1.Geographical Inference Study of Dust Samples From Four Cities in China Based on ITS2 Sequencing
Wen-Jun ZHANG ; Yao-Sen FENG ; Jia-Jin PENG ; Kai FENG ; Ye DENG ; Ke-Lai KANG ; Le WANG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):970-981
ObjectiveIn the realm of forensic science, dust is a valuable type of trace evidence with immense potential for intricate investigations. With the development of DNA sequencing technologies, there is a heightened interest among researchers in unraveling the complex tapestry of microbial communities found within dust samples. Furthermore, striking disparities in the microbial community composition have been noted among dust samples from diverse geographical regions, heralding new possibilities for geographical inference based on microbial DNA analysis. The pivotal role of microbial community data from dust in geographical inference is significant, underscoring its critical importance within the field of forensic science. This study aims to delve deeply into the nuances of fungal community composition across the urban landscapes of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi in China. It evaluates the accuracy of biogeographic inference facilitated by the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) fungal sequencing while concurrently laying a robust foundation for the operational integration of environmental DNA into geographical inference mechanisms. MethodsITS2 region of the fungal genomes was amplified using universal primers known as 5.8S-Fun/ITS4-Fun, and the resulting DNA fragments were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq FGx platform. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was employed to visually represent the differences between samples, while analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) and permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) were utilized to statistically evaluate the dissimilarities in community composition across samples. Furthermore, using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) analysis to identify and filter out species that exhibit significant differences between various cities. In addition, we leveraged SourceTracker to predict the geographic origins of the dust samples. ResultsAmong the four cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming and Urumqi, Beijing has the highest species richness. The results of species annotation showed that there were significant differences in the species composition and relative abundance of fungal communities in the four cities. NMDS analysis revealed distinct clustering patterns of samples based on their biogeographic origins in multidimensional space. Samples from the same city exhibited clear clustering, while samples from different cities showed separation along the first axis. The results from ANOSIM and PERMANOVA confirmed the significant differences in fungal community composition between the four cities, with the most pronounced distinctions observed between Fuzhou and Urumqi. Notably, the biogeographic origins of all known dust samples were successfully predicted. ConclusionSignificant differences are observed in the fungal species composition and relative abundance among the cities of Beijing, Fuzhou, Kunming, and Urumqi. Employing fungal ITS2 sequencing on dust samples from these urban areas enables accurate inference of biogeographical locations. The high feasibility of utilizing fungal community data in dust for biogeographical inferences holds particular promise in the field of forensic science.
2.Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts
Ernest MAZIGO ; Hojong JUN ; Wang-Jong LEE ; Johnsy Mary LOUIS ; Fadhila FITRIANA ; Jadidan Hada SYAHADA ; Fauzi MUH ; Feng LU ; Md Atique AHMED ; Seok Ho CHA ; Wanjoo CHUN ; Won Sun PARK ; Se Jin LEE ; Sunghun NA ; Joon-Hee HAN ; Nyalali KIJA ; Smart GEODFREY ; Eun-Teak HAN ; Jim TODD ; Alphaxard MANJURANO ; Winifrida KIDIMA ; Jin-Hee HAN
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2025;63(1):57-65
As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.
3.Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts
Ernest MAZIGO ; Hojong JUN ; Wang-Jong LEE ; Johnsy Mary LOUIS ; Fadhila FITRIANA ; Jadidan Hada SYAHADA ; Fauzi MUH ; Feng LU ; Md Atique AHMED ; Seok Ho CHA ; Wanjoo CHUN ; Won Sun PARK ; Se Jin LEE ; Sunghun NA ; Joon-Hee HAN ; Nyalali KIJA ; Smart GEODFREY ; Eun-Teak HAN ; Jim TODD ; Alphaxard MANJURANO ; Winifrida KIDIMA ; Jin-Hee HAN
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2025;63(1):57-65
As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.
4.Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts
Ernest MAZIGO ; Hojong JUN ; Wang-Jong LEE ; Johnsy Mary LOUIS ; Fadhila FITRIANA ; Jadidan Hada SYAHADA ; Fauzi MUH ; Feng LU ; Md Atique AHMED ; Seok Ho CHA ; Wanjoo CHUN ; Won Sun PARK ; Se Jin LEE ; Sunghun NA ; Joon-Hee HAN ; Nyalali KIJA ; Smart GEODFREY ; Eun-Teak HAN ; Jim TODD ; Alphaxard MANJURANO ; Winifrida KIDIMA ; Jin-Hee HAN
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2025;63(1):57-65
As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.
5.Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts
Ernest MAZIGO ; Hojong JUN ; Wang-Jong LEE ; Johnsy Mary LOUIS ; Fadhila FITRIANA ; Jadidan Hada SYAHADA ; Fauzi MUH ; Feng LU ; Md Atique AHMED ; Seok Ho CHA ; Wanjoo CHUN ; Won Sun PARK ; Se Jin LEE ; Sunghun NA ; Joon-Hee HAN ; Nyalali KIJA ; Smart GEODFREY ; Eun-Teak HAN ; Jim TODD ; Alphaxard MANJURANO ; Winifrida KIDIMA ; Jin-Hee HAN
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2025;63(1):57-65
As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.
6.Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts
Ernest MAZIGO ; Hojong JUN ; Wang-Jong LEE ; Johnsy Mary LOUIS ; Fadhila FITRIANA ; Jadidan Hada SYAHADA ; Fauzi MUH ; Feng LU ; Md Atique AHMED ; Seok Ho CHA ; Wanjoo CHUN ; Won Sun PARK ; Se Jin LEE ; Sunghun NA ; Joon-Hee HAN ; Nyalali KIJA ; Smart GEODFREY ; Eun-Teak HAN ; Jim TODD ; Alphaxard MANJURANO ; Winifrida KIDIMA ; Jin-Hee HAN
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases 2025;63(1):57-65
As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.
7.Analysis of the efficacy of lumbar cistern drainage in the treatment of paraplegia after endovascular repair of acute aortic dissection
Yidong HUANG ; Zhiwen ZHANG ; Wenrui LI ; Lei JIN ; Hai FENG ; Jun ZHANG
International Journal of Surgery 2024;51(7):466-470
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of lumbar cisterna drainage(LCD) in treating paraplegia after thoracic endovascular aortic repair(TEVAR) for acute aortic dissection.Methods:A retrospective descriptive study was used to analyze 4 patients with aortic dissection who developed paraplegia after transthoracic aortic stent graft repair (TEVAR) admitted to Beijing Friendship Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from May 2015 to May 2022. There were 3 males and 1 females, aged between 38 and 65 years old. All patients with paraplegia after TEVAR were treated with LCD. Follow-up was carried out by outpatient and telephone for 12 months. The imaging indicators and clinical efficacy were observed.Results:Two patients were fully recovered before discharge, one patient was completely recovered by about 3 months after surgery, and one patient still had reduced sensation and grade 4 muscle strength at 12 months of follow-up. The CT angiography of all 4 patients did not show any evidence of endoleak, and there was no enlargement of the distal dissecting aneurysm.Conclusion:Lumbar cisterna drainage can alleviate or cure paraplegia caused by spinal cord ischemia after TEVAR for acute aortic dissection.
8.Progress on mechanism of action and neuroprotective effects of notoginsenoside R1
Han-Long WANG ; Yang SUN ; Sha-Sha LIU ; Jun-Peng LONG ; Qian YAN ; Yu-Ting LIN ; Jin-Ping LIANG ; Shi-Feng CHU ; Yan-Tao YANG ; Qi-Di AI ; Nai-Hong CHEN
Chinese Pharmacological Bulletin 2024;40(11):2020-2025
Panax notoginseng is the dried root and rhizome of Panax notoginseng(Burk.)F.H.Chen,a perennial erect herb of the genus Ginseng of the family Wujiaceae.As a traditional Chinese medicine in our country,Panax notoginseng has a good tonic effect,and the Dictionary of Traditional Chinese Medicines has the words that Panax notoginseng is used to tonify the blood,remove the blood stasis and damage,and stop epistaxis.It can also be used to pass the blood and tonify the blood with the best efficacy,and it is the most precious one of the prescription med-icines.Eaten raw,it removes blood stasis and generates new blood,subdues swelling and stabilizes pain,stops bleeding with-out leaving stasis,and promotes blood circulation without hurting the new blood;taken cooked,it can be used to replenish and strengthen the body.Notoginsenoside R1 is a characteristic com-pound in the total saponin of Panax ginseng.In recent years,China's aging has been increasing,and the incidence of neuro-logical disorders has been increasing year by year.Meanwhile,reports on notoginsenoside R1 in the treatment of neurological disorders are increasing,and its neuroprotective effects have been exerted with precise efficacy.The purpose of this paper is to review the treatment of neurological diseases and the mecha-nism of action of notoginsenoside R1,so as to provide a certain theoretical basis for clinical use and new drug development.
9.Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis of Patients with Acute Leukemia Complicated with Mucormycosis after Chemotherapy
Ping-Ping ZHANG ; Meng WANG ; Yan JIN ; Jun-Feng ZHU ; Fang-Bing ZHU ; Li-Li HAN ; Yan-Li YANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Jia-Jia LI
Journal of Experimental Hematology 2024;32(3):685-692
Objective:To analyze the characteristics and prognosis of patients with mucormycosis after chemotherapy for acute leukemia,and to strengthen understanding of the disease.Methods:7 cases of acute leukemia(AL)patients diagnosed with mucormycosis by metagenomic next generation sequencing(mNGS)after chemotherapy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from October 2021 to June 2022 were collected,and their clinical data,including clinical characteristics,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis,were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Among the 7 patients with AL complicated with mucormycosis,there were 3 males and 4 females,with a median age of 52(20-59)years.There were 6 cases of acute myeloid leukemia(AML)and 1 case of acute lymphocytic leukemia(ALL).Extrapulmonary involvement in 4 cases,including 1 case suspected of central nervous system involvement.The median time for the occurrence of mucor infection was 16(6-69)days after chemotherapy and 19(14-154)days after agranulocytosis.The main clinical manifestations of mucormycosis were fever(7/7),cough(3/7),chest pain(3/7)and dyspnea(1/7).The most common chest CT imaging findings were nodules,patchy or mass consolidation(6/7).All patients were treated with posaconazole or voriconazole prophylaxis during neutropenia phase.5 patients died within 8 months,and the median time from diagnosis to death was 1 month.Conclusion:Although prophylactic antifungal therapy is adopted,patients with acute leukemia still have a risk of mucor infection during the neutropenia phase.Fever is the main manifestation in the early stage of mucor infection.The use of intravenous antifungal drugs alone is ineffective and there is a high mortality rate in acute leukemia patients with mucormycosis.
10.Study on the strategy of the U.S.bilateral anti-malaria development assistance for health to Africa and implications
Jun-Yi SHI ; Yi-Kai FENG ; Yin-Zi JIN ; Ming-Hui REN
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(4):58-64
Objective:To analyze the characteristics of the U.S.bilateral anti-malaria development assistance for health(DAH)to Africa,and to provide suggestions for the future strategy of China's anti-malaria DAH.Methods:Policy analysis and descriptive statistical analysis were used to summarize the characteristics of the U.S.President's Malaria Initiative(PMI)in terms of funding input,program design,and monitoring and evaluation.Results:PMI had provided $8.62 billion to 24 African countries up to fiscal year 2022.Its assistance followed the framework of"prevention-case management-surveillance-behavioral interventions-health system capacity building",with more than 80%of total funding flowing to prevention and case management.In recent years,there has been increased support for surveillance and health system capacity building.The monitoring and evaluation included performance management and implement research.Conclusions and Suggestions:Characteristics of the U.S.bilateral anti-malaria DAH to Africa include:strong political commitment and high investment;program design that is consistent with international guidelines and integrated with its own advantages,and an emphasis on results-oriented evaluation and feedback learning.In the future,China should increase resource input to implement the political commitments,develop strategies for anti-malaria DAH based on national guidelines and domestic experience,and conduct project surveillance and evaluation.

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