The origin and spread of HIV-1 CRF59_01B epidemic in China: A molecular network and phylogeographic analysis.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 CRF59_01B, identified in China in 2013, has been detected nationwide, exhibiting notably high prevalence in Guangzhou and its vicinity. This study aimed to unravel its origin and migration. A data set was established, incorporating all available CRF59_01B pol gene sequences and their metadata from Guangzhou and the public database. Bayesian phylogeographic analysis demonstrated that CRF59_01B originated in Shenzhen, the neighboring city of Guangzhou, around 1998 with posterior probability of 0.937. Molecular network analysis detected 1131 transmission links and showed a remarkably high clustering rate (78.9%). Substantial inter-city transmissions (26.5%, 300/1131) were observed between Shenzhen and Guangzhou while inter-region transmissions linked Guangzhou with South (46) and Southwest (64) China. The centre of Guangzhou was the hub of CRF59_01B transmission, including the inflow from Shenzhen (3.57 events/year) and outflow to the outskirts of Guangzhou (>2 events/year). The large-scale analysis revealed significant migration from Shenzhen to Guangzhou (5.08 events/year) and North China (0.59 events/year), and spread from Guangzhou to Central (0.47 events/year), East (0.42 events/year), South (0.76 events/year), Southwest China (0.76 events/year) and Shenzhen (1.89 events/year). Shenzhen and Guangzhou served as the origin and the hub of CRF59_01B circulation, emphasizing inter-city cooperation and data sharing to confine its nationwide diffusion.

Characterization of mechanical stress in the occurrence of cortical opacification in age-related cataracts using three-dimensional finite element model of the human lens and RNA-seq.

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness across the world. Age-related cataract (ARC) is the most common type of cataract, but its pathogenesis is not fully understood. Using three-dimensional finite element modeling combining experimental biotechnology, our study demonstrates that external forces during accommodation cause mechanical stress predominantly in lens cortex, basically matching the localization of opacities in cortical ARCs. We identified the cellular senescence and upregulation of PIEZO1 mRNA in HLECs under mechanical stretch. This mechano-induced senescence in HLECs might be mediated by PIEZO1-related pathways, portraying a potential biomechanical cause of cortical ARCs. Our study updates the fundamental insight towards cataractogenesis, paving the way for further exploration of ARCs pathogenesis and nonsurgical treatment.

Crowdsourced partner services among men who have sex with men living with HIV: A pilot randomized controlled trial in China.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effectiveness of a crowdsourced HIV partner services (PS) intervention among men who have sex with men living with HIV (MLWH) in China. METHODS: A pilot two-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in three HIV testing clinics in China. The control arm received conventional HIV PS while the intervention arm received a crowdsourced intervention, including HIV self-testing kits for secondary distribution (HIVST-SD), digital education materials, and assisted PS. The intervention was developed through two-phase crowdsourcing events including an open call and a Designathon. The primary outcomes were measured by the 3-month follow-up rate (i.e., the proportion of participants who completed the follow-up survey to report HIV PS outcomes three months after enrollment) and the frequency of using intervention components (feasibility), index evaluation of intervention components (acceptability), and the proportion of partners getting HIV testing (preliminary effectiveness). RESULTS: The study enrolled 121 newly diagnosed MLWH between July 2021 and May 2022. The 3-month follow-up rates were 93% (75/81) and 83% (33/40) in the intervention and control arms, respectively. Crowdsourced intervention components demonstrated feasibility, with all indexes utilizing digital educational materials, 23 successfully using HIVST-SD, and six employing provider-referral to notify nine sexual partners. Acceptability was high, with HIVST-SD and digital educational materials rated 4·4 and 4.1 out of 5. The proportion of partners receiving HIV testing was 11% higher in the intervention arm than in the control arm (marginal significance with 95% CI = [-2%, 24%], 38% vs. 27%). CONCLUSION: The crowdsourced HIV PS intervention was acceptable and feasible, suggesting the potential to facilitate partner HIV testing among Chinese MLWH. Further implementation research is recommended to expand HIV PS among key populations in low- and middle-income countries.Clinical trial registration ID: NCT04971967 (Protocol ID: 19-0496).

Acute and continuous exposure of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5): diverse outer blood-retinal barrier damages and disease susceptibilities.

BACKGROUND: The association between air pollution and retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has been demonstrated, but the pathogenic correlation is unknown. Damage to the outer blood-retinal barrier (oBRB), which consists of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and choriocapillaris, is crucial in the development of fundus diseases. OBJECTIVES: To describe the effects of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on the oBRB and disease susceptibilities. METHODS: A PM2.5-exposed mice model was established through the administration of eye drops containing PM2.5. Optical coherence tomography angiography, transmission electron microscope, RPE immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were applied to study the oBRB changes. A co-culture model of ARPE-19 cells with stretching vascular endothelial cells was established to identify the role of choroidal vasodilatation in PM2.5-associated RPE damage. RESULTS: Acute exposure to PM2.5 resulted in choroidal vasodilatation, RPE tight junctions impairment, and ultimately an increased risk of retinal edema in mice. These manifestations are very similar to the pachychoroid disease represented by central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). After continuous PM2.5 exposure, the damage to the RPE was gradually repaired, but AMD-related early retinal degenerative changes appeared under continuous choroidal inflammation. CONCLUSION: This study reveals oBRB pathological changes under different exposure durations, providing a valuable reference for the prevention of PM2.5-related fundus diseases and public health policy formulation.

Upregulation of EphA2 is associated with apoptosis in response to H2O2 and UV radiation-induced cataracts.

In this article, we examine the role of erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular receptor A2 (EphA2) in the apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in H2O2 and UV radiation-induced cataracts. We treated SRA01/04 cells with H2O2 or ultraviolet (UV) radiation to create a cataract cell model. We constructed a cataract lens model by exposing mice to UV radiation. We used CCK8 assays, Annexin V-FITC analysis, and immunohistochemical staining to explore proliferation and apoptosis of the cataract model. Thereafter, we used quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) analysis, Western blot assays, and immunofluorescence to determine gene and protein expression levels. We also employed Crispr/Cas9 gene editing to create an EphA2 knockout in SRA01/04 cells. Results: H2O2 or UV radiation induced SRA01/04 cells showed EphA2 gene upregulation. CCK8 and apoptosis assays showed that EphA2 over-expression (OE) reduced epithelial cell apoptosis, but knockout of EphA2 induced it in response to H2O2 and UV radiation, respectively. Mutation of the EphA2 protein kinase domain (c.2003G > A, p. G668D) had a limited effect on cell apoptosis. In vivo, the EphA2 protein level increased in the lenses of UV-treated mice. Our results showed that EphA2 was upregulated in SRA01/04 cells in response to H2O2 and UV radiation. Mutation of the EphA2 protein kinase domain (c.2003G > A, p. G668D) had a limited effect on H2O2 and UV radiation-induced cell apoptosis. We confirmed this change with an experiment on UV-treated mice. The present study established a novel association between EphA2 and LEC apoptosis.

Long-term PM2.5 exposure disrupts corneal epithelial homeostasis by impairing limbal stem/progenitor cells in humans and rat models.

BACKGROUND: Limbal stem/progenitor cells (LSPCs) play a crucial role in maintaining corneal health by regulating epithelial homeostasis. Although PM2.5 is associated with the occurrence of several corneal diseases, its effects on LSPCs are not clearly understood. METHODS: In this study, we explored the correlation between PM2.5 exposure and human limbal epithelial thickness measured by Fourier-domain Optical Coherence Tomography in the ophthalmologic clinic. Long- and short-term PM2.5 exposed-rat models were established to investigate the changes in LSPCs and the associated mechanisms. RESULTS: We found that people living in regions with higher PM2.5 concentrations had thinner limbal epithelium, indicating the loss of LSPCs. In rat models, long-term PM2.5 exposure impairs LSPCs renewal and differentiation, manifesting as corneal epithelial defects and thinner epithelium in the cornea and limbus. However, LSPCs were activated in short-term PM2.5-exposed rat models. RNA sequencing implied that the circadian rhythm in LSPCs was perturbed during PM2.5 exposure. The mRNA level of circadian genes including Per1, Per2, Per3, and Rev-erbα was upregulated in both short- and long-term models, suggesting circadian rhythm was involved in the activation and dysregulation of LSPCs at different stages. PM2.5 also disturbed the limbal microenvironment as evidenced by changes in corneal subbasal nerve fiber density, vascular density and permeability, and immune cell infiltration, which further resulted in the circadian mismatches and dysfunction of LSPCs. CONCLUSION: This study systematically demonstrates that PM2.5 impairs LSPCs and their microenvironment. Moreover, we show that circadian misalignment of LSPCs may be a new mechanism by which PM2.5 induces corneal diseases. Therapeutic options that target circadian rhythm may be viable options for improving LSPC functions and alleviating various PM2.5-associated corneal diseases.

Delivery of WeChat-Based HIV Result e-Reports in Social Networks for Recruitment of High-Risk Population: Baseline Data From a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Disclosure of infectious disease status to social network peers can facilitate reaching and early detection among high-risk populations. In this era of social media, globally, HIV/AIDS represents a high burden of infectious disease. Thus, delivery of an HIV result e-report via social media presents a new approach that has the potential to improve contact with and enrollment of the high-risk population in research studies and routine practice. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the effectiveness and associated factors of a recruitment strategy (ie, WeChat-based HIV e-report delivery in social networks) on the enrollment of men who have sex with men (MSM) for an HIV testing intervention study. METHODS: This was an enrollment result analysis of an ongoing cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) aiming to promote HIV testing among MSM. Recruitment of potential participants was based on the unit of an egocentric social network, which includes 1 core member (an offline tested ego as the recruiter) and several network members (online alters as network associates). Alters' enrollment and alters' transformation to ego-recruiters (alter-ego) were measured as outcomes. Recruitment outcomes were compared between the exchangeable and regular e-report groups of the RCT. Associated factors of both outcomes were also investigated, including sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, social network characteristics, e-report types, and online delivery information. Binary outcomes were modeled using logistic models, with Firth correction for rare events. Qualitative interviews were conducted to understand facilitators and barriers in detail for alter-ego as the subsequent wave's recruiter. RESULTS: The e-report of 1157 egos who tested offline were delivered to 5165 alters in 3 recruitment waves; eventually, 1162 eligible alters enrolled in this RCT (response rate: 22.5%). In the exchangeable e-report group, 544 egos recruited 467 alters, of which 35 alters transformed to alter-egos (7.5%), whereas in the regular e-report group, 613 egos recruited 695 alters, of which 40 alters transformed to alter-egos (5.8%). Alters' enrollment at first wave was associated with a higher number of e-reports being forwarded by the egos. Alters' transformation to alter-egos for the subsequent wave was associated with the exchangeable e-report, higher income, being a Guangzhou resident, unprotected anal intercourse, preferring self-testing, and viewing senders' e-reports frequently. Qualitative interviews revealed that the lack of awareness of e-reports' function and inadequate access to e-reports at offline testing facilities were major barriers to alters' transformation to offline ego-recruiters. CONCLUSIONS: The delivery of e-report was feasible in MSM social network, and the success and sustainability of online recruitment depended on high levels of familiarity among MSM with the digital tool. The HIV e-report exchange mechanism might promote MSM to test HIV offline to get their own e-report for exchange in the community. The e-report provides an innovative recruitment method with great potential to trace direct contacts for infectious diseases studies.

Communal or Autonomous? Coping Experiences of Chinese Serodiscordant Male Couples to HIV Care: A Dyadic Qualitative Analysis.

Limited empirical evidence exists on the interpersonal challenges faced by Chinese serodiscordant male couples in HIV care. This study aimed to explore their coping experiences in HIV care by applying the communal coping process theoretical framework. A dyadic qualitative study using face-to-face interviews with 20 serodiscordant male couples (n = 40) was conducted between July and September 2021 in two Chinese metropolitan areas through purposive sampling. Eligibility included one partner living with HIV and the other being HIV-negative, both aged 18 or older, born male, gay or bisexual, and in a relationship together for at least 3 months. A hybrid deductive-inductive approach integrated with dyadic interview analysis and framework method was used for data analysis. We identified three themes in the coping process in HIV care: (1) coping as an autonomous process, (2) coping as a dissonant process, and (3) coping as a contextualized communal process. Concerning autonomous coping, most couples adopted either disengaged avoidance or mutual noninvolvement as negative coping strategies. We also identified potential risk factors for dissonant coping, which are a partner living with internalized HIV stigma and the couple's asymmetric relationship goals. Our results indicate the communal coping process of HIV care is contextual, and our expansion of the communal coping theory sheds light on how serodiscordant male couples cope with stressors connected to HIV care. Our findings provide theoretical insights for the development of dyadic interventions based on health psychology for Chinese serodiscordant male couples to engage in HIV care.

Correction: WeChat-Based HIV e-Report, a New Approach for HIV Serostatus Requests and Disclosures Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Prospective Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.2196/44513.].

WeChat-Based HIV e-Report, a New Approach for HIV Serostatus Requests and Disclosures Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: Prospective Subgroup Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Requesting and disclosing HIV serostatus is associated with a reduction in HIV transmission among men who have sex with men (MSM). However, the reliability of common methods for HIV serostatus request and disclosure is inadequate. Validated approaches for requesting and disclosing HIV serostatus are necessary. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the use of the HIV e-report as authentic evidence of HIV serostatus among the MSM community in Guangzhou, China. Additionally, the study aimed to explore its correlation with HIV serostatus requesting and disclosure receiving behavior. METHODS: This study is a subgroup analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) that enrolled 357 participants during the first year. Participants in this RCT were recruited from the WeChat-based HIV testing service miniprogram developed by Guangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention, China. Participants completed web-based questionnaires at baseline and at the month 3 follow-up, which covered sociodemographic characteristics, HIV-related information, HIV serostatus requests, receiving HIV serostatus disclosures, and HIV e-report usage. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The WeChat-based HIV e-report was available in Guangzhou when the RCT project started. At the month 3 follow-up, 32.2% (115/357) of participants had their own HIV e-reports, and 37.8% (135/357) of them had received others' HIV e-reports. In all, 13.1% (27/205) and 10.5% (16/153) of participants started to use HIV e-reports to request the HIV serostatus from regular and casual male sex partners, respectively. Moreover, 27.3% (42/154) and 16.5% (18/109) of the regular and casual male sex partners, respectively, chose HIV e-reports to disclose their HIV serostatus. Compared to MSM who did not have HIV e-reports, those who had HIV e-reports and stated, "I had had my own HIV e-report(s) but hadn't sent to others" (multivariate odds ratio 2.71, 95% CI 1.19-6.86; P=.02) and "I had had my own HIV e-reports and had sent to others" (multivariate odds ratio 2.67, 95% CI 1.07-7.73; P=.048) were more likely to request HIV serostatus from their partners. However, no factor was associated with receiving an HIV serostatus disclosure from partners. CONCLUSIONS: The HIV e-report has been accepted by the MSM community in Guangzhou and could be applied as a new optional approach for HIV serostatus requests and disclosures. This innovative intervention could be effective in promoting infectious disease serostatus disclosure among the related high-risk population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03984136; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03984136. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-10.1186/s12879-021-06484-y.

CHAC1 as a Novel Contributor of Ferroptosis in Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells with Oxidative Damage.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of irreversible visual loss in the elderly population. With aging and the accumulated effects of environmental stress, retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are particularly susceptible to oxidative damage, which can lead to retinal degeneration. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of how RPE responds and progresses under oxidative damage are still largely unknown. Here, we reveal that exogenous oxidative stress led to ferroptosis characterized by Fe2+ accumulation and lipid peroxidation in RPE cells. Glutathione specific gamma-glutamylcyclotransferase 1 (Chac1), as a component of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway, plays a pivotal role in oxidative-stress-induced cell ferroptosis via the regulation of glutathione depletion. These results indicate the biological significance of Chac1 as a novel contributor of oxidative-stress-induced ferroptosis in RPE, suggesting its potential role in AMD.

Willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine among HIV positive men who have sex with men in China: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: People living with HIV(PLWH) are deemed more vulnerable to the SARS-CoV-2 infection than the uninfected population. Vaccination is an effective measure for COVID-19 control, yet, little knowledge exists about the willingness of men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV in China to be vaccinated. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated the willingness of MSM living with HIV to receive COVID-19 vaccination in six cities of Guangdong, China, from July to September 2020. Factors associated with willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: In total, we recruited 944 HIV-positive MSM with a mean age of 29.2 ± 7.7 years. Of all participants, 92.4% of them were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Participants who were separated, divorced, or widowed (adjusted OR: 5.29, 95%CI: 1.02-27.48), had an annual income higher than 9,000 USD (adjusted OR: 1.70, 95%CI: 1.01-2.86), had ever taken an HIV self-test (adjusted OR: 1.78, 95%CI: 1.07-2.95), had ever disclosed sexual orientation to a doctor/nurse (adjusted OR: 3.16, 95%CI: 1.33-7.50), had ever disclosed sexual orientation to others besides their male partners (adjusted OR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.29-3.69) were more willing to receive the vaccine. Sex with a female partner in the past six months decreased the likelihood of willingness to receive the vaccine (adjusted OR: 0.40, 95%CI: 0.17-0.95). Economic burden, worry that my health condition could not bear the risk of receiving COVID-19 vaccines, and concern that the vaccination would affect the immune status and antiretroviral therapy were the main reasons for unwillingness to receive vaccination. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that HIV-positive MSM had a high willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Targeted interventions such as health education should be conducted among MSM with HIV infection to enhance COVID-19 vaccine uptake.

Do Couple-Based Interventions Show Larger Effects in Promoting HIV Preventive Behaviors than Individualized Interventions in Couples? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 11 Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare the effects of couple-based prevention interventions against individual-level interventions on HIV prevention in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), identify potential moderators, and assess study quality. Eleven RCTs were included, comprising 3933 couples in the intervention group and 7125 individuals in the individual control group, predominantly in heterosexual couples from the USA and Africa. Couple-based interventions had a more significant effect in promoting condom use and HIV testing. Education levels of high school or above, residence in low- and middle-income countries, and intervention design incorporating HIV counseling and testing were associated with higher odds of condom use. The quality assessment analysis identified methodological and theoretical heterogeneity factors. Evidence of couple-based HIV prevention RCTs among men who have sex with men, injecting drug users, sex workers, and transgender women warrant further investigation. Recommendations are made to improve the quality and replicability of future intervention studies.

RESUMEN: Esta revista sistemática y metanálisis tiene por objeto comparar los efectos de las intervenciones de prevención basadas en pareja con las a nivel individual en la prevención del VIH en ensayos controlados aleatorios (ECA), identificar posibles moderadores y evaluar la calidad de los estudios. Se incluyeron once ECA, que comprendían 3.933 parejas en el grupo de intervención y 7.125 personas en el grupo de control individual, la mayoría de las cuales eran heterosexuales de EE.UU. y de África. Las intervenciones basadas en pareja son más eficaces para promover el uso de preservativos y pruebas del VIH. Los niveles de educación secundaria o superior, los países de ingresos bajos y medianos, y los diseños de intervención que incluyen pruebas y asesoramiento sobre el VIH se relacionan con más uso de preservativos. El análisis de evaluación de la calidad ha identificado factores de heterogeneidad metodológica y teórica. Las pruebas de ECA basadas en pareja para la prevención del VIH en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres, consumidores de drogas inyectables, trabajadoras sexuales y mujeres transgénero necesitan más investigación. Se hacen recomendaciones para mejorar la calidad y replicabilidad de futuros estudios de intervención.

Determinants of Willingness to Use PrEP Among Gay and Bisexual Men in China Before Implementation: A Structural Equation Modeling Assessment.

With the recent endorsement of PrEP by the Chinese government, research is urgently needed to better understand factors impacting PrEP uptake among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) in China. This study examined willingness to use PrEP for HIV prevention among GBMSM in China through structural equation modeling. We examined the relationship among PrEP-related attitudes, subjective norms, PrEP-related knowledge and beliefs about medicines and willingness to use PrEP. The analysis showed a good fit between the data and both the measurement model (RMSEA = 0.060) and structural model (RMSEA = 0.054). Knowledge, attitudes, and subjective norms were significantly related to intention to use PrEP, whereas the effect of general beliefs about medicines was insignificant. These effect mechanisms point to the importance of designing interventions to support PrEP uptake that target knowledge, enhance positive attitudes about PrEP within social networks, and build positive social norms around PrEP among sexually active GBMSM.

Electrical and magnetic properties of antiferromagnetic semiconductor MnSi2N4 monolayer.

Two-dimensional antiferromagnetic semiconductors have triggered significant attention due to their unique physical properties and broad application. Based on first-principles calculations, a novel two-dimensional (2D) antiferromagnetic material MnSi2N4 monolayer is predicted. The calculation results show that the two-dimensional MnSi2N4 prefers an antiferromagnetic state with a small band gap of 0.26 eV. MnSi2N4 has strong antiferromagnetic coupling which can be effectively tuned under strain. Interestingly, the MnSi2N4 monolayer exhibits a half-metallic ferromagnetic properties under an external magnetic field, in which the spin-up electronic state displays a metallic property, while the spin-down electronic state exhibits a semiconducting characteristic. Therefore, 100% spin polarization can be achieved. Two-dimensional MnSi2N4 monolayer has potential application in the field of high-density information storage and spintronic devices.

Airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) damages the inner blood-retinal barrier by inducing inflammation and ferroptosis in retinal vascular endothelial cells.

This study was the first to explore the effect of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure on the inner blood-retinal barrier (iBRB). In this study, retinal vascular permeability and diameter were enhanced in the PM2.5-exposed animal model (1 mg/mL PM2.5, 10 µL per eye, 4 times per day, 3 days), together with observable retinal edema and increased inflammation level in retina. PM2.5-induced cell damage in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs) occurred in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Decreased cell viability, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis, as well as increased apoptosis and inflammation, were observed. Iron overload and excessive lipid oxidation were also discovered after PM2.5 exposure (25, 50, and 100 µg/mL PM2.5 for 24 h), along with significantly altered expression of ferroptosis-related genes, such as prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2, glutathione peroxidase 4, and ferritin heavy chain 1. Moreover, Ferrostatin-1, an inhibitor of ferroptosis, evidently alleviated the PM2.5-induced cytotoxicity of HRMECs. The present study investigated the in vivo effects of PM2.5 on retinas, revealing that PM2.5 exposure induced retinal inflammation, vascular dilatation, and caused damage to the iBRB. The crucial role of ferroptosis was discovered during PM2.5-induced HRMEC cytotoxicity and dysfunction, indicating a potential precautionary target in air pollution-associated retinal vascular diseases.

Expression profiles of long noncoding RNAs in human corneal epithelial cells exposed to fine particulate matter.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the expression profiles of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and to identify potential biological pathways involved in PM2.5-induced toxicity in HCECs. METHODS: Using RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and hierarchy clustering analysis, lncRNA expression profiles in PM2.5-treated and untreated HCECs were examined. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed to predict the role of altered lncRNAs in biological processes and pathways. A quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was conducted to verify the RNA-seq results in HCECs and human corneal epithelial cell sheets. RESULTS: In total, 65 lncRNAs were altered in the PM2.5-treated HCECs, including 41 upregulated and 24 downregulated lncRNAs. The results of the qRT-PCR assay were consistent with those of the RNA-seq analysis. The expression of two significantly upregulated lncRNAs was confirmed in human corneal epithelial cell sheets. The GO analysis demonstrated that altered lncRNAs in the PM2.5-treated HCECs were significantly enriched in three domains: cellular component, molecular function, and biological process. The KEGG pathway analysis revealed enriched pathways of lncRNA co-expressed mRNAs, including cancer, RNA transport, and Rap1 signaling. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that lncRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of PM2.5-induced ocular diseases, exerting their effects through biological processes and pathogenic pathways. Among the altered lncRNAs, RP3-406P24.3 and RP11-285E9.5 may play significant roles in PM2.5-induced ocular surface injury.

Identifying the Key Nodes of HIV Molecular Transmission Network Among Men Who Have Sex with Men - Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, 2015-2017.

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC?: Identifying the most influential spreaders in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission networks is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. WHAT IS ADDED BY THIS REPORT?: This study identified key nodes of the HIV molecular transmission network among men who have sex with men (MSM) by utilizing linkages between sequences to reconstruct the transmission network at the molecular level. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE?: This study could act as an important supplement of laboratory results to epidemiological studies and suggests that interdisciplinary research could inspire new ideas for finding breakthroughs on HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevention and control.

Association between outpatient visits for pterygium and air pollution in Hangzhou, China.

Air pollution could be a risk factor for the development of pterygium. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations between outpatient visits for pterygium and air pollutants. Using a time-stratified case-crossover design, the data of 3017 outpatients with pterygium visiting an eye center in Hangzhou, China, and the air pollution data of the Environmental Protection Department of Zhejiang Province between July 1, 2014, and November 30, 2019, were examined. The relationships between the air pollutants nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone, and fine particulate matter (PM) with median aerometric diameter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) and <10 µm (PM10) and outpatient visits for primary pterygium were assessed using single- and multiple-pollutant models. Significant associations between outpatient visits for pterygium and air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2) were observed. Younger patients were found to be more sensitive to air pollution. Interestingly, the younger female patients with pterygium were more vulnerable to PM2.5 exposure during the warm season, while the younger male patients with pterygium were more sensitive to NO2 during the cold season. Significant effects were also observed between the pterygium outpatients and PM2.5 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.06, P = 0.02), PM10 (OR = 1.04, P = 0.01), and SO2 (OR = 1.26, P = 0.01) during the warm season, as well as NO2 (OR = 1.06, P = 0.01) during the cold season. Our study provides evidence that outpatient visits for pterygium are positively associated with increases in the air pollutants PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2, revealing the important role of air pollution in the occurrence and development of pterygium.