SUTrans-NET: a hybrid transformer approach to skin lesion segmentation.

Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor that threatens human life and health. Early detection is essential for effective treatment. However, the low contrast between melanoma lesions and normal skin and the irregularity in size and shape make skin lesions difficult to detect with the naked eye in the early stages, making the task of skin lesion segmentation challenging. Traditional encoder-decoder built with U-shaped networks using convolutional neural network (CNN) networks have limitations in establishing long-term dependencies and global contextual connections, while the Transformer architecture is limited in its application to small medical datasets. To address these issues, we propose a new skin lesion segmentation network, SUTrans-NET, which combines CNN and Transformer in a parallel fashion to form a dual encoder, where both CNN and Transformer branches perform dynamic interactive fusion of image information in each layer. At the same time, we introduce our designed multi-grouping module SpatialGroupAttention (SGA) to complement the spatial and texture information of the Transformer branch, and utilize the Focus idea of YOLOV5 to construct the Patch Embedding module in the Transformer to prevent the loss of pixel accuracy. In addition, we design a decoder with full-scale information fusion capability to fully fuse shallow and deep features at different stages of the encoder. The effectiveness of our method is demonstrated on the ISIC 2016, ISIC 2017, ISIC 2018 and PH2 datasets and its advantages over existing methods are verified.

Enhancing Agricultural Image Segmentation with an Agricultural Segment Anything Model Adapter.

The Segment Anything Model (SAM) is a versatile image segmentation model that enables zero-shot segmentation of various objects in any image using prompts, including bounding boxes, points, texts, and more. However, studies have shown that the SAM performs poorly in agricultural tasks like crop disease segmentation and pest segmentation. To address this issue, the agricultural SAM adapter (ASA) is proposed, which incorporates agricultural domain expertise into the segmentation model through a simple but effective adapter technique. By leveraging the distinctive characteristics of agricultural image segmentation and suitable user prompts, the model enables zero-shot segmentation, providing a new approach for zero-sample image segmentation in the agricultural domain. Comprehensive experiments are conducted to assess the efficacy of the ASA compared to the default SAM. The results show that the proposed model achieves significant improvements on all 12 agricultural segmentation tasks. Notably, the average Dice score improved by 41.48% on two coffee-leaf-disease segmentation tasks.

End-to-End Point Cloud Completion Network with Attention Mechanism.

We propose a conceptually simple, general framework and end-to-end approach to point cloud completion, entitled PCA-Net. This approach differs from the existing methods in that it does not require a "simple" network, such as multilayer perceptrons (MLPs), to generate a coarse point cloud and then a "complex" network, such as auto-encoders or transformers, to enhance local details. It can directly learn the mapping between missing and complete points, ensuring that the structure of the input missing point cloud remains unchanged while accurately predicting the complete points. This approach follows the minimalist design of U-Net. In the encoder, we encode the point clouds into point cloud blocks by iterative farthest point sampling (IFPS) and k-nearest neighbors and then extract the depth interaction features between the missing point cloud blocks by the attention mechanism. In the decoder, we introduce a new trilinear interpolation method to recover point cloud details, with the help of the coordinate space and feature space of low-resolution point clouds, and missing point cloud information. This paper also proposes a method to generate multi-view missing point cloud data using a 3D point cloud hidden point removal algorithm, so that each 3D point cloud model generates a missing point cloud through eight uniformly distributed camera poses. Experiments validate the effectiveness and superiority of PCA-Net in several challenging point cloud completion tasks, and PCA-Net also shows great versatility and robustness in real-world missing point cloud completion.

Improving Image Super-Resolution Based on Multiscale Generative Adversarial Networks.

Convolutional neural networks have greatly improved the performance of image super-resolution. However, perceptual networks have problems such as blurred line structures and a lack of high-frequency information when reconstructing image textures. To mitigate these issues, a generative adversarial network based on multiscale asynchronous learning is proposed in this paper, whereby a pyramid structure is employed in the network model to integrate high-frequency information at different scales. Our scheme employs a U-net as a discriminator to focus on the consistency of adjacent pixels in the input image and uses the LPIPS loss for perceptual extreme super-resolution with stronger supervision. Experiments on benchmark datasets and independent datasets Set5, Set14, BSD100, and SunHays80 show that our approach is effective in restoring detailed texture information from low-resolution images.

Disregulations of PURPL and MiR-338-3p Could Serve As Prognosis Biomarkers for Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the expressions of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) p53 upregulated regulator of p53 levels (PURPL) in different ovarian tissues, and to evaluate the significance of disregulations of PURPL and microRNA-338-3p (miR-338-3p) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods: The expressions of PURPL in ovarian cancer, the relations between PURPL and the prognosis of ovarian cancer, and the relation between PURPL and miR-338-3p were queried in multiple biomedical databases. Real-time PCR was performed to detect the expressions of PURPL in different ovarian tissues. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of recurrence and death. Kaplan-Meier analysis was implemented to evaluate the relations between PURPL and miR-338-3p expressions and the survival of ovarian cancer. Results: PURPL could target miR-338-3p, PURPL were upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues, upregulation of PURPL in ovarian cancer was negatively related with the recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), which were indicated by biomedical databases query. Our data showed upregulations of PURPL were noted in ovarian cancer tissues. Higher expressions of PURPL were associated with more advanced FIGO stage and developed lymph node metastasis in epithelial ovarian cancer. Upregulation of PURPL was related with the recurrence (P=0.002, OR=21.482, 95%CI: 3.457~94.251) and death (P=0.004, OR=35.643, 95%CI: 2.453~84.359) of ovarian cancer patient. PURPL expressions were negatively correlated to miR-338-3p expressions in different ovarian tissues (r = -0.968, P<0.0001). Poor RFS (χ2=19.410, P=0.0002) and OS (χ2=17.600, P=0.0005) were found in patients with high level PURPL and low level miR-338-3p expressions. Conclusions: Upregulation of PURPL and downregulation of miR-338-3p were related with the poor RFS and OS of ovarian cancer, which indicated disregulations of PURPL and miR-338-3p could serve as prognosis biomarkers for epithelial ovarian cancer.

Comprehensive multiomics analysis of the effect of ginsenoside Rb1 on hyperlipidemia.

We analyzed the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on hyperlipidemic in model mice. Using stool, plasma and hepatic tissue samples, we observed that the genera Blautia and Allobaculum were increased and Turicibacter was decrease in Rb1-treated mice as compared to untreated model mice. Ether lipid metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism were differentially enriched between the Rb1 and model groups. Lipidomics revealed 169 metabolites differentially expressed between the model and Rb1 groups in a positive ion model and 58 in a negative ion model. These metabolites mainly participate in glycerophospholipid, linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid metabolism. The main metabolites enriched in these three pathways were phosphatidylcholine, diacylglycerol and ceramide, respectively. In a transcriptome analysis, 766 transcripts were differentially expressed between the Rb1 and model groups. KEGG analysis revealed lysine degradation, inositol phosphate metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism to be the main enriched pathways. Multiomics analysis revealed glycerophospholipid metabolism to be a common pathway and phosphatidylcholine the main metabolite differentially enriched between the Rb1 and model groups. Results from fecal transplanted germ-free mice suggest that to suppress hyperlipidemia, Rb1 regulates gut microbiota by regulating the synthesis and decomposition of phosphatidylcholine in glycerophospholipid metabolism, which in turn decreases serum total cholesterol.

[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 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.

[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.

[Construction and application of malaria biobank].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a systemized malaria biobank with well-rounded epidemiologic data and a computer-aid management system, thus to provide qualified sources for malaria elimination and human malaria research. METHODS: The malaria biobank was based on the platform of Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases. The blood smear samples, dried blood samples, whole blood samples and parasite strains isolated from patients (from both local and imported cases) were collected since 2011 according to a standardized operational procedure. The biobank management software was applied to input of the epidemiological data and samples, and the quality of samples was monitored regularly. RESULTS: A standard malaria biobank was established. The Information Management System was applied to input, storage and output of samples. Totally 99.42% (2 223/2 236) of the blood smear samples, 92.58% (2 070/2 236) of the dried blood samples, 94.50% (2 113/2 236) of whole blood, and 2.06% (46/2 236) of the isolated stains in 2 236 reported cases were included in the malaria biobank in Jiangsu Province from 2011 to 2017. Based on the malaria biobank, 99.42% (2 223/2 236) of the blood smears and 82.74% (1 850/2 236) of DNA (from dried blood and whole blood samples) from malaria patients in Jiangsu Province were re-checked. Moreover, the samples in the malaria biobank were used in the studies of the mechanism of parasite drug resistance, malaria molecular epidemiology, and diagnosis technology development and evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of malaria biobank provides a guarantee for malaria elimination in Jiangsu Province and also provides a qualified resource for malaria research.

[Challenges for maintaining achievements of malaria elimination in Jiangsu Province, China].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the situation of malaria elimination, identify the current main challenges and difficulties of maintaining the achievements of malaria elimination, and find out feasible solutions in Jiangsu Province. METHODS: Through randomized grouping, the subject discussion and questionnaires were conducted by malaria control staffs from centers for diseases control and prevention of 13 cities of Jiangsu Province and Jiangsu Institute of Parasitic Diseases. The basic characteristics of participants and the effect of the discussion were analyzed through questionnaires. RESULTS: Twenty-seven professional participants were randomly divided into 3 groups. Totally 27 questionnaires were released and 24 valid questionnaires were retrieved. Among the 24 participants, 79.1% (19/24) of them were with mid-level and senior professional titles, and 66.7% (16/24) of them had worked for more than 10 years. Before the group discussion, only 16.7% (4/24) of the participants were aware of the current main challenges and difficulties in Jiangsu Province. After the discussion, 87.5% (21/24) of them thought the discussion increased their understanding of the challenges and difficulties. Through the subject discussion, the expert group summarized the current challenges and difficulties as well as the solutions in malaria prevention in Jiangsu Province in 4 aspects, namely the management guarantee of prevention work, diagnosis and treatment of the cases, field epidemiological investigation and others. Finally, a framework about these discussion results was established. CONCLUSIONS: During the post-stage of malaria elimination, Jiangsu Province still faced many challenges and difficulties, such as management guarantee, case diagnosis and treatment, epidemiology survey and focus disposals, and malaria surveillance sustainability. The feasible solutions of these challenges may provide examples for other provinces and regions which are undergoing malaria elimination or in post-stage of malaria elimination.

[Study on expression characteristics of cytochrome P450 genes in Anopheles sinensis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the expression characteristics of cytochrome P450 (CYP) candidate genes (CYP6M3, CYP6Y1, CYP6P5, CYP4H14, CYP4G17, CYP12F16) in Anopheles sinensis. METHODS: The samples were collected from different developmental stages (eggs, larvae, pupae and adult mosquitoes (females and males) ), and different tissues (salivary glands, malpighian tubes, midguts, ovaries, and fat bodies) of An. sinensis and the female adult mosquitoes exposed by different insecticide doses (0, 1.25, 3.75, 6.25, 12.5 µg/bottle) and time points (0, 5, 15, 30, 60 minutes), then the total RNA was extracted. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qPCR) assay was used to analyze the relative expressions of six CYP genes in An. sinensis at different developmental stages, tissues and different insecticide exposure doses and time. RESULTS: The expressions of CYP6M3 and CYP6Y1 in the male adult mosquitoes were the highest, the expression of CYP6M3 gene in the males was 35.1 times higher than that in the females, the expression of CYP6Y1 in the males was 61.4 times higher than that in the females; the expression level of CYP4H14 in the larvae was the lowest, the expression of CYP4H14 in the females was 22.5 times higher than that in the fourth instar larvae. The expressions of candidate CYP genes in different tissues of An. sinensis were significantly different, the expression of CYP6M3 in the malpighian tubule was 38.9 times higher than that in the ovary, the expression of CYP6Y1 in the fatbody was 9.1 times higher than that in the ovary, the expression of CYP4G17 was 4.6 times higher than that in the ovary, and the expression of CYP12F16 was 4.4 times higher thanthat in the ovary. The exposure to different insecticide doses and time showed some induction effects in the expressions of candidate CYP genes, which affected the expressions of candidate CYP genes in An. sinensis. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of candidate CYP genes varies significantly in different developmental stages and various tissues of An. sinensis, and exposure to deltamethrin at various doses and time points affects CYP genes expression in An. sinensis.

[Epidemiological analysis of malaria prevalence in Jiangsu Province in 2016].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the malaria epidemic situation and characteristics in Jiangsu Province in 2016, so as to provide the evidence for formulating and adjusting the strategy and measures for malaria elimination. METHODS: The data of malaria cases in Jiangsu Province in 2016 were collected from China's Routine Diseases Surveillance Information System (CRD-SIS) and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Totally, 308 malaria cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2016, and the cases decreased by 23.95% compared to 405 malaria cases in 2015. Except for 1 malaria case that was caused by blood transfusion, the rest patients were all imported. Among the 308 cases, 237 were infected with Plasmodium falciparum, 11 were infected with P. vivax, 8 were infected with P. malariae, 51 were infected with P. ovale, and 1 was mixed infection. Among all the cities in Jiangsu Province, the numbers of imported cases of Nantong (53 cases), Huai'an (41 cases), Taizhou (40 cases), Lianyungang (36 cases) and Yangzhou (29 cases) ranked in the top 5, and the total malaria cases in the five cities accounted for 64.61%. CONCLUSIONS: There were no local malaria cases in Jiangsu Province for 5 consecutive years up to 2016. Although the imported cases decreased slightly compared to those in 2015, we still should strengthen the surveillance of imported malaria cases as well as improve malaria diagnosis and treatment abilities for related personnel at all levels of medical institutions. Also we should focus on the Plasmodium check, focus survey and disposal to realize the aim of malaria elimination in Jiangsu Province in time.

[Results analysis of Jiangsu Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory in 2017].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of samples testing of Jiangsu Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory in 2017, so as to provide the evidence for improving the malaria diagnostic performance in this province. METHODS: The samples of reported malaria cases in Jiangsu were collected by the provincial reference laboratory (PRL) in 2017. The microscopy and nucleic acid test were performed to confirm the infection of Plasmodium species of each case, while Plasmodium antigen tests (rapid diagnostic test, RDT) were performed as well. The detection results were analyzed among different areas and different species. RESULTS: Totally 242 malaria cases were reported and the samples were collected by PRL in 2017. A total of 239 cases were confirmed Plasmodium infections, including 163 cases of Plasmodium falciparum infection, 21 cases of P. vivax infection, 11 cases of P. malariae infection, 43 cases of P. ovale infection, and 1 case of P. falciparum and P. ovale mixed-infection. The diagnostic coincidence rates of reported malaria case in 13 prefectures with districts were all > 80%, and the total coincidence rate was 88.8%. The species diagnostic coincidence rates of P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale were 98.8%, 57.1%, 63.6%, and 81.4% respectively, and the detection rates by RDT to those four species infections were 95.7%, 85.0%, 63.6% and 79.1% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In 2017, the malaria diagnostic quality of medical technicians is generally high in Jiangsu Province. However, the diagnostic capacity is slightly different among different regions, and the ability to identify non- P. falciparum parasites remains to be improved. RDT is not ideal for the detection of non-P. falciparum infection. In the current stage of malaria elimination, the malaria diagnostic capacity of technicians in all the sectors should be strengthened and maintained.

[Analysis of channels of going abroad of imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province, China].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the channels of going abroad of imported malaria patients in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the evidence for the control of imported malaria and health intervention for high-risk population. METHODS: The data of imported malaria cases in Jiangsu Province in 2015 were collected and the channels of going abroad were analyzed. The Quantum GIS 1.7.4 software was applied to map. RESULTS: Totally 405 imported cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2015, and the cases increased by 14.1% compared with those in 2014. All the patients were migrant workers. The migrant workers were mostly sent abroad by construction companies [43.21% (175/405)]. The dispatching companies were mainly concentrated in Taizhou, Lianyungang, Zhenjiang and Yangzhou cities, accounting for 6.17% (25/405), 3.21% (13/405), 2.72% (11/405) and 2.22% (9/405), respectively. Totally 176 (43.46%) patients returned to China having accompanied workers, and 1.21% (9/745) of accompanied workers were found having symptoms of malaria later. CONCLUSIONS: It is difficult to monitor malaria in overseas migrant works in Jiangsu Province. The channels of going abroad of migrant workers are various and complicated, formulating the main difficulty and challenge of imported malaria control.

[Establishment of malaria early warning system in Jiangsu Province â § Malaria vector monitoring in Jiangsu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the population, density, seasonal fluctuation and nocturnal pattern of malaria vectors in Jiangsu Province, thus to provide evidences for malaria elimination in this province. METHODS: Seven counties (cities, districts) were selected as the monitoring sites for malaria vectors in Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2015. The mosquitoes were captured by human bait trapping in bed nets and mosquito-lured lamp overnight, and the seasonal fluctuation and nocturnal pattern of malaria vectors were observed. RESULTS: A total of 11 041 Anopheles sinensis mosquitoes were captured by the mosquito-lured lamps in 7 counties of Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2015, and no An. anthropophagous was found. Among all the 7 monitoring sites, the number of An. sinensis captured in Sihong County was the most (6 742 mosquitoes), while that in Xuyu County was the least (34 mosquitoes). During this period, the density peaks of An. sinensis were the first half of July, the first half of August and the second half of July. A total of 2 421 An. sinensis were collected in 7 monitoring sites from 2013 to 2015 by human bait trapping in bed nets overnight. Among all the 7 monitoring sites, the captured number of An. sinensis in Sihong County was the most (1 085 mosquitoes), while that in Ganyu County was the least (13 mosquitoes). The nocturnal peak of An. sinensis was from 19：00 to 20：00 and 525 An. sinensis mosquitoes were captured during this period of time, which accounted for 21.68% of the total. Hereafter, the captured number of An. sinensis reduced over time. CONCLUSIONS: The density of An. sinensis mosquitoes is still high in individual areas in Jiangsu Province, so the epidemic and vector monitoring still should be strengthened to prevent the local transmission of imported malaria.

Risperidone-induced increase in serum prolactin is correlated with positive symptom improvement in chronic schizophrenia.

The elevation in serum prolactin (PRL) concentration in schizophrenic patients treated with typical antipsychotic drugs is well documented. Recently, increased prolactin levels have been reported in patients taking risperidone. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of the atypical antipsychotic drug risperidone on serum prolactin, and to investigate the relationship between the change in PRL and the therapeutic outcome. In this study, 30 male inpatients with a diagnosis of chronic schizophrenia (DSM-III-R) were assigned to 12 weeks of treatment with risperidone after a 2-week washout period. The risperidone dose was fixed at 6 mg/day. Clinical efficacy was determined using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Serum PRL was assayed in serum by radioimmunometric assay in schizophrenic patients before and after 12-week treatment, as compared to 30 age-matched normal male subjects. The results showed that risperidone treatment significantly increased the serum PRL. A significant and positive relationship between the change in PRL at pre- and post-treatment and the reduction rate of PANSS positive subscore was observed. Risperidone treatment significantly increased the serum PRL levels of schizophrenic patients. There was a close relationship between the improvement in positive symptoms and the change of serum PRL level before and after risperidone treatment. The serum PRL levels at baseline could be used to predict the responses of schizophrenic patients to risperidone.