UiO-66/AgNPs Coating for Dental Implants in Preventing Bacterial Infections.

Titanium (Ti)-based biomaterials lack inherent antimicrobial activities, and the dental plaque formed on the implant surface is one of the main risk factors for implant infections. Construction of an antibacterial surface can effectively prevent implant infections and enhance implant success. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) exhibit broad antibacterial activity and a low tendency to induce drug resistance, but AgNPs easily self-aggregate in the aqueous environment, which significantly impairs their antibacterial activity. In this study, UiO-66/AgNP (U/A) nanocomposite was prepared, where zirconium metal-organic frameworks (UiO-66) were employed as the confinement matrix to control the particle size and prevent aggregation of AgNPs. The bactericidal activity of U/A against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli increased nearly 75.51 and 484.50 times compared with individually synthesized Ag. The antibacterial mechanism can be attributed to the enhanced membrane rupture caused by the ultrafine AgNPs on UiO-66, leading to protein leakage and generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Then, U/A was loaded onto Ti substrates (Ti-U/A) by using self-assembly deposition methods to construct an antibacterial surface coating. Ti-U/A exhibited excellent antibacterial activities and desired biocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. The U/A nanocomposite coating technique is thus expected to be used as a promising surface modification strategy for Ti-based dental implants for preventing dental implant infections.

[The identification of a novel reassortant H3N2 avian influenza virus based on nanopore sequencing technology and genetic characterization].

Objective: To identify a novel reassortant H3N2 avian influenza virus using nanopore sequencing technology and analyze its genetic characteristics. Methods: The positive samples of the H3N2 avian influenza virus, collected from the external environment in the farmers' market of Guangzhou, were cultured in chicken embryos. The whole genome was sequenced by targeted amplification and nanopore sequencing technology. The genetic characteristics were analyzed using bioinformatics software. Results: The phylogenetic trees showed that each gene fragment of the strain belonged to the Eurasian evolutionary branch, and the host source was of avian origin. The HA gene was closely related to the origin of the H3N6 virus. The NA gene was closely related to the H3N2 avian influenza virus from 2017 to 2020. The PB1 gene was closely related to the H5N6 avian influenza virus in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Fujian Province from 2016 to 2022 and was not related to the PB1 gene of the H5N6 avian influenza epidemic strain in Guangzhou. The other internal gene fragments had complex sources with significant genetic diversity. Molecular characteristics indicated that the strain exhibited the molecular characteristics of a typical low pathogenic avian influenza virus and tended to bind to the receptors of avian origin. On important protein sites related to biological characteristics, this strain had mutations of PB2-L89V, PB1-L473V, NP-A184K, M1-N30D/T215A, and NS1-P42S/N205S. Conclusions: This study identified a novel reassortant H3N2 avian influenza virus by nanopore sequencing, with the PB1 gene derived from the H5N6 avian influenza virus. The virus had a low ability to spread across species, but further exploration was needed to determine whether its pathogenicity to the host was affected.

Development of the control system for electron cyclotron resonance heating on J-TEXT tokamak.

A 105 GHz/500 kW/1 s electron cyclotron resonance heating (ECRH) system has been developed on J-TEXT tokamak since 2017. The core component of the ECRH system is a gyrotron manufactured by Gyrotron Complexes Ltd. (GYCOM Ltd.), which generates microwaves of a certain frequency and power. To guarantee safe and stable operation, it is necessary to design a specialized control system. The control system is expected to perform time sequence trigger, protection, signal monitoring, communication, and data acquisition. The hardware is built with real-time processors and data acquisition modules from National Instruments. The control program is realized by LabVIEW. Test results indicate that the control system can commit stable and safe operation of the gyrotron, which guarantees the integrated commissioning tests of the whole ECRH system and ECRH related physics experiments. Under the operation of this control system, the gyrotron can generate microwaves as expected, and the ECRH system is well protected when a fault takes place.

[HIV infection rate, high-risk behavior and pre-exposure prophylaxis/post-exposure prophylaxis in men who have sex with men in Beijing].

Objective: To understand the incidence of HIV infection, high risk behaviors and pre-exposure prophylaxis/post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP/PEP) utilization in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing. Methods: Sample size was estimated to be 1 227 persons and 207 person year respectively in the survey and the cohort by using Epi Info 7.0 software. Using convenient sampling method, MSM were recruited by using Wechat app. Questionnaire was completed online to collect the information about demographic characteristics, high risk behavior, and utilization of PrEP/PEP of the MSM. MSM collected dry blood spot (DBS) samples by themselves, and mailed the DBS samples to laboratory for HIV nucleic acid testing. Open cohort was established and those with HIV negative nucleic acid testing results were followed up. Non-conditional binary logistic regression method was used to identify the associated factors for high risk anal sex in the last month and having multiple homosexual partners in the last month. Results: A total of 1 147 MSM were recruited, and follow up for 236 person years was conducted in 956 MSM with negative HIV nucleic acid testing results. The detection rate of new HIV infection was 1.3 per 100 person-years (3/236). During the last month, the proportions of consistent condom use in anal sex and oral sex were 50.7% (238/469) and 4.9% (23/469). In the MSM, 5.9% (43/723) had sex with HIV positive partners in the last month. 9.8% (103/1 049) used PrEP, and 8.7% (91/1 049) used PEP. The proportion of consistent condom use in PrEP and PEP were 34.3% (24/70) and 72.2% (39/54) respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that compared with those who used no PrEP/PEP, those who used PrEP/PEP were more likely to have unprotected anal sex in the last month (aOR=3.16, 95%CI:1.45-7.18), and more likely to have multiple homosexual partners in the last month (aOR=2.64, 95%CI:1.19-6.30), and compared with those who used no Rush Popper or drugs in the last month, those who used Rush Popper or drugs in the last month were more likely to have unprotected anal sex in the last month (aOR=2.34, 95%CI:1.67-3.30), and more likely to have multiple homosexual partners (aOR=2.42,95%CI:1.76-3.33). Conclusions: It is necessary to strengthen the health education to promote condom use and introduce the harm of drug use in MSM. In PrEP and PEP services, it is still necessary to suggest consistent condom use for MSM.

Immune-mediated hematological disease in dogs is associated with alterations of the fecal microbiota: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The dog is the most popular companion animal and is a valuable large animal model for several human diseases. Canine immune-mediated hematological diseases, including immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), share many features in common with autoimmune hematological diseases of humans. The gut microbiome has been linked to systemic illness, but few studies have evaluated its association with immune-mediated hematological disease. To address this knowledge gap, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to profile the fecal microbiota of dogs with spontaneous IMHA and ITP at presentation and following successful treatment. In total, 21 affected and 13 healthy control dogs were included in the study. RESULTS: IMHA/ITP is associated with remodeling of fecal microbiota, marked by decreased relative abundance of the spirochete Treponema spp., increased relative abundance of the pathobionts Clostridium septicum and Escherichia coli, and increased overall microbial diversity. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that Treponema spp. were associated with decreased risk of IMHA/ITP (odds ratio [OR] 0.24-0.34), while Ruminococcaceae UCG-009 and Christensenellaceae R-7 group were associated with increased risk of disease (OR = 6.84 [95% CI 2-32.74] and 8.36 [95% CI 1.85-71.88] respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an association of immune-mediated hematological diseases in dogs with fecal dysbiosis, and points to specific bacterial genera as biomarkers of disease. Microbes identified as positive or negative risk factors for IMHA/ITP represent an area for future research as potential targets for new diagnostic assays and/or therapeutic applications.

Effects of a compound Trichoderma agent on Coptis chinensis growth, nutrients, enzyme activity, and microbial community of rhizosphere soil.

Background: Root rot diseases are prevalent in many Coptis chinensis Franch. production areas, perhaps partially due to the overuse of synthetic fertilizers. Synthetic fertilizers can also lead to soil degradation. Trichoderma is widely used in biofertilizers and biopesticides. This study applied a combination of four Trichoderma species (compound Trichoderma agent, CTA) to C. chinensis and evaluated its effects on growth, as well as rhizosphere soil nutrients, enzyme activities, and microbial community structure. The purpose of this study was to estimate the potential of using CTA as a biofertilizer for C. chinensis, and determine if it could, at least partially, replace synthetic fertilizers to control root rot disease and maintain soil fertility. Method: CTA, compound fertilizer and sterile water were applied to C. chinensis plants. After 60 days, the soluble sugar, soluble protein, chlorophyll of leaves, and individual weight of each plant were measured. The rhizosphere soil nutrient content, enzymatic activity, and the microbial community were also determined. The results were analyzed to evaluate the effect of CTA on C. chinensis growth and soil fertility. Results: CTA increased the soluble protein, chlorophyll, and individual weight of C. chinensis plants while compound fertilizer decreased chlorophyll. CTA increased the activities of urease and catalase in rhizosphere soil, whereas the compound fertilizer decreased urease, catalase, and alkaline phosphatase activities. CTA elevated soil pH, while compound fertilizer reduced it. CTA had no significant effects on soil nutrients and organic matter. CTA decreased the fungal number and alpha-diversity of fungi and bacteria, and both the fungal and bacterial communities were significantly different from the other two. CTA increased B/F value, which improved the rhizosphere microbial community. Both CTA and the compound fertilizer significantly altered the soil microbial community. The relative abundance of Ascomycota was higher and Basidiomycota was lower after CTA treatment than after the other two treatments, indicating that the soil treated with CTA was healthier than that of the other two treatments. CTA decreased harmful Ilyonectria mors-panacis and Corynebacterium sp. And increased beneficial Ralstonia picketti. Trichoderma spp. could exist in C. chinensis rhizosphere soil for a long time. The functional prediction results demonstrated that CTA reduced some rhizosphere phytopathogenic fungi. Correlation analysis showed that CTA elevated rhizosphere pH and enzyme activities. In summary, synthetic fertilizers damaged soil fertility, and the overuse of them might be responsible for root rot disease, while CTA could promote C. chinensis growth, improve soil and decrease the incidence and severity of C. chinensis root rot disease. Therefore, as a biofertilizer, CTA can, at least partially, replace synthetic fertilizers in C. chinensis production. Combining it with organic fertilizer will increase the potential of Trichoderma.

[Excerpt from the 2023 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases practice guideline: prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma].

The 2023 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases practice guidelines (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) provide the latest approach for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. The prior American Association for the study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) HCC guidelines have been updated to reflect the clinically significant advances in multiple fields of HCC. Notable examples of these updates include recommendations for the use of ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein for HCC monitoring, the expansion of surgical treatment indications, the addition of immunosuppressive therapy as first-line systemic therapy, and the implementation of clear multidisciplinary care and proactive care planning.

[Increased muscle mass increases risks of intervertebral disc degeneration: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the causal relationship between sarcopenia (SP) and intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) using two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. METHODS: Genome-wide association study (GWAS) databases of SP (lean body mass, right and left hand grip strength) and IVDD were obtained. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) strongly associated with exposure were obtained as an instrumental variable. After conservatively removing two confounders (smoking and sedentary life style), the causal relationship between SP and IVDD was assessed using Mendelian randomization analyses through the inverse variance weighting (IVW), weighted median (WM) and MR-Egger methods. The consistency and accuracy of the results were verified by MR-PRESSO, double validation, negative control, heterogeneity and diversity tests. RESULTS: A total of 570 SNPs associated with lean muscle mass, 97 with strong right hand grip strength, and 79 with strong left hand grip strength were included in the analysis. The results showed that lean muscle mass had a significant positive correlation with IVDD (IVW: OR=1.139, 95% CI: 1.076-1.204, P=6.619e-6) and right hand grip strength had a possible positive correlation with IVDD. After reanalysis in MR-PRESSO and selection of a new IVDD database, the results remained largely consistent with the previous results. CONCLUSION: Increased muscle mass may increase the risk of intervertebral disc degeneration.

Synthesis of two quasi-optical polarizers for the multi-frequency high-power millimeter wave system.

Millimeter wave systems based on powerful gyrotron can deliver megawatt microwave power, which is an important auxiliary heating method for magnetic confinement fusion devices. Reflective gratings are normally used as quasi-optical polarizers for polarization control of the wave in such systems. Based on the coordinate transformation method, we developed a numerical code to study the broadband polarization strategy. By considering the synthesis of two polarizers, we designed a pair of polarizers in the W band. Calculation results indicated that almost arbitrary polarization can be achieved in a wide frequency range. To verify the design, we set up a low-power test platform and experiments were carried out. The performance of the polarizers was tested from 80 to 105 GHz with a step of 5 GHz. The test results agreed well with the numerical results, indicating that the design is reasonable. With the development of multi-frequency gyrotrons, the study in this paper can be used as a reference for the design of broadband polarizers of multi-frequency millimeter wave systems.

Effects of growing Coptis chinensis Franch in the natural understory vs. under a manmade scaffold on its growth, alkaloid contents, and rhizosphere soil microenvironment.

Background: The main planting modes currently used for the production of Coptis chinensis Franch are under the shade of a manmade scaffold or a natural understory. In this study, we analysed changes in the growth, development, and alkaloids of C. chinensis when grown in a natural understory compared with under a manmade scaffold. We also clarified the differences in the rhizosphere soil microenvironment, represented by soil physicochemical factors, enzyme activity, and microbial community structure of 1- to 5-year-old C. chinensis between the different planting modes. These results will provide theoretical guidance and scientific evidence for the development, application, and extension of ecological planting technologies for C. chinensis. Results: The results of this study showed that rhizome length, rhizome diameter, and rhizome weight all increased over time in both planting modes. The greatest rhizome length was reached in 4-year-old C. chinensis, while the greatest rhizome diameter and rhizome weight were obtained in 5-year-old C. chinensis. There was no significant difference in rhizome biomass between the two planting modes. The alkaloid content of the four common alkaloids in the rhizome of 5-year-old C. chinensis at the harvest stage met the standards found in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China; the berberine content and total alkaloids in the rhizomes were significantly higher with natural understory planting compared to planting under a manmade scaffold. A redundancy analysis revealed that the physicochemical factors and enzyme activity of rhizosphere soil were significantly correlated with variation in microbial community structure. Soil pH, available potassium, bulk density, available nitrogen, catalase, and peroxidase were all significantly correlated with bacterial and fungal community structures. Among these, soil pH was the most important factor influencing the structures of the fungal and bacterial community. In the two planting modes, the differences in soil enzyme activity and microbial community structure mainly manifested in the rhizosphere soil of C. chinensis between different growth years, as there was little difference between the rhizosphere soil of C. chinensis in a given growth year under different planting modes. The levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter in the rhizosphere soil under either planting mode were closely associated with the type and amount of fertiliser applied to C. chinensis. Investigating the influence of different fertilisation practices on nutrient cycling in farmland and the relationship between fertilisation and the soil environment will be key to improving the yield and quality of C. chinensis medicinal materials while maintaining the health of the soil microenvironment.

Evidence of altered fatty acid metabolism in dogs with naturally occurring valvular heart disease and congestive heart failure.

INTRODUCTION: Myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is the most common cardiac condition in adult dogs. The disease progresses over several years and affected dogs may develop congestive heart failure (HF). Research has shown that myocardial metabolism is altered in cardiac disease, leading to a reduction in ß-oxidation of fatty acids and an increased dependence upon glycolysis. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate whether a shift in substrate use occurs in canine patients with MMVD; a naturally occurring model of human disease. METHODS: Client-owned dogs were longitudinally evaluated at a research clinic in London, UK and paired serum samples were selected from visits when patients were in ACVIM stage B1: asymptomatic disease without cardiomegaly, and stage C: HF. Samples were processed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and lipid profiles were compared using mixed effects models with false discovery rate adjustment. The effect of disease stage was evaluated with patient breed entered as a confounder. Features that significantly differed were screened for selection for annotation efforts using reference databases. RESULTS: Dogs in HF had altered concentrations of lipid species belonging to several classes previously associated with cardiovascular disease. Concentrations of certain acylcarnitines, phospholipids and sphingomyelins were increased after individuals had developed HF, whilst some ceramides and lysophosphatidylcholines decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The canine metabolome appears to change as MMVD progresses. Findings from this study suggest that in HF myocardial metabolism may be characterised by reduced ß-oxidation. This proposed explanation warrants further research.

[Therapeutic effect of Panax notoginseng saponins combined with cyclophosphamide in mice bearing hepatocellular carcinoma H22 cell xenograft].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effects of total saponins from Panax notognseng (PNS) combined with cyclophosphamide (CTX) in mice bearing hepatocellular carcinoma H22 cell xenograft. METHODS: We examined the effects of treatment with different concentrations of PNS on H22 cell proliferation for 24 to 72 h in vitro using CCK8 colorimetric assay. Annexin V/PI double fluorescence staining was used to detect the effect of PNS on apoptosis of H22 cells. Mouse models bearing H22 cell xenograft were established and treated with CTX (25 mg/kg), PNS (120, 240 or 480 mg/kg), alone or in combinations. After treatments for consecutive 10 days, the mice were euthanized for examinations of carbon clearance ability of the monocytes and macrophages, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), serum hemolysin antibody level, blood indicators, and the tumor inhibition rate. RESULTS: Treatment with PNS concentration-dependently inhibited the proliferation and significantly promoted apoptosis of cultured H22 cells (P < 0.01). In the tumor-bearing mouse models, PNS alone and its combination with CTX both resulted in obvious enhancement of phagocytosis of the monocyte-macrophages, stimulated the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, promoted the release of TNF-α and IL-2 and the production of serum hemolysin antibody, and increased the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. Treatment with 480 mg/kg PNS combined with CTX resulted in a tumor inhibition rate of 83.28% (P < 0.01) and a life prolonging rate of 131.25% in the mouse models (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PNS alone or in combination with CTX can improve the immunity and tumor inhibition rate and prolong the survival time of H22 tumor-bearing mice.

[Molecular-related epidemic characteristics of influenza A (H3N2) viruses in Guangzhou, 2019].

Objective: To isolate the influenza A (H3N2) viruses from different sources in Guangzhou in 2019 and analyze these viruses' evolution and variation characteristics. Methods: The hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes of H3N2 isolates from outpatient monitoring, influenza outbreaks, and inpatient severe cases in Guangzhou in 2019 were sequenced. Bioinformatics software analyzed the variations and evolution characteristics of HA and NA genes. Results: The epidemic peaks of influenza A (H3N2) viruses were made up of period Ⅰ (from January to August) and period Ⅱ (from November to December). The positive rate of influenza A (H3N2) in males was 13.46% (703/5 221), which was higher than that in females (11.50%, 510/4 435) (χ2=8.43,P=0.00). The group's positive rate of 10-20 years old was the highest (25.18%,665/2 641). The isolates from different sources were highly homologous and closely related to 3C.2a.1 branches, which could be further divided into three small groups of Group 1-3. Gene recombination was observed between different branches. The mutations of HA antigen sites gradually appeared from Group 1 to Group 3, leading to new antigen drift. Variations of HA antigenic sites mainly occurred in the region of A and B. The mutations of receptor binding sites of Group 1 and Group 3 viruses occurred in the anterior and posterior walls. There were two glycosylation sites lacked on region A of HA antigen observed in the isolates of Group 2-3. Conclusions: Genetic variations of H3N2 influenza viruses in Guangzhou included gene mutations and gene recombination. Under the pressure of the vaccine, the evolution of viruses was rapid. Therefore, the monitoring of molecular-related epidemic characteristics of the H3N2 influenza virus was necessary.

[Progress in research of influencing factors of prophylaxis drug use after non-occupational exposure to HIV].

Non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP), a biological means to block the transmission of HIV, is recommended by European countries, USA and WHO to use in HIV high-risk groups, but its utilization rate is still very low. The information-motivation-behavioral skills model (IMB) can accurately explain the prevalence and change of health behaviors. Based on this model, this paper summarizes the progress in research of the influencing factors for nPEP use to provide a basis for further research to promote the use of nPEP.

Analysis of Cryptosporidium spp. from clinical samples by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

AIM: To purify Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts from clinical stool samples and evaluate using an up-to-date mass spectrometry protocol producing high-quality reference spectra. METHODS AND RESULTS: A refined purification protocol was developed for oocysts from stools, involving salt flotation and potassium bromide density centrifugation. Purified oocysts were prepared for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) by formic acid extraction, and the extracts analysed using the Bruker MALDI Biotyper system. Individual spectral markers were identified by their specific mass peaks. Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts (Iowa strain) propagated in vivo, and C. parvum (n = 2) and Cryptosporidium hominis (n = 1) oocysts from clinical stool samples produced distinct spectra that were considered specific to Cryptosporidium spp. with no evidence of contamination. CONCLUSIONS: The production of distinct spectra demonstrated the utility of the purification method for oocysts from clinical stool samples and provided reference spectra. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The use of MALDI-TOF MS and other mass spectrometry techniques has been limited previously to C. parvum oocysts propagated in vivo. Appropriate purification of oocysts can achieve sufficient biomass, enabling analysis by MALDI-TOF MS and potentially other mass spectrometry platforms, facilitating peptide and protein discovery and identification of biomarkers from a much wider range of Cryptosporidium spp. from natural infections.

Assessment of intraoperative use of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging on the incidence of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery: a PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The current data on the intraoperative use of indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging to reduce the anastomotic leak (AL) rate in rectal cancer surgery remain controversial. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the efficacy of ICG fluorescence imaging in decreasing the AL rate after rectal cancer surgery. METHODS: Studies comparing ICG fluorescence imaging with standard care in patients with rectal cancer were systematically searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library through January 2020. The current meta-analysis was performed according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis guidelines. A pooled analysis was performed for the available data regarding the baseline features, AL rate and other surgical outcomes. RevMan version 5.3 software was used for the present meta-analysis. RESULTS: Nine studies with a total of 2088 patients with rectal cancer (926 in the ICG group and 1162 in the control group) were included in the present study. In the pooled analysis, the available patient and tumour-related baseline data were all comparable and without significant heterogeneity. In the present pooled analysis, the AL rate in the ICG group was significantly lower (OR 0.34; 95% CI 0.22-0.52; p < 0.0001) than that in the control group. Additionally, intraoperative use of ICG was associated with a decreased overall complication rate (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.42-0.78; p = 0.0003) and reduced reoperation rate (OR 0.26; 95% CI 0.08-0.86; p = 0.03) in patients who had rectal cancer surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated the superiority of the intraoperative use of ICG in reducing the AL rate. However, considering the limitations of the included studies, more high-quality prospective studies and randomized controlled trials are needed.

[Epidemiological and genetic characteristics of H5 subtype avian influenza virus in Guangzhou, 2014-2019].

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of spread and genetic evolution of H5 subtype avian influenza virus in Guangzhou from 2014 to 2019. Methods: H5 subtype virus was detected by fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR from the environmental samples in Guangzhou poultry markets. The genes of HA and NA of 48 isolates randomly selected were sequenced, including 46 isolates from environmental samples and 2 isolates from cases. The characteristics of molecular variation and genetic evolution were analyzed by using bioinformatics software. Results: A total of 1 094 strains of H5 subtype avian influenza virus were isolated from 52 284 samples (2.09%). All the strains belonged to Clade 2.3.4.4.C. NA gene belonged to H6N6 of Eurasian lineage. The cleavage sites of all the strains showed the characteristics of highly pathogenicity. Receptor binding sites were avian-derived receptors. However, mutations of S123P, S133A and T156A occurred, which implied that these strains could tend to bind to human receptors. There was an additional glycosylation site at 140 in strains isolated after 2017. The variation of antigen loci mainly occurred in B and E regions. Conclusions: H5 subtype avian influenza virus spread in Guangzhou from 2014 to 2019 with annual increased proportion of positive rate, and the sequencing results indicated that it belonged to Clade 2.3.4.4.C of H5N6 highly pathogenic virus, and genetic evolution and mutation continued, especially the common mutations which could enhance the binding capacity to human receptors. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance.

[Feasibility on the Internet-based HIV nucleic acid testing with dry blood spots and risk factors associated with HIV infection in men having sex with men in Beijing].

Objectives: To understand the prevalence of HIV nucleic acid using internet-based dry blood spots HIV testing strategy in men who had sex with men (MSM) and to probe the factors associated with HIV infection. Methods: Using convenient sampling method, 1 375 MSM were recruited and their dry blood spots samples were collected before being mailed to the laboratories for HIV nucleic acid testing. Results were showed to these MSM on a specific website by inputting their codes to it. Non-conditional binary logistic regression method was used to identify the associated factors on HIV infection. Results: The overall proportions of HIV nucleic acid positives appeared as 9.7% (131/1 349) and HIV antibody positives as 8.3% (112/1 349). Fresh infections accounted for 14.5% (19/131) among the newly-identified HIV nucleic acid positives, and the interval was ranging from 6 to 120 days, between the laboratory testings and the closest date that experiencing high risk behavior. Risk factors that related to HIV infection would include: 30 to 39 years of age (comparing to those under the age of 30, OR=1.88, 95%CI: 1.07-3.29), ≥8 000 Yuan of monthly income (comparing to those without income, OR=0.42, 95%CI: 0.19-0.96), inconsistent condom use during anal sexual contacts in the last six months (compared with those who had not anal sex or used condoms consistently in anal sex in the past six months, OR=2.22, 95%CI: 1.45-3.40), ever use of Rush Poppers (compared with those who never used Rush Poppers, OR=2.33, 95%CI: 1.49-3.64), addictive drug abuse (compared with those who never abused addictive drugs, OR=5.43, 95%CI: 2.32-12.69), and not having regular sexual partners (compared with having regular sexual partners, OR=1.74, 95%CI: 1.13-2.68) etc.. Conclusions: Dry blood spots HIV nucleic acid testing could help to identify the fresh HIV infections at an early stage, so as to prevent further transmission in the MSM population, among which fresh HIV infections accounted for a fairly large proportion. It is necessary to set up programs in reducing the abuse of drugs or Rush Poppers, and to promote condom use and advocate on stable sexual partnership etc., among the MSM population.

In vitro Antifungal Activity of Japanese Folk Herb Extracts against Trichophyton rubrum.

Folk herbs are vital to the Japanese health care system, with some being used to treat fungal skin infections. We tested folk herbs used in traditional Japanese medicine for in vitro antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum, the most common pathogen in patients with superficial dermatitis. Acetone, ethanol, methanol, water, and acetic acid extracts from 15 species of Japanese folk herbs (Bi-wa, Aka-me-gashiwa, Ta-mushi-ba, Yomogi, Shi-so, Ku-ko, So-ba, Yama-momo, Kuro-mo-ji, Ichi-ji-ku, Kaki-no-ki, Kuwa-no-ki, Kusa-gi, Chimaki-zasa, and I-bukijya-kou-sou) were evaluated for fungal growth inhibition, as measured by absorbance. Crude acetic acid extracts of Aka-me-gashiwa, Ta-mushi-ba, Yomogi, Ku-ko, Kaki-no-ki, and I-bukijya- kou-sou exhibited antifungal activity comparable to that of amphotericin B. Although the active compounds and underlying antifungal mechanisms are not known, the data contribute to the development of new and safe antifungal drugs, highlight new extraction methods for herbs, and support the traditional use of Japanese folk herbs against fungal infections.