The development of a combined clinico-radiomics model for predicting post-operative recurrence in atypical meningiomas: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: Atypical meningiomas could manifest early recurrence after surgery and even adjuvant radiotherapy. We aimed to construct a clinico-radiomics model to predict post-operative recurrence of atypical meningiomas based on clinicopathological and radiomics features. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study cohort was comprised of 224 patients from two neurosurgical centers. 164 patients from center I were divided to the training cohort for model development and the testing cohort for internal validation. 60 patients from center II were used for external validation. Clinicopathological characteristics, radiological semantic, and radiomics features were collected. A radiomic signature was comprised of four radiomics features. A clinico-radiomics model combining the radiomics signature and clinical characteristics was constructed to predict the recurrence of atypical meningiomas. RESULTS: 1920 radiomics features were extracted from the T1 Contrast and T2-FLAIR sequences of patients in center I. The radiomics signature was able to differentiate post-operative patients into low-risk and high-risk groups based on tumor recurrence (P < 0.001). A clinic-radiomics model was established by combining age, extent of resection, Ki-67 index, surgical history and the radiomics signature for recurrence prediction in atypical meningiomas. The model achieved a good prediction performance with the integrated AUC of 0.858 (0.802-0.915), 0.781 (0.649-0.912) and 0.840 (0.747-0.933) in the training, internal validation and external validation cohort, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The present study established a radiomics signature and a clinico-radiomics model with a favorable performance in predicting tumor recurrence for atypical meningiomas.

Elevated serum ferritin levels are associated with severity and prognosis of severe acute pancreatitis: a preliminary cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Serum ferritin (SF), as an acute-phase response protein, is used to reflect the degree of oxidative stress and systemic inflammatory responses. This study was designed to assess the effect of elevated SF levels on the severity of acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2020, 200 consecutive patients with AP were retrospectively reviewed to analyze the relationships among the etiologies of pancreatitis, the severity of the disease and SF levels. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression analysis were used to assess whether elevated SF levels could predict the onset of organ failure in AP. RESULTS: 92 (46%) had high SF levels (> 275 ng/ml). SF levels were not associated with the etiology of AP disease. Among patients with high SF levels, there was a significant increase in the proportion of patients with severe AP (23.1% vs. 76.9%) and a higher proportion of systemic inflammatory response scores (25.9% vs. 44.6%) in comparison to patients with normal SF levels. The area under the ROC curve for SF in predicting persistent organ failure was 0.812 [95% confidence interval 0.721-0.904]. CONCLUSIONS: F concentrations were positively correlated with the severity of AP, and quantitative assessment of SF can predict disease severity and organ failure in patients with AP.

PHF19 activates hedgehog signaling and promotes tumorigenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aberrant activation of Hedgehog-Gli1 signaling and accumulation of Gli1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are frequently observed. However, the mechanisms leading to the overactivation of this signaling pathway are not fully understood. In this study, we show that the short isoform of PHD finger protein 19 (PHF19) interacts with ß-TrCP, the E3 ligase of Gli1, and that knocking down PHF19 promotes the ubiquitination of Gli1. In a biological function study, PHF19 was found to promote the growth of HCC cells both in liquid culture and in soft agar. Moreover, knocking out PHF19 in a HCC mouse model (MycF/F) using the hydrodynamic method inhibited tumorigenesis and improved survival. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PHF19 promotes the growth of HCC cells by activating the Hedgehog signaling pathway.

Research on the relation between hydro-chemical and geological characteristics in karst area: Case study in Zhong Liang Mountain, Southwest China.

Karst groundwater, which is one of most important drinking water sources, is vulnerable to be polluted as its closed hydraulic relation with surface water. Thus, it is very important to identify the groundwater source to control groundwater pollution. The Pearson correlation coefficient among major ions (Na + K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, HCO3 -, SO4 2-, and Cl-) was employed to deduce the groundwater types in Zhong Liang Mountain, Southwest China. Then, the combined method of principal component analysis and cluster analysis were employed to identify the groundwater sources in a typical karst region of southwest China. The results shown that (1) the high positive correlation between cations and anions indicated the water-rock reaction of Ca-HCO3, Ca-SO4, (Na + K)-Cl, and Mg-SO4. (2) The major two principal components that would represent water-rock reaction of CaSO4 and Ca-HCO3 would, respectively, explain 60.41% and 31.80% of groundwater information. (3) Based on the two principal components, 33 groundwater samples were clustered into eight groups through hierarchical clustering, each group has similar water-rock reaction. The findings would be employed to forecast the surge water, that was an important work for tunnel construction and operation. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The components of groundwater was highly correlated with water-rock reaction. The principal component analysis screens the types of groundwater. The cluster analysis identifies the groundwater sources.

Cystatin C and asymptomatic coronary artery disease in patients with metabolic syndrome and normal glomerular filtration rate.

BACKGROUND: All of the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been regarded as risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). Early detection of CAD in asymptomatic patients with MetS remains a challenge. Cystatin C,which has been proposed as a novel marker of renal dysfunction,is correlated with mortality in CAD, The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether cystatin C is a potential marker of asymptomatic CAD in MetS patients with normal kidney function. METHODS: A total of 211asymptomatic MetS patients without prior history of CAD patients were included in a cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into MetS with asymptomatic CAD (n=136) and MetS without CAD (n=75) groups according to coronary angiograph results. Serum cystatin C levels were measured using particle enhanced immunonephelometric assays. We first assessed whether there is an independent association of cystatin C with the presence and severity of asymptomatic CAD. Then, we investigated the association between cystatin C and other biochemical risk factors for atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Serum cystatin C levels in patients with asymptomatic CAD were significantly higher than those without CAD (P=0.004). A multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated cystatin C was independently associated with the presence of asymptomatic CAD (OR=1.326, 95%CI: 1.086-1.619). On receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.622 (95% CI: 0543-0.701, P=0.003), and cystatin C showed a moderate predictive value. Furthermore, cystatin C was independently correlated with Gensini score (standardized ß=0.183, P=0.007), and serum cystatin C levels increased with the increasing of number of disease vessels (P=0.005). In a multiple stepwise regression analysis, uric acid (UA)(P<0.001), body mass index (BMI)(P=0.002), triglyceride(TG)(P=0.03), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)(P<0.001), and fibrinogen(P=0.001) were independently associated with cystatin C. CONCLUSIONS: Serum cystatin C in our study was significantly associated with the presence and severity of asymptomatic CAD in MetS patients with normal kidney function, suggesting that cystatin C is probably more than a marker of glomerular filtration rate.

A three-microRNA panel in serum as novel biomarker for papillary thyroid carcinoma diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence has revealed that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) can serve as non-invasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs in serum which might become potential biomarkers for non-invasive diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). METHODS: The experiment was carried out between 2015 and 2017. In the screening stage, the Exiqon miRNA quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) panel was applied to select candidate miRNAs. In the following training, testing, and external validation stages, the serum samples of 100 patients and 96 healthy controls (HCs) were analyzed to compare the expression levels of the identified miRNAs. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were calculated to assess the diagnostic value of the identified signature. RESULTS: Three miRNAs (miR-25-3p, miR-296-5p, and miR-92a-3p) in serum were consistently up-regulated in PTC patients compared with HCs. A three-miRNA panel was constructed by logistic regression analysis and showed better diagnostic performance than a single miRNA for PTC detection. The AUCs of the panel were 0.727, 0.771, and 0.862 for the training, testing, and external validation stage, respectively. Meanwhile, the panel showed stable capability in differentiating PTC patients from patients with benign goiters, with an AUC as high as 0.969. For further exploration, the three identified miRNAs were analyzed in tissue samples (23 PTC vs. 23 HCs) and serum-derived exosomes samples (24 PTC vs. 24 HCs), and the altered expression in the tumor also indicated their close relationship with PTC disease. CONCLUSION: We identify a three-miRNA panel in serum which might serve as a promising biomarker for PTC diagnosis.

Serum microRNA expression profiling revealing potential diagnostic biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) in the blood circulation can serve as promising diagnostic markers for cancers. This four-stage study aimed at finding serum miRNAs as potential biomarkers for lung adenocarcinoma (LA) diagnosis. METHODS: The study was carried out between 2016 and 2017. The Exiqon miRNA qPCR panel (3 LA vs. 1 normal control [NC] pooled serum samples) was used for initial screening to acquire miRNA profiles. Thirty-five dysregulated miRNAs were further evaluated in the training (24 LA vs. 24 NCs) and testing stages (110 LA vs. 110 NCs) using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. RESULTS: Four serum miRNAs (miR-133a-3p, miR-584-5p, miR-10b-5p, and miR-221-3p) were significantly overexpressed in LA patients compared with NCs. The diagnostic value of the four-miRNA panel was validated by an external cohort (36 LA vs. 36 NCs). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the four-miRNA panel in the training, testing, and external validation stages were 0.734, 0.803, and 0.894 respectively. Meanwhile, the expression level of miR-221-3p was much higher in LA tumor samples than that in the adjacent normal tissues (19 LA vs. 19 NCs). The expression level of miR-10b-5p was also elevated in the serum-derived exosomes samples (18 LA vs. 18 NCs). The expression of miR-133a-3p, miR-584-5p, and miR-10b-5p was significantly elevated in LA patients with epidermal growth factor receptor mutation compared with NCs. CONCLUSION: The study established a four-miRNA signature in serum that could improve the diagnostic capability of LA.

[Evaluation of implementation effect of schistosomiasis control program in Jiangsu Province from 2010 to 2015].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the actual effect of the schistosomiasis control program in Jiangsu Province from 2010 to 2015. METHODS: A total of 67 schistosomiasis-endemic counties in 10 cities were selected, and a combination of retrospective investigation and on-site investigation was adopted to collect and record the epidemic data of the counties from 2010 to 2015, and a retrospective survey database of epidemic situation was established. The effects of integrated control strategies with both Oncomelania hupensis snail control and infection source control were evaluated. RESULTS: From 2010 to 2015, 2 465 911 persons who lived in endemic areas were detected for schistosomiasis, with 16 974 positive cases of blood examinations, and 8 positive cases of fecal examinations. Totally 5 145 people with advanced schistosomiasis were treated and 40 460 people with the history of schistosome cercarial-infested water contact received the expanded chemotherapy. A total of 127 636 cattle raised in the endemic areas were detected, and 51 619 cattle (head-times) with the history of cercarial-infested water contact also received the expanded chemotherapy. The area with snails control by molluscicides was 18 604.84 hm2. By the end of 2015, schistosomeinfected snails had not been found and there was no zoological schistosome infection for 5 consecutive years, and in addition, there had been no acute schistosome-infected persons for 6 consecutive years in the whole province. The area with snails dropped to 1 977.18 hm2, with a decreasing rate of 55.24% compared with that in 2010. CONCLUSIONS: After the implementation of the plan for the prevention and control of schistosomiasis in Jiangsu Province (2010-2015), the prevention and control of schistosomiasis has achieved remarkable effects and realized the goal of the plan.

[Assessment of schistosomiasis elimination in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the state of schistosomiasis elimination in 6 districts of Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the evidence for the formulation of consolidation measures. METHODS: Three towns (streets) were selected according to the schistosomiasis epidemic degree in each district, and one village was sampled from each town. The on-site assessment was carried out between 2016 and 2017, including Oncomelania hupensis snail survey, population investigation and domestic animal investigation. In addition, the related data and materials were evaluated and the monitoring ability was assessed. RESULTS: In the history, there were 54 endemic towns, 368 endemic villages in Changzhou City, with a total area of 3 934.79 hm2 of historic snail spots, and 114 990 schistosomiasis cases so far. In the field assessment in 6 districts, a total of 26 environments were surveyed, with the surveyed area of 36.23 hm2, and there were no living snails captured in each village. A total of 18 199 people were examined for schistosome infection, 255 were blood test positive, and the sero-positive rate was 1.40%. The stool examination was done in 255 sero-positive cases, and no cases were stool-positive. A total of 779 domestic animals were investigated, including 200 cattle, 179 sheep and 400 pigs, and no infections were detected. The files regarding the snail status and schistosomiasis epidemic situation, and the monitoring data were complete and accurate in 6 districts. The annual investment funds for schistosomiasis prevention were 3 120 000 Yuan in Changzhou City, and the number of staff working for schistosomiasis prevention was 86 totally, which could meet the requirements of high quality monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: All 6 districts of Changzhou City have met the requirements of schistosomiasis elimination.

[Survey of schistosomiasis KAP and influencing factors of behaviors among residents in Jiangsu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the schistosomiasis control knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), and influencing factors of behaviors among residents in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the evidence for making effective health education and health promotion models. METHODS: The probability proportionate to size sampling (PPS) and multi-stage sampling methods were adopted to sample the research objects. A questionnaire survey of schistosomiasis control KAP was conducted in the residents of 16 to 69 years old in schistosomiasis endemic areas of Jiangsu Province, and the results were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The total awareness rate of the participants was 95.98% for schistosomiasis control knowledge. The correct rates of attitude and practice were 89.06% and 77.43%, respectively. The awareness/correct rates of knowledge, attitude and practice reduced in turns significantly (χ2 =1 282.96, P < 0.01). The knowledge awareness rate of fishermen and boatmen was 90.98%, but their attitude correct rate was only 53.81% ( χ2 =120.52, P < 0.01). The unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that with the education level increasing, their practice correct rate rose, and the participants with the college degree or above had a higher correct rate compared to illeterate ones (OR = 6.411, 95% CI: 4.896-8.395). The practice correct rate of the fisher-men and boatmen was only 5.1% of the rate of the farmers (OR = 0.051, 95% CI: 0.029-0.091). CONCLUSIONS: The total awareness rate of basic knowledge of schistosomiasis prevention and control in the residents of Jiangsu Province has reached the requirements in the "National Schistosomiasis Control Long-term Planning Outline (2004-2015)", but the correct rate of behaviors is low. The education level, occupation and residential areas affect the health behaviors of schistosomiasis prevention and control. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out targeted health promotion activities to promote the formation of healthy lifestyle and behaviors.

[Investigation of major parasitic diseases and related knowledge, attitude and practice among rural residents in Liyang City].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of major parasitic diseases and related knowledge, attitude and practice among rural residents in Liyang City, so as to provide the evidence for formulating appropriate preventive strategies and measures. METHODS: Three villages were selected from three towns as survey sites, and the residents who were above three years old and had been in the village for over six months were investigated. The Kato-Katz technique was applied to detect intestinal parasite eggs in residents' feces, and the cellophane anal swab was used to detect Enterobius vermicularis eggs among children aged 3-6 years. The iodine liquid smear and saline smear methods were used to examine intestinal protozoa cysts or trophozoites. Hookworm species were identified by the tube filter paper culture method. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the information on residents' knowledge, attitude and practice of the prevention and control of major parasitic diseases. RESULTS: Totally 759 residents were investigated and tested at the three rural survey sites, and only 2 cases were detected of parasitic infection and the total infection rate was 0.26%. Both cases were mild infections without mixed infection. The total awareness rate of knowledge on ascariasis, trichuriasis and ancylostomiasis was 37.9%, while the awareness rate of knowledge on clonorchiasis was 13.8%. The age and educational level were important factors of the knowledge on prevention and control of parasitic diseases among the residents. The formation rates of washing hands before meal and after using the toilet, and never drinking unboiled water were 83.8% and 92.1%, respectively. Totally 11.6% of the residents usually ate raw or half-cooked freshwater fishes and shrimps, and 53.0% had not the behavior to prepare raw and cooked food using the different chopping boards. The proportions of residents using fresh feces as manure and working in the field with bare feet were 13.8% and 22.8% respectively. The proportions of residents who thought they could, could not, or were not sure to change the risk behaviors and habits of parasitic infections were 40.2%, 28.5% and 31.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The infection rate of major parasitic diseases among the rural residents in Liyang City is low, and the awareness rate of knowledge on preventing parasitic diseases is also low. Therefore, the health education on the prevention and control of parasitic diseases should be strengthened to guide them to develop good hygiene, diet and farming habits. The environmental sanitation should be continuously improved to block the endemic of parasitic infection.

[Assessment and authentication of malaria elimination in Changzhou City].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of assessment and authentication of malaria elimination of 7 county-level cities and districts in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, and explore the suitable monitoring methods for malaria after the elimination in this region, so as to provide the evidence for formulating and adjusting the malaria elimination strategies and measures. METHODS: The data from the network reports of malaria epidemic situation, blood examinations of febrile patients, epidemiological questionnaires of malaria cases, investigation of epidemic focuses and disposal tables were collected and analyzed in Changzhou City from 2009 to 2014. The clinicians were assessed with the closed-book written examinations for their ability of the diagnosis and treatment of malaria. The inspection personnel were assessed by the microscopical examinations of Plasmodium. Totally 30 negative blood slides were reviewed. In the natural village where the last local case of malaria was located, 200 blood filter papers were collected for gene detection of Plasmodium. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2014, 145 malaria cases were reported in Changzhou City. Totally 170 638 febrile patients received blood detections for malaria, of which 137 cases were positive and the positive rate was 0.08%. The majority of malaria cases were imported except 8 local malaria infection cases in 2009 and 2 local malaria infection cases in 2010. Four of seven county-level cities (districts) gained an average score of 20 points on the microscopical examinations of Plasmodium. Liyang City got a minimum average score of 18.8 points. In capacity assessment of malaria diagnosis and treatment, Liyang City gained the highest average score of 19.8 points, and Qishuyan District got the lowest average score of 18.0 points. The malaria elimination assessment scores of the 7 county-level cities (districts) were all above 93 points. Four county-level cities (districts) (Xinbei District, Wujin District, Liyang City, and Jintan City) carried out the active case detections. A total of 731 cases were detected and the results were all negative. Liyang City in 2012, Zhonglou District and Jintan City in 2013, Tianning District, Qishuyan District, Xinbei District and Wujin District in 2014, passed the malaria elimination assessment at county (district) level, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: All the 7 county-level cities (districts) of Changzhou City have passed the malaria elimination assessment at a high score. After the malaria elimination, the monitoring should continue to consolidate the achievements.

[Analysis of malaria epidemic situation in Changzhou City from 2010 to 2014].

OBJECTIVE: To grasp the malaria epidemic situation in Changzhou City from 2010 to 2014, so as to provide the evidence for formulating and adjusting malaria control strategies and measures. METHODS: The epidemiological data of malaria cases in the special report system from 2010 to 2014 were collected, and the malaria epidemic situation and the diagnosis and treatment of malaria patients were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 132 malaria cases reported in Changzhou City from 2010 to 2014, with a decrease of 27.47% compared to 182 cases from 2005 to 2009. Among the 132 cases, 2 cases were local infected cases and the remaining 130 cases were imported cases. Four cases were clinically diagnosed and 128 cases were laboratory confirmed, with 97 cases of malignant malaria, 14 cases of vivax malaria, 13 cases of ovale malaria, and 4 cases of quartan malaria. The 132 cases were distributed in five districts：56 cases in Jintan City, 51 cases in Liyang City, 19 cases in Tianning District, 3 cases in Wujin District, and 3 cases in Xinbei District. The median duration between the onset and treatment of the disease was 2 days, and the median duration between the diagnosis and treatment was 1 day. The diagnosing units were concentrated on the county-level disease control agencies, and medical institutions at county and municipal levels, accounting for 92.42% (122/132). From 2011 to 2014, there were no local malaria cases. CONCLUSIONS: From 2012 to 2014, there have been no local malaria cases in Changzhou City, and the goal of eliminating malaria has been achieved basically. However, there are still many imported malaria cases, and the infected species are diverse. Therefore, imported malaria is still the key of malaria prevention and control.

[Quality analysis of malaria blood smears of fever patients in Changzhou City in 2014].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the quality of blood smears for Plasmodium detection in Changzhou City, so as to provide the technical support for malaria surveillance in the post-elimination period. METHODS: The blood smears of fever patients from each cities (districts) in Changzhou City in 2014, including more than 3% of the negatives and all the positives, were selected. The quality of the blood smear making, dyeing, cleanliness and results were reviewed by the experts from the municipal malaria microscopy station, and the data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Totally 996 negative blood smears were reviewed in 2014, with a review rate of 4.52%. The qualified rates of blood smear making, dyeing and cleanliness were 92.87%, 93.27% and 94.48%, respectively. A total of 34 positive blood smears were reviewed, and there were no false detections and leak detections. The qualified rates of blood smear making and dyeing were more than 90% in all the seven cities (districts). As for qualified rate of cleanliness, except the rate in Qishuyan District (81.36%), those in the other six cities (districts) were all above 90%. The qualified rates of blood smear making, dyeing and cleanliness were all more than 90% in first-class, second-class and third-class hospitals. The major quality defects of the blood smears were sediment, abnormal making and thick membrane shedding, and the proportions were 25.91%, 21.76% and 19.17%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of blood smears for Plasmodium detection in Changzhou City is satisfying. In the future, the training and supervision still should be strengthened to guarantee the capacity of microscopic examinations for Plasmodium detection in the surveillance of post-elimination period.

[Analyais of Toxoplasma gondii infection and related factors among special population in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and related factors among special population in Changzhou City, so as to provide the evidence for formulating toxoplasmosis prevention measures. METHODS: The venous blood was collected from participants in Changzhou City for detecting IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii by ELISA; and an epidemiological questionnaire investigation was also conducted. RESULTS: Among the total 400 respondents detected, the prevalence of T. gondii infection was 15.0% and the positive rates of IgG and IgM were 15.0% and 0.8%, respectively. The T. gondii infection rates of pregnant women, HIV/AIDS patients, patients with neoplasia, and livestock and poultry breeding and processing workers were 11.0%, 11.0%, 24.0% and 14.0%, respectively. As the age increased, the infection rate of T. gondii showed an upward trend, with the highest infection rate (21.6%) among the group of respondents aged above 50 years. The infection rates of groups with different education levels were statistically different (χ2 = 11.443, P < 0.05), and there was a trend that the infection rate decreased with the increase of education level. The prevalence of T. gondii infection in pregnant women was not significantly associated with the number of pregnancies and gestational age. The infection rate of T. gondii in the live-stock and poultry breeding and processing workers increased with the length of their working years. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of T. gondii infection among the special population in Changzhou City is high. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the health education on the knowledge and information of prevention and control of toxoplasmosis, and to improve the awareness of personal protection, the hygiene practices and diet habits. In addition, more attention should be paid to T. gondii monitoring in the special population.

[Investigation on knowledge, attitude, and practice of schistosomiasis prevention and control and infection status in Armed Police Forces stationed along Yangtze River].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the status of knowledge, attitude, and practice of schistosomiasis prevention and control and infection status in Armed Police Forces stationed along the Yangtze River, so as to provide the reference for formulating the schistosomiasis prevention and control measures in Armed Police Forces. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted in the Armed Police Forces along the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province, and the investigation content included social demographic data, schistosomiasis prevention knowledge, attitude and behavior. All the subjects were examined for Schistosoma japonicum infection. RESULTS: Totally 376 soldiers were investigated in 2 sites. The total passing rate of schistosomiasis knowledge was 72.87%. The passing rate among different age groups had no significant difference ( χ2 =0.26, P > 0.05). The passing rate of soldiers from endemic areas was significantly higher than that of the soldiers from non-endemic areas ( χ2 =4.71, P < 0.05). The passing rate of officers was significantly higher than that of the soldiers (χ2 = 4.21, P < 0.05). The passing rate of soldiers with the education levels of junior school, high school, college, undergraduate and above increased gradually, with a significant difference (χ2 =8.16, P < 0.05). The soldiers with positive attitude accounted for 93.88%. Among the water contact behaviors, training accounted for 17.55% and participating in the task (such as flood fighting and water work) accounted for 86.44%. When launching, the rate of taking protective measures was 52.93%. The rate of taking protective measures in the knowledge passing group was much higher than that in the knowledge failed group (χ2 =10.55, P < 0.05). The stool was harmlessly treated in the two camps. Among 376 soldiers, the positive rate of blood examinations was 0.53%, but the stool examinations were all negative. CONCLUSIONS: The overall level of knowledge and correct behavior of schistosomiasis prevention in the Armed Police Forces along the Yangtze River still should be improved. The better health education and behavior intervention are crucial to schistosomiasis prevention in the army.

[Effect of comprehensive schistosomiasis control in Changzhou City from 2004 to 2014].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of comprehensive schistosomiasis control in Changzhou City in recent 10 years, so as to provide the evidences for formulating the future prevention and control strategy. METHODS: The work reports and the data of the schistosomiasis comprehensive control projects in Changzhou City from 2004 to 2014 were collected, the infection status of residents and livestock as well the Oncomelania hupensis snail situation were analyzed, and the implementation effect of the comprehensive control projects was evaluated. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2014, totally 215 368 person-times were examined, and the positive rate of the blood examinations of the population was 0.24% (478/198 356), and there were no positive cases detected out by using the miracidium hatching method. Totally 11 935 domestic animals were detected and no positives were found. From 2004 to 2014, the total area with snails was 92.27 hm2, and marshland, inland and mountain environments accounted for 34.75%, 34.82% and 30.43%, respectively. The newly discovered area with snails was 34.40 hm2, and marshland, inland and mountain environments accounted for 2.62%, 71.22% and 26.16%, respectively. Totally 8 511 snails were dissected and no schistosome infected snails were found. From 2004 to 2014, a total of 242 600 harmless toilets were built, 2 704 700 domestic animals were reared in pens, 5.82 km-long rivers were dredged, 2 250.11 hm2 of protective forests were constructed, a total area of 625.79 hm2 were controlled with molluscicides, and an area of 149.58 hm2 were environmentally transformed. Totally 5.4 million people received health education. The awareness rate of knowledge on schistosomiasis control of residents was 96.00% in 2014. CONCLUSIONS: There exists the risks of snails import and diffusion and schistosomiasis resurrection in Changzhou City, but under the condition of continuous implementation of comprehensive control measures, the endemic situation of schistosomiasis is stable and the control achievement is consolidated in this city.

HSP70 inhibits burn serum-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes via mitochondrial and membrane death receptor pathways.

The objective is to determine if Hsp70 is involved in the mechanism by which serum from burn rats induces apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes in primary culture were assigned to the following groups: normal controls, normal rat serum, burn serum, burn serum plus empty vector control, and burn serum plus Hsp70 transfection. Each group, except normal controls, was cultured with the corresponding serum for 2 hours. The empty vector controls and the Hsp70 groups were transfected, respectively, with the empty vector or pcDNA3.1-Hsp70 recombinant plasmid 36 hours previously. Hsp70 protein levels were assessed by Western blot. Apoptotic cells were counted after Hoechst 33258 staining. Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was also detected by the presence of "ladder" bands in agarose gels following electrophoresis of extracted DNA. Activation of caspase-3, -8, and -9 and Bid cleavage were assessed by Western blot. Hsp70 overexpression inhibited burn serum-induced apoptosis of cardiomyocytes; and burn serum-induced activation of caspases-3, -8, and -9; and Bid cleavage into tBid. Hsp70 inhibits burn serum-induced apoptosis by interfering with death receptor and mitochondrial pathways.