[Attitude toward sexual health education and its correlates among community-based older adults in Shanghai].

Objective: To understand the attitudes toward sexual health education and its correlates among community-based older adults in Shanghai, China. Methods: From June 2020 to December 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among community residents aged ≥50 in Shanghai through multi-stage sampling. The estimated sample size was 735. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics, health characteristics, and history of sexual health education. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the correlates of attitudes toward sexual health education among community-based older adults. Results: A total of 824 participants (489 males and 335 females) with age of (65.1±8.1) years were included, whose main age distribution was 60-69 years (45.3%). The prevalence of supporting sexual health education among older adults was 49.4% (45.2% of men and 55.5% of women). Males (aOR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.44-0.83), aged 70 years and older (aOR=0.62, 95%CI: 0.40-0.94), urban residents (aOR= 2.54, 95%CI: 1.81-3.58), self-reported very good or excellent health status (aOR=1.64,95%CI: 1.04-2.58), having depressive symptoms (aOR=0.37,95%CI: 0.15-0.85), and having a history of sexual health education (aOR=8.64,95%CI: 4.62-17.70) were associated with their attitude toward sexual health education. Conclusions: The proportion of community-based older adults in Shanghai who support sexual health education was not high. Their attitudes toward sexual health education were associated with their self-reported health status, depressive symptoms, and history of sex education. Health professionals and institutions should focus on community-based older adults with key characteristics and tailor interventions to promote the willingness to receive sexual health education among older adults in China and to promote the popularity of sexual health education in this population.

[Utilization of sexual and reproductive health services and its correlates among community- based older adults in Chongqing].

Objective: To investigate the utilization of sexual health services among community-based older adults in Chongqing and explore its potential correlates. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using multistage sampling among community-based older adults aged ≥50 years was conducted in Chongqing between June 2020 and December 2022. A questionnaire including information on demographic characteristics, general health, sexual health status, and sexual health services utilization was collected. Sexual health and reproductive services utilization was defined as having ever been tested for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or having had a male/gynecological reproductive health examination in the past year. Logistic regression was used to examine the correlates of the utilization of sexual health services. Results: A total of 794 community-based older adults participated in the study (482 were male, and 312 were female). The mean age was (62.8±8.2) years. The proportion of HIV testing was 18.0%, and the proportion of reproductive health examination was 10.1% among community-based older adults. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the age group of 60-69 years (aOR=0.37, 95%CI: 0.18-0.76), female (aOR=11.34, 95%CI: 5.71-22.52), monthly income ≥5 000 yuan (aOR=3.05, 95%CI: 1.01-9.27), being sexual activity (aOR=4.99, 95%CI: 2.23-11.15) was significantly associated with had a reproductive health examination in the past year. Conclusions: The proportion of sexual health services utilization among older adults was low. Older sexual health education should be further strengthened, the close relationship between older adults should be correctly guided and dealt with, and the sexual health services suitable for the older population should be formulated.

[Condom use and its correlates among community-based older adults in Chongqing].

Objective: To understand the current status of condom use and its correlates among community-based older adults in Chongqing, China. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on a multistage sampling method was conducted in Chongqing from June 2020 to December 2022. The estimated sample size was 735. Through face-to-face interviews, the investigators collected the sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behavior characteristics, awareness of AIDS prevention knowledge, etc. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to explore the correlates of condom use during the last sexual behavior among the participants. Results: A total of 761 participants were included in this study, with 476 males and 285 females, whose average age was (63.8±8.2) years old, mainly in the age group of 60-69 years (44.5%). Among the participants, the rate of condom use during the last sexual behavior was 9.7%. The multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that correlates of condom use during the last sexual behavior included urban household registration (aOR=2.34, 95%CI: 1.12-4.89), monthly income of 1 000-4 999 Yuan, and 5 000 Yuan and above (aOR=4.49, 95%CI: 1.31-15.41; aOR=16.33, 95%CI: 4.30-62.00), self-assessed sexual behavior risk as very risky/relatively risky (aOR=3.97, 95%CI: 1.40-11.31), awareness of AIDS prevention knowledge (aOR=0.36, 95%CI: 0.21-0.62). Conclusions: The rate of condom use among community-based older adults in Chongqing is low. Comprehensive intervention measures should be taken in combination with the characteristics and needs of community-based older adults to improve awareness of AIDS prevention knowledge and perception of AIDS risk and promote condom use among this population.

[Sexual health among older adults].

As human life expectancy increases, the population aging crisis is spreading worldwide. Sexual health is integral to the overall health of older adults. The 50-60-year-old age group is in a transitional phase of physiological changes (e.g., women going through menopause) and social changes (e.g., changes in work status and social identity). Individuals aged 60 years and above still have sexual desires. However, there is relatively little research on sexual health in this age group. In this context, this paper delves into topics related to sexual health among those aged 50 years and above, aiming to understand the evolution and influencing factors of sexual health in this population during various stages of aging. This information can be used to formulate relevant policies and promote the overall health of this population.

[Sexually active status and its correlates among community-based older adults in Tianjin].

Objective: To understand the sexually active status among community-based older adults aged ≥50 years in Tianjin, China, and to explore the potential correlates. Methods: A cross-sectional survey using multistage sampling among community-based older adults aged ≥50 was conducted between June 2020 and December 2022. The estimated sample size was 735. The survey collected questionnaire information through face-to-face interviews with investigators, including sociodemographic, health, and sexual lifestyle characteristics. The multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess correlates of sexually active status. Results: A total of 776 study participants (510 males and 266 females) were included, whose major age distribution was 50-59 years (45.9%). The overall sexual activity prevalence of the participants was 45.6%. Older age (60-69: aOR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.45-0.99; ≥70: aOR=0.12, 95%CI: 0.07-0.21), being male (aOR=1.93, 95%CI: 1.32-2.82), living in urban area (aOR=0.18, 95%CI: 0.12-0.28), living with spouse/married (aOR=2.80, 95%CI: 1.41-5.58), living alone (aOR=0.51, 95%CI: 0.27-0.96), having difficulty climbing stairs or walking (aOR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.31-0.97), having chronic diseases (one chronic disease: aOR=0.55, 95%CI: 0.36-0.85; two or more chronic diseases: aOR=0.53, 95%CI: 0.33-0.84) were associated with sexually active status among older adults. Conclusions: Many community-based older adults remained sexually active. There was an association between physical health and sexually active status among community-based older adults. Incorporating sexual health services into healthcare services for community-based older adults could be advocated, with a concurrent emphasis on enhancing the awareness and competence of providing sexual health services among community-based healthcare workers.

[Survey on the cognition of the "undetectable equals untransmittable" concept among HIV-infected men who have sex with men receiving antiviral treatment].

Objective: To explore the cognition of the "undetectable equals untransmittable" ("U=U") concept and associated factors among HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) receiving antiviral treatment (ART) in Shenzhen, and provide evidence for designing promotion and advocacy strategies for the "U=U" concept. Methods: We recruited HIV-infected MSM receiving ART using convenient sampling method combined with routine follow-up in Shenzhen through conducting observational survey. The sample size was estimated to be 475. A questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, ART, viral load testing and the cognition towards "U=U" in HIV-infected MSM. Logistic regression was used to access factors associated with acceptance of "U=U". Results: A total of 490 HIV-infected MSM receiving ART were recruited. Of whom, 60.2% (295/490) were aware of "U=U" and 50.6% (248/490) accepted "U=U". Multiple logistic regression showed that participants who had an educational level of college or above (aOR=1.76,95%CI: 1.12-2.75) were more likely to accept "U=U". Those who had no local residency (aOR=0.51,95%CI: 0.29-0.92), had viral load >0 copies/ml in the last testing (aOR=0.61,95%CI: 0.38-0.98) and were unaware of "U=U" (aOR=0.13, 95%CI: 0.09-0.21), were less likely to accept "U=U". Conclusions: HIV-infected MSM receiving ART had a low cognition level of "U=U" in Shenzhen. Promotion and advocacy on this concept through healthcare workers should be enhanced in combination with routine follow-up in order to improve their ART adherence and outcome of treatment. Furthermore, developing related guidelines on "U=U" according to the characteristics of HIV-infected individuals is warranted to improve the normalization of promotion and advocacy on "U=U".

[Differences in biochemical indexes and AIDS-related complications at baseline in HIV- infected patients with different levels of immune reconstitution after antiretroviral therapy].

Objective: To observe the differences in biochemical indexes and AIDS-related complications at baseline in HIV-infected patients with different levels of immune reconstitution to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: The subjects were treat-naïve adult HIV-infected patients who were followed up for more than 24 months in the Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital affiliated infection clinic at Guangzhou Medical University from January 2010 to December 2017. CD4+ T lymphocyte count at baseline at <200, 200-350, and >350 cells/µl levels were divided into poor, partial, and good immune reconstitution groups. The Kruskal-Wallis H and chi-square tests were used to analyze the differences in baseline sociodemographic characteristics, biochemical indexes, and AIDS-related complications among different groups. The SPSS 20.0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results: Among the 3 900 HIV-infected individuals, 385 cases (9.9%), 1 206 cases (30.9%), and 2 309 cases (59.2%) were grouped into poor, partial and good immune reconstitution groups, respectively. The baseline biochemical indexes of leukocyte, platelet, hemoglobin, TG, TC, FPG, AST, ALT and total bilirubin in the poor immune reconstitution group were significantly different from those in the good immune reconstitution group (all P<0.05). The proportion of AIDS-related complications at baseline in the poor immune reconstitution group, such as tuberculosis, pneumocystis yeli pneumonia, disseminated mycosis, esophageal candidiasis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, dermatitis, oral candidiasis, oral mucous leukoplakia, continuous diarrhea for more than 1 month and continuous or intermittent fever for more than 1 month, was significantly higher than that in the good immune reconstitution group (all P<0.05). Conclusions: The biochemical indexes and AIDS-related complications in HIV-infected patients with different levels of immune reconstitution were significantly different at baseline. Attention should be paid to monitoring abnormal biomedical indicators and AIDS-related complications at baseline.

[Research progress of monkeypox epidemic in multiple countries].

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by Monkeypox virus, which can cause the change of smallpox pattern in human. Monkeypox has been epidemic in central and west African countries, and infections outside the African continent are rare. Since May 2022, unprecedented outbreaks of human monkeypox and clusters of cases have occurred in non-epidemic countries such as Europe, the Americas and Australia, with multi-country outbreaks drawing global attention. The prevalence, transmission route and reoccurrence of monkeypox are still unknown. In view of the rapid increase of monkeypox cases, this paper reviewed the epidemiological changes, outbreak causes, clinical characteristics, and treatment methods of monkeypox, so as to clarify the epidemic background and transmission characteristics, improve the understanding of the disease, prevent the disease as soon as possible and formulate diagnosis and treatment measures.

[The impact of the dosage of intraoperative opioids on postoperative survival outcomes in patients with pancreatic cancer].

Objective: To investigate the impact of the dosage of intraoperative opioids on postoperative survival of pancreatic cancer patients who underwent pancreatectomy. Methods: The clinical data of 95 patients with pancreatic cancer who underwent pancreatectomy at Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital from September 2013 to August 2018 were retrospectively collected. Dosage of intraoperative opioid medications was converted to fentanyl equivalent dose. Patients were divided into high-dose group (fentanyl consumption ≥2.21 mg, n=46) and low-dose group (fentanyl consumption<2.21 mg, n=49) according to the median intra-operative fentanyl equivalents. The relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between the two groups were compared. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the impact of important covariates on RFS and OS. Results: RFS of patients in low-dose group at 1, 3 and 5 years was 75.5%, 26.5% and 15.2% respectively. OS of patients in low-dose group at 1, 3 and 5 years was 77.6%, 32.5% and 24.4% respectively. RFS of patients in high-dose group at 1, 3 and 5 years was 76.1%, 23.9% and 12.0% respectively. OS of patients in high-dose group at 1, 3 and 5 years was 76.1%, 37.0% and 15.0%. There was no significant difference in RFS and OS between the two groups (all P>0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that dosage of intraoperative fentanyl was not associated with RFS (HR=1.205, 95%CI: 0.737-1.970, P=0.456) or OS (HR=1.062, 95%CI: 0.634-1.778, P=0.818). Conclusion: Dosage of intraoperative opioid has no effect on RFS and OS in pancreatic cancer patients undergoing pancreatectomy.

[Status quo regarding the recruit requirements of public health-related employers and training scheme for undergraduates majored in preventive medicine in colleges and universities].

Objective: To investigate public health-related professions' recruit requirements and understand the training scheme for preventive medicine-majored undergraduates in colleges and universities in China. Methods: An online questionnaire was adopted to collect data on the recruit requirements of public health-related professions. Information on the core courses, internship, and practical training for preventive medicine-majored undergraduates was collected through universities' official websites. Results: The employers had a high requirement for education and specific majors. Also, administration professions attached importance to comprehensive quality, while professional positions to professional skills. 47.2% (67/142) employers made Talent Introduction Programs for the next three years. 20.0% (3/15) universities offered all the core courses required by national standards. For internship and practical training, both clinical practice and professional practice's median durations were 16 and 11 weeks, respectively. Conclusion: Employers showed significant demand for public health graduates and having a high requirement for personal ability and comprehensive quality. The universities should improve the setting of core courses and strengthen students' practical ability and overall quality.

[A survey on the willingness of college students majoring in public health to work in their majors].

Objective: To understand the basic qualities, practitioners will and related influences, of undergraduate, master, and doctoral students majoring in public health (hereinafter referred to as public health students), and explore the influencing factors of practitioners will. Methods: Through the online questionnaire survey, we collected information on the basic qualities of the public health students, their practitioners will and related influencing factors, and their opinions on the current state of public health in China. χ2 test and multi-factor logistic regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of public health students' willingness to engage in public health related work, and word frequency analysis was used to conduct a descriptive analysis of public health students' views on public health in China. Results: A total of 2 081 pieces of valid information were collected, of which 86.54% (1 801/2 081) of the students in the school chose to engage in public health related work in the future. For public health students, the higher the target after-tax monthly income (OR=0.345, 95%CI: 0.158-0.751), the lower the willingness to engage in public health related work in the future; Very satisfied with school employment guidance work (OR=4.072, 95%CI: 1.234-13.436) compared with very dissatisfied, the willingness to engage in public health related work in the future is higher. Conclusion: The willingness of students in public health related majors to engage in public health related majors in China is mainly affected by three factors: payment levels, employment guidance and professional post recognition. It is recommended to appropriately raise the salaries of public health related positions. Strengthening school employment guidance training and professional identity training is conducive to enhancing the willingness of public health students to engage in relevant work in their profession.

[Employment, turnover intention and the associated factors among public health graduates in China].

Objective: To understand the employment situation of graduates of public health-related majors and explore the associated factors of turnover intention among public health practitioners in China. Methods: In April 2020, the convenient sampling method was used to recruit public health related graduates from 98 universities with public health-related majors from 31 provinces in China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) and from Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (only including working or unemployed status, no requirement for graduation years). A total of 1 322 questionnaires were collected, of which 1 165 (88.1%) were valid. Through the network questionnaire survey, the information of public health graduates' work situation, job satisfaction and turnover intention were collected. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the associated factors of turnover intention, and structural equation model was constructed to explore the correlation between turnover intention and job satisfaction. Results: The age of 1 165 graduates was (28.1±4.8) years. Among them, 719 (61.7%) were female and 856 (73.5%) graduates were engaged in public health-related work after graduation. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with those over 30 years old, graduates under 30 years old had higher turnover intention (OR=2.531, 95%CI: 1.549-4.155). Compared with those with junior or no title, graduates with senior title had higher turnover intention (OR=2.310, 95%CI: 1.047-5.162). The results of structural equation model analysis showed that the four factors of job satisfaction, 'salary and welfare', 'promotion development', 'work itself', and 'internal and external environment', were negatively correlated with turnover intention. The internal and external environment had the greatest impact on turnover intention (total effect =-0.539). Conclusion: Most graduates of public health-related majors are engaged in public health-related work in China. Age, professional title and job satisfaction are the associated factors of turnover intention.

[HIV infection and associated factors of male sex workers among men who have sex with men].

Objective: This study aimed to discover the HIV infection and associated factors among male sex workers (MSW) who provide sexual services for men. Data from this study thus can be used to provide evidence for designing related intervention programs. Methods: In this observational study, MSW were recruited from May to July, 2019 in KTV venues in Wuxi, China. A questionnaire was used to collect information with blood sample collected and tested for HIV and syphilis. EpiData 3.0 and SPSS 17.0 software were used to clean up data and statistical analysis. Results: A number of 500 MSW were involved including 243 (48.6%) heterosexual and 257 (51.4%) homosexual MSW. The overall HIV prevalence was 5.4%(27/500) among all the MSW. there were significant differences between the HIV prevalence rates, the heterosexual MSW (3.3%, 8/243) and the homosexual MSW (7.4%, 19/257)(χ(2)=4.112, P=0.043). In the past 3 months, 28.0% (72/257) of the homosexual MSW mainly engaged in receptive anal sex which was higher than 11.5%(28/243) of the heterosexual MSW. Compared to 15.6% (40/257) of the homosexual MSW who engaged in heterosexual behavior, a higher proportion of 98.4% (239/243) was noticed among the heterosexual MSW. Higher percentage (44.9%, 109/243) appeared among the heterosexual MSW who had not been tested for HIV than the homosexual MSW (20.6%, 53/257). Results from logistic regression multivariate analysis showed that age ≥30 (aOR=7.54, 95%CI: 2.53-37.11), having unprotected anal sexual practice (aOR=3.76, 95%CI:1.15-12.23), having anal sex after drinking alcohol (aOR=10.91, 95%CI: 2.29-51.87) and syphilis tested positive (aOR=8.23, 95%CI:1.29-52.51) were risk factors associated with HIV infection among the heterosexual MSW. Having unprotected anal sexual behavior (aOR=2.94, 95%CI: 1.17-7.37), having group anal sex (aOR=4.08, 95%CI:1.05-15.81), without record on HIV testing (aOR=6.58, 95%CI: 2.01-18.06) and syphilis tested positive (aOR=4.55, 95%CI: 1.15-18.06) were risk factors associated with HIV among the homosexual MSW. Conclusions: High HIV prevalence was discovered among both heterosexual and homosexual MSW in Wuxi, China. Differences in sexual behaviors between these two groups should be considered when designing targeted HIV intervention programs for these populations.

[Study on synthetic drug use and associated factors among men who have sex with men at high risk of HIV infection].

Objective: To understand the current status of synthetic drug use and associated factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) at high risk of HIV infection. Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted in Guangzhou, Wuxi and Shenzhen through January to August 2017. MSM at high risk of HIV infection were recruited from attendants at the health clinics, through internet advertisement and snowball sampling method. Eligible MSM were the ones who had met the following criteria: ≥18 years old, having either 2 male sex partners, or condomless anal sex with a casual male sex partner, or a STD historg during the past 6 months. Data regarding demographic, sexual behavior, HIV/STD testing history and previous drug use were collected by sely-administered questionnaires. Blood was also drawn for HIV testing. Results: Of the 603 MSM at high risk of HIV, 25.5% (154/603, 95%CI: 22.0%-29.0%) of them had used drugs in the past 6 months, including 29.1% (88/302, 95%CI: 24.0%-34.3%) in Guangzhou, 26.3% (40/152, 95%CI: 19.2%-33.4%) in Shenzhen, and 17.4% (26/149, 95%CI: 11.3%-23.6%) in Wuxi. 'Rush' (85.1%, 131/154) was the most commonly used drug. Results from the multivariable logistic regression revealed that drug use was associated with the following factors: having multiple casual sexual partners (aOR=3.24, 95%CI: 1.29-7.43) and alcohol use (aOR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.12-2.80) in the past 6 months after adjusting for age, education and monthly income. Conclusions: Drug use seemed common among MSM population at high risk of HIV infection and was associated with higher risk behavior that leading to HIV infection. Synthetic drug use among MSM deserved more attention.

[Analysis on voluntary blood donation and associated factors in men who have sex with men in 3 cities in China].

Objective: To assess the prevalence of blood donation and associated factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Methods: Our observational study was conducted between January and August, 2017 in 3 cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Wuxi. Eligible participants were MSM (≥18 years old) who had either ≥2 male sex partners or unprotected anal sex with casual partners, or had been diagnosed with STI in the past 6 months. A self-completed tablet-based questionnaire was used to collect the information about MSM's socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors and blood donation history. Results: A total of 603 MSM were enrolled in our study, including 302 in Guangzhou, 152 in Shenzhen and 149 in Wuxi, with a mean age of 27.9 years (SD=7.8). Overall, 29.2% (176/603) of the MSM reported a history of blood donation, and 33.1% (100/302)in Guangzhou, 27.6% (42/152) in Shenzhen and 22.8% (34/149) in Wuxi, the differences were not significant (χ(2)=6.421, P=0.093). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that MSM had ever tested for HIV for ≥2 times in the past 12 months (vs. MSM tested for HIV one time, aOR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.08-2.19) or who had ever used gay dating app (vs. MSM who not used gay dating app, aOR=2.13, 95%CI: 1.12-4.44) were more likely to donate blood. Conclusions: Blood donation was common in MSM in China. Health education about blood donation in MSM should be strengthened to ensure the blood safety.

[Impact of the 90-90-90 goal and pre-exposure prophylaxis on HIV transmission and elimination in men who have sex with men in China: A mathematical modeling study].

Objective: To establish a dynamic compartmental model to predict the impact of HIV testing and treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on the annual incidence of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) in China from 2018 to 2037. Methods: A dynamic compartmental model was developed to describe the HIV epidemic in MSM in China. The model was parameterized using data from the literature available. We used MATLAB 7.0 software for data simulation and graphics rendering. We analyzed HIV transmission among MSM and estimated the impact of expanded HIV testing and treatment and PrEP on HIV elimination in MSM. Results: Under the current policy, the number of new HIV infections would reach 770 000, the infection rate would reach 11.1% and the incidence rate would reach 0.72/100 person years in MSM in the next 20 years. Under the 90%-90%-90% goal, 440 000 new infections (57.7%) would be reduced, the HIV infection rate would decline to 5.7% and the incidence rate would decline to 0.24/100 person years in the next 20 years, but it is still unlikely to achieve the goal of HIV elimination. With 100% PrEP compliance, the required PrEP coverage rates for achieving HIV elimination in the next 10, 15 and 20 years would be 65%, 32% and 19%, respectively. Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen the comprehensive intervention in MSM, continue to expand HIV testing and treatment, and improve PrEP adherence and coverage to further control and eliminate the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in MSM.

[Genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection and associated risk factors in male clients attending sexually transmitted disease clinics in 9 cities in Guangdong province].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of genital Chlamydia trachomatis (GCT) infection and associated risk factors in male clients attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Guangdong and provide integrated intervention strategy for this group. Methods: Convenient sampling was used to recruit participants from April to June in 2015 in Guangdong province. The information about their socio-demographic characteristics and sexual behaviors were collected by using a questionnaire, and blood samples were taken from them to test the antibodies against HIV, syphilis and HCV. First pass urine was taken to test GCT and gonorrhea. Results: A total of 1 749 participants with the average age of 39.53 years were recruited. The majority of them were married (73.87%, 1 292/1 749), residents of Guangdong (92.28%, 1 614/1 749) and in Han ethnic group (99.49%, 1 740/1 749). The positive rates for GCT, HIV, syphilis, HCV, Neisseria gonorrhea, and WBC in urinalysis were 6.06% (106/1 749), 0.46% (8/1 749), 3.43% (60/1 749), 0.45% (7/1 550), 2.74% (48/1 749), 7.89% (138/1 749) respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for GCT infection include IDUs (OR=13.98, 95%CI: 3.35-58.38), anal sex with men (OR=3.11, 95%CI: 1.45-6.71), Neisseria gonorrhea positive (OR=9.64, 95% CI: 5.09-18.24), and WBC positive (OR=1.96, 95%CI: 1.08-3.55). Conclusions: This study demonstrated the high prevalence of GCT infection in male clients attending STD clinics in Guangdong. Therefore precision intervention should target this population at high-risk.

The application of sonication in diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a catastrophic complication after total joint arthroplasty. It has always been difficult to diagnose PJI, which is characterised by existence of biofilm around the implants. The application of sonication has proven advantageous for pathogen detection. This meta-analysis of clinical trials was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of sonication and to compare it with traditional bacterial culture. We assessed 16 studies that evaluated sonication fluid cultures (SFC) for the diagnosis of PJI. It was shown that sonication may be of great value in PJI diagnosis, with a pooled sensitivity of 0.79 (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.76-0.81), specificity of 0.95 (CI = 0.94-0.96), DOR of 71.20 (CI = 31.08-163.10), PLR of 15.25 (CI = 6.44-36.15), and NLR of 0.23 (CI = 0.18-0.30). The AUC value of the SROC was 0.90. The results of this meta-analysis showed that culture of fluid after sonication was of great value for PJI diagnosis. Sonication was more sensitive than traditional tissue culture with lower specificity, especially for patients previously taking antibiotics.

The effect of Ag+ on arginine kinase: inhibition kinetics.

We studied the effects of Ag(+) on arginine kinase (AK) from Fenneropenaeus chinensis. Ag(+) inactivated the activity of AK in a dose dependent manner (IC(50) = 15 microM). Kinetic studies showed that the inactivation of AK by Ag(+) was reversible and occurred in a noncompetitive inhibition manner (K(i) = 2.8 microM). Spectroflurorimetry results showed that Ag(+) did not induce conspicuous tertiary structural changes in AK at the corresponding concentration ranges of inactivation studies. However, the secondary structure measured by circular dichroism was slightly changed by Ag(+). Taken together, these data suggest that the active site of AK is flexible, with the complete loss of activity occurring prior to significant changes in overall structures. Our study provides important insight into the inhibitory mechanism of Ag(+) on AK and increases our understanding of the influence of Ag+ on the mechanism of this metabolic enzyme.

The effect of Zn(2+) on human brain creatine kinase: unfolding and aggregation studies.

We studied the effects of Zn(2+) on human brain creatine kinase (HBCK). Zn(2+) inactivated the activity of HBCK in a dose dependent manner (IC50 = 0.06 mM). The time-interval kinetic studies showed that the inactivation followed first-order reaction kinetics with a biphasic process. The spectroflurorimetry results showed that Zn(2+) conspicuously induced the tertiary structural change of HBCK with exposure of its hydrophobic surfaces. On the contrary, the secondary structure was slightly changed by Zn(2+). We also found that HBCK aggregation was induced by Zn(2+). This aggregation was dependent on the temperature and the enzyme and Zn(2+) concentrations. Some added osmolytes such as glycine and proline were able to successfully block CK aggregation and fully recover the conformation and activity of HBCK. Our study provides important insight into the unfavorable effect of Zn(2+) on HBCK and it increases the understanding of the Zn(2+) ligand-binding mechanism to the metabolic brain enzyme.