Genomic Characterization of a Novel HIV-1 Second-Generation Recombinant Form (CRF01_AE/B) from Men Who Have Sex with Men in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

We report here a novel HIV-1 recombinant form (18GXD4705) composed of CRF01_AE and subtype B, acquired from an unmarried HIV-positive young man subject infected through homosexual contact in Guangxi Province of eastern China. The phylogenetic analysis of the near full-length genome of 18GXD4705 indicated that one subtype B segment was inserted into the CRF01_AE backbone, with one recombinant breakpoint demonstrated in the pol region. The CRF01_AE region (I and III) of recombinant correlated with a previously reported subcluster 4 lineage. The B subregions (II) are greatly clustered together, with B strain references. The continued generation of this novel recombinant increases the genetic complexity and diversity of the HIV epidemic in Guangxi. In addition, further molecular epidemiological investigations should be conducted to continuously monitor the dynamic transmission of HIV-1 in the region.

Description of a new species of Music frogs (Anura, Ranidae, Nidirana) from Mt Dayao, southern China

A new species of Music frogs, Nidiranayaoicasp. nov. is described based on a series of adult male specimens collected from Mt Dayao, Guangxi, southern China, providing valuable new information on the phylogeny, bioacoustics, and biogeography of related species within the genus Nidirana. The new species forms the sister taxon to N.daunchina from western China and together the sister taxon to N.chapaensis from northern Vietnam. Nidiranayaoicasp. nov. can be distinguished from all known congeners by a significant genetic divergence in the mitochondrial 16S and CO1 genes, the advertisement call containing 1–3 rapidly repeated regular notes, and the combination of morphological characteristics including a medium-sized body with SVL 40.4–45.9 mm in adult males; lateroventral grooves on every digit, not meeting at the tip of disk; tibio-tarsal articulation reaching the nostril; the presence of a pair of subgular vocal sacs in males; and one single developed nuptial pad on dorsal surface of first finger in males.

The rediscovery and delimitation of Elatostemasetulosum W.T.Wang (Urticaceae)

Of the 280 species of Elatostema documented in China, 189 are known only from a single collection. Elatostemasetulosum is one such species, having been known only from the type collection for nearly half a century, until recent field investigations in Guangxi. Due to its morphological similarity to E.huanjiangense and E.tetracephalum, we undertook a critical review of all three species using morphological and molecular evidence. Our results suggest that all three names refer to the same species, which based on priority should be known as Elatostemasetulosum. We recognize E.huanjiangense and E.tetracephalum as synonyms. A distribution map of E.setulosum and the extinction risk according to the IUCN criteria is provided. After recircumscription, the taxon must be considered as Least Concern (LC).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the tube-nosed bat Murina cyclotis (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in China

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of a male individual of Murina cyclotis from Guangxi province, China, was sequenced and analyzed. The genome is a circular molecule of 16,463 bp length, containing 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region. Most of the genes were encoded on the H-strand, except for 8 tRNA and ND6 genes. Phylogenetic trees of the complete mitochondrial genome were constructed using RAxML. Our result suggests that M. cyclotis is closely related to M. leucogaster from Korea. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of M. cyclotis will be helpful for future taxonomic and phylogenetic studies on Murina.

Capacity assessment of the health laboratory system in two resource-limited provinces in China

BACKGROUND

Strong laboratory capacity is essential for detecting and responding to emerging and re-emerging global health threats. We conducted a quantitative laboratory assessment during 2014-2015 in two resource-limited provinces in southern China, Guangxi and Guizhou in order to guide strategies for strengthening core capacities as required by the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).

METHODS

We selected 28 public health and clinical laboratories from the provincial, prefecture and county levels through a quasi-random sampling approach. The 11-module World Health Organization (WHO) laboratory assessment tool was adapted to the local context in China. At each laboratory, modules were scored 0-100% through a combination of paper surveys, in-person interviews, and visual inspections. We defined module scores as strong (> = 85%), good (70-84%), weak (50-69%), and very weak (< 50%). We estimated overall capacity and compared module scores across the provincial, prefecture, and county levels.

RESULTS

Overall, laboratories in both provinces received strong or good scores for 10 of the 11 modules. These findings were primarily driven by strong and good scores from the two provincial level laboratories; prefecture and county laboratories were strong or good for only 8 and 6 modules, respectively. County laboratories received weak scores in 4 modules. The module, 'Public Health Functions' (e.g., surveillance and reporting practices) lagged far behind all other modules (mean score = 46%) across all three administrative levels. Findings across the two provinces were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Laboratories in Guangxi and Guizhou are generally performing well in laboratory capacity as required by IHR. However, we recommend targeted interventions particularly for county-level laboratories, where we identified a number of gaps. Given the importance of surveillance and reporting, addressing gaps in public health functions is likely to have the greatest positive impact for IHR requirements. The quantitative WHO laboratory assessment tool was useful in identifying both comparative strengths and weaknesses. However, prior to future assessments, the tool may need to be aligned with the new WHO IHR monitoring and evaluation framework.

[Cd Content Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Paddy Soil in High Cadmium Anomaly Area of Guangxi]

To investigate the levels of heavy metal Cd in paddy soils in high cadmium anomaly areas in Guangxi, and to assess their potential ecological risks to the environment. Through preliminary screening and detailed investigation, 912 pieces of soil samples from high-cadmium abnormal area were collected in multiple batches to determine the soil Cd content. The single-factor pollution index method and potential risk index method were used to control the Cd pollution degree of paddy soil. Potential risks were evaluated. The results showed that:① The average Cd values of natural soil, paddy soil, and dryland soil in the initial screening were 0.915, 0.591, and 0.593 mg·kg^-1, respectively. ② In the detailed investigation, the soil pH is 4.6-8.7, which is between acidic and weakly alkaline. If the Soil Environmental Quality Standard (GB 15618-2018) is used as the evaluation standard, the Cd of the soil sample in Pingguo County, Tiandong County, Long'an County, and Liucheng County is seriously exceeded, and the soil sample in the paddy field of Rongshui Country is not polluted. Based on the soil baseline value, the Cd in the soil samples of Tiandong County, Liucheng County, and Rongshui County were non-polluting. In the paddy soils of Tianyang County, Pingguo County, Tianxian County, Daxin County, Long'an County, and Rong'an County, the proportion of Cd in mild to moderate pollution was 4.2%, 3.7%, 14.9%, 2.6%, 7.1%, and 1.4%, respectively. ③ Cd in paddy soils of nine counties and cities presents different levels of potential ecological risks. The soil Cd of some paddy fields in Tiandeng County, Daxin County, and Long'an County was at a high ecological risk ratio of 4.3%, 2.6%, and 2.4%. The soil Cd of Tianyang County, Pingguo County, Rong'an County, and Liucheng County was medium-Middle and high potential risks. Tiandong County and Rongshui County are at low potential ecological risks. In conclusion, the overall Cd in the paddy soil of the study area is high, which may affect the safe planting of rice in the long-term. It will eventually pose a health threat to local residents and should be taken care of. It is recommended to carry out research on soil cadmium bioavailability and rice cadmium accumulation in the study area in order to assess its ecological risk and health risk more scientifically and reasonably.

Genetic variation and forensic efficiency of 30 indels for three ethnic groups in Guangxi: relationships with other populations

Aim

In this study, we used a series of diallelic genetic marker insertion/deletion polymorphism (indel) to investigate three populations of Yao, Kelao, and Zhuang groups in the Guangxi region of China and to evaluate their efficiency in forensic application.

Result

No deviations for all 30 loci were observed from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium after Bonferroni correction (p > 0.05/30 = 0.0017). The allele frequencies of the short allele (DIP-) for the above three populations were in the range of 0.0520–0.9480, 0.0950–0.8780, and 0.0850–0.915, respectively. The observed heterozygosity of the 30 loci for the three populations was in the ranges 0.0802–0.5802, 0.1908–0.6053, and 0.1400–0.5600, respectively. The cumulative power of exclusion and combined discrimination power for Yao, Kelao, and Zhuang groups were (0.9843 and 0.9999999999433), (0.9972 and 0.9999999999184), and (0.9845 and 0.9999999999608), respectively. The DA distance, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis indicated a clear regional distribution. In addition, Zhuang groups had close genetic relationships with the Yao and Kelao populations in the Guangxi region.

Conclusion

This study indicated that the 30 loci were qualified for personal identification; moreover, they could be used as complementary genetic markers for paternity testing in forensic cases for the studied populations.

Comparison of multi-criteria analysis methodologies for the prioritization of arsenic-contaminated sites in the southwest of China

The issue of contaminated sites has been highlighted as an immediate priority in the 13th Five-Year Plan of China. Identification and prioritization of contaminated sites are of key importance for proposing effective strategies for the regional management of contaminated sites. In this study, three advanced multi-attribute methodologies, the risk-based priority methodology, the regional risk assessment methodology, and the dominance-based rough set approach (DRSA), were comparatively employed to screen contaminated sites in, Guangxi, Southwest of China. The results of the three prioritizations show that the highest ranking site identified by the three methods had great agreement. In regard to the screening attributers, while the risk-based prioritization methodology and regional risk assessment methodology allowed a high discrimination in the screening of contaminated sites associated with different attributes, such as farmland, residential areas, contaminant level, number of people, area, storage quality, site service life, and surrounding communities, the DRSA allowed the identification of contamination strength (CS) and contamination potential (CP).

[Investigation on the normal value of urinary arsenic in healthy people in different areas of Guangxi, China]

Objective: To investigate the upper limit of the normal value of arsenic in healthy adult population in different areas of Guangxi. Methods: From 2015 to 2016, 1533 subjects from 14 counties and cities in Guangxi were collected by age, gender, stratified random sampling and questionnaire survey. 1417 urine samples with satisfactory urine quality and complete information were collected.The content of arsenic in urine was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Results: The upper limit of normal arsenic in healthy adults in guangxi was 0.053 mg/L. Male urinary arsenicP(50)(0.011mg/L)was higher than that of the female(0.008mg/L), the difference was statistically significant(Z=5.352,P<0.01). Smoking urinary arsenicP(50)(0.012mg/L) was higher than that of nonsmokers(0.009mg/L), the difference was statistically significant(Z=3.404,P<0.01). GroupP(5)0 urine arsenic in coastal areas(0.012mg/L) the crowd was higher than that in non coastal areas(0.009mg/L), the difference was statistically significant(Z=-7.522,P<0.01). Conclusion: The upper limit of normal arsenic in healthy adults in Guangxi area is 0.053mg/L,and there are differences in the levels of arsenic in healthy adults, such as different genders and regions.

[An investigation of normal urinary manganese value in healthy adults in different places in Guangxi, China]

Objective: To investigate the normal urinary manganese value in healthy adults in Guangxi, China and its distribution characteristics. Methods: From 2015 to 2016, stratified random sampling based on age and sex was performed to select 1533 healthy adults aged 18-60 years in Nanning,Liuzhou,Guilin,Hezhou,Wuzhou,Yulin,Guigang,Beihai,Qinzhou,Laibin,Hechi Nandan,Bose Jingxi,Chongzuo Daxin,and Fangchenggang.All of them had no history of occupational manganese exposure or acute or chronic liver/renal diseases and had lived in the local area for more than one year. A total of 1417 urine samples with normal specific gravity and complete data were obtained, and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was used to measure urinary manganese.The distribution characteristics of urinary manganese level were analyzed among adults with different ages,sexes,or presence or absence of smoking habits or among those who lived or did not live in the mining area. Results: The geometric mean of urinary manganese among healthy adults in Guangxi was 0.52 μg/L,and the upper limit of normal was 5.68μg/L. There was no significant difference in urinary manganese level between the healthy adults with different ages, sexes,or presence or absence of smoking habits (P>0.05).The healthy adults who lived in the mining area of nonferrous metal mines had a significantly higher geometric mean of urinary manganese than those who did not live in such areas(1.65μg/Lvs0.34μg/L,P<0.01). Conclusion: The upper limit of normal of urinary manganese is 5.68 μg/L among healthy adults in Guangxi,and the healthy adults who live in the mining area of manganese mine or nonferrous metal mines have a significantly higher urinary manganese level than those who do not live in such areas.

Spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal analysis of mumps in Guangxi Province, China, 2005-2016

Background

The resurgence of mumps around the world occurs frequently in recent years. As the country with the largest number of cases in the world, the status of mumps epidemics in China is not yet clear. This study, taking the relatively serious epidemic province of Guangxi as the example, aimed to examine the spatiotemporal pattern and epidemiological characteristics of mumps, and provide a scientific basis for the effective control of this disease and formulation of related health policies.

Methods

Geographic information system (GIS)-based spatiotemporal analyses, including spatial autocorrelation analysis, Kulldorff’s purely spatial and space-time scan statistics, were applied to detect the location and extent of mumps high-risk areas. Spatial empirical Bayesian (SEB) was performed to smoothen the rate for eliminating the instability of small-area data.

Results

A total of 208,470 cases were reported during 2005 and 2016 in Guangxi. Despite the fluctuations in 2006 and 2011, the overall mumps epidemic continued to decline. Bimodal seasonal distribution (mainly from April to July) were found and students aged 5–9 years were high-incidence groups. Though results of the global spatial autocorrelation based on the annual incidence largely varied, the spatial distribution of the average annual incidence of mumps was nonrandom with the significant Moran’s I. Spatial cluster analysis detected high-value clusters, mainly located in the western, northern and central parts of Guangxi. Spatiotemporal scan statistics identified almost the same high-risk areas, and the aggregation time was mainly concentrated in 2009–2012.

Conclusion

The incidence of mumps in Guangxi exhibited spatial heterogeneity in 2005–2016. Several spatial and spatiotemporal clusters were identified in this study, which might assist the local government to develop targeted health strategies, allocate health resources reasonably and increase the efficiency of disease prevention.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3240-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Westward Spread of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H7N9) Virus among Humans, China

We report infection of humans with highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in Shaanxi, China, in May 2017. We obtained complete genomes for samples from 5 patients and from live poultry markets or farms in 4 cities. Results indicate that H7N9 is spreading westward from southern and eastern China.

Understanding the Natural and Socioeconomic Factors behind Regional Longevity in Guangxi, China: Is the Centenarian Ratio a Good Enough Indicator for Assessing the Longevity Phenomenon?

Despite a number of longevity indicators having been used in previous longevity studies, few studies have critically evaluated whether these indicators are suitable to assess the regional longevity level. In addition, an increasing number of studies have attempted to determine the influence of socioeconomic and natural factors on regional longevity, but only certain factors were considered. This study aims to bridge this gap by determining the relationship between the 7 longevity indicators and selecting 24 natural and socioeconomic indicators in 109 selected counties and urban districts in Guangxi, China. This study has applied spatial analysis and geographically weighted regression as the main research methods. The seven longevity indicators here refer to centenarian ratio, longevity index, longevity level, aging tendency, 80⁺ ratio, 90⁺ ratio, and 95⁺ ratio. Natural indicators in this study mainly refer to atmospheric pressure, temperature, difference in temperature, humidity, rainfall, radiation, water vapor, and altitude. Socioeconomic indicators can be categorized into those related to economic status, education, local infrastructure, and health care facilities. The results show that natural factors such as the difference in temperature and altitude, along with socioeconomic factors such as GDP, might be the most significant contributors to the longevity of people aged 60–90 years in Guangxi. The longevity index and longevity level are useful supplementary indexes to the centenarian ratio for assessing the regional longevity.

Triplophysa anshuiensis, a new species of blind loach from the Xijiang River, China (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae)

A new cave-dwelling fish, Triplophysa anshuiensis, is described here based on specimens collected from a karst cave in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, interconnected with the Hongshui River system, a tributary of the Xijiang River in the Pearl River (Zhu Jiang) Drainage. The species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of morphological characters. A key to the cave-dwelling species of Triplophysa in the Xijiang River is provided.

Occurrence of the millipede genus Tonkinosoma Jeekel, 1953 in China, with the description of the first presumed troglobitic species of this genus (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae)

The genus Tonkinosoma Jeekel, 1953 has hitherto been known to contain only two species, both from northern Vietnam. T.flexipes Jeekel, 1953, the type species of the genus, is recorded from Guangxi, southern China, for the first time. T.tianisp. n., a presumed troglobite, is described from caves in Guizhou, southwestern China. A key is presented to all three species of the genus.

Discovery of a most remarkable cave-specialized trechine beetle from southern China (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae)

Xuedytesbellus Tian & Huang, gen. et sp. n. is described from a limestone cave in Du’an Karst of Guangxi, a kingdom of cavernicolous trechine beetles in southern China. From a morphological point of view, Xuedytes Tian & Huang, gen. n. seems to be the most extremely cave-adapted trechines in the world. Superficially, it looks much like Giraffaphaenops Deuve, 2002 in general body shape, in particular the structure of the prothorax, but simultaneously it is similar to Dongodytes (s. str.) Deuve, 1993, based on elytral characters, including chaetotaxy. Hence the new genus seems to represent a lineage intermediate between Giraffaphaenops and Dongodytes (s. str.).

The incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) in Guangxi, China and the predictors of permanent and transient CH

BACKGROUND

The incidence of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) differs significantly among different ethnicities and regions, and early differentiation of transient CH is important to avoid unnecessary prolonged treatment with L-T4.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the incidence of CH based on the newborn screening program in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and to analyze the predictors that might allow for an early differentiation between permanent (P) and transient (T) CH.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from newborn screening program over a seven-year period (January 2009 to January 2016) at Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital are analyzed. Blood samples were collected on filter paper between 3 and 7 days after birth, and TSH level was measured by time-resolved fluorescence assay. Individuals with increased TSH (TSH ≥ 8 IU/L) levels detected by newborn screening were recalled for further evaluation. Serum TSH, FT3 and FT4 were determined by electrochemiluminescence assay using venous blood samples. Diagnosis of CH is based on elevated TSH levels (>10 IU/L) and decreased FT4 levels (<12 pmol/L). Patients with elevated TSH levels and normal FT4 levels were diagnosed as hyperthyrotropinemia. Permanent or transient CH was determined by using the results of thyroid function tests after temporary withdrawal of L-T4 therapy at approximately 2-3 years of age.

RESULTS

Among 1,238,340 infants in the newborn screening program, 14,443 individuals were recalled for reevaluation (re-call rate 1.18%), 911 and 731 individuals were subsequently determined to have hyperthyrotropinemia and CH respectively; thus, a prevalence of 1:1359 and 1:1694 for hyperthyrotropinemia and CH. Of the 731 patients with CH, 161 patients were diagnosed with permanent CH (PCH), and 159 patients were diagnosed with transient CH (TCH), the other 411 patients are too young to determine their subtypes. Patients with PCH required an increasing dose of L-T4 during the first few years, whereas patients with TCH required a decreased dose of L-T4. The TSH levels at diagnosis and the dose of L-T4 used were significantly higher in PCH cases than in transient cases. The FT4 levels at diagnosis were significantly lower in PCH cases than in TCH cases. The TSH levels at diagnosis, FT4 levels at diagnosis and L-T4 doses at 90 days were evaluated as predictors for differentiating PCH and TCH, and their accuracy at their respective optimal cutoffs were determined to be 60.6%, 66.7% and 93.9%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The CH incidence in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region is slightly higher (1:1694) compared to the worldwide levels (1/2000-1/4000). The PCH and TCH ratio is close to 1; thus, the estimated PCH incidence is 1/3388, which is similar to reported worldwide average incidence (1/3000). The L-T4 dose required at 90 days (>30 μg/day) has the highest predictive value for PCH. Earlier differentiation of PCH and TCH helps to determine appropriate treatment course.

Description of Triplophysa luochengensis sp. nov. (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from a karst cave in Guangxi, China

A new cave-dwelling fish Triplophysa luochengensis is described based on specimens collected from a karst cave in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, that is interconnected to the Hongshui River drainage. The species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of characters: eyes degenerated, anal fin with six branched rays, caudal fin with 16-17 branched rays, pectoral-fin length 72·4-95·8% of the distance between pectoral-fin origin and pelvic-fin origin, lateral head length 26·2-28·2% of standard length (L_S ), eye diameter 7·5-8·6 of L_S , body covered by sparse scales, lateral line complete and 7-8 pre-operculo-mandibular pores. Dark pigments irregularly present on dorsum of head, dorsum and flank.

Equality in the distribution of health material and human resources in Guangxi: evidence from Southern China

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the equality in the distribution of health material and human resources in Guangxi, and put forward proposal to improve the equality status of the health material and human resources.

Results

We used concentration index to evaluate the degree of income-related equality of health material and human resources. The concentration index values of the five resources ranged from −0.0847 to 0.1416 from 2011 to 2015. Health institution was concentrated among the poorer populations, while other four resources were concentrated among the richer populations. Overall, the equality status of health institutions, health care beds, health technical personnel, and certified nurses got better from 2011 to 2015. However, the equality status of practicing physicians has got worse since 2014.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-017-2760-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Temporal and Spatial Variations of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon and Its Stable Isotopic Composition in the Surface Stream of Karst Groundwater Recharge]

Stable carbon isotope of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ¹³C_DIC), which is mainly constituted by HCO₃^- in karst water, is widely used to trace the different sources and influential factors of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). In order to understand the distribution of DIC and δ¹³C_DIC in subtropical karst area, this paper researched the water chemistry and δ¹³C_DIC in a karst surface stream in detail, which is fed by Guancun subterranean stream in Liuzhou City, Guangxi Province, in the southwest of China. The results showed that the contents of DIC in subterranean stream outlet (G1 site) ranged from 4.60 to 4.90 mmol·L^-1 with an average of 4.73 mmol·L^-1 in dry season, and from 2.80 to 4.70 mmol·L^-1 with an average of 4.23 mmol·L^-1 in rainy season. The contents of DIC in 1.35 km downstream site (G2 site) ranged from 4.30 to 4.90 mmol·L^-1 with an average of 4.56 mmol·L^-1 in dry season, and from 3.00 to 4.70 mmol·L^-1 with an average of 4.20 mmol·L^-1 in rainy season. The δ¹³C_DIC of subterranean stream outlet (G1 site) varied from -12.8‰ to -11.53‰ with an average of -12.22‰ in dry season, and from -13.12‰ to -11.01‰ with an average of -12.28‰ in rainy season. The δ¹³C_DIC of stream downstream site (G2 site) ranged from -11.71‰ to -9.55‰ with an average of -10.73‰ in dry season, and ranged from -12.18‰ to -9.85‰ with an average of -11.10‰ in rainy season. The contents of DIC of G1 site were higher than those of G2 site. The DIC contents in dry season in both G1 and G2 site were higher than those in rainy season. The values of δ¹³C_DICof G1 and G2 site in dry season were more positive than those in rainy season. The δ¹³C_DICvalue of G1 site was more negative than that of G2 site. The main sources of DIC in underground river and surface stream were soil CO₂and carbonate dissolution. However, the differences of DIC and δ¹³C_DICbetween G1 and G2 site showed that CO₂degassing and photosynthesis of aquatic plants had significant influence on water DIC and δ¹³C_DIC value. This study is helpful to understand the dynamic change and distribution of DIC and δ¹³C_DIC in karst surface stream.

Assessment of Different Intervention Models of Male Circumcision and Their Preliminary Effectiveness in Reducing HIV Incidence Among Drug Users in Western China

World Health Organization (WHO) and Joint United Nations Program on AIDS (UNAIDS) recommend male circumcision (MC) as an additional HIV prevention measure. This study aimed to assess three models of promoting MC and their effects on preventing HIV infection among drug users in western China. We carried out a cohort study in three provinces of western China. HIV seronegative male drug users were recruited from methadone maintenance therapy clinics and cluster randomized into three intervention models. At baseline, 6, and 9 months of follow-up, changes in MC knowledge, the acceptability of MC, MC surgery uptake, and the costs of model implementation were analyzed. Of 1,304 male drug users who were screened, 1,218 were enrolled in the study. The participants' knowledge about MC was significantly increased after interventions by all three models. The one-stage model led to the highest increase in MC acceptability and the greatest increase in MC uptake. Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that the one-stage model was also the most effective method to promote MC uptake, compared with the two-stage model [rate ratio (RR) = 0.602; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.420-0.862] and three-stage model (RR = 0.555; 95% CI, 0.382-0.807). The HIV incidence rate in the MC group was lower than that in the non-MC group (RR = 0.234; 95% CI, 0.056-0.974). Moreover, the one-stage model required the lowest cost per circumcision. The one-stage model is the most effective and the most cost-effective intervention to increase MC uptake among male drug users in western China and could decrease the HIV incidence rate, based on a short follow-up investigation.

Influence of culture, residential segregation and socioeconomic development on rural elderly health-related quality of life in Guangxi, China

Background

This study aimed to assess ethnic differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among the rural elderly, and to examine the influence of ethnic culture, residential segregation and socioeconomic development on HRQoL.

Methods

A total of 6,511 rural elderly aged 60 years and older from 5,541 households in 116 villages across eight ethnic groups in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous region were selected and assessed for HRQoL. The EQ-5D index values were calculated based on the Chinese Time Trade-Off values set. The EQ-5D descriptive system scores, visual analogue scale scores, and index values were described by ethnic group. The EQ-5D index was modeled against ethnic culture, residential segregation and socioeconomic development using villages as random effects.

Results

The median (IQR) of HRQoL among all the ethnic groups was 0.88 (0.80, 0.96). Pain/discomfort was the most prevalent problem, followed by anxiety/depression. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, a significant difference in HRQoL among ethnic groups persisted, but this was not true for residential segregation.

Conclusion

Social welfare and health policies designed to improve the health of the rural elderly should focus more on older, female, less-educated, Yao minority individuals as well as lower-income households.

Epidemiological trends and characteristics of Japanese encephalitis changed based on the vaccination program between 1960 and 2013 in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, southern China

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is one of the most severe kinds of viral encephalitis and is prevalent in Asia and the Western Pacific. In China, JE was first reported in the 1940s and became the main cause of viral encephalitis, including in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In 1951, JE was included in the Chinese mandatory disease reporting system. In the pre-vaccine era of the 1960s and 1970s, the incidence of JE continued to rise without any vaccine supply. Since JE vaccines became available in the late 1970s (MBD) and 1989 (LAV-SA-14-14-2), and as JE vaccine became freely available to patients beginning in 2008, the incidence of JE has declined significantly. Despite these gains, outbreaks continue to occur among children in rural and suburban areas. Strengthening vaccine delivery models and improving swine vaccine production are important in order to sustain continuous declines in the incidence of JE in Guangxi.

Contributions to the knowledge of subterranean trechine beetles in southern China's karsts: five new genera (Insecta, Coleoptera, Carabidae, Trechinae)

Recent discoveries reveal that southern China’s karsts hold the most diverse and morphologically modified subterranean trechine beetles in the world, albeit the first troglobitic blind beetle was only reported in the early 1990’s. In total, 110 species belonging to 43 genera of cavernicolous trechines have hitherto been recorded from the karsts of southern China, including the following five new genera proposed below: Shiqianaphaenops Tian, gen. n., to contain two species: Shiqianaphaenopsmajusculus (Uéno, 1999) (= Shenaphaenopsmajusculus Uéno, 1999, comb. n.), the type species from Cave Feng Dong, Shiqian, Guizhou, and Shiqianaphaenopscursor (Uéno, 1999) (= Shenaphaenopscursor Uéno, 1999, comb. n.), from Cave Shenxian Dong, Shiqian, Guizhou; and the monotypic Dianotrechus Tian, gen. n. (the type species: Dianotrechusgueorguievi Tian, sp. n., from Cave Dashi Dong, Kunming, Yunnan), Tianeotrechus Tian & Tang, gen. n. (the type species: Tianeotrechustrisetosus Tian & Tang, sp. n., from Cave Bahao Dong, Tian’e County, Guangxi), Huoyanodytes Tian & Huang, gen. n. (the type species: Huoyanodytestujiaphilus Tian & Huang, sp. n., from Longshan, Hunan) and Wanhuaphaenops Tian & Wang, gen. n. (the type species: Wanhuaphaenopszhangi Tian & Wang, sp. n., from Cave Songjia Dong, Chenzhou, Hunan).

Taxonomy of Fissocantharis Pic (Coleoptera, Cantharidae) from Guangxi, China, with descriptions of six new species

A total of 17 species of Fissocantharis Pic is recorded from Guangxi, China. Six species are described new to science, Fissocantharissinensomima sp. n., Fissocantharissexcostata sp. n., Fissocantharisbasilaris sp. n., Fissocanthariseschara sp. n., Fissocantharislatipalpa sp. n. and Fissocantharisbiprojicientis sp. n., and two previously known species are redescribed, Fissocantharisgracilipes (Pic, 1927) and Fissocantharissinensis (Wittmer, 1988). These species are presented with habitus of males, abdominal sternites VIII of females and genitalia of both sexes. Fissocantharisflavofacialis (Pic, 1926) is synonymized with Fissocantharisangusta (Fairmaire, 1900); both were originally described in the genus Podabrus Westwood. Additionally, a key and a checklist of all the species of Fissocantharis from Guangxi are provided.

Two new species of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum, B. guixiensis and B. longa, from Sino-Vietnamese limestone karsts

BACKGROUND

In our recent molecular phylogenetic study of Asian Begonia, two undescribed species, B. guixiensis sp. ined. (S. Guangxi, China) and B. longa sp. ined. (Vietnam), were sampled and placed within the strongly supported clade composed of Begonia sect. Coelocentrum and other co-distributed rhizomatous species in the Sino-Vietnamese limestone karsts. While Begonia sect. Coelocentrum has been recircumscribed based on the phylogenetic relationships, B. guixiensis sp. ined. and B. longa sp. ined. remain illegitimate names. In continuation of our studies in Asian Begonia, these two new species are described and illustrated.

RESULTS

Begonia guixiensis resembles B. cylindrica in the peltate, subcoriaceous leaves, differing by the shape of ovary/fruit and the type of placentation. In aspect, B. longa bears a superficial resemblance to B. brevipedunculata in leaf shape in particular, differing by many other features such as the long internodes, shorter petioles and smaller leaves, longer peduncles and 3-locular ovary. The chromosome number of both new species is determined as 2n = 30.

CONCLUSION

A careful study of the literature, herbarium specimens and living plants, both in the wild and in cultivation in the experimental greenhouse, support the recognition of the two new species, which are described and illustrated herein.

Two-year prospective cohort study on quality of life outcomes among people living with HIV after initiation of antiretroviral therapy in Guangxi, China

The long-term impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on quality of life (QOL) is not well understood in China. From 2007-2008, 332 treatment-naïve, HIV-infected adults from five hospitals in Guangxi were enrolled in a 2-year prospective cohort study. Information was collected at the time of ART initiation and during 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up visits. Significant improvements were observed across all QOL domains during the first 6 months on ART as measured using the WHOQOL-HIV BREF instrument. These were closely tracked by increases in CD4+ T cell counts, total lymphocyte counts, and the Karnofsky performance scores (p < .05). After 6 months, improvements were smaller and uneven across QOL domains; social relationships was the only domain to not significantly improve at 24 months compared to baseline. Poorer and socially isolated participants had lower QOL outcomes. Strengthening ART program interventions to increase social support for patients may increase QOL outcomes.

Epidemiological characteristics and genotype distribution of hepatitis C virus in Guangxi

AIM: To investigate the distribution characteristic of HCV genotypes in Guangxi, and to explore the correlations of ethnicity, gender, age, route of infection and HCV-RNA load with HCV genotypes.

METHODS: The NS5B region was amplified from 137 HCV-RNA positive serum samples and sequenced. The sequences obtained were compared with the sequences deposited in Genebank to construct a HCV NS5B phylogenetic tree.

RESULTS: The major genotype of HCV in Guangxi was 1b (58.4%), followed by 6a (12.4%), 3b (10.2%), 1a (7.3%), 2a (7.3%), and 3a (4.4%). There were no significant correlations between HCV genotype and ethnicity or gender (P > 0.05 for both). Significant correlations were found between HCV genotype and age, route of infection and HCV-RNA load (P < 0.05 for all).

CONCLUSION: Accurate HCV genotypes and subgenotypes can be obtained by establishing a phylogenetic tree of the HCV NS5B region. At least seven subgenotypes were detected in Guangxi and the main genotypes are 1b, 6a and 3b. Compared with previous reports, our results indicated that the prevalence of genotype 1b seems to decline, and the prevalence of 6a tends to increase gradually. Genotypes 3 and 6a were mainly found in young intravenous drug users. The distribution of HCV genotypes changes with the change in the route of infection.

Aspidistra crassifila (Asparagaceae), a new species from Guangxi, China

BACKGROUND

Aspidistra crassifila Yan Liu & C.-I Peng, a new species of the Asparagaceae from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, is described and illustrated.

RESULTS

The new species is similar to A. subrotata Y. Wan & C. C. Huang in the perianth lobes triangular-lanceolate and horizontally spreading, but differs by the perianth campanulate, lobes with appendages at base, stamens 6-8 mm long, filaments enlarged, anthers adnate to perianth tube, connectives extended and upcurved. The chromosome number of the new species was determined to be 2n = 38, and the karyotype was formulated as 2n = 22m^2SC+4sm+12st.

CONCLUSION

A careful study of the literature, herbarium specimens and living plants, both in the wild and in cultivation in the experimental greenhouse, support the recognition of the new species Aspidistra crassifila, which is described herein. Aspidistra crassifila is currently known only from Shiwandashan Mountains, which lie in southern Guangxi. A line drawing, color plates and a distribution map are given for the new species to aid in identification.

[A new blind barbine species, Sinocyclocheilus anshuiensis sp. nov.(Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)from Guangxi, China]

This study describes a new blind barbine fish species, Sinocyclocheilus anshuiensis sp. nov. discovered based on five specimens collected from a cave in Luolou town, Lingyun County, Guangxi, China, in June and July 2012. Sinocyclocheilus anshuiensis is distinguished from other species of Sinocyclocheilus by having the following combination of characteristics: dorsal fin with 7 branched rays, last unbranched dorsal-fin ray weak with serrations on posterior edge of its lower part; pelvic-fin origin anterior to dorsal-fin origin; dorsal profile of head sharply uplift, a forward flesh tuber present on frontal; body covered with scales, and lateral line with 34-38 scales, lateral line scales are as big as their neighbor scales; caudal peduncle with developed fresh crests.

[A new record of the bird subspecies Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus flaviventris johnsoni) in China]

Several Black-crested Bulbul (Pycnonotus flaviventris) with red throats were observed and photographed in December 2010 and April 2011 in the Youjiang District (N23(o)54', E06(o)36', altitude 179 m) and Jingxi County(N22(o)59', E1 06(o)40', altitude 354 m) of Baise city, northwestern Guangxi, in southern China. These individuals belong to subspecies johnsoni, recorded previously in central and southeastern Thailand as well as the southern Indochina Region. This sighting provides a new record of the subspecies within China, warranting a discussion on the classification and distribution of Pycnonotus flaviventris.

Dayao gen. n. of the subtribe Tyrina (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae) from South China

Dayao pengzhongigen. et sp. n. is described and illustrated based on the material collected in Guangxi Province, South China. The genus is placed in the oriental 'Pselaphodescomplex' of genera of the subtribe Tyrina and its taxonomic placement is discussed.