Objective To investigate the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) antibody levels among soldiers in a theater, evaluate the immunogenicity of Varicella attenuated live vaccine (VarV), and provide scientific evidence for varicella vaccination strategies in the military. Methods A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 2348 soldiers as research subjects who joined the military in September 2025 in a theater. Venous blood samples were collected before vaccination and 30 days after vaccination. VZV IgG antibodies were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Calculate the antibody positivity rate, geometric mean concentration (GMC), and seroconversion rate of antibodies, and analyze the differences in antibody levels and influencing factors among populations with different characteristics. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation of antibody levels before and after immunization. Results The pre-vaccination positivity rate of VZV IgG antibodies among the study subjects was 87.8%, which increased to 98.8% after vaccination (χ⊃2;=210.859, P<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the positive rate of pre-vaccination antibody among different regions (P=0.031). The GMC increased from 782.6 mIU/mL before vaccination to 1903.7 mIU/mL after vaccination (Z=34.122, P<0.001). Among them, the GMC of the VZV IgG antibody-negative population before vaccination was 65.2 mIU/mL, rose to 309.1 mIU/mL after vaccination, representing a 4.74-fold increase. Age, region, place of residence, and major were the main factors influencing pre-vaccination GMC levels (P<0.05). After vaccination, there were no statistically significant differences in VZV IgG antibody positivity rates and GMC among groups stratified by various factors (P>0.05). The overall seroconversion rate was 32.3% (759/2348), among which the seroconversion rate for the VZV IgG antibody-negative population before vaccination was 89.9% (258/287). Multivariate analysis showed that region and major were independent influencing factors for VZV IgG seroconversion. Compared with the eastern region, the possibility of seroconversion was reduced in the population of the central region (OR=0.607) and the western region (OR=0.749). The possibility of seroconversion among medical majors was 40.1% lower than that among non-medical majors (OR=0.599). Pre-vaccination antibody levels were negatively correlated with the magnitude of post-vaccination antibody increase (Spearman r= -0.673, P < 0.001) and positively correlated with post-vaccination antibody levels (r= 0.618, P < 0.001). Conclusion Soldiers in a theater exhibited a high baseline immunity level against VZV. VarV has good immunogenicity, effectively enhancing population-level immune protection. It is essential to incorporate VarV into the routine immunization program for soldiers. Targeted vaccination for those with low baseline antibody levels is recommended to reduce the incidence of varicella and strengthen the immune barrier in military.

Abstract: Objective　To analyze of the investigation and emergency response to the first local chikungunya fever cluster in city C, and provide reference for the prevention and control of chikungunya fever in the future. Methods　Field epidemiological investigations were carried out on an outbreak of chikungunya fever in S community of G District in C city from August 1, 2025 to September 12, 2025, along with active case investigation, case search and mosquito vector emergency monitoring. Expert consultations were conducted to explore risk assessment and investigation, prevention, and control strategies for local cases. Results　A total of 4 local cases were identified, main clinical manifestations with fever, rash, and arthralgia. The time from symptom onset to medical consultation/reporting ranged from one to two days, with a median interval from the onset to diagnosis of two days. All cases were mild and recovered after approximately one week of hospitalization under mosquito-proof isolation treatment. Transmission chain investigation revealed that all four cases had a common exposure source. The initially estimated exposure period was primarily in the afternoon to evening, with risk factors including dog walking, failure to use repellents, and wearing short-sleeved shirts and shorts. No secondary cases were detected among cohabitants or in active case searches in high-risk areas and health monitoring. All four cases tested positive for CHIKV RNA, with genetic sequencing revealing that all were ECSA (East/Central/South African type) genotype. Phylogenetic analysis showed that they clustered on the same branch as Foshan and Nanning strains, with high homology. Initial Aedes mosquito surveillance showed a Breteau index (BI) of 6.52 and a mosquito tent trap index of 0 on the first day. After vector control measures, both indices met the standard thresholds of BI: 1.35 and trap index: 0.67 mosquitoes/(tent•hour) by day 3.  Conclusion　Comprehensive prevention and control measures such as case search and management, vector surveillance and control in high-risk areas and sites, health monitoring, and public health education can effectively contain the chikungunya cluster. The locally developed chikungunya fever response toolkit and experience, based on the investigation and handling of this cluster, provide a reference for other regions in responding to local chikungunya fever cluster/outbreaks.　　　　　　

Abstract  Objective   To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of foodborne disease outbreaks caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Hainan Province from 2015 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted prevention and control strategies. Methods    Based on data retrieved from the National Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System, foodborne disease outbreak records caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Hainan Province from 2015 to 2024 were collected and compiled. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze characteristics such as time, region, population, setting, pathogen, and risk factors. Results    From 2015 to 2024, a total of 100 outbreaks of foodborne illness caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus were reported in Hainan Province, involving 1 026 cases, 109 hospitalizations, and no fatalities, with a total of 14 001 exposed individuals. Outbreaks occurred throughout the year, with reports in all months except April. The third quarter was the peak period, accounting for 56 outbreaks (56.00%) and 452 cases (49.22%); The attack rate for this quarter was 9.78%, significantly higher than the average attack rate of 6.12% across the first, second, and fourth quarters(χ⊃2;=319.34, P<0.001). August recorded the highest number of cases, accounting for 23.00% of the total. Regarding regional distribution, Sanya City (42 outbreaks), Haikou City (38 outbreaks), and Danzhou City (8 outbreaks) reported the highest numbers. Outbreak locations were primarily restaurants (57.00%), followed by construction site canteens (9.00%) and school canteens (7.00%). Serotype O3:K6 was the predominant serotype, solely responsible for 17.00% of outbreaks and involved in 21.00% of outbreaks either alone or in combination with other serotypes; other major serotypes included O4:K8 and O3:K4. High-risk food items were primarily aquatic products (29.00%), followed by mixed food products (14.00%) and meat and meat products (12.00%). The main contributing factors were cross-contamination (23.00%), improper processing practices (16.00%), and improper storage (13.00%). Conclusions  Outbreaks of foodborne disease caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Hainan Province exhibit a distinct seasonal peak, with the highest risk occurring in the third quarter. Aquatic products are the primary high-risk food category, restaurants are the main sites of outbreaks, and cross-contamination is a key risk factor. It is recommended to strengthen supervision during peak seasons, for high-risk food categories, and at key locations; enhance monitoring of aquatic products and food safety education; and improve operational standards among food service practitioners to reduce the risk of Vibrio parahaemolyticus-related foodborne disease outbreaks.

Abstract: Objective    This study aimed to investigate the effects of age, period, and birth cohort on the risk of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) incidence, and to provide scientific evidence for the formulation of PTB prevention and control strategies and the rational allocation of health resources in Hainan Province, China.  Methods    Data were obtained from the Infectious Disease Reporting and Information Management System of the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System. An age-period-cohort (APC) model was applied to analyze PTB reported incidence data in Hainan Province from 2000 to 2024. The effects of age, period, and birth cohort on temporal trends in PTB reported incidence were evaluated.  Results    From 2000 to 2024, the reported incidence of PTB in Hainan Province and its cities and counties showed an overall continuous declining trend. Age, period, and birth cohort effects jointly influenced the PTB epidemic at different dimensions (χ⊃2;_age = 317.81, χ⊃2;_period = 338.59, χ⊃2;_cohort = 126.61; all P<0.05). The age effect indicated that young adults (20–29 years) and older adults (≥60 years) were the main high-risk populations. The period effect showed that PTB reported incidence peaked during 2005-2009 (RR=1.38, 95% CI: 1.28–1.49), followed by a declining or relatively stable trend since 2010–2014 onward, with most cities and counties exhibiting consistent period-related patterns. The cohort effect further demonstrated that earlier birth cohorts experienced higher PTB risk after entering middle and older age, whereas PTB reported incidence showed an overall declining trend across the same age groups as birth year became more recent.  Conclusion    From 2000 to 2024, the reported incidence of PTB in Hainan Province and its cities and counties exhibited an overall downward trend. Age, period, and birth cohort factors jointly influenced the PTB epidemic, with young adults and older adults identified as key high-risk populations. Stratified and precision-oriented tuberculosis prevention and control strategies should be further promoted to reduce the regional disease burden.

Abstract: Objective    To investigate the role of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related genes in immune response and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in patients with female genital tuberculosis (FGTB). Methods     A total of 30 FGTB patients treated at Guangzhou Chest Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 were selected, along with 32 healthy individuals who voluntarily provided peripheral blood at the same hospital during the same period as the healthy control group. A random subset of samples (5 FGTB patients and 7 controls) was subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis. The remaining independent samples (25 FGTB patients and 25 controls) were used for qPCR validation and ROC analysis to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of candidate genes. Differentially expressed genes and their associated biological pathways were identified through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis. Results    Through differential expression analysis of 5 FGTB patients and 7 healthy controls, we found significant expression differences in a total of 16 194 genes, among which 767 genes met the criteria of |log2FC|>1 and P<0.05. In addition, 257 DEGs intersected with a public EMT gene list. Functional enrichment analysis showed that these genes play important roles in muscle cell differentiation, negative regulation of the immune process, and cell chemotaxis. ROC analysis showed that the AUC values of 8 core genes exceeded 0.8, indicating potential diagnostic value. The qRT-PCR validation results further confirmed that the expression differences of MMP9 (P<0.05), CXCL8 (P<0.05), and CD274 (P<0.01) were statistically significant in the validation cohort. Immune infiltration analysis results showed that the infiltration of B cells and regulatory T cells was upregulated in the FGTB group, while neutrophils were significantly downregulated, which may contribute to the immune escape and pathological progression of FGTB. Furthermore, MMP9 was significantly associated with mitomycin and gemcitabine; CXCL8 was significantly associated with tamoxifen; and CD274 was significantly associated with small molecule drugs such as tamoxifen and nilotinib, providing new directions for individualized treatment and drug development. Conclusion   This study enhances the understanding of the molecular mechanisms and immune microenvironment of FGTB, suggesting that MMP9, CXCL8, and CD274 may serve as biomarkers, providing a foundation for the early diagnosis and development of personalized treatment strategies for FGTB.

Abstract: Objective    To establish a Salmonella detection process combining real-time PCR (qPCR) primary screening and targeted isolation, compare its detection performance with the traditional isolation and culture method in various types of food and related samples, and evaluate its feasibility in food safety risk surveillance. Methods    Real-time PCR assay was validated for its specificity against 14 common non-Salmonella pathogens and inclusivity across 96 Salmonella serotypes. The sensitivity and robustness of the workflow were assessed through matrix-spiking experiments and competitive interference assays with high concentrations of background bacteria, such as Escherichia coli. The optimized workflow was then applied to food safety risk surveillance and compared with  the GB 4789.4-2024 national standard method. Results    The real-time PCR method exhibited 100% specificity and inclusivity. In the simulated spiking experiments of various food and related samples, the detection sensitivity of real-time PCR reached over 100 CFU (Colony-Forming Unit)/mL, and the results of real-time PCR were consistent with those of isolation and culture. In the simulated interference experiments, high-concentration Escherichia coli contamination in samples led to an increase in the Ct (Cycle threshold) value of Salmonella real-time PCR and affected the results of isolation and culture. In the risk surveillance of 341 samples, the detection rate of the new process (9.38%, 32/341) was significantly higher than that of the national standard method (7.62%, 26/341), and 1sample was positive by real-time PCR but negative by isolation and culture. Conclusion    The Salmonella detection process combining real-time PCR primary screening and targeted isolation established in this study can rapidly and accurately detect Salmonella in food and related samples, compensating for the limitations of the national standard method in terms of speed and throughput. It is recommended as a supplementary non-standard rapid detection method for applications including emergency investigations of foodborne disease outbreaks, rapid screening in food circulation links, and daily detection work in grassroots laboratories.

Abstract: Objective    To investigate the mechanism of hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase transactivated protein 1 (HBVDNAPTP1) in the apoptosis signaling pathway of monocytes. Methods    A full-length eukaryotic expression vector of the HBVDNAPTP1 gene was constructed. Three groups were established: the negative control group, the pCMV-Myc empty vector group, and the HBVDNAPTP1 overexpression group. Following intervention in THP-1 cells, the apoptosis rate and intracellular ultrastructure were examined. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunofluorescence, and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of carboxylesterase 1 (CES1) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Co-immunoprecipitation was employed to determine the targeted binding relationship between HBVDNAPTP1 and CES1. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 (Cell Counting Kit-8) assay, and cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. Results    CCK-8, flow cytometry apoptosis assay, and electron microscopy results showed that, compared with the control and the pCMV-Myc empty vector group, overexpression of HBVDNAPTP1 significantly inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of THP-1 cells (P<0.001). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) further revealed that HBVDNAPTP1 overexpression caused cellular damage and impaired organelle structure. The results of qRT-PCR, Western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence consistently indicated that, compared with the control group, the expression level of the CES1 was significantly upregulated (P<0.001) and the expression of the Bcl-2 gene was significantly downregulated (P<0.01) in the HBVDNAPTP1 overexpression group. Co-immunoprecipitation results confirmed a targeted binding relationship between HBVDNAPTP1 and CES1. Conclusion    HBVDNAPTP1 can induce apoptosis of THP-1 cells and may influence the occurrence of hepatitis B by inducing the expression of CES1. However, the present study was limited to overexpression cell experiments. Further studies should establish gene knockout cell lines and integrate proteomics, transcriptome sequencing, and other techniques to fully elucidate the mechanism by which HBVDNAPTP1 participates in hepatitis B virus-associated cell apoptosis.

Abstract: Objective   To analyze epidemiological characteristics and predict the incidence trend of acute hepatitis B in Tianjin from 2010 to 2024, and provide scientific evidence for control and prevention of acute hepatitis B. Methods   We obtained surveillance data of acute hepatitis B in Tianjin from 2010 to 2024, and conducted a descriptive analysis of epidemiological characteristics. Software R 4.4.2 was used to establish an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model to predict the monthly incidence of acute hepatitis B in Tianjin. Results   A total of 1 875 cases of acute hepatitis B were reported in Tianjin from 2010 to 2024, the average annual incidence rate was 0.87/100 000. The annual reported incidence rates ranged from 0.16/100 000(in 2024) to 2.52/100 000 (in 2010), showing an overall downward trend (χ⊃2;_trend = 648.214, P < 0.001), without obvious seasonal characteristics. The incidence rate of acute hepatitis B showed no cases in the 0 to <5 years age group, with the majority of cases (64.32%) concentrated among young and middle-aged population aged 30 to 50 years. The incidence rate was higher in males (1.19/100 000) than in females (0.52/100 000) (χ²=273.717，P<0.001). Farmers accounted for the highest proportion of occupation (462 cases, 24.64%). The top three districts of reported incidence rates were Jizhou, Jinghai, and Nankai. A total of 298 serum samples from acute hepatitis B cases collected between 2019 and 2024 underwent genotyping, and 250 successfully genotyped, with genotype C predominating（79.60%，199/250）, followed by genotype B(18.80%，47/250). The optimal model was ARIMA(0,1,1)(1,0,0)₁₂, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 4.03 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 3.14. Actual values consistently fell within the 95%CI of predicted values. Conclusions   The incidence rate of acute hepatitis B in Tianjin Municipality has shown an overall downward trend and has remained at a low level. The ARIMA model shows a good predictive effect on the incidence of acute hepatitis B in Tianjin, and has certain reference value for control and prevention of acute hepatitis B.

Abstract: Objective　To retrospectively analyze the clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of cerebral paragonimiasis in Yunnan Province, aiming to improve clinicians' understanding and diagnostic accuracy of this rare but severe parasitic disease of the central nervous system. Methods　A retrospective study was conducted on patients with confirmed or clinically suspected of paragonimiasis at the Third People's Hospital of Kunming from September 2019 to September 2025. Patients diagnosed with cerebral paragonimiasis were selected as the research objects. The general data, laboratory examinations, and MRI findings were collected and analyzed. Results　A total of 109 patients with paragonimiasis were enrolled, among whom 11 patients (10.1%) were diagnosed with cerebral paragonimiasis, comprised 72.8% males and 27.2% females, with age of 12.0 (8.0, 33.0) years. Pediatric patients accounted for 54.5%, and adults for 45.5%. All pediatric cases originated from Zhaotong City, while most adult cases were from Xishuangbanna Prefecture. And 90.9% of patients had elevated peripheral blood eosinophil counts and percentages, and all exhibited a decreased serum albumin/globulin ratio. Brain MRI findings revealed 90.9% of cases had unilateral hemispheric involvement, and 63.6% were multiple lesions. All patients demonstrated patchy low T1WI and high T2WI signal intensity. Among them, 72.7% exhibited a hypointense "tunnel sign", composed of a tunnel cavity and wall, with the tunnel wall showing significant enhancement on contrast-enhanced scans. And 36.4% of patients showed subacute intralesional hemorrhage. And 90.9% of the cases had pulmonary lesions, 36.4% had pleural effusion, and 36.4% had liver abnormalities. Conclusion　Cerebral paragonimiasis is characterized on brain MRI by the "tunnel sign" accompanied by perilesional brain parenchymal edema, often with intralesional hemorrhage. Elevated peripheral blood eosinophil levels and changes in the serum albumin/globulin ratio may aid in differential diagnosis.

Abstract: Dabie bandavirus (DBV), first identified in China, is a novel Bandavirus within the Phenuiviridae family. Infection can cause severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), which typically presents with fever, fatigue, chills, myalgia, and, death due to multi-organ failure in severe cases. A 66-year-old woman who was admitted with fever, fatigue, and myalgia after working in a mountainous area. Laboratory tests showed that white blood cells and platelets were significantly decreased, inflammatory indicators were significantly increased, myocardial enzymes, myoglobin, liver and kidney function indicators were significantly increased; DBV-RNA was positive. Based on clinical manifestations and laboratory findings, she was diagnosed with DBV infection complicated by rhabdomyolysis, acute hepatic and renal insufficiency, hypoalbuminemia, and electrolyte disturbances. After antiviral therapy, fluid resuscitation, nutritional support, and symptomatic management, the patient's condition gradually improved and was discharged. This case suggests that DBV infection may not only produce classic SFTS, but also trigger rhabdomyolysis and multi-organ injury; Clinical attention should be paid to early identification and timely intervention to reduce the incidence and mortality of severe SFTS.

Abstract： Objective　This study aimed to investigate distribution of Biomphalaria straminea, identify key environmental drivers in the Dasha River, Shenzhen, and evaluate the transmission risk of imported schistosomiasis mansoni. Methods　In 2024, surveillance sites were established across Dasha River of Shenzhen City. Snail surveys were conducted using the manual collection method, with concurrent recording of environmental parameters. Snail species identification was performed using both morphological and molecular (DNA barcoding) methods. The current spatial-temporal distribution pattern and evolution trend of B. straminea was compared with historical data from 2012. Results　The survey in 2024 revealed a significant spatial redistribution of B. straminea in the Dasha River. Molecular identification confirmed a stable colonization population (based on rDNA sequence alignment, similarity to the reference sequence of Biomphalaria straminea was 99.89%) only at Beihuan Shahe Overpass section (midstream), with a density of 6.4 snails/m⊃2;. The water at this site was weakly alkaline (pH 7.6), with a phosphate concentration of 0.13 mg/L and slow water flow (1.15 m3/s). In contrast, the population of the snails at the historically high-density site at Liuxian Avenue North section (upstream) and the low-density site at Shennan Shahe Overpass section (midstream) had been completely extirpated. Comparative analysis of water quality parameters indicated that, the phosphate concentration at the colonized site (Beihuan Shahe Overpass section, 0.13 mg/L) was higher than the maximum value (0.12 mg/L) at snail-free sites, and the flow velocity (1.15 m⊃3;/s) was significantly lower than the median (12.70 m⊃3;/s) at snail-free sites.     Conclusion　Riverbank ecological modifications by improving local habitat conditions, are likely a key driver for the population re-establishment in the midstream and the overall redistribution within the basin. Considering the frequent cross-border population movements in Shenzhen, there exists a tangible risk of local transmission of imported schistosomiasis mansoni. This highlights the necessity of establishing an integrated early-warning system that combines environmental DNA (eDNA) surveillance, health screening of cross-border populations and multi-sectoral information sharing.

Abstract Objective: To investigate whether long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) promotes hepatic fibrosis in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by modulating the microRNA-150-5p (miR-150-5p)/Notch receptor 2 (NOTCH2) axis. Methods:  A NAFLD rat model was established by high-fat diet feeding, and the rats were divided into the model group, si-NC group, si-NEAT1 group, si-NEAT1+anti-NC group and si-NEAT1+anti-miR-150-5p group. Rats fed a normal diet were set as the control group, with 12 rats in each group. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triacylglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to measure the levels of serum interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the morphological structure of liver tissue. Masson staining was used to observe the liver tissue fibrosis. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in liver tissue. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was applied to detect the mRNA levels of NEAT1, miR-150-5p and NOTCH2 in liver tissue, and Western blot assay was applied to determine the protein expression of NOTCH2 in liver tissue. Moreover, dual-luciferase assay was conducted to verify the targeted regulatory relationships between NEAT1 and miR-150-5p, as well as between miR-150-5p and NOTCH2. Results  Compared with the control group, the model group presented obvious structural damage of hepatic lobules, extensive hepatocellular steatosis and severe hepatic fibrosis. The levels of serum HDL-C and IFN-γ, and the level of miR-150-5p in liver tissue were lower, while the levels of LDL-C, TC, TG, AST, ALT, IL-4, the expressions of NEAT1, NOTCH2 mRNA and NOTCH2 protein, and the positive rate of α-SMA were higher (q = 36.159, 25.391, 17.323, 35.610, 39.287, 30.960, 22.244, 25.713, 27.043, 12.142, 14.532, 14.131, 29.102, P<0.05). Compared with the si-NC group, the si-NEAT1 group showed alleviated pathological damage and reduced hepatic fibrosis in liver tissue, the levels of serum HDL-C and IFN-γ, and the level of miR-150-5p in liver tissue were higher, while the levels of LDL-C, TC, TG, AST, ALT, IL-4, the expressions of NEAT1, NOTCH2 mRNA and NOTCH2 protein, and the positive rate of α-SMA were lower (q = 30.830, 18.550, 14.381, 29.938, 33.375, 24.808, 17.914, 22.907, 18.277, 10.957, 11.525, 11.747, 18.273, P<0.05). Compared with the si-NEAT1+anti-NC group, the si-NEAT1+anti-miR-150-5p group exhibited aggravated hepatic pathological damage and increased fibrosis degree, the levels of serum HDL-C and IFN-γ, and the level of miR-150-5p in liver tissue were lower, while the levels of LDL-C, TC, TG, AST, ALT, IL-4, the expressions of NOTCH2 mRNA and NOTCH2 protein, and the positive rate of α-SMA were higher (q = 24.360, 16.463, 11.439, 21.114, 27.710, 18.656, 13.950, 18.412, 15.857, 7.892, 9.875, 13.571, P<0.05), which indicated that down-regulation of miR-150-5p could reverse the ameliorative effect of the down-regulation of NEAT1 on the above indicators in NAFLD rats. Conclusion: Down-regulation of LncRNA NEAT1 can inhibit hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD rats by regulating the miR-150-5p/NOTCH2 axis.

fecal - oral, and sexual transmission, indirect transmission of pathogens through contaminated surfaces is emerging as a potential
new mode of transmission. With the continuous development of international trade, the interaction between international trade and
infectious disease outbreaks is becoming increasingly close. The cross-border transmission of epidemics through contaminated
goods has become a new challenge for port epidemic prevention and control. Understanding the survival time of pathogens on
inanimate surfaces is of great significance for port disinfection and epidemic prevention and control.Numerous studies have
described the mechanism of pathogen transmission through contaminated surfaces, and some studies have even pointed out that
some infectious disease outbreaks were caused by contaminated objects. However, there has been no systematic and in-depth
study on the survival of different pathogens on the surface of different subjects. In this paper, we systematically review studies on
the persistence of different DNA viruses such as Adenoviridae, Papillomaviridae, Herpesviridae, and Poxviridae, as well as RNA
viruses such as Reoviridae, Picornaviridae, Caliciviridae, Flaviviridae, Orthomyxoviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Filoviridae,
Coronaviridae, Retroviridae, and Hepadnaviridae on the surface of objects, and explore the possibility of cross-border
transmission through international goods, providing a reference for pandemic prevention and control at ports.

Abstract: Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and molecular epidemiological features of Cryptococcus
isolates in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients with cryptococcal meningitis (CM), and to provide a reference for early
recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of CM. Methods A retrospective comparative analysis was conducted on the clinical
characteristics and cryptococcal genotypes of HIV-positive and HIV-negative CM patients admitted to a tertiary hospital in
Guangzhou between March 2015 and February 2024. Antifungal susceptibility testing was performed using the ATB FUNGUS 3
system, and strain genotypes were determined by mass spectrometry and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Results A total
of 121 patients with CM were included, comprising 102 HIV-positive patients and 19 HIV-negative patients. Compared with
the HIV-negative group, the HIV-positive group had a higher proportion of male patients (80.4% vs. 47.4%, χ2=7.680, P 均<
0.01), had a shorter interval from symptom onset to diagnosis (17 vs. 45 days, U=-3.794,P<0.01）). Laboratory findings showed
that, in the HIV-positive group, the CD4+ T-cell count, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell count,
cerebrospinal fluid protein level, and cerebrospinal fluid glucose level were 12 (5, 34) cells/μL, 0.04 (0.02, 0.08), 28 (15, 61) ×
106/L, 489 (306, 833) g/L, and 2.3 (1.9, 3.1) mmol/L, respectively; all of these parameters differed significantly from those of the
HIV-negative group (U=-4.852, -5.363, -2.052, -3.552, and -3.376, respectively; all P<0.01). The 4-week and 24-week
mortality rates in the HIV-positive group were 14.7% and 28.4%, respectively, both higher than those in the HIV-negative
group (5.3% and 15.8%, respectively), though the differences were not statistically significant (both P>0.05). Molecular typing
showed that Cryptococcus neoformans VNI was the predominant molecular type in both groups (98.0% vs. 100.0%, P=0.332),
with ST5 as the predominant sequence type (81.4% vs. 94.7%). In addition, two Cryptococcus gattii (VG) isolates were
identified in the HIV-positive group, and three isolates of a novel sequence type, ST685, were detected for the first time; one
patient harboring this sequence type died at the 24-week follow-up. Conclusion Compared with HIV-negative CM patients,
HIV-positive CM patients exhibited a weaker cerebrospinal fluid inflammatory response and a relatively poorer prognosis.
Particular attention should be paid to infection with the newly identified ST685 sequence type detected in the HIV-positive
group.

Objective   Burkholderia pseudomallei (Bp), the causative agent of melioidosis, exhibits high pathogenicity and intrinsic antibiotic resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its virulence remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to elucidate the role of caseinolytic protease P (ClpP) in the physiological functions and virulence of Bp.  Methods   This study used the auxotrophic strain (HNBP001) as the starting strain and successfully constructed the clpP gene deletion mutant (ΔclpP) and the clpP gene complementation strain (ΔclpP::clpP) using homologous recombination technology.This study systematically elucidated the multifaceted regulatory roles of the clpP gene in bacterial growth, antibiotic resistance, and virulence through growth curve analysis, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, biofilm formation assessment, and cell infection experiments.  Results   This study successfully constructed and validated the ΔclpP and ΔclpP::clpP strains. The deletion of the clpP gene led to significant alterations in key pathogenic phenotypes of the bacteria. Compared to the HNBP001, the ΔclpP mutant exhibited significantly reduced biofilm formation and motility (P<0.05).In the host cell infection experiment, the cell survival rate increased from 55% to 70%.Furthermore, the susceptibility of ΔclpP to multiple antibiotics increased significantly, with the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values for ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, and amikacin all reduced by half compared to the baseline levels.   Conclusion   This study systematically validated the regulatory role of clpP on multiple critical phenotypes of Bp, including motility, virulence, and antibiotic resistance.The experiments demonstrated that the deletion of clpP simultaneously attenuated bacterial virulence and enhanced its sensitivity to antibiotics. This "dual-effect" characteristic highlights its unique advantage as a potential drug target.This finding suggests that clpP could serve as a crucial target for developing novel antimicrobial strategies, providing a new research direction for the prevention and control of Bp infections.

Objective: To investigate the effects of astaxanthin on liver function and liver fibrosis in hepatitis B (HBV) rats, and to analyze its relationship with the sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1)/sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) pathway. Methods: HBV rat models were established and assigned into HBV group, astaxanthin-low, medium and high dose (astaxanthin-L, M, H) groups, and astaxanthin-H+SphK1 activator PMA (astaxanthin-H+PMA) groups, with 12 rats in each group. Another 12 rats were taken as the control (CK) group. The liver function indicators, fibrosis indicators, HBV markers, and inflammatory factor indicators were detected by ELISA. The pathological changes of liver tissue were detected by HE staining. Masson staining was conducted to detect liver tissue fibrosis. In addition, the protein expression was detected by Western blot. Results: The hepatocytes of rats in the CK group were arranged radially, with an orderly structure, and there was no obvious swelling or infiltration of inflammatory cells. In the HBV group, the hepatocytes of rats were randomly arranged, the nucleoli shrank, and obvious inflammatory cell infiltration and punctate necrosis occurred. Compared with the CK group, the alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), laminin (LN), hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type Ⅲ (PCⅢ), hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Ishak scores, collagen volume fraction, and the expressions of SphK1 and S1P in the HBV group were higher (P<0.05). Compared with the HBV group, the ALT, AST, LN, HA, PCⅢ, HBeAg, HBsAg, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, Ishak scores, collagen volume fraction, and the expressions of SphK1 and S1P in the astaxanthin-L, M and H groups were lower (P<0.05). Compared with the astaxanthin-H group, the ALT, AST, LN, HA, PCⅢ, HBeAg, HBsAg, IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, Ishak scores, collagen volume fraction, and the expressions of SphK1 and S1P in the astaxanthin-H+PMA group were higher (P<0.05). Conclusion: The inhibitory effect of astaxanthin on liver tissue fibrosis and its improvement on liver function in HBV rats may be achieved by inhibiting the SphK1/S1P pathway.

Abstract: Chikungunya fever is a viral infectious disease transmitted by the bite of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mos⁃
quitoes. It is widely prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease first broke out in Tanzania in 1952, and between
1952 and 2003, it was only endemc in Africa, Southeast and South Asia, however, since the outbreak of the disease in the Indi⁃
an Ocean region in 2004, the epidemic has spread to Africa, Asia, Americas, Oceania, and Europe. As of the end of 2024, indig⁃
enous epidemics of chikungunya fever had occurred in 119 countries and regions around the world, and about three-quarters of
the global population is at risk of infection by chikungunya virus (CHIKV). It has evolved into a globally rampant vector-borne
infectious disease. The continuous expansion of the distribution areas of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, along with the en⁃
hanced adability of CHIKV to these mosquito vectors, and increased transmission efficiency, are the main causes of the pan⁃
demic of the disease. Since the beginning of 2025, outbreaks of the disease have resurfaced and shown a trend of diffusion in
the Indian Ocean region, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia. Indigenous outbreak of the disease were occurred in
Guangdong Province, China, 2025. Recently, the World Health Organization has an alert, urging member countries to strength⁃
en their preparedness to deal with the epidemic. In this context, mastering the global epidemic situation of chikungunya fever,
CHIKV genotypes, and factors influencing transmission, and further strengthening surveillance of imported cases and vector Ae⁃
des mosquitoes, prevention of cross-border transmission, and local outbreaks are important tasks currently facing China. This
paper provides a review of the relevant research progress.

fever outbreak in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, in 2025, providing empirical evidence to continuously improve the
investigation and response to locally acquired chikungunya fever outbreaks. Methods Field epidemiological investigation
methods were employed to collect case information and emergency monitoring data on mosquito vector density from a local
chikungunya fever outbreak in Fujian Province in 2025. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the
epidemic features. WPS Office software was utilized for statistical analysis of indicators including the epidemiological
distribution of cases (time, place, and person), symptom profiles, and mosquito vector density. Results From August 24 to
September 10, 2025, a local chikungunya fever outbreak occurred in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, with a total of 164
confirmed cases. The median interval from onset to diagnosis was 1 (1, 2) days. This outbreak exhibited a typical unimodal
distribution pattern, characterized by the coexistence of high clustering and sporadic cases. The virus demonstrated effective
transmissibility across different populations and age groups. All 164 cases were mild, with no severe or fatal cases; 23 cases
(14.02%) concurrently presented with fever, rash, and arthralgia. Following the activation of the emergency response and the
implementation of comprehensive adult mosquito control measures in risk areas, both the Breteau Index and adult mosquito
density fell below the safety threshold within 3 days, and the outbreak was effectively contained within 4 weeks.
Conclusion Chikungunya fever spreads rapidly. Establishing a more sensitive surveillance case definition is crucial for
achieving early case detection. A prompt response at the initial stage of the outbreak, together with organizing coordinated and
efficient mosquito control operations in risk areas, are core measures for successfully interrupting the transmission chain of
mosquito-borne diseases such as chikungunya fever and dengue fever.

Abstract: Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of chikungunya fever in
Nanhai District, Foshan City, Guangdong Province in 2025, and to provide a reference for the development of local prevention
and control measures. Methods A descriptive epidemiological analysis was conducted on 1 274 local cases. Chi-square
tests, non-parametric tests, correlation and regression analyses were employed to examine the temporal, spatial, and
demographic distribution, urban-rural disparities, the impact of population density, and the timeliness of case diagnosis.
Results The epidemic lasted for 130 days, peaking in July. It affected 199 villages/communities across 7 towns/subdistricts,
with Guicheng accounting for 46.94% of cases. The proportion of affected villages/communities was significantly higher in
urban communities (92.96%) than in rural communities (61.01%) (P<0.001). Local transmission predominated (94.8%), yet the
urban-rural distribution differed: locally acquired cases were more prevalent in rural communities (59.4%), whereas imported
cases were concentrated in urban communities (66.7%) (P<0.001). Case count and density both correlated strongly with
population density (r=0.860 and 0.865, P<0.05); for every 1000 people/km⊃2; increase in population density, an estimated 54
additional cases occurred. Cluster outbreaks (90 events, 73.55% of cases) were more common in urban settings (P<0.001).
Cases were predominantly male (53.38%) and aged 30–39 years. Occupationally, homemakers, the unemployed, and retirees
constituted the largest groups. The mean time from onset to diagnosis was (2.17±1.31) days. Diagnosis delay was associated with
infection acquired outside the district, diagnosis rendered outside the district, case reporting from primary-level medical
institutions, and a healthcare-seeking distance of ≥20 km (P<0.05). Mosquito vector surveillance indicated that the density of
Aedes albopictus had already exceeded the transmission risk threshold during the early phase of the epidemic (June–July).
Conclusion The epidemic showed significant spatial clustering and pronounced urban-rural disparities. High population
density was the key risk factor driving epidemic spread. Urban communities faced a higher incidence risk and a greater
frequency of cluster outbreaks, and served as the main gateway for imported cases; rural communities, by contrast, were the
principal zone of local transmission. Diagnostic delays highlighted deficiencies in cross-regional coordination, primary-care
diagnostic capacity, and healthcare accessibility. Differentiated prevention and control strategies are recommended, along with
strengthened regional joint-prevention mechanisms and primary-level capacity building.

after the emergency response to dengue and chikungunya outbreaks in Hainan Province in 2025, and to explore rational
insecticide application strategies for short-term outbreak recurrence. Methods In 2025, Aedes albopictus larvae were
collected from the core areas of dengue fever and chikungunya fever outbreaks in Haikou, Wuzhishan, and Sanya before and
after emergency response and disposal. The collected larvae were reared under laboratory conditions to the first-filial-
generation adults. Insecticide resistance was assessed by the adult contact diagnostic dose method, with adult mortality used
to evaluate resistance changes following outbreak disposal. The χ2 test was employed to analyze changes in Aedes albopictus
mortality to insecticides, and Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine inter-insecticide associations.
Results Prior to emergency response and disposal, Aedes albopictus populations from Haikou, Sanya and Wuzhishan cities
demonstrated suspected resistance to propoxur, with97.53%、96.67% and 95.35% mortality; populations from Haikou and
Wuzhishan cities showed resistance to fenitrothion, with mortality rates of 75.32% and 70.37%; the Sanya population
demonstrated susceptibility to fenitrothion, with a mortality rate of 98.78%; populations from Haikou, Sanya and Wuzhishan
cities demonstrated resistance to deltamethrin, permethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin. Following emergency response and
disposal, resistance-associated mortality further declined across populations. In Haikou City, mortality to propoxur decreased
to 53.49%. Mortality to fenitrothion showed a significant decrease (χ2=4.32, P<0.05), while mortality to deltamethrin,
permethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin remained unchanged. In Wuzhishan City, mortality to all tested insecticides declined, with
significant decreases observed for propoxur and permethrin (χ2=5.65 and 29.6, respectively; P<0.05 for both). In Sanya City,
the resistance level to fenitrothion increased, with mortality rising to 95.29%; mortality to propoxur, deltamethrin, permethrin,
and lambda-cyhalothrin declined, with significant decreases observed for propoxur, deltamethrin, and permethrin (χ2=7.61,
21.90, and 54.70, respectively; P<0.05 for all). A very strong positive correlation was observed between mortality to
deltamethrin and fenitrothion (r=0.789, 0.05<P=0.062<0.1). No significant correlations were observed among mortality rates to
the other insecticides (P>0.1). Conclusion Large-scale insecticide application during the epidemic response exacerbated the
resistance of Aedes albopictus to insecticides. It is recommended that, during short-term outbreak recurrence, insecticide
application be guided by resistance profiles, environmental management measures such as breeding site elimination be
strengthened, and insecticide use be strategically reduced to slow the development of resistance.

Abstract: Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed chikungunya fever cases reported in
Sichuan Province in 2025, with a focus on the epidemiological features and emergency response to the first local outbreak in a
county of Sichuan Province in October, and to provide a scientific basis for the surveillance, early warning, prevention, and
control of mosquito -borne infectious diseases. Methods Case data were derived from individual records of confirmed
chikungunya fever cases with current residence in Sichuan Province reported in 2025 through the National Notifiable Infectious
Disease Reporting Information Management System, as well as epidemiological investigation reports of cases involved in the
outbreak. Data collation and statistical analysis were performed using Excel 2016 software. Results In 2025, a total of 363
confirmed cases of Chikungunya fever were reported in Sichuan Province, of which 341 (93.94%) were locally acquired. The
incidence peaked in October, accounting for 326 cases (89.81%). Nanchong City reported the highest number of cases (302,
83.20%), exhibiting a unimodal outbreak pattern. The county-level outbreak documented 282 confirmed cases, with a male-tofemale
ratio of 0.71∶1 and a mean age of 46.03±25.07years. Farmers accounted for the largest occupational group (49.65%).
Cases were mostly localized in the county's urban area, accounting for 271 cases (96.10%). The epidemic persisted for 12 days,
demonstrating a fast onset and prompt remission. The predominant clinical manifestation was arthralgia (85.11%), followed by
fever (64.54%) and rash (30.50%); only 17.02% of cases presented with the classic triad of symptoms simultaneously. Through
a four-tier coordinated command system, grid-based management, and expedited mosquito vector treatment, the Breteau Index
(BI) and net trap index (NTI) declined rapidly to safe levels, facilitating prompt containment of the epidemic. All cases received
timely treatment, with no severe cases or deaths. Conclusion The 2025 chikungunya fever epidemic in Sichuan Province
exhibited a distinct seasonal peak and pronounced local clustering. The epidemic signifies that chikungunya fever has
established local transmission in Category II inland regions of China, marked by rapid onset and unusual clinical presentations.
Enhancing early monitoring throughout the epidemic season, improving clinical recognition capacity, and establishing an
efficient emergency response system and precise mosquito vector control framework are essential for controlling mosquitoborne
infectious illnesses.

Abstract： Objective　To deeply analyze the epidemiological characteristics and trends of hepatitis E among the elderly population in eastern China, providing scientific data support for developing regional hepatitis E prevention and control strategies. Methods　Incidence data on hepatitis E among individuals aged 60 years and above in eastern China from 2008 to 2022 were retrieved from China Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Descriptive methods were used to analyze the epidemiological distribution of the disease. Joinpoint regression analysis was performed to examine the temporal trends in reported incidence and age-standardized incidence rates. An age-period-cohort model was conducted to assess the independent effects of age, period, and birth cohort. Results　The average annual age-standardized reported incidence rate (ASRIR) of hepatitis E among the elderly population was 5.42/100 000 in eastern China, which was higher in males (7.81/    100 000) than in females (3.17/100 000). From 2008 to 2022, the ASRIR of hepatitis E in the elderly showed a downward trend in eastern China, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of -3.33% (-5.22%~1.41%, P=0.003), and -4.19%         (-6.01%~2.33%, P<0.001) for males and -1.50% (-4.56%~1.67%, P=0.351) for females, respectively. The age-period-cohort analysis showed that the risk of hepatitis E decreased with age in the elderly in eastern China, with RR declining from 1.28 (95%CI: 1.17-1.41) in the 60-<65 years old group to 0.45 (95%CI: 0.38-0.53) in the ≥85 years old group. The period effect showed incidence of hepatitis E in the elderly showed a continuous downward trend from 2008 to 2022, with RR decreasing from 1.06 (95%CI: 0.99-1.13) in 2008-2012 to 0.70 (95%CI: 0.65-0.75) in 2018-2022. The cohort effect demonstrated the later the birth cohort, the lower the risk, with the higest RR in the 1923-1927 birth cohort (RR=2.88, 95%CI: 2.01-4.13) and the lowest in the 1953-1957 cohort (RR=0.63, 95%CI: 0.55-0.72). Conclusion　From 2008 to 2022, the ASRIR of hepatitis E among the elderly population showed a declining trend in eastern China. It is necessary to strengthen the monitoring of the changing trend of hepatitis E in the elderly male, and take targeted prevention and control measures to actively respond to the epidemic of hepatitis E in the elderly.

Abstract： Objective　To analyze the investigation and disposal process of the first local chikungunya fever(CHIKF) case in Shanghai, and to provide reference for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CHIKF. Methods　Epidemiological investigation was adopted for the case survey. Viral nucleic acid was detected by multiplex real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Risk areas of the epidemic foci were demarcated, and Aedes density monitoring was conducted using Breteau index method, double net trap method and BG-Trap method. Results　The case presented symptoms such as fever, arthralgia, conjunctival hyperemia and rash; blood routine showed decreased white blood cell count and increased C-reactive protein. Laboratory test indicated that the Chikungunya virus nucleic acid was positive (Ct value: 21.92), and gene sequencing results showed that the virus strain was consistent with that of the imported case in the same community, both belonging to the East/Central/South African genotype. From October 10th, 2025 to the end of the epidemic, the mosquito vector density reached the safe level [Breteau index<5, tent trapping index<0.9 mosquitoes/(tent⋅hour)] in both the core area and the warning area of the epidemic site. The epidemic was finally ended on October 31st. Conclusion　The case is the first local CHIKF case in Shanghai. Early detection and isolation of the case, efficient implementation of mosquito vector monitoring and disinfection, and multi-department joint prevention and control are the keys to effectively curbing the local epidemic of CHIKF. 

Abstract: Objective　To verify the diagnostic efficacy of Mycobacterium tuberculosis nucleic acid colloidal gold technology (PCR colloidal gold assay) for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in sputum samples of clinical pulmonary tuberculosis patients, to evaluate the diagnostic value of PCR colloidal gold assay for tuberculosis. Methods　Sputum samples from 239 active pulmonary tuberculosis patients registered in four designated tuberculosis medical institutions were collected in Nantong City between July 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025. The same sputum samples were tested for Mycobacterium tuberculosis using sputum smear microscopy, GeneXpert, and PCR colloidal gold assay. The differences in positive rates were compared among the three methods for different types of patients, the diagnostic efficacy of PCR colloidal gold assay was evaluated, with GeneXpert results and clinical comprehensive diagnosis as reference standards. Results　Among the 239 pulmonary tuberculosis patients, 111 cases (46.44%) were diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (pathogen-positive), and 128 cases (53.56%) were clinically diagnosed (pathogen-negative). The positive rate was 30.96% (74/239) of sputum smear microscopy, was 43.93% (105/239) of GeneXpert method, and was 51.05% (122/239) of PCR colloidal gold assay. There was a statistically significant difference in positive detection rates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis among at least two methods (P<0.001). Further analysis revealed that in the overall patients, positive detection rates for Mycobacterium tuberculosis by GeneXpert method and PCR colloidal gold assay were higher than that by sputum smear microscopy, with statistically significant differences, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the GeneXpert method and PCR colloidal gold assay. Using GeneXpert detection as the standard, the sensitivity of the PCR colloidal gold assay and smear microscopy were 96.19%(95%CI: 90.53%-98.95%) and 66.67%(95%CI:56.80%-75.57%), respectively; the specificity were 84.33%(95%CI:77.05%-90.03%) and 97.01%(95%CI:92.53%-99.18%), respectively; the positive predictive values were 82.79%(95%CI:75.07%-88.93%) and 94.59%(95%CI:86.76%-98.51%), respectively; and the negative predictive values were 96.58%(95%CI:91.56%-99.06%) and 78.79%(95%CI:71.89%-84.70%), respectively. The overall consistency between PCR colloidal gold assay and GeneXpert was good (Kappa=0.791), significantly higher than that of smear microscopy (Kappa=0.658). With clinical diagnosis results as the reference standard, the sensitivity of the PCR colloidal gold asasay was 95.50%(95%CI：89.97%-98.54%), the specificity was 87.50%(95%CI：80.50%-92.73%), the concordance was 91.21%(95%CI：86.77%-94.61%), and the Kappa value was 0.825(95%CI：0.758-0.892). Conclusion　The PCR colloidal gold assay showed high consistency with clinical diagnosis, and equivalent comparable diagnostic efficacy to GeneXpert, which can improve the positive detection rate of sputum samples from suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The method offers convenience, visual readout, low cost, simple in steps, and have low requirements for laboratory conditions, making it suitable for widespread application in primary medical institutions as an early clinical pulmonary tuberculosis diagnostic method.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, spatiotemporal distribution patterns, and risk factors for local transmission of chikungunya cases in Shenzhen City in 2025, providing scientific evidence for precise prevention and control of mosquito-borne diseases in megacities. Methods Analyzed the sociodemographic and spatiotemporal distribution of cases; used Spearman's cross-correlation and negative binomial regression to examine the lagged association between incidence and population inflow.Global and local spatial autocorrelation analyses together with hotspot shift analysis were conducted to explore street-level spatial clustering and evolutionary characteristics. Logistic regression models were used to identify risk factors for local transmission of imported cases. Results In 2025, a total of 818 chikungunya fever cases were reported in Shenzhen, comprising 313 imported cases and 505 locally acquired cases.Imported cases were mainly from Foshan and Guangzhou in Guangdong Province (125 cases, accounting for 39.94%), and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region was the predominant source outside Guangdong Province (59 cases, 18.85%).The male-to-female ratio was 1:0.6, with cases predominantly occurring among working-age adults aged 20-49 years (65.6%). By occupation, workers accounted for 28.1% of all cases.The cases occurred from July to December, with an epidemic curve showing a unimodal distribution. The peak of onset was observed on October 11 (54 cases, accounting for 6.6% of the total).The incidence of chikungunya fever in Shenzhen showed a 6-day lagged association with population inflow (Spearman r=0.164, P=0.0387). For every 10,000 increase in population inflow, the daily number of cases after 6 days increased by 4.2% (IRR=1.042, 95%CI: 1.026-1.060).Cases exhibited significant spatial clustering. The global Moran's I value was 0.3329 (Z = 4.94, P < 0.001) for imported cases and 0.2534 (Z = 3.59, P < 0.001) for locally acquired cases, respectively.Over time, the epidemic hotspots in the city shifted from the peripheral areas toward the central urban area. Residence in urban villages was an independent risk factor for local transmission (OR=4.472, 95%CI: 1.928–11.739), while arthralgia symptoms (OR=0.459, 95%CI: 0.224–0.940)and self-medication (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.04-0.93, likelihood ratio test P=0.037) were protective factors. Conclusion The chikungunya fever epidemic in Shenzhen was driven by population inflow from the Pearl River Delta region, forming high-risk clusters in central urban areas. Residence in urban villages significantly increases the risk of local transmission and should be prioritized for prevention and control. Arthralgia and self-medication reduce transmission, but mild cases pose a higher occult risk, necessitating enhanced health education and surveillance. It is recommended to establish cross-regional collaborative surveillance, focus on vector control in urban villages, and strictly implement mosquito bite prevention and isolation measures for mild cases.

Objective  To analyze the changing trend and spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of the reported incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with diabetes in Jiangsu Province, and to guide the formulation of scientific prevention and control strategies and measures. Methods  Medical record data of pulmonary tuberculosis complicated with diabetes cases in Jiangsu Province from 2018 to 2023 were collected from the "Tuberculosis Management Information System" in the "China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention" to describe the characteristics of temporal, population and spatial distribution. Joinpoint 4.9.1.0 software was used to analyze the changing trend of the reported incidence rate, Geoda 1.22.0 software was applied to conduct spatial autocorrelation analysis at the county level, and SaTScan 10.3.3 software was used for spatio-temporal scanning analysis. Results  A total of 6781 PTB-DM cases were reported in Jiangsu Province from 2018 to 2023, with an average annual reported incidence rate of 1.34 per 100,000 population. The reported incidence rate showed an upward trend (AAPC=12.66%, P<0.05). The regions with the highest annual reported incidence rates were Gaochun District of Nanjing (6.79 per 100,000), Hanjiang District of Yangzhou (5.28 per 100,000), and Guangling District (4.84 per 100,000). Among PTB-DM patients, males accounted for 81.39% (5,519/6,781); the highest proportion was in the ≥70-year-old age group at 28.05% (1,902/6,781); and farmers constituted the largest occupational group at 55.42% (3,758/6,781). The results of global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that except for 2022, the reported incidence rates of PTB-DM in other years showed significant positive spatial correlation (Moran's I: 0.066-0.287, P<0.05). The results of local autocorrelation analysis showed that there were high-high clustering areas in the reported incidence rate of PTB-DM from 2018 to 2023, mainly distributed in southern and central Jiangsu. The results of spatiotemporal scanning analysis showed that there were 13 clustering areas of two types from 2018 to 2023. Among them, one type of clustering area covered 28 counties and districts, distributed in Nanjing City, Wuxi City, Zhenjiang City, Changzhou City, Taizhou City and Yangzhou City, with the clustering time being 2021-2023. Conclusion  From 2018 to 2023, the reported incidence rate of PTB-DM in Jiangsu Province showed an upward trend, and men, the elderly and farmers are the key populations for prevention and control. The reported incidence of PTB-DM has spatial aggregation, and the hot spots are mainly distributed in southern and central Jiangsu.

Abstract: Objective　To establish a rapid and efficient liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for screening and quantitative analysis of 12 target compounds in biological samples from patients suspected of anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning. Methods    A total of 100 μL serum or urine samples were directly extracted using a mixture of methanol and acetonitrile. The separation was performed on an Atlantis T3 column (150 × 2.1 mm, 3 μm) with a gradient elution using ammonium acetate solution (5 mM) and acetonitrile. Mass spectrometry analysis was conducted in the negative electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The method was comprehensively validated for linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision, and it was applied to the clinical detection of a critically ill patient in late pregnancy. Results    Method validation demonstrated good linearity (r≥0.997) for all 12 anticoagulant rodenticides within a range of 0-400 μg/L. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were 0.1-0.5 μg/L and 0.3-1.7 μg/L, respectively. Spiked recoveries for blood and urine samples were 79%-129% and 67%-118%, respectively, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 11%, indicating satisfactory accuracy and precision. When applied to clinical cases, the method rapidly detected a concentration of warfarin as high as 1 664 μg/L in the mother's serum and 360 μg/L in the newborn's serum. The maternal-neonatal serum concentration ratio and their respective blood-urine distribution ratios were consistent with the pharmacokinetic characteristics of warfarin. Conclusion    The developed LC-MS/MS method features minimal sample volume, simple pretreatment, fast analysis, high sensitivity, and good accuracy, making it suitable for emergency toxicological screening. The detection of high warfarin concentrations in both maternal and neonatal serum, alongside clinical symptoms and coagulation tests, confirmed warfarin poisoning. This method proved effective for rapid diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring, providing reliable technical support for clinical management and emergency responses to anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning.

Abstract: Objective    Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aaNAT) plays a critical role in regulating various physiological processes in insects, including cuticle sclerotization, limb pigmentation, and oviposition. In Aedes aegypti, the aaNAT gene family has expanded into 13 members, categorized into three subfamilies: canonical insect-type, polyamine NAT-like, and mosquito-specific. Among these, the functional roles of the "polyamine NAT-like" subfamily remain insufficiently understood. Given that polyamines are essential molecules involved in core life processes such as insect development and reproduction, this study focuses on the uncharacterized member aaNAT3 within this subfamily, aiming to elucidate its biochemical properties and spatiotemporal expression patterns, thereby providing insights into the functional roles of this subfamily. Methods    The soluble recombinant aaNAT3 protein was obtained through prokaryotic expression, and an in vitro enzymatic activity assay system was established to screen for substrates. Molecular docking of aaNAT3 with active substrates was performed using AutoDock Vina 1.5.7 software. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was employed to analyze the expression profile of aaNAT3 across different developmental stages and in various tissues of male and female adult mosquitoes. Results    In vitro substrate screening demonstrated that aaNAT3 could not catalyze traditional arylalkylamines such as dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, or L-DOPA. However, it exhibited catalytic activity toward cadaverine, spermine, spermidine, and C₉–C₁₂ long-chain alkyldiamines, including 1,9-diaminononane, 1,10-diaminodecane, 1,11-diaminoundecane, and 1,12-diaminododecane. Molecular docking results indicated that aaNAT3 exhibits high binding affinity for these active substrates, with binding energies ranging from -4.7 to -5.0 kcal/mol, consistent with the in vitro enzymatic activity data. qPCR analysis revealed that aaNAT3 expression was highest overall during the pupal stage and exhibited sex-specific expression patterns in adults: primarily expressed in the cuticle of males and predominantly enriched in the hind legs and wings of females. Conclusion    aaNAT3 is a polyamine-preferring acetyltransferase in Aedes aegypti with a unique substrate spectrum. Its high expression during the pupal stage and sex-specific expression pattern in adults suggest that this enzyme may play a key regulatory role in mosquito pupal development and sex-specific physiological functions of adults, providing new molecular targets and theoretical basis for novel mosquito behavioral intervention strategies based on developmental stages and sex differences.

Abstract: Objective    To investigate the impact of gene silencing of Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRP) in Aedes aegypti larvae on their survival rate following infection with the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, using RNA interference (RNAi) technology. Additionally, the role of PGRP in the innate immunity of Aedes aegypti was explored. Methods    Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was employed to analyze the expression levels of PGRP-LE and PGRP-S1 genes in Aedes aegypti larvae after fungal infection. The relative expression levels of these genes at different developmental stages were also measured. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was used to silence PGRP-LE and PGRP-S1 in the larvae, after which the larvae were challenged with Beauveria bassiana to evaluate the effects of PGRP-LE and PGRP-S1 silencing on mosquito survival. Results    After RNAi-mediated silencing of PGRP-LE and PGRP-S1 in Aedes aegypti, a significant enhancement in the pathogenicity of Beauveria bassiana was observed. The survival rates of the gene-silenced groups dropped sharply to 2.4% and 0%, respectively, compared with 16.67% in the dsGUS control group, with a significant difference between the groups (P<0.05). Conclusion    This study successfully silenced the expression of PGRP-LE and PGRP-S1 genes in Aedes aegypti through RNAi, effectively impairing the mosquito's immune defense. As a result, the biocontrol efficacy of Beauveria bassiana was significantly increased, achieving a markedly lethal effect on Aedes aegypti larvae.

Abstract: Objective   To analyze the characteristics of viral load variations and their influencing factors among patients during the chikungunya fever outbreak in Guangdong Province in 2025, providing a scientific basis for precise assessment and the formulation of intervention and management measures. Methods  Data of Chikungunya fever cases in Guangdong Province from July 18 to November 5, 2025, were extracted from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System and the Guangdong  Provincial Field Epidemiological Investigation System. The cycle threshold (Ct value) obtained from real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR testing of chikungunya virus nucleic acid in case samples was analyzed to examine its variation characteristics over the course of the disease and the influencing factors. Results   A total of 4 409 patients were included in the analysis, with an average age of 39.41±19.98 years and an average Ct value of 25.06±5.52. The distribution of Ct values showed an inverted U-shaped pattern across different age groups. In the multivariate analysis, elderly individuals (≥65 years) had lower Ct values than those aged 18–64 years, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Children (<6 years) also had lower Ct values compared with the 18–64 age group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.093). Ct values gradually increased over time after disease onset, with a more gradual increasing trend in elderly and pediatric populations. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that elderly patients (≥65 years) had lower Ct values (β = -3.21, 95% CI: -3.68 to -2.73), while those from the eastern Guangdong (β = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.37 to 1.28) and those with a longer interval from disease onset to detection (β = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.24) had higher Ct values. After adjusting for basic characteristics, fever (β = -3.06, 95% CI: -4.09 to -2.04) and arthralgia (β = -2.64, 95% CI: -3.60 to -1.69) were associated with lower Ct values, while rash (β = 1.60, 95% CI: 0.78 to 2.41) was associated with higher Ct values. Conclusion   The viral load of Chikungunya patients in Guangdong Province in 2025 varied across different disease courses, age groups, and symptomatic populations, which can be integrated into infection risk assessments. Special attention should be given to elderly and pediatric patients, and timely intervention should be provided for patients presenting with fever and arthralgia.

Abstract: Objective    To evaluate the diagnostic value of nanopore targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) of tissue specimens combined with pathological testing for paucibacillary tuberculosis. Methods    A total of 81 patients with suspected tuberculosis were enrolled. Using the final definitive diagnosis as the standard, the positive rates of tNGS, pathology, GeneXpert, TB-DNA, Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture, and acid-fast staining were compared; the diagnostic efficacies of tNGS, histopathology, and the combined detection were evaluated. Results    Among the 81 cases, 67 were ultimately confirmed as active tuberculosis. Based on definitive diagnosis and regarding two categories of tuberculosis pathological diagnosis as positive indicators, the positive rates of tNGS, pathology, GeneXpert, TB-DNA, Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture, and acid-fast staining were 85.07%, 70.15%, 36.67%, 21.88%, 8.89%, and 7.14%, respectively. The differences between tNGS and other methods were statistically significant (P<0.05). The combination of tNGS and pathology showed a higher diagnostic value compared to individual methods, with an area under the curve of 0.899, sensitivity of 94.03%, specificity of 85.71%, and Kappa value of 0.755. An increase in tNGS read count was significantly associated with a higher proportion of tuberculosis diagnoses, and the final diagnostic composition varied significantly across different read count ranges (χ⊃2;=22.352, P=0.0004). As the number of detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis sequences increased in the pathological tissues, the proportions of necrotic lesions and hyperplasia gradually rose; necrotic changes were most prominent in the group with sequence reads ≥10 000 reads, showing statistically significant differences (χ⊃2;=15.338, P=0.009 0). Conclusion    When detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in tissue lesions, tNGS demonstrates higher sensitivity than traditional methods. The combination of tNGS and pathology exhibits superior diagnostic efficacy. The read count of tNGS serves as a promising trend indicator for supporting tuberculosis diagnosis.

Abstract: Objective    To establish a universal real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method for rapid and specific detection of all lineages of the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV). Methods    Specific primers and  TaqMan probes were designed and synthesized targeting the major CHIKV lineages, including the Asian genotype, the East-Central-South African (ECSA) genotype—Central African clade, the ECSA genotype—Indian Ocean lineage, and the West African genotype. A real-time RT-PCR detection system was subsequently established. The specificity, repeatability, reproducibility, and limit of detection (LOD) of the method were systematically evaluated and validated. Finally, the developed assay was applied to clinical samples for validation. Results    A pan-lineage real-time RT-PCR assay for CHIKV detection was successfully developed. The sensitivity of the assay reached 200 copies/mL for all three major CHIKV lineages. The coefficients of variation (CVs) for repeatability were 1.51%, 0.95%, 0.97%, and 0.69%, and those for reproducibility were 0.76%, 1.57%, 1.07%, and 1.08%, demonstrating excellent repeatability and reproducibility. Specificity testing showed no cross-reactivity with dengue virus (serotypes 1–4), Zika virus, or yellow fever virus genes, confirming good specificity. In a prospective clinical evaluation of 1 740 samples, the assay correctly identified all 24 CHIKV-positive samples, with a detection rate of 100% (24/24) and Ct values ranging from 18 to 35. Notably, no false positives were detected in the remaining 1 716 CHIKV-negative samples, which comprised a challenging panel of 64 dengue virus-positive cases, 76 malaria-positive cases, and 1 576 other negative controls. This demonstrates the method's excellent clinical sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion   The real-time RT-PCR method established in this study enables rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of CHIKV, and is suitable for early clinical diagnosis of CHIKV infection.

Abstract: Objective    To investigate the diversity of species, distribution characteristics, and genetic evolutionary relationships of mosquitoes in Guizhou Province, a mosquito population survey and phylogenetic analysis were conducted across multiple regions, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of mosquito-borne infectious diseases in the area. Methods    Female mosquitoes were collected using methods such as ultraviolet light traps, BG-Trap CO₂ mosquito traps, and the human landing catch method. Specimens were morphologically identified, and representative samples, as well as individuals difficult to identify, were selected for tissue DNA extraction. A fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced. Multiple sequence alignment was performed using BioEdit 7.0 software, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA 12.0 software to analyze the genetic relationships and geographical origins of different mosquito species. Results    A total of 20 739 female mosquitoes were collected, primarily from cattle sheds (12 980) and pigsties (6 785). Combined morphological and molecular identification revealed 10 species belonging to 4 genera. Armigeres subalbatus (43.7%), Anopheles sinensis (29.4%), and Culex tritaeniorhynchus (21.7%) were the dominant species across the province. Geographically, Anopheles sinensis, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Armigeres subalbatus were widespread throughout the province, while Culex tritaeniorhynchus was distributed in all regions except Liupanshui. The remaining species (For example, Lutzia vorax and Culex bhutanensis were collected in Anshun City, while Anopheles minimus and Culex murrelli were collected in Qiannan Prefecture. Aedes vexans npponii was recorded in both Anshun City and Qiannan Prefecture.) were only collected in specific areas. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the COI sequences of Anopheles sinensis, Armigeres subalbatus, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Culex murrelli clustered with reference strains from China, suggesting that these species have formed stable populations in Guizhou Province and other domestic regions. Lutzia vorax and Anopheles minimus not only clustered with domestic strains but also fell within the same clade as foreign strains. In contrast, Aedes vexans npponii and Culex bhutanensis clustered with geographical strains from countries such as Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Bhutan, respectively, indicating their presence and formation of small local populations, which may suggest a risk of introduction from abroad. Conclusion    Mosquito species in Guizhou Province are relatively diverse and widely distributed, with clearly defined dominant species. Lutzia vorax is a newly recorded species in Guizhou Province, and Culex bhutanensis is a newly recorded species in China. The potential introduction of certain species from abroad may increase the transmission risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

Abstract: The Expert Consensus on the Construction Standards of Heat Stroke Medical Rescue Systems (2025) represents the first guiding document in China to systematically construct a full-process rescue system for heat stroke. In the context of increasing risks of heat stroke under global warming, this consensus aims to “reduce incidence rate, improve treatment success rates, and enhance long-term prognosis” by proposing an integrated prevention and control strategy covering “prevention-pre-hospital emergency care-in-hospital treatment-rehabilitation-chronic disease management.” Its core components focus on four key dimensions: promoting the shift of the prevention threshold forward to "heat not causing illness"; strengthening pre-hospital emergency care with "golden half-hour" rapid cooling; establishing a multidisciplinary in-hospital treatment system; and incorporating rehabilitation and chronic disease management into the standardized pathway for the first time. The consensus further clarifies standardized construction requirements, including a four-tier rescue network structure, the setup of dedicated rescue units, and the establishment of heat tolerance testing laboratories, with the goal of achieving systematic, standardized, and homogeneous heat stroke prevention and treatment. The implementation of this consensus provides critical guidance for addressing health threats posed by extreme climate events and enhancing national public health emergency response capabilities.

Abstract: Objective    To obtain near-full-length HIV sequences using near-full-length gene amplification combined with next-generation sequencing, and to identify their recombination forms. Methods    From two newly reported HIV-1 infected individuals in Liaoning Province in 2023 harboring potential URFs, near-full-length viral genomes were amplified from target samples using semi-genomic amplification technology. Near-full-length HIV genome sequences were acquired by next-generation sequencing (NGS), which underwent recombination analysis using SimPlot and BootScan. Recombination fragments were validated through segmented phylogenetic trees. Results    Two full-length sequences were ultimately obtained with lengths of 9 261 bp and 9 073 bp, covering all HIV structural genes. Phylogenetic and recombination analyses revealed that both sequences (LNJZ230022 and LNDL230042) possessed an HIV-1 subtype B backbone. LNJZ230022 sequence incorporated CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE gene fragments, with recombination occurring in gag and env regions and breakpoints at positions 803, 1 147, 2 120, 6 323, 7 758, and 9 274 (HXB2). LNDL230042 was inserted by CRF07_BC gene fragments, with recombination regions in vpr and env and breakpoints at 779, 5 608, 5 870, 6 745, 7 541, and 9073 (HXB2). Sample LNDL230042 exhibited an N88T mutation at position 88 in the PR region, classified as moderate resistance, and an F53L mutation at position 53, indicating low-level resistance. Sample LNJZ230022 exhibited no resistance mutations. Conclusion    The two novel HIV-1 URFs identified in newly infected individuals in Liaoning Province reflect the complex co-circulation of subtype B, CRF07_BC, and CRF01_AE strains. By employing NGS to assemble full-length HIV genomes, we successfully identified two URFs from HIV-infected individuals in Liaoning and conducted detailed characterization of their recombination patterns. This approach captured large-scale recombination events in the env gp120 region, providing a critical molecular foundation for understanding recombination and immune escape in locally circulating strains. This study not only expands our understanding of HIV-1 genetic diversity and recombination trends in Liaoning Province but also demonstrates the feasibility and importance of using NGS to obtain near-full-length sequences for precise monitoring of novel circulating recombinant HIV-1 strains.

Chikungunya fever, as an important arthropod-borne infectious disease, is intrinsically linked to cross-border transmission and population mobility. This article systematically reviews research progress in China on the association between overseas labor export and the risk of chikungunya virus importation. It is found that China's overseas labor export shows a significant regional concentration feature, with Asia (especially Southeast Asia) and Africa being the main destinations, jointly accounting for approximately 80% of the total. Concurrently, Guangdong Province, as the main entry point for returning laborers, shows high concentration of laborers returning from Asia and Africa. Based on the global chikungunya fever epidemic data from 2020 to 2024 and traceability results from a 2025 outbreak in Guangdong Province, it is suggested that the return of overseas laborers is a key route for virus importation. Due to high exposure risk, delayed detection during entry quarantine, and delayed medical treatment upon returning home, laborers from chikungunya fever-endemic areas such as Southeast Asia and Africa have become a critical vulnerable link in the importation and transmission chain of arthropod-borne diseases in China, especially in Guangdong Province. In the future, it is necessary to strengthen multi-departmental collaboration and multi-source data integration, enhance the quarantine and epidemiological research on overseas laborers at ports of entry, and establish an arthropod-borne infectious disease importation risk assessment system based on the domestic and overseas mobility patterns, thereby providing scientific support for the effective prevention and control of local outbreaks of arthropod-borne infectious diseases.