[Incidence of postoperative complications in Chinese patients with gastric or colorectal cancer based on a national, multicenter, prospective, cohort study].

Objective: To investigate the incidence of postoperative complications in Chinese patients with gastric or colorectal cancer, and to evaluate the risk factors for postoperative complications. Methods: This was a national, multicenter, prospective, registry-based, cohort study of data obtained from the database of the Prevalence of Abdominal Complications After Gastro- enterological Surgery (PACAGE) study sponsored by the China Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgical Union. The PACAGE database prospectively collected general demographic characteristics, protocols for perioperative treatment, and variables associated with postoperative complications in patients treated for gastric or colorectal cancer in 20 medical centers from December 2018 to December 2020. The patients were grouped according to the presence or absence of postoperative complications. Postoperative complications were categorized and graded in accordance with the expert consensus on postoperative complications in gastrointestinal oncology surgery and Clavien-Dindo grading criteria. The incidence of postoperative complications of different grades are presented as bar charts. Independent risk factors for occurrence of postoperative complications were identified by multifactorial unconditional logistic regression. Results: The study cohort comprised 3926 patients with gastric or colorectal cancer, 657 (16.7%) of whom had a total of 876 postoperative complications. Serious complications (Grade III and above) occurred in 4.0% of patients (156/3926). The rate of Grade V complications was 0.2% (7/3926). The cohort included 2271 patients with gastric cancer with a postoperative complication rate of 18.1% (412/2271) and serious complication rate of 4.7% (106/2271); and 1655 with colorectal cancer, with a postoperative complication rate of 14.8% (245/1655) and serious complication rate of 3.0% (50/1655). The incidences of anastomotic leakage in patients with gastric and colorectal cancer were 3.3% (74/2271) and 3.4% (56/1655), respectively. Abdominal infection was the most frequently occurring complication, accounting for 28.7% (164/572) and 39.5% (120/304) of postoperative complications in patients with gastric and colorectal cancer, respectively. The most frequently occurring grade of postoperative complication was Grade II, accounting for 65.4% (374/572) and 56.6% (172/304) of complications in patients with gastric and colorectal cancers, respectively. Multifactorial analysis identified (1) the following independent risk factors for postoperative complications in patients in the gastric cancer group: preoperative comorbidities (OR=2.54, 95%CI: 1.51-4.28, P<0.001), neoadjuvant therapy (OR=1.42, 95%CI:1.06-1.89, P=0.020), high American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores (ASA score 2 points:OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.23-2.07, P<0.001, ASA score ≥3 points:OR=0.43, 95% CI: 0.25-0.73, P=0.002), operative time >180 minutes (OR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.42-2.31, P<0.001), intraoperative bleeding >50 mL (OR=1.29,95%CI: 1.01-1.63, P=0.038), and distal gastrectomy compared with total gastrectomy (OR=0.65,95%CI: 0.51-0.83, P<0.001); and (2) the following independent risk factors for postoperative complications in patients in the colorectal cancer group: female (OR=0.60, 95%CI: 0.44-0.80, P<0.001), preoperative comorbidities (OR=2.73, 95%CI: 1.25-5.99, P=0.030), neoadjuvant therapy (OR=1.83, 95%CI:1.23-2.72, P=0.008), laparoscopic surgery (OR=0.47, 95%CI: 0.30-0.72, P=0.022), and abdominoperineal resection compared with low anterior resection (OR=2.74, 95%CI: 1.71-4.41, P<0.001). Conclusion: Postoperative complications associated with various types of infection were the most frequent complications in patients with gastric or colorectal cancer. Although the risk factors for postoperative complications differed between patients with gastric cancer and those with colorectal cancer, the presence of preoperative comorbidities, administration of neoadjuvant therapy, and extent of surgical resection, were the commonest factors associated with postoperative complications in patients of both categories.

Evidence for Chiral Wobbler in Nuclei.

Three ΔI=1 bands with the πg_{9/2}⊗νg_{9/2} configuration have been identified in _{35}^{74}Br_{39}. Angular distribution, linear polarization, and lifetime measurements were performed to determine the multipolarity, type, mixing ratio, and absolute transition probability of the transitions. By comparing these experimental observations with the corresponding fingerprints and the quantum particle rotor model calculations, the second and third lowest bands are, respectively, suggested as the chiral partner and one-phonon wobbling excitation built on the yrast band. The evidence indicates the first chiral wobbler in nuclei.

[Trends in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020 based on Joinpoint regression analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changing trends in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis elimination strategy in the province. METHODS: The epidemiological data of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020 were collected, and the trends in the endemic status of schistosomiasis were analyzed using a Joinpoint regression model. The trends in the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans, bovines and Oncomelania hupensis were measured in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020 using average annual percent change (AAPC), and the correlations among the changing trends in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in humans, bovines and O. hupensis snail status were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of S.japonicum human infections continued to decline in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, with an annual mean decline of 14.8% [AAPC = -14.8%, 95% confidential interval (CI): (-18.9%, -10.5%), P < 0.01]. The prevalence of S. japonicum infections continued to decline in bovines in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2015 [AAPC = -31.3%, 95%CI: (-35.1%, -27.2%), P < 0.01], and was 0 for 5 successive years from 2016 to 2020. During the period from 2004 to 2020, there was an annual mean decline of 0.7% in areas of snail habitats [AAPC = -0.7%, 95%CI: (-1.2%, 0.3%), P < 0.05] and an annual mean decline of 9.2% in the density of living snails [AAPC = -9.2%, 95%CI: (-18.3%, 1.0%), P = 0.08] in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, and an annual mean decline of 35.6% was found in the density of S. japonicum-infected snails [AAPC = -35.6%, 95%CI: (-49.2%, -18.3%), P < 0.01] from 2004 to 2012, with no infected snails detected in Anhui Province from 2013 to 2020. There were significant correlations in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections between humans and bovines (r = 0.959, P < 0.01), between the prevalence of S. japonicum human infections and the density of S. japonicum-infected snails (r = 0.823, P < 0.01) and between the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in bovines and the density of S. japonicum-infected snails (r = 0.902, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of S. japonicum infections appeared a decline in humans, bovines and O. hupensis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, and significant correlations were found among the changing trends in the prevalence of S. japonicum human infections, the prevalence of S. japonicum bovine infections and the density of S. japonicum-infected O. hupensis snails. Because of a minor decline in the area of snail habitats and widespread distribution of O. hupensis, however, there is still a risk of schistosomiasis transmission, and precision control for schistosomiasis remains to be reinforced in Anhui Province.

[The effect of pregnant rats exposed to radio frequency electromagnetic field on the hippocampal morphology and nerve growth factor of offspring rats].

Objective: To explore the effects of exposure of pregnant rats to radio frequency electromagnetic field on the ultrastructure of hippocampus and the levels of obesity related protein (FTO) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in offspring rats. Methods: In September 2019, 36 healthy 7-week-old Wistar rats were selected, including 24 female rats (150-200 g) and 12 male rats (200-250 g) . The male and female mice were mated in the cage at 2: 1 ratio at 18: 00 every night. The smear results showed that the sperm was positive and the mating was successful. The day was regarded as the 0 day of pregnancy. Pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups and 3 control groups, with 4 rats in each group. The experimental group was exposed to 1 800 MHz, Wi-Fi and 1 800 MHz+Wi-Fi respectively, and the three control groups were exposed to virtual exposure. 12 hours a day for 21 days in three batches. After the end of exposure, the offspring of each group were raised for 7 weeks. The ultrastructural changes of the hippocampus were observed by transmission electron microscopy, the FTO level in the hippocampus was determined by Western blot, and the NGF level in the brain tissue was determined by ELISA. Results: Transmission electron microscopy showed that the nuclei of hippocampal tissue of female and male rats in the 1800 MHz group were slightly contracted, the cytoplasm was slightly edema, and the nuclei of male rats were obviously irregular. In the offspring of male and female rats in the Wi-Fi group, the nucleus of hippocampal tissue contracted seriously, the cell membrane was irregular, and the cytoplasm appeared obvious edema. In the 1800 MHz+Wi-Fi group, the nuclei of hippocampal tissue of both male and female offspring rats were severely contracted, the nuclear membrane was irregular, and the cytoplasm was severely edema. there was no significant difference in FTO level among the groups (P>0.05) . Compared with other groups, NGF content in hippocampus of offspring rats in the 1800 MHz+Wi-Fi group was significantly higher (P<0.05) . Conclusion: Exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields will damage the morphological structure of hippocampal tissue of offspring and stimulate the increase of NGF expression in the hippocampus.

[Decoding the evolution of preventive chemotherapy schemes for schistosomiasis in China to improve the precise implementation of the WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis].

Preventive chemotherapy is one of the pivotal interventions for the control and elimination of schistosomiasis, which is effective to reduce the morbidity and prevalence of schistosomiasis. In order to promote the United Nations' sustainable development goals and the targets set for schistosomiasis control in the Ending the neglect to attain the Sustainable Development Goals: a road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021-2030, WHO released the guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis in 2022, with major evidence-based updates of the current preventive chemotherapy strategy for schistosomiasis. In China where great success has been achieved in schistosomiasis control, the preventive chemotherapy strategy for schistosomiasis has been updated several times during the past seven decades. This article reviews the evolution of the WHO guidelines on preventive chemotherapy and Chinese national preventive chemotherapy schemes, compares the current Chinese national preventive chemotherapy scheme and the recommendations for preventive chemotherapy proposed in the 2022 WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis, and proposes recommendations for preventive chemotherapy during the future implementation of the 2022 WHO guideline, so as to provide insights into schistosomiasis control among public health professionals engaging in healthcare foreign aid.

[Sharing the WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis to achieve the goal of schistosomiasis elimination in China].

Currently, the national schistosomiasis control program of China is moving from transmission interruption to elimination, and there are multiple challenges during the stage moving towards the progression of schistosomiasis elimination, including a high difficulty in shrinking snail-infested areas, unstable achievements for infectious source control, imperfect surveillance system and a reduction in schistosomiasis control and administration. Based on the core suggestions proposed in the 2022 WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis, recommendations on schistosomiasis surveillance system building, development of novel diagnostics, adjustment of the schistosomiasis control strategy and maintaining and improvements of the schistosomiasis control capability are proposed for the national schistosomiasis control program of China in the new era according to the actual status of schistosomiasis control in China. Formulation of the national schistosomiasis control strategy and goal from One Health perspective, verification of transmission interruption and elimination of schistosomiasis, precision implementation of schistosomiasis control interventions with adaptations to local circumstances, development and application of highly sensitive and specific diagnostics are recommended for elimination of schistosomiasis in China. In addition, the implementation of the 2022 WHO guideline on control and elimination of human schistosomiasis may guide the elimination of schistosomiasis in China.

[Spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the spatial-temporal distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020, to provide insights into precision control of O. hupensis snails in Anhui Province. METHODS: O. hupensis snail distribution data were collected in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020 and descriptively analyzed, including actual area of snail habitats, area of emerging snail habitats and area of Schistosoma japonicum-infected snails. The actual area of snail habitats and area of emerging snail habitats were subjected to spatial autocorrelation analysis, hotspot analysis, standard deviation ellipse analysis and space-time scanning analysis, and the clusters of snail distribution and settings at high risk of snail spread were identified in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020. RESULTS: The actual area of snail habitats gradually decreased in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020. The actual area of snail habitats were 26 238.85 hm2 in Anhui Province in 2020, which were mainly distributed in marshland and lake regions. There was a large fluctuation in the area of emerging snail habitats in Anhui Province during the period from 2011 to 2020, with the largest area seen in 2016 (1 287.65 hm2), and 1.96 hm2 emerging infected snail habitats were detected in Guichi District, Chizhou City in 2020. Spatial autocorrelation and hotspot analyses showed spatial clusters in the distribution of actual areas of snail habitats in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020 (Z = 3.00 to 3.43, all P values < 0.01), and the hotspots were mainly concentrated in the marshland and lake regions and distributed along the south side of the Yangtze River, while the cold spots were mainly concentrated in the mountainous regions of southern Anhui Province. There were no overall spatial clusters in the distribution of areas of emerging snail habitats (Z = -2.20 to 1.71, all P values > 0.05), and a scattered distribution was found in local regions. Standard deviation ellipse analysis showed relatively stable distributions of the actual areas of snail habitats in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020, which was consistent with the flow direction of the Yangtze River, and the focus of the distribution of areas of emerging snail habitats shifted from the lower reaches to upper reaches of Anhui section of the Yangtze River. Space-time scanning analysis identified two high-value clusters in the distribution of actual areas of snail habitats in lower and middle reaches of Anhui section of the Yangtze River from 2011 to 2020, and two high-value clusters in the distribution of areas of emerging snail habitats were identified in mountainous and hilly regions. CONCLUSIONS: There were spatial clusters in the distribution of O. hupensis snails in Anhui Province from 2011 to 2020, which appeared a tendency of aggregation towards the south side and upper reaches of the Yangtze River; however, the spread of O. hupensis snails could not be neglected in mountainous and hilly regions. Monitoring of emerging snail habitats should be reinforced in mountainous and hilly regions and along the Yangtze River basin.

[Investigation on prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild mice in Shitai County, Anhui Province, 2018].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in wild mice in Shitai County, Anhui Province, so as to provide insights into precise control of the source of S. japonicum infections. METHODS: Wild mice were captured using the trapping method for three successive nights at snail-infested settings from Jitan Village of Jitan Township, and Shiquan Village and Xibai Village of Dingxiang Township, Shitai County, Anhui Province in June and October, 2018. All trapped wild mice were sacrificed and liver and mesenteric vein specimens were collected for detection of S. japonicum eggs using microscopy, while the fecal samples in mouse intestines were collected for identification of S. japonicum infections using Kato-Katz technique. In addition, the population density of trapped wild mice was estimated and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection was calculated in trapped wild mice. RESULTS: A total of 376 wild mice were trapped from three villages in Shitai County. The population density of trapped wild mice was 9.1% (376/4 124), and the prevalence of S. japonicum infection was 24.2% (91/376) in trapped wild mice. The highest prevalence of S. japonicum infection was detected in Shiquan Village of Dingxiang Township (30.1%), and the lowest prevalence was seen in Xibai Village of Dingxiang Township; however, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of S. japonicum infection in trapped wild mice among three villages (χ2= 4.111, P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of S. japonicum infection in wild mice captured between on June (26.8%, 34/127) and October (22.9%, 57/249) (χ2 = 0.690, P = 0.406). The trapped wild mice included 6 species, including Rattus norvegicus, Niviventer niviventer, R. losea, Apodemus agrarius, Mus musculus and N. coning, and the two highest prevalence of S. japonicum infection was detected in R. losea (34.9%, 22/63) and R. norvegicus (31.2%, 44/141). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of S. japonicum infections is high in wild mice in Shitai County, and there is a natural focus of schistosomiasis transmission in Shitai County.

[Research progress in biomarkers for diagnosis of glaucoma].

Glaucoma is a serious irreversible blinding disease. The pathogenesis is still unknown, and the diagnosis and treatment effect is not good. An effective early diagnosis method is urgently needed. In recent years, a number of glaucoma-related biomarkers have been discovered. In order to promote clinical application of these biomarkers, a series of studies are actively carried out to clarify specificity and sensitivity of these molecules, to verify the criteria by clinical randomized controlled trials, and to provide large sample data by multi-center clinical trials. However, the samples of these biomarkers are provided by patients who have been diagnosed with glaucoma by clinical examinations. The differences may represent the molecular features of middle-stage and advanced glaucoma. Whether they are helpful for early diagnosis and the exploration of pathological mechanisms should be further investigated. This article describes the potential molecular targets that can help in diagnosis of glaucoma from the aspects of DNA, RNA and protein, and discusses further research pathways and clinical application prospects. It is hoped to explore the effective molecular marker for early diagnosis of glaucoma. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 707-711).

Conophylline Suppresses Angiotensin II-Induced Myocardial Fibrosis In Vitro via the BMP4/JNK Pathway.

We studied the effects and mechanisms of action of conophylline in different concentrations in the original in vitro model of myocardial fibrosis (treatment of cardiac fibroblasts isolated form the hearts of newborn rats with angiotensin II). Viability, collagen content, and expression of related protein in cardiac fibroblasts were assessed using the MTT-test, Sircol assay, and Western blotting, respectively. Conophylline markedly protected the cultured cells against the development of angiotensin II-induced fibrosis, which was seen from reduced viability of fibroblasts, decreased collagen content, and down-regulation of the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Conophylline did not affect the TGF-ß pathway altered by angiotensin II, but markedly decreased the level of bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) enhanced by angiotensin II and BMP4 itself. Conophylline produced no effect on phosphorylation of α-SMA and Smad homologue-1/5/8, the classic BMP4 downstream pathway elements, but reduced the level of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) elevated by BMP4. Conophylline did not inhibit the development of myocardial fibrosis in the presence of JNK activator anisomycin. Thus, conophylline inhibited angiotensin II-provoked myocardial fibrosis via the BMP4/JNK pathway.

MicroRNA-126 Attenuates the Effect of Chemokine CXCL8 on Proliferation, Migration, Apoptosis, and MAPK-Dependent Signaling Activity of Vascular Endothelial Cells Cultured in a Medium with High Glucose Concentration.

We studied the mechanisms by which microRNA-126 regulates proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) cultured in a medium with high glucose concentration and treated with chemokine CXCL8. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were analyzed by the CCK-8 assay, Annexin V-PI staining, and Transwell assay, respectively. The ratios of p-ERK/ERK, p-P38/P38, p-JNK/JNK were determined by ELISA. HUVEC cells cultured in the presence of high glucose concentration (30 mmol/ml) and treated with CXCL8 (50 ng/ml) demonstrated more intensive proliferation, migration, and p-ERK/ERK, p-P38/P38, and p-JNK/JNK ratios and significantly lower apoptosis rate than control cells (high glucose, no treatment) and cells treated with CXCL8 and transfected with microRNA-126-mimic. Thus, microRNA-126 regulates proliferation and migration of HUVEC cells cultured in the presence of high glucose concentrations and treated with CXCL8 through inhibition of MAPK signaling pathway.

[Intensified surveillance promotes the process towards elimination of schistosomiasis in China].

Surveillance is an important part of the national schistosomiasis control program of China, which play a critical role in facilitating the progress towards elimination of schistosomiasis in China. The coverage of schistosomiasis surveillance has shifted from the high-risk regions at the initial stage of the national schistosomiasis control program of China to the current all endemic counties (cities, districts), and the surveillance contents have extended from single surveillance of endemic status to comprehensive surveillance of endemic status, epidemic factors and transmission risks. With the continuous progress towards schistosomiasis elimination, the national schistosomiasis control program has shifted from "extensive control" to surveillance and early warning-based "precision control" in China, which proposes much higher requirements for schistosomiasis surveillance. Currently, the surveillance of schistosomiasis has been covered in all schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) of China, and the development of rapid and early identification of Schistosoma japonicum cercariae and S. japonicum-infected Oncomelania hupensis snails will greatly improve the sensitivity of and the duration of responses to schistosomiasis surveillance, which will provide powerful tools for elimination of schistosomiasis in China.

LncRNA SNHG14 promotes osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells via regulating miR-185-5p/WISP2 axis.

Osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) is vital for bone formation, and its dysfunction is linked to osteoporosis (OP). In this work, we explored the function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 14 (SNHG14) in regulating osteogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. In the present study, the expression of SNHG14 in hBMSCs obtained from OP patients was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). SNHG14 was over-expressed or knocked down in hBMSCs, and the expression levels of OP-related genes (ALP, OCN, and OPN) in hBMSCs were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. StarBase database and miRanda database were used to predict the binding sites between SNHG14 and miR-185-5p, and between miR-185-5p and 3'UTR of WNT1 inducible signaling pathway protein 2 (WISP2), respectively. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used to validate the binding relationship between SNHG14 and miR-185-5p, and miR-185-5p and 3'UTR of WISP2, respectively. Here, we report that SNHG14 was significantly down-regulated in hBMSCs obtained from patients with OP. Overexpression of SNHG14 promoted osteogenic differentiation, while knockdown of SNHG14 worked oppositely. Mechanistically, miR-185-5p was demonstrated to be a target of SNHG14, and could reverse the function of SNHG14. Additionally, WISP2 was identified as a target gene of miR-185-5p in hBMSCs and could be indirectly regulated by SNHG14. Taken together, down-regulation of SNHG14 in hBMSCs accelerated the progression of OP via regulating miR-185-5p/WISP2 axis.

[Expert consensus on the strategy and measures to interrupt the transmission of schistosomiasis in China].

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.

Association between air pollution and atopic dermatitis in Guangzhou, China: modification by age and season.

BACKGROUND: The short-term effect of ambient air pollution on atopic dermatitis (AD), along with its effect modifiers, has not been fully addressed. OBJECTIVES: To examine the short-term associations between air pollution and AD, and to identify effect modifications by age and season. METHODS: We used the generalized additive model to evaluate the short-term effect of ambient air pollution on daily hospital visits for AD, adjusting for potential confounders. Subgroup analyses were performed to identify potential effect modifications by season and age (< 18 years and ≥ 18 years). RESULTS: A total of 29 972 hospital visits for AD were recorded in Guangzhou, China, from 19 January 2013 to 31 December 2017. Among them, 72·8% were visits by children and 51·4% occurred in the cool season. Acute and delayed effects on AD hospital visits were significant for all air pollutants. Stronger effects were seen in the cool season (approximately 1·7-3·0 times higher than effects in the warm season). Stronger effects were also observed in children (approximately 1·3-1·8 times higher than effects in adults). Sensitivity analyses indicated the results were robust. CONCLUSIONS: Air pollution might be an important trigger for AD in subtropical Guangzhou, China. Children are more vulnerable than adults, and the effects are stronger in the cool season.

[Flood disasters and schistosomiasis control].

Currently, the endemic situation of schistosomiasis has dropped to the lowest level in China; however, there are still factors affecting the transmission of schistosomiasis. Flood disasters may pose a great impact on the transmission of schistosomiasis and even affect the progress of schistosomiasis control and the consolidation of schistosomiasis control achievements. In 2020, major flood disasters occur across China. This paper analyzes the current status of schistosomiasis and the impact of flood disasters on the transmission of schistosomiasis in China, and systematically describes the assessment of and response to schistosomiasis transmission risk before flood disasters, the prevention of Schistosoma japonicum infections during flood disasters and the assessment of the endemic situation of schistosomiasis and surveillance of schistosomiasis after flood disasters. It is considered that schistosomiasis control is an important part of conventional schistosomiasis control activities and an important part of anti-flood and schistosomiasis-preventive activities in flood disaster-affected areas. It is recommended that emergence response interventions are implemented in a scientific and well-organized manner to avoid or reduce the risk of schistosomiasis transmission caused by flood disasters. In addition, the research on early surveillance and forecast approaches for schistosomiasis should be emphasized and reinforced to provide the scientific and precise tools for achieving the goal of the 13th Five-year Plan for Schistosomiasis Control and elimination of schistosomiasis in China.

[Clinical analysis of 30 cases with asbestos-related occupational tumors].

Asbestos is classified as a Class 1 carcinogen by the International Cancer Organization (IARC) , and almost all types of asbestos are carcinogenic. The clinical data of 30 asbestos-induced occupational tumor patients in Qingdao city from January 2002 to May 2019 were analyzed, including 24 cases of asbestos-induced lung cancer and 6 cases of asbestos-induced malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma was significantly worse than lung cancer in terms of malignancy, the survival time of patients is shorter, and the mortality rate was higher. Both its diagnostic methods and treatment methods should be improved. The high incidence of asbestos-caused tumors is coming. It is recommended that workers exposed to asbestos dust should undergo regular chest CT examinations for early detection, early diagnosis and early treatment.

[Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in national surveillance sites of Anhui Province from 2015 to 2018].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in national surveillance sites of Anhui Province from 2015 to 2018, so as to provide scientific evidence for schistosomiasis control and prevention in Anhui Province. METHODS: According to the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Programme (2014 version), a total of 51 national schistosomiasis surveillance sites were assigned in Anhui Province in 2015, and Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and livestock and snail distribution were monitored from 2015 to 2018. RESULTS: A total of 89 638 local residents and 42 609 mobile populations received serological screening of schistosomiasis in 51 national surveillance sites of Anhui Province from 2015 to 2018, and the sero-prevalence of S. japonicum infections was 1.41% to 3.69% in local residents and 0.84% to 2.13% in mobile populations, respectively. There were 5 egg-positive local residents and 1 egg-positive mobile populations detected in 2015, with occupations of farmers and fishermen. There were 6 405 livestock detected for S. japonicum infections, and no egg-positives were identified. Among an area of 12 661 hm2 surveyed in the national schistosomiasis surveillance sites of Anhui Province from 2015 to 2018, the areas of snail habitats were 2 461.27 to 2 628.96 hm2, andthemeandensityoflivingsnailswas 0.3757 to 0.4330 snails/0.1 m2, with no S. japonicum infections identified in snails. CONCLUSIONS: The endemic situation of schistosomiasis is at a low level in Anhui Province; however, the risk of schistosomiasis transmission remains in local regions of the province. The construction of the surveillance-responsesystemshouldbereinforcedtoconsolidatetheachievementsofschistosomiasis control in Anhui Province.

[Spatiotemporal distribution of Oncomelania hupensis snail habitats in Anhui Province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of Oncomelania hupensis snails and infected snails in the endemic areas of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province. METHODS: Based on the snail survey data in Anhui Province in 2016, the distribution of snails and infected snails were analyzed, and the spatial distribution of snails and spatial cluster patterns of infected snails were investigated in snail habitats in Anhui Province from 1950 to 2016. RESULTS: A total of 22 757 snail habitats and 5 004 infected snail habitats were identified in Anhui Province from 1950 to 2016, which appeared single-peak and double-peak patterns, with an inflection point seen in 1970. There were 141 000 hm2 historically accumulative snail habitats, 88.08% of which were firstly identified from 1950 to 1979, and totally 114 500 hm2 snail habitats were eradicated, 77.17% of which were eradicated from 1970 to 1999. There were 4 830 snail habitats identified until 2016, in which 1 051 were once detected with infected snails. In addition, 78.12% of current snail habitats had been present for over 40 years, and infected snails had been eliminated in 65.75% of the infected snail habitats within 10 years. There was a spatial autocorrelation of the living snail density in current snail habitats in Anhui Province (Moran's I = 0.196, Z = 139.63, P < 0.001), and local hotspot analysis showed spatial clusters of living snails density in snail habitats, with high-value clusters in south of the Yangtze River and low-value clusters in north of the Yangtze River. The 21 high-value clusters of living snail density with statistical significance were distributed along the Yangtze River basin and its branches. Spatiotemporal scan analysis revealed spatiotemporal clusters of infected snails in 4 current snail habitats. CONCLUSIONS: The current snail habitats have been present for a long period of time, and snails are difficult to be eliminated by chemical treatment alone, which requires the combination of environment improvements. There are spatial clusters of living snail density in current snail habitats in Anhui Province. The epidemic factors and risk of human and animal infections still remain in some clusters of historical infected snail habitats revealed by spatiotemporal scan analysis, which should be consid- ered as the key target areas for snail control in Anhui Province.