LncRNA SNHG3 Promotes Sevoflurane-Induced Neuronal Injury by Activating NLRP3 via NEK7.

BACKGROUND: Early exposure to sevoflurane may cause brain tissue degeneration; however, the mechanism involved in this process has not been explored. In this study, we investigated the role of long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 3 (lncRNA SNHG3) in sevoflurane-induced neuronal injury. METHODS: The injury models of HT22 and primary cultures of neurons were constructed using sevoflurane treatment. The WST-8 reduction was detected by CCK-8 assay, the level of inflammatory factors was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and cell pyroptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of genes and proteins was detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. The level of ß-tubulin III in primary cultures of hippocampal neurons was analyzed by immunofluorescence. The relationship among SNHG3, PTBP1 and NEK7 was confirmed by RIP assay. RESULTS: The expression of SNHG3 and NEK7 were enhanced in sevoflurane-treated HT22 cells. Sevoflurane inhibited the WST-8 reduction in a concentration-dependent manner, promoted the pyroptosis, and increased pyroptosis-related protein expression. SNHG3 knockdown significantly inhibited sevoflurane-induced pyroptosis and inflammatory injury in HT22 cells and primary cultures of neurons. Furthermore, SNHG3 regulated NEK7 expression by binding to PTBP1. NEK7 knockdown reversed the decrease in WST-8 reduction, inhibited pyroptosis, and decreased the release of inflammatory factors and pyroptosis-related protein expression by inactivation of NLRP3 signaling in sevoflurane-induced HT22 cells. Moreover, NEK7 overexpression attenuated the effect of SNHG3 knockdown on neuronal pyroptosis and inflammation injury. CONCLUSION: Downregulation of SNHG3 attenuates sevoflurane-induced neuronal inflammation and pyroptosis by mediating the NEK7/NLRP3 axis, suggesting that SNHG3 could be a potential target gene for neuronal injury.

Fusobacterium necrophorum Promotes Apoptosis and Inflammatory Cytokine Production Through the Activation of NF-κB and Death Receptor Signaling Pathways.

Fusobacterium necrophorum can cause liver abscess, foot rot in ruminants, and Lemire syndrome in humans, Also, its virulence factors can induce the apoptosis of macrophages and neutrophils. However, the detailed mechanism has not been fully clarified. This study investigated the mechanisms of apoptosis and inflammatory factor production in F. necrophorum-induced neutrophils and macrophages (RAW246.7). After infection of macrophages with F. necrophorum, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine labeling assays indicated that F. necrophorum inhibited macrophage proliferation in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Hoechst staining and DNA ladder assays showed significant condensation of the nucleus and fragmentation of genomic DNA in F. necrophorum-infected macrophages, Annexin V (FITC) and propidium iodide (PI) assay confirmed the emergence of apoptosis in the macrophages and sheep neutrophils with F. necrophorum compared with the control. The group with significant apoptosis was subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), and the sequencing results revealed 2581 up- and 2907 downregulated genes. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis of the differentially expressed genes showed that F. necrophorum drove apoptosis and production of inflammatory factors by activating genes related to the Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) and death receptor pathways. Meanwhile, quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blot validation results were consistent with the results of transcriptome sequencing analysis. In conclusion, F. necrophorum induced apoptosis and production of pro-inflammatory factors through the NF-κB and death receptor signaling pathway, providing a theoretical basis for further mechanistic studies on the prevention and control of F. necrophorum disease treatment.

First description of the mitogenome and phylogeny:Aedes vexansand Ochlerotatus caspius of the Tribe Aedini (Diptera: Culicidae).

Culicidae, the mosquito family, includes more than 3600 species subdivided into the subfamilies Anophelinae and Culicinae. One-third of mosquitoes belong to the Aedini tribe, which is subordinate to the subfamily Culicinae, which comprises common vectors of viral zoonoses. The tribe of Aedini is extremely diverse in morphology and geographical distribution and has high ecological and medical significance. However, knowledge about the systematics of the Aedini tribe is still limited owing to its large population and the similar morphological characteristics of its species. This study provides the first description of the complete mitochondrial (mt) genome sequence of Aedes vexans and Ochlerotatus caspius belonging to the Aedini tribe. The mt genomes of A. vexans and O. caspius are circular molecules that are 15,861 bp and 15,954 bp in size, with AT contents of 78.54% and 79.36%, respectively. Both the circular mt genomes comprise 37 functional subunits, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and a control region (also known as the AT-rich region). The most common start codons are ATT/ATG, apart from cox1 (TCG) and nad5 (GTG), while TAA is the termination codon for all PCGs. All tRNAs have a typical clover leaf structure, except tRNA Ser1. Phylogenetic analysis of the concatenated, aligned amino acid sequences of the 13 PCGs showed that A. vexans gathered with Aedes sp. in a sister taxon, and O. caspius gathered with Ochlerotatus sp. in a sister taxon. The findings from the present study support the concept of monophyly of all groups, ratify the current taxonomic classification, and provide vital molecular marker resources for further studies of the taxonomy, population genetics, and systematics of the Aedini tribe.

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis in adults: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease of unknown aetiology. While it may affect any organ of the body, few cases of solitary lung involvement are published in the literature. Here, we report a rare case of pulmonary LCH (PLCH) in an adult. CASE SUMMARY: A 52-year-old male presented to hospital in July 2018 with complaints of progressively worsening cough with sputum, breathlessness, easy fatigability, and loss of appetite since 2016, and a 32-year history of heavy cigarette smoking (average 30 cigarettes/d). Physical examination showed only weakened breathing sounds and wheezing during lung auscultation. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed irregular micronodules and multiple thin-walled small holes. Respiratory function tests showed a slight decrease. Ultrasonic cardiogram showed mild tricuspid regurgitation and no pulmonary hypertension. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy was performed with transbronchial biopsies from the basal segment of right lower lobe. LCH was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. The final diagnosis was PLCH without extra-pulmonary involvement. We suggested smoking cessation treatment. A 3-mo follow-up chest CT scan showed clear absorption of the nodule and thin-walled small holes. The symptoms of cough and phlegm had improved markedly and appetite had improved. There was no obvious dyspnoea. CONCLUSION: Imaging manifestations of nodules, cavitating nodules, and thick-walled or thin-walled cysts prompted suspicion of PLCH and lung biopsy for diagnosis.

[Polymorphism of shikimic acid].

This study was performed to systematically investigate the polymorphism of shikimic acid. Through optimizing the recrystallization solvent, solvent volume, recrystallization temperature, time and pressure, three crystal forms were discovered and prepared. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD) and infrared spectrometry (IR) were used to characterize these solid states. Furthermore, the influencing factor experiments were used to explore the stability of these polymorphisms and the transformation among them. Three new polymorphisms were prepared and identified. The results indicated that only PXRD could identify different polymorphisms and there was no solvent in all three crystal forms. The composition, thermodynamic property and transformation of these crystal forms were described in this work. Furthermore, an effective method for qualitative analysis of these crystal forms was established.

Prevalence and risk factors of intestinal protozoan and helminth infections among pulmonary tuberculosis patients without HIV infection in a rural county in P. R. China.

Although co-infection of tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal parasites, including protozoa and helminths, in humans has been widely studied globally, very little of this phenomenon is known in China. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural county of China to investigate such co-infections. Patients with pulmonary TB (PTB) undergoing anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis (anti-MTB) treatment were surveyed by questionnaires, and their feces and blood specimens were collected for detection of intestinal protozoa and helminths, routine blood examination and HIV detection. The χ(2) test and multivariate logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors. A total of 369 patients with PTB were included and all of them were HIV negative. Overall, only 7.3% of participants were infected with intestinal protozoa, among which prevalence of Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba spp. and Trichomonas hominis were 6.0%, 1.1% and 0.3%, respectively; 7.0% were infected with intestinal helminths, among which prevalence of hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and Clonorchis sinensis were 4.3%, 1.9%, 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively; and 0.5% were simultaneously infected with intestinal protozoa and helminths. Among patients with PTB, body mass index (BMI)≤18 (OR=3.30, 95% CI=1.44-7.54) and raised poultry or livestock (e.g., chicken, duck, pig) (OR=3.96, 95% CI=1.32-11.89) were significantly associated with harboring intestinal protozoan infection, while BMI≤18 (OR=3.32, 95% CI=1.39-7.91), anemia (OR=3.40, 95% CI=1.44-8.02) and laboring barefoot in farmlands (OR=4.54, 95% CI=1.88-10.92) were significantly associated with having intestinal helminth infection. Additionally, there was no significant relationship between duration of anti-MTB treatment and infection rates of intestinal parasites including protozoa and helminths. Therefore, preventing malnutrition, avoiding unprotected contact with reservoirs of protozoa, and improving health education for good hygiene habits, particularly wearing shoes while outdoors, are beneficial in the prevention of intestinal protozoan and helminth infection among patients with PTB.

New coumarins from the roots of Angelica dahurica var. formosana cv. Chuanbaizhi and their inhibition on NO production in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells.

A new linear pyranocoumarin named (-)-hydroxydecursinol (1) and a new biscoumarin named (±)-dahuribiscoumarin (2), together with six known compounds isoimperatorin (3), imperatorin (4), phellopterin (5), isodemethylfuropinarine (6), demethylfuropinarine (7), and (+)-decursinol (8) were isolated from the 75% ethanolic extract of the roots of Angelica dahurica var. formosana cv. Chuanbaizhi. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic techniques, including 2D NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, and the structure of 2 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All of the isolated compounds were evaluated for the inhibition against nitric oxide (NO) production in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 macrophage cell line, and exhibited the inhibitory activity on NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, real-time PCR analysis revealed that compounds 2, 5-8 could significantly suppress the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA in a concentration-dependent manner. And their primary structure-activity relationships of NO inhibitory effects were also briefly discussed. These compounds are potential candidates for further bioassay studies to determine their suitability as drug leads.

[Combination therapy of Xipayimaizipizi Capsules and Tamsulosin for benign prostatic hyperplasia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy of Xipayimaizipizi Capsules and Tamsulo- sin in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: We randomly assigned 60 BPH patients to a control and a combination group of equal number, the former aged 62.03 ± 10.19 years with a disease course of 3.24 ± 2.18 years and the latter aged 64.77 ± 10.33 years with a disease course of 4.09 ± 2.63 years. We treated the patients in the control group with Tamsulosin at 0.2 mg qd and those in the combination group with Tamsulosin at 0.2 mg qd plus Xipayimaizipizi at 0.5 g tid, respectively, both for 4 weeks. Then, we obtained the mean frequency of nocturnal urination, maximal urinary flow rate (Qmax), residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) , and quality of life scores (QOL) of the patients, and recorded their adverse reactions. RESULTS: Before treatment, the nocturnal urination frequency, Qmax, IPSS, and QOL were 3.60 ± 1.81, (10.40 ± 3.53) ml/min, 22.47 ± 8.58, and 4.43 ± 1.50 in the control group, as compared with 3.43 ± 1.61, (10.14 ± 3.43) ml/min, 21.93 ± 8.79, and 4.73 ± 1.31 in the combination group. After 4 weeks of medication, the combination group showed more significant improvement than the control in the nocturnal urination frequency (1.30 ± 1.18 vs 2.27 ± 1.60), Qmax ([13.85 ± 3.15] vs [14.36 ± 3.03] ml/min), IPSS (13.00 ± 1.53 vs 17.20 ± 8.43), and QOL (2.57 ± 1.61 vs 2.93 ± 1.68), all significantly better than the baseline (P < 0.05). The combination therapy achieved remarkable improvement as compared with the control in the nocturnal urination frequency (- [2.13 ± 1.11] vs -[1.73 ± 1.07]), IPSS (- [8.93 ?6.01] vs -[4.80 ± 3.87]), and QOL (- [2.17 ± 1.12] vs -[1.50 ± 1.01]) (P < 0.05), but exhibited no significant differences from the latter in Qmax ([3.72 ± 2.281 vs [3.95 ± 2.53] ml/min) and residual urine volume (- [34.30 ± 37.43] vs - [26.43 ± 30.49] ml) (P > 0.05). Adverse reactions were found in 5 cases in the combination group (16.67%) and 3 cases in the control (10%) , with no remarkable differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination therapy of Xipayimaizipizi Capsules and Tamsulosin can improve the symptoms of BPH and the patients quality of life of.

[Investigation on endemic situation of schistosomiasis in infection-controlled regions in Anhui Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the epidemic situation of schistosomiasis in 27 counties (cities, districts) that reached the criteria of schistosomiasis infection controlled in Anhui Province. METHODS: According to the requirement of The National Assessment Scheme of Schistosomiasis, 81 administrative villages where the schistosomiasis epidemic situation was relatively heaver in above-mentioned 27 counties (1 village per town, 3 towns per county) were sampled and investigated. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2014, 81 villages were investigated, and 34,293 residents received the serum examinations, and 1,086 were positive with a positive rate of 3.17% (0.65%-9.58%), and the positives received stool examinations and the average stool positive rate was 0.37% (0-4.0%). The calculated prevalence of human infection was 0.01%. A total of 3 057 domestic animals were investigated including 438 cattle, 2,550 sheep, and 69 other animals, and no infections were detected. A total of 11,261 living Oncomelania hupensis snails were collected and detected, but no schistosome infected snails were found. Before this investigation, no infected snails were detected for more than 2 years [average 2.3 (2-6) years], and no acute schistosome infection cases were found for more than 2 years [average 4.9 (2-9) years]. CONCLUSION: The infection rates of schistosomiasis in residents and domestic animals are relatively low, and no schistosome infected snails are found in the regions.

Intestinal parasite co-infection among pulmonary tuberculosis cases without human immunodeficiency virus infection in a rural county in China.

Epidemiologic studies of co-infection with tuberculosis (TB) and intestinal parasites in humans have not been extensively investigated in China. A cross-section study was conducted in a rural county of Henan Province, China. Pulmonary TB (PTB) case-patients receiving treatment for infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and healthy controls matched for geographic area, age, and sex were surveyed by using questionnaires. Fecal and blood specimens were collected for detection of intestinal parasites, routine blood examination, and infection with human immunodeficiency virus. The chi-square test was used for univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression models were used to adjust for potential confounding factors. A total of 369 persons with PTB and 366 healthy controls were included; all participants were negative for human immunodeficiency virus. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in persons with PTB was 14.9%, including intestinal protozoa (7.9%) and helminthes (7.6%). The infection spectrum of intestinal parasites was Entamoeba spp. (1.4%), Blastocystis hominis (6.2%), Trichomonas hominis (0.3%), Clonorchis sinensis (0.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.5%), Trichuris trichiura (2.2%), and hookworm (4.6%). The prevalence of intestinal parasites showed no significant difference between persons with PTB and healthy controls after adjusting for potential confounding factors. There was no factor that affected infection rates for intestinal parasites between the two groups. Infection with intestinal parasites of persons with PTB was associated with female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-4.17), body mass index ≤ 19 (AOR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.47-6.20), and anemia (AOR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.17-5.03). Infection of healthy controls was only associated with an annual labor time in farmlands > 2 months (AOR = 4.50, 95% CI = 2.03-10.00). In addition, there was no significant trend between rates of infection with intestinal parasites and duration of receiving treatment for infection with M. tuberculosis in persons with PTB. The prevalence of intestinal parasites was not higher in persons with PTB, and there was no evidence that PTB increased susceptibility to intestinal parasites in this study. However, for patients with PTB, women and patients with comorbidities were more likely to be infected with intestinal parasites.

[Survey of endemic situations in schistosomiasis transmission controlled or interrupted regions in Anhui Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the variation rules of schistosomiasis endemic situation before and after schistosomiasis transmission controlled or interrupted, so as to provide the evidence for the consolidation of control achievements. METHODS: In Anhui Province, 3 counties reaching the criteria of schistosomiasis transmission controlled or interrupted were selected and their historical endemic data were collected and analyzed statistically from 10 years before the schistosomiasis transmission controlled to 2008. RESULTS: In Tianchang City, the Oncomelania hupensis snail area was 3.54 hm2 in a part of the lake marshland in the year reaching the criteria of transmission controlled (1998), and no snails were found in the year of transmission interrupted (2008). No stool-test-positive resident was detected except there were 58 acute schistosomiasis cases in 1993, and the sero-test-positive rate of local residents remained at low levels (0-1.55%). In Taihu County, the snail area was 0.84 hm2 accounting for 0.06% of its historical accumulative snail areas in the year of transmission controlled (1971) , and no snails were found three years before the transmission interrupted (1983). However, the schistosomiasis endemic rebounded 12 years later (1995), there was an outbreak of acute schistosome infections (73 cases), and the snail area increased again to 133.7 hm2 accounting for 2.91% of historical accumulative snail areas. After that, the snail area kept on rising and the infection rates of residents and bovine remained higher than 1%. In Guangde County, the snail area was 32.4 hm2 accounting for 1.90% of its historical accumulative snail areas in the year of transmission controlled (1995). After that, the snail area increased progressively, and the schistosomiasis endemic rebounded and there were acute schistosome infections 5 years later. The Spearman tests showed that the sero-test-positive rate (Tianchang City) and the stool-test-positive rates of residents and bovine (Taihu County) had positive correlations with the snail areas (r = 0.582, 0.401, 0.596, all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The snail status is a key for the consolidation of schistosomiasis transmission controlled and interrupted. Therefore, a valid surveillance system of snail situation should be established as quickly as possible.

HIV and intestinal parasite co-infections among a Chinese population: an immunological profile.

BACKGROUND: Parasite infections often result in a switch of the human body's predominant immune reaction from T-helper 1 (Th1)-type to Th2-type. Hence, parasite infections are widely expected to accelerate the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In the People's Republic of China, both parasitic diseases and AIDS are epidemic in certain rural areas, and co-infections are relatively common. However, no population-based studies have yet investigated the frequency of HIV and parasite co-infections, and its effects on immune responses. We studied (1) the immune status of an HIV-infected population, and (2) the effect of co-infection of HIV and intestinal parasites on selected parameters of the human immune system. METHODS: A total of 309 HIV-infected individuals were recruited and compared to an age-matched and sex-matched control group of 315 local HIV-negative individuals. Questionnaires were administered to all participants to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, sanitation habits, family income, and recent clinical manifestations. Two consecutive stool samples and 10 ml samples of venous blood were also collected from each individual for the diagnosis of parasite infections and quantitative measurements of selected cytokines and CD4+ T-lymphocytes, respectively. RESULTS: During the study period, 79 HIV-infected individuals were not under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and were thus included in our analysis; the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections was 6.3% and that of protozoa was 22.8%. The most common protozoan infections were Blastocystis hominis (B. hominis) (13.9%) and Cryptosporidium spp. (10.1%). The prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in HIV-infected individuals was significantly higher than that in HIV negative individuals (P < 0.05). Compared to the non-co-infected population, no significant difference was found for any of the measured immunological indicators (P > 0.05). However, the following trends were observed: IFN-γ levels were lower, but the IL-4 level was higher, in the population co-infected with HIV and helminths. In the population co-infected with HIV and B. hominis, the IL-2 level was higher. The population co-infected with HIV and Cryptosporidium spp. had markedly lower CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts. CONCLUSION: According to the immunologic profile, co-infection with helminths is disadvantageous to HIV-infected individuals. It was associated with a shift in the Th1/Th2 balance in the same direction as that caused by the virus itself, which might indicate an acceleration of the progress from an HIV infection to AIDS. Co-infection with Cryptosporidium spp. was not associated with a significant change in immune factors but co-infection with Cryptosporidium spp. was associated with a reduced level of CD4 + T-lymphocytes, confirming the opportunistic nature of such infections. Co-infection with B. hominis, on the other hand, was associated with an antagonistic shift in the immunological profile compared to an HIV infection.

[Survey on Blastocystis hominis infection in HIV positive individuals in Fuyang City, Anhui Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of co-infection of HIV and Blastocystis hominis and its risk factors. METHODS: A total of 309 people with HIV positive in the development zone of Fuyang City were recruited, and the face to face questionnaires were conducted to collect the information of behavioral characteristics and sociodemographic data of the participants. Meanwhile, the samples of stool and blood were collected to test B. hominis, cytokines and CD4+/CD8+ T-lymphocyte. The influencing factors of co-infection of HIV and Blastocystis hominis were analyzed by the single factor analysis and Logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the 309 people involved, 302 accepted feces examinations, 286 accepted the questionnaire investigation, and 263 accepted both of them. The infection rate of B. hominis was 17.11%, that of the female was 21.90%, which was significantly higher than that of the male (11.90%) (P < 0.05). The results from the multivariate Logistic regression model showed that good nutrition was significantly associated with the co-infection of HIV and B. hominis (OR = 0.263, 95% CI: 0.073, 0.945). CONCLUSIONS: The infection rate of B. hominis is high in people with HIV positive, and the nutrition situation of individuals may be one of the important risk factors associated with co-infection.

[Cross-section study on co-infection of HIV and Cryptosporidium].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the co-infection status of HIV and Cryptosporidium, and explore the influencing factors associated with the co-infection. METHODS: A total of 309 people with HIV positive in Fuyang City of Anhui Province were recruited and their fecal and blood samples were collected for examinations of Cryptosporidium spp. infection and the levels of hemoglobin, cytokines and CD4+/CD8+ T-lymphocytes. Meanwhile, the questionnaire survey was conducted. RESULTS: Among 302 people involved in fecal examinations, the infection rate of Cryptosporidium spp. was 8.28%, and the difference between infection rates of the male (13.49%) and the female (2.92%) was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that 4 factors were significantly associated with the coinfection of HIV and Cryptosporidium spp, including male (OR = 6.700, 95% CI: 2.030, 22.114), younger than 42 years old (OR = 4.148, 95% CI: 1.348, 12.761), level of IL-2 below 77 pg/ml (OR = 0.226, 95%CI: 0.076, 0.674) and personal hygiene habits (OR = 0.324, 95% CI: 0.105, 0.994). CONCLUSION: The co-infection rate of Cryptosporidium spp. and HIV is high, the key targets of control are the people who are male, younger than 42 years old, with high level of IL2 and poor personal hygiene habits.

Co-infection of HIV and intestinal parasites in rural area of China.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasite infections (IPIs) are among the most significant causes of illness and disease of socially and economically disadvantaged populations in developing countries, including rural areas of the People's Republic of China. With the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among rural Chinese populations, there is ample scope for co-infections and there have been increasing fears about their effects. However, hardly any relevant epidemiological studies have been carried out in the country. The aim of the present survey was to assess the IPI infection status among a representative sample of HIV-positive Chinese in rural Anhui province, and compare the findings with those from a cohort of non-infected individuals. METHODS: A case control study was carried out in a rural village of Fuyang, Anhui province, China. Stool samples of all participants were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites. Blood examination was performed for the HIV infection detection and anemia test. A questionnaire was administered to all study participants. RESULTS: A total of 302 HIV positive and 303 HIV negative individuals provided one stool sample for examination. The overall IPI prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among HIV positives was 4.3% (13/302) while it was 5.6% (17/303) among HIV negatives, a non-significant difference. The prevalence of protozoa infections among HIV positives was 23.2% while the rate was 25.8% among HIV negatives. The species-specific prevalences among HIV positives were as follows: 3.6% for hookworm, 0.7% for Trichuris trichiura, zero for Ascaris lumbricoides, 0.3% for Clonorchis sinensis, 1.3% for Giardia intestinalis, 16.2% for Blastocystis hominis, 1.7% for Entamoeba spp. and 8.3% for Cryptosporidium spp.. Cryptosporidium spp. infections were significantly more prevalent among HIV positives (8.3%) compared to the HIV negative group (3.0%; P < 0.05). Among people infected with HIV, Cryptosporidium spp. was significantly more prevalent among males (12.6%) than females (4.4%; P < 0.05). According to multivariate logistic regression, the factors significantly associated with parasite infections of the people who were HIV positive included sex (male: OR = 6.70, 95% CI: 2.030, 22.114), younger age (less than 42 years old: OR = 4.148, 95% CI: 1.348, 12.761), and poor personal hygiene habits (OR = 0.324, 95% CI: 0.105, 0.994). CONCLUSIONS: HIV positive individuals are more susceptible to co-infections with Cryptosporidium spp. than HIV negative people, particularly younger males with poor personal hygiene habits, indicating a need for targeted hygiene promotion, IPI surveillance and treatment.

[Efficacy of tribendimdine in treatment of hookworm infection].

OBJECTIVE: To study the efficacy of tribendimdine in the treatment of hookworm infection. METHODS: Forty-seven cases of hookworm infection detected in a cross-sectional study were selected and randomly divided into two groups, one was experimental group (23 cases) treated with tribendimdine and the other was control group (24 cases) treated with albendazole. The negative conversion rates and the incidence rates of adverse effects in the two groups were observed and compared. RESULTS: The negative conversion rates and the incidence rates of adverse effects of the two groups were 95.65% and 95.83%, 8.70% and 8.33%, respectively, there were no statistical differences (both P values > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The efficacy of tribendimdine in the treatment of hookworm infection is similar to albendazole.

[Susceptibilities of Oncomelania hupensis snails to Schistosoma japonicum miracidia from different hosts].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the susceptibilities of Oncomelania hupensis snails to Schistosoma japonicum miracidia from different hosts. METHODS: The Schistosoma japonicum eggs from different hosts, such as rabbits, cattle and mice were collected. These eggs were incubated for miracidia, respectively. Each snail from the same site was exposed to 5 miracidia of Schistosoma japonicum from different hosts. The infected snails were fed in the laboratory for two months. Then all the snails were dissected and observed under the dissecting microscope in order to know the infection rate of snails. RESULTS: In the experiment group, the infection rates of snails infected with miracidia from rabbits, cattle and mice were 1.42%, 8.67% and 19.87%, respectively, the mortality rates were 29.5%, 13.5% and 24.5%, respectively. However, the infection rates of snails in the control group were 2.63%, 2.02% and 11.66%, respectively, and the mortality rates were 24.0%, 49.5% and 18.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The susceptibilities of Oncomelania snails to Schistosoma japonicum miracidia from 3 kinds of hosts are significantly different.

[Infectious status of infection sources in the epidemic regions of Schistosomiasis japonica in China].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the infectious status of infection sources in some epidemic regions of Schistosomiasis japonica, and provide a scientific basis for further controlling infection sources in a comprehensive way. METHODS: Longshang village which lies in the area of hills and mountains and Yuye village which lies in the area of lakes and marshlands were chosen for field investigation. The study was targeted at snails and 1512 residents, while 197 samples of livestock were randomized (80 cattle, 46 pigs, 45 dogs, 18 cats, 8 sheep) and 32 wild animals (field rats) were screened in Anhui province between October to November in 2007. The infection rate and intensity of infection were calculated after pathogenic examination on the populations, livestock and wild animals (field rats). RESULTS: (1) The infection rate of snails in Longshang and Yuye village were 2.26%, 1.06% in 2007, and 0.55%, 0.72% in 2006 respectively. (2) Of the infection rate and geometric mean of egg per gram (EPG) of population, 3.8% and 0.14 (EPG) were in Longshang village and 3.4% and 0.13 (EPG) were in Yuye village. The positive rate of blood examination of the different sex in Longshang village was 17.5% (44/252) of the males, higher than that of the females 11.0% (25/227) (chi(2) = 4.026, P = 0.045), whereas, in Yuye village was 21.4% (66/309) of males and 19.4% (25/129) for the females, without significant differences (chi(2) = 0.217, P > 0.05). The positive rate of fecal examination of the different sex in Longshang village was 5.2% (14/268) of the men and 2.1% (5/236) of the women showing no statistical significance (chi(2) = 3.336, P > 0.05); whereas, in Yuye village was 5.7% (14/245) of the men and 1.2% (3/250) of the women (chi(2) = 7.603, P = 0.006). (3) The infection rate and the arithmetic mean of EPG of the cattle, 10.8% (8/74) and 135.00 (EPG) were in Longshang village, meanwhile, the infection rate of the bull was 9.1% (6/66) and 25.0% (2/8) for cow without statistical significance (chi(2) = 0.586, P = 0.444), whereas, the total number of cattle was 6 that had been examined and there was no positive case in Yuye village. Of 8 sheep examined in Yuye village, 6 was positive, with arithmetic mean of 254.82 (EPG), while there was no sheep in Longshang village. (4) Of the positive rate of the incubation for dog's feces and intensity of infection, 55.6% (24/36) and 20.00 (EPG) were in Yuye village whereas 23.81% (5/21) and 1.21 (EPG) were in Longshang village. (5) Of the infection rate of the field rats, 13.64% (3/22) in Longshang village whereas a total number of mouse was 10 that had been examined and there was no positive case in Yuye village. CONCLUSION: The farm cattle should be still the chief sources of infection in the regions of lakes and marshlands for schistosomiasis. Whereas, with the implementing in-depth of the strategy on controlling source of infection in a integrated way, high priorities should be given to the epidemiological factors of the animals such as sheep, dogs, field mouse and so on which are spreading schistosomiasis.