Polar meron lattice in strained oxide ferroelectrics.

A topological meron features a non-coplanar structure, whose order parameters in the core region are perpendicular to those near the perimeter. A meron is half of a skyrmion, and both have potential applications for information carrying and storage. Although merons and skyrmions in ferromagnetic materials can be readily obtained via inter-spin interactions, their behaviour and even existence in ferroelectric materials are still elusive. Here we observe using electron microscopy not only the atomic morphology of merons with a topological charge of 1/2, but also a periodic meron lattice in ultrathin PbTiO3 films under tensile epitaxial strain on a SmScO3 substrate. Phase-field simulations rationalize the formation of merons for which an epitaxial strain, as a single alterable parameter, plays a critical role in the coupling of lattice and charge. This study suggests that by engineering strain at the nanoscale it should be possible to fabricate topological polar textures, which in turn could facilitate the development of nanoscale ferroelectric devices.

Characteristics and viral suppression among people living with HIV from the National Free Antiretroviral Therapy Programme, 2019.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to present the clinical characteristics of and viral suppression in the national antiretroviral therapy (ART) cohort in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the participants enrolled in China's National Free Antiretroviral Therapy Programme (NFATP) who were on ART at the end of 2019. The data used were from China's NFATP information system. The primary outcome was viral load (VL) suppression. Full virological suppression and low-level viraemia (LLV) were defined as VL < 50 copies/mL and between 51 and 999 copies/mL, respectively. RESULTS: At the end of 2019, 853 429 people living with HIV (PLWH) were on ART. The median age was 44 years [interquartile range (IQR): 33-54]. The majority of PLWH were 25-44 years old (47.2%) and male (73.5%) and reported HIV infection via heterosexual contact (64.5%). The median (IQR) baseline CD4 count was 257 (140-376) cells/µL. Among the 704 375 PLWH who were on ART for at least 12 months, 82.9% had full virological suppression, 6.5% had VL between 50 and 1000 copies/mL (LLV) and 4.3% had VL > 1000 copies/mL. Optimal full virological suppression occurred in participants who acquired HIV through homosexual contact (88.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Although China can be credited for substantial progress in scaling up ART and viral suppression, challenges remain in some key populations, such as injecting drug users, participants with a history of treatment failure and hepatitis C virus co-infected people. To improve the programme output, additional monitoring and intervention for LLV are necessary.

[A qualitative study on HIV related risk behaviors, current status and need for prevention services among 28 money boys].

Objective: To understand the characteristics of HIV-related risk behaviors and needs for prevention services among males who sell sex for money or anything of value (commonly known as money boys or MB), and to provide evidence for the development of targeted interventions. Methods: Using non-probability purposive sampling method and one-on-one interviews. Results: A total of 28 MBs were interviewed, with age range between 20 and 67, and education primarily at junior high school level. Among them 6 were married. Their household registration for residency cut across 15 provinces, and their sexual orientation is diverse. They migrate primarily among tier one cities and provincial capitals. Most enter the trade for economic reasons, relying on clubs and personal networks to find clients, and on word of mouth to obtain knowledge and skills. In addition to their primary clientele of the male homosexual community, 5 out of 28 serve male heterosexuals and 6 out of 28 also serve females. They have some awareness of self protection from diseases, primarily from word of mouth. Nevertheless, over half of them cannot maintain consistent condom use, and 12 out of 28 have a history of illegal drug use. Three of them reported being tested positive for HIV, and all continue to engage in sex work. They prefer their communication messages to be simple and straight-forward. Privacy comes first when they are accessing testing and treatment services. Conclusion: The bridge role of the MB community in transmitting HIV to the general population cannot be ignored, and interventions targeting the MB population need to be strengthened.

[A survey on sexual needs and factors of HIV risky sexual behaviors among elderly men at different ages in two communities of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture].

Objective: To understand sexual needs and factors of risky sexual behaviors among elderly men at different ages in two communities of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong autonomous prefecture and provide basis for targeted HIV prevention and intervention. Methods: Two communities in the prefecture were selected as study sites. Questionnaire surveys were carried out among elderly men aged 50 and over who visited or consulted in the communities from June to December 2018, and they were tested for HIV and syphilis antibodies. Results: Among 400 elderly men, 209 (52.2%) were 50-64 years old, and 191(47.8%) were above 65 years old. They were mainly Miao people, accounting for 66.3% (265/400), and 235 (58.8%) had an education no more than 6 years. HIV awareness of the two age groups were only 25.8% (54/199) and 26.2% (50/191), respectively. Among those aged 50-64, 142 (68.0%) felt normal sexual desire, and 153 (73.6%) reported penile erections or erections in most cases whenever sex, and 52.9% (110) ejaculated most of the time. HIV prevalence was 1.0% (4/400). Compared with the over 65-year-old group, the proportion of having sex with spouse/stable partners (89.5%, 179/200), proportion of no condom use with their spouse/stable sexual partners during the most recent sex (93.8%, 168/179), proportion of having casual sex (11.0%, 23/209) and commercial sex (3.8%, 8/209) were all higher among 50-64 age group. In comparison to those aged over 65 years old, average monthly income>3 000, and use of sex helper, aged 50-64 (OR=2.70, 95%CI: 1.22-5.95), average monthly income ≤1 000 yuan (OR=2.79, 95%CI: 1.25-6.21), and no use of sex helper (OR=3.78) (95%CI: 1.65-8.67) were related factors of HIV risky sexual behavior last time. Conclusion: Elderly men in the minority prefecture had low HIV awareness. Compared with those≥65 years old, the 50-64 age group had more active sexual behaviors and higher sexual needs. Those from 50-64 age group, with lower economic level and good sexual ability were more likely to have HIV risky sexual behaviors.

A serine protease homologue Bombyx mori scarface induces a short and fat body shape in silkworm.

Body shape is one of the most prominent and basic characteristics of any organism. In insects, abundant variations in body shape can be observed both within and amongst species. However, the molecular mechanism underlying body shape fine-tuning is very complex and has been largely unknown until now. In the silkworm Bombyx mori, the tubby (tub) mutant has an abnormal short fat body shape and the abdomen of tub larvae expands to form a fusiform body shape. Morphological investigation revealed that the body length was shorter and the body width was wider than that of the Dazao strain. Thus, this mutant is a good model for studying the molecular mechanisms of body shape fine-tuning. Using positional cloning, we identified a gene encoding the serine protease homologue, B. mori scarface (Bmscarface), which is associated with the tub phenotype. Sequence analysis revealed a specific 312-bp deletion from an exon of Bmscarface in the tub strain. In addition, recombination was not observed between the tub and Bmscarface loci. Moreover, RNA interference of Bmscarface resulted in the tub-like phenotype. These results indicate that Bmscarface is responsible for the tub mutant phenotype. This is the first study to report that mutation of a serine protease homologue can induce an abnormal body shape in insects.

Evidence for horizontal transfer of a recently active Academ transposon.

Horizontal transfer (HT), the exchange of genetic material between species, plays important roles in transposon biology and genome evolution. In this study, we provide the first documented example of a new Academ transposon involved in recent and distant HTs into the genomes of species belonging to seven different orders of insects: Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Neuroptera, Embioptera, Dermaptera, Trichoptera and Zoraptera. These results suggest that HT of DNA transposons amongst insects has occurred on a broader scale than previously appreciated. The Academ transposon discovered in the Lepidoptera and parasitic wasps is of particular interest because the intimate association between wasps and their lepidopteran hosts might provide an opportunity for HT of transposons.

Lactobacillus pentosus var. plantarum C29 ameliorates age-dependent memory impairment in Fischer 344 rats.

UNLABELLED: To understand the anti-inflammaging effect of lactic acid bacteria, we selected NF-κB activation-inhibitory Lactobacillus pentosus var. plantarum C29 and investigated its memory-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects in aged Fischer 344 rats. C29 (2 × 10(9) CFU rat(-1) ), which was orally administered once a day (6 days per week) for 8 weeks, significantly restored age-reduced spontaneous alternation to 95.2% of that seen in young rats (P < 0.05). C29 treatment also shortened the escape latency on the 4th day to 53.8% of that seen in young rats (P < 0.05). Twenty hours after the last training session, C29 significantly increased the swimming time within the platform quadrant, which was shortened in the aged control rats. Oral administration of C29 restored age-reduced doublecortin (DCX) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) activation in aged rats. Treatment of aged rats with C29 suppressed the expression of p16, cyclooxygenase-2, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, as well as the activation of Akt, mTOR, and NF-κB in the hippocampus. These findings suggest that C29 ameliorates ageing-dependent memory impairment by inhibiting NF-κB signalling pathway, inducing DCX and BDNF expression and activating CREB. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The anti-inflammatory Lactobacillus pentosus var. plantarum C29 had the memory-enhancing effect in aged Fischer 344 rats by restoring doublecortin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and suppressing p16 expression and NF-κB activation in the brain. Therefore, C29 may be useful in ameliorating age-related degenerative dementia.

[Survey on monkeypox knowledge awareness, risk perception and vaccination intention in men who have sex with men in five cities in northeast China].

Objective: To understand the monkeypox knowledge awareness, risk perception and vaccination intention in men who have sex with men (MSM) in five cities in northeast China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using electronic questionnaire in MSM selected by convenience sampling in five cities in northeast China (Shenyang, Panjin, Changchun, Harbin and Jiamusi) from June 28 to July 8, 2023 by local centers for disease control and prevention and MSM communities. The sample size was estimated to be 220. Information about their demographics, monkeypox-related knowledge awareness, perceived concern about epidemic risk perception, and monkeypox vaccination intention were collected. Logistic regression model was used to analyze related factors for MSM's monkeypox vaccination intention. Results: In 355 MSM, 63.9% (227/355) had monkeypox vaccination intentions, and 55.5% (197/355) had high awareness of monkeypox related knowledge with a mean knowledge awareness score of 3.7±1.5. MSM with education level of high-school and above (aOR=1.93, 95%CI:1.01-3.69), higher knowledge awareness score (aOR=1.19, 95%CI:1.02-1.40) and higher risk perception of monkeypox infection (aOR=1.82, 95%CI:1.15-2.88), were more willing to receive monkeypox vaccination. The main reasons for willingness to receive monkeypox vaccine were preventing monkeypox (86.3%, 196/227) and worrying about appearance being affected (62.1%, 141/227). The main reasons for unwillingness for the vaccination included concerns about vaccine safety (53.1%, 68/128), clinical progression of AIDS being affected (46.1%, 59/128) and efficacy of antiretroviral therapy being affected (44.5%, 57/128). Conclusions: The levels of knowledge awareness and vaccine intentions still need to be improved among MSM in five cities of northeast China. It is necessary to improve the awareness of monkeypox and intention of monkeypox vaccination, promote protected sex behavior and self-assessment of infection risk, reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase monkeypox vaccination intention in MSM in 5 cities in northeast China.

A novel hAT element in Bombyx mori and Rhodnius prolixus: its relationship with miniature inverted repeat transposable elements (MITEs) and horizontal transfer.

Comparative analysis of transposable elements (TEs) from different species can make it possible to reconstruct their history over evolutionary time. In this study, we identified a novel hAT element in Bombyx mori and Rhodnius prolixus with characteristic GGGCGGCA repeats in its subterminal region. Meanwhile, phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the elements in these two species might represent a separate cluster of the hAT superfamily. Strikingly, a previously identified miniature inverted repeat transposable element (MITE) shared high identity with this autonomous element across the entire length, supporting the hypothesis that MITEs are derived from the internal deletion of DNA transposons. Interestingly, identity of the consensus sequences of this novel hAT element between B. mori and R. prolixus, which diverged about 370 million years ago, was as high as 96.5% over their full length (about 3.6 kb) at the nucleotide level. The patchy distribution amongst species, coupled with overall lack of intense purifying selection acting on this element, suggest that this novel hAT element might have experienced horizontal transfer between the ancestors of B. mori and R. prolixus. Our results highlight that this novel hAT element could be used as a potential tool for germline transformation of R. prolixus to control the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease.

Lactobacillus brevis G-101 ameliorates colitis in mice by inhibiting NF-κB, MAPK and AKT pathways and by polarizing M1 macrophages to M2-like macrophages.

AIM: We isolated Lactobacillus brevis G-101 from kimchi lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains, which induced IL-10 expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. To evaluate the inflammatory effect of G-101, we examined its inhibitory effect in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitic mice. MATERIALS AND RESULTS: The colitic mice were prepared by intrarectal injection of TNBS. We measured intestinal mucosal cytokines by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; activation of transcription factors, by immunoblotting; and macrophage polarization markers, by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Of 200 LAB strains tested, Lact. brevis G-101 showed most potent activity for induction of IL-10 expression in LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. However, it significantly inhibited the expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß and IL-6 and the phosphorylation of IRAK1 and AKT, and activated NF-κB and MAPKs. Treatment with TNBS caused colon shortening; increased myeloperoxidase activity; and increased IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α expression in mice. Oral administration of Lact. brevis G-101 significantly inhibited these activities. Lactobacillus brevis G-101 inhibited TNBS-induced IRAK-1 phosphorylation and NF-κB activation, as well as the expression of COX-2 and iNOS. Lactobacillus brevis G-101 inhibited the expression of M1 macrophage markers, but increased the expression of M2 macrophages in the colons of TNBS-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS: Lactobacillus brevis G-101 may improve colitis by inhibiting the IRAK1/NF-κB, MAPK and AKT pathways and by polarizing M1 macrophages to M2-like macrophages. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results suggest that IL-10 expression-inducing LAB can ameliorate colitis by inhibiting NF-κB activation and macrophage polarization.

Lactobacillus pentosus var. plantarum C29 protects scopolamine-induced memory deficit in mice.

AIMS: In the preliminary study, kimchi, a traditional food fermented with Chinese cabbage, protected scopolamine-induced mouse memory deficit in passive avoidance test. Therefore, we screened protective ingredients, particularly lactic acid bacteria, from Chinese cabbage kimchi against scopolamine-induced memory deficit in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Lactic acid bacteria, isolated from Chinese cabbage kimchi, were identified by 16S rDNA sequence analysis, G+C content and cellular fatty acid composition and sugar fermentation test. Memory deficit was induced in mice by intraperitoneally injecting with scopolamine. Kimchi, particularly its supernatant, protected scopolamine-induced memory deficit in mice in passive avoidance test. Of kimchi ingredients, a lactic acid bacterium, strain C29, potently protected scopolamine-induced memory deficit in mice. C29 was a gram-positive, catalase-negative, anaerobic and non-motile rod. Its pylogenetic property was near to Lactobacillus pentosus (99%) and Lact. plantarum (99%). However, C29 fermented inulin and L-rhamnose and grew in pH 3 and at 45°C in contrast with Lact. pentosus and Lact. plantarum. Therefore, it named to be Lact pentosus var. plantarum C29. The strain C29 protected scopolamine-induced memory deficit in Y-maze and Morris water maze tests. Furthermore, C29 increased hippocampal BDNF and p-CREB expressions, which were reduced by scopolamine. CONCLUSION: Lactobacillus pentosus var. plantarum C29 may protect memory deficit by inducing BDNF and p-CREB expressions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Lactic acid bacteria, such as Lact pentosus var. plantarum C29, may prevent memory deficit and its contained fermented foods may be beneficial for dementia.

In vitro mitochondrial apoptosis of melanoma cells via immature Poncirus trifoliata fruit extract.

OBJECTIVE: Poncirus trifoliata (P. trifoliata) fruits exert phytotherapeutic effects, depending on their maturity level. However, the mechanism by which these phytotherapeutic effects are exerted remains undefined - especially in cancers. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of the immature fruit extract of P. trifoliata on a B16 melanoma cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effect of immature P. trifoliata extract on B16 cells was evaluated by MTT assay, cell proliferation, FACScan analysis of cell cycles, confocal imaging analysis, nuclear (Hoechst) staining, apoptosis assay (Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining), and Western blot assay. The capacity of immature P. trifoliata extract to inhibit the invasion and migration of B16 cells was assessed using the scratch-wound assay and Matrigel migration assay. The effect of immature P. trifoliata extract on mitochondrial function was determined via the mitochondrial membrane potential assay, activity, and fraction and cytosol proteins. RESULTS: Treating B16 cells with a methanol extract of immature P. trifoliata (MEPT) significantly inhibited cell viability, migration, and invasiveness in a dose- (p<0.01) and time (p<0.01)- dependent manner. MEPT arrested the cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and led to the activation of the PI3K/AKT/p21 pathway. Furthermore, MEPT dose-dependently induced apoptosis in B16 cells by increasing the expression of the pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Apaf-1, while decreasing the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2. MEPT treatment also decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. CONCLUSIONS: Immature P. trifoliata extract inhibited the growth of melanoma cells by inducing cell apoptosis through mitochondrial pathways. Therefore, further research into immature P. trifoliata extract as a potential therapeutic compound for melanoma treatment is warranted.

Dynamical mean-field theory of nickelate superlattices.

Dynamical mean-field methods are used to calculate the phase diagram, many-body density of states, relative orbital occupancy, and Fermi-surface shape for a realistic model of LaNiO(3)-based superlattices. The model is derived from density-functional band calculations and includes oxygen orbitals. The combination of the on-site Hunds interaction and charge transfer between the transition metal and the oxygen orbitals is found to reduce the orbital polarization far below the levels predicted either by band-structure calculations or by many-body analyses of Hubbard-type models which do not explicitly include the oxygen orbitals. The findings indicate that heterostructuring is unlikely to produce one band-model physics and demonstrate the fundamental inadequacy of modeling the physics of late transition-metal oxides with Hubbard-like models.

Effects of dietary vitamin E on immunological stress of layers and their offspring.

In the present study, two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of vitamin E (VE) supplementation of a commercial layer diet on the laying performance and immunological stress responses of hens and their offspring. In experiment 1, responses to increased dietary VE levels were evaluated on 180 White Leghorn layers between 20 and 35 weeks of age. There were three levels of VE in the diets (0, 40 and 100 IU/kg) and five replicates per treatment, each containing 12 hens. Results showed that the high level of VE supplementation (100 IU/kg) had a beneficial effect on feed intake and feed efficiency of hens (p < 0.05), compared with the VE-deficient or low-level group. In experiment 2, 540 female progeny from the VE-treated hens in experiment 1 were used. The experimental design consisted of three levels of VE supplementation (the same as their mothers') × 3 vaccinating routines, the first vaccination being administered on day 5, 8 or 11. All vaccines and the subsequent vaccinating intervals were identical. In the interim of the experiment, each bird was injected celiacly with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that antibody titres against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) or avian influenza virus (AIV) and the plasma concentration of interleukin (IL)-1 were increased by the high level of VE supplementation. There were significant effects of the day of initial immunization with infection bursal disease on the NDV and AIV antibody titre, H/L ratio and plasma concentration of corticosterone and IL-1 before and after injecting LPS, suggesting the occurrence of immunological stress. There was also significant interaction between VE and vaccination routine on the immune functions of experimental birds. Considered together with the results of experiment 1, VEs biological function appeared to be dose-dependent, especially with regard to its positive effect on the immune responses of young chickens.

Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NK112 mitigates Escherichia coli-induced depression and cognitive impairment in mice by regulating IL-6 expression and gut microbiota.

The gut microbiota communicates with the brain through microbiota-gut-brain (MGB) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes and other pathways. Excessive expression of interleukin (IL)-6 is closely associated with the occurrence of the psychiatric disorders depression and dementia. Therefore, to understand whether IL-6 expression-suppressing probiotics could alleviate psychiatric disorders, we isolated IL-6 expression-inhibiting Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (formerly Lactobacillus paracasei) NK112 from the human faecal bacteria strain collection (Neurobiota Research Center, Seoul, Korea) and examined its therapeutic effect for the depression and cognitive impairment in mice. C57 BL/6J mice with depression and cognitive impairment were prepared by exposure to Escherichia coli K1. Oral gavage of NK112 significantly alleviated K1-induced anxious, depressive, and memory-impaired behaviours in the elevated plus maze, tail-suspension and Y-maze tasks, IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression, and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) activation in the hippocampus, while K1-suppressed brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression increased. Treatment with NK112 also improved K1-induced myeloperoxidase activity, IL-6 and TNF-α expression, and NF-κB activation in the colon and reduced K1-induced Proteobacteria population in the gut microbiota. Heat-killed NK112 and its lysate supernatant, and precipitate fractions also improved anxiety/depression, cognitive impairment, and colitis in mice. In conclusion, NK112, even if heat-killed or lysed, alleviated K1 stress-induced colitis, anxiety/depression, and cognitive impairment by suppressing IL-6, TNF-α, and BDNF expression through the regulation of gut microbiota and NF-κB activation.

[Analysis of factors related to the online social interaction and causal sexual behaviors among foreigners in Guangzhou].

Objective: To understand the social support, social network, and sexual behavior characteristics of foreigners living in Guangzhou, analyze factors relating to aspects of online social interactions and sexual behaviors of foreigners in Guangzhou, and provide references for targeted HIV intervention services for foreigners. Methods: A cross-sectional survey (both online and offline), among those who met the inclusion criteria was conducted between November 2019 and January 2020. Data were collected on demographics, social support, online social interactions, sexual behaviors, and so on. Statistics were compiled to analyze the factors that may influence casual sexual behaviors. Results: A total of 434 participants were included in the study (241 offline and 193 online). The majority of the participants were male 68.4% (297/434), age (31.0±8.8) years old, African 79.0% (343/434), business people 46.5% (202/434), students 48.2% (209/434), who have business partners and family members in China were 59.4% (258/434) and 28.1% (122/434) separately. They also had the following features: less than 10 close friends 57.1% (248/434); spend 1-3 hours on social applications per day 43.3% (188/434), had casual sexual behaviors in the last 3 months 15.2% (55/363). Multiple logistic regression model analysis showed that compared with those who used social applications for less than 1 hour per day, participants who used social applications for more than 6 hours per day were more likely to have casual sexual behaviors in the last 3 months (OR=3.63, 95%CI: 1.31-10.08). Conclusions: Participants who used social applications for a longer period every day were more likely to have casual sexual behaviors among foreigners in Guangzhou. Good use of social applications for health promotion and education of HIV can increase the health awareness of foreigners in China.

Two-dimensional confinement of 3d{1} electrons in LaTiO_{3}/LaAlO{3} multilayers.

We report spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements of the anisotropy of the interband transitions parallel and perpendicular to the planes of (LaTiO3)n(LaAlO3)5 multilayers with n=1-3. These provide direct information about the electronic structure of the two-dimensional (2D) 3d{1} state of the Ti ions. In combination with local density approximation, including a Hubbard U calculation, we suggest that 2D confinement in the TiO2 slabs lifts the degeneracy of the t{2g} states leaving only the planar d{xy} orbitals occupied. We outline that these multilayers can serve as a model system for the study of the t{2g} 2D Hubbard model.

[Survival analysis on HIV-infected children aged 14 years old and younger in China].

Objective: To understand the survival status and related influencing factors of HIV-infected children aged ≤14 years old, in China. Methods: HIV-infected children were selected from the China's HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System (CRIMS). A retrospective cohort study was conducted to investigate the situation of survival on infected children. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to screen the factors affecting the survival time. Results: This study involved 8 029 cases of infected children, with a median survival time of 179.75 months. The cumulative survival probabilities at 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, and 10 years after the diagnosis, were 99.13%, 97.95%, 90.11% and 78.63%, respectively. Results from the multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis showed that children who did not receive antiviral therapy were 12.81 times more likely to die than the ones who received the antiretroviral therapy (95%CI: 11.40-14.27). Male HIV-infected children were 1.20 (95%CI: 1.10-1.32) times more likely to die than the female HIV-infected children. The risk of death among HIV positive children at the age of 3 to 5 years was 0.67 (95%CI: 0.60-0.76) times of those children who were diagnosed at the age of 2 years old or younger. The risk of death among children infected with HIV in Northwest was 0.52 (95%CI: 0.29-0.95) times higher than the ones from the Northeast areas of China. The risk of death among children who received antiviral treatment (ART) in the residential areas was 1.96 (95%CI: 1.48-2.61) times than those children who did not. The risk of death from children who did not receive health care services was 2.07 times of those children who did (95%CI: 1.88-2.29). Conclusions: The median survival time of HIV-infected children aged ≤14 years old was 179.75 months, in China. Our findings revealed that initiation of antiviral therapy, female, age, place of receiving ART (out of the residential areas), living in Northwest China, care services and being diagnosed at older age etc. were protective factors influencing the survival time of infected children.

[HIV infection rate in people aged 50 years and older in China: a Meta-analysis].

Objective: The prevalence of HIV/AIDS in people aged ≥50 years is increasing in China, resulting in another focus for AIDS prevention and control. A Meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the HIV infection, its area and time distributions in people aged ≥50 years in China to provide evidence for the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS. Methods: Information on HIV infection rate in people aged ≥50 years in China were collected from Wanfang digital database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed and Embase. The R Studio1.1.456 software was used to calculate the pooled infection rate, and assessed the publication bias. Results: A total of 30 studies which covered 13 provinces were selected. From 2010 to 2018, the pooled HIV infection rate in people aged ≥50 years was 1.68% (95%CI:1.00%-2.79%). The HIV infection rate (2.60%) was higher in eastern China than in central and western China (0.16%, 2.13%). Conclusion: The overall HIV infection rate in people aged ≥50 years is generally high in China. It is important to control the HIV infection in this population to facilitate the AIDS prevention and control in China.

[Interrupted time series analysis for influence on HIV related fatality of implementation of 'Four Free Services One Care' policy in China].

Objective: To analyze influence on HIV related fatality of implementation of 'Four Free Services One Care' policy in China during 1993-2012, and evaluate effectiveness for the policy of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Methods: The data during 1993-2003 (before the implementation of the policy) and during 2005-2012 (after the implementation of the policy) were collected from the national HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System for the analysis on HIV related fatality in Chinese, especially in rural residents. Interrupted time series analysis was used to analyze the trends of HIV related fatality during 1993 and 2012. Results: During the twenty years from 1993 to 2012, the HIV related fatality in China decreased, and the HIV related fatality in rural areas was higher than the overall HIV related fatality. Compared with the period before the implementation of the policy, the overall HIV related fatality decreased by 1.5% (P=0.156) and the HIV related fatality in rural residents decreased by 2.6% in 2004 when the policy was implemented (P=0.094). As for the change of slope, the overall slope rate after the policy implementation was -0.466 (P=0.005), indicating a decrease trend of HIV related fatality. The slope rate after the policy implementation in rural residents was-0.592 (P=0.005), indicating a decrease trend of HIV related fatality. At the same time, the slope rate after the policy implementation in rural residents infected through blood transmission route was-0.766 (P<0.001), indicating a decrease trend of HIV related fatality. Conclusions: The implementation of the 'Four Free Services One Care' policy in China has made remarkable progress in free HIV antiviral therapy.