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1. MODELING AND ANALYZING QUARANTINE STRATEGIES OF EPIDEMIC ON TWO-LAYER NETWORKS: GAME THEORY APPROACH

   https://doi.org/10.1142/S021833902350002X  

   ZHANG, RONGPING; XIE, BOLI; KANG, YUN; LIU, MAOXING (March 2023, Journal of Biological Systems)

   The quarantine strategy plays a crucial role in the prevention and control of infectious disease. In this paper, a two-layer network model coupling the transmission of infectious diseases and the dynamics of human behavior based on game theory is proposed. The basic reproduction number of the infectious disease in our proposed model is obtained by the next-generation matrix method and the stability of the disease-free equilibrium is analyzed. Theoretical results show that the spread of infectious diseases can be controlled when the voluntary quarantined individuals reach a certain proportion. The sensitivities of the parameters are analyzed by simulations, and the results show that increasing propaganda can directly accelerate quarantine, and reducing the relative cost of quarantine has a significant effect on preventing the infectious diseases. Increasing the detection rate will lead to overestimating the proportion of undiagnosed infected individuals, and can also promote individuals to quarantine. 

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2. Pathogens and planetary change

   https://doi.org/10.1038/s44358-024-00005-w  

   Carlson, Colin J; Brookson, Cole B; Becker, Daniel J; Cummings, Caroline A; Gibb, Rory; Halliday, Fletcher W; Heckley, Alexis M; Huang, Zheng_Y X; Lavelle, Torre; Robertson, Hailey; et al (January 2025, Nature Reviews Biodiversity)

   Emerging infectious diseases, biodiversity loss, and anthropogenic environmental change are interconnected crises with massive social and ecological costs. In this Review, we discuss how pathogens and parasites are responding to global change, and the implications for pandemic prevention and biodiversity conservation. Ecological and evolutionary principles help to explain why both pandemics and wildlife die-offs are becoming more common; why land-use change and biodiversity loss are often followed by an increase in zoonotic and vector-borne diseases; and why some species, such as bats, host so many emerging pathogens. To prevent the next pandemic, scientists should focus on monitoring and limiting the spread of a handful of high-risk viruses, especially at key interfaces such as farms and live-animal markets. But to address the much broader set of infectious disease risks associated with the Anthropocene, decision-makers will need to develop comprehensive strategies that include pathogen surveillance across species and ecosystems; conservation-based interventions to reduce human–animal contact and protect wildlife health; health system strengthening; and global improvements in epidemic preparedness and response. Scientists can contribute to these efforts by filling global gaps in disease data, and by expanding the evidence base for disease–driver relationships and ecological interventions. 

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3. Review of HIV Self Testing Technologies and Promising Approaches for the Next Generation

   https://doi.org/10.3390/bios13020298  

   Bacon, Amanda; Wang, Weijing; Lee, Hankeun; Umrao, Saurabh; Sinawang, Prima Dewi; Akin, Demir; Khemtonglang, Kodchakorn; Tan, Anqi; Hirshfield, Sabina; Demirci, Utkan; et al (February 2023, Biosensors)

   The ability to self-test for HIV is vital to preventing transmission, particularly when used in concert with HIV biomedical prevention modalities, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In this paper, we review recent developments in HIV self-testing and self-sampling methods, and the potential future impact of novel materials and methods that emerged through efforts to develop more effective point-of-care (POC) SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics. We address the gaps in existing HIV self-testing technologies, where improvements in test sensitivity, sample-to-answer time, simplicity, and cost are needed to enhance diagnostic accuracy and widespread accessibility. We discuss potential paths toward the next generation of HIV self-testing through sample collection materials, biosensing assay techniques, and miniaturized instrumentation. We discuss the implications for other applications, such as self-monitoring of HIV viral load and other infectious diseases. 

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4. Competitiveness of Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (ddPCR) Technologies, with a Particular Focus on Detection of Antibiotic Resistance Genes (ARGs)

   https://doi.org/10.3390/applmicrobiol1030028  

   Park, Sol; Rana, Anita; Sung, Way; Munir, Mariya (December 2021, Applied Microbiology)

   With fast-growing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technologies and various application methods, the technique has benefited science and medical fields. While having strengths and limitations on each technology, there are not many studies comparing the efficiency and specificity of PCR technologies. The objective of this review is to summarize a large amount of scattered information on PCR technologies focused on the two majorly used technologies: qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) and ddPCR (droplet-digital polymerase chain reaction). Here we analyze and compare the two methods for (1) efficiency, (2) range of detection and limitations under different disciplines and gene targets, (3) optimization, and (4) status on antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) analysis. It has been identified that the range of detection and quantification limit varies depending on the PCR method and the type of sample. Careful optimization of target gene analysis is essential for building robust analysis for both qPCR and ddPCR. In our era where mutation of genes may lead to a pandemic of viral infectious disease or antibiotic resistance-induced health threats, this study hopes to set guidelines for meticulous detection, quantification, and analysis to help future prevention and protection of global health, the economy, and ecosystems. 

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5. A comprehensive approach to integrated one health surveillance and response

   https://doi.org/10.56367/OAG-043-10923  

   Basheer, Aseel; Jentner, Wolfgang; Kuhn, Katrin; Wimberly, Michael; Vogel, Jason; Ebert, David (January 2024, Open Access Government)

   A comprehensive approach to integrated one health surveillance and responseSurveillance data plays a crucial role in understanding and responding to emerging infectious diseases; here, we learn why adopting a One Health surveillance approach to EIDs can help to protect human, animal, and environmental health. Over 75% of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) affecting humans are zoonotic diseases with animal hosts, which can be transmitted by waterborne, foodborne, vector-borne, or air-borne pathways. (7) Early detection is important and allows for a rapid response through preventive and control measures. However, early detection of EIDs is hindered by several obstacles, such as climate change, which can alter habitats, leading to shifts in the distribution of disease- carrying vectors like mosquitoes and ticks. This can result in diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease becoming more common in areas with established transmission or spreading to new areas entirely. (4) Environmental changes such as deforestation and urbanization disrupt ecosystems, increasing the likelihood of zoonotic disease spillover from wildlife to humans. In addition to working at the interface of these changes, detection and tracking of EIDs also requires sharing and standardization of complex data and integrating processes across different regions and health systems. 

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