d-Orbital Electron Delocalization Realized by Axial Fe4 C Atomic Clusters Delivers High-Performance Fe-N-C Catalysts for Oxygen Reduction Reaction.

Fe-N-C catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has been considered as the most promising nonprecious metal catalyst due to its comparable catalytic performance to Pt in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The active centers of Fe-pyrrolic N4 have been proven to be extremely active for ORR. However, forming a stable Fe-pyrrolic N4 structure is a huge challenge. Here, a Cyan-Fe-N-C catalyst with Fe-pyrrolic N4 as the intrinsic active center is constructed with the help of axial Fe4 C atomic clusters, which shows a half-wave potential of up to 0.836 V (vs. RHE) in the acid environment. More remarkably, it delivers a high power density of 870 and 478 mW cm-2 at 1.0 bar in H2 -O2 and H2 -Air fuel cells, respectively. According to theoretical calculation and in situ spectroscopy, the axial Fe4 C can provide strong electronic perturbation to Fe-N4 active centers, leading to the d-orbital electron delocalization of Fe and forming the Fe-pyrrolic N4 bond with high charge distribution, which stabilizes the Fe-pyrrolic N4 structure and optimizes the OH* adsorption during the catalytic process. This work proposes a new strategy to adjust the electronic structure of single-atom catalysts based on the strong interaction between single atoms and atomic clusters.

Enzymatic browning and polyphenol oxidase control strategies.

Significant amounts of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables are wasted every year due to enzymatic browning. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is the key enzyme involved in the enzymatic browning. In the past decades, various methods have been developed to inhibit browning of various fresh produce items. However, for most fresh horticultural produce, ideal measures accepted by industries and consumers are still scarce. This review provides up-to-date knowledge of browning control technologies, including physical methods, chemical methods such as natural inhibitors, molecular biotechnology, and nanotechnology. In addition, we propose some ideas to improve the efficacies of these strategies with fewer side effects. To better inhibit tissue browning, new research directions are also discussed, for example, regulation of PPO substrate techniques.

Electrocatalysis Mechanism and Structure-Activity Relationship of Atomically Dispersed Metal-Nitrogen-Carbon Catalysts for Electrocatalytic Reactions.

Atomically dispersed metal-nitrogen-carbon catalysts (M-N-C) have been widely used in the field of energy conversion, which has already attracted a huge amount of attention. Due to their unsaturated d-band electronic structure of the center atoms, M-N-C catalysts can be applied in different electrocatalytic reactions by adjusting their own microscopic electronic structures to achieve the optimization of the structure-activity relationship. Consequently, it is of great significance for the revelation of electrocatalytic mechanism and structure-activity relationship of M-N-C catalysts. Thus, this review first introduces the relative research methods, including in situ/operando characterization techniques and theoretical calculation methods. Furthermore, clarifying the electrocatalytic mechanism and structure-activity relationship of M-N-C catalysts in different electrochemical energy conversion reactions is focused. Moreover, the future research directions are pointed out based on the discussion. This review will provide good guidance to systematically study the catalytic mechanism of single-atom catalysts and reasonably design the single-atom catalysts.

Coupling fine Pt nanoparticles and Co-Nx moiety as a synergistic bi-active site catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in acid media.

Fabricating high-efficiency catalysts of Pt nanoparticles coupled with single-atom sites (MNC) attracts intensive attention to accelerate the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here we rationally design the low-Pt hybrid catalyst containing fine Pt nanoparticles coupled with Co-Nx moieties via a microwave-assisted heating process. The well-dispersed Pt nanoparticles are anchored by CoNC supports because of the metal-support interaction. Furthermore, the Co-Nx moiety acts as an electron donor to regulate the electronic structure of Pt through the electron synergistic effect, moderating the adsorption energy of oxygen intermediates on Pt sites, and then increasing the intrinsic activity of Pt. In addition, the overflow effect from CoNC to Pt facilitates a nearly four-electron process and enhances the kinetics of ORR. In acid media, the optimized 10% Pt/CoNC hybrid catalysts with Pt nanoparticles size (2.18 nm) exhibit improved ORR activity and robust durability, delivering a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.886 V and negligible loss after accelerated durability test, exceeding the best-in-class commercial Pt/C. The finding of the synergy between CoNC supports and Pt nanoparticles offers a novel ideation to construct various low-loading Pt-based hybrid catalysts.

3D Nano-heterostructure of ZnMn2O4@Graphene-Carbon Microtubes for High-Performance Li-Ion Capacitors.

Heterostructures show great potential in energy storage due to their multipurpose structures and function. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) graphene has been widely regarded as an excellent substrate for active materials due to its large specific surface area and superior electrical conductivity. However, it is prone to self-aggregation during charging and discharging, which limits its electrochemical performance. To address the graphene agglomeration problem, we interspersed polypyrrole carbon nanotubes between the graphene cavities and designed three-dimensional (3D)-heterostructures of ZnMn2O4@rGO-polypyrrole carbon nanotubes (ZMO@G-PNTs), which demonstrated a high rate and cyclic stability in lithium-ion capacitors (LICs). Furthermore, the 3D porous structure provided more surface capacity contribution than 2D graphene, ultimately resulting in a better stability (333 mAh g-1 after 1000 cycles at 1 A g-1) and high rate capacity (208 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1). Also, the mechanism of performance difference between ZMO@G-PNTs and ZMO@G was investigated in detail. Moreover, LICs built from ZMO@G-PNTs as an anode and activated carbon as a cathode showed an energy density of 149.3 Wh kg-1 and a power density of 15 kW kg-1 and cycling stability with a capacity retention of 61.5% after 9000 cycles.

How to appropriately assess the oxygen reduction reaction activity of platinum group metal catalysts with rotating disk electrode.

The sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has becoming the bottleneck of largescale implementation of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. However, when it comes to the ORR activity assessing of platinum group metals (PGMs) with rotating disk electrode, the corresponding potential conversion vs. reversible hydrogen electrode, test protocols, and activity calculation processes are still in chaos in many published literatures. In this work, two standard calculation processes for PGM ORR activities are demonstrated, followed by a specification for the usage of reference electrodes. Then a 4-fold discrepancy in ORR activities obtained via different test protocols is found for the same Pt/C, and an average adsorption model and the "coverage effects" are proposed to illustrate the hysteresis loop between negative and positive-going ORR polarization plots. Finally, four motions over appropriate assessment of PGM ORR activity are emphasized, hoping to bring a fair communication platform for researchers from different groups.

Epidemiological characteristics of imported Plasmodium ovale malaria in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2020 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of imported cases with Plasmodium ovale infections in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2020, so as to provide insights into the development of the imported malaria control strategy in the province. Methods All data pertaining to cases with definitive diagnosis of P. ovale malaria in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2020 were captured from the National Notifiable Disease Report System and the Information Management System for Parasitic Disease Control in China, including the date of going abroad and returning to China, time of malaria infections overseas, date of malaria onset, initial diagnosis and definitive diagnosis. All data pertaining to epidemic status were descriptively analyzed. Results A total of 347 cases of P. ovale malaria were reported in Jiangsu Province from 2012 to 2020, with the highest number seen in 2015 (71 cases). All cases were laboratory-confirmed overseas imported malaria cases, accounting for 14.32% of all reported malaria cases in Jiangsu Province during the period from 2012 to 2020. The 5 cities with the highest number of imported P. ovale malaria cases included Lianyungang City (53 cases, 15.27%), Nantong City (44 cases, 12.68%), Huai’an (44 cases, 12.68%), Taizhou City (44 cases, 12.68%) and Yangzhou City (36 cases, 10.37%). The highest number of imported P. ovale malaria cases was reported in October (39 cases, 11.24%), and the lowest number was seen in December (21 cases, 6.05%). P. ovale infections mainly occurred in were Equatorial Guinea (97 cases, 37.95%), Angola (60 cases, 17.29%) and Nigeria (40 cases, 11.53%). The median duration between returning to China and malaria onset was 64 (144) days, and 7.49% (26/347) of all cases developed malaria one year after returning to China. The initial diagnosis of P. ovale malaria was mainly made at county-level medical institutions (117 cases, 33.72%), and the definitive diagnosis was mainly made at city-level medical institutions (122 cases, 35.16%). The correct rate of initial diagnosis of P. ovale malaria increased from 0 in 2012 to 78.26% in 2020, appearing a tendency towards a rise year by year (χ2 = 50.90, P < 0.01). Conclusions Imported P. ovale malaria cases were reported in Jiangsu Province each year from 2012 to 2020, and P. ovale infections predominantly occurred in Africa. Initial and definitive diagnoses of P. ovale malaria were mainly made at city- and county-level medical institutions. Training on the detection ability of malaria parasites is recommended among grassroots microscopists to improve the diagnostic ability of P. ovale malaria, and consolidate the achievements of malaria elimination in Jiangsu Province.

Pseudocapacitive Crystalline MnCo2O4.5 and Amorphous MnCo2S4 Core/Shell Heterostructure with Graphene for High-Performance K-Ion Hybrid Capacitors.

Potassium-ion capacitors (KICs) have received a surge of interest because of their higher reserves and lower costs of potassium than lithium. However, the cycle performance and capacity of potassium devices have been reported to be unsatisfactory. Herein, a unique crystalline MnCo2O4.5 and amorphous MnCo2S4 core/shell nanoscale flower structure grown on graphene (MCO@MCS@rGO) was synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal process and demonstrated in KICs. The MCO@MCS@rGO exhibits improved electrical conductivity and excellent structural integrity during the charging and discharging process. The reasons could be attributed to the cavity structure of MCO, the mechanical buffer and high electrolyte diffusion rate of MCS, and the auxiliary effect of graphene. The electrical conductivity of MCO@MCS shows a specific capacity of 272.3 mA h g-1 after 400 cycles at 1 A g-1 and a capacity of 125.6 mA h g-1 at 2 A g-1. Besides, the MCO@MCS@rGO and high-surface-area activated carbon in KICs exhibit a relative energy density of 85.3 W h kg-1 and a power density of 9000 W kg-1 and outstanding cycling stability with a capacity retention of 76.6% after 5000 cycles. Moreover, the reaction mechanism of MCO@MCS@rGO in the K-ion cell was investigated systematically using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, providing guidance on the further development of pseudocapacitive materials.

Enhancing Na-Ion Storage at Subzero Temperature via Interlayer Confinement of Sn2.

Sluggish kinetics and limited reversible capacity present two major challenges for layered titanates to achieve satisfactory sodium-ion storage performance at subzero-temperatures (subzero-T). To facilitate sodiation dynamics and improve reversible capacity, we proposed an additive-free anode with Sn(II) located between layers. Sn-5s in interlayer-confining Sn(II), which has a larger negative charge, will hybridize with O-2p to trigger charge redistribution, thereby enhancing electronic conductivity. H-titanates with an open framework are designed to stabilize Sn(II) and restrain subsequent volume expansion, which could potentially surpass the capacity limitation of titanate-based materials via a joint alloying-intercalation reaction with high reversibility. Moreover, the generation of conductive Na14Sn4 and the expansion of interlayer spacing resulting from the interlayered alloying reaction are beneficial for charge transfer. These effects synergistically endow the modified sample with a considerably lower activation energy and a 3-fold increase in diffusion. Consequently, the designed anode delivers excellent subzero-T adaptability when compared to the unmodified sample, maintaining capacity retention of 91% after 1200 cycles at -20 °C and 90% after 850 cycles at -30 °C.

Advanced non-noble materials in bifunctional catalysts for ORR and OER toward aqueous metal-air batteries.

The catalyst in the oxygen electrode is the core component of the aqueous metal-air battery, which plays a vital role in the determination of the open circuit potential, energy density, and cycle life of the battery. For rechargeable aqueous metal-air batteries, the catalyst should have both good oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic performance. Compared with precious metal catalysts, non-precious metal materials have more advantages in terms of abundant resource reserves and low prices. Over the past few years, great efforts have been made in the development of non-precious metal bifunctional catalysts. This review selectively evaluates the advantages, disadvantages and development status of recent advanced materials including pure carbon materials, carbon-based metal materials and carbon-free materials as bifunctional oxygen catalysts. Preliminary improvement strategies are formulated to make up for the deficiency of each material. The development prospects and challenges facing bifunctional catalysts in the future are also discussed.

A sponge-templated sandwich-like cobalt-embedded nitrogen-doped carbon polyhedron/graphene composite as a highly efficient catalyst for Zn-air batteries.

Non-noble metal materials are regarded as the most promising catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to overcome the inherent defects of Pt-based catalysts, like high cost, limited availability and insufficient stability. Here, we fabricate sandwich-like Co encapsulated nitrogen doped carbon polyhedron/graphene (s-Co@NCP/rGO) via a facile and scalable strategy by loading Co-based zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) and graphene oxide (GO) layers individually on a polyurethane (PU) sponge template. The 3D sandwich structure is maintained with the assistance of the sponge template, which promotes the uniform dispersion of ZIF-67-derived Co embedded nitrogen doped carbon polyhedra (Co@NCP) and prevents the graphene plates from agglomerating during the annealing process. The final product demonstrates considerable catalytic performance for the ORR with a half-wave potential of 0.85 V, preferable stability and increased poisoning tolerance by comparison to 20 wt% Pt/C, which stems from the 3D sandwich-like structure, N/Co-doping effect, large accessible surface area and hierarchical porous structures. The excellent ORR performance of the catalysts means that they can be utilised in a Zn-air battery as cathode catalysts. During such a demonstration, s-Co@NCP/rGO shows a high open-circuit voltage of 1.466 V, remarkable long-term durability and an outstanding peak power density of 186 mV cm-2, which shows its high potential as a prospective alternative for widespread practical application in the field of non-noble metal ORR catalysts.

Application of synchronous arteriovenous exchange in neonatal ABO hemolysis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To evaluate the effect and influence of exchange transfusion on neonatal ABO hemolysis by comparing the changes of indirect bilirubin in serum and internal environment before and after exchange transfusion.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 242 cases with neonatal ABO hemolytic disease from January 2017 to October 2018 in the Children's Hospital of Jiangxi Province was carried out.According to whether the parents signed or agreed to exchange transfusion, they were divided into two groups.The exchange group (126 cases) received routine treatment + exchange of blood, and the control group (116 cases) was only given conventional therapy(blue light + probiotics + gamma globulin). In the exchange group, peripheral venous blood was collected half an hour before the exchange of blood(T1) and half an hour after the exchange of blood(T2), while in the control group, the indirect bilirubin, platelet and blood sugar were measured at two time points of parents signing disapproval of exchange of blood(T1) and disapproval of exchange of blood and one day after the treatment(T2).Results:The indirect bilirubin levels in serum of the exchange group and the control group were decreased, and the difference was statistically significant[(194.010±41.065)μmol/L vs.(390.048±39.058)μmol/L, t=1507.604, (292.014±39.998)μmol/L vs.(383.452±42.820)μmol/L, t=306.820, all P<0.05]. The decrease of serum indirect bilirubin in the exchange group was more significant than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant.[(194.010±41.065)μmol/L vs.(292.014±39.998)μmol/L, t=368.267, P<0.05]. After exchange transfusion, the levels of platelet and blood sugar were decreased significantly, and the differences were statistically significant[(91.370±24.766)×10 9/L vs.(350.660±32.564)×10 9/L, t=5061.203, (2.965±0.593)mmol/L vs.(5.490±0.876)mmol/L, t=717.817, all P<0.05]. Decreased platelets and blood sugar could return to normal within 3 days. Conclusion:Exchange therapy can significantly reduce the level of bilirubin and the incidence of bilirubin encephalopathy in neonates with ABO hemolysis.Exchange therapy has certain effect on the internal environment of neonatal ABO hemolytic patients, which is easy to cause thrombocytopenia and blood sugar reduction.But the change of internal environment is temporary and reversible.

Epidemic situation of malaria in Jiangsu Province in 2019 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the epidemic situation of malaria in Jiangsu Province in 2019, so as to provide the scientific basis for the development of the strategy for the prevention of re-introduction of imported malaria. Methods The malaria case report information, epidemiological case investigation information, epidemic foci investigation and management report in Jiangsu Province in 2019 were collected, and all epidemiological data were descriptively analyzed. Results A total of 244 malaria cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2019, and all cases were laboratory-confirmed overseas imported cases, including 4 cases with vivax malaria, 206 cases with falciparum malaria, 12 cases with malariae malaria and 22 cases with ovale malaria. In 2019, there were 12 malaria cases progressing into severe cases in Jiangsu Province, with one death. Nanjing, Nantong, Lianyungang, Taizhou and Changzhou cities contributed the largest number of malaria cases in 2019, with the number of malaria cases accounting for 59.84% of total cases in Jiangsu Province. The infections occurred in Papua New Guinea (2 cases), Pakistan (1 case) and 27 African countries (241 cases), including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Cote d'Ivoire and so on. There were 77 cases (31.55%) with a visit to doctor on the day of onset, and 146 cases (59.84%) within 1 to 3 days after onset. In addition, there were 149 cases (61.06%) with definitive diagnosis at the first visit and 77 cases (31.55%) diagnosed within 1 to 3 days after the visit, and the mean duration from the visit to definitive diagnosis was (0.80 ± 1.59) d, which significantly shortened as compared to that (1.34 d ± 2.59 d) in 2018 (U = 2.53, P < 0.05). Conclusions Intensifying the surveillance and management of imported malaria and improving the diagnostic capability of imported malaria and the treatment of severe malaria cases are required to consolidate the achievements of malaria elimination in Jiangsu Province.

[Epidemiological analysis of malaria prevalence in Jiangsu Province in 2017].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the malaria epidemic situation and characteristics in Jiangsu Province in 2017, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the targeted strategy of malaria elimination. METHODS: The data of malaria cases in Jiangsu Province in 2016 were collected from China's Routine Diseases Surveillance Information System (CRDSIS). RESULTS: Totally, 239 imported malaria cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2017, and the cases decreased by 22.40% compared to 308 cases in 2015. Except 2 malaria case caused by blood transfusion, the rest patients were all imported. Among them, there were 163 falciparum malaria cases, 21 vivax malaria cases, 11 quartan malaria cases, 43 ovale malaria cases, and 1 mixed infection case (Plasmodium falciparum and P. ovale). The numbers of imported cases of Nantong (39 cases, 16.32%), Suzhou (26 cases, 10.88%), Taizhou (25 cases, 10.46%), Huai'an (24 cases, 10.04%), and Lianyungang (22 cases, 9.21%) ranked in the top 5 cities across Jiangsu Province, the malaria cases in the five cities accounted for 56.90% (136/239). The infection source areas of the imported malaria cases included Africa (225 cases), Asia (8 cases), Oceania (2 cases), and South America (2 cases). CONCLUSIONS: Jiangsu Province has no local malaria cases for 6 consecutive years. Despite the imported cases in 2017 decreased some-what compared to that in 2016, it is still necessary to strengthen the surveillance of imported malaria cases and improve malaria diagnosis and treatment in the whole province.

Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy for a horseshoe kidney with hydronephrosis and inflammation: A case report.

RATIONALE: A horseshoe kidney is the most common congenital fusion abnormality in the kidney, occurring in approximately 1 in 400 live births. Several complications including renal malignancies, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, urolithiasis, vesicoureteral reflux, and hydronephrosis can occur in this patient population. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 28-year-old woman was admitted to hospital because of chronic left low back pain. Microscopic hematuria was not seen. Computed tomography showed the horseshoe kidney and left hydronephrosis. DIAGNOSES: On the basis of these findings and clinical manifestations, the final diagnosis was the horseshoe kidney with left renal hydronephrosis and inflammation. INTERVENTIONS: A retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy on the left kidney was performed. OUTCOMES: Histopathological examination of the specimen confirmed massive dilatation of the pelvicaliceal system and chronic pyelonephritic inflammation. The patient was discharged on the 7th postoperative day with no complications and no back pain. She remained well at 3 months with normal activity and good cosmetic result. LESSONS: Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy can be a safe and minimally invasive surgery for horseshoe kidney treatment.

Phosphotungstic acid immobilized nanofibers-Nafion composite membrane with low vanadium permeability and high selectivity for vanadium redox flow battery.

A novel composite vanadium-blocking proton exchange membrane for vanadium redox flow battery (VRB) was designed and constructed by immobilizing phosphotungstic acid (PWA) on Nano Kevlar Fibers (NKFs) via a solution-casting method. The proton/vanadium selectivity of the composite membrane is greatly improved by incorporating the complex formed by NKFs and PWA into the Nafion matrix. Simple tuning of the complex doping quantity results in different composite membranes with superior vanadium barrier properties (namely, a minimum vanadium permeability of 2.46 × 10-7 cm2 min-1). This coupled with proton conductivities reaching 0.061 S cm-1 at room temperature indicates a proton/vanadium selectivity of 2.48 × 105 S min cm-3, which is 6.3 times higher than that of recast Nafion (0.34 × 105 S min cm-3). When tested in a VRB, the performance of the single cell assembled with the composite membrane greatly outperforms that with recast Nafion at current densities ranging from 40 to 100 mA cm-2.

Epidemic situation of malaria in Jiangsu Province in 2018 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the epidemic situation of malaria in Jiangsu Province in 2018, so as to provide scientific evidence for formulating post-elimination malaria surveillance schemes and technical measures in Jiangsu Province. Methods The malaria case report cards, epidemiological individual investigation forms of malaria cases and foci data were collected from Jiangsu Province in 2018, and the epidemic situation of malaria was descriptively analyzed. Results A total of 243 malaria cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2018, which increased by 1.67% in relative to in 2017 (239 cases), and these cases included 171 cases with falciparum malaria, 14 cases with vivax malaria, 15 cases with quartan malaria, 42 cases with ovale malaria and a case with mixed infection of P. vivax and P. ovale. All cases were overseas imported, and no local secondary cases were found. The malaria cases were predominantly workers (76.54%). Nantong City (48 cases), Yangzhou City (33 cases) and Taizhou City (22 cases) were the most 3 cities with the largest number of malaria cases across Jiangsu Province. The malaria infections predominantly occurred in African areas (96.30%), and the other 9 cases had infections in Asia (8 cases) and Central America (1 case). There were 125 cases (51.44%) and 91 cases (37.45%) with definitive diagnosis at the day of admission and within 1 to 3 days post-admission, respectively. The percentages of definitive diagnosis at initial diagnosis were 48.27%, 88.76% and 97.30% at township-, county- and city-level medical institutions, respectively, and the percentage of definitive diagnosis at initial diagnosis was significantly lower in township-level medical institutions than in county- (χ2 = 21.47, P < 0.01) and city-level medical institutions (χ2 = 32.86, P < 0.01). Conclusions There are no local malaria cases in Jiangsu Province; however, the number of overseas imported malaria cases remains high in China. In the future, improving the post-elimination malaria surveillance system, enhancing the awareness of malaria prevention and control knowledge among high-risk populations, increasing the diagnostic capability of malaria in medical institutions, and improving the management of imported malaria cases should be performed to consolidate the achievements of malaria elimination.

Epidemiological analysis of malaria prevalence in Jiangsu Province in 2017 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the malaria epidemic situation and characteristics in Jiangsu Province in 2017, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the targeted strategy of malaria elimination. Methods The data of malaria cases in Jiangsu Province in 2016 were collected from China’s Routine Diseases Surveillance Information System (CRDSIS). Results Totally, 239 imported malaria cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2017, and the cases decreased by 22.40% compared to 308 cases in 2015. Except 2 malaria case caused by blood transfusion, the rest patients were all imported. Among them, there were 163 falciparum malaria cases, 21 vivax malaria cases, 11 quartan malaria cases, 43 ovale malaria cases, and 1 mixed infection case (Plasmodium falciparum and P. ovale). The numbers of imported cases of Nantong (39 cases, 16.32%), Suzhou (26 cases, 10.88%), Taizhou (25 cases, 10.46%), Huai’an (24 cases, 10.04%), and Lianyungang (22 cases, 9.21%) ranked in the top 5 cities across Jiangsu Province, the malaria cases in the five cities accounted for 56.90% (136/239). The infection source areas of the imported malaria cases included Africa (225 cases), Asia (8 cases), Oceania (2 cases), and South America (2 cases). Conclusions Jiangsu Province has no local malaria cases for 6 consecutive years. Despite the imported cases in 2017 decreased some-what compared to that in 2016, it is still necessary to strengthen the surveillance of imported malaria cases and improve malaria diagnosis and treatment in the whole province.

Epidemiological analysis of malaria prevalence in Jiangsu Province in 2017 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the malaria epidemic situation and characteristics in Jiangsu Province in 2017, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the targeted strategy of malaria elimination. Methods The data of malaria cases in Jiangsu Province in 2016 were collected from China’s Routine Diseases Surveillance Information System (CRDSIS). Results Totally, 239 imported malaria cases were reported in Jiangsu Province in 2017, and the cases decreased by 22.40% compared to 308 cases in 2015. Except 2 malaria case caused by blood transfusion, the rest patients were all imported. Among them, there were 163 falciparum malaria cases, 21 vivax malaria cases, 11 quartan malaria cases, 43 ovale malaria cases, and 1 mixed infection case (Plasmodium falciparum and P. ovale). The numbers of imported cases of Nantong (39 cases, 16.32%), Suzhou (26 cases, 10.88%), Taizhou (25 cases, 10.46%), Huai’an (24 cases, 10.04%), and Lianyungang (22 cases, 9.21%) ranked in the top 5 cities across Jiangsu Province, the malaria cases in the five cities accounted for 56.90% (136/239). The infection source areas of the imported malaria cases included Africa (225 cases), Asia (8 cases), Oceania (2 cases), and South America (2 cases). Conclusions Jiangsu Province has no local malaria cases for 6 consecutive years. Despite the imported cases in 2017 decreased some-what compared to that in 2016, it is still necessary to strengthen the surveillance of imported malaria cases and improve malaria diagnosis and treatment in the whole province.

Results analysis of Jiangsu Provincial Malaria Diagnostic Reference Laboratory in 2017 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

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