool samples were collected for detection of C. sinensis eggs with the Kato-Katz technique (two slides for each stool sample), and the prevalence and intensity of C. sinensis infections were calculated. In addition, the risk factors of clonorchiasis were identified among participants using a questionnaire survey. Results A total of 1 001 residents were included, and the prevalence of C. sinensis infections was 16.28% (163/1 001), with mild infections as the predominant category of infection intensity [73.01% (119/163)]. The prevalence rates of C. sinensis human infections were 30.50% (61/200), 1.50% (3/200), 30.35% (61/201), 12.50% (25/200), and 6.50% (13/200) at five survey sites, respectively (χ² = 107.03, P < 0.05), and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of C. sinensis infections between men [22.44% (112/499)] and women [10.16% (51/502)] (χ² = 27.71, P < 0.05). The prevalence of C. sinensis infections was relatively high among participants at ages of 60 to 70 years [26.14% (23/88)], public servants [46.15% (6/13)], and Han ethnic participants [33.33% (5/15)]. The prevalence of C. sinensis infections was higher among participants with a habit of consuming raw or un-dercooked freshwater fish and shrimp [22.06% (90/408)] than among those without the habit [12.31% (73/593)] (χ² = 16.85, P < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of C. sinensis infections between participants with [13.99% (41/293)] and without separation of raw and cooked chopping boards [17.23% (122/708)] (χ² = 1.59, P > 0.05). In addition, the prevalence of C. sinensis infections was 8.70% (2/23) and 16.46% (161/978) among participants with and without fever complicated by discomfort in the right upper abdomen during the past half year (χ² = 0.99, P > 0.05). Conclusions The prevalence of C. sinensis human infections was high in Congjiang County, Guizhou Province in 2023, and infections predominantly occurred among young and middle-aged men. Intensified health education among high-risk residents and alteration of dietary habits of consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish or shrimp are recommended to reduce the prevalence of C. sinensis human infections.

Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of artemitin against ozone (O₃)-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsThirty-two specific pathogen-free (SPF) male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank control group, an artemitin-only control group, an O₃-induced model group, and an artemitin-treated group, with 8 mice in each group. In the artemitin-treated group, animals were injected intraperitoneally with artemitin (20 mg/kg) daily, followed by a 1 h exposure to 0.000 25% O₃. The artemitin-only control group received the same artemitin injection but was exposed to clean air. The O₃-induced model group was injected intraperitoneally with an equal volume of normal saline daily, followed by a 1-h exposure to 0.000 25% O₃. The blank control group received the saline injection and was exposed to clean air. All treatments were administered for 7 consecutive days. Pulmonary function indices of the mice in each group were measured using a whole-body plethysmography system. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the histopathological changes in the lung tissue, and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed for untargeted metabolomic analysis to examine the changes in overall metabolic pathways in plasma. ResultsCompared with the O₃-induced model group, artemitin treatment significantly improved O₃-induced lung function impairments (P<0.05), lowered the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in BALF (P<0.05) and alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and structural damage in lung tissues. Metabolomics results indicated that artemitin treatment compensatorily enhanced energy supply and oxidized lipid signaling, while inhibiting purine metabolism and tryptophan-derived pathways. ConclusionArtemitin exhibits a significant protective effect against O₃-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice. It corrects upstream metabolic disorders by synergistically modulating tryptophan metabolism, energy metabolism, and lipid inflammatory mediators, thereby inhibiting downstream inflammatory responses and airway hyperresponsiveness. This study not only reveals the pleiotropic mechanism of artemitin in treating airway inflammation but also provides potential metabolic biomarkers and a theoretical basis for its clinical translation.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.

Objective To analyze the characteristics and risk factors associated with postoperative deep vein thrombosis(DVT)of the lower extremities in patients undergoing surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 298 patients who were hospitalized for lumbar degenerative diseases and underwent lumbar spine surgery treatment in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from October 1,2022 to April 15,2023.Patients were divided into DVT group(n=71)and non-DVT group(n=227)according to whether DVT of the lower limbs occurred within 1 week postoperatively.The incidence and distribution characteristics of postoperative DVT were analyzed.Univariate and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for DVT,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to determine cut-off values for relevant risk factors.Results A total of 298 patients were included,among whom 159 were males(53.4%)and 139 were females(46.6%),with an average age of(64.5±9.8)years.DVT occurred in 71 patients,and the incidence of lower extremity DVT was 23.8%.In the DVT group,there were 49 cases(69.0%)of intermuscular vein thrombosis,and 22 cases of other types of thrombosis(7 cases of peroneal vein thrombosis,4 cases of posterior tibial vein thrombosis,3 cases of common femoral vein thrombosis,1 case of anterior tibial vein thrombosis,and 7 cases of multiple thrombosis);58 cases(81.7%)had DVT in one lower extremity,and 13 cases(18.3%)had DVT in both lower extremities.Univariate analysis results showed that age,body mass index(BMI),length of hospital stay,history of hypertension,operative time,and intraoperative blood loss were associated with the occurrence of lower extremity DVT after surgery for lumbar degenerative diseases(P<0.05).Binary logistic regression analysis results indicated that older age(OR=1.079,P<0.01),higher BMI(OR=1.130,P=0.01),history of hypertension(OR=2.992,P<0.01),and larger intraoperative blood loss(OR=1.002,P=0.03)were independent risk factors for the occurrence of lower extremity DVT.ROC curve analysis demonstrated that patients with age>58.5 years,BMI>24.01 kg/m2,history of hypertension,and intraoperative blood loss>550 ml had a significantly increased risk of postoperative lower limb DVT.Conclusions The incidence of lower extremity DVT after surgery for lumbar degenerative disease is high,and intermuscular venous thrombosis is more common.Older age,higher BMI,history of hypertension,and larger intraoperative blood loss are independent risk factors for the occurrence of lower extremity DVT after surgery.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of radiofrequency microneedling versus fire needle therapy on facial acne. Methods:Ninety patients with facial acne treated at Wenzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in this study. Each patient's facial areas were divided into a radiofrequency microneedling group and a fire needle group, with treatments conducted every 2 weeks for a total of two sessions. The improvement of skin lesions on both sides was assessed using the Global Acne Grading System (GAGS), while the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the severity of pain experienced by patients. The incidence of adverse reactions, recurrence rates, and patient satisfaction were statistically analyzed. Additionally, a reflective confocal microscope was used to observe the imaging characteristics of the lesions before and after treatment.Results:At 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment, GAGS results showed that the improvement rates for skin lesions in the radiofrequency microneedling group were 83.33% (75/90) and 90.00% (81/90), respectively, both of which were significantly higher than those in the fire needle group [70.00% (63/90), 78.89% (71/90), χ2 = 4.47, 4.22, P = 0.034, 0.040]. The incidence of pigmentation in the radiofrequency microneedling group was 4.44% (4/90), which was slightly higher than that in the fire needle group [2.22% (2/90)]. However, there was no significant difference in overall incidence of adverse reactions between the radiofrequency microneedling and fire needle groups [15.56% (14/90) vs. 20.00% (18/90), χ2 = 0.60, P = 0.436]. The recurrence rate was lower in the radiofrequency microneedling group [10.00% (9/90)] compared with the fire needle group [22.22% (20/90), χ2 = 4.97, P = 0.026]. The VAS score for the radiofrequency microneedling group was (4.12 ± 1.33) during the first treatment and (3.30 ± 1.05) during the second treatment, both of which were significantly higher than those in the fire needle group [(3.67 ± 1.12), (2.88 ± 0.86), t = 2.45, 2.93, P = 0.015, 0.004]. Patient satisfaction with treatment outcomes did not significantly differ between the radiofrequency microneedling and fire needle groups [92.22% (83/90) vs. 87.78% (79/90), χ2 = 0.98, P = 0.320]. Results from the reflective confocal microscope indicated that after treatment, the hair follicles in both the radiofrequency microneedling and fire needle groups exhibited a distinct funnel shape and oval appearance, along with a noticeable reduction in funnel diameter compared with pre-treatment observations. Additionally, there was a decrease in the central amorphous material, a reduction in the size of the bright edge zone, and a decline in the infiltration of inflammatory cells, with no significant differences observed between the two groups. Conclusions:For facial inflammatory acne lesions (such as papules and pustules), both radiofrequency microneedling and fire needle treatments have shown good effectiveness. The fire needle treatment leads to less pain, while radiofrequency microneedling has a lower recurrence rate, but it carries a slightly higher risk of hyperpigmentation.

Objective To investigate the sequencing results of the SLC26A4 gene in 34 nuclear families and the genetic diagnosis on the offspring in the nuclear families who have been screened for SLC26A4 gene single-allele mutation in the deafness genetic screening,to provide a basis for genetic consulting.Methods A retrospective anal-ysis was performed on the results of SLC26A4 gene testing in 34 nuclear families,in which the offspring with SLC26A4 gene single-allele mutation in deafness genetic screening of each nuclear family.The offspring of 34 nucle-ar families with the second mutation site detected by sequencing,their audiological results were included in the anal-ysis;and if they suffered from hearing loss,the results of temporal bone CT or inner ear MRI were also included in the analysis.Results The sequencing results of 34 nuclear families showed that there were 23 offsprings(67.65％,23/34)with SLC26A4 gene single-allele mutation,and one parent was SLC26A4 gene single-allele mutation.There were 11 offsprings(32.35％,11/34)with second site,among which 7 offsprings(63.64％,7/11)with SLC26A4 gene complex heterozygous mutations,and their parents were SLC26A4 gene single-allele mutations.Among the 7 offsprings with SLC26A4 gene complex heterozygous mutation,3 cases were with hearing loss,all of which were diagnosed as large vestibular aqueduct syndrome,and the other 4 cases were normal.While 4 offsprings(36.36％,4/11)with SLC26A4 gene double heterozygous mutation(cis mutation),and one parent was SLC26A4 gene double heterozygous mutation.The hearing 4 offsprings with SLC26A4 gene double heterozygous mutations were normal.Among the 34 nuclear families,3 pairs of parents were SLC26A4 gene single-allele mutation,and both mutation sites were pathogenic,risk of reproducing children with hereditary hearing loss was 25％.Conclusion The detec-tion sites of deafness gene chip are limited.Using gene sequencing technology to sequence the nuclear family can fur-ther clarify the gene mutation type in offspring and provide guidance for parents to reproduce.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between 23-site chip genetic screening failures and the results of newborns hearing screening,and to provide clinical reference for the diagnosis and treatment of genetic screening failures.METHODS There were 1 916 newborns born in the Beijing area from November 2022 to May 2024,who did not pass the 23-site chip genetic screening tests and underwent newborn hearing screening with definite initial screening results.Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship between different mutation types and genotypes and the initial hearing screening results.RESULTS The overall neonatal hearing screening failure rate was 5.27%(101/1 916),with a higher failure rate of 61.54%(56/91)for homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations than the failure rate of 2.54%(45/1 772)for heterozygous mutations,0%(0/34)for digenic gene heterozygous mutations,and 0(0/19)for mtDNA 12S rRNA mutations,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.001).Among the homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations,the failure rates of homozygous and compound heterozygous for GJB2 gene and SLC26A4 gene were 59.76%(49/82)and 77.78%(7/9),respectively,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.488).The homozygous and compound heterozygous for GJB2 gene were divided into three groups based on genotype:c.109G>A homozygous mutations,c.109G>A compound heterozygous mutations,and other homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations.The hearing screening failure rates of the three groups,from highest to lowest,were as follow:other homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations(88.89%,8/9),c.109G>A homozygous mutations(65.12%,28/43),and c.109G>A compound heterozygous mutations(43.33%,13/30),with a statistically significant difference(P=0.029).The failure rates of heterozygous for GJB2 gene,SLC26A4 gene and GJB3 gene were 2.86%(40/1 398),1.25%(4/321)and 1.89%(1/53),respectively,with no statistically significant difference among the three groups(P=0.241).The failure rate of hearing screening for individuals with GJB2 heterozygotes of different genotypes and individuals with SLC26A4 heterozygotes of different genotypes did not show statistically significant differences.CONCLUSION The failure rate of newborn hearing screening for homozygous and compound heterozygous mutation of 23-site chip genetic screening is higher than that of other mutation types,verifying the effectiveness of the newborn hearing screening program.Some newborns of homozygous and compound heterozygous mutation can pass the hearing screening,especially those with the c.109G>A homozygous and compound heterozygous mutation,who need clinical follow-up.

A solid-phase extraction-ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(SPE-UPLC-MS/MS)method was established for simultaneous determination of 10 kinds of neonicotinoid pesticide residues in aquaculture water.Based on the chemical properties of neonicotinoid pesticides and the matrix characteristics of aquaculture water,suitable temporary storage methods for water samples and appropriate solid-phase extraction columns were selected,and the extraction conditions(including elution solvents and sample loading volumes)were optimized.The method employed acetonitrile and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution(containing 0.1%formic acid)as the mobile phase and an Oasis HLB solid-phase extraction column combined with PSA as a dispersive sorbent for sample purification.The method exhibited good linearity in detection of neonicotinoid in concentration range of 0.2-50 ng/mL(R2>0.99797),with a detection limit of 0.5 ng/L and a quantification limit of 1 ng/L,which were significantly lower than the maximum acceptable method detection limits(9-500 ng/L)for neonicotinoid insecticides in water published by the European Commission.In pond water,rice-fish water,and seawater,the average recoveries of the 10 target analytes were 74.6%-114.1%,with relative standard deviations ranging from 0.3%to 9.6%.Using this method,actual sample tests were conducted on the Pearl River water,Zhaoqing pond water,and Qingyuan rice-fish aquaculture water.The total concentration of five neonicotinoid pesticides in the Pearl River water ranged from 154.8 to 246.6 ng/L,the total concentration of four neonicotinoid pesticides in the Zhaoqing pond water was 95.0-176.1 ng/L,and the total concentration of three neonicotinoid pesticides in the Qingyuan rice-fish aquaculture water was 2.3-11.7 ng/L.This method was simple in operation,highly sensitive,and had strong resistance to interference.It was suitable for detection of trace neonicotinoid pesticides in aquaculture water and could provide technical support for construction of a green aquaculture environment and resolution of international trade disputes.

BACKGROUND: There is a gap in understanding the effects of different acupoints and treatment methods (acupuncture and moxibustion) on microcirculatory changes in the lumbar region. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the thermal effects of acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40), with acupuncture at Chize (LU5) and moxibustion at both acupoints as control interventions. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: In this randomized controlled trial, 140 healthy participants were equally divided into four groups: acupuncture at BL40 (Acu-BL40), acupuncture at LU5 (Acu-LU5), moxibustion at BL40 (Mox-BL40) and moxibustion at LU5 (Mox-LU5). Participants underwent a 30-minute session of their assigned treatment. Infrared thermal imaging was used to collect temperature data on the areas of interest for analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary measure was the change in average temperature of the observed area after the intervention. The secondary measures included periodic temperature changes every 5 min and the temperature changes of the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian in the observed area after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant interactions were observed between treatments and acupoints affecting temperature (P < 0.001). The Acu-BL40 group showed a notably higher increase in mean temperature after 30 min compared to the Acu-LU5 and Mox-BL40 groups, with increases of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17 to 0.41) and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.41) °C, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at BL40 acupoint can significantly increase the mean temperature in the observed area, highlighting the specific thermal effect of acupuncture compared to moxibustion in the lumbar area. This suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of acupuncture at BL40 for managing lumbar conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05665426). Please cite this article as: Zheng SY, Wang XY, Lin LN, Liu S, Huang XX, Liu YY, Yu XS, Pan W, Fang JQ, Liang Y. Lumbar temperature change after acupuncture or moxibustion at Weizhong (BL40) or Chize (LU5) in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 145-151.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Body Temperature ; Healthy Volunteers ; Lumbosacral Region/physiology* ; Moxibustion ; Adolescent