A Scenario-Based Evaluation of COVID-19-Related Essential Clinical Resource Demands in China

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic is a global crisis,and medical systems in many countries are overwhelmed with supply shortages and increasing demands to treat patients due to the surge in cases and severe illnesses.This study aimed to assess COVID-19-related essential clinical resource demands in China,based on different scenarios involving COVID-19 spreads and interventions.We used a susceptible–exposed–infectious–hospitalized/isolated–removed(SEIHR)transmission dynamics model to estimate the number of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations with corresponding essential healthcare resources needed.We found that,under strict non-pharmaceutical interventions(NPIs)or mass vaccination of the population,China would be able to contain community transmission and local outbreaks rapidly.However,under scenarios involving a low intensity of implemented NPIs and a small proportion of the population vaccinated,the use of a peacetime–wartime transition model would be needed for medical source stockpiles and preparations to ensure a normal functioning healthcare system.The implementation of COVID-19 vaccines and NPIs in different periods can influence the transmission of COVID-19 and subsequently affect the demand for clinical diagnosis and treatment.An increased proportion of asymptomatic infections in simulations will not reduce the demand for medical resources;however,attention must be paid to the increasing difficulty in containing COVID-19 transmission due to asymptomatic cases.This study provides evidence for emergency preparations and the adjustment of prevention and control strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic.It also provides guidance for essential healthcare investment and resource allocation.

MBD2 promotes Th2 differentiation in ovalbumin-induced CD4+T cells

Introduction:Allergen-specific CD4+T cells play a central role in autoimmune disorders,allergies and asthma,with Th2-type immunity being the typical functional response of CD4+T cells.This study aimed to investigate the role of MBD2 in regulating Th2 cell differentiation.Methods:Splenic mononuclear cells were extracted from C57BL/6 mice,and CD4+T cells were isolated using magnetic beads and confirmed through flow cytometry.Lentivirus was employed to construct MBD2-silenced CD4+T cells.In vitro experiments were performed to treat splenogenic mononuclear cells and CD4+T cells with Ovalbumin(OVA),and Th2 cell ratios and IL-4 levels were assessed using flow cytometry and ELISA.Results:The purity of the isolated CD4+T cells was 95.73%,confirming successful isolation of primary CD4+T cells.Compared to the control group,the Th2 cell ratio exhibited an increase in the Th2-induced group.Treatment with 5-Aza(concentrations,1-100μM)promoted Th2 cell differentiation and increased IL-4 levels.Notably,when combined with Th2 induction and 10μM 5-Aza treatment,silencing MBD2 further amplified Th2 cell ratios and elevated IL-4 levels in cell supernatants.Furthermore,OVA(concentration,200μg/mL)induced the differentiation of CD4+T cells into Th2 cells and increased IL-4 secretion.Interestingly,silencing MBD2 significantly increased the Th2 cell ratio and IL-4 levels in OVA-treated CD4+T cells.Conclusion:In summary,OVA promoted CD4+T cell differentiation into Th2 cells and enhanced IL-4 levels.MBD2 was identified as a mediator of Th2 cell differentiation in splenic-derived CD4+T cells,influenced by OVA or 5-Aza treatment.

Influenza time series prediction models in a megacity from 2010 to 2019:Based on seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average and deep learning hybrid prediction model

To the Editor:Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and have the ability to infect a wide range of hosts,leading to recurrent infections and ongoing morbidity.[1]In China,the surveillance for respiratory infectious diseases has been specifically performed for influenza and other respiratory infectious diseases.However,the current surveillance system relies heavily on the analysis of clinically confirmed influenza cases,which has lagged behind the times.[2]It is very important to establish a more accurate influenza prediction model,particularly in densely populated megacities.Our research aims to explore and develop more accurate and sensitive models for predicting influenza outbreaks.

City-Specific Effects of Lifting Mobility Restrictions—China, February–March 2020

Summary What is already known about this topic?Government used mobility restrictions to help contain the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)across cities in China.The restrictions were lifted during times of non-zero incidence in response to a return to work order that went into effect on February 10,2020.What is added by this report?The effect of lifting mobility restrictions on COVID-19 death rate and incidence varied by city,with smaller increases or even reductions in cities with low community connectivity and small floating volume,and larger increases in cities with high community connectivity and large floating volume.Effects on recovery rates were similar across cities.What are the implications for public health practice?City-specific mobility restriction lifting is likely to be beneficial.Two indexes,community connectivity and floating volume,can inform the design of city-specific mobility restriction lifting policies.

Factors Associated with PCV13 Vaccine Hesitancy in Parents under an Innovative Immunization Strategy:a Cross-Sectional Study—Weifang City,Shandong Province,China,2021

Summary What is already known on this topic?Pneumococcal diseases(PDs)are serious threats to child health.Although vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent these diseases,the pneumococcal vaccination coverage rate is still relatively low in China.What is added by this report?This study investigated the factors associated with 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine(PCV13)vaccine hesitancy in parents under an innovative immunization strategy.

Decreased influenza vaccination coverage among Chinese healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background:Healthcare workers(HCWs)were the priority group for influenza vaccination,in China during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 influenza seasons.However,vaccination rates in HCWs have always been low.This study investigated influenza vaccination status among Chinese HCWs and analyzed the factors driving vaccination.Methods:We provided electronic questionnaires to HCWs from January 27,2022 to February 21,2022,using the WeChat platform"Breath Circles".HCWs who received the link could also forward it to their colleagues.Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze vaccination-associated factors among HCWs.Results:Among the 1697 HCWs surveyed,vaccination coverage was 43.7%(741/1697)during the 2020/2021 influenza season,and 35.4%(600/1697)during the 2021/2022 influenza season,as of February 21,2022.Additionally,22.7%(385/1697)and 22.1%(358/1697)of HCWs reported that their workplaces implemented a free vaccination policy for all employees during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 influenza seasons.HCWs who were required to be vaccinated according to hospital regulations,and whose hospitals implemented the free influenza vaccine policy were more likely to be vaccinated(2020/2021 and 2021/2022;P<0.05).In addition,the economic level of the HCWs'province(2021/2022,P<0.05)and the HCWs’knowledge about vaccination and willingness to get vaccinated,such as active learning about vaccines(2020/2021,P<0.05),supportive attitude toward vaccination for all HCWs(2020/2021 and 2021/2022;P<0.05),also had an impact on vaccine coverage.Conclusions:A free influenza vaccination policy and workplace required vaccination are effective in improving influenza vaccination coverage among HCWs.Influenza vaccination coverage of Chinese HCWs remained low and showed a downward trend after the COVID-19 outbreak.Further effective measures,such as advocacy campaigns,free vaccine policies,and on-site vaccination could be implemented to improve influenza vaccination coverage.

Willingness of Caregivers to Have Their Children Vaccinated with Pneumococcal Vaccines in the Context of an Innovative Immunization Strategy—Weifang City,Shandong Province,2021

Summary What is already known about this topic?Pneumococcal diseases(PDs)pose a serious health threat to children.Vaccination is the most costeffective intervention to prevent PDs,but pneumococcal vaccines coverage among children is low in China.What is added by this report?This study investigated the willingness of children’s caregivers to have their children vaccinated with pneumococcal vaccines under an innovative policy to offer 1-dose of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines at no charge to families.The research found that 70.51%of caregivers were willing to have their infants receive pneumococcal vaccines and that reducing the cost of vaccines may increase caregivers’willingness.What are the implications for public health practice?This is the first evaluation in China of acceptance of pneumococcal vaccines among children under a 1-dose,cost-free policy.The results provide scientific evidence for updating local and national pneumococcal immunization strategies to promote the use of the pneumococcal vaccine.