The role of sex hormones and receptors in HBV infection and development of HBV-related HCC.

Gender disparity in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related diseases has been extensively documented. Epidemiological studies consistently reported that males have a higher prevalence of HBV infection and incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further investigations have revealed that sex hormone-related signal transductions play a significant role in gender disparity. Sex hormone axes showed significantly different responses to virus entry and replication. The sex hormones axes change the HBV-specific immune responses and antitumor immunity. Additionally, Sex hormone axes showed different effects on the development of HBV-related disease. But the role of sex hormones remains controversial, and researchers have not reached a consensus on the role of sex hormones and the use of hormone therapies in HCC treatment. In this review, we aim to summarize the experimental findings on sex hormones and provide a comprehensive understanding of their roles in the development of HCC and their implications for hormone-related HCC treatment.

Posttranslational modifications of ACE2 protein: Implications for SARS-CoV-2 infection and beyond.

The present worldwide pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has highlighted the important function of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) entry. A deeper understanding of ACE2 could offer insights into the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. While ACE2 is subject to regulation by various factors in vivo, current research in this area is insufficient to fully elucidate the corresponding pathways of control. Posttranslational modification (PTM) is a powerful tool for broadening the variety of proteins. The PTM study of ACE2 will help us to make up for the deficiency in the regulation of protein synthesis and translation. However, research on PTM-related aspects of ACE2 remains limited, mostly focused on glycosylation. Accordingly, a comprehensive review of ACE2 PTMs could help us better understand the infection process and provide a basis for the treatment of COVID-19 and beyond.

Development and validation of a duplex real-time PCR for the rapid detection and quantitation of HTLV-1.

BACKGROUND: The HTLV-1 prevalence in China varies geographically, while HTLV-2 infection has rarely been found so far. Proviral load is one of the determining factors of pathogenesis and progression of HTLV-1 related diseases. However, neither molecular assays nor commercial kits are available for HTLV-1 diagnosis in China. The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a TaqMan qPCR assay for HTLV-1 proviral load quantification. RESULTS: A plasmid containing both the HTLV-1 of interest and a fragment of the RNase P (RPPH1) gene was constructed and used to establish the standard curves. The assay has a wide dynamic range (2.5 × 108 copies/reaction ~ 25 copies/reaction) and sensitive to 1 copy for HTLV-1 and RPPH1. The limit of detection for Hut102 cell concentration was 0.0218% (95% confidence interval 0.0179-0.0298%). The assay gave coefficient of variation (CV) for both the HTLV-1 and RPPH1 Ct values. All of the HTLV-1 sero-negative samples and MOT cell line (infected with HTLV-2) amplified only the RPPH1 gene by our method, presenting 100% specificity. 85 Samples confirmed positive or indeterminate by LIA were performed by established qPCR assay and WB. 90.0% (27/30) of LIA-HTLV-1-positive, 33% (2/6) of LIA-untypeable and 2% (1/49) of LIA-indeterminate samples were defined as qPCR-positive. The median PVL of LIA-positive samples (n = 27, 1.780 copies/100 cells) was much higher than that of LIA-untypeable and (n = 2, 0.271 copies/100 cells) indeterminate samples (n = 1, 0.017 copies/ 100 cells). Additionally, compared to WB, the duplex qPCR verified more positive samples, demonstrating a better sensitivity. CONCLUSION: The duplex qPCR developed here with high sensitivity, good specificity and reproducibility could accurately and quantitatively detect the HTLV-1 PVLs, which can be used to confirm the initial reactive samples for an improved cost/benefit ratio as well as to monitor the clinical progression and efficacy of therapy in patients with HTLV-1 related disease.

One-dimensional consolidation of highly saturated abandoned-soil under time-dependent stress: An analytical study.

A thorough knowledge of the consolidation behavior of highly saturated soil under time-dependent stress is essential for the design and construction of abandoned-soil dump sites in the soft soil regions of China. In this study, one-dimensional consolidation analytical solutions are derived for such soil under one-way and two-way drainage conditions, accommodating the time-dependent stress created by various dumping protocols. Representative soil samples are obtained, and consolidation tests are conducted with various saturation degrees (one-way drainage) and loading protocols (two-way drainage), to verify the consolidation equation and determine its range of applicability to various saturation degrees. The effects of layer thickness, dumping type, and compaction degree on the consolidation behaviors of highly saturated abandoned-soil dumps are investigated. The one-dimensional consolidation equation is applicable to soil with saturation degree not lower than 75% under instantaneous stress, stepped stress, and linear stress. The pore pressure distribution with depth is not symmetrical; the eccentric distance of consolidation degree increases with increasing layer thickness in the stress application stage and is approximately zero in the stress keeping stage. The pore pressure at middle of the soil layer increases with increasing layer thickness and decreases with increasing dumping rate from the completion of soil dumping. With increasing compaction degree, the middle pore pressure increases, while the surface settlement decreases. In the premise of the stability of an abandoned-soil dump, where the goals are to reduce post-construction settlement and to shorten the consolidation process of the entire soil layer, the important factors are smaller layer thickness, higher dumping rate, and larger compaction degree.

Seroprevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus infection among blood donors in China: a first nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: So far, the prevalence of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type 1 and 2 in some highly populated countries such as China is still unknown. In this study, a multi-center nationwide serological survey was designed and performed, to reveal the seroprevalence of HTLV infection among Chinese blood donors. RESULTS: Among 8,411,469 blood donors from 155 blood establishments, 435 were finally confirmed as HTLV carriers. The prevalence of HTLV infection in China varied in different provinces: Fujian had the highest prevalence of 36.240/100,000 (95% CI 31.990-41.050) and eleven provinces did not find HTLV-seropositive donors in the three years. no HTLV-2 infection was found. The overall prevalence of HTLV-1 in China decreased from 2016 to 2018. Female was identified as an independent risk factor of HTLV infection in China. Besides, seroconversion was observed in two of seven seroindeterminate donors 85 and 250 days after their last donation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of HTLV infection in most areas of China among blood donors is quite low, but it varies significantly in different geographic areas. Screening anti-HTLV-1/2 antibody and follow-up of serointederminate donors are essential to ensure blood safety especially in areas where we have found HTLV infected donors.

A study based on four immunoassays: Hepatitis C virus antibody against different antigens may have unequal contributions to detection.

BACKGROUND: All commercial Hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) assays use a combination of recombinant antigens to detect antibody response. Antibody responses to individual antigenic regions (core, NS3/4 and NS5) used in assays have not been investigated. METHODS: In this study, we quantified HCV viral load, tested anti-HCV with four commercial assays (Ortho-ELISA, Murex-ELISA, Architect-CMIA and Elecsys-ECLIA) in 682 plasma specimens. In antigenic region ELISA platform, microwells were coated with three antigens: core (c22-3), NS3/4 (c200) and NS5 individually. The signal-to-cutoff (S/Co) values of different assays, and antibody responses to individual antigens were compared. The specimens were divided into HCV RNA positive group, anti-HCV consistent group, and anti-HCV discrepant group. RESULTS: Anti-core and anti-NS3/4 were simultaneously detected in 99.2% of HCV RNA positive specimens and showed great consistency with total anti-HCV signals. Responses to the core region were more robust than those to the NS3/4 region in anti-HCV consistent group (p < 0.001). Anti-NS5 only occurred in companying with responses to the core and NS3/4 antigens, and failed to affect the final anti-HCV positive signals. In anti-HCV discrepant group, 39.0% of positive signals could not be traced back to any single antigenic region. CONCLUSION: Antibody responses to the core and NS3/4 antigens were stronger, whereas responses to the NS5 antigen were the weakest, indicating that individual antigenic regions played different roles in total anti-HCV signals. This study provides an impetus for optimizing commercial anti-HCV assays.

Hepatitis B virus pre-S region: Clinical implications and applications.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major threat to global public health, which can result in many acute and chronic liver diseases. HBV, a member of the family Hepadnaviridae, is a small enveloped DNA virus containing a circular genome of 3.2 kb. Located upstream of the S-open-reading frame of the HBV genome is the pre-S region, which is vital to the viral life cycle. The pre-S region has high variability and many mutations in the pre-S region are associated with several liver diseases, such as fulminant hepatitis (FH), liver cirrhosis (LC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, the pre-S region has been applied in the development of several pre-S-based materials and systems to prevent or treat HBV infection. In conclusion, the pre-S region plays an essential role in the occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of HBV-related liver diseases, which may provide a novel perspective for the study of HBV infection and relevant diseases.

Laboratory testing of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 (2019-nCoV): Current status, challenges, and countermeasures.

Emerging and reemerging infectious diseases are global public concerns. With the outbreak of unknown pneumonia in Wuhan, China in December 2019, a new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 has been attracting tremendous attention. Rapid and accurate laboratory testing of SARS-CoV-2 is essential for early discovery, early reporting, early quarantine, early treatment, and cutting off epidemic transmission. The genome structure, transmission, and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 are basically similar to SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV, the other two beta-CoVs of medical importance. During the SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV epidemics, a variety of molecular and serological diagnostic assays were established and should be referred to for SARS-CoV-2. In this review, by summarizing the articles and guidelines about specimen collection, nucleic acid tests (NAT) and serological tests for SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, several suggestions are put forward to improve the laboratory testing of SARS-CoV-2. In summary, for NAT: collecting stool and blood samples at later periods of illness to improve the positive rate if lower respiratory tract specimens are unavailable; increasing template volume to raise the sensitivity of detection; putting samples in reagents containing guanidine salt to inactivate virus as well as protect RNA; setting proper positive, negative and inhibition controls to ensure high-quality results; simultaneously amplifying human RNase P gene to avoid false-negative results. For antibody test, diverse assays targeting different antigens, and collecting paired samples are needed.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA Detected in Blood Donations.

Because of high rates of 2019 novel coronavirus disease in Wuhan, China, Wuhan Blood Center began screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 RNA on January 25, 2020. We screened donations in real-time and retrospectively and found plasma samples positive for viral RNA from 4 asymptomatic donors.

Efficacy of early antiretroviral therapy 36 hours after HIV infection in one blood donor.

BACKGROUND: Discrepancies can occur with the use of clinical human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnostic reagents for the HIV window period (WP; time from RNA to antibody detection by diagnostic or blood screening assays). Antiretroviral therapy (ART) during acute HIV infection can impact HIV-specific antibodies, antigens, and DNA/RNA detection. In this study, an HIV WP blood donor who initiated ART was monitored, evaluating the immunological and nucleic acid testing (NAT) results for early ART and discussing the potential effects on blood safety. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a follow-up study of a HIV WP donor detected 36 hours after high-risk sexual behavior, who was subsequently treated with ART. Immunological and NAT methods were comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: The 4th generation HIV serologic assays were positive at Day 11, and the 3rd generation domestic anti-HIV assay was positive at Day 33. Individual donation (ID) NAT and minipool (MP) NAT of six samples were reactive, but 12-sample MP-NAT was nonreactive. ART resulted in a slow decline of HIV RNA, but HIV DNA was still detected on Day 757. CONCLUSION: After ART, ID-NAT was more sensitive than MP-NAT or serologic detection; however, HIV DNA detection was more sensitive, with DNA but not RNA persistently detectable.

No evidence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA among blood donors: A multicenter study in Hubei, China.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA could be detected in the blood of infected cases. From February 9, all blood establishments in Hubei province, China, implemented nucleic acid testing (NAT) for SARS-CoV-2 RNA among blood donors to ensure blood safety. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nucleic acid test screening individually (ID) or by minipool (MP) testing was performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inactivated culture supernatant of SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero cells was quantified by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and series diluted with negative plasma to evaluate the assay's performance. RESULTS: The limit of detection of the kit for MP testing was 62.94 and 33.14 copies/mL for N and ORF1ab region, respectively. ID testing could achieve 3.87 and 4.85 copies/mL for two regions using 1600 µL of plasma. Coefficients of variations of two different concentrations of reference samples were all less than 5% in MP testing. As of April 30, 2020, a total of 98,342 blood donations including 87,095 whole blood donations and 11,247 platelet donations were tested by ID or MP testing, and no RNAemia was found. In addition, Hubei province suffered precipitously decreased blood supply, especially in February: 86% reduction compared with the same period of 2019. CONCLUSION: Nucleic acid test screening of SARS-CoV-2 on blood donations is suitable in blood establishments using the commercial real-time PCR detection kit based on available instruments. The negative result indicated that SARS-CoV-2 appears to be no direct threat to blood safety but raises some serious issues for general blood supply.

HTLV screening of blood donors using chemiluminescence immunoassay in three major provincial blood centers of China.

BACKGROUND: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) remains a major safety concern for blood supplies. Despite many HTLV positive cases being reported in southeastern China, the detection of HTLV has not been prioritized in routine blood screening. Additionally, data on the prevalence of HTLV infection among blood donors is also limited. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HTLV among blood donors in three Chinese provinces through their representative blood centers, to evaluate the feasibility of chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) for blood screening. METHODS: From November 2018 to March 2019, blood plasma samples were collected from Hebei, Changsha, and Shenzhen blood centers and were screened for the HTLV-1/2 antibody using a CLIA and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This was followed by confirmatory tests using INNO-LIA HTLV I/II. RESULTS: A total of 59,929 blood donations were collected and screened for HTLV-1/2. The reactive rate of CLIA and ELISA among donations in the Shenzhen blood center (0.0943%, 27/28,621) was higher than Hebei (0.0248%, 4/16,144), and Changsha (0.0198%, 3/15,164) (p < 0.05). After confirmation, 3 samples were confirmed as indeterminate for HTLV antibodies, and only one sample from the Shenzhen blood center was confirmed as HTLV-1. The overall prevalence of HTLV-1/2 was 1.67 per 100,000 (1/59,929). The HTLV-infected blood came from a 32-year-old first-time female donor with a high school degree, who belonged to the SHE ethnic minority and was born in the Fujian province. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, the overall prevalence of HTLV-1/2 among blood donors in the three blood centers in China remains relatively low. However, blood donations with positive or indeterminate results for HTLV antibodies reminded us of the importance of HTLV screening among blood donors in China.

Comparative Evaluation and Measure of Accuracy of ELISAs, CLIAs, and ECLIAs for the Detection of HIV Infection among Blood Donors in China.

BACKGROUND: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is the only serological method approved for blood screening in China. Automated chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) had been used in clinical laboratories but not applied to screen HIV among blood donors. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of ELISA, CLIA, and ECLIA, focusing on the feasibility of CLIA/ECLIA for blood screening. METHOD: 1029 blood donations from 14 blood centers screened by ELISA were enrolled in the study. All plasma samples were tested by eight ELISA assays in 16 blood centers, followed by the detection of CLIA and ECLIA methods in the National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL), further confirmed by nucleic acid testing (NAT) and Western blot (WB). RESULTS: Of 1029 samples, 136 were confirmed as HIV positive. CLIA and ECLIA assay had similar sensitivities with ELISAs but showed higher specificity (CLIA: 99.1%, 885/893; ECLIA: 99.0%, 884/893), concordance rate (CLIA: 99.2%, 1021/1029; ECLIA: 99.1%, 1020/1029), and positive predictive value (PPV) (CLIA: 94.4%, 136/144; ECLIA: 93.8%, 136/145) than most of ELISA kits (>5 ELISAs) (P < 0.05). Kappa values of CLIA (0.967) and ECLIA (0.963) were the highest among all the serologic assays. Among 451 samples with initial ELISA reactivity, 315 were negatives, of which 307 (97.5%) and 306 (97.1%) were detected as nonreactive by CLIA (8 nonspecific reactions) and ECLIA (9 nonspecific reactions), respectively. CONCLUSION: Compared with ELISA, CLIA and ECLIA are more specific and accurate in detecting HIV antibody/antigen and can keep more nonspecifically reactive donors detected by ELISA. CLIA and ECLIA can be used for the improvement of serological blood screening strategy to avoid the unnecessary loss of blood donors.

Nucleic acid testing and molecular characterization of HIV infections.

Significant advances have been made in the molecular assays used for the detection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which are crucial in preventing HIV transmission and monitoring disease progression. Molecular assays for HIV diagnosis have now reached a high degree of specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility, and have less operator involvement to minimize risk of contamination. Furthermore, analyses have been developed for the characterization of host gene polymorphisms and host responses to better identify and monitor HIV-1 infections in the clinic. Currently, molecular technologies including HIV quantitative and qualitative assays are mainly based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), transcription-mediated amplification (TMA), nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), and branched chain (b) DNA methods and widely used for HIV detection and characterization, such as blood screening, point-of-care testing (POCT), pediatric diagnosis, acute HIV infection (AHI), HIV drug resistance testing, antiretroviral (AR) susceptibility testing, host genome polymorphism testing, and host response analysis. This review summarizes the development and the potential utility of molecular assays used to detect and characterize HIV infections.

Demographic characteristics of transfusion-transmitted infections among blood donors in China.

BACKGROUND: Demographic characteristic surveillance of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) among blood donors is crucial to formulating control strategies and preventing TTIs. This study aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics and social factors associated with TTIs among blood donors from 14 different blood centers or banks in China, covering almost the entire China. METHODS: Demographic information of 1976 blood donations were obtained from the donor databases of 14 blood centers. The results of the samples were confirmed by the National Center for Clinical Laboratories (NCCL). RESULTS: Of the 1976 donations, 928 were confirmed as TTI positive (HBV, 309; HCV, 162; HIV, 116; syphilis, 341), while 1048 tested negative. The differences in demographic distribution of TTI positive and negative donations regarding age, previous donation history, occupation, and education were statistically significant (p < 0.001). The factors mentioned above and marital status had associations with TTIs. Among the TTIs, only syphilis was related to ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.309, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.378-3.868, p = 0.001), and only HBV positivity was not associated with marital status (HBV, aOR: 0.933, 95% CI: 0.670-1.299, p = 0.681). Gender and education were independent predictors of HIV and syphilis infections (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Demographic characteristics in this study included age, gender, previous donation history, ethnicity, marital status, occupation, and education, some of which were associated with TTIs. The most susceptible populations for TTIs were unmarried males and first-time donors aged between 26 and 55 years, and blood donors who were workers or company employees with low-educational level. Timely surveillance and updated demographic data on blood donors are critical for blood safety.

MicroRNA-16 inhibits hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor expression in ARPE-19 cells.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of microRNA-16 on hypoxia-induced VEGF expression of ARPE-19 cells. METHODS: ARPE-19 cells were cultivated under normoxia and hypoxia state. At 0 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after cultivation, the supernate of the culture medium was separated to test the VEGF secretion by ELISA, and the cells were purified to measure the expression of VEGF mRNA and microRNA-16 by qRT-PCR; microRNA-16 mimic was then transfected into ARPE-19 cells by the Hiperfect transfection reagent, a liposome transfection system. Scramble group and the non-transfected group were set as the controls. VEGF secretion and the level of VEGF mRNA were measured in these three groups. RESULTS: The VEGF secretion of the hypoxia ARPE cells was significantly higher than the initial state (p < 0.01). Compared with the normoxia cells, the VEGF secretion of the hypoxia cell was significantly increased (p < 0.01), and the division of VEGF secretion between these two groups increased by time. VEGF mRNA of the hypoxia ARPE cell was significantly higher than the initial state (p < 0.01). Compared with the normoxia cells, VEGF mRNA of the hypoxia cells was significantly increased (p < 0.01), and the division of VEGF mRNA between these two groups increased by time. After cultivating under hypoxia, the expression of microRNA-16 in ARPE-19 cells decreased significantly compared with the normal group, and the division of these two groups augmented by time. MicroRNA-16 was successfully transfected into ARPE-19 cells by the Hiperfect transfection system. Twenty four hours and 48 h after the transfection, the VEGF secretion of the miR-16 transfected cell was decreased significantly (p < 0.01) compared with the scramble and the non-transfected group under hypoxia, while VEGF mRNA level had no significant difference among these three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxia can increase the expression of VEGF mRNA and the secretion of VEGF protein of ARPE-19 cells. At the same time, microRNA-16 expression can be down-regulated by hypoxia. Transfection of microRNA-16 exogenously can down-regulate the VEGF protein secretion but cannot affect the expression of VEGF mRNA.

Real-time PCR assays for hepatitis B virus DNA quantification may require two different targets.

BACKGROUND: Quantification Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA plays a critical role in the management of chronic HBV infections. However, HBV is a DNA virus with high levels of genetic variation, and drug-resistant mutations have emerged with the use of antiviral drugs. If a mutation caused a sequence mismatched in the primer or probe of a commercial DNA quantification kit, this would lead to an underestimation of the viral load of the sample. The aim of this study was to determine whether commercial kits, which use only one pair of primers and a single probe, accurately quantify the HBV DNA levels and to develop an improved duplex real-time PCR assay. METHODS: We developed a new duplex real-time PCR assay that used two pairs of primers and two probes based on the conserved S and C regions of the HBV genome. We performed HBV DNA quantitative detection of HBV samples and compared the results of our duplex real-time PCR assays with the COBAS TaqMan HBV Test version 2 and Daan real-time PCR assays. The target region of the discordant sample was amplified, sequenced, and validated using plasmid. RESULTS: The results of the duplex real-time PCR were in good accordance with the commercial COBAS TaqMan HBV Test version 2 and Daan real-time PCR assays. We showed that two samples from Chinese HBV infections underestimated viral loads when quantified by the Roche kit because of a mismatch between the viral sequence and the reverse primer of the Roche kit. The HBV DNA levels of six samples were undervalued by duplex real-time PCR assays of the C region because of mutations in the primer of C region. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a new duplex real-time PCR assay, and the results of this assay were similar to the results of commercial kits. The HBV DNA level could be undervalued when using the COBAS TaqMan HBV Test version 2 for Chinese HBV infections owing to a mismatch with the primer/probe. A duplex real-time PCR assay based on the S and C regions could solve this problem to some extent.

Increased Kappa/Lambda Hybrid Antibody in Serum Is a Novel Biomarker Related to Disease Activity and Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The κ/λ hybrid antibodies in normal human serum were reported recently, but their clinical relevance has not yet been explored. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the major joint diseases, and the early diagnosis and treatment of RA remain a challenge. Here, we developed a double-sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system to quantify relative serum κ/λ hybrid antibody levels in RA patients, osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and healthy controls (HC) in order to assess their potential use as a serological biomarker of early disease and clinical activity and to preliminarily investigate their immunomodulatory roles in RA. Surprisingly, we found that κ/λ hybrid antibody was markedly increased in both early and established RA. Serum κ/λ hybrid antibody levels were significantly correlated with clinical indexes and inflammatory markers in RA. Further analysis showed a positive correlation between κ/λ hybrid antibody levels and the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28). In conclusion, serum κ/λ hybrid antibodies in RA were identified for the first time. High levels of κ/λ hybrid antibody may be a useful tool in distinguishing early RA from OA and HC. We suggest κ/λ hybrid antibody as a marker for disease activity. The increased κ/λ hybrid antibodies were associated with inflammatory conditions in RA.

The proportion and trend of human immunodeficiency virus infections associated with men who have sex with men from Chinese voluntary blood donors: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive cases associated with men who have sex with men (MSM) have rapidly increased over the past years. The objective of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the proportions, changing trends, and geographical distribution of MSM-associated HIV cases from Chinese voluntary blood donors by systematically reviewing the available literature. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Major English and Chinese research databases were searched for studies reporting study locations, study years, the number of HIV infections among blood donors, and the number of HIV-positive donations associated with MSM in China. The proportion estimates were calculated; subgroup analyses and test for time trend were performed using software of comprehensive meta-analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-four studies met eligibility criteria. The pooled proportion of HIV-positive donations associated with MSM from 2001 to 2012 was 36.5% (95% confidence interval, 29.6%-44.1%). The epidemic was found to be more severe in northeast and north China compared to south China (59.6%; 55.0% vs. 3.8%, respectively). The proportion showed a significantly increasing trend over the study period (10.3% in 2001-2005; 38.6% in 2006-2009; and 47.6% in 2010-2012; trend test chi-square = 16.42, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The relatively high proportion of MSM- associated HIV-positive donors is of concern. Efficient and effective measures focused on public education and improving knowledge of blood safety are needed to prevent this at-risk population from seeking HIV testing through blood donation. It is also imperative to expand the scope of postdonation nucleic acid testing to shorten the window period to improve blood supply safety in China.

What is the meaning of a nonresolved viral nucleic acid test-reactive minipool?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at analyzing the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA among hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative donations by cobas TaqScreen MPX test (Roche Molecular Systems) and discussing the meaning of a reactive minipool (MP) that does not resolve to an individual donation (ID)-reactive result. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) was performed in 12 Chinese blood centers on 826,044 serologic negative donations in MPs of six. MP-reactive pools that were resolved to ID-reactive donations were confirmed by Roche TaqMan viral load assays. Antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) results were also analyzed. Cycle threshold (Ct) values of reactive MPs were analyzed in relation to the probability of pool resolution. RESULTS: A total of 1267 of 137,674 pools were reactive, of which 839 donations were reactive by ID-NAT. The MP6 HBV NAT-yield rate lay between 1 in 1600 and 1 in 1000. At MP Ct values equal or below 37, the probability of pool resolution was approximately 80%. The prevalence of anti-HBc in ID-reactive donations was 81%. The proportion of reactive pools that could not be resolved was 36%. The prevalence of anti-HBc in donations implicated in nonresolved MPs was significantly higher than those in nonreactive MPs (48% vs. 37%, p = 0.016). CONCLUSION: The anti-HBc data suggest that approximately 10% of nonresolved MPs contain HBV DNA from a low-viral-load occult carrier. We consider ID-NAT resolution testing in duplicate to minimize HBV transmission risk associated with transfusing nonreactive donations implicated in reactive MPs.