First report on occurrence and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora cayetanensis from diarrheal outpatients in Ningbo, Southeast China.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Cryptosporidium spp. and Cyclospora cayetanensis are three important zoonotic pathogens which were a major cause of foodborne or waterborne intestinal diseases in humans and animals. However, very little data about occurrence and genotypes of the three parasites in Ningbo in the south wing of the Yangtze River Delta, China, which is important for a tourist city. In the present study, molecular characterization of E. bieneusi, C. cayetanensis and Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal samples from 489 diarrheal outpatients were carried out. As a result, a total of 35 (7.16%, 35/489) and three (0.61%, 3/489) samples were positive for E. bieneusi and C. cayetanensis respectively. No Cryptosporidium-positive sample or mixed-infections were detected. Four known E. bieneusi genotypes (Type IV, D, I and CHN4) and 8 novel genotypes (NBH1-NBH8) were identified with type IV was the dominant genotype (n = 14), followed by genotypes D (n = 5), NBH8 (n = 5) and NBH7 (n = 3). The remaining genotypes were found in one sample each, and these genotypes were belonged to the previously described high-potential zoonotic group 1. One novel sequence named NBC315, and the other two sequences (NBC30 and NBC370) identical with the reported sequence were detected. Therefore, the existence and importance of zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi and C. cayetanensis in diarrheal outpatients in Ningbo indicates the public health threats, and more investigations should be carried out in human populations, animals and other environmental sources from the One Health perspective.

Blastocystis infection among diarrhea outpatients in Ningbo, Southeast China: A potential zoonotic health threat.

BACKGROUND: Blastocystis is one of the important zoonotic parasites which can infect humans and various animals worldwide and has become a growing global public health concern. The study aims to obtain the data of Blastocystis infection and the information of the genetic characteristic. METHODS: In the present study, 489 fecal samples were collected from diarrhea outpatients in Ningbo, Zhejiang province, and were examined the presence of Blastocystis by polymerase chain reaction combined with sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 10 samples (2.04%, 10/489) were positive for Blastocystis with no significant difference among sex and age groups, respectively. Eight samples were successfully sequenced, and five zoonotic ST3 and three zoonotic ST1 with two new sequences were identified. CONCLUSIONS: We first demonstrated the occurrence of Blastocystis infection in diarrhea outpatients in Ningbo, with two zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST3) and two new sequences being characterized. Meanwhile, mixed infection of Blastocystis and E. bieneusi was found which indicates the importance of investigation of multiple parasites. Finally, more extensive studies will be needed to better understand the transmission of Blastocystis at human-animal-environment interface and provide evidence for the development of one health strategies for the prevention and control of such diseases.

Genotyping and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pigs transported across regions in China.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are common and important enteric parasites that can infect humans and animals, causing diarrhoea and systemic diseases. The objectives of the present study were to examine the prevalence and genetic variations of Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi in pigs transferred from northeastern China to Ningbo city in Zhejiang Province. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected in 0.9% (2/216) of these samples and belonged to the zoonotic species Cryptosporidium parvum. A high E. bieneusi infection rate (25.0%, 54/216) was observed in this study, with 7 possible novel ITS genotypes (JLNB-1 to JLNB-7) and 10 known genotypes (EbpA, CM11, H, CM6, pigEBITS1, EbpC, CS-4, pigEBITS5, CHS5, and Henan-Ⅳ) identified, and zoonotic EbpA was the dominant genotype. Genotypes H and pigEBITS1 were reported for the first time in pigs in China. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all the genotypes found in these samples belonged to zoonotic group 1. These findings indicated the potential threat of Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi to humans or the environment during cross-regional transportation. An effective management control system should be built to avoid parasitic transmission as well as other animal diseases while travelling across different regions. In further studies, attention should be given to the transmission routes and the role of pigs as a potential source of human Cryptosporidium and E. bieneusi infections in China.

Effect of multimedia-based nursing visit on perioperative anxiety in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Little is known about the multimedia-based preoperative nursing visit for squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VAST). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative multimedia-based nursing visit on perioperative anxiety in ESCC patients undergoing VAST. A total of 128 ESCC patients undergoing VAST were randomly divided into intervention group (n = 63) or control group (n = 65). The anxiety level was measured by state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) and visual analog scale (VAS). The vital signs were also recorded. The data were collected at three different time points: before the intervention, 1 h before surgery and 24 h after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline STAI score, VAS scores and vital signs (P > 0.05). The intervention group reported significantly lower anxiety and improved vital signs in terms of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate at 1 h before surgery and 24 h after surgery (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference in respiratory rate was observed between two groups at 1 h before surgery and 24 h after surgery (P > 0.05). Preoperative nursing visit with multimedia could reduce perioperative anxiety levels as well as help to stabilize vital sign for ESCC patients undergoing VAST.

[Value of myocardial scar in predicting malignant ventricular arrhythmia in patients with chronic myocardial infarction].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictive value of myocardial scar mass in malignant ventricular arrhythmia (MVA) after myocardial infarction. METHODS: Thirty myocardial infarction patients with complete electrophysiology and cardiac MRI data admitted from January 2012 to August 2017 were enrolled in the study. According to the results of intracavitary electrophysiological study, MVA developed in 16 patients (MVA group) and not developed in 14 patients (non-MVA group). The qualitative and quantitative analysis of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVFE) and scar mass was performed with CVI42 post-processing software and predictive value of myocardial scar and LVEF for MVA after myocardial infarction was analyzed using ROC curves. RESULTS: LVEF in MVA group was significantly lower than that in non-MVA group, and scar mass in MVA group was significantly higher than that in non-MVA group (all P<0.05). Regression analysis showed that LVEF (OR=1.580) and scar mass (OR=6.270) were risk factors for MVA after myocardial infarction. For predicting MVA, the area under ROC curve (AUC) of LVEF was 0.696 with a sensitivity of 0.786 and the specificity of 0.685; the AUC of the scar mass was 0.839 with a sensitivity was 0.618 and the specificity of 0.929; the AUC of LVEF combined with scar mass was 0.848 with a sensitivity of 0.688 and specificity of 0.857. CONCLUSIONS: Myocardial scar assessed by late gadolinium enhancement MRI is more effective than LVEF in predicting MVA after myocardial infarction.

Downregulation of miR-210 protected bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity in dorsal root ganglion.

Local anesthetic may cause neurotoxicity in developing neurons. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms of microRNA-210 (miR-210) in regulating bupivacaine-induced dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurotoxicity in vitro. Young mouse (P30) DRG explants were cultured in vitro and treated with 5 mM bupivacaine to induce neurotoxicity. QRT-PCR was used to evaluate the expression profiles of miRNAs within 24 h after bupivacaine treatment. MiR-210 was downregulated in DRG, and its effects on bupivacaine-induced neurotoxicity were evaluated by apoptosis and neurite growth assays, respectively. Putative downstream target of miR-210 in DRG, BDNF, was evaluated by dual-luciferase assay, qRT-PCR, and western blot, respectively. BDNF was then knocked down by siRNA to assess its associated effects in regulating DRG neurotoxicity. Within the initial 24 h after bupivacaine treatment, various patterns of miRNA expression were observed, whereas miR-210 was constantly upregulated. Application of miR-210 inhibitor efficiently downregulated endogenous miR-210, protected apoptosis and neurite retraction in bupivacaine damaged DRG neurons. Using dual-luciferase assay, qRT-PCR, and western blot, BDNF was confirmed to the downstream target of miR-210 in DRG. SiRNA-mediated BDNF downregulation reversed the effect of miR-210 downregulation in DRG neurotoxicity. MiR-210, through the regulation of BDNF, plays important role in anesthetics-induced DRG neurotoxicity.

Resistant starch from yam: Preparation, nutrition, properties and applications in the food sector.

Yam is a significant staple food and starch source, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, holding the fourth position among the world's top ten tuber crops. Yam tubers are rich in essential nutrients and a diverse range of beneficial plant compounds, which contribute to their multifaceted beneficial functions. Furthermore, the abundant starch and resistant starch (RS) content in yam can fulfil the market demand for RS. The inherent and modified properties of yam starch and RS make them versatile ingredients for a wide range of food products, with the potential to become one of the most cost-effective raw materials in the food industry. In recent years, research on yam RS has experienced progressive expansion. This article provides a comprehensive summary of the latest research findings on yam starch and its RS, elucidating the feasibility of commercial RS production and the technology's impact on the physical and chemical properties of starch. Yam has emerged as a promising reservoir of tuber starch for sustainable RS production, with thermal, chemical, enzymatic and combination treatments proving to be effective manufacturing procedures for RS. The adaptability of yam RS allows for a wide range of food applications.

Chinese Herbal Medicines for Coronary Heart Disease: Clinical Evidence, Pharmacological Mechanisms, and the Interaction with Gut Microbiota.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a common type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) that has been on the rise in terms of both incidence and mortality worldwide, presenting a significant threat to human health. An increasing body of studies has shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), can serve as an effective adjunctive therapy to enhance the efficacy of Western drugs in treating CHD due to their multiple targets and multiple pathways. In this article, we critically review data available on the potential therapeutic strategies of CHMs in the intervention of CHD from three perspectives: clinical evidence, pharmacological mechanisms, and the interaction with gut microbiota. We identified 20 CHMs used in clinical practice and it has been found that the total clinical effective rate of CHD patients improved on average by 17.78% with the intervention of these CHMs. Subsequently, six signaling pathways commonly used in treating CHD have been identified through an overview of potential pharmacological mechanisms of these 20 CHMs and the eight representative individual herbs selected from them. CHMs could also act on gut microbiota to intervene in CHD by modulating the composition of gut microbiota, reducing trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) levels, increasing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and maintaining appropriate bile acids (BAs). Thus, the therapeutic potential of CHMs for CHD is worthy of further study in view of the outcomes found in existing studies.

Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of diabetic nephropathy: From clinical evidence to potential mechanisms.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a typical chronic microvascular complication of diabetes, characterized by proteinuria and a gradual decline in renal function. At present, there are limited clinical interventions aimed at preventing the progression of DN to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, Chinese herbal medicine presents a distinct therapeutic approach that can be effectively combined with conventional Western medicine treatments to safeguard renal function. This combination holds considerable practical implications for the treatment of DN. AIM OF THE STUDY: This review covers commonly used Chinese herbal remedies and decoctions applicable to various types of DN, and we summarize the role played by their active ingredients in the treatment of DN and their mechanisms, which includes how they might improve inflammation and metabolic abnormalities to provide new ideas to cope with the development of DN. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With the keywords "diabetic nephropathy," "Chinese herbal medicine," "clinical effectiveness," and "bioactive components," we conducted an extensive literature search of several databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang database, to discover studies on herbal formulas that were effective in slowing the progression of DN. The names of the plants covered in the review have been checked at MPNS (http://mpns.kew.org). RESULTS: This review demonstrates the superior total clinical effective rate of combining Chinese herbal medicines with Western medicines over the use of Western medicines alone, as evidenced by summarizing the results of several clinical trials. Furthermore, the review highlights the nephroprotective effects of seven frequently used herbs exerting beneficial effects such as podocyte repair, anti-fibrosis of renal tissues, and regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism through multiple signaling pathways in the treatment of DN. CONCLUSIONS: The potential of herbs in treating DN is evident from their excellent effectiveness and the ability of different herbs to target various symptoms of the condition. However, limitations arise from the deficiencies in interfacing with objective bioindicators, which hinder the integration of herbal therapies into modern medical practice. Further research is warranted to address these limitations and enhance the compatibility of herbal therapies with contemporary medical standards.

Impact of frailty on short-term postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is a major global health challenge that predominantly affects older people. Surgical management, despite advancements, requires careful consideration of preoperative patient status for optimal outcomes. AIM: To summarize existing evidence on the association of frailty with short-term postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus databases for observational studies in adult patients aged ≥ 18 years undergoing planned or elective colorectal surgery for primary carcinoma and/or secondary metastasis. Only studies that conducted frailty assessment using recognized frailty assessment tools and had a comparator group, comprising nonfrail patients, were included. Pooled effect sizes were reported as weighted mean difference or relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 24 studies were included. Compared with nonfrail patients, frailty was associated with an increased risk of mortality at 30 d (RR: 1.99, 95%CI: 1.47-2.69), at 90 d (RR: 4.76, 95%CI: 1.56-14.6) and at 1 year (RR: 5.73, 95%CI: 2.74-12.0) of follow up. Frail patients had an increased risk of any complications (RR: 1.81, 95%CI: 1.57-2.10) as well as major complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade ≥ III) (RR: 2.87, 95%CI: 1.65-4.99) compared with the control group. The risk of reoperation (RR: 1.18, 95%CI: 1.07-1.31), readmission (RR: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.36-2.12), need for blood transfusion (RR: 1.67, 95%CI: 1.52-1.85), wound complications (RR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.11-1.99), delirium (RR: 4.60, 95%CI: 2.31-9.16), risk of prolonged hospitalization (RR: 2.09, 95%CI: 1.22-3.60) and discharge to a skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center (RR: 3.19, 95%CI: 2.0-5.08) was all higher in frail patients. CONCLUSION: Frailty in colorectal cancer surgery patients was associated with more complications, longer hospital stays, higher reoperation risk, and increased mortality. Integrating frailty assessment appears crucial for tailored surgical management.

Prediction of CD3 T cells and CD8 T cells expression levels in non-small cell lung cancer based on radiomic features of CT images.

Background: In this work, radiomics characteristics based on CT scans were used to build a model for preoperative evaluation of CD3 and CD8 T cells expression levels in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Two radiomics models for evaluating tumor-infiltrating CD3 and CD8 T cells were created and validated using computed tomography (CT) images and pathology information from NSCLC patients. From January 2020 to December 2021, 105 NSCLC patients with surgical and histological confirmation underwent this retrospective analysis. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to determine CD3 and CD8 T cells expression, and all patients were classified into groups with high and low CD3 T cells expression and high and low CD8 T cells expression. The CT area of interest had 1316 radiomic characteristics that were retrieved. The minimal absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) technique was used to choose components from the IHC data, and two radiomics models based on CD3 and CD8 T cells abundance were created. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analyses were used to examine the models' ability to discriminate and their clinical relevance (DCA). Results: A CD3 T cells radiomics model with 10 radiological characteristics and a CD8 T cells radiomics model with 6 radiological features that we created both demonstrated strong discrimination in the training and validation cohorts. The CD3 radiomics model has an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.943 (95% CI 0.886-1), sensitivities, specificities, and accuracy of 96%, 89%, and 93%, respectively, in the validation cohort. The AUC of the CD8 radiomics model was 0.837 (95% CI 0.745-0.930) in the validation cohort, with sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values of 70%, 93%, and 80%, respectively. Patients with high levels of CD3 and CD8 expression had better radiographic results than patients with low levels of expression in both cohorts (p<0.05). Both radiomic models were therapeutically useful, as demonstrated by DCA. Conclusions: When making judgments on therapeutic immunotherapy, CT-based radiomic models can be utilized as a non-invasive way to evaluate the expression of tumor-infiltrating CD3 and CD8 T cells in NSCLC patients.

Simultaneous detection and differentiation of dengue virus serotypes 1-4, Japanese encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus by a combined reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay.

BACKGROUND: Rapid identification and differentiation of mosquito-transmitted flaviviruses in acute-phase sera of patients and field-caught vector mosquitoes are important for the prediction and prevention of large-scale epidemics. RESULTS: We developed a flexible reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) unit for the detection and differentiation of dengue virus serotypes 1-4 (DENV1-4), Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), and West Nile virus (WNV). The unit efficiently amplified the viral genomes specifically at wide ranges of viral template concentrations, and exhibited similar amplification curves as monitored by a real-time PCR engine. The detection limits of the RT-LAMP unit were 100-fold higher than that of RT-PCR in 5 of the six flaviviruses. The results on specificity indicated that the six viruses in the assay had no cross-reactions with each other. By examining 66 viral strains of DENV1-4 and JEV, the unit identified the viruses with 100% accuracy and did not cross-react with influenza viruses and hantaviruses. By screening a panel of specimens containing sera of 168 patients and 279 pools of field-caught blood sucked mosquitoes, results showed that this unit is high feasible in clinical settings and epidemiologic field, and it obtained results 100% correlated with real-time RT-PCR. CONCLUSIONS: The RT-LAMP unit developed in this study is able to quickly detect and accurately differentiate the six kinds of flaviviruses, which makes it extremely feasible for screening these viruses in acute-phase sera of the patients and in vector mosquitoes without the need of high-precision instruments.

An improved Faster R-CNN for defect recognition of key components of transmission line.

In a national power grid system, it is necessary to keep transmission lines secure. Detection and identification must be regularly performed for transmission tower components. In this paper, we propose a defect recognition method for key components of transmission lines based on deep learning. First, based on the characteristics of the transmission line image, the defect images are preprocessed, and the defect dataset is created. Then, based on the TensorFlow platform and the traditional Faster R-CNN based on the R-CNN model, the concept-ResNet-v2 network is used as the basic feature extraction network to improve the network structure adjustment and parameter optimization. Through feature extraction, target location, and target classification of aerial transmission line defect images, a target detection model is obtained. The model improves the feature extraction on transmission line targets and small target component defects. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively identify the defects of key components of the transmission lines with a high accuracy of 98.65%.

Discovery and Full Genome Characterization of SARS-CoV-2 in Stool Specimen from a Recovered Patient, China.

SARS-CoV-2 was found in a recovered patient's stool specimen by combining quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and genome sequencing. The patient was virus positive in stool specimens for at least an additional 15 days after he was recovered, whereas respiratory tract specimens were negative. The discovery of the complete genome of SARS-CoV-2 in the stool sample of the recovered patient demonstrates a cautionary warning that the potential mode of the virus transmission cannot be excluded through the fecal-oral route after viral clearance in the respiratory tract.

[Study on genetic polymorphism of human mismatch repair gene hMLH1 and susceptibility of papillary thyroid carcinoma in Chinese Han people].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations between the single nucleotide polymorphism of human mismatch repair gene hMLH1 and the papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in Chinese Han people. METHODS: A hospital based 1:1 matched case-control study was carried out. The single nucleotide polymorphism (-93G > A, 1151T > A and 655A > G) for 204 pairs of cases with PTC as well as healthy controls was identified by PCR-RFLP, PCR-ASO and DNA sequencing. RESULTS: With univariate analysis, we found that compared to 1151TT genotype, the TA genotype could increase the PTC risk marginally, with odds ratio (OR) of 2.15 (95%CI: 0.99 - 4.85); While the mutant genotype TA + AA could increase the PTC risk statistically significant, with OR of 2.15(95%CI: 1.02 - 4.69). With 2 x 4 cross-over study, we found that compared to -93GG and 1151TT genotypes, individuals with both -93GA + AA and 1151TA + AA could increase the PTC risk marginally, with OR of 2.50 (95%CI: 0.96 - 6.67); While, compared to 655AA and 1151TT genotypes, individuals with both 655AA and 1151TA + AA could increase the PTC risk statistically significant, with OR of 2.50 (95%CI: 1.02 - 4.73). Multivariate and conditional logistic regression analysis showed the genotype of 1151TA, the history of receiving CT diagnosis, the history of tumor, the negative life events and eating seafood frequently could increase the risk of PTC, with OR of 6.79 (95%CI: 3.18 - 14.49), 3.35 (95%CI: 1.93 - 5.80), 39.03 (95%CI: 3.70 - 41.60) and 3.98 (95%CI: 1.81 - 8.73); While, eating fruit frequently could decrease the PTC risk. CONCLUSION: The 1151TA + AA genotype, the history of receiving CT diagnosis, the history of tumor, the negative life events and eating seafood frequently were the risk factors of PTC, while eating fruit frequently was the protective factor.

Development of a recombinase-aided amplification assay for rapid and sensitive detection of porcine circovirus 3.

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3) is a novel member of the genus Circovirus, first detected in the United States in 2016, with subsequent reports in many countries. PCV3 infections have caused serious economic losses in the pig industry. Alternative rapid and sensitive assays for PCV3 detection are needed for clinical diagnosis, especially in laboratories not equipped with more sophisticated equipment. Here, a real-time recombinase-aided amplification assay (RAA) was developed for PCV3 detection. Specific primers and probes targeting the conserved region of the capsid gene of PCV3 were designed. The assay was performed at 39 °C for 30 min using specialized equipment. Furthermore, 36 clinical samples were used to evaluate the RAA. The analytical sensitivity of the RAA for PCV3 was 38 copies per reaction at 95% probability level, using a probit regression model. There was no cross-reactivity with other DNA viruses belonging to the Circoviridae and Parvoviridae families. The detection rate agreed with that obtained by an established real-time PCR assay with a kappa value of 1.0. Our results demonstrated that this new RAA could be used for the rapid, accurate, and sensitive detection of PCV3.

[Association of genetic polymorphisms and haplotypes in hMLH1 and hMSH3 gene with the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship of the genetic polymorphisms and the haplotypes in hMLH1 and hMSH3 gene with the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in Chinese Hans. METHODS: A hospital based 1:1 matched case-control study was carried out. The polymorphisms for 204 pairs of PTC cases and healthy controls were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and allele specific oligonucleotide (PCR-ASO) assays. RESULTS: (1) The PTC risk was marginally increased in the hMLH1 1151TA genotype, with odds ratio (OR) of 2.15 (95%CI: 0.99-4.85); the PTC risk was significantly increased in the mutant genotype 1151TA+AA, with OR of 2.15 (95%CI: 1.02-4.69); (2) The haplotypes of -93G, 1151A, 655A in the hMLH1 gene could increase the PTC risk, with OR of 2.67 (95%CI: 1.16-6.53, P=0.011), compared with the haplotype of -93G, 1151T, 655A; (3) Compared to 3124A, 2835G haplotype in hMSH3 gene, the 3124G, 2835A haplotype could increase the PTC risk marginally, with OR of 3.08 (95%CI: 0.92-13.25). CONCLUSION: The 1151T/A polymorphism in hMLH1 was associated with PTC; both the haplotype of -93G, 1151A, 655A in hMLH1 and the 3124G, 2835A haplotype in hMSH3 were associated with PTC.

Epidemiological Features and Forecast Model Analysis for the Morbidity of Influenza in Ningbo, China, 2006-2014.

This study aimed to identify circulating influenza virus strains and vulnerable population groups and investigate the distribution and seasonality of influenza viruses in Ningbo, China. Then, an autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model for prediction was established. Influenza surveillance data for 2006-2014 were obtained for cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) (n = 129,528) from the municipal Centers for Disease Control and virus surveillance systems of Ningbo, China. The ARIMA model was proposed to predict the expected morbidity cases from January 2015 to December 2015. Of the 13,294 specimens, influenza virus was detected in 1148 (8.64%) samples, including 951 (82.84%) influenza type A and 197 (17.16%) influenza type B viruses; the influenza virus isolation rate was strongly correlated with the rate of ILI during the overall study period (r = 0.20, p < 0.05). The ARIMA (1, 1, 1) (1, 1, 0)12 model could be used to predict the ILI incidence in Ningbo. The seasonal pattern of influenza activity in Ningbo tended to peak during the rainy season and winter. Given those results, the model we established could effectively predict the trend of influenza-related morbidity, providing a methodological basis for future influenza monitoring and control strategies in the study area.

[Prediction and Identification of Immunodominant Linear B Cell Epitopes in the Nucleocapsid Protein of SFTSV].

In order to identify immunodominant linear B cell epitopes in the nucleocapsid protein N of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus(SFTSV),bioinformatics programs were used to analyze antigenicity, hydrophilicity and surface probability of the amino acid sequence and predict possible linear B cell epitopes. PyMOL software was used to analyze the distribution of linear B cell epitopes in nucleocapsid protein N based on its crystal structure. Corresponding peptides were synthesized and examined in peptide enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(Peptide-ELISA)individually to check whether they reacted with sera from SFTSV-infected patients. As a result, a total of six potential linear B cell epitopes were predicted as the following: A(40-KKLKETGGDDWVKDTK-55), B(71-ASGKMSNSGSKRL-83), C(94-ERAETRL-100),D(135-LKVENYPP-142),E(157-GVSEATT-163)and F(184-KMRGASKTEVYNSFRDP-200).All epitopes were located on the surface of the nucleocapsid protein N and contained flexible loops. Each of the six synthetic peptides reacted positively with sera from SFTSV-infected patients and were identified as immunodominant linear B cell epitopes. Linear regression analysis showed a positive correlation between each peptide-ELISA and commercialized N protein-based EIA. In this study, immunodominant linear B cell epitopes from the nucleocapsid protein N of SFTSV were successfully predicted and confirmed. These findings may help to establish the molecule basis of specific antigenicity and disease diagnosis.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of HPV infection among women in Ningbo, China.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HPV prevalence and genotype distribution among women in Ningbo, China. METHODS: A cluster-sampling study of women from four randomly selected villages was undertaken between April 1 and June 30, 2012. Married women who were not menstruating and had not had sexual intercourse, used vaginal medications, or performed vaginal douching within the previous 48hours were enrolled when attending community health centers for family planning appointments. Exfoliated cell specimens were collected for HPV DNA genotyping and cytologic diagnostic tests. RESULTS: Among 1373 included women, 185 (13.5%) were found to be HPV positive and 178 (13.0%) had a high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotype. Among 56 women with cervical cytologic abnormalities, 35 (62.5%) had an HPV infection. The frequency of HPV or HR-HPV infections rose with increasing severity of cytological abnormalities (P<0.001 for both). HPV52 was the most prevalent genotype, followed by HPV58, HPV16, HPV33, and HPV68. An HPV prevalence peak was observed in women aged 40-49 years (101/564 [17.9%]). CONCLUSION: In Ningbo, many women with cervical cytologic abnormalities have HPV infection. Vaccines targeting HPV52 and HPV58 in conjunction with HPV16 and HPV18 are required for the prevention and treatment of cervical lesions in Chinese women.