Prompt and precise identifcation of various sources of infection in response to the prevention of malaria re-establishment in China

Prompt and precise diagnosis of patients is an essential component of malaria control and elimination strategies,it is even more vital for the prevention of malaria re-establishment in the post elimination phase.After eliminating malaria in China,the strategy for prevention of malaria re-establishment was updated in a timely manner from the elimination strategy focusing on each case/focus to the prevention of re-establishment focusing on timely identifcation of the source of infection.However,there are numerous challenges,such as the persistent large number of imported malaria cases,the long-term threat of border malaria,unknown levels of asymptomatic infections and Plasmodium falciparum HRP2/3 gene deletions,and the continuous spreading of antimalarial drug resistance.Meanwhile,the detection capacity also need to be further improved to meet the timely detection of all sources of infection,otherwise it is bound to occur introduced malaria cases and malaria re-establishment in the presence of malaria vector mosquitoes.Therefore,it is necessary to continuously strengthen the malaria detection competency at all levels,promote the research and development on the malaria parasitological testing technologies,thus improving the timely detection of various sources of infection,and preventing the re-establishment of malaria.

RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF SYMBIOSIS TO Anabaena-FREE Azolla

Symbiosis to Anabaena-free Azolla has been re-established by placing indusium containing Anabaena onto the Anabaena-free megasporocarps. Anabaena-free megasporocarps were obtained by removing the indusium and the apical membrane of the megaspore apparatus of normal Azolla. The recovery of symbiosis in artificially reconstituted Azolla-Anabaena association was confirmed using the scanning electron microscope, monoclonal antibody test (McAb-C16), and nitrogen fixation capacity （ARA）.Laboratory-grown Anabaena azollae cells inoculated subsequently to the decapitated megaspore apparatus were observed to have entered the leaf cavities of sporophyte, although some portions of Anabaena filaments were found outside the leaf cavity. Plants invaded by artificially inoculated Anabaena did not have sufficient N2-fixing activity to allow the growth in the N-free medium.

Nonlinear Evolution Equations and Its Application to a Tumour Invasion Model

We consider nonlinear evolution equations with logistic term satisfying initial Neumann-boundary condition and show global existence in time of solutions to the problem in arbitrary space dimension by using the method of energy. Applying the result to a mathematical model of tumour invasion, we discuss the property of the rigorous solution to the model. Finally we will show the time depending relationship and interaction between tumour cells, the surrounding tissue and matrix degradation enzymes in the model by computer simulations. It is seen that our mathematical result of the existence and asymptotic behaviour of solutions verifies our simulations, which also confirm the mathematical result visibly.

Profile and determinants of delayed care-seeking and diagnosis among patients with imported malaria: a retrospective study in China, 2014–2021

Background: In areas where malaria has been eliminated, delayed care-seeking and diagnosis of imported malaria are constant threats. This study aimed to describe the profile and determinants of delayed care-seeking and diagnosis among patients with imported malaria in China.Methods: This retrospective study assessed surveillance data obtained from 2014 to 2021 in the Chinese provincial-level administrative divisions (PLADs) of Anhui, Henan, Hubei, and Zhejiang, and Guangxi. Epidemiological characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Furthermore, factors associated with delayed care-seeking and diagnosis among imported malaria cases were identified using multivariate logistic regression.Results: Overall, 11.81% and 30.08% of imported malaria cases had delays in seeking care and diagnosis, respectively. During the study period, there was a decreasing trend in the proportion of imported malaria cases with delayed care-seeking (χ^(2) = 36.099,P < 0.001) and diagnosis (χ^(2) = 11.395,P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, independent risk factors associated with delayed care-seeking include PLADs (Guangxi as reference), consultations in high-level facilities for the first medical visit, infections with non-Plasmodium falciparum species, and older age. However, PLADs (Guangxi as reference), the purpose of traveling (labour as reference), and infections with non-P. falciparum species increased the risk of delayed diagnosis. Delayed care-seeking (adjusted odds ratio: 1.79,P = 0.001) and diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio: 1.62,P = 0.004) were risk factors for severe disease development.Conclusions: Based on this study’s findings, we strongly advocate for improved access to quality healthcare to reduce the rate of misdiagnosis at the first visit. Infections caused by non-P. falciparum species should be highlighted, and more sensitive and specific point-of-care detection methods for non-P. falciparum species should be developed and implemented. In addition, education programs should be enhanced to reach target populations at risk of malaria infection. All these factors may reduce delayed care-seeking and diagnosis of imported malaria.