Ebola virus disease mathematical models and epidemiological parameters: a systematic review.

Ebola virus disease poses a recurring risk to human health. We conducted a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42023393345) of Ebola virus disease transmission models and parameters published from database inception to July 7, 2023, from PubMed and Web of Science. Two people screened each abstract and full text.

Frequently Transmission and Close Relationship Among Immigrants in the China-Myanmar Border Region Indicated by Molecular Transmission Analysis From a Cross-Sectional Data.

Background: Accurate identification of molecular transmission clusters (MTCs) and understanding the dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission are necessary to develop targeted interventions to prevent HIV transmission. We evaluated the characteristics of antiretroviral therapy-naïve individuals who belonged to HIV-1 MTCs in the China-Myanmar border region to inform targeted effective HIV intervention.

Methods: Phylogenetic analyses were undertaken on HIV-1 sequences to characterize subtypes or circulating recombinant forms and identify MTCs.

The efficacy of low-dose aspirin in pregnancy among women in malaria-endemic countries.

Background: Low dose aspirin (LDA) is an effective strategy to reduce preterm birth. However, LDA might have differential effects globally, based on the etiology of preterm birth. In some regions, malaria in pregnancy could be an important modifier of LDA on birth outcomes and anemia.

Predictors of Plasmodium falciparum Infection in the First Trimester Among Nulliparous Women From Kenya, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Background: Malaria can have deleterious effects early in pregnancy, during placentation. However, malaria testing and treatment are rarely initiated until the second trimester, leaving pregnancies unprotected in the first trimester. To inform potential early intervention approaches, we sought to identify clinical and demographic predictors of first-trimester malaria.

Assisted Partner Notification and Uptake of HIV Testing among Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial in China.

Background: Assisted partner notification (PN) is an effective approach for increasing HIV testing among heterosexual partners. There is sparse evidence on its effect among sexual partners of men who have sex with men (MSM).

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effect of assisted PN and passive PN interventions on uptake of HIV testing among male and female sexual partners of newly HIV-diagnosed MSM.

Factors Influencing Clinicians' Willingness to Prescribe Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for Persons at High Risk of HIV in China: Cross-sectional Online Survey Study.

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention measure. Clinicians play a crucial role in PrEP implementation, and their knowledge, attitudes, and career experience may affect their willingness to prescribe PrEP. However, little is known about the attitudes and willingness of clinicians to prescribe PrEP in countries without PrEP-specific guidelines.

Use of multiple recreational drugs is associated with new HIV infections among men who have sex with men in China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey.

Background: There is limited information about the types of recreational drugs used by men who have sex with men (MSM) in China or the consequent impact on sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition.

Methods: We recruited MSM from seven cities in China between 2012 and 2013 using multiple approaches including advertisements on gay websites, collaborating with local MSM community-based organizations, peer referrals, and venues such as gay bars and bathrooms visited by MSM. We divided participants into four subgroups based on the number of recreational drugs (RDs) used in the previous 6 months.

Tracking and predicting U.S. influenza activity with a real-time surveillance network.

Each year in the United States, influenza causes illness in 9.2 to 35.6 million individuals and is responsible for 12,000 to 56,000 deaths.

Protocol for a multicenter, real-world study of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in China (CROPrEP).

Background: Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a promising and effective tool to prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission; however, context-specific data to guide optimal implementation are currently lacking in China. This study aims to systematically collect comprehensive, empirical data to determine effective ways to implement PrEP among at-risk men who have sex with men (MSM) in China.

Methods: The CROPrEP project, a real-world study of PrEP use, will recruit 1000 high-risk HIV-negative MSM participants from four cities in China, who will be able to choose between daily or event-driven dosing regimens, according to their preference.

The Effect of Using Geosocial Networking Apps on the HIV Incidence Rate Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Eighteen-Month Prospective Cohort Study in Shenyang, China.

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) frequently seek partners through mobile apps (geosocial networking [GSN] apps). However, it is unclear whether GSN apps' use is associated with the increase in HIV incidence among MSM.

Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of GSN apps' users and to determine the association and putative mechanisms between GSN apps' use behavior and HIV incidence.

Accurate quantification of uncertainty in epidemic parameter estimates and predictions using stochastic compartmental models.

Stochastic transmission dynamic models are needed to quantify the uncertainty in estimates and predictions during outbreaks of infectious diseases. We previously developed a calibration method for stochastic epidemic compartmental models, called Multiple Shooting for Stochastic Systems (MSS), and demonstrated its competitive performance against a number of existing state-of-the-art calibration methods. The existing MSS method, however, lacks a mechanism against filter degeneracy, a phenomenon that results in parameter posterior distributions that are weighted heavily around a single value.

Use of daily Internet search query data improves real-time projections of influenza epidemics.

Seasonal influenza causes millions of illnesses and tens of thousands of deaths per year in the USA alone. While the morbidity and mortality associated with influenza is substantial each year, the timing and magnitude of epidemics are highly variable which complicates efforts to anticipate demands on the healthcare system. Better methods to forecast influenza activity would help policymakers anticipate such stressors.