Conductive Hydrogel Dressing with High Mechanical Strength for Joint Wound Healing

Hydrogel wound dressing can accelerate angiogenesis to achieve rapid wound healing, but traditional hydrogel dressings are difficult to meet the repair of joint sites due to their low mechanical strength. Therefore, we constructed the gel system by designing the chemical-physical interpenetrating network structure to achieve high strength and high toughness of the hydrogel. The high-strength double-network hydrogels were synthesized by simple free radical polymerization and low-temperature physicochemical cross-linking in our experiments. The suspension was obtained by green reduction of graphene oxide with carboxymethyl chitosan, followed by the introduction of acrylamide (AM) to form a covalent cross-linked network, which was immersed in ferric chloride solution to form metal ligand bonds, and finally the chemical-physical dual cross-linked network hydrogel wound dressing was prepared. Here, reduced graphene oxide can enhance electrical conductivity and excellent near-infrared photothermal effect to the hydrogel. The cell viability of this novel wound dressing was above 90.0%, its hemolysis rate was below 2.0%, and the electrical conductivity could reach (6.89 ± 0.07 (mS/cm)). In addition, the stress-strain curve demonstrated that the double cross-linked network hydrogel could reach a stress of more than 0.8 MPa at 82.0% strain, and the cyclic compression experiment shows that it can still recover its original shape after five times of repeated compression. This work can provide a reference for the exploitation of high mechanical strength hydrogel wound dressings with good electrical conductivity and near-infrared photothermal effect. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

ICARUS at the Fermilab Short-Baseline Neutrino program: initial operation

The ICARUS collaboration employed the 760-ton T600 detector in a successful 3-year physics run at the underground LNGS laboratory, performing a sensitive search for LSND-like anomalous ν e appearance in the CERN Neutrino to Gran Sasso beam, which contributed to the constraints on the allowed neutrino oscillation parameters to a narrow region around 1 eV2 . After a significant overhaul at CERN, the T600 detector has been installed at Fermilab. In 2020 the cryogenic commissioning began with detector cool down, liquid argon filling and recirculation. ICARUS then started its operations collecting the first neutrino events from the booster neutrino beam (BNB) and the Neutrinos at the Main Injector (NuMI) beam off-axis, which were used to test the ICARUS event selection, reconstruction and analysis algorithms. ICARUS successfully completed its commissioning phase in June 2022. The first goal of the ICARUS data taking will be a study to either confirm or refute the claim by Neutrino-4 short-baseline reactor experiment. ICARUS will also perform measurement of neutrino cross sections with the NuMI beam and several Beyond Standard Model searches. After the first year of operations, ICARUS will search for evidence of sterile neutrinos jointly with the Short-Baseline Near Detector, within the Short-Baseline Neutrino program. In this paper, the main activities carried out during the overhauling and installation phases are highlighted. Preliminary technical results from the ICARUS commissioning data with the BNB and NuMI beams are presented both in terms of performance of all ICARUS subsystems and of capability to select and reconstruct neutrino events.

Noncontact liquid-solid nanogenerators as self-powered droplet sensors

Liquid-solid triboelectric nanogenerators (L-S TENGs) can generate corresponding electrical signal responses through the contact separation of droplets and dielectrics and have a wide range of applications in energy harvesting and self-powered sensing. However, the contact between the droplet and the electret will cause the contact L-S TENG's performance degradation or even failure. Here we report a noncontact triboelectric nanogenerator (NCLS-TENG) that can effectively sense droplet stimuli without contact with droplets and convert them into electrical energy or corresponding electrical signals. Since there is no contact between the droplet and the dielectric, it can continuously and stably generate a signal output. To verify the feasibility of NCLS-TENG, we demonstrate the modified murphy's dropper as a smart infusion monitoring system. The smart infusion monitoring system can effectively identify information such as the type, concentration, and frequency of droplets. NCLS-TENG show great potential in smart medical, smart wearable and other fields.

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus inoculation on the growth and nitrogen metabolism of Catalpa bungei C.A.Mey. under different nitrogen levels

Evidence suggests that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may promote the growth of woody plants. However, the effects of AMF on nitrogen (N) metabolism in plants, especially trees, and its regulatory mechanism are rarely reported. Here, the effects of AMF inoculation on the growth and N nutrition status of Catalpa bungei under different N levels were reported. Three N levels (low, medium, high) and two mycorrhizal inoculation treatments (inoculation with Rhizophagus intraradices or not) were used with factorial design. The results showed that medium N could significantly improve the physiological metabolism and growth of C. bungei seedlings. However, when N was excessive, growth was significantly inhibited whether inoculated AMF or not. Compared with non-inoculated treatments, AMF inoculation could promote the absorption of N and P, improve photosynthesis under low to medium N levels, thus promoting the growth of seedlings. AMF changed the biomass allocation in seedlings by reducing the stem mass ratio and root/shoot ratio, and increasing the leaf mass ratio. At medium N levels, compared with non-inoculated treatment, AMF inoculation could significantly promote root growth by changing root hormone levels and improving root architecture and root activity. Under N addition, AMF inoculation could improve the absorption and assimilation of N by regulating the expression of key enzyme genes of N metabolism and nitrate transporter genes (NRT2.4, NRT2.5, NRT2.7) in roots, and enhancing the activities of the key enzyme of N metabolism. This study may provide a reference for the application of AMF in the cultivation and afforestation technology of C. bungei in Northwest China.

[Associations between internet addiction, screen time and depressive symptoms]

Objective: To understand the associations between internet addiction, screen time (computer/mobile devices use and television watching time) and depressive symptoms in adults. Methods: A total of 6 932 adults aged <60 years from the Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Sgstemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) Cohort of 2013-2019 were surveyed. The information about their computer/mobile devices use and television watching time were collected by using a self-reported questionnaire. The depressive symptoms were assessed using the self-rating depression scale (SDS). The adults surveyed were divided into two groups: non-depressive symptom group (SDS score <45) and depressive symptom group (SDS score ≥45). The associations between internet addiction, screen time and depressive symptoms were estimated using Cox proportional hazard regression models, with adjusting for multiple confounders. Results: After adjusting for confounding factors, the hazard ratios (HRs) of depressive symptom in the adults who had internet addiction before, had light internet addiction and had moderate or severe internet addiction were 0.83 (95%CI: 0.56-1.23) , 1.20 (95%CI: 1.03-1.41) for light and 1.48 (95%CI: 1.16-1.89), respectively, compared with those without internet addiction. The linear trend test results of the association between internet addiction and depressive symptoms was significant (trend P<0.001). Compared with the adults who used computer/mobile devices for <1 hour/day, the HRs of depressive symptoms in those who used computer/mobile devices for >1 hour, >3 hours, >5 hours and >10 hours were 0.59 (95%CI: 0.40-0.88), 0.58 (95%CI: 0.40-0.85), 0.52 (95%CI: 0.36-0.76) and 0.69 (95%CI: 0.45-1.05) respectively, a U-shaped association was found between computer/mobile devices use time and depressive symptoms (trend P<0.001). Compared with the adults who never watch TV, the HR of depressive symptoms was 1.36 (95%CI:1.09-1.69) for those watching TV for ≥3 hours/day in crude model and 1.34 (95%CI: 1.07-1.68) for those watching TV for ≥3 hours/day in adjusted model (trend P<0.001). Conclusion: Our findings suggested that internet addiction and television watching time were associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms, while computer/mobile device use time was associated with a reduced risk of depressive symptoms.

Circadian nuclear receptor Rev-erbalpha is expressed by platelets and potentiates platelet activation and thrombus formation

Background

Adverse cardiovascular events have day/night patterns with peaks in the morning, potentially related to endogenous circadian clock control of platelet activation. Circadian nuclear receptor Rev-erbα is an essential and negative component of the circadian clock.

Purpose

We aim to investigate the expression profile and biological function of Rev-erbα in platelets.

Methods and results

Here we report the presence and functions of circadian nuclear receptor Rev-erbα in human and mouse platelets. Both human and mouse platelet Rev-erbα showed a circadian rhythm that positively correlated with platelet aggregation. Global Rev-erbα knockout and platelet-specific Rev-erbα knockout mice exhibited defective in hemostasis as assessed by prolonged tail-bleeding times. Rev-erbα deletion also reduced ferric chloride-induced carotid arterial occlusive thrombosis, prevented collagen/epinephrine-induced pulmonary thromboembolism, and protected against microvascular microthrombi obstruction and infarct expansion in an acute myocardial infarction model. In vitro thrombus formation assessed by CD41-labeled platelet fluorescence intensity was significantly reduced in Rev-erbα knockout mouse blood. Platelets from Rev-erbα knockout mice exhibited impaired agonist-induced aggregation responses, integrin αIIbβ3 activation and α-granule release. Consistently, pharmacological inhibition of Rev-erbα by specific antagonists decreased platelet activation markers in both mouse and human platelets. Mechanistically, mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that Rev-erbα potentiated platelet activation via oligophrenin-1-mediated RhoA/ERM (ezrin/radixin/moesin) pathway.

Conclusion

We provide the first evidence that circadian protein Rev-erbα is functionally expressed in platelets and potentiates platelet activation and thrombus formation. Rev-erbα may serve as a novel therapeutic target for managing thrombosis-based cardiovascular disease.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by grants from the National Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (81625002), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81930007).

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

An anti-oil-fouling superhydrophilic composite aerogel for solar saline alkali water desalination

An anti-oil-fouling superhydrophilic composite aerogel (ASG) with a rough surface and macroporous structure is prepared for the solar desalination of oil-in-water emulsion and saline alkali water.

Comfort With Touch and Influencing Factors Among Chinese Midwives: A Cross-sectional Survey

The aim of this study was to identify comfort with touch (CT) and influencing factors among Chinese midwives. Midwives (N = 252) from 7 hospitals in Guangdong, China, were asked to complete a self-report questionnaire between November 2018 and April 2019. The questionnaire included the Nurses' Comfort with Touch Scale (NCTS), the Nurses' Perceived Professional Benefits (NPPB) Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), and a self-designed demographic questionnaire. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify influencing factors for CT. Mean NCTS total score was 88.90 ± 14.40, and the mean item score was 5.23 ± 0.91, which indicated a respectable score. Within the NCTS, CT was highest in the comfort support category (5.32 ± 0.29) whereas CT was lowest in the physical comfort category (4.28 ± 0.28). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that CT among Chinese midwives was associated with positive experiences or feelings surrounding the patient-nurse relationship (B = 3.239, P < .001), perceived professional benefit (PPB, positive professional identity) (B = 0.240, P < .001), emotional exhaustion (B = -0.414, P < .001), depersonalization (negative attitude toward the work setting) (B = -0.773, P < .001), and personal accomplishment (evaluation of self-worth) (B = 0.170, P = .015). Touch training and educational programs are recommended for Chinese midwives to enhance awareness and acceptance of touch care. In addition, promoting positive patient-nurse relationships, improving PPB, and reducing burnout are recommended to enhance CT among Chinese midwives. Because of the size and racial homogeneity of the sample, further studies are recommended to identify CT and influencing factors in a larger, more diverse population of midwives worldwide.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

PEG-α-CD/AM/liposome @amoxicillin double network hydrogel wound dressing-Multiple barriers for long-term drug release

Wound infection and poor wound healing are the major challenges of wound treatment. Antibiotic drug treatment is the effective way to inhibit wound infection. It is necessary to achieve sustained release of antibiotics to get a longer treatment for wound infection. The double network hydrogels based on liposome, polyethylene glycol (PEG), α- cyclodextrin (α-CD) and acrylamide (AM) were developed, in which liposome acts as amoxicillin repository. Because the drug would release from the multiple barriers including two cavities of liposome and α-CD, as well as polyethylene glycol -α- cyclodextrin/acrylamide (PEG-CD/AM) double network, the PEG-α-CD/AM/liposome @amoxicillin double network hydrogels could achieve sustained drug release. The drug release assay showed that the dressing could release amoxicillin continuously until 12 days, than that of 8th day for single-network hydrogel releasing. The antibacterial ratio of the hydrogel could reach above 80%. What's more, the hydrogels present adjustable mechanical strength by changing the ratio of the components. The swelling ratio proved that the hydrogel had potential ability to absorb wound exudates. The cytotoxicity test of the hydrogels demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. These results indicated that this study can provide a new thought for antibacterial wound dressing and has a broad application prospect.

[Method of dietary nutritional status assessment and its application in cohort study of nutritional epidemiology]

Minimizing the burden on study subjects and assessing the general dietary nutritional status as accurately as possible are the basis of a nutritional epidemiological cohort study in the general population. While introducing the main dietary nutrition assessment methods, this paper manly describes the basic contents and principles for the development of food frequency questionnaire, and briefly illustrates the problems and solutions for the development of area specific food frequency questionnaires by taking the example of Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health (TCLSIH) cohort study. Finally, discusses preliminarily the necessity and possibility of developing a national food frequency questionnaire.

[Association between tooth missing and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease]

Objective: To evaluate the association between the number of teeth missed and the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 26 983 adults from Tianjin Chronic Low-grade Systemic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study. The number of teeth missed (excluding third molars) was recorded and classified into four categories: 0, 1-, 3- and ≥6. NAFLD was diagnosed by at least two liver ultrasonography examinations. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to access the association between the number of missed teeth and NAFLD in adults. Results: The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 7 270 and the number of the subjects with at least one tooth missed was 9 667. The multivariable-adjusted ORs (95%CI) of NAFLD across the categories of tooth missing (0, 1-, 3- and ≥6) were as follows: 1.00, 1.04 (0.93-1.15), 1.08 (0.93-1.26) and 1.38 (1.09-1.76) (trend test P=0.030) in males; 1.00, 0.96 (0.82-1.12), 1.11 (0.91-1.35) and 1.22 (0.90-1.64) (trend test P=0.450) in females. Conclusion: The number of missed teeth was positively associated with a higher prevalence rate of NAFLD in males with over 6 teeth missed, but not in females.

[Characteristic analysis among MSM-users of the "Online HIV Acquisition Risk Assessment System" in Guangzhou]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of levels related to the risk through self-evaluation system, among MSM users in Guangzhou, between 2015 and 2017. Methods: Between 2015 and 2017, data was collected from the users of a self-evaluation system network related to HIV infection, based on the previous 'HIV health risk appraisal model'. Information on risk factors was collected to calculate the scores and levels of risks and to estimate the incidence of HIV. Taking the reference of R value on risks as (R=0.9-1.1) in general population. The ones with very low risk, with low risk, moderate risk, high risk and very high risk were set as R≤0.5, 0.5<R≤0.9, 0.9<R≤1.1, 1.1< R≤2.0 and R>2.0, respectively. The scores of modifiable risk factors were compared with different subgroups of MSM. Results: A total of 4 601 MSM were involved in this study, with the following features presented as: aged 16-64 (28.38±7.11) years, proportions of residence from Guangzhou, Guangdong province or other provinces as 38.6%(1 776/4 601)、35.4%(1 629/4 601) and 26.0%(1 197/4 601), 59.6%(2 742/4 601) received bachelor or above degrees. 81.3%(3 741/4 601) of them claimed as having homosexual orientation. R values of risk level on very low risk, low risk level, moderate risk, high risk and very high risk appeared as 12.9%(594/4 601), 50.9%(2 342/4 601), 17.0%(783/4 601), 14.8%(682/4 601) and 4.3%(200/4 601), respectively. Scores of modifiable risk factors decreased year by year (P<0.05), among MSM in this study. In either of the groups that experiencing insertive or receptive sex, the ones with heterosexual orientation presented the highest scores of modifiable risk factors (P<0.05). Conclusions: The risk levels on HIV infections called for special attention among the users of the self-evaluation network system. Among the MSM that carrying either insertive or receptive sex role, the ones with heterosexual orientation had the highest risk levels and scores of modifiable risk factors in Guangzhou. Further study should be explored to better understand the causes of related risks.

Excessive daytime sleepiness with snoring or witnessed apnea is associated with handgrip strength: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Sarcopenia is emerging as an important public health problem, and evidences have determined that poor sleep is associated with muscle strength, but the potential effects of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), snoring and witnessed apnea on handgrip strength have not been evaluated.

AIM

We aimed to examine the association between EDS, snoring, witnessed apnea and muscle strength in an adult population.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study comprised 19 434 adults. Handgrip strength was measured using a handheld digital dynamometer. EDS was assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale, snoring and witnessed apnea during sleep were reported through simple yes/no questions. Analysis of covariance was carried out to determine the association between EDS with snoring or witnessed apnea and muscle strength.

RESULTS

The means (95% confidence interval) for average handgrip strength/body weight (kg/kg) across symptoms categories were 0.396 (0.333-0.472), 0.393 (0.330-0.467), 0.396 (0.333-0.471) and 0.386 (0.325-0.460) (P < 0.0001), respectively. Similar results were observed with maximal handgrip strength/body weight (kg/kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported EDS accompanied with snoring or apnea is associated with lowest handgrip strength, independently of confounding factors. Whether improvement of EDS, snoring and apnea, can ameliorate age-associated decline in muscle strength warrants further studies.

Mussel-inspired in situ forming adhesive hydrogels with anti-microbial and hemostatic capacities for wound healing

All kinds of commercially available wound dressings are clinically used as fleshly obstacles and therapeutic materials in opposition to microbial incursion. Few researches focused on effective-bleeding and anti-bacteria at the same time. In order to better solve this problem, two hydrogels were synthetized in this study. One is phosphate buffer solution-activated dopamine-modified-γ-poly glutamic acid (PBS-PD) hydrogel, the other one is cirsium setosum extracts-activated dopamine-modified-γ-poly glutamic acid (CSE-PD) hydrogel. The two hydrogels are prepared by applying an enzyme-catalyzed crosslinking means in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The chemical structures were characterized through 1H-NMR and FT-IR. In conclusion, both PBS-PD and CSE-PD hydrogels exhibit superior tissue adhesion properties, and remarkable anti-infection quality. In addition, these two hydrogels manifest prominent hemostatic efficiency. The bio adhesion performance can achieve 30 kPa, meanwhile the CSE-PD hydrogels show good germicidal properties, and the antibacterial rate can reach 98%. The hydrogels could reduce blood loss without any obvious side effect, and present a new prospect in the field of hemostasis rapidly.

[Correlation between Movement Distance of Small Intestinal Contents and Survival Time in Female Rats after Feeding]

OBJECTIVES

To study the correlation between the movement distance of small intestinal contents and survival time in female SD rat models after one-time satiation, and to evaluate its application value for postmortem interval estimation.

METHODS

Adult female SD rats were randomly divided into postprandial groups （1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h after feeding） and control group. The postprandial groups were fed for 1 h, meanwhile control group was kept fasting. All rats were sacrificed at the given time. The contents in stomach and small intestine were observed, described, compared and photographed, and the movement distance of small intestinal contents was measured. The data of postprandial groups were analysed by one-way analysis of variance.

RESULTS

The stomach and duodenum of control group were empty with a little thin and yellow small intestinal liquid. The gastral cavities of 1 h postprandial group were full of undigested food. The evolutionary changes of character, colour and content were observed in the gastric and small intestinal contents of other postprandial groups. The movement distance of intestinal contents increased while the empty part decreased gradually. The differences among the postprandial groups were statistically significant （P<0.05）.

CONCLUSIONS

After a 24 h fasting with free drinking and the following 1 h feeding, an ideal animal model can be established successfully on female SD rats, which can provide an experimental basis for postmortem interval estimation based on the changes of small intestinal contents in forensic practice.

Advanced bi-functional CoPi co-catalyst-decorated g-C3N4 nanosheets coupled with ZnO nanorod arrays as integrated photoanodes

In this work, a CoPi-decorated type II heterojunction composed of one-dimensional (1D) ZnO nanorod arrays (NRAs) coated with two-dimensional (2D) carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) was successfully prepared and used as photoanode.

[Application of " Internet Plus" AIDS prevention services among men who have sex with men in Guangzhou, China: results from 2010 to 2015]

Objective: To introduce the development strategy of " Internet Plus" AIDS prevention services and its implementation results from 2010 to 2015 in Guangzhou, China. Methods: A gay men's health column was created for an active website aimed at men who have sex with men(MSM), in collaboration with local community organizations and the Guangzhou CDC. We designed intervention tools(including scenario-based applications and HIV risk self-assessment systems)and an online HIV testing service platform, integrated with applied psychology and behavioral theory as well as the " Internet Plus" concept, to intervene in HIV infection risk factors among MSM. Data of clients who accessed the " Internet Plus" AIDS services from 2010 to 2015 were used to evaluate service operation. Six-year consecutive surveys, conducted between April and July of each service year, were collected using a national AIDS sentinel surveillance questionnaire. For each year of surveillance, information on HIV prevalence, HIV interventions received during the past year, unprotected anal intercourse in the past 6 months, and HIV testing in the past year were compared using the chi-squared(χ²)test, to roughly reflect the effect of"Internet Plus" AIDS prevention services. Results: As of 31 December 2015, a total of 34 395 MSM had received " Internet Plus" services and HIV testing. The number of MSM tested increased from 2 338 in 2010 to 8 054 in 2015. From 2010 to 2015, newly identified HIV cases in each year were 59, 166, 312, 283, 291, and 270, which accounted for 25.0%, 32.8%, 38.8%, 35.1%, 30.5%, and 23.2% of MSM HIV cases of Guangzhou, respectively. Sentinel surveillance data showed that during the study period, 3 047 MSM were investigated, with 405, 400, 401, 633, 608, and 600 each year, respectively. The proportion of participants who had received any HIV intervention during the past year was 74.3%(301), 70.8%(283), 83.3%(334), 85.0%(538), 69.1%(420), and 83.8%(503)each year, respectively(trend χ²=6.53, P=0.011). HIV testing done during the past year accounted for 44.0%(178), 44.3%(177), 49.4%(198), 53.4%(338), 56.1%(341), and 60.2%(361)each year, respectively(trend χ²=40.83, P<0.001). Unprotected anal intercourse in the past 6 months accounted for 59.3%(240), 62.0%(248), 56.6%(227), 57.0%(361), 48.4%(294), and 43.7%(262)each year, respectively(trend χ²=42.21, P<0.001). Conclusion: The"Internet Plus"AIDS prevention services in this study represent a manner to enhance traditional HIV prevention strategies. We found these services to be effective in implementation of the national AIDS control and prevention strategy, especially for the expansion of intervention, testing, and case identification among high-risk populations.

[The understanding of Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoproliferative disorder]

In recent years, there are increasing articles concerning Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoproliferative disorder (EBV+ LPD), and the name of EBV+ LPD is used widely. However, the meaning of EBV+ LPD used is not the same, which triggered confusion of the understanding and obstacles of the communication. In order to solve this problem. Literature was reviewed with combination of our cases to clarify the concept of EBV+ LPD and to expound our understanding about it. In general, it is currently accepted that EBV+ LPD refers to a spectrum of lymphoid tissue diseases with EBV infection, including hyperplasia, borderline lesions, and neoplastic diseases. According to this concept, EBV+ LPD should not include infectious mononucleosis (IM) and severe acute EBV infection (EBV+ hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, fatal IM, fulminant IM, fulminant T-cell LPD), and should not include the explicitly named EBV+ lymphomas (such as extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma, aggressive NK cell leukemia, Burkitt lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma, etc.) either. EBV+ LPD should currently include: (1) EBV+ B cell-LPD: lymphomatoid granulomatosis, EBV + immunodeficiency related LPD, chronic active EBV infection-B cell type, senile EBV+ LPD, etc. (2) EBV+ T/NK cell-LPD: CAEBV-T/NK cell type, hydroa vacciniforme, hypersensitivity of mosquito bite, etc. In addition, EBV+ LPD is classified, based on the disease process, pathological and molecular data, as 3 grades: grade1, hyperplasia (polymorphic lesions with polyclonal cells); grade 2, borderline (polymorphic lesions with clonality); grade 3, neoplasm (monomorphic lesions with clonality). There are overlaps between EBV+ LPD and typical hyperplasia, as well as EBV+ LPD and typical lymphomas. However, the most important tasks are clinical vigilance, early identification of potential severe complications, and treating the patients in a timely manner to avoid serious complications, as well as the active treatment to save lives when the complications happened.

Acceptability and feasibility of a social entrepreneurship testing model to promote HIV self-testing and linkage to care among men who have sex with men

OBJECTIVES

HIV self-testing (HIVST) offers an opportunity to increase HIV testing among people not reached by facility-based services. However, the promotion of HIVST is limited as a consequence of insufficient community engagement. We built a social entrepreneurship testing (SET) model to promote HIVST linkage to care among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou.

METHODS

The SET model includes a few key steps. Each participant first completed an online survey, and paid a US$23 (refundable) deposit to receive an HIVST kit and a syphilis self-testing (SST) kit. After the testing, the results were sent to the platform by the participants and interpreted by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff. Meanwhile, the deposit was returned to each participant. Finally, the Community based organizations (CBO) contacted the participants to provide counselling services, confirmation testing and linkage to care.

RESULTS

During April-June 2015, a total of 198 MSM completed a preliminary survey and purchased self-testing kits. The majority were aged < 34 years (84.4%) and met partners online (93.1%). In addition, 68.9% of participants had ever been tested for HIV, and 19.5% had ever performed HIVST. Overall, feedback was received from 192 participants (97.0%). Of these participants, 14 people did not use the kits; among those who did use the kits, the HIV and syphilis prevalences were 4.5% (eight of 178) and 3.7% (six of 178), respectively. All of the screened HIV-positive individuals sought further confirmation testing and were linked to care.

CONCLUSIONS

Using an online SET model to promote HIV and syphilis self-testing among Chinese MSM is acceptable and feasible, and this model adds a new testing platform to the current testing service system.

[Analysis on the total allergens of phoenix roebelenii pollen with two dimensional electrophoresis followed by immunoblotting]

Objective:To investigate allergen extract and to seek the main allergens of phoenix roebelenii pollen by the technology of two dimensional electrophoresis(2-DE)in protein analysis and immunoblotting.Method:Phoenix roebelenii pollen allergen extract was prepared with routine method, 2-DE combined with immunoblotting assay(Western Blotting),laser imagescanning, 2-DE gel analysis software were used to analyzing its protein components.Result:About 601 soluble proteins spots were revealed in coomassie stained gels.Most of the proteins had a molecular weight (Mr) of 20 to 130 kD, and an isoelectric point(pI) value of 4.0 to 8.0. Immunoblotting of 2-DE were showed and there were 19 specific antigen spots, compared with the controls.Conclusion:2-DE is a good method in protein analysis of ephemeroptera allergen extract, and it is useful in seeking main allergens and further research for allergic components.

Elevated serum complement C3 levels are related to the development of prediabetes in an adult population: the Tianjin Chronic Low-Grade Systematic Inflammation and Health Cohort Study

AIMS

To investigate whether serum complement C3 is related to the prevalence and incidence of prediabetes in an adult population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional (n = 10 206) and prospective cohort study (n = 3333), with a mean (range; 95% CI) follow-up of 2.63 (1-6; 2.58-2.68) years, was conducted in people recruited from the Health Management Centre of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital in Tianjin, China. Measurement of serum C3 concentration, blood fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance, HbA1c and other potential confounding factors was performed at baseline and each year during the follow-up. Prediabetes was defined according to the criteria of the American Diabetes Association. Adjusted logistic and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the relationships between C3 quintiles and prediabetes.

RESULTS

The prevalence and incidence of prediabetes were 38.5% and 119 per 1000 person-years, respectively. In cross-sectional analysis, after adjustment for potential confounders, the odds ratios of prediabetes for increasing quintiles of C3 were 1.00 (reference), 1.32 (95% CI 1.14-1.53), 1.37 (95% CI 1.18-1.59), 1.75 (95% CI 1.51-2.03), 2.25 (95% CI 1.93-2.62; P for trend < 0.0001). In the cohort analysis, the multiple-adjusted hazard ratio of prediabetes in the highest quintile of baseline C3 was 1.43 (95% CI 1.15, 1.78; P for trend < 0.001), when compared with the lowest quintile.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that elevated serum C3 levels are significantly related to an increased risk of developing prediabetes in an adult population, suggesting that C3 can be used as a biomarker in high-risk individuals to improve primary prevention of prediabetes and diabetes.

Sociodemographic and sexual behavior characteristics of an online MSM sample in Guangdong, China

Public health research and interventions often assume that men who have sex with men (MSM) who use the Internet in China have similar characteristics to those in Western countries, though with little empirical evidence. This study aimed to describe and examine the sociodemographic and basic sexual behavioral characteristics of an online sample of MSM in Guangdong, China. In 2010, a total of 1100 MSM were recruited from an lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)-oriented website and were asked about their sociodemographic and sexual behavior characteristics. The majority of the participants (77.9%) self-identified as homosexual, and the mean age was 30.0 years (SD = 6.7). About 80% of the participants had attained a college degree and only 4.8% were unemployed. About 60% had a monthly salary of more than CNY 3000 (476 USD), and more than 10% were married. The majority (71.7%) had used condoms in the last anal sex. Nearly half of the participants have never been tested for HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (47.3% and 47.7%, respectively). More than 80% were willing to be contacted by researchers after the survey. Findings indicate that the sociodemographic characteristics of Chinese MSM who use the Internet are relatively similar to those in the Western countries. However, Chinese MSM are less likely to self-identify as homosexual and be tested for HIV and other STIs than Western MSM. On a positive note, Chinese MSM would be likely to engage in e-technology research showing potential feasibility of an online HIV/STI intervention.

Structural biology of bacterial secretion systems in gram-negative pathogens--potential for new drug targets

Gram-negative bacteria have evolved diverse secretion systems/machineries to translocate substrates across the cell envelope. These various machineries fulfil a wide variety of functions but are also essential for pathogenic bacteria to infect human or plant cells. Secretion systems, of which there are seven, utilize one of two secretion mechanisms: (i) the one-step mechanism, whereby substrates are translocated directly from the bacterial-cytoplasm to the extracellular medium or into the eukaryotic-target cell; (ii) the two-step mechanism, whereby substrates are first translocated across the bacterial-inner membrane; once in the periplasm, substrates are targeted to one of the secretion systems that mediate the transport across the outer membrane and the release outside the bacterial cell. This review describes in details the main structural features of these secretion systems. Structural biology offers the possibility to understand the molecular mechanisms at play in the various secretion systems. It also helps to design specifically drugs that can block these machineries and thus attenuate the virulence of pathogenic bacteria.