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Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is endemic in Xinjiang, China. Determinants of KSHV seropositivity among high‐risk groups are not well understood. We seek to identify genetic and environmental predisposing factors for KSHV infection among Uygurs in this endemic region. A cross‐sectional study was performed among the Uygur population in Xinjiang, China. KSHV‐antibodies were detected using immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles were genotyped. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to explore the environmental and genetic risk factors of KSHV seropositivity. Finally, a total of 721 participants were included. The seroprevalence of KSHV was 24.1% among this population. Sweet‐food preference (odds ratio [OR] 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03–3.34), and coronary heart disease (OR 1.91, 95%CI 1.24–2.94) were statistically correlated with KSHV infection. HLA‐DQB1*06:09 were found to significantly increase the risk of KSHV infection under all 3 models (ORAllelic = 4.06; ORDominant = 3.27; and ORRecessive = 8.06). Six SNPs (SNP0260, SNP0361, SNP0797, SNP0852, SNP1159, and SNP1375) in the DQB1 and DRB1 region and haploid type GTCTAACTAATC in block 17 were statistically associated with KSHV infection. We demonstrated that genetic variations in HLA‐DQB1/DRB1 and environmental risk factors were strongly associated with KSHV infection among this population. Key Points/Highlights: Identifying potential predisposing factors of Kaposi sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) seropositivity in endemic settings, such as the Uygur population in Xinjiang, China, may be useful for the development of both therapeutic and preventive strategies of KSHV/KS to address this important public health concern.Susceptibility to KSHV infection might be caused by virus‐host‐environment interactions, HLA gene polymorphisms may play a crucial role in controlling the immune response to KSHV infection.Sweet‐food preference and coronary heart disease were significantly correlated with KSHV seropositivity. HLA‐DQB1*06:09, six SNPs, and haploid type GTCTAACTAATC in block 17 may be associated with KSHV infection.The first study to investigate the relationship between environmental risk factors, HLA gene polymorphisms, and KSHV susceptibility among Uygur ethnic population in Xinjiang, providing empirical data for further in‐depth and extensive studies. And the findings will contribute to an enhanced awareness of KSHV infection among high‐risk populations and benefit the prevention of KSHV in countries facing the same situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International travel may facilitate the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19). The study describes clusters of COVID‐19 cases within Chinese tour groups travelling in Europe January 16–28. We compared characteristics of cases and non‐cases to determine transmission dynamics. The index case travelled from Wuhan, China, to Europe on 16 January 2020, and to Shanghai, China, on 27 January 2020, within a tour group (group A). Tour groups with the same outbound flight (group B) or the same tourism venue (group D) and all Chinese passengers on the inbound flight (group C) were investigated. The outbreak involved 11 confirmed cases, 10 suspected cases and six tourists who remained healthy. Group A, involving seven confirmed cases and six suspected cases, consisted of familial transmission followed by propagative transmission. There was less pathogenicity with propagative transmission than with familial transmission. Disease was transmitted in shared outbound flights, shopping venues within Europe and inbound flight back to China. The novel coronavirus caused clustered cases of COVID‐19 in tour groups. When tourism and travel opens up, governments will need to improve screening at airports and consider increased surveillance of tour groups—particularly those with older tour members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used contact tracing to document how COVID‐19 was transmitted across 5 generations involving 10 cases, starting with an individual who became ill on January 27. We calculated the incubation period of the cases as the interval between infection and development of symptoms. The median incubation period was 6.0 days (interquartile range, 3.5‐9.5 days). The last two generations were infected in public places, 3 and 4 days prior to the onset of illness in their infectors. Both had certain underlying conditions and comorbidity. Further identification of how individuals transmit prior to being symptomatic will have important consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is an emerging infectious disease first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. As of 19 February 2020, there had been 333 confirmed cases reported in Shanghai, China. This study elaborates on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 based on a descriptive study of the 333 patients infected with COVID‐19 in Shanghai for the purpose of probing into this new disease and providing reference. Among the 333 confirmed cases in Shanghai, 172 (51.7%) were males and 161 (48.3%) were females, with a median age of 50 years. 299 (89.8%) cases presented mild symptoms. 139 (41.7%) and 111 (33.3%) cases were infected in Wuhan and Shanghai, respectively. 148 (44.4%) cases once had contact with confirmed cases before onset, while 103 (30.9%) cases had never contacted confirmed cases but they had a sojourn history in Wuhan. The onset date of the first case in Shanghai was 28 December, with the peak appearing on 27 January. The median incubation period of COVID‐19 was estimated to be 7.2 days. 207 (62.2%) cases had fever symptoms at the onset, whereas 273 (82.0%) cases experienced fever before hospitalization. 56 (18.6%) adults experienced a decrease in white blood cell and 84 (42.9%) had increased C‐reactive protein after onset. Elderly, male and heart disease history were risk factors for severe or critical pneumonia. These findings suggest that most cases experienced fever symptoms and had mild pneumonia. Strengthening the health management of elderly men, especially those with underlying diseases, may help reduce the incidence of severe and critical pneumonia. Time intervals from onset to visit, hospitalization and diagnosis confirmed were all shortened after Shanghai's first‐level public health emergency response. Shanghai's experience proves that COVID‐19 can be controlled well in megacities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host genetic background may influence the immunity to resist viral infection. As the most polymorphic loci in the entire human genome, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system plays an important role in innate and adaptive immune responses to many invading pathogens. Studies have shown that an association might exist between HLA polymorphisms and susceptibility to Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection and associated diseases. However, discrepant conclusions were reached among different subjects with different detection methods. Therefore, it is now urgent to summarize current results and figure out the achievements and deficiencies of the existing research for the reference to future studies. A better understanding about the role of HLA polymorphisms in KSHV infection outcome would enable us to elucidate the pathways through which the virus evades the host defense system and improve strategies for the prevention and treatment of KSHV infection. HLA gene polymorphisms can partially account for the complex interactions between genetic background, KSHV infection, and the immune system as cofactors in KS. We discussed the association of HLA alleles with susceptibility to KSHV infection and the potential mechanisms by summarizing existing results. However, we found current population studies were far from sufficient compared with other viruses. Several shortcomings in design compounded by the use of less accurate serological typing methods should be noted in the future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is endemic in Xinjiang, China and its prevalence varies considerably across ethnic groups. The current study explored the prevalence and correlates of KSHV infection among Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang. Methods: A cross‐sectional study, including 282 Han ethnicity and 312 Uygur, was conducted in Xinjiang, China. All participants underwent face to face questionnaire interview. Plasma samples were collected and screened for KSHV infection using immunofluorescence assay. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to examine the correlates of KSHV seropositivity. Results: The KSHV seroprevalence was 41.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.6‐45.6) overall and was higher in the Uygur group (59.9%; 95% CI, 54.3‐65.4) than the Han group (21.3%; 95% CI, 16.6‐26.5). A significant difference in the geometric mean titer (GMT) of the KSHV antibodies was detected between the Uygur and Han groups (158.2; interquartile range [IQR], 80‐320 vs 89.1; IQR, 40‐160; P < 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, Uygur ethnicity (odds ratios [OR], 5.96; 95% CI, 4.05‐8.90), age greater than or equal to 50 years (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.24‐2.77), and preference for meat diet (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.05‐4.46) were significantly associated with increased odds of KSHV seropositivity. Conclusion: The study demonstrated high prevalence and correlates of KSHV infection in both Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang, China. There is an urgent need for programmatic adaptation to address primary prevention interventions of KSHV infection in this endemic region. The study demonstrated high prevalence of KSHV infection in both Han and Uygur populations in Xinjiang, China.The study indicated the seropositivity of KSHV was associated with Uygur ethnicity, age greater than or equal to 50 years, and preference for meat diet.This study provided a first look into the epidemiology of KSHV among general population in an endemic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aim: To date, reported associations between methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and preterm delivery are conflicting. The present meta‐analysis summarized the existing evidence and evaluated these associations. Methods: Eligible studies were retrieved from Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database and the Cochrane Library. We calculated pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) within five genetic models using either random‐effects or fixed‐effects models dependent on study heterogeneity. Potential publication bias was assessed using a Begg’s test. Sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate the stability of the results. Results: Thirteen studies involving 4816 mothers who experienced preterm delivery and 34 506 normal controls were finally included. Significant associations between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the risk of preterm delivery were detected overall (ORT/C = 1.34, 95% CI 1.12–1.61; ORTT/CC = 1.60, 95% CI 1.21–2.11; ORCT/CC = 1.33, 95% CI 1.07–1.65; ORTT/(CC + CT) = 1.41, 95% CI 1.11–1.78; OR(TT + CT)/CC = 1.36, 95% CI 1.11–1.66) and in an Asian population (ORT/C = 1.80, 95% CI 1.24–2.62; ORTT/CC = 2.13, 95% CI 1.27–3.57; ORCT/CC = 1.93, 95% CI 1.37–2.71; OR(TT + CT)/CC = 2.03, 95% CI 1.49–2.77). Negative associations of the A1298C polymorphism were only observed among Asian pregnant women (ORC/A = 0.66, 95% CI 0.50–0.88; ORCC/AA = 0.10, 95% CI 0.02–0.53; ORCC/(AA + AC) = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.57; OR(CC + AC)/AA = 0.68, 95% CI 0.49–0.94). Conclusions: MTHFR 677 T may play a significant role in regard to the risk of preterm delivery, especially in the Asian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2012, liver cancer ranked as the fifth and eighth most common cancer in men and women, respectively, in urban Shanghai. This study aims to present the trend and projection of age-specific incidence and mortality of liver cancer in Shanghai. Methods: We extracted data of liver cancer incident cases and deaths between 1973 and 2012. An age-period-cohort model was used to analyze the data. Results: A total of 47,344 men and 18,692 women were diagnosed with liver cancer from 1973 to 2012. The overall age-standardized incidence was 26.89 and 8.89 per 100,000 for men and women, respectively. Correspondingly, a total of 44,355 and 18,084 men and women died from liver cancer during this period. The overall age-standardized death rate was 25.34 per 100,000 in men and 9.39 per 100,000 in women. Between 1973 and 2012, liver cancer incidence and mortality in all age groups, except people aged 0-19 years, experienced a significant decline. Similar temporal patterns were detected in liver cancer mortality in both sexes when compared with incidence. Liver cancer incidence and mortality are expected to further decline among all age groups in 2013-2020 in both sexes, though the numbers of incident cases will remain stable. Conclusion: Incidence and mortality of liver cancer in urban Shanghai have decreased by about 40% and 50%, respectively, over the past four decades. This decline is expected to continue in the near future. However, the population is aging, which is reflected in the increasing crude rates and decreasing age-adjusted rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are an important risk group for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and at high-risk of herpesvirus infection. However, limited information on epidemiologic patterns of HHV8 and HSV2 among MSM is available in mainland China. A cross-sectional study of 486 participants was performed in Shanghai, China from January 2013 to December 2014 to explore epidemiologic features of HHV8 and HSV2 among MSM. Serum samples were collected and tested for HHV8 by immunofluoresence assay and HSV2 antibodies by ELISA. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors of HHV8 and HSV2 infections, respectively. The overall seroprevalence was 23.0% for HHV8 infection and 22.4% for HSV2 infection. HHV8 seropositivity was significantly associated with being a money boy (odds ratio (OR) = 1.64; 95%CI: 1.04-2.58), having a steady sex partner (OR = 0.52; 95%CI: 0.31-0.87), having ever had anal sex with men (OR = 2.05; 95%CI: 1.09-3.86), and being HSV2 positive (OR = 2.14; 95%CI: 1.22-3.76). HSV2 seropositivity was significantly associate with being positive for HIV (OR = 2.12; 95%CI: 1.01-4.42), syphilis (OR = 1.98; 95%CI: 1.12-3.52), HHV8 (OR = 2.17; 95%CI: 1.24-3.83), and was marginally associated with being a money boy (OR = 1. 61; 95%CI: 0.97-2.86), and having ever had unprotected casual sex (OR = 1. 72; 95%CI: 0.99-2.99). HHV8 and HSV2 infections are common in Chinese MSM. It is important to implement programs for preventing herpes virus infection among MSM, particularly high-risk groups such as money buys. And protected sexual intercourse should be propagated. J. Med. Virol. 89:887-894, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Online broadcasting substantially affects the production, distribution, and profit of TV series. In addition, online word-of-mouth significantly affects the diffusion of TV series. Because on-demand streaming rates are the most important factor that influences the earnings of online video suppliers, streaming statistics and forecasting trends are valuable. In this paper, we investigate the effects of periodic impulsive stimulation and pre-launch promotion on on-demand streaming dynamics. We consider imbalanced audience feverish distribution using an impulsive susceptible-infected-removed(SIR)-like model. In addition, we perform a correlation analysis of online buzz volume based on Baidu Index data. Methods: We propose a PI-SIR model to evolve audience dynamics and translate them into on-demand streaming fluctuations, which can be observed and comprehended by online video suppliers. Six South Korean TV series datasets are used to test the model. We develop a coarse-to-fine two-step fitting scheme to estimate the model parameters, first by fitting inter-period accumulation and then by fitting inner-period feverish distribution. Results: We find that audience members display similar viewing habits. That is, they seek new episodes every update day but fade away. This outcome means that impulsive intensity plays a crucial role in on-demand streaming diffusion. In addition, the initial audience size and online buzz are significant factors. On-demand streaming fluctuation is highly correlated with online buzz fluctuation. Conclusion: To stimulate audience attention and interpersonal diffusion, it is worthwhile to invest in promotion near update days. Strong pre-launch promotion is also a good marketing tool to improve overall performance. It is not advisable for online video providers to promote several popular TV series on the same update day. Inter-period accumulation is a feasible forecasting tool to predict the future trend of the on-demand streaming amount. The buzz in public social communities also represents a highly correlated analysis tool to evaluate the advertising value of TV series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection, essential for Kaposi sarcoma development especially in people with HIV (PWH), has been proposed to be transmitted through saliva. The potential role of salivary microbiota played in the infection of KSHV is largely obscure. This study aimed to explore the association between salivary microbiota and KSHV infection among PWH., Design: Cross-Sectional Study., Methods: During May to Dec 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional study among PWH in Ili prefecture Xinjiang, China. Participants completed face-to-face questionnaires, plasma and saliva samples were collected to assay KSHV infection status and 16S rRNA sequencing. We distinguished demographic characteristics between groups with/without KSHV, and compared the α and β diversity of the salivary microbiota. LEfSe identified key bacterial genera for Random Forest and XGBoost models to recognize the important discriminatory features., Results: Among 876 PWH in Xinjiang, 38.7% were KSHV seropositive. Regression models indicated that moderate drinking, absence of dental treatment history, higher CD4 counts, and higher CD4/CD8 ratios were negatively associated with KSHV seropositivity. LEfSe analysis demonstrated that 14 bacterial genera were significantly enriched at the genus level in the group with/without KSHV. Machine learning analyses gave an AUC of 0.66 for Random Forest and 0.85 for XGBoost in predicting KSHV infection status. The bacterial genera, including Alloprevotella, Fusobacterium, Prevotella&#95;7, Porphyromonas, Rothia, and Leptotrichia, were identified as important discriminatory features., Conclusions: This study suggests the potential role of salivary microbiota in KSHV transmission among PWH. Identified microbial genera offer promising biomarkers for monitoring and managing KSHV in PWH., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: We analysed case-contact clusters during the Omicron BA.2 epidemic in Shanghai to assess the risk of infection of contacts in different settings and to evaluate the effect of demographic factors on the association of infectivity and susceptibility to the Omicron variant., Methods: Data on the settings and frequency of contact, demographic characteristics and comorbidities of index cases, contacts and secondary cases were analysed. Independent effect of multiple variables on the risk for transmission and infection was evaluated using generalised estimating equations., Results: From 1 March to 1 June 2022, we identified 450 770 close contacts of 90 885 index cases. The risk for infection was greater for contacts in farmers' markets (fixed locations where farmers gather to sell products, adjusted OR (aOR): 3.62; 95% CI 2.87 to 4.55) and households (aOR: 2.68; 95% CI 2.15 to 3.35). Children (0-4 years) and elderly adults (60 years and above) had higher risk for infection and transmission. During the course of the epidemic, the risk for infection and transmission in different age groups initially increased, and then decreased on about 21 April (17th day of citywide home quarantine). Compared with medical workers (reference, aOR: 1.00), unemployed contacts (aOR: 1.77; 95% CI 1.53 to 2.04) and preschoolers (aOR: 1.61; 95% CI 1.26 to 2.05) had the highest risk for infection; delivery workers (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.40) and public service workers (aOR: 1.85; 95% CI 1.64 to 2.10) had the highest risk for transmission. Contacts who had comorbidities (aOR: 1.10; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.12) had a higher risk for infection, particularly those with lung diseases or immune deficiency., Conclusion: Farmers' markets and households were the main setting for transmission of Omicron. Children, the elderly, delivery workers and public service workers had the highest risk for transmission and infection. These findings should be considered when implementing targeted interventions., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.)

We report three clusters related with potential pre-symptomatic transmission of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) between January and February 2020 in Shanghai, China. Investigators interviewed suspected COVID-19 cases to collect epidemiological information, including demographic characteristics, illness onset, hospital visits, close contacts, activities' trajectories between 14 days before illness onset and isolation, and exposure histories. Respiratory specimens of suspected cases were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay. The interval between the onset of illness in the primary case and the last contact of the secondary case with the primary case in our report was 1 to 7 days. In Cluster 1 (five cases), illness onset in the five secondary cases was 2 to 5 days after the last contact with the primary case. In Cluster 2 (five cases) and Cluster 3 (four cases), the illness onset in secondary cases occurred prior to or on the same day as the onset in the primary cases. The study provides empirical evidence for transmission of COVID-19 during the incubation period and indicates that pre-symptomatic person-to-person transmission can occur following sufficient exposure to confirmed COVID-19 cases. The potential pre-symptomatic person-to-person transmission puts forward higher requirements for prevention and control measures.

Background: The incidence of cancer was determined by genetic and environmental factors and varied across the world. The discrepancies in cancer profile among Chinese people living in different regions remained obscure., Methods: Chinese people living in urban Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Singapore, and Los Angeles were included in this study. The cancer case data and population data were collected from either the Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Plus database or the regional cancer registry. A rate model was applied to examine the regional differences in cancer risk with Shanghai set as the reference., Results: From 1983 to 2013, the cancer profiles in most regions were changed. Significant differences in cancer incidence, by sex, period, and age, were detected across regions. The most pronounced disparities were found between Shanghai people and American Chinese in Los Angeles. For cancer site, the most significant differences were detected in prostate, gastrointestinal, gynecologic, oral cavity and pharynx, and brain and central nervous system (CNS) cancers. Specifically, Shanghai was significantly higher in stomach, liver, esophageal, pancreatic, and brain and CNS cancers, while lower in colon, prostate, breast, cervical, and oral cavity and pharynx cancers compared with the other five populations., Conclusions: Cancer profile was distinct across Chinese populations, which shared a similar genetic background but lived in different regions. The disparities indicate that cancer development was majorly determined by environmental factors, and suggests that region-tailored cancer prevention strategies were warranted., Impact: The cancer patterns in populations sharing the same genetic background were significantly influenced by different living conditions., (©2019 American Association for Cancer Research.)