Table of Content

15 April 2023, Volume 35 Issue 2

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Regular assessment is an effective approach to maintaining the capacity of prevention of re-establishment from imported malaria in China

ZHU Guoding, CAO Jun

2023, 35(2):  113. 

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After achieving malaria elimination, preventing re-establishment from imported malaria and consolidating malaria elimination achievements are top priorities of the national malaria control program in China. Due to the long-term existence of overseas imported malaria cases and incomplete eradication of local epidemic conditions, there are multiple challenges for prevention of re-establishment from imported malaria in China. Hereby, we propose that regular assessment is an effective approach to maintaining the capability of prevention of re-establishment from imported malaria, and describe the purpose, significance, management and implementation of the capability assessment for prevention of re-establishment from imported malaria, so as to provide insights into the formulation and adjustment of malaria control strategies during the post-elimination phase.

The role of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in the development of global health and its collaboration with China

XU Ming

2023, 35(2):  116. 

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The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (The Global Fund) has become an increasingly active and influential organization in global health during the past two decades. It is now playing an increasingly important role in the prevention and control of major infectious diseases, international financing for health, public procurement market development across the world. The article outlines the basic architecture of the Global Fund, including its overall information, financing mechanism, operational models and key experiences accumulated. Based on previous cooperation, the article analyzes the importance of the long-term partnership between China and the Global Fund, and proposes policy suggestions to achieve more win-win outcomes in the near future.

Intelligent identification of livestock, a source of Schistosoma japonicum infection, based on deep learning of unmanned aerial vehicle images

XUE Jingbo, XIA Shang, LI Zhaojun, WANG Xinyi, HUANG Liangyu, HE Runchao, LI Shizhu

2023, 35(2):  121. 

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Objective　To develop an intelligent recognition model based on deep learning algorithms of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images, and to preliminarily explore the value of this model for remote identification, monitoring and management of cattle, a source of Schistosoma japonicum infection. Methods　Oncomelania hupensis snail⁃infested marshlands around the Poyang Lake area were selected as the study area. Image datasets of the study area were captured by aerial photography with UAV and subjected to augmentation. Cattle in the sample database were annotated with the annotation software VGG Image Annotator to create the morphological recognition labels for cattle. A model was created for intelligent recognition of livestock based on deep learning⁃based Mask R⁃convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithms. The performance of the model for cattle recognition was evaluated with accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score and mean precision. Results　A total of 200 original UAV images were obtained, and 410 images were yielded following data augmentation. A total of 2 860 training samples for working cattle recognition were labeled. A total of 2 860 training samples of cattle recognition were labeled. The created deep learning⁃based Mask R⁃CNN model converged following 200 iterations, with an accuracy of 88.01%, precision of 92.33%, recall of 94.06%, F1 score of 93.19%, and mean precision of 92.27%, and the model was effective to detect and segment the morphological features of cattle. Conclusion　The deep learning⁃based Mask R⁃CNN model is highly accurate for recognition of cattle based on UAV images, which is feasible for remote intelligent recognition, monitoring, and management of the source of S. japonicum infection.

Comparison of the disease burden of schistosomiasis globally and in China and Zimbabwe

LI Hongmei, ZHENG Jinxin, QIAN Yingjun, LÜ Shan, XIA Shang, ZHOU Xiaonong

2023, 35(2):  128. 

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Objective　To investigate the trends in the disease burden of schistosomiasis worldwide and in China, and Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2019, so as to provide insights into the formulation of the schistosomiasis control strategy in Zimbabwe. Methods　Based on Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 (GBD 2019) data sources, the age⁃standardized prevalence, mortality, disability⁃adjusted life year (DALY) rate of schistosomiasis were compared in the world, China, and Zimbabwe and the trends in the disease burden of schistosomiasis from 1990 to 2019 were investigated using Joinpoint regression analysis. In addition, the associations between the burden of schistosomiasis worldwide and in China, and Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2019 and socio⁃demographic index (SDI) were examined using Pearson correlation analysis. Results　The age⁃standardized prevalence, mortality, and DALY rate of schistosomiasis were 1 804.95/105, 0.14/105 and 20.92/105 in the world, 707.09/105, 0.02/105 and 5.06/105 in China, and 2 218.90/105, 2.39/105 and 90.09/105 in Zimbabwe in 2019, respectively. The global prevalence, mortality, and DALY rate of schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a rise followed by a decline with age in 2019, while the prevalence and DALY rate of schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a sharp rise followed by a fluctuating decline in both China and Zimbabwe, and the mortality of schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a rise. The age⁃standardized prevalence [average annual percent change (AAPC) ＝ －1.31%,－2.22% and －6.12%; t = －20.07, －83.38 and －53.06; all P values < 0.05)] and DALY rate of schistosomiasis (AAPC ＝ －1.91%,－4.17% and －2.08%; t = －31.89,－138.70 and －16.45; all P values < 0.05) appeared a tendency towards a decline with years. From 1990 to 2019, for the world, China and Zimbabwe, and the age⁃standardized mortality of schistosomiasis appeared a tendency towards a decline with years in the world and China (AAPC ＝ -3.46% and -8.10%，t = －41.03 and－61.74; all P values < 0.05）, and towards a rise followed by a decline in Zimbabwe (AAPC ＝ 1.35%，t = 4.88，P < 0.05). In addition, Pearson correlation analysis showed that the age⁃standardized prevalence (r = -0.75, P < 0.05), mortality (r = -0.73, P < 0.05), and DALY rate of schistosomiasis (r = -0.77, P < 0.05) correlated negatively with SDI in the world, China and Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2019. Conclusions　The disease burden of schistosomiasis appeared a remarkable decline in China from 1990 to 2019, and the prevalence of schistosomiasis showed a tendency towards decline in Zimbabwe from 1990 to 2019; however, the mortality and DALY rate of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe topped in the world. A schistosomiasis control strategy with adaptations to local epidemiology and control needs of schistosomiasis is needed to facilitate the elimination of schistosomiasis in Zimbabwe.

Optimization of the medium and fermentation condition for the Penicillium aurantiocandidum Z12 strain with molluscicidal actions against Oncomelania hupensis

XIONG Ying, XU Ning, HUANG Junhui, WANG Jiamin, WANG Zhengzhong, JIANG Honglin, TONG Yixin, YIN Jiangfan, GONG Yanfeng, JIANG Qingwu, ZHOU Yibiao

2023, 35(2):  137. 

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Objective　To optimize the culture and fermentation conditions of the Penicillium aurantiocandidum Z12 strain, a fungal strain with molluscicidal actions against Oncomelania hupensis, so as to provide the basis for the research and development of molluscicidal active substances from the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain and its fermentation broth and large⁃scale fermentation. Methods　The carbon source, nitrogen source and mineral salts were identified in the optimal culture medium for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain with a single⁃factor experiment to determine the best fermentation condition for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain. Factors that significantly affected the growth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain were identified using the Plackett⁃Burman design, and the best range of each factor was determined using the steepest climb test. Response surface analyses of temperature, pH value, seeding amount and liquid⁃filling quantity were performed using the Box⁃Behnken design to create a regression model for fermentation of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain to identify the optimal culture medium. Results　Single⁃factor experiment preliminarily identified the best culture medium and conditions for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain as follows: sucrose as the carbon source at approximately 20 g/L, tryptone as the nitrogen source at approximately 5 g/L, K2HPO4 as the mineral salt at approximately 5 g/L, initial pH at approximately 8, temperature at approximately 28 ℃, seeding amount at approximately 6%, and liquid⁃filling quantity at approximately 50 mL/100 mL. Plackett⁃Burman design showed that factors that significantly affected the growth of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain included temperature (t = -5.28, P < 0.05), seeding amount (t = 5.22, P < 0.05), pH (t = -4.30, P < 0.05) and liquid⁃filling quantity (t = -4.39, P < 0.05). Steepest climb test showed the highest mycelial growth at pH of 7.5, seeding amount of 8%, and liquid⁃filling quantity of 40 mL/100 mL, and this condition was selected as the central point of response surface analysis for the subsequent optimization of fermentation conditions. Response surface analyses using the Box⁃Behnken design showed that the optimal conditions for fermentation of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain included sucrose at 15 g/L, tryptone at 5 g/L, K2HPO4 at 5 g/L, temperature at 28.2 ℃, pH at 7.5, seeding amount at 10%, and liquid⁃filling quantity at 35.8 mL/100 mL, resulting in 0.132 g yield of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain. Conclusion　The optimal culture condition for the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain has been identified, and the optimized culture medium and fermentation condition may effectively improve the fermentation yield of the P. aurantiocandidum Z12 strain.

Preliminary study on the mechanism underlying the ecological isolation of Oncomelania hupensis populations in Changde City

CHEN Shen, DUAN Lei, LI Shengming, ZHOU Jie, ZHOU Yingcai, YANG Yuanzhi, LIU Mengli, WANG Yanren, XIA Shang, XU Jing, LÜ Shan

2023, 35(2):  147. 

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Objective　To investigate ecological isolation between Oncomelania hupensis snail populations in hilly regions and marshland and lake regions in Yuanjiang valley, Changde City, Hunan Province, and to unravel its underlying mechanisms. Methods　Taoyuan County, Shimen County, Linli County and Lixian County in Changdezhou City were selected as snail sampling sites in hilly regions, and Lixian County, Jinshi City, West Lake Administration District, Hanshou County and Dingcheng District were selected as snail sampling sites in marshland and lake areas. Cytochrome C oxidase 1 (cox 1) gene was amplified in snail samples and sequenced. The genetic sequences of O. hupensis snails were aligned using the software MEGA 11, and the haplotypes of O. hupensis snails were determined using the software DNASP 5.10.01. The phylogenetic tree was generated using Bayesian inference with the software MrBayes 3.2, and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) was performed to analyze the source of genetic divergence and estimate the genetic divergence index (FST) among snail populations with the software Arlequin 3.5.2.2. The genetic barrier among 11 O. hupensis snail populations was estimated using the Monmonier algorithm of adegenet toolkit in R package. The settings with “land in winter and water in summer” in the Yuanjian River section were divided into two categories according to the upstream and downstream, and the areas with “land in winter and water in summer” in the upstream and downstream were transformed into raster data, and then loaded into the software Fragstats 4 for analysis of landscape indicators. The trends in changes of digital elevation were extracted from the Ruanjiang River section based on the digital elevation model, and made three⁃dimensional visualization using the R package. Results　The mitochondrial cox 1 gene were amplified in 165 O. hupensis snais from 11 sampling sites and sequenced, and a total of 152 valid gene sequences were obtained, with 46 haplotypes or 9 populations determined. No haplotype was shared in snails between Taoyuan County and Dingcheng District and Hanshou County along the downstream of the Yuanjiang River. The total area of settings with “land in winter and water in summer” was 617.66 hm2 in the upsteram of the Yuanjiang River, which consisted of 473 patches, with each patch measuring 1.31 hm2, the largest area index of 0.735 2, the landscape division index of 0.999 9, and the landscape shape index of 45.293 7. The total area of settings with “land in winter and water in summer” was 9 956.92 hm2 in the downstream of the Yuanjiang River, which consisted of 771 patches, with each patch measuring 12.91 hm2, the largest area index of 97.839 9, the landscape division index of 0.042 7, and the landscape shape index of 7.249 6. The area of settings with “land in winter and water in summer” was much larger in the downstream than that in the upstream of the Yuanjiang River, and the stronger landscape connectivity and non⁃remarkable alteration of riverbed elevation provided suitable habitats for snail breeding. Conclusion　The hydrological and environmental characteristics of the upstream of the Yuanjiang River restrain the breeding and spread of O. hupensis, resulting in ecological isolation between Oncomelania hupensis in Taoyuan County and those in the downstream of Yuanjiang River.

Identification and verification of α⁃11 giardin⁃interacting protein

ZHANG Chenshuo, HUANG Lei, TANG Yu, WANG Peng, CHEN Yalan, ZHANG Liu, SHEN Hai’e, YU Yuan, TIAN Xifeng, WANG Yang

2023, 35(2):  155. 

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Objective　To identify and verify the interacting protein of α⁃11 giardin, so as provide the experimental evidence for studies on the α⁃11 giardin function. Methods　The yeast two⁃hybrid cDNA library of the Giardia lambia C2 strain and the bait plasmid of α⁃11 giardin were constructed. All proteins interacting with α⁃11 giardin were screened using the yeast two⁃hybrid system. α⁃11 giardin and all screened potential interacting protein genes were constructed into pBiFc⁃Vc⁃155 and pBiFc⁃Vn⁃173 plasmids, and co⁃transfected into the breast cancer cell line MDA⁃MB⁃231. The interactions between α⁃11 giardin and interacting proteins were verified using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). Results　The yeast two⁃hybrid G. lambia cDNA library which was quantified at 2.715 × 107 colony⁃forming units (CFU) and the bait plasmid containing α⁃11 giardin gene without an autoactivation activity were constructed. Following two⁃round positive screening with the yeast two⁃hybrid system, two potential proteins interacting with α⁃11 giardin were screened, including eukaryotic translation initiation factor 5A (EIF5A), calmodulin⁃dependent protein kinase (CAMKL) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate⁃specific glutamate dehydrogenase (NADP⁃GDH), hypothetical protein 1 (GL50803_95880), hypothetical protein 2 (GL50803_87261) and a protein from Giardia canis virus. The α⁃11 giardin and EIF5A genes were transfected into the pBiFc⁃Vc⁃155 and pBiFc⁃Vn⁃173 plasmids using BiFC, and the recombinant plasmids pBiFc⁃Vc⁃155⁃α⁃11 and pBiFc⁃Vn⁃173⁃EIF5A were co⁃tranfected into MDA⁃MB⁃231 cells, which displayed green fluorescence under a microscope, indicating the interaction between α⁃11 giardin and EIF5A protein in cells. Conclusion　The yeast two⁃hybrid cDNA library of the G. lambia C2 strain has been successfully constructed, and six potential protein interacting with α⁃11 giardin have been identified, including EIF5A that interacts with α⁃11 giardin in cells.

Sequence characteristics of Rhipicephalus microplus Enolase gene and prediction of structure and antigenic epitopes of its encoding protein

BAI Ling, LI Zhongbo

2023, 35(2):  163. 

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Objective　To analyze the sequence characteristics of Rhipicephalus microplus Enolase gene, and to predict the secondary and tertiary structure and antigenic epitopes of the Enolase protein. Methods　Sixty⁃two engorged female R. microplus were sampled from a yellow cattle breeding farm in Zhijiang County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province in June 25, 2022. Genomic DNA was isolated from R. microplus, and the Enolase gene was amplified using PCR assay, followed by cloning, sequencing and expression of the amplification product. The sequence characteristics of the Enolase gene were analyzed using the software Clustal X, and the gene sequence was translated into amino acid sequences. The secondary and tertiary structures of the Enolase protein were deduced using the software PRABI, and the physicochemical properties of the Enolase protein were analyzed using the software PRABI. In addition, the B⁃ and T⁃cell epitopes of the Enolase protein were predicted using the software ABCpred Prediction, Scratch, IEDB and NetCTL. Results　The R. microplus Enolase gene sequence was 1 323 bp in size, and the contents of A, T, G and C bases were 24.5%, 22.5%, 27.0% and 26.0%,with 47.0% of A + T content and 53.0% of G + C content. The R. microplus Enolase gene encoded 434 amino acids, and the Enolase protein had a molecular weight of 47.12 kDa. The secondary structure of the Enolase protein contained 186 α⁃helixes (42.86%), 32 β⁃turns (7.37%), 144 random coils (33.18%) and 72 extended strands (16.59%). The Enolase protein was most probably present in cytoplasm (76.7%), followed by in mitochondrion (39.1%) and nucleus (21.7%), and the Enolase protein had no signal peptide or transmembrane domain. In addition, the Enolase protein had 14 B⁃cell dominant epitopes and 8 T⁃cell dominant epitopes. Conclusions　The R. microplus Enolase gene sequence exhibits a GC preference, and its encoding Enolase protein is an acidic and hydrophilic protein, with α⁃helixes and random coils as its primary structure, and presenting B⁃ and T⁃cell dominant epitopes, which is a potential target for development of vaccines against R. microplus.

High⁃fat intake alleviates lung injury induced by Paragonimus proliferus infection in rats through up⁃regulating CYP 4A1 expression in lung tissues

LIU Siqi, WANG Qingqing, WANG Weiqun, WU Lei, MA Zhiqiang, WANG Lin, CHANG Guoji, DING Jie, HUA Lijuan, CHEN Huayi, LI Shenghao, WANG Wenlin

2023, 35(2):  171. 

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Objective　To explore the improvements of high⁃fat intake on lung injury induced by Paragonimus proliferus infection in rats, and to preliminarily explore the mechanisms underlying the role of cytochrome P450 4A1 (CYP 4A1) in the improvements. Methods　SD rats were randomly assigned into three groups, including the normal control group (n = 10), the infection and normal diet group (n = 12) and the infection and high⁃fat diet group (n = 12). Rats in the normal control group were fed with normal diet and without any other treatments, and animals in the infection and normal diet group were subcutaneously injected with 8 excysted metacercariae of P. proliferus via the abdominal wall, followed by feeding with normal diet, while rats in the infection and high⁃fat diet group were subcutaneously injected with 8 excysted metacercariae of P. proliferus via the abdominal wall, followed by feeding with high⁃fat diet. All rats were sacrificed 28 weeks post⁃infection, and serum samples and lung specimens were collected. Following hematoxylin⁃eosin (HE) staining of rat lung specimens, the rat lung injury was observed under an optical microscope, and alveolitis was evaluated using semi⁃quantitative scoring. Serum interleukin⁃1β (IL⁃1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF⁃α) levels were measured using enzyme⁃linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the cytochrome P450 4A1 (CYP 4A1) expression was quantified in rat lung specimens at transcriptional and translational levels using quantitative real⁃time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting assays. Results　Alveolar wall thickening, edema and inflammatory cell infiltration were alleviated 28 weeks post⁃infection with P. proliferus in rats in the infection and high⁃fat diet group relative to the infection and normal diet group, and no alveolar consolidation was seen in the infection and high⁃fat diet group. The semi⁃quantitative score of alveolitis was significantly higher in the infection and normal diet group [(2.200 ± 0.289) points] than in the normal control group [(0.300 ± 0.083) points] and the infection and high⁃fat diet group [(1.300 ± 0.475) points] (both P values < 0.05), and higher serum IL⁃1β [(151.586 ± 20.492)] pg/mL and TNF⁃α levels [(180.207 ± 23.379) pg/mL] were detected in the infection and normal diet group than in the normal control group [IL⁃1β: (103.226 ± 3.366) pg/mL; TNF⁃α: (144.807 ± 1.348) pg/mL] and the infection and high⁃fat diet group [IL⁃1β: (110.131 ± 12.946) pg/mL; TNF⁃α: (131.764 ± 27.831) pg/mL] (all P values < 0.05). In addition, lower CYP 4A1 mRNA (3.00 ± 0.81) and protein expression (0.40 ± 0.02) was quantified in lung specimens in the infection and normal diet group than in the normal control group [(5.03 ± 2.05) and (0.84 ± 0.14)] and the infection and high⁃fat diet group [(11.19 ± 3.51) and (0.68 ± 0.18)] (all P values < 0.05). Conclusion　High⁃fat intake may alleviate lung injuries caused by P. proliferus infection in rats through up⁃regulating CYP 4A1 expression in lung tissues at both translational and transcriptional levels.

Epidemiological features of echinococcosis cases reported in the National Notifiable Disease Report System in Henan Province from 2010 to 2021

ZHANG Yalan, JIANG Tiantian, WANG Dan, DENG Yan, CHEN Weiqi, ZHU Yankun, ZHANG Hongwei

2023, 35(2):  177. 

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Objective　To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of echinococcosis cases reported in the National Notifiable Disease Report System in Henan Province from 2010 to 2011, so as to provide insights into for echinococcosis control and surveillance. Methods　The data pertaining to reported echinococcosis cases in Henan Province from 2010 to 2021 were retrieved from the National Notifiable Disease Report System, and a descriptive epidemiological analysis was performed using the software SPSS 22.0. Results　A total of 150 echinococcosis cases were reported in Henan Province from 2010 to 2021, including 88 confirmed cases (58.67%) and 62 clinically diagnosed cases (41.33%), 77 cases reported by Henan Province (51.33%) and 73 cases reported by other provinces (48.67%). Echinococcosis cases were reported in each month, with 8 to 21 cases reported in each month, and the number of reported echinococcosis cases appeared no remarkable temporal changes. The echinococcosis cases were reported across 18 cities of Henan Province, with the highest number of cases reported in Zhoukou (17.33%) and Nanyang cities (17.33%) and the lowest number reported in Sanmenxia City (0.67%). The reported echinococcosis cases had a male to female ratio of 1.17∶1, and the cases were found at each age group, with the the highest number of cases seen at ages of 20 to 59 years (73.33%). Farmer was the predominant occupation (63.33%), followed by housekeepers and the unemployed (12.67%). Of all reported echinococcosis cases, there were 25 local cases (16.67%) and 125 imported cases (83.33%), 144 cases reported by medical institutions (96.00%) and 6 cases reported by centers for disease control and prevention (4.00%). Conclusions　Although imported echinococcosis cases were the predominant source of echinococcosis cases reported in the National Notifiable Disease Report System in Henan Province from 2010 to 2021, there were still sporadic local cases, and the emergence of local sources of infection cannot be excluded. Further expanded field surveys and surveillance of echinococcosis are required.

Application of the “virtual⁃real combination” experimental teaching model in Human Parasitology teaching: a case study of comprehensive schistosome experiments

CHEN Xiaojun, ZHOU Sha, QIU Jingfan, CHEN Lin, XU Zhipeng, JI Minjun, GUO Jing, ZHANG Rong

2023, 35(2):  180. 

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Information technology has become an important driver to facilitate higher education developments in the context of new medical sciences. A new “virtual⁃real combination” experimental teaching model was designed and created through integrating information technology with experimental teaching by Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medical Sciences and Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University and was applied in Human Parasitology teaching, which achieved satisfactory teaching effectiveness. This new model showed effective to deepen the understanding of the basic human parasitology knowledge, improve the operative skills, and cultivate the moral literacy and comprehensive capability among medical students. This report presents the teaching protocols and implementation, teaching effectiveness and evaluation, and experiences of comprehensive schistosome experiments.

Role of type 2 innate lymphoid cells in helminth infections: a review

YANG Yuxuan, WANG Zhixin, WU Binjie, CHENG Shilei, FAN Haining

2023, 35(2):  184. 

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Helminth infections may trigger host innate and adaptive immune responses. Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2) are an important factor involved in type 2 immune responses, and produce a large number of T helper 2 cell (Th2) cytokines following stimulation by interleukin (IL)⁃25, IL⁃33 and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which play a critical role in parasite clearance and tissue repair. Following helminth infections, autocrine factors, mast cells, enteric nervous system and Th2 cells have been recently found to be involved in regulation of ILC2. Unraveling the role of ILC2 in immune response against helminth infections is of great value for basic research and drug development. This review summarizes the research progress on ILC2 and its role in helminth infections.

Progress of researches on antimalarial peptides

ZHANG Dongying, HE Xiaoqin, CAO Jun

2023, 35(2):  191. 

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Malaria remains a major global public health concern, and nearly half of the global populations are still at risk of malaria infection. However, continuous emergence and spread of drug⁃resistant malaria parasite strains lead to ineffectiveness of conventional antimalarials. Therefore, development of novel antimalarial agents is of urgent need for malaria elimination. As an important component of the host natural immune defense system, antibacterial peptides provide the first line of defense against pathogenic invasion, and the mechanism of preferentially attacking the cell membrane makes them difficult to develop drug resistance. Antimicrobial peptides are therefore considered as a promising candidate for novel antimalarial agents. This review summarizes the advances in researches on antimicrobial peptides with antimalarial actions and discusses the potential of antimalarial peptides as novel antimalarials.

Geographical and temporal weighted regression model and its application in epidemiology: A review

WANG Zhe, LIU Lu, YANG Kun

2023, 35(2):  199. 

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Geographical and temporal weighted regression (GTWR) model is a local regression linear model, which indirectly reflects the spatio⁃temporal non⁃stationary characteristics of the study data by calculating the trends for changes in parameters with space and time. Recently, GTWR model has become one of the hot topics in the study on spatio⁃temporal heterogeneity of diseases. This review summarizes the basic principles and study methods of the GTWR model, and describes the applications of this model in epidemiology.

Progress of researches on Strongyloides stercoralis co⁃infection with other pathogens

WEN Qing, FU Xiaoyin, LIU Dengyu

2023, 35(2):  206. 

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Strongyloides stercoralis is an opportunistic pathogenic parasite that can cause severe strongyloidiasis and even death among immunocompromised individuals. Previous clinical studies have reported cases co⁃infected with S. stercoralis and other pathogens, such as parasites, viruses, bacteria and fungi. This review summarizes strongyloidiasis patients co⁃infected with pathogens, and analyzes the impact of co⁃infection on strongyloidiasis, so as to provide insights into the reduction of the morbidity and mortality of disorders associated with S. stercoralis infections.

Visceral leishmaniasis in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region during the COVID⁃19 pandemic: a case report

MAIMAITIJIANG Wumaier, ZHAI Xiaohu, AYIXIAMU Keyoumu, SHI Guangzhong, WANG Shuo, CHENG Xia, KADERYA Eemayil, ZHAO Jiangshan

2023, 35(2):  213. 

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Objective　To perform an epidemiological investigation on a case of visceral leishmaniasis reported from Shule County, Kashi Prefecture, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in 2021, so as to provide insights into differential diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis during the COVID⁃19 pandemic. Methods　The epidemiological history of this case was collected, and the case was diagnosed for Leishmania infection with the immunochromatographic (rK39) strip test, bone marrow smear microscopy and PCR assay. Results　The patient had typical clinical symptoms of leishmaniasis, including irregular fever, hepatosplenomegaly, low serum albumin and elevated globulin. Bone marrow smear microscopy identified L. donovani amastigotes, and both rK39 strip test and PCR assay were positive, while the case was tested negative for SARS⁃CoV⁃2. COVID⁃19 was therefore excluded and visceral leishmaniasis was diagnosed. Standard full⁃dose treatment with sodium stibogluconate was given, and no Leishmania was found on blood smears during the reexamination. No recurrence was found during the followup after discharge for hospital. Conclusions　During the COVID⁃19 pandemic, it is recommended to increase the perception of differential diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis among first⁃contact doctors, and reinforce the capability of differential diagnosis and health education of visceral leishmaniasis among medical and healthcare institutions at all levels, to prevent missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis.