Objective To investigate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province during the stage moving from transmission interruption to elimination (2015—2023), so as to provide insights into formulation of the schistosomiasis control measures during the post-elimination stage. Methods Schistosomiasis control data were retrospectively collected from departments of health, agriculture and rural affairs, forestry and grassland, water resources, and natural resources in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023, and a database was created to document examinations and treatments of human and livestock schistosomiasis, and snail survey and control, conversion of paddy fields to dry fields, ditch hardening, rivers and lakes management and building of forests for snail control and schistosomiasis prevention. The completion of schistosomiasis control measures was investigated, and the effectiveness was evaluated. Results A total of 20 545 155 person-times received human schistosomiasis examinations in Sichuan Province during the period from 2015 to 2023, and 232 157 person-times were seropositive, with a reduction in the seroprevalence from 2.10% (44 299/2 107 003) in 2015 to 1.12% (9 361/837 896) in 2023 (χ² = 7.68, P < 0.001). The seroprevalence of human schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a decline in Sichuan Province over years from 2015 to 2023 (b = −8.375, t = −10.052, P < 0.001); however, no egg positive individuals were identified during the period from 2018 to 2023, with the prevalence of human Schistosoma japonicum infections maintained at 0. Expanded chemotherapy was administered to 2 754 515 person-times, and medical assistance of advanced schistosomiasis was given to 6 436 persontimes, with the treatment coverage increasing from 46.80% (827/1 767) in 2015 to 64.87% (868/1 338) in 2023. Parasitological tests for livestock schistosomiasis were performed in 35 113 herd-times, and expanded chemotherapy was administered to 513 043 herd-times, while the number of fenced livestock decreased from 121 631 in 2015 to 103 489 in 2023, with a reduction of 14.92%. Snail survey covered 433 621.80 hm² in Sichuan Province from 2015 to 2023, with 204 602.81 hm² treated by chemical control and 4 637.74 hm² by environmental modifications. The area of snail habitats decreased from the peak of 5 029.80 hm² in 2016 to 3 709.72 hm² in 2023, and the actual area of snail habitats decreased from the peak of 8 585.48 hm² in 2016 to 473.09 hm² in 2023. The mean density of living snails remained low across the study period except in 2017 (0.62 snails/0.1 m²). Schistosomiasis control efforts by departments of agriculture and rural affairs in Sichuan Province included conversion of paddy fields to dry fields covering 153 346.93 hm², hardening of 6 110.31 km ditches, building of 70 356 biogas digesters, replacement of cattle with 227 161 sets of machines, and captive breeding of 21 161 070 livestock from 2015 to 2023, and the control efforts by departments of water resources included rivers and lakes management measuring 5 676.92 km and renovation of 2 331 irrigation areas, while the control efforts by departments of forestry and grassland included building of forests for snail control and schistosomiasis prevention covering 23 913.33 hm², renovation of snail control forests covering 8 720 hm² and newly building of shelterbelts covering 764 686.67 hm². All 63 endemic counties (cities and districts) had achieved the criterion for schistosomiasis elimination criteria in Sichuan Province by the end of 2023. Conclusion Following the integrated control efforts from 2015 to 2023, remarkable achievements have been obtained in the schistosomiasis control programme in Sichuan Province, with all endemic counties successfully attaining the schistosomiasis elimination target at the county level.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective To study the effects of Hedysarum polysaccharides polysaccharide(HPS)on the farnesoid X receptor(FXR)-fibroblast growth factor-19(FGF19)signaling pathway of diabetes rats.Methods Twelve Wistar male rats were randomly selected as the normal group,and the other rats were fed with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(50 mg·kg-1 STZ)and a high sugar and high-fat diet to replicate the diabetes rat model.Model rats were randomly divided into model group,positive control group(given 400 mg·kg-1·d-1 suspension of Bifidobacterium quadruplex live bacterial tablets by gavage),experimental-H,-M,-L groups(given 200,100,and 50 mg·kg-1·d-1 doses of HPS suspension by gavage);normal group,and model group were given equal volume of purified water by gavage once a day for 8 consecutive weeks.Glucose(Glu)was detected by a blood glucose meter;and serum total glyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reagent kit;the expressions of FXR、fibroblast growth factor receptors 4(FGFR4)relative mRNA expression level and protein were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method and Western blot.Results The Glu concentrations in the normal group,model group,positive control group,and experimental-H groups were(7.66±0.61),(29.25±1.64),(23.31±3.02)and(19.31±5.13)mmol·L-1,respectively;the TG content were(957.00±113.73),(1 345.00±246.44),(958.00±96.53)and(964.00±130.22)μmol·L-1,respectively;the TC content were(161.65±4.53),(302.19±5.35),(236.09±5.14)and(165.58±2.58)μmol·L-1,respectively;the expression of FXR relative mRNA expression level were 1.00±0.06,0.48±0.02,0.67±0.04 and 0.92±0.04,respectively;the expression of FGFR4 relative mRNA expression level were 1.00±0.04,0.17±0.01,0.48±0.04 and 0.41±0.03;respectively.The above indexes of the model group were compared with the control group,and the above indexes of the control group and the experimental-H group were compared with the model group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.01).Conclusion HPS improves blood sugar,lowers blood lipids,and protects liver and intestinal tissues,possibly by regulating the FXR-FGF19 signaling pathway in intestinal tissue,and regulating bile acid synthesis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and safety of novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion strain protein derivatives,referred to as B/R strain active proteins.In cellular experiments,RAW264.7 cells were treated with each vaccine preparation,and apoptosis rates were measured.In subsequent animal experiments,C57BL/6 mice were immunized via subcutaneous injection,and their survival and body weight changes were monitored and recorded at 2,4,8,12,and 16 weeks.The lungs and spleens were harvested to calculate organ coefficients,and pathological examinations were conducted.At the eighth week of immunization,the mice were infected with high concentrations of BCG,and pathological changes in the lungs and spleens were observed 4 weeks post-infection.The apoptosis rate at 6 hours was significantly higher in the experimental group than the PBS group(P<0.05).At 12 and 24 hours,the apoptosis rate in the experimental group remained higher than that in the PBS group,although this difference was not statistically significant.After immunization,mice in all four groups exhibited normal growth patterns,as indicated by stable body weight changes.At 4 and 12 weeks post-immunization,the lung coefficients in the protein group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group at the same time points.Additionally,the lung coefficients in the BCG group were significantly elevated across all time periods(P<0.05).The spleen coefficients in the protein and BCG groups were significantly higher than those in the PBS group at 2,4,8,12,and 16 weeks,whereas the ICD B/R group showed higher spleen coefficients than the PBS group only at week 8(P<0.05).Pathological examination revealed normal lung and spleen tissues in the PBS group.However,during the 2-8 weeks immunization period,lung and spleen tissues in all experimental groups exhibited varying degrees of damage,which gradually diminished by 12-16 weeks.Notably,no tuberculosis nodules were observed in any experimental group.After infection with high concentrations of BCG,no overt pathological changes were observed on the surfaces of the lungs and spleens in any group.Microscopic examination revealed less severe pathological changes in the lungs and spleens of mice in the experimental groups than the PBS group.Furthermore,no statistically significant differences were observed between the protein group and the BCG group.Our findings suggested that the B/R strain active proteins'toxicity and safety profiles were comparable to those of BCG,and showed immunoprotective effects.This study provides an experimental foundation for the development of a novel tuberculosis vaccine.

Objective To study the effects of Hedysarum polysaccharides polysaccharide(HPS)on the farnesoid X receptor(FXR)-fibroblast growth factor-19(FGF19)signaling pathway of diabetes rats.Methods Twelve Wistar male rats were randomly selected as the normal group,and the other rats were fed with a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(50 mg·kg-1 STZ)and a high sugar and high-fat diet to replicate the diabetes rat model.Model rats were randomly divided into model group,positive control group(given 400 mg·kg-1·d-1 suspension of Bifidobacterium quadruplex live bacterial tablets by gavage),experimental-H,-M,-L groups(given 200,100,and 50 mg·kg-1·d-1 doses of HPS suspension by gavage);normal group,and model group were given equal volume of purified water by gavage once a day for 8 consecutive weeks.Glucose(Glu)was detected by a blood glucose meter;and serum total glyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reagent kit;the expressions of FXR、fibroblast growth factor receptors 4(FGFR4)relative mRNA expression level and protein were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method and Western blot.Results The Glu concentrations in the normal group,model group,positive control group,and experimental-H groups were(7.66±0.61),(29.25±1.64),(23.31±3.02)and(19.31±5.13)mmol·L-1,respectively;the TG content were(957.00±113.73),(1 345.00±246.44),(958.00±96.53)and(964.00±130.22)μmol·L-1,respectively;the TC content were(161.65±4.53),(302.19±5.35),(236.09±5.14)and(165.58±2.58)μmol·L-1,respectively;the expression of FXR relative mRNA expression level were 1.00±0.06,0.48±0.02,0.67±0.04 and 0.92±0.04,respectively;the expression of FGFR4 relative mRNA expression level were 1.00±0.04,0.17±0.01,0.48±0.04 and 0.41±0.03;respectively.The above indexes of the model group were compared with the control group,and the above indexes of the control group and the experimental-H group were compared with the model group,and the differences were statistically significant(all P＜0.01).Conclusion HPS improves blood sugar,lowers blood lipids,and protects liver and intestinal tissues,possibly by regulating the FXR-FGF19 signaling pathway in intestinal tissue,and regulating bile acid synthesis.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the toxicity and safety of novel Mycobacterium tuberculosis fusion strain protein derivatives,referred to as B/R strain active proteins.In cellular experiments,RAW264.7 cells were treated with each vaccine preparation,and apoptosis rates were measured.In subsequent animal experiments,C57BL/6 mice were immunized via subcutaneous injection,and their survival and body weight changes were monitored and recorded at 2,4,8,12,and 16 weeks.The lungs and spleens were harvested to calculate organ coefficients,and pathological examinations were conducted.At the eighth week of immunization,the mice were infected with high concentrations of BCG,and pathological changes in the lungs and spleens were observed 4 weeks post-infection.The apoptosis rate at 6 hours was significantly higher in the experimental group than the PBS group(P<0.05).At 12 and 24 hours,the apoptosis rate in the experimental group remained higher than that in the PBS group,although this difference was not statistically significant.After immunization,mice in all four groups exhibited normal growth patterns,as indicated by stable body weight changes.At 4 and 12 weeks post-immunization,the lung coefficients in the protein group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group at the same time points.Additionally,the lung coefficients in the BCG group were significantly elevated across all time periods(P<0.05).The spleen coefficients in the protein and BCG groups were significantly higher than those in the PBS group at 2,4,8,12,and 16 weeks,whereas the ICD B/R group showed higher spleen coefficients than the PBS group only at week 8(P<0.05).Pathological examination revealed normal lung and spleen tissues in the PBS group.However,during the 2-8 weeks immunization period,lung and spleen tissues in all experimental groups exhibited varying degrees of damage,which gradually diminished by 12-16 weeks.Notably,no tuberculosis nodules were observed in any experimental group.After infection with high concentrations of BCG,no overt pathological changes were observed on the surfaces of the lungs and spleens in any group.Microscopic examination revealed less severe pathological changes in the lungs and spleens of mice in the experimental groups than the PBS group.Furthermore,no statistically significant differences were observed between the protein group and the BCG group.Our findings suggested that the B/R strain active proteins'toxicity and safety profiles were comparable to those of BCG,and showed immunoprotective effects.This study provides an experimental foundation for the development of a novel tuberculosis vaccine.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) play crucial roles in intercellular communication. Hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment enhances secretion of TDEs and accelerates tumor metastasis. Jiedu recipe (JR), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, has demonstrated efficacy in preventing the metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. METHODS: Animal experiments were performed to investigate the metastasis-preventing effects of JR. Bioinformatics analysis and in vitro assays were conducted to explore the potential targets and active components of JR. TDEs were assessed using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and Western blotting (WB). Exosomes derived from normoxic or hypoxic HCC cells (H-TDEs) were collected to establish premetastatic mouse models. JR was intragastrically administered to evaluate its metastasis-preventive effects. WB and lysosomal staining were performed to investigate the effects of JR on lysosomal function and autophagy. Bioinformatics analysis, WB, NTA, and immunofluorescence staining were used to identify the active components and potential targets of JR. RESULTS: JR effectively inhibited subcutaneous-tumor-promoted lung premetastatic niche development and tumor metastasis. It inhibited the release of exosomes from tumor cells under hypoxic condition. JR treatment promoted both lysosomal acidification and suppressed secretory autophagy, which were dysregulated in hypoxic tumor cells. Quercetin was identified as the active component in JR, and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was identified as a potential target. Quercetin inhibited EGFR phosphorylation and promoted the nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB). Hypoxia-impaired lysosomal function was restored, and secretory autophagy was alleviated by quercetin treatment. CONCLUSION JR suppressed HCC metastasis by inhibiting hypoxia-stimulated exosome release, restoring lysosomal function, and suppressing secretory autophagy. Quercetin acted as a key component of JR and regulated TDE release through EGFR-TFEB signaling. Our study provides a potential strategy for retarding tumor metastasis by targeting H-TDE secretion. Please cite this article as: Jia WT, Xiang S, Zhang JB, Yuan JY, Wang YQ, Liang SF, Lin WF, Zhai XF, Shang Y, Ling CQ, Cheng BB. Jiedu recipe, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis by inhibiting the release of tumor-derived exosomes in a hypoxic microenvironment through the EGFR-TFEB signaling pathway. J Integr Med. 2024; 22(6): 697-709.
Exosomes/drug effects* ; Animals ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology* ; Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects* ; Mice ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Male ; Mice, Nude

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of warming-needle moxibustion combined with cross acupoint selection method in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods Fifty patients with KOA were randomly divided into observation group and control group,25 patients in each group.The control group was treated with warming-needle moxibustion on local of the knee joint,and the observation group was treated with elbow cross acupoint selection on the basis of the treatment of the control group.The course of treatment covered five days,with an interval of one day between courses of treatment,and a total of two courses of treatment.After two courses of treatment,the changes in Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)scores and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)scores in the two groups before and after treatment were observed.Changes in step frequency,step speed,step length,stride,and gait period between the two groups of patients before and after treatment were compared.Results(1)During the research,there was one case in the observation group and four cases in the control group lost to follow-up.Finally,24 cases in the observation group and 21 cases in the control group were included in the efficacy statistics.(2)After treatment,the scores of VAS and WOMAC of patients in the two groups decreased significantly(P＜0.01),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).(3)After treatment,the step frequency and step speed of patients in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05),and the parameters of step length and stride were slightly improved compared with those before treatment,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).After treatment,the observation group was slightly superior to that in the control group in improving the patients'step frequency,step length,step speed and stride,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).(4)After treatment,the gait period of patients in both groups were improved significantly(P＜0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was significantly superior to that in the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P＞0.05).Conclusion The efficacy of warming-needle moxibustion combined with cross acupoint selection method in the treatment of KOA is precise,with good analgesic effect,moreover,it can significantly improve the daily joint function of the patients,and improve the step frequency and step speed of patients with KOA and shorten the gait period,so as to improve the quality of life of patients,with remarkable therapeutic effect.

Objective To investigate the effects of Astragalus polysaccharides(HPS)on farnitol X receptor(FXR)-small heterodimer chaperone receptor(SHP)signaling pathway and key proteins of glucose and lipid metabolism in diabetic rats.Methods Twelve male Wistar rats were randomly selected as blank group,and the remaining 60 rats were fed with a one-time intrabitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ,50 mg·kg-1)combined with a high-sugar and high-fat diet to replicate the diabetic rat model.The model rats were randomly divided into model group,positive control group(400 mg·kg-1·d-1 Bifidobacterium quadruple viable bacterial tablet suspension),experimental-H,-M,-L groups(200,100 and 50 mg·kg-1·d-1 HPS suspension),respectively.Blank group and model group were given equal volume of pure water once a day for 8 weeks.Blood glucose(Glu)was measured before and after gavage.Real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression level of FXR,SHP,antiperoxisomal proliferator-activated receptor α(PPARα),antiphosphoenolpyruvate carboxylkinase(PEPCK),sterol regulatory receptor binding protein-1c(SREBP-1c),glucose 6 phosphatase(G6Pase).Results Glu levels in normal group,model group,positive control group and experimental-H group after treatment were(7.66±0.61),(29.25±1.64),(23.31±3.02),(19.31±5.13)mmol·L-1,respectively;the relative expression levels of FXR mRNA in liver tissues were 1.00±0.04,0.44±0.03,0.61±0.06,0.87±0.03,respectively;the relative expression levels of SHP mRNA were 1.00±0.04,0.40±0.01,0.67±0.01,0.67±0.02;the relative expression levels of G6Pase mRNA in liver tissues were 1.00±0.06,3.00±0.08,1.87±0.03,1.44±0.05,respectively;the relative expression levels of PEPCK mRNA in liver tissues were 1.00±0.04,1.88±0.03,1.31±0.02,1.23±0.04,respectively;the relative expression levels of SREBP-1c mRNA in liver tissues were 1.00±0.04,1.90±0.01,1.26±0.03,1.06±0.04;the relative expression levels of PPARα mRNA in liver tissues were 1.00±0.02,0.16±0.01,0.45±0.01,0.96±0.03,respectively.Compared with blank group,positive control group and experimental-H group,there were statistically significant differences in the above indexes between model group and blank group(all P＜0.01).The protein expression trend of FXR,SHP,G6Pase,PEPCK,SREBP-1c,PPARα was consistent with mRNA expression.Conclusion HPS may regulate FXR-SHP signaling pathway in liver tissue,inhibit the expression of key proteins of glucose and lipid metabolism,promote lipid oxidation,improve Glu and protect liver tissue in diabetic rats.