BACKGROUND: In vitro levels of complement C3 and C4 proteins are sensitive to storage conditions. To avoid in vitro complement activation when testing is delayed, serum should be frozen at -20degrees C within 2 hr of venipuncture. However, this is impractical in routine laboratory work. Therefore, we investigated alterations in C3 and C4 levels in refrigerated specimens over time and derived formulae to estimate initial levels of complement concentrations in delayed testing. METHODS: Ten fresh specimens were measured for C3 and C4 concentrations and were refrigerated at 4degrees C. We measured C3 and C4 levels in refrigerated samples daily for 4 days using an automated nephelometer (Beckman Coulter Inc., USA). RESULTS: C3 and C4 levels were significantly increased over time in refrigerated specimens (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). The increments in C3 and C4 levels were described by the equations: C3 (mg/dL)=3.55x+87.18 (r=0.9909), and C4 (mg/dL)=0.72x+22.3 (r=0.9395), where x=the number of days samples were refrigerated before testing. Increases in C3 and C4 concentrations were described on a percentage basis by the equations: DeltaC3 (%)=4.14x+1.07 (r=0.9903), and DeltaC4 (%)=3.57x+2.48 (r=0.9405). CONCLUSIONS: As the measured C3 and C4 concentrations increased by 3.55 mg/dL (4.1%) and 0.72 mg/dL (3.6%) per day in refrigerated specimens, the levels of C3 and C4 should be adjusted in delayed testing. We proposed that the formulae presented be used to back-calculate initial levels of C3 and C4 concentrations.
Complement Activation ; Complement C3* ; Complement C4 ; Complement System Proteins ; Phlebotomy

Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms/pathology* ; Gastric Mucosa/pathology* ; Adenocarcinoma/pathology*

Objective: To investigate the drinking status and associated factors in adults in China. Methods: Based on the 2010-2012 China National Nutrition and Health Survey (CNNHS), a total of 135 824 participants aged ≥18 were included in this cross-sectional analysis. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to investigate the associated factors for drinking status. Results: The overall drinking rate was 30.5% in Chinese adults, 53.8% in men, and 12.2% in women. The excessive drinking rate was 14.0% in men and 1.1% in women. The daily drinking rate was 25.7% in men and 10.9% in women. Men mainly consumed multi-type wines, but women preferred beer. The overall harmful drinking rate was 7.1%. The excessive drinking rate, daily drinking rate, and harmful drinking rate increased first but then declined with age. All the four rates were positively related with physical activity. Conclusions: The drinking rate, excessive drinking rate, daily drinking rate and harmful drinking rate were high in adults in China. Drinking status was associated with age, sex, marital status, education level, smoking status and physical activity.
Adult ; Alcohol Drinking/epidemiology* ; Alcoholism/epidemiology* ; Asian People/statistics & numerical data* ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Smoking/epidemiology*

Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Soft Tissue Neoplasms

Objective: To understand the prevalence of major human parasitic diseases and related factors in Henan province. Methods: This stratified sampling survey was carried out according to the requirement of national survey protocol of major human parasitic diseases, 2014-2015. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection, taeniasis and intestinal protozoiasis were surveyed in 104 sites selected from 35 counties (districts) and the prevalence of clonorchiasis was surveyed in 62 sites selected from 37 townships. In each survey spot, 250 persons were surveyed. A total of 26 866 persons and 15 893 persons were surveyed. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear was used to detect the eggs of intestinal helminthes. Tube fecal culture was used to identify the species of hookworm. The Enterobius eggs were detected in children aged 3 to 6 years by using adhesive tape. The cyst and trophozoite of intestinal protozoa were examined with physiological saline direct smear method and iodine stain method. Results: The overall infestation rate of intestinal parasites was2.02% in Henan, and the worm infection rate was higher than protozoa infection rate. Fourteen kinds of intestinal parasites were found, including nematode (5 species), trematode (2 species), and protozoan (7 species). The infection rate of Enterobius vermicularis was highest, and Qinba Mountain ecological area had the highest infestation rate of intestinal parasites in 4 ecological areas of Henan. There was no significant difference in intestinal parasite infection rate between males and females (χ(2)=3.630, P=0.057), and the differences in intestinal parasite infection rate among different age groups had significance (χ(2)=124.783, P=0.000 1). The infection rate reached the peak in age group ≤9 years and the major parasite was Enterobius vermicularis. Furthermore the overall human infection rate of parasite showed a downward trend with the increase of educational level of the people (χ(2)=70.969, P=0.000 1), the differences had significance (χ(2)=120.118, P=0.000 1). For different populations, the infection rate of intestinal parasites was highest among preschool children. The infection of intestinal helminth was mainly mild, only 2 severe cases were detected. The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis in urban residents was only 0.006%. Logistic regression analysis showed that being preschool children (χ(2)=15.765, P=0.000 1) and drinking well water (χ(2)=45.589, P=0.000 1) were the risk factors for intestinal parasite infection, and annual income per capita of farmers was the protective factor against intestinal parasite infection. The infection rates of protozoa and intestinal parasites decreased sharply compared with the results of previous two surveys, and the rate of intestinal helminth infection also dropped sharply compared with the second survey. The numbers of protozoa, helminth and intestinal parasites detected in this survey were all less than the numbers found in the previous two surveys. Conclusions: Compared the results of three surveys in Henan, the infection rate of protozoa and intestinal parasites showed a downward trend. The prevention and treatment of Enterobius vermicularis infection in children should be the key point of parasitic disease control in the future.
Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Clonorchiasis/epidemiology* ; Farmers ; Feces/parasitology* ; Female ; Helminthiasis/epidemiology* ; Helminths ; Humans ; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology* ; Male ; Prevalence ; Protective Factors ; Risk Factors ; Rural Population ; Soil Microbiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Taeniasis/epidemiology* ; Trematode Infections/parasitology* ; Urban Population ; Water Wells

Objective: To understand the prevalence of biomass fuel exposure in women aged ≥40 years in China during 2014-2015, and provide evidence for the prevention and control of bio-fuel exposure. Methods: All participants were selected from a national representative cross-sectional survey during 2014-2015 in the mainland of China. A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling strategy was used. A total of 37 795 women aged ≥40 years received a face-to-face questionnaire survey at 125 surveillance points in 31 provinces. The level of biomass fuel exposure was analyzed after complex sample weighting to represent the overall Chinese women aged ≥40 years. Results: A total of 37 777 women were included in the analysis. With complex weighting, the rate of biomass fuel exposure in Chinese women aged ≥40 years was 35.8% (95%CI: 29.6%-42.1%), the exposure rate was higher in rural women than in urban women (P<0.001). The biomass fuel exposure rate was highest in northeastern and lowest in northern areas of China (χ(2)=17.03, P=0.009). The estimated biomass fuel exposure rate decreased with the increase of educational level (P<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of biomass fuel exposure is high in women aged ≥40 years in China, especially in those in rural areas. The exposure level differs with age and area. Appropriate measures should be taken to reduce the level of biomass fuel exposure in Chinese women.
Adult ; Aged ; Air Pollutants/toxicity* ; Air Pollution, Indoor/statistics & numerical data* ; Asian People ; Biomass ; China/epidemiology* ; Cooking/methods* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Fossil Fuels/toxicity* ; Humans ; Inhalation Exposure/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Rural Population ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of esophageal carcinoma with gland duct differentiation. Methods: The clinical, morphologic and immunohistochemical (IHC) features of eight cases of esophageal carcinoma with gland duct differentiation diagnosed from 2012 to 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were summarized. Results: There were four males and four females, with a mean age of 68.5 (range 59-82) years. Two tumors were located in middle esophagus, five in the lower esophagus, and one in the cardia. The mean diameter was 2.4 cm (range 0.6-4.5 cm). The tumor had a bilayer epithelial structure, including the inner luminal epithelium and the outer basal epithelium. Immunohistochemistry showed that CK7 (8/8) and CK18 (8/8) were positive in the inner epithelium. p40 (8/8), p63 (8/8) and CK5/6 (8/8) were positive in the outer epithelium. SMA, calponin and CD117 were all negative. p53 mutants were found in all eight cases (strong and diffuse positivity in 6/8; complete loss of expression in 2/8). No columnar metaplasia, intestinal metaplasia and ectopic gastric mucosa were observed in the surface squamous epithelium in the cases. The mean follow-up time was 21.5 months (range 5-51 months). Seven patients survived and one patient died 31 months after surgery due to recurrence and liver metastasis. Conclusion: Esophageal carcinoma with esophageal gland duct differentiation is a rare tumor with unique histologic and IHC characteristics.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Esophageal Neoplasms/pathology* ; Epithelium/pathology* ; Metaplasia/metabolism* ; Carcinoma/pathology*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the infection and genotypes of Wolbachia in common mosquito species in Henan Province, so as to provide insights into management of mosquito-borne diseases. METHODS: Aedes, Culex and Anopheles samples were collected from cowsheds, sheepfolds and human houses in Puyang, Nanyang City and Xuchang cities of Henan Province from July to September, 2022, and the infection of Wolbachia was detected. The 16S rDNA and wsp genes of Wolbachia were amplified and sequenced. Sequence alignment was performed using the BLAST software, and the obtained 16S rDNA gene sequence was compared with the sequence of the 16S rDNA gene in GenBank database. In addition, the phylogenetic trees were created based on 16S rDNA and wsp gene sequences using the software MEGA 11.0. RESULTS: A total 506 female adult mosquitoes were collected from three sampling sites in Nanyang, Xuchang City and Puyang cities from July to September, 2022. The overall detection of Wolbachia was 45.1% (228/506) in mosquitoes, with a higher detection rate in A. albopictus than in Cx. pipiens pallens [97.9% (143/146) vs. 50.6% (85/168); χ² = 88.064, P < 0.01]. The detection of Wolbachia in Cx. pipiens pallens was higher in Xuchang City (96.8%, 62/64) than in Nanyang (15.6%, 7/45) and Puyang cities (27.1%, 16/59) (χ² = 89.950, P < 0.01). The homologies of obtained Wolbachia 16S rDNA and wsp gene sequences were 95.3% to 100.0% and 81.7% to 99.8%. Phylogenetic analysis based on wsp gene sequences showed Wolbachia supergroups A and B in mosquito samples, with wAlbA and wMors strains in supergroup A and wPip and wAlbB strains in supergroup B. Wolbachia strain wAlbB infection was detected in A. albopictus in Puyang and Nanyang Cities, while Wolbachia strain wPip infection was identified in A. albopictus in Xuchang City. Wolbachia strain wAlbA infection was detected in Cx. pipiens pallens sampled from three cities, and one Cx. pipiens pallens was found to be infected with Wolbachia strain wMors in Nanyang City. CONCLUSIONS Wolbachia infection is commonly prevalent in Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens pallens from Henan Province, and Wolbachia strains wAlbB and wAlbA are predominant in Ae. albopictus, while wPip strain is predominant in Cx. pipiens pallens. This is the first report to present Wolbachia wMors strain infection in Cx. pipiens pallens in Henan Province.
Animals ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Wolbachia/genetics* ; Culex/genetics* ; Aedes/genetics* ; DNA, Ribosomal

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of measles outbreak caused by genotype D8 virus in Pinghu city of Zhejiang province, and provide evidence for the control of the outbreak. Methods: The measles outbreak data were collected through National Measles Surveillance System. The outpatient records and admission records were checked, field investigation and outbreak response were conducted. Blood samples in acute phase and swab specimens were collected from the patients for laboratory testing, including serology test, RNA extraction and amplification, measles virus isolation and genotype identification. Software SPSS 17.0 and Excel 2016 were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 10 confirmed measles cases were reported in Pinghu city, and 8 cases were aged >40 years. Six blood samples were collected, in which 5 were measles D8 virus positive and 1 was negative in measles virus detection. There were epidemiological links among 10 cases which occurred in a factory, a hospital and a family at the same time. There was no statistical difference in symptoms among cases caused by D8 virus and H1a virus. After the emergent measles vaccination, the measles outbreak was effectively controlled. Conclusion: Untimely response due to the uneasy detection of measles cases in the early stage, nosocomial infection and weak barrier of measles immunity in adults might be the main reasons for this outbreak. Measles vaccination is effective in the prevention of measles D8 virus infection. It is necessary to strengthen measles genotype monitoring for the tracing of infection source and control of outbreaks.
Adult ; Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Analysis ; Child ; Cross Infection ; Disease Outbreaks ; Genotype ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Measles/virology* ; Measles virus/isolation & purification* ; Outpatients ; Population Surveillance ; RNA, Viral/genetics* ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Objective To investigate epidemic characteristics of a family aggregation COVID-19, and to provide scientific basis for prevention and control of family aggregation epidemic. Methods] Field epidemiological methods were used to investigate the cases and close contacts of a family aggregation COVID-19 in Y County, Chenzhou City, Hunan Province. Descriptive statistical analysis was used on epidemiological data . The 2019-nCoV nucleic acid was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR. Results It was found that Ms. Deng was infected with COVID-19 and became the infectious source of the family aggregation epidemic , who had lived in Wuhan Hubei Province. Her boyfriend Mr. Cao became a second-generation case of COVID-19..Another two asymptomatic but infected persons were family members living with Ms.Deng . Conclusion COVID-19 easily spreads within families. The awareness of family members' protection, the education of new coronavirus pneumonia prevention and control in key groups should be strengthened to avoid the occurrence and spread of family aggregation epidemic.