Narrow-Band Imaging in Head and Neck Carcinomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of narrow-band imaging (NBI) in monitoring patients with head and neck carcinomas posttreatment and to compare it with that of white light endoscopy (WLE). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science (WOS), Cochrane Library, China Biology Medicine disc (CBM disc), China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (CSTJ), Chinese Clinical Trial Register. REVIEW METHODS: Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), literature published before July 2024 was searched. Patients who underwent surgery, radiotherapy (RT), or chemo-RT for head and neck carcinomas with posttreatment follow-up using NBI were analyzed. The main outcomes were sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for NBI and WLE in posttreatment follow-up. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, and DOR for NBI and WLE in posttreatment follow-up for head and neck carcinomas were 95% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88%-98%), 96% (95% CI: 92%-98%), 433 (95% CI: 120-1560) and 72% (95% CI: 49%-87%), 72% (95% CI: 4%-99%), 7 (95% CI: 0-191). Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) values for NBI and WLE were 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99) and 0.75 (95% CI: 0.71-0.79), respectively. The number of lesions and patients, treatment modality, follow-up time, disease, and endoscopic system might be sources of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: Compared to WLE, NBI demonstrated superior diagnostic performance in follow-up patients with head and neck carcinoma posttreatment. NBI offers technical support and a clinical foundation for early detection of head and neck carcinoma recurrence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

Men with a history of commercial heterosexual contact play essential roles in the transmission of HIV-1 CRF55_01B from men who have sex with men to the general population in Guangxi, China.

Background: There is increasing focus on HIV-1 CRF55_01B in China. However, there is limited information regarding the dissemination of CRF55_01B across different regions and populations in Guangxi. This study was performed to elucidate the evolutionary history of the introduction and dissemination of CRF55_01B in Guangxi. Methods: Molecular network and phylogenetic analyses were used to investigate the transmission characteristics of CRF55_01B in China. The analyses particularly focused on the cross-provincial spatial and temporal transmission patterns between Guangdong Province and Guangxi, as well as the transmission dynamics among different regions and populations within Guangxi. Results: In total, 2226 partial pol sequences of CRF55_01B strains sampled from 2007 to 2022 were collected, including 1895 (85.09%) sequences from Guangdong, 199 (8.94%) sequences from Guangxi, and 172 (7.59%) sequences from other provinces of China. Most people living with HIV in Guangxi were infected with HIV-1 through heterosexuals (52.76%). Among these, 19.10% had a history of commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) and 15.58% had a history of non-marital non-commercial heterosexual contact (NMNCHC). Overall, 1418 sequences were identified in the molecular network. Notably, the sequences from Guangdong Province were most closely linked to those from Guangxi. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CRF55_01B was first introduced from Shenzhen City to Nanning City around 2007. Subsequently, CRF55_01B established local transmission within Guangxi, with Nanning City serving as the transmission center from 2008 to 2017. After 2017, the CRF55_01B strain spread to other regions of Guangxi. Men who have sex with men (MSM) and men with a history of CHC have played a significant role in the transmission of CRF55_01B among different populations in Guangxi. Conclusions: This study provides evidence on the transmission trajectory of CRF55_01B among different regions and populations in Guangxi. Given the bridging role of men with a history of CHC in the dissemination of CRF55_01B from MSM to the general population, it is imperative to enhance surveillance among key populations to mitigate the secondary transmission of HIV-1.

HIV knowledge, sexual attitudes, and PrEP-Eligible behaviors among college students in Southwest China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reported cases among students in Southwest China. However, the data on HIV/sex-related knowledge, attitude toward sex, sexual behaviors, and correlates of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)-eligible behaviors among college students in this area is still limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HIV/sex-related knowledge, sexual attitudes, sexual behaviors, and factors associated with PrEP-eligible behaviors among college students. METHOD: An online survey from 2020 to 2021 based on a multistage stratified and cluster sampling method was conducted among college students in Southwest China, and a well-designed questionnaire collected data. Propensity score matching (PSM), logistic, and log-binomial regression were used to identify the determinants of PrEP-eligible behaviors. RESULT: A total of 108,987 students participated in the survey, and 92,946 provided valid responses. 91.6% (85,145/92,946) had good HIV-related knowledge, while only 26.0% (24,137/92,946) reported awareness of sex-related knowledge. Furthermore, more than half of the participants (64.5%) held negative stances towards engaging in "one-night stand", and 58.9% (617/1,047) reported PrEP-eligible behaviors. Log-binomial regression analysis indicated that unaware of HIV-related knowledge (aPR = 1.66, 95% CI:1.22-2.26, P = 0.001), not discussing about sex with their parent(s) (aPR = 1.16, 95% CI:1.01-1.33, P = 0.021), not receiving sex-related education in school(aPR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.07-1.45, P = 0.005), not participating in HIV/AIDS prevention activities in the past year (aPR = 1.32, 95%CI:1.09-1.60, P = 0.004), experiencing forced sex (aPR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.19-3.63, P = 0.010), and having the drug abuse (aPR = 22.21, 95% CI:5.59-88.31, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased odds of PrEP-eligible behaviors. CONCLUSION: College students in Southwest China exhibited suboptimal HIV/sex-related knowledge, received limited sex education, reported conservative attitudes towards casual sex, and significant PrEP-eligible behaviors. These findings suggest that sexually experienced college students who were unaware of HIV-related knowledge, lacked sex education, experienced forced sex, and reported drug abuse were the key individuals for evaluating eligibility for PrEP initiation, and interventions aimed at increasing awareness of HIV/sex-related knowledge, promoting participation in sex education, addressing issues related to forced sex and tackling drug abuse could contribute to reducing the incidence of PrEP-eligible behaviors among college students.

Association of sudden sensorineural hearing loss with meteorological factors: a time series study in Hefei, China, and a literature review.

Air pollution can cause disease and has become a major global environmental problem. It is currently believed that air pollution may be related to the progression of SSNHL. As a rapidly developing city in recent years, Hefei has serious air pollution. In order to explore the correlation between meteorological variables and SSNHL admissions, we conducted this study. This study investigated the short-term associations between SSNHL patients admitted to the hospital and Hefei climatic variables. The daily data on SSNHL-related hospital admissions and meteorological variables containing mean temperature (T-mean; °C), diurnal temperature range (DTR; °C), atmospheric pressure (AP; Hp), and relative humidity (RH; %), from 2014 to 2021 (2558 days), were collected. A time-series analysis integrating distributed lag non-linear models and generalized linear models was used. PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched. Literature published up to August 2023 was reviewed to explore the potential impact mechanisms of meteorological factors on SSNHL. The mechanisms were determined in detail, focusing on wind speed, air pressure, temperature, humidity, and air pollutants. Using a median of 50.00% as a baseline, the effect of exceedingly low T-mean in the single-day hysteresis effect model began at a lag of 8 days (RR = 1.032, 95% CI: 1.001 ~ 1.064). High DTR affected the admission rate for SSNHL on lag 0 day. The significance of the effect was the greatest on that day (RR = 1.054, 95% CI: 1.007 ~ 1.104) and then gradually decreased. High and exceedingly high RH affected the admission rate SSNHL on lag 0 day, and these effects lasted for 8 and 7 days, respectively. There were significant associations between all grades of AP and SSNHL. This is the first study to assess the effect of meteorological variables on SSNHL-related admissions in China using a time-series approach. Long-term exposures to high DTR, RH values, low T-mean values, and all AP grades enhance the incidence of SSNHL in residents. Limiting exposure to extremes of ambient temperature and humidity may reduce the number of SSNHL-related hospital visits in the region. It is advisable to maintain a suitable living environment temperature and avoid extreme temperature fluctuations and high humidity. During periods of high air pollution, it is recommended to stay indoors and refrain from outdoor exercise.

Comparison of learning curves and related postoperative indicators between endoscopic and robotic thyroidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUD: Endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) and robotic thyroidectomy (RT) yield similar perioperative outcomes. This study investigated how the learning curve (LC) affects perioperative outcomes between ET and RT, identifying factors that influence the LC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two researchers individually searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for relevant studies published until February 2024. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessed study quality. Random effects model was used to compute the odds ratio and weighted mean difference (WMD). Poisson regression comparison of the number of surgeries (NLC) was required for ET and RT to reach the stable stage of the LC. Heterogeneity was measured using Cochran's Q. Publication bias was tested using funnel plots, and sensitivity analysis assessed findings robustness. Subgroup analysis was done by operation type and patient characteristics. RESULTS: This meta-analysis involved 33 studies. The drainage volume of ET was higher than that of RT (WMD=-17.56 [30.22, -4.49]). After reaching the NLC, the operation time of ET and RT was shortened (ET: WMD=28.15[18.04, 38.26]; RT: WMD=38.53[29.20, 47.86]). Other perioperative outcomes also improved to varying degrees. Notably, RT showed more refined central lymph node resection(5.67 vs. 4.71), less intraoperative bleeding (16.56 mL vs. 42.30 mL), and incidence of transient recurrent laryngeal nerve injury(24.59 vs. 26.77). The NLC of RT was smaller than that of ET(Incidence-rate ratios [IRR]=0.64[0.57, 0.72]). CUSUM analysis (ET: IRR=0.84[0.72, 0.99]; RT: IRR=0.55[0.44, 0.69]) or a smaller number of respondents (ET: IRR=0.26[0.15, 0.46]; RT: IRR=0.51[0.41, 0.63]) was associated with smaller NLC. In RT, transoral approach (IRR=2.73[1.96, 4.50]; IRR=2.48[1.61, 3.84]) and retroauricular approach (RAA) (IRR=2.13[1.26, 3.60]; IRR=1.78[1.04, 3.05]) had smaller NLC compared to bilateral axillo-breast and transaxillary approach (TAA). In ET, the NLC of RAA was smaller than that of TAA (IRR=1.61[1.04, 2.51]), breast approach(IRR=1.67[1.06, 2.64]), and subclavian approach(IRR=1.80[1.03, 3.14]). CONCLUSIONS: Rich surgical experience can improve surgical results of ET and RT. After reaching the NLC, the perioperative outcomes of RT are better than those of ET. Study subjects, surgical approaches, and analysis methods can affect NLC.

Effectiveness of human immunodeficiency virus prevention strategies by mapping the geographic dispersion pattern of human immunodeficiency virus prevalence in Nanning, China.

BACKGROUND: The Guangxi government initiated two rounds of the Guangxi AIDS Conquering Project (GACP) in 2010 (Phase I) and 2015 (Phase II) to control human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemics. However, the effectiveness of GACP in HIV prevention and treatment has rarely been reported. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the GACP implemented in Guangxi, China and provide data for strategy and praxis improvements to achieve Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) 95-95 targets. METHODS: We used spatial approaches to trace the spatiotemporal distribution properties, epidemic trends, and correlation between macroscopic factors and HIV incidence using data from the Chinese HIV/AIDS case reporting system to explore the effects of the GACP. RESULTS: During the GACP era, the HIV epidemic stabilized in urban centers, showing a downward trend in the Hengzhou and Binyang Counties in the eastern region, whereas it continued to increase in rural areas of the northwest region, such as the Long'an, Mashan, Shanglin, and Wuming Districts. The linear directional mean (LDM) of HIV infection reported cases displayed a southeast-northwest direction, with an LDM value of 12.52°. Compared with that in Phase I, Hengzhou withdrew from the high-high clustering area, and the west-north suburban counties pulled out the low-low clustering area during Phase II. Significant HIV clusters were identified in the eastern region during Phase I, whereas these clusters emerged in the northwestern areas during Phase II. Regarding HIV, socioeconomic status, population mobility, and medical care levels were the key social drivers of heterogeneous spatial distribution. CONCLUSIONS: The GACP assisted in effectively managing the HIV epidemic in urban and eastern areas of Nanning City. However, prevention and control efforts in rural regions, particularly those located in the northwest, may not have yielded comparable outcomes. To address this disparity, allocating additional resources and implementing tailored intervention measures for these rural areas are imperative.

The origin, dissemination, and molecular networks of HIV-1 CRF65_cpx strain in Hainan Island, China.

BACKGROUND: HIV-1 CRF65_cpx strain carries drug-resistant mutations, which raises concerns about its potential for causing virologic failure. The CRF65_cpx ranks as the fourth most prevalent on Hainan Island, China. However, the origin and molecular epidemiology of CRF65_cpx strains in this area remain unclear. This study aims to estimate the spatial origins and dissemination patterns of HIV-1 CRF65_cpx in this specific region. METHODS: Between 2018 and 2021, a total of 58 pol sequences of the CRF65_cpx were collected from HIV-positive patients on Hainan Island. The available CRF65_cpx pol sequences from public databases were compiled. The HIV-TRACE tool was used to construct transmission networks. The evolutionary history of the introduction and dissemination of HIV-1 CRF65_cpx on Hainan Island were analyzed using phylogenetic analysis and the Bayesian coalescent-based approach. RESULTS: Among the 58 participants, 89.66% were men who have sex with men (MSM). The median age was 25 years, and 43.10% of the individuals had a college degree or above. The results indicated that 39 (67.24%) sequences were interconnected within a single transmission network. A consistent expansion was evident from 2019 to 2021, with an incremental annual addition of four sequences into the networks. Phylodynamic analyses showed that the CRF65_cpx on Hainan Island originated from Beijing (Bayes factor, BF = 17.4), with transmission among MSM on Hainan Island in 2013.2 (95%HPD: 2012.4, 2019.5), subsequently leading to an outbreak. Haikou was the local center of the CRF65_cpx epidemic. This strain propagated from Haikou to other locations, including Sanya (BF > 1000), Danzhou (BF = 299.3), Chengmai (BF = 27.0) and Tunchang (BF = 16.3). The analyses of the viral migration patterns between age subgroups and risk subgroups revealed that the viral migration directions were from "25-40 years old" to "17-24 years old" (BF = 14.6) and to "over 40 years old" (BF = 17.6), and from MSM to heterosexuals (BF > 1000) on Hainan Island. CONCLUSION: Our analyses elucidate the transmission dynamics of CRF65_cpx strain on Hainan Island. Haikou is identified as the potential hotspot for CRF65_cpx transmission, with middle-aged MSM identified as the key population. These findings suggest that targeted interventions in hotspots and key populations may be more effective in controlling the HIV epidemic.

Willingness to accept monkeypox vaccine and its correlates among men who have sex with men in Southern China: a web-based online cross-sectional study.

Background: The May 2022 global outbreak of monkeypox (MPX) poses a threat to the health of men who have sex with men. However, there is limited data on the willingness of MSM to receive monkeypox vaccination in Southern China. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of MPX, concerns regarding MPX, and willingness to receive monkeypox vaccination, as well as their correlates, among MSM in China. Methods: We conducted a Web-based online survey of MSM in Southern China from August to September 2022. Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, worries, concerns regarding MPX and willingness to receive monkeypox vaccination. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to explore the factors associated with willingness to receive monkeypox vaccination. Results: A total of 1903 participants completed the survey. Among them, approximately 69.9% reported being aware of MPX awareness, 94.1% of the participants supported the promotion of monkeypox vaccination. The majority of participants (91.4%) expressed their willingness to receive monkeypox vaccination. Participants who considered monkeypox vaccination safe [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 4.82, 95% CI: 1.35-17.18], agreed on the necessity of government promotion of monkeypox vaccination in China (aOR = 6.03, 95% CI: 1.07-33.93), believed in prioritizing monkeypox vaccination for MSM (aOR = 5.01, 95% CI: 1.10-22.71), and had friends or sexual partners who had already received the monkeypox or smallpox vaccination (aOR = 10.37, 95% CI: 2.11-50.99) are more likely to be vaccinated. Conversely, married individuals (aOR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03-0.47), those engaging in anal sex 4-6 times per week in the past 3 months (aOR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09-0.77) expressed hesitancy toward monkeypox vaccination. Conclusion: There was a high willingness to receive monkeypox vaccination among MSM in China. The hesitancy toward the monkeypox vaccine can be effectively mitigated by addressing concerns about its safety and potential adverse reactions. Moreover, increasing acceptance of the monkeypox vaccination among MSM and their peers is crucial, as social influence significantly impacts vaccine attitudes and behaviors.

Prevalence, Trends and Correlates of HIV, Syphilis and HCV Infection Among Chinese Local and Cross-border Migrant Female Sex Workers in the Sino-Vietnam Border Area of Guangxi, 2016-2021.

Female sex workers (FSWs) are considered a high-risk group for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, limited data exist on the prevalence and trends of HIV, syphilis and HCV among FSWs in the Sino-Vietnam border area. To determine the prevalence, trends and correlates of STIs among Chinese local FSWs (CL-FSWs) and cross-border migrant FSWs (CM-FSWs), we conducted consecutive cross-sectional surveys from 2016 to 2021, recruiting 7747 CL-FSWs and 932 CM-FSWs. The overall HIV, syphilis and HCV prevalence declined from 1.0%, 8.8% and 1.7% to 0.1%, 0.9% and 0.3%, respectively. There was no significant downward trend in the overall HIV and syphilis prevalence. However, HCV prevalence showed a decreasing trend among CL-FSWs. CM-FSWs had higher HIV prevalence (2.5% vs. 0.6%). Similarities and differences in STIs-related factors existed between CM-FSWs and CL-FSWs. For instance, receiving HIV-related services in the last year reduced the risk of HIV infection (for CM-FSWs: aOR = 0.234, 95% CI: 0.055-0.993; for CL-FSWs: aOR = 0.182, 95% CI: 0.058-0.567). Serving male clients at least 50 years old increased the risk of syphilis infection (for CM-FSWs: aOR = 4.277, 95% CI: 1.535-11.917; for CL-FSWs: aOR = 1.404, 95% CI: 1.087-1.815). Moreover, CM-FSWs with past-year STIs history had a higher risk of HIV (aOR = 34.976, 95% CI: 5.338-229.176) and HCV infection (aOR = 17.649, 95% CI: 1.846-168.846), both of which were associated with multiple factors in CL-FSWs. It is therefore necessary to develop effective, accessible, high-quality and targeted interventions for CM-FSWs and CL-FSWs.

CD4/CD8 Ratio Recovered as a Predictor of Decreased Liver Damage in Adults Infected With HIV: 16-Year Observational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: As the life expectancy of individuals infected with HIV continues to increase, vigilant monitoring of non-AIDS-related events becomes imperative, particularly those pertaining to liver diseases. In comparison to the general population, patients infected with HIV experience a higher frequency of liver-related deaths. The CD4/CD8 ratio is emerging as a potential biomarker for non-AIDS-related events. However, few existing studies have been specially designed to explore the relationship between the CD4/CD8 ratio and specific types of non-AIDS-related events, notably liver damage. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the potential association between the CD4/CD8 ratio and the development of liver damage in a sizable cohort of patients infected with HIV receiving antiretroviral treatment (ART). Additionally, the study sought to assess the effectiveness of 3 antiretroviral drugs in recovering the CD4/CD8 ratio and reducing the occurrence of liver damage in this population. METHODS: We conducted an observational cohort study among adults infected with HIV receiving ART from 2004 to 2020 in Guangxi, China. Propensity score matching, multivariable Cox proportional hazard, and Fine-Gray competing risk regression models were used to determine the relationship between the CD4/CD8 ratio recovered and liver damage. RESULTS: The incidence of liver damage was 20.12% among 2440 eligible individuals during a median follow-up period of 4 person-years. Patients whose CD4/CD8 ratio did not recover to 1.0 exhibited a higher incidence of liver damage compared to patients with a CD4/CD8 ratio recovered (adjusted hazard ratio 7.90, 95% CI 4.39-14.21; P<.001; subdistribution hazard ratio 6.80, 95% CI 3.83-12.11; P<.001), findings consistent with the propensity score matching analysis (adjusted hazard ratio 6.94, 95% CI 3.41-14.12; P<.001; subdistribution hazard ratio 5.67, 95% CI 2.74-11.73; P<.001). The Efavirenz-based regimen exhibited the shortest time for CD4/CD8 ratio recovery (median 71, IQR 49-88 months) and demonstrated a lower prevalence of liver damage (4.18/100 person-years). CONCLUSIONS: Recovery of the CD4/CD8 ratio was associated with a decreased risk of liver damage in patients infected with HIV receiving ART, adding evidence for considering the CD4/CD8 ratio as a potential marker for identifying individuals at risk of non-AIDS-related diseases. An efavirenz-based regimen emerged as a recommended choice for recovering the CD4/CD8 ratio and mitigating the risk of liver damage.

Function of microRNA­124 in the pathogenesis of cancer (Review).

Non­coding RNAs with a length of 22­24 nt are known as microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), which are critical regulators of protein translation. Over the past 10 years, the roles of miRNAs have been extensively investigated in several human cancer types. There is evidence to indicate that miRNAs regulate gene expression by concentrating on a number of substances that have an impact on the physiology and development of cancer cells. Thus, miRNAs as regarded as effective targets for further studies on the design of novel therapeutic strategies. Hepatocellular carcinoma, breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer are only a few of the cancers that miR­124 suppresses. Furthermore, it has been shown that miR­124 is linked to the development and aggressive spread of malignancies. The aim of the present review was to clarify and highlight the role of miR­124 in the development and progression of cancer, emphasizing recent research illustrating how miR­124 has been used as a therapeutic agent against cancer, as well as the diagnostic potential, regulatory mechanisms and clinical application of miR­124.

Global, regional, and national prevalence of hearing loss from 1990 to 2019: A trend and health inequality analyses based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

As a severe public health issue, hearing loss has caused an increasingly disease burden, especially in the elderly population. Hearing loss may inevitably induce asymmetric hearing, which makes it difficult for elderly individuals to locate sound sources, therefore resulting in increased postural instability and falling risk. To emphasize the public health emergence of hearing loss, we investigated the temporal trend of prevalence of hearing loss over the last 30 years and further predicted its changes in the next 20 years, decomposed the trend according to demographic factors and epidemiological changes, and quantified the cross-country healthy inequalities, using the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD) 2019. In 2019, there were more than 140 million cases of hearing loss worldwide, a 93.89% increase from 70 million cases in 1990. The age-standardized rate (ASR) also increased with an estimated annual percentage change of 0.08% per year. Population growth and aging are the major drivers contributing to the changes, accounting for 60.83% and 35.35%. Of note, the contribution of aging varies showing a gradual increasing trend with sociodemographic index (SDI) elevating. Also notable, there were significant health inequalities across 204 countries and territories, with slope index of inequality rising over time. Projection of the global burden of hearing loss from 2020 to 2040 indicated progressive increases in both case number and ASR. These reflect the heavy disease burden of hearing loss that needed more targeted and efficient strategies in its prevention and management.

Trends and associated factors of HIV, HCV and syphilis infection among different drug users in the China-Vietnam border area: an 11-year cross-sectional study (2010-2020).

BACKGROUND: Data on recent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis prevalence among drug users in the Southwest China are sparse despite the high burden of drug use. This study aims at assessing the prevalence trends and related factors of HIV, HCV and syphilis infection among different drug users in the China-Vietnam border area. METHODS: A continuous cross-sectional survey was conducted among drug users from 2010 to 2020 in the China-Vietnam border area. Chi-square trend tests were used to assess the trend of HIV, HCV and syphilis prevalence and the proportion for drug type used by drug users. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of HIV, HCV and syphilis infection in different drug users. RESULTS: In this study, a total of 28,951 drug users were included, of which 27,893 (96.45%) male, 15,660 (54.09%) aged 13-34 years, 24,543 (84.77%) heroin-only users, 2062 (7.12%) synthetic drug-only (SD-only) users and 2346 (8.10%) poly-drug users. From 2010 to 2020, the proportion of heroin-only users decreased from 87.79% to 75.46%, whereas SD-only users and poly-drug users increased from 5.16% to 16.03%, and from 7.05% to 8.52%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV, HCV, and syphilis during the study period declined from 12.76%, 60.37% and 5.72% to 4.35%, 53.29% and 4.53%, respectively, among heroin-only users and declined from 18.30%, 66.67% and 15.69% to 6.95%, 27.81% and 5.35%, respectively, among poly-drug users; however, the prevalence of HIV and HCV among SD-only users increased from 0.89% and 8.93% to 2.84% and 18.75%, respectively. Having ever injected drugs and needle sharing were common associated factors for both HIV and HCV infection among poly-drug users and heroin-only users. Aged ≥ 35 years old was an associated factor for HIV, HCV and syphilis infection among the SD-only users. Female drug users were at high risk of contracting syphilis among three different drug users. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HIV, HCV and syphilis among heroin-only users and poly-drug users decreased during the study period. However, the prevalence of HIV and HCV among SD-only users increased. Comprehensive intervention strategies, particularly focusing on the SD-only users are needed in order to bring down the disease burden in this population in the China-Vietnam border areas.

Uptake of HIV testing and its correlates among sexually experienced college students in Southwestern, China: a Web-Based online cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is becoming more common among college students in China. However, latest data on the prevalence and correlates of HIV testing among sexually experienced college students is rarely. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among college students aged 18 years or older using multistage stratified cluster sampling from 16 colleges. Data on socio-demographic, HIV testing, HIV-related awareness, attitudes, sexual education and behaviors were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) and logistic regression model were used to identify factors associated with HIV testing. RESULT: A total of 108,987 students participated the survey, of which 13,201 sexually experienced college students were included in this study. 1,939 (14.69%) college students with sexual experience reported uptake of HIV testing in the preceding year. The uptake of HIV testing increased for college students with a rising HIV knowledge score and sexual health knowledge. Being awareness of HIV-related knowledge (aOR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.30), accepting one-night stands (aOR = 1.16, 95%CI:1.03-1.32), obtaining satisfactory sexual interpretation from parent(s) (aOR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.07-1.43), ever had unintended pregnancy (aOR = 1.78, 95%CI: 1.32-2.38), ever had received HIV-related preventive service(s) (aOR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.10-1.70), ever had participated HIV-related preventive services (aOR = 3.76, 95%CI: 2.99-4.75) and ever had anal sex (aOR = 2.66, 95%CI: 2.11-3.34) were positively associated with uptake of HIV testing. However, accepting premarital sex (aOR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66-0.88), accepting cohabitation (aOR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.61-0.92), occasionally discussing sex with parent(s) (aOR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.50-0.91), and being with moderate satisfaction of school sex courses (aOR = 0.74, 95%CI: 0.58-0.95) were negatively associated with uptake of HIV testing. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HIV testing was relatively low. Participation in HIV-related services and high-risk sexual behaviors were important enablers for testing. Improving sex education for students, increasing HIV preventive services on campus, and improving family sex education are necessary to increase HIV testing among college sexually experienced students.

A predictive model of immune infiltration and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma based on cell adhesion-related genes: including molecular biological validation.

Background: Focal adhesion serves as a bridge between tumour cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) and has multiple roles in tumour invasion, migration, and therapeutic resistance. However, studies on focal adhesion-related genes (FARGs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are limited. Methods: Data on HNSCC samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas and GSE41613 datasets, and 199 FARGs were obtained from the Molecular Signatures database. The integrated datasets' dimensions were reduced by the use of cluster analysis, which was also used to classify patients with HNSCC into subclusters. A FARG signature model was developed and utilized to calculate each patient's risk score using least extreme shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. The risk score was done to quantify the subgroups of all patients. We evaluated the model's value for prognostic prediction, immune infiltration status, and therapeutic response in HNSCC. Preliminary molecular and biological experiments were performed to verify these results. Results: Two different HNSCC molecular subtypes were identified according to FARGs, and patients with C2 had a shorter overall survival (OS) than those with C1. We constructed an FARG signature comprising nine genes. We constructed a FARG signature consisting of nine genes. Patients with higher risk scores calculated from the FARG signature had a lower OS, and the FARG signature was considered an independent prognostic factor for HNSCC in univariate and multivariate analyses. FARGs are associated with immune cell invasion, gene mutation status, and chemosensitivity. Finally, we observed an abnormal overexpression of MAPK9 in HNSCC tissues, and MAPK9 knockdown greatly impeded the proliferation, migration, and invasion of HNSCC cells. Conclusion: The FARG signature can provide reliable prognostic prediction for patients with HNSCC. Apart from that, the genes in this model were related to immune invasion, gene mutation status, and chemosensitivity, which may provide new ideas for targeted therapies for HNSCC.

Effectiveness of the recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during endoscopic thyroid surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid disease is a common endocrine disorder, and thyroid surgeries and postoperative complications have increased recently. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) in endoscopic thyroid surgery using subgroup analysis and determine confounding factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two researchers individually searched for relevant studies published till November 2022 in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases. Eventually, eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran's Q test, and a funnel plot was implemented to evaluate publication bias. The odds ratio or risk difference were calculated using fixed-effects models. The weighted mean difference of continuous variables was calculated. Subgroup analysis was performed according to the disease type. RESULTS: Eight eligible papers included 915 patients and 1242 exposed nerves. The frequencies of transient, permanent and total recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy were 2.64, 0.19 and 2.83%, respectively, in the IONM group and 6.15, 0.75 and 6.90%, respectively, in the conventional exposure group. In addition, analysis of the secondary outcome indicators for the average total length of surgery, localisation time of the RLN, recognition rate of the superior laryngeal nerve and length of incision revealed that IONM reduced the localisation time of the RLN and increased the identification rate of the superior laryngeal nerve. Subgroup analysis showed that IONM significantly reduced the incidence of RLN palsy in patients with malignancies. CONCLUSIONS: The use of IONM significantly reduced the incidence of transient RLN palsy during endoscopic thyroid surgery, but it did not significantly reduce the incidence of permanent RLN palsy. However, the reduction in the total RLN palsy was statistically significant. In addition, IONM can effectively reduce the location time of the RLN and increase the recognition rate of the superior laryngeal nerve. Therefore, the application of IONM for malignant tumours is recommended.

Application of Inorganic Quantum Dots in Advanced Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have emerged as one of the most attractive alternatives for post-lithium-ion battery energy storage systems, owing to their ultrahigh theoretical energy density. However, the large-scale application of Li-S batteries remains enormously problematic because of the poor cycling life and safety problems, induced by the low conductivity , severe shuttling effect, poor reaction kinetics, and lithium dendrite formation. In recent studies, catalytic techniques are reported to promote the commercial application of Li-S batteries. Compared with the conventional catalytic sites on host materials, quantum dots (QDs) with ultrafine particle size (<10 nm) can provide large accessible surface area and strong polarity to restrict the shuttling effect, excellent catalytic effect to enhance the kinetics of redox reactions, as well as abundant lithiophilic nucleation sites to regulate Li deposition. In this review, the intrinsic hurdles of S conversion and Li stripping/plating reactions are first summarized. More importantly, a comprehensive overview is provided of inorganic QDs, in improving the efficiency and stability of Li-S batteries, with the strategies including composition optimization, defect and morphological engineering, design of heterostructures, and so forth. Finally, the prospects and challenges of QDs in Li-S batteries are discussed.

Potential Inhibitors of Monkeypox Virus Revealed by Molecular Modeling Approach to Viral DNA Topoisomerase I.

The monkeypox outbreak has become a global public health emergency. The lack of valid and safe medicine is a crucial obstacle hindering the extermination of orthopoxvirus infections. The identification of potential inhibitors from natural products, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), by molecular modeling could expand the arsenal of antiviral chemotherapeutic agents. Monkeypox DNA topoisomerase I (TOP1) is a highly conserved viral DNA repair enzyme with a small size and low homology to human proteins. The protein model of viral DNA TOP1 was obtained by homology modeling. The reliability of the TOP1 model was validated by analyzing its Ramachandran plot and by determining the compatibility of the 3D model with its sequence using the Verify 3D and PROCHECK services. In order to identify potential inhibitors of TOP1, an integrated library of 4103 natural products was screened via Glide docking. Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) was further implemented to assay the complex binding affinity. Molecular dynamics simulations (100 ns) were combined with molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area (MM/PBSA) computations to reveal the binding mechanisms of the complex. As a result, three natural compounds were highlighted as potential inhibitors via docking-based virtual screening. Rosmarinic acid, myricitrin, quercitrin, and ofloxacin can bind TOP1 with KD values of 2.16 µM, 3.54 µM, 4.77 µM, and 5.46 µM, respectively, indicating a good inhibitory effect against MPXV. The MM/PBSA calculations revealed that rosmarinic acid had the lowest binding free energy at -16.18 kcal/mol. Myricitrin had a binding free energy of -13.87 kcal/mol, quercitrin had a binding free energy of -9.40 kcal/mol, and ofloxacin had a binding free energy of -9.64 kcal/mol. The outputs (RMSD/RMSF/Rg/SASA) also indicated that the systems were well-behaved towards the complex. The selected compounds formed several key hydrogen bonds with TOP1 residues (TYR274, LYS167, GLY132, LYS133, etc.) via the binding mode analysis. TYR274 was predicted to be a pivotal residue for compound interactions in the binding pocket of TOP1. The results of the enrichment analyses illustrated the potential pharmacological networks of rosmarinic acid. The molecular modeling approach may be acceptable for the identification and design of novel poxvirus inhibitors; however, further studies are warranted to evaluate their therapeutic potential.

Perceptions and worries about monkeypox, and attitudes towards monkeypox vaccination among medical workers in China: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a "public health emergency of international concern" on 23 June 2022. However, there is a lack of data on monkeypox perceptions among medical workers. The purposes of this study were to evaluate perceptions, worries about monkeypox, attitudes towards monkeypox vaccination and their correlates among medical workers in China. METHODS: Data were collected from medical practitioners using an online survey questionnaire between September 1 and September 30, 2022 in China. All the subjects completed an online questionnaire including general characteristics, perceptions/knowledge/worries about monkeypox, and attitudes towards monkeypox vaccination. Logistic regression was employed to examine the correlates of perceptions, worries about monkeypox, and attitudes toward monkeypox vaccination. RESULTS: In total, this study sample included 639 medical workers. The mean age was 37.9 ± 9.4 years old. Approximately 71.8% of individuals reported perceptions of monkeypox, 56.7% worried about monkeypox, and 64.9% supported the promotion of monkeypox vaccination. Medical workers who were older than 50 years (aOR 3.73, 95%CI 1.01-13.85), worked in the Infectious Diseases/Dermatology/Venereal Diseases departments (3.09, 1.61-5.91), and provided correct answer to monkeypox transmission route (10.19, 5.42-19.17) were more likely to know about monkeypox/monkeypox virus before investigation. 30.7% reported that they were more worried about monkeypox than the coronavirus (COVID-19). Participants reported that the key population most in need of monkeypox vaccination were health practitioners (78.2%) and people with immunodeficiency (74.3%), followed by children (65.4%) and older adults (63.2%). CONCLUSION: Awareness of monkeypox was high and attitude towards the promotion of monkeypox vaccination was positive among medical staff in China. Further targeted dissemination of monkeypox common knowledge among health care providers might improve their precaution measures and improve the promotion of monkeypox vaccination among key populations.