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Abstract Background Asian schistosomiasis is projected to be eliminated by 2030 according to World Health Organization road map for neglected tropical diseases 2021–2030. Snail control is an important measure but has not yet been systematically evaluated at a country scale. Here, we report the findings from a nationwide survey to demonstrate the dynamics of Oncomelania and its potential role in transmission interruption of schistisomiasis in the People’s Republic of China (P.R. China). Methods Between March 2016 and December 2017, we conducted a nationwide census on Oncomelania snail habitats in P.R. China. All historically recorded snail habitats were identified and reviewed. Information on habitat attributes, including the infestation of snails, was collected. The shape of habitats was determined using global positioning system and geographical information system technologies. The relationship between snail control and schistosomiasis elimination was established in 378 endemic counties. The comparison of accumulated snail-infested range (ASR) and the median ratio of eliminated ASR between the transmission-interrupted and endemic counties was tested by a non-parametric test (Mann–Whitney) with a significance level of 0.05. Results Overall, 15,377.7 million m2 of potential snail habitats with a total of 356,550 snail habitats were identified in P.R. China. The ASR amounted to 86.0% of the total area. Most of the ASR (94.9%) and habitats (68.5%) were distributed in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Snail habitats were found up to an altitude of 2859 m above the mean sea level. By 2017, 85.1% of habitats (73.0% of the ASR) had been eliminated with almost half of them eliminated between 1965 and 1982. The elimination of snail habitats promoted transmission interruption of schistosomiasis, but showed variable patterns in different landscapes. The ratio of eliminated ASR was 99.6 and 91.4% in water network and hilly areas, respectively, while it was only 64.8% in marshland areas, particularly in Hunan and Jiangxi where the two largest freshwater lakes of P.R. China are located. Marshland habitats were seen as the most difficult for transmission interruption, which calls for additional control measures in these settings. Conclusions Our results support recent recommendations by the World Health Organization to implement snail control and demonstrate that schistosomiasis elimination can be achieved. The nationwide, high-resolution map of Oncomelania snail habitats in P.R. China will support further efforts to eliminate schistosomiasis. Graphical Abstract

AIM: To investigate the underlying factors by establishing a new paradigm for assessing control ability under stereopsis testing conditions. METHODS: This was a prospective observational study. We evaluated the control ability of intermittent exotropia (IXT) patients in three conditions: natural 2D optotype viewing, 2D optotype viewing with polarized glasses, and 3D optotype viewing with polarized glasses. Recording with a smartphone, we captured videos to analyze the accurate time of spontaneous exodeviation and subsequent realignment before and after breaking fusion. Additionally, the correlation of stereopsis were also analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients (age range: 4-33y; 54.17% male) participated in the study. When viewing 3D optotypes with polarized glasses, their median control scores were 1 (interquartile range, 0-4) at distance and 0 (0-1) at near. These scores were significantly better than those observed under natural viewing conditions, which were 2.5 (1-5) at a distance and 1 (0-3) at near (Friedman test, P=0.049). Furthermore, those subjects who exhibited exophoria (realignment within 2 seconds) while viewing 3D optotypes with polarized glasses were more likely to have measurable stereo vision (Kendall's τb=-0.344, P=0.018). CONCLUSION: IXT patients exhibit enhanced control ability when using polarized glasses to view 3D optotypes, notably improving realignment capabilities. This expands our understanding of current tests and offers a potentially sensitive method for assessing IXT severity.

Abstract In the context of global aging trends, service innovation targeting older adults is becoming increasingly crucial. Because the traditional focus areas of service innovation have predominantly been design and implementation, a significant gap in the existing literature overlooks the criticality of the testing phase. This oversight is particularly notable in relation to the unique attributes of the older adult population and their interaction dynamics with technology teams in service innovation. To bridge this lacuna, this study introduces a comprehensive framework, meticulously crafted for the testing stage of service innovation tailored to older adults. To validate this framework, a rigorous, four-year empirical research project was undertaken with one of the foremost service providers for older adults in Beijing. The findings robustly support the efficacy of the proposed framework, revealing the indispensable role of the testing phase in ensuring service innovations are aptly aligned with the needs and preferences of the aging demographic. This research enriches the discourse in service innovation, thus underscoring the imperative to integrate the testing phase as a fundamental component in the holistic approach aimed at catering effectively to an aging population.

Abstract Background Oncomelania hupensis is the exclusive intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum in China. Snail control is an essential component of schistosomiasis elimination programme. With 70 years of continuous efforts, the range of O. hupensis had reduced significantly, but slowed down in last decades. A large number of levees against flooding were constructed along Yangtze River and its affiliated lakes in the middle and lower reaches, which influenced the hydrology and ecology in the alluvial plains. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of levees on the distribution of O. hupensis in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Methods The snail habitats were digitalised by hand-held GPS system. The years for discovery and elimination of snail habitats were extracted from historical records. The accumulated snail-infested range for each habitat was calculated on the basis of annual reports. The current distribution of O. hupensis was determined by systematic and environmental sampling. The geographical distribution of levees was obtained from satellite imagery. To assess the impact of levees, the data pertaining to O. hupensis were divided into two parts: inside and outside the Yangtze River. Joinpoint regression was utilised to divide the study time span and further characterise the regression in each period. The 5-year-period moving averages of eliminated area infested by snails were calculated for the habitats inside and outside Yangtze River. The moving routes of corresponding geographical median centres were simulated in ArcGIS. Hotspot analysis was used to determine the areas with statistical significance clustering of O. hupensis density. Results Three periods were identified according to Joinpoint regression both inside and outside Yangtze River. The area infested by O. hupensis increased in the first two periods. It decreased rapidly outside Yangtze River year over year after 1970, while that inside the Yangtze River did not change significantly. Furthermore, the latter was significantly higher than the former. It was observed that the present density of O. hupensis inside Yangtze River was lower than outside the Yangtze River. The median centre for eliminated ranges inside Yangtze River wavered between the east (lower reach) and the west (middle reach). In contrast, the median centre for eliminated ranges continuously moved from the east to the west. Conclusions Our findings indicated that the levees had a considerable negative impact on the distribution of O. hupensis outside Yangtze River. Some hotspots observed in the irrigation areas need a sluice system at the inlet of branch for snail control. The major distribution of O. hupensis located in Hubei might be caused by severe waterlogging. The intensive surveillance should be implemented there. The biggest two freshwater lakes, the major endemic regions historically, were identified as cold spots. The long-term impact of Three Gorges Dam on the distribution of O. hupensis in the lakes should be monitored and evaluated. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Acupuncture is a method for treating tic disorder. However, there is a lack of sufficient clinical objective basis in regards of its treatment efficacy. Indeed, there are structural abnormalities present in energy metabolism and infrared thermography in children with tic disorder. Therefore, this study proposes a clinical trial scheme to explore the possible mechanism of acupuncture in treating tic disorder. Methods This randomized controlled trial will recruit a total of 90 children, in which they will be divided into non-intervention group and intervention group. The non-intervention group consists of 30 healthy children while the intervention group consists of 60 children with tic disorder. The intervention group will be randomly allocated into either the treatment group or the control group, with 30 children randomly assigned in each group. Children either received acupuncture treatment and behavioral therapy (treatment group) or sham acupuncture treatment and behavioral therapy (control group), 3 treatment sessions per week for a period of 12 weeks, with a total of 36 treatment sessions. Outcome measures include YGTSS, urinary and fecal metabolomics, infrared thermography of body surface including governor vessel. For the intervention group, these outcome measures will be collected at the baseline and 90th day prior to intervention. Whereas for the non-intervention group, outcome measures (excluding YGTSS) will be collected at the baseline. Discussion The main outcome will be to observe the changes of the severity of tic condition, the secondary outcome will be to observe the changes of structural characteristic of infrared thermography of body surface/acupoints along the governor vessel and to evaluate the changes of urinary and fecal metabolomics at the end of the treatment, so as to analyze the relationship between them and to provide further knowledge in understanding the possible mechanism of acupuncture in improving the clinical symptoms via regulating and restoring the body metabolomics network, which in future it can develop as a set of clinical guideline (diagnosis, treatment, assessment, prognosis) in treating tic disorder. ChiCTR2300075188(Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, http://www.chictr.org.cn , registered on 29 August 2023).

AIM: To identify the association of the vitreoretinal surgeons' experience with the time interval between pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) and cataract extraction (CE). METHODS: Eyes with prior PPV and following CE were included in this retrospective cohort study. The years of practice and the annual case volume were used to describe the surgeons' experience. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between surgeons' experience and the time interval adjusted for the patients age, gender, intraocular tamponade, and case complexity. RESULTS: Of 132 430 eyes, 1445 eyes were included in this study. In multivariable linear regression analysis, cases performed by surgeons with >20 practice years had longer time intervals compared with surgeons with

AIM: To evaluate the accuracy of eight different intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas for a segmented multifocal IOL. METHODS: A total of 53 eyes of 41 adult cataract patients who underwent phacoemulsification and implantation with the SBL-3 segmented multifocal IOL between January 1, 2017 and January 31, 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Preoperative biometry measurements were obtained using an IOL Master. Manifest refraction was performed at least 4wk postoperatively. Accuracy of the eight formulas [Barrett Universal II, Emmetropia Verifying Optical (EVO), Haigis, Hill-RBF 2.0, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Kane, and SRK/T] was analyzed. RESULTS: Using current lens constants, all formulas exhibited errors of slight myopic shift in refractive prediction. The Barrett Universal II formula had a significantly lower median absolute error (MedAE) than did Holladay 1 (P=0.02), Kane (P=0.001) and Hill-RBF 2.0 (P

Abstract Background A steady progress on schistosomiasis control in the Peoples’ Republic of China (P.R. China) was achieved and broadened into the twelve-year medium and long term national plan (MLNP) which marled the implementation of an integrated control strategy across all endemic areas in P.R. China in 2004. To understand the endemic trends of schistosomiasis to assess the effectiveness of an integrated strategy, we conducted an analysis of schistosomiasis surveillance data spanned from 2005 to 2015. Methods The schistosomiasis sentinel surveillance data from sentinel sites were collected and analyzed from 2005 to 2015. In these sentinel sites, residents aged 6 years or above were screened annually by indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA), while only antibody positives were followed by stool examination either Kato-katz method (KK) and/or hatching technique (HT). Domestic animals raised in sentinel sites were examined by HT for confirming the infection of schistosomes. Snail investigation was conducted each year through systematic sampling method combined with environmental sampling method. The snails collected from field were tested by microscopic dissection method. The infection rates of schistosomes in residents, domestic animals and snails, as well as the indicators reflecting the snails’ distribution were calculated and analyzed. ANOVA analysis was used to examine the changes of the number of eggs per gram feces in population and Chi-square test was used to examine any change in proportions among groups. Results A total of 148 902 residents from sentinel sites attended this study and 631 676 blood samples were examined by IHA test during the 11 covered years. The annual average antibody positive rates presented a significant decrease trends, from 17.48% (95% CI: 17.20–17.75%) in 2005 to 5.93% (95% CI: 5.71–6.15%) (χ 2 = 8890.47, P

Abstract Background Control of snail intermediate hosts has been proved to be a fast and efficient approach for interrupting the transmission of schistosomiasis. Some plant extracts have shown obvious molluscicidal activity, and a new compound Luo-Wei, also named tea-seed distilled saponin (TDS), was developed based on the saponins extracted from Camellia oleifera seeds. We aimed to test the molluscicidal activity of 4% TDS against the intermediate host snails in China and Egypt, and evaluate its environmental safety to non-target organisms. Methods In the laboratory, Oncomelania hupensis, Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus truncatus were exposed to 4% TDS, and the median lethal concentration (LC50) was estimated at 24, 48 and 72 h. In the field, snail mortalities were assessed 1, 2, 3 and 7 d post-immersion with 2.5 g/m3 4% TDS and 1, 3, 7 and 15 d post-spraying with 5 g/m2 4% TDS. In addition, the acute toxicity of 4% TDS to Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica), zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) and freshwater shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponense) was assessed by estimations of LC50 or median lethal dose (LD50). Results In the laboratory, the LC50 values of 4% TDS for O. hupensis were 0.701, 0.371 and 0.33 mg/L at 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively, and 4% TDS showed a 1.975 mg/L 24 h LC50 against B. alexandrina, and a 1.396 mg/L 24 h LC50 against B. truncatus. Across all study regions, the pooled mortalities of O. hupensis were 72, 86, 94 and 98% at 1, 2, 3 and 7 d, following field immersion of 4% TDS at a dose of 2.5 g/m3, and were 69, 77, 85 and 88% at 1, 3, 7 and 15 d, following field spraying at 5 g/m2, respectively. 4% TDS had moderate toxicity to Japanese quail (7 d LD50 > 60 mg/kg) and to shrimp (96 h LC50 = 6.28 mg/L; 95% CI: 3.53–11.2 mg/L), whereas its toxicity to zebrafish was high (96 h LC50 = 0.15 mg/L; 95% CI: 0.14–0.17 mg/L). Conclusions 4% TDS is active against O. hupensis, B. alexandrina and B. truncatus under laboratory and field conditions, and it may be a candidate molluscicide of plant origin.

Uveitis is a group of inflammatory diseases causing serious impairment of visual function. The precise etiology and pathogenesis remain unclear. It can be induced by infection, trauma, tumor or autoimmune response, of which autoimmune response is the most common. In recent years, the cytokines in the process of inflammatory autoimmune diseases role has become one of research hot spots, its role in the pathogenesis and the relationship between the disease activity more and more attention. This article reviews the effects of interleukin, tumor necrosis factor, interferon and transforming growth factor-β in the pathogenesis of uveitis.

Schistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in China. The major endemic areas are located in the lake and marshland regions of southern China, particularly in areas along the middle and low reach of the Yangtze River. Spatial analytical techniques are often used in epidemiology to identify spatial clusters in disease regions. This study assesses the spatial distribution of schistosomiasis and explores high-risk regions in Hubei Province, China to provide guidance on schistosomiasis control in marshland regions.In this study, spatial autocorrelation methodologies, including global Moran's I and local Getis-Ord statistics, were utilized to describe and map spatial clusters and areas where human Schistosoma japonicum infection is prevalent at the county level in Hubei province. In addition, linear logistic regression model was used to determine the characteristics of spatial autocorrelation with time.The infection rates of S. japonicum decreased from 2009 to 2013. The global autocorrelation analysis results on the infection rate of S. japonicum for five years showed statistical significance (Moran's I > 0, P < 0.01), which suggested that spatial clusters were present in the distribution of S. japonicum infection from 2009 to 2013. Local autocorrelation analysis results showed that the number of highly aggregated areas ranged from eight to eleven within the five-year analysis period. The highly aggregated areas were mainly distributed in eight counties.The spatial distribution of human S. japonicum infections did not exhibit a temporal change at the county level in Hubei Province. The risk factors that influence human S. japonicum transmission may not have changed after achieving the national criterion of infection control. The findings indicated that spatial-temporal surveillance of S. japonicum transmission plays a significant role on schistosomiasis control. Timely and integrated prevention should be continued, especially in the Yangtze River Basin of Jianghan Plain area.

BackgroundSchistosomiasis remains a major public health problem in China. The major endemic foci are the lake and marshland regions of southern China, particularly the regions along the middle and lower reach of the Yangtze River in four provinces (Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Anhui). The purpose of our study is to assess the effect of a new integrated strategy emphasizing infection source control to curb schistosomiasis in marshland regions.MethodsIn a longitudinal study, we implemented an integrated control strategy emphasizing infection source control in 16 villages from 2005 through 2012 in marshland regions of Hubei province. The interventions included removing cattle from snail-infested grasslands, providing farmers with mechanized farm equipment, improving sanitation by supplying tap water, building lavatories and latrines, praziquantel chemotherapy, controlling snails, and environmental modification.ResultsFollowing the integrated control strategy designed to reduce the role of bovines and humans as sources of Schistosoma japonicum infection, the prevalence of human S. japonicum infection declined from 1.7% in 2005 to 0.4% in 2012 (PConclusionOur findings indicate that the integrated strategy was likely effective in controlling the transmission of S. japonicum in marshland regions in China.

Objective: To investigate the spatial distribution of Oncomelania hupensis snail habitats at the administrative village scale in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Hubei Province, so as to provide scientific bases for precise control of O. hupensis snails in the province., Methods: Data regarding snail distribution at the village level in Hubei Province in 2017 were collected to create a spatial analysis database of snail distribution in Hubei Province. The spatial aggregations of O. hupensis distribution were analyzed using Moran's I index and Local Moran's I index. In addition, the distances from schistosomiasis-endemic villages to the Yangtze River were captured using the software ArcGIS 13.0, and their correlations with area of snail habitats were examined with the Spearman correlation method., Results: O. hupensis snails were mainly distributed in 5 450 endemic villages from 63 counties of 13 cities in Hubei Province in 2017. The global spatial autocorrelation analysis showed spatial aggregations in the areas of historically accumulated snail habitats, current areas of snail habitats, areas of snail habitats outside the embankment and snail habitats inside the embankment (all Z Scores > 0, all P values < 0.05), and no spatial aggregation was seen in the areas of snail habitats in hilly areas ( Z Score > 0, P > 0.05). There were four types of spatial distribution of historically accumulated areas of snail habitats, areas of current snail habitats, areas of snail habitats outside the embankment and snail habitats inside the embankment, including the high-high type (H-H type), high-low type (H-L type), low-high type (L-H type) and random distribution type, and a high percentage of the H-H type was found. There were 340, 125 and 110 endemic villages with the H-H type of areas of historically accumulated snail habitats, current areas of snail habitats and areas of snail habitats outside the embankment, and these villages were mainly concentrated in Wuhan and Jingzhou cities, with almost consistent spatial aggregation locations. There were 319 endemic villages with the H-H type of distribution of snail habitats inside the embankment, which were mainly distributed in Jingzhou, Xiaogan and Huangshi cities. In addition, the areas of historically accumulated snail habitats, current areas of snail habitats and areas of snail habitats outside the embankment negatively correlated with the distance from the endemic villages to the Yangtze River ( r = -0.094, P < 0.01; r = -0.225, P < 0.01; r = -0.177, P < 0.01)., Conclusions: The clustering areas of snail habitats along the Yangtze River Basin, notably the villages near the Yangtze River are key regions for snail monitoring and control in Hubei Province.

Objective: To evaluate the health education effect of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province after implementing of the Outline of National Mid-Long-Term Plan for Schistosomiasis Prevention and Control (2004-2015)., Methods: Based on questionnaires and datum review, the data of health education for integrated prevention and control of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province from 2004 to 2015 were collected to evaluate the effect of health education., Results: A total of 16 662 499 schistosomiasis health education publicity materials were distributed, 28 712 times of media propaganda were conducted, 174 506 warning signs were established, 185 985 promotional slogans were issued, 1 212 810 pieces of personal protective equipment were distributed, 9 248 village officer training courses were organized, and 5 569 school teacher training courses in primary and secondary schools were conducted in 63 counties (cities, districts) of 13 cities in Hubei Province from 2004 to 2015. A total of 4 815 people were surveyed in 3 counties in 2015. The awareness rate of schistosomiasis control knowledge was 91.62%, and the correct rates of beliefs and attitudes were 89.54% and 96.91% respectively. The overall rate of correct behavior of the population was 91.91%. The related indicators, such as schistosomiasis infection rate, acute infection cases, and others, declined year by year over the same period., Conclusions: The schistosomiasis health education in Hubei Province has obvious effects on enhancing the knowledge and attitudes of schistosomiasis control in populations and promoting the formation of correct schistosomiasis control behavior among residents. It has played an active role and is an important mean in comprehensive prevention and control of schistosomiasis.

Objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of comprehensive schistosomiasis control measures with focus on total removal of cattle and sheep in Juanshan District, Yueyang City., Methods: The schistosome infection status of human, cattle, sheep and Oncomelania hupensis snails and costs of control measures were gathered during the period of 2006 to 2016. The costs for different periods and cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated., Results: The prevalence of schistosome infection in residents in the pilot villages decreased from 3.44% in 2006 to 0 in 2016. The annual costs of schistosomiasis prevention and control were 4 708 500 yuan from 2006 to 2008, 5 094 700 yuan from 2009 to 2012 and 9 522 700 yuan from 2013 to 2016. The cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the average annual cost of reduction in the residents'infection rate by 1% were 79 500 yuan from 2006 to 2008, 101 200 yuan from 2009 to 2012, and 95 200 yuan from 2013 to 2016, respectively., Conclusions: The comprehensive schistosomiasis control strategy with focus on cattle and sheep removal in Junshan District is cost effective which could be extended to other lake and marshland schistosomiasis endemic areas.

Objective To evaluate the effect of comprehensive schistosomiasis control measures with focus on total removal of cattle and sheep in Junshan District, Yueyang City. Methods The retrospective review and field survey were implemented in the pilot villages in Junshan District. The data of Schistosoma japonicum infection status of human, cattle, sheep and Oncomelania hupensis snails, and density of snails were gathered and modeled in the period of 2006 to 2016. Results The prevalence of schistosome infection in residents in the pilot villages decreased from 3.44% in 2006 to 0.59% in 2012 ( F = 14.501, P = 0.013). After removal of all the cattle and sheep in 2013, the prevalence of schistosome infection in the residents decreased to zero in 2016 ( F = 14.148, P = 0.033). The density of living snails decreased from 0.883 3/0.1 m 2 in 2006 to 0.308 8/0.1 m 2 in 2012 ( F = 76.250, P = 0.005). Conclusion The comprehensive schistosomiasis control strategy with focus on cattle and sheep removal is remarkably effective.

China's prevention and control of parasitic diseases has made remarkable achievements. However, the prevalence and transmission of parasitic diseases is impacted by the complicated natural and social factors of environment, natural disasters, population movements, and so on. Therefore, there are still the risks of the outbreak of emergency parasitic diseases affairs, which may affect the control effectiveness of parasitic diseases and endanger the social stability seriously. In this article, we aim at the analysis of typical cases of emergency parasitic disease affairs and their impacts on public health security in China in recently years, and we also elaborate the disposal characteristics of emergency parasitic disease affairs, and propose the establishment of response system to emergency parasitic disease affairs in China, including the organizational structure and response flow path, and in addition, point out that, in the future, we should strengthen the system construction and measures of the response system to emergency parasitic disease affairs, so as to control the risk and harm of parasitic disease spread as much as possible and to realize the early intervention and proper disposal of emergency parasitic disease affairs.

Objective: To improve the information level of schistosomiasis control by using the related functions of CorelDRAW software., Methods: Combining with the requirement of schistosomiasis control, the sketch map was drawn according to the linear element drawing, the geometric drawing, the color rendering and the text adding., Results: The schistosomiasis epidemic sketch map and the Oncomelania hupensis snail distribution sketch map at all levels were produced in CorelDRAW software., Conclusions: The sketch map drawing in CorelDRAW software is beautiful and standardizing, and it can improve the level of information management.

Objective: To evaluate the schistosomiasis transmission control in 19 counties (cities, districts) of Hubei Province in 2013., Methods: The epidemic villages from different counties were randomly sampled by the cluster sampling method as the evaluation villages. The schistosome infection status of human and livestock, the Oncomelania hupensis snail status, the documents and data of schistosomiasis control, acute infection control and health education were investigated in the field., Results: The serum examination of schistosome infection was performed to 29 631 residents, and 2 068 were positive, with a positive rate of 6.98% (0.78% -16.47%). The stool examination was performed to 2 021 sero-positive persons, and 47 cases were stool-positive, with an infection rate of 0.16% (0 - 0.82%). The cattle was the main domestic animals in 19 counties (cities, districts), and the measures of replacing cattle with machine for cultivation were done in 17 counties (cities, districts). Totally 105 cattle in Caidian District and Huangpi District received stool examinations and no positives were detected. A total of 1 579.37 hm 2 and 31 829 frames in 154 environments were surveyed, and 4 857 snails were collected. Of the 1 935 living snails dissected, no infected snails were detected. The files regarding the schistosomiasis morbidity and snail status have been established in 19 counties (cities, districts) since 2009., Conclusions: The transmission of schistosomiasis in 19 counties (cities, districts) of Hubei Province has reached the standard of transmission controlled.

Objective: To grasp the distribution and epidemiology of confirmed cases of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province, so as to provide the evidence for promoting the prevention and control work., Methods: The confirmed cases of schistosomiasis in Hubei Province from 2010 to 2014 were epidemiologically investigated, and the prevalence characteristics and main influencing factors were analyzed., Results: A total of 10 102 confirmed cases from 2010 to 2014 were surveyed. There were 1 062 local infected patients, accounting for 10.51% and including 354 repeated infections and 17 newly infected. There were 290 foreigninfected patients, accounting for 2.87%, with 206 repeated infection cases and 84 newly infected. There were 8 750 historical patients, including 2 229 patients who leaked the former schistosomiasis investigations, accounting for 22.06%; 570 patients missed treatment, accounting for 5.64%; 3 640 patients were treated with non-standard therapy, accounting for 36.03%; 2 311 patients were treated with poor medication efficacy, accounting for 22.88%. The multivariate non-conditional Logistic regression, targeting at confirmed cases in 2014, showed that, for the leaking investigations, the potential risk factors included the age, educational level, and latrine renovation ( b ＞0, OR ＞1), the protective factors were the times of previous treatment, cattle feeding in villager team, and Oncomelania hupensis snails in surroundings ( b ＜0, OR ＜1); for the treatment-missing, the age, educational level, snails in the surroundings of residence were risk factors ( b ＜0, OR ＜1); for the substandard treatment, the risk factors included the occupation and snails in the surroundings of residence ( b ＞0, OR ＞1), and the educational level and snails in the own field were protective factors ( b ＜0, OR ＜1)., Conclusions: The epidemiological investigation on the confirmed cases of schistosomiasis could grasp the epidemic factors so as to improve the management and carry out the scientific control.

Objective: To analyze the surveillance results of schistosomiasis and understand the transmission situation in Hubei Province in 2014., Methods: According to the Scheme of Schistosomiasis Surveillance in Hubei Province ( the 2009 edition ), 207 endemic sites were selected, where the schistosome infections of residents and livestock, and the distribution of Oncomelania hupensis snails were investigated., Results: In the 207 sites, there were 27 sites without positive results of the blood tests and 129 sites without positive results of the stool tests. The infection rates of residents and cattle were 0.17% and 0, respectively. The density of living snails was 0.339 3 snails/0.1m 2 , the rate of living snails was 10.12%, and the infection rate of snails was 0. The infection rate of residents in the inner embankment type was 0.22%, higher than the rates in the other types. In different age groups, the infection rate in the 50-59 years age group was higher than the rates in other age groups. The infection rates of residents in farmer and fisherman were higher than those in the other occupation groups. The infection rate of floating people was 0, and no acute schistosomiasis patients were found., Conclusions: The endemic situation of schistosomiasis has decreased obviously in Hubei Province, and the whole province has achieved the criteria for transmission control of schistosomiasis.

Objective: To analyze the Oncomelania hupensis snail situation in schistosomiasis surveillance sites in Hubei Province from 2009 to 2014., Methods: From 2009 to 2014, 207 schistosomiasis endemic villages from 13 cities were selected as the surveillance sites in Hubei Province, where the surveillance of snail situation was performed, and the data about the indexes of snail situation during the 6 years were collected and analyzed statistically., Results: From 2009 to 2014, totally 80 963.47 hm 2 of snail areas were investigated, and 45 309.77 hm 2 of area with snails as well as 364.93 hm 2 of area with infected snails were found out, and 1 646 125 snails were captured. In the 207 surveillance sites, the density of living snails was reduced from 0.493 3 snail/0.1 m 2 in 2009 to 0.339 3 snail/0.1 m 2 in 2014, with a decline rate of 31.22%; the density of infected snails was reduced from 0.000 7 snail/0.1 m 2 in 2009 to 0 in 2014; the infection rate of snails was reduced from 0.14% in 2009 to 0 in 2014. The infection rates of snails in the third-rank villages, endemic areas in inner embankment, ditch environment and weed environment were relatively higher., Conclusions: The snail situation of Hubei Province has been declined steadily. However, the environment of snail breeding has not been changed completely. In order to consolidate the control achievements further, the measures including mollusciciding and snail control projects should be strengthened.

Objective: To establish an expression platform of surveillance and forecast for schistosomiasis in key water regions of Hubei Province., Methods: The platform of surveillance and forecast for schistosomiasis was established based on Google Earth, GIS Office software, network albums and network video stations. The results of the field surveillance and laboratory testing, and figures and videos were inputted into the established platform, and an information management file was set up to express the information of forecasting., Results: The operation and expression platform based on Google Earth in key water regions of Hubei Province was successfully established. It was able to provide the forecasting data timely, to achieve off-site and real-time query and sharing., Conclusions: The platform based on Google Earth has preferable prospective on field application in Hubei Province.

In practical water environmental planning, the influence of the non-linear characteristics on the benefit of environmental investment was seldom taken into consideration. This paper demonstrates that there exist a lot of non-linear behaviors in water environment by emphatically analyzing the influence of the non-linear characteristics of the economic scale, the meandering river and the model on water environmental planning, which will make a certain impact on the water environmental planning that sometimes cannot be neglected. This paper also preliminarily explores how to integrate the non-linear characteristics into water environmental planning. The results showed that compared with traditional methods, water environmental planning considering non-linear characteristics has its prevalence and it is necessary to develop the relevant planning theories and methods.