Molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus in hospitalized children during winter 2021-2022 in Bengbu, China.

Objective: This study aimed to study the molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection from hospitalized children with ARTI in Bengbu. Methods: One hundred twenty-four nasopharyngeal swab specimens and clinical data from children with ARTI cases were collected in Bengbu, China, during winter 2021-2022. The samples were detected by qPCR of 13 respiratory viruses. Phylogenetic analysis was constructed using MEGA 7.0. All analyses were performed using SAS software, version 9.4. Results: In winter 2021-2022, URTI, NSCAP, SCAP, and bronchiolitis accounted for 41.03%, 27.35%, 17.09%, and 14.53% of hospitalized children in Bengbu, China. The detection rates of the top three were RSV (41.94%), ADV (5.65%), and FluB (5.65%) in hospitalized children through 13 virus detection. RSV is the main pathogen of hospitalized children under 2 years old. Forty-eight sequences of G protein of RSV were obtained through PCR amplification, including RSV-A 37 strains and RSV-B 11 strains. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all RSV-A and RSV-B were ON1 and BA9 genotypes, respectively. ON1 genotypes were further divided into two clades. The majority of ON1 strains formed a unique genetic clade with T113I, V131D, N178 G, and H258Q mutations. Furthermore, RSV infection was an independent risk factor for ventilator use (OR = 9.55, 95% CI 1.87-48.64). Conclusion: There was a high incidence of RSV among hospitalized children during winter 2021-2022 in Bengbu with ON1 and BA9 being the dominant strains. This study demonstrated the molecular epidemiological characteristics of RSV in children with respiratory infections in Bengbu, China.

[Interlaboratory comparison for determination of cadmium in drinking water].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the testing capability of cadmium in drinking water in the laboratories of the provincial and municipal centers for disease control and prevention across the country by implementing the interlaboratory comparison project. METHODS: The preparation method of the secondary standard materials were used as the reference for the sample preparation in the interlaboratory comparison project. The homogeneity and stability of the samples and short-term stability for simulated transportation were tested by single factor analysis of variance(ANOVA) and linear regression and mean consistency test(t test). On top of using the kernel density estimation to test the distribution of laboratory test result, we adopted precision statistical method to analyze the laboratory test result and used Z-score to evaluate the testing ability of each participating laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 409 laboratories throughout the country participated in the proficiency testing program.383 laboratories(93.6%) of participating laboratories, obtained satisfactory result. Results provided by 4 laboratories(1.0%) of total participating laboratories, were found suspicious in their capacities. Finally, there were 22 laboratories(5.4%) of total participating laboratories, with result found to be outliers. CONCLUSION: The statistical result of the interlaboratory comparison project show that the testing capability of cadmium in drinking water has been ranked as satisfactory in the laboratories of the provincial and municipal centers for disease control and prevention across the country, and the testing capability of a small number of laboratories requires further improvement.

[Interlaboratory comparison for determination of arsenic in drinking water].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and evaluate the testing capability of arsenic in drinking water in the laboratories of the provincial and municipal centers for disease control and prevention across the country by implementing the interlaboratory comparison project. METHODS: The preparation method of the secondary standard materials were used as the reference for the sample preparation in the interlaboratory comparison project. The homogeneity and stability of the samples and short-term stability for simulated transportation were tested by single factor analysis of variance(ANOVA) and linear regression and mean consistency test(t test). On top of using the kernel density estimation to test the distribution of laboratory test result, we adopted precision statistical method to analyze the laboratory test result and used Z-score to evaluate the testing ability of each participating laboratory. RESULTS: A total of 411 laboratories throughout the country participated in the proficiency testing program.389 laboratories(94.6%) of participating laboratories, obtained satisfactory result. Results provided by 2 laboratories(0.5%) of total participating laboratories, were found suspicious in their capacities. Finally, there were 20 laboratories(4.9%) of total participating laboratories, with result found to be outliers. CONCLUSION: The testing capability of arsenic in drinking water has been ranked as satisfactory in the laboratories of the provincial and municipal centers for disease control and prevention across the country, and the testing capability of a small number of laboratories requires further improvement.

Evaluation of Laboratory Management Based on a Combination of TOPSIS and RSR Methods: A Study in 7 Provincial Laboratories of China.

In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of management for pathogenic microbiology laboratories is performed based on a combination of Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Rank Sum Ratio (RSR) methods; in addition, the basis for improving laboratory management is provided. Using the laboratory evaluation tool developed by World Health Organization and a combination of TOPSIS and RSR methods, a system of evaluation indicators for the management of Chinese pathogenic microbiology laboratories is established for comprehensively evaluating the pathogenic microbiology laboratories of seven provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The evaluation system includes 12 primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. In terms of laboratory management, the seven laboratories were ranked as D, G, E, C, F, B, and A in descending order. None of these laboratories were evaluated as "good" or "poor." One of the laboratories was marked as "relatively poor" (A), two as "medium" (B and F), and four as "relatively good" (C, E, G, and D). In this study, a method for evaluating laboratory management using the TOPSIS and RSR methods is proposed, and a basis for comprehensively evaluating laboratory management for pathogenic microbiology laboratories is provided to reflect management practices.

Capacity assessment of the health laboratory system in two resource-limited provinces in China.

BACKGROUND: Strong laboratory capacity is essential for detecting and responding to emerging and re-emerging global health threats. We conducted a quantitative laboratory assessment during 2014-2015 in two resource-limited provinces in southern China, Guangxi and Guizhou in order to guide strategies for strengthening core capacities as required by the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). METHODS: We selected 28 public health and clinical laboratories from the provincial, prefecture and county levels through a quasi-random sampling approach. The 11-module World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory assessment tool was adapted to the local context in China. At each laboratory, modules were scored 0-100% through a combination of paper surveys, in-person interviews, and visual inspections. We defined module scores as strong (> = 85%), good (70-84%), weak (50-69%), and very weak (< 50%). We estimated overall capacity and compared module scores across the provincial, prefecture, and county levels. RESULTS: Overall, laboratories in both provinces received strong or good scores for 10 of the 11 modules. These findings were primarily driven by strong and good scores from the two provincial level laboratories; prefecture and county laboratories were strong or good for only 8 and 6 modules, respectively. County laboratories received weak scores in 4 modules. The module, 'Public Health Functions' (e.g., surveillance and reporting practices) lagged far behind all other modules (mean score = 46%) across all three administrative levels. Findings across the two provinces were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Laboratories in Guangxi and Guizhou are generally performing well in laboratory capacity as required by IHR. However, we recommend targeted interventions particularly for county-level laboratories, where we identified a number of gaps. Given the importance of surveillance and reporting, addressing gaps in public health functions is likely to have the greatest positive impact for IHR requirements. The quantitative WHO laboratory assessment tool was useful in identifying both comparative strengths and weaknesses. However, prior to future assessments, the tool may need to be aligned with the new WHO IHR monitoring and evaluation framework.

[Comparative analysis five kinds of serological detection methods about Brucella].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluation the specificity and sensitivity of 5 kinds of serological detection methods about brucellosis. METHODS: To investigate in the 4 autonomous banner (Cha You Hou Qi, Right-Wing Central Banner of Kerqin Region, Linxi County and Siziwangqi Banner) of Inner Mongolia autonomous region from January to December, 2013. Accepting criteria: professionals of breeding cattle and sheep, and slaughter,accompanied by Bloom's disease suspected symptoms such as fever, fatigue,arthralgia, ranging in age from 25 to 55 years old. To collect suspected patients venous blood 3-5 ml in the morning, a total of 236 samples were collected. To detect the Brucella antibody by using plate agglutination test (PAT), tiger red plate agglutination test (RBPT), standard test tube agglutination test (SAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immune colloidal gold method (GICA), SAT was taken as a golden standard, analyzed the sensitivity and specificity of RBPT and SAT, ELISA and GICA. RESULTS: SAT method of positive patients: 136 cases (57.6%). PAT method positive patients: 150 cases (63.6%). RBPT positive patients: 159 cases (67.4%), and 143 patients with ELISA method: positive (60.6%), 147 patients with positive GICA method (62.3%). The detection rate of Brucella antibody positive was different by different testing methods.There was no significant difference (χ(2)=0.52,P=0.264). To take the SAT method as the gold standard, PAT, RBPT, ELISA and GICA method of the sensitivity were 97.7% (133/136), 98.5% (134/136), 94.8% (129/136) and 94.1% (128/136), respectively. The specificity was lower,the rate were 70.0% (70/100), 75.0% (75/100), 86.0% (86/100) and 81.0% (81/100), respectively. The total coincidence rate were 86.0% (203/236), 88.5% (209/236), 91.1% (215/236) and 88.5% (209/236), respectively. CONCLUSION: The specificity and sensitivity of ELISA and GICA method is higher in the diagnosis of disease. The two methods are rapid, GICA method can be used on-site testing, large sample test is suitable for using ELISA.

[Prevalence survey of smoking pattern among peasants in China].

UNLABELLED: To study smoking patterns among farmers so as to provide scientific basis for developing effective tobacco control measures via policy making. The Survey was conducted by randomly selecting, in multi-stage, about 50 thousand farmers aged over 15 years old as the participants of the study according to economic status and geographical distribution in Guangdong, Henan, Jiangsu, Qinghai and Heilongjiang provinces. Results The overall prevalence of smoking was 33.45% (prevalence in men was 56.94% and in women was 6.40%) showing a decrease of 5%, 10% and -2.5% as compared with those of in 1996 survey. The average number of cigarettes consumed per day by men and women was 16 and 13 respectively as compared with 15 and 11 in 1996. CONCLUSION: Smoking prevalence among farmers in China was still remarkably high. The measures for tobacco control in rural areas should be emphasized. For reducing this prevalence, health promotion strategy might be prioritized.

[Effects of air pollution from coal combustion on lung function in children].

In order to observe effects of air pollution from burning coal on children's health, Four hundred fifty junior schoolers selected from three survey sites in Taiyuan city with different degrees air pollution were investigated using questionnairing survey and the lung function were tested. The results showed that children's pulmonary function in survey site A is lower than site B, and site B is lower than site C. The prevalence of ventilation disfunction were correlated to the types of heating, the separation of kitchen and bedroom and the pollutants concentration with logistic model. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that compared with site C, FVC and FEF50 in site A decreased by 65.80 +/- 33.35 ml and 119.27 +/- 78.74) ml respectively and, in site B, decreased (57.28 +/- 31.22) ml and (114.29 +/- 58.80) ml respectively (Model 1). FVC and FEF50 decreased by 69.10(31.50 ml and (119.79 +/- 86.82) ml respectively with one unit increase of Ln (SO2) (Model 2). FVC and FEF50 decreased by 193.50 +/- 65.55 ml and 171.69 +/- 87.11 ml respectively with one unit increase of Ln(PM10) (Model 3). It can be concluded that the air pollution from coal consumption in Taiyuan city had impact on the children's lung function.

[Effects of air pollution from coal-burning on respiratory diseases and symptoms in children].

To study effects of air pollution from coal-burning on children's health of 6-13 years old, A cross sectional epidemiological study was carried out in three places in Taiyuan city with different degrees air pollution by questionnaire and testing children's nasal cavity and oral cavity. The result showed that the incidence of rhinitis, faucitis and tonsillitis increased significantly with the extent of air pollution. The risk of the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and diseases were also increased among those children living in the area with heavy ambient air pollution.

[Effect of coal-burning air pollution on children immune function].

Study of effect of coal-burning air pollution on children immunity function was hold in Taiyuan city which is one of typical coal-burning air pollution city in China. The children of grade 4-5 who dwell more than 3 years were screened in three different pollution areas. The test includes the observation on the T lymphocyte subpopulations classes (CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+), saliva lysozyme contents and immunoglobulin content. The results showed that the contents of saliva lysozyme and immunoglobulin were lower than those in control area respectively(P < 0.05), and T lymphocyte subpopulations class (the percent ages of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+) had the same trend, but it was not marked. The results suggested that coal-burning air pollution could affect children by nonspecific immunity and sap immunity. The effect on cell immunity was not marked.