Characteristics of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic among People Aged ≥ 50 Years in China during 2018-2021.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the current epidemiological status of PLWHA aged ≥ 50 years in China from 2018 to 2021. It also aimed to recommend targeted interventions for the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS in elderly patients. Methods: Data on newly reported cases of PLWHA, aged ≥ 50 years in China from 2018 to 2021, were collected using the CRIMS. Trend tests and spatial analyses were also conducted. Results: Between 2018 and 2021, 237,724 HIV/AIDS cases were reported among patients aged ≥ 50 years in China. The main transmission route was heterosexual transmission (91.24%). Commercial heterosexual transmission (CHC) was the primary mode of transmission among males, while non-marital non-CHC ([NMNCHC]; 60.59%) was the prevalent route in women. The proportion of patients with CHC decreased over time ( Z = 67.716, P < 0.01), while that of patients with NMNCHC increased ( Z = 153.05, P < 0.01). The sex ratio varied among the different modes of infection, and it peaked at 17.65 for CHC. The spatial analysis indicated spatial clustering, and the high-high clustering areas were mainly distributed in the southwestern and central-southern provinces. Conclusion: In China, PLWHA, aged ≥ 50 years, were predominantly infected through heterosexual transmission. The primary modes of infection were CHC and NMNCHC. There were variations in the sex ratio among different age groups, infected through various sexual behaviors. HIV/AIDS cases exhibited spatial clustering. Based on these results, the expansion of HIV testing, treatment, and integrated behavioral interventions in high-risk populations is recommended to enhance disease detection in key regions.

[Quantitative Detection of Akkermansia muciniphila in Fecal Samples by Real-time PCR].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a real-time fluorescence PCR assay for quantitative detection of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) in fecal samples,providing technical support for quantitative detection and deep research of A.muciniphila. METHODS: The quantitative detection method for A.muciniphila were established by using SYBR Green Ⅰ; The standard curve was made using A.muciniphila standards; The sensitivity,specificity,anti-interference and repeatability of this assay were analyzed; 30 human fecal samples were detected by the established method. RESULTS: The standard curve showed a good linear relationship with R2=0.999; The sensitivity of this assay reached to 1.0×102CFU/mL; This method could amplify A.muciniphila specifically,not affected by other intestinal bacteria; Repeatability of intra-group and inter-group were good with the coefficient of variation (CV)of Ct value lower than 2%; The positive rate of A.muciniphila in 30 human fecal samples was 73%,while its Ct value ranged from 17.40 to 31.77. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the established real-time PCR method for A. muciniphila' quantitative detection was simple,rapid and economical,good in sensitivity,specificity,anti-interference,repeatability and suitable for the detection of A.muciniphila in faeces.

Association between macroscopic-factors and identified HIV/AIDS cases among injecting drug users: an analysis using geographically weighted regression model.

Drug use (DU), particularly injecting drug use (IDU) has been the main route of transmission and spread of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) among injecting drug users (IDUs). Previous studies have proven that needles or cottons sharing during drug injection were major risk factors for HIV/AIDS transmission at the personal level. Being a social behavioral issue, HIV/AIDS related risk factors should be far beyond the personal level. Therefore, studies on HIV/AIDS related risk factors should focus not only on the individual factors, but also on the association between HIV/AIDS cases and macroscopic-factors, such as economic status, transportation, health care services, etc. The impact of the macroscopic-factors on HIV/AIDS status might be either positive or negative, which are potentially reflected in promoting, delaying or detecting HIV/AIDS epidemics.

Inhibitory effects of α-cyperone on adherence and invasion of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli O78 to chicken type II pneumocytes.

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) are extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli, and usually cause avian septicemia through breaching the blood-gas barrier. Type II pneumocytes play an important role of maintaining the function of the blood-gas barrier. However, the mechanism of APEC injuring type II pneumocytes remains unclear. α-cyperone can inhibit lung cell injury induced by Staphylococcus aureus. In order to explore whether α-cyperone regulates the adherence and invasion of APEC-O78 to chicken type II pneumocytes, we successfully cultured chicken type II pneumocytes. The results showed that α-cyperone significantly decreased the adherence of APEC-O78 to chicken type II pneumocytes. In addition, α-cyperone inhibited actin cytoskeleton polymerization induced by APEC-O78 through down regulating the expression of Nck-2, Cdc42 and Rac1. These results provide new evidence for the prevention of colibacillosis in chicken.

[Epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis C in China, 1997-2011].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and changing trend as well as the related affecting factors of hepatitis C in China. METHODS: Data analysis was performed based on the case-reporting data of hepatitis C from 1997 to 2011, using SPSS 19.0. RESULTS: The number of reported cases and incidence of hepatitis C had been increasing annually since 1997, especially in 2004. The hepatitis C reported incidence increased from 3.03 per 100 000 in 2004, to 12.97 per 100 000 in 2011. The 15 to 49 age group accounted for more than 50% of all the reported cases, seen in every year. The number and proportion of hepatitis C reported cases among those over 50 year-olds had an annually increase. From 2005 to 2011, the number of cases in both urban areas and rural areas increased annually, while the urban-rural ratio decreased from 1.47 in 2005 to 0.99 in 2011. There appeared an increasing trend of hepatitis C reported incidence in China, with most of the high reported incidence of hepatitis C fell in the northern parts of China. 74.8% of the HCV/HIV co-infected cases had histories of intravenous drug use, plasma donation, blood transfusion or surgical operation. CONCLUSION: The reported number and incidence of HCV infection had been increasing annually. To develop a more realistic control measures for hepatitis C, it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring program and carrying out specific epidemiological study among target groups and key areas.

Peimine impairs pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion through the inhibition of the activation of NF-κB and MAPK in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages.

In the previous study, we found that peimine has good anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of peimine remains unclear. We, therefore, assessed the effects of peimine on inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. We found that peimine (0-25 mg/L) significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and increased IL-10 production. Furthermore, peimine significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38, ERK and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) as well as decreased p65 and IκB. The present results indicate that peimine inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS through blocking MAPKs and NF-κB signaling pathways.

[Situation on HIV/AIDS epidemics among migrant population in China, 2008 - 2011].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the HIV/AIDS epidemics situation among migrant population. METHODS: Data on HIV/AIDS cases among mobile population through case reporting system was collected from 2008 to 2011. RESULTS: The number of reported cases on HIV/AIDS among mobile population had been rising, with proportions of the total reported cases increased from 10.2% in 2008, to 18.2% in 2011. Sexual contacts continued to be the major route of transmission. With the increasing proportion of homosexual transmission, HIV/AIDS cases among mobile population moved from high HIV-prevalence areas in the western and central parts to low HIV-prevalence areas in the eastern part of the country. CONCLUSION: In recent years, the number of HIV/AIDS cases among mobile population was increasing in the case reporting system. Data showed that some male rural migrants had been engaged in commercial sex activities that called for more effective intervention measures to be taken to reduce the new HIV/AIDS infections in the migrant population.

Inhibitory effects of sulfated 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 on the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.

Ginsenoside Rh2 is one of the most important ginsenosides in ginseng with anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. However, the extremely poor oral bioavailability induced by its low water solubility greatly limits the potency of Rh2 in vivo. In the previous study, we sulfated 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 with chlorosulfonic acid and pyridine method, and got one novel derivative, Rh2-B1, with higher water solubility and greater immunologic enhancement than Rh2. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of Rh2-B1 remains unclear. We therefore investigated the effects of Rh2-B1 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced proinflammatory mediators in RAW 264.7 macrophages. We found that Rh2-B1 dramatically inhibited LPS-induced overproduction of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1ß, and IL-6. Consistently, the protein and mRNA expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 were remarkably decreased by Rh2-B1. In addition, Rh2-B1 significantly suppressed the phosphorylations of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and extracellular signal receptor-activated kinase 1/2 induced by LPS. Rh2-B1 was further shown to inhibit NF-κB p65 translocation into the nucleus by suppressing IκBα degradation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that Rh2-B1 inhibits the release of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory mediators through blocking mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF-κB signaling pathways, suggesting that sulfated ginsenosides could be potential agents for anti-inflammatory therapies.

Xiang-Qi-Tang and its active components exhibit anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways in LPS-treated rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells.

Xiang-Qi-Tang (XQT) is a Chinese herbal formula containing Cyperus rotundus, Astragalus membranaceus and Andrographis paniculata. Alpha-Cyperone (CYP), astragaloside IV (AS-IV) and andrographolide (AND) are the three major active components in this formula. XQT may modulate the inflammatory or coagulant responses. We therefore assessed the effects of XQT on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory model of rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (RCMECs). XQT, CYP, AS-IV and AND inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and up-regulated the mRNA expression of Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2). XQT and CYP inhibited the secretion of tissue factor (TF). To further explore the mechanism, we found that XQT, or its active components CYP, AS-IV and AND significantly inhibited extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 phosphorylation protein expression as well as decreased the phosphorylation levels of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 proteins in LPS-stimulated RCMECs. These results suggested that XQT and its active components inhibited the expression of inflammatory and coagulant mediators via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) and NF-κB signaling pathways. These findings may contribute to future research on the action mechanisms of this formula, as well as therapy for inflammation- or coagulation-related diseases.

Sulfated derivative of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 inhibits inflammatory cytokines through MAPKs and NF-kappa B pathways in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages.

In the previous study, we found that sulfated derivative B2 of ginsenoside Rh2 (Rh2-B2) has greater anti-inflammatory effects than 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Rh2-B2 remains unclear. We therefore assessed the effects of Rh2-B2 on inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. We found that Rh2-B2 (1-5 mg/L) significantly inhibited tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1ß, and increased IL-10 production from protein and mRNA levels. Furthermore, Rh2-B2 significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase as well as decreased p65 nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) translocation into the nucleus by nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha degradation. The present results indicate that Rh2-B2 inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS through blocking mitogen-activated protein kinases and NF-κB signaling pathways.

[Epidemic characteristics of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men from 2006 to 2010 in China].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemic characteristics of HIV/AIDS among men who have sex with men (MSM) from 2006 to 2010 in China, and to provide evidence for the development of prevention and control measures. METHODS: Through the network reporting information system. The distribution of MSM transmission was analyzed. Through sentinel surveillance system from 2006 to 2010, data was gathered and analyzed for HIV/AIDS positive rates and condom use to describe the epidemic characteristics of HIV/AIDS among MSM. RESULTS: Data from HIV/AIDS case reporting system showed that the proportion of MSM transmission was on the rise (from 1.5% in 2006 to 10.8% in 2010), becoming the fastest growth of spreading. Compared with other routes of spreading, MSM transmission showed the following obvious characteristics: 15 to 29 years olds (54.6%), having higher culture background (senior high school graduated or above accounting for 69.8%), unmarried (64.8%), being cadres/teacher/doctor/retirees and students (accounted for 14.3% and 7.9%), with high mobility floating population (36.2%), being urban population (72.6%), having history of blood donation without payment (26.7% and 6.4%). In terms of location, they mainly lived in provinces as Beijing, Sichuan, Guangdong, Chongqing, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Liaoning where economics were more developed. Data from HIV/AIDS sentinel surveillance system showed that, from 2006 to 2010, the HIV positive anti-body detection rate (median) was 3.4% among MSM in this country, much higher than among the female sex workers. Rate on condom usage (median) was 73.2%, lower than among the female sex workers. CONCLUSION: The proportion of HIV transmission among MSM was on the rapid rise from 2006 to 2010 in China. Through HIV/AIDS sentinel surveillance system, we found that the infection rate was high but the rate of condom usage was low among MSM. Factors as being 15 to 29 years olds, students and blood donors should be under major concern.

Spatial distribution of HIV/AIDS in Yunnan province, People's Republic of China.

Risk maps for the geographical distribution of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are needed for the direction of HIV prevention interventions. Our study, based on county-level data on the numbers of HIV/AIDS patients in the Yunnan province, People's Republic of China, applied trend surface analysis and spatial autocorrelation analysis to demonstrate the geographical distribution of HIV-positive patients in the province. The case load of HIV was found to be most severe in the central-west region of the province. While Kunming county was shown to be negatively correlated with its surrounding counties, many high-burden counties are surrounded by other counties with similar case numbers. We conclude that intervention efforts in Yunnan province should concentrate on the western and northeast regions, targeting the hotspots of infection.

[Impact of delayed diagnoses bias on the estimation of AIDS incubation].

OBJECTIVE: Using the HIV positive paid blood donors (PBDs) as example, to investigate the impact of the delayed diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients on the calculated median incubation of AIDS. METHODS: Information was retrospectively collected on HIV/AIDS patients who were infected through paid blood donation. Data was from the national HIV/AIDS case reporting system. The time of diagnosed HIV/AIDS after the screening was defined as delayed diagnoses. All the cases were diagnosed between Jan. 1(st) 1995 and the end of the screening were classified as group 1, while the cases diagnosed between Jan. 1(st) 1995 and Dec. 31(st) 2010 were classified as group 2. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the median AIDS incubation of cases from the two groups. Results from the two groups on their incubation periods were compared. RESULTS: From the data of group 1, we noticed that the median AIDS incubation was 9.62 years but the 95%CI were not provided in the results of SAS software. When using the data from group 2, we found that the median AIDS incubation was 9.83 years, with the 95%CI as 9.73 to 9.83 years. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that, if excluding the delayed diagnosed cases, the AIDS incubation periods were shorter and biased.

[HIV/AIDS epidemic situation and data analysis among young students from 2006-2009 in China].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the HIV/AIDS epidemic situation and related behavioral components among young students in the last years and to provide information for integrated control and prevention programs. METHODS: Data on young students (15 - 24 years) through case reporting system was collected from 2006 to 2009 and continuous sentinel surveillance data regarding 6 national sentinel sites carried out from 2006 to 2009 was also collected. The sentinel sites would include universities, junior college and secondary vocational colleges registered students, using cluster sampling phases method. Self-administered questionnaire survey and blood (HIV antibody testing and syphilis antibody testing) tests were carried out, with the sample size was about 800 cases per site per year. RESULTS: The number of case report on HIV/AIDS among the young students of 15 - 24 years age group had been rising. Similar trend was also observed on the number of reported cases over the years, accounting for the proportions of the total number of reported cases, as 0.39%, 0.50%, 0.83% and 1.02% respectively from 2006 to 2009. Sexual contacts continued to be the major route of transmission, with the increasing proportion of homosexual transmission. In the 6 national sentinel sites of young students which continuous surveillance was conducted during the period from 2006 to 2009, data showed the following facts as: proportion (median) of objects who admitted to have had sex, were: 4.3%, 4.5% and 6.1%, proportions (median) of commercial sex occurred in the past year were: 0.3%, 0.2% and 0.3%; proportions (median) of MSM occurred in the past year were: 0.7%, 0.2% and 0.2%; median of HIV antibody positive rate and syphilis antibody positive rate were 0%; median of awareness rate on HIV/AIDS were: 49.0%, 75.0% and 80.5%; proportion (median) of monitor objects who received intervention services in the past year were: 44.2%, 54.3% and 50.2% respectively. CONCLUSION: In recent years, the HIV/AIDS number through case reporting system on the young students under 15 - 24 years age group, was increasing, but the HIV prevalence among young students was still relatively low, in general. The main transmission was sexual. Some young students had been engaged in commercial sex and MSM activities. Health education should be strengthened to increase the awareness of young students on AIDS/STD prevention. It is necessary to take more effective intervention measures to decrease new infection and control HIV/AIDS epidemic among young students.

[Data analysis of national HIV comprehensive surveillance sites among female sex workers from 2004 to 2008].

OBJECTIVE: To monitor the time trend of behaviors change related to HIV/AIDS epidemic and HIV prevalence, and to provide information and basis for comprehensive HIV prevention responses and evaluation of intervention effectiveness among female sex workers in China. METHODS: During the year of 2004 to 2008, a series of cross-sectional surveys were conducted among female sex workers in community recruited in both entertainment places and in street, during the defined timeframe, a face-to-face interview was conducted with uniformed questionnaire; while, the venous blood specimen was collected. The sample size was 400 per site per survey. RESULTS: In 15 continuous national HIV comprehensive surveillance sites among female sex workers from 2004 to 2008, the median of HIV prevalence was 0.0%; Prevalence (median) of syphilis respectively: 0.5%, 1.8%, 1.6%, 1.8% and 1.0%. The median of target subjects who used condom in the last commercial sex was: 81.8%, 80.5%, 84.6%, 87.0% and 88.9% respectively; the median of always used condom in commercial sex during the last month: 65.8%, 59.6%, 60.3%, 59.8% and 73.7%. The median of awareness rate on HIV/AIDS transmission of female sex workers was: 74.3%, 84.1%, 65.2%, 66.0% and 74.3%. The median of target subjects who attended HIV VCT services were: 12.4%, 20.4%, 25.8%, 25.3% and 31.7%. The median of the proportion of female sex workers who reached intervention in last year respectively: 46.4%, 76.1%, 72.1%, 95.0% and 90.8%. CONCLUSION: Condom use and HIV awareness rate need to enhance further among female sex workers. The proportion of female sex workers who attended VCT and knew their HIV testing result and the proportion of female sex workers who reached intervention in last year both increase. HIV prevalence rate among female sex workers is generally low, but high risk behaviors are still alarming. It is necessary to take more comprehensive and effective prevention measures and intervention.

[Retrospective research on proportion of HIV related death causes in nine counties in China].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the proportion of HIV related death cause, and its years of potential life lost (YPLL) and work years of potential life lose (WYPLL) in project counties. METHOD: According to the protocol of the third national death causes surveillance and HIV related death causes surveillance, retrospective study was implemented including baseline investigation of deaths' name list, demography information, door-to-door interview and death causes deduction in Gejiu, Ruili and Longchuan county in Yunnan province, Yangdong county in Guangdong province, Luzhai county in Guangxi zhuang Autonomous Region, Weishi and Zhecheng county in Henan province, Xishui county in Hubei province and Gu'an county in Hebei province. RESULTS: The study was conducted among nine counties located in seven provinces. A total of 118 719 cases were included, raw mortality was 5.83 per thousand, 2002 death cases were related to HIV, which contributed 1.67% of total deaths. The average age of HIV death was 38.03 yearsow, which was earlier than the non-HIV-related life-span (63.10 years). The YPLL and WYPLL of HIV death was 33.80 years and 20.50 years, respectively, which had contributed the second highest average YPLL. CONCLUSION: HIV has an important proportion among all death causes, and has contributed severe average YPLL and WYPLL.