Effects of worldwide interventions and vaccination on COVID-19 between waves and countries

Governments worldwide have rapidly deployed non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the effect of these individual NPI measures across space and time has yet to be sufficiently assessed, especially with the increase of policy fatigue and the urge for NPI relaxation in the vaccination era. Using the decay ratio in the suppression of COVID-19 infections, we investigated the changing performance of different NPIs across waves from global and regional levels (in 133 countries) to national and subnational (in the United States of America [USA]) scales before the implementation of mass vaccination. The synergistic effectiveness of all NPIs for reducing COVID-19 infections declined along waves, from 95.4% in the first wave to 56.0% in the third wave recently at the global level and similarly from 83.3% to 58.7% at the USA national level, while it had fluctuating performance across waves on regional and subnational scales. Regardless of geographical scale, gathering restrictions and facial coverings played significant roles in epidemic mitigation before the vaccine rollout. Our findings have important implications for continued tailoring and implementation of NPI strategies, together with vaccination, to mitigate future COVID-19 waves, caused by new variants, and other emerging respiratory infectious diseases.

Mir-320b Inhibits Pancreatic Cancer Cell Proliferation by Targeting FOXM1.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common and deadly cancer. Surgical resection is the only possible cure for pancreatic cancer but often has a poor prognosis, and the role of adjuvant therapy is urgently explored. METHODS: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a very important role in tumorigenesis by regulating the target genes. In this study, we identified miR-320b lower-expressed in human pancreatic cancer tissues but relatively higher-expressed in the adjacent non-tumor tissues. RESULTS: Consistently, the expression of miR-320b in different pancreatic cancer cell lines was significantly lower than the normal pancreatic cells. In order to identify the effects of miR-320b on cell growth, we overexpressed miR-320b in PANC-1 and FG pancreatic cancer cell lines, CCK8 and BrdU incorporation assay results showed that miR-320b inhibited cell proliferation. DISCUSSION: We next predicted miR-320b targeted FOXM1 (Forkhead box protein M1) and identified the negative relationship between miR-320b and FOXM1. We also demonstrated that elevated miR- 320b expression inhibited tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION: All of these results showed that miR-320b suppressed pancreatic cancer cell proliferation by targeting FOXM1, which might provide a new diagnostic marker for pancreatic cancer.

Transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 on airplanes and high-speed trains

Modern transportation plays a key role in the long-distance and rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2. However, little is known about the transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 on confined vehicles, such as airplanes and trains. Based on the itinerary and epidemiological data of COVID-19 cases and close contacts among 9,265 airline passengers on 291 airplanes and 29,335 passengers on 830 high-speed trains in China from December 20, 2019 to March 17, 2020, we estimated that the upper bound of overall attack rate of COVID-19 among passengers was 0.60% (95% confidence interval: 0.43%-0.84%) for airplanes and 0.35% (0.28%-0.44%) for trains departing from Wuhan before its lockdown, respectively. The reproduction number during travel ranged from 0.12 to 0.19 on airplanes and from 0.07 to 0.12 on trains, with the risk varying by seat distance from the index case and joint travel time, but the difference in risk was not significant between the types of aircraft and train. Overall, the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission on planes and high-speed trains with high efficiency air filtration devices was relatively low. Our findings improve understanding of COVID-19 spread during travel and may inform response efforts, such as lifting travel restrictions, and resuming transportation in the pandemic.

Assessing the effect of global travel and contact reductions to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and resurgence

Travel and physical distancing interventions have been implemented across the World to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic, but studies are needed to quantify the effectiveness of these measures across regions and time. Timely population mobility data were obtained to measure travel and contact reductions in 135 countries or territories. During the 10 weeks of March 22 - May 30, 2020, domestic travel in study regions has dramatically reduced to a median of 59% (interquartile range [IQR] 43% - 73%) of normal levels seen before the outbreak, with international travel down to 26% (IQR 12% - 35%). If these travel and physical distancing interventions had not been deployed across the World, the cumulative number of cases might have shown a 97-fold (IQR 79 - 116) increase, as of May 31, 2020. However, effectiveness differed by the duration and intensity of interventions and relaxation scenarios, with variations in case severity seen across populations, regions, and seasons. One Sentence SummaryTravel and physical distancing interventions across the World are key to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic and resurgence.

Assessing spread risk of Wuhan novel coronavirus within and beyond China, January-April 2020: a travel network-based modelling study

BackgroundA novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) emerged in Wuhan City, China, at the end of 2019 and has caused an outbreak of human-to-human transmission with a Public Health Emergency of International Concern declared by the World Health Organization on January 30, 2020. AimWe aimed to estimate the potential risk and geographic range of Wuhan novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) spread within and beyond China from January through to April, 2020. MethodsA series of domestic and international travel network-based connectivity and risk analyses were performed, by using de-identified and aggregated mobile phone data, air passenger itinerary data, and case reports. ResultsThe cordon sanitaire of Wuhan is likely to have occurred during the latter stages of peak population numbers leaving the city before Lunar New Year (LNY), with travellers departing into neighbouring cities and other megacities in China. We estimated that 59,912 air passengers, of which 834 (95% UI: 478 - 1349) had 2019-nCoV infection, travelled from Wuhan to 382 cities outside of mainland China during the two weeks prior to Wuhans lockdown. The majority of these cities were in Asia, but major hubs in Europe, the US and Australia were also prominent, with strong correlation seen between predicted importation risks and reported cases. Because significant spread has already occurred, a large number of airline travellers (3.3 million under the scenario of 75% travel reduction from normal volumes) may be required to be screened at origin high-risk cities in China and destinations across the globe for the following three months of February to April, 2020 to effectively limit spread beyond its current extent. ConclusionFurther spread of 2019-nCoV within China and international exportation is likely to occur. All countries, especially vulnerable regions, should be prepared for efforts to contain the 2019-nCoV infection.

Thoughts of the COVID-19 outbreak phases changed from emergency response to combination of emergency response and regular prevention and control / 中华流行病学杂志

Given the scope and speed of virus spread, the COVID-19 pandemic is complex and dangerous. Complicated objective factors such as the long-term existence of source of infection, difficulty in completely blocking the transmission route and a large susceptible population determined that the COVID-19 pandemic might stay with us for long term. Therefore, we should be ready for a tough and long battle against the COVID-19 epidemic. The strategy should adhere to the principle of combining emergency response with regular prevention and control measures, and all efforts should be well harnessed in a coordinated way to keep the epidemic under control while securing the economic and social development.

Testicular infarction secondary to epididymo-orchitis: a case report / 中华泌尿外科杂志

The incidence of testicular infarction secondary to epididymal-orchitis is extremely low. It usually manifests as acute testicular enlargement and pain, which requires differentation with testicular tumors and testicular torsion. This article reported a case with 10 days unsatisfied conservative treatment. Scrotal exploration operation revealed no obvious formation of abscess cavity. Subdivision of spermatic cord sheath, testicular sheath reversal drainage, and testicular sheath decompression treatment were performed. The pain of the patient relieved significantly after surgery. No abnormality was recorded within 6 months follow-up.

Correlation between RNF213 gene p. R4810K polymorphism and posterior cerebral artery involvement in Chinese children with familial moyamoya disease / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective:To investigate the correlation between RNF213 gene p. R4810K polymorphism and posterior cerebral artery involvement in Chinese children with familial moyamoya disease.Methods:Children with familial moyamoya disease admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery, the Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital from August 2004 to June 2018 were enrolled, and they were divided into posterior cerebral artery involved group and posterior cerebral artery uninvolved group. RNF213 gene p. R4810K single nucleotide polymorphism was detected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent risk factors for posterior cerebral artery involvement. Results:A total of 65 children with familial moyamoya disease were enrolled. Their age was 6.98±4.46 years and 37 (56.9%) were male. The first symptom of 55 children (84.6%) was cerebral ischemia, and 37 (56.9%) involved posterior cerebral artery. There were 3 (4.6%) children with p. R4810K AA genotype, 26 (40.0%) with GA genotype, and 36 (55.4%) with GG genotype. The p. R4810K genotype distribution in the posterior cerebral artery involved group was statistically different from that in the uninvolved group (GA+ AA genotype: 56.8% vs. 28.6%; χ2=5.124, P=0.024), and there were no statistical difference in gender, age, first symptom, and genetic pattern. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting the first onset age and gender, p. R4810K G>A mutation was the only independent risk factor for posterior cerebral artery involvement (odds ratio 3.240, 95% confidence interval 1.082-9.705; P=0.020). Conclusion:The p. R4810K polymorphism of RNF213 gene is associated with posterior cerebral artery involvement in Chinese children with familial moyamoya disease.

Dramatic achievements in infectious disease prevention and treatment in China during the past 70 years / 中华流行病学杂志

At the beginning of the founding of People’s Republic of China, infectious diseases, such as smallpox, plague, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, measles, diphtheria, pertussis, meningitis, mumps, schistosomiasis, Kala Azar, hemorrhagic fever, leptospirosis, encephalitis B, typhus, malaria, Kala Azar, leprosy, scarlet fever and pinkeye, remained as epidemic in the country and endangered people’s health. During the past 70 years, the Chinese government spent huge efforts in infectious disease prevention and treatment by promulgating and implementing series of relative policies, laws and strategies, and also encouraged all Chinese people to participate in. The achievements of these efforts in controlling infectious disease epidemic were extremely successful. Today, the outbreaks and epidemic of infectious diseases in China were rarely happened with the rapid decreases in incidence and mortality rates of all notifiable infectious diseases. Smallpox was eradicated, and polio, filariasis, leprosy and neonatal tetanus were nearly eradicated. In addition, the incidence rates of vaccine-preventable diseases, i.e. measles, diphtheria, pertussis, meningitis, encephalitis B, hepatitis A, mumps, rubella, tuberculosis, were dramatically decreased and remained at relatively low levels for years. The incidence and prevalence rates of hepatitis B infection in Children decreased significantly and reached the phase objectives. Moreover, incidence rates of natural iatrogenic infectious diseases, i.e. diarrhea, typhoid and other intestinal infectious diseases, leptospirosis and schistosomiasis, and vectorborne diseases, i.e. typhus, malaria, Kala Azar, reached the lowest and some even closed to be eliminated in China. In general, infectious diseases dropped to the tenth from the top one leading cause of all deaths, which means that the achievement of Chinese infectious disease prevention and treatment strategies contributed tremendously in improving Chinese people’s health status and life expectancy.

Promoting the establishment of group standards in public health areas for China / 中华流行病学杂志

To better practice the Deepening Standardization Reform Plan,announced by the State Council,to promote the leadership of standard in healthy development of preventive medicine and public health,the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association (CPMA) established the Standardization Committee of Chinese Preventive Medicine Association (SC-CPMA).The SC-CPMA was responsible for the work of standardization developments of CPMA,including review of project's qualification and proposal,pre-qualification and qualification review of standard,publicity and training of standard,evaluation of standard implementation,review of standard,and public response monitoring of the standard.At December 13,2018,CPMA published two group standards,the Technical specification of data processing for large population-based cohort study (T/CPMA 001-2018) and Technical specification of data security for large population-based cohort study (T/CPMA 002-2018).This was the first time that a group standard was published by CPMA and produced for large cohort study's establishment and research.These two standards were the milestones for public health areas and the academic achievement of team,leading by Dr.Li Liming,after decade of research and practice.The two standards were developed based on the China Kadoorie Biobank Study and aimed to formulate professional standards and standardized operation procedures that met the nationals conditions,with strong operability and generality of population cohort establishments.The group standards were also aimed to guide the establishments for other population-based cohort studies to maximum support the decision making and practice for disease control and prevention.The increasing disease burden of non-communicable disease (NCD) became severe public health problem and the etiology for NCD is complex.Large cohort studies,which became more popular recently,played an important role in observation and explanation of NCD etiology and risk factors.Under the current situation with growing number of large cohort studies,it is necessary to have a standard,which could be shared and used to guide other professional as critical scientific protocols.CPMA was committed to promoting the development of group standards in the field of public health,and supporting the implementation of the Healthy China Strategy.

Promoting the establishment of group standards in public health areas for China / 中华流行病学杂志

To better practice the Deepening Standardization Reform Plan,announced by the State Council,to promote the leadership of standard in healthy development of preventive medicine and public health,the Chinese Preventive Medicine Association (CPMA) established the Standardization Committee of Chinese Preventive Medicine Association (SC-CPMA).The SC-CPMA was responsible for the work of standardization developments of CPMA,including review of project's qualification and proposal,pre-qualification and qualification review of standard,publicity and training of standard,evaluation of standard implementation,review of standard,and public response monitoring of the standard.At December 13,2018,CPMA published two group standards,the Technical specification of data processing for large population-based cohort study (T/CPMA 001-2018) and Technical specification of data security for large population-based cohort study (T/CPMA 002-2018).This was the first time that a group standard was published by CPMA and produced for large cohort study's establishment and research.These two standards were the milestones for public health areas and the academic achievement of team,leading by Dr.Li Liming,after decade of research and practice.The two standards were developed based on the China Kadoorie Biobank Study and aimed to formulate professional standards and standardized operation procedures that met the nationals conditions,with strong operability and generality of population cohort establishments.The group standards were also aimed to guide the establishments for other population-based cohort studies to maximum support the decision making and practice for disease control and prevention.The increasing disease burden of non-communicable disease (NCD) became severe public health problem and the etiology for NCD is complex.Large cohort studies,which became more popular recently,played an important role in observation and explanation of NCD etiology and risk factors.Under the current situation with growing number of large cohort studies,it is necessary to have a standard,which could be shared and used to guide other professional as critical scientific protocols.CPMA was committed to promoting the development of group standards in the field of public health,and supporting the implementation of the Healthy China Strategy.

Clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of moyamoya disease in the elderly / 国际脑血管病杂志

Objective To preliminarily explore the clinical features,treatment,and outcomes of moyamoya disease in the elderly.Methods The clinical data of the elderly patients with moyamoya disease (aged ＞ 60 years) admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery,the 307th Hospital of PLA from May 2007 to July 2016 were collected retrospectively.Their clinical features,imaging features,and surgical outcomes were analyzed.Results A total of 68 patients were enrolled,including 35 females (51.47％) and 33 males (48.53％).The ratio of male to female was 1:1.06.The age at the time of diagnosis of moyamoya disease was 62.82 ±3.08 years.Fifty-two patients (76.5％) had vascular risk factors.The most common clinical manifestation was cerebral ischemia (n =61,89.7％).Thirty of them (44.1％) presented as transient ischemic attack.The Suzuki staging of most patients was 4-6 (71.6％),12 patients (17.6％) complicated with posterior cerebral artery stenosis or occlusion.Thirty-one patients were treated with encephalo-duroarterio-synangiosis (EDAS).Among them,17 patients underwent bilateral surgery and 14 underwent unilateral surgery.The incidence of perioperative infarction or hemorrhage was 5.6％ (2 patients developed cerebral infarction and 1 patient developed cerebral hemorrhage);37 patients received conservative treatment.During the follow-up period,5 patients developed cerebral infarction (1 in the surgical treatment group and 4 in the conservative treatment group);there was no significant difference between the 2 groups.There were no significant differences in age,sex,vascular risk factor,clinical symptoms,and preoperative modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores between the 2 groups.Cerebral angiography was performed 6-9 months after operation in the surgical treatment group.A total of 24 cerebral hemispheres were evaluated by Matsushima typing,of which 17 (70.8％) were excellent.During the follow-up period,the proportion of patients with clinical outcome excellent (the mRS score was 0) (Z =-5.268,P ＜ 0.00l) and clinical improvement (the mRS score was improved ≥ 1 compared to the baseline) (Z =-3.780,P ＜ 0.001) were significantly higher than the conservative treatment group.Conclusions The clinical symptoms of old patients with moyamoya disease were mainly cerebral ischemia.Most of them had vascular risk factors,and the imaging manifestations showed higher Suzuki staging.The perioperative risk of EDAS in the old patients with moyamoya disease was lower.It might be an effective method to prevent clinical symptoms progress and improve the outcomes.

Analysis on funds application of community based organizations involved in HIV/AIDS response and government financial investment in China, 2014 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To understand the government financial investments to community based organizations (CBO) involved in HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention of China and its influencing factors.@*Methods@#Questionnaire of the situation of CBO involved in HIV/AIDS control and prevention were designed, and filled by the staff of Provincial Health Administrative Departments of 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities). The research focused on the fields of CBO involved in HIV/AIDS response in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), including intervention on HIV/AIDS high risk population (female sex worker (FSW), man who sex with man (MSM), drug user (DU) and case management and care for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH)). 29 valid questionnaires were collecting, with Shanxi Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regions not filled. Questionnaire included financial supports from local governments, transfer payment from central government for CBO involved in HIV/AIDS response in 2014, and unit cost for CBO involved in HIV/AIDS control and prevention. Multivariate analysis was conducted on the project application and financial investment of community based organizations involved in HIV/AIDS control and prevention in 2014.@*Results@#The total amount of CBO to apply for participation in AIDS prevention and control was 64 482 828 Yuan in 2014. The actual total amount of investment was 50 616 367 Yuan, The investment came from the central government funding, the provincial level government funding, the prefecture and county level government funding investment and other sources of funding. 22 of 28 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) received the funds from the central government finance, and median of investment funds 500 000 Yuan. 15 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) gained the funds from the provincial government finance, and median of investment funds 350 000 Yuan. 12 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) got the funds from the prefecture and county level government finance, and median of investment funds 408 750 Yuan. 12 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) acquired the funds from other sources, and median of investment funds 228 400 Yuan. The median (P25, P75) unit costs of intervention for FSW from 16 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) was 70 (23, 280) Yuan per year; DU from 14 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) was 83 (44, 200 ) Yuan per year; MSM from 16 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) was 100 (35, 280) Yuan per year; the follow-up and care for PLWH from 17 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) was 200 (45, 500) Yuan per year. Multivariate linear regression analysis results showed that the amount of PLWH in 2014 influenced on the total number of application funds of CBO involved in HIV/AIDS response (b=178.11, 95% CI: 51.86-305.36) and the amount of PLWH (b=77.72, 95% CI: 16.28-139.16), and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of the province (b=36.20, 95% CI: 4.60-67.80) impacted financial investment to CBO involved in HIV/AIDS response, respectively.@*Conclusion@#Funds application and financial investment of CBO involved in HIV/AIDS control and prevention were huge. Financial investment from government was main resources for CBO in 2014. The amount of financial investment funds from governments was influenced by the HIV/AIDS epidemic situation and the development level of local economic.

In vivo biocompatibility of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyphenylene sulfide composites / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:There is a lack of the research concerning the biocompatibility of nano-hydroxyapatite/polyphenylene sulfide (nHA/PPS) composites.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the in vivo biocompatibility of nHA/PPS composites based on the completed research in vitro.METHODS:Systemic toxicity test:Sprague-Dawley rats were given the intraperitoneal injection of nHA/PPS extract or normal saline.The general situation,body mass and the histological changes of the liver and kidney were observed at 72 hours after injection.Delayed type hypersensitivity test:nHA/PPS extract or normal saline was injected subcutaneously into the back of the rats.Afterwards,skin irritation symptoms were observed at 72 hours.Local reaction experiment:nHA/PPS composites and polyethylene were respectively implanted into the back of the rats.The pathological changes of the implanted materials and their surrounding tissues were observed at 15 and 30 days after implantation.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The rats were in good situation after nHA/PPS injection;the body mass increased steadily,which showed no significant difference from the control group (P ＜ 0.05);the morphology and color of the liver and kidney were normal,and the systemic toxicity of the composite materials was normal according to the degree of toxicity classification.(2) There were no obvious skin irritation symptoms after the subcutaneous injection of nHA/PPS composites,and the primary irritation index was less than 0.4,suggesting a low hypersensitivity.After implantation of nHA/PPS composites,there was no obvious degradation,absorption and rejection,and both the degree of inflammatory reaction (15 days ≤ level Ⅲ,30 days ≤ level Ⅱ) and the thickness of fibrous capsule (15 days ≤ level Ⅲ,30 days ≤ level Ⅱ) revealed the good biocompatibility of the composites.These results suggest that the nHA/PPS composites hold an excellent biocompatibility in vivo.

Application and evaluation of signal strength indictor in communicable disease automatic early warning system / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of signal strength indictor (SSI) in improving sensitivity of China Infectious Diseases Automated-alert and Response System (CIDARS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Diarrhea cases in 2007-2011 and early warning signals in 2010-2011 were selected by using random digital table method. Then, SSI and event-related ratio (ER) were calculated. The relationship between ER and SSI was analyzed, and the effect of SSI on ER was explored by using multiple logistic regression analysis.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>9 620 early warning signals in 2010-2011 were generated in two years. Of these, 74, or 0.77% were defined as suspected outbreak signal. The median of SSI related with suspected outbreak signal was 4.0, which was much higher than non-suspected outbreak signal (1.7). ER was significantly correlated with SSI (r=0.917). SSI classification has a good correlation between the ER, ER exceeded 20 after SSI reached 20. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed OR of SSI related with suspected outbreak signal was 2.52 (95% CI 2.04-3.12). Compared with non-epidemic season, the relationship of SSI and ER in epidemic season was much higher.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SSI was closely related with ER. The relationship was much closer in large scale outbreak and epidemic season, and compared to non-epidemic,the effect of epidemic season is more obvious.</p>

[Microsurgical resection of lumbar intraspinal tumors through paraspinal approach using percutaneous tubular retractor system].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes and operative techniques of microsurgical resection of lumbar intraspinal tumors through paraspinal approach by percutaneous tubular retractor system. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze 21 patients with lumbar intraspinal tumors between November 2011 and February 2014, including Schwannoma (n = 19) and meningioma (n = 2) without lumbar instability on preoperative images. The length of tumors was 0.6-2.0 cm. Tracheal intubation anesthesia was performed prior to microsurgery using percutaneous tubular retractor system through paraspinal approach. Operative duration, blood loss volume, postoperative wound pain duration and hospital stay were analyzed. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK-MM) level was recorded at 1 day preoperatively, 1 day, 3 days and 5 days postoperatively. The scores of Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) and visual analog scale (VAS) were analyzed at 1 day preoperatively, 1, 3, 5 days and 6 months postoperatively to evaluate the function status of spinal cord. Computed tomography ( CT) three-dimensional reconstruction of lumbar vertebrae was performed at 1 week postoperatively. Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) plain scan and enhanced scan of lumbar vertebrae were conducted preoperatively, 1 week and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Complete removal of tumors was achieved in all patients without the injuries of spinal cord or nerve root. Postoperative scores of JOA and VAS improved versus preoperative ones (P < 0.05). Level of CPK-MM increased 1 day postoperatively and declined to preoperative level at 5 days postoperatively. And th difference was not statistically significant (P < 0.05). Neither residual tumor nor tumor recurrence was detected by MRI plain and enhanced scans. No postoperative spinal instability was identified by CT three-dimensional reconstruction. And no spinal deformity occurred during a follow-up period of 6-28 months. CONCLUSION: Microsurgical resection of lumbar intraspinal tumors using percutaneous tubular retractor system through paraspinal approach minimizes the injuries of paraspinal muscles, facet joint, spinous process and ligaments. This technique offers the advantages of mini-invasiveness, shorter hospital stay, rapid recovery and preserved postoperative spinal stability.

Analysis of epidemiology characteristics of norovirus among diarrheal outpatients in 27 provinces in China, 2009-2013 / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the epidemiology characteristics of norovirus among diarrheal outpatients in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Diarrhea cases were monitored at emergency/outpatient departments at 173 hospitals in 27 provinces of China, with clinical and epidemiological data, and fecal specimens collected and sent to 58 network-laboratories to detect norovirus by RT-PCR method, and to analyze the positive rate of norovirus in various regions, population and time during 2009-2013.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>11.6% of the 34 031 diarrheal cases under surveillance were found with norovirus. Age group of 6-23 month-old children and that of people over 45 years old were found with the highest positive percentage, 13.7% and 12.4% respectively. Positive percentage of norovirus peaks in autumn and winter in a year; it peaks in mid-temperate zones (10.7%) and warm-temperate zones (11.6%) in winter. It peaks in sub-tropical zones in autumn (14.3%). The most prevalent genogroups detected were norovirus G II, accounting for 89.9% of identified strains.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Norovirus affects all ages and was most prevalent in children and the elderly among diarrhea outpatients. Norovirus' positive percentage showed strong seasonal pattern, and peaks at different times of a year in different climate zones of China. Since no effective preventive measures existed, further study on norovirus epidemiology and intervention strategies should be conducted in future.</p>

Vaccine might be an important means of chronic disease prevention and control / 中华预防医学杂志

The vaccine has played an important role in the struggle between human and infectious disease. However, with the development of society and economy, the non-communicable chronic disease has become the biggest threat to human health. The occurrence and development of chronic diseases is related to various factors. Whether vaccines to prevent chronic disease can be developed remains exploratory, while evidence revealing that there exists an important relationship between infection factors and chronic diseases is increasing. Therefore, the vaccine to prevent infection might become one of the most important means to effectively prevent and control chronic diseases.

Clinical features and surgical efficacy analysis of subarachnoid hemorrhagic moyamoya disease / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical features of subarachnoid hemorrhagic moyamoya disease and the therapeutic effect of encephalo-duro-arterio-synangiosis (EDAS). Methods The clinical and imaging data of 38 patients with subarachnoid hemorrhagic moyamoya disease admitted to the Department of Neurosurgery,the 307th Hospital of PLA from January 2002 to April 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Thirty-five patients underwent unilateral or bilateral EDAS (64-sides underwent EDAS,4 patients with aneurysms underwent endovascular embolization first),and 3 patients did not undergo any surgery. Results (1)Subarachnoid hemorrhagic moyamoya disease accounted for 10. 8%(38/353)of all the hemorrhagic moyamoya disease admitted in hospital over the same period,including 37 adults and 1 child. The male to female ratio was 1∶3. 22 (9/29),and the age of onset was 12 to 59 years. The mean age of patients was 39 ± 11 years. Four patients were combined with aneurysms. There were no significant differences in the distribution of Suzuki stage,anterior choroidal artery dilatation and posterior communicating artery dilatation in the remaining 34 patients without aneurysms between the bleeding sides and non-bleeding sides (P>0.05). (2 ) The patients were followed up for 13 -125 months (mean 51 ± 27 months ),two patients had rebleeding,one of them was intraventricular hemorrhage,the other was parenchymal hemorrhage. The postoperative modified Rankin score (mRS)was significantly lower in 35 patients whom were treated with EDAS. Compared with before surgery,there was significant difference (P<0. 05). The re-examination of positron emission tomography (PET)for 16 patients at 3 to 19 months after surgery showed that among the 23 surgically treated hemispheres,the cerebral metabolisms of 17 hemispheres were improved after surgery, and 6 did not have any change after surgery. The re-examination of whole brain digital subtraction angiography (DSA)at 5 to 30 months after surgery in 13 patients showed that revascularizations in 19 of 23 surgical hemispheres were effective. Conclusion Subarachnoid hemorrhagic moyamoya disease often occurs in adults,and women are more common. EDAS can achieve good revascularization effect and improve brain metabolism of patients,and thus relieve the symptoms of cerebral ischemia.

The implement performance of China Infectious Diseases Automated-alert and Response System in 2011-2013 / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the implement performance of China Infectious Diseases Automated-alert and Response System (CIDARS) of 31 provinces in mainland China, and to provide the evidences for further promoting the application and improvement of this system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The amount of signals, response situation and verification outcome of signals related to 32 infectious diseases of 31 provinces in mainland China in CIDARS were investigated from 2011 to 2013, the changes by year on the proportion of responded signals and timeliness of signal response were descriptively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 960 831 signals were generated nationwide on 32 kinds of infectious diseases in the system, with 98.87% signals (949 936) being responded, and the median (the 25(th) percentile to the 75(th) percentile (P25-P75) ) of time to response was 1.0 (0.4-3.3) h. Among all the signals, 242 355 signals were generated by the fixed-value detection method, the proportion of responded signals was 96.37% (62 349/64 703), 98.75% (68 413/69 282) and 99.37% (107 690/108 370), respectively, and the median (P25-P75) of time to response was 1.3 (0.3-9.7), 0.8(0.2-4.9) and 0.7 (0.2-4.2) h, respectively. After the preliminary data verification, field investigation and laboratory test by local public health staffs, 100 232 cases (41.36%) were finally confirmed.In addition, 718 476 signals were generated by the temporal aberration detection methods, and the average amount of signal per county per week throughout the country were 1.53, and 8 155 signals (1.14%) were verified as suspected outbreaks. During these 3 years, the proportion of signal response was 98.89% (231 149/233 746), 98.90% (254 182/257 015) and 99.31% (226 153/227 715), respectively, and the median (P25-P75) of time to response was 1.1 (0.5-3.3), 1.0 (0.5-2.9) and 1.0 (0.5-2.6) h, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>From 2011 to 2013, the proportion of responded signals and response timeliness of CIDARS maintained a rather high level, and further presented an increasing trend year by year. But the proportion of signals related to suspected outbreaks should be improved.</p>