[Characteristics of baseline viral load before antiretroviral therapy in newly reported HIV-infected patients in Tianjin, 2019-2022].

Objective: To understand the baseline viral load (VL) of newly reported HIV- infected patients before antiretroviral therapy and related factors in Tianjin. Methods: Data were obtained from the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System, and the study subjects were HIV-infected patients before the first antiretroviral therapy in Tianjin from 2019 to 2022, and the information about their socio-demographic characteristics, baseline CD4+T lymphocyte (CD4) counts before antiretroviral therapy and baseline VL test results were collected, the baseline high VL was defined as ≥100 000 copies/ml. The effect of different factors on viral load were analyzed. Software SPSS 24.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 1 296 newly reported HIV-infected patients were included in the study, in whom 15.89% (206/1 296) had high baseline VL, and multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that those with history of STD (aOR=1.45, 95%CI:1.00-2.08) were more likely to have high baseline VL. Compared with those with baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/µl, those with baseline CD4 counts 200-350 cells/µl (aOR=0.40, 95%CI: 0.27-0.57), 351-500 cells/µl (aOR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.20-0.49), and >500 cells/µl (aOR=0.30, 95%CI: 0.18-0.49) were less likely to have high baseline VL. Conclusions: The proportion of HIV-infected patients with high baseline VL before antiretroviral therapy was low in Tianjin during 2019-2022. History of STD and baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/µl were associated with high baseline VL in HIV-infected patients, to which close attention needs to be paid in AIDS prevention and control.

[The efficacy of chemotherapy re-challenge in third-line setting for metastatic colorectal cancer patients: a real-world study].

Objective: To explore the efficacy of chemotherapy re-challenge in the third-line setting for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in the real world. Methods: The clinicopathological data, treatment information, recent treatment efficacy, adverse events and survival data of mCRC patients who had disease progression after treatment with oxaliplatin-based and/or irinotecan-based chemotherapy and received third-line chemotherapy re-challenge from January 2013 to December 2020 at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital were retrospectively collected. Survival curves were plotted with the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the prognostic factors. Results: A total of 95 mCRC patients were included. Among them, 32 patients (33.7%) received chemotherapy alone and 63 patients (66.3%) received chemotherapy combined with targeted drugs. Eighty-three patients were treated with dual-drug chemotherapy (87.4%), including oxaliplatin re-challenge in 35 patients and irinotecan re-challenge in 48 patients. The remaining 12 patients were treated with triplet chemotherapy regimens (12.6%). Among them, as 5 patients had sequential application of oxaliplatin and irinotecan in front-line treatments, their third-line therapy re-challenged both oxaliplatin and irinotecan; 7 patients only had oxaliplatin prescription before, and these patients re-challenged oxaliplatin in the third-line treatment. The overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) reached 8.6% (8/93) and 61.3% (57/93), respectively. The median progression free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) were 4.9 months and 13.0 months, respectively. The most common adverse events were leukopenia (34.7%) and neutropenia (34.7%), followed by gastrointestinal adverse reactions such as nausea (32.6%) and vomiting (31.6%). Grade 3-4 adverse events were mostly hematological toxicity. Cox multivariate analysis showed that gender (HR=1.609, 95% CI: 1.016-2.548) and the PFS of front-line treatments (HR=0.598, 95% CI: 0.378-0.947) were independent prognostic factors. Conclusion: The results suggested that it is safe and effective for mCRC patients to choose third-line chemotherapy re-challenge, especially for patients with a PFS of more than one year in front-line treatments.

[HIV infection status in male outpatients in sexually transmitted disease clinics in Tianjin, 2016-2020].

Objective: To understand the HIV infection status in male outpatients in sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in Tianjin from 2016 to 2020. Methods: According to the sentinel surveillance protocol, continuous cross-sectional studies were conducted between April and June during 2016-2020 to collect the information about the awareness of AIDS related knowledge, related sex behaviors, HIV infection, syphilis prevalence and HCV infection of male STD outpatients in Tianjin with a sample seize of 400 in each sentinel clinic. Results: From 2016 to 2020, a total of 4 000 male STD outpatients were surveyed. The HIV positive rate increased from 1.13% (9/800) to 2.25% (18/800) (trend χ2=14.22, P<0.001), the positive rate of syphilis increased from 9.38% (75/800) to 13.00% (104/800) (trend χ2=7.30, P=0.007) in this population during this period. The overall HCV positive rate was 0.45% (18/4 000). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with those who were unmarried, had registered residence in Tianjin, had no temporary sexual behavior in the past 3 months, had no anal sex and had negative syphilis test result, the risk factors of HIV infection in the male STD outpatients included cohabitation (aOR=7.53, 95%CI:2.13-26.62), being from other provinces (aOR=3.64,95%CI:1.58-8.38), having temporary sexual behavior in the past 3 months (aOR=2.24,95%CI:1.03-4.89), having homosexual anal sex (aOR=85.99,95%CI:38.76-190.74) and suffering from syphilis (aOR=6.06,95%CI:3.18-11.56). Conclusion: The detection rates of HIV infection and syphilis in male STD outpatients in Tianjin showed upward trends from 2016 to 2020. Having temporary sexual behavior and anal sex, and suffering from syphilis were the main risk factors of HIV infection in male STD outpatients.

[Effect of posterior tibial slope on the short-term outcome in mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between postoperative knee function and the sagittal position of tibial component in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled the patients who underwent UKA from January 2016 to May 2020. They were assigned into 2 groups according to postoperative posterior tibial slope (PTS): the normal PTS group (PTS≥3° and PTS < 8°) and the abnormal PTS group (PTS < 3° or ≥8°). The patients were followed up for at least 12 months. The postoperative Knee Society Clinical Score (KSS-C), Knee Society Functional Score (KSS-F) and knee range of motion (ROM) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients (82 knees) were included with 51 patients (58 knees) in PTS normal group and 21 patients (24 knees) in PTS abnormal group. All the patients were followed up with median of 23.6 months. There was no significant difference in the general data [gender, age, body mass index (BMI)], pre-operative knee range of motion, preoperative KSS-C score and KSS-F score (P > 0.01). The KSS-C score, KSS-F score, and knee range of motion significantly improved after surgery (P < 0.01) for all the patients. The postoperative KSS-C score in normal PTS group (88.76±2.79) was significantly higher than the KSS-C score in abnormal PTS group (84.42±3.35, P < 0.01), but no significant difference between the 2 groups was observed in postoperative KSS-F score and knee range of motion (P > 0.01). In addition, there was no correlation between the change of PTS and postoperative KSS-C score (r=-0.034, 95%CI: -0.247 to 0.186, P = 0.759), KSS-F score (r = -0.014, 95%CI: -0.238 to 0.198, P = 0.901) and knee range of motion (r= 0.045, 95%CI: -0.214 to 0.302, P = 0.686). CONCLUSION: The posterior tibial slope between 3° and < 8° can be recommended to improve knee joint function in mobile UKA, and excessive or insufficient PTS should be avoided.

Ageing affects the proliferation and mineralization of rat dental pulp stem cells under inflammatory conditions.

AIM: To comparatively evaluate changes in the proliferation and mineralization abilities of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) from juvenile and adult rats in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory microenvironment to provide a theoretical basis for the age-related differences observed in DPSCs during repair of inflammatory injuries. METHODOLOGY: DPSCs were isolated from juvenile (JDPSCs) and adult rats (ADPSCs), and senescence-associated ß-galactosidase staining was used to compare senescence between JDPSCs and ADPSCs. Effects of LPS on JDPSCs and ADPSCs proliferation were investigated by cell counting kit-8 assays and flow cytometry. Alizarin red staining, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay were used to examine the effects of LPS on mineralization-related genes and proteins in JDPSCs and ADPSCs. Immunohistochemistry was used to compare interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and osteocalcin (OCN) expression in the pulpitis model. Unpaired Student's t-tests and one-way anova were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: DPSCs were isolated from juvenile and adult rat dental pulp tissues. At low concentrations (0.1-1 µg mL-1 ), LPS significantly promoted the proliferation of JDPSCs (P < 0.01) and ADPSCs (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), with the effect being stronger in JDPSCs than in ADPSCs. In addition, mineralized nodules and the expression of mineralization-related genes (OCN, DSPP, ALP, BSP) increased significantly after stimulation with LPS (0.5 µg mL-1 ) in JDPSCs and ADPSCs (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), and JDPSCs displayed a more obvious increase than ADPSCs. Western blots revealed OCN and ALP expression levels in JDPSCs treated with LPS were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05); meanwhile, ALP expression in ADPSCs increased slightly but significantly (P < 0.05), and OCN expression was not affected. Finally, IL-1ß expression was significantly higher (P < 0.05) and OCN expression was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the inflamed dental pulp of adult rats than in juvenile rats. CONCLUSIONS: A certain degree of inflammatory stimulation promoted the proliferation and mineralization of DPSCs; however, this effect declined with age. The DPSCs of adult donors in an inflammatory microenvironment have a weaker repair ability than that of juvenile donors, who are better candidates for tissues damage repair.

[HIV infection status and related factors in men who have sex with men in sentinel surveillance in Tianjin, 2016-2018].

Objective: To understand the HIV infection status and related factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin during 2016-2018. Methods: According to the sentinel surveillance protocol, continuous cross-sectional studies were conducted to collect the information about the awareness of AIDS, related behaviors, HIV infection, syphilis prevalence and HCV infection in the MSM in Tianjin with the annual sample seize of 400 between April and June during 2016-2018. Results: From 2016 to 2018, a total of 1 200 MSM were surveyed. The condom use rate in anal sex was 45.4% (544/1 198) in the past 6 months. The HIV test rate in MSM recruited through network declined with year (trend χ(2)=42.742, P<0.001). The overall HIV infection rate was 3.3% (40/1 200). The HIV-1 infection rate was 2.6% (95%CI: 1.7%-3.5%). The overall prevalence rate of syphilis was 6.7% (80/1 200). The overall HCV infection rate was 0.8% (9/1 200). Results from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk factors associated with HIV infection in the MSM included divorced or widowed (compared with unmarried, aOR=7.137, 95%CI: 1.621-31.419) and syphilis positive group (compared with syphilis negative group, aOR=3.684, 95%CI: 1.520-8.932). The protective factors for HIV infection in the MSM included consistent use of condom in the past 6 months (compared with occasional use of condom, aOR=0.343, 95%CI: 0.126-0.932) and HIV test (compared with receiving no HIV test, aOR=0.314, 95%CI: 0.123-0.801). Conclusions: The HIV infection rate in the MSM in Tianjin was high from 2016 to 2018. Syphilis prevalence status in MSM should not be neglected. The rate of consistent condom use in anal sex was low in the MSM. It is necessary to take effective measures to promote condom use and strengthen HIV test in MSM.

Diverse effects of pulsed electrical stimulation on cells - with a focus on chondrocytes and cartilage regeneration.

Biological effects of pulsed electrical stimulation (PES) on cells and tissues have been intensively studied with the aim of advancing their biomedical applications. These effects vary significantly depending on PES parameters, cell and tissue types, which can be attributed to the diverse variety of signaling pathways, ion channels, and epigenetic mechanisms involved. The development of new technology platforms, such as nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) with finely tuned parameters, have added further complexity. The present review systematically examines current research progress in various aspects of PES, from physical models to biological effects on cells and tissues, including voltage-sensing domains of voltage-gated channels, pore formation, intracellular components/organelles, and signaling pathways. Emphasis is placed on the complexity of PES parameters and inconsistency of induced biological effects, with the aim of exploring the underlying physical and cellular mechanisms of the physiological effects of electrical stimulation on cells. With chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells and cartilage regeneration as examples, the underlying mechanisms involved were reviewed and analyzed, hoping to move forward towards potential biomedical applications. Hopefully, the present review will inspire more interest in the wider clinical applications of PES and lay the basis for further comprehensive studies in this field.

[The characteristics of recent HIV-1 infection and associated factors in Tianjin].

The newly reported HIV infected cases was collected, and HIV blood samples were detected to identify recent HIV infection in Tianjin during 2008-2015. Factors associated with HIV-1 infection were analyzed by the univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression. The recent HIV-1 infection proportion of homosexuals increased from 37.70% in 2008 to 83.68% in 2015. Those cases who aged ≤30 years (OR=1.53, 95%CI: 1.30-1.79), in han ethnic group (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.02-1.91), students (OR=1.79, 95%CI: 1.28-2.51) were more likely to be recent infected. The cases who had a high school education (OR=1.28, 95%CI: 1.05-1.56) or collage education (OR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.00-1.50) were more likely to be recent infected than those who had a primary school education. Compared with patients identified by hospitals, the recent HIV infections were more likely to be found through voluntary counseling and testing (VCT), STD outpatients, men who have sex with men (MSM) investigation and unpaid blood donors. Homosexual transmission has become the major route of HIV-1 recent infection in Tianjin.

Tunable hybridization of graphene plasmons and dielectric modes for highly confined light transmit at terahertz wavelength.

We theoretically report a novel graphene-based hybrid plasmonic waveguide (GHPW) by integrating a GaAs micro-tube on a silica spacer that is supported by a graphene-coated substrate. In comprehensive numerical simulations on guiding properties of the GHPW, it was found that the size of hybrid plasmonic mode (TM) can be reduced significantly to ~10-4(λ2/4), in conjunction with long propagation distances up to tens of micrometers by tuning the the waveguide's key structure parameters and graphene's chemical potential. Moreover, crosstalk between two adjacent GHPWs that are placed on the same substrate has been analyzed and ultralow crosstalk can be realized. The proposed scheme potentially enables realization of the various high performance nanophotonic components-based subwavelength plasmonic waveguides in terahertz domain.

[Study on acute HIV-1 infection in men who have sex with men in Tianjin].

Objective: To understand the immunological and virological characteristics of HIV-1 infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in the acute phase in Tianjin and evaluate the effects of the fourth generation HIV ELISA and the P24 ELISA for acute HIV-1 infected samples. Methods: From October 2015 to October 2016, MSM were recruited through the community-based organizations in Tianjin. All the participants received rapid HIV test, positive samples were confirmed by Western Blot and negative samples underwent pooled nucleic acid testing. The participants with HIV-1 RNA reactive result underwent testing for viral load and T-cell count after second blood collection. Acute HIV-1 infection was defined as negative rapid HIV test result and the positive results of two HIV RNA tests, then the sensitivity were compared between the fourth generation HIV ELISA and the P24 ELISA to detect the initial HIV-1 RNA positive samples. Results: Among 3 016 MSM screened, 193 were positive in rapid HIV test. Western blot testing indicated that 179 cases were HIV positive, 7 cases were HIV indeterminate and 7 cases were negative. Of 2 823 sero-negative cases, 17 were acute HIV-1 infections. The HIV-1 infection rate was 6.53% (197/3 016) and the acute HIV-1 infection rate was 0.56% (17/3 016), with an average viral load of (5.63±1.50) log(10) copies/ml, an average CD(4) count of (442.82±268.17) cells/µl, an average CD(8) count of (1 069.65±668.22) cells/µl and an average CD(4)/CD(8) ratio of (0.49±0.25). Higher viral load, CD(4) and CD(4)/CD(8) ratio were seen in the acute HIV-1 infection group compared with the chronic HIV-1 infection group (U=148, P<0.01; U=272, P=0.042 and t=3.147, P=0.005). Demographic characteristics were similar between two groups, except the occupation (χ(2)=11.016, P=0.026). The sensitivity of P24 ELISA was higher than the fourth generation HIV ELISA in the HIV-1 detection for acute infection (Fisher's exact test, P=0.017). Conclusions: MSM are at risk for acute HIV-1 infection. Screening for acute HIV-1 infection with P24 ELISA would increase the sensitivity of diagnosis and reduce HIV transmission in MSM.

Expression of APOB, ADFP and FATP1 and their correlation with fat deposition in Yunnan's top six famous chicken breeds.

1. Adipose differentiation related protein (ADFP), fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) and apolipoprotein B (APOB) are suspected to play an important role in determining intramuscular fat and in overall meat quality. 2. Yunnan's top six famous chicken breeds (the Daweishan Mini, Yanjin Black-bone, Chahua, Wuding, Wuliangshan Black-bone and Piao chicken) are known for the high quality of their meat, but little is known about their expression of these three genes. 3. The present study aimed to examine the ADFP, FATP1 and APOB genes in different tissues of these six breeds at different development stages. The subcutaneous fat from the back midline and front, abdominal fat, liver and muscle tissue was sampled at 28, 49, 70, 91 and 112 days. The expression of ADFP, FATP1 and APOB was measured by real-time PCR. 4. The results showed that the expression of the three genes differed depending on age, tissue types and breeds. However, the expression of the three genes correlated with fat traits. In conclusion, the expression of the ADFP, FATP1 and APOB genes is associated with the fat traits of Yunnan's top six chicken breeds. These results could help with molecular marker screening and marker-assisted breeding to improve the quality of poultry for meat production.

[Transmitted drug resistance among HIV infected men who have sex with men in Tianjin, 2014-2017].

Objective: To understand prevalence and transmission of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) among HIV infected men who have sex with men (MSM) in Tianjin from 2014 to 2017. Methods: A total of 225 blood samples were collected from HIV infected MSM in Tianjin from 2014 to 2017. Pol gene fragments were obtained by viral RNA extraction and nested PCR amplification. Phylogenetic and drug resistance analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 205 samples were successfully sequenced and analyzed. Based on pol sequences, 53.2% (109/205), 28.8% (59/205), 10.2% (21/205), 4.9% (10/205) and 2.9% (6/205) of the samples were positive for HIV subtypes CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, B, CRF55_01B and unique recombinant forms (URFs). Twenty transmission clusters, including 75 sequences, were identified and 62.5% (10/16) of sequences with TDR were in 5 clusters. The prevalence of TDR was 7.8% between 2014 and 2017. The annual prevalence rate increased from 3.9% (2/51) in 2014, 5.7% (3/53) in 2015, 9.6% (5/52) in 2016 to 12.2%(6/49) in 2017, the difference was not significant (χ(2)=2.504, P=0.127). CRF01_AE and B strains had high TDR prevalence (3.4%, 7/205) and (2.9%, 6/205), respectively. The TDR mutation was mainly NNRTIs, the TDR prevalence was 6.3% (13/205). In contract, the TDR prevalence of NRTIs and PIs were 1.5% (3/205) and 1.0% (2/205) respectively. Conclusion: Results from this study suggested that the prevalence of HIV-1 TDR strains in MSM was serious in Tianjin. It is necessary to take effective prevention and control measures.

CO2-C evolution rate in an incubation study with straw input to soil managed by different tillage systems.

A laboratory incubation experiment was conducted to assess the impact of straw input on CO2-C emissions. After the winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growing season, soil samples were collected from the 0-20 cm soil layer. The experiment was conducted on a brown loam soil, classified as a Udoll according to the U. S. soil taxonomy. Treatment levels consisted of three tillage practices: sub-soiling (ST), no-till (NT) and the conventional tillage (CT), two straw management (with and without input of straw), three temperature (25, 30 and 35 °C), and three moisture regimes (55%, 65% and 75% of field moisture capacity or FMC). The results showed that the rate of straw decomposition was the highest in the soil under NT management. The relationship between rate of cumulative CO2-C and straw decomposition was significant under NT (R 2 = 0.52). The soil CO2-C release under incubation was significantly higher with than without the input of straw (R 2 = 0.95). Furthermore, soil respiration increased with increases in incubation temperature and FMC. At 75% FMC, the rate of CO2-C release increased by 21.9 mg kg-1 d-1 at 30 °C and 32.0 mg kg-1 d-1 at 35 °C compared with that at 25 °C. At 35 °C, the rate of CO2-C release increased by 43.6 mg kg-1 d-1 at 65% FMC and 51.2 mg kg-1 d-1 at 75% FMC incubation than that of at 55% FMC under ST. The degree of control on the CO2-C evolution rate during the pre-incubation period and with higher incubation temperature and FMC was better for the soil from NT than that from CT and ST, and better yet for the soil from ST than that from CT.

Enhancement of bulk second-harmonic generation from silicon nitride films by material composition.

We present a comprehensive tensorial characterization of second-harmonic generation from silicon nitride films with varying compositions. The samples were fabricated using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and the material composition was varied by the reactive gas mixture in the process. We found a six-fold enhancement between the lowest and highest second-order susceptibility, with the highest value of approximately 5 pm/V from the most silicon-rich sample. Moreover, the optical losses were found to be sufficiently small (below 6 dB/cm) for applications. The tensorial results show that all samples retain in-plane isotropy independent of the silicon content, highlighting the controllability of the fabrication process.

[Blomia tropicalis is found in a flour warehouse of a food factory in a civil aviation airport].

Objective To investigate whether there is Blomia tropicalis breeding in the flour warehouse of food factory in a civil aviation airport, and, if there is, to observe the morphological structure of the mite. Methods The flour samples were collected from the flour warehouse of food factory in a civil aviation airport. The breeding mites were isolated from the samples by direct microscopy and made into specimens to observe with a light microscope. Results Female Blomia tropicalis was found in the collected flour samples. Under the microscope, the mite was nearly spherical, and it had no tergum and claw. Its apodemeⅠ was developed and connected in the midline. The reproductive hole was located between the foot Ⅲ and IV level and was covered with a pair of oblique genital folds. The foot Ⅲ and Ⅳ had no solenoids. The copulatory pouch was a long, slightly curved tube, extending from the end of the mite. ConclusionsBlomia tropicalis has been found in the flour warehouse of a food factory in the civil aviation airport. The main distinguishing feature of this mite is that it has no tergum, its feet have no pectinate inferior tarsus scales or claw, the feetⅠgenu has only one solenidia, and feet Ⅲ and Ⅳ have no solenidias.

[Morphological observation on hypopus of Lepidoglyphus destructor by optical microscope].

Objective To observe the external morphology of Lepidoglyphus destructor hypopus under an optical microscope. Methods The samples were collected in a store of Chinese medicinal herbs in Huainan City in September, 2016, the L. destructor and the hypopus were isolated, and then made of slide specimens. The slide samples were prepared and observed under an optical microscope. Results The L. destructor hypopus and protonymph were found. The inactive hypopus was oval in shape, the feet were not welldeveloped, there was a distinct transverse seam on its back, and there were 2 pairs of genital sensory organs. Conclusion The optical microscopy shows the morphological characteristics of L. destructor hypopus, which can provide the basis for the biological classification and the prevention.

[Molecular epidemiology and transmission of HIV in Tianjin, 2015].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the characteristics on the diversity of HIV subtypes and related transmission in Tianjin. METHODS: A total of 77 newly diagnosed ART-naïve HIV infectors in 2015 were screened by CD4(+) T cell counts ≥200 cells/µl. Viral RNAs were extracted from plasma samples. Reverse transcription PCR and nested PCR were used to analyze the amplification of pol and env gene fragments, sequencing, and related bioinformatics information. RESULTS: 46.03% (29/63), 30.16% (19/63), 11.11% (7/63), 4.76% (3/63) and 7.94% (5/63) of the individuals were infected under HIV subtypes CRF01_AE, CRF07_BC, B, CRF55_01B and URFs, with sexual transmission as the major mode of infection. CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC strains were predominant in both MSM and HST populations. The patterns of subtype distribution did not show statistical differences other than subtype B and CRF55_01B strain among HSTs. The proportion of CRFs increased significantly to 88.89%. 8 new second-generation recombinant forms were identified the first time, including 3 CRF55_01B, 2 AE/BC, 1 AE/B and 1AE/B/C among MSMs and 1 AE/BC among HSTs. 5.3% of the NNRTI L100I HIV infectors transmitted the drug-resistant-mutation strain. 3 linkages related to HIV transmission were confirmed through phylogenetic analysis with Bootstrap ≥98% of pol and ≥80% of env. CONCLUSION: The increasing complexity of HIV had been noticed in Tianjin, including the prevalence and transmission of second-generation recombinant and drug-resistant strains through different routes of transmission and in different regions.

[Study of auxiliary diagnostic value of viral load test for samples with indeterminate HIV antibody detection results].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the auxiliary diagnostic value of viral load test for samples with indeterminate HIV antibody detection results. METHODS: Thirty-two samples with indeterminate HIV antibody detection results collected from MSM were used for two viral load tests in Tianjin in 2015. Follow up was conducted for this population to confirm their HIV infection status. RESULTS: Virus loads were detected in the 2 viral load tests. In the follow-up survey, the results of HIV antibody test of all the samples were positive. The results of viral load test were completely consistent with those of HIIV antibody confirmation test. CONCLUSION: The viral load test was effective in the auxiliary diagnosis of HIV infection in window phase, which can be used for the samples with indeterminate HIV antibody detection results.

[Behaviors on drug-abuse and prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases among drug users in Tianjin, China, from 2011 to 2015].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the change of behavioral characteristics among drug users (DUS) in Tianjin and the prevalence rates of major sexually transmitted disease infections. A series of cross-sectional surveys were used. METHODS: Between April and June, 2011 to 2015, a cross-sectional survey with face to face interview, was undertaken. Interview was conducted among DUS who entered the drug rehabilitation center and blood samples were drawn to test for HIV/syphilis/HCV infections. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the infection of major sexually transmitted diseases and drug abuse or sexual behavior. RESULTS: 2 000 DUS were included during the 5-year study, with the average age of the DUS as 34.5 ± 8.7. Female accounted for 17.9% and club drug (new drugs) users accounted 45.4% of the participants, with its proportion increasing over the years. Comparing to traditional drug users, club drug users showed more sexual activities with partners, but lower proportion of condom use. Prevalence rates of HIV/Syphilis and HCV were 1.3%, 11.0%, 52.0%, respectively. The prevalence of syphilis among club drug users was significantly higher than those on traditional-drug use (χ(2)=67.778,P<0.001). Data from Binary logistic regression analysis showed that club drug use (adjusted OR=1.607, 95% CI:1.191-2.170) and females (adjusted OR=5.287, 95%CI: 3.824-7.311) were associated with syphilis infection among DUS. CONCLUSION: Drug abuse behavior changed among the drug abuse in Tianjin. Proportion of club drug use continued to increase so as the risk of infected sexually transmitted diseases.

Aerobic Stability and Effects of Yeasts during Deterioration of Non-fermented and Fermented Total Mixed Ration with Different Moisture Levels.

The present experiment evaluated the influence of moisture level and anaerobic fermentation on aerobic stability of total mixed ration (TMR). The dynamic changes in chemical composition and microbial population that occur after air exposure were examined, and the species of yeast associated with the deterioration process were also identified in both non-fermented and fermented TMR to deepen the understanding of aerobic deterioration. The moisture levels of TMR in this experiment were adjusted to 400 g/kg (low moisture level, LML), 450 g/kg (medium moisture level, MML), and 500 g/kg (high moisture level, HML), and both non-fermented and 56-d-fermented TMR were subjected to air exposure to determine aerobic stability. Aerobic deterioration resulted in high losses of nutritional components and largely reduced dry matter digestibility. Non-fermented TMR deteriorated during 48 h of air exposure and the HML treatment was more aerobically unstable. On dry matter (DM) basis, yeast populations significantly increased from 10(7) to 10(10) cfu/g during air exposure, and Candida ethanolica was the predominant species during deterioration in non-fermented TMR. Fermented TMR exhibited considerable resistance to aerobic deterioration. Spoilage was only observed in the HML treatment and its yeast population increased dramatically to 10(9) cfu/g DM when air exposure progressed to 30 d. Zygosaccharomyces bailii was the sole yeast species isolated when spoilage occurred. These results confirmed that non-fermented and fermented TMR with a HML are more prone to spoilage, and fermented TMR has considerable resistance to aerobic deterioration. Yeasts can trigger aerobic deterioration in both non-fermented and fermented TMR. C. ethanolica may be involved in the spoilage of non-fermented TMR and the vigorous growth of Z. bailii can initiate aerobic deterioration in fermented TMR.