Table of Content

23 November 2022, Volume 34 Issue 5

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Artificial intelligence facilitates tropical infectious disease control and research

SHI Liang, ZHANG Jian⁃feng, LI Wei, YANG Kun

2022, 34(5):  445. 

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Since the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID⁃19) in late 2019, artificial intelligence technology has shown increasing values in the research and control of tropical infectious diseases. The introduction of artificial intelligence technology has shown remarkable effectiveness to reduce the diagnosis and treatment burdens, reduce missing diagnosis and misdiagnosis, improve the surveillance and forecast ability and enhance the medicine and vaccine development efficiency. This paper summarizes the current applications of artificial intelligence in tropical infectious disease control and research and discusses the important values of artificial intelligence in disease diagnosis and treatment, disease surveillance and forecast, vaccine and drug discovery, medical and public health services and global health governance. However, artificial intelligence technology suffers from problems of single and inaccurate diagnosis, poor disease surveillance and forecast ability in open environments, limited capability of intelligent system services, big data management and model interpretability. Hereby, we propose suggestions with aims to improve multimodal intelligent diagnosis of multiple tropical infectious diseases, emphasize intelligent surveillance and forecast of vectors and high⁃risk populations in open environments, accelerate the research and development of intelligent management system, strengthen ethical security, big data management and model interpretability.

Current status and prospects of artificial intelligence in schistosomiasis prevention and control

LI Zi⁃ang, JIAO Yi⁃ping, XU Jun

2022, 34(5):  453. 

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Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that seriously endangers human health and affects socioeconomic developments. Artificial intelligence technology has been widely used in clinical medical sciences, including tumor screening, and electrocardiogram, imaging and pathological analyses, which has potential for precision control of schistosomiasis. Currently, artificial intelligence technology has been employed for clinical assessment of schistosomiasis⁃associated hepatic fibrosis and ectopic schistosomiasis, prognostic prediction of advanced schistosomiasis, automated identification of Oncomelania hupensis and Schistosoma japonicum eggs and miracidia, epidemiological surveillance of schistosomiasis, and drug discovery. This review summarizes the advances in the applications of artificial intelligence technology in the management of schistosomiasis and proposes the prospects for the use of artificial intelligence in schistosomiasis elimination.

Artificial intelligence technology enables ultrasonography in precision diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases

ZHOU Bo⁃yang, SHI Yi⁃lei, GUO Le⁃hang, MOU Li⁃chao, ZHU Xiao⁃xiang, ZHAO Chong⁃ke

2022, 34(5):  458. 

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Liver disease is one of the major problems affecting human health. Ultrasound plays an important role in diagnosis and treatment of diffuse and focal liver diseases. However, conventional ultrasound evaluation is subjective and provides limited information. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology may supplement the disadvantages of conventional ultrasound and has been widely used in the field of ultrasound in liver diseases. To date, remarkable progress has been achieved for the use of AI technology in the diagnosis, assessment of therapeutic efficacy and prognosis prediction of liver diseases. This paper reviews the research progress of ultrasound image⁃based AI technology in the diagnosis and treatment of diffuse and focal liver diseases.

Progress of researches on medical big data analytics technology

DU Zhi⁃cheng, ZHANG Zhi⁃jie, JIANG Qing⁃wu

2022, 34(5):  465. 

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The use of the big data analytics technology to collect, summarize and analyze medical big data is effective to precisely mine and explore the underlying information, which greatly facilitates medical science research and clinical practices. Currently, the medical big data analytics technology mainly includes artificial intelligence, databases and programming languages, which have been widely employed in medical imaging, disease risk prediction, disease control, healthcare management, follow⁃up, and drug and therapy development. This review summarizes the currently available medical big data analytics technologies and their applications, with aims to facilitate the related studies.

Trends in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020 based on Joinpoint regression analysis

GAO Feng⁃hua, DING Song⁃jun, ZHANG Shi⁃qing, WANG Tian⁃ping, HE Jia⁃chang, XU Xiao⁃juan, DAI Bo, LIU Ting

2022, 34(5):  469. 

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Objective　To investigate the changing trends in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis elimination strategy in the province. Methods The epidemiological data of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020 were collected, and the trends in the endemic status of schistosomiasis were analyzed using a Joinpoint regression model. The trends in the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infections in humans, bovines and Oncomelania hupensis were measured in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020 using average annual percent change (AAPC), and the correlations among the changing trends in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in humans, bovines and O. hupensis snail status were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. Results　The prevalence of S. japonicum human infections continued to decline in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, with an annual mean decline of 14.8% [AAPC = -14.8%, 95% confidential interval (CI): (-18.9%, -10.5%), P < 0.01]. The prevalence of S. japonicum infections continued to decline in bovines in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2015 [AAPC = -31.3%, 95% CI: (-35.1%, -37.2%), P < 0.01], and was 0 for 5 successive years from 2016 to 2020. During the period from 2004 to 2020, there was an annual mean decline of 0.7% in areas of snail habitats [AAPC = -0.7%, 95% CI: (-1.2%, 0.3%), P < 0.05] and an annual mean decline of 9.2% in the density of living snails [AAPC = -9.2%, 95% CI: (-18.3%, 1.0%), P = 0.08] in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, and an annual mean decline of 35.6% was found in the density of S. japonicum⁃infected snails [AAPC = -35.6%, 95% CI: (-49.2%, -18.3%), P < 0.01] from 2004 to 2012, with no infected snails detected in Anhui Province from 2013 to 2020. There were significant correlations in the prevalence of S. japonicum infections between humans and bovines (r = 0.959, P < 0.01), between the prevalence of S. japonicum human infections and the density of S. japonicum⁃infected snails (r = 0.823, P < 0.01) and between the prevalence of S. japonicum infections in bovines and the density of S. japonicum⁃infected snails (r = 0.902, P < 0.01). Conclusions　The prevalence of S. japonicum infections appeared a decline in humans, bovines and O. hupensis in Anhui Province from 2004 to 2020, and significant correlations were found among the changing trends in the prevalence of S. japonicum human infections, the prevalence of S. japonicum bovine infections and the density of S. japonicum⁃infected O. hupensis snails. Because of a minor decline in the area of snail habitats and widespread distribution of O. hupensis, however, there is still a risk of schistosomiasis transmission, and precision control for schistosomiasis remains to be reinforced in Anhui Province.

Microbiota structure and diversity in Aedes albopictus at different developmental stages

ZHAO Yong⁃qiao, XIA Ao, ZHANG Mei⁃hua, LI Ju⁃lin, ZHU Guo⁃ding, TANG Jian⁃xia

2022, 34(5):  475. 

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Objective　To investigate the diversity and composition of microflora in laboratory⁃reared Aedes albopictus at different developmental stages and larval habitat waters. Methods　The larval habitat waters and different developmental stages of laboratory⁃reared A. albopictus were collected, and the V3 and V4 regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene were sequenced using Illumina Miseq next⁃generation sequencing. The abundance and diversity of the microflora were examined using alpha diversity index in A. albopictus at different developmental stages, and the difference in the microflora compositions was compared in A. albopictus at different developmental stages using principal component analysis (PCA). In addition, the species composition and relative abundance of microflora in A. albopictus at different developmental stages were described using histograms and Venn diagrams. Results　A total of 16 phyla, 30 classes, 72 orders, 129 families and 224 genera of bacteria were detected in larval habitat waters and different developmental stages of A. albopictus. The highest bacterial diversity was seen in larval A. albopictus, with Chao index of 125.20 ± 30.48 and Shannon diversity index of 2.04 ± 0.39, which were comparable to those (Chao index of 118.52 ± 15.07 and Shannon diversity index of 2.15 ± 0.30) in larval habitat waters (t = 0.35 and -0.41, both P values > 0.05). The bacterial abundance and evenness were significantly greater in female adults than in male adults (Chao index: 42.50 ± 3.54 vs. 18.50 ± 2.13, t = 8.23, P < 0.05; Shannon diversity index: 1.25 ± 1.67 vs. 0.50 ± 0.05, t = 6.00, P < 0.05). Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes were four common phyla of bacteria at each developmental stage of A. albopictus, with Proteobacteria dominated at the pupal stage (90.36%), Bacteroidota dominated at the adult stage (46.01% in female adults and 86.11% in male adults), and Actinobacteriota dominated at the larval stage (32.10%). Elizabethkingia and Rahnella1 were common dominant genera of bacteria at each developmental stage of A. albopictus, with Rahnella1 as the major component at the pupal stage (87.56%), Elizabethkingia as the main component at the adult stage (46.01% in female adults and 86.11% in male adults, respectively), and Microbacteria as the dominant bacterial genus at the larval stage (12.11%). In addition, Delftia, Elizabethkingia, Romboutsia, Serratia, Rahnella1, Enterococcus and Microbacterium were common genera of bacteria at each developmental stage of A. albopictus, with Edaphobaculum dominated at the larval stage (17.54%) and Sphingobacterium dominated in larval habitat waters (13.93%). Conclusions　There are differences in the composition of symbiotic bacteria at different developmental stages of A. albopictus; however, similar microflora diversity is maintained at the phylum level. The microflora diversity is comparable in larvae and larval habitat waters of A. albopictus.

Spatio⁃temporal distribution characteristics of soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis in Sichuan Province from 2016 to 2021

WU Xiao⁃hong, TIAN Hong⁃chun, LUO Jing⁃wen, TIE Lei, ZHANG Li⁃ping, DENG Xiu, LIU Yang

2022, 34(5):  484. 

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Objective　To investigate the trends in the prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections and the spatio⁃temporal distribution characteristics of soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis in Sichuan Province from 2016 to 2021, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis elimination strategy in Sichuan Province. Methods　The soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis surveillance data in Sichuan Province from 2016 to 2021 were collected, and the epidemic trend of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections was identified. The distribution maps of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections in Sichuan Province were plotted to identify their spatial distribution characteristics. In addition, the spatial clusters of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections were detected using globa and local spatial autocorrelation analyses. Results　The prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections appeared a decline with time in Sichuan Province from 2016 to 2021 ([χ2] = 400.24, P < 0.01). Global spatial autocorrelation analysis identified positive spatial autocorrelations in the prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections (Moran’s I = 0.322, Z = 16.293, P < 0.01), hookworm infections (Moran’s I = 0.425, Z = 21.290, P < 0.01), Ascaris lumbricoides infections (Moran’s I = 0.102, Z = 5.782, P < 0.01) and Trichuris trichiura infections (Moran’s I = 0.084, Z = 6.873, P < 0.01). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that the high⁃high clusters of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections were mainly located in 37 counties (cities, districts) of Sichuan Province, and the high⁃high clusters of hookworm, A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections were mainly identified in 39 counties (cities, districts) in mountainous areas around Sichuan Basin and hilly areas, 9 counties (cities, districts) in mountainous areas in southwestern Sichuan Province, and 8 counties (cities, districts) in mountainous areas in southwestern Sichuan Province, respectively. Conclusions　The prevalence of soil⁃transmitted nematode infections appeared a tendency towards a decline in Sichuan Province from 2016 to 2021, which showed spatial clusters. The management of soil⁃transmitted nematodiasis requires to be reinforced in high⁃risk areas of Sichuan Province with adaptations to local epidemiological features.

Prevalence of mountain⁃zoonotic type visceral leishmaniasis in Yangquan City of Shanxi Province from 2015 to 2020

ZHANG Pei⁃jun, ZHOU Zheng⁃bin, LI Yuan⁃yuan, HAO Yu⁃wan, LUO Zhuo⁃wei, LI Hong⁃yan, LI Zhong⁃qiu, YANG Li⁃min, ZHANG Yi, WU Bin, LI Shi⁃zhu

2022, 34(5):  493. 

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Objective　To investigate the prevalence of mountain⁃type zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (MT⁃ZVL) in Yangquan City, Shanxi Province from 2015 to 2020, so as to provide the scientific evidence for formulating the MT⁃ZVL control strategy. Methods　The epidemiological data pertaining to MT⁃ZVL cases in Yangquan City from 2015 to 2020 were collected and descriptively analyzed. A Joinpoint regression model was created to analyze the trend in the MT⁃ZVL incidence in Yangquan City from 2015 to 2020 using annual percent change (APC). The sandflies surveillance data and the prevalence of Leishmania infections in dogs were collected in Yangquan City in 2020, and the regional distribution of sandflies density and sero⁃prevalence of Leishmania infections in dogs were calculated. In addition, the associations of sandflies density and sero⁃prevalence of Leishmania infections in dogs with the incidence of human MT⁃ZVL were examined using the linear correlation analysis. Results　A total of 162 MT⁃ZVL cases were reported in Yangquan City, Shanxi Province from 2015 to 2020, with annual mean incidence of 1.9/106, and there were 4, 7, 16, 27, 33 cases and 75 cases with MT⁃ZVL reported from 2015 to 2020, appearing a tendency towards a rapid rise (APC = 72.79%, t = 11.10, P < 0.01). MT⁃ZVL cases were reported across the five counties (districts) of Yangquan City, and the cases predominantly occurred in Jiaoqu District (35.2%, 57/162) and Pingding County (33.3%, 54/162). MT⁃ZVL cases were predominantly detected in residents at ages of 15 years and older (71.6%, 116/162) and at ages of 0 to 2 years (22.2%, 36/162), with farmers (37.4%, 61/162) and diaspora children (24.5%, 40/162) as predominant occupations. The mean density of Phlebotomus chinensis was 6.3 sandflies per trap per night in Yangquan City from during the period from May to September, 2020, with the highest density observed in Jiaoqu District (12.6 sandflies per trap per night) and the lowest in Yuxian County (1.1 sandflies per trap per night), and there was a region⁃specific mean density of Ph. chinensis in Yangquan City (H = 17.282, P < 0.01). The sero⁃prevalence of serum anti⁃Leishmania antibody was 7.4% (2 996/40 573) in domestic dogs in Yangquan City, with the highest sero⁃prevalence seen in Jiaoqu District (16.6%, 1 444/8 677), and the lowest in Yuxian County (2.3%, 266/11 501), and there was a region⁃specific sero⁃prevalence rate of anti⁃Leishmania antibody in domestic dogs in Yangquan City ([χ2] = 1 753.74, P < 0.01). The sero⁃prevalence of anti⁃Leishmania antibody was significantly higher in stray dogs (20.0%, 159/794) than in domestic dogs ([χ2] = 176.63, P < 0.01). In addition, there were significant associations among the sandflies density, sero⁃prevalence of anti⁃Leishmania antibody in domestic dogs and the incidence of human MT⁃ZVL (r = 0.832 to 0.870, all P values < 0.05). Conclusion　The prevalence of MT⁃ZVL appeared a tendency towards a rapid rise in Yangquan City from 2015 to 2020, and systematic interventions are urgently needed for MT⁃ZVL control.

Feasibility of ultrasound radiomics⁃based models for classification of hepatic echinococcosis

ZHANG Xu⁃hui, SUOLANG La⁃mu, QIU Jia⁃jun, JIANG Jing⁃wen, YIN Jin, WANG Jun⁃ren, WANG Yi⁃fei, LI Yong⁃zhong, CAI Di⁃ming

2022, 34(5):  500. 

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Objective　To investigate the feasibility of establishment of ultrasound radiomics⁃based models for classification of hepatic echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into precision ultrasound diagnosis of hepatic echinococcosis. Methods　The ultrasonographic images were retrospectively collected from 200 patients with hepatic echinococcosis in Shiqu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province in October 2014, and the regions of interest were plotted in ultrasonographic images of hepatic echinococcosis lesions. The ultrasound radiomics features of hepatic echinococcosis were extracted with 25 methods, and screened using pre⁃selection and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. Then, all ultrasonographic images were randomly assigned into the training and independent test sets according to the type of lesions at a ratio of 7∶3. Machine learning models for classification of hepatic echinococcosis were created based on two classifiers, including kernel logistic regression (KLR) and medium Gaussian support vector machine (MGSVM). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and the sensitivity, specificity and areas under the curves (AUC) of the created machine learning models for classification of hepatic echinococcosis were calculated. Results　A total of 5 005 ultrasound radiomics features were extracted from 200 patients with hepatic echinococcosis using 25 methods, and 36 optimal radiomics features were screened through feature selection, based on which two machine learning models were created, including KLR and MGSVM. ROC curve analysis showed that MGSVM presented a higher efficacy for hepatic echinococcosis classification than KLR in the training set, with a sensitivity of 0.82, a specificity of 0.78 and AUC of 0.88, while KLR presented a higher efficacy for hepatic echinococcosis classification than MGSVM in the independent test set, with a sensitivity of 0.82, a specificity of 0.72 and AUC of 0.86, respectively. Conclusion　Ultrasound radiomics⁃based machine learning models are feasible for hepatic echinococcosis classification.

Bioinformatics analysis of core differentially expressed genes in hepatitis B virus⁃related hepatocellular carcinoma

YU Yu, CHENG Jun, MEI Chuan⁃Zhong, DAI Yu⁃Zhu

2022, 34(5):  507. 

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Objective　To identify the core genes associated with the development and progression of hepatitis B virus (HBV)⁃related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), so as to provide insights into the elucidation of pathogenesis of HBV⁃related HCC. Methods　GSE55092 and GSE121248 datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between HCC and peri⁃cancer tissues were screened using the R package, and the volcano map of DEGs were plotted. The DEGs were subjected to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, and a protein⁃protein interaction (PPI) network was created. The hub DEGs were screened using Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) and cytoHubba plugins in the open⁃access platform Cytoscape 3.9.0. Then, the screened hub DEGs were validated for differential expression and survival analysis using clinical sample data captured from the UALCAN and Kaplan Meier⁃plotter databases. Results　A total of 1 148 and 686 DEGs were screened between HCC and peri⁃cancer tissues in GSE55092 and GSE121248 datasets, including 703 and 477 down⁃regulated genes and 445 and 209 up⁃regulated genes, respectively. A total of 557 common DEGs were screened between GSE55092 and GSE121248 datasets, including 384 down⁃regulated genes and 173 up⁃regulated genes. GO enrichment analysis showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in biological processes of cell division, cell proliferation, redox process, immune response and proteolysis, cellular components of cell nucleus, cytoplasm, extracellular vesicle and endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and molecular functions of binding to calcium ion, protein kinase, DNA and heme. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in pathways of cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, metabolic pathway, antibiotic biosynthesis and p53 signaling. PPI network analysis identified 10 DEGs, including CDK1, CCNB1, CCNA2, TOP2A, AURKA, CCNB2, KIF11, CDC20, KIF20A and BUB1B, and CDK1, KIF11 and KIF20A were found to be differentially expressed and correlate with poor prognosis among HBV⁃related HCC patients following clinical sample data validation. Conclusion　CDK1, KIF11 and KIF20A may play a critical role in the development and progression of HBV⁃related HCC, which may be potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of HBV⁃related HCC. 　

Interleukin-9 promotes the activation of hepatic stellate cells in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum

ZHAN Ting-zheng, MA Hui-hui, LI Qing, TANG Li-li, HE Shan⁃shan, TANG Ze-li, XIA Chao⁃ming

2022, 34(5):  514. 

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Objective　To investigate the effects of interleukin-9 (IL-9) in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum. Methods　Primary HSCs were isolated from mice 7 weeks post-infection with S. japonicum using the in situ liver perfusion and density gradient centrifugation, and cultured in vitro. HSCs were randomly assigned to the PBS control group and IL-9 stimulation group (stimulation with 20 ng/mL IL-9). HSCs were harvested 48 h and 72 h post-stimulation, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), typeⅠcollagen (ColⅠ) and type Ⅲ collagen (Col Ⅲ) was determined in HSCs using Western blotting. Results　Following stimulation with 20 ng/mL IL-9 for 48 h, the expression of α-SMA [(0.87 ± 0.02) vs. (0.69 ± 0.01); t = 17.39, P < 0.01], ColⅠ[(0.74 ± 0.02) vs. (0.65 ± 0.01); t = 9.56, P < 0.01] and Col Ⅲ [(0.94 ± 0.04) vs. (0.75 ± 0.03); t = 6.15, P < 0.01] was significantly greater in HSCs in the IL-9 stimulation group than in the PBS control group. Following stimulation with 20 ng/mL IL-9 for 72 h, the expression of α-SMA was significantly greater in HSCs in the IL-9 stimulation group than in the PBS control group [(0.76 ± 0.02) vs. (0.58 ± 0.02); t = 12.52, P < 0.01]; however, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of ColⅠ[(0.68 ± 0.02) vs. (0.66 ± 0.02); t = 1.15, P > 0.05] or Col Ⅲ expression [(0.75 ± 0.01) vs. (0.72 ± 0.02); t = 2.22, P > 0.05]. Conclusion　IL-9 promotes the activation of HSCs in mice infected with S. japonicum.

Genetic variation of sequences of partial mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (pnad1) and pnad5 genes of Toxascaris leonina isolates from foxes and dogs in Jiuquan City of Gansu Province

ZHANG Jian⁃ming, ZHAO Wen⁃chang

2022, 34(5):  518. 

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Objective　To investigate the genetic variations of Toxascaris leonina isolates from different hosts in Jiuquan City, Gansu Province. Methods　The mitochondrial sequences of partial mitochondrial nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 1 (pnad1) and pnad5 of eleven T. leonina isolates from domestic dogs, foxes and pet dogs in Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, were amplified using PCR, and the amplification product was sequenced. The genetic variations of pnad1 and pnad5 genes in T. leonina isolates were analyzed. Results　The sequences of T. leonina pnad1 and pnad5 genes measured 530 bp and 550 bp in size, respectively. The nucleotide sequence homology was 99.4% to 100.0% for T. leonina pnad1 gene and 99.5% to 99.8% for T. leonina pnad5 gene, and the sequences of T. leonina pnad1 and pnad5 genes shared 99.2% to 99.9% and 99.1% to 99.9% with corresponding sequences of known T. leonina isolates. In addition, there were 19 and 24 polymorphic sites detected in the sequences of T. leonina pnad1 and pnad5 genes, with 10 and 9 haplotypes, haplotype diversity of 0.982 and 0.964 and nucleotide diversity of 0.039 4 and 0.0342, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on pnad1 and pnad5 gene sequences showed that the eleven T. leonina isolates and known T. leonina isolates were clustered into the same branch with a random distribution, which were close to the branch where Toxocara canis was clustered, and far from the branch where other Ascaris species were clustered. Conclusion　There is a minor genetic variation in pnad1 and pnad5 genes of T. leonina isolates from different hosts in Jiuquan City, Gansu Province, and the pnad1 gene is more suitable as a molecular marker than pnad5 gene for analysis of genetic variations in T. leonina.

Effect of peer education on knowledge, attitude and practices towards schistosomiasis among primary school students in endemic foci of Wuhan City

XIONG Yue⁃lin, XU Ming⁃xing, WANG Hao, LUO Hua⁃tang, WANG Shuai, PENG Zheng, ZHANG Jia⁃jing, LI Yang

2022, 34(5):  522. 

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Objective　To evaluate the effect of peer education on knowledge, attitude and practices towards schistosomiasis control among primary school students in endemic foci of Wuhan City. Methods　Yucai Hankou Primary School in Jiang’an District, Wuhan City was selected in 2021, and all students at grades 4 and 5 were sampled using a cluster sampling method to receive peer education about schistosomiasis. The changes of knowledge, attitude and practices towards schistosomiasis control were compared before and after peer education to evaluate the effect of peer education on knowledge, attitude and practices towards schistosomiasis control. Results　The overall awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and the overall proportion of correct attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and correct schistosomiasis⁃related behaviors increased from 51.50%, 93.70% and 92.99% before peer education to 86.50%, 98.98% and 98.72% after peer education among primary school students, respectively ([χ2] =149.457, 21.692 and 20.691, all P values < 0.05). The overall awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and the overall proportion of correct attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and correct schistosomiasis⁃related behaviors were 49.19%, 92.20% and 92.72% among Grade 4 primary school students and 53.83%, 95.21% and 93.28% among Grade 5 primary school students prior to peer education ([χ2] = 1.214, 2.034 and 0.096, all P values > 0.05), and increased to 75.93%, 98.09% and 97.59% among Grade 4 primary school students and 97.16%, 99.87% and 99.87% among Grade 5 primary school students after peer education, respectively（[χ2] = 40.798, 9.572, 7.207, 133.194, 9.678 and 14.926，all P values < 0.05）. The overall awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and the overall proportion of correct attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and correct schistosomiasis⁃related behaviors were 51.25%, 76.92% and 77.97% among male primary school students and 51.80%, 94.42% and 95.70% among female primary school students prior to peer education, the differences in the overall proportion of correct attitudes towards schistosomiasis control and correct schistosomiasis⁃related behaviors between male primary school students and female primary school students were significant ([χ2] = 30.462 and 33.416, both P values < 0.05), and increased to 86.23%, 98.25% and 97.79% among male primary school students and 86.83%, 99.85% and 99.85%, among female primary school students after peer education ([χ2] = 0.081, 3.529 and 3.335, all P values > 0.05), respectively. Conclusion　Peer education is effective to improve the knowledge, attitude and practices towards schistosomiasis control among primary school students in endemic foci of Wuhan City, which may be more effective to improve the awareness of schistosomiasis control knowledge and proportion of correct schistosomiasis⁃related behaviors among primary school students at high grades.

Prevalence of parasitic infections in fish from markets in Zhenjiang City from 2017 to 2020

LI Ai⁃hua, WANG Lin, LI Sha⁃sha, ZHANG Wang⁃jun

2022, 34(5):  527. 

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Objective　To investigate the prevalence of parasitic infections in freshwater fish and marine fish from markets in Zhenjiang City, so as to provide the evidene for formulating targeted control measures. Methods　Freshwater fish and marine fish were collected from farmers’ markets and supermarkets in Zhenjiang City using a random sampling method. The metacercaria and larvae of parasites were detected using microscopy and the direct dissection method. The prevalence of parasitic infections was analyzed in freshwater fish and marine fish. Results　The overall prevalence of parasite infections was 11.21% (208/1 856) in the 1 856 fish (34 species) detected from 2007 to 2020, and the prevalence was 9.81% (117/1 193) in freshwater fish and 13.73% (91/663) in marine fish. Among the 1 193 freshwater fish (23 species), high prevalence of parasitic infections was detected in Gambusia affinis (43.33%), coarse fish (32.93%) and Hemiculter leucisclus (20.20%), and there was no significant difference in the prevalence of parasitic infections among different species of freshwater fish ([χ2] = 105.66, P < 0.05). Clonorchis sinensis, Metorchis orientalis and other parasite species were detected in freshwater fish, with detection rates of 0.59% (7/1 193), 1.93% (23/1 193) and 7.29% (87/1 193), respectively, and there was a significant difference in the detection of C. sinensis and M. orientalis in freshwater fish ([χ2] = 8.64, P < 0.05). The prevalence and intensity of larval Anisakis infections were 13.73% (91/663) in marine fish and 3.43 parasites per fish. High prevalence of Anisakis infections was seen in little yellow croaker fish (30.28%) and hairtail (27.50%), and there was a significant difference in the prevalence of parasitic infections in different species of marine fish ([χ2] = 12.93, P < 0.05). Conclusion　Parasitic infections are prevalent in freshwater fish and marine fish from markets of Zhenjiang City, and there is a risk of parasitic infections following consumption of raw or under⁃cooked freshwater fish and marine fish.

Potential transmission risk of key parasitic diseases and responses to the risk during the construction of an ecological city in Shanghai Municipality

YU Qing, PAN Hao, JIANG Li, ZHU Min, JIN Yan⁃jun, WANG Zhen⁃yu

2022, 34(5):  531. 

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A blueprint on Shanghai’s ecological space design between 2021 and 2035 was released in 2021, aiming to build an ecological city and improve the development of ecological civilization. The transmission of parasitic diseases is strongly associated with climate and ecological environments. Currently, the prevalence of parasitic diseases has been maintained at extremely low⁃transmission levels, and there are almost no local cases; however, the alteration of ecological environments may results in a potential transmission risk of parasitic diseases. Hereby, the current status of key parasitic diseases in Shanghai Municipality was described, and the potential transmission risk of parasitic diseases and responses to this risk were analyzed during the construction of an ecological city in Shanghai Municipality. In addition, the suggestions pertaining to surveillance and management of parasitic diseases were proposed during the mid⁃ and long⁃term construction of an ecological city in Shanghai Municipality.

A practice of curriculum ideological and political education in Medical Parasitology teaching based on the situation of Yunnan Province

WANG Li⁃ming, WANG Wei⁃qun, WANG Hong, CHUNYU Wei⁃xun, LI Juan, XIANG Zheng, LI Cui⁃ying

2022, 34(5):  537. 

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In order to build a unified teaching pattern integrating knowledge delivery, skill cultivation and value guidance, this article, based on the targets of cultivating medical talents in the new era, aims to explore the pathway of curriculum ideological and political education in Medical Parasitology teaching based on the situation of Yunnan Province. By analyzing the epidemiology of parasitic diseases in Yunnan Province, the remarkable achievements of parasitic diseases control in China and Yunnan Province, cases with parasitic disease misdiagnosis, parasitologists’ selfless contributions, the contributions of traditional Chinese medicines to parasitic diseases control and the contributions of traditional Chinese medicines in Yunnan Province, the ideological and political education is naturally integrated into Medical Parasitology teaching, to create an educational model combining professional course teaching with ideological and political education curriculum.

Watershed ecology⁃based rethinking of Oncomelania snail control

CHEN Shen, LÜ Shan

2022, 34(5):  542. 

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Oncomelania hupensis is the only intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum, and control of O. hupensis is of great significance in schistosomiasis control. As an amphibious mollusk, O. hupensis is frequently distributed in the fluctuating zones of rivers and lakes, and its distribution is along the water system and watershed. Nevertheless, there is little knowledge on the impact of watershed factors on the landscape and dynamic changes of O. hupensis distribution. As a novel discipline, watershed ecology will help reveal the internal relationship of snail distribution, identify the vulnerable areas of snail distribution, and define the priority areas for snail control and protection based on the specific needs of schistosomiasis control and ecological protection of the Yangtze River. In addition, watershed ecology may be used to evaluate the impact of water resource development projects on snail control from the perspective of watershed hierarchy.

Epidemic trend and control progress of taeniasis and cysticercosis in Henan Province

JIANG Tian⁃tian, JI Peng⁃hui, HE Zhi⁃quan, ZHANG Ya⁃lan, DENG Yan, CHEN Xi, HONG Yang, ZHAO Dong⁃yang, ZHANG Hong⁃wei, LIN Xi⁃meng, CHEN Wei⁃qi

2022, 34(5):  547. 

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Henan Province is one of the provinces where taeniasis and cysticercosis were historically highly prevalent, and Taenia solium is the dominant species of tapeworm. Following the concerted efforts since 1970s, the prevalence of human taeniasis and cysticercosis has been maintained at a low level in Henan Province, which facilitates the national taeniasis and cysticercosis elimination program in China. Following the implementation of the policy of aeniasis and cysticercosis elimination and classified guidance, a great success has been achieved in aeniasis and cysticercosis control in Henan Province. With continuous promotion of the opening⁃up policy and the Belt and Road Initiative, there are still challenges in taeniasis and cysticercosis control. This review summarizes the control progress of taeniasis and cysticercosis and proposes the challenges of taeniasis and cysticercosis control in Henan Province.

Corrosive sclerosing cholangitis after surgical treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis: a case of report

ZHOU Liu⁃xin, XU Xiao⁃lei, YANGDAN Cai⁃rang, WANG Hai⁃jiu FAN Hai⁃ning, WANG Zhi⁃xin

2022, 34(5):  552. 

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Corrosive sclerosing cholangitis is a rare postoperative complication of hepatic cystic echinococcosis. Although corrosive sclerosing cholangitis is rare, it progresses rapidly and lacks effective treatments, which usually results in a poor prognosis. This case report retrospectively analyzed the treatment and diagnosis of a case with corrosive sclerosing cholangitis following surgical treatment of hepatic cystic echinococcosis, so as to provide insights into the diagnosis and treatment of corrosive sclerosing cholangitis.

Metagenomic sequencing for diagnosis of sparganosis mansoni: a case report

PANG Chong⁃min, YANG Xing⁃lin, WANG Yan, ZHAI Hui, MIAO Feng, ZHANG Shi⁃min

2022, 34(5):  556. 

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The patient was found to develop a migrating mass in the lower abdomen without any known cause in 2000, and the cause had not been identified following multiple diagnoses since then. The mass was found to migrate to the left anterior axillary regions on August 11, 2020. Then, three segments of incomplete white worms were resected through minimally invasive surgery, and metagenomic sequencing revealed sparganosis mansoni. After surgical resection of complete worms was performed on October 21, 2021, the case was cured and discharged from the hospital. Follow⁃up revealed satisfactory outcomes and no new mass was found throughout the body.