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Abstract Background Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) plays a key role in the onset of cervical cancer. This study was designed to examine the epidemiological trends and genotype distribution of HPV from 2014 to 2023 in the plateau region of Southwest China. Methods The findings could offer valuable insights for clinical screening of cervical cancer and the formulation of HPV vaccination policies. This retrospective study analyzed 66,000 women who received HPV-DNA testing at the First People’s Hospital of Qujing, Yunnan, China, between 2014 and 2023. The cohort consisted of 33,512 outpatients, 3,816 inpatients, and 28,672 individuals undergoing health examinations. Cervical cells were collected for DNA extraction, and PCR amplification along with Luminex xMAP technology were used to detect 27 HPV genotypes. The data analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism and IBM SPSS Statistics 27 software. Results The overall HPV infection rate at the First People’s Hospital of Qujing declined from 24.92% in 2014 to 16.29% in 2023, averaging 16.02%. Specific infection rates were 18.50% among outpatients, 12.97% among inpatients, and 13.53% for health examination attendees. The predominant high-risk HPV genotypes identified were HPV52 (2.61%), HPV16 (2.06%), HPV58 (1.81%), HPV53 (1.55%), and HPV39 (1.09%). Meanwhile, the most frequent low-risk HPV genotypes were HPV6 (1.30%), HPV61 (1.21%), and HPV11 (0.85%). In HPV-positive cases, the distribution of single, double, triple, and quadruple or more infections were 79.90%, 15.17%, 3.59%, and 1.33%, respectively. The proportions of pure LR-HPV, pure HR-HPV, and mixed infections were 22.16%, 67.82%, and 10.02%, respectively. Age-specific analysis revealed a bimodal distribution of HPV infection, with the infection rate rapidly decreasing from 44.02% in the ≤ 19 age group to 19.55% in the 20–29 age group and 13.84% in the 30–39 age group, followed by a gradual increase to 14.64% in the 40–49 age group, 16.65% in the 50–59 age group, and 22.98% in the ≥ 60 age group. The coverage rates of the three available vaccines are all below 50%. The results of this study indicated a declining trend in HPV prevalence in the plateau region of Southwest China over the period from 2014 to 2023, especially in the reduction of genotypes targeted by vaccines. Conclusion There were significant variations in the genotypes prevalent among different age groups, years, and patient sources within the same region. The underwhelming vaccination rates emphasize the critical need for developing either a multivalent vaccine or a personalized vaccine that targets the HPV genotypes common in the Chinese population. Furthermore, vaccinating adolescents to curb HPV infection and ensuring regular cervical cancer screenings for postmenopausal women are crucial steps.

Abstract Background We investigated the activity of loureirin B against liver fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) from Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with different concentrations of loureirin B. We used the MTT assay to determine HSC proliferation, flow cytometry to analyze apoptosis, and western blot to determine the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Wnt1 and β-catenin. Real-time PCR was used to determine the expressions of Wnt1 and miR-148-3p. Results The MTT assay showed that loureirin B treatment significantly inhibited the proliferation of HSCs in time- and dose-dependent manners. Loureirin B significantly promoted the apoptosis of HSCs, increased the expression of Bax and decreased the Bcl-2 level. Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin were obviously lower in the loureirin B treatment group than in the control group. We also found that loureirin B could decrease the Wnt1 mRNA level and increase miR-148-3p expression. Knockdown of miR-148-3p using inhibitor could reverse the effects of loureirin B on the proliferation and apoptosis of HSCs and the expressions of Bax, Bcl-2, Wnt1 and β-catenin. Conclusion Our results suggest that loureirin B inhibited the proliferation and promoted the apoptosis of HSCs, and suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via regulation of miR-148-3p.

Abstract Introduction Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that can potentially be managed through acupressure. Our clinical observations have identified Allergic Rhinitis Acupressure Therapeutic (ARAT) as a novel acupressure treatment acting on specific acupoints, which may enhance the effectiveness of acupressure. Therefore, we propose a three-arm randomized controlled trial will be conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of ARAT for perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). Methods/design In this trial, eligible 111 participants diagnosed with PAR will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the ARAT group, the non-specific acupoints group, or the blank control group. The primary outcome will be the change in the total nasal symptom score, and the secondary outcomes will include: 1) changes in the scores of the standard version of Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQs); 2) acoustic rhinometry and anterior rhinomanometry; 3) changes in the scores of relief medication usage; 4) incidence of adverse events. Additionally, we will measure and compare the changes in cytokine levels (IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ, and TSLP) in nasal secretions. The RQLQs and primary outcomes will be assessed at the beginning, middle, and end stages of the treatment period, with monthly follow-ups conducted over a total of three months. The secondary outcomes and biomarkers in nasal secretions will be measured at the beginning and end of the treatment period. Any adverse events or need for rescue medication will be carefully noted and recorded. Discussion This study may produce a new acupressure treatment prescription that is easy to learn, more targeted, and adaptable. This trial represents the first clinical investigation comparing ARAT treatment for PAR with the non-specific acupoints group and blank control group. Our data is expected to provide evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of ARAT for PAR patients, while also exploring the functional mechanism underlying ARAT treatment, moreover, the results offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals in managing PAR symptoms. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300072292. Registered on June 08, 2023.

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain are common facial diseases which cause depression, anxiety, insomnia, and poor quality of life. However, currently there are still no effective therapies to treat HFS and TMJ. Electroacupuncture (EA) has advantages of safety, rapid work, easy operation and convenience. Here, we reported a case of a 50-year-old woman who presented with irregular spasm of eyelids and facial muscles on the left side, and TMJ pain on the right side. The patient had been treated with carbamazepine (20mg per day) and alternative therapies for a year, but still not much improvement in the symptoms. The scores of the Jankovic Rating Scale (JRS), global rating scale (GRS), and visual analog scale (VAS) were 7, 60, and 7 points, respectively. The EMG test showed that the spastic side had higher R1 amplitude, longer R2 duration, and larger R2 area than the non-spasmodic side, and the occurrence rate of the lateral spread responses (LSR) in the Orbicularis oris and the Orbicularis oculi muscle was 60% and 40%, respectively. We considered this patient had left HFS and right TMJ pain. EA was successfully undertaken for two periods over 30 weeks. After EA, JRS and VAS were reduced sharply, and the symptoms of HFS were stable without recurrence. However, the frequency of the lower eyelid increased gradually during the 6-month follow-up. These findings reveal that EA with the frequency of 2 Hz and intensity of ~ 1–2 mA may be a benefit for alleviating symptoms of HFS and TMJ pain without adverse reaction. The potential mechanisms of EA in HFS and TMJ pain co-morbidity involve brain stem mechanism and DNIC mechanism for distal acupuncture and segmental mechanism for local acupuncture analgesia.