[Optimization of urban ecological spatial structure based on network analysis: A case study of Changzhou City, China]. / 基于网络分析的城市生态空间结构优化­­ä»¥å¸¸å·žå¸‚为例.

The rapid development of economy and society leads to the rapid expansion of cities, resulting in the atrophy of urban ecological space and the decline of ecological function, as well as a serious threat to urban ecological security. It is of great significance for the sustainable development of a city to systematically analyze the structure of urban ecological space and put forward targeted protection and optimization measures. Taking Changzhou City as the research area and considering the natural ecological function and social service function of urban ecological space, we constructed two ecological networks, the "source-corridor" ecological network based on natural ecology and the "supply-demand" ecological network based on human ecology. For the "source-corridor" ecological network, quantitative analysis was mainly carried out from the importance of nodes, network connectivity and stability. For the "supply-demand" ecological network, quantitative analysis was mainly carried out from the importance of nodes, supply-demand equilibrium and stability. The results showed that the levels of connectivity and stability of the "source-corridor" ecological network in the main urban area of Changzhou were not high, the stability level of the "supply-demand" ecological network was general, and there was spatial mismatch between service supply and demands. From the perspective of connectivity and stability improvement, an optimization scheme of "source-corridor" ecological network with 12 additional source nodes and 57 corridors was proposed. From the perspective of supply-demand balance and stability improvement, an optimization scheme of "supply-demand" ecological network with 22 new supply nodes was proposed. Compared with the original "source-corridor" ecological network, the connectivity level of the optimized network was improved by 10%, and the network stability was improved by 0.05. Compared with the initial "supply-demand" ecological network, the service level of the optimized network was improved by 4%, and the network stability was improved by 0.10. Finally, we integrated the two ecological networks, and formulated the implementation plan of protection and management for both the current protected patches and the new ecological nodes.

[Effectiveness of integrated schistosomiasis control in Changzhou City from 2015 to 2020].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control measures in Changzhou City from 2015 to 2020, so as to provide insights into the formulation of the strategy used to consolidate the schistosomiasis elimination achievements. METHODS: The annual schistosomiasis control working report and integrated schistosomiasis control data were collected in Changzhou City from 2015 to 2020, and the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and livestock and snail status were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control measures. RESULTS: During the period from 2015 to 2020, a total of 112 061 person-time individuals received serological tests for S. japonicum infections in Changzhou City, and the sero-prevalence was 0.15% to 1.09% during the 6-year period, with a significant difference seen among years (χ2 = 288.11, P < 0.05). From 2015 to 2020, a total of 13 435 person-time individuals received stool examinations, with no egg-positives identified; among 5 840 herd-time livestock receiving schistosomiasis examinations, no positives were detected, while a 100% coverage of fencing livestock was seen each year. During the 6-year period, a total of 38.40 hm2 snail habitats were found, including 8.97 hm2 emerging snail habitats, and among the 2 344 snails dissected, no S. japonicum infection was found. Chemical treatment covered an area of 385.71 hm2, and environmental improvements covered an area of 200.39 hm2. The mean density of living snails was less than 0.1 snails/0.1 m2 in snail habitats found in Changzhou City each year from 2015 to 2020, and the coverage of harmless toilets was 100% in 2020. During the 6-year period, a total of 3.740 6 million person-time individuals were given schistosomiasis health education in Changzhou City. CONCLUSIONS: Changzhou City is now at the post-elimination surveillance stage; however, there are still factors affecting schistosomiasis transmission. The schistosomiasis surveillance system remains to be improved to consolidate the schistosomiasis elimination achievements in Changzhou City.

Effectiveness of integrated schistosomiasis control in Changzhou City from 2015 to 2020 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control measures in Changzhou City from 2015 to 2020, so as to provide insights into the formulation of the strategy used to consolidate the schistosomiasis elimination achievements. Methods The annual schistosomiasis control working report and integrated schistosomiasis control data were collected in Changzhou City from 2015 to 2020, and the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans and livestock and snail status were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated schistosomiasis control measures. Results During the period from 2015 to 2020, a total of 112 061 person-time individuals received serological tests for S. japonicum infections in Changzhou City, and the sero-prevalence was 0.15% to 1.09% during the 6-year period, with a significant difference seen among years (χ2 = 288.11, P < 0.05). From 2015 to 2020, a total of 13 435 person-time individuals received stool examinations, with no egg-positives identified; among 5 840 herd-time livestock receiving schistosomiasis examinations, no positives were detected, while a 100% coverage of fencing livestock was seen each year. During the 6-year period, a total of 38.40 hm2 snail habitats were found, including 8.97 hm2 emerging snail habitats, and among the 2 344 snails dissected, no S. japonicum infection was found. Chemical treatment covered an area of 385.71 hm2, and environmental improvements covered an area of 200.39 hm2. The mean density of living snails was less than 0.1 snails/0.1 m2 in snail habitats found in Changzhou City each year from 2015 to 2020, and the coverage of harmless toilets was 100% in 2020. During the 6-year period, a total of 3.740 6 million person-time individuals were given schistosomiasis health education in Changzhou City. Conclusions Changzhou City is now at the post-elimination surveillance stage; however, there are still factors affecting schistosomiasis transmission. The schistosomiasis surveillance system remains to be improved to consolidate the schistosomiasis elimination achievements in Changzhou City.

[Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections among high-risk populations in Changzhou City].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections among high-risk populations in Changzhou City, so as to provide the scientific basis for formulating effective control measures of toxoplasmosis. METHODS: Four types of high-risk populations living in Changzhou City were recruited from 2016 to 2018 as the study subjects, including HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, pregnant women and livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers. Each subject was investigated for the knowledge on knowledge, attitude and practice of toxoplasmosis prevention and control. In addition, serum specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were detected, and the risk factors of T. gondii infections were identified. RESULTS: A total of 900 participants at high risk of T. gondii infections were investigated in Changzhou City from 2016 to 2018, including 150 HIV/AIDS patients, 250 cancer patients, 250 pregnant women and 250 livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers. The overall awareness rate of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge was 16.8% (151/900), and the awareness rate was significantly greater in women than in men (χ2 = 41.34, P < 0.05). The awareness rate of toxoplasmosis prevention and control reduced with ages (χ2 = 147.78, P < 0.05), and increased with the education level (χ2 = 166.42, P < 0.05). In ad dition, there was an occupation-specific awareness rate of toxoplasmosis prevention and control (χ2 = 92.26, P < 0.05), and the highest awareness rate was seen in cadres and staff (47.2%, 34/72). Among all high-risk populations, 34.6% (311/900) had fre- quent contacts with cats/dogs, 40.4% (364/900) raised cats/dogs at home, 0.9% (8/900) ate raw meat, and 15.8% (142/900) sepa- rated chopping boards for raw and cooked food. Among the participants aware of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge, 24.5% (37/151) contacted cats/dogs frequently, which was significantly lower than those not aware of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge (36.6%, 274/749) (χ2 = 8.11, P < 0.05), and 35.1% (53/151) separated chopping boards for raw and cooked food, which was significantly higher than those not aware of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge (11.9%, 89/749) (χ2 = 50.97, P < 0.05). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infections was 11.0% (99/900), and the positive rates of IgG antibodies against T. gondii were 6.0%, 13.9%, 4.8% and 17.3% in HIV/AIDS patients, livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers, pregnant women and cancer patients, respectively (χ2 = 25.87, P < 0.05). A higher seroprevalence of T. gon- dii infection was seen in men than in women (χ2 = 8.88, P < 0.05), and the seroprevalence increased with ages (χ2 = 37.03, P < 0.05) and reduced with education levels (χ2 = 25.07, P < 0.05). There was an occupation-specific seroprevalence of T. gondii in- fection (χ2 = 22.09, P < 0.05), and the highest seroprevalence was detected in peasants (57/330, 17.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge is low among high-risk populations in Changzhou City. Health edu- cation pertaining to toxoplasmosis prevention and control requires to be strengthened in cancer patients and livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers who have a high seroprevalence of T. gondii infections, so as to change the poor behavior styles.

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections among high-risk populations in Changzhou City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infections among high-risk populations in Changzhou City, so as to provide the scientific basis for formulating effective control measures of toxoplasmosis. MethodsFour types of high-risk populations living in Changzhou City were recruited from 2016 to 2018 as the study subjects, including HIV/AIDS patients, cancer patients, pregnant women and livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers. Each subject was investigated for the knowledge on knowledge, attitude and practice of toxoplasmosis prevention and control. In addition, serum specific IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii were detected, and the risk factors of T. gondii infections were identified. Results A total of 900 participants at high risk of T. gondii infections were investigated in Changzhou City from 2016 to 2018, including 150 HIV/AIDS patients, 250 cancer patients, 250 pregnant women and 250 livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers. The overall awareness rate of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge was 16.8% (151/900), and the awareness rate was significantly greater in women than in men (χ2 = 41.34, P < 0.05). The awareness rate of toxoplasmosis prevention and control reduced with ages (χ2 = 147.78, P < 0.05), and increased with the education level (χ2 = 166.42, P < 0.05). In ad dition, there was an occupation-specific awareness rate of toxoplasmosis prevention and control (χ2 = 92.26, P < 0.05), and the highest awareness rate was seen in cadres and staff (47.2%, 34/72). Among all high-risk populations, 34.6% (311/900) had fre- quent contacts with cats/dogs, 40.4% (364/900) raised cats/dogs at home, 0.9% (8/900) ate raw meat, and 15.8% (142/900) sepa- rated chopping boards for raw and cooked food. Among the participants aware of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge, 24.5% (37/151) contacted cats/dogs frequently, which was significantly lower than those not aware of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge (36.6%, 274/749) (χ2 = 8.11, P < 0.05), and 35.1% (53/151) separated chopping boards for raw and cooked food, which was significantly higher than those not aware of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge (11.9%, 89/749) (χ2 = 50.97, P < 0.05). The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii infections was 11.0% (99/900), and the positive rates of IgG antibodies against T. gondii were 6.0%, 13.9%, 4.8% and 17.3% in HIV/AIDS patients, livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers, pregnant women and cancer patients, respectively (χ2 = 25.87, P < 0.05). A higher seroprevalence of T. gon- dii infection was seen in men than in women (χ2 = 8.88, P < 0.05), and the seroprevalence increased with ages (χ2 = 37.03, P < 0.05) and reduced with education levels (χ2 = 25.07, P < 0.05). There was an occupation-specific seroprevalence of T. gondii in- fection (χ2 = 22.09, P < 0.05), and the highest seroprevalence was detected in peasants (57/330, 17.3%). Conclusions The awareness of toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge is low among high-risk populations in Changzhou City. Health edu- cation pertaining to toxoplasmosis prevention and control requires to be strengthened in cancer patients and livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers who have a high seroprevalence of T. gondii infections, so as to change the poor behavior styles.

[Assessment of schistosomiasis elimination in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the state of schistosomiasis elimination in 6 districts of Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the evidence for the formulation of consolidation measures. METHODS: Three towns (streets) were selected according to the schistosomiasis epidemic degree in each district, and one village was sampled from each town. The on-site assessment was carried out between 2016 and 2017, including Oncomelania hupensis snail survey, population investigation and domestic animal investigation. In addition, the related data and materials were evaluated and the monitoring ability was assessed. RESULTS: In the history, there were 54 endemic towns, 368 endemic villages in Changzhou City, with a total area of 3 934.79 hm2 of historic snail spots, and 114 990 schistosomiasis cases so far. In the field assessment in 6 districts, a total of 26 environments were surveyed, with the surveyed area of 36.23 hm2, and there were no living snails captured in each village. A total of 18 199 people were examined for schistosome infection, 255 were blood test positive, and the sero-positive rate was 1.40%. The stool examination was done in 255 sero-positive cases, and no cases were stool-positive. A total of 779 domestic animals were investigated, including 200 cattle, 179 sheep and 400 pigs, and no infections were detected. The files regarding the snail status and schistosomiasis epidemic situation, and the monitoring data were complete and accurate in 6 districts. The annual investment funds for schistosomiasis prevention were 3 120 000 Yuan in Changzhou City, and the number of staff working for schistosomiasis prevention was 86 totally, which could meet the requirements of high quality monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: All 6 districts of Changzhou City have met the requirements of schistosomiasis elimination.

Extending the SLEUTH model to integrate habitat quality into urban growth simulation.

This study aims to support sustainable urban and environmental planning by using urban growth simulation models, in which environmental quality is employed as one of the inputs. We proposed an extended SLEUTH urban growth model (UGM) for the regions threatened by environmental quality degradation caused by uncontrolled urban expansion. In this model, habitat quality is assessed by the InVEST model and is used to represent environmental quality, which is utilized in urban growth simulation. The habitat quality map is used to replace the slope layer as input for the SLEUTH model's urban growth simulation for cities where relatively flat topography makes this layer of minimal explanatory value. The extended SLEUTH UGM was calibrated using data for Changzhou city, China in 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2014. The best value of the Optimal SLEUTH Metric (OSM) was calculated for both the standard SLEUTH UGM and the extended SLEUTH UGM independently. The OSM value for the latter model was much higher than that of the former model, which indicated that the extended model provided a better explanation of urban growth in the study area. The calibrated extended SLEUTH UGM was applied to predict growth in Changzhou city from 2014 to 2030. The result showed that the urban area is expected to expand about 626 km2 by 2030. Comparison with the prediction result by using standard SLEUTH UGM showed that the area with high habitat quality could be reserved and the urban expansion could be limited by using our model. The findings demonstrate that the extended SLEUTH UGM could be a valuable tool for sustainable urban and environmental planning and management in developing regions where environmental protection should be considered as one of the major land-use objectives in their rapid urbanization process.

Assessment of schistosomiasis elimination in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To assess the state of schistosomiasis elimination in 6 districts of Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the evidence for the formulation of consolidation measures. Methods Three towns (streets) were selected according to the schistosomiasis epidemic degree in each district, and one village was sampled from each town. The on-site assessment was carried out between 2016 and 2017, including Oncomelania hupensis snail survey, population investigation and domestic animal investigation. In addition, the related data and materials were evaluated and the monitoring ability was assessed. Results In the history, there were 54 endemic towns, 368 endemic villages in Changzhou City, with a total area of 3 934.79 hm2 of historic snail spots, and 114 990 schistosomiasis cases so far. In the field assessment in 6 districts, a total of 26 environments were surveyed, with the surveyed area of 36.23 hm2, and there were no living snails captured in each village. A total of 18 199 people were examined for schistosome infection, 255 were blood test positive, and the sero-positive rate was 1.40%. The stool examination was done in 255 sero-positive cases, and no cases were stool-positive. A total of 779 domestic animals were investigated, including 200 cattle, 179 sheep and 400 pigs, and no infections were detected. The files regarding the snail status and schistosomiasis epidemic situation, and the monitoring data were complete and accurate in 6 districts. The annual investment funds for schistosomiasis prevention were 3 120 000 Yuan in Changzhou City, and the number of staff working for schistosomiasis prevention was 86 totally, which could meet the requirements of high quality monitoring. Conclusions All 6 districts of Changzhou City have met the requirements of schistosomiasis elimination.

Assessment of schistosomiasis elimination in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To assess the state of schistosomiasis elimination in 6 districts of Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, so as to provide the evidence for the formulation of consolidation measures. Methods Three towns (streets) were selected according to the schistosomiasis epidemic degree in each district, and one village was sampled from each town. The on-site assessment was carried out between 2016 and 2017, including Oncomelania hupensis snail survey, population investigation and domestic animal investigation. In addition, the related data and materials were evaluated and the monitoring ability was assessed. Results In the history, there were 54 endemic towns, 368 endemic villages in Changzhou City, with a total area of 3 934.79 hm2 of historic snail spots, and 114 990 schistosomiasis cases so far. In the field assessment in 6 districts, a total of 26 environments were surveyed, with the surveyed area of 36.23 hm2, and there were no living snails captured in each village. A total of 18 199 people were examined for schistosome infection, 255 were blood test positive, and the sero-positive rate was 1.40%. The stool examination was done in 255 sero-positive cases, and no cases were stool-positive. A total of 779 domestic animals were investigated, including 200 cattle, 179 sheep and 400 pigs, and no infections were detected. The files regarding the snail status and schistosomiasis epidemic situation, and the monitoring data were complete and accurate in 6 districts. The annual investment funds for schistosomiasis prevention were 3 120 000 Yuan in Changzhou City, and the number of staff working for schistosomiasis prevention was 86 totally, which could meet the requirements of high quality monitoring. Conclusions All 6 districts of Changzhou City have met the requirements of schistosomiasis elimination.

[Infection status of Toxoplasma gondii and its related knowledge and behavior among special population in Changzhou City].

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and related knowledge and behavior among special population in Changzhou City, so as to provide the evidence for formulating effective measures of toxoplasmosis prevention. Methods The pregnant women and patients with neoplasia in Changzhou hospitals, and livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers were selected as the subjects of the study. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant for detecting IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii by ELISA. A questionnaire investigation on knowledge and behavior about T. gondii infection was conducted. Results Among the total 300 respondents investigated from March to May, 2015, the prevalence of T. gondii infection was 16.3% (49/300). Totally 52 respondents knew the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection with an awareness rate of 17.3% (52/300). The proportion of participants who frequently contacted with cats/dogs (25.0%, 13/52) in the group who knew the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection was lower than that of participants (50.8%, 126/248) in the group who did not know the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 11.51, P < 0.05). The proportion of participants separating chopping boards for raw and cooked food (61.5%, 32/52) in the group who knew the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection was statistically higher than that of the participants (9.3%, 23/248) in the group who did not know the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 78.43, P < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between the awareness rate of the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection and the infection rate of T. gondii. The infection rate of T. gondii (5.8%, 3/52) in the group who knew the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection was lower than that (18.5%, 46/248) of the group who did not know the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 5.14, P < 0.05). Conclusions The awareness rate of the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection among special population in Changzhou City is low. The health education on the knowledge of the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis should be strengthened, in order to improve the awareness of personal hygiene and change the unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits.

[Oncomelania hupensis status monitoring in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province from 2013 to 2016].

Objective To analyze the Oncomelania hupensis snail distribution and the changes of snail situation in Changzhou City from 2013 to 2016, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis prevention and control interventions. Methods The data of snail monitoring in Changzhou City from 2013 to 2016 were collected and statistically analyzed. Results The total area with snails was 40.17 hm2 and the newly discovered area was 30.63 hm2 in Changzhou City from 2013 to 2016. In the four years, 3 454 snails were dissected, and no schistosome infected snails were found. There were totally 51 spots with snails, and the areas with snails of different types of marshland, inland and mountain were 12.13 (30.19%), 25.54 hm2 (63.57%) and 2.51 hm2 (6.24%), respectively. In the newly discovered snail environment, the areas of types of marshland and inland were 8.00 hm2 (26.12%) and 22.63 hm2 (73.88%), respectively. The main causes for snail existence were external input and adjacent diffusion. In the past four years, the total snail control area with molluscicides was 71.74 hm2, the consolidated snail control area with molluscicides was 155.15 hm2, and the total environmental modification areas in the current snail spots and historic snail spots were 15.90 hm2 and 11.30 hm2 respectively. Conclusion The diffusion of snails in inland rivers is the key of the newly discovered snail areas in Changzhou City in recent years, and the snail monitoring and control measures should be strengthened in the future.

[Characteristics and Source Identification of Carbonaceous Aerosols in PM2.5 Measurements During Summer and Fall in Changzhou].

To better understand the characterization and sources of carbonaceous components, a total of 60 fine particle (PM2.5) samples were collected in Changzhou during summer (July to August) and fall (October to November) of 2016. The average mass concentrations of PM2.5, organic carbon (OC), and elemental carbon (EC) during this study period were observed to be 73.0, 14.3 and 3.3 µg·m-3 in summer and 84.2, 13.2, and 3.5 µg·m-3 in fall, respectively. The average mass fraction of carbonaceous aerosols (OC+EC) in the PM2.5 measurement was estimated to be 24.3% in summer and 20.7% in fall. Eight carbonaceous fractions, resolved by following the IMPROVE-A thermal/optical reflectance protocol, showed strong correlation (r>0.92) between OC2, OC3, OC4 and EC1 and close correlations between EC2 and EC3 (r>0.65), indicating probable similar contributors. OC and EC were moderately correlated, suggesting complex contributions to carbonaceous aerosol. The water soluble organic carbon (WSOC) to OC ratio (WSOC/OC) in the fall (60.9%) was slightly higher than that in the summer (57.4%), while secondary organic carbon (SOC) to OC ratio (SOC/OC) was lower in the fall (49.0%) compared with the summer (52.5%). The SOC/OC ratio was lower than the WSOC/OC for both seasons, suggesting that part of WSOC component originates from primary emissions. The significant correlation of WSOC and SOC confirms that most SOC is water soluble. Relationships between each carbonaceous species and the principal component analysis indicate that vehicle emissions and coal combustion are the two main emission sources of carbonaceous aerosols from the observation period. Back trajectory analysis was used to indicate that carbonaceous components at sampling site are mainly affected by local emission sources and short distance transport, whereas the contribution of long-distance transmission is small.

Infection status of Toxoplasma gondii and its related knowledge and behav-ior among special population in Changzhou City / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and related knowledge and behavior among special population in Changzhou City,so as to provide the evidence for formulating effective measures of toxoplasmosis prevention. Methods The pregnant women and patients with neoplasia in Changzhou hospitals,and livestock and poultry breeding or processing workers were selected as the subjects of the study. Venous blood samples were collected from each partici-pant for detecting IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii by ELISA. A questionnaire investigation on knowledge and behavior about T. gondii infection was conducted. Results Among the total 300 respondents investigated from March to May,2015,the prevalence of T. gondii infection was 16.3％(49/300). Totally 52 respondents knew the knowledge about the prevention and con-trol of T. gondii infection with an awareness rate of 17.3％(52/300). The proportion of participants who frequently contacted with cats/dogs(25.0％,13/52)in the group who knew the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection was lower than that of participants(50.8％,126/248)in the group who did not know the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection,and the difference was statistically significant(X2=11.51,P<0.05). The proportion of participants sepa-rating chopping boards for raw and cooked food(61.5％,32/52)in the group who knew the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection was statistically higher than that of the participants(9.3％,23/248)in the group who did not know the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection,and the difference was statistically significant (X2=78.43,P<0.001). There was a negative correlation between the awareness rate of the knowledge about the prevention and con-trol of T. gondii infection and the infection rate of T. gondii. The infection rate of T. gondii(5.8％,3/52)in the group who knew the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection was lower than that(18.5％,46/248)of the group who did not know the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infection,and the difference was statistically significant (X2=5.14,P<0.05). Conclusions The awareness rate of the knowledge about the prevention and control of T. gondii infec-tion among special population in Changzhou City is low. The health education on the knowledge of the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis should be strengthened,in order to improve the awareness of personal hygiene and change the unhealthy lifestyles and dietary habits.

Oncomelania hupensis status monitoring in Changzhou City,Jiangsu Prov-ince from 2013 to 2016 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To analyze the Oncomelania hupensis snail distribution and the changes of snail situation in Chang-zhou City from 2013 to 2016,so as to provide the evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis prevention and control interven-tions. Methods The data of snail monitoring in Changzhou City from 2013 to 2016 were collected and statistically analyzed. Re-sults The total area with snails was 40.17 hm2 and the newly discovered area was 30.63 hm2 in Changzhou City from 2013 to 2016. In the four years,3454 snails were dissected,and no schistosome infected snails were found. There were totally 51 spots with snails,and the areas with snails of different types of marshland,inland and mountain were 12.13(30.19％),25.54 hm2 (63.57％)and 2.51 hm2(6.24％),respectively. In the newly discovered snail environment,the areas of types of marshland and inland were 8.00 hm2(26.12％)and 22.63 hm2(73.88％),respectively. The main causes for snail existence were external input and adjacent diffusion. In the past four years,the total snail control area with molluscicides was 71.74 hm2,the consolidated snail control area with molluscicides was 155.15 hm2,and the total environmental modification areas in the current snail spots and historic snail spots were 15.90 hm2 and 11.30 hm2 respectively. Conclusion The diffusion of snails in inland rivers is the key of the newly discovered snail areas in Changzhou City in recent years,and the snail monitoring and control measures should be strengthened in the future.

[Analyais of Toxoplasma gondii infection and related factors among special population in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and related factors among special population in Changzhou City, so as to provide the evidence for formulating toxoplasmosis prevention measures. METHODS: The venous blood was collected from participants in Changzhou City for detecting IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii by ELISA; and an epidemiological questionnaire investigation was also conducted. RESULTS: Among the total 400 respondents detected, the prevalence of T. gondii infection was 15.0% and the positive rates of IgG and IgM were 15.0% and 0.8%, respectively. The T. gondii infection rates of pregnant women, HIV/AIDS patients, patients with neoplasia, and livestock and poultry breeding and processing workers were 11.0%, 11.0%, 24.0% and 14.0%, respectively. As the age increased, the infection rate of T. gondii showed an upward trend, with the highest infection rate (21.6%) among the group of respondents aged above 50 years. The infection rates of groups with different education levels were statistically different (χ2 = 11.443, P < 0.05), and there was a trend that the infection rate decreased with the increase of education level. The prevalence of T. gondii infection in pregnant women was not significantly associated with the number of pregnancies and gestational age. The infection rate of T. gondii in the live-stock and poultry breeding and processing workers increased with the length of their working years. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of T. gondii infection among the special population in Changzhou City is high. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the health education on the knowledge and information of prevention and control of toxoplasmosis, and to improve the awareness of personal protection, the hygiene practices and diet habits. In addition, more attention should be paid to T. gondii monitoring in the special population.

[Assessment and authentication of malaria elimination in Changzhou City].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of assessment and authentication of malaria elimination of 7 county-level cities and districts in Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, and explore the suitable monitoring methods for malaria after the elimination in this region, so as to provide the evidence for formulating and adjusting the malaria elimination strategies and measures. METHODS: The data from the network reports of malaria epidemic situation, blood examinations of febrile patients, epidemiological questionnaires of malaria cases, investigation of epidemic focuses and disposal tables were collected and analyzed in Changzhou City from 2009 to 2014. The clinicians were assessed with the closed-book written examinations for their ability of the diagnosis and treatment of malaria. The inspection personnel were assessed by the microscopical examinations of Plasmodium. Totally 30 negative blood slides were reviewed. In the natural village where the last local case of malaria was located, 200 blood filter papers were collected for gene detection of Plasmodium. RESULTS: From 2009 to 2014, 145 malaria cases were reported in Changzhou City. Totally 170 638 febrile patients received blood detections for malaria, of which 137 cases were positive and the positive rate was 0.08%. The majority of malaria cases were imported except 8 local malaria infection cases in 2009 and 2 local malaria infection cases in 2010. Four of seven county-level cities (districts) gained an average score of 20 points on the microscopical examinations of Plasmodium. Liyang City got a minimum average score of 18.8 points. In capacity assessment of malaria diagnosis and treatment, Liyang City gained the highest average score of 19.8 points, and Qishuyan District got the lowest average score of 18.0 points. The malaria elimination assessment scores of the 7 county-level cities (districts) were all above 93 points. Four county-level cities (districts) (Xinbei District, Wujin District, Liyang City, and Jintan City) carried out the active case detections. A total of 731 cases were detected and the results were all negative. Liyang City in 2012, Zhonglou District and Jintan City in 2013, Tianning District, Qishuyan District, Xinbei District and Wujin District in 2014, passed the malaria elimination assessment at county (district) level, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: All the 7 county-level cities (districts) of Changzhou City have passed the malaria elimination assessment at a high score. After the malaria elimination, the monitoring should continue to consolidate the achievements.

[Analysis of malaria epidemic situation in Changzhou City from 2010 to 2014].

OBJECTIVE: To grasp the malaria epidemic situation in Changzhou City from 2010 to 2014, so as to provide the evidence for formulating and adjusting malaria control strategies and measures. METHODS: The epidemiological data of malaria cases in the special report system from 2010 to 2014 were collected, and the malaria epidemic situation and the diagnosis and treatment of malaria patients were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 132 malaria cases reported in Changzhou City from 2010 to 2014, with a decrease of 27.47% compared to 182 cases from 2005 to 2009. Among the 132 cases, 2 cases were local infected cases and the remaining 130 cases were imported cases. Four cases were clinically diagnosed and 128 cases were laboratory confirmed, with 97 cases of malignant malaria, 14 cases of vivax malaria, 13 cases of ovale malaria, and 4 cases of quartan malaria. The 132 cases were distributed in five districts：56 cases in Jintan City, 51 cases in Liyang City, 19 cases in Tianning District, 3 cases in Wujin District, and 3 cases in Xinbei District. The median duration between the onset and treatment of the disease was 2 days, and the median duration between the diagnosis and treatment was 1 day. The diagnosing units were concentrated on the county-level disease control agencies, and medical institutions at county and municipal levels, accounting for 92.42% (122/132). From 2011 to 2014, there were no local malaria cases. CONCLUSIONS: From 2012 to 2014, there have been no local malaria cases in Changzhou City, and the goal of eliminating malaria has been achieved basically. However, there are still many imported malaria cases, and the infected species are diverse. Therefore, imported malaria is still the key of malaria prevention and control.

[Quality analysis of malaria blood smears of fever patients in Changzhou City in 2014].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the quality of blood smears for Plasmodium detection in Changzhou City, so as to provide the technical support for malaria surveillance in the post-elimination period. METHODS: The blood smears of fever patients from each cities (districts) in Changzhou City in 2014, including more than 3% of the negatives and all the positives, were selected. The quality of the blood smear making, dyeing, cleanliness and results were reviewed by the experts from the municipal malaria microscopy station, and the data were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Totally 996 negative blood smears were reviewed in 2014, with a review rate of 4.52%. The qualified rates of blood smear making, dyeing and cleanliness were 92.87%, 93.27% and 94.48%, respectively. A total of 34 positive blood smears were reviewed, and there were no false detections and leak detections. The qualified rates of blood smear making and dyeing were more than 90% in all the seven cities (districts). As for qualified rate of cleanliness, except the rate in Qishuyan District (81.36%), those in the other six cities (districts) were all above 90%. The qualified rates of blood smear making, dyeing and cleanliness were all more than 90% in first-class, second-class and third-class hospitals. The major quality defects of the blood smears were sediment, abnormal making and thick membrane shedding, and the proportions were 25.91%, 21.76% and 19.17%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of blood smears for Plasmodium detection in Changzhou City is satisfying. In the future, the training and supervision still should be strengthened to guarantee the capacity of microscopic examinations for Plasmodium detection in the surveillance of post-elimination period.

Analyais of Toxoplasma gondii infection and related factors among special population in Changzhou City,Jiangsu Province / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To understand the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection and related factors among special popu?lation in Changzhou City,so as to provide the evidence for formulating toxoplasmosis prevention measures. Methods The ve?nous blood was collected from participants in Changzhou City for detecting IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii by ELISA;and an epidemiological questionnaire investigation was also conducted. Results Among the total 400 respondents detected,the prevalence of T. gondii infection was 15.0%and the positive rates of IgG and IgM were 15.0%and 0.8%,respectively. The T. gondii infection rates of pregnant women,HIV/AIDS patients,patients with neoplasia,and livestock and poultry breeding and processing workers were 11.0%,11.0%,24.0%and 14.0%,respectively. As the age increased,the infection rate of T. gondii showed an upward trend,with the highest infection rate(21.6%)among the group of respondents aged above 50 years. The in?fection rates of groups with different education levels were statistically different(χ2=11.443,P<0.05),and there was a trend that the infection rate decreased with the increase of education level. The prevalence of T. gondii infection in pregnant women was not significantly associated with the number of pregnancies and gestational age. The infection rate of T. gondii in the live?stock and poultry breeding and processing workers increased with the length of their working years. Conclusions The preva?lence of T. gondii infection among the special population in Changzhou City is high. Therefore,it is necessary to enhance the health education on the knowledge and information of prevention and control of toxoplasmosis,and to improve the awareness of personal protection,the hygiene practices and diet habits. In addition,more attention should be paid to T. gondii monitoring in the special population.

Analysis of malaria epidemic situation in Changzhou City from 2010 to 2014 / 中国血吸虫病防治杂志

Objective To grasp the malaria epidemic situation in Changzhou City from 2010 to 2014,so as to provide the ev?idence for formulating and adjusting malaria control strategies and measures. Methods The epidemiological data of malaria cas?es in the special report system from 2010 to 2014 were collected,and the malaria epidemic situation and the diagnosis and treat?ment of malaria patients were analyzed. Results There were 132 malaria cases reported in Changzhou City from 2010 to 2014, with a decrease of 27.47%compared to 182 cases from 2005 to 2009. Among the 132 cases,2 cases were local infected cases and the remaining 130 cases were imported cases. Four cases were clinically diagnosed and 128 cases were laboratory con?firmed,with 97 cases of malignant malaria,14 cases of vivax malaria,13 cases of ovale malaria,and 4 cases of quartan malar?ia. The 132 cases were distributed in five districts:56 cases in Jintan City,51 cases in Liyang City,19 cases in Tianning Dis?trict,3 cases in Wujin District,and 3 cases in Xinbei District. The median duration between the onset and treatment of the dis?ease was 2 days,and the median duration between the diagnosis and treatment was 1 day. The diagnosing units were concentrat?ed on the county?level disease control agencies,and medical institutions at county and municipal levels,accounting for 92.42%(122/132). From 2011 to 2014,there were no local malaria cases. Conclusions From 2012 to 2014,there have been no local malaria cases in Changzhou City,and the goal of eliminating malaria has been achieved basically. However,there are still many imported malaria cases,and the infected species are diverse. Therefore,imported malaria is still the key of malaria prevention and control.