The effect of miR-1338 on the immunomodulatory activity of ophiopogon polysaccharide liposome

This study is to investigate the effect of microRNA-1338 (miR-1338) on the activity of Kupffer cells (KCs) and its mechanism regulated by ophiopogon polysaccharide liposome (OPL). KCs was treated with different OPL after transfected with miR-1338 mimic and miR-1338 inhibitor. The secretion of NO and iNOS, the expression of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), the phagocytic activity, the expression of CD14 and MHC II, the apoptosis and the secretion of ROS were measured. In addition, the expressions of key signal factors TLR4, IKKβ, MyD88 and NF-κB in NF-κB signaling pathway were measured by real-time PCR and Western blot (WB). The results showed that OPL could promote the secretion of iNOS, the expression of POD, the phagocytosis, the mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, IKKβ and NF-κB, the protein expression of TLR4 and NF-κB, and inhibit the cell apoptosis and ROS secretion after transfected with miR-1338 mimic. After transfected with miR-1338 inhibitor, OPL could promote the secretion of NO and iNOS, the expression of POD, cell migration, phagocytosis, and inhibit cell apoptosis. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, IKKβ and NF-κB and the protein expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB were promoted. These results suggested that OPL could activate TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway and thereby improve the activity of KCs by regulating miR-1338.

[Epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 outbreak in Gaocheng district of Shijiazhuan]

Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 outbreak in Gaocheng district of Shijiazhuan. Methods: Data and epidemiological survey reports of COVID-19 cases in the outbreak were collected from China's Infectious Disease Information System, Shijazhuang Municipal Center for Diseases Prevention and Control and official information published by the National Health Commission of China. The data were analyzed, using the descriptive epidemiological method. Results: From January 2^nd to February 14^th, 2021, a total of 1 033 laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases were reported in Shijiazhuang. The attack rate was 9.36/100 000. The cases were distributed in 14 counties, and most cases (859/1 033, 83.16%) were reported in Gaocheng, and the disease spread to 5 provinces. The cases in Xiaoguo village (299 cases), Liujiazhuo village (107 cases) and Nanqiaozhai village (162 cases) of Zengcun township in Gaocheng accounted for 54.99% of the total cases in Shijiazhuang. The attack rates in the villages mentioned above were 7 412.00/100 000, 10 348.16/100 000 and 6 612.24/100 000, respectively. The ratio of urban cases to rural cases was 1∶15.53. The male to female ratio of the cases was 1∶1.34. The average age of the cases was 40.49 years. The incidence peaks occurred on January 3^rd (9.97%, 103 cases) and on January 9^th (9.10%, 94 cases). A total of 307 clusters occurred, in which 228(74.27%) occurred in households and 48 (15.64%) occurred in schools or child care settings. But the clusters related with church ceremony had the highest case numbers (82.67 cases/time), followed by wedding feast or feast celebrating the first month of newborn (28.29 cases/time). About 33.02% (313/948) of symptomatic cases only visited the village doctors or private clinics and had no medical care seeking history before the outbreak. Conclusions: The COVID-19 epidemic in Gaocheng of Shijiazhuang was a typical one in rural area. The rapid and hiding transmission of the outbreak was mainly due to the poor health service seeking of the rural residents and the frequent mass gathering.

THE INFECTION AND SPECIES IDENTIFICATION OF CANINE BABESIA SPP. IN PARTS OF SHAANXI PROVINCE

Canine babesiosis is a serious disease among tick-borne haemoprotozoan diseases that threaten dog health. To find out the prevalence of canine babesiosis and its main pathogenic species in Shaanxi Province, the study was centered on the infection of babesiosis in dogs in different regions of the Province. First, a total of 367 blood samples were collected in Shaanxi Province, and 53 Babesia nucleic-acid-positive samples were found by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) identification, with a positive rate of 14.44%, and Babesia gibsoni was found by sequencing analysis. Further analysis showed that the prevalence of canine babesiosis was significantly different in 5 regions. There was no significant difference in infection rates between age groups, with the lowest prevalence in young dogs (10.81%) and the highest in adult dogs (17.29%). The infection rate in male dogs was higher than in female dogs. The morbidity of canine Babesia spp. was significantly different between different seasons, with the highest infection rate in autumn (27.78%) and the lowest in winter (6.10%). In conclusion, the epidemicity of canine Babesia spp. in dogs was mainly affected by region and season, and B. gibsoni was the most common canine Babesia spp. within Shaanxi Province in our study. These results provide basic data for the prevention and control of canine babesiosis in this region.

Genetic Features of Plasmid- and Chromosome-Mediated mcr-1 in Escherichia coli Isolates From Animal Organs With Lesions

The genomic context of the mcr-1 gene in Escherichia coli from animal feces has been widely reported. However, less is known about the mcr-1-carrying plasmid characteristics and other functional regions of Escherichia coli isolates from animal organs with lesions. The present study investigated the antimicrobial resistance, population structure, and genetic features of mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli strains isolated from animal organs with lesions. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that 24 mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli isolates were resistant to at least three or all antimicrobial categories. MLST analysis suggested that the dominant clone complexes (CC) were mainly CC156, CC448, and CC10. In addition, ST10596, a newly discovered sequence type in swine, failed to be classified. Meanwhile, the mcr-1 gene located on the different plasmids was successfully transferred to the recipients, and whole-genome sequencing indicated the mcr-1 gene was embedded in mcr-1-pap2 cassette but not flanked by ISApl1. The mcr-1 gene is located on the chromosome and embedded in Tn6330. Furthermore, NDM-5 was found on the IncX3-type plasmid of J-8. The virB6 and traI gene of type IV secretion system (T4SS) were truncated by IS2 and IS100 and located on the IncX4- and the IncHI2/HI2A/N-type plasmids, respectively. The multidrug-resistant (MDR) region of IncHI2/HI2A/N-type plasmids contained two class 1 integrons (In0, In640) and four composite transposons (Tn4352, Tn6010, cn_4692_IS26, cn_6354_IS26). Overall, 24 mcr-1-positive Escherichia coli isolates in our study showed MDR, or even extensively drug resistant (XDR), and exhibited population diversity. The T4SS gene truncation by the insertion sequence may affect the efficiency of plasmid conjugative transfer. Furthermore, the class 1 integrons and composite transposons in the MDR region of IncHI2/HI2A/n-type plasmid contributed to the multireplicon plasmid formation, the acquisition, and transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs).

The inhibitory effect Polygonum Cillinerve polysaccharide on transmissible gastroenteritis virus of swine

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus of swine (TGEV) is one kind of the main pathogens causing viral diarrhea in pig. In this study, the inhibitory effect of Polygonum Cillinerve polysaccharide (PCP) on TGEV was studied. Firstly, MTT method was used to measure the cell viability of PCP. Then Hoechst 33258 fluorescence staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI fluorescence staining, real-time PCR and western blot were used to explore the effect of PCP on inhibiting TGEV. The results showed that PCP could significantly reduce the apoptosis rate induced by TGEV, reduce the expression of ROS, reduce TGEV replication, increase the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax genes, increase the expression of Bcl-2 protein, decreased the expression of Cyto c protein, and reduce the amount of cleaved caspase 3. Therefore, PCP had the better inhibitory effect on TGEV, which provided a certain theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of TGEV.

Phageome-based vaccination and human innate immune modulation could be a useful strategy to control human Coronavirus infections

Human Coronavirus (CoV) infections, including SARS-COV, MERS-COV, and SARS-CoV-2, usually cause fatal lower and upper respiratory tract infections due to exacerbated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. We aim to summarize different aspects, such as CoV immune evasion mechanisms and host innate immune response to these infections, and their role in pathogenesis. We have also elaborated the up-to-date findings on different vaccine development strategies and progress against CoVs in both humans and non-human models. Most importantly, we have described the Phageome-human immune interaction, its therapeutic usage as anti-viral, anti-inflammatory agent, and implications for multiple vaccine development systems. The data suggest that endogenous phages might play a vital role in eliminating the infection and regulating the body's immune system. Considering the innate-immune-induced pathogenesis against CoVs and the therapeutic aptitude of phageome, we propose that the prophylactic administration of phages and phage-based vaccines could be a useful strategy to control the emerging CoV infections.

Lamprey Immune Protein Mediates Apoptosis of Lung Cancer Cells Via the Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Signaling Pathway

Lamprey immune protein (LIP), a novel protein derived from the Lampetra japonica, has been shown to exert efficient tumoricidal actions without concomitant damage to healthy cells. Our study aimed to ascertain the mechanisms by which LIP inhibits lung cancer cells, thus delineating potential innovative therapeutic strategies. LIP expression in lung cancer cells was evaluated by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Functional assays, such as high-content imaging, 3D-structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) imaging, flow cytometry, and confocal laser scanning microscopy, were performed to examine the proliferation and lung cancer cell apoptosis. Tumor xenograft assays were performed using an in vivo imaging system. We observed that LIP induces the decomposition of certain lung cancer cell membranes by destroying organelles such as the microtubules, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), in addition to causing leakage of cytoplasm, making the maintenance of homeostasis difficult. We also demonstrated that LIP activates the ER stress pathway, which mediates lung cancer cell apoptosis by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS). In addition, injection of LIP significantly retarded the tumor growth rate in nude mice. Taken together, these data revealed a role of LIP in the regulation of lung cancer cell apoptosis via control of the ER stress signaling pathway, thus revealing its possible application in lung cancer treatment.

Bioactivity-guided isolation of immunomodulatory compounds from the fruits of Ligustrum lucidum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The fruits of Ligustrum lucidum (FLL) W.T. Aiton (Oleaceae) is included in the 2020 "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" and is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic. In recent years, FLL has been reported to improve immune function, but the bioactive compounds and mechanisms of FLL remain poorly characterized.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To identify FFL compounds with strong immune activity and explore their molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The phagocytic activity of RAW264.7 macrophages and proliferation activity of spleen lymphocytes were used to guide the isolation of bioactive compounds from FLL extracts. Lymphocyte subpopulations, Ca²⁺ concentrations, and surface molecule expression were analyzed using flow cytometry. Cytokine secretion was examined using ELISA. FITC-OVA uptake was observed using fluorescence microscopy. NF-κB activation was analyzed using western blotting.

RESULTS

The extraction and isolation produced ten compounds, namely oleuropeinic acid, nuezhenide, isonuezhenide, salidroside, isoligustrosidic acid, ligulucidumosides A, 8(E)-nuezhenide, hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and p-hydroxyphenethyl 7-β-D-glucosideelenolic acid ester were isolated and identified from FLL-Bu-30%. Immunoactivity experiments showed that hydroxytyrosol had the strongest macrophage phagocytotic and lymphocyte proliferation-promoting activities. Further studies showed that hydroxytyrosol could significantly enhance lymphocyte subsets CD3⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺, and CD3⁺CD4^-CD8^-, promote IL-4, IFN-γ, and TNF-α secretion, and increase intracellular Ca²⁺ concentrations. In addition, the results from RAW264.7 macrophages showed that hydroxytyrosol increased FITC-OVA uptake, induced TNF-α and IL-1β production, upregulated MHC-II, CD80, and CD86 expression, promoted cytoplasmic IκB-α degradation, and increased nuclear NF-κB p65 levels.

CONCLUSION

Our study provides substantial evidence regarding the mechanism of the immunomodulatory effects of compounds from FLL.

Sorption and desorption of petroleum hydrocarbons on biodegradable and nondegradable microplastics

Both biodegradable and nondegradable plastics are widely used. However, their interactions with petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) have not been sufficiently studied. In this study, a type of biodegradable [polylactic acid (PLA)] and five types of nondegradable microplastics [polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)] were selected to investigate the sorption and desorption mechanisms of PHs. The sorption kinetics of the six types of microplastics followed a pseudo-second-order kinetics model (R² ranged from 0.956 to 0.999) and indicated that chemical sorption dominated the sorption process. The key rate-controlling steps of the sorption of PHs on microplastics were intraparticle diffusion and liquid film diffusion. The sorption capacity of PHs on microplastics followed the order of PA > PE > PS > PET > PLA > PVC. The difference in sorption capacity might be due to the crystallinity, and rubber or glass state of the microplastics. In addition, all types of microplastics exhibited reversible sorption without noticeable desorption hysteresis. No obvious differences were observed in the sorption and desorption of PHs between biodegradable and nondegradable microplastics. Both biodegradable and nondegradable microplastics could sorb/desorb PHs and serve as transportation vectors.

[Study on the mechanism of resistance to cypermethrin in Culex pipiens pallens using proteomics]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the differentially expressed proteins between cypermethrin-resistant and -sensitive Culex pipiens pallens, so as to unravel the mechanism underlying the resistance to cypermethrin in Cx. p. pallens.

METHODS

A quantitative proteomic analysis was performed among cypermethrin-sensitive and -resistant isolates of Cx. p. pallens using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling coupled with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

A total of 164 differentially expressed proteins were identified between cypermethrin-sensitive and -resistant isolates of Cx. p. pallens, including 54 up-regulated proteins and 110 down-regulated proteins. A large number of cuticular proteins, larval cuticular proteins, pupal cuticular proteins and cuticular structural constituent proteins, which are associated with cytoskeletal structure and components, were differentially expressed between cypermethrin-sensitive and -resistant isolates of Cx. p. pallens. Thirteen proteins, which were involved in energy production and conversion, translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis, lipid transport and metabolism, post-translational modification, protein turnover, chaperones, cytoskeleton and intracellular transportation, were validated to be differentially expressed between cypermethrin-sensitive and -resistant isolates of Cx. p. pallens, which may serve as potential markers of cypermethrin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple insecticide resistance mechanisms contribute to the resistance to cypermethrin in Cx. p. pallens, including cuticular resistance and metabolic resistance, and the cuticular protein genes and cytochrome P450 enzymes may play an important role in the resistance of Cx. p. pallens to cypermethrin.

FGFR leads to sustained activation of STAT3 to mediate resistance to EGFR-TKIs treatment

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have led to great advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but the emergence of drug resistance severely limits their clinical use. Thus, elucidation of the mechanism underlying resistance to EGFR-TKIs is of great importance. In our study, sustained activation of STAT3 was confirmed to be involved in resistance to EGFR-TKIs, and this resistance occurred regardless of exposure time, EGFR-TKIs type, and even cancer cell type. Mechanistically, the sustained activation of STAT3 was not related to gp130/JAK signalling pathway or HER2/EGFR heterodimer formation, while related to the expression and activation levels of STAT3. Furthermore, FGFR was shown to bind more strongly to STAT3 after gefitinib treatment, and the inhibition of FGFR reduced the phosphorylation of STAT3, thereby counteracting the effects of EGFR-TKIs and resulting in the synergistic inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Taken together, the FGFR/STAT3 axis mediates the sustained activation of STAT3 upon EGFR-TKI treatment. This finding elucidates a new mechanism underlying drug resistance to EGFR-TKIs that the FGFR/STAT3 axis mediates the sustained activation of STAT3, providing theoretical support for considering the combination of TKIs and FGFR inhibitors in clinical cancer treatment.

Association of disease condition with changes in intestinal flora, and plasma endotoxin and vascular endothelial growth factor levels in patients with liver cancer

OBJECTIVE

Currently, the therapeutic effect on patients with liver cancer is associated with disease development. Meanwhile, the efficacy in patients with advanced liver cancer is far from satisfactory. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the association of disease condition with changes in liver function indexes, intestinal flora, and plasma endotoxin (ET) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels in patients with liver cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 300 patients with primary liver cancer in our hospital were enrolled in this study. All patients were divided into three groups, including early liver cancer group, middle liver cancer group, and advanced liver cancer group. Peripheral blood was collected from each subject to detect liver function indexes, procalcitonin (PCT), plasma ET, and VEGF levels. Furthermore, mid-posterior-segment stools were collected from 15 cases in each group, and sent to the company for detection of intestinal flora.

RESULTS

Liver function indexes in peripheral blood of patients with liver cancer changed with the changes in disease condition. With the progression of liver cancer, the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased significantly, and the highest was observed in advanced liver cancer patients [(91.18±10.34) U/L] (p=0.046). However, the level of plasma total protein declined significantly, which was (24.83±1.75) g/L in advanced liver cancer patients (p=0.035). The changes in total bilirubin were significantly associated with the progression of liver cancer (p=0.003). The abundance of Clostridiales, Firmicutes, and Streptococcus in the intestinal tract was high in early liver cancer group. The abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Pasteurellaceae, Tanticharoenia, and Vagococcus in the intestinal tract was high in middle liver cancer group. Meanwhile, the abundance of Bifidobacteriales, Actinobacteria, Barnesiella, Porphyromonadaceae, and Pseudomonadales in the intestinal tract was high in advanced liver cancer group. In patients with liver cancer, the level of Enterobacteriaceae was positively correlated with that of Firmicutes (r=0.36, p=0.003), whereas it was negatively correlated with Lactobacillus (r=-0.72, p=0.021). The level of Lactobacillus was positively correlated with that of Ruminococcaceae (r=0.39, p=0.043), whereas it was negatively correlated with that of Firmicutes (r=-0.27, p=0.019). In addition, the level of PCT markedly rose in advanced liver cancer group [(6.89±0.35) ng/mL] (p=0.021). The level of ET increased significantly with the development of liver cancer, with the highest level observed in advanced liver cancer group [(0.71±0.09) EU/mL] (p=0.004). The level of VEGF also increased remarkably with the aggravation of liver cancer, and the highest was found in advanced liver cancer group [(112.33±2.11) μmol/L], showing differences among groups (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

With the progression of liver cancer, the abundance of Barnesiella, etc., rose and that of Ruminococcaceae, etc., declined in the intestinal tract. Meanwhile, the composition of intestinal flora was changed, and the levels of plasma ET and VEGF increased.

Giant exchange bias induced via tuning interfacial spins in polycrystalline Fe3O4/CoO bilayers

A giant exchange bias (EB) of 9600 Oe was observed in polycrystalline Fe3O4/CoO layers at 10 K after 20 kOe field cooling, and was attributed to the strong exchange coupling formed by the interfacial spins between the polycrystalline Fe3O4 and the CoO layer. It was found that at 10 K, the magnetic-moment difference (ΔM) between the zero field cooling curves and field cooling curves first increases and then decreases with the change of the field, and it reaches the maximum value at a field of 20 kOe, which suggests that the interfacial spins can be tuned by the cooling field. Furthermore, other magnetic properties, including field dependence, temperature dependence, and training effects, were investigated, which further confirmed that the interfacial spins play an important role in the EB effect. This work provides a method to tune the magnitude of the EB effect and reveals the mechanism of the dependency of EB on interfacial spins, which could guide the design of giant-EB-effect materials.

Do distribution and expansion of exotic invasive Asteraceae plants relate to leaf construction cost in a man-made wetland?

Exotic species especially Asteraceae plants severely invade wetlands in Shenzhen Bay, an important part of the coast wetland in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Bay Area, China. However, the reasons causing their expansion are unclear. The leaf traits and expansion indices of six invasive Asteraceae plants from the Overseas Chinese Town (OCT) wetland were studied and the results showed that nearly 45% of the total plant species (31 out of 69 species) in the OCT wetland, belonging to 15 families and 27 genera, were exotic invasive species. The expansion indices of six Asteraceae species negatively correlated with their leaf construction cost based on mass (CCM), caloric values and carbon concentration, but their relations with ash content were positive. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that CCM was the most important factor affecting the expansion of an exotic species, indicating CCM may be an important reason causing the expansion of exotic species in coastal wetlands.

Longitudinal change in bone mineral density among Chinese individuals with HIV after initiation of antiretroviral therapy

This is the first study to report changes in BMD and related risk factors among Chinese patients with HIV after initiation of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-containing antiretroviral therapy. Greater bone mineral density (BMD) loss was observed in patients treated with TDF, compared to those on non-TDF-containing regimens. Our findings provide important knowledge regarding the risk factors in the long-term clinical management of patients with HIV in China.

INTRODUCTION

Persons living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk for osteoporosis and fracture. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has been associated with higher rates of bone mineral density (BMD) loss, osteoporosis, and fracture. Few studies have studied the impact among PLWH in Asia.

METHODS

We analyzed retrospectively patients from the outpatient HIV clinic of a large tertiary hospital in Beijing, China, from March 2007 to May 2016. Patients who had dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry testing prior to antiretroviral initiation and at 48 and/or 96 weeks after initiation were included in this analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients were included (mean age 36.0 ± 10.6 years) and over 90% participants were male and Han Chinese ethnicity. We observed greater declines in BMD at the spine from baseline to week 48 (-2.94% vs. -0.74%) and at the hip from baseline to week 96 (-4.37% vs. -2.34%) in the TDF group compared with the non-TDF group. With regard to HIV-specific parameters, longer duration since HIV diagnosis and undetectable viral load over time were associated with lower BMD at the hip [relative risk (RR) 0.97, 95% confidence index (CI) (0.95, 0.99) per 1 year increase and RR 0.96, 95%CI (0.94, 0.99), respectively] and femoral neck [RR 0.97, 95%CI (0.95, 0.99) per 1 year increase and RR 0.97, 95%CI (0.95, 0.998), respectively] over 96 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to report changes in BMD among PLWH after initiation of TDF-based antiretroviral therapy in China. Our findings provide important knowledge for the long-term clinical management of PLWH from this region.

[Perinatal outcomes on mortality and influencing factors among HIV-infected mothers in Sichuan province]

Objective: To explore the influencing factors on perinatal mortality of pregnant women with HIV infection to reduce the mother-to-child transmission in Sichuan province. Methods: In this study, 4 786 perinatal infants of the HIV-infected pregnant women were included. Related data on perinatal epidemiology was reported by all the 183 medical and health care institutions where the HIV prevention of mother-to-child transmission program was initiated in 2005-2016. Univariate χ(2) test and multivariate logistic regression methods were used to analyze the perinatal mortality outcomes and influencing factors. Results: The overall perinatal mortality rate was 25.7‰ (123/4 786) among HIV-infected pregnant women, with annual downwarding trend (trend χ(2)=32.220, P=0.000). Perinatal mortality rate appeared the highest (χ(2)=4.130, P=0.042), with more fetal deaths and stillbirths and less early neonatal death within 7 days in Liangshan county (χ(2)=29.626, P=0.000). Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that fewer pregnant numbers would contribute to the, lower perinatal mortality rate (1-2 pregnancies OR=0.417, 95%CI: 0.184-0.943; 3-4 pregnancies OR=0.447, 95%CI: 0.223-0.895). Perinatal deaths were more likely to be prevented if LPV/r protease inhibitor-based triple antiviral therapy was provided (OR=0.530, 95%CI: 0.285- 0.986) or delivery was taken place in the hospital (hospital of municipal-level and above OR=0.222, 95%CI:0.098-0.499; county-level hospital OR=0.282, 95%CI: 0.166-0.480; township-level hospital OR=0.134, 95%CI: 0.031-0.586) among HIV-infected pregnant women. However, premature delivery or neonatal asphyxia would increase the risk of perinatal mortality (premature delivery OR=8.285, 95%CI: 5.073-13.533; neonatal asphyxia OR=9.624, 95%CI: 4.625-20.028). Conclusions: The perinatal mortality rate of HIV-infected pregnant women appeared significantly higher than that in the province or the whole country. Strategies involving LPV/r-based triple antiviral therapy, promotion of hospital delivery, reducing the incidence rates of premature deliveries and neonatal asphyxia, should be strengthened.

Spongy p-Toluenesulfonic Acid-doped Polypyrrole with Extraordinary Rate Performance as Durable Anodes of Sodium-Ion Batteries at Different Temperatures

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have potential as an energy storage system because they have similar electrochemical properties as lithium-ion batteries, abundant resource reserves, and extremely high safety performance. Compared with traditional graphite materials, conductive polymers are more suitable as an anode electrode material for SIBs. In this study, a simple and scalable approach has been used to synthesize p-toluenesulfonic acid-doped polypyrrole (p-TSA-PPy). The as-obtained material showed remarkable rate capacities and cyclability. At room temperature (25 °C), its discharge capacities could reach 185, 162, and 135 mAh g^-1 under 10, 30, and 50 C rates after 250 cycles, respectively. More importantly, the capacity of the p-TSA-PPy could still be maintained at 120.5 mAh g^-1 even at the 2000th cycle at 10 C. In addition, it achieves attractive electrochemical performance at different temperatures (0 and 50 °C).