Trends in childhood pneumococcal vaccine coverage in Shanghai, China, 2005–2011: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background In China, the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) are not offered under the government’s Expanded Program on Immunization and are instead administered for a fee. PCV7 is more effective and covers more serotypes associated with invasive disease in children, but is also more expensive, than PPSV23. Because of their expense, there is concern that these vaccines, especially PCV7, have low uptake particularly among non-locals, migrants from outside of Shanghai. This paper characterizes the differential coverage of PCV7 and PPSV23 between locals and non-locals in Shanghai, and illustrates coverage trends over time. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, children born between 2005 and 2011 were sampled from the Shanghai Immunization Program Information System. Bivariate and multivariable analyses examined the relationships between demographic characteristics, residency status (non-locals vs locals), and vaccination coverage. Results PPSV23 coverage (29.8 %) among children over 2 years of age was higher than PCV7 coverage (10.1 %) for locals and non-locals. Uptake of PCV7 increased substantially after children were 2 years of age. Overall, non-local populations had higher PPSV23 coverage (OR: 1.34; 98 % CI: 1.22, 1.46) but lower PCV7 coverage (OR: 0.617, 98 % CI: 0.547, 0.695) than locals. Conclusions There is a need for increasing overall pneumococcal coverage in Shanghai children, particularly with the more effective PCV7 vaccine. Morbidity and mortality due to invasive pneumococcal disease for children <1 year of age are unlikely to be mitigated if the current age-related vaccination patterns are not improved.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/117253/1/12889_2016_Article_2785.pd

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b carriage in Chinese children aged 12–18 months in Shanghai, China: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) are leading causes of childhood pneumonia and meningitis and are major contributors to worldwide mortality in children younger than 5 years of age. Asymptomatic nasopharyngeal carriage of pneumococcus and Hib was determined for healthy children in Shanghai in 2009. Methods Children from 5 immunization clinics were enrolled in this study. Specimens from the nasopharynx were collected and cultured in Columbia and chocolate agar to identify pneumococcal and Hib carriage. Pneumococcal specimens were serotyped with the Neufeld test, and antibiotic resistance for pneumococcal and Hib specimens used the E-test method. Significance of risk factors for carriage was assessed through chi-square tests. Results Among 614 children, 16.6 % had pneumococcal carriage and 8.0 % Hib carriage. The predominant serotype of pneumococcus that was isolated was 19 F (52.9 %); serotype coverage was 68.6 % for both 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and PCV-10, and 82.3 % for PCV-13. Household residency and father’s education were both significantly related to pneumococcal and Hib carriage. The majority of S. pneumoniae isolates were sensitive to most antimicrobials but there were high levels of resistance to azithromycin (51.0 %) and erythromycin (51.0 %). Haemophilus influenzae isolates were sensitive to almost all antimicrobials tested although 12.2 % of isolates were resistant to ampicillin. Conclusions The pneumococcal and Hib vaccines require payment, and the children with the highest burden of disease may not be receiving these vaccines. Moreover, the presence of high antibiotic susceptibility towards pneumococcus, and to a lesser extent towards Hib, underscores the need for preventive protection against these diseases. Public funding of pneumococcal and Hib vaccines would be one mechanism to increase uptake of these vaccines.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/134553/1/12879_2016_Article_1485.pd

The role of severity perceptions and beliefs in natural infections in Shanghai parents’ vaccine decision-making: a qualitative study

Abstract Background China has reduced incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases through its Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Vaccines outside of the EPI are not provided for free by the government, however. This study explored how the stated importance of different disease and vaccine-related attributes interacted with beliefs about the immune system of a child to affect Chinese parents’ decision to obtain a non-EPI vaccine. Methods Mothers and fathers of young children at immunization clinics in Shanghai, China, were interviewed about vaccine decision-making and what attributes of a disease were important when making this decision. An inductive thematic analysis explored their beliefs about disease attributes and how these related to vaccination decisions. Results Among the 34 interviews, severity of the disease—particularly in causing long-term disability—was the most commonly cited factor influencing a parent’s decision to get a vaccine for their child. Many parents believed that natural infection was preferable to vaccination, as long as disease was not severe, and many were concerned that imported vaccines were inadequate for Chinese children’s physical constitutions. All these beliefs could influence the decision to vaccinate. Conclusions Many parents do not appear to understand how and why vaccines can support development of a healthy immune system. Because severity emerged as parents’ overriding concern when making decisions about vaccines, marketing for a childhood vaccine could focus on the severe condition that a vaccine can protect against.https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/144525/1/12889_2018_Article_5734.pd

Harnessing unconventional monomers to tailor lignin structures for lignocellulosic biomass valorization

Lignin is an integral component in the plant secondary cell wall that imparts structural rigidity and integrity to plant tissues, contributes to the formation of the plant vascular system, and provides stress resilience. However, the heterogeneity and recalcitrance of lignin greatly impede the effective utilization of lignocellulosic biomass which represents the most abundant and valuable biogenic source for green and sustainable bioproducts. A customized lignin structure has the potential to alter lignin physicochemical properties and improve biomass utilization. Recently, researchers have reported that lignin polymerization can employ monomers beyond the traditional three monomers. The incorporation of these unconventional monomers can alter the physicochemical properties of lignin polymer by imparting lignin with a whole new structure. Here, we review the plant engineering efforts to alter lignin content, composition, and structure by harnessing non-conventional monomers. Rational manipulation of lignin structure with these unconventional lignin monomers may provide new strategies for minimizing the impacts of engineered lignin on plant growth and development meanwhile improving the utilization efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass

Epidemiological Characteristics of Human Rabies in Urban and Suburban Districts in Shanghai, 2006–2021

Rabies is a vaccine-preventable, viral zoonotic disease caused by a lyssavirus. This study was aimed at analyzing the epidemiological characteristics of human rabies in Shanghai to provide valuable information to support accurate prevention and control. Individual-level data on human rabies and dog bites/attacks in Shanghai were collected from 2006 to 2021. Demographic characteristics, spatial and seasonal patterns, and correlations were analyzed to explore the epidemiological profiles. Infection risk was predicted with a Bayesian aggression model. A total of 43 human rabies cases were registered in Shanghai in 2006–2021; the annual average incidence rate was 0.01/100000. Males and residents at ages of 10 to 19 years and over 50 years had an elevated risk of rabies. All cases were reported in suburban districts and peaked in July. The body parts most frequently injured by dogs were the hands (48.84%). The fatality rate was 100%. Most cases (86.05%) were not treated after exposure. A total of 310 dog bites/attacks were reported and significantly correlated with the number of cases (P=0.010). The predicted risk of human rabies was higher in suburban than urban areas. The incidence of human rabies in Shanghai was relatively low; nevertheless, risk still existed, particularly in suburban areas

Perceptions of measles, pneumonia, and meningitis vaccines among caregivers in Shanghai, China, and the health belief model: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background In China, the measles vaccine is offered for free whereas the pneumococcal vaccine is a for-fee vaccine. This difference has the potential to influence how caregivers evaluate whether a vaccine is important or necessary for their child, but it is unclear if models of health behavior, such as the Health Belief Model, reveal the same associations for different diseases. This study compares caregiver perceptions of different diseases (measles, pneumonia and meningitis); and characterizes associations between Health Belief Model constructs and both pneumococcal vaccine uptake and perceived vaccine necessity for pneumonia, measles, and meningitis. Methods Caregivers of infants and young children between 8 months and 7 years of age from Shanghai (n = 619) completed a written survey on their perceptions of measles, pneumonia, and meningitis. We used logistic regression models to assess predictors of pneumococcal vaccine uptake and vaccine necessity. Results Only 25.2% of children had received a pneumococcal vaccine, although most caregivers believed that pneumonia (80.8%) and meningitis (92.4%), as well as measles (93.2%), vaccines were serious enough to warrant a vaccine. Perceived safety was strongly associated with both pneumococcal vaccine uptake and perceived vaccine necessity, and non-locals had 1.70 times higher odds of pneumonia vaccine necessity than non-locals (95% CI: 1.01, 2.88). Conclusions Most factors had a similar relationship with vaccine necessity, regardless of disease, indicating a common mechanism for how Chinese caregivers decided which vaccines are necessary. Because more caregivers believed meningitis needed a vaccine than pneumonia, health care workers should emphasize pneumococcal vaccination’s ability to protect against meningitis.https://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/137631/1/12887_2017_Article_900.pd

Regulation of Wnt Singaling Pathway by Poly (ADP-Ribose) Glycohydrolase (PARG) Silencing Suppresses Lung Cancer in Mice Induced by Benzo(a)pyrene Inhalation Exposure

Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that specifically causes cancer and is widely distributed in the environment. Poly (ADP-ribosylation), as a key post-translational modification in BaP-induced carcinogenesis, is mainly catalyzed by poly (ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG) in eukaryotic organisms. Previously, it is found that PARG silencing can counteract BaP-induced carcinogenesis in vitro, but the mechanism remained unclear. In this study, we further examined this process in vivo by using heterozygous PARG knockout mice (PARG+/−). Wild-type and PARG+/− mice were individually treated with 0 or 10 μg/m3 BaP for 90 or 180 days by dynamic inhalation exposure. Pathological analysis of lung tissues showed that, with extended exposure time, carcinogenesis and injury in the lungs of WT mice was progressively worse; however, the injury was minimal and carcinogenesis was not detected in the lungs of PARG+/− mice. These results indicate that PARG gene silencing protects mice against lung cancer induced by BaP inhalation exposure. Furthermore, as the exposure time was extended, the protein phosphorylation level was down-regulated in WT mice, but up-regulated in PARG+/− mice. The relative expression of Wnt2b and Wnt5b mRNA in WT mice were significantly higher than those in the control group, but there was no significant difference in PARG+/− mice. Meanwhile, the relative expression of Wnt2b and Wnt5b proteins, as assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, was significantly up-regulated by BaP in WT mice; while in PARG+/− mice it was not statistically affected. Our work provides initial evidence that PARG silencing suppresses BaP induced lung cancer and stabilizes the expression of Wnt ligands, PARG gene and Wnt ligands may provide new options for the diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer

MKDAT: Multi-Level Knowledge Distillation with Adaptive Temperature for Distantly Supervised Relation Extraction

Distantly supervised relation extraction (DSRE), first used to address the limitations of manually annotated data via automatically annotating the data with triplet facts, is prone to issues such as mislabeled annotations due to the interference of noisy annotations. To address the interference of noisy annotations, we leveraged a novel knowledge distillation (KD) method which was different from the conventional models on DSRE. More specifically, we proposed a model-agnostic KD method, Multi-Level Knowledge Distillation with Adaptive Temperature (MKDAT), which mainly involves two modules: Adaptive Temperature Regulation (ATR) and Multi-Level Knowledge Distilling (MKD). ATR allocates adaptive entropy-based distillation temperatures to different training instances for providing a moderate softening supervision to the student, in which label hardening is possible for instances with great entropy. MKD combines the bag-level and instance-level knowledge of the teacher as supervisions of the student, and trains the teacher and student at the bag and instance levels, respectively, which aims at mitigating the effects of noisy annotation and improving the sentence-level prediction performance. In addition, we implemented three MKDAT models based on the CNN, PCNN, and ATT-BiLSTM neural networks, respectively, and the experimental results show that our distillation models outperform the baseline models on bag-level and instance-level evaluations

Vaccine hesitancy and receipt of mandatory and optional pediatric vaccines in Shanghai, China

Given increased global concern about vaccine hesitancy, this study estimates coverage of mandatory vs non-mandatory vaccines in children, and assesses whether vaccine hesitancy among young parents relates to their childʻs eventual vaccination status in Shanghai, China. In a cohort study within Shanghai, China, we ascertained vaccine hesitancy among parents of young infants, and later abstracted their childʻs electronic immunization records. We measure full coverage of vaccines on the mandatory, and publicly funded Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Non-EPI vaccines included pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, and rotavirus vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy was linked to vaccine uptake through mixed effects logistic regression models. Among 972 children, full coverage of all EPI vaccines by 15 months was 95%, compared to dose 1 coverage of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine at 13%, Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine at 68%, and rotavirus vaccine at 52%. Vaccine hesitancy was not significantly linked with full coverage of all EPI vaccines (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: .89, 2.72), but coverage in the vaccine hesitant was lower for pneumococcal conjugate vaccine dose 1 (OR: .70, 95% CI: .53, .91), and rotavirus vaccine dose 1 (OR: .69, 95% CI: .56, .86). Disparities by education level were not significant for EPI vaccines, but were for dose 1 of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine rotavirus vaccine. Overall, vaccine hesitancy was related to lower uptake of non-EPI, but not EPI vaccines. Shanghai has a robust system for insurance equitable access to EPI vaccines, but if vaccine hesitancy grows, it could reduce coverage of non-EPI vaccines

Epidemiological characteristics of measles in Baoshan District of Shanghai in 2005‒2021

ObjectiveTo determine the epidemiological characteristics and distributions of measles in Baoshan District， Shanghai.MethodsThis study used the measles surveillance information and reporting system to collect reported cases of measles in Baoshan District in 2005‒2021 and then conducted descriptive epidemiological methods to determine the temporality using the concentration method.ResultsIn 2005‒2021， a total of 525 measles cases were reported in Baoshan District with an average annual reported incidence rate of 1.75/105， showing an overall fluctuating downward trend and obvious seasonality. The cases concentrated in 30‒39 years of age （31.24%）， 20‒29 years （28.57%）， and under 5 years （16.57%）. Majority of them were workers （18.10%）， preschool children （16.19%）， and unemployed persons （12.76%）. The incidence was significantly higher in the central region than in the other two regions for workers， preschool children， and unemployed persons （χ2=54.515， P<0.001）. Spatially， the incidence was significantly higher in the north-central sub-districts than in the south （χ2=88.103， P<0.001）. Moreover， 33.14% of measles cases did not receive measles-containing vaccine （MCV）， while 53.90% of the cases remained unknown. Additionally， uptake rate of MCV in non-local residents was significantly lower than in local residents （χ2=14.422， P<0.001）.ConclusionThe measles incidence remains remarkably low in Baoshan District of Shanghai. Young and middle-aged populations in the north-central region are susceptible to measles. It is recommended to further strengthen measles surveillance， maintain high coverage of MCV among school-age children combined with catch-up immunization for at-risk populations， and improve health education