Recombinant Schistosoma japonicum egg ribonuclease SjCP1412 inhibits the activation of LX-2 hepatic stellate cells in vitro / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of recombinant Schistosoma japonicum egg ribonuclease SjCP1412 (rSjCP1412) on proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and activation of human hepatic stellate cells LX-2 in vitro, and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods The rSjCP1412 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 by prokaryotic expression, and the highly purified soluble rSjCP1412 protein was prepared by Ni NTA affinity chromatography and urea gradient refolding dialysis. Yeast RNA was digested using 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 µg rSjCP1412 proteins at 37 °C for 2, 3, 4 h, and the enzymatic products were electrophoresed on 1.5% agarose gel to observe the RNAase activity of rSjCP1412 protein. The proliferation of LX-2 cells stimulated by different doses of rSjCP1412 protein for 48 hours was measured using CCK-8 assay, and the apoptosis of LX-2 cells stimulated by different doses of rSjCP1412 protein for 48 hours was detected using the Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, while the percentage of LX-2 cells at G0/G1, S and G2/M phases of cell cycle following stimulation with different doses of rSjCP1412 protein for 48 h was detected by DAPI staining. The type I collagen, type III collagen and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) mRNA expression was quantified using quantitative florescent real-time PCR (qPCR) assay and Western blotting at transcriptional and translational levels in LX-2 cells following stimulation with different doses of rSjCP1412 protein for 48 h, while soluble egg antigen (SEA) served a positive control and PBS without rSjCP1412 protein as a normal control in the above experiments. The expression of collagen I, α-SMA and Smad4 protein was determined using Western blotting in LX-2 cells following stimulation with rSjCP1412 protein, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) alone or in combination, to examine the signaling for the effect of rSjCP1412 protein on LX-2 cells. Results The rSjCP1412 protein was successfully expressed and the highly purified soluble rSjCP1412 protein was prepared, which had a RNase activity. Compared with the normal group, the survival rates of LX-2 cells significantly decreased post-treatment with 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 µg/mL rSjCP1412 protein and SEA for 48 h (F = 22.417 and 20.448, both P values < 0.05). The apoptotic rates of LX-2 cells significantly increased post-treatment with 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 µg/mL rSjCP1412 protein for 48 h (F = 11.350, P < 0.05), and treatment with 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 µg/mL rSjCP1412 protein for 48 h resulted in arrest of LX-2 cells in G0/G1 phase (F = 20.710, P < 0.05). Treatment with 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 µg/mL rSjCP1412 protein for 48 h caused a significant reduction in relative expression levels of collagen I (F = 11.340, P < 0.05), collagen III (F = 456.600, P < 0.05) and α-SMA mRNA (F = 23.100, P < 0.05) in LX-2 cells, and both rSjCP1412 protein and SEA treatment caused a significant reduction in collagen I (F = 1 302.000, P < 0.05), α-SMA (F = 49.750, P < 0.05) and Smad4 protein expression (F = 52.420, P < 0.05) in LX-2 cells. In addition, rSjCP1412 protein treatment inhibited collagen I (F = 66.290, P < 0.05), α-SMA (F = 31.300, P < 0.05) and Smad4 protein expression (F = 27.010, P < 0.05) in LX-2 cells activated by TGF-β1. Conclusion rSjCP1412 protein may induce apoptosis of LX-2 cells and inhibit proliferation, cell cycle and activation of LX-2 cells through down-regulating Smad4 signaling molecules.

Contribution to global implementation of WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis by learning successful experiences from the national schistosomiasis control program in China / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that seriously hinders socioeconomic developments and threatens public health security. To achieve the global elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030, WHO released the guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis on February, 2022, with aims to provide evidence-based recommendations for schistosomiasis morbidity control, elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem, and ultimate interruption of schistosomiasis transmission in disease-endemic countries. Following concerted efforts for decades, great achievements have been obtained for schistosomiasis control in China where the disease was historically highly prevalent, and the country is moving towards schistosomiasis elimination. This article reviews the successful experiences from the national schistosmiasis control program in China, and summarizes their contributions to the formulation and implementation of the WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis. With the progress of the "Belt and Road" initiative, the world is looking forward to more China's solutions on schistosomiasis control.

Schistosomiasis control in the evolution of China’s international discourse power / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

As a successful example of global public health, Chinese schistosomiasis control technology and experiences have been included in global public health governance. Chinese schistosomiasis control program progresses with China’s international discourse power. During the period from the initial stage of the founding of the People’s Republic of China to China’s Reform and opening-up, the national schistosomiasis control program of China achieved great successes through mobilizing multi-sectorial resources under the policy of Independence and Self-reliance. Following China’s Reform and opening-up, all advantageous opportunities were captured to solve problems pertaining to schistosomiasis control in the context of complex international situations. As a consequence, transmission control of schistosomiasis was achieved across China in 2015. Since the Eighteenth National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China has contributed the discourse system with distinct Chinese characteristics to the world, and has actively participated in health cooperation projects between China and other “Belt and Road” countries, which has contributed China’s wisdom to global schistosomiasis control program and conveyed China’s voice to the world.

Establishment of a deep learning-based visual model for intelligent recognition of Oncomelania hupensis / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To establish a deep learning-based visual model for intelligent recognition of Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum, and evaluate the effects of different training strategies for O. hupensis image recognition. Methods A total of 2 614 datasets of O. hupensis snails and 4 similar snails were generated through field sampling and internet capture, and were divided into training sets and test sets. An intelligent recognition model was created based on deep learning, and was trained and tested. The precision, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, F1 score and Youden index were calculated. In addition, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the model for snail recognition was plotted to evaluate the effects of “new learning”, “transfer learning” and “transfer learning + data enhancement” training strategies on the accuracy of the model for snail recognition. Results Under the “transfer learning + data enhancement” strategy, the precision, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Youden index and F1 score of the model were 90.10%, 91.00%, 97.50%, 96.20%, 88.50% and 90.51% for snail recognition, which were all higher than those under both “new learning” and “transfer learning” strategies. There were significant differences in the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the model for snail recognition under “new learning”, “transfer learning” and “transfer learning + data enhancement” training strategies (all P values < 0.001). In addition, the area under the ROC curve of the model was highest (0.94) under the “transfer learning + dataenhancement” training strategy. Conclusions This is the first visual model for intelligent recognition of O. hupensis based on deep learning, which shows a high accuracy for snail image recognition. The “transfer learning + data enhancement” training strategy is helpful to improve the accuracy of the model for snail recognition.

Investigation on awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge among residents going to Africa in Taizhou City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge among people going to Africa in Taizhou City, to provide insights into the development of control measures for imported schistosomiasis. Methods During the period from July to October, 2019, a face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted among people that had gone to African countries between 2015 and 2018 and return to China now, including awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge, type of living and drinking water and contact with river and lake water. Results A total of 573 peoples going to Africa were investigated, and 572 eligible questionnaires were recovered. Among the 572 people interviewed, senior high school and above was the predominant education level (509 people, 89.0%), labor was the predominant aim (543 people, 94.9%), and Angola (52.3%) and Algeria (15.9%) were predominant destiny countries. There were 7.2% of the interviewees hearing about African schistosomiasis, 19.8% knowing infections by contact with infested water, and 36 people with a history of contact with river and lake water. In addition, 270 interviewees used running water as drinking water and 276 used running water as living water. Conclusions The awareness rate of schistosomiasis control knowledge is low among people going to Africa in Taizhou City. Health education pertaining to schistosomiasis control is required to be improved among those going to Africa in Taizhou City to increase the awareness of schistosomiasis prevention and avoid parasitic infections.

Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in national surveillance sites of Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2019 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in national surveillance sites of Zhejiang Province, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the new schistosomiasis surveillance program and consolidating schistosomiasis elimination achievements. Methods A total of 54 to 55 national surveillance sites and 6 risk monitoring sites were assigned in historical endemic regions of Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2019, where the Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans, livestock, snails and wild feces were monitored. All data pertaining to the surveillance results were descriptively analyzed. Results There were 34 530 person-time local residents receiving serological screening for S. japonicum infections in national surveillance sites of Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2019, and the seroprevalance of S. japonicum infections were 0.29% to 0.68%; however, no egg-positives were detected. During the period from 2015 to 2019, there were 62 086 person-time mobile populations receiving serological screening for S. japonicum infections in national surveillance sites of Zhejiang Province, and the seroprevalance of S. japonicum infections were 0.32% to 0.56%; additionally, there were 27 egg-positives identified, including 3 imported cases with schistosomiasis haematobia and one case with acute schistosomiasis japonica, indicating that the adjusted prevalence of Schistosoma infections were 0.01% to 0.07% among mobile populations. A total of 829 livestock were examined for S. japonicum infections, with no positives detected. There were 10.55 hm2 and 2.89 hm2 snail habitats found in national surveillance sites and risk monitoring sites of Zhejiang Province during the 5-year period, respectively; however, no S. japonicum infections were identified in snails. Moreover, a total of 305 wild feces were tested for S. japonicum infections, and no egg-positives were identified. Conclusions The schistosomiasis elimination achievement have been consolidated in Zhejiang Province; however, the risk factors of re-emerging schistosomiasis have not been completely eliminated, such as residual snails and imported schistosomiasis cases. Further surveillance and control activities of snails and the source of S. japonicum infections should be reinforced.

Performance of a recombinase - aided amplification assay for detection of Schistosoma japonicum infections in Oncomelania hupensis / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficiency of a recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) assay for the detection of Schistosoma japonicum infections in Oncomelania hupensis snails. Methods A group test was employed. Fifty Oncomelania snails were collected as a detection sample. The detection samples without infected snails were designated as negative specimens, while the detection samples that contained different numbers of infected snails were designated as positive specimens. A total of 10 negative specimens, 10 positive specimens containing 1 infected snail, 20 positive specimens containing 2 infected snails and 10 positive specimens containing 3 infected snails were assigned. Following random grouping, 40 specimens were subject to the florescent RAA assay using a blind method. The miradium shedding method served as a gold standard, and the sensitivity, specificity, Youden’s index and coincidence rate of the florescent RAA assay were estimated. In addition, 20 samples consisted of 5 negative specimens and 15 positive specimens with 1, 2 and 3 infected snails respectively were grouped randomly. The same specimens were detected using the crushing method and fluorescent RAA assay with the blind method in a paired-design manner. Then, the test results were compared and analyzed. Results Florescent RAA assay detected 29 positives in the 30 specimens containing different numbers of infected snails, with a sensitivity of 96.67%, and 8 negatives in the 10 detection specimens without infected snails, with a specificity of 80.00%, showing a Youden’s index of 0.77. The coincidence rate was 100% among 10 repeated assays for a detection specimen. In addition, there was no significant difference in the detection of infected snails between the florescent RAA assay and the crushing method (χ2 = 0, P > 0.05), and the actual coincidence rates of the florescent RAA assay and crushing method were 95.00% (19/20) and 90.00% (18/20) with the real results, respectively. Conclusion Fluorescent RAA assay has a favorable efficiency for the detection of S. japonicum infections in Oncomelania snails, which shows a potential in screening of S. japonicum-infected Oncomelania snails.

Expert consensus on the strategy and measures to interrupt the transmission of schistosomiasis in China / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Since 2015 when the transmission of schistosomiasis was controlled in China, the country has been moving towards elimination of schistosomiasis, with the surveillance-response as the main interventions for schistosomiasis control. During the period of the 13th Five-Year Plan, the transmission of schistosomiasis had been interrupted in four provinces of Sichuan, Jiangsu, Yunnan and Hubei and the prevalence of schistosomiasis has been at the historically lowest level in China. As a consequence, the goal set in The 13th Five-Year National Schistosomiasis Control Program in China is almost achieved. However, there are multiple challenges during the stage moving towards elimination of schistosomiasis in China, including the widespread distribution of intermediate host snails and complicated snail habitats, many types of sources of Schistosoma japonicum infections and difficulty in management of bovines and sheep, unmet requirements for the current schistosomiasis control program with the currently available tools, and vulnerable control achievements. During the 14th Five-Year period, it is crucial to consolidate the schistosomiasis control achievements and gradually solve the above difficulties, and critical to provide the basis for achieving the ultimate goal of elimination of schistosomiasis in China. Based on the past experiences from the national schistosomiasis control program and the challenges for schistosomiasis elimination in China, an expert consensus has been reached pertaining to the objectives, control strategy and measures for The 14th Five-Year National Schistosomiasis Control Program in China, so as to provide insights in to the development of The 14th Five-Year National Schistosomiasis Control Program in China.

Establishment of a nucleic acid dipstick test for detection of Schistosoma japonicum specific gene fragments based on the recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To develop a rapid test for detection of Schistosoma japonicum specific gene fragments based on the recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay (RAA) and nucleic acid dipstick test. Methods The S. japonicum SjG28 gene fragment was selected as the target gene fragment, and the primers and fluorescent probe were designed and synthesized. Then, a S. japonicum nucleic acid dipstick test was established. The sensitivity of this dipstick test was evaluated by detecting different copies of recombinant plasmids containing the S. japonicum SjG28 gene fragment and different concentrations of genomic DNA from adult worms of S. japonicum, and the specificity of the dipstick test was evaluated by detecting the genomic DNA from Clonorchis sinensis, S. mansoni, Ancylostoma duodenale, S. haematobium, Babesia and Paragonimus westermani. Results The S. japonicum nucleic acid dipstick test based on the S. japonicum SjG28 gene fragment showed the minimum detectable limit of 10 copies/μL of the recombinant plasmid containing the S. japonicum SjG28 gene fragment and the minimum detectable limit of 1 pg/μL of S. japonicum genomic DNA, and the dipstick assay tested negative for the genomic DNA from C. sinensis, S. mansoni, A. duodenale, S. haematobium, Babesia and P. westermani. Conclusion A rapid, simple, and visualized assay is established for detection of S. japonicum specific gene fragments based on RAA and nucleic acid dipstick test.

Irreducible Indirect Inguinal Hernia Caused by Sigmoid Colon Cancer Entering Right Groin:A Case Report / 中国医学科学院学报

We reported a case of irreducible indirect inguinal hernia caused by sigmoid colon cancer entering the right groin.The patient complained about a right groin mass for more than 60 years with progressive enlargement for 3 years and pain for half a month.Abdominal CT examination at admission showed rectum and sigmoid colon hernia in the right inguinal area and thickening of sigmoid colon wall.Electronic colonoscopy and pathological diagnosis showed sigmoid colon cancer.Therefore,the result of preliminary diagnosis was irreducible indirect inguinal hernia caused by sigmoid colon cancer entering the right groin.We converted laparoscopic exploration to laparotomy followed by radical sigmoidectomy and employed end-to-end anastomosis of descending colon and rectum in combination with repair of right inguinal hernia.The patient recovered well after operation and was discharged.

Anatomical controversies involved in radical resection of rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

The concept of total mesorectal resection provides a quality control standard that can be followed for radical resection of rectal cancer, but some anatomical problems are still controversial. Compared with traditional open surgery, laparoscopic radical rectal surgery has better surgical vision, better neurological protection, better operating space. However, if the surgeon has insufficient understanding of the anatomy, collateral damage may occur, such as uncontrollable bleeding during the operation, postoperative urination and defecation dysfunction and so on. Based on the interpretation of the researches at home and abroad, combined with the clinical experience, we elucidate some associated issues, including anatomic variation of inferior mesenteric vessels, the controversy of inferior mesenteric artery ligation plane, the controversy of lymph node dissection in No. 253, the anatomical variation of middle rectal artery, and the anatomical controversy of lateral lymph node dissection in rectal cancer, in order to provide better cognitive process for the clinical front-line surgeons.

Spatio-temporal distribution of Oncomelania hupensis snails along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To explore the spatio-temporal characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal, so as to provide scientific evidence for the dynamic assessment of the risk of snail spread in this region. Methods O. hupensis snail status was collected in the plain regions with waterway networks in the study area from 2012 to 2017. The spatio-temporal variations of snail distribution were investigated along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal using buffer zone analysis, spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis and standard deviational ellipse with the geographical information system (GIS) tools. Results The number of snail habitats showed a tendency towards a rise in the study area from 2012 to 2017, and snail habitats were predominantly distributed in the 1 000 m long buffer zone of the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal, notably along the Jiuqu River at the junction between the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal. The distribution of snail habitats appeared spatial autocorrelations in 2014, 2016 and 2017, and the hotspot areas were mainly identified at the junction between the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal. In addition, the overall distribution of snail habitats was located in the northeastern-southwestern part of the study aera, and gradually shifted to the southern and northern parts with the time. Conclusions The spatial distribution of O. hupensis snails is complex along the Danyang section of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Danyang-Jintan-Liyang Canal, and there is a risk of snail spread from the upper reaches to the lower reaches, where snail control needs to be intensified.

Thinking of treatment strategies for colorectal cancer patients in tumor hospitals under the background of coronavirus pneumonia / 中华胃肠外科杂志

In December 2019, a new outbreak of coronavirus pneumonia began to occur. Its pathogen is 2019-nCoV, which has the characteristics of strong infectivity and general susceptibility. The current situation of prevention and control of new coronavirus pneumonia is severe. In this context, as front-line medical workers bearing important responsibilities and pressure, while through strict management strategy, we can minimize the risk of infection exposure. By summarizing the research progress and guidelines in recent years in the fields of colorectal cancer disease screening, treatment strategies(including early colorectal cancer, locally advanced colorectal cancer, obstructive colorectal cancer, metastatic colorectal cancer and the treatment of patients after neoadjuvant therapy), the choice of medication and time limit for adjuvant therapy, the protective measures for patients undergoing emergency surgery, the re-examination of postoperative patients and the protection of medical staff, etc., authors improve treatment strategies in order to provide more choices for patients to obtain the best treatment under the severe epidemic situation of new coronavirus pneumonia. Meanwhile we hope that it can also provide more timely treatment modeling schemes for colleagues.

Spatio-temporal patterns of Oncomelania hupensis snail habitats in Suzhou, Wuxi and Changzhou cities along the Taihu Lake region / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snail habitats in three cities of Suzhou, Wuxi and Changzhou along the Taihu Lake region, so as to provide technical supports for establishing a sensitive and highly effective surveillance and forecast system for schistosomiasis. Methods Snail distribution data were collected from Suzhou, Wuxi and Changzhou cities from 1950 to 2018, and the changing trend for snail habitats were described over years. In addition, the clusters of snail habitats were detected using Kernel density analysis and SaTScan space-time scan analysis. Results The number of snail habitats appeared a single-peak distribution in Suzhou, Wuxi and Changzhou cities from 1950 to 2018, which peaked in 1970 and then declined rapidly. There were 62.68% of snail habitats eliminated within 10 years after identification, of which 38.24% were eliminated at the year of identification. Kernel density analysis and SaTScan space-time scan analysis revealed that high-density clusters of snail habitats were mainly distributed in Kunshan City, Wuzhong District and Xiangcheng District from 1970 to 1980, and in Yixing City in 1990; since then, the clusters gradually shrank, and overall appeared a move from northeast to west of Taihu Lake. A total of 4 new clusters were detected after 1970, as revealed by space-time scanning of snail habitats. In current snail habitats, emerging snail habitats are mainly identified in Huqiu District (Dongzhu Town), Wuzhong District (Guangfu Town), Taicang City (Shaxi Town) and Jintan District, and re-emerging snail habitats are scattered in 7 districts. Conclusions The distribution of snail habitats are spatio-temporal aggregation in Suzhou, Wuxi and Changzhou cities. The monitoring and prediction of emerging and re-emerging snail habitats are the key points in the future.

Establishment of the gene detection method of Schistosoma mansoni based on the recombinase-aided isothermal amplification assay / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To establish a recombinase-aided isothermal amplification (RAA) assay for nucleic acid detection of Schistosoma mansoni. Methods The 121 bp highly-repeated sequence of S. mansoni was selected as the target gene fragment to be detected. The primers and fluorescent probes were designed using the Amplfix software, and a fluorescent RAA assay was established and optimized. The fluorescent RAA assay was performed to detect gradient diluent recombinant plasmids containing target gene fragment and different concentrations of S. mansoni genomic DNA to determine the sensitivity, and this assay was applied to detect the genomic DNA of S. japonicum, S. haematobium, Ancylostoma duodenale and Clonorchis sinensis to evaluate the specificity. Results A fluorescent RAA assay was successfully established, which was effective to amplify the specific gene fragments of S. mansoni within 20 min at 39 ℃. The minimum detectable limit of the fluorescent RAA assay was 10 copies/μL using recombinant plasmids as templates and 0.1 fg/μL using S. mansoni genomic DNA samples as templates. The fluorescent RAA assays were all negative for detecting the genomic DNA from S. japonicum, S. haematobium, A. duodenale and C. sinensis. Conclusions A novel fluorescent RAA assay is successfully established, which is simple, rapid, sensitive and specific to detect genomic DNA of S. mansoni.

Clinical comparative analysis of acute kidney injury caused by scrub typhus in Guangxi from 2014 to 2018 / 中华疾病控制杂志

Objective To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by scrub typhus in Guangxi, to evaluate the incidence of AKI, and to search for the prediction indicators of AKI. Methods Data of 211 patients from The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from 2014 to 2018 were collected and divided into AKI group (58 cases) and non-acute kidney injury (NAKI) group (153 cases). The auxiliary examination, treatment measures and complications of the two groups were compared. Regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors associated with AKI. Results There were 58 cases (27.49%,95% CI: 1.66-1.76, P<0.001) with AKI and 166 cases were all negative in the field test. Compared with the NAKI group, the incidence and need rate of AKI were higher than NAKI group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that blood system damage (OR=4.536, 95% CI: 1.262-16.308), the use of hormones (OR=3.261, 95% CI: 1.259-8.446) and diuretics (OR=3.870, 95% CI: 1.186-12.633) were risk factors for AKI. Low direct bilirubin (OR=0.952, 95% CI: 0.915-0.991) was a protective factor. Conclusion The incidence of scrub typhus induced AKI in Guangxi is in the middle level at domestic and abroad. Patients with scrub typhus who have complications of blood system damage and have to be treated with hormones and diuretics are risk factors for AKI.

Establishment and operation of schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in Jiangsu Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To construct the schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in Jiangsu Province, and to examine the role and diagnostic efficiency of the reference laboratory. Methods A schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory was built in Jiangsu Province according to the requirements of the construction of the national schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in China. Inter-laboratory comparisons were conducted and the diagnostic capability of grassroots laboratories was evaluated in Jiangsu Province. Results The organization structure, environmental conditions, administration and quality systems of the schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in Jiangsu Province all met the requirements for construction of the national schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in China, and the schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory in Jiangsu Province was issued a certificate of a province-level schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory. During the 6 inter-laboratory comparisons performed by national schistosomiasis diagnostic reference centers of China, the qualitative and quantitative results of each detection item were all in agreement with the reference samples (Kappa = 1), and the diagnostic capability was identified excellent. The results of indirect hemagglutination assay of 426 serum samples from 4 grassroots laboratories were re-examined, and the mean coincidence rate was 94.13% (range, 92.08% to 96.25%) with the grassroots laboratories, with a mean Kappa value of 0.85 (range, 0.83 to 0.86) and a mean missing rate of 10.19% (range, 0 to 17.65%). Conclusions The schistosomiasis diagnostic reference laboratory has been successfully established and effectively operated in Jiangsu Province, which plays an active role in improving the capability of schistosomiasis diagnostic equality in the province.

Status of grass-roots schistosomiasis control professionals in Jiangsu Province: a cross-sectional study / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the status of grass-roots schistosomiasis control professionals in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide scientific evidence for the rational resource allocation and the improvement of capability building. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted by telephone interview and e-mail among city- and county-level disease prevention and control institutions that undertook schistosomiasis control activities in Jiangsu Province, and the age, educational background, major, duration of working, professional title and professional capability were descriptively analyzed. Results There were totally 274 fulltime schistosomiasis control professionals working at grass-roots institutions in Jiangsu Province, with a mean age of (43.19 ± 9.47) years. The least professionals were below 30 years of age (12.77%, 35/274), and the most professionals were aged from 41 to 50 years (36.86%, 101/274). Among the 274 professionals, 43.07% (118/274) had duration of working of less than 10 years, 62.04% (170/274) had a bachelor degree, and 40.88% (112/274) had the medium-level professional title. Conclusions A schistosomiasis control team with a relatively high academic degree and professional title has been built at the grassroot level in Jiangsu Province. However, capability building remains to be improved through the participation of more young professionals and professional training with adaptation to local conditions.

Application value of a dynamic automatic identification system in Schistosoma japonicum miracidium hatching test / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the value of a dynamic automatic identification system in routine miracidium hatching test with nylon gauzes. Methods Different quantities of fresh Schistosoma japonicum eggs were added to bovine fecal samples and divided into the low-infection group, medium-infection group and high-infection group, while the bovine feces without S. japonicum eggs served as negative controls. The detection efficiency and accuracy were compared between the identification system and manual detection in different groups. Results The identification system can automatically identify S. japonicum miracidium. The detection rate and efficiency of S. japonicum miracidium in bovine fecal samples were both higher by using the identification system than by manual detection. Notably in the low-infection group, the identification system had a significantly higher rate of detection of S. japonicum miracidium than manual detection (χ2 = 10.769, P = 0.002). The identification system completed the detection of bovine fecal samples in the field within 1 min. Conclusions The dynamic automatic identification system may effectively improve the detection efficiency and accuracy of routine miracidium hatching test with nylon gauzes, and it may replace manual detection to be used in the field schisotsomiasis examinations and related researches.

Assessing the efficiency of schistosomiasis control programs in Jiangsu Province from 2005 to 2015 using data envelopment analysis (Malmquist index method) / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To assess the total factor productivity (TFP) of schistosomiasis control programs in Jiangsu Province, so as to provide insights into sustainable schistosomiasis control. Methods The data envelopment analysis-Malmquist index method was employed to analyze the human resources and financial investments in schistosomiasis control programs from health sectors in each schistosomiasis-endemic city of Jiangsu Province from 2005 to 2015, and assess the outputs of each schistosomiasis control project. Results The overall productive efficiency of schistosomiasis control programs in Jiangsu Province showed an increasing tendency, and the mean fluctuation of annual TFP was 2.3%. The comprehensive technical efficiency, including pure efficiency and scale efficiency, appeared a steady increase with minor fluctuations, and the mean fluctuation of annual comprehensive technical efficiency was 3.8%. The growth rate of technical progress fluctuated greatly from 2005 to 2011, and showed a steady increase from 2012 to 2015, which became a major contributor to the growth of TFP. A higher growth rate of TFP was seen in Huai ‘ an and Changzhou cities, which showed a greater comprehensive technical efficiency, and a large fluctuation was observed in the growth rate of technical progress in Yancheng, Nanjing, Huai ’ an and Yangzhou cities. Conclusions There is a continuous improvement in the technical level of schistosomiasis control programs in Jiangsu Province, and technical application and supervision and management capacity also show a steady increase. In addition, the application of new techniques and new strategies contributes greatly to TFP growth. In the future, the investment into new techniques and new strategies should be increased to ensure the sustainable schistosomiasis control in Jiangsu Province.