New research advances in hypertrophic scar formation, prevention and treatment / 中华预防医学杂志

Scarring, naturally induced by fibroblasts(Fb) during wound healing, is an essential process in response to repair damaged tissue. Excessive Fb proliferation which produces the excessive collagen deposition, including increased extracellular matrix synthesis or insufficient decomposition, typically contributes to hypertrophic scar(HS) formation. Although exact mechanisms of HS are not yet fully understood, it is generally believed that dysfunction of Fb and regulation of signal pathways play an important role in HS formation. Biologically, Fb function is affected by various factors such as cytokines, extracellular matrix and itself. In addition, modifications of miRNA, ceRNA, lncRNA, peptides and histones participate in HS formation by affecting the biological function of Fb. Despite the clinical importance, very few therapeutic modalities are available to prevent HS. To achieve this, a deeper characterization of Fb is required to identify mechanisms of HS. To the aspect of HS prevention and treatment, we review recent findings, concentrating on Fb function and collagen secretion. The objective of this article is to frame the current understanding, gain the deeper insights into Fb function, and provide the more comprehensive cognition and perspective for prevention and treatment of HS.

Acceptability and influencing factors of pre-exposure prophylaxis among men who have sex with men in Guangxi / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To study the acceptability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent the transmission of HIV among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangxi, China.Methods Snow-balling methods were used to recruit 650 MSM in Guangxi. Questionnaires and interview were administrated to these 650 men, using a self-designed questionnaire and face to face interviews to collect information on HIV-related risk behaviors, knowledge and acceptability of PrEP.effective, safe and free of charge', 597 (91.9%) of the 650 MSM claimed that they would accept it,who refused to use it, most of them said that were afraid of the side-effect and doubted on the effectiveness of PrEP. Data from logistic regression analysis showed that those who had found partners through friends (OR=6.21, P=0.020) and those who would advise his friend to use PrEP (OR=39.32, P=0.000) were more likely to accept PrEP. Those who thought they could protect themselves from HIV infection (OR=0.32, P=0.010) or not having sex with the ones who refused to use a condom (OR=0.34, P=0.010) were less likely to accept PrEP. Conclusion Effectiveness, safety and cost seemed to be the main influential factors related to the acceptability of PrEP. Peer education might improve the acceptability of PrEP.