[Diagnostic efficacy of indirect haemagglutination assay for detection of Schistosoma japonicum infections among boatmen and fishermen in the Dongting Lake region].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA) for detection of Schistosoma japonicum infections among boatmen and fishermen in Dongting Lake region, so as to provide insights into improving the schistosomiasis surveillance program among boatmen and fishermen. METHODS: The boatmen and fishermen were detected for S. japonicum infections using IHA and Kato-Katz technique or miracidium hatching test nylon gauze simultaneously at schistosomiasis testing sites in the anchor sites for boatmen and fishermen in the Dongting Lake region during the period from 2014 to 2016, and using IHA for serological screening followed by parasitological testing of seropositives during the period from 2017 to 2019. The sensitivity and specificity of IHA were evaluated for detection of S. japonicum infections among boatmen and fishermen, with the 2014-2016 parasitological testing results as a gold standard. In addition, the seroprevalence of S. japonicum infections was compared among boatmen and fishermen with different characteristics and among years. RESULTS: A total of 306 schistosomiasis testing sites were assigned for boatmen and fishermen, and a total of 143 360 person-time boatmen and fishermen were tested for S. japonicum infections in the Dongting Lake region from 2014 to 2019. The sensitivity and specificity of IHA were 69.9%, 97.3% and 96.1% (χ2 = 74.6, P < 0.05), and 70.9%, 74.5% and 71.9% for detection of S. japonicum infections from 2014 to 2016 (χ2 = 29.4, P < 0.05), respectively. The seroprevalence of S. japonicum infections reduced from 30.3% in 2014 to 1.8% in 2019 among boatmen and fishermen, appearing an overall tendency towards a decline (Z = 1 552.4, P < 0.05). In addition, male, individuals at ages of 45 to 60 years, full-time boatmen and fishermen were more likely to be seropositive for S. japonicum infections (all P values < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of S. japonicum infections appeared a tendency towards a decline among boatmen and fishermen in the Dongting Lake region year by year from 2014 to 2019. IHA presented a high efficacy for screening of S. japonicum infections among boatmen and fishermen in the Dongting Lake region.

Review and Prospects of Pathogen Detection Related to Autopsy of Coronavirus Infectious Diseases.

ABSTRACT: In the past, coronavirus caused two serious human-to-human pandemics in the world, including severe acute respiratory syndrome （SARS） and Middle East respiratory syndrome （MERS）. In late 2019, coronavirus disease 2019 （COVID-19） caused another major global public health event. Due to the strong infectivity of novel coronavirus, it is difficult to carry out the autopsy of related death cases widely. This paper reviews the previous status of the pathogen detection related to the autopsy of coronavirus infection diseases, and introduces the ongoing detection methods of novel coronavirus in clinical practice, in order to provide reference for the pathogen detection and study related to autopsy of COVID-19.

[The observation of secretogranin â ¢ in the peripheral blood and vitreous of patients with diabetic retinopathy].

Objective: To study the expression levels of secretogranin Ⅲ (SCG3) in the peripheral blood and vitreous of patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: Cross-sectional research. A total of 77 patients (41 men and 36 women, 77 eyes) received vitrectomy in Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital from May to December 2018, with an average age of (60.75±11.34) years. According to the blood glucose level, diabetes history and fundus status, all the patients were divided into the DR group and the non-diabetic group. According to the patients' blood lipids and body mass index (BMI), patients were further divided into subgroups of high blood lipids, normal blood lipids, high BMI and normal BMI. All patients were tested with eye examinations, height and weight to calculate the BMI, and blood lipid levels in the peripheral blood. The vitreous was collected during the vitrectomy surgery, and the levels of SCG3 in the vitreous and peripheral blood were analyzed by ELISA. All the data were analyzed statistically with Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results: There were 43 patients in the DR group, among whom 25 had hyperlipidemia, 18 had normal blood lipids, 22 had a high BMI, and 21 had a normal BMI. There were 34 patients in the non-diabetic group, among whom 13 had hyperlipidemia, 21 had normal blood lipids, 17 had a high BMI, and 17 had a normal BMI. The level of SCG3 in the DR group [6.02 (4.34, 11.76) ng/ml] was higher than that in the non-diabetic group [4.30 (3.20, 10.78) ng/ml] (Z=-2.339, P =0.019). The level of SCG3 in the hyperlipidemia subgroup of the DR patients [7.94 (5.33, 13.51) ng/ml] was higher than that in the normal blood lipid subgroup of the non-diabetic patients [4.04 (3.12, 7.77) ng/ml] (Z=-3.473, P=0.001), and higher than that in the DR patients without hyperlipidemia [4.45 (3.71, 9.14) ng/ml] (Z=-2.511, P=0.012). The level of SCG3 in the DR patients with a high BMI [7.12 (4.56, 13.12) ng/ml] was higher than that in the non-diabetic patients with a normal BMI [3.53 (3.16, 4.38) ng/ml] (Z=-3.767, P =0.000). The level of SCG3 in the DR patients with a normal BMI [5.72 (4.10, 11.60) ng/ml] was higher than that in the non-diabetic patients with a normal BMI (Z=-2.862, P = 0.004). SCG3 in the plasma was rare or can not be detected. Conclusions: The concentration of SCG3 in the vitreous increase in DR patients. However, SCG3 can not be detected in the healthy vascular system. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2020, 56: 933-937).

[Implications, spiritual characteristics and practical significance of Chinese schistosomiasis control culture].

The culture of schistosomiasis control is specific in the history of Chinese culture. Broadly speaking, the culture of schistosomiasis control is a summary of specific social mood, social consciousness and material culture created by Chinese populations during the progress of schistosomiasis control since the founding of the People's Republic of China. Narrowly speaking, the culture of schistosomiasis control is the spiritual culture that is jointly created and nurtured by schistosomiasis control workers since the founding of the People's Republic of China. The spiritual features of Chinese schistosomiasis control culture are characterized by the patriotism and care about the people, the matter-to-fact attitude, the pioneering and enterprising spirit, and the spirit of sacrifice and dedication. The ultimate goal of the research on the culture of schistosomiasis control is to facilitate the achievement of the strategic goal of Healthy China 2030 as scheduled, accelerate the progress towards elimination of schistosomiasis, and to promote the sustainable development of schistosomiasis control in China.

[Challenges and countermeasures of schistosomiasis control in Hunan Province in the new era].

This paper describes the current epidemic characteristics and endemic status of schistosomiasis, analyzes the main challenges of schistosomiasis control and proposes the emphasis and interventions for future schistosomiasis control activities in Hunan Province, so as to provide insights into the elimination of schistosomiasis in Hunan Province.

[Progress of schistosomiasis control in Dongting Lake regions].

As an ancient parasitic disease, schistosomiasis has been endemic in Dongting Lake areas for more than 2 100 years. In the early 20th century, the first human case of schistosomiasis in China was reported in Dongting Lake areas, which was paid extensive attention. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, large-scale schistosomiasis control activities were launched promptly in Dongting Lake areas, and great successes have been achieved following the three stages of control efforts, including the snail control-based stage, synchronous chemotherapy for humans and livestock-based control stage and infectious source control-based control stage. In 2015, transmission control of schistosomiasis was achieved in Hunan Province. This paper comprehensively describes the discovery and control of schistosomiasis, analyzes the challenges for the current schistosomiasis control programs and proposes the emphasis for future control activities in Dongting Lake areas, so as to provide insights into the schistosomiasis control program in this area.

Guide to the Forensic Pathology Practice on Death Cases Related to Corona Virus Disease 2019 （COVID-19） （Trial Draft）.

Abstract: Autopsy is of great significance to the elucidation of the pathological changes, pathogeneses and causes of death of corona virus disease 2019 （COVID-19） and can provide theoretical basis for more scientific and accurate prevention and control of the outbreak. Based on related laws and regulations, such as the Law of the People's Republic of China on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, the clinical manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19, and the related guidelines on the prevention and control of the outbreak, combined with the practical work of forensic pathology examination, the Guide to the Forensic Pathology Practice on Death Cases Related to Corona Virus Disease 2019 （COVID-19） （Trial Draft） has been developed. This guide includes information on the background investigation of the cases, autopsy room requirements, personal prevention and protections, external examinations, autopsy, auxiliary examinations, and so on. This guide can be used as a reference by forensic and pathological examination institutions, as well as examination staff.

Molecular tracing of white muscardine in Asian corn borer using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) analysis.

Beauveria bassiana is a soil fungus that parasitizes arthropod species, and is used to control the Asian corn borer in Northeast China. In this study, B. bassiana was investigated in Xiaoxian County and Baicheng City, and the results were compared with those of Gongzhuling City, where the fungus was not applied. Using the inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular marker technique, 198 isolates were extracted from Asian corn borer and other insect cadavers, and soil and air, and two released strains were analyzed to trace the infection source. In Xiaoxian and Baicheng populations, artificially released B. bassiana subpopulations were more abundant than indigenous fungi, and the released strains were the main cause of disease in those areas. Artificial B. bassiana displayed positive effect on overwintering of Asian corn borers in corn straw stacks in Xiaoxian County. Indigenous populations in Gongzhuling City showed higher genetic variation. In summary, we identified a significant correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance (P < 0.01).

Removal of waterborne pathogens from liver transplant unit water taps in prevention of healthcare-associated infections: a proposal for a cost-effective, proactive infection control strategy.

Hospital water supplies often contain waterborne pathogens, which can become a reservoir for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). We surveyed the extent of waterborne pathogen contamination in the water supply of a Liver Transplant Unit. The efficacy of point-of-use (POU) water filters was evaluated by comparative analysis in routine clinical use. Our baseline environmental surveillance showed that Legionella spp. (28%, 38/136), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8%, 11/136), Mycobacterium spp. (87%, 118/136) and filamentous fungi (50%, 68/136) were isolated from the tap water of the Liver Transplant Unit. 28.9% of Legionella spp.-positive water samples (n = 38) showed high-level Legionella contamination (≥10(3) CFU/L). After installation of the POU water filter, none of these pathogens were found in the POU filtered water samples. Furthermore, colonizations/infections with Gram-negative bacteria determined from patient specimens were reduced by 47% during this period, even if only 27% (3/11) of the distal sites were installed with POU water filters. In conclusion, the presence of waterborne pathogens was common in the water supply of our Liver Transplant Unit. POU water filters effectively eradicated these pathogens from the water supply. Concomitantly, healthcare-associated colonization/infections declined after the POU filters were installed, indicating their potential benefit in reducing waterborne HAIs.

Prevalence and determinants of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose among urban community-dwelling adults in Guangzhou, China.

AIM: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in the adult population aged >or= 20 years in Guangzhou and to evaluate the associated risk factors. METHOD: A total of 6197 randomly selected adults, aged >or= 20 years and living for at least 5 years in Guangzhou, participated in questionnaire-based interviews between 2006 and 2007, and had their clinical characteristics and standard blood chemistries measured. A 75 g OGTT was conducted for those subjects with fasting glucose levels >or= 5.6 mmol/L. Diabetes and IFG were defined according to WHO 1999 criteria. RESULTS: Based on Chinese census data, the age- and gender-standardized prevalences of diabetes and IFG were 5.5% and 3.3%, respectively. Among the identified diabetic individuals in the present investigation, 42.3% were newly diagnosed. The prevalence of diabetes and IFG increased with age. The results of multivariate logistic-regression analyses showed that diabetes and IFG were significantly associated with age, a family history of diabetes, obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. CONCLUSION: The prevalences of diabetes and IFG have increased dramatically over the past decade. Yet, a large proportion of cases go undiagnosed. These results suggest an urgent need to establish regular population-based diabetes screening in Guangzhou.

[Detection of coxsackie virus B3 gene in myocardium and spleen samples in myocarditis with sudden death].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the Coxsackie virus B3(CVB3) gene in myocardium and spleen tissues in viral myocarditis(VMC) with sudden death and to explore the diagnostic method for VMC by means of seeking pathogene. METHODS: By in situ RT-PCR, the detection of CVB3 gene in myocardium and spleen sections were performed in sudden death group caused by VMC and non-cardiac death group. RESULTS: In VMC group, CVB3 gene-positive signals were seen in myocardium sections(3 out of total 8 cases, No. 1, 4, 7 cases) and spleen sections(4 out of total 8 cases, No. 2, 4, 6, 7 cases). In non-cardiac death group, no positive signals were detected in both myocardium and spleen tissues. CONCLUSION: Positive detection of CVB3 gene in both myocardium and spleen maybe an important character of VMC and can improve the detecting pathogene in diagnosing VMC.

[Histopathological observation of experimental slight viral myocarditis].

To study the diagnostic method of slight viral myocarditis in the field of forensic pathology, slight viral myocarditis model was induced in Balb/c murine by coxsackie virus B3. Organs of hearts, livers, spleens, lungs and kidneys were examined through routine pathological methods. Pathological changes at different levels of these organs were observed. The results indicated that viral myocarditis was a kind of disease with multiple organ alterations and that the pathological observation and comprehensive analysis of multiple organs was one of the useful methods for diagnosing slight viral myocarditis.

[Study on the specificity of complement C5 for the postmortem diagnosis of myocardial infarction].

In order to explore the specificity of complement C5 in the postmortem diagnosis of myocardial infarction, changes of C5 staining in normal, infarcted and other non-infarcted myocardia with direct or indirect myocardial injuries (myocarditis, mechanical asphyxia, electrocution, hemorrhagic shock, cardiac contusion and organophosphate poisoning) were studied with immunohistochemistry and image analysis. The results showed that positive C5 staining could be observed in groups of myocardial infarction and myocarditis, but not in groups of mechanical asphyxia, electrocution, hemorrhagic shock, cardiac contusion, and organophosphate poisoning. It is indicated that positive reaction of C5 could only be affected by myocarditis, which means that it was more specific for the diagnosis of myocardial infarction.

[Immune response in Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the inflammatory immune response to Pneumocystis canii pneumonia(PCP) in rats induced by glucocorticoid(GC). METHODS: The model of PCP was set up by injecting GC subcutanously to SD rats. Lymphocyte proportion in peripheral blood, CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio of PBL and lymphocyte proportion in the BALF were measured. The levels of sIL-2R and TNF-alpha in the BALF were detected. RESULTS: 1. After the rats were immunospressed, the lymphocyte proportion in the peripheral blood and CD4+/CD8+ ratio of PBL, and the lymphocyte proportion in the BALF were decreased, and the levels of sIL-2R, TNF-alpha in BALF were reduced. 2. The lowest levels of TNF-alpha in BALF and CD4+/CD8+ T cells of PBL were observed in PCP group; 3. The lymphocyte proportion in the BALF was significantly higher in PCP group than in PC negative group. CONCLUSION: The reduction in the level of TNF-alpha and CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio in rats treated with GC might result in PCP infection under immunosuppressive condition.

[A preliminary immunohistochemical study of fibronectin in viral myocarditis].

For postmortem diagnosis of viral myocarditis, 12 specimens of heart in autopsy were studied immunohistochemically with anti-fibronectin(FN) antibody. Among 5 cases with definite or suspected myocarditis, intensive FN-positive could be found in all monocytes, macrophages and some neutrophils and there were 3 cases with FN-positive cardiomyocytes. While in 3 violent death cases with leucocytes infiltration in the interstitial tissue of myocardia, no FN-positive cardiomocytes were observed, which was the same as that of 4 case without cardiac pathological changes. Moreover, there were rarely FN-positive leucocytes in the 7 cases without viral myocarditis. The results suggest that the immunohistochemical observation of FN in myocardia might be of value for detecting slight degeneration of cardiomyocytes and determining the inflammatory leucocyte infiltration in myocarditis.

[Immunohistochemical observation of actin in viral myocarditis].

10 specimens of heart in autopsy were immunohistochemically studied by using anti-actin(At) antibody. In 5 cases with definite or suspected viral myocarditis according to Dallas criteria, actin in myocardium showed focal or diffuse weak staining, and occasionally showed focal absence of staining. In 2 cases with myocardial infarction, actin showed large pieces absent of staining, while actin in 3 cases with non-cardiac death showed strongly positive, well-distributed staining. The results indicated the immunohistochemical observation of actin in myocardium is useful for improving the sensitivity in diagnosing viral myocarditis and differentiating the slight injuries of myocytes caused by ischemia or inflammation.

[Evaluation of anti-muscle actin monoclonal antibody HHF35 in the diagnosis of early myocardial infarction].

In order to explore the specificity of anti-muscle actin monoclonal antibody HHF35 in the postmortem diagnosis of early myocardial infarction, the changes of HHF35 staining in the infarcted myocardia and other non-infarcted myocardia with direct or indirect myocardial injury were studied with immunohistochemical S-P method. The results showed that the loss of HHF35 staining of different degrees was found in the infarcted myocardia, but also in the other non-infarcted myocardia with direct or indirect myocardial injury, such as cardiac contusion, myocarditis, hemorrhagic shock, electrocution, mechanical asphyxia. So it should be cautious in diagnosing early myocardial infarction with HHF35 immunohistochemistry.

Sudden death caused by stricture of the sinus node artery.

The sudden unexpected deaths of two young people and the findings in their hearts at autopsy are described. The striking feature was marked narrowing of the sinus node arteries by fibromuscular dysplasia. There were no other histological abnormalities present elsewhere. The observations suggest that pathological changes of the sinus node arteries might lead to a terminal cardiac arrhythmia acting as the mechanism of death.

Immunohistochemical study of fibronectin for postmortem diagnosis of early myocardial infarction.

The postmortem diagnosis of early myocardial infarction has been a puzzling problem in forensic practice. In the present study, an immunohistochemical study of fibronectin (FN) was performed for the first time on 34 autopsy hearts to determine early myocardial infarction with streptavidin/biotin/peroxidase technique. Five cases of definite myocardial infarction showed positive FN staining of cardiomyocytes; of 18 cases where early myocardial infarction was suspected, positive FN staining of cardiomyocytes was found in 15 cases, but no such staining was seen in 11 non-cardiac death controls. The results led to the conclusion that positive FN staining in cardiomyocytes is a reliable marker of acute myocardial infarction and could be used as a new, sensitive method for the postmortem diagnosis of early myocardial infarction. It is worth noting that all cases in this study were autopsied between 8 h and 4 days after death and 5 cases had been fixed in 10% formalin for over 10 years. FN immunohistochemistry still gave satisfactory results in those cases. It seemed that FN was not affected by postmortem autolysis and formalin-fixation and could be used in routine forensic practice, especially for retrospective analysis of cases.

Diagnostic value of ions as markers for differentiating antemortem from postmortem wounds.

In the present study, the diagnostic value of ions as markers for differentiating antemortem from postmortem wounds was investigated. To accomplish this, skin and muscle samples were taken from antemortem and postmortem wounded cadavers and the contents of ions (Fe, Zn, Mg, Cu, K and Na) were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Our results show that the concentrations of Fe in antemortem wounded skin and muscle were significantly higher as compared with the control skin and muscle and the K/Na ratio in antemortem wounded muscle was reduced significantly compared to control muscle. However, the concentrations of Zn, Mg, Cu in antemortem wounded skin and muscle, and the K/Na ratio in antemortem wounded skin, were not significantly different from their controls. The concentrations of all these ions in postmortem wounded skin and muscles were not significantly different from their controls. It is indicated that the concentrations of Fc in skin and muscle and K/Na ratio in muscle are useful markers for differentiating antemortem from postmortem wounds. However, their routine use in forensic practice needs further investigation, since there are some overlaps of the ionic concentrations between normal and wounded skin and muscle.