Prevalence and factors influencing long COVID among primary healthcare workers after epidemic control policy adjustment in Jiangsu, China.

OBJECTIVE: The persistent symptoms arising from COVID-19 infection pose a substantial threat to patients' health, carrying significant implications. Amidst the evolving COVID-19 control strategies in China, healthcare workers (HCWs) endure considerable stress. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of long COVID infections and their influencing factors among primary HCWs after epidemic control policy adjustment in Jiangsu. METHODS: A self-designed questionnaire was administered through on-site surveys among primary HCWs in five counties and districts within Jiangsu Province from July 4 to July 20, 2023. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with long COVID. RESULTS: The prevalence of long COVID among primary HCWs stood at 12.61%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 11.67-13.55%. Among those affected, the most common long COVID symptoms were hypomnesia (4.90%, 95%CI: 4.29-5.51%), sleep difficulties (2.73%, 95%CI: 2.27-3.19%), fatigue (2.35%, 95%CI: 1.92-2.78%), disturbances in the reproductive system (1.93%, 95%CI: 1.54-2.32%), hair loss (1.85%, 95%CI: 1.47-2.23%), and myalgia/arthralgia (1.51%, 95%CI: 1.16-1.86%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that older age groups (30-45 years (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.44-2.58), 45-60 years (aOR = 2.82, 95%CI: 2.07-3.84)), females (aOR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.03-1.55), and higher work stress (high stress (aOR = 1.52, 95%CI: 1.24-1.86), extremely high stress (aOR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.03-1.82)) were more prone to long COVID. Conversely, individuals with educational attainment below the bachelor's degree (aOR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.55-0.82) and those who received four or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (aOR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.33-0.92) were at a reduced risk. CONCLUSION: This study investigates the prevalence of long COVID among primary HCWs and identifies key influencing factors. These findings are crucial for assisting in the early identification of COVID-19 patients at risk for long-term complications, developing targeted interventions aimed at optimizing healthcare resource allocation and enhancing the work conditions and quality of life of HCWs. To mitigate the prevalence of long COVID, healthcare providers and local authorities should implement effective measures, such as optimizing work-rest schedules and actively advocating for vaccination.

Duration and severity of COVID-19 symptoms among primary healthcare workers: A cross-sectional survey.

AIMS: This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers, including the severity, duration of infection, post-infection symptoms and related influencing factors. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was utilized to assess the post-infection status of primary healthcare workers in Jiangsu Province. The questionnaire collected information on demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, post-infection clinical manifestations, work environment and recovery time of the respondents. Customized outcome events were selected as dependent variables and logistic regression models were employed to analyse the risk factors. Phi-coefficient was used to describe the relationship between post-infection symptoms. RESULTS: The analysis revealed that several factors, such as female, older age, obesity, previous medical history, exposure to high-risk environments and stress, were associated with a higher likelihood of experiencing more severe outcomes. On the other hand, vaccination and regular exercise were found to contribute to an earlier resolution of the infection. Among the post-infection symptoms, cough, malaise and muscle aches were the most frequently reported. Overall, there was a weak association among symptoms persisting beyond 14 days, with only cough and malaise, malaise and dizziness and headache showing a stronger correlation. CONCLUSION: The study findings indicate that the overall severity of the first wave of infection, following the complete lifting of restrictions in China, was low. The impact on primary healthcare workers was limited, and the post-infection symptoms exhibited similarity to those observed in other countries. It is important to highlight that these conclusions are specifically relevant to the population infected with the Omicron variant. IMPACTS: This study helps to grasp the impacts of the first wave of COVID-19 infections on healthcare workers in China after the national lockdown was lifted. PATIENTS: Primary healthcare workers in Jiangsu Province, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other personnel from primary healthcare units such as community health service centres and health centres.

Neuropathy scale score as an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction in patients with type 2 diabetes.

AIMS: To investigate whether peripheral neuropathy scale scores are associated with myocardial infarction (MI) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 32,463 T2DM patients were enroled from 103 tertiary hospitals in 25 Chinese provinces. Based on a history of MI, participants were divided into the MI group (n = 4170) and the non-MI group (n = 28,293). All patients were assessed using four neuropathy scales, namely, Neurological Symptom Score (NSS), Neurological Disability Score (NDS), Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS), and Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), and some of the patients underwent evaluation of nerve conduction velocity (NCV) (n = 20,288). The relationship between these scores and myocardial infraction was analysed. RESULTS: The neuropathy scale scores in the MI group were higher than those in the non-MI group (p < 0.001). After dividing patients into four groups based on the grading criteria, our results showed that, in addition to aggravating the degree of neuropathy signs, the incidence of MI increased (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis results showed that neuropathy scale scores and NCV were both independent risk factors for MI (p < 0.001). Furthermore, among the scales used, MNSI presented a higher odds ratio and area under the curve (AUC; 0.625, p < 0.001) than the other three scales (AUCNSS  = 0.575, AUCNDS  = 0.606, and AUCTCSS  = 0.602, p < 0.001) for MI. CONCLUSIONS: Increased scores on these neuropathy scales (NSS, NDS, TCSS, and MNSI) and NCV were significantly associated with increased risk of MI and were considered independent risk factors.

Sleep EEG characteristics associated with total sleep time misperception in young adults: an exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Power spectral analysis (PSA) is one of the most commonly-used EEG markers of cortical hyperarousal, and can help to understand subjective-objective sleep discrepancy (SOD). Age is associated with decreased sleep EEG activity; however, the PSA of young adults is currently limited. Thus, this study aimed to examine the correlation of spectral EEG power with total sleep time (TST) misperception in young patients. METHODS: Forty-seven young adults were recruited and underwent a polysomnography recording in a sleep laboratory. Clinical records and self-report questionnaires of all patients were collected, and were used to categorize patients into a good sleeper (GS) group (n = 10), insomnia with a low mismatch group (IWLM, n = 19) or participant with a high mismatch group (IWHM, n = 18). PSA was applied to the first 6 h of sleep. RESULTS: IWHM patients exhibited a higher absolute power and relative beta/delta ratio in the frontal region compared to the GS group. No significant difference was observed between the IWLM and GS groups. No significant difference in the above parameters was observed between the IWHM and IWLM groups. Moreover, The SOD of TST was positively correlated with frontal absolute power and the relative beta/delta ratio (r = 0.363, P = 0.012; r = 0.363, P = 0.012), and absolute beta EEG spectral power (r = 0.313, P = 0.032) as well as the number of arousals. CONCLUSIONS: Increased frontal beta/delta ratio EEG power was found in young patients with a high mismatch but not in those with a low mismatch, compared with good sleepers. This suggests that there exists increased cortical activity in IWHM patients. In addition, the frontal beta/delta ratio and the number of arousals was positively correlated with the SOD of TST.

Increased Protection of Earlier Use of Immunoprophylaxis in Preventing Perinatal Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus.

BACKGROUND: Passive-active immunoprophylaxis against mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recommends administering hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and birth-dose hepatitis B vaccine in infants within 12 or 24 hours after birth. With this protocol, MTCT of HBV still occurs in 5-10% infants of HBV-infected mothers with positive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). The present study aimed to investigate whether earlier administration of HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine after birth can further increase protection efficacy. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multi-center observational study in infants born to mothers with HBV infection, in whom neonatal HBIG and birth dose hepatitis B vaccine were administered within one hour after birth. The infants were followed up for HBV markers at 7-14 months of age. RESULTS: A total of 1140 pregnant women with HBV were enrolled, and 982 infants (9 twins) of 973 mothers were followed up at 9.6 ± 1.9 months of age. HBIG and birth-dose vaccine were administered in newborn infants within a median of 0.17 (0.02-1.0) hours after birth. The overall rate of MTCT was 0.9% (9/982), with none (0%) of the 607 infants of HBeAg-negative mothers and 9 (2.4%) of 375 infants of HBeAg-positive mothers acquiring HBV. All 9 HBV-infected infants were born to mothers with HBV DNA >2.75 × 106 IU/mL. Maternal HBV DNA levels >2 × 106 IU/mL were an independent risk factor (odds ratio, 10.627; 95% confidence interval, 2.135-∞) for immunoprophylaxis failure. CONCLUSIONS: Earlier use (within 1 hour after birth) of HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine can provide better protection efficacy against MTCT of HBV.

Clinical and virological course of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Jiangsu province, China: a retrospective, multi-center cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The clinical and virological course of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are lacking. We aimed to describe the clinical and virological characteristics of COVID-19 patients from 10 designated hospitals in 10 cities of Jiangsu province, China. The factors associated with the clearance of SARS-CoV-2 were investigated. METHODS: A total of 328 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were retrospectively recruited. The epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, radiology and treatment data were collected. The associated factors of SARS-CoV-2 clearance were analyzed. RESULTS: The median duration of hospitalization was 16.0 days (interquartile range [IQR] 13.0-21.0 days). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, age > 60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 0.643, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.454-0.911, P = 0.013) was associated with the delayed SARS-CoV-2 clearance, while the atomized inhalation of interferon α-2b could improve the clearance of SARS-CoV-2 (HR, 1.357, 95% CI 1.050-1.755, P = 0.020). Twenty-six (7.9%) patients developed respiratory failure and 4 (1.2%) patients developed ARDS. Twenty (6.1%) patients were admitted to the ICU, while no patient was deceased. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that age > 60 years was associated with the delayed SARS-CoV-2 clearance, while treated with atomized inhalation of interferon α-2b could promote the clearance of SARS-CoV-2.

Histopathological and molecular analysis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lungs from patients treated with pirfenidone or nintedanib.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of pirfenidone or nintedanib treatment on lung histopathology and molecular mediators of fibrosis in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We collected lung tissue from IPF patients at the time of lung transplantation. Histopathological changes were quantified using a blinded scoring method. Proteins associated with senescence or active TGF-ß were quantified in lung tissues by immunoblot and immunostaining. Histopathological quantification showed similar amounts of dense collagen fibrosis, fibroblast foci and alveolar macrophages in untreated or pirfenidone- or nintedanib-treated IPF patients. There was less diffuse alveolar damage and organising pneumonia in pirfenidone-treated IPF patients. Lungs of nintedanib-treated patients had a trend towards less lymphocytic interstitial infiltration. There was no difference in expression of p-SMAD3, p21 or p16 in the lungs of untreated, pirfenidone- or nintedanib-treated IPF patients. Alveolar epithelial cells, but not fibroblast foci, were immunoreactive to p16. Pirfenidone or nintedanib treatment did not inhibit activation of senescence programming in cultured lung epithelial cells mediated by hydrogen peroxide. CONCLUSION: Pirfenidone and nintedanib do not modulate expression of senescence markers, levels of p-SMAD3 or the amount of fibrosis in IPF lungs. Treated patients have less histopathological evidence of acute lung injury at the time of lung transplantation.

Comparison of hepatitis B viral loads and viral antigen levels in child-bearing age women with and without pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a unique physiological condition with the cellular immune functions compromised at some extents to allow the mature of growing fetus. Whether pregnancy may influence the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is less studied. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of pregnancy on the replication of HBV and expression of viral antigens by comparing the levels of HBV DNA and viral antigens in pregnant and non-pregnant women. METHODS: A total of 727 HBsAg-positive serum samples, collected from 214 pregnant women and 513 non-pregnant women of childbearing age, were included. Based on the pregnancy status, subjects were divided into four groups: nulliparous (n = 158), pregnant (n = 214), 7-12 months postpartum (n = 170), and 2-5 years postpartum (n = 185). The levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were quantitatively measured with microparticle enzyme immunoassay. HBV DNA levels were detected by fluorescent real-time PCR. RESULTS: The median ages of four groups were 25.0, 25.3, 26.2 and 29.3 years, respectively (p < 0.01). HBeAg-positive proportions were 34.2, 33.6, 35.3 and 29.2%, respectively (p = 0.624). HBV DNA levels in HBeAg-positive women were higher than those in HBeAg-negative women (7.88 vs 2.62 log IU/ml, p < 0.001). HBV DNA levels in the four groups with positive HBeAg were 7.8, 7.7, 8.0 and 8.0 log IU/ml, respectively (p = 0.057), while HBsAg titers were 4.4, 4.5, 4.6 and 4.8 log IU/ml (p = 0.086) and HBeAg titers were 3.1, 3.0, 3.1 and 3.0 log S/CO (p = 0.198). In the four groups with negative HBeAg, HBV DNA levels were 2.3, 2.6, 2.5 and 2.8 log IU/ml, respectively (p = 0.085), while HBsAg titers were 3.1, 3.3, 3.3 and 3.0 log IU/ml (p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Serum levels of HBV DNA and viral antigens showed no significant changes in nulliparous, pregnant, and postpartum women, regardless of the HBeAg status. The results indicate that pregnancy has little influence on the replication of HBV and the expression of viral antigens.

Maternal Serum PLGF, PAPPA, ß-hCG and AFP Levels in Early Second Trimester as Predictors of Preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: Identifying women at risk of preeclampsia (PE) by maternal serum screening is conducive to prompt gestational management and thereby improve both maternal and perinatal outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the association between the concentrations of maternal serum placental growth factor (PLGF), pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPPA), free ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG), and αFetoprotein (AFP) and the development of preeclampsia early in the second trimester. METHODS: Forty pregnant women subsequently developed mild PE, 21 pregnant women subsequently developed severe PE, and 61 cases of normotensive controls were included. Maternal serum concentrations of PLGF, PAPPA, ß-hCG, and AFP were measured at 15 - 20 weeks of gestation. RESULTS: Serum PLGF level was lower in women who subsequently developed PE than in normotensive controls. However, the significant difference was only found between the severe PE and control groups (p = 0.015). Serum PAPPA, ß-hCG, and AFP levels were not significantly different between the PE and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Serum PLGF level was lower in women who subsequently developed severe PE early in the second trimester, suggesting its role in prediction of PE.

Second trimester amniotic fluid cytokine concentrations, Ureaplasma sp. colonisation status and sexual activity as predictors of preterm birth in Chinese and Australian women.

BACKGROUND: This study tested if second trimester amniotic fluid cytokine levels, Ureaplasma sp. colonisation and sexual activity predict preterm birth and explain the differential preterm birth rates in Chinese compared to Australian women. METHODS: Amniotic fluid was collected by amniocentesis (Chinese 480, Australian 492). Cytokines were measured by multiplex assay and Ureaplasma sp. DNA was detected by PCR analysis. Lifestyle factors, including history of smoking and sexual activity during pregnancy, were obtained through completion of questionnaires upon recruitment to the study. RESULTS: Inflammatory cytokine concentrations were poorly predictive of preterm birth. Ureaplasma sp. was detected in two of the Chinese pregnancies and none from Australia. Sexual activity was less frequent in Chinese, and was not associated with preterm birth or amniotic fluid findings in either population. DISCUSSION: Second trimester amniocentesis for measurement of inflammatory markers and Ureaplasma sp. DNA was not indicative of risk of preterm birth, at least in these populations. The lower rate of preterm birth in China was not explained by differences in amniotic fluid inflammatory markers, Ureaplasma sp. colonisation, or sexual activity.

The effect of different flushing and locking techniques on catheter occlusion rates in central venous catheters: protocol for a multicentre, randomized controlled, parallel-group, open-label, superiority clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining venous access is of great clinical importance. Running a slow continuous infusion to keep the vein open (KVO) is often used in peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs). Previous studies have compared the effects of intermittent flushing and continuous infusion via peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). In this study, we applied KVO to central venous catheters (CVCs) and compared the occlusion rate of this technique with that of the intermittent flushing technique. METHOD: This is a randomized controlled trial of 14 hospitals in China. A total of 250 patients will be recruited in this study, and they will be randomized at a 1:1 ratio. After study inclusion, patients who will undergo CVC insertion will receive intermittent flushing with prefilled saline syringes (control group) or KVO infusion with elastic pumps (test group). All the catheters will be checked for patency by scoping Catheter Injection and Aspiration (CINAS) Classification on Days 3 and 7. The primary outcome is the rate of catheter occlusion in 7 days. Patients will be followed up until 9 days after CVC insertion, catheter occlusion, or catheter removal. The secondary outcomes are the rate of catheter occlusion in 3 days, nurse satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, adverse event rate, catheter-related bloodstream infection rate, catheter-related thrombosis rate, extravasation rate, phlebitis rate, and catheter migration. DISCUSSION: We expect that the trial will generate findings that can provide an evidence-based basis for the improvement and optimization of clinical catheter flushing techniques. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200064007. Registered on 23 September 2022. https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=177311 .

A propensity score matched analysis of COVID-19 ongoing symptoms in primary medical staff members with different levels of stress in Jiangsu Province, China.

Objective: Ongoing symptoms which originated from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections threaten the health of a broad population of patients. With recent changes in COVID-19 control measures in China, medical staff members are currently experiencing a high level of stress. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 and explore the potential association between stress and ongoing COVID symptoms. Methods: From January 17th to February 2, 2023, primary medical staff members in Jiangsu Province were surveyed using a self-designed questionnaire. Univariate multinomial logistic analysis was used to illustrate the relationship between stress and ongoing symptoms after matching the low- and high-stress groups in a 1:1 ratio based on propensity scores. Results: Analysis revealed that 14.83 % (3785/25,516) of primary medical staff members infected with COVID-19 experienced ongoing symptoms, the most common of which included cough (9.51 %), dyspnea (9.51 %), sleep problems (4.40 %), anxiety (2.29 %), and reproductive system symptoms (1.89 %). In matched patients, higher stress levels were associated with a greater risk of ongoing symptoms than in patients without ongoing symptoms for 14 of the 15 reported symptoms in this study (odds ratios [ORs] > 1 and P < 0.05). Moreover, higher levels of stress were associated with a greater risk of more ongoing symptoms, and the overall ORs increased with the number of symptoms (ORs >1 and P < 0.05). Conclusion: To mitigate the possibility of experiencing ongoing symptoms, healthcare organizations and local authority agencies should institute helpful measures to decrease stress levels such as medical staff augmentation and enabling all staff to have a reasonable work-life balance.

Integrated Identification and Immunotherapy Response Analysis of the Prognostic Signature Associated With m6A, Cuproptosis-Related, Ferroptosis-Related lncRNA in Endometrial Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer (EC) stands as the predominant gynecological malignancy impacting the female reproductive system on a global scale. N6-methyladenosine, cuproptosis- and ferroptosis-related biomarker is beneficial to the prognostic of tumor patients. Nevertheless, the correlation between m6A-modified lncRNAs and ferroptosis, copper-induced apoptosis in the initiation and progression of EC remains unexplored in existing literature. AIMS: In this study, based on bioinformatics approach, we identified lncRNAs co-expressing with cuproptosis-, ferroptosis-, m6A- related lncRNAs from expression data of EC. By constructing the prognosis model in EC, we screened hub lncRNA signatures affecting prognosis of EC patients. Furthermore, the guiding value of m6A-modified ferroptosis-related lncRNA (mfrlncRNA) features was assessed in terms of prognosis, immune microenvironment, and drug sensitivity. METHOD: Our research harnessed gene expression data coupled with clinical insights derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) collection. To forge prognostic models, we adopted five machine learning approaches, assessing their efficacy through C-index and time-independent ROC analysis. We pinpointed prognostic indicators using the LASSO Cox regression approach. Moreover, we delved into the biological and immunological implications of the discovered lncRNA prognostic signatures. RESULTS: The survival rate for the low-risk group was markedly higher than that for the high-risk group, as evidenced by a significant log-rank test (p < 0.001). The LASSO Cox regression model yielded concordance indices of 0.76 for the training set and 0.77 for the validation set, indicating reliable prognostic accuracy. Enrichment analysis of gene functions linked the identified signature predominantly to endopeptidase inhibitor activity, highlighting the signature's potential implications. Additionally, immune function and drug density emphasized the importance of early diagnosis in EC. CONCLUSION: Five hub lncRNAs in EC were identified through constructing the prognosis model. Those genes might be potential biomarkers to provide valuable reference for targeted therapy and prognostic assessment of EC.

Effect of elective cesarean section on the risk of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus.

BACKGROUND: Many clinicians and hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected pregnant women prefer elective caesarean section (ECS) to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV, since some studies found higher transmission of HBV in infants born by vaginal delivery (VD) than by cesarean section. However, other studies showed that ECS does not reduce the risk of being infected with HBV in infants. In this study, we aimed to clarify whether ECS may reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HBV. METHODS: Totally 546 children (1-7-year-old) born to 544 HBsAg-positive mothers from 15 cities and rural areas across Jiangsu Province, China, were enrolled. Of these children, 137 (2 pairs of twins) were born to HBeAg-positive mothers; 285 were delivered by ECS and 261 others by VD (one pair of twin in each group). HBV serologic markers were tested by enzyme or microparticle immunoassay. RESULTS: The maternal and gestational ages, maternal HBeAg-positive rates, and children's ages, gender ratios, hepatitis B vaccine coverage and administrations of HBIG were comparable between ECS and VD groups (all p >0.05). The overall prevalence of HBsAg in the 546 children was 2.4%, with 2.5% (7/285) and 2.3% (6/261) in those born by ECS and VD respectively (p = 0.904). Further comparison of chronic HBV infection in the 137 children of HBeAg-positive mothers showed that the HBsAg-positive rates in ECS and VD groups were 10.3% (7/68) and 8.7% (6/69) respectively (p = 0.750), while the mothers had similar HBV DNA levels (2.38 × 106 vs. 2.35 × 106 IU/ml, p = 0.586). Additionally, the overall rate of anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/ml in the children was 71.6%, with 72.3% and 70.9% in those born by ECS and VD respectively (p = 0.717). CONCLUSIONS: With the recommended immunoprophylaxis against hepatitis B, ECS does not reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission of HBV. Therefore, ECS should not be used in HBsAg-positive pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV.

B-Type Fumonisins in Post-Fermented Tea: Occurrence and Consumer Dietary Exposure in Guangxi, China.

Post-fermented tea (PFT), a commonly consumed beverage worldwide, is characterized by the rapid growth of its microbial groups and the substantial changes they undergo. Consequently, PFT may contain mycotoxins such as B-type fumonisins (FBs). This study aimed to assess the intake of FBs through the consumption of PFT among consumers in Guangxi, China. A novel quantitative method using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine the FB concentration in PFT products. Additionally, a PFT consumption survey was conducted using a face-to-face questionnaire, recording their body weight and PFT consumption patterns based on a three-day dietary recall method. Finally, hazard index was calculated to estimate the health risk of FBs from the consumption of PFT products in Guangxi. The results revealed that the occurrence of FBs in PFT was 20% (24/120), with a concentration ranging from 2.14 to 18.28 µg/kg. The results of the survey showed that the average daily consumption of PFT by consumers was 9.19 ± 11.14 g. The deterministic risk assessment revealed that only 0.026% of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intake of FBs was consumed through PFT, indicating that FB contamination in PFT is not a public health risk.

Minimal adverse outcomes of postnatal cytomegalovirus infection in term or moderate and late preterm infants.

Objective: The aim of study was to investigate at what extent breastfeeding and vaginal delivery can increase mother-to-child transmission of cytomegalovirus (CMV) and to observe the clinical outcomes of postnatal infection in term or moderate and late preterm infants. Methods: In this retrospective study of prospectively collected clinical data and serum samples, during 2012-2015, 380 women with CMV IgG positive/IgM negative and their 384 infants (4 twin pairs) with gestational age ≥32 weeks were included. CMV IgG and IgM were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Of 384 infants followed up at 10.2 ± 2.3 months age, 177 (46.1%) were defined with CMV infection based on the presence of higher CMV IgG levels than in their mothers. The infection rate in 190 breastfed infants was higher than in 194 formula-fed infants (62.6% vs. 29.9%, P < 0.001). Vaginally delivered infants (172) had higher CMV infection rate than 212 infants delivered by caesarean section (55.2% vs. 38.7%, P = 0.001). Compared with formula feeding and caesarean section, breastfeeding and vaginal delivery increased postnatal CMV infection respectively (OR = 3.801, 95% CI 2.474-5.840, P < 0.001; OR = 1.818, 95% CI 1.182-2.796, P = 0.007). Nevertheless, compared to uninfected infants, CMV-infected infants had comparable height and body weight and showed no adverse effect on the liver enzymes. Conclusion: Breastfeeding and vaginal delivery can increase postnatal CMV infection; however, the infection does not influence the growth of the term infants or preterm infants with gestational age ≥32 weeks. Thus, breastfeeding should be encouraged in these infants regardless of maternal CMV IgG status.

Prevalence of antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen among qualified blood donors in Nanjing, China.

Universal infant hepatitis B vaccination has been implemented more than three decades. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) in qualified blood donors in Nanjing, China. Plasmas of 815 qualified blood donors, collected from February through May 2019, were measured for anti-HBs and anti-HBc by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. There were 449 (55.1%) male and 366 (44.9%) female blood donors, with a median age of 28.9 years (18-60). The seroprevalence of anti-HBs was 58.8%, with no significant difference in different genders and different age groups. The overall prevalence of anti-HBc was 7.0%, with an increasing trend with age, from 0% in 18-20 years old group to 17.9% in 51-60 years old group (χ2 = 46.7965, p < .0001). The prevalence of anti-HBc in donors born after the implementation of universal hepatitis B vaccination was significantly lower than that in donors born before (1.0% vs 15.5%; χ2 = 63.6033, p < .0001). Our data suggest that more than half of the blood donors in Nanjing are anti-HBs positive. Since a blood recipient usually receives more than one unit of red blood cells or plasma, passively acquired anti-HBs in blood recipients may neutralize hepatitis B virus potentially presented in blood donors with occult hepatitis B infection. In addition, the presence of anti-HBs and/or anti-HBc in blood donors may cause unique hepatitis B serological profile in blood recipients.

Primary healthcare workers' COVID-19 infection status following implementation of adjusted epidemic prevention and control strategies: a cross-sectional study in Jiangsu, China.

Introduction: In times of epidemic outbreaks, healthcare workers (HCWs) emerge as a particularly vulnerable group. This cross-sectional study endeavors to assess the COVID-19 infection rate among the primary HCWs in Jiangsu Province subsequent to the implementation of adjusted epidemic prevention and control strategies. Methods: From January 17 to February 2, 2023, an extensive survey was conducted among primary HCWs in Jiangsu Province, employing a self-designed questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 infection. Results: The overall infection rate among primary HCWs stood at 81.05%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 80.61-81.48%. Among those afflicted, cough, fatigue, and fever emerged as the three most prevalent symptoms, each with an incidence rate exceeding 80%. In the context of multivariate logistic regression, an elevated risk of COVID-19 infection was observed in correlation with female gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.04-1.21), possessing a bachelor's degree or higher (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.23-1.41), accumulating over 10 years of work experience (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.11-1.47), holding a middle-level cadre position (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.11-1.35), assuming the role of a unit leader (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.11-1.54), and working in a fever clinic for 1 to 10 days per month (aOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.29-1.57). Conversely, advanced age (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70-0.82), being underweight (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.69-0.90), current smoking (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.57-0.71), receiving 4 doses of COVID-19 vaccine (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.37-0.66), and pregnancy or perinatal status (aOR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.72-0.99) were associated with a diminished risk of infection. Conclusion: Following the implementation of adjusted policies, a substantial proportion of primary HCWs in Jiangsu province contracted COVID-19. Female gender and younger age emerged as risk factors for COVID-19 infection, while no discernible link was established between professions and COVID-19 susceptibility. The receipt of COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated efficacy in curtailing the infection rate, underscoring the significance of bolstering prevention knowledge and heightening self-protective awareness among primary HCWs.

Preparation of Anti-Zearalenone IgY and Development of an Indirect Competitive ELISA Method for the Measurement of Zearalenone in Post-Fermented Tea.

Post-fermented tea (PFT) is one of the most commonly consumed beverages worldwide. Rapid microbial growth and significant changes in the microbial composition of PFT during processing and storage pose a potential risk of contamination with mycotoxins such as zearalenone (ZEN). Screening for ZEN contamination in a simple, rapid, and inexpensive manner is required to ensure that PFT is safe for consumption. To monitor ZEN in PFT, ZEN was conjugated with bovine serum albumin to prepare egg yolk immunoglobulins (IgY). A specific indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ic-ELISA) based on IgY was developed and validated. ZEN was extracted with acetonitrile and water (50:50, v/v) containing 5% acetic acid and purified using a mixture of primary and secondary amines and graphitized carbon black to remove matrix interference from the PFT samples. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of this assay was 13.8-508.9 ng mL-1, the limit of detection was 9.3 ng mL-1, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration was 83.8 ng mL-1. Cross-reactivity was negligible, and the assay was specific for ZEN-related molecules. The recovery rate of ZEN in the control blanks of PFT samples spiked with a defined concentration of ZEN of 89.5% to 98.0%. The recovery and accuracy of the method were qualified for PFT matrices. No significant differences were evident between the results of the actual PFT samples analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography and ic-ELISA. The collective data indicate that the developed ic-ELISA can be used for the rapid and simple detection of ZEN in PFT products.

Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children shortly after ending zero-COVID-19 policy in China on December 7, 2022: a cross-sectional, multicenter, seroepidemiological study.

Background: China discontinued the zero-COVID-19 policy on December 7, 2022, and then COVID-19 surged mid-December 2022 through mid-January 2023. However, the actual incidence was unknown. This study aimed to estimate the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children shortly after ending the zero-COVID-19 policy. Methods: This multicenter cross-sectional study included 1,065 children aged 8 months to 12 years from seven hospitals at six regions across Jiangsu province, based on the convenience sampling, from February 10 to March 10, 2023. Group I comprised 324 children aged 8 months-2 years without COVID-19 vaccination, group II consisted of 338 preschool children aged 3-5 years with varied vaccination history, and group III contained 403 primary school children aged 6-12 years with mostly vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccines were composed of inactivated SARS-CoV-2. In addition, 96 children's sera collected in 2014 were included as negative controls. IgG and IgM antibodies against nucleocapsid (N) and subunit 1 of spike (S1) of SARS-CoV-2 (anti-N/S1) were measured with commercial kits (YHLO Biotech, Shenzhen, China). Results: None of the 96 children (5.1 ± 3.5 years; 58.3% boys) in 2014 was positive for anti-N/S1 IgG or IgM. Of the 1,065 children (5.0 ± 3.5 years; 56.0% boys), 988 (92.8%) were anti-N/S1 IgG positive but none was anti-N/S1 IgM positive. The positive rate of anti-N/S1 IgG in Group I, II, and III was 90.4, 88.5, and 98.3%, respectively, with significantly higher in group III than in groups I and II (p < 0.0001). The median antibody titers in group III (381.61 AU/ml) were much higher than that in group I (38.34 AU/ml) and II (51.88 AU/ml; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: More than 90% children experienced SARS-CoV-2 infection shortly after ending zero-COVID-19 policy in China, much higher than estimated infections by other studies. The widespread SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated children should be influential on the policy of COVID-19 vaccination in children in the future.