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    10 September 2015, Volume 13 Issue 3 Previous Issue    Next Issue
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    MERS outbreak in South Korea in 2015 indicates signs of enhanced hunman to human transmission of the coronavirus?
    Zhu Na, Chen Tao
    2015, 13 (3):  125-126,146.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.001
    Abstract ( 2351 )   PDF (387KB) ( 1700 )  

    【Abstract】 The first imported Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) case in South Korea was confirmed on 20 May, 2015, followed by the largest MERS outbreak outside the Middle East area, with 186 confirmed cases including 36 fatal cases as of 26 July, 2015. Unlike transmission of imported case in other countries, the third generation coronavirus was detected in certain cases, does it show the signs of enhanced human to human transmission ability of MERS-CoV? In our opinion, this outbreak was mainly due to special hospital infection (infected patients’ attendance at more than one institution coupled with the courtesy of visiting relatives in hospital) and inefficient quarantine at the initial outbreak instead of human to human transmission ability of MERS-CoV being enhanced, for which we conclude that MERS-CoV still has the limited human to human transmission ability at present.

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    Endemic status of schistosomiasis in Hunan Province in 2014
    Li guangping, Tang Ling, Li Yiyi, Han Yangqing, Jiang Qiong, Wang Huilan, Ren Guanghui*
    2015, 13 (3):  127-130.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.002
    Abstract ( 2449 )   PDF (432KB) ( 2322 )  

    【Abstract】 This report describes the endemic status of schistosomiasis in Hunan Province in 2014. By the end of 2014, there were 31 669 schistosomiasis japonica cases, in which 2 were acute cases and 4 625 were advanced cases. Newly reported cases were 90, in whom 59 were dead in 2014. Of the estimated 156 288 cattle raised in endemic regions, 540 were determined as positive by stool examination. In 2014, there were around 175 910.47 hm2 Oncomelania snail infested areas in total, in which 419.3 hm2 were newly reported in non-endemic areas, and yet none infected snails were found. Although the data showed that the endemicity of schistosomiasis tended to decrease in Hunan Province, and reached the lowest level in history, yet challenges still exist to reach the aims of the medium and long term national program. In order to achieve the goal of schistosomiasis prevention and control by 2015 throughout the province, comprehensive measures on control of the infection sources basis and effective surveillance need to be strengthened.

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    Endemic status of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province in 2014
    Zhang Shiqing, Gao Fenghua, He Jiachang, Zhang Gonghua, Wang Hao, Yang Weiping, Wang Tianping
    2015, 13 (3):  131-134,174.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.003
    Abstract ( 2816 )   PDF (437KB) ( 1637 )  

    【Abstract】 This report presents the endemic status of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province in 2014. By the end of 2014, the total number of schistosomiasis japonica cases were estimated to be 16 510, with a decrease of 16.68% compared with that in 2013. No local acute cases were reported. The number of advanced schistosomiasis japonica cases were 5 804, in whom 4 889 were treated. The areas infested with Oncomelania hupensis snails were approximate 27 279.94 hm2, with a decrease of 116.55 hm2, in which 5.59 hm2 were newly reported. No infected snails were found in 2014. Compared with 2013, the estimated population infection rate and the average density of living snails in 2014 were decreased by 14.29% (0.24%) and 19.56% (0.37 snails), respectively. 36 494 cattle were estimated to be raised in endemic regions, with a decrease of 13% compared with that in 2013. The estimated infection rate of cattle was 0.18%, which experienced a reduction of 41.94% compared with that in 2013.

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    Analysis on the endemic status of schistosomiasis in Anhui Province from 2008 to 2014
    He Jiachang, Gao Fenghua, Zhang Shiqing, Wang Tianping, Zhang Gonghua, Wang Hao, Yang Weiping, Li Tingting, Cao Zhiguo
    2015, 13 (3):  135-138,152.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.004
    Abstract ( 2572 )   PDF (733KB) ( 1418 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To analyze the trend of schistosomiasis prevalence in Anhui Province from 2008 through 2014 for scientific evidences to plan commensurable prevention strategies in the coming mission. Methods  Informative data on schistosomiasis prevention were collected from annual reports, monitoring sites and management documentation in 51 counties/cities/districts in Anhui Province from 2008 to 2014, and reviewed in longitudinal cohort manner. Results  The average infection rate of schistosomiasis and the number of patients tended to decline in general. The infection rate was reduced to 0.24% in 2014 from 48.2% in 2008. Current infected population and advanced schistosomasis cases were 16 510 and 5 804, with a decrease of 55.2% and 7.52%, respectively, as compared to 2008. No local infection with acute schistosomiasis was reported since 2013. The average infection rate of farmer cattle was fallen to 0.18% in 2014 from 88.8% in 2008, which showed a declining trend year by year. The proportion of snail presence was 27 280 hm2 in 2014, and dropped by 4.4% compared to that in 2008. The positive snail proportion further showed a yearly descending trend, and no areas where positive snails were found since 2013. Although recurrence or newly discovered areas with snail infection once rose up, yet this situation tended to be reverse since 2011. The density of snails and positive snails were reduced slowly since 2009, and the density of living snails was 0.4896 pcs/0.11 m2  in 2014 and reduced to 29.6% compared with that in 2008. The quantity of villages and environment where snails or positive snails were still found were declined year by year, especially the environments with presence of positive snails were fallen sharply. More villages and towns realized the schistosomiasis transmission control target. Conclusion  The prevalence of schistosomiasis was effectively contained in Anhui Province, and the endemicity was dropped to the lowest level in history.

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    Determination of the hemocytology and blood biochemical parameters in imported malarial patients in Beijing areas
    Zou Yang*, Wei Wei#, Li Xiaoli, Wang Lei, Wang Fei, Li wei, Qi Zhiqun, Tian Xiaojun, An Yijun, Li Jingjing, Huang Minjun, Gu Junchao
    2015, 13 (3):  139-142,171.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.005
    Abstract ( 2235 )   PDF (516KB) ( 2688 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To investigate the clinical significance by determining the biochemical indicators on urine and blood for early diagnosis of imported malarial patients. Methods  The parameters of urine and blood biochemistry were retrospectively analyzed in 55 clinically confirmed patients with imported malaria in Beijing area with multiple Logistic regression by using software SPSS 18.0, and the results were compared with health controls. Results The biochemical parameters, including decreased blood platelet(OR=0.980, P=0.003), elevated glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase(OR=0.969, P=0.013) and blood urea nitrogen(OR=1.907, P=0.013), were statistically significant in early stage of infection in imported malarial patients. Conclusion  Biochemical parameters changed significantly in the early stage of infection in patients of imported malaria, suggesting that determination of these indicators can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

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    Observation on the therapy response in patients with chronic hepatitis C with genotype 2/3 to recombinant human interferon α-2b
    Xu Jing1, Wu lina
    2015, 13 (3):  143-146.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.006
    Abstract ( 2272 )   PDF (437KB) ( 1426 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To observe the clinical efficacy of ribavirin (RBV) plus diverse dosage of recombinant human interferon alpha-2b (IFN α-2b) in chronic patients infected with hepatitis C virus(CHC) genotype 2/3. Methods  One hundred and twenty-two patients infected with CHC genotype 2/3, received therapy in our hospital from January 2010 through May 2013, were allocated to treatment group(n=62) and control group(n=60). Patients in the two groups were uniformly administered by subcutaneous injection of IFN α-2b in dose of 6mU, every other day in the first 12 weeks. By the 13th week, the treatment group received subcutaneous injection of IFN α-2b in dose of 3mU, whereas the control group were subcutaneously given IFN α-2b in dose of 5mU, every other day, in combination with oral RBV in dose of 900- 1200 mg, three time a day. Follow-up started at the 24th week after therapy in patients had achieved end-of-treatment virologic response (ETVR), and non-responders were given extended therapy course for 3 months. Totally, two groups of patients received therapy sessions of 48 weeks and follow-up of 24 weeks. Then the two groups were compared regarding the corresponding rapid virologic response rate(RVR), non-response (NR), sustained SVR, treatment cost and adverse response. Results RVR, EVR and ETVR were 61.2% (38/62) and 58.3%(35/60), 69.4%(43/62) and 66.7%(40/60), 79%(49/62) and 85%(51/60), (χ2= 0.111, P> 0.05 ), (χ2 = 0.107, P> 0.05 ), (χ2= 0.735, P>0.05), respectively. The treatment group had lower NR than the controls[14.%(9/62) vs. 13.3%(8/60), (χ2=0.0356, P>0.05)], yet higher SVR[74.2%(46/62)vs. 78.3%(47/60), (χ2=0.29, P> 0.05)]. In addition, the treatment group consumed lower dose of IFNα-2b, and had reduction of medical cost by near 30 % as well as milder adverse reactions as compared with the control group. Conclusion  RBV plus IFNα-2b for chronic hepatitis C genotype 2/3 may lead to higher RVR, EVR and EVR, and even sustained ETVR and SVR after reduced dose of IFN, which can reduce the financial burden and adverse drug reactions for such patients.

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    Significance of determining monocyte to lymphocyte ratio in evaluation of the progress of gastric cancer
    Lu Lin, Chen Yanchun*, Sun Pengyao, Li Yan, Wu Zhili, Sun Xuezhu, Xu Xiuli, Lu Husheng, Liu Tan, Chen Kaixun
    2015, 13 (3):  147-149.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.007
    Abstract ( 2273 )   PDF (487KB) ( 2999 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To assess the clinical significance of determining the monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR) in evaluating the progress of gastric cancer. Methods  The clinical data were reviewed in 51 cases of gastric cancer treated in our department between January 2007 and January 2013. Peripheral venous blood MLR was calculated in patients before and after initial treatment, periods in disease remission and progress, and the relationship between MLR variation and disease progress were statistically analyzed and compared with the healthy controls. Results  Gastric cancer patients had higher MLR over the healthy control, and lower MLR after surgery, yet higher ratio in disease development after surgery. The difference was significant(P<0.01). Conclusion  MLR is an important indicator in monitoring the disease progress in patients of gastric cancer progression monitoring.

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    Epidemiological surveillance over the influenza A/H3N2 virus in Xingtai City from 2009 to 2014      
    Dong Jianghua1, Sun Weiming1*, Yan Yingmin2, Pang Junhua1, Chen Fengyang1, Su Ming1, Yang Duhua1
    2015, 13 (3):  150-152.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.008
    Abstract ( 2164 )   PDF (530KB) ( 1268 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To understand the epidemiological tendency of influenza A(H3N2) in Xingtai City from 2009 to 2014 for scientific evidence to prevent and control its spreading. Methods  Throat swab specimens were collected between June 2009 and May 2014 from patients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI), and subjected to detection of the nucleic acid content of influenza A H3N2 viruses by real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR. The surveillance data obtained from June to the following May were statistically analyzed. Results  Throat swab specimens obtained in 1 391, 514, 643, 628 and 1 185 cases in respective five surveillance cycles were tested, and the positive rates were 6.25%(86/1 391), 7.60%(40/514), 0.31%(2/643), 7.32%(46/628) and 1.19%(14/1 185), respectively. The positive rate was fluctuated significantly in different cycles(χ2=93.728 P<0.01), and was dominated by January, March and September, yet the epidemic was free between April and August within a year. The specimens positive for influenza A(H3N2) virus were statistically different in different age group(χ2=44.595, P<0.01), and highest in the group of five years(7.94%). Conclusion  Influenza A(H3N2) was prevalent in yearly manner in Xintai City from 2009 to 2014, and its epidemic extended from September to following March and peaked between September and following January. However, surveillance needs strengthening in order to timely understand the epidemiological trend for scientific control of this communicable disease.

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    Concurrent application of smartphone with Google Earth to survey of Oncomelania hupensis
    Wang Weichun, Zhan Ti, Zhu Yingfu
    2015, 13 (3):  153-155.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.009
    Abstract ( 2687 )   PDF (405KB) ( 2025 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To assess the application value of concurrent smartphone with Google Earth to survey of Oncomelania hupensis. Methods  HEAD GPS software was initially loaded in the smart mobile phone. The GPS data and photos of the field survey on the status of snail were collected with the smartphone, and were exported from the mobile phone to the computer in format of KML/KMZ that was converted into Excel file format using a specific software. Then, the data were imported into Google Earth after processing, which was originally displayed in the Google map. Results  The information of the snail survey point was obtained, and the geospatial database for snail status and distribution was successful established. This made it possible to display the original snail condition in Google Earth. Conclusion  Smartphone loaded with HEAD GPS software can replace traditionally hand-held GPS positioning device, which makes better experience in the field survey on the snail status. Importantly, this technique can be practical value in management of the data in digital manner and images obtained in filed survey of the snails due to its convenience.

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    Application of ARIMA model to predicting severe hand-foot-mouth disease trend in medical institutions
    Wang Yan,?Chen Ping,?Liu Hong, Duan Xiaofei, Chen Lan, Lin Hua
    2015, 13 (3):  156-158,186.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.010
    Abstract ( 2508 )   PDF (554KB) ( 1369 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To assess the significance of applying autoregressive integrated moving average(ARIMA) model to predicting the trend of severe hand-foot-mouth disease(HFMD) for evidences to rationally allocate human, financial and material resources in a medical institution. Methods  The monthly severe HFMD cases obtained from 2010 to 2013 were fitted in SPSS(version 16.0), and the data collected in 2014 were used to verify the previously established ARIMA model by which it was used to predict the prevalence trend of HFMD in 2015. Results  The model ARIMA(0,1,0)(1,1,0)12 were established based on the test of parameters and goodness of fit as well as sequence of white-noise residuals, in which the normalized BIC was defined as 6.346, stationary R square as 0.708, and root mean square error as 1.576. LB test for residuals sequence as defined as white noise sequence. Conclusion  ARIMA model can well predict the prevalence trend of severe HFMD, and may supply evidences for medical institutions in management of this disease. However, the effectiveness of this model remains yet to be optimized on continuous accumulation of the original data and other related data basis.

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    Investigation on a diarrheic shellfish poisoning incident by ingestion of blue mussels
    Lin Shihui1, Tu Wenxiao2, Ou Jianming3
    2015, 13 (3):  159-161.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.011
    Abstract ( 2398 )   PDF (428KB) ( 1575 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To analyze the measures taken in 2011 to a diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP) incident caused by consumption of blue mussels in Fuding city of Fujian Province in order to facilitate prevention and supervision of such events in the future. Methods  Upon reporting the incident, a series of measures were taken, including epidemiologic field investigation, case-control study, dose-effect response and laboratory tests. Results  The incident was qualified as sea-food poisoning due to ingestion of the blue mussels in compliance with the patient’s symptoms of diarrhea, clinical features, case-control study, dose-effect response and laboratory findings as well as treatment. Conclusion  Such incidents indicate that the local official sections responsible for food safety should enhance comprehensive surveillance over the red tide, prompt determination of the toxin level in local mussels, timely release of the information on mussel safety in order to prevent occurrence of DSP events.

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    Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Tongling County from 2004 to 2013
    Tian Xuegen, Cheng Deyin, Gao Shubing, Cao Zhiguo
    2015, 13 (3):  162-165.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.012
    Abstract ( 2460 )   PDF (415KB) ( 1052 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To analyze the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Tongling County in order to provide scientific evidences with schistosomias control program in the coming the “13th Five-year Plan”. Methods The data were objectively collected and statistically summarized regarding the control achievement in schistosomiasis, population and domestic animal infection status and presence of Oncomelania hupensis in Tongling county during 2004 and 2013. Results Prevalence of schistosomiasis generally tended to decline since the program started in 2004. By the end of 2013, the area infected with Oncomelania hupensis was 2 476.17hm2, and environment with snail presence was 182, which was decreased by 23.05% and 24.48%, respectively, compared to those in 2004 throughout the county. Etiological tests revealed that the positive population was free in 2012 from a rate of 7.55% in 2004, and positive domestic animals were absent in 2011 from 8.5% infection in 2004. Infection control of schistosomiasis reached the criteria in 2007. No acute case of schistosomiasis occurred in 2010, and infectious snails were free in 2011. By 2012, control of the schistosomiasis transmission was overall up to the criteria across the county. Conclusion By comprehensive control of the infection sources, prevalence of schistosomiasis has effectively been brought down to the lowest level in history in Tongling County after 2004. However, there still exists a large scale of snail areas in marshland, indicating that the endemic situation is likely to rebound, which still needs close surveillance and risk assessment in following tasks.

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    Surveillance on the endemic situation of schistosomiasis from 2005 to 2014 in Huangchang village, Hubei Province
    Huang Wenhui1, Liao Xianchao2,Wu Guangcui3
    2015, 13 (3):  166-168.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.013
    Abstract ( 2164 )   PDF (378KB) ( 1155 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To analyze the data obtained from the national surveillance station of Shashi area for understanding the dynamic changes of schistosomiasis in order to supply scientific evidence for prevention and control of this disease. Methods  By the techniques and procedures defined in the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Program, we conducted the surveillance over the endemicity of schistosomiasis in Huangchang village in Shashi area, and statistically analyzed the monitoring data obtained from 2005 through 2014. Results   In 2005 and 2014, the positive rate for blood test and fecal smears in local villagers were decreased from 16.47% and 4.44% in 2005 to 6.51% and 3.72% in 2014, respectively. The infection rate with schistosome was decreased to 0.20% from 0.73%, with a decrease rate of 72.60%. No acute infection was reported in a ten-year period. Cattle infection was reduced to zero from 18.0% in 2005. The areas with Oncomelania hupensis were increased from 2.91hm2 to 3.72hm2(27.83% increase). Although the density of living snails tended to decline in this area, yet was rebounded in 2012, and the infected snails were free in the ten-year period. Conclusion  Schistosomiasis presents with low endemicity in Huangchang village in Shashi area, nevertheless, it appears difficult to consolidate the previous efforts.

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    Evaluation on the therapeutic efficacy and adverse effects of film-coated praziquantel tablet against Schistosoma japonicum infection in low-endemicity areas
    Lu Ping, You Lu, Hua Haiyong
    2015, 13 (3):  169-171.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.014
    Abstract ( 2674 )   PDF (391KB) ( 2115 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of film-coated praziquantel tablet in the treatment of patients infected with Schistosoma japonicum(S. japonicum) in areas with low endemicity. Methods  The dwellers aged 5 to 60 years from villages of low endemicity received stool examination for the S. japonicum infection using miracidium hatching test, and the positive cases were given etiological intervention with film-coated praziquantel tablet in dose of 60 or 40 mg/kg. Miracidium hatching test was performed after 6 weeks of medication to assess the therapeutic efficacy, and those that remained positive underwent the second treatment using the same protocol. All adverse events associated with praziquantel treatment were observed. Results  Of the 87 subjects, 43 had a history of once praziquantel treatment, and 44 a history of twice or over. Thirty-seven cases had moderate infection (EPG, 216-312), and 50 mild infection (EPG, 24-96). Re-examination with miracidium hatching test detected no S. japonicum miradium or egg following treatment with film-coated praziquantel tablet in dose of 60 mg/kg in 37 cases and 40 mg/kg in 50 cases. The incidence of adverse reactions was 17.24%. Conclusion  The therapeutic efficacy of film-coated praziquantel tablet remains sensitive to patients infected with S. japonicum in areas with low endemicity.

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    Clinical outcomes of percutaneous kyphoplasty for osteoporotic vertebral fractures
    Piao Meihui, Chen Yu, Xiang Liangbi, Liujun*
    2015, 13 (3):  172-174.  doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-2302.2015.03.015
    Abstract ( 1979 )   PDF (413KB) ( 1367 )  

    【Abstract】 Objective  To evaluate the clinical efficacies of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in treatment of osteoporotic vertebral fractures. Methods  Fifty patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures were randomly allocated to observational group and control group. The observational group received PKP treatment, and the controls were given conventional percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP). Then the two groups were compared concerning the changes of Visual Analogue Score(VAS), Oswestry Disability Index and imaging findings(including changes at the posterior angular kyphosis, injured vertebral body, middle and posterior height). Results  Both VAS scores and Oswestry scores were significantly lower in the two groups after treatment, yet the changes were more notable in observational group, with particular improvement on the posterior angular kyphosis, injured vertebral body, middle and posterior height(P<0.05). The control group remained no significant change compared to pre-treatment(P>0.05). Conclusion  PKP has better curative effect, yet higher medical cost than PVP, for which the surgical option should rely on the patient’s condition.

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