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.

Aromatic Chinese medicinal essential oils are volatile oils extracted from aromatic Chinese herbs， which can prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases through multiple synergistic mechanisms including pathogen inhibition， immune regulation， and inflammatory response regulation. Essential oils are primarily used externally on the body to prevent infections and alleviate symptoms through methods like inhalation， smearing， topical application， bathing， gargling or as a suppository. They can also be utilized in the environment for disinfection and air purification， through methods like diffusion， vaporization， or spraying. The external application of essential oils extracted from Chinese aromatic herbs has the advantages of convenience， quick absorption， and simultaneous influence on both the body and mind. However， there are still challenges and deficiencies in aspects such as the positioning of functions， indications， safety， and the research on the mechanism of action. It has been proposed to combine the theory of aromatic Chinese medicinals with the characteristics of essential oils， and formulate prescriptions of Chinese medicinal essential oils under the principles of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation， and prevent and treat respiratory infectious diseases efficiently， accurately， and safely， thereby expanding the clinical application of aromatic Chinese medicinals and the preventive theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective: To explore the independent effects and gender differences of different types of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the co-occurrence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide attempts (SA), so as to provide a reference for the precise prevention and control of self-harm in junior high school students. Methods: From May to June 2023, a total of 7 360 junior high school students were selected from 12 schools in three districts/counties of Chongqing using a combination of stratified cluster sampling and convenience sampling methods. Information on NSSI, SA, ACEs, and depressive symptom, as well as other related data were collected through the Adolescent Non-suicidal Self-injury Assessment Questionnaire (ANSAQ), suicide related section of the Chinese Adolescent Health related Behavior Questionnaire (Junior High School Version), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form ( CTQ- SF), and Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Statistical analyses of the data were performed using the Chi-square test and multiple Logistic regression. Results: The detection rates of NSSI, SA, NSSI+SA and ACEs in junior high school students were 19.2%, 4.6%, 3.5% and 57.9% respectively. After controlling for factors such as gender, grade, family type, self rated family economic status, self rated academic performance, self rated academic pressure, number of close friends, and depressive symptom scores, results from the multiple Logistic regression analysis showed that junior high school students with physical abuse ( OR = 1.98, 95% CI =1.23-3.18), emotional abuse ( OR =2.83, 95% CI =1.92-4.19), sexual abuse ( OR = 1.70, 95% CI =1.07- 2.69 ), physical neglect ( OR =1.67, 95% CI =1.20-2.33) and witnessing domestic violence ( OR =2.10, 95% CI =1.41-2.87) in childhood had higher risks for the occurrence of NSSI+SA (all P <0.05). After stratification by gender, boys with sexual abuse in childhood had a high risk for the occurrence of NSSI+SA ( OR =2.17, 95% CI =1.06-4.43), whereas girls with emotional abuse ( OR =3.69, 95% CI =2.29-5.94), physical neglect ( OR =1.62, 95% CI =1.07-2.45) and witnessing domestic violence ( OR =2.17, 95% CI =1.41-3.34) in childhood had hgih risks for the occurrence of NSSI+SA (all P <0.05). Conclusions Different types of ACEs have different effects on the co-occurrence of self-harm in junior high school students and there are gender differences. When family interventions are conducted for the combined model, emphasis should be placed on aspects of emotional abuse and domestic violence while optimizing the interventions based on gender differences.

Objective: To analyze the association of mother-child interaction and screen exposure of preschool children with psychological and behavioural problems, so as to provide guidance for promoting the psychological development of preschool children. Methods: From November to December 2024, a convenience cluster sampling method was used to survey 2 977 mothers of preschool children in Daguan and Yingjiang districts of Anqing City. The Chinese Parent-Child Interaction Scale (CPCIS) was applied to evaluate the quality of mother-child interaction, and the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire (PSQ) was used to assess the psychological and behavioral problems of preschool children. Binary Logistic regression was applied to analyze the association of mother-child interaction, screen exposure and their combined effect on psychological and behavioral problems among preschool children. Results: The detection rate of psychological and behavioral problems among preschool children was 13.9%. Binary Logistic regression results showed that low scores of mother-child interaction ( OR=2.31, 95%CI =1.72-3.11) and high screen exposure ( OR= 1.52 , 95%CI =1.23-1.88) were higher risks for psychological and behavioral problems in preschool children; the results of the combined effect showed that preschool children in low scores of mother-child interaction and low screen exposure group ( OR=2.18, 95%CI =1.46-3.28), low scores of mother-child interaction and high screen exposure group ( OR=3.13, 95%CI =2.10- 4.65 ) had significantly higher risks of abnormal detection in psychological and behavioral problems, compared to those in the high scores of mother-child interaction and low screen exposure group respectively (all P <0.05). Conclusions Both screen exposure and mother- child interaction are associated with psychological and behavioral problems in preschool children. High quality mother-child interaction can relieve the adverse effects of screen exposure on preschool children s psychological and behavioral development.

Osteoporosis(OP) is a senile bone disease characterized by an imbalance between bone remodeling and bone formation. Targeting pathogenesis of kidney deficiency, spleen deficiency, and blood stasis, Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction has a significant effect on the treatment of OP by tonifying kidney, invigorating spleen, and activating blood circulation. MicroRNA(miRNA) and the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2-like protein 1(BCL2L1) are closely related to bone cell metabolism. Therefore, in this study, the binding of miR-140-5p to BCL2L1 was detected by dual luciferase assay and polymerase chain reaction(PCR). After silencing or overexpressing miR-140-5p, the apoptosis, autophagy, and osteogenic function of human fetal osteoblast cell line 1.19(HFOB1.19) were observed by flow cytometry and Western blot. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum was prepared by intragastric administration of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction in rats. Different concentrations of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-containing serum were used to treat HFOB1.19 with or without miR-140-5p mimic. The expression of osteogenic proteins in each group was observed, and the role of miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 in apoptosis and autophagy of HFOB1.19 was studied, along with the effect of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction on these processes. As indicated by the dual luciferase assay, miR-140-5p bound to BCL2L1. Flow cytometry and Western blot showed that miR-140-5p promoted apoptosis and inhibited autophagy in HFOB1.19. After intervention with high, medium, and low doses of Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction-medicated serum, compared with the miR-140-5p NC group, the expression of osteocalcin(OCN), osteopontin(OPN), Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2), and transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1) decreased in the miR-140-5p mimic group, while the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2) showed no significant difference under high-dose intervention. Therefore, miR-140-5p/BCL2L1 can promote apoptosis and inhibit autophagy in HFOB1.19. Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Decoction can affect the osteogenic effect of miR-140-5p through BMP2.
MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Animals ; Cell Line ; bcl-X Protein/metabolism* ; Osteoblasts/metabolism* ; Rats ; Osteoporosis/physiopathology* ; Male ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Osteogenesis/drug effects*

Ganoderic acid is a class of lanostane-type triterpenoids found in Ganoderma species, and is one of the most important pharmacologically active components in G. lucidum, exhibiting antioxidant, anti-neuropsychiatric, anti-tumor, and immune-enhancing properties. The content of ganoderic acid in G. lucidum is very low, and the traditional extraction process is complex, yielding minimal amounts at high cost. The biosynthetic pathway of G. lucidum triterpenoids(GLTs), including the synthesis of different structural forms of ganoderic acid from lanosterol, as well as the molecular regulatory mechanisms involving key regulatory enzyme genes and their functions, are not yet fully understood. With the continuous development of synthetic biology technologies, there has been a deeper understanding of the biosynthesis and metabolic regulation pathways of ganoderic acid and its derivatives at the molecular level. Research has explored the key regulatory enzyme genes related to ganoderic acid biosynthesis and their functions. Moreover, through the optimization of synthetic biology and culture conditions, large-scale production and preparation of GLTs at the cellular level have been achieved. This paper reviews and analyzes the latest research progress on the biosynthesis pathways and metabolic regulation of GLTs, focusing on the configuration of ganoderic acid and its derivatives, the biosynthetic pathways, key enzyme genes, transcription factors related to ganoderic acid biosynthesis, signal transduction mechanisms, and factors affecting triterpenoid biotransformation. This review is expected to provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for improving the efficient production of triterpenoid pharmacological components and the exploitation and utilization of G. lucidum resources.
Triterpenes/chemistry* ; Reishi/chemistry* ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; Lanosterol

This study investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of vanillic acid(VA) against cardiac fibrosis(CF) induced by isoproterenol(ISO) in mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, VA group(100 mg·kg~(-1), ig), ISO group(10 mg·kg~(-1), sc), ISO + VA group(10 mg·kg~(-1), sc + 100 mg·kg~(-1), ig), ISO + dynamin-related protein 1(Drp1) inhibitor(Mdivi-1) group(10 mg·kg~(-1), sc + 50 mg·kg~(-1), ip), and ISO + VA + Mdivi-1 group(10 mg·kg~(-1), sc + 100 mg·kg~(-1), ig + 50 mg·kg~(-1), ip). The treatment groups received the corresponding medications once daily for 14 consecutive days. On the day after the last administration, cardiac functions were evaluated, and serum and cardiac tissue samples were collected. These samples were analyzed for serum aspartate aminotransferase(AST), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase-MB(CK-MB), cardiac troponin I(cTnI), reactive oxygen species(ROS), interleukin(IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) levels, as well as cardiac tissue catalase(CAT), glutathione(GSH), malondialdehyde(MDA), myeloperoxidase(MPO), superoxide dismutase(SOD), total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC) activities, and cytochrome C levels in mitochondria and cytoplasm. Hematoxylin-eosin, Masson, uranium acetate and lead citrate staining were used to observe morphological and mitochondrial ultrastructural changes in the cardiac tissues, and myocardial injury area and collagen volume fraction were calculated. Flow cytometry was applied to detect the relative content and M1/M2 polarization of cardiac macrophages. The mRNA expression levels of macrophage polarization markers [CD86, CD206, arginase 1(Arg-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)], CF markers [type Ⅰ collagen(Coll Ⅰ), Coll Ⅲ, α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)], and cytokines(IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α) in cardiac tissues were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of Coll Ⅰ, Coll Ⅲ, α-SMA, Drp1, p-Drp1, voltage-dependent anion channel(VDAC), hexokinase 1(HK1), NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein(ASC), caspase-1, cleaved-caspase-1, gasdermin D(GSDMD), cleaved N-terminal gasdermin D(GSDMD-N), IL-1β, IL-18, B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2), B-cell lymphoma-xl(Bcl-xl), Bcl-2-associated death promoter(Bad), Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax), apoptotic protease activating factor-1(Apaf-1), pro-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-3, pro-caspase-9, cleaved-caspase-9, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1(PARP-1), and cleaved-PARP-1 in cardiac tissues. The results showed that VA significantly improved cardiac function in mice with CF, reduced myocardial injury area and cardiac index, and decreased serum levels of AST, CK-MB, cTnI, LDH, ROS, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α. VA also lowered MDA and MPO levels, mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, and mRNA and protein expressions of Coll Ⅰ, Coll Ⅲ, and α-SMA in cardiac tissues, and increased serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10, cardiac tissue levels of CAT, GSH, SOD, and T-AOC, and mRNA expressions of IL-4 and IL-10. Additionally, VA ameliorated cardiac pathological damage, inhibited myocardial cell apoptosis, inflammatory infiltration, and collagen fiber deposition, reduced collagen volume fraction, and alleviated mitochondrial damage. VA decreased the ratio of F4/80~+CD86~+ M1 cells and the mRNA expressions of CD86 and iNOS in cardiac tissue, and increased the ratio of F4/80~+CD206~+ M2 cells and the mRNA expressions of CD206 and Arg-1. VA also reduced protein expressions of p-Drp1, VDAC, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, cleaved-caspase-1, GSDMD, GSDMD-N, IL-1β, IL-18, Bad, Bax, Apaf-1, cleaved-caspase-3, cleaved-caspase-9, cleaved-PARP-1, and cytoplasmic cytochrome C, and increased the expressions of HK1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xl, pro-caspase-3, pro-caspase-9 proteins, as well as the Bcl-2/Bax and Bcl-xl/Bad ratios and mitochondrial cytochrome C content. These results indicate that VA has a significant ameliorative effect on ISO-induced CF in mice, alleviates ISO-induced oxidative damage and inflammatory response, and its mechanism may be closely related to the inhibition of Drp1/HK1/NLRP3 and mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathways, suppression of myocardial cell inflammatory infiltration and collagen fiber deposition, reduction of collagen volume fraction and CollⅠ, Coll Ⅲ, and α-SMA expressions, thus mitigating CF.
Animals ; Isoproterenol/adverse effects* ; Male ; Mice ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Vanillic Acid/administration & dosage* ; Dynamins/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Fibrosis/genetics* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics* ; Myocardium/metabolism* ; Humans

Colorectal cancer(CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, primarily originating from recurrent inflammatory bowel disease(IBD). Therefore, blocking the inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon has become a focus in the early prevention and treatment of CRC. The inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon involves multiple types of cells and complex pathological processes, including inflammatory responses and tumorigenesis. In this complex pathological process, immune cells(including non-specific and specific immune cells) and non-immune cells(such as tumor cells and fibroblasts) interact with each other, collectively promoting the progression of the disease. In traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon belongs to the categories of dysentery and diarrhea, with the main pathogenesis being cold and heat in complexity. This paper first elaborates on the complex molecular mechanisms involved in the inflammation-cancer transformation process in the colon from the perspectives of inflammation, cancer, and their mutual influences. Subsequently, by comparing the pathogenic characteristics and clinical manifestations between inflammation-cancer transformation and the TCM pathogenesis of cold and heat in complexity, this paper explores the intrinsic connections between the two. Furthermore, based on the correlation between inflammation-cancer transformation in the colon and the TCM pathogenesis, this paper delves into the importance of the interaction between inflammation and cancer. Finally, it summarizes and discusses the clinical and basic research progress in the TCM intervention in the inflammation-cancer transformation process, providing a theoretical basis and treatment strategy for the treatment of CRC with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
Humans ; Colon/pathology* ; Integrative Medicine ; Animals ; Cold Temperature ; Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/drug effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Hot Temperature ; Inflammation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Colonic Neoplasms/drug therapy*

This study aims to explore the pharmacodynamic material basis of Jinbei Oral Liquid(JBOL) against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technology was employed to analyze and identify the components absorbed into rat blood after oral administration of JBOL. Combined with network pharmacology, the study explored the pharmacodynamic material basis and potential mechanism of JBOL against IPF through protein-protein interaction(PPI) network construction, "component-target-pathway" analysis, Gene Ontology(GO) functional enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis. First, a total of 114 compounds were rapidly identified in JBOL extract according to the exact relative molecular mass, fragment ions, and other information of the compounds with the use of reference substances and a self-built compound database. Second, on this basis, 70 prototype components in blood were recognized by comparing blank serum with drug-containing serum samples, including 28 flavonoids, 25 organic acids, 4 saponins, 4 alkaloids, and 9 others. Finally, using these components absorbed into blood as candidates, the study obtained 212 potential targets of JBOL against IPF. The anti-IPF mechanism might involve the action of active ingredients such as glycyrrhetinic acid, cryptotanshinone, salvianolic acid B, and forsythoside A on core targets like AKT1, TNF, and ALB and thereby the regulation of multiple signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, HIF-1, and TNF. In conclusion, JBOL exerts the anti-IPF effect through multiple components, targets, and pathways. The results would provide a reference for further study on pharmacodynamic material basis and pharmacological mechanism of JBOL.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacokinetics* ; Animals ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Network Pharmacology ; Rats ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis/metabolism* ; Humans ; Administration, Oral ; Protein Interaction Maps/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*