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We report the complete genome of SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 in a traveler from the United Kingdom to China, representing the first such case in North China. This study highlights that intensive genomic sequencing enables early identification and rapid characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 importing to China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) signals a recurring risk in Eurasia in recent years owing to its continued rise in case notifications and the extension of geographical distribution. This study was undertaken to investigate the spatiotemporal drivers and incidence heterogeneity of HFRS transmission in Shandong Province. Methods: The epidemiological data for HFRS, meteorological data and socioeconomic data were obtained from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention, China Meteorological Data Sharing Service System, and Shandong Statistical Yearbook, respectively. The spatial-temporal multicomponent model was employed to analyze the values of spatial-temporal components and the heterogeneity of HFRS transmission across distinct regions. Results: The total effect values of the autoregressive, epidemic, and endemic components were 0.451, 0.187, and 0.033, respectively, exhibiting significant heterogeneity across various cities. This suggested a pivotal role of the autoregressive component in propelling HFRS transmission in Shandong Province. The epidemic component of Qingdao, Weifang, Yantai, Weihai, and Jining declined sharply at the onset of 2020. The random effect identified distinct incidence levels associated with Qingdao and Weifang, signifying regional variations in HFRS occurrence. Conclusions: The autoregressive component emerged as a significant driver in the transmission of HFRS in Shandong Province. Targeted preventive measures should be strategically implemented across various regions, taking into account the predominant component influencing the epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and extensive vaccination, it is important to explore the immune response of elderly adults to homologous and heterologous booster vaccines of COVID-19. At this point, we detected serum IgG antibodies and PBMC sample transcriptome profiles in 46 participants under 70 years old and 25 participants over 70 years old who received the third dose of the BBIBP-CorV and ZF2001 vaccines. Results: On day 7, the antibody levels of people over 70 years old after the third dose of booster vaccine were lower than those of young people, and the transcriptional responses of innate and adaptive immunity were also weak. The age of the participants showed a significant negative correlation with functions related to T-cell differentiation and costimulation. Nevertheless, 28 days after the third dose, the IgG antibodies of elderly adults reached equivalence to those of younger adults, and immune-related transcriptional regulation was significantly improved. The age showed a significant positive correlation with functions related to "chemokine receptor binding", "chemokine activity", and "chemokine-mediated signaling pathway". Conclusions: Our results document that the response of elderly adults to the third dose of the vaccine was delayed, but still able to achieve comparable immune effects compared to younger adults, in regard to antibody responses as well as at the transcript level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease discovered in China in 2009. The purpose of this study was to describe the spatiotemporal distribution of SFTS and to identify its environmental influencing factors and potential high-risk areas in Shandong Province, China. Methods: Data on the SFTS incidence from 2010 to 2021 were collected. Spatiotemporal scan statistics were used to identify the time and area of SFTS clustering. The maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model was used to analyse environmental influences and predict high-risk areas. Results: From 2010 to 2021, a total of 5705 cases of SFTS were reported in Shandong. The number of SFTS cases increased yearly, with a peak incidence from April to October each year. Spatiotemporal scan statistics showed the existence of one most likely cluster and two secondary likely clusters in Shandong. The most likely cluster was in the eastern region, from May to October 2021. The first secondary cluster was in the central region, from May to October 2021. The second secondary cluster was in the southeastern region, from May to September 2020. The MaxEnt model showed that the mean annual wind speed, NDVI, cattle density and annual cumulative precipitation were the key factors influencing the occurrence of SFTS. The predicted risk map showed that the area of high prevalence was 28,120 km2, accounting for 18.05% of the total area of the province. Conclusions: The spatiotemporal distribution of SFTS was heterogeneous and influenced by multidimensional environmental factors. This should be considered as a basis for delineating SFTS risk areas and developing SFTS prevention and control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In-situ hybrid (Al 3 Ni+Al 2 O 3)/Al composites with bimodal size particles distributions were fabricated via an Al-NiO solid-state combustion reaction and subsequent hot extrusion process. The reaction system between Al and NiO was investigated by differential thermal analysis (DTA). The presence of Al 2 O 3 and Al 3 Ni in the matrix was verified by XRD/EDS analysis. The in-situ formed Al 3 Ni phase with varying morphologies and sizes such as particle, plate, strip and flake at different sintering temperatures were observed. And the exothermic reaction of Al-NiO can be reduced to below the melting point of Al, and the desirable sintering temperature was. 600 ℃. In hot-extruded samples, both nano Al 2 O 3 and Al 3 Ni particles distributed homogeneously, and most of Al 3 Ni particles is smaller than 2 µm in size. When NiO content increases from 8% to 12%, Al matrix grains in composites can be refined from 1.7510 µm to 1.2050 µm. The mechanical properties of composites are enhanced significantly due to the introduction of Al 3 Ni and Al 2 O 3 particles, and can be up a YS of 322 MPa and a UTS of 407 MPa in the 15% NiO-Al composite. In addition, when the content of NiO increases from 10% to 12%, the strength of composites enhances without obvious sacrifice of EI. The strengthening and toughening mechanisms also was discussed in detail. • The solid-state combustion synthesis of in-situ (Al 3 Ni+Al 2 O 3)/Al composites is feasible. • Most of Al 3 Ni particles is smaller than 2 µm in size. • The ratio of submicron Al 3 Ni particles (< 1 µm) is beyond 60% in 10–15% NiO-Al composites. • The mechanical properties of composites are enhanced significantly. • When the NiO increases from 10% to 12%, the strength enhances without obvious sacrifice of EI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coxsackievirus B3 (CV-B3) is usually associated with aseptic meningitis and myocarditis; however, the association between CV-B3 and hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) has not been clearly demonstrated, and the phylogenetic dynamics and transmission history of CV-B3 have not been well summarized.Method: Two HFMD outbreaks caused by CV-B3 were described in Hebei Province in 2012 and in Shandong Province in 2016 in China. To analyze the epidemiological features of two CV-B3 outbreaks, a retrospective analysis was conducted. All clinical specimens from CV-B3 outbreaks were collected and disposed according to the standard procedures supported by the WHO Global Poliovirus Specialized Laboratory. EV genotyping and phylogenetic analysis were performed to illustrate the genetic characteristics of CV-B3 in China and worldwide.Results: Two transmissible lineages (lineage 2 and 3) were observed in Northern China, which acted as an important "reservoir" for the transmission of CV-B3. Sporadic exporting and importing of cases were observed in almost all regions. In addition, the global sequences of CV-B3 showed a tendency of geographic-specific clustering, indicating that geographic-driven adaptation plays a major role in the diversification and evolution of CV-B3.Conclusions: Overall, our study indicated that CV-B3 is a causative agent of HFMD outbreak and revealed the phylogenetic dynamics of CV-B3 worldwide, as well as provided an insight on CV-B3 outbreaks for effective intervention and countermeasures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]