Current research and clinical trends in rosacea pathogenesis.

Background: Rosacea is a common and complex chronic inflammatory skin disorder, the pathophysiology and etiology of which remain unclear. Recently, significant new insights into rosacea pathogenesis have enriched and reshaped our understanding of the disorder. A systematic analysis based on current studies will facilitate further research on rosacea pathogenesis. Objective: To establish an international core outcome and knowledge system of rosacea pathogenesis and develop a challenge, trend and hot spot analysis set for research and clinical studies on rosacea using bibliometric analysis and data mining. Methods: A search of the WoS, and PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane collaboration databases was conducted to perform visual bibliometric and data analysis. Results: A total of 2,654 studies were used for the visualization and 302 of the 6,769 outcomes for data analysis. It reveals an increased trend line in the field of rosacea, in which its fast-growing pathogenesis attracted attention closely related to risk, comorbidity and therapeutic strategies. The rosacea pathogenesis has undergone the great development on immunology, microorganisms, genes, skin barriers and neurogenetics. The major of studies have focused on immune and microorganisms. And keyword visualization and data analyses demonstrated the cross-talk between cells or each aspect of pathogenesis, such as gene-gene or gene-environment interactions, and neurological mechanisms associated with the rosacea phenotype warrant further research. Limitations: Inherent limitations of bibliometrics; and reliance on research and retrospective studies. Conclusions: The understanding of rosacea's pathogenesis has been significantly enhanced with the improved technology and multidisciplinary integration, but high-quality, strong evidence in favor of genomic and neurogenic requires further research combined with a better understanding of risks and comorbidities to guide clinical practice.

Automatic digital optical heterodyne phase locking loop in the milliradian domain for spaceborne laser interferometry.

We developed a digital optical phase locking loop (OPLL) with three advantages, including high precision of phase locking, high control bandwidth up to 2.8 MHz, and automatic laser locking strategy. Spaceborne laser interferometers will be used to measure tiny displacements caused by gravitational waves in millions of kilometers range. A slave laser will be heterodyne phase locked to the incoming weak light at the end of an arm, emitting a higher power light back to the other satellite to measure pathlength variations at the picometer level. Such accuracy requires extremely precise OPLL. We report an experiment to demonstrate a digital OPLL that can automatically lock two independent free-running Nd:YAG lasers with residual phase error below 1mrad/Hz above 0.01 Hz, which is the best performance recorded for digital servos, to our knowledge. Such performance tested under a normal laboratory environment will be highly improved in a vacuum environment with temperature and vibration well controlled. Both the digital OPLL and the automatic strategy were implemented on a field programmable gate array that could be potentially used for future gravitational-wave detection. Our experiment might change the thinking of scientists who study phasemeters of gravitational-wave detection because we are aware that the digital phase locking loop used for "optical phase tracking" is differently designed from "optical phase locking."

Epidemiology and determinants of Clonorchis sinensis infection: A community-based study in southeastern China.

Clonorchiasis is caused by the ingestion of raw freshwater fish and causes high burden in East Asia. The epidemiological profiles and determinants of C. sinensis infection, knowledge, practice and attitude related to clonorchiasis were demonstrated in Hengxian county, Guangxi, China. The overall prevalence of C. sinensis was 60.3%, which was higher in male than in female and in elder population compared to children. The percentage knowing local transmission, transmission route and harm of C. sinensis was 20.9%, 31.4% and 32.5%. A percentage of 60.4% reported ingestion of raw freshwater fish, while 70.1% persons would like to accept treatment if infected with C. sinensis. Of the individuals ingesting raw freshwater fish, 82.0% did at home and 81.3% drunk alcohol when ingesting raw freshwater fish. Sixty-two percent showed the persistence on ingestion of raw freshwater fish in future. The ingestion of raw freshwater fish varied by seasons, with a proportion of 57.8% in spring, 48.3% in summer, 60.2% in autumn and 92.2% in winter. In multivariable regression models, age groups, history with C. sinensis treatment, and frequency on ingesting raw freshwater fish were related to C. sinensis infection, while gender, educational level, history with C. sinensis infection, and knowing local transmission were related to the practice of ingesting raw freshwater fish. Gender, history with C. sinensis treatment, frequency on ingesting raw freshwater fish, duration of ingesting raw freshwater fish and drinking alcohol when ingesting raw freshwater fish were associated to the attitude to the ingestion of raw freshwater fish in future. Great efforts are needed to combat clonorchiasis, in which the heterogeneity of population in knowledge, practice, attitude and infection needs to be considered. Men are of crucial importance in term of the morbidity control through chemotherapy. Meanwhile, massive education is expected to implement, which needs to promote the change of ingesting raw freshwater fish for sustainable control of clonorchiasis.

A systematic summary of survival and death signalling during the life of hair follicle stem cells.

Hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) are among the most widely available resources and most frequently approved model systems used for studying adult stem cells. HFSCs are particularly useful because of their self-renewal and differentiation properties. Additionally, the cyclic growth of hair follicles is driven by HFSCs. There are high expectations for the use of HFSCs as favourable systems for studying the molecular mechanisms that contribute to HFSC identification and can be applied to hair loss therapy, such as the activation or regeneration of hair follicles, and to the generation of hair using a tissue-engineering strategy. A variety of molecules are involved in the networks that critically regulate the fate of HFSCs, such as factors in hair follicle growth and development (in the Wnt pathway, Sonic hedgehog pathway, Notch pathway, and BMP pathway), and that suppress apoptotic cues (the apoptosis pathway). Here, we review the life cycle, biomarkers and functions of HFSCs, concluding with a summary of the signalling pathways involved in HFSC fate for promoting better understanding of the pathophysiological changes in the HFSC niche. Importantly, we highlight the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic targets involved in pathways associated with the treatment of hair loss and other disorders of skin and hair, including alopecia, skin cancer, skin inflammation, and skin wound healing.

Programmed cell death in stem cell-based therapy: Mechanisms and clinical applications.

Stem cell-based therapy raises hopes for a better approach to promoting tissue repair and functional recovery. However, transplanted stem cells show a high death percentage, creating challenges to successful transplantation and prognosis. Thus, it is necessary to investigate the mechanisms underlying stem cell death, such as apoptotic cascade activation, excessive autophagy, inflammatory response, reactive oxygen species, excitotoxicity, and ischemia/hypoxia. Targeting the molecular pathways involved may be an efficient strategy to enhance stem cell viability and maximize transplantation success. Notably, a more complex network of cell death receives more attention than one crucial pathway in determining stem cell fate, highlighting the challenges in exploring mechanisms and therapeutic targets. In this review, we focus on programmed cell death in transplanted stem cells. We also discuss some promising strategies and challenges in promoting survival for further study.

Severe hepatobiliary morbidity is associated with Clonorchis sinensis infection: The evidence from a cross-sectional community study.

Clonorchis sinensis infection is highly prevalent in Asia. Diverse hepatobiliary morbidity has been documented for C. sinensis infection. This study aimed to assess the association between C. sinensis infection and hepatobiliary morbidity, taking into consideration of the control, confounders and infection intensity. A cross-sectional community survey was implemented in Hengxian county, southeastern China. Helminth infections were detected by fecal examination. Physical examination and abdominal ultrasonography were then conducted. After excluding confounding effects from gender, age and alcohol drinking, quantitative association between C. sinensis infection and hepatobiliary morbidity was assessed, and the effect from infection intensity was also evaluated, through adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). 696 villagers older than 10 years were enrolled. The prevalence and infection intensity of C. sinensis were higher in male, elder people and the individuals consuming alcohol. Light C. sinensis infection was associated with the increase of diarrhoea (aOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.5). C. sinensis infection was associated with the increase of fatty liver (aOR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.4-5.2), and the effect was similar in different infection intensities. Moderate C. sinensis infection was associated with the increase of gallbladder stone (aOR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.1-8.6), while moderate and heavy infections with the increase of intrahepatic bile duct dilatation (aOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.0-4.9 and aOR: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.9-9.9, respectively). C. sinensis infection had an effect on the development of periductal fibrosis (aOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 2.1-4.9), which showed increasing trend by infection intensity. The length and width of gallbladder in those with C. sinensis infection were enlarged, especially in those over 30 years old. C. sinensis infection is significantly associated with hepatobiliary morbidity. The occurrence of some morbidity was strongly related to the infection intensity. Awareness on harm of clonorchiasis should be raised both for policy-makers and villagers to adopt effective interventions.

High prevalence of Clonorchis sinensis infection in Guangxi, Southern China.

BACKGROUND: Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), such as hookworm, roundworm and whipworm, and food-borne trematodiases, including Clonorchis sinensis, remain a public health problem worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine the current prevalence of these parasites in Guangxi, China, which is located in a subtropical region. METHODS: A cross-sectional study and a 4-year longitudinal surveillance study were carried out. Stool samples were collected and examined microscopically for parasite eggs using the modified Kato-Katz thick smear method. RESULTS: The study subjects selected using stratified random cluster sampling for the cross-sectional study and longitudinal surveillance study numbered 15,683 and 24,429, respectively. In the cross-sectional study, hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, pinworm, C. sinensis, and tapeworm were found. The total prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) was 6.4% (95% CI, 6.0-6.8). The prevalences of C. sinensis, hookworm, roundworm, whipworm, and pinworm were 10.6%, 4.2%, 0.3%, 0.3%, and 1.8%, respectively. The prevalence of C. sinensis in males (14.0%, 95% CI, 13.3-14.8) was significantly higher than in females (7.2%, 95% CI, 6.7-7.8) (P = 0.0001). The prevalence also was significantly higher in the medical worker group (20.8%, 95% CI, 12.9-28.7) than in all other occupational groups (10.5%, 95% CI, 10.0-11.0) (P = 0.0001). The prevalence of hookworm in females (5.3%, 95% CI, 4.8-5.8) was significantly higher than in males (3.0%, 95% CI, 2.6-3.3) (P = 0.0001). In the longitudinal surveillance study, the prevalence of C. sinensis and STHs in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 were 12.0%, 6.0%, 11.0%, and 10.0% and 2.6%, 2.8%, 1.5%, and 1.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Adult male and occupation of and medical workers are risk factors for infection with C. sinensis and hookworm. The prevalence rate of C. sinensis remains high while those of the other STHs are decreasing, suggesting that enhanced health education should be focused on C. sinensis in Guangxi.

Cell-free miR-17-5p as a diagnostic biomarker for gastric cancer inhibits dendritic cell maturation.

PURPOSE: Gastric cancer (GC) patients display aberrant miRNA expression and defective dendritic cell function. However, the role of cancer cell-derived oncomiR in GC detection and dendritic cell (DC) maturation remains largely elusive. METHODS: Candidate miRNAs were selected by deep sequencing (8 GC plasma samples vs 8 control plasma samples; 8 GC tissues vs 8 adjacent normal gastric tissues) and confirmed by PCR with 164 plasma samples and 72 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded GC tissue samples. Their diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve. Cy3 fluorescence signals in DCs, exposed to conditioned medium obtained from BGC-823 cells pre-transfected with Cy3-miR-17-5p, were determined by flow cytometry and visualized by confocal microscopy. Functional and phenotypical alterations of DCs were assayed when DCs were transfected with miR-17-5p in vitro. RESULTS: Deep sequencing and RT-PCR confirmed that five shared miRNAs were upregulated in plasma and tissue samples of GC patients. Cell-free miR-17-5p was superior to others in GC detection with an area under the curve of 0.82, and correlated with lymphatic metastasis and poor overall survival. GC cell-shuttled miR-17-5p can be delivered to immature DCs, and they significantly inhibited LPS-stimulated phenotypic maturation by diminishing the expression of maturation markers (MHC II, CD80 and CD86 molecules). In line with those alterations in the phenotypic markers, functional experiments demonstrated that miR-17-5p triggered an inhibitory effect on DCs endocytic activity and decreased tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-12 secretion, while enhancing IL-10 production. Mixed lymphocyte reaction showed that miR-17-5p inhibited the T cell stimulating effect of DCs and favored regulatory T cells expansion. CONCLUSION: GC cell-derived miR-17-5p is a potential biomarker for GC detection. Taken up by DCs, miR-17-5p weakened antitumor immune responses via inhibiting the maturation of dendritic cells.

Performance evaluation of existing immunoassays for Clonorchis sinensis infection in China.

BACKGROUND: Clonorchiasis ranks among the most important food-borne parasitic diseases in China. However, due to low compliance to traditional fecal examination techniques in the general population and medical personnel, immunodiagnosis is expected. This study evaluated, in parallel, the performance of four immunodiagnostic kits detecting clonorchiasis in China. RESULTS: A bank with 475 sera was established in this study. Except for the low performance of the kit detecting IgM, the other three kits detecting IgG showed sensitivities ranging from 81.51% (194/238) to 99.16% (236/238). Higher sensitivity was presented in heavy infection intensity [89.47% (68/76) to 100% (76/76)]. Among the four kits, the overall specificity varied from 73.42% (174/237) to 87.34% (207/237). It was observed that the specificity was lower in the sera of the participants living in clonorchiasis-endemic areas but without any parasite infection [67.5% (81/120) to 90% (108/120)], as compared to those from the non-endemic area [94% (47/50) to 98% (49/50)]. The cross-reaction rate varied from 14.93% (10/67) to 31.34% (21/67). Youden's index was -0.022, 0.689, 0.726, and 0.802 for kits T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Repeatability was high in all four kits. CONCLUSIONS: Three immunodiagnosis kits targeting IgG antibody had high performance on detecting chronic Clonorchis sinensis infection, but that detecting IgM antibody had not. The kits detecting IgG antibody also showed high sensitivity in heavy infection intensity. Research on immunological diagnosis of clonorchiasis is expected to be strengthened to improve the sensitivity in light infection and specificity.

TLR2 signal influences the iNOS/NO responses and worm development in C57BL/6J mice infected with Clonorchis sinensis.

BACKGROUND: Although the responses of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and associated cytokine after Clonorchis sinensis infection have been studied recently, their mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) signals on iNOS/nitric oxide (NO) responses after C. sinensis infection. We also evaluated the correlations between iNOS responses and worm development, which are possibly regulated by TLR2 signal. METHODS: TLR2 wild-type and mutant C57BL/6 J mice were infected with 60 C. sinensis metacercariae, and the samples were collected at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days post-infection (dpi). The total serum NO levels were detected using Griess reagent after nitrate was reduced to nitrite. Hepatic tissue samples from the infected mice were sliced and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) to observe worm development in the intrahepatic bile ducts. The iNOS mRNA transcripts in the splenocytes were examined by real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and iNOS expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Developing C. sinensis juvenile worms were more abundant in the intrahepatic bile ducts of TLR2 mutant mice than those of TLR2 wild-type mice. However, no eggs were found in the faeces of both mice samples. The serum levels of total NO significantly increased in TLR2 mutant mice infected with C. sinensis at 30 (t (5) = 2.595, P = 0.049), 60 (t (5) = 7.838, P = 0.001) and 90 dpi (t (5) = 3.032, P = 0.029). Meanwhile, no changes occurred in TLR2 wild-type mice compared with uninfected controls during the experiment. The iNOS expression in splenocytes showed unexpected higher background levels in TLR2 mutant mice than those in TLR2 wild-type mice. Furthermore, the iNOS mRNA transcripts in splenocytes were significantly increased in the TLR2 wild-type mice infected with C. sinensis at 30 (t (5) = 5.139, P = 0.004), 60 (t (5) = 6.138, P = 0.002) and 90 dpi (t (5) = 6.332, P = 0.001). However, the rising of iNOS transcripts dropped under the uninfected control level in the TLR2 mutant mice at 120 dpi (t (5) = -9.082, P < 0.0001). Both total NO and iNOS transcripts were significantly higher in the TLR2 mutant mice than those in the TLR2 wild-type mice at 30 (t (5) = 3.091/2.933, P = 0.027/0.033) and 60 dpi (t (5) = 2.667/6.331, P = 0.044/0.001), respectively. In addition, the remarkable increase of iNOS expressions was immunohistochemically detected in the splenic serial sections of TLR2 wild-type mice at 30 and 60 dpi. However, the expressions of iNOS were remarkably decreased in the splenocytes of both TLR2 wild-type and mutant mice at 120 dpi. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that TLR2 signal plays an important role in the regulation of iNOS expression after C. sinensis infection. TLR2 signal is also beneficial to limiting worm growth and development and contributing to the susceptibility to C. sinensis in which the iNOS/NO reactions possibly participate.

[Effect of malaria surveillance and control of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in 2013].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of malaria surveillance and control of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in 2013, and explore the suited surveillance and management of imported malaria cases, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the scientific control measures of imported malaria. METHODS: The endemic data and control measures of malaria in Guangxi in 2013 were collected and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: A total of 1 251 malaria cases were found in Guangxi in 2013, with 88.25% (1,104 cases) of falciparum malaria, 8.63% (108 cases) of vivax malaria, 0.64% (8 cases) of quartan malaria, 1.52% (19 cases) of ovale malaria, and 0.96% (12 cases) of mixed infection; 93.21% (1 166 cases) were off-farm workers; 96.56% (1,208 cases) were imported from Africa and mainly consisted of falciparum malaria cases; 3.44% (43 cases) were imported from southeast Asia and mainly consisted of vivax malaria cases. The cases of imported malaria were increasing and the infection rate in 2013 was increased by 464% compared with that in 2012. CONCLUSION: The imported malaria cases in Guangxi mainly come from Africa at present. Promoting the health education and professional skill of malaria control and treatment, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of the patients in early time are important measures to control the imported malaria.

Real-time evaluation of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in lychee pericarp based on weighted combination of spectral data and image features as determined by fuzzy neural network.

A novel method of using hyperspectral imaging technique with the weighted combination of spectral data and image features by fuzzy neural network (FNN) was proposed for real-time prediction of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in lychee pericarp. Lychee images were obtained by a hyperspectral reflectance imaging system operating in the range of 400-1000nm. A support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) algorithm was applied to eliminating variables with no or little information for the prediction from all bands, resulting in a reduced set of optimal wavelengths. Spectral information at the optimal wavelengths and image color features were then used respectively to develop calibration models for the prediction of PPO in pericarp during storage, and the results of two models were compared. In order to improve the prediction accuracy, a decision strategy was developed based on weighted combination of spectral data and image features, in which the weights were determined by FNN for a better estimation of PPO activity. The results showed that the combined decision model was the best among all of the calibration models, with high R(2) values of 0.9117 and 0.9072 and low RMSEs of 0.45% and 0.459% for calibration and prediction, respectively. These results demonstrate that the proposed weighted combined decision method has great potential for improving model performance. The proposed technique could be used for a better prediction of other internal and external quality attributes of fruits.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase response and associated cytokine gene expression in the spleen of mice infected with Clonorchis sinensis.

Clonorchis sinensis is a food-borne parasite that induces a permanent increase of nitrosation in the body upon infection. The spleen is an important secondary lymphoid organ for the regulation of immune responses locally and in the whole body. However, the functions and mechanisms of the spleen in nitric oxide (NO) responses after C. sinensis infection remain unknown. In this study, BALB/c mice were infected with 20, 40, and 80 C. sinensis metacercariae to simulate mild, moderate, and severe infections, respectively. We examined the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the spleen and the relevant cytokine transcription in splenocytes from the mice infected with different amounts of metacercariae. The iNOS of the mice infected with 80 metacercariae was expressed in the spleen as early as 10 days post-infection (dpi) and gradually increased until 90 dpi. The iNOS expression in the mice infected with 40 metacercariae was detected only at 45 and 90 dpi, but not in the mice infected with 20 metacercariae. The level of interferon (IFN)-γ messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription in splenocytes significantly increased at 10 and 20 dpi (P < 0.05) in response to mild/moderate infection but gradually decreased to normal levels after 45 dpi. The level of IL-12p35 mRNA transcription did not change at 10 and 20 dpi but significantly decreased after 45 dpi under moderate/severe infection (P < 0.05/0.01/0.001). The level of IL-18 mRNA transcription significantly increased at 10 dpi (P < 0.05/0.01) but significantly decreased after 20 dpi (P < 0.05/0.01/0.001). These results suggest that spleen is an important organ for iNOS/NO responses, which correspond to the severity of C. sinensis infection, but cannot be attributed to the expression of the Th1 cytokines.

[First report of one imported case of schistosomiasis haematobia in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region].

The first case of imported schistosomiasis haematobia in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is reported in this paper, so as to improve the doctors' understanding of the common tropic diseases abroad.

Pathological Lesions and Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Expressions in the Liver of Mice Experimentally Infected with Clonorchis sinensis.

The nitric oxide (NO) formation and intrinsic nitrosation may be involved in the possible mechanisms of liver fluke-associated carcinogenesis. We still do not know much about the responses of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) induced by Clonorchis sinensis infection. This study was conducted to explore the pathological lesions and iNOS expressions in the liver of mice with different infection intensity levels of C. sinensis. Extensive periductal inflammatory cell infiltration, bile duct hyperplasia, and fibrosis were commonly observed during the infection. The different pathological responses in liver tissues strongly correlated with the infection intensity of C. sinensis. Massive acute spotty necrosis occurred in the liver parenchyma after a severe infection. The iNOS activity in liver tissues increased, and iNOS-expressing cells with morphological differences were observed after a moderate or severe infection. The iNOS-expressing cells in liver tissues had multiple origins.

[A case of neonatal congenital malaria accompanied with severe thrombocytopenia].

This article reports the process of diagnosis and treatment of one case of neonatal congenital malaria accompanied with severe thrombocytopenia.

Increasing prevalence and intensity of foodborne clonorchiasis, Hengxian County, China, 1989-2011.

During 1989-2011, three parasitic disease surveys were conducted in Hengxian County, China, where soil-transmitted helminthiases and foodborne clonorchiasis are endemic. We compared the data and found that the prevalence of helminthiases decreased and the prevalence and intensity of clonorchiasis increased over time, especially among men. Clonorchiasis control/intervention measures are urgently needed in this area.

[Identification of Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae based on PCR targeting ribosomal DNA ITS regions and COX1 gene].

OBJECTIVE: To identify Clonorchis sinensis metacercariae using PCR targeting ribosomal DNA ITS region and COX1 gene. METHODS: Pseudorasbora parva were collected from Hengxian County of Guangxi at the end of May 2013. Single metacercaria of C. sinensis and other trematodes were separated from muscle tissue of P. parva by digestion method. Primers targeting ribosomal DNA ITS region and COX1 gene of C. sinensis were designed for PCR and the universal primers were used as control. The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR detection were analyzed. RESULTS: C. sinensis metacercariae at different stages were identified by PCR. DNA from single C. sinensis metacercaria was detected by PCR targeting ribosomal DNA ITS region and COX1 gene. The specific amplicans have sizes of 437/549, 156/249 and 195/166 bp, respectively. The ratio of the two positive numbers in PCR with universal primers and specific primers targeting C. sinensis ribosomal DNA ITS1 and ITS2 regions was 0.905 and 0.952, respectively. The target gene fragments were amplified by PCR using COX1 gene-specific primers. The PCR with specific primers did not show any non-specific amplification. However, the PCR with universal primers targeting ribosomal DNA ITS regions performed serious non-specific amplification. CONCLUSION: C. sinensis metacercariae at different stages are identified by morphological observation and PCR method. Species-specific primers targeting ribosomal DNA ITS region show higher sensitivity and specificity than the universal primers. PCR targeting COX1 gene shows similar sensitivity and specificity to PCR with specific primers targeting ribosomal DNA ITS regions.

[Surveillance of malaria in Global Fund Malaria Project counties of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in 2011].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the monitoring results and epidemic trend of malaria in the Global Fund Malaria Project counties of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in 2011, so as to provide the evidence for improving the preventive measures. METHODS: The data about malaria surveillance were collected and statistically analyzed in 7 Global Fund Malaria Project counties of Guangxi in 2011. RESULTS: A total of 8 cases of malaria were reported in the Global Fund Malaria Project counties of Guangxi in 2011, the average annual incidence rate was 0.04 per 10000 which increased by 100% compared with that in 2010, accounting for 7.14% (8/112) of the total number of cases in Guangxi. Totally 42 064 residents with fever were examined with blood tests and no case was found; 3 867 floating people were examined with blood tests and 8 cases of malaria were found (0.21%), including 5 cases of vivax malaria and 3 cases of falciparum malaria. The 8 malaria cases distributed in Longlin, Tiane, Nandan, Youjiang counties (district), and they all had ever worked in Africa or Southeast Asia. There were no input secondary cases or deaths throughout the year. CONCLUSIONS: The preventive measures of malaria are effective in the Global Fund Malaria Project counties of Guangxi, and the malaria epidemic situation is stable. It is the key to strengthen the malaria surveillance of the floating population who returned from Africa or Southeast Asia for consolidating the achievement of malaria prevention and control.

Efficacy and safety of tribendimidine against Clonorchis sinensis.

BACKGROUND: Clonorchiasis is of considerable public health importance, particularly in the People's Republic of China (PR China), where most of the 15 million individuals infected with Clonorchis sinensis are currently concentrated. Praziquantel is the drug of choice, but tribendimidine might be an alternative. METHODS: We performed a randomized open-label trial in Guangxi, PR China, to assess the efficacy and safety of 400 mg tribendimidine once, 400 mg tribendimidine daily for 3 days, and 75 mg/kg praziquantel in 1 day divided in 3 doses against parasitological-confirmed C. sinensis infections. Cure and egg reduction rates were determined 3 weeks posttreatment using available case analysis. Clinical symptoms were documented at baseline, and adverse events were recorded and graded 3 and 24 hours after each dose. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients were included in the final analysis. Single-dose tribendimidine achieved a cure rate of 44%, whereas cure rates of 58% and 56% were obtained for tribendimidine administered for 3 days and praziquantel, respectively. High egg reduction rates (97.6%-98.8%) were observed for all treatment regimens. Single-dose tribendimidine was the best-tolerated treatment scheme. Patients treated with praziquantel experienced significantly more adverse events than did tribendimidine recipients (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Tribendimidine has an efficacy comparable to praziquantel in the treatment of C. sinensis infection and resulted in fewer adverse events compared to praziquantel. Larger clinical trials are warranted among C. sinensis-infected patients to determine the potential of tribendimidine against clonorchiasis and other helminthiases. Clinical Trials Registration.Controlled-Trials.com, ISRCTN80829842.