Gene-Gene Interaction of GJB2, SOD2, and CAT on Occupational Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Chinese Han Population

The effects of genetic factors on the noise-induced hearing loss （NIHL） are still unclear. In the present study, eight single-nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） included rs1227049 and rs3802711 （CDH23）, rs1695 （GSTP1）, rs137852540 （GJB2）, rs2289274 （PMCA2）, rs4880 （SOD2）, rs7943316, and rs769214 within CAT that might associated with NIHL were further validated in Chinese workers. The results showed that the carriers of the T allele （AT＋TT） of rs7943316 and A allele （GA＋AA） of rs769214, were significantly associated with an increased risk of NIHL compared to those with AA genotype （P〈0.05） and GG genotype （P〈0.05）. Moreover, a significant three-locus model （P=0.0107） involving rs2016520, rs9794, and rs1805192 were observed that might associated with NIHL, with 53.95% of testing accuracy. Thus, our present study provided the evidence that GJB2, SOD2, and CAT genes might account for the NIHL development in independently and/or in an interactive manner.

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.

Clustering of Inflammatory Biomarkers and Risk of Hypertension in a Mongolian Population in China

Abstract Objective There is little knowledge on whether there is clustering of inflammatory biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein （CRP）, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule1-1 （slCAM-1）, and angiotensin It （Ang Ⅱ）, in individuals with hypertension in the Mongolian population. In the present study, we investigated this relationship in a Mongolian population in China. Methods A total of 2589 adult Mongolians, aged 20 years and older, were recruited as study participants. Data on demographics, lifestyle, family history of hypertension, blood pressure, and blood chemistry were collected, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in all participants. Results The proportion of subjects with increased levels of two or three biomarkers was significantly higher in those with hypertension （21.0% and 6.0%, respectively） than in those with prehypertension （12.7% and 0.5%, respectively） or normotension （8.1% and 0.2%, respectively）. The multivariate adjusted odds ratios （95% confidence interval） of hypertension associated with increased levels of one, two or three biomarkers were 0.94 （0.72-1.22）, 1.42 （0.93-2.16）, and 11.08 （1.45-84.80）, respectively, compared with subjects with no increase in any biomarker. Conclusion Hypertension was associated with a cluster of inflammatory biomarkers in the Mongolian population.

SARS Patients-derived Human Recombinant Antibodies to S and M Proteins Efficiently Neutralize SARS-Coronavirus Infectivity

Objective To develop a specific SARS virus-targeted antibody preparation for emergent prophylaxis and treatment of SARS virus infection. Methods By using phage display technology, we constructed a naive antibody library from convalescent SARS patient lymphocytes. To obtain the neutralizing antibody to SARS virus surface proteins, the library panning procedure was performed on purified SARS virions and the specific Fab antibody clones were enriched by four rounds of repeated panning procedure and screened by highthroughput selection. The selected Fab antibodies expressed in the periplasma of E. coli were soluble and further purified and tested for their binding properties and antiviral function to SARS virus. The functional Fab antibodies were converted to full human IgG antibodies with recombinant baculovirus/insect cell systems and their neutralizing activities were further determined. Results After four rounds of the panning, a number of SARS-CoV virus-targeted human recombinant Fab antibodies were isolated from the SARS patient antibody library. Most of these were identified to recognize both natural and recombinant SARS spike （S） proteins, two Fab antibodies were specific for the virus membrane （M） protein, only one bound to SARS-CoV nucleocapsid protein. The SARS-CoV S and M protein-targeted Fab or IgG antibodies showed significant neutralizing activities in cytopathic effect （CPE） inhibition neutralization test, these antibodies were able to completely neutralize the SARS virus and protect the Vero cells from CPE after virus infection. However, the N protein-targeted Fab or IgG antibodies failed to neutralize the virus. In addition, the SARS N protein-targeted human Fab antibody reacted with the denatured N proteins, whereas none of the S and M protein specific neutralizing antibodies did. These results suggested that the S and M protein-specific neutralizing antibodies could recognize conformational epitopes which might be involved in the binding of virions to cellular receptors and the fusion activity of the virus Conclusion The SARS-CoV spike protein and membrane proteins are able to elicite efficient neutralizing antibodies in SARS patients. The neutralizing antibodies we generated in this study may be more promising candidates for prophylaxis and treatment of SARS infection.

Recommendations and Future Direction for Population-Based Prevention and Control of Behavioral Risk Factors for NCDs

Based on the major findings of our studies,we found that in the past two or three decades,China’s noncommunicable diseases(NCDs)prevention and control policies experienced rapid development.The service mode of NCDs management was transformed,the service capabilities at primary medical facilities were comprehensively improved,and the health literacy and action capability of residents were improved.Remarkable achievements have been made in the prevention and control of NCDs,and a lot of experience has been accumulated.However,unhealthy lifestyles among Chinese residents are still common,and the control of NCDs and related behavioral risk factors faces great challenges.Therefore,in order to implement the Healthy China strategy,early prevention and strengthening of the health management of NCDs in high-risk groups are essential.

Effectiveness of COVID-19 Vaccination Against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Infection and Symptoms—China,December 2022–February 2023

Summary What is already known about this topic?A considerable percentage of the population has received both primary and booster vaccinations,which could potentially provide protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)Omicron infections and related symptoms.What is added by this report?The self-reported infection rate,as determined from an online survey,reached its peak(15.5%)between December 19 and 21,2022,with an estimated 82.4%of individuals in China being infected as of February 7,2023.During the epidemic,the effectiveness of booster vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection was found to be 49.0%within three months of vaccination and 37.9%between 3 and 6 months following vaccination.Furthermore,the vaccine effectiveness of the booster vaccination in relation to symptom prevention varied from 48.7%to 83.2%within three months and from 25.9%to 69.0%between 3 and 6 months post-booster vaccination.

Trends of Mortality in End-Stage Liver Disease—China,2008–2020

Introduction:Liver cancer and cirrhosis represent the most prevalent forms of end-stage liver diseases(ESLDs).Notably,in China,deaths attributed to ESLDs contribute significantly to the global mortality rate of these disorders.Enhanced comprehension of the mortality profile associated with ESLDs in China could provide crucial insights into intervention prioritization,which could in turn help reduce the overall global burden of these diseases.Methods:Data were obtained from China’s Disease Surveillance Points system.The presentation includes both crude and age-standardized mortality rates,stratified by sex,residential location,and region.Using Joinpoint Regression,trends in annual mortality rates were estimated from the period of 2008 to 2020 and expressed as the average annual percentage change(AAPC).Results:In 2020,the gross mortality rate of ESLD stood at 30.08 cases per 100,000 individuals.A higher age-standardized ESLD mortality rate was observed in males and rural populations in comparison to their female and urban counterparts,respectively.Noticeably,the highest mortality rates associated with liver cancer and cirrhosis were reported in South and Southwest China,respectively.A positive correlation was noticed between age-specific ESLD mortality rates and advancing age.Interestingly,an annual decrease in the ESLD mortality rate was observed from 2008 to 2020.In urban contexts,the AAPC of cirrhosis was noted to be higher than that of liver cancer.Conclusions:The mortality rate associated with ESLDs in China decreased between 2008 and 2020.Nevertheless,the death burden attributable to ESLD continues to be alarmingly high.Future initiatives should prioritize the reduction of ESLD mortality in particular populations:males,elderly individuals,and those residing in rural regions of South and Southwest China.The emphasis of future interventions should beplaced on antiviral therapy for adults diagnosed with viral hepatitis,and on the prevention of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection across all demographics.

A PCR-based Rapid Neutralization Assay for GⅡ.4 Norovirus Infection in HIEC6 Cell Culture

Because of limited viral replication and lack of cytopathic effect in cell culture,a new PCR-based rapid seroneutralization assay for detection of GII.4norovirus neutralized antibodies was developed with serum samples from acute-phase patients,convalescent-phase patients and healthy controls.According to this study,neutralizing antibodies were detected in 100% ofconvalescent-phase sera, and in 2.5% of healthy controls sera. However, all of the acute-phase serum samples could not neutralize virus efficiently. Compared to the results from ELISA （96.2% at sensitivity and 80% at specificity）, the present in vitro neutralization assay is more specific and more sensitive.

Association Between COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage and Case Fatality Ratio:a Comparative Study—Hong Kong SAR,China and Singapore,December 2021–March 2022

Summary What is already known about this topic?Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(SAR),China and Singapore are both facing considerable Omicron variant epidemic.However,the overwhelmed medical system and high case fatality ratio(CFR)just occurred in Hong Kong SAR,China but not in Singapore.What is added by this report?The low vaccination coverage in Hong Kong SAR,China,especially among the older adults,is shown to be a primary reason of its recent high CFR.What are the implications for public health practice?Facing the potential epidemic risk,non-vaccinated,non-fully-vaccinated,and non-booster-vaccinated people in China,especially the elderly,should get any type of accessible vaccine,which could save lives when the infection unfortunately befalls.

When and How to Adjust Non-Pharmacological Interventions Concurrent with Booster Vaccinations Against COVID-19—Guangdong,China,2022

Introduction:With the large-scale roll-out of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)booster vaccination effort(a vaccine dose given 6 months after completing primary vaccination)in China,we explore when and how China could lift non-pharmacological interventions(NPIs)against COVID-19 in 2022.Methods:Using a modified susceptible-infectiousrecovered(SIR)mathematical model,we projected the COVID-19 epidemic situation and required medical resources in Guangdong Province,China.Results:If the number of people entering from overseas recovers to 20%of the number in 2019,the epidemic in 2022 could be controlled at a low level by a containment(215 local cases)or suppression strategy(1,397 local cases).A mitigation strategy would lead to 21,722 local cases.A coexistence strategy would lead to a large epidemic with 6,850,083 local cases that would overwhelm Guangdong’s medical system.With 50%or 100%recovery of the 2019 level of travelers from overseas,the epidemic could also be controlled with containment or suppression,but enormous resources,including more hotel rooms for border quarantine,will be required.However,coexistence would lead to an uncontrollable epidemic with 12,922,032 local cases.Discussion:With booster vaccinations,the number of travelers from overseas could increase slightly in 2022,but a suppression strategy would need to be maintained to ensure a controllable epidemic.

Experts from China and the United States call for enhanced cooperation in biosafety

A symposium on synthetic biology,cosponsored by Johns Hopkins Health and Safety Center of the United States(US)and Tianjin University Biosafety Strategic Research Center,was held in Washington on July 26,2019.Many biotechnology and policy experts from the US and China participated in the symposium,including the Arms Control Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.

Long-Term Trend Analysis of Major Human Helminth Infections — Guangdong Province, China, 1988–2021

Introduction:Although helminth infections threaten millions of people worldwide,the spatiotemporal characteristics remain unclear across China.This study systematically describes the spatiotemporal changes of major human helminth infections and their epidemiological characteristics from 1988 to 2021 in Guangdong Province,China.Methods:The survey data in Guangdong Province were primarily obtained from 3 national surveys implemented during 1988–1992,2001–2004,and 2014–2016,respectively,and from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention during 2019–2021.A modified Kato-Katz technique was used to detect parasite eggs in collected fecal samples.Results:The overall standardized infection rates(SIRs)of any soil-transmitted helminths(STH)and Clonorchis sinensis decreased from 65.27%during 1988–1992 to 4.23%during 2019–2021.In particular,the SIRs of STH had even more of a decrease,from 64.41%during 1988–1992 to 0.31%during 2019–2021.The SIRs of Clonorchis sinensis in the 4 surveys were 2.40%,12.17%,5.20%,and 3.93%,respectively.This study observed different permutations of gender,age,occupation,and education level on the SIRs of helminths.Conclusions:The infection rate of STH has substantially decreased.However,the infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis has had fewer changes,and it has become the dominant helminth.

Delimiting the boundaries of biotechnological developments by law to promote the healthy development of biotechnol

On July 10,2019 a seminar on legislation of biosafety laws was held in Beijing,chaired by Li Zhanshu,a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.Li Zhanshu emphasized that under the guidance of Xi Jinping’s socialist thought regarding Chinese values in the new era,a biosafety law reflecting these values and the requirements of the new era should be formulated,and the boundaries of biotechnological development should be delineated by law to ensure and promote the healthy development of biotechnology.