[Anti-HBs persistence after primary vaccination with three doses of 5 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine among normal and high-responder infants: 10-year of follow-up]

Objective: Assess the 10-year Immune persistence and the predictors after primary vaccination hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among normal and high-responder infants. Methods: A total of 1 838 Infants of 7-12 months old located in Jinan, Weifang, Yantai and Weihai of Shandong Province who were induced normal or high antibody response (anti-HBs titer ≥ 100 mIU/ml) after primary vaccination (three dose with 0-1-6 procedure) with 5 μg recombinant HepB among newborns were included in the study, in 2009. 3 ml of venous blood samples were collected at baseline survey (T₀) and antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were detected using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) method. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect information including the infant's age, sex, birth weight, premature birth, birth number, delivery location and mother's HBV infection status. In 2014 (followed up for 5 years) and in 2019 (followed up for 10 years) (T₁), 2 ml of venous blood samples were collected. Anti HBS and anti HBC were detected by CMIA method. Those with anti HBS<10 mIU/ml were detected by CMIA method. Multivariate unconditional logistic and linear regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors of anti-HBs positive rate and geometric mean concentration (GMC) at T₁. Results: After 10 years follow-up, 73.94% of the subjects (1 359/1 835) finished the follow-up. 51.15% of the subjects, a total of 625 were boys. The positive rate of anti-HBs was 100% at T₀ and decreased to 53.44% (95%CI: 50.59%-56.26%) at T₁. The average annual decline rate of anti-HBs positive rate from T₀ to T₁ was 6.07%. The GMC of anti-HBs decreased from 607.89 (95%CI: 579.01-642.62) mIU/ml to 16.44 (95%CI: 15.06-18.00) mIU/ml. The average annual decline rate of anti-HBs GMC in 10-year follow-up was 30.30%. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the positive rate of anti-HBs at T₁ was lower in those who did not vaccinate the first dose in time (OR=0.25, 95%CI:0.07-0.71). Compared with those with GMC<1 000 mIU/ml at T₀, those with GMC ≥ 1 000 mIU/ml had a higher positive rate of anti-HBs at T₁ (OR=2.29, 95%CI:1.76-2.97). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the GMC of anti-HBs at T₁ was lower in those who did not vaccinate the first dose in time (β=-0.50, 95%CI:-1.24-0.24). Compared with those with GMC<1 000 mIU/ml at T₀, those with GMC ≥ 1 000 mIU/ml had a higher GMC of anti-HBs at T₁ (β=0.81, 95%CI: 0.62-1.05). Conclusion: Anti-HBs GMC decreased in 10 years after primary vaccination of 5 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine among normal and high-responders. The anti-HBs persistence was mainly associated with whether the first dose was vaccinated in time and the level of anti-HBs at the end of primary vaccination.

The efficacy and safety of different doses of calcitriol combined with neutral phosphate in X-linked hypophosphatemia: a prospective study

The present study was the first prospective cohort evaluated the efficacy and safety of different doses of calcitriol in XLH children. The results suggested that a dose of 40 ng/kg/day calcitriol, compared with 20 ng/kg/day, was more effective in relieving the rickets, with similar safety outcomes. Further investigations were expected to set more dose groups.

INTRODUCTION

Dose recommended for calcitriol in X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) varies in different studies. Therefore, we aimed to compare the efficacy as well as the safety of 20 ng/kg/d and 40 ng/kg/d calcitriol in Chinese XLH pediatrics population.

METHODS

A 2-year, randomized, open-label, prospective study recruited 68 XLH children, which were randomized to receive either 40 ng/kg/day or 20 ng/kg/day calcitriol. Efficacy endpoints were the total Thacher ricket severity score (RSS) change from baseline to month 12 and 24, the difference in serum TALP level, fasting serum phosphate level, body height Z-score, and frequency of dental abscess. Safety assessments were done using renal ultrasound nephrocalcinosis grades (0-4), fasting serum and 24 h urine calcium level, and the occurrence of hyperparathyroidism.

RESULTS

The decrease in the total RSS from baseline was more significant in the high-dose group at 12 (difference 0.87, p = 0.049) and 24 month (difference 1.23, p = 0.011). The serum TALP level was significantly lower in the high-dose group at 6 months. Pi level, height Z-score change, frequency of dental abscess and ratio of de novo nephrocalcinosis were comparable. A lower incidence of secondary hyperparathyroidism was seen in the high-dose group (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

For the first time in this prospective cohort, 40 ng/kg/d calcitriol was shown to be the more effective therapy in XLH children than the 20 ng/kg/d. Moreover, 40 ng/kg/d calcitriol was not associated with increasing adverse events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 03,820,518.

POS1016 RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DISEASE DURATION AND RADIOGRAPHIC PROGRESSION AMONG PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH SECUKINUMAB IN FUTURE 5

Background

For patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), delays in diagnosis and treatment can lead to permanent radiographic damage, even early in the course of disease.1 In the phase 3 FUTURE 5 study (NCT02404350), treatment with secukinumab (SEC) was shown to inhibit progression of structural damage through Week 104 in patients with PsA.2 However, the effect of disease duration on inhibition of radiographic progression by SEC has not been characterized.

Objectives

This post hoc analysis explored relationships between time since diagnosis (TSD) of ≤1 year vs >1 year and radiographic progression among patients with PsA receiving SEC over 2 years in FUTURE 5.

Methods

Patient data from FUTURE 5 were stratified by TSD ≤1 year vs >1 year and analyzed by treatment arm. Through Week 24, patients received SEC 300 or 150 mg with subcutaneous loading dose (LD), SEC 150 mg without LD, or placebo (PBO) (period 1). After Week 24, patients receiving PBO were switched to SEC 300 or 150 mg (period 2), and a protocol amendment allowed those with suboptimal clinical response to SEC 150 mg to escalate to SEC 300 mg after Week 52 per investigator judgment.2 The proportion of patients with no radiographic progression, defined as change from baseline in van der Heijde total modified Sharp score ≤0.0, was analyzed at Weeks 24, 52, and 104. Mean total Sharp score was evaluated at baseline, and mean change from baseline was determined at Weeks 24, 52, and 104.

Results

Of 996 patients with PsA included here, 217 (21.8%) had a TSD ≤1 year and 779 (78.2%) had a TSD >1 year. At baseline, patients with TSD >1 year had greater radiographic damage than patients with TSD ≤1 year as determined by mean total Sharp score (Table 1). As early as Week 24, patients receiving SEC had less radiographic progression than those receiving PBO, regardless of TSD. From Week 24 to Week 104, radiographic progression remained low among all patients receiving SEC, with a trend of least progression among patients randomized to SEC 300 mg at baseline. Regardless of treatment, patients with TSD >1 year had numerically greater radiographic progression than those patients with TSD ≤1 year. Overall, the proportion of patients receiving SEC who did not have any radiographic progression was higher than that of placebo at Week 24 irrespective of TSD, with a trend towards a higher number of non-progressors among those treated with SEC 300 mg (Figure). Patients randomized to SEC 300 mg were the least likely to experience radiographic progression through 52 weeks.

Table 1.

Baseline Total Sharp Score and Change From Baseline at Weeks 24, 52, and 104 by TSD

Total Sharp scoreTSD ≤1 yearTSD >1 yearPeriod 1SEC 300 mg n = 54SEC 150 mg n = 46SEC 150 mg NL n = 43PBO n = 74SEC 300 mg n = 168SEC 150 mg n = 174SEC 150 mg NL n = 179PBO n = 258Baseline, mean (SD)8.02 (20.77)8.82 (12.06)12.74 (33.67)8.84 (20.42)14.37 (24.17)14.67 (28.01)15.56 (37.52)17.34 (41.21)Week 24 change from baseline, mean (SD)0.05 (0.72)−0.08 (1.40)−0.61 (5.25)0.76 (2.05)0.09 (1.37)0.23 (1.24)0.03 (2.05)0.42 (1.56)Period 2SEC 300 mg* n = 54SEC 150 mg†n = 46SEC 150 mg NL†n = 43PBO ‒ 300 mg n = 40PBO ‒ 150 mg†n = 30SEC 300 mg* n = 168SEC 150 mg†n = 174SEC 150 mg NL†n = 179PBO ‒ 300 mg n = 113PBO ‒ 150 mg†n = 123Week 52 change from baseline, mean (SD)0.05 (0.48)−0.03 (1.22)0.35 (2.25)0.22 (0.70)0.18 (0.75)−0.07 (1.16)0.26 (1.96)0.26 (1.05)0.16 (0.94)0.40 (2.00)Week 104 change from baseline, mean (SD)0.06 (0.63)0.11 (0.99)0.20 (2.71)0.11 (0.68)−0.07 (0.50)0.11 (2.00)0.62 (2.94)0.46 (2.08)0.12 (0.90)0.81 (2.66)

NL, no loading dose; PBO, placebo; SEC, secukinumab; TSD, time since diagnosis.

* One outlier in the 300-mg dose group was excluded.

† Includes patients who received dose escalation to SEC 300 mg after Week 52.

Conclusion

SEC resulted in low rates of radiographic progression through 2 years of treatment among patients in FUTURE 5, regardless of time since PsA diagnosis.

References

[1]Haroon M, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2015;74:1045-50.

[2]Mease P, et al. RMD Open. 2021;7:e001600.

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Medical writing support was provided by Richard Karpowicz, PhD, CMPP, of Health Interactions, Inc, and was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. This abstract was developed in accordance with Good Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines. Authors had full control of the content and made the final decision on all aspects of this publication.

Disclosure of Interests

Christopher T. Ritchlin Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Pfizer, Novartis, Gilead, and UCB, Ana-Maria Orbai Consultant of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: to Johns Hopkins University from AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Horizon, Janssen, Lilly, and Novartis, Bhumik Parikh Employee of: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA, Corine Gaillez Employee of: Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland, Xiangyi Meng Employee of: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA, Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB

OP0076 L-ARGININE REPROGRAMS OSTEOCLAST PURINE METABOLISM AMELIORATING BONE LOSS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background

Bone erosion is a clinical feature of rheumatoid arthritis related to disease severity and poor functional prognosis. Excessive osteoclast differentiation and insufficient osteoblast function are the main reasons for the erosive process in RA. Our previous investigation indicated that L-arginine supplementation not only diminished arthritic inflammation in the serum-induced arthritis (K/BxN) model but also decreased inflammatory joints osteoclast numbers (1).

Objectives

In the present study, we aim to investigate the metabolic action of L-arginine supplementation in RA, especially on periarticular bone erosion and systemic bone loss. We plan to depict the metabolic features of TNFα induced inflammatory osteoclasts after in vitro L-arginine supplementation.

Methods

Three murine arthritis models (serum-induced arthritis (K/BxN) model, collagen-induced arthritis model, and hTNFtg mice model) were analysed in this study. L-arginine was supplemented within the drinking water after the onset of arthritis. Bone parameters for axial skeleton (spine) and peripheral skeleton (tibia) from the respective group were quantified by μCT. HE and TRAP staining were performed to address further the erosion area and osteoclast numbers in periarticular sites. In vitro osteoclast differentiation was conducted with or without L-arginine treatment, in the presence or not of TNFα activation. Seahorse and SCENITH analyses were adopted to delineate the metabolic features. JC-1 staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to depict the mitochondria metabolism. RNA-seq and mass spectrometry (MS) were performed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism.

Results

Inflammation was diminished in all three arthritis models after L-arginine supplementation with a significant reduction in arthritic score. Moreover, an amelioration of periarticular bone erosion, systemic bone loss, and decreased osteoclast numbers in periarticular sites were observed in arthritic mice after L-arginine treatment. L-arginine also inhibited osteoclastogenesis in vitro, particularly under TNFα activation. Seahorse and SCENITH analyses indicated TNFα promoted glycolysis while blocking mitochondria-driven oxidative phosphorylations (OXPHOS) in pre-osteoclasts. Meanwhile, JC-1 staining and TEM images also showed that TNFα decreased mitochondria membrane potential and prompted damage of mitochondria. Surprisingly, L-arginine rescued the TNFα inhibition of OXPHOS while promoting ATP production.

RNA-seq and MS data confirmed the boost of OXPHOS after L-arginine treatment under TNFα activation. To interfere with OXPHOS, L-arginine inhibited cJun thus altered arginase-1 and arginase-2 expression. Moreover, the increased ATP in L-arginine treated cells facilitated purine metabolism, especially the production of inosine and hypoxanthine, contributing to the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. Increasing Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is essential for the production of inosine and hypoxanthine due to the decreased inhibitory regulation of the transcription factor c-Jun.

Conclusion

These data strongly demonstrated that L-arginine ameliorates bone erosion in RA through metabolic reprogramming and perturbation of purine metabolism in osteoclasts. L-arginine might therefore benefit RA therapy by reducing joint inflammation and also ameliorating bone destruction.

References

[1]Hannemann, Nicole, et al. “Transcription factor Fra-1 targets arginase-1 to enhance macrophage-mediated inflammation in arthritis.” The Journal of clinical investigation 129.7 (2019): 2669-2684.

Disclosure of Interests

Shan Cao: None declared, Rui Song: None declared, Xianyi Meng: None declared, Katerina Kachler: None declared, Maximilian Fuchs: None declared, Xinyu Meng: None declared, Yixuan Li: None declared, Verena Taudte: None declared, Meik Kunz: None declared, Ursula Schloetzer-Schrehardt: None declared, Ulrike Schleicher: None declared, Xiaoxiang Chen Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Roche and Novartis, Georg Schett Speakers bureau: AbbVie, BMS, Celgene, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Roche and UCB, Aline Bozec: None declared.

POS0409 INTESTINAL HIF1α EXPRESSION PROTECTS AGAINST EPITHELIAL CELL DEATH IN ARTHRITIS

Background

While a so-called gut-joint axis is supported by many clinical observations, the current knowledge on such axis is mostly confined to descriptive and correlative data, e.g. showing the microbiota changes are associated with arthritis. In contrast, mechanistic data on how molecular changes in the intestinal epithelium influence the development of arthritis are scarce.

Objectives

To investigate, whether the mucosal barrier in the intestine dependent of the epithelial cell survival maintenance, influences the development of arthritis.

Methods

Intestinal hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α expression was assessed before, at onset and during experimental arthritis and human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Intestinal epithelial cell-specific HIF1α conditional knock-out mice were generated (HIF1αΔIEC) and subjected to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Clinical and histological courses of arthritis were recorded, and T and B cell subsets were analyzed in the gut and secondary lymphatic organs, and intestinal epithelial cells were subjected to molecular mRNA sequencing in HIF1αΔIEC and littermate control mice. Furthermore, pharmacologic HIF1α stabilization by PHD inhibitor was used for the treatment of arthritis.

Results

Intestinal HIF1α expression peaked at onset and remained high in experimental arthritis and RA. Conditionally deletion of HIF1α in gut epithelial cells strongly exacerbate arthritis and was associated with increased gut epithelial cell death, intestinal and lymphatic Th1 and Th17 activation. Mechanistically, HIF1α inhibits the transcription of necroptotic and apoptotic markers, which leads to a defect in the intestinal barrier integrity. Furthermore, treatment with HIF1α stabilization reinforced the gut epithelial cell survival and inhibited arthritis.

Conclusion

These findings show that the HIF1α regulating epithelial cells survival is critical for the breakdown of the intestinal barrier function in arthritis highlighting the functional link between intestinal homeostasis and arthritis.

Disclosure of Interests

None declared.

POS1022 RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN INHIBITION OF RADIOGRAPHIC PROGRESSION AND ACHIEVEMENT OF LOW DISEASE ACTIVITY OR REMISSION AND THEIR CORE COMPONENTS IN PATIENTS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS TREATED WITH SECUKINUMAB IN FUTURE 5 DURING THE FIRST 24 WEEKS

Background

Patients with active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) experience inflammation that may result in structural damage and disability. In the phase 3 FUTURE 5 study, treatment with secukinumab (SEC) inhibited radiographic progression and led to sustained remission and low disease activity (LDA) through Week 104.1,2

Objectives

This post hoc analysis of FUTURE 5 explored relationships between radiographic progression status and achievement of LDA or remission in patients treated with SEC.

Methods

Patients were randomized 2:2:2:3 to receive SEC 300 mg with loading dose (LD), 150 mg LD, SEC 150 mg without LD, or placebo (PBO) at Baseline, Weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and every 4 weeks thereafter until Week 24. In this post hoc analysis, patients were grouped by radiographic progression status at Week 24 (non-radiographic progressors: change from baseline in modified total Sharp score [mTSS] ≤0.0; radiographic progressors: change from baseline in mTSS >0.0). Efficacy (achievement of Minimal Disease Activity [MDA] or Very Low Disease Activity [VLDA] and their individual components, and Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis [DAPSA] LDA or remission) was assessed at Week 24.

Results

Of 933 patients with available data, 675 (72.3%) were classified as non-radiographic progressors and 258 (27.7%) were radiographic progressors at Week 24. Non-progressors at Week 24 were more likely than progressors to achieve DAPSA LDA and remission at Week 24 across all treatment arms (Figure 1A). In addition, non-progressors were more likely to achieve MDA and VLDA at Week 24 than progressors across all treatment arms (Figure 1B). Similar trends were observed for all of the individual MDA/VLDA criteria at Week 24 among patients treated with SEC 300 mg or SEC 150 mg LD (Table 1). Notably, non-progressors were more likely to achieve improvements in physical function, pain, and patient global assessment of disease activity than progressors across all treatment arms.

Table 1.

Proportion of Patients Achieving MDA/VLDA Components at Week 24 Grouped by Radiographic Progression Status at Week 24

Week 24 non-progressorsWeek 24 progressorsOutcome, n/N (%)SEC 300 mg n = 166SEC 150 mg n = 150SEC 150 mg NL n = 159PBO n = 200SEC 300 mg n = 51SEC 150 mg n = 63SEC 150 mg NL n = 51PBO n = 93TJC78 ≤152/161 (32.3)46/146 (31.5)37/150 (24.7)38/196 (19.4)15/50 (30.0)13/62 (21.0)13/49 (26.5)11/90 (12.2)SJC76 ≤1105/160 (65.6)85/146 (58.2)83/150 (55.3)88/196 (44.9)32/50 (64.0)28/62 (45.2)20/49 (40.8)30/90 (33.3)PASI ≤1 or BSA ≤3%99/128 (77.3)90/128 (70.3)69/109 (63.3)64/153 (41.8)29/38 (76.3)27/47 (57.4)28/40 (70.0)26/70 (37.1)Patient pain VAS ≤1557/144 (39.6)50/133 (37.6)50/141 (35.5)33/179 (18.4)14/42 (33.3)15/60 (25.0)13/43 (30.2)7/82 (8.5)PtGA VAS ≤2063/145 (43.4)47/125 (37.6)50/135 (37.0)39/173 (22.5)13/41 (31.7)14/61 (23.0)13/41 (31.7)7/81 (8.6)HAQ-DI ≤0.572/135 (53.3)55/118 (46.6)54/122 (44.3)47/158 (29.7)13/39 (33.3)18/58 (31.0)17/39 (43.6)19/77 (24.7)Tender entheseal points ≤170/87 (80.5)44/63 (69.8)42/76 (55.3)45/88 (51.1)13/18 (72.2)17/31 (54.8)11/19 (57.9)23/38 (60.5)

BSA, body surface area; HAQ-DI, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index; MDA, Minimal Disease Activity; NL, no loading dose; PASI, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index; PBO, placebo; PtGA, patient global assessment of disease activity; SEC, secukinumab; SJC, swollen joint count; TJC, tender joint count; VAS, visual analog scale; VLDA, Very Low Disease Activity.

Conclusion

Patients who did not have radiographic progression over 6 months of SEC treatment were more likely to achieve LDA or remission and improvement in physical function at Week 24. Additional analyses will explore relationships between radiographic progression and additional clinical and patient-reported outcomes over longer time periods.

References

[1]Mease P, et al. RMD Open. 2021;7:e001600.

[2]Coates LC, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2021;80:803-4.

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Medical writing support was provided by Eric Deutsch, PhD, CMPP, of Health Interactions, Inc, and was funded by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. This abstract was developed in accordance with Good Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines. Authors had full control of the content and made the final decision on all aspects of this publication.

Disclosure of Interests

Philip J Mease Speakers bureau: AbbVie, Amgen, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Galapagos, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Grant/research support from: AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Celgene, Gilead, Janssen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, and UCB, Ana-Maria Orbai Consultant of: Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, and UCB, Grant/research support from: To Johns Hopkins University from AbbVie, Amgen, Celgene, Horizon, Janssen, Lilly, and Novartis, Bhumik Parikh Employee of: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Corine Gaillez Employee of: Novartis Pharma AG, Xiangyi Meng Employee of: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Christopher T. Ritchlin Consultant of: AbbVie, Amgen, Eli Lilly, Janssen, Pfizer, Novartis, Gilead, and UCB

The bZIP Transcription Factor Family in Adzuki Bean (Vigna Angularis): Genome-Wide Identification, Evolution, and Expression Under Abiotic Stress During the Bud Stage

Adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) is an important dietary legume crop that was first cultivated and domesticated in Asia. Currently, little is known concerning the evolution and expression patterns of the basic leucine zipper (bZIP) family transcription factors in the adzuki bean. Through the PFAM search, 72 bZIP members of adzuki bean (VabZIP) were identified from the reference genome. Most of them were located on 11 chromosomes and seven on an unknown chromosome. A comprehensive analysis, including evolutionary, motifs, gene structure, cis-elements, and collinearity was performed to identify VabZIP members. The subcellular localization results showed VabZIPs might locate on the nuclear. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis of the relative expression of VabZIPs in different tissues at the bud stage revealed that VabZIPs had a tissue-specific expression pattern, and its expression was influenced by abiotic stress. These characteristics of VabZIPs provide insights for future research aimed at developing interventions to improve abiotic stress resistance.

Study on the interaction between nimodipine and five proteinases and the effects of naringin and vitamin C on these interactions by spectroscopic and molecular docking methods

The interaction mechanisms of nimodipine with pepsin, trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, lysozyme and human serum albumin were investigated by multispectral and molecular docking methods. Vitamin C and naringin were the main active components of grapefruit juice, and nimodipine was the typical drug that interacts with this juice. Fluorescence spectroscopy was used to study the interaction of nimodipine with five proteinases (pepsin, trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, lysozyme and human serum albumin) and the effects of vitamin C and naringin on these interactions. The fluorescence quenching results showed that nimodipine can quench the intrinsic fluorescence of these five proteinases by a static quenching procedure. Nimodipine binds to pepsin and α-chymotrypsin, through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, whereas it binds to trypsin, lysozyme and human serum albumin mainly by hydrophobic interactions. The microenvironment of the five proteinases changed. The probability of nonradiative energy transfer between the five proteinases and nimodipine was high. Both vitamin C and naringin reduced the binding constant of nimodipine to the four proteinases (except α-chymotrypsin) and might increase the concentration of free nimodipine. Thus, vitamin C or naringin in fruits or foods could increase the blood concentration of free nimodipine and perhaps a reduction in nimodipine dose was needed.

HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge and Attitudes Among Chinese College Students and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

In recent years, adolescent has become one of the high-risk groups for HIV. Meanwhile, good HIV awareness and positive attitude are essential for HIV prevention. This study aims to evaluate the extent to which college students understand HIV and their attitudes toward HIV-infected patients, as well as the correlative factors. The data used in this study came from a cross-sectional survey. An anonymous online questionnaire was used to investigate the demographic characteristics, HIV/AIDS-related knowledge, and attitudes toward HIV-infected patients of 17,678 students from a university in Henan. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze differences and connections between variables in SPSS version 25.0. Participants' HIV/AIDS-related knowledge awareness rate was 80.8%. Levels of students' HIV/AIDS-related knowledge correlated with their gender, nationality, marital status, and their grade (p < 0.01). Female students [OR = 0.757, 95% CI (0.699-0.820)] and minority students (OR = 0.717, 95% CI (0.619-0.832)] had insufficient HIV health education knowledge. Meanwhile, male students (OR = 0.845, 95% CI (0.773-0.924)], and students with good HIV knowledge (OR unaware-ness/awareness = 2.385, 95% CI (2.111-2.694)] were more likely to hold a positive attitude toward HIV-infected patients. The relevant education departments should strengthen and promote the education of AIDS transmission and prevention. Many college students still hold negative attitude toward HIV-infected patients. The government should further make efforts to eliminate social discrimination in HIV-infected patients and lead people to approach HIV-infected patients fairly.

Investigation on the interaction between myricetin and dihydromyricetin with trypsin, α-chymotrypsin, lysozyme by spectroscopy and molecular docking methods

The interaction between myricetin and dihydromyricetin with trypsin, α-chymotrypsin and lysozyme was investigated using multispectral and molecular docking methods. The results of fluorescence quenching revealed that myricetin and dihydromyricetin could quench the intrinsic fluorescence of three different proteinases through a static quenching procedure. The binding constant and number of binding sites at different temperatures were measured. The thermodynamic parameters obtained at different temperatures showed van der Waals' interactions and hydrogen bonds played the main roles in the interaction of myricetin with trypsin and lysozyme, hydrophobic force was dominant both in myricetin with α-chymotrypsin interaction and dihydromyricetin with trypsin and lysozyme interaction, as for the electrostatic forces, it was the mainly driving force in dihydromyricetin binding to α-chymotrypsin. There was non-radiative energy transfer between three proteinases and myricetin or dihydromyricetin with high probability. The microenvironment of trypsin, α-chymotrypsin and lysozyme is changed. The docking studies revealed that myricetin and dihydromyricetin entered the hydrophobic cavity of three proteinases and formed hydrogen bond. The binding affinity of myricetin or dihydromyricetin is difference with the trypsin, α-chymotrypsin and lysozyme due to the different molecular structure.

[Antibodies persistence after revaccination with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine in non-responsive adults: results from 8-year follow-up study]

Objective: To evaluate the persistence of HBsAg-specific antibodies eight years after revaccination with hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among adults who were non-responsive to primary immunization. Methods: From August to September 2009, rural communities in Zhangqiu district of Ji'nan city were selected as the study site. The subject's inclusion criteria were 18 to 49 years old, local resident population, without HBV infection history and HepB vaccination history, and good health status. Antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) were detected in adults following the standard primary vaccination. Those who were non-responders (anti-HBs titer <10 mIU/ml) were revaccinated with three doses of HepB and included in the study. Blood samples were collected from all of them at one month (T₁), two years, four years, and eight years after revaccination. The three indexes of anti-HBs, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), together with antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), were measured by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Results: The proportion of subjects with anti-HBs titers ≥10 mIU/ml was 85.12% (549/645) at T₁, 60.60% (283/467) at two years, 55.90% (199/356) at four years and 55.09% (222/403) at eight years after revaccination. The first two years' annual decline rates, three to four years and five to eight years, were 15.62%, 3.96%, and 0.36%. The GMC of anti-HBs was 153.92 mIU/ml at T₁, 21.43 mIU/ml at two years, 15.02 mIU/ml at four years, and 13.68 mIU/ml at eight years. In the first two years, three to four years and five to eight years, the annual decline rate of GMC was 62.69%,16.28%, and 2.31%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that the titer of anti-HBs at T₁ was independently associated with the persistence of anti-HBs at eight years after revaccination. Compared with anti-HBs titer <100 mIU/ml , those whose anti-HBs titers were 100-mIU/ml and ≥1 000 mIU/ml at T₁ had a higher positive rate of anti-HBs (OR=14.13, P<0.001; OR= 62.91, P<0.001) and a higher probability of anti-HBs titer (β=1.88, P<0.001; β=3.24, P<0.001) at 8 years after revaccination. Nobody was found seroconversion of HBsAg, and the anti-HBc positive rate was 14.14% (57/403). Conclusions: Following revaccination with three doses of HepB in adults who were non-responsive to primary immunization, anti-HBs titers declined rapidly within the first four years. They then maintained a stable level after the fifth year. More than half still kept anti-HBs protective titer at eight years after revaccination. The immunity persistence was associated with anti-HBs titer at one month after revaccination.

Fabrication of Ag/TiO2 Cotton Fabric to Enhance Photocatalytic Degradation of Anionic Dye

Ag/TiO2 composite fabric was prepared by coprecipitation with TiCl4 as a titanium source and AgNO3 as a silver source. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermogravimetric analyzer (TG) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). The photocatalytic activity of synthetic fabrics was measured by the degradation of anion dyes under ultraviolet light. The effects of silver loading concentration, fabric area, initial concentration, and photocatalytic time on photocatalytic activity were investigated. The experimental results showed that the degradation rate of Ag/TiO2 composite fabric on anion dyes could reach 70.76% in 50 minutes, indicating that the prepared Ag/TiO2 composite fabrics had high photocatalytic activity.

Factors associated with risk sexual behaviours of HIV/STDs infection among university students in Henan, China: a cross-sectional study

Background

This study aimed to identify factors associated with risk sexual behaviours and target high-risk groups at risk of HIV/STDs infection among university students.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 November to 31 December 2020 in one university, located in Henan Province. A total of 1602 individuals who reported having ever had sex were analyzed as the subjects of this study. Descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied for this study to assess factors associated with risk sexual behaviours among university students.

Results

University students who reported having ever had sex accounted for about 9%, with an average age of 19.37 ± 1.03. Of them, having multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use during the last 6 months were 37.3% and 35%, respectively. Over 50% of participants had their sexual debut before the age of 18. Bisexual students (AOR = 0.27; 95% CI 0.16, 0.44) and those who lived on over 3000 Yuan per month (AOR = 0.50; 95% CI 0.28, 0.91) were consistently less likely to engage in condom use during the last 6 months. University students who were from high-grade (AOR = 1.56; 95% CI 1.12, 2.18 for sophomore; AOR = 1.84; 95% CI 1.28, 2.65 for junior; AOR = 2.07; 95% CI 1.38, 3.11 for senior), who lived on over 3,000 Yuan per month (AOR = 4.19; 95% CI 2.17, 8.11) or who reported being homosexual (AOR = 3.92; 95% CI 2.17, 7.06) and bisexual (AOR = 33.22; 95% CI 13.11, 84.15) were more likely to have multiple sexual relationships. University students who had sexual debut before the age of 18 were more likely to engage in risk sexual behaviours.

Conclusions

The prevalence of sexual activity among Chinese university students is generally low, but risk sexual behaviours are of considerable concern. University students with higher living expenses, who are not heterosexual and who are younger at first sexual intercourse tend to engage in risk sexual behaviours. The scale-up of intervention is the need to prevent the expansion of the HIV epidemic among young students.

The HIV epidemic among university students is considerable, with the tendency of the high-risk population towards the general population. University students at risk of HIV/STDs infection tend to engage in risk sexual behaviours and were targeted for assessing factors corelated with their risk sexual behaviours in this study. Participants who reported having had sexual relations were selected. Information on the practice of risk sexual behaviours including multiple sexual partners and inconsistent condom use were collected and analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model.

Bisexual students were consistently less likely to use condoms within the last 6 months. University students from high-grade, who lived on over 3000 Yuan monthly, homosexual students and bisexual students were more likely to have multiple sexual relationships. University students who had sexual debut before the age of 18 were more likely to engage in risk sexual behaviours.

In conclusion, University students with high cost of living per month, non-heterosexual, who are younger at first sexual intercourse tend to engage in risk sexual behaviours. Intensified intervention is the need to prevent the expansion of the HIV epidemic amongst young students.

[Effects of different calcium intakes on metabolism in healthy adults under strict dietary intervention]

Objective: To explore the effect of different calcium intakes on metabolism in healthy adults with traditional Chinese dietary pattern. Methods: A total of 64 college students (32 males and 32 females) were recruited from the School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University from September to October 2015. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial design (RCT trial) was used to strictly control the diet of the volunteers through meal preparation, so that the background of the experimental and the control group was exactly the same. In our study, 64 healthy adults were randomly divided into two groups (calcium supplementation and control). The two groups were given the same diet every day. One group was given 400 mg/d of calcium supplementation, which was close to the recommended intake in China (800 mg/d); the other group was given pacebo, the average calcium intake was close to the average intake of Chinese (400 mg/d), calcium intervention lasted for 35 days. Serum and urine samples from pre-intervention, mid-intervention, and post-intervention were collected for metabolomics studies and detection of serum hormone levels and biochemical indicators. PCA and PLS-DA were used to compare the differences in serum and urine metabolites. After adjusting for age and BMI, the differences of hormones [parathyroid hormone, 1, 25(OH)₂D₃] and biochemical indicators were compared by repeated measurement variance analysis. Results: The 64 subjects were aged 23-28 years, including 32 males and 32 females. The baseline characteristics of the calcium supplementation group and the control group were balanced. The results showed that there were no significant differences in blood and urine metabolites, metabolic hormone [parathyroid hormone, 1, 25(OH)₂D₃] levels and biochemical indicators(serum Ca, serum P, glycolipid metabolism and hepatorenal function indicators)between the calcium supplementation group and control group at each time point throughout the trail (P>0.05). Conclusion: No health hazards associated with calcium deficiency was observed in healthy adults in the short term at current calcium intake level (300-400 mg/d).

[Identification of Synthetic Cannabinoid 5F-EDMB-PICA in Suspicious Herbal Products]

Objective To study the qualitative analysis strategy for unknown synthetic cannabinoid in the suspicious herbal product when no reference substance is available. Methods The synthetic cannabinoid in herbal blend was extracted with methanol. The extract was concentrated by rotary evaporator and separated and purified by preparative liquid chromatography, to obtain high purity synthetic cannabinoid sample. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry （GC-MS）, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry （UPLC-QTOF-MS） and nuclear magnetic resonance （NMR） were used to determine the structure of the prepared compound. Results High purity unknown sample （10 mg） was obtained by preparative liquid chromatography. The sample was analyzed by GC-MS, UPLC-TOF-MS and NMR, and through spectrum analysis, the unknown synthetic cannabinoid was determined as 5F-EDMB-PICA. Conclusion The method to extract unknown synthetic cannabinoid from low content herbal products by preparative liquid chromatography was established, and the structure of the unknown sample was identified by comprehensive use of GC-MS, UPLC-QTOF-MS and NMR. The information will assist forensic laboratories in identifying this substance or other compounds with similar structures in their casework.

Alternative polyadenylation events differ dramatically between Tongcheng and Large White pigs in response to PRRSV infection

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a widespread post-transcriptional regulation mechanism that increases the biological complexity of transcriptome and proteome. However, it is unclear whether APA regulation plays a role in genetic resistance to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Here, we reported genome-wide APA regulation of porcine alveolar macrophages in PRRSV-resistant Tongcheng (TC) pigs and PRRSV-susceptible Large White (LW) pigs upon PRRSV infection. Using 3' mRNA sequencing strategy, we detected 75 981 high-quality APA sites in porcine alveolar macrophages of TC and LW pigs. Furthermore, 1202 and 1089 differentially expressed APA sites, as well as 79 and 117 untranslated region-APA switching genes were identified in TC pigs and LW pigs upon PRRSV infection respectively. The APA events in TC pigs and LW pigs were involved in different biological pathways, while APA events in TC pigs are directly associated with the immune response to PRRSV infection. In addition, we identified genetic variations affecting polyadenylation signal between TC pigs and LW pigs. These findings would provide helpful information on APA regulation for further understanding of genetic resistance to PRRSV.

Uptake and Distribution Characteristic and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal(loid)s in Platycodon Grandiflorum (Jacq.) A.DC. with Growth from a Medicinal Herb Garden of Xi'an, China

The different parts of Platycodon grandiflorum were collected from a medicinal herb garden to determine five heavy metal(loid)s (Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Cu) contents at different growth stages. The data showed that the plant accumulated varying amounts of metal(loid)s in the order Cu > Hg > Pb > As > Cd. Five heavy metal(loid) concentrations decreased in the early growth stage and then increased in the flowering season. The contents of heavy metal(loid)s except Hg in the stem were relatively lower than other tissues. The flower of Platycodon grandiflorum can highly accumulate heavy metal(loid)s, especially for Cu in the flowering period. Pb, Cd, and Cu contents in stem generally increased with growth time, while Cd and Cu in root decreased during growth time. The average daily intake doses of five heavy metal(loid)s in the root of Platycodon grandiflorum were all below the safety guideline and the target hazard quotient was less than 1.