Ti4+ Ions-Doped Metal-Organic Framework (MOF-74) for Photoreduction of Carbon Dioxide.

The development of efficient and sustainable methods for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and converting it into valuable hydrocarbons has gained significant attention. In this study, researchers focused on Ti4+-doped metal-organic framework (MOF-74) photocatalysts. The incorporation of Ti4+ ions into the MOF-74 structure was achieved through a one-pot hydrothermal method. By replacing Zn2+ ions with Ti4+ ions in a substitutional manner, researchers have aimed to enhance the photocatalytic activity of the CO2 reduction. The obtained Ti4+-doped MOF-74 photocatalysts exhibited a significantly improved performance in the reduction of CO2 into carbon monoxide (CO). The doping of Ti4+ ions induced energy bands below the conduction band minimum (CBM) of MOF-74, extending the visible response range and enabling the photocatalysts to utilize a broader spectrum of light for catalytic reactions. This extension of the visible response range enables photocatalysts to utilize a broader spectrum of light for catalytic reactions. The incorporation of Ti4+ ions not only extends the visible response range but also suppresses charge carrier recombination. This work provides valuable insights into the design principles of MOF-based photocatalysts and paves the way for their practical implementation in addressing the energy crisis and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

FOXP4-AS1 promotes CD8+ T cell exhaustion and esophageal cancer immune escape through USP10-stabilized PD-L1.

Esophageal cancer (EC) is the 9th most frequently diagnosed malignancy globally with unfavorable prognosis. Immune escape is one of the principal factors leading to poor survival, however, the mechanism underlying immune escape remains largely uninvestigated. The xenograft mouse model and EC cell-CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) co-culture system were established. Immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR or western blot were employed to detect the levels of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) FOXP4-AS1, PD-L1, USP10 and other molecules. The abundance of T cells, cytokine production and cell apoptosis were monitored by flow cytometry. The viability of CTLs was assessed by Trypan blue staining. The binding between FOXP4-AS1 and USP10 was validated by RNA pull-down assay, and the interaction between USP10 and PD-L1, as well as the ubiquitination of PD-L1, were detected by co-immunoprecipitation. The elevation of FOXP4-AS1 in EC was associated with decreased CTL abundance, and upregulated PD-L1 facilitated CTL apoptosis in EC. FOXP4-AS1 accelerated EC tumor growth by decreasing the abundance of tumor infiltrating CTLs in vivo. FOXP4-AS1 inhibited the viability of CTLs and facilitated the cytotoxicity and exhaustion of CTLs. In Kyse 450 cell-CTL co-culture system, FOXP4-AS1 suppressed the viability and abundance of CTLs, and inhibited EC cell apoptosis via PD-L1. Mechanistically, FOXP4-AS1 regulated the ubiquitination of PD-L1 through deubiquitinating enzyme USP10. FOXP4-AS1 promoted CTL exhaustion and EC immune escape through USP10-stabilized PD-L1. HIGHLIGHTS: PD-L1 facilitated CD8+ T cell apoptosis in EC. Upregulated FOXP4-AS1 promoted EC tumor growth by inhibiting the viability and facilitating the cytotoxicity and exhaustion of tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells. FOXP4-AS1 suppressed the viability and abundance of CD8+ T cells through USP10-mediated deubiquitination of PD-L1.

Influence of Anhydrite on the Properties and Microstructure of Aluminophosphate Cement.

Aluminophosphate cement (APC) is a new type of hydraulic cementitious material with many potential functions. Microscopic analysis techniques were used to study the effect of anhydrite on the performance and hydration process of APC under standard curing conditions. The results show that adding an appropriate amount of anhydrite promotes the hydration of APC. The highest compressive strength is reached at an anhydrite content of 15 wt.%. As the anhydrite content increases, the APC's compressive strength decreases. The microscopic analysis of the hydration product morphology shows that the incorporation of anhydrite produces ettringite and other hydration products, improving the microstructure of the cement paste. The mercury intrusion porosimetry results show that the total porosity of the hardened APC paste decreases, and the microstructure becomes denser with an increase in the curing age, resulting in an increase in the compressive strength over time.

Characterizing Fibrosis and Inflammation in a Partial Bile Duct Ligation Mouse Model by Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Partial bile duct ligation (PBDL) model is a reliable cholestatic fibrosis experimental model that showed complex histopathological changes. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of PBDL have not been well characterized. PURPOSE: To investigate the potential of MRI parameters in assessing fibrosis in PBDL and explore the relationships between MRI and pathological features. ANIMAL MODEL: Established PBDL models. POPULATION: Fifty-four mice were randomly divided into four timepoints PBDL groups and one sham group. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 3.0 T; MRI sequences included T1-weighted fast spin-echo (FSE), T2-weighted single shot FSE, variable flip angle T1 mapping, multi-echo SE T2 mapping, multi-echo gradient-echo T2* mapping, and multi-b-value diffusion-weighted imaging. ASSESSMENT: MRI examination was performed at the corresponding timepoints after surgery. Native T1, ΔT1 (T1native-T1post), T2, T2*, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, histogram parameters (skewness and kurtosis), intravoxel incoherent motion parameters (f, D, and D* ) within the entire ligated (PBDL), non-ligated liver (PBDL), and whole liver (sham) were obtained. Fibrosis and inflammation were assessed in Masson and H&E staining slices using the Metavir and activity scoring system. STATISTICAL TESTS: One-way ANOVA, Spearman's rank correlation, and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Fibrosis and inflammation were finally staged as F3 and A3 in ligated livers but were not observed in non-ligated or sham livers. Ligated livers displayed significantly elevated native T1, ΔT1, T2, and reduced ADC and T2* than other livers. Spearman's correlation showed better correlation with inflammation (r = 0.809) than fibrosis (r = 0.635) in T2 and both ΔT1 and ADC showed stronger correlation with fibrosis (r = 0.704 and r = -0.718) than inflammation (r = 0.564 and r = -0.550). Area under the curve (AUC) for ΔT1 performed the highest (0.896). When combined with all relative parameters, AUC increased to 0.956. DATA CONCLUSION: Multiparametric MRI can evaluate and differentiate pathological changes in PBDL. ΔT1 and ADC better correlated with fibrosis while T2 stronger with inflammation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Symptoms Based on Deficiency Syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine Might Be Predictor of Frailty in Elderly Community Dwellers.

BACKGROUND: The most widely used frailty phenotype and frailty indexes are either time-consuming or complicated, thus restricting their generalization in clinical practice; and therefore, an easier and faster screening tool is needed to be developed. OBJECTIVE: To select sensitive symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and study whether they can improve the risk prediction of frailty. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study enrolling 2249 Chinese elderly community dwellers. Data were collected via face-to-face inquiries, anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, and community health files. Frailty was the main outcome measure, and it was evaluated by Fried's frailty phenotype (FP). The ordinal logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with frailty. The risk assessment plot was used to compare the discriminative ability for frailty among models with and without TCM symptoms. RESULTS: The identified sensitive influential factors for frailty included age, education level, dietary habits, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, cerebral infarction, osteoporosis, cold limbs, lethargy and laziness in speaking and moving, weakness of lower limbs, slow movement, dry mouth and throat, and glazed expression. The risk prediction for "frailty cumulative components ≥1" was not significantly increased, while for "frailty cumulative components ≥2", a new model developed with the above selected TCM symptoms had a higher AUC than the baseline model without it (0.79 VS 0.81, P=0.002). And the NRI and IDI for the new model were 41.4% (P=0.016) and 0.024% (P=0.041), respectively. CONCLUSION: This research might provide an easier and faster way for early identification and risk prediction of frailty in elderly community dwellers.

Multiparameter magnetic resonance imaging of liver fibrosis in a bile duct ligation mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Bile duct ligation (BDL) in animals is a classical method for mimicking cholestatic fibrosis. Although different surgical techniques have been described in rats and rabbits, mouse models can be more cost-effective and reproducible for investigating cholestatic fibrosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has made great advances for noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis. More comprehensive liver fibrotic features of BDL on MRI are important. However, the utility of multiparameter MRI to detect liver fibrosis in a BDL mouse model has not been assessed. AIM: To evaluate the correlation between the pathological changes and multiparameter MRI characteristics of liver fibrosis in a BDL mouse model. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy adult male balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups: sham, week 2 BDL, week 4 BDL, and week 6 BDL. Multiparameter MRI sequences, included magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, T1-weighted, T2-weighted, T2 mapping, and pre- and post-enhanced T1 mapping, were performed after sham and BDL surgery. Peripheral blood and liver tissue were collected after MRI. For statistical analysis, Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used. RESULTS: Four mice died after BDL surgery; seven, six, five and six mice were included separately from the four groups. Signal intensities of liver parenchyma showed no difference on TI- and T2-weighted images. Bile duct volume, ΔT1 value, T2 value, and the rate of liver fibrosis increased steadily in week 2 BDL, week 4 BDL and week 6 BDL groups compared with those in the sham group (P < 0.01). Alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase levels initially surged after surgery, followed by a gradual decline over time. Strong correlations were found between bile duct volume (r = 0.84), T2 value (r = 0.78), ΔT1 value (r = 0.62), and hepatic fibrosis rate (all P < 0.01) in the BDL groups. CONCLUSION: The BDL mouse model induces changes that can be observed on MRI. The MRI parameters correlate with the hepatic fibrosis rate and allow for detection of cholestatic fibrosis.

Synergistic Effect between Zr-MOF and Phosphomolybdic Acid with the Promotion of TiF4 Template.

Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) materials are often modified or functionalized, and then the crystal size and morphology of MOF materials are changed. In the process of preparing UiO-66 confined phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) composites (PU), the TiF4-modified PU (PMA + UiO-66) composite catalyst (TiF4-PU) was successfully synthesized by adding titanium tetrafluoride, and the catalytic desulfurization activity was excellent. Similarly, the reaction mechanism was investigated by means of infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The results show that the addition of TiF4 not only changes the appearance and color of the catalyst, but also changes the valence distribution of the elements in the catalyst. The number of oxygen vacancies in the MOF increases due to the addition of TiF4, and more electrons are transferred from the Zr-MOF to PMA to form more Mo5+, which improved the performance of oxidative desulfurization in comparison. Thus, a stronger strong metal-support interaction (SMSI) effect is observed for TiF4-modified PU catalysts. In addition, the quenching experiment of free radicals shows that ·OH radical is the main active substance in the oxidative desulfurization reaction over TiF4-PU catalyst.

Chelicerata sDscam isoforms combine homophilic specificities to define unique cell recognition.

Thousands of Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam1) isoforms and ∼60 clustered protocadhrein (cPcdh) proteins are required for establishing neural circuits in insects and vertebrates, respectively. The strict homophilic specificity exhibited by these proteins has been extensively studied and is thought to be critical for their function in neuronal self-avoidance. In contrast, significantly less is known about the Dscam1-related family of ∼100 shortened Dscam (sDscam) proteins in Chelicerata. We report that Chelicerata sDscamα and some sDscamß protein trans interactions are strictly homophilic, and that the trans interaction is meditated via the first Ig domain through an antiparallel interface. Additionally, different sDscam isoforms interact promiscuously in cis via membrane proximate fibronectin-type III domains. We report that cell-cell interactions depend on the combined identity of all sDscam isoforms expressed. A single mismatched sDscam isoform can interfere with the interactions of cells that otherwise express an identical set of isoforms. Thus, our data support a model by which sDscam association in cis and trans generates a vast repertoire of combinatorial homophilic recognition specificities. We propose that in Chelicerata, sDscam combinatorial specificity is sufficient to provide each neuron with a unique identity for self-nonself discrimination. Surprisingly, while sDscams are related to Drosophila Dscam1, our results mirror the findings reported for the structurally unrelated vertebrate cPcdh. Thus, our findings suggest a remarkable example of convergent evolution for the process of neuronal self-avoidance and provide insight into the basic principles and evolution of metazoan self-avoidance and self-nonself discrimination.

Effect of Quercetin on Atherosclerosis Based on Expressions of ABCA1, LXR-α and PCSK9 in ApoE-/- Mice.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of quercetin on ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), liver X receptor (LXR), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) expressions in apoE-knockout (ApoE-/-) mice. METHODS: The high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis (AS) in ApoE-/- mice was established. Thirty-six mice were divided into 3 groups using random number table method: model group (n=12), quercetin group (n=12), and atorvastatin group (n=12), with C57BL/6J mice of the same strain and age as the control group (n=12). Quercetin group and atorvastatin group were administrated with quercetin and atorvastatin by oral gavage, with doses of 12.5 and 4 mg/(kg•d), respectively. Animals in the control and model groups were given an equal volume of distilled water by oral gavage once per day for a total of 12 weeks. Western blot and immunohistochemical methods were employed to determine the aortic ABCA1, LXR-α and PCSK9 protein expression. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method was used to detect the expression of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10, combined with tissue pathological examination. RESULTS: ApoE-/- mice fed with a high-fat diet had notable atherosclerosis lesions, with reduced ABCA1, LXR-α and IL-10 levels (all P<0.01), elevated PCSK9, TNF-α and IL-6 expression, and increased TC and LDL-C contents (all P<0.01). After quercetin intervention, the areas of AS plaques and the expressions of PCSK9, TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly reduced (all P<0.01), while the expressions of ABCA1 and LXR-α were increased significantly (all P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Quercetin effectively interfered with AS development by regulating the expressions of ABCA1, LXR- α and PCSK9 in ApoE-/- mice.

Nano-MOF@defected film C3N4 Z-scheme composite for visible-light photocatalytic nitrogen fixation.

Photocatalytic nitrogen fixation has attracted extensive attention in recent years. Studies have shown that catalytic materials with O, N and other defects can effectively reduce the bond energy of N[triple bond, length as m-dash]N triple bond when N2 is adsorbed on the defects. As an outstanding non-metallic catalyst, g-C3N4 has been widely studied in the field of photocatalytic catalysis, and the nitrogen-defected C3N4 shows promoted photocatalytic activity. Herein, nano-size MOF-74 particles (<20 nm) was dispersed on nitrogen-defected C3N4 thin film (∼4 nm) via a simple sol-gel method. The combination of Nano-MOF and defected film C3N4 could effectively improve the photocatalytic activity of nitrogen fixation through Z-scheme mechanism compared with pure defected film C3N4.

Tiaoxin Recipe, a Chinese herbal formula, inhibits microRNA-34a expression in the APPswe/PS1ΔE9 mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and underlying mechanisms of Tiaoxin Recipe (a Chinese herbal formula) treatment on Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Twelve-week-old APPswe/PS1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) double transgenic mice were used as a model of AD-afflicted mice. One group of mice was treated with Tiaoxin Recipe by gastrogavage for 12 weeks, while two other groups were given intraperitoneal injections of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or FK866 for 4 weeks. Morris water maze and thioflavin S staining tests were performed to evaluate cognitive impairment and amyloid plaque deposition, respectively. Serum amyloid-ß1-42 (Aß1-42) content was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine the expression levels of microRNA-34a (miR-34a) in cortex and hippocampus samples of the study mice. RESULTS: Compared with the normal control group, the memory and learning abilities of the APP/PS1 model group were found to be impaired (P < 0.01), as shown by the increased levels of senile plaque deposition in cortex and hippocampus (P < 0.01), miR-34a expression (P < 0.01) and serum Aß1-42 content (P < 0.01). Treatment with Tiaoxin Recipe significantly reduced memory impairment (P < 0.01) by reducing amyloid plaque accumulation in cortex and hippocampus (P < 0.01), miR-34a expression (P < 0.01) and serum Aß1-42 content (P < 0.01) in APP/PS1 mice. CONCLUSION: Tiaoxin Recipe is a viable complementary or alternative therapeutic treatment that is capable of delaying the development of early-stage AD by inhibiting the expression of miR-34a.

[Epidemiological analysis of malaria prevalence in Jiangsu Province in 2017].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the malaria epidemic situation and characteristics in Jiangsu Province in 2017, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the targeted strategy of malaria elimination. METHODS: The data of malaria cases in Jiangsu Province in 2016 were collected from China's Routine Diseases Surveillance Information System (CRDSIS). RESULTS: Totally, 239 imported malaria cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2017, and the cases decreased by 22.40% compared to 308 cases in 2015. Except 2 malaria case caused by blood transfusion, the rest patients were all imported. Among them, there were 163 falciparum malaria cases, 21 vivax malaria cases, 11 quartan malaria cases, 43 ovale malaria cases, and 1 mixed infection case (Plasmodium falciparum and P. ovale). The numbers of imported cases of Nantong (39 cases, 16.32%), Suzhou (26 cases, 10.88%), Taizhou (25 cases, 10.46%), Huai'an (24 cases, 10.04%), and Lianyungang (22 cases, 9.21%) ranked in the top 5 cities across Jiangsu Province, the malaria cases in the five cities accounted for 56.90% (136/239). The infection source areas of the imported malaria cases included Africa (225 cases), Asia (8 cases), Oceania (2 cases), and South America (2 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Jiangsu Province has no local malaria cases for 6 consecutive years. Despite the imported cases in 2017 decreased some-what compared to that in 2016, it is still necessary to strengthen the surveillance of imported malaria cases and improve malaria diagnosis and treatment in the whole province.

[Progress and challenges of global malaria elimination].

Recently, the global malaria control has achieved remarkable results, and the epidemic map of malaria has gradually shrinked. However, in the past two years, the number of malaria deaths remained at a high level, and the incidence of malaria has even risen, leading to the stagnant of malaria elimination. The main reasons include lacking of the well monitoring and response system, sensitivity declining of antimalarial drugs, the spread of insecticide resistance, and the reduction of financial support. This paper introduces the progress and challenges of global malaria elimination, summarizes the current strategies and major interventions, and provides the corresponding response.

A Feasibility Study on HPMC-Improved Sulphoaluminate Cement for 3D Printing.

A novel 3D printing material based on hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-improved sulphoaluminate cement (SAC) for rapid 3D construction printing application is reported. The hydration heat, setting time, fluidity of paste and mortar, shape retainability, and compressive strength of extruded SAC mortar were investigated. HPMC dosage, water-to-cement (W/C) ratio, and sand-to-cement (S/C) ratio were studied as the experimental parameters. Hydration heat results reveal HPMC could delay the hydration of SAC. The initial and final setting time measured using Vicat needle would be shortened in the case of W/C ratio of 0.3 and 0.35 with HPMC dosage from 0.5% to 1.5%, W/C ratio of 0.40 with HPMC dosage of 0.5%, 0.75%, and 1.5%, and W/C ratio of 0.45 with HPMC dosage of 0.45, or be extended in the case of W/C ratio of 0.4 with HPMC dosage of 1.0% and W/C ratio of 0.45 with HPMC dosage from 0.75% to 1.5%. Fluidity measurement shows HPMC significantly improves the shape retainability. Furthermore, the addition of HPMC remarkably increased the compressive strength of extruded mortar. The results showed that HPMC could be used to prepare 3D printing SAC having satisfactory shape retainability, setting time and compressive strength.

[Progress of malaria elimination of Jiangsu Province, China].

There were vivax malaria, falciparum malaria, and malariae malaria epidemic in Jiangsu Province, and vivax malaria was the dominant disease. Anopheles sinensis and An. anthropophagus were malaria-transmitted vectors. Since the founding of People's Republic of China, there have been two major malaria outbreaks in Jiangsu Province, when the highest annual malaria incidence reached up to 24.95%. According to prevention and control principles of "adjusting measures to local conditions, giving different guidance to different categories and highlighting key points", during the epidemic outbreak stage, the largescale malaria prevention and control measures were implemented for all the residents who were target population in Jiangsu malaria-endemic areas. During the basic eradication stage, the targeted prevention and control measures had been carried out according to the different epidemic features to gradually consolidate the achievement of prevention and control in Jiangsu Province. In the malaria elimination stage, Jiangsu Province focused on controlling of the source of infection and malaria surveillance. According to the "1-3-7 targeted elimination" work model, the management of infectious sources and investigation and disposal of foci were carried out for each epidemic focus to block the malaria transmission. By the end of 2017, there had been no indigenous malaria cases for the six consecutive years in Jiangsu Province. All the 13 cities have passed the assessment of malaria elimination of Jiangsu Province. Although Jiangsu Province has achieved the goal of malaria elimination, it is urgent and necessary to maintain and improve malaria surveillance capabilities to prevent malaria reintroduction.

[Quality analysis of malaria microscopic examinations in Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2017].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the quality of production of blood slides and laboratory personnel's ability to microscopically examine Plasmodium at Jiangsu Province clinic inspection stations at all levels, so as to provide the evidence for the construction of malaria diagnostic laboratories and the evaluation of malaria elimination effect. METHODS: After the reexamination of the negative blood slides of the examination stations of the malaria center in each county (district), the negative blood slides of the outpatient inspection station in the district and all the positive blood slides of the direct report of the network from 2011 to 2017, the staining and cleanliness of the blood smears, microscopic examination results and the coincidence rate of positive blood species were comprehensively analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 19 109 checked blood samples were examined. The qualified rates of blood preparation, dyeing and cleanliness were 87.5%, 89.3% and 87.6%, respectively. The quality of reexamined blood slides in different years showed statistically significant difference (all P < 0.05), by using chi-square trend test, and there was a trend of increasing year by year. There was a significant difference in the quality of the reexamined blood slides among the different cities with districts (P < 0.05). In addition, there were 1 860 blood samples from 2012 to 2017, and the total coincidence rate was 87.4% and the coincidence rate of positive blood smear examinations was 98.9%. The species coincidence rates of Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale and mixed infection were 95.4%, 33.3%, 56.0%, 76.5% and 9.1%, respectively (P < 0.05). The total coincidence rates of blood smear reexaminations in different years were 85.0%, 90.1%, 86.0%, 85.3%, 90.0% and 87.6% from 2012 to 2017, respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of blood slides at the primary clinic inspection stations in Jiangsu Province conforms to the standard established by the provincial malaria reference laboratory; however, the ability of Plasmodium species identification is insufficient and needs to be improved.

[Analysis of blood smear examination results of fever patients in Jiangsu Province from 2010 to 2016].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the working conditions and evaluate the effectiveness of blood smear examinations in fever patients after the start of national malaria elimination program (NMEP), and explore the suitable strategy for malaria diagnosis and surveillance in NMEP, so as to provide the evidence for the development and adaptation of malaria elimination strategies and measures in Jiangsu Province. METHODS: The data of malaria epidemic situation reported by network, fever patients' blood test tables, and epidemiological surveys of malaria cases were collected and statistically analyzed by SPSS 16.0 in Jiangsu Province from 2010 to 2016. RESULTS: A total of 2 367 cases of malaria cases were reported from 2010 to 2016. Among the 3 691 188 person-times of fever patients tested, there were 2 252 positives (0.06%). The number of blood tests of fever patients decreased from 742 900 in 2010 to 277 000 in 2016. At the same time, the positive rate increased from 0.04% in 2010 to 0.16% in 2016. The positive rate of blood tests of fever patients in 2016 was significantly higher than that in 2010 (χ2 = 161.61, P < 0.01). From 2010 to 2016 in Jiangsu province, the centers for disease control and prevention of cities and counties, that completed the blood review within 3 days, deleted 273 negative cases. In 2010, the centers for disease control and prevention of cities and counties deleted 61 negative cases, but in 2016, the centers deleted only 14 negative cases, and the negative rate of blood review in 2010 was significantly higher than that in 2016 (χ2 = 22.99, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A large number of blood smear examinations have been tested in fever patients in Jiangsu Province. It not only conforms to the strong monitoring system requirements issued by World Health Organization (WHO) in malaria elimination, but also provides the evidence for no local malaria case in Jiangsu since 2012.

[Investigation on malaria rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) - related knowledge, attitude and practice in primary healthcare professionals of Jiangsu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the malaria rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) - related knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP) of primary healthcare professionals in Jiangsu Province and analyze the corresponding influencing factors. METHODS: Four cities in Jiangsu Province were selected as the study sites by the typical sampling method to conduct a survey for the RDT related KAP and work satisfaction of primary healthcare professionals, and the multiple logistic regression model was used to explore the relevant influencing factors. RESULTS: Totally 1 150 questionnaires were issued and 949 valid questionnaires were collected with the recovery rate of 82.52%. The valid questionnaires included 453 questionnaires from laboratory technicians, 466 from clinicians, and 30 from malaria prevention and control workers. Totally 83.98% of the surveyed professionals had a low mastering level of essential RDT-related knowledge. A total of 52.17% of the surveyed laboratory technicians recognized that the application of RDT technology could effectively improve the current primary-level microscopy work, and the degree of recognition of RDT technological advantage in the laboratory technicians was higher than that in the clinicians. Totally 79.25% of the surveyed laboratory technicians regarded themselves to be capable of conducting the standardized RDT operation, and 84.55% of the surveyed clinicians regarded themselves to be capable of conducting the qualified malaria clinical diagnostic practice. The key influencing factors of RDT-related KAP of primary healthcare professionals included the laboratory technicians' gender, educational level, employer's institutional level, professional title, and working years, and the employer's institutional level of clinicians. CONCLUSIONS: The primary healthcare professionals in Jiangsu Province exhibita good acceptability towards RDT technology. However, their essential knowledge on RDT remains to be improved. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a specific training and educational system for primary healthcare professionals to better guarantee the advantageous impact of RDT technology on the consolidation of the malaria elimination work achievements.

[Evaluation of an optimization strategy for use and management of malaria rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) in Jiangsu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the implementation effect of the optimization strategy for the use and management of malaria rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) technology in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the empirical evidence and suggestions for promoting the standardized use of RDT technology. METHODS: Questionnaire surveys of primary-level health professionals' RDT-related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) and work satisfaction were conducted in 4 pilot cities in Jiangsu Province before and after the intervention. RESULTS: After the implementation of the intervention, 13.9% of surveyed laboratory technicians, 21.9% of surveyed clinicians and 4.1% of surveyed staff of the centers for disease control and prevention (CDCs) had significant improvements in RDT-related knowledge. About 10.9% of the surveyed laboratory technicians and 25.6% of the surveyed CDC staff improved their attitudes toward RDT technology. About 38.4% of the surveyed laboratory technicians and 10.0% of the surveyed clinicians improved the standardized use of RDT technology. All types of primary-level health professionals had high evaluation in the satisfaction and effectiveness of the optimization strategy. However, the evaluation of the surveyed clinicians was slightly lower than that of the laboratory technicians and CDC staff. CONCLUSIONS: The optimization strategy in this project can effectively improve the knowledge, attitude and behavior of all types of primary-level health professionals and help to promote the standardized use of RDT technology.

[Vector surveillance in Jiangsu Province during the stage of malaria elimination].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the vector surveillance results during the stage of malaria elimination, so as to provide the evidence for assessing the local transmission risk of imported malaria and carrying out the surveillance work after malaria elimination in Jiangsu Province. METHODS: From 2011 to 2017, the mosquito population was monitored and human biting rates were calculated by the half overnight human baiting trapping method and overnight lamp trapping method in 7 surveillance sites from June to October. The insecticide resistance level was tested by the force contact method recommended by WHO. RESULTS: A total of 5 106 Anopheles mosquitoes were captured by the half over-night human baiting trapping method in the 7 sites from 2011 to 2017, and all the mosquitoes were identified as Anopheles sinensis. The annual human biting rates were 1.075, 0.786, 1.057, 0.787, 0.790, 1.797 and 1.185 mosquitoes/ (human·hour), respectively. Totally 28 186 Anopheles mosquitoes were caught by the overnight lamp trapping method, and all the mosquitoes were An. sinensis. The densities of Anopheles mosquitoes were 57.950, 50.932, 14.800, 4.405, 58.070, 72.406, and 17.145 mosquitoes/ (night·lamp), respectively. In 2012, the resistance indexes of An. sinensis to deltamethrin, DDT and malathion were at R level in Jiangsu Province. CONCLUSIONS: The major vector is An. sinensis and no An. anthropophagus is found in Jiangsu Province. An. sinensis has a high level of resistance to deltamethrin, DDT and malathion.