Acceptability and feasibility of a social entrepreneurship testing model to promote HIV self-testing and linkage to care among men who have sex with men

OBJECTIVES

HIV self-testing (HIVST) offers an opportunity to increase HIV testing among people not reached by facility-based services. However, the promotion of HIVST is limited as a consequence of insufficient community engagement. We built a social entrepreneurship testing (SET) model to promote HIVST linkage to care among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou.

METHODS

The SET model includes a few key steps. Each participant first completed an online survey, and paid a US$23 (refundable) deposit to receive an HIVST kit and a syphilis self-testing (SST) kit. After the testing, the results were sent to the platform by the participants and interpreted by Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) staff. Meanwhile, the deposit was returned to each participant. Finally, the Community based organizations (CBO) contacted the participants to provide counselling services, confirmation testing and linkage to care.

RESULTS

During April-June 2015, a total of 198 MSM completed a preliminary survey and purchased self-testing kits. The majority were aged < 34 years (84.4%) and met partners online (93.1%). In addition, 68.9% of participants had ever been tested for HIV, and 19.5% had ever performed HIVST. Overall, feedback was received from 192 participants (97.0%). Of these participants, 14 people did not use the kits; among those who did use the kits, the HIV and syphilis prevalences were 4.5% (eight of 178) and 3.7% (six of 178), respectively. All of the screened HIV-positive individuals sought further confirmation testing and were linked to care.

CONCLUSIONS

Using an online SET model to promote HIV and syphilis self-testing among Chinese MSM is acceptable and feasible, and this model adds a new testing platform to the current testing service system.

Combined PCR and Q-RT-PCR technique for detecting chimerism in a non-human Primate vascularized osteomyocutaneous allografts model

Face transplantation and other composite tissue transplantation (CTA) are permissive to transplantation tolerance. The real reason, that composite tissue containing bone achieves transplantation immune tolerance more easily than the composite tissue without the bone is not clear. The chimerism may be the main mechanism in the progress of inducing the transplantation tolerance by CTA. We currently have established a non-human Primate Vascularized Osteomyocutaneous Allografts Model. To test the chimerism which comes from donor after the transplantation, we developed a method which combined reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) technique using primers specific for Macaca fascicularis sex determination region on the Y chromosome (SRY) gene. With the method, we estimated the level of the chimerism.

Carbon dots as fluorescent probe for "off-on" Detecting sodium dodecyl-benzenesulfonate in aqueous solution

In this paper, we propose an "off-on" approach for the detection of sodium dodecyl-benzenesulfonate (SDBS) using carbon dots (CDs) as fluorescent probe. We firstly demonstrated that the fluorescence of CDs decreased apparently in the presence of ruthenium (Ru), and the system was thus "turn-off". The resulting CDs-Ru system was found to be sensitive to SDBS, SDBS not only serves to shelter the CDs effectively from being quenched, but also to reverse the quenching and restore the fluorescence due to its ability to remove Ru from the surface of CDs (turn-on). An eco-friendly, simple and sensitive platform for the detection of SDBS based on the CDs-Ru probes has been proposed. After the experimental conditions were optimized, the linear range for detection SDBS was 0.10-7.50 μg/mL, with correlation coefficient (r) 0.9988, detection limit was 0.033 μg/mL (3σ). This method is facile, rapid, low cost, environment-friendly, and possesses the potential for practical application.

Enhancement of two photon absorption properties and intersystem crossing by charge transfer in pentaaryl boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivatives

Indication of charge transfer and an intersystem crossing mechanism for the B4 compound by using ultrafast pump probe spectroscopy.

Synergistic killing of human small cell lung cancer cells by the Bcl-2-inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor disruptor BIRD-2 and the BH3-mimetic ABT-263

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has an annual mortality approaching that of breast and prostate cancer. Although sensitive to initial chemotherapy, SCLC rapidly develops resistance, leading to less effective second-line therapies. SCLC cells often overexpress Bcl-2, which protects cells from apoptosis both by sequestering pro-apoptotic family members and by modulating inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R)-mediated calcium signaling. BH3-mimetic agents such as ABT-263 disrupt the former activity but have limited activity in SCLC patients. Here we report for the first time that Bcl-2-IP3 receptor disruptor-2 (BIRD-2), a decoy peptide that binds to the BH4 domain of Bcl-2 and prevents Bcl-2 interaction with IP3Rs, induces cell death in a wide range of SCLC lines, including ABT-263-resistant lines. BIRD-2-induced death of SCLC cells appears to be a form of caspase-independent apoptosis mediated by calpain activation. By targeting different regions of the Bcl-2 protein and different mechanisms of action, BIRD-2 and ABT-263 induce cell death synergistically. Based on these findings, we propose that targeting the Bcl-2-IP3R interaction be pursued as a novel therapeutic strategy for SCLC, either by developing BIRD-2 itself as a therapeutic agent or by developing small-molecule inhibitors that mimic BIRD-2.

A carbon dots-CdTe quantum dots fluorescence resonance energy transfer system for the analysis of ultra-trace chlortoluron in water

In this paper, a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system between fluorescence carbon dots (CDs, donor) and CdTe quantum dots (CdTe, acceptor) was constructed, and a novel platform for sensitive and selective determination of chlortoluron was accordingly proposed. It was found that in Tris-HCl buffer solution at pH=8.7, energy transfer from CDs to CdTe occurred, which resulted in a great enhancement of the fluorescence intensity of CdTe. Upon the addition of chlortoluron, in terms of strong interaction between chlortoluron and CdTe QDs through the formation of chlortoluron-CdTe ground state complex, resulted in CdTe fluorescence quenching. Under optimal conditions, in range of 2.4×10(-10)molL(-1)-8.5×10(-8)molL(-1), the change of CdTe fluorescence intensity was in good linear relationship with the chlortoluron concentration, and the detection limit was 7.8×10(-11)molL(-1) (S/N=3). Most of common relevant substance, cations and anions did not interfere with the detection of chlortoluron. The proposed method was applied to determine chlortoluron in water samples with satisfactory results.

Mechanism of motilin-mediated inhibition on voltage-dependent potassium currents in hippocampal neurons

OBJECTIVE

The effects of motilin on voltage-dependent K+ currents in hippocampal neurons with the addition of L-arginine (L-AA), D-arginine (D-AA) and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) were investigated in this study.

METHODS

Mice (1-3 days old) were randomly assigned to different groups according to the addition of motilin, L-AA, D-AA, and L-NAME. The K+ current signals were detected by the whole-cell patch-clamp technique.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the transient outward voltage-dependent K+ current was significantly inhibited by motilin added with L-AA. In contrast, the addition of motilin and L-NAME significantly increased the K+ current, while no significant change was detected by the addition of motilin accompanied with D-AA.

CONCLUSION

The inhibiting effects of motilin on the voltage-dependent K+ current in hippocampal neurons indicate that motilin acts as a regulatory factor for the nitric oxide pathway.

Helicobacter pylori infection predicts favorable outcome in patients with gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have suggested a controversial role of Helicobacter pylori infection in gastric cancer prognosis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential impact of H. pylori status on the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer in a Chinese prospective cohort.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2009, 261 patients with curatively resected gastric cancer were enrolled in the study. H. pylori status was defined by means of immunohistochemical staining in tumour and non-neoplastic tissues. Treatment prognosis was measured in terms of cancer-specific survival and disease-free survival (dfs). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the association between H. pylori status and patient prognosis.

RESULTS

Positivity for H. pylori infection was observed in 188 of the 261 patients (72.0%). In patients positive for H. pylori, mean cancer-specific survival was 55.2 months [95% confidence interval (ci): 53.4 to 56.9 months] and mean dfs was 53.9 months (95% ci: 51.8 to 56.0 months); the same survivals were, respectively, 45.1 months (95% ci: 42.2 to 47.9 months) and 43.7 months (95% ci: 40.4 to 47.0 months) in patients negative for H. pylori. In univariate analysis, positive H. pylori status was associated with better cancer-specific survival [hazard ratio (hr): 0.486; 95% ci: 0.271 to 0.870; p = 0.015] and dfs (hr: 0.540; 95% ci: 0.307 to 0.950; p = 0.033). In multivariate analysis, H. pylori was an independent prognostic factor for cancer-specific survival (hr: 0.485; 95% ci: 0.265 to 0.889; p = 0.019).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that positive H. pylori status is a beneficial prognostic indicator in patients with gastric cancer and might suggest possible therapeutic approaches for gastric cancer. Further research is required to better understand inflammation mechanisms and cancer progression.

Inhibitory effects of rosiglitazone on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in a murine model and HK-2 cells

BACKGROUND

Inflammation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of kidney disease. Agonists of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ), such as rosiglitazone, have been recently demonstrated to regulate inflammation by modulating the production of inflammatory mediators. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of rosiglitazone on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced kidney inflammation and to explore the mechanism of its renoprotection.

METHODS

Mice were treated with LPS with or without pretreatment with rosiglitazone. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine levels, the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, macrophage infiltration, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression, PPAR-γ expression, and NF-κB and PPAR-γ activity were investigated. HK-2 cells were maintained under defined in vitro conditions, treated with either rosiglitazone and/or the PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662, and then stimulated with LPS. MCP-1, IL-8, IL-6, NF-κB activity and PPAR-γ expression were investigated.

RESULTS

Compared to the LPS only group, pretreatment with rosiglitazone in vivo significantly attenuated the BUN levels macrophage infiltration, MCP-1 overexpression and NF-κB activity (p < 0.05). Rosiglitazone also restored PPAR-γ expression and protein activity, which were reduced significantly in the LPS only group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the LPS-stimulated HK-2 cells, rosiglitazone downregulated MCP-1, IL-8 and IL-6 expression as well as NF-κB activation and increased PPAR-γ expression (p < 0.05). These effects were diminished by GW9662.

CONCLUSION

These results showed that pretreatment with rosiglitazone could attenuate kidney inflammation through the activation of PPAR-γ, suppression of MCP-1 overproduction and NF-κB activation. Rosiglitazone had a protective effect via a PPAR-γ-dependent pathway in LPS-treated HK-2 cells.

Characterization of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte epitopes and immune responses to SARS coronavirus spike DNA vaccine expressing the RGD-integrin-binding motif

Integrins are critical for initiating T‐cell activation events. The integrin‐binding motif Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) was incorporated into the pcDNA 3.1 mammalian expression vector expressing the codon‐optimized extracellular domain of SARS coronavirus (SARS‐CoV) spike protein, and tested by immunizing C57BL/6 mice. Significant cell‐mediated immune responses were characterized by cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte ⁵¹Cr release assay and interferon‐gamma secretion ELISPOT assay against RMA‐S target cells presenting predicted MHC class I H2‐Kb epitopes, including those spanning residues 884–891 and 1116–1123 within the S2 subunit of SARS‐CoV spike protein. DNA vaccines incorporating the Spike‐RGD/His motif or the Spike‐His construct generated robust cell‐mediated immune responses. Moreover, the Spike‐His DNA vaccine construct generated a significant antibody response. Immunization with these DNA vaccine constructs elicited significant cellular and humoral immune responses. Additional T‐cell epitopes within the SARS‐CoV spike protein that may contribute to cell‐mediated immunity in vivo were also identified. J. Med. Virol. 81:1131–1139, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.

Comorbidity and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma patients at a VA medical canter

e15682

Background: To determine whether comorbidity indices predict survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pts. Methods: In an IRB approved protocol, we reviewed the records of pts with tissue diagnosis of HCC seen at a VA Medical Center between 1/1/1999 to 12/31/2008. Comorbidity was assessed with four comorbidity indices, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CMI), the Kaplan- Feinstein Index (KFI), the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), and VA Comorbidity Scale (VACS). Demographics, ECOG PS, stage, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) at diagnosis, hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) status, alcohol use, and iron overload were also reviewed. Cox survival regression analysis was performed. Results: There were 44 pts. All pts were men. The median (M) age at diagnosis was 60.5 years (range 35–86). The overall M survival was 230 days (4–2784). There were Stage I 12 (27%) pts, Stage II 7 (16%) pts, Stage III 14 (32%) pts, and Stage IV 11 (25%) pts. The M ECOG PS was 1.0 (0–4), stage 3 (1–4), CMI 5.75 (1–16), CIRS15 3.0 (1–5), CIRS16 6.0 (1–14), CIRS17 2.0 (0.83–5.0), CIRS18 0 (0–2), CIRS19 0 (0–1), KFI 3.0 (1–3), VACS 6.0 (2–9), and AFP 56.35 (1.1–379567). HBV was positive in 10 pts (23%), HCV 26 (59%) pts, alcohol use 37 (84%) pts, and iron overload 11 (25%) pts. In univariate survival analysis, stage (p<.038), ECOG PS (p<.001), AFP (p<.009), presence of iron overload (p<.006), and CMI (p<.019) were significant in predicting survival. However, age, HBV, HCV, alcohol use, CIRS15, CIRS16, CIRS17, CIRS18, KFI, and VACS were not significant for survival. In multivariate survival analyses that included stage and a comorbidity index, the CMI approaches significance (p<.077). Conclusions: In this sample, the CMI was a predictor for survival in pts with HCC. Further analysis in a larger sample is needed to provide a more definitive conclusion. This was supported by the New Jersey Commission for Cancer Research 09–1133-CCR-EO.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.