Seventy years’ achievements of international cooperation by the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Background: With the promotion of national control programs on parasitic and tropical diseases in China,the National Institute of Parasitic Diseases(NIPD),Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention has gained significant experience in the global health arena through international cooperation over the last seven decades allowing a multilateral impact in the elimination of major endemic diseases.Methods:: The achievements of NIPD since 1950 has been analyzed with emphasis on the various stages that started with research and control of the endemic parasitic and other tropical diseases at the national level and progressed via international cooperation into a global presence.Results: The major achievements contributed by NIPD consist of(i)improving technical capability;(ii)promoting control and elimination of parasitic and tropical diseases;(iii)participating in global health governance and cooperation;and(iv)developing a cooperation model for technical assistance and global public health development.It is expected that NIPD’s experience of international cooperation will be essential for the dissemination of China's successful experience in global health governance,emergency response and development,with focus on malaria and neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis,soil-borne and food-borne helminthiases and echinococcosis.Conclusions: NIPD’s new tasks will not only continue to promote national control of endemic parasitic infections and disease elimination programs in China,but also play a leading role in global health and disease elimination programs in the future.

Epidemiological survey of cystic echinococcosis in southwest China:From the Qinghai-Tibet plateau to the area of Yunnan

BACKGROUND Echinococcosis is prevalent in 9 provinces in Western and Northern China.An epidemiological survey of echinococcosis in 2012 and 2016 showed cases of echinococcosis in Yunnan Province.AIM To understand the spatial distribution and epidemiological characteristics of echinococcosis in Yunnan for the prevention and control of echinococcosis and to reduce the risk of infection in Yunnan Province.METHODS Based on the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention(CISDCP),echinococcosis cases reported from 36 hospitals and 34 Centers for Disease Control were investigated and epidemiologically analyzed from 2021 to 2022.The exclusion criteria included suspected cases,same case only counted once and cases not from Yunnan.A total of 705 cases were investigated,of which 397 cases were suitable for statistical analysis.In these 397 cases,epidemiological investigation was tracked in 187 cases.All data were inputted using double entry in the Excel database,with error correction by double-entry comparison.The data on echinococcosis cases in Yunnan Province were analyzed by ArcGIS 10.1 software to generate a density map of echinococcosis distribution.All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 17.0,including the chi-square test,linear regression test and logistic univariate and multivariate regression analyses.RESULTS A total of 397 cases were found in 89 counties in Yunnan Province.The number of cases in the top three prefectures were Dali(38.1%),Diqing(10.1%),and Kunming(8.3%),and the top five counties were Jianchuan(9.1%),Shangri La(8.3%),Eryuan(7.6%),Heqing(6.9%),and Dali Districts(5.0%).There were significant differences between the different areas.The case reporting rate by CISDCP(33.8%)was low;the first case was reported by CISDCP in 2002,and the highest number of cases was 50(2017).Confirmed and clinical cases accounted for 62.5%and 37.5%,respectively.However,90.9%of the cases of hydatid disease were reported by the hospital system,and only 9.1%of the cases of hydatid disease were found in the community through active screening.The difference between the two methods of case detection was statistically significant.Most of the cases of echinococcosis were found in farmers/herdsmen(75.1%)and students(9.1%).In addition,Han(43.6%)and Bai(26.2%)had a higher incidence of infection than other nationalities,and the liver(87.7%)and lung(6.8%)were the most common sites of cyst formation.Among the analyzed cases,187 were epidemiologically analyzed and the clinical symptoms were not obvious in the early stage in 47.1%of cases.The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the age group,education level,presence of dogs in the family(either previously or currently),and handwashing(occasionally or not)were factors related to echinococcosis infection.55.6%of cases were in endemic areas,and 44.4%of cases were in non-endemic areas.Among 83 cases in non-endemic areas,only 4 cases had been to endemic areas and had a history of living,working,travelling,or hunting in echinococcosis epidemic areas.CONCLUSION Cases of echinococcosis were reported throughout the entire Yunnan province,with the majority distributed in Western Yunnan,suggesting that echinococcosis control should be strengthened in this area.We suggest that an epidemiological investigation should be carried out in the future,based on the clues from newly discovered cases in hospitals or from the CISDCP.The newly discovered cases in the hospital provided clues to comprehensively determine the location of cases and where epidemic spot investigation should be conducted.

Chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Lonicerae japonicae

Lonicera japonica,also known as honeysuckle,is an evergreen shrub in the family of Syzygium.By consulting Sciencedirect databases and Web of Science databases,79 related articles were found,of which 22 were related to chemical composition and pharmacological activity.These articles show that L.japonica has a wide range of pharmacological activities,including antiviral,anti-tumor,and antioxidant effects.These activities have important applications in the pharmaceutical,food,and fragrance industries.This review focuses on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of L.japonicae,which is of great significance to the development of new drugs and therapeutic methods.

Accelerating the Control and Elimination of Major Parasitic Diseases in China—On World NTD Day 2024

Neglected tropical diseases(NTDs)are a group of diseases associated with poverty that affect over 1 billion people worldwide(1).On May 31,2021,the World Health Assembly(WHA)officially recognized January 30 as World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day through decision WHA74(18).This designation aims to raise awareness about the severe impact of NTDs on disadvantaged populations and to mobilize support for control,elimination,and eradication efforts.

In vitro Screening of Ginkgolic Acids for Antiparasitic Activity against Cryptosporidium andersoni

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa that causes self-limiting diarrhea in immunocompetent individuals, and it may also cause chronic and life-threatening diarrhea in those that are immunocompromised[1]. The two main routes of Cryptosporidium transmission are via water and food. At least 30 Cryptosporidium species have been confirmed, including C. andersoni, with more than 70 genotypes of undefined species.

Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Anti-parasitic Activity of 2-(2-Methoxy-4-nitrophenylcarbamoyl)phenyl 4-Fluorobenzoate

The title compound 2-（2-methoxy-4-nitrophenylcarbamoyl）phenyl-4＇-fluorobenzoate （C21H15FN206, Mr = 410.35）, a fluorine-containing derivative of salicylamide, was conve- niently synthesized through two steps and crystallized in the orthorhombic space group P21/c with a = 7.6453（15）, b = 14.323（3）, c = 17.035（3） A, V= 1865.4（6） A3, Z = 4, Dc = 1.461 Mg/m^3, 2 = 0.71073 A, μ（MoKa） = 0.115 mm-1, F（000） = 848, R = 0.0705 and wR = 0.1834 for 3267 independent refections with 1 〉 2σ（I）. X-ray analysis reveals that the dihedral angles formed between the 2-methoxy-4-nitrobenzene and benzene ring, the benzene and 4-fluorobenzene, and the 2-methoxy-4-nitrobenzene and 4-fluorobenzene ring are 3.2（4）, 69.8（3） and 72.9（2）~, respectively. Bioassay shows that the title compound has anti-parasitic activity against hydatid protoscoleces.

Farewell to the God of Plague: China for the world disease control program

Schistosomiasis was one of the most prevalent severe infectious diseases in China.Most ot the control plans implemented were based on local settings;thus,the national schistosomiasis control program involved different control phases.These included a working mechanism based on multisectoral cooperation which involved government at all levels,communities,and professionals.It also involved updating the technical strategies and interventions through intensive research,to provide adequate support for programs at different stageswith changing natural and social features.To commemorate the 61st anniversary of publishing Chairman Mao Zedong's two poems titled Farewell to the God of Plague,we have distilled lessons leamt from national schistosomiasis control programs,which could be transferred to other endemic countries.Based on this work,we published a series of articles to demonstrate the successive programs in different areas or levels in China,and also discussed how best to apply those successive experiences into African countries where schistosomiasis is still a public health problem.There are three major lessons learnt from the Chinese national schistosomiasis control program over the last six decades:(1) sustained commitment by the Chinese governments,from central to local levels;(2) continuous update of control strategies and interventions applied at the village level,based on local settings;and (3) maintaining surveillance-response systems implementation in programs at all levels.With sustained efforts,only 37,000 patients including 2.9% advanced patient cases were found in the country,with six provinces out of the 12 endemic provinces yet to achieve transmission interruption,based on the epidemiological report in 2017.Therefore,Chinese experiences in disease control program are sufficient to promote disease control programs in other developing countries,which would also improve the visibility of Chinese contribution to the world disease control programs.Pursuit of this global engagement will also provide the impetus to maintain our surveillance-response capacity in the post-elimination stage.

Chemical composition and biological activities of volatile oil isolated from Curcumae rhizoma

Curcumae rhizoma(C.rhizoma),the rhizome of Curcuma Longa L.,Curcuma kwangsiensis L.and Curcuma wenyujin L.in the ginger family,is a treasure in traditional Chinese medicine.It has the effect of promoting qi and breaking blood,eliminating accumulation and relieving pain.With the development of modern medicine,the active ingredients and therapeutic mechanism of C.rhizoma have been gradually revealed.In this paper,the chemical composition and biological activities of volatile oil isolated from C.rhizoma are reviewed in detail,aiming to provide reference for further utilization of C.rhizoma volatile oil and provide more effective drug options for clinical treatment.

Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression in Assessing Dengue Fever Spread Factors in Yunnan Border Regions

Objective This study employs the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression(GTWR)model to assess the impact of meteorological elements and imported cases on dengue fever outbreaks,emphasizing the spatial-temporal variability of these factors in border regions.Methods We conducted a descriptive analysis of dengue fever’s temporal-spatial distribution in Yunnan border areas.Utilizing annual data from 2013 to 2019,with each county in the Yunnan border serving as a spatial unit,we constructed a GTWR model to investigate the determinants of dengue fever and their spatio-temporal heterogeneity in this region.Results The GTWR model,proving more effective than Ordinary Least Squares(OLS)analysis,identified significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity in factors influencing dengue fever’s spread along the Yunnan border.Notably,the GTWR model revealed a substantial variation in the relationship between indigenous dengue fever incidence,meteorological variables,and imported cases across different counties.Conclusion In the Yunnan border areas,local dengue incidence is affected by temperature,humidity,precipitation,wind speed,and imported cases,with these factors’influence exhibiting notable spatial and temporal variation.

Analysis of the Results of Two Nationwide Surveys on Clonorchis sinensis Infection in China

Objective To examine Clonorchis sinensis infection in China and evaluate the effectiveness of efforts to prevent and control it,two nationwide surveys were undertaken in 31 provinces,autonomous regions,and municipalities（PAMs） during 1988-92（the 1990 survey） and during 2001-04（the 2003 survey）.Methods During the period 2001-04,two sampling methods were applied.The first method repeated the stratified cluster random sampling used in the 1990 survey;the second method applied two-characteristic stratified cluster random sampling in 27 PAMs—the 2003 endemic area（EA） survey.The Kato-Katz thick smear method was used for the nationwide survey.Results The infection rates of Clonorchis sinensis in the 1990 and 2003 surveys were 0.311% and 0.579%,respectively.The infection rate was 2.40% in the 2003 EA survey,and it was estimated that 12.49 million people in China were infected with Clonorchis sinensis.Conclusion The 2003 survey showed that the standardized infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis increased by 74.85% compared with the 1990 survey.The infection rate in males was higher than in females;the infection rate among people eating raw fish or eating out frequently was higher than among those who did not.

Current Status of Soil-transmitted Nematode Infection in China

Objective To carry out national surveys for ascertaining the current status and trends of soil-transmitted nematode infections in China, providing scientific basis for further developing control strategies. Methods In 1988-1992 （hereinafter abbreriated as ＂survey in 1990＂）, a stratified cluster random sampling method was used in the survey. In 2001-2004 （hereinafter abbreriated as ＂survey in 2003＂）, in order to compare with the survey in 1990, two-characteristic stratified cluster random sampling method was used and 687 investigation spots were sampled from the 2848 spots selected in the survey in 1990. Kato-Katz thick smear method was used to examine the eggs of soil-transmitted nematodes in fecal samples. Results The prevalence rates were 53.6% and 19.6% for soil-transmitted nematodes, 14.6% and 6.120% for hookworms, 44.6% and 12.7% for Ascaris lumbricoides, 17.4% and 4.630% for Trichuris trichiura in survey 1990 and survey 2003, respectively. The prevalence rates of soil-transmitted nematodes were higher in 13 provinces than the average level in China in the survey in 1990, and higher in 8 provinces than the average level in the survey in 2003. The prevalence of hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and the overall prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodes were higher in females than in males. It is estimated from the results of survey in 2003 that the number of persons with soil-transmitted nematode infections in the country is about 129 million, less than that in the survey in 1990. Conclusion The prevalence of soil-transmitted nematodes has declined considerably but is still relatively high in some provinces and autonomous regions. Control activities and socioeconomic development may have contributed to the decreased prevalence.

Identification of a Newly Isolated Getah Virus in the China-Laos Border,China

In this study, we isolated a virus strain （YN12031） from specimens of Armigeres subalbatus collected in the China-Laos border. BHK-21 cells infected with YN12031 exhibited an evident cytopathic effect （CPE） 32 h post-infection. The virus particles were spherical, 70 nm in diameter, and enveloped; they also featured surface fibers.

Immunodiagnostic efficacy of detection of Schistosoma japonicum human infections in China:a meta analysis

Objective:To assess the diagnostic efficacy of the currently most widely used indirect hemagglutination assay(IHA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) for detection of Schistosoma japonicum human infections.Methods:A comprehensive search was undertaken from China National Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Database.VIP Database,PubMed. Cochrane Library,Science Citation Index Expanded.Proquest,and the inclusion and exclusion criteria were strictly settled.The funnel plot was used to assess the publication bias.Cochran’s Q test was employed to measure the homogeneity between studies,a summary receiver operating characteristic(SROC) curve was used to compare the diagnostic accuracy between the IHA and ELISA qualitatively by means of the Weighted Least Square method,the Ordinary Least Square method and the Robust regression method,and the diagnostic odds ratio(DOR) was drawn to compare the accuracy quantitatively.Results:Out of 785 publications,19 papers were eventually selected for analysis.Literature finality assessment indicated that minor publication bias existed in studies pertaining IHA test,but no bias was found in literatures regarding ELISA test.The heterogeneity test showed a heterogeneity between studies was present(χ~2 =466.07 and 34.67. both P values【0.0001).The areas under the SROC curves of IHA were all higher than that of ELISA test using the three methods(Weighted Least Square method:0.766 vs.0.695.Ordinary Least Square method:0.826 vs.0.741.Robust regression:0.815 vs.0.715).The TPR* values for IHA and EUSA were 0.710.0.759.0.749.and 0.650.0.686 and 0.666.respectively,and OR values were 5.997.9.937.8.893.and 3.432.4.784 and 3.959.respectively.The DOR of IHA was 9.41(95% CI:4.88-18.18).and 4.78(95%CI:3.21-7.13) for ELISA.Conclusions:All above results revealed that the diagnostic performance of IHA is better than that of ELISA.However,taking into account their unsatisfactory diagnostic value in areas with low infection intensity,a search for a better diagnostic test that can be applied in field situations in China should be given high priority.

Analysis of diferentially expressed protein from primary and recurrent ovarian cancer serum

Objective:To study the value of the differentially expressed proteins from primary and recurrent ovarian cancer serum for early diagnosis of primary and recurrent ovarian cancer.Methods: WCX kit(Bruker Daltonics GraBH) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-offlight mass spectrometry(MALDI-TOF-MS]technology were used to detect serum samples from 49 patients with primary ovarian cancer and 21 patients with recurrent disease.Results:In the mass range(Mr) from 1 000 to 12 000 Da,eight differentially expressed protein peaks were screened from primary ovarian cancer serum.Among them,four protein peaks with Mr 1 457,1 857,2 202, 7 761 were lowly expressed and the others with Mr 2 946,5 333,5 859,5 901 were highly expressed. Ten differentially expressed protein peaks were screened from recurrent ovarian cancer serum. Among them.1 944,1 980,2 080,2 661,2 993,4 450,4 659,5 359 Da protein expressions were increased significantly,and 1897,7868 Da protein expressions were decreased significantly.The pattern of primary ovarian cancer was applied to 8 early-stage ovarian cancer serum samples, and 7 serum samples were successfully predicted with the accuracy of 87.5%.The pattern of recurrent ovarian cancer was applied to 9 without pelvic:or abdominal mass recurrent ovarian cancer serum samples,and 8 serum samples were successfully predicled with the accuracy of 88.9%.Conclusions:Combination of MALDI-TOF-MS and WCX kit technology can directly screen the diferrential expressed protein from primary and recurrent ovarian cancer serum.They have clinical significance for enhancement of sensitivity and specificity of ovarian cancer diagnosis.

Biological role of surface Toxoplasma gondii antigen in development of vaccine

AIM： To analyze the biological role of the surface antigen of Toxoplasma gondii（Tgondii） in development of vaccine. METHODS： The surface antigen of Tgondii （SAG1） was expressed in vitro. The immune response of the host to the antigen was investigated by detection of specific antibody reaction to SAG1 and production of cytokines. Mice were immunized with recombinant SAG1 and challenged with lethal strain of Tgondii RH. The monoclonal antibody to r-SAG1 was prepared and used to study the effects of SAG1 on Tgondii tachyzoites under electromicroscope. RESULTS： The mice immunized with recombinant SAG1 delayed death for 60 h compared to the control group. The recombinant SAG1 induced specific high titer of IgG and IgM antibodies as well as IFN-y, IL-2 and IL-4 cytokines in mice. In contrast, IL-12, IL-6 and TNF-α were undetectable. When T gondii tachyzoites were treated with the monoclonal antibody to r-SAG1, the parasites were gathered together, destroyed, deformed, swollen, and holes and gaps formed on the surface. CONCLUSION： SAG1 may be an excellent vaccine candidate against T gondii. The immune protection induced by SAG1 against Tgondii may be regulated by both hormone- and cell-mediated immune response.

The Identification of the Cryptosporidium ubiquitum in Pre-weaned Ovines from Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in China

Objective Cryptosporidium spp. are prevalent globally and sheep are an important zoonotic reservoir. Little data regarding the rates of Cryptosporidium infections in ovines in China are available. This study assessed the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned ovines from Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the Sichuan province of China. Methods A total of 213 fecal samples were collected from pre-weaned ovines and were examined microscopically （following modified acid fast staining）. In addition, 18S rRNA genetic sequences were amplified from fecal samples by nested PCR and phylogenetically analyzed. Results The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in the collected samples was at 14.6% （31/213） and four isolates identified by PCR belonged to the Cryptosporidium cervine genotype （Cryptosporidium ubiquiturn） demonstrating that this species was the primary sheep species found in sheep in China. Conclusion The present study suggested that the high incidence of Cryptosporidium in sheep poses a significant public health threat and that surveillance practices must be established to prevent zoonotic disease of humans.

The efficacy of NP11-4-derived immunotoxin scFv-artesunate in reducing hepatic fibrosis inducedby Schistosoma japonicum in mice

Schistosomiasis is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in China, and hepatic fibrosis caused by schistosome infection is the principal cause of death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of NPll-4- derived immunotoxin scFv-artesunate on Schistosoma japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis. A single-chain variable fragment （scFv） was generated from the murine anti-Schistosoma japonicum （S. japanicum） monoclonal antibody NP11-4. The scFv was expressed as a soluble protein and purified by Ni-affinity chromatography. After conjuga- tion with artesunate, the binding ability with soluble egg antigens （SEA） was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The biological activity of purified scFv, scFv-artesunate （immunotoxin）, and artesunate was detected in vivo. Image-Pro Plus software was used to analyze the size of egg granuloma and the extent of liver fibrosis. The recombinant scFv expession vector was constructed and expressed successfully. After purification by a His-trap Ni-affinity column, the scFv yield was approximately 0.8 mg/L of culture medium. ELISA results showed that chemical conjugation did not affect the binding activity of the immunotoxin. Our animal experiments indicated that the immunotoxin could significantly reduce the size of egg granuloma in the liver and inhibit hepatic fibrosis. The immunotoxin could be used as a promising candidate in the targeted therapy of S. .japonicum-induced hepatic fibrosis.

Early stage risk communication and community engagement(RCCE)strategies and measures against the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic crisi

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has proven to be tenacious and shows that the global commu nity is still poorly prepared to handling such emerging pandemics.Enhancing global solidarity in emergency preparedness and response,and the mobilization of conscience and cooperation,can serve as an excellent source of ideas and measures in a timely manner.The article provides an overview of the key components of risk communication and community engagement(RCCE)strategies at the early stages in vulnerable nations and populations,and highlight contextual recommendations for strengthening coordinated and sustainable RCCE preventive and emergency response strategies against COVID-19 pandemic.Global solidarity calls for firming govemance,abundant community participation and enough trust to boost early pandemic preparedness and response.Promoting public RCCE response interventions needs crucially improving government health systems and security proactiveness,community to individual confinement,trust and resilience solutions.To better understand population risk and vulnerability,as well as COVID-19 transmission dynamics,it is important to build intelligent systems for monitoring isolation/quarantine and tracking by use of artificial intelligence and machine learning systems algorithms.Experiences and lessons learned from the international community is crucial for emerging pandemics prevention and control programs,especially in promoting evidence-based decision-making,integrating data and models to inform effective and sustainable RCCE strategies,such as local and global safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and mass immunization programs.

Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in Public Drinking Water in China

We aimed to assess the risks of Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections associated with drinking water for local residents,based on a quantitative microbial risk assessment,in three densely populated regions of China.In total,45 source water samples and 45 treated water samples were collected from June to December 2014.

Malaria Transmission Potential in the Three Gorges Reservoir of the Yangtze River, China

Objective To define and evaluate the malaria transmission potential in the Yangtze River, following construction of the Three Gorges Reservoir. Methods Six villages, namely, Kaixian, Fengjie, Wanzhou, Fuling, Yubei, and Zigui were selected for investigating the malaria transmission potential in the reservoir. Transmission potential was estimated by mathematical modeling and evaluation of the local malaria situation. Factors that influenced the transmission potential were analyzed using Poisson regression analysis in combination with Grey Systematic Theory （based on evaluation by the Delphi method）. Results Indirect fluorescent antibody data and the incidence of malaria in the local population were consistent with the malaria transmission potential calculated for the area. Multivariate Poisson regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between the riparian zone and the man‐biting rate. Conclusion The risk of a malaria epidemic can be forecasted using the malaria transmission potential parameters investigated here which was closely correlated with the riparian zone.