Association between TIMP1 polymorphism and female neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in Chinese population.

Aims: Earlier studies have indicated an association between the TIMP1 polymorphism and the risk of certain autoimmune diseases, as well as a link between higher TIMP1 levels and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD). This study aimed to explore the correlation between TIMP1 polymorphism and NMOSD phenotypes. Methods: Genotyping of three loci (rs4898, rs2070584, rs6609533) in the TIMP1 gene was performed in 126 NMOSD patients and 213 healthy controls (HCs) from North China using the SNaPshot sequencing technique, and a correlation analysis was done between phenotypes and TIMP1 genotype. Results: The frequency of the rs4898-T, rs2070584-T, and rs6609533-G alleles was significantly higher in NMOSD patients than those in HCs (p < 0.05). Accordingly, the rs4898-TT, rs2070584-TT, and rs6609533-GG genotypes were found at a higher frequency in patients than in controls (p < 0.05). Haplotype analysis showed TIMP1 T-T-G (rs4898-rs2070584-rs6609533) frequency was higher in female NMOSD patients (p = 0.019), and the frequency of T-T-G haplotypes in the BBB disrupted group was higher compared with that in the BBB normal group (p = 0.04). Conclusions: TIMP1 rs4898-T, rs2070584-T, and rs6609533 polymorphism may contribute to the susceptibility of Female NMOSD patients in the Chinese Population. TIMP1 T-T-G (rs4898-rs2070584-rs6609533) haplotype is more common among female NMOSD patients and is linked to heightened disruption of the BBB.

Exploration for the Priority of HIV Intervention: Modelling Health Impact and Cost-Effectiveness - Six Cities, Eastern China, 2019-2028.

Introduction: In order to enhance the effectiveness of resource allocation, regions must tailor their responses to their specific epidemiological and economic situations. Methods: Utilizing Spectrum software, we projected the cost-effectiveness of 10 chosen HIV interventions in six cities in eastern China from 2019 to 2028. We assessed three scenarios - Base, Achievable, and Idealized - for each city. The analysis included the projected number of HIV infections and deaths averted, as well as the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios for each intervention in the six cities. Results: In Shijiazhuang, Wuxi, Yantai, and Zhenjiang, cities with initially low antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage, ART showed significant effectiveness, especially for males. Conversely, in Foshan and Ningbo, where ART coverage was notably high, oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for men who have sex with men (MSM) proved effective in the Idealized scenario. MSM outreach, ART for males, and ART for females demonstrated cost-effectiveness across all six cities in both Achievable and Idealized scenarios at the predefined thresholds for each city. Discussion: Maintaining an appropriate coverage rate for outreach to MSM can lead to cost-effectiveness. In cities with low ART coverage, scaling up ART remains a crucial intervention. In regions with high ART coverage, consideration may be given to the utilization of oral PrEP for MSM individuals, requiring budget allocation.

Combined platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and blood-brain barrier biomarkers as indicators of disability in acute neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.

BACKGROUND: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a complex neuroinflammatory disease characterized by severe disability. In this study, we investigated the relationship between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum albumin quotient (Qalb) and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in assessing disease severity. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 72 NMOSD patients and 72 healthy controls was conducted, and patients were divided into two groups based on their Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores. RESULTS: NMOSD patients had significantly higher levels of serum PLR, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) compared to healthy controls (all P<0.01). Patients in the EDSS≥4 group exhibited significantly elevated levels of Qalb, QIgG, QIgA, QIgM, and PLR (P=0.000, P<0.0001, P=0.0019, P=0.0001, respectively). Spearman's correlation test revealed significant positive associations between Qalb, QIgG, QIgA, QIgM, PLR, and EDSS score. Specifically, Qalb (r=0.571; P<0.001), QIgG (r=0.551; P<0.001), QIgA (r=0.519; P<0.001), and QIgM (r=0.541; P<0.001) demonstrated significant positive correlations with EDSS score, while PLR exhibited a moderate positive correlation (r=0.545; P<0.001) with EDSS score and a mild positive association (r=0.387; P<0.001) with Qalb. The increase of Qalb was positively correlated with the increased EDSS score (r=0.528, P=0.001), as well as the increase of QIgG (r=0.509, P=0.001), and the increase of QIgA (r=0.4989, P=0.03). ROC analysis indicated that Qalb, QIgG, QIgA, QIgM, and PLR levels could effectively serve as indicators of NMOSD severity (all P<0.0001). Multivariate analysis confirmed the independent significance of Qalb and PLR in assessing disease severity (P=0.000). CONCLUSION: These findings provide valuable insights into the risk and pathogenesis of NMOSD and highlight the potential of Qalb and PLR as independent markers for disease severity assessment in NMOSD patients.

mRNA expression profile reveals differentially expressed genes in splenocytes of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a mouse model that can be used to investigate aetiology, pathogenesis, and treatment approaches for multiple sclerosis (MS). A novel integrated bioinformatics approach was used to understand the involvement of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the spleen of EAE mice through data mining of existing microarray and RNA-seq datasets. We screened differentially expressed mRNAs using mRNA expression profile data of EAE spleens taken from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Functional and pathway enrichment analyses of DEGs were performed by Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). Subsequently, the DEGs-encoded protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. The 784 DEGs in GSE99300 A.SW PP-EAE mice spleen mRNA profiles, 859 DEGs in GSE151701 EAE mice spleen mRNA profiles, and 646 DEGs in GSE99300 SJL/J PP-EAE mice spleen mRNA profiles were explored. Functional enrichment of 55 common DEGs among 3 sub-datasets revealed several immune-related terms, such as neutrophil extravasation, leucocyte migration, antimicrobial humoral immune response mediated by an antimicrobial peptide, toll-like receptor 4 bindings, IL-17 signalling pathway, and TGF-beta signalling pathway. In the screening of 10 hub genes, including MPO, ELANE, CTSG, LTF, LCN2, SELP, CAMP, S100A9, ITGA2B, and PRTN3, and in choosing and validating the 5 DEGs, including ANK1, MBOAT2, SLC25A21, SLC43A1, and SOX6, the results showed that SLC43A1 and SOX6 were significantly decreased in EAE mice spleen. Thus this study offers a list of genes expressed in the spleen that might play a key role in the pathogenesis of EAE.

Willingness to use and intention to adhere to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among men who have sex with men in Jiangsu Province, China.

ABSTRACTPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a biomedical prevention approach that significantly reduces HIV acquisition. Our study aimed to explore factors associated with PrEP willingness and intention to adhere to PrEP among MSM through a cross-sectional survey in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, China. Location sampling (TLS) and online recruitment were used to recruit participants to gauge their PrEP willingness and intention to adhere. Of 309 HIV-negative/unknown serostatus MSM, 75.7% were willing to use PrEP and 55.3% had high intention to take PrEP daily. Willingness to use PrEP was positively associated with having a college degree or higher (AOR = 1.90, 95%CI: 1.11-3.26) and higher anticipated HIV stigma (AOR = 2.74, 95%CI: 1.13-6.61). Facilitators of intention to adhere included higher education levels (AOR = 2.12, 95%CI: 1.33-3.39) and higher anticipated HIV stigma (AOR = 3.65, 95%CI: 1.36-9.80), whereas a primary barrier was community homophobia (AOR = 0.43, 95%CI: 0.20-0.92). This study documented high willingness to use PrEP, yet lower intention to adhere to PrEP in a sample of MSM in China. Public interventions and programs to promote adherence of PrEP for MSM is urgently needed in China. Psychosocial factors should be addressed and taken into consideration for PrEP implementation and adherence programs.

Estimating Costs of the HIV Comprehensive Intervention Using the Spectrum Model - China, 2015-2019.

Introduction: In order to facilitate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment and prevention, the resource needs for HIV national strategic planning in developing regions were estimated based on Spectrum, the universal HIV cost-effectiveness analysis software. Methods: Based on the theoretical framework of Spectrum, the study developed a cost measurement tool for HIV, and calculated the cost of HIV prevention and control in 6 sampled cities in China during 2015-2019 using the Spectrum model. Results: From 2015 to 2019, the average annual costs for HIV prevention and control for Shijiazhuang, Yantai, Ningbo, Zhenjiang, Foshan, and Wuxi cities were 46.78, 47.55, 137.49, 24.73, 74.37, and 58.30 million Chinese yuan (CNY), respectively. The per capita costs were 4.37, 6.73, 17.33, 7.77, 17.56, and 8.91 CNY, respectively. In terms of the cost structure, the ratio of preventive intervention funds to therapeutic intervention funds (antiviral treatment) varied in sampled cities. Discussion: Developing comprehensive and systematic HIV fund calculation methods can provide a research basis for rational resource allocation in the field of HIV.

Psychosocial and behavioral correlates with HIV testing among men who have sex with men during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

OBJECTIVES: Some of community mitigation efforts on COVID-19 created challenges to ongoing public health programs, including HIV care and prevention services among men who have sex with men (MSM). The goal of the current study was to explore sociodemographic factors and the impact of COVID-19 on HIV testing among Chinese MSM during state-enforced quarantine. METHODS: We conducted a community based survey between May 1st to June 30th, 2020 on COVID-19 related impacts on HIV testing among 436 China MSM during the COVID-19 state-enforced quarantine. RESULTS: One-third (33.7%) of MSM received HIV testing during the quarantine period. Few participants reported difficulty accessing facility-based testing (n = 13, 3.0%) or obtaining HIV self-test kit online (n = 22, 5.0%). However, 12.1% of participants reported being afraid of getting facility-based HIV test due to concerns about the risk of COVID-19. In the multivariate logistic regression model, participants who were married (aOR: 1.89, 95%CI: 1.19-3.01), reported increased quality of sleep (aOR: 2.07, 95%CI: 1.11-3.86), and increased difficulty in accessing health care (aOR: 2.34, 95%CI: 1.37-3.99) were more likely to get an HIV test during the state-enforced quarantine. CONCLUSION: The mitigation measures of COVID-19 have created various barriers to access HIV related prevention services in China, including HIV testing. To mitigate these impacts on HIV prevention and care services, future programs need to address barriers to HIV-related services, such as providing high-quality HIV self-testing. Meanwhile, psychological services or other social services are needed to those experiencing mental distress.

Domestic Violence Victimization Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China During the COVID-19 Lockdown.

Many countries worldwide have implemented dedicated measures, such as shelter at home, to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, those mitigation measures may have major implications for individuals living with someone abusive or controlling. Domestic violence (DV) may be one of the unintended consequences of public health measures due to increased various stressors and reduced access to support and services. There has been a lack of empirical research on DV victimization among gender and sexual minorities, a population vulnerable to interpersonal violence and its associated adverse health outcomes. This study investigates the prevalence of DV victimization among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jiangsu Province, China, during the COVID-19 lockdown and its correlates with COVID-19-related psychosocial and health stressors. A total of 413 MSM were recruited via snowball sampling, venue-based, and internet-based sampling from four cities in Jiangsu Province. After providing informed consent, all participants completed study questionnaires, followed by HIV testing. Over a quarter of the participants (27.4%) reported DV victimization during the COVID-19 lockdown, including experience of verbal, physical, or sexual abuse. After adjusting sociodemographic factors, DV victimization was associated with various adverse experiences during the COVID-19 lockdown, including increased stress or anxiety level, increased alcohol use, and housing instability. Study findings underscore the prevalence of DV victimization among MSM during the COVID-19 pandemic in China. The results can inform public health efforts to raise awareness and address DV victimization among MSM in the low- and middle-income country context during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adequate health and social services and economic resources are also critical to address the needs of MSM experiencing DV victimization.

Associations of IRAK1 Gene Polymorphisms and mRNA Expression With NMOSD Risk in the Northern Chinese Han Population.

Objectives: Interleukin (IL)-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) is a very important immunomodulatory gene for autoimmune diseases located on the X chromosome. However, there was little study about the correlation of IRAK1 functional single nucleotide polymorphisms with mRNA expression in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the plausible association of IRAK1 polymorphism, IRAK1 mRNA expression, and NMOSD risk in the northern Chinese Han population. Methods: Four loci of IRAK1 gene (rs1059702, rs7061789, rs1059703, and rs3027898) were genotyped using multiplex SNaPshot technique in 102 NMOSD patients and 213 healthy subjects. Allele, genotype, and haplotype frequencies were compared. Stratified analyses were conducted by age, sex, AQP4 status, and age of onset. IRAK1 mRNA levels in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 30 NMOSD patients (of active phase) and 15 healthy control subjects were detected using qPCR. The correlations between the SNP polymorphisms and mRNA expression levels of genes were tested using non-parametric tests. Results: The minor allele frequencies (MAF) of these four locis were significantly lower in NMOSD cases than that of the controls. The frequencies of rs1059703G/G genotype, rs1059702A/A genotype, rs3027898 C/C genotype, and rs7061789G/G genotype were higher in the case group than that of the control group. Haplotype analysis revealed that the major haplotype "G-A-C-G" (alleles in the order of SNPs rs1059703, rs1059702, rs3027898, and rs7061789), containing the risk alleles, conferred an adverse effect on NMOSD. The level of IRAK1mRNA was markedly higher in NMOSD when compared to the healthy control groups. The IRAK1mRNA levels of female patients with the major haplotype were significantly higher compared to those with other haplotypes and to the male patients with the same genotype. Conclusion: IRAK1 polymorphisms were highly correlated with NMOSD susceptibility. Its haplotype G-A-C-G (rs1059703-rs1059702-rs3027898-rs7061789) confers increasing the risk of NMOSD in female patients. The IRAK1 risk haplotype G-A-C-G upregulated IRAK1 mRNA expression in female NMOSD patients. Our study provides a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of the pathogenesis of NMOSD and reveals that IRAK1 is the potential mechanism-specific druggable target in NMOSD disease.

Optical coherence tomography monitoring and diagnosing retinal changes in multiple sclerosis.

This study explores the use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to monitor and diagnose multiple sclerosis (MS). The analysis of reduced total macular volume and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thinning are shown. The severity of these defects increases as MS progresses, reflecting the progressive degeneration of nerve fibers and retinal ganglion cells. The OCT parameters are noninvasive, sensitive indicators that can be used to assess the progression of neurodegeneration and inflammation in MS.

Use of multiple recreational drugs is associated with new HIV infections among men who have sex with men in China: a multicenter cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information about the types of recreational drugs used by men who have sex with men (MSM) in China or the consequent impact on sexual health and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) acquisition. METHODS: We recruited MSM from seven cities in China between 2012 and 2013 using multiple approaches including advertisements on gay websites, collaborating with local MSM community-based organizations, peer referrals, and venues such as gay bars and bathrooms visited by MSM. We divided participants into four subgroups based on the number of recreational drugs (RDs) used in the previous 6 months. We defined use of multiple RDs as use of ≥2 types of RDs. Demographics and HIV-related high-risk behaviors were collected, and blood samples were tested for recent HIV infection by the HIV-1 subtypes B, E, and D immunoglobulin G capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA). We used multivariable logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographics to determine the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the subgroups of RD use for recent or established HIV infection. RESULTS: A total of 4496 Chinese MSM participated; 28.4% used RDs, and 5% used multiple types of RDs. The prevalence of each RD use was as follows: poppers (25.9%), ecstasy (2.4%), ketamine (1.2%), amphetamine (0.6%), tramadol (0.4%), methamphetamine (3.8%), and codeine (1.9%). Users of multiple RDs commonly used poppers combined with one or more other types of RDs. Multiple RD users were likely to be aged 26-30 years (vs. 18-25 and > 30 years), live in non-local cities (vs. local cities), never married (vs. married), have a high monthly income (vs. no income and 1-599 USD), use versatile positions during anal intercourse (vs. top or bottom), and have inadequate HIV-related prevention knowledge (vs. adequate). As the number of RDs used in the previous 6 months increased, the prevalence of HIV-related high-risk behaviors increased (P < 0.05 for all). The odds of recent HIV infection were higher among those who used one type (aOR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5-3.0) or two types of RD (aOR=2.3, 95% CI: 1.0-5.2) in the previous 6 months compared to the odds among those who did not use RDs. CONCLUSION: The level and pattern of multiple RD use among Chinese MSM were different from high-income countries. MSM who used more RDs are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors, and these behaviors may be associated with increases in new HIV infections.

Awareness and Willingness to use HIV Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Trans Women in China: A Community-Based Survey.

China's national guidelines call for increasing HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use to reverse the epidemic in populations at highest risk. However, few data exist on PrEP awareness and willingness among trans women in China. Our research aim was to fill this data gap through a cross-sectional survey among trans women in Nanjing and Suzhou cities of Jiangsu province. Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was used to recruit participants to gauge their awareness of and willingness to use PrEP. Logistic regression analysis was used to characterize associations with awareness of PrEP and willingness to use PrEP. Of 222 HIV-negative/unknown serostatus trans women, 33.3% were aware of PrEP and 49.1% were willing to use PrEP. PrEP awareness was associated with a university degree or above (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.77, 95% CI 1.31-5.89) and not using alcohol with sex (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.00-4.09). Willingness to use PrEP was higher among trans women with one (AOR 3.56, 95% CI 1.68-7.54) or multiple sexual partners (AOR 2.53, 95% CI 1.24-5.15) compared to those with no partners. This study witnessed low awareness of PrEP, yet substantial willingness to use PrEP. Implementation research to identify ways to promote, scale up access, and assess effectiveness of PrEP for trans women is urgently needed in China.

A cross-sectional study of mental health, suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among transgender women in Jiangsu province, China.

OBJECTIVES: To measure prevalence and risk factors of poor mental health, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt among transgender women in Jiangsu province, China. METHODS: We surveyed 250 transgender women with mean age of 27.9 years from July 2018 to May 2019 in Jiangsu province, China. Logistic regression analysis characterized risk factors for mental health, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt. RESULTS: Many transgender women experienced discrimination, including verbal abuse (56.0%), physical abuse (32.0%), and sexual violence (32.0%) during their lifetime. Classification by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale found 32.4%% to be in good mental health, while 24.0%, 16.8%, and 26.8% had mild, moderate, and severe psychological distress respectively. In multivariable logistic regression, severe psychological distress was correlated with bisexual orientation (vs. gay/lesbian, aOR = 2.9, 95%CI = 1.5-5.8), being unsure of sexual orientation (vs. gay/lesbian, aOR = 4.7, 95%CI = 1.8-12.8), experience of verbal abuse (aOR = 1.8, 95%CI = 1.1-3.1), and less severe with alcohol use (aOR = 0.6, 95%CI = 0.3-0.9) (P< 0.05). Many transgender women also reported suicidal ideation (22.0%) and prior suicide attempt (25.6%). Compared to no suicidal ideation, moderate (aOR = 4.9, 95%CI = 1.6-15.2) or severe psychological distress (aOR = 38.6) were associated with prior suicide attempt (P< 0.05). Residing in Jiangsu province (vs. not residing in Jiangsu, aOR = 0.3, 95%CI = 0.1-0.6) and higher income (vs. lower income, aOR = 0.6, 95%CI = 0.4-0.9) were protective factors for suicide attempt (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chinese transgender women experience high levels of discrimination, abuse, poor mental health, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts in Jiangsu province. Society-wide interventions need to be developed to mitigate transphobic discrimination among transgender women in China.

Sexual network distribution of HIV self-testing kits: Findings from the process evaluation of an intervention for men who have sex with men in China.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization has recommended HIV self-testing (HIVST) as an alternative testing strategy given the limitations of facility-based testing. While the benefits of HIV self-testing have been demonstrated at the individual level among men who have sex with men (MSM), limited data exist on if this testing approach can be effectively diffused through individuals' social or sexual networks. The objectives of this study were to examine patterns and correlates of HIVST distribution within Chinese MSM's sexual networks. METHODS: Data used for this analysis was a part of the process evaluation of an HIVST intervention trial among MSM in Nanjing, China. Between May and October 2017, we enrolled 400 men into the trial. Participants assigned to the intervention group (N = 200) were given three HIVST kits at baseline and could request more during the follow-up periods. We incorporated measures for process evaluation in the self-administered online follow-up surveys. This analysis reported findings from the three-month follow-up survey in the intervention group. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe characteristics of participants who distributed kits to their sexual partners as well as patterns of distribution. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify independent correlates of participants who distributed the kits. RESULTS: Of the 177 participants retained (88.5%) at the three-month follow-up, 72 (40.7%) distributed one or more kits to either primary or casual partners. About half of distributors (51.4%) gave one HIVST kit to their sexual partners while 15.3% distributed 3 or more. Over half gave these kits (58.3%) to primary sexual partners while 27.8% reported giving the kits to both primary and casual partners. About half (54.2%) of distributors used the kits together with their partners. Compared to participants who had an HIV test in the past six months, those who tested over six months ago or never tested had significantly lower odds of distributing the kits (AOR = 0.484, 95% CI: 0.250-0.983, p = 0.032). Compared to those who had not used the kits themselves, participants who did had significantly higher odds of distributing the kits (AOR = 3.345, 95% CI: 1.488-7.517, p = 0.003). Participants who reported higher HIV testing efficacy had 2.051 fold greater odds (95% CI: 1.062-3.961, p = 0.033) of distributing the kits compared to those who had lower efficacy. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that a sexual network-based approach to distributing HIVST among Chinese MSM is feasible and can be a promising strategy to improve the effectiveness of HIVST programs including its reach to untested men. Such approach should be complimented by intervention components that enhance HIV testing efficacy and improve experiences of HIVST.

Identity, stigma, and HIV risk among transgender women: a qualitative study in Jiangsu Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Transgender women have multiple disparities globally, including social rejection and stigma, HIV infection and untreated mental health problems. However, few data on transgender women are available in China. Therefore, this study aimed to explore transgender women's experiences on gender identity, disclosure, discrimination, transgender-specific medical care, and perceptions of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) risk in China. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted in Nanjing and Suzhou city, China in 2018. Key informant interviews (n = 14) and focus group discussions (n = 2) with diverse transgender women were implemented. Text was transcribed and translated, and Dedoose™ software was used for coding, analysis and interpretation by the research team. RESULTS: Chinese transgender women share experiences with transgender women worldwide, including a long and challenging identity search, stigma and discrimination, poor access to trans-specific services and unmet needs for mental health care. Features unique to them include terms used for self-identification, culturally-shaped expectations for reproduction, and ideals of placing the familial and societal welfare over personal fulfillment. Social networks of this population appear sparse, scattered, and underground. Familial rejection was experienced by nearly all respondents. Perceptions of HIV and STI risk and history of HIV testing were notably low. CONCLUSIONS: Transgender women in China face high social rejection and discrimination along with unmet need for various types of healthcare. Scaling up transgender-specific services including gender-affirming medical care, mental health care and HIV/STI prevention are warranted to address the social, medical and mental health of transgender women in China.

High HIV prevalence and associated risk factors among transgender women in China: a cross-sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: Transgender women may face the highest prevalence of HIV of any population, experiencing a disproportionate burden of disease frequently confirmed in surveys throughout the developing and developed world. However, few studies have been conducted specifically for transgender women in China. This study aimed to measure HIV prevalence and explore risk factors for infection in a diverse sample of Chinese transgender women to help advocate for prevention and care interventions for this population. METHODS: From July 2018 to May 2019, we adapted a respondent-driven sampling (RDS) approach to recruit a diverse sample of 250 transgender women through chains of peer referrals in two cities of eastern China, Nanjing and Suzhou. Eligible participants (i.e. 18 years of age or older, living in Jiangsu province and assigned male sex at birth but currently self-identified as a gender different from male) completed a self-administered questionnaire on a mobile phone to collect demographic characteristics and risk behaviours and underwent HIV testing. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The survey sample was young (82% under age 35 years), with 28.8% having a university degree, 39.2% reporting work at entertainment venues, 47.6% ever having taken hormones and 6.4% being diagnosed with an STI in the last year. One in five (20.8%) reported having engaged in sex work. HIV prevalence was 14.8% (95% CI 10.6 to 19.8), with 75.6% of those testing HIV positive reporting they were already aware of their serostatus. In multivariate analysis, HIV prevalence was significantly higher among transgender women above the age of 24 years, those who work at entertainment venues, who never have taken hormones, and who had been diagnosed with an STI in the last year. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of HIV among transgender women in our study, at 14.8%, is among the highest detected in any population in eastern China. Chinese transgender women may therefore follow the disparity in the burden of HIV noted worldwide. Data support policies to prioritize transgender women for HIV testing outreach, for in-depth research to better understand the specific drivers of infection in this population, and for trans-friendly HIV care and prevention programmes to address their specific needs.

Osteogenic potential of Zn2+-passivated carbon dots for bone regeneration in vivo.

Carbon dots are a new kind of nanomaterial which has great potential in biomedical applications. Previously, we have synthesized novel Zn2+-passivated carbon dots (Zn-CDs) which showed good osteogenic activity in vitro. In this study, we will further investigate the osteogenic effects of Zn-CDs in vivo which is essential before their clinical use. Herein, Zn2+-passivated carbon dots (Zn-CDs) are prepared and characterized as previously reported. Then, the optimum dose for inducing osteoblasts was evaluated by MTS assay, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity test and alizarin red staining in vitro. Finally, a 5 mm diameter calvarial bone defect model was created in rats and Zn-CDs were applied for repairing the critical bone defect. It was shown that zinc gluconate (Zn-G) and Zn-CDs promoted the survival of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) when the zinc ion concentration was 10-4 mol L-1 (Zn-G: 45.6 µg mL-1) and 10-5 mol L-1 (Zn-CDs: 300 µg mL-1) or below respectively. With regard to the osteogenic capability, the ALP activity induced by Zn-CDs was significantly higher than that by Zn-G. Besides, the results of alizarin red staining showed that the area of calcified nodules was increased in a dose-dependent manner in the Zn-CD group. Moreover, there were more calcium nodules in the Zn-CD group than in the Zn-G group at the same concentration of Zn2+ (10-5 mol L-1). Taken together, Zn-CDs achieved the highest osteogenic effect at the concentration of 10-5 mol L-1 without affecting cell proliferation in long-term stimulation. Importantly, the volume of new bone formation in the Zn-CD group (6.66 ± 1.25 mm3) was twice higher than that in the control group (3.33 ± 0.94 mm3) in vivo. Further histological evaluation confirmed the markedly new bone formation at 8 weeks in the Zn-CD group. The in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that Zn-CDs could be a new predictable nanomaterial with good biocompatibility and fluorescence properties for guiding bone regeneration.

Epidemiological and clinical differences between sexes and pathogens in a three-year surveillance of acute infectious gastroenteritis in Shanghai.

Acute infectious gastroenteritis cases in Shanghai, reported over three years, were analyzed. Pathogens were identified in 1031 patients; of these, 725 and 306 were bacterial and viral cases, respectively. Vibrio parahemolyticus and Salmonella were the dominant bacteria, and Caliciviridae and Reoviridae were the dominant viral families in the local area. The acute gastroenteritis epidemic peaks appeared in August and January, which represented the active peak periods of bacteria and viruses, respectively. Logistic regression analyses with sex stratification showed that abdominal pain, fever and ingestion of unsafe food at restaurants were independent factors more frequently associated with bacterial gastroenteritis irrespective of sex; red cell-positive fecal matter was associated with bacterial gastroenteritis with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.28 only in males; and white blood cell count was associated with bacterial gastroenteritis with an OR of 1.02 only in females. Pathogen stratification showed that age, vomiting and red cell-positive fecal matter were associated with males with ORs of 0.99, 0.61 and 1.71, respectively, in bacterial gastroenteritis; and the migrant ratio was higher in males with an OR of 2.29 only in viral gastroenteritis. In conclusion, although bacterial and viral gastroenteritis shared many features, epidemiological and clinical factors differed between sexes and pathogens.

Prevalence and associated factors of HIV serostatus disclosure to regular female sex partners among HIV-positive men who have sex with both men and women in China.

HIV-positive men who have sex with men and women (MSMW) may transmit HIV to regular female sexual partners (FSPs, including girlfriend and wife) through unprotected sex. FSPs' awareness of the HIV serostatus of the MSMW promotes them to access services. However, the prevalence of HIV disclosure among MSMW was low, and factors associated with this disclosure are largely unknown. This study aimed to examine factors associated with HIV disclosure to regular FSPs among HIV-positive MSMW. We recruited 432 HIV-positive MSMW from three provinces of China and collected information on participants' individual characteristics and interpersonal relationships with their FSPs using individualized structured questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used for data analysis. The prevalence of HIV disclosure to their most recent FSPs was 49.8%. Facilitators of HIV disclosure included the presence of HIV/AIDS symptoms, perceiving this partner's HIV status as positive, exposure to counseling favoring disclosure, inconsistent condom use, and this partner's acknowledgment of MSM identity. Barriers against HIV disclosure included unknown HIV serostatus of this partner and an instrumental relationship to hide MSM identity. HIV disclosure to regular FSPs was low. Programs should target priority subgroups. Services in counseling favoring disclosure and partner HIV testing should be enhanced.