Mortality Associated with Priority Diseases in Flood-Affected Areas Using District Health Information System (DHIS2) During September-December 2022: Pakistan Experience.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the burden of communicable diseases and characterize the most reported infections during public health emergency of floods in Pakistan. METHODS: The study's design is a descriptive trend analysis. The study utilized the disease data reported to District Health Information System (DHIS2) for the 12 most frequently reported priority diseases under the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system in Pakistan. RESULTS: In total, there were 1,532,963 suspected cases during August to December 2022 in flood-affected districts (n = 75) across Pakistan; Sindh Province reported the highest number of cases (n = 692,673) from 23 districts, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) (n = 568,682) from 17 districts, Balochistan (n = 167,215) from 32 districts, and Punjab (n = 104,393) from 3 districts. High positivity was reported for malaria (79,622/201,901; 39.4%), followed by acute diarrhea (non-cholera) (23/62; 37.1%), hepatitis A and E (47/252; 18.7%), and dengue (603/3245; 18.6%). The crude mortality rate was 11.9 per 10 000 population (1824/1,532,963 [deaths/cases]). CONCLUSION: The study identified acute respiratory infection, acute diarrhea, malaria, and skin diseases as the most prevalent diseases. This suggests that preparedness efforts and interventions targeting these diseases should be prioritized in future flood response plans. The study highlights the importance of strengthening the IDSR as a Disease Early Warning System through the implementation of the DHIS2.

Multiple introductions of monkeypox virus to Ireland during the international mpox outbreak, May 2022 to October 2023.

BackgroundMpox, caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), was considered a rare zoonotic disease before May 2022, when a global epidemic of cases in non-endemic countries led to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Cases of mpox in Ireland, a country without previous mpox reports, could reflect extended local transmission or multiple epidemiological introductions.AimTo elucidate the origins and molecular characteristics of MPXV circulating in Ireland between May 2022 and October 2023.MethodsWhole genome sequencing of MPXV from 75% of all Irish mpox cases (182/242) was performed and compared to sequences retrieved from public databases (n = 3,362). Bayesian approaches were used to infer divergence time between sequences from different subclades and evaluate putative importation events from other countries.ResultsOf 242 detected mpox cases, 99% were males (median age: 35 years; range: 15-60). All 182 analysed genomes were assigned to Clade IIb and, presence of 12 distinguishable subclades suggests multiple introductions into Ireland. Estimation of time to divergence of subclades further supports the hypothesis for multiple importation events from numerous countries, indicative of extended and sustained international spread of mpox. Further analysis of sequences revealed that 92% of nucleotide mutations were from cytosine to thymine (or from guanine to adenine), leading to a high number of non-synonymous mutations across subclades; mutations associated with tecovirimat resistance were not observed.ConclusionWe provide insights into the international transmission dynamics supporting multiple introductions of MPXV into Ireland. Such information supported the implementation of evidence-informed public health control measures.

Epidemiological survey of cystic echinococcosis in southwest China: From the Qinghai-Tibet plateau to the area of Yunnan.

BACKGROUND: Echinococcosis is prevalent in 9 provinces in Western and Northern China. An epidemiological survey of echinococcosis in 2012 and 2016 showed cases of echinococcosis in Yunnan Province. AIM: To understand the spatial distribution and epidemiological characteristics of echinococcosis in Yunnan for the prevention and control of echinococcosis and to reduce the risk of infection in Yunnan Province. METHODS: Based on the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP), echinococcosis cases reported from 36 hospitals and 34 Centers for Disease Control were investigated and epidemiologically analyzed from 2021 to 2022. The exclusion criteria included suspected cases, same case only counted once and cases not from Yunnan. A total of 705 cases were investigated, of which 397 cases were suitable for statistical analysis. In these 397 cases, epidemiological investigation was tracked in 187 cases. All data were inputted using double entry in the Excel database, with error correction by double-entry comparison. The data on echinococcosis cases in Yunnan Province were analyzed by ArcGIS 10.1 software to generate a density map of echinococcosis distribution. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 17.0, including the chi-square test, linear regression test and logistic univariate and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 397 cases were found in 89 counties in Yunnan Province. The number of cases in the top three prefectures were Dali (38.1%), Diqing (10.1%), and Kunming (8.3%), and the top five counties were Jianchuan (9.1%), Shangri La (8.3%), Eryuan (7. 6%), Heqing (6.9%), and Dali Districts (5.0%). There were significant differences between the different areas. The case reporting rate by CISDCP (33.8%) was low; the first case was reported by CISDCP in 2002, and the highest number of cases was 50 (2017). Confirmed and clinical cases accounted for 62.5% and 37.5%, respectively. However, 90.9% of the cases of hydatid disease were reported by the hospital system, and only 9.1% of the cases of hydatid disease were found in the community through active screening. The difference between the two methods of case detection was statistically significant. Most of the cases of echinococcosis were found in farmers/herdsmen (75.1%) and students (9.1%). In addition, Han (43.6%) and Bai (26.2%) had a higher incidence of infection than other nationalities, and the liver (87.7%) and lung (6.8%) were the most common sites of cyst formation. Among the analyzed cases, 187 were epidemiologically analyzed and the clinical symptoms were not obvious in the early stage in 47.1% of cases. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the age group, education level, presence of dogs in the family (either previously or currently), and handwashing (occasionally or not) were factors related to echinococcosis infection. 55.6% of cases were in endemic areas, and 44.4% of cases were in non-endemic areas. Among 83 cases in non-endemic areas, only 4 cases had been to endemic areas and had a history of living, working, travelling, or hunting in echinococcosis epidemic areas. CONCLUSION: Cases of echinococcosis were reported throughout the entire Yunnan province, with the majority distributed in Western Yunnan, suggesting that echinococcosis control should be strengthened in this area. We suggest that an epidemiological investigation should be carried out in the future, based on the clues from newly discovered cases in hospitals or from the CISDCP. The newly discovered cases in the hospital provided clues to comprehensively determine the location of cases and where epidemic spot investigation should be conducted.

Epidemiological analysis of patients with isolated blowout fractures of orbital floor: Correlation between demographic characteristics and fracture area.

Isolated orbital floor fractures are more frequent due to low bone thickness (2 mm). The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective epidemiological analysis on these fractures, investigating demographic variables and fractures' features and their statistical correlation. A total of 120 patients with isolated orbital floor fracture, admitted at the Maxillofacial Surgery Unit of University of Naples Federico II, from 2010 to 2022 were enrolled in the study. Patients were evaluated for age, sex, smoke, comorbidities, post-traumatic clinical manifestation,s and defect side and size. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Pearson regression coefficient (r). The fractures were more frequent in men (male:female 2.2:1) because of road accidents (30% of cases). The average age was 48 years. Enophthalmos, diplopia and ocular motility anomalies were observed in 31%, 23% and 21% of cases, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that age was related to fracture area; in particular, older patients showed larger fractures (p < 0.001). Interpersonal violence and traffic accidents were related to younger age (p < 0.001). Data analysis revealed that isolated orbital floor fractures are more frequent in young men (<40 years) because of road accidents or interpersonal violence. There is a statistical correlation between fracture area and patient age; in particular, older age corresponds to larger defects.

Large-scale sporting events during the COVID-19 pandemic: insights from the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar with an analysis of patterns of COVID-19 metrics.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup (FIFA-WC) held in Qatar presented unique challenges, given the potential for rapid transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among over 1.4 million international fans attending the event. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the FIFA-WC 2022 on COVID-19 cases, deaths, and reproduction rate (R0) in Qatar. Additionally, it sought to understand the implications of hosting large-scale events during a pandemic without COVID-19 restrictive measures, providing critical insights for future decision-making. Data from "Our World in Data" were analysed for three distinct periods: one week before the FIFA-WC (week-preWC), the four weeks of the event (week-1WC to week-4WC), and one week after (week-postWC). The results revealed a significant increase in COVID-19 cases during week-3WC and week-4WC (compared to week-preWC) in Qatar, followed by a subsequent decrease during the week-postWC. Notably, Qatar experienced a more pronounced surge in positive cases than the global trend. Regarding COVID-19-related deaths, Qatar's peak occurred during week-2WC, while globally deaths peaked from week-3WC to week-postWC. Nevertheless, Qatar's death toll remained relatively low compared to the global trend throughout the event. The findings highlight that the FIFA-WC 2022 in Qatar demonstrated the feasibility of organizing large-scale sporting events during a pandemic with appropriate measures in place. They emphasize the importance of high vaccination coverage, continuous monitoring, and effective collaboration between event organizers, healthcare authorities, and governments. As such, the event serves as a valuable model for future gatherings, underlining the significance of evidence-based decision-making and comprehensive public health preparedness.

Analysis of the Medical Consequences of Global Terrorist Attacks in Turkic States in the Last 50 Years by Weapon and Attack Type.

OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to conduct an epidemiological analysis of the terrorist attacks, which took place in the Turkic states between 1970 and 2019, and their medical consequences in terms of weapons and attack types. The data collected from this research will be valuable for the development of preventive systems against attacks on Turkic states and offer insights on how to effectively prepare for potential future attacks. METHODS: The population of the research consisted of the weapons and types of attacks of the terrorist attacks in the Turkic states drawn from the Global Terrorism Database provided free of charge by START. The number of deaths, injuries, property damage, primary weapons, and types of attacks were analyzed by country. RESULTS: Between 1970 and 2019, 4629 terrorist incidents occurred and 7496 people lost their lives and 10 928 people were injured. Among the types of weapons, the number of people who lost their lives was mostly in firearms, whereas the number of the injured was mostly in explosive weapons. Among the types of attacks, the number of people who lost their lives was mostly observed in the armed attack, whereas the injuries occurred mostly in the bombing attacks. Among the Turkic states, Turkey is the country most affected in terms of medical outcomes. CONCLUSION: The terrorist attacks in the Turkic states reached their maximum number in the last 10 years. It is predicted that this number will increase further in the next years and affect more people medically.

Mapping the risk of respiratory infections using suburban district areas in a large city in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) in Cúcuta -Colombia, have a comparatively high burden of disease associated with high public health costs. However, little is known about the epidemiology of these diseases in the city and its distribution within suburban areas. This study addresses this gap by estimating and mapping the risk of ARI in Cúcuta and identifying the most relevant risk factors. METHODS: A spatial epidemiological analysis was designed to investigate the association of sociodemographic and environmental risk factors with the rate of ambulatory consultations of ARI in urban sections of Cúcuta, 2018. The ARI rate was calculated using a method for spatial estimation of disease rates. A Bayesian spatial model was implemented using the Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation approach and the Besag-York-Mollié specification. The risk of ARI per urban section and the hotspots of higher risk were also estimated and mapped. RESULTS: A higher risk of IRA was found in central, south, north and west areas of Cúcuta after adjusting for sociodemographic and environmental factors, and taking into consideration the spatial distribution of the city's urban sections. An increase of one unit in the percentage of population younger than 15 years; the Index of Multidimensional Poverty and the rate of ARI in the migrant population was associated with a 1.08 (1.06-1.1); 1.04 (1.01-1.08) and 1.25 (1.22-1.27) increase of the ARI rate, respectively. Twenty-four urban sections were identified as hotspots of risk in central, south, north and west areas in Cucuta. CONCLUSION: Sociodemographic factors and their spatial patterns are determinants of acute respiratory infections in Cúcuta. Bayesian spatial hierarchical models can be used to estimate and map the risk of these infections in suburban areas of large cities in Colombia. The methods of this study can be used globally to identify suburban areas and or specific communities at risk to support the implementation of prevention strategies and decision-making in the public and private health sectors.

Epidemiology and Trends in Cartilage Surgery of the Foot and Ankle in Germany: An Analysis of National Healthcare Billing and Reporting Data from 2006 to 2020.

Background and objectives: Cartilage surgery constitutes a standard intervention in foot and ankle procedures. Currently, there is a lack of epidemiological data on its frequency, age distribution, and surgical options for cartilage surgery. This study aimed to investigate the current landscape of cartilage surgery in Germany and identify the most common procedures from an epidemiological standpoint. Materials and methods: Medical billing and reporting data from the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, encompassing the period 2006-2020, was examined, including all foot and ankle cartilage surgical procedures (summarized under OPS codes 5-812 and 5-801). The dataset incorporated information on the affected joint, patient age and sex, and surgery type. Each surgical procedure was categorized as "debridement", "regeneration" or "refixation". Linear and nonlinear regression analyses were employed, with a statistical significance threshold of 0.05. Results: From the total of 136,501 procedures conducted during the study period, the most frequently performed interventions were microfracture (58,252) and chondroplasty (56,135), and thus, debridement procedures were in the leading position. The use of acellular membranes was the most used regenerative technique (n = 11,414). At the ankle joint, interventions were mostly arthroscopic and in men, while foot cartilage surgeries were preferably performed via open surgery and mostly in women. Age distribution analysis revealed two primary peaks: the first in the 20-25-year-old group (ankle and foot) and the second in the 45-50-year-old group (ankle) and 55-60-year-old group (foot). Refixation and regenerative procedures were more frequent among younger individuals, while debriding procedures were more frequent among older individuals. Regenerative procedures, particularly in the ankle, significantly increased over time. Conclusions: Cartilage surgery of the foot and ankle was common, with two primary age groups predominantly affected. Notably, recent years have witnessed a considerable rise in cartilage regenerative procedures.

Unraveling the socio-environmental drivers during the early COVID-19 pandemic in China.

The effect of environmental and socioeconomic conditions on the global pandemic of COVID-19 had been widely studied, yet their influence during the early outbreak remains less explored. Unraveling these relationships represents a key knowledge to prevent potential outbreaks of similar pathogens in the future. This study aims to determine the influence of socioeconomic, infrastructure, air pollution, and weather variables on the relative risk of infection in the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in China. A spatio-temporal Bayesian zero-inflated Poisson model is used to test for the effect of 13 socioeconomic, urban infrastructure, air pollution, and weather variables on the relative risk of COVID-19 disease in 122 cities of China. The results show that socioeconomic and urban infrastructure variables did not have a significant effect on the relative risk of COVID-19. Meanwhile, COVID-19 relative risk was negatively associated with temperature, wind speed, and carbon monoxide, while nitrous dioxide and the human modification index presented a positive effect. Pollution gases presented a marked variability during the study period, showing a decrease of CO. These findings suggest that controlling and monitoring urban emissions of pollutant gases is a key factor for the reduction of risk derived from COVID-19.

Food Sources May Affect the Symptom Rates of COVID-19, an Epidemiological Analysis Based on the Public Data in Gansu Province, China, During the Summer Epidemic Cycle in 2022.

According to the public data collected from the Health Commission of Gansu Province, China, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic during the summer epidemic cycle in 2022, the epidemiological analysis showed that the pandemic spread stability and the symptom rate (the number of confirmed cases divided by the sum of the number of asymptomatic cases and the number of confirmed cases) of COVID-19 were different among 3 main epidemic regions, Lanzhou, Linxia, and Gannan; both the symptom rate and the daily instantaneous symptom rate (daily number of confirmed cases divided by the sum of daily number of asymptomatic cases and daily number of confirmed cases) in Lanzhou were substantially higher than those in Linxia and Gannan. The difference in the food sources due to the high difference of the population ethnic composition in the 3 regions was probably the main driver for the difference of the symptom rates among the 3 regions. This work provides potential values for prevention and control of COVID-19 in different regions.

Epidermal Cyst on the Scalp Induced by Forceps Injury During Delivery: A Case Report and Epidemiological Analysis of 3949 Patients.

Background: Epidermal cysts are common benign epithelial tumors. They are known to result from penetrating-type injuries or infection of human papillomavirus. The differential diagnosis commonly includes multiplex steatocystoma, lipoma, and neurofibroma. Pathological examination is essential for diagnosis, and surgical excision is the recommended treatment. Objective: We report a case in a man who presented with a cystic lesion on the scalp over 22 years to provide clinical evidence for mechanism of epidermal cysts. We conducted epidemiological analysis of 3949 patients with epidermal cysts to clarify the epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of epidermal cysts. Patients and Methods: A total of 3949 individuals with confirmed epidermal cysts were collected for analysis. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analyzed using Student's t-test. Results: Our data showed that the mean age of diagnosis of males was statistically earlier than that of females (P<0.001), but no significant difference in sex predilection was observed (P=0.55). The high incidence age of males and females was in the young and middle stage. Lesion locations were a bit different among age groups, but the face was the most common site of epidermal cyst at all age stages. Conclusion: Our case offers clinical evidence to the theory which refers trauma as one of the main causes of epidermal cysts in hair-bearing area. According to analysis of large number of samples, we can further support the idea that epidermal cyst has equal sex predilection and mainly occurs on the young and middle-aged adults. It is usually solitary and most likely to be found on face and trunk.

Molecular Epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus in a Tertiary Hospital in Anhui, China: ST59 Remains a Serious Threat.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the molecular characteristics, antimicrobial resistance and hemolytic phenotype of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from Anhui, China. Results: From August 2021 to January 2022, 214 S. aureus isolates were collected from the Anhui Provincial Hospital. This study identified 117 methicillin-resistant S. aureus and 97 methicillin-sensitive S. aureus isolates, and the detection rate of methicillin-resistant isolates was 1.8-fold higher than the average isolates reported in China (53.9% vs 30.5%). S. aureus isolates share identity at five or more of the seven MLST-based housekeeping loci, referred to as the clonal complex (CC). Forty ST types were found in 214 clinical S. aureus isolates, with the most extensive distribution of ST59 and ST6697 typing numbers and higher CC5 detection rates than any other clonal group. (The ST typing is the result of the MLST typing website query.) To detect the virulence of ST types of S. aureus, hemolysis experiments were performed on 214 clinical isolates, and it was concluded that ST59 had a relatively robust hemolytic capacity. Conclusion: Anhui S. aureus isolates have unique molecular and antibiotic resistance profiles. The antibiotic resistance profile may be related to the random use of antibiotics.

Molecular and Epidemiological Analysis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Detected in Tokyo, Japan in 2021 Season.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, Japan experienced an outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. A total of 51 RSV cases were detected in infant specimens, including 38 rhinorrhea and 13 nasopharyngeal swabs, collected at the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Public Health. Of the 51 cases, 12 were RSV-A and 39 were RSV-B. The G protein gene sequence of RSV-A belonged to the ON1 genotype, whereas RSV-B belonged to the BA9 genotype; thus, different types of RSV were detected during the same period, suggesting that the unusual 2021 RSV season was not due to a single strain or genotype. Of all RSV-positive cases, the proportion of patients aged ≥2 years was 56.8% in 2021, higher than the 31.2% reported in the past 5 years. This indicates that infants aged <1 year who were originally susceptible to RSV infection were less likely to be infected with RSV because of the COVID-19 control measures. The 2021 epidemic peaked in the 28th week, 9 weeks earlier than the average from 2016 to 2020. Therefore, it seems necessary to accumulate and analyze further data, such as factors that led to the outbreak and the characteristics of the detected viruses in 2021.

COVID-19 outbreaks analysis in the Valencian Region of Spain in the prelude of the third wave.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented social and mobility restrictions on a global scale. Since its start in the spring of 2020, numerous scientific papers have been published on the characteristics of the virus, and the healthcare, economic and social consequences of the pandemic. However, in-depth analyses of the evolution of single coronavirus outbreaks have been rarely reported. Methods: In this paper, we analyze the main properties of all the tracked COVID-19 outbreaks in the Valencian Region between September and December of 2020. Our analysis includes the evaluation of the origin, dynamic evolution, duration, and spatial distribution of the outbreaks. Results: We find that the duration of the outbreaks follows a power-law distribution: most outbreaks are controlled within 2 weeks of their onset, and only a few last more than 2 months. We do not identify any significant differences in the outbreak properties with respect to the geographical location across the entire region. Finally, we also determine the cluster size distribution of each infection origin through a Bayesian statistical model. Discussion: We hope that our work will assist in optimizing and planning the resource assignment for future pandemic tracking efforts.

Ten Years of African Swine Fever in Ukraine: An Endemic Form of the Disease in the Wild Boar Population as a Threat to Domestic Pig Production.

(1) Background: African swine fever (ASF) has been present in Ukraine for more than ten years (2012-2022). The purpose of our study was to perform a retrospective analysis of the spread of ASF to assess the role of wild boar in the epizootic expansion in Ukraine. (2) Methods: Statistical materials were collected and the epizootic situation of ASF from 2012 to 2022 was examined. The potential sources of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) and transmission factors were analysed. The main factors exerting negative impacts on domestic pig production were also analysed. (3) Results: Consequently, from the results of the retrospective analysis of ASF outbreaks in Ukraine, the probability ratio of ASF outbreaks in the wild boar and domestic pig populations was determined. The data show a direct relationship between ASF outbreaks among wild boar and domestic pigs with the observed decay of wild boar outbreaks across the entire territory of Ukraine. At the same time, an increase in the number of wild boars has been observed in the Mykolaiv region, with a parallel spillover of outbreaks in domestic pigs. (4) Conclusions: The epidemiological situation observed for ASF in the wild boar population may suggest an endemic form of the disease. This may further complicate eradication programs and the protection of domestic pig farms from ASF outbreaks. An additional and major reason to control the ASF epizootic is the continuing military Russian offensive in Ukraine.

Epidemiological Analysis of Patients with Pre-Hospital First Aid in Keyouqian Banner, Hinggan League, Inner Mongolia.

Objective: To summarize the characteristics of patients calling the 120 emergency number for pre-hospital first aid in Keyouqian Banner, Hinggan League. Methods: The clinical data of adult patients with pre-hospital first aid from 2016 to 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: There were 2711 cases with pre-hospital first aid. Males significantly outnumbered females. Young and middle-aged patients comprised 81.5%. Patients were mainly Han and Mongolians. Most injuries and illnesses occurred at home and on the road. The time to arrival of medical services was 30.34 ± 28.29 minutes. The proportion of pre-hospital first aid for trauma was the highest, followed by diseases concerning the cardiovascular and neurological systems. The proportion of patients with improved medical conditions after onsite first aid was 43.3%, the proportion with unchanged conditions was 51.7%, and the total mortality rate was 3.9%. Conclusion: The disease spectrum, ethnic distribution, age at onset, and pre-hospital first aid capabilities for outpatients were analyzed. These results may facilitate the establishment of a pre-hospital first aid system for the local prevention and control of acute and critical illnesses, increase the success rate of the region's pre-hospital first aid services, and improve the prognosis.

Clinico-Epidemiological Analysis of Most Prevalent Parotid Gland Carcinomas in Poland over a 20-Year Period.

(1) Background: Malignant tumours of the salivary glands have different clinical and histopathological characteristics. They most commonly involve the parotid gland. Histopathologically, the most common are mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), adenoid cystic carcinoma (AdCC), acinic cell carcinoma (AcCC), adenocarcinoma, carcinoma in pleomorphic adenoma (CPA), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). (2) Methods: We analysed 2318 patients with malignant parotid gland tumours reported to the National Cancer Registry (NCR) in Poland over 20 years (1999-2018). The demographic characteristics of patients, clinical factors, and overall survival (OS) were analysed. (3) Results: The average age was 61.33 ± 16.1 years. The majority were males (55%) and urban citizens (64%). High percentage of carcinomas was diagnosed in locoregional (33.7%) and systemic (10.4%) stadium. The most prevalent diagnoses were SCC (33.3%) and adenocarcinoma (19.6%). Surgical resection with adjuvant RT (42.1%) was the most common treatment. The OS analysis showed a median survival time of 5.6 years. The most favorable median OS was found in patients with AcCC (18.30 years), the worst for SCC (1.58 years). (4) Conclusion: AcCC has the best prognosis and SCC the worst. Tumour stadium, treatment, and demographic factors affect prognosis. Improvements in diagnosis and re-evaluation of treatment standards are necessary to enhance the outcome of patients with parotid gland cancers in Poland.

Epidemiological Investigation of Porcine Pseudorabies Virus in Hebei Province, China, 2017-2018.

Pseudorabies (PR) is a serious disease affecting the pig industry in China, and it is very important to understand the epidemiology of pseudorabies virus (PRV). In the present study, 693 clinical samples were collected from Bartha-K61 vaccinated pigs with symptoms of suspected PRV infection between January 2017 and December 2018. All cases were referred for full clinical autopsy with detailed examination of histopathological examination, virus isolation and genetic evolution analysis of the PRV glycoprotein E (gE) gene. In addition, PRV gE antibodies in 3,449 serum samples were detected by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The clinical data revealed that abortion and stillbirth are the most frequent appearances in pregnant sows of those cases. Histopathological examination exhibited a variety of pathological lesions, such as lobar pneumonia, hepatitis, lymphadenitis, nephritis, and typical nonsuppurative encephalitis. A total of 248 cases tested positive for the PRV gE gene. 11 PRV variants were isolated and confirmed by gE gene sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. These strains had 97.1%-100.0% nucleotide homology with the PRV reference strains. Notably, the isolated strains were highly homologous and clustered in the same branch as HSD-1/2019, which caused human acute encephalitis. Serological tests showed that the positive rate of PRV gE antibody in the 3449 serum samples collected from the Hebei Province was 46.27%. In conclusion, PRV variant strains Are high prevalence in the Hebei Province, which not only causes huge economic losses to the breeding industry but also potentially poses a threat to public health.

Circulation of Enteric Viruses in Tirana, Albania: Situation Ten Years After the First Study.

A variety of enteric bacteria, viruses and protozoa are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. To understand the evolution of gastroenteritis in Albania, in terms of distribution of aetiological pathogens, a one-year observational study was repeated in 2017, ten years after the first study performed in 2007. The data still show a clear circulation of viruses that cause gastroenteritis. Compared to the previous study in 2007, the data from the 2017 study showed the incidence of Norovirus and Adenovirus were significantly higher (p value <0.05), while Rotavirus was verified at a similar incidence rate.

The Epidemiological Analysis of Pseudorabies Virus and Pathogenicity of the Variant Strain in Shandong Province.

Pseudorabies (PR) is a disease that is seriously endangering the pig industry in China. To understand the current prevalence of pseudorabies virus (PRV) in Shandong Province, China, 19,292 serum samples were collected from 16 locations in Shandong from 2018 to 2020. The gE antibody was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ninety-seven suspected cases of PRV infection were collected from sick pigs vaccinated with Bartha-K61 to isolate PRV. The results showed that the average positive rate of the PRV gE antibody decreased from 38.20% in 2018 to 18.12% in 2020, but there was a high positive rate in sows. The isolation rate of PRV was 13.40% (13/97), and four strains were purified through plaque assay (named PRV-SD1, PRV-SD2, PRV-SD3, and PRV-SD4). The homology and genetic evolution of four PRV strains based on gE, gC, gI, and TK genes were analyzed and showed that these four strains shared more than 99.0% nucleotide homology with the variant PRV XJ5 strain, and they clustered in the same sub-branch with the domestic variant PRV strains, including JS-2012 and XJ5. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of the isolated variant strain was assessed by intranasal infection of 16-week-old pigs with 1 mL PRV-SD1 strain. The results of the animal experiment demonstrated that the PRV-SD1-infected pigs exhibited obvious clinical symptoms as early as 2 days post inoculation (dpi), and all infected pigs died within 1 week. The severe hyperemia of meninges and swelling of lungs and tonsils were observed. Histopathology analysis showed the obvious lymphocytes necrosis of tonsils, interstitial pneumonia, and viral encephalitis. Many positive staining cells were observed in tonsils and brains through immunohistochemistry staining assay. Viral shedding in oropharyngeal and rectal swabs were detected at 2 dpi, reached a peak at 3 dpi, and then gradually decreased. The detection of viral loads in the tissues showed that tonsils had the highest virus titer, further proving it may be the target organ of variant PRV infection. In conclusion, variant PRV strains were still highly prevalent in Shandong Province, and they had a strong pathogenicity in pigs.