Transmission Chain Research Articles

Reliability analysis for vertical integration of protection, measurement, merge unit, and intelligent terminal device

The reliability analysis of vertically integrated protection devices is crucial for designing International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 61850-based substations. This paper presents the hardware architecture of a four-in- one vertically integrated device and the information transmission path of each function based on the functional information transmission chain of protection devices, measurement and control devices, merging units, and intelligent terminals. Additionally, a reliability analysis model of the protection device and its protection system is constructed using the fault tree analysis method while considering the characteristics of each module of the vertically integrated device. The stability probability of the protection system in each state is analyzed by combining the state-transfer equations of line and busbar protection with a Markov chain. Finally, the failure rate and availability of the protection device and its protection system are calculated under different ambient temperatures using a 110 kV intelligent substation as an example. The sensitivity of each device module is analyzed.

EMG signal transmission system under RF schemes

With the rise in pathological conditions during the post-pandemic era, particularly concerning the management of biomedical signals, a significant surge has been observed. This research endeavors to develop a self-adaptive algorithm for the discretization and data encapsulation of electromyographic (EMG) signals. The synthetic signal used for analysis is acquired from the PhysioNet database, specifically focusing on the implementation of the tibialis anterior muscle. A transmission chain is established utilizing the AD9361 transceiver, while a power amplifier is employed for base radio applications, operating at a carrier frequency of 2.45 GHz. The spectral validation of this system reveals that the 16-QAM modulation, which is subjected to testing, yields an accuracy of -15.5 dB NMSE. As a further work, an EMG signal acquisition stage is proposed, based on a high-resolution analog-to-digital converter (ADC) card, alongside the exploration of higher order n-QAM schemes to enhance accuracy in the receiver stage.

Multidimensional clustering based fault diagnosis method for wind turbine transmission chain

Abstract With the rapid development of wind power generation, ensuring the reliability and fault diagnosis of wind turbine transmission chains has become a focal point. Traditional clustering methods that address the fault diagnosis problem in wind turbine transmission chains suffer from low fault discrimination and accuracy, as they rely on a single indicator. This paper proposes a two-dimensional clustering model that utilizes multiple indicators to address the issue of distinguishing similar faults within the wind turbine transmission chain from various perspectives and dimensions. The proposed approach involves collecting vibration signals from the transmission chain of wind turbines using sensors and using the root mean square and kurtosis of the fault signal as clustering features. A multidimensional polar coordinate clustering model is established, with the signal kurtosis representing the polar angle and the root mean square representing the polar radius. The clustering of fault signals within wind turbine transmission chains is achieved by optimizing the clustering boundaries by establishing a clustering boundary optimization equation. The results of the developed clustering model are evaluated using external and internal evaluation methods. Experimental results demonstrate that this method exhibits high accuracy and low computational complexity in diagnosing faults within wind turbine transmission chains. In comparison with other clustering methods, the proposed method outperforms them according to the experimental results. Hence, this study presents a novel approach for health monitoring and fault diagnosis of the transmission chain of wind turbines, which has significant implications for improving the reliability of wind turbine operation and reducing maintenance costs.

Brazilian Thoracic Association recommendations for the management of post-tuberculosis lung disease.

Historically, all efforts against tuberculosis were focused on rapid diagnosis and effective treatment to break the chain of transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, in the last few years, more and more evidence has been found on the dramatic consequences of the condition defined as post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD). Approximately one third of patients surviving pulmonary tuberculosis face considerable ongoing morbidities, including respiratory impairment, psychosocial challenges, and reduced health-related quality of life after treatment completion. Given the important global and local burden of tuberculosis, as well as the estimated burden of PTLD, the development of a consensus document by a Brazilian scientific society-Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia (SBPT)-was considered urgent for the prevention and management of this condition in order to allocate resources to and within tuberculosis services appropriately and serve as a guide for health care professionals. A team of eleven pulmonologists and one methodologist was created by the SBPT to review the current evidence on PTLD and develop recommendations adapted to the Brazilian context. The expert panel selected the topics on the basis of current evidence and international guidelines. During the first phase, three panel members drafted the recommendations, which were divided into three sections: definition and prevalence of PTLD, assessment of PTLD, and management of PTLD. In the second phase, all panel members reviewed, discussed, and revised the recommendations until a consensus was reached. The document was formally approved by the SBPT in a special session organized during the 2023 SBPT Annual Conference.

Description of The Level of Knowledge About Covid-19 Vaccines Among Adolescents In Public Junior High Schools

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) is an infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 is a novel coronavirus that had not been identified in humans before. There are at least two known types of coronaviruses that can cause severe illnesses, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). One of the measures to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission is through Covid-19 vaccination. The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics of respondents and the overview of the level of knowledge about the Covid-19 vaccine among teenagers at Junior High School 1 Andong. This research is descriptive in nature. The population of this study consists of students of Junior High School 1 Andong, in grade 7 and 8, academic year 2020/2021, totaling 458 students. The sample calculation using the Slovin formula resulted in 82 respondents. The sampling was conducted using probability sampling techniques with cluster sampling. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire on knowledge about Covid-19 vaccines and national Covid-19 vaccination, taken from previous research. The characteristics of the respondents showed that the majority were early teenagers aged 11-13 years, totaling 66 respondents (80.5%), and mostly female, totaling 44 respondents (53.7%). The level of knowledge about Covid-19 vaccines among teenagers in Junior High School 1 Andong is mostly sufficient, with 74 respondents (90.2%). From these results, it can be concluded that the low knowledge of teenagers about Covid-19 vaccines is influenced by irresponsible information circulating about the vaccines. The more information teenagers receive about Covid-19 vaccines, the better their knowledge becomes.

Overview of the Hepatitis B Epidemiology and Vaccination among Healthcare Workers

Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) who are at high risk for HBV infection, have been recommended to receive the HB vaccine for over 20 years. This review aimed to highlight the enablers and obstacles facing the universal coverage of hepatitis B epidemiology and vaccination among healthcare workers. Methods: A search was conducted using the following terms related to hepatitis B, vaccination, and healthcare workers in Africa: hepatitis B, hepatitis B virus, vaccination, immunization, healthcare workers, health workers, and health personnel. This review included cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. Studies in English or French from any location were selected. A search was conducted for articles published from 1970 to 2022 in PubMed and the Excerpta Medica Database (Embase) using search terms related to hepatitis B and healthcare workers. Results: This study analyzed 25 cross-sectional studies on healthcare workers (HCWs) in African countries to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B vaccination. The majority of the studies were conducted in hospitals and included HCWs from West and East Africa. After assessing the quality of the studies, 5 (14.3%) were found to be of high quality, 17 (77.1%) were of moderate quality, and 3 (8.6%) were of low quality. The proportion of HCWs who were fully vaccinated against hepatitis B varied widely, ranging from 0.8% in Rwanda to 72.0% in Libya. The overall pooled full vaccination coverage among HCWs in Africa was 24.7%. Subgroup analyses showed significant variation in vaccination coverage among HCWs in different regions of Africa and Asia, with the highest coverage in North Africa and the lowest in Central and East Africa. Conclusions: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at higher risk of infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) compared to individuals who do not work in hospitals, with frequencies of infection up to 4 times higher. HBV can be transmitted between patients and HCWs, as well as between HCWs and their relatives, contributing to the ongoing chain of transmission.

2285. Using Genomic Sequencing to Describe SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Dynamics in U.S. Major League Soccer Clubs

Abstract Background In 2020–2022, U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) used SARS-CoV-2 mitigation protocols that included masking, social distancing, avoiding contact with others outside of training and games, testing, quarantine, and isolation. In addition to isolation for those who tested positive, a SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequencing strategy was developed to identify whether infections were associated with intra-league transmission. Methods Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected by MLS club medical staff from players and staff from February 2021 through September 2022. During this time, surveillance testing changed from daily to weekly to testing only symptomatic players and staff. SARS-CoV-2 positive samples were analyzed using amplicon-based whole genome sequencing. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using Nextstrain to visualize genomes from infected players and staff in the context of genomes available on GISAID circulating in the United States during corresponding time periods. To identify transmission links, all genomes were compared in a pairwise fashion. Genomes that were 0–2 nucleotides different were considered part of direct transmission clusters. Results Of 250 samples that were rtPCR positive for SARS-CoV-2, 215 (86%) were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed a broad diversity of lineages, including some predominant overseas (e.g., AY.98.1). Pairwise comparison revealed SARS-CoV-2 sequences from 7 individuals appeared to be linked. These individuals were on 2 different MLS teams; there was an off-field exposure (dinner). Five (71%) had identical SARS-CoV-2 sequences; 2 had sequences that were 1 nucleotide different at the consensus level. Subconsensus genome analysis revealed that differences of 1 nucleotide were due to subconsensus mutations fluctuating below and above 50%, suggesting all 7 individuals were part of a transmission cluster. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences from the cluster were distinct from reference sequences and were likely a unique transmission chain. Conclusion SARS-CoV-2 transmission may occur within, and even between, professional sports teams. Pairwise comparison of individual genomes can provide improved granularity to identify clusters and understand SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Disclosures Davidson H. Hamer, MD, Kephera Diagnostics: Grant/Research Support|Takeda: Advisor/Consultant|Takeda: Grant/Research Support|Trinity Biotech, LLC: Advisor/Consultant|Valneva: Advisor/Consultant|Valneva: Grant/Research Support Daniel Bourque, MD, Kephera Diagnostics: Grant/Research Support

A transmission chain from sheep to sheep and human of zoonotic orf virus during the mpox epidemic.

A transmission chain from sheep to sheep and human of zoonotic orf virus during the mpox epidemic.

Perpekstif Pendidikan tentang Beramal dengan Hadist Dhaif dan Hukumnya Menurut Para Ulama

This research examines the role and practice of the dhaif hadith in Islam, especially in the context of Islamic religious education. Hadith, as the second source of law after the Koran, has an essential function in providing explanations (bayan) of the teachings of the Koran. This research uses a qualitative approach by reviewing literature from the opinions of ulama. The results of this research state that there are two main approaches to dhaif hadith. Some scholars think that dhaif hadith should be avoided and not practiced in any form, considering its weakness in the chain of transmission and the potential for error. Meanwhile, other groups of ulama allow the use of dhaif hadith, especially in the context of fadha'ilul a'mal (the importance of charity), as long as it does not conflict with the teachings of the Koran and stronger hadith. This research highlights the differences in these approaches and their impact on the practice of Islamic education. These findings are essential for educators and researchers in Islamic Religious Education to understand how dhaif hadith can or cannot be integrated into religious teaching and practice. This research also provides insight into the flexibility of interpretation in Islam and how this influences a dynamic and contextual approach to religious education.

Clostridioides difficile spores tolerate disinfection with sodium hypochlorite disinfectant and remain viable within surgical scrubs and gown fabrics.

Clostridioides difficile is the most common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea globally. Its spores have been implicated in the prevalence of C. difficile infection due to their resistance and transmission ability between surfaces. Currently, disinfectants such as chlorine-releasing agents (CRAs) and hydrogen peroxide are used to decontaminate and reduce the incidence of infections in clinical environments. Our previous research demonstrated the ability of C. difficile spores to survive exposure to recommended concentrations of sodium dichloroisocyanurate in liquid form and within personal protective fabrics such as surgical gowns; however, the present study examined the spore response to clinical in-use concentrations of sodium hypochlorite. Spores were exposed to a 10 min contact time of 1000, 5000 and 10 000 p.p.m. sodium hypochlorite, and spore recovery was determined. To understand whether biocide-exposed spores transmitted across clinical surfaces in vitro, biocide-exposed spores were spiked onto surgical scrubs and patient gowns and recovery was determined by a plate transfer assay. Scanning electron microscopy was used to establish if there were any morphological changes to the outer spore coat. The results revealed that viable biocide-exposed C. difficile spores can be recovered from surgical scrubs and patient gowns, with no observable changes to spore morphology, highlighting the potential of these fabrics as vectors of spore transmission. This study demonstrates that alternative strategies should be urgently sought to disinfect C. difficile spores to break the chain of transmission in clinical environments.

The oceanic pleuston community as a potentially crucial life-cycle pathway for pelagic fish-infecting parasitic worms

Pleustonic organisms form an important part of pelagic ecosystems by contributing to pelagic trophic chains and supporting connectivity between oceanic habitats. This study systematically analysed the trematode community harboured by pleustonic molluscs and cnidarians from offshore Queensland, Australia. Four mollusc and three cnidarian species were collected from beaches of North Stradbroke Island, Queensland. Two mollusc species and all three cnidarians harboured large numbers of hemiuroid metacercariae (Trematoda: Hemiuroidea). Eight taxa from four hemiuroid families (Accacoeliidae, Didymozoidae, Hemiuridae and Sclerodistomidae) were distinguished via molecular sequencing. Four of those taxa were identified to species. All trematode taxa except one didymozoid were shared by two or more host species; five species occurred in both gastropods and cnidarians. It is hypothesised that the life-cycles of these hemiuroids are highly plastic, involving multiple opportunistic pathways of metacercarial transmission to the definitive hosts. Transmission and the use of pleuston by hemiuroids likely varies with sea surface use and ontogenetic trophic shifts of apex predators. The small number of trematode species found in pleuston is consistent with significant ecological specificity, and the inference that other pelagic trematodes use alternative pathways of transmission that do not involve pleustonic organisms. Such pathways may involve i) pelagic hosts exclusively; ii) benthic or demersal hosts exclusively, consumed by apex predators during their dives; or iii) both benthic and pelagic hosts in transmission chains dependent on vertical migrations of prey. The influence of the connectivity of open-ocean ecosystems on parasite transmission is identified as an area in critical need of research.

The novel nematicide chiricanine A suppresses Bursaphelenchus xylophilus pathogenicity in Pinus massoniana by inhibiting Aspergillus and its secondary metabolite, sterigmatocystin.

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is responsible for extensive economic and ecological damage to Pinus spp. forests and plantations worldwide. PWD is caused by the pine wood nematode (PWN, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus) and transmitted into pine trees by a vector insect, the Japanese pine sawyer (JPS, Monochamus alternatus). Host infection by PWN will attract JPS to spawn, which leads to the co-existence of PWN and JPS within the host tree, an essential precondition for PWD outbreaks. Through the action of their metabolites, microbes can manipulate the co-existence of PWN and JPS, but our understanding on how key microorganisms engage in this process remains limited, which severely hinders the exploration and utilization of promising microbial resources in the prevention and control of PWD. In this study we investigated how the PWN-associated fungus Aspergillus promotes the co-existence of PWN and JPS in the host trees (Pinus massoniana) via its secondary metabolite, sterigmatocystin (ST), by taking a multi-omics approach (phenomics, transcriptomics, microbiome, and metabolomics). We found that Aspergillus was able to promote PWN invasion and pathogenicity by increasing ST biosynthesis in the host plant, mainly by suppressing the accumulation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) in plant tissues that could counter PWN. Further, ST accumulation triggered the biosynthesis of VOC (volatile organic compounds) that attracts JPS and drives the coexistence of PWN and JPS in the host plant, thereby encouraging the local transmission of PWD. Meanwhile, we show that application of an Aspergillus inhibitor (chiricanine A treatment) results in the absence of Aspergillus and decreases the in vivo ST amount, thereby sharply restricting the PWN development in host. This further proved that Aspergillus is vital and sufficient for promoting PWD transmission. Altogether, these results document, for the first time, how the function of Aspergillus and its metabolite ST is involved in the entire PWD transmission chain, in addition to providing a novel and long-term effective nematicide for better PWD control in the field.

A Perspective on Monkeypox Related LGBT Phobia Among the General Public

Due to an upsurge in imported cases in the Western Pacific Region, the World Health Organization has proclaimed monkeypox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on July 23rd, 2022. The worldwide transmission of human monkeypox disease presents substantial healthcare concern. Similar to previous infectious disease outbreaks, conspiracy theories have also emerged in relation to the 2022 monkeypox outbreak, undermining health behaviors and amplifying the outbreak's impact. Fake news on social media worsens the monkeypox outbreak, silencing healthcare experts. The outbreak has stigmatized monkeypox, putting LGBTQI+ communities at increased risk. Unsurprisingly, the present outbreak is impacting a large number of homosexuals, bisexuals, and men who have sex with men, which may lead to increased discrimination and stigma towards this group, along with increased LGBT phobia among the general population. Such stigmatization lead to healthcare disengagement, increasing morbidity and mortality, significant physical, socio-economic, and psychological consequences for LGBTQ+ community. Monkeypox is manageable if transmission chains are broken, aided by accurate information to dispel outdated myths rooted in fear and sexual bias. A holistic, culturally-sensitive approach is vital to combat current monkeypox-related stigma, requiring government interventions and multi-stakeholder collaboration for a multidisciplinary strategy.

Artificial Intelligence and Islamic Thought: Two Distinctive Challenges

Abstract: The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has presented novel questions across various intellectual and theological landscapes. This article seeks to explore two distinctive challenges that AI poses to Islamic thought. First, it examines the potential role of AI in Islamic knowledge production and scholarship, questioning the feasibility of an AI-powered religious authority, the concept of the iMufti and techno- madhhabs , along with capabilities to contribute to the chains of transmission and issue religious edicts ( fatāwā ). The second challenge delves into the implications of AI on the Qur'ān's claim of linguistic inimitability ( i'jāz ), investigating whether an AI, when taught the complexities of Arabic and literary composition, could potentially meet the Qur'ān's challenge to produce a text of comparable stature, thus probing the foundational assertions of the Islamic worldview. The article provides preliminary reflections aimed at spurring further scholarly inquiry into the intersection of AI and Islamic thought.

ListiWiki: A database for the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria monocytogenes is a Gram positive foodborne pathogen that regularly causes outbreaks of systemic infectious diseases. The bacterium maintains a facultative intracellular lifestyle; it thrives under a variety of environmental conditions and is able to infect human host cells. L. monocytogenes is genetically tractable and therefore has become an attractive model system to study the mechanisms employed by facultative intracellular bacteria to invade eukaryotic cells and to replicate in their cytoplasm. Besides its importance for basic research, L. monocytogenes also serves as a paradigmatic pathogen in genomic epidemiology, where the relative stability of its genome facilitates successful outbreak detection and elucidation of transmission chains in genomic pathogen surveillance systems. In both terms, it is necessary to keep the annotation of the L. monocytogenes genome up to date. Therefore, we have created the database ListiWiki (http://listiwiki.uni-goettingen.de/) which stores comprehensive information on the widely used L. monocytogenes reference strain EDG-e. ListiWiki is designed to collect information on genes, proteins and RNAs and their relevant functional characteristics, but also further information such as mutant phenotypes, available biological material, and publications. In its present form, ListiWiki combines the most recent annotation of the EDG-e genome with published data on gene essentiality, gene expression and subcellular protein localization. ListiWiki also predicts protein-protein interactions networks based on protein homology to Bacillus subtilis proteins, for which detailed interaction maps have been compiled in the sibling database SubtiWiki. Furthermore, crystallographic information of proteins is made accessible through integration of Protein Structure Database codes and AlphaFold structure predictions. ListiWiki is an easy-to-use web interface that has been developed with a focus on an intuitive access to all information. Use of ListiWiki is free of charge and its content can be edited by all members of the scientific community after registration. In our labs, ListiWiki has already become an important and easy to use tool to quickly access genome annotation details that we can keep updated with advancing knowledge. It also might be useful to promote the comprehensive understanding of the physiology and virulence of an important human pathogen.

Inferring bacterial transmission dynamics using deep sequencing genomic surveillance data

Identifying and interrupting transmission chains is important for controlling infectious diseases. One way to identify transmission pairs – two hosts in which infection was transmitted from one to the other – is using the variation of the pathogen within each single host (within-host variation). However, the role of such variation in transmission is understudied due to a lack of experimental and clinical datasets that capture pathogen diversity in both donor and recipient hosts. In this work, we assess the utility of deep-sequenced genomic surveillance (where genomic regions are sequenced hundreds to thousands of times) using a mouse transmission model involving controlled spread of the pathogenic bacterium Citrobacter rodentium from infected to naïve female animals. We observe that within-host single nucleotide variants (iSNVs) are maintained over multiple transmission steps and present a model for inferring the likelihood that a given pair of sequenced samples are linked by transmission. In this work we show that, beyond the presence and absence of within-host variants, differences arising in the relative abundance of iSNVs (allelic frequency) can infer transmission pairs more precisely. Our approach further highlights the critical role bottlenecks play in reserving the within-host diversity during transmission.

Large language models show human-like content biases in transmission chain experiments.

As the use of large language models (LLMs) grows, it is important to examine whether they exhibit biases in their output. Research in cultural evolution, using transmission chain experiments, demonstrates that humans have biases to attend to, remember, and transmit some types of content over others. Here, in five preregistered experiments using material from previous studies with human participants, we use the same, transmission chain-like methodology, and find that the LLM ChatGPT-3 shows biases analogous to humans for content that is gender-stereotype-consistent, social, negative, threat-related, and biologically counterintuitive, over other content. The presence of these biases in LLM output suggests that such content is widespread in its training data and could have consequential downstream effects, by magnifying preexisting human tendencies for cognitively appealing and not necessarily informative, or valuable, content.

Unraveling COVID-19 investigation hurdles with viral genomics

Abstract In the context of a COVID-19 outbreak, identifying transmission chains is crucial for effective public health response. However, relying solely on epidemiological investigation can lead to misidentification of links. This study aimed to assess the concordance between epidemiologically linked cases and viral genetic profiles in the Baixo Vouga Region of Portugal, from March to June 2020. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 1925 COVID-19 cases, of which 1143 were assigned to 154 epiclusters. Viral genomic data was available for 128 cases. We used this data to assess the accuracy of the initial transmission dynamics reconstruction, identify misidentified links, and resolve sporadic cases. Public health authorities identified two large epiclusters with a central role in disease spread, but the genomic data revealed that each epicluster included more than one transmission network. The increasing size of epiclusters and their extension to densely populated settings triggered the misidentification of links. Genomics also helped resolve some sporadic cases and misidentified directions of transmission. The epidemiological investigation had a sensitivity of 70%−86% in detecting transmission chains. Our findings demonstrate the challenges associated with the epidemiological investigation of hundreds of community cases in the context of a massive outbreak caused by a highly transmissible and new respiratory virus. We recommend incorporating viral genomics into outbreak investigations to improve the accuracy of transmission chain reconstructions. This could lead to the development of more effective public health actions such as prevention activities, policies, and surveillance systems. The innovative use of genomics in epidemiological investigations can have a significant impact on public health outcomes. Key messages • Large COVID-19 epiclusters and densely populated settings led to misidentified links. Epidemiological investigation had 70%−86% sensitivity to detect chains. • Using viral genomics in outbreak investigations can improve accuracy of transmission chain reconstructions, helping to resolve misidentified links and sporadic cases.

Dispersal history and bidirectional human-fish host switching of invasive, hypervirulent Streptococcus agalactiae sequence type 283.

Human group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections attributable to an invasive, hypervirulent sequence type (ST) 283 have been associated with freshwater fish consumption in Asia. The origin, geographic dispersion pathways and host transitions of GBS ST283 remain unresolved. We gather 328 ST283 isolate whole-genome sequences collected from humans and fish between 1998 and 2021, representing eleven countries across four continents. We apply Bayesian phylogeographic analyses to reconstruct the dispersal history of ST283 and combine ST283 phylogenies with genetic markers and host association to investigate host switching and the gain and loss of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor genes. Initial dispersal within Asia followed ST283 emergence in the early 1980s, with Singapore, Thailand and Hong Kong observed as early transmission hubs. Subsequent intercontinental dispersal originating from Vietnam began in the decade commencing 2001, demonstrating ST283 holds potential to expand geographically. Furthermore, we observe bidirectional host switching, with the detection of more frequent human-to-fish than fish-to-human transitions, suggesting that sound wastewater management, hygiene and sanitation may help to interrupt chains of transmission between hosts. We also show that antimicrobial resistance and virulence factor genes were lost more frequently than gained across the evolutionary history of ST283. Our findings highlight the need for enhanced surveillance, clinical awareness, and targeted risk mitigation to limit transmission and reduce the impact of an emerging pathogen associated with a high-growth aquaculture industry.

Genetic characterizations and molecular epidemiology of human echovirus 30 isolated from Ningxia, China

In October 2017, a small outbreak of echovirus 30 (E30) associated with aseptic meningitis in nine cases occurred at a primary school in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. That year, we observed a significant increase in E30 levels in an acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) case surveillance system. To investigate their phylogenetic relationships, we determined the whole genomic sequences of 12 strains isolated from aseptic meningitis cases, AFP cases, and healthy children. We found that the E30 strains circulating in Ningxia belong to two lineages (H and J). The strains isolated in 2010, 2012, and 2016 belonged to the H lineage. In 2017, a new lineage, J, emerged as the dominant lineage. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on the whole genome and P1, P2, and P3 regions; clustering with other types of enterovirus species B was found, suggesting that recombination events had occurred. The recombination sites were mainly in regions 2B, 2C, and 3D. This study confirmed that the E30 strains in Ningxia in 2010, 2012, and 2016 had different recombination patterns and were recombined with different enteroviruses. The 2017 epidemic E30 originated from another new lineage with a complex recombination pattern and formed an independent transmission chain in Ningxia.