[Persistence follow-up of immune memory to hepatitis B vaccine among infants with non- and low-response to primary vaccination after revaccination with three doses]

This study followed up the immune memory after 3-dose revaccination among infants with non-and low-response following primary hepatitis B (HepB) vaccination. About 120 children without self-booster doses were finally included who had anti-HBs<10 mIU/ml (anti-HBs negative) at the time of follow-up, of whom 86 children completed blood sampling and anti-HBs testing. Before the challenge dose, all 86 children were negative for anti-HBs, and the GMC of anti-HBs was<10 mIU/ml. The seropositive conversion rate of anti-HBs was 100% and the GMC of anti-HBs was 886.11 (95%CI: 678.15-1 157.84) mIU/ml after the challenge dose. Compared with those with GMC<7 mIU/ml before the challenge dose, infants with GMC>7 mIU/ml had a higher anti-HBs level after the challenge dose. The β value (95%CI) was 0.82 (0.18-1.46) (P=0.012). Compared with those with GMC<1 000 mIU/ml at primary vaccination, infants with GMC≥1 000 mIU/ml had a higher anti-HBs level after the challenge dose. The β value (95%CI) was 0.78 (0.18-1.38)(P=0.012). The results showed a stronger immune memory was found at 9 years after revaccination among infants with non-and low-response to HepB.

Automatic counting of retinal ganglion cells in the entire mouse retina based on improved YOLOv5

Glaucoma is characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), although the pathogenic mechanism remains largely unknown. To study the mechanism and assess RGC degradation, mouse models are often used to simulate human glaucoma and specific markers are used to label and quantify RGCs. However, manually counting RGCs is time-consuming and prone to distortion due to subjective bias. Furthermore, semi-automated counting methods can produce significant differences due to different parameters, thereby failing objective evaluation. Here, to improve counting accuracy and efficiency, we developed an automated algorithm based on the improved YOLOv5 model, which uses five channels instead of one, with a squeeze-and-excitation block added. The complete number of RGCs in an intact mouse retina was obtained by dividing the retina into small overlapping areas and counting, and then merging the divided areas using a non-maximum suppression algorithm. The automated quantification results showed very strong correlation (mean Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.993) with manual counting. Importantly, the model achieved an average precision of 0.981. Furthermore, the graphics processing unit (GPU) calculation time for each retina was less than 1 min. The developed software has been uploaded online as a free and convenient tool for studies using mouse models of glaucoma, which should help elucidate disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutics.

[Anti-HBs persistence after primary vaccination with three doses of 5 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine among normal and high-responder infants: 10-year of follow-up]

Objective: Assess the 10-year Immune persistence and the predictors after primary vaccination hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among normal and high-responder infants. Methods: A total of 1 838 Infants of 7-12 months old located in Jinan, Weifang, Yantai and Weihai of Shandong Province who were induced normal or high antibody response (anti-HBs titer ≥ 100 mIU/ml) after primary vaccination (three dose with 0-1-6 procedure) with 5 μg recombinant HepB among newborns were included in the study, in 2009. 3 ml of venous blood samples were collected at baseline survey (T₀) and antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs), antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were detected using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) method. A self-designed questionnaire was used to collect information including the infant's age, sex, birth weight, premature birth, birth number, delivery location and mother's HBV infection status. In 2014 (followed up for 5 years) and in 2019 (followed up for 10 years) (T₁), 2 ml of venous blood samples were collected. Anti HBS and anti HBC were detected by CMIA method. Those with anti HBS<10 mIU/ml were detected by CMIA method. Multivariate unconditional logistic and linear regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors of anti-HBs positive rate and geometric mean concentration (GMC) at T₁. Results: After 10 years follow-up, 73.94% of the subjects (1 359/1 835) finished the follow-up. 51.15% of the subjects, a total of 625 were boys. The positive rate of anti-HBs was 100% at T₀ and decreased to 53.44% (95%CI: 50.59%-56.26%) at T₁. The average annual decline rate of anti-HBs positive rate from T₀ to T₁ was 6.07%. The GMC of anti-HBs decreased from 607.89 (95%CI: 579.01-642.62) mIU/ml to 16.44 (95%CI: 15.06-18.00) mIU/ml. The average annual decline rate of anti-HBs GMC in 10-year follow-up was 30.30%. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the positive rate of anti-HBs at T₁ was lower in those who did not vaccinate the first dose in time (OR=0.25, 95%CI:0.07-0.71). Compared with those with GMC<1 000 mIU/ml at T₀, those with GMC ≥ 1 000 mIU/ml had a higher positive rate of anti-HBs at T₁ (OR=2.29, 95%CI:1.76-2.97). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the GMC of anti-HBs at T₁ was lower in those who did not vaccinate the first dose in time (β=-0.50, 95%CI:-1.24-0.24). Compared with those with GMC<1 000 mIU/ml at T₀, those with GMC ≥ 1 000 mIU/ml had a higher GMC of anti-HBs at T₁ (β=0.81, 95%CI: 0.62-1.05). Conclusion: Anti-HBs GMC decreased in 10 years after primary vaccination of 5 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine among normal and high-responders. The anti-HBs persistence was mainly associated with whether the first dose was vaccinated in time and the level of anti-HBs at the end of primary vaccination.

[Rates and characteristics for hepatitis B reactivation of inactive hepatitis B carriers in rural communities]

Objective: To analyze the intensity and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation among inactive HBsAg carriers (IHC) of rural areas in Ji'nan. Methods: In 2018 and 2020, follow-up investigations were conducted on IHC identified in the population physical examination in Zhangqiu district of Ji'nan. The results of the two follow-up visits were compared to analyze the incidence and distribution characteristics of HBV reactivation in IHC at the community level. Results: A total of 424 IHC completed two follow-up visits, and 47 cases of HBV reactivation were found, the cumulative reactivation rate was 11.08%, and the incidence density was 5.46/100 person-years. Multivariate analysis showed that gender, age, smoking, drinking , family history of liver disease and chronic diseases were not associated with HBV reactivation (P>0.05), and baseline HBV DNA load was associated with reactivation (P<0.05), in the HBV DNA level ≥1 000 IU/ml group, the reactivation rate could reach 18.92%. After reactivation, the mean level of ALT increased from baseline and the abnormal rate increased, liver function tended to be abnormal in reactivated patients. 4 (8.51%) reactivators had hepatitis, and 1 (2.13%) had jaundice hepatitis. Conclusions: The incidence of HBV reactivation was higher among IHC in rural communities in Ji'nan. Most of the reactivators were asymptomatic or mildly reactivated. Follow-up of inactive HBsAg patients should be strengthened and changes in ALT and HBV DNA levels should be closely monitored.

[Antibodies persistence after revaccination with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine in non-responsive adults: results from 8-year follow-up study]

Objective: To evaluate the persistence of HBsAg-specific antibodies eight years after revaccination with hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among adults who were non-responsive to primary immunization. Methods: From August to September 2009, rural communities in Zhangqiu district of Ji'nan city were selected as the study site. The subject's inclusion criteria were 18 to 49 years old, local resident population, without HBV infection history and HepB vaccination history, and good health status. Antibodies against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) were detected in adults following the standard primary vaccination. Those who were non-responders (anti-HBs titer <10 mIU/ml) were revaccinated with three doses of HepB and included in the study. Blood samples were collected from all of them at one month (T₁), two years, four years, and eight years after revaccination. The three indexes of anti-HBs, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), together with antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc), were measured by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). Results: The proportion of subjects with anti-HBs titers ≥10 mIU/ml was 85.12% (549/645) at T₁, 60.60% (283/467) at two years, 55.90% (199/356) at four years and 55.09% (222/403) at eight years after revaccination. The first two years' annual decline rates, three to four years and five to eight years, were 15.62%, 3.96%, and 0.36%. The GMC of anti-HBs was 153.92 mIU/ml at T₁, 21.43 mIU/ml at two years, 15.02 mIU/ml at four years, and 13.68 mIU/ml at eight years. In the first two years, three to four years and five to eight years, the annual decline rate of GMC was 62.69%,16.28%, and 2.31%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that the titer of anti-HBs at T₁ was independently associated with the persistence of anti-HBs at eight years after revaccination. Compared with anti-HBs titer <100 mIU/ml , those whose anti-HBs titers were 100-mIU/ml and ≥1 000 mIU/ml at T₁ had a higher positive rate of anti-HBs (OR=14.13, P<0.001; OR= 62.91, P<0.001) and a higher probability of anti-HBs titer (β=1.88, P<0.001; β=3.24, P<0.001) at 8 years after revaccination. Nobody was found seroconversion of HBsAg, and the anti-HBc positive rate was 14.14% (57/403). Conclusions: Following revaccination with three doses of HepB in adults who were non-responsive to primary immunization, anti-HBs titers declined rapidly within the first four years. They then maintained a stable level after the fifth year. More than half still kept anti-HBs protective titer at eight years after revaccination. The immunity persistence was associated with anti-HBs titer at one month after revaccination.

[Analysis of capability to pertussis etiology and serological diagnosis for GradeⅡ and Ⅲmedical institutions in Shandong Province in 2018]

Objective: Investigate and analyze the etiology and serological diagnosis capabilities of pertussis in medical institutions in Shandong Province in 2018. Methods: Using the census method, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 603 second and above level medical institutions in Shandong Province. The deadline for the survey was December 2018, and a total of 543 questionnaires have been recovered, and the validity rate of the questionnaires was 90%. Surveyed the pertussis etiology and serology test items (pertussis IgM and IgG, pertussis nucleic acid and pertussis bacterial culture) and the start time of each test item by questionnaire. The reported cases (confirmed cases and clinically diagnosed cases) between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018 were derived from the Chinese Disease Control and Prevention Information System according to the onset date. We used indicators such as fixed-base development speed, chain development speed, and chain growth speed for analysis. The chi test was used to analyze the differences in the composition ratio of medical institutions with detection ability in different levels and regions, and analyze the changes in the number of reported cases before and after the development of pertussis etiology and serology testing. Results: A total of 543 medical institutions accounted for 90.0% (543/603) of all secondary and above level medical institutions in the province, 356 secondary medical institutions (65.6%), and 187 tertiary medical institutions (34.4%). There were 10 medical institutions that carry out pertussis IgM, IgG and nucleic acid testing, accounting for 1.8% (10/543) of the surveyed medical institutions respectively. 2 medical institutions that carried out bacterial culture, accounting for 0.4% of the surveyed medical institutions (2/543). 20 medical institutions have carried out the above tests (8 secondary medical institutions and 12 tertiary medical institutions), accounting for 3.7% (20/543). The proportion of tertiary medical institutions with pertussis IgM, IgG detection and nucleic acid detection capabilities [6.42% (12/187)] was significantly higher than that of secondary medical institutions [2.25% (8/356)] (χ²=6.01, P=0.014). From 2012 to 2018, the fixed base ratio development speed of reported cases was 3 834.69% in Shandong Province, among which medical institutions with etiology and serological testing capabilities reached 4 533.33%. In 13 medical institutions, the average annual number of reported cases after pertussis etiology and serological testing were higher than that of reported cases before testing. Conclusion: The ability of pertussis etiology and serology diagnosis of secondary and above medical institutions in Shandong Province needs to be improved.

[Genotype distribution and molecular epidemiology of hepatitis E virus isolated in Shandong Province of China in 2017]

Objective: To understand the genotype distribution and molecular epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) isolated in Shandong Province, 2017. Methods: The cases of hepatitis E who were reported to the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System (NNDRS) from January to December 2017 in Shandong Province were chosen as the subjects in the study. Epidemiological information and blood samples were collected from 1 045 participants. Both anti-HEV IgM and anti-HEV IgG were detected using ELISA method. Viral nucleic acids were extracted only from those of anti-HEV IgM positive samples. Nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was carried out to amplify 644 bp nucleotide sequences within HEV open reading frame (ORF) 2 region. The sample sequences together with reference sequences from GenBank were subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results: In total, 638 (61.1%) cases were detected positive for anti-HEV IgM. The average age of male was (57.9±12.2) years, and the anti-HEV IgM positive rate was 61.5% (496/807). The average age of female was (58.1±15.0) years, and the anti-HEV IgM positive rate was 59.7% (142/238). A total of 163 HEV strains were detected, and the positive rate was 25.6% (163/638). The positive rate of the eastern, central and western region was 23.0% (71/309), 33.6% (72/214) and 17.4% (20/115), respectively. Phylogenetic tree and homology analysis indicated that all isolates belonged to genotype Ⅳ, clustering into four different subgenotype (4a, 4b, 4d and 4h). Subgenotype 4d was predominant, accounting for 85.9% (140 strains), followed by 4b (7.4%, 12 strains), 4a (3.7%, 6 strains) and 4h (3.1%, 5 strains). The 4a, 4b, and 4h subgenotype were mainly detected in the eastern region, accounting for 3/5, 11/12, and 4/6, respectively. The 4d subgenotype was mainly in the middle region, accounting for 50.0% (70/140). The homology analysis showed that the 163 sequences shared 82.7% to 100.0% nucleotide sequence identity with each other. The 140 sequences of HEV 4d strains showed high similarity with swine-origin HEV（KF176351）, cattle-origin HEV（KU904278）and sheep-origin HEV（KU904267）isolated in Shandong Province, and the nucleotide homology was 93.1%-98.3%, 92.7%-97.9% and 92.7%-97.9%, respectively. Conclusion: HEV genotype Ⅳ(4d subgenotype) was dominant in Shandong province. A complicated interspecies transmission might be the main source of human HEV infection in Shandong Province, China.

[Persistence of immune memory and its related factors at 12 years after hepatitis B vaccination among adults]

Objective: To estimate the immune memory at 12 years after hepatitis B vaccination and its risk factors among adults. Methods: The study was conducted in 20 villages of Qudi town in Jiyang county, Shandong province, China in 2003. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against HBsAg (anti-HBs) and antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were tested for all healthy residents aged 15-40 years in these villages. Those who had no history of hepatitis B vaccination and were negative for all three indicators were divided into two groups randomly. Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) was administrated to them on 0-6 month schedule or 0-1-6 month schedule respectively. Blood samples were obtained at one month after the last dose for each receipt and were quantitatively detected for anti-HBs. Finally a total of 629 participants completed HepB vaccination and anti-HBs testing, including 288 of two-dose group and 341 of three-dose group respectively. In 2015, an additional dose of HepB (challenge dose) was administrated to those who were negative for anti-HBs at follow-up (anti-HBs <10 mIU/ml) to evaluate the immune memory. A total of 93 blood samples, including 50 of two-dose group and 43 of three-dose group respectively, were drawn at 14 days after the challenge dose and anti-HBs was quantitatively detected. The anti-HBs geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) after the challenge dose were compared between the two groups. Multivariate linear regression model was built to find the independent risk factors associated with immune memory response (anti-HBs GMC after the challenge dose). Results: The challenge dose of HepB and post-challenge anti-HBs detection were completed among 93 participants. Totally 92 (98.92%, 92/93) participants were found holding immune memory (anti-HBs after the challenge dose was ≥10 mIU/ml). The immune memory positive rates were 100% (50/50) and 97.67% (42/43) in the two-dose group and three-dose group respectively and the corresponding anti-HBs GMC after challenge dose were 2 684.30 (95%CI: 1 721.71-4 185.08) mIU/ml and 3 527.48 (95%CI: 2 145.15-5 800.58) mIU/ml (P=0.410). The anti-HBs GMC after the challenge dose were 1 908.33 (95%CI: 1 190.01-3 060.27) mIU/ml, 4 004.20 (95%CI: 2 257.90-7 101.12) mIU/ml and 8 682.16 (95%CI: 5 813.94-12 965.36) mIU/ml among the participants whose anti-HBs titer was<4, 4-6 and 7-9 mIU/ml at follow-up, respectively (P=0.002). There was no correlation between immune schedule and anti-HBs GMC after the challenge dose; β (95%CI) was -0.07 (-0.34-0.20), P=0.601. Conclusion: The immune memory after primary hepatitis B vaccination lasted for at least 12 years among adults. The immune memory response was independently associated with ant-HBs titer at follow-up, but might be similar between 0-6 month schedule and 0-1-6 month schedule.

[Comparison of antibody persistence after primary immunization with 5 μg and 10 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine among newborns with normal and high response: a five-year following-up]

Objective: To compare the antibody persistence 5 years after primary immunization with 5 μg and 10 μg recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among newborns with normal and high response. Methods: Newborns who completed three doses of 5 μg HepB made by recombinant dexyribonucleic acid technique in Saccharomyces (HepB-SC) or 10 μg HepB made by recombinant dexyribonucleic acid technique in Hansenula polymorpha (HepB-HP) were recruited. Standardized questionnaire was used and blood samples were collected 1-6 months (T(0)) and five years (T(1)) after the third dose respectively. The titer of anti-HBs was detected by chemiluminescence microparticle imunoassay (CMIA). Those who achieved normal or high antibody response (anti-HBs titer ≥100 mIU/ml) were included in the study and the positive rate (≥10 mIU/ml) and titer of anti-HBs at T(1) were compared between 5 μg HepB group and 10 μg HepB group. Multivariable analysis was conducted to identify the independent factors associated with the antibody persistence. Results: The positive rate of anti-HBs at T(1) was 49.92% (943/1 883) and 75.92% (1 135/1 495) respectively in 5 μg HepB group and 10μg HepB group, the difference was significant (χ(2)=237.75, P<0.001). The anti-HBs geometric mean concentrations at T(1) were 10.23 mIU/ml (95%CI: 9.38-11.16) and 28.91 mIU/ml (95%CI: 26.65-31.35) in the two groups respectively, the difference was also significant (F=280.36, P<0.001). Among those whose anti-HBs titer was<10 mIU/ml at T(1), the distributions of anti-HBs titer were significantly different between 5 μg HepB group and 10 μg HepB group (χ(2)=39.75, P<0.001). The multivariable analysis showed that dosage of HepB was independently associated with both positive rate and titer of anti-HBs at T(1) after excluding the other factors[P<0.001, OR=1.44 (95%CI: 1.20-1.73); P<0.001, β=0.27 (95%CI: 0.14-0.40)]. Conclusion: Five year anti-HBs persistence after primary immunization with 10 μg HepB might be better than that after primary immunization with 5 μg HepB among infants who achieved normal or high anti-HBs response after primary HepB immunization.

[The relation between cochlear distortion products and frequency tuning characteristics revealed by laser interferometery]

Objective:To explore the relation between distortion products and frequency tuning charateristics in cochlear basilar membrane.Method:Time variances curves of distortion products and frequency tuning curves of basilar membrane response were measured by laser interferometery in situ guinea pig cochlea.Result:Response sensitivity and tuning sharpness of basilar membrane response decreased with distortion product amplitude and become most low and flat when distortion products disappeared.Conclusion:Distortion products in cochlea are related with hearing sensitivity and frequency tuning. They are indicator whether function of cochlear hearing sensitivity enhancing and frequency tuning sharpening is still at work.

[A sero-epidemiological study of hepatitis E among general population in Shandong Province of China in 2014]

Objective: To analyze the sero-epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Shandong province, and thereby to provide evidence for the policy-making of hepatitis E prevention and control. Methods: The inhabitants aged between 1-59 years old were randomly selected to participate in the study by two-stage stratified random sampling method from 12 counties in Shandong province in October, 2014. Firstly two townships were selected from each county by probability proportional to size sampling (PPS) method. A total of 5 229 participants aged 1-59 years old were selected by stratified random sampling method. All the participants finished a questionnaire survey and a venous blood sample (3-5 ml) was collected from each to test anti-HEV IgG by enzyme-linked assay (ELISA). The weighted prevalence of anti-HEV IgG with different demographic characteristics was estimated. The variance of the positive rate of anti-HEV IgG was calculated by Taylor series linearization method, as well as its 95%CI. A statistical test was conducted to compare the rate of its 95%CI, and the results in the present study were compared with those in sero-survey in 2006. Results: A total of 5 229 subjects entered the final analysis in 2014. The overall weighed prevalence of anti-HEV IgG was 9.19% (95%CI: 6.18%-12.20%) among natural population in Shandong province, decreased by 19.88% in comparison with that in 2006 sero-survey (11.47%, 95%CI: 8.92%-14.02%). The prevalence increased with age increasing (χ(2trend)=288.11, P<0.001) in 2014, which was similar to the result in 2006 sero-survey. Except for 1-4 years old group, the prevalence of anti-HEV IgG in the other age groups were lower than it in the corresponding groups in 2006. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG in urban (8.19%, 95%CI: 0.00-22.23%), rural areas (9.69%, 95%CI: 4.99%-14.38%), eastern areas (12.70%, 95%CI: 0.00-27.72%), central areas (4.74%, 95%CI: 0.00-9.91%) and western areas (9.32%, 95%CI: 0.69%-17.94%) in 2014 were all lower than the corresponding prevalences (11.39%, 95%CI: 8.17%-14.62%; 11.92%, 95%CI: 8.75%-15.08%; 22.77%, 95%CI: 14.99%-30.55%; 7.97%, 95%CI: 4.75%-11.20%; 10.59%, 95%CI: 6.37%-14.82%) in 2006 survey. The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG in coastal areas (16.56%, 95%CI: 12.94%-20.18%) and inland areas (7.63%, 95%CI: 5.16%-10.10%) in 2014 were lower than it in the corresponding areas (28.04%, 95%CI: 20.45%-35.64%; 9.50%, 95%CI: 7.31%-11.70%) in 2006 survey. The prevalence among peasant (11.98%, 95%CI: 8.20%-15.76%), worker (9.68%, 95%CI: 4.48%-14.88%), cadre (13.90%, 95%CI: 7.47%-20.33%), service provider (12.26%, 95%CI: 1.80%-22.73%) in 2014 survey were lower than it among the corresponding populations (13.76%, 95%CI: 10.15%-17.38%; 21.11%, 95%CI: 12.67%-29.55%; 17.81%, 95%CI: 7.63%-28.00%; 21.08%, 95%CI: 0.03%-42.12%) in 2006 survey. Conclusion: The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG has decreased in Shandong province in the recent years, but the epidemiological characteristics found no obvious changes. HEV susceptibility in natural population was generally high. Hepatitis E vaccines were recommended to be used in HEV high-risk population in the province.

[Prevalence of hepatitis A antibody among population covered by different hepatitis A immunization strategies in Shandong Province, 2015, China]

Objective: To evaluate prevalence of hepatitis A antibody (anti-HAV IgG) among population covered by different hepatitis A vaccine immunization strategies in Shandong Province in 2015. Methods: In October 2015, according to the geographical location of Shandong Province, the stratified random sampling method was used to stratify the 17 municipal distrcts, and the random number table method was used for sampling, First, two eastern cites (Qingdao, Rizhao), two western cities (Liaocheng, Zaozhuang) and three central cities (Jinan, Zibo and Laiwu) were selected; secondly, one county was drawn from each city. Finally, the participants were divided into five age groups including ≤7 years (age group covered by free hepatitis A vaccination strategy), 8-11 years (age group who receive hepatitis A vaccination at their own charge), 12-24 years (age group covered by catch-up vaccination of hepatitis A), 25-34 years (age group born before hepatitis A vaccine was used) and ≥35 years (age group born before hepatitis A vaccine was used). After all the paticipants or their guardians asked and registered basic information such as age, gender, home address, blood samples were collected from them and anti-HAV IgG was detected by ELISA method. The positive rate of anti-HAV IgG and 95%CI were calculated. Results: A total of 1 654 participants were involved in the final analysis, including 856 males (51.75%) and 798 females (48.25%) whose mean age was (13.44±13.06) years. The crude positive rate of anti-HAV IgG was 91.41% (1 512/1 654, 95%CI: 89.96%-92.72%) and the age-adjusted rate was 90.93% (95%CI: 90.92%-90.94%). The positive rates of anti-HAV IgG was at the highest level in the age group of ≤7 years (95.90%, 95%CI: 95.88%-95.91%) and was at the lowest level in the age group of 25-34 years (83.23%, 95%CI: 83.21%-83.25%). The age-specific positive rates of anti-HAV IgG in eastern areas (96.79%, 95%CI: 96.78%-96.80%) were higher than those in both middle areas (86.66%, 95%CI: 86.65%-86.67%) and western areas (91.96%, 95%CI: 91.95%-91.97%). Conclusion: The positive rate of anti-HAV IgG was high among the general population in Shandong Province, but relatively low among young and middle-aged adults. Besides the routine immunization of hepatitis A among the children, more efforts should be taken for the prevention and control of hepatitis A among young and middle-aged adults in Shandong Province, especially in central and western areas.

[Anti-HBs persistence following primary vaccination with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine among normal and high-responder adults: a 3-year follow-up study]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the 3-year anti-HBs persistence after primary vaccination with three-dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among normal and high-responder adults.

METHODS

A total of 24 237 healthy adults who had no histories of hepatitis B infection and hepatitis B vaccination, resided in local areas for more than six months and were aged 18-49 years were selected from 79 villages of Zhangqiu county, Shandong province, China in 2009. Blood samples were obtained and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were detected using ELISA method. A total of 11 590 persons who were negative for all of these indicators were divided into four groups by cluster sampling method. Each group was vaccinated with one of the following four types of HepB at 0-1-6 months schedule: 20 μg HepB derived in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (HepB-SC), 20 μg HepB derived in Chinese hamster ovary cell (HepB-CHO), 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB derived in Hansenula polymorpha (HepB-HP). Blood samples were collected one month after the third dose of primary immunization and tested for anti-HBs using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). During the follow-up to normal and high-responders, the following information was collected: the demographic characteristic (including age and gender), histories of hepatitis B infection, hepatitis B vaccination, smoking, drinking and chronic diseases. Blood samples were collected one month (T1) and three years after primary vaccination (T2) and anti-HBs, anti-HBc and HBsAg (if anti-HBs<10 mU/ml) were detected by CMIA. The risk factors associated with positive rate of anti-HBs and GMC of anti-HBs were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis and multifactor linear regression model analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 4 677 normal and high-responders were identified. Among 4 677 participants, 2 014 (43.06%) were males and 2 663 (56.94%) were females. The positive rate was 100% at T1 and it decreased to 80.99% (3 788/4 677) three years after vaccination. The corresponding GMC was decreased from 1 413.48 (95%CI: 1 358.86-1 470.30) mU/ml to 60.33 (95%CI: 56.97-63.90) mU/ml. When comparing with those vaccinated 20 μg HepB-CHO, the significantly lower positive rate of anti-HBs three years after vaccination was observed in those vaccinated 20 μg HepB-SC, 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB-HP. The OR (95%CI) was 0.65 (0.50-0.84), 0.52 (0.41-0.67) and 0.31 (0.28-0.45), respectively. The GMC of anti-HBs was also significantly lower among those vaccinated 20 μg HepB-SC, 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB-HP. The b (95%CI) was -0.33 (-0.47- -0.20), -0.41 (-0.55- -0.28) and -0.78 (-0.92- -0.65), respectively. The GMC of anti-HBs in those aged 30-39 years old and 40-49 years old were lower than that in 18-29 years. The b (95%CI) was -0.31 (-0.47- -0.15) and -0.24 (-0.39- -0.09), respectively. When comparing with those whose anti-HBs titer was less than 999 mU/ml at T1, the significantly higher positive rate of anti-HBs three years after vaccination was observed in those whose anti-HBs titer was 1 000-1 999 mU/ml, those whose anti-HBs titer was 2 000-9 999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer was ≥10 000 mU/ml. The OR (95%CI) was 4.97 (3.80-6.49), 7.87 (16.19-10.01) and 9.67 (6.47-14.44), respectively. When comparing with those whose anti-HBs titer was ≤999 mU/ml at T1, the GMC of anti-HBs three years after vaccination was also significantly higher among those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was 1 000-1 999 mU/ml, those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was 2 000-2 999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was ≥10 000 mU/ml. The b (95%CI) was 1.00 (0.87-1.14), 1.85 (1.74-1.97) and 3.28 (3.12-3.44), respectively. Four subjects showed HBsAg seroconversion and anti-HBc conversion rate was 4.68% at T2.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-HBs GMC decreased rapidly three years after primary vaccination among normal and high-responder adults, while the positive rate of anti-HBs still kept at a high level. The anti-HBs persistence after primary vaccination was associated with HepB type, age and GMC of anti-HBs one month after vaccination.

[Anti-HBs persistence after revaccination with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine among non-responsive adults: a 4-year of follow-up study]

OBJECTIVE

To explore anti-HBs persistence four years after revaccination with hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among adults who were non-responsive to HepB primary immunization.

METHODS

A total of 24 237 healthy adults who had no history of hepatitis B infection and hepatitis B vaccination, resided in the local area for more than six months and aged 18-49 years were selected from 79 villages of Zhangqiu County, Shandong Province, China in 2009. Blood samples were obtained and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were detected using ELISA method. A total of 11 590 persons who were negative for all of these indicators were divided into four groups by cluster sampling methods. Each group was vaccinated with one of the following four types of HepB at 0-1-6months schedule: 20 μg HepB derived in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (HepB-SC), 20 μg HepB derived in Chinese hamster ovary cell (HepB-CHO), 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB derived in Hansenula polymorpha (HepB-HP). Blood samples were collected one month after the third dose of primary immunization and tested for anti-HBs using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). The non-responders were followed up and their basic information and the histories of hepatitis B infection, HepB vaccination, smoking and drinking were investigated. Then they were revaccinated with three doses of HepB with the same schedule as the primary immunization. Blood samples were collected from all of them one month (T1), two years and four years after revaccination and anti-HBs, anti-HBc and HBsAg were detected by CMIA. A total of 356 participants were followed up from 645 low-responders four years after revaccination, and the ratio was 55.2%. The risk factors associated with the positive rate and geometric mean concentration (GMC) of anti-HBs after four years of revaccination were analyzed using multivariate unconditional logistic regression model and multivariate linear regression model, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 356 participants, 172 (48.3%) were males and 184 (51.7%) were females. The anti-HBs positive rate was 90.4% (322 cases) at T1 and was 55.9% (199 cases) four years after revaccination. The GMC of anti-HBs was 240.5 (95% CI: 186.4-310.4)mU/ml at T1 and decreased to 15.0 (95%CI: 12.2-18.5) mU/ml four years after revaccination. The average annual decreasing rate of GMC was 50.63% from one month after revaccination to four years after revaccination. The corresponding rate was 64.89% in the first two years, which was 2.12 times the rate in the latter two years (30.57%). When compared with those whose anti-HBs titer was less than 99 mU/ml at T1, the significantly higher anti-HBs four years after revaccination was observed in those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was 100-999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was ≥1 000 mU/ml. The OR (95%CI) was 7.14 (3.90-13.05) and 28.40 (13.16-61.30) respectively. When compared with those whose anti-HBs titer was ≤99 mU/ml at T1, the GMC of anti-HBs four years after revaccination was also significantly higher among those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was 100-999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was ≥1 000 mU/ml. The b (95%CI) was 1.66 (1.26-2.05) and 3.16 (2.72-3.60), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The positive rate and GMC of anti-HBs decreased four years after revaccination among non-responsive adults, but still kept anti-HBs above protective level. The immunity durability after revaccination is mainly associated with anti-HBs titer one month after revaccination.

[Antibody persistence following primary vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine among normal and high-responder adults: a 5-year follow-up study]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the 5-year antibody persistence and the risk factors associated with the persistence after primary vaccination of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among normal or high-response adults.

METHODS

A total of 24 237 healthy adults who had no histories of hepatitis B infection and hepatitis B vaccination, resided in the local area for more than six months and were aged 18-49 years were selected from 79 villages in north of Zhangqiu county, Shandong province, China in 2009. Blood samples were obtained and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were detected using ELISA method. A total of 11 590 persons who were negative for all of these indicators were divided into four groups by cluster sampling methods. Each group was vaccinated with one of the following four types of HepB at 0-1-6 months schedule: 20 μg HepB derived in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (HepB-SC), 20 μg HepB derived in Chinese hamster ovary cell (HepB-CHO), 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB derived in Hansenula polymorpha (HepB-HP). The normal and high-responder was followed up and their demographic characteristic (including age, gender), histories of hepatitis B infection, hepatitis B vaccination, smoking, drinking and chronic diseases were investigated. Blood samples were collected one month (T1) and five years (T2) and anti-HBs, anti-HBc and HBsAg (if anti-HBs<10 mU/ml) were detected by CMIA. A total of 1 902 participants were followed up and the risk factors associated with positive rate of anti-HBs and GMC of anti-HBs were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis and multifactor linear regression model analysis, respectively.

RESULTS

Among 1 902 adults, 824 (43.32%) were male and 1 078 (56.68%) were female. The anti-HBs positive rate was 100% at T1 and it decreased to 73.29% (1 394 cases) at T2. The corresponding GMC was decreased from 1 527.15 (95%CI: 1 437.84-1 622.01) mU/ml at T1 to 35.07 (95%CI: 32.20-38.19) mU/ml at T2. When comparing with those vaccinated 20 μg HepB-SC, the significantly lower positive rate at T2 was observed in those vaccinated 10 μg HepB-SC group and 10 μg HepB-HP group. The OR (95% CI) was 0.41 (0.28-0.61) and 0.27 (0.18-0.39), respectively. The GMC of anti-HBs was also significantly lower among those vaccinated 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB-HP. The b (95%CI) was -0.20 (-0.28- -0.12) and -0.36 (-0.44- -0.29) , respectively. When comparing with those occasionally drinking, the significantly lower positive rate at T2 was observed in those regular drinking. The OR(95%CI) was 0.51(0.30-0.87). The GMC of anti-HBs in age group of 18-29 was significantly higher than those in 40-49 age group; the b (95%CI) was -0.10(-0.18- -0.01). When comparing with those whose anti-HBs titer was less than 999 mU/ml at T1, the significantly higher positive rate of anti-HBs at T2 was observed in those whose anti-HBs titer was 1 000-1 999 mU/ml, those whose anti-HBs titer was 2 000-2 999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer was ≥10 000 mU/ml. The OR (95%CI) was 10.11 (6.90-14.82), 20.42 (13.98-29.82) and 54.58 (22.08-134.92), respectively. When comparing with those whose anti-HBs titer was ≤999 mU/ml at T1, the GMC of anti-HBs at T2 was also significantly higher among those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was 1 000-1 999 mU/ml, those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was 2 000-2 999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer at T1 was ≥10 000 mU/ml. The b (95%CI) was 0.55 (0.47-0.62), 0.94 (0.88-1.00) and 1.63 (1.54-1.72), respectively. Nobody was found positive to HBsAg at T2 and the conversion rate of anti-HBc was 3.89% (74/1 902) at T2.

CONCLUSION

Anti-HBs GMC decreased rapidly at T2 among normal and high-responder adults, while the positive rate of anti-HBs still kept at a high level. The antibody persistence among normal and high-responder adults at T2 was associated with HepB type, age, history of drinking and GMC of anti-HBs at T1.

[Anti-HBs persistence following revaccination with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine among low-responsive adults after primary vaccination: a 4-year follow-up study]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the 4-year anti-HBs persistence after revaccination with 3-dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among low-responsive adults.

METHODS

A total of 24 237 healthy adults who had no history of hepatitis B infection and hepatitis B vaccination, resided in the local area for more than six months and were aged 18-49 years were selected from 79 villages of Zhangqiu county, Shandong province, China in 2009. Blood samples were obtained and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and antibody against hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were detected using ELISA method. A total of 11 590 persons who were negative for all of these indicators were divided into four groups by cluster sampling method. Each group was vaccinated with one of the following four types of HepB at 0-1-6 months schedule: 20 μg HepB derived in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (HepB-SC), 20 μg HepB derived in Chinese hamster ovary cell (HepB-CHO), 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB derived in Hansenula polymorpha (HepB-HP). Blood samples were collected one month after the third dose of primary immunization and tested for anti-HBs using chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). The 892 low-responders were revaccinated with three doses of HepB at 0-1-6 months schedule and the type of HepB was the same as which was used for primary immunization. During the follow-up to low-responders, the following informations were collected: the demographic characteristics (including age, gender), histories of hepatitis B infection, hepatitis B vaccination, smoking, drinking and chronic diseases. Blood samples were collected one month (T1) and four years after revaccination and anti-HBs, anti-HBc and HBsAg (if anti-HBs <10 mU/ml) were detected by CMIA. The risk factors associated with positive rate of anti-HBs and GMC of anti-HBs were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis and multifactor linear regression model analysis respectively. Anti-HBs titer at T1 was grouped according to the level and was considered as the independent variable in the model analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 529 participants were identified from 892 low-responders. Among 529 participants, 276 (52.2%) were males and 253 (47.8%) were females. The positive rate was 82.6% (437/529) at T1 and it decreased to 28.2% (149/529) four years after revaccination. The corresponding GMC decreased from 542.06 (95% CI: 466.72-629.56) mU/ml to 27.69 (95% CI: 23.08-33.23) mU/ml. Multivariable analysis showed the positive rate of anti-HBs 4 years after revaccination was independently associated with anti-HBs titer at T1. The positive rate among those whose anti-HBs titer more than 1 000 mU/ml at T1 was significantly higher than those whose anti-HBs titer less than 100 mU/ml. The OR (95%CI) was 39.67 (13.81-114.01). The GMC was associated with HepB type for revaccination and anti-HBs titer at T1. The GMC among those revaccinated 20 μg HepB was significantly higher than those revaccinated 20 μg HepB-CHO, 10 μg HepB-SC and 10 μg HepB-HP. The b (95% CI) was -0.40 (-0.78--0.02), -0.57 (-1.01- -0.15) and -0.63 (-1.03- -0.23), respectively. The GMC among those whose anti-HBs titer 100-999 mU/ml and those whose anti-HBs titer ≥1 000 mU/ml at T1 were higher than those whose anti-HBs titer <100 mU/ml. The b (95% CI) was 0.93 (0.53-1.33) and 3.31 (2.88-3.73) respectively.

CONCLUSION

Anti-HBs GMC decreased rapidly 4 years after revaccination among low-responsive adults, but still kept good protecion. The anti-HBs persistence after revaccination was associated with HepB type for revaccination and anti-HBs level of titer one month after revaccination.

[Therapeutic effects of anti-rheumatic tablet in ankylosing spondylitis]

188 patients of ankylosing spondylitis were treated with anti-rheumatic tablet compared with 30 patients with Indomethacin as control group. The results showed that spinal antiflexion and finger-ground test of both treated group and control group had improved significantly (P less than 0.05), but lateral curvature movement, thorax expansion test, 20 m walking time, and the levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, ESR, CRP of the treated group had marked difference compared with those treated before (P less than 0.01). It was proved that in the treated group, the marked effective rate was 53.72%, while in the control group was 20.00%. There was significant difference between the two groups in effective rate (P less than 0.001). This revealed that anti-rheumatic tablet is a kind of ideal drug in treating ankylosing spondylitis.