Spatial Analysis of Schistosomiasis in Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces in the People's Republic of China.

Understanding the spatial distribution of schistosome infection is critical for tailoring preventive measures to control and eliminate schistosomiasis. This study used spatial analysis to determine risk factors that may impact Schistosoma japonicum infection and predict risk in Hunan and Jiangxi Provinces in the People's Republic of China. The study employed survey data collected in Hunan and Jiangxi in 2016. Independent variable data were obtained from publicly available sources. Bayesian-based geostatistics was used to build models with covariate fixed effects and spatial random effects to identify factors associated with the spatial distribution of infection. Prevalence of schistosomiasis was higher in Hunan (12.8%) than Jiangxi (2.6%). Spatial distribution of schistosomiasis varied at pixel level (0.1 × 0.1 km), and was significantly associated with distance to nearest waterbody (km, ß = -1.158; 95% credible interval [CrI]: -2.104, -0.116) in Hunan and temperature (°C, ß = -4.359; 95% CrI: -9.641, -0.055) in Jiangxi. The spatial distribution of schistosomiasis in Hunan and Jiangxi varied substantially and was significantly associated with distance to nearest waterbody. Prevalence of schistosomiasis decreased with increasing distance to nearest waterbody in Hunan, indicating that schistosomiasis control should target individuals in close proximity to open water sources as they are at highest risk of infection.

Schistosomiasis in the People's Republic of China - down but not out.

Schistosomiasis has been subjected to extensive control efforts in the People's Republic of China (China) which aims to eliminate the disease by 2030. We describe baseline results of a longitudinal cohort study undertaken in the Dongting and Poyang lakes areas of central China designed to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum in humans, animals (goats and bovines) and Oncomelania snails utilizing molecular diagnostics procedures. Data from the Chinese National Schistosomiasis Control Programme (CNSCP) were compared with the molecular results obtained.Sixteen villages from Hunan and Jiangxi provinces were surveyed; animals were only found in Hunan. The prevalence of schistosomiasis in humans was 1.8% in Jiangxi and 8.0% in Hunan determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), while 18.3% of animals were positive by digital droplet PCR. The CNSCP data indicated that all villages harboured S. japonicum-infected individuals, detected serologically by indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), but very few, if any, of these were subsequently positive by Kato-Katz (KK).Based on the outcome of the IHA and KK results, the CNSCP incorporates targeted human praziquantel chemotherapy but this approach can miss some infections as evidenced by the results reported here. Sensitive molecular diagnostics can play a key role in the elimination of schistosomiasis in China and inform control measures allowing for a more systematic approach to treatment.

Identification of two novel critical mutations in PCNT gene resulting in microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II associated with multiple intracranial aneurysms.

Microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type II (MOPD II) is a highly detrimental human autosomal inherited recessive disorder. The hallmark characteristics of this disease are intrauterine and postnatal growth restrictions, with some patients also having cerebrovascular problems such as cerebral aneurysms. The genomic basis behind most clinical features of MOPD II remains largely unclear. The aim of this work was to identify the genetic defects in a Chinese family with MOPD II associated with multiple intracranial aneurysms. The patient had typical MOPD II syndrome, with subarachnoid hemorrhage and multiple intracranial aneurysms. We identified three novel mutations in the PCNT gene, including one single base alteration (9842A>C in exon 45) and two deletions (Del-C in exon 30 and Del-16 in exon 41). The deletions were co-segregated with the affected individual in the family and were not present in the control population. Computer modeling demonstrated that the deletions may cause drastic changes on the secondary and tertiary structures, affecting the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of the mutant proteins. In conclusion, we identified two novel mutations in the PCNT gene associated with MOPD II and intracranial aneurysms, and the mutations were expected to alter the stability and functioning of the protein by computer modeling.

A multicenter study of the clinical features of allergic rhinitis in central China.

BACKGROUND: Several epidemiological surveys of allergic rhinitis (AR) have been conducted in China. However, the clinical features of AR are still not clear enough. The aim of the current study was to perform a multicenter investigation to evaluate the clinical features of AR in China. METHODS: A multicenter investigation was performed in 13 allergy centers in central China. A disease-related questionnaire was completed by each patient themselves or with guardian assistance after the diagnosis of AR. The clinical features of AR and allergen profile were analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven thousand four patients who were diagnosed with AR were recruited in this study. The percentages of classification of AR according to the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma guidelines were 9.7% intermittent mild (IM), 3.1% persistent mild (PM), 33.9% intermittent moderate-severe (IMS), and 53.3% persistent moderate-severe (PMS). There were 61.6 and 42.2% AR patients who had concomitant ocular or lower respiratory symptoms in clinic. The occurrence of ocular and lower respiratory symptoms was found to be gradually increased from IM, PM, and IMS to PMS. Cold air and temperature change were the two most common factors triggering the nasal symptoms. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were the most important allergens of central China. CONCLUSIONS: This study has contributed to a better understanding of clinical features of AR in China.