Resurgence of measles virus infection in an eliminated country, Sri Lanka

Objective:To describe the situation of measles in Sri Lanka from May to November,2023 and to define the role of virology laboratory towards case confirmation and epidemiological and genetic characterization of the outbreak.Methods:This retrospective study analyzed all samples tested for measles from 1st of May to 30th of November,2023 at National Measles Rubella Laboratory,Sri Lanka.According to the World Health Organization(WHO)algorithm,serum and oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs were tested with WHO recommended kits for anti-measles IgM and measles virus specific RNA,respectively.Selected RNA positive samples were sequenced at reference laboratory,India.Analysis of sequencing data and construction of phylogenetic tree were carried out at National Measles Rubella Laboratory.Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results:Of the total 1132 serum samples and 497 oropharyngeal/nasopharyngeal swabs from 1326 patients,657(49.5%)patients were confirmed as measles by anti-measles IgM,measles virus specific RNA or both.Males(55.6%,n=365)and the age group from>20 to≤30 years(33.0%,n=217)predominated positive patients.All provinces reported measles positive cases.All samples sequenced(100%,n=42)were genotype D8 with 95.2%(n=40)bearing Victoria.Australia origin.Conclusions:We described resurgence of measles in an eliminated country,confirming the genotype to be D8,one of the two genotypes currently circulating globally.Further,the study strongly convinced the importance of a strengthened virological surveillance system in an eliminated country,despite its eliminated status.

Ocular syphilis: resurgence of an old disease in modern Malaysian society

Dear Editor,Syphilis is a spirochaetal bacterial sexually transmitted disease（STD） caused by Treponema pallidum. Outbreaks of syphilis have been described in Western communities, especially in men who have sex with men（MSM） and people infected with human immunodeficiency virus（HIV）^（[1]）. Reports of the condition from Asian countries remains limited.

Breast Imaging Experiences at Academic Medical Centers during COVID-19: Restructuring, Reopening, and Preparing for Possible Resurgence

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has thoroughly reshaped the medical landscape. Much has been written and discussed of the adaptations required by this pandemic, particularly in the realm of elective medical care. While some areas of the country have, in recent weeks, seen a plateau or even a decrease in coronavirus 2019 case-burden, others remain face-to-face with significant ongoing morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, given eased restrictions across numerous states and municipalities, a widespread resurgence of the disease is not precluded. To that end, we have attempted to summarize experiences and best practices in the handling of breast imaging against the backdrop of the novel coronavirus, and we consider future directions.

Outwitting dengue threat and epidemics resurgence in Asia-Pacific countries: strengthening integrated dengue surveillance, monitoring and response systems

Dengue is still a substantial vector-borne viral disease threat and burden of public health importance worldwide.This situation is complicated by dengue virus unprecedented resurgence and persistence of varied serotypes in endemic-prone areas,and man-made and natural activities consequences that promote vector emergence,transmission dynamics and spread across the Asia-Pacific region.There is an urgent need to strengthen operational and contextual surveillance-response research in improving early detection of active reservoir detection,novel drug in case management and quality evidence-based response including the deployment of dengue mass vaccination.Moreover,sustained mapping and watching of dengue risk factors or determinants,performance and outcome indicators of control or elimination programs effectiveness in defining minimum effective data towards community knowledge-based decision-making policy and effective response packages is imperative.Moreover,implementation of a robust,integrated dengue early warning surveillance,monitoring and response systems metrics is required for evidence-based,timely and cost-effective contextual mitigation strategies,and innovative interventions.

Transcription factors CncC and Maf connect the molecular network between pesticide resistance and resurgence of pest mites

Pesticide resistance and resurgence are serious problems often occurring simultaneously in the field.In our long-term study of a fenpropathrin-resistant strain of Tetranychus cinnabaribus,enhancement of detoxification and modified fecundity mechanisms were both observed.Here we investigate the network across these two mechanisms and find a key node between resistance and resurgence.We show that the ecdysone pathway is involved in regulating the fecundity of T.cinnabaribus.The concentration change of ecdysone is consistent with the fecundity curve;the concentration of ecdysone is higher in the fenpropathrin-resistant strain which has stronger fecundity.The enhancement of ecdysone is due to overexpression of two P450 genes(CYP314A1 and CYP315A1)in the ecdysone synthesis pathway.Silencing expression of these CYP genes resulted in lower concentration of ecdysone,reduced expression of vitellogenin,and reduced fecundity of T.cinnabaribus.The expression of CYP315A1 is regulated by transcription factors Cap-n-collar isoform C(CncC)and Musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma protein(Maf),which are involved in regulating other P450 genes functioning in detoxification of fenpropathrin in T.cinnabaribus.A similar regulation is established in citrus pest mite Panonychus citri showing that the CncC pathway regulates expression of PcCYP315Al,which affects mite fecundity.Transcription factors are activated to upregulate detoxification genes facilitating pesticide resistance,while the“one to multiple”regulation mode of transcription factors simultaneously increases expression of metabolic enzyme genes in hormone pathways and alters the physiology of pests.This is an important response of arthropods to pesticides which leads to resistance and population resurgence.

Epidemic modeling for the resurgence of COVID-19 in Chinese local communities

COVID-19 is a constantly challenging global health issue due to its strong intensity,rapid mutation and high infectiousness.The new Delta and Omicron variants have triggered massive outbreaks worldwide.Even China,which has done a good job in outbreak prevention,is still heavily affected by the virus.The long-term fight against multiple COVID-19 outbreaks is ongoing.In this study,we propose an SEIQR model that considers the incubation period and quarantine measurement.We verified our model using actual outbreak data from four Chinese cities.Numerical simulations show that a five-day delay results in a double resurgence scale.Our model can be used as a tool to understand the spread of the virus quantitatively and provide a reference for policymaking accordingly.

Risk factors for pertussis among children hospitalized for pertussis during 2016-2017, in Guizhou Province of China: a case-control study

Aim:Pertussis is a respiratory tract infection,the vaccine for which was introduced in the Expanded Programme on Immunization(EPI)in Guizhou Province of China(hereafter referred as Guizhou)in the 1980s.This vaccine rapidly decreased incidence rates of pertussis in the province,however,despite the wide high coverage of the diphtheria,tetanus and acellular pertussis(DTaP)combined vaccine,there has been a resurgence of pertussis since 2014.Even with this recent increase in disease transmission,risk factors for pertussis infection have not been evaluated in Guizhou.We aimed to provide information on pertussis risk factors and insight on designing targeted pertussis control policies and measures through this study.Methods:A 1:2 matched retrospective case-control study was conducted between 2016 and 2017,involving infants and children younger than 6 years old and parents of the participants.The enrolled cases included clinical and laboratory confirmed pertussis cases according to the WHO-recommended pertussis definition.Controls were selected from children in the same neighborhood who were not diagnosed with pertussis prior to our investigation and did not exhibit any clinical manifestations of pertussis.Results:The household size[Matched odds ratio(OR_(m)=1.4,95%confidence interval(Cl):1.1-1.7]and household members with antecedent cough(OR_(m)=3.6,95%CI:1.8-7.2)were significantly associated with their child’s pertussis onset.The parents’occupations were significantly associated with their child’s pertussis onset(ORm=9.4,95%CI:1.6-54.8,for mother side;ORm=4.5,95%CI:1.2-16.5,for father side),when they worked in the business and/or service industry.Having family members with a history of cough was an independent risk factor for pertussis[Adjusted odds ratio(AOR)=43.6,95%CI:2.7-694.0].Besides,the parents’demographic characteristics and DTaP doses were not found to be independent factors.Conclusion:Household exposure is an important risk factor for pertussis infection in infants and young children and should therefore be considered as a major factor during formulation of pertussis control policies and measures.

Monitoring of the Physicochemical and Bacteriological Quality of the Water of the Gounti-Yéna Basin and Assessment of the Impact on the Health of the Populations

The Gounti Yéna valley is the main watercourse that divides the left bank of the city of Niamey into two unequal parts. The area of its watershed is estimated at about 62 km2. The objective of this study is on the one hand to evaluate the current state of the physico-chemical and bacteriological quality of the water of the Gounti Yéna basin and on the other hand to define the risks of water pollution and its origin in the face of the phenomenon of the rise in the water table of this basin by defining some health risks linked to these impacts. In order to properly carry out this work, we carried out a study of the evolution of the physicochemical and bacteriological parameters of the water of the Gounti Yéna basin during the period from November 2020 to October 2021, at three sampling points chosen from upstream to downstream of the basin then entomological surveys and among the health centers of the capital. The results obtained showed that the physico-chemical quality of water in the Gounti Yéna basin is influenced by climatic factors (precipitation and temperature) and anthropogenic actions. This study also highlighted the presence of faecal contamination in the water of the Gounti Yéna basin with a greater degree during the rainy season. This contamination remains worrying and constitutes a health risk causing waterborne diseases. The stagnation of the various bodies of water is also a favorable place for the development and spread of vector-borne diseases.

The Nigerian Civil War(1967-1970):New Theories,Old Problem,Fresh Crisis

Theories of civil war onset are adjuncts to extant literature on the“correlates of war”.The theories are fresh efforts at explaining and examining the evolution of empirical research on the causes of internal conflict onset.These theories serve as frameworks to analyse the structural and psychological conditions responsible for the fragility of war within the state,particularly in respect of mobilization and strategic confrontation.This article reviews the theories in light of the Nigerian experience and contends that some of the underlying issues that precipitated the Nigerian Civil War(1967-1970)still exist and need to be de-established in order to attenuate their resurgent capability.The article makes a case for constructive and functional integration of the multiple nationalities that make up the Nigerian state as a way of preserving the corporate existence of the country.It also submits that perceived injustice is not just injurious to a system;it is capable of causing a dysfunction within the state because of its inflammatory war potential.

Strategies for Revitalization of Traditional Medicine

Traditional medicine (TM) plays an inevitable role in drug discovery and development. Most of the therapeutically useful molecules used in the present day are inspired from TM. Herbal drugs are the oldest forms of medicines used for the treatment of various ailments and the TM of every country has a long history of their usage. To develop more data on their quality, safety, and efficacy, so also to improve the consumer’s need of modern days several thrust areas of research are to be focused on the development of TM. Based on the above concept, a paradigm shift is required for the revitalization of TM. These facts along with the modern scientific approaches, molecular tools, and strategies make it necessary for TM to be revitalized. Confluencing several strategies with the technological and scientific developments including pharmacogenomics, nutrigenomics, system biology, and related approaches, the scientific potential of TM can be explored further with international coordination and collaborations.

Containment Problem for Quasi Star Configurations of Points in P^2

In this paper,the containment problem for the defining ideal of a special type of zero-dimensional subscheme of P^2,the so-called quasi star configuration,is investigated.Some sharp bounds for the resurgence of these types of ideals are given.As an application of this result,for every real number 0<ε<1/2,we construct an infinite family of homogeneous radical ideals of points in K[P^2]such that their resurgences lie in the interval[2-ε,2).Moreover,the Castelnuovo-Mumford regularity of all ordinary powers of defining ideal of quasi star configurations are determined.In particular,it is shown that all of these ordinary powers have a linear resolution.

Conservation of natural enemy fauna in citrus canopies by horticultural mineral oil： Comparison with effects of carbaryl and methidathion treatments for control of armored scales

The disruptive effects of an nC24 horticultural mineral oil （HMO） and two other insecticides （carbaryl and methidathion） on two armored scale insects and natural enemy fauna were evaluated in two citrus orchards. In the first orchard, all three spray treatments and non-sprayed controls were distributed separately among individual trees in one block, whereas in the second orchard the control, HMO and methidathion treatments were applied at the level of whole blocks. The results in both orchards were similar. All three of the spray treatments had a lethal effect on the red scale insects and the effects of HMO and methidathion tested at the second site lasted for at least 19 weeks and for purple scale, at least 50 weeks. HMO did not have a significant effect on the abundance and species diversity of parasitoids and （for the most part） did not affect coccinellids and predatory mites. Both carbaryl and methidathion caused significant ongoing disruption to the above groups. No treatment resulted in the resurgence of the scale insects or the outbreak ofphytophagous mites, even where whole blocks were sprayed.

Religion and International Relations in the Age of Globalization

The global resurgence of religion and the return of religion from the so-called“Westphalia Exile”to the central stage of international religions have significantly transformed the viewpoints of both media and academia toward the role of religion in international relations(IR),and the challenges posed by religion to the contemporary international relations are often described as entirely subversive.The author argues that as a second-tier factor in the foreign policies of most countries and international affairs,religion and religious movements could neither shake the dominant role of“norm-setting”sovereign states in the international system,nor serve as a basis to“rebuild”IR theory.The paper concludes with a discussion on the implications of religion’s growing influence in IR for China,the importance of religion to the construction of China’s international image,and the feasibility of religion being developed as a resource for China’s public as well as people-to-people diplomacy.