1.Expert consensus on neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitors for locally advanced oral squamous cell carcinoma (2026)
LI Jinsong ; LIAO Guiqing ; LI Longjiang ; ZHANG Chenping ; SHANG Chenping ; ZHANG Jie ; ZHONG Laiping ; LIU Bing ; CHEN Gang ; WEI Jianhua ; JI Tong ; LI Chunjie ; LIN Lisong ; REN Guoxin ; LI Yi ; SHANG Wei ; HAN Bing ; JIANG Canhua ; ZHANG Sheng ; SONG Ming ; LIU Xuekui ; WANG Anxun ; LIU Shuguang ; CHEN Zhanhong ; WANG Youyuan ; LIN Zhaoyu ; LI Haigang ; DUAN Xiaohui ; YE Ling ; ZHENG Jun ; WANG Jun ; LV Xiaozhi ; ZHU Lijun ; CAO Haotian
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):105-118
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common head and neck malignancy. Approximately 50% to 60% of patients with OSCC are diagnosed at a locally advanced stage (clinical staging III-IVa). Even with comprehensive and sequential treatment primarily based on surgery, the 5-year overall survival rate remains below 50%, and patients often suffer from postoperative functional impairments such as difficulties with speaking and swallowing. Programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors are increasingly used in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC and have shown encouraging efficacy. However, clinical practice still faces key challenges, including the definition of indications, optimization of combination regimens, and standards for efficacy evaluation. Based on the latest research advances worldwide and the clinical experience of the expert group, this expert consensus systematically evaluates the application of PD-1 inhibitors in the neoadjuvant treatment of locally advanced OSCC, covering combination strategies, treatment cycles and surgical timing, efficacy assessment, use of biomarkers, management of special populations and immune related adverse events, principles for immunotherapy rechallenge, and function preservation strategies. After multiple rounds of panel discussion and through anonymous voting using the Delphi method, the following consensus statements have been formulated: 1) Neoadjuvant therapy with PD-1 inhibitors can be used preoperatively in patients with locally advanced OSCC. The preferred regimen is a PD-1 inhibitor combined with platinum based chemotherapy, administered for 2-3 cycles. 2) During the efficacy evaluation of neoadjuvant therapy, radiographic assessment should follow the dual criteria of Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 and immune RECIST (iRECIST). After surgery, systematic pathological evaluation of both the primary lesion and regional lymph nodes is required. For combination chemotherapy regimens, PD-L1 expression and combined positive score need not be used as mandatory inclusion or exclusion criteria. 3) For special populations such as the elderly (≥ 70 years), individuals with stable HIV viral load, and carriers of chronic HBV/HCV, PD-1 inhibitors may be used cautiously under the guidance of a multidisciplinary team (MDT), with close monitoring for adverse events. 4) For patients with a poor response to neoadjuvant therapy, continuation of the original treatment regimen is not recommended; the subsequent treatment plan should be adjusted promptly after MDT assessment. Organ transplant recipients and patients with active autoimmune diseases are not recommended to receive neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy due to the high risk of immune related activation. Rechallenge is generally not advised for patients who have experienced high risk immune related adverse events such as immune mediated myocarditis, neurotoxicity, or pneumonitis. 5) For patients with a good pathological response, individualized de escalation surgery and function preservation strategies can be explored. This consensus aims to promote the standardized, safe, and precise application of neoadjuvant PD-1 inhibitor strategies in the management of locally advanced OSCC patients.
2.Effect and Mechanism of Xiao Qinglongtang Against Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Rats with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Induced by Monocrotaline
Lei QI ; Huifei ZHANG ; Ling GONG ; Jifu HE ; Wenjing CHEN ; Weipin NIU ; Xiao LI ; Yuehua JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):11-19
ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) rat model to systematically evaluate the protective effect of Xiao Qinglongtang (XQLT) on right cardiac function in model rats and further elucidate the underlying regulatory mechanism. MethodsSixty male SD rats were randomly assigned to the normal group, model group, XQLT low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (XQLT-L/M/H), and the beraprost sodium tablet group (BST). Except for the normal group, rats in all other groups were given a single subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg·kg-1) to induce PAH. Three weeks after injection, rats in the XQLT-L/M/H groups were administered XQLT intragastrically at 3.07, 6.14, 12.28 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively. Rats in the BST group received beraprost sodium at 12.6 μg·kg-1·d-1, and rats in the model group received an equal volume of saline. All treatments lasted for 3 weeks. Right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was measured by right ventricular catheterization. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. The right ventricle was weighed to calculate the right ventricular hypertrophy index (RVHI). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson staining, and transmission electron microscopy were used to observe myocardial morphology. Serum metabolomic changes were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Data-independent acquisition (DIA) proteomics was used to detect differentially expressed (DE) proteins in the right ventricle, and Western blot was used to measure the expression of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit p110α (PIK3CA), L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), and quinone oxidoreductase (CRYZ). UPLC-MS/MS was used to analyze the chemical components of XQLT. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed significantly increased RVSP and RVHI (P<0.05), along with pathological changes in myocardial morphology. Compared with the model group, all XQLT-treated groups exhibited reductions in RVSP and RVHI as well as significant improvements in cardiac function and myocardial morphology. Among the XQLT groups, XQLT-M showed the most pronounced effects (P<0.05), comparable to the BST group. Serum metabolomics revealed 105 differential metabolites in the XQLT groups versus the model group [variable importance in projection (VIP) >1, P<0.05], including 58 upregulated and 47 downregulated metabolites. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that XQLT intervention downregulated phenylalanine metabolism (P<0.01) and upregulated unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis (P<0.05). Proteomics analysis showed that 982 DE proteins were identified in the MCT groups versus the normal group, including 455 upregulated and 527 downregulated proteins (|fold change (FC)| >1.3, P<0.05). Compared with the model group, 237 DE proteins were identified in the XQLT groups, including 124 upregulated and 113 downregulated proteins (|FC| >1.3, P<0.05), with 57 overlapping DE proteins. KEGG enrichment suggested that XQLT mainly modulated pathways related to mineral absorption, ribosomal biogenesis, peroxisomes, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, spliceosomes, and thyroid hormone signaling. Western blot analysis showed that, compared with the model group, XQLT increased the expression of UCP3, PIK3CA, and L1CAM, while decreasing the expression of CRYZ (P<0.05). ConclusionXQLT exerts a protective effect on right heart function in MCT-induced PAH rats, and its mechanism is associated with maintaining myocardial homeostasis and alleviating right ventricular remodeling.
3.Investigation on current situation of cognitive impairment and influencing factors in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Ling JIANG ; Yenan JI ; Guanghua YANG ; Xuan LI
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):150-153
Objective To investigate the current status of cognitive impairment and its influencing factors in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to explore effective intervention strategies. Methods A total of 380 patients with AD diagnosed in the Qingdao Central Hospital were retrospectively enrolled between January 2023 and January 2025. According to scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), the patients were divided into a mild cognitive impairment group (21-25 points) and a moderate to severe impairment group (<21 points). The general clinical data in the two groups were collected. The influencing factors of moderate to severe cognitive impairment were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Among the 380 AD patients, 157 cases (41.32%) had mild cognitive impairment, and 223 cases (58.68%) had moderate to severe cognitive impairment. Compared with the mild cognitive impairment group, the moderate to severe cognitive impairment group had a higher proportion of patients who were aged ≥ 75 years, engaged in physical labor, had a disease course of ≥5 years, and had moderate to severe atrophy on head CT examination (P < 0.05). Age ≥75 years, disease course ≥5 years, and moderate to severe atrophy on head CT were independent risk factors of moderate to severe cognitive impairment in AD patients (P<0.05). Conclusion Cognitive impairment is closely related to age, disease course and head CT manifestations in AD patients. Interventions targeting these key factors are expected to delay cognitive decline and improve patients' quality of life.
4.Pre-operative risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence in liver transplant recipients by non-invasive detection of pre-existing genetic lesions
Suqin YANG ; Sunbin LING ; Jianhua LI ; Yan WANG ; Jiapei WANG ; Qiwei HUANG ; Fanming LIU ; Yiqi ZHUANG ; Yingyu ZHENG ; Rui WANG ; Zhe YANG ; Xiaoping ZHENG ; Kai WANG ; Zhikun LIU ; Jun CHEN ; Jianguo WANG ; Haiyang XIE ; Lin ZHOU ; Leiming CHEN ; Guoqiang CAO ; Dandan CHEN ; Junfang JI ; Bin ZHAO ; Chao JIANG ; Di LU ; Xuyong WEI ; Hangjin JIANG ; Qiaonan SHAN ; Hengbo SHI ; Yong-Zhen XU ; Shusen ZHENG ; Zhengxin WANG ; Shengda LIN ; Xiao XU
Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2026;32(2):884-903
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.
5.Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Extract Regulates Blood Pressure in Rat Model of Metabolic Hypertension Induced by High-sugan and High-fat Diet via TRPC3/6/NOX2/4 Sigraling Pathway
Chang CHEN ; Hongyu WU ; Ling LI ; Yuebo JIANG ; Sheng ZHANG ; Yunna CHEN ; Weidong CHEN ; Daiyin PENG ; Lei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):217-228
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in treating metabolic hypertension induced by a high-sugar and high-fat diet in rats based on network pharmacology, proteomics, and animal experiments. MethodsThirty male SD rats were randomized into the control, model, positive drug (tetrandrine, Tet, 50 mg·kg-1·d-1), low-dose Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (DS-L, 45×104 mg·kg-1·d-1), and high-dose Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (DS-H, 90×104 mg·kg-1·d-1) groups. Except for the control group, each group was fed a high-fat and high-sugar diet for 8 weeks for the modeling of metabolic hypertension. Following successful modeling, drug interventions were conducted through gavage for 4 weeks. Blood pressure and lipid indicators were monitored, and cardiac function was assessed via echocardiography. Samples from the thoracic aorta and cardiac tissue were collected for histopathological examination. Network pharmacology analysis identified key active components, potential targets, and mechanisms of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in treating hypertension. Proteomics technology was employed to analyze the differential proteins and major pathway targets to synergistically elucidate the antihypertensive mechanism of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Ca2+ concentrations in the thoracic aorta and cardiac tissue were measured. The protein levels of transient receptor potential cation channel (TRPC)3, TRPC6, NADPH oxidase (NOX)2, and NOX4 were quantified via Western blotting. The levels of oxidative stress markers and inflammatory factors, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Molecular docking analysis was performed for the main components of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma with TRPC3, TRPC6, NOX2, and NOX4. ResultsThe experimental results indicated that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited abnormally elevated blood pressure and increased lipid levels (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the DS-L group exhibited reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) (P<0.05), decreased serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P<0.05), and increased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P<0.01). The DS-H and Tet groups showed more significant effects (P<0.01). Moreover, the interventions attenuated vascular wall thickening, myocardial cell injury, and collagen and lipid deposition. Network pharmacology and proteomics prediction results indicated that the core targets of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in treating hypertension were TRPC3, TRPC6, NOX2, and NOX4, and the core pathways included calcium signaling, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) signaling, and atherosclerosis-related pathways. The molecular mechanism experiment results indicated that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited significantly elevated tissue Ca2+ concentrations, exacerbated oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and upregulated protein levels of TRPC3, TRPC6, NOX2, and NOX4 in the thoracic aorta and myocardial tissue (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, DS-L reduced the free Ca2+ concentration, lowered the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, SOD, and MDA (P<0.05), and downregulated the protein levels of TRPC3, TRPC6, NOX2, and NOX4 in the thoracic aorta and myocardial tissue (P<0.05). DS-H and Tet exhibited more significant effects (P<0.01). Meanwhile, the main components of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma had strong binding affinity with the core targets of hypertension. ConclusionSalviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma may ameliorate oxidative stress and mitigate inflammatory responses by regulating the TRPC3/6/NOX2/4 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating abnormal blood pressure abnormality and myocardial injury in hypertensive rats.
6.Liuwei Dihuang Wan inhibits oxidative stress in premature ovarian failure mice by regulating intestinal microbiota
Jiawen ZHONG ; Bo JIANG ; Wenyan ZHANG ; Xiaorong LI ; Ling QIN ; Ting GAO
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(11):2285-2293
BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that patients with premature ovarian failure have changes in the structure of intestinal flora and that imbalance of intestinal microbiota may be one of the important mechanisms in the development of premature ovarian failure. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of Liuwei Dihuang Wan on oxidative stress and intestinal microbiota in premature ovarian failure mice induced by cyclophosphamide. METHODS:Forty-five female ICR mice were randomized into three groups:blank group(normal mice),model group(premature ovarian failure mice),and Liuwei Dihuang Wan group.A mouse model of premature ovarian failure was prepared by one-time intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide(120 mg/kg)in the latter two groups.After successful modeling,the Liuwei Dihuang Wan group was intragastrically administered for 28 continuous days,and the other two groups were intragastrically administered with the same amount of normal saline for 28 days.Mouse body mass was recorded weekly and ovarian index was calculated.The development of mouse follicles was observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining.ELISA method was used to detect serum levels of anti-Mullerian hormone,estradiol,follicle stimulating hormone,superoxide dismutase,glutathione peroxidase,and malondialdehyde.Meanwhile,the gut microbiome of all mice was detected through 16S rDNA sequencing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The mice in the model group had loose hair,decreased vigor and grip strength,almost no increase in body mass,and decreased ovarian index.Whereas,the mouse body mass and ovarian index were increased after treatment with Liuwei Dihuang Wan(P<0.05).The estrous cycle of mice in the model group was disorganized;Liuwei Dihuang Wan could restore the estrous cycle and reduce the number of atretic follicles in mice with premature ovarian failure.The serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone and malondialdehyde in the model group significantly increased(P<0.01),while the levels of estradiol,anti-Mullerian hormone,superoxide dismutase,and glutathione peroxidase significantly decreased(P<0.01).Liuwei Dihuang Wan could significantly decrease the serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone and malondialdehyde(P<0.01),and increase the levels of estradiol,anti-Mullerian hormone,superoxide dismutase,and glutathione peroxidase.According to the 16S rDNA sequencing results,Liuwei Dihuang Wan could regulate the abundance and diversity of intestinal microbiota,and increase the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria.KEGG pathway analysis showed that the intestinal microbiota and metabolic pathways,biosynthesis of secondary metabolites,microbial metabolism in different environments,and biosynthesis of amino acids were regulated by Liuwei Dihuang Wan.To conclude,the changes in the structure of intestinal microbiome may be one of the potential mechanisms of Liuwei Dihuang Wan in treating premature ovarian failure.Liuwei Dihuang Wan can regulate the structure of intestinal microbiome,increase the number of beneficial bacteria,reduce the number of harmful bacteria,and thus improve the balance of intestinal microbiota.This regulatory effect helps to reduce oxidative stress levels and further inhibit ovarian oxidative stress in mice with premature ovarian failure.
7.Changes in the levels of miR-34a and miR-29b in lens epithelial cells of patients with age-related cataract and their clinical significance
Ling ZHENG ; Haibo JIANG ; Mengru LI ; Bo ZHOU
International Eye Science 2025;25(10):1704-1707
AIM: To investigate the changes of microRNA-34a(miR-34a)and microRNA-29b(miR-29b)levels in lens epithelial cells of age-related cataracts(ARC)patients and their clinical significance.METHODS: A total of 65 ARC patients(study group)and 53 cases of clear lens anterior capsulorhexis(control group)who visited our hospital from February 2023 to February 2024 were gathered. Pearson was applied to test the correlation between miR-34a and miR-29b. Multifactor Logistic regression was applied to determine the factors affecting the occurrence of ARC.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the expression levels of miR-34a and miR-29b in lens epithelial cells of the research group showed a significant decrease trend(all P<0.05). There was a positive correlation between miR-34a and miR-29b in the lens epithelial cells of ARC patients(r=0.472, P<0.05). MiR-34a and miR-29b were influence factors for ARC(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The levels of miR-34a and miR-29b in lens epithelial cells of ARC patients are significantly reduced, which is associated with the occurrence of ARC.
8.The mediating effect of occupational well-being between professional identity and safety behavior among nurses
Xinyan JIANG ; Guowei CHEN ; Haili GUO ; Yuxiu YU ; Sumin LI ; Yuanxin CHEN ; Wei XIONG ; LI SUN ; Ling JIANG
China Occupational Medicine 2025;52(3):276-281
Objective To explore the mediating role of occupational well-being in the relationship between professional identity and safety behavior among nurses. Methods A total of 1 006 nurses from ten tertiary general hospitals in eight provincial administrative regions were selected as the research subjects using convenient sampling method. Their safety behavior, professional identity and occupational well-being were investigated using Nurse Safety Behavior Scale, Nurse Professional Identity Scale and Occupational Well-being Scale. Structural equation modeling was performed using AMOS 26.0 to examine the mediating effect of occupational well-being in the relationship between professional identity and safety behavior among nurses. Results The scores for safety behavior, professional identity, and occupational well-being were (53.0±6.1), (123.7±21.2) and (90.8±13.1), respectively. Safety behavior was positively correlated with both professional identity and occupational well-being (correlation coefficients were 0.50 and 0.50, respectively, both P<0.01). Professional identity was positively correlated with occupational well-being (correlation coefficient was 0.51, P<0.01). The multiple linear regression analysis results showed that the higher the professional identity and occupational well-being of nurses, the higher the level of safety behavior (both P<0.05). The result of mediating effect shows that the total effect of occupational identity on safety behavior was 0.498 [95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.405-0.576], and occupational well-being played a mediating role between professional identity and safety behavior among nurses with the mediation effect of 0.156 (95%CI was 0.112-0.205), accounting for 31.33% of the total effect. Conclusion The safety behavior of nurses is at a moderate level. Both professional identity and occupational well-being can affect the safety behavior of nurses. Professional identity can increase the safety behavior of nurses by affecting occupational well-being.
9.Immunotherapy strategies and pharmaceutical care practice on a long-term surviving patient with advanced gastric cancer and mismatch repair deficient
Jinyin LI ; Rong QIAN ; Ling JIANG ; Liming WANG ; Xian ZHANG ; Xiaoyan YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(4):703-709
To analyze the treatment strategy for a 78-year-old female patient with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) gastric cancer who achieved long-term survival. After third-line chemotherapy failed, gene testing showed ARID1A p.Gln748fs, c.2733-1G>T variation, with PD-L1 TPS 30%, CPS 60%. The nivolumab was employed, and two weeks later, the best response was partial response (PR). During the fourth-line immunotherapy maintenance treatment, progression of left adrenal metastasis was observed. The expression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2) was positive, and the antibody drug conjugate disitamab vedotin (RC48) was chosen for treatment. After 10 months of treatment with nivolumab combined with RC48, the best efficacy was assessed as stable disease (SD), with a progression free survival (PFS) of up to 12 months. Radiotherapy was employed, and immunotherapy was maintained, allowing the patient to achieve a PFS of 18 months again. During immunotherapy, a clinical pharmacist developed a personalized pharmaceutical care plan for this patient. At the last follow-up, this patient achieved 78 months of long-term survival.
10.Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in key areas during the elimination phase
Chao LÜ ; Xiaojuan XU ; Jiajia LI ; Ting FENG ; Hai ZHU ; Yifeng LI ; Ling XU ; Zhihong FENG ; Huiwen JIANG ; Xiaoqing ZOU ; Wenjun WEI ; Zhiqiang QIN ; Yang HONG ; Shiqing ZHANG ; Jing XU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2025;37(5):475-481
Objective To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild rodents in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, so as to provide insights into formulation of technical guidelines for monitoring of and the precise control strategy for S. japonicum infections in wild rodents during the elimination phase. Methods Two administrative villages where schistosomiasis was historically highly prevalent were selected each from Dongzhi County, Anhui Province, and Duchang County, Jiangxi Province as study villages. Wild rodents were captured from study villages with baited traps or cages at night in June and September, 2021. The number of rodents captured was recorded, and the rodent species was characterized based on morphologi-cal characteristics. Liver tissues were sampled from captured rodents for macroscopical observation of the presence of egg granu- lomas, and S. japonicum infection was detected simultaneously using liver tissue homogenate microscopy, examinations of mesenteric tissues for parasites, and modified Kato-Katz thick smear technique (Kato-Katz technique). A positive S. japonicum infection was defined as detection of S. japonicum eggs or adult worms by any of these methods. The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents were compared in different study villages and at different time periods, and the detection of S. japonicum infections in wild rodents was compared by different assays. Results The overall rate of wild ro- dent capture was 8.28% (237/2 861) in Dongzhi County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 9.24% (133/1 439) and 7.31% (104/1 422) in two study villages (χ2 = 3.503, P = 0.061), and were 8.59% (121/1 409) and 7.99% (116/1 452) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.337, P = 0.561). The overall rate of wild rodent capture was 3.72% (77/2 072) in Duchang County, and the wild rodent capture rates were 6.91% (67/970) and 0.91% (10/1 102) in two study villages (χ2 = 51.901, P < 0.001), and were 4.13% (39/945) and 3.37% (38/1 127) in June and September, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.815, P = 0.365). Rattus norvegicus was the predominant rodent species captured in both counties, accounting for 70.04% (166/237) of all captured wild rodents in Dongzhi County and 88.31% (68/77) in Duchang County. No S. japonicum infection was detected in wild rodents captured in Duchang County. Nevertheless, the overall prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 51.05% (121/237) in wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, with prevalence rates of 50.38% (67/133) and 51.92% (54/104) in two study villages (χ2 = 0.098, P = 0.755), and 54.31% (63/116) and 47.93% (58/121) in September and June, 2021, respectively (χ2 = 0.964, P = 0.326). Of 237 wild rodents captured in Dongzhi County, there were 140 (59.07%) rodents with visible hepatic egg granulomas, 117 (49.47%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs by liver tissue homogenate microscopy, 34 (14.35%) tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with Kato-Katz technique; however, no adult S. japonicum worms were detected in mesenteric tissues. In addition, hepatic egg granulomas were found in all wild rodents tested positive for S. japonicum eggs with liver tissue homogenate microscopy. Conclusions The rate of wild rodent capture and prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents vary greatly in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of China, and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection is slightly higher in wild rodents captured in autumn than in summer. Liver tissue is recommended as the preferred sample for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents, and a combination of macroscopical observation of hepatic egg granulomas and liver tissue homogenate microscopy may be a standard method for surveillance of S. japonicum infection in wild rodents.


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