Assessment of the Benefits of Targeted Interventions for Pandemic Control in China Based on Machine Learning Method and Web Service for COVID-19 Policy Simulation

Taking the Chinese city of Xiamen as an example,simulation and quantitative analysis were performed on the transmissions of the Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19)and the influence of intervention combinations to assist policymakers in the preparation of targeted response measures.A machine learning model was built to estimate the effectiveness of interventions and simulate transmission in different scenarios.The comparison was conducted between simulated and real cases in Xiamen.A web interface with adjustable parameters,including choice of intervention measures,intervention weights,vaccination,and viral variants,was designed for users to run the simulation.The total case number was set as the outcome.The cumulative number was 4,614,641 without restrictions and 78 under the strictest intervention set.Simulation with the parameters closest to the real situation of the Xiamen outbreak was performed to verify the accuracy and reliability of the model.The simulation model generated a duration of 52 days before the daily cases dropped to zero and the final cumulative case number of 200,which were 25 more days and 36 fewer cases than the real situation,respectively.Targeted interventions could benefit the prevention and control of COVID-19 outbreak while safeguarding public health and mitigating impacts on people’s livelihood.

Prevalence of HCV Antibody and its Associated Factors: A Study from Sentinel Hospitals in China

Objective The prevalence and related factors of serum anti-HCV in different regions and hospitals have not been studied extensively in China. We used routine screening data to determine the prevalence of HCV antibody in hospital patients, evaluate the epidemic trend of hepatitis C and formulate screening strategies.Methods Patient information and HCV antibody testing results were collected from January 2017 to December 2019 in 77 HCV sentinel hospitals in China. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the characteristics and associations.Results HCV antibody prevalence rates were distinct among patients in different departments, with a range of 0.33%–6.93%. Patients who were admitted to the liver disease-related departments(aOR =10.76;95% CI, 10.27–11.28), Internal Medicine(aOR = 2.87;95% CI, 2.75–3.00), and Department of Surgery(aOR = 1.95;95% CI, 1.87–2.04), were more likely to be tested for HCV antibody positive. HCV antibody prevalence was associated with patients aged 45 years and older(aOR = 2.74;95% CI,2.69–2.80), testing in infetious disease hospitals(aOR = 2.33;95% CI, 2.26–2.40) and secondary hospitals(aOR = 1.72;95% CI, 1.69–1.75). Patients in sentinel hospitals of the Northeast(aOR = 12.75;95% CI,12.40–13.11), the Central(aOR = 1.65;95% CI, 1.61–1.70), and the West(aOR = 1.78;95% CI, 1.73–1.83)China had higher HCV prevalence than those who were in the Eastern coastal area. Conclusion Those who were over 45 years old and saw doctors for liver diseases, and invasive diagnosis and treatment should be referred to HCV antibody testing.

Analysis of Hot Topics Regarding Global Smart Elderly Care Research—1997-2021

Summary What is already known about this topic?With the assistance of the internet,big data,cloud computing,and other technologies,the concept of smart elderly care has emerged.What is added by this report?This study presents information on the countries or regions that have conducted research on smart elderly care,as well as identifies global hotspots and development trends in this field.

Spatiotemporal visualization for the global COVID-19 surveillance by balloon chart

Background:Considering the widespread of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic in the world,it is important to understand the spatiotemporal development of the pandemic.In this study,we aimed to visualize time-associated alterations of COVID-19 in the context of continents and countries.

Assessment of the Sensitivity and Specificity of the Established Real-time Quaking-induced Conversion(RT-QuIC)Technique in Chinese CJD Surveillance

Real-time quaking-induced conversion(RT-QuIC)assay is a newly established PrPSc-detecting method.The development of RT-QuIC improves the diagnosis of sporadic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease(sCJD),showing good sensitivity and specificity in many countries when the method was used in cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)samples.However,in China,the sensitivity and specificity of RT-QuIC has yet to be determined due to the lack of definitive diagnosis samples.

Molecular Characterisation of Two Coxsackievirus B6 Strains from the Tibet Autonomous Region of China

Enteroviruses (EVs) are members of the genus Enteroviruswithin the orderPicornavirales, family Picornaviridae, and consist of 12 species, including EV-A, EV-B, EV-C, and EV-D, which are associated with human infections. Coxsackievirus B6 (CV-B6)belongs to the species EV-B, which currently consists of 63 serotypes, including echovirus (serotypes 1–7,9, 11–21, 24–27, 29–33), coxsackievirus group A (CVA9), coxsackievirus group B (CV-B, serotypes 1–6),the newly identified EVs (serotypes EV-B69, B73–75,B77–88, B93, B97–98, B100–101, B106–107, and B110–113), and the simian enterovirus SA5.

Analyses of the Duration and Dynamics of the COVID-19 Epidemic in 11 Severely Affected Countries

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected 220 countries,areas,and territories worldwide,with more than 65 million confirmed cases and 1.5 million deaths[1].By the beginning of May,2020,only a few countries,such as China,South Korea,Australia,and New Zealand,seemed to be close to the epidemic’s late stage with a few daily reported new cases[1].

Mild Breakthrough Infection in a Healthcare Professional Working in the Isolation Area of a Hospital Designated for Treating COVID-19 Patients—Shaanxi Province,China,March,2021

Summary What is already known about this topic?Healthcare workers are at high risk of acquiring COVID-19 from occupational exposure to COVID-19 virus during their daily medical service work.Excellent infection prevention and control measures and adequate personal protective equipment(PPE)are essential to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired COVID-19.

Preparation of PrP-specific Polyclonal Antibody via Immunization of PRNP-knockout Mice with Recombinant Human PrP Protein

Objective The definite diagnosis of human and animal prion diseases depends on the examination of special pathological changes and/or detection of PrPSc in the brain tissues of suspected cases.Thus,developing methods to obtain PrP antibody with good specificity and sensitivity is fundamental for prion identification.Methods We prepared a PrP-specific polyclonal antibody(pAb P54)in a PRNP-knockout mouse model via immunization with recombinant full-length human PrP protein residues 23–231.Thereafter,we verified that pAb in Western blot,immunohistochemistry(IHC),and immunofluorescent(IFA)assays.Results Western blot illustrated that the newly prepared pAb P54 could react with recombinant PrP protein,normal brain PrPC from healthy rodents and humans,and pathological PrPSc in the brains of experimental rodents infected with scrapie and humans infected with different types of prion diseases.The electrophoretic patterns of brain PrPC and PrPSc observed after their reaction with pAb P54 were nearly identical to those produced by commercial PrP monoclonal antibodies.Three glycosylated PrP molecules in the brain homogenates were clearly demonstrated in the reactions of these molecules with pAb P54.IHC assay revealed apparent PrP deposits in the GdnCl-treated brain slices of 139 A-infected mice and 263 K-infected hamsters.IFA tests with pAb P54 also showed clear green signals surrounding blue-stained cell nuclei.Conclusion The newly prepared pAb P54 demonstrated reliable specificity and sensitivity and,thus,may have potential applications not only in studies of prion biology but also in the diagnosis of human and experimental rodent prion diseases.

Cerebrospinal Fluids from Patients with Five Common Genetic Prion Diseases in China Display Distinct Reactivities in the RT-QuIC Assays

Prion diseases(PrDs)are fatal neurodegenerative conditions that affect humans and other mammals,which consist of sporadic,genetic,and acquired forms in human PrDs[1].The genetic form accounts for approximately 5%–15%of all human PrDs.

The Practice of the Public Health Cooperation in the Republic of Sierra Leone:Contributions and Experiences

Since the outbreak of Ebola virus disease(EVD)in three countries in West Africa,China CDC has conducted two phases of technical cooperation projects based on the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Biological Safety Laboratory(SLE-CHN BSL-3 Lab)in the Republic of Sierra Leone(1-2).Phase Ⅰ was conducted from July 2015 to June 2017,while Phase Ⅱ started in July 2017 and will continue to June 2020.In total,85 Chinese public health specialists have been dispatched to Freetown,the capital city of Sierra Leone,with 80 serving for 6 months and 5 serving for a year.Most Chinese staff came from China CDC and the remaining roughly 15%came from different provincial-level CDCs.This report summarizes major developments to Sierra Leone’s public health field and comments on experiences obtained from the joint effort.

Waste Management Practices and Profile of Selected Key Green House Gases at Selected Livestock Farms in Ibadan, Nigeria

Livestock farm waste contributes substantially to annual worldwide emissions of GHG （Greenhouse Gases）, including CH4 （Methane） and CO2 （Carbon Dioxide）. However, despite evidence of global climate change and its adverse health effects, studies on anthropogenic contributions to the increasing levels of GHG, particularly from livestock waste management practices, have not been adequately explored, especially in less developed countries. This study determined waste management practices and outdoor levels of CH4 and CO2 at three selected livestock farms （A-C） in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Each study farm consisted of poultry, cattle and pig units. A 30-point observational checklist documented adequacy of solid waste management practices. Ambient concentrations of CH4 and CO2 at farm buildings and at waste disposal sites were monitored every other day, twice each day of monitoring （morning and evening hours）, for eight weeks during months of September-November in 2013. Average scores for the waste management practices for Farms A-C were 29.6%, 33.3% and 18.5%, respectively. Morning and evening CH4 concentrations in parts per million （ppm） at main buildings of Farms A-C were 2,538 ± 773 and 1,916 ± 662, 2,325 ± 773 and 1,180 ± 483, and 2,389 ± 687 and 1,854 ± 571, respectively. Morning and evening CO2 concentrations （ppm） at Farms A-C main buildings were 350 ± 130 and 330 ± 110, 470 ± 100 and 440 ± 100, and 430 ± 80 and 400 ± 70, respectively. Morning and evening CH4 concentrations （ppm） at Farms A-C waste disposal sites were 2,452 ± 495 and 1,614 ± 372, 1,527 ± 390 and 1,736 ± 269, and 2,345 ± 615 and 1,690 ± 387, respectively. Morning and evening CO2 concentrations （ppm） at Farms A-C waste disposal sites were 330 ± 90, 370 ± 60 and 350 ± 30, respectively. Waste management practices were inadequate; solid waste management practices like infrequent evacuation of slurry waste and open burning of waste may have contributed to the production of CH4 and CO2. This study suggested proper handling, removal and disposal of farm waste which can reduce production of GHGs like CH4 and CO2.

Global Overview and Insights on Infodemiology and Infodemic Management

The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has underscored the global challenge of managing infodemics.In a situation report published on February 2,2020,the World Health Organization(WHO)observed that the disease outbreak and response were accompanied by an extensive infodemic,complicating the process for individuals to identify trustworthy sources and obtain reliable guidances during such a critical period(1).

Situational Analysis of Malaria Incidence Under Integrated Malaria Service in Hotspot Township-Minbya Township,Rakhine State,Myanmar,2017–2020

Introduction:Malaria is a significant public health concern and tropical disease,particularly affecting Myanmar within the Greater Mekong Subregion.The annual parasite index(API)exceeds 1 per 10,000 population in the northern seven townships of Rakhine State,with Minbya Township designated as a highburden area for malaria by the World Health Organization(WHO)Myanmar and the National Malaria Control Programme(NMCP).Since 2017,the Malaria reduction intensification plan has been in place in this township to combat the high disease transmission rates.This study aims to assess the malaria epidemiology in Minbya Township from 2017 to 2020 under the intensification plan for elimination,as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of the integrated strategy in reducing cases in hotspot areas.Methods:The study utilized a surveillance study design to collect secondary data from the Malaria surveillance system(MSS)and the epidemiologic monitoring dashboard of Minbya Township,Maruk-U District,located in Rakhine State.Results:Since 2017,the Malaria prevention and control(P&C)Program in Minbya Township has successfully decreased malaria morbidity,eliminated malaria-related deaths,and bolstered malaria testing capabilities through the participation of village health volunteers(VHVs).Approximately 87%of malaria prevention and control services are executed by the township’s malaria elimination and disease control programs,with additional support from stakeholders.The API dropped from 13 in 2017 to 2.5 in 2020,with Plasmodium vivax being the most prevalent malaria species,accounting for 55%of cases.Conclusions:The study suggests that early diagnosis and promotion of artemisinin-based combination treatment(ACT),along with strategic planning including expanding active case detection in rural health centers and implementing a communitybasedcommunitybased integrated healthcare approach,are effective and efficient strategies for malaria elimination.

Genetic Prion Disease:Insight from the Features and Experience of China National Surveillance for Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease

Human genetic prion diseases(gPrDs)are directly associated with mutations and insertions in the PRNP(Prion Protein)gene.We collected and analyzed the data of 218 Chinese gPrD patients identified between Jan 2006 and June 2020.Nineteen different subtypes were identified and gPrDs accounted for 10.9%of all diagnosed PrDs within the same period.Some subtypes of gPrDs showed a degree of geographic association.The age at onset of Chinese gPrDs peaked in the 50–59 year group.Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome(GSS)and fatal familial insomnia(FFI)cases usually displayed clinical symptoms earlier than genetic Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease(gCJD)patients with point mutations.A family history was more frequently recalled in P105L GSS and D178N FFI patients than T188K and E200K patients.None of the E196A gCJD patients reported a family history.The gCJD cases with point mutations always developed clinical manifestations typical of sporadic CJD(sCJD).EEG examination was not sensitive for gPrDs.sCJD-associated abnormalities on MRI were found in high proportions of GSS and gCJD patients.CSF 14-3-3 positivity was frequently detected in gCJD patients.Increased CSF tau was found in more than half of FFI and T188K gCJD cases,and an even higher proportion of E196A and E200K gCJD patients.63.6%of P105L GSS cases showed a positive reaction in cerebrospinal fluid RT-QuIC.GSS and FFI cases had longer durations than most subtypes of gCJD.This is one of the largest studies of gPrDs in East Asians,and the illness profile of Chinese gPrDs is clearly distinct.Extremely high proportions of T188K and E196A occur among Chinese gPrDs;these mutations are rarely reported in Caucasians and Japanese.

Development and Impacts of the Sierra Leone-China Laboratory for Parasitic Diseases Testing and Surveillance

BACKGROUND The Republic of Sierra Leone is located on the west coast of Africa,bordering Guinea and Liberia,with a population of 7.8 million in 2019(1).It has a tropical monsoon climate,with high temperatures and plentiful precipitation.As one of the least developed countries in the world(2),Sierra Leone has long struggled with poor health outcomes with a life expectancy at birth of 59 for male and 61 for female,and high maternal and neonatal mortality,threatened by infectious diseases such as malaria,tuberculosis,typhoid fever,cholera,and Lassa fever(3).

Application of big data and artificial intelligence in epidemic surveillance and containment

Faced with the current time-sensitive COVID-19 pandemic,the overburdened healthcare systems have resulted in a strong demand to develop newer methods to control the spread of the pandemic.Big data and artificial intelligence(AI)have been leveraged amid the COVID-19 pandemic;however,little is known about their use for supporting public health efforts.In epidemic surveillance and containment,efforts are needed to treat critical patients,track and manage the health status of residents,isolate suspected cases,and develop vaccines and antiviral drugs.The applications of emerging practices of artificial intelligence and big data have become powerful"weapons"to fight against the pandemic and provide strong support in pandemic prevention and control,such as early warning,analysis and judgment,interruption and intervention of epidemic,to achieve goals of early detection,early report,early diagnosis,early isolation and early treatment.These are the decisive factors to control the spread of the epidemic and reduce the mortality.This paper systematically summarized the application of big data and AI in epidemic,and describes practical cases and challenges with emphasis on epidemic prevention and control.The included studies showed that big data and AI have the potential strength to fight against COVID-19.However,many of the proposed methods are not yet widely accepted.Thus,the most rewarding research would be on methods that promise value beyond COVID-19.More efforts are needed for developing standardized reporting protocols or guidelines for practice.

Sustainable Laboratory Capacity Building in Sierra Leone:From Ebola to COVID-19

The onset of the Ebola outbreak in 2014 originated in Guinea and proceeded to swiftly reach Sierra Leone and Liberia(1).Unfortunately,these nations were critically deficient in their capacity for pathogenic testing and diagnostics,the availability of healthcare workers,and their supply of epidemic prevention materials,thereby impeding their ability to address the outbreak efficiently(2).This grave scenario underscored the need for support from the worldwide community.

Big data technology in infectious diseases modeling,simulation,and prediction after the COVID-19 outbreak

After the outbreak of COVID-19,the interaction of infectious disease systems and social systems has challenged traditional infectious disease modeling methods.Starting from the research purpose and data,researchers im-proved the structure and data of the compartment model or used agents and artificial intelligence based models to solve epidemiological problems.In terms of modeling methods,the researchers use compartment subdivi-sion,dynamic parameters,agent-based model methods,and artificial intelligence related methods.In terms of factors studied,the researchers studied 6 categories:human mobility,nonpharmaceutical interventions(NPIs),ages,medical resources,human response,and vaccine.The researchers completed the study of factors through modeling methods to quantitatively analyze the impact of social systems and put forward their suggestions for the future transmission status of infectious diseases and prevention and control strategies.This review started with a research structure of research purpose,factor,data,model,and conclusion.Focusing on the post-COVID-19 infectious disease prediction simulation research,this study summarized various improvement methods and analyzes matching improvements for various specific research purposes.

T188K-Familial Creutzfeldt–Jacob Disease, Predominant Among Chinese, has a Reactive Pattern in CSF RT-QuIC Different from D178N-Fatal Familial Insomnia and E200K-Familial CJD

Dear Editor,Human prion diseases consist of sporadic, genetic/familial, and acquired forms. The familial form accounts for 5%-15% of all human prion diseases, including familial Creutzfeldt- Jacob disease (fCJD), Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome, and fatal familial insomnia (FFI)[1-3]. All genetic prion diseases are directly associated with mutations (point-mutation or insertion) in the PRNP gene located on human chromosome 20 and encodes prion protein (PrP). So far,>55 mutations in the PRNP gene have been described [4]. Some PRNP mutations and their related genetic prion diseases have been reported worldwide, while others show clear region- or ethnicity-associated features.