Colony performance of three native bumblebee species from South China and association with their gut microbiome

Bumblebees play an important ecological economic role as pollinators in nature and agriculture. For reasons of biosecurity, many countries promote the cultivation of native bumblebee species for crop pollination instead of importing "alien" species. In South China, a few bumblebee species are considered useful in this way, particularly, Bombus atripes, Bombus bicoloratus and Bombus breviceps. However, whether they are suitable for artificial rearing and forming healthy colonies for pollination, remains unknown. In this project, queens from the 3 native species of Guizhou Province were collected and colonies were started under standardized conditions. The colonies were scored based on 19 parameters, including the stage of colony development, number and weight of offspring, and diet consumed. The data revealed that B. breviceps had the best performance, produced more workers and consumed the smallest diet. Next, we performed 16S rDNA sequencing of the bacterial communities found in the guts of offspring workers, and then a correlation analysis between colony performance and gut bacteria was conducted. Here, B. breviceps showed the highest diversity in gut bacterial composition, dominated by the bacteria Gilliamella, Snodgrassella, Enterobacter, and Lactobacillus Firm5. The higher the abundance of Snodgrassella, the better the performance of the colony in the foundation stage, and later Lactobacillus Firm5, Apibacter and Bifidobacterium were beneficial during the stages of rapid growth and colony decline. Although we do not understand all of the interactions yet, these correlations explain why B. breviceps demonstrated better colony performance. Our data provide valuable information for breeding local Bombus species and will contribute to developing strong colonies for crop pollination.

Quality control and external quality assessment for the independent clinic-based evaluation of point-of-care testing to detect Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Trichomonas vaginalis in eight countries

BACKGROUND

Sexually transmitted infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) remain significant global health problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently conducted a multi-faceted, multi-country validation study (ProSPeRo), which included an evaluation of the Xpert CT/NG and Xpert TV assays on the GeneXpert system (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, Ca., USA) in clinic-based settings across eight countries. To support the study, a training and quality management system was implemented and evaluated.

METHODS

A comprehensive training program for the study was developed. Quality control (QC) and external quality assessment (EQA) samples were provided by an accredited quality assurance provider. QC testing was conducted at 14 point-of-care testing (POCT) clinics, while EQA samples were tested by the POCT sites and a reference laboratory supporting each clinic.

RESULTS

For QC testing, concordance with the expected results for CT and NG was > 99% and rates of unsuccessful tests were < 4%. For TV testing, concordance was similar (97%), but rates of unsuccessful tests were high (18%), particularly in the 'TV negative' sample. For EQA testing initially conducted in 2018, concordance was 100% for CT and NG, and 90% for TV for the reference laboratory group (which used non-GeneXpert systems). Concordance for the POCT group was also high (> 94%) for all analytes, but this cohort (which used GeneXpert systems) exhibited a high rate of unsuccessful TV tests. All but one of these unsuccessful tests was subcategorised as 'invalid'.

CONCLUSIONS

The high level of concordance for QC and EQA testing confirm that the trained operators at the POC clinical sites were competent to conduct POC testing and that the training and quality systems implemented for the ProSPeRo study were effective. The quality materials used were satisfactory for CT and NG but exhibited poor performance for TV testing on the GeneXpert system. The WHO should continue to work with industry and EQA providers to provide improved materials that are reliable, stable and cost effective for quality management, as it seeks to rollout molecular-based STI POCT in non-laboratory-based settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Ethics approval to conduct the ProSPeRo study was granted by the WHO Ethics Review Committee.

Using self-reported sexual positioning as an indicator for rectal chlamydia and gonorrhea screening among men who have sex with men in China: a missed opportunity

BACKGROUND

Rectal chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) are escalating public health concerns. This study aimed to explore (1) the reliability of self-reported sexual positioning as an indicator for rectal CT and NG screening; and (2) factors associated with rectal CT and NG infections in Shenzhen, China.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in two settings in Shenzhen, China, from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and basic CT knowledge was collected. Urine and self-collected rectal swabs were collected for CT and NG testing.

RESULTS

In total, 195 MSM participated in the study, and 5.1% tested positive for urogenital CT, 29.2% for rectal CT, 1.0% for urogenital NG, and 8.2% for rectal NG. Among those who reported exclusively insertive anal sex, 69.2% of CT infections and 85.7% of NG infections would have remained undetected with urine testing alone. Risk factors for rectal CT infection included engaging in both insertive and receptive anal sex, with a significant association found for co-infection with rectal NG.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-reported sexual positioning was found to be an unreliable indicator for CT and NG screening, as a substantial proportion of infections would have remained undetected. The findings suggest that CT and NG screening in China should be offered to all MSM regardless of self-reported sexual positioning, and that the dual CT/NG testing is recommended.

Three new species of the planthopper genus Oecleopsis Emeljanov, 1971 from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae)

Three new species of the genus Oecleopsis Emeljanov, 1971 from China, O.acerbus Lv & Chen, sp. nov. and O.panxianensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov. from Guizhou Province, and O.digitatus Lv & Chen, sp. nov. from Sichuan Province, are described and illustrated. With these additions, the number of species in the genus is increased to 18. An updated identification key and checklist of all known species of Oecleopsis are provided as well as a map of their geographic distributions.

[Progress in research of self-sampling for detection of genital chlamydia trachomatis and related factors in men who have sex with men]

Laboratory testing is a vital chain in the prevention and control of genital chlamydia trachomatis infection. The prevalence of genital chlamydia trachomatis infection is high, but the detection rate of the infection is low in men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Self-sampling for genital chlamydia trachomatis detection by MSM is a new option to address this problem, which would play a significant role in expanding genital chlamydia trachomatis infection screening in this population. This paper summarizes the progress in research of self-sampling for the detection of genital chlamydia trachomatis and the related factors in MSM both at home and abroad to provide reference for the promotion of self-sampling for the detection of genital chlamydia trachomatis in this population.

Vaccine value profile for Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection (gonorrhoea) is a global public health challenge, causing substantial sexual and reproductive health consequences, such as infertility, pregnancy complications and increased acquisition or transmission of HIV. There is an urgency to controlling gonorrhoea because of increasing antimicrobial resistance to ceftriaxone, the last remaining treatment option, and the potential for gonorrhoea to become untreatable. No licensed gonococcal vaccine is available. Mounting observational evidence suggests that N. meningitidis serogroup B outer membrane vesicle-based vaccines may induce cross-protection against N. gonorrhoeae (estimated 30%-40% effectiveness using the 4CMenB vaccine). Clinical trials to determine the efficacy of the 4CMenB vaccine against N. gonorrhoeae are underway, as are Phase 1/2 studies of a new gonococcal-specific vaccine candidate. Ultimately, a gonococcal vaccine must be accessible, affordable and equitably dispensed, given that those most affected by gonorrhoea are also those who may be most disadvantaged in our societies, and most cases are in less-resourced settings. This vaccine value profile (VVP) provides a high level, holistic assessment of the current data to inform the potential public health, economic and societal value of pipeline vaccines. This was developed by a working group of subject matter experts from academia, non-profit organizations, public private partnerships and multi-lateral organizations. All contributors have extensive expertise on various elements of the N. gonorrhoeae VVP and collectively aimed to identify current research and knowledge gaps. The VVP was developed using published data obtained from peer-reviewed journals or reports.

A new bamboo-feeding species of the genus Pseudosymplanella Che, Zhang & Webb, 2009 (Hemiptera, Caliscelidae, Ommatidiotinae) from China

A new planthopper species, Pseudosymplanellamaximasp. nov., belonging to the genus Pseudosymplanella (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Caliscelidae: Augilini), is described and illustrated, from China. In common with other Chinese Augilini, the new species feeds exclusively on bamboo. Additionally, a key to the two species of Pseudosymplanella is provided.

Two new species of the planthopper genus Usana Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Achilidae) from China

Two new species of the achilid planthopper genus Usana Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Achilidae, Myconinae, Plectoderini), U.tongmaiensis Long & Huang, sp. nov. and U.rotalarius Long & Huang, sp. nov., are described and illustrated from Xizang and Chongqing. A key to all known species and a map of geographic distributions for Chinese taxa is provided.

Two new species of the bamboo-feeding planthopper genus Neobelocera Ding & Yang from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Delphacidae)

Two new species of the bamboo-feeding genus Neobelocera Ding & Yang, 1986, N.furcatasp. nov. and N.parvulasp. nov., are described and illustrated from China. A key based on the male genitalia is given to distinguish species of this genus and a map provided to show their geographic distribution. Habitus photos for adults and illustrations of male genitalia are also given.

Two new bamboo-feeding species of the planthopper genus Bambusicaliscelis Chen & Zhang, 2011 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Caliscelidae) from China

Two new species of the Chinese caliscelid planthopper genus Bambusicaliscelis Chen & Zhang, 2011, B.bibulbussp. nov. from Fujian Province and B.clavatussp. nov. from Jiangxi Province, are described and illustrated. The genus now known to include six described species. A checklist and identification key to Bambusicaliscelis species are provided.

Treatment of maternal syphilis for preventing congenital syphilis: an observational study of adherence to treatment recommendation in Suzhou, China, 2019-2021

BACKGROUND

China is one of the countries that set the goal to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT) of syphilis by a target date. Active screening for syphilis among pregnant women, followed by effective treatment of maternal syphilis, is critical for achieving the goal. The China health authority issued national implementation protocols to guide EMTCT practice in health facilities.

METHODS

Within a cohort of infants born to mothers infected with syphilis, we obtained the data of regimens used for treatment of maternal syphilis from the National Information System of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B, and analysed the physician's treatment behaviour and its associated factors in a public hospital in Suzhou of China.

RESULTS

A total of 450 pregnant women who were positive for treponemal or non-treponemal antibody, or had previous infection with syphilis were included into the study for analysis. Of them, 260 (57.8%) were positive for both treponemal and non-treponemal antibodies (syphilis seropositivity), and 353 (78.4%) were treated for syphilis according to the protocol in which 123 (34.8%) were treated with two courses. Non-adherence to treatment recommended by the protocol for maternal syphilis was significantly associated with antenatal visits in the third trimester (AOR 6.65, 95% CI 2.20-20.07, P=0.001), being positive only for a treponemal test (AOR 5.34, 95% CI 3.07-9.29, P<0.001) or having a syphilis infection before the pregnancy (AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.14-3.69, P=0.017), whereas the uptake of treatment for two treatment courses was associated with attending antenatal care in 2020 or before (AOR 3.49, 95% CI 1.89-6.42, P<0.001), being positive for treponemal and non-treponemal tests (AOR 5.28, 95% CI 2.78-10.06, P<0.001) or having non-treponemal antibody titre of ≥1:8 (AOR 3.71, 95% CI 1.77-7.78, P=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of the current recommendation to offer a universal treatment for syphilis among all pregnant women who are shown to be positive for a treponemal test alone is challenging in some clinical settings in China.

Taxonomic study of the Eucarpiini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) from China

The Chinese cixiid planthopper tribe Eucarpiini is studied taxonomically. Four genera and 29 species belonging to Eucarpiini are reported from China, including 15 new species of three genera: Dilacreon (Dilacreon) deltodontus sp. nov., Dilacreon (Eluzalmon) apiculatus sp. nov., D. (E.) arcuatus sp. nov., D. (E.) biprocessus sp. nov., D. (E.) congjiangensis sp. nov., D. (E.) distentus sp. nov., D. (E.) erectus sp. nov., D. (E.) falcatus sp. nov., D. (E.) parapentagonus sp. nov., D. (E.) transversus sp. nov., Kirbyana projecta sp. nov., K. spinata sp. nov., Neocarpia brevispina sp. nov., N. longispina sp. nov. and N. trispina sp. nov.. All species dealt with are described and illustrated and keys for genera and their species are also given.

Three new species of the genus Zaitzevia Champion, 1923 (Coleoptera, Elmidae) from China

Three new riffle beetles of the genus Zaitzevia Champion, 1923 are described from China, namely Zaitzeviasichuanensissp. nov. and Zaitzeviafengtongzhaiensissp. nov. from Sichuan Province, and Zaitzeviayingzuijieensissp. nov. from Hunan Province. Habitus and diagnostic features of the new species are illustrated. A checklist of all known Chinese Zaitzevia species is given, and a key and distributional map of Zaitzevia species from the Chinese mainland are provided.

Associations of Chlamydia trachomatis serology with fertility-related and pregnancy adverse outcomes in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BACKGROUND

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection has an increased risk for fertility-related and pregnancy adverse outcomes partly due to mechanisms related to a pro-inflammatory response to CT-, or cHSP60-induced delayed hypersensitivity. This study aimed to assess the evidence on the association between CT serology and adverse outcomes.

METHODS

PubMed/Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched for observational studies on the association of CT-specific antibodies (e. g. IgG, IgA, IgM, etc.) with infertility, tubal factor infertility (TFIF), ectopic pregnancy (EP), spontaneous abortion (SA), or preterm labor (PL) that were published from database inception to 31 August 2022. Pooled adjusted odds ratios or relative risks with corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effects model. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022368366).

FINDINGS

We identified 128 studies that met the inclusion criteria, comprising 87 case-control, 34 cross-sectional and 7 cohort studies, for a total of 167 records involving 128,625 women participants included into the meta-analyses. Based on the adjusted estimates, it was found that CT-specific IgG was significantly associated with TFIF (pooled adjusted OR = 2.09, 95% CI 1.33-3.27, I2 = 63.8%) or EP (pooled adjusted OR = 3.00, 95% CI 1.66-5.40, I2 = 93.0%). Analyses of the unadjusted estimates indicated significant associations between CT-specific IgG and infertility, TFIF, EP or SA (four pooled unadjusted ORs ranging between 1.60 and 5.14, I2 ranging between 40% and 83%); IgA and infertility, TFIF, EP (three pooled unadjusted ORs ranging between 3.64 and 4.91, I2 ranging between 0% and 74%); IgM and TFIF (pooled unadjusted OR = 5.70, 95% CI 1.58-20.56, I2 = 56%); or cHSP60 and TFIF (pooled unadjusted OR = 7.83, 95% CI 5.42-11.31, I2 = 49%).

INTERPRETATION

A broad range of CT-specific antibodies have been studied in association with fertility-related and pregnancy adverse outcomes. However, our study identified a low- or moderate-quality evidence for an association of CT serology with the outcomes. There are substantial research gaps in relation to the clinical implications of CT serological biomarkers.

FUNDING

The work was supported by the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Initiative for Innovative Medicine (2016-I2M-3-021).

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually and vertically transmitted bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum. Its prevalence is high in low-income and middle-income countries, and its incidence has increased in high-income countries in the last few decades among men who have sex with men. Syphilis is a major cause of adverse pregnancy outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries. Clinical features include a primary chancre at the point of inoculation, followed weeks later by the rash of secondary syphilis, a latent period, and in some cases, involvement of the eyes, CNS, and cardiovascular systems. It is diagnosed serologically. A single intramuscular dose of long-acting benzathine penicillin is recommended for people who have had syphilis for less than 1 year and longer courses for people with late latent syphilis. Control strategies include screening and treatment of all pregnant women, and targeted interventions for groups at high risk. Vaccine development, research on antibiotic prophylaxis, and digital messaging as prevention strategies are ongoing.

Review of the genus Hauptenia Szwedo (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Derbidae), with descriptions of two new species from China

The derbid planthopper genus Hauptenia Szwedo, 2006 is reviewed. Two new species from China, H. beibengensis Sui & Chen, sp. nov. and H. daliensis Sui & Chen, sp. nov., are described and illustrated. A third species, H. tripartitaRahman et al., 2012, is recorded from China for the first time. An updated checklist and identification key to all ten known species of the genus Hauptenia are provided.

Knowledge on Chlamydia trachomatis and Acceptance to Testing for It Among Young Students in China

BACKGROUND

Actively screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is important for young people because of a high prevalence of asymptomatic infection in this population. This study aimed to investigate knowledge on CT and preference to the screening services for CT among young students in China.

METHODS

From June to July 2022, a web-based questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, knowledge of CT, previous testing for CT, and preference to platform of testing for CT among Chinese young students. An online home-based self-sampling test (HBSST) service was offered free of charge if the participant was willing to be tested for CT. Statistical analyses included descriptive analysis, χ 2 test, and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 520 participants, 419 (80.6%) were aged between 16 and 24 years, 235 (45.2%) reported having sexual experience in the past, and 27 (5.2%) being tested before for CT. Slightly higher than 10% (57/520) of students were knowledgeable about CT. About one-third (36.9%) expressed their willingness to have a testing for CT but majority of them (63.1%) preferred to a free testing. Having sexual experience was significantly associated with the willingness to take the HBSST service (adjusted odds ratio, 2.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.92-4.58). A total of 139 (26.7%) participants requested the HBSST service online and 43.2% (60/139) returned the specimen for testing, in which 2 positives (3.3%) were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The knowledge on CT and the previous uptake or current willingness to have a testing for CT was low among Chinese young students.

Using pooled urogenital, anorectal and oropharyngeal specimens to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae among men who have sex with men in China: a multisite diagnostic accuracy study

OBJECTIVES

Screening for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) at both urogenital and extragenital sites has been recommended in many countries. Testing of the infections using pooled specimens from urogenital and extragenital sites offer the opportunity to shorten the testing time and reduce the testing cost. Ex-ante pooling is placing the original single-site specimens in a tube with transport media, while ex-post pooling is making a pool of the transport media from both anorectal and oropharyngeal specimens and the urine. This study aimed to conduct a multisite performance evaluation of two pool-specimen approaches (ex-ante and ex-post) in detection of CT and NG using the Cobas 4800 platform among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China.

DESIGN

Diagnostic accuracy study.

SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND OUTCOME MEASURES

Participants were recruited from MSM communities at six cities in China. Two oropharyngeal and anorectal swabs collected by clinical staff and 20 mL first-void urine collected by the participant himself were used for evaluating sensitivity and specificity.

RESULTS

A total of 1311 specimens were collected from 437 participants in six cities. The sensitivities of ex-ante pooling approach as compared with single-specimen approach (reference standard) were 98.7% (95% CI, 92.7% to 100.0%) for detection of CT and 89.7% (95% CI, 75.8% to 97.1%) for NG, and the specificities were 99.5% (95% CI, 98.0% to 99.9%) and 98.7% (95% CI, 97.1% to 99.6%), respectively. The sensitivities of ex-post pooling approach were 98.7% (95% CI, 92.7% to 100.0%) for CT and 100.0% (95% CI, 91.0% to 100.0%) for NG, and the specificities were 100.0% (95% CI, 99.0% to 100.0%) and 100.0% (95% CI, 99.1% to 100.0%), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The ex-ante and ex-post pooling approaches show good sensitivity and specificity in detecting urogenital and extragenital CT and/or NG, indicating that these approaches can be used in epidemiological surveillance and clinical management of CT and NG infections, particularly among MSM population.

Discovery of the termitophilous genus Trichopsenius Horn, 1877 (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae) from China with description of a new species

The termitophilous genus Trichopsenius Horn, 1877 is recorded from China for the first time. A new species, Trichopsenius huaxiensissp. nov. is described; it was collected in a nest of the termite genus Reticulitermes Holmgren from a dead and flattened pine tree.

The effect of the Xpert HIV-1 Qual test on early infant diagnosis of HIV in Myanmar and Papua New Guinea: a pragmatic, cluster-randomised, stepped-wedge, open-label trial

BACKGROUND

Despite proven benefits for child health, coverage of early infant diagnosis of HIV remains suboptimal in many settings. We aimed to assess the effect of a point-of-care early infant diagnosis test on time-to-results communication for infants vertically exposed to HIV.

METHODS

This pragmatic, cluster-randomised, stepped-wedge, open-label trial assessed the effect of the Xpert HIV-1 Qual early infant diagnosis test (Cepheid) on time-to-results communication, compared with standard care laboratory-based testing of dried blood spots using PCR. Hospitals were the unit of randomisation for one-way crossover from control to intervention phase. Each site had between 1 month and 10 months of control phase before transitioning to the intervention, with a total of 33 hospital-months in the control phase and 45 hospital-months in the intervention phase. We enrolled infants vertically exposed to HIV at six public hospitals: four in Myanmar and two in Papua New Guinea. Infants had to have mothers with confirmed HIV infection, be younger than 28 days, and required HIV testing to be eligible for enrolment. Health-care facilities providing prevention of vertical transmission services were eligible for participation. The primary outcome was communication of early infant diagnosis results to the infant's caregiver by 3 months of age, assessed by intention to treat. This completed trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, 12616000734460.

FINDINGS

In Myanmar, recruitment took place between Oct 1, 2016, and June 30, 2018; in Papua New Guinea, recruitment was between Dec 1, 2016, and Aug 31, 2018. A total of 393 caregiver-infant pairs were enrolled in the study across both countries. Independent of study time, the Xpert test reduced time to early infant diagnosis results communication by 60%, compared with the standard of care (adjusted time ratio 0·40, 95% CI 0·29-0·53, p<0·0001). In the control phase, two (2%) of 102 study participants received an early infant diagnosis test result by 3 months of age compared with 214 (74%) of 291 in the intervention phase. No safety and adverse events were reported related to the diagnostic testing intervention.

INTERPRETATION

This study reinforces the importance of scaling up point-of-care early infant diagnosis testing in resource-constrained and low HIV-prevalence settings, typical of the UNICEF East Asia and Pacific region.

FUNDING

National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia.

Genome Sequence Resource of Fusarium proliferatum f. sp. malus domestica MR5, the Causative Agent of Apple Replant Disease

Apple replant disease (ARD) caused by the fungal pathogen Fusarium proliferatum f. sp. malus domestica (Fpmd) MR5 brings annual losses to apple production within China. However, the genomic information of the pathogen is not yet available. Here, we obtained the whole-genome sequence of the highly virulent Fpmd MR5 using the Illumina PE150 platform. The genome size was 42.76 Mb and consisted of 9,047 genes. The GC content was 48.80%, and several genes potentially associated with pathogenicity were identified, such as carbohydrate-active enzymes, secreted proteins, and secondary metabolite gene clusters. There were 260 specific virulence factor genes, mainly related to fungal vegetative growth and the production of cell wall-degrading enzymes. These data will aid future studies investigating host-pathogen interactions and help us develop suitable disease management strategies.

Comparison of Morphological Characteristics of Antennae and Antennal Sensilla among Four Species of Bumblebees (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Bumblebees, as pollinators, play an important role in maintaining natural and agricultural ecosystems. Antennae with sensilla of bumblebees as social insects have essential effects in foraging, nest searching, courting, and mating, and are different in species and sexes. Previous studies on the morphology of antennae and sensilla in bumblebees have been limited to a few species and a single caste. To better understand how bumblebees detect and receive the chemical signal from nectariferous plants and foraging behavior, the morphology of antennae with sensilla, including the antennal length, and type, distribution, and number of antennal sensilla in four species, Bombus atripes, Bombus breviceps, Bombus flavescens, and Bombus terrestris was compared by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) herein. The total antennal length of queens are the longest and workers are the shortest in three castes, and in four species the longest of the total antennal length among three castes all are in B. flavescens, which is significantly longer than other species (p < 0.05) and the length of the scape in queens and workers are both longer than males, significantly different in queens (p < 0.05), and not significantly different in workers (p > 0.05), and the length of flagellums in females are not always shorter than males, of which the length of flagellms in queens of B. flavescens are significantly longer than males (p < 0.05), and the length of pedicel and all flagellomeres varies among species and castes. A total of 13 major types of sensilla in total were observed, including trichodea sensilla (TS A-E), placodea sensilla (PS A-B), basiconica sensilla (BaS), coeloconica sensilla (COS A-B), chaetic sensilla (CS A-B), and Böhm sensilla (BS), of which chaetic sensilla B (CS B), only observed in females of B. atripes, was firstly reported in Apidae. Moreover, the number of all sensilla was the most in males, the least was in workers, the number of sensilla varies within castes and species. Furthermore, the morphological characteristics of antennae and the potential functions of sensilla are discussed.

Higher Essential Amino Acid and Crude Protein Contents in Pollen Accelerate the Oviposition and Colony Foundation of Bombus breviceps (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Pollen is an important source of nutrition for bumblebees to survive, reproduce, and raise their offspring. To explore the nutritional requirements for the egg laying and hatching of queenright Bombus breviceps colonies, camellia pollen, oilseed rape pollen, apricot pollen, and mixtures of two or three types of pollen in equal proportions were used to feed the queens in this study. The results showed that the camellia pollen with a higher essential amino acid content was superior to the pollen with a lower essential amino acid content in the initial egg-laying time (p < 0.05), egg number (p < 0.05), larval ejection (p < 0.01), time of first worker emergence (p < 0.05), and the average weight of workers in the first batch (p < 0.01). It took less time for colonies under the camellia pollen and camellia-oilseed rape-apricot pollen mix treatments, both with a higher crude protein content, to reach ten workers in the colony (p < 0.01). On the contrary, the queens fed apricot pollen never laid an egg, and larvae fed oilseed rape pollen were all ejected-both pollens with a lower essential amino acid content. The results emphasize that the diet should be rationally allocated to meet the nutritional needs of local bumblebees at various stages when guiding them to lay eggs, hatch, and develop a colony.

Four new species of the genus Andixius Emeljanov &amp; Hayashi (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae) from China

Four new species of the genus Andixius Emeljanov & Hayashi, 2007 are described and illustrated from China. These are A. flagellihamus Wang & Chen, sp. nov., A. gracilispinus Wang & Chen, sp. nov., A. productus Wang & Chen, sp. nov. and A. truncatus Wang & Chen, sp. nov. Photographs of the new species and an identification key to all Andixius species are provided.

Taxonomic study of the genus Kuvera Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae) with descriptions of two new species from China

Two new species of genus Kuvera Distant, 1906, Kuvera campylotropa Zhi & Chen, sp. nov. and K. elongata Zhi & Chen, sp. nov., and a new Chinese record, K. basarukini Emeljanov, 1998, are described and illustrated from China. The females of two other species of Kuvera, K. laticeps (Metcalf, 1936) and K. ussuriensis (Vilbaste, 1968), are described for the first time. An updated identification key to Chinese species of Kuvera is given.

[Accuracy of pooling specimens from different individuals in the detection of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection: a Meta analysis]

Objective: To determine the accuracy of pooled specimens from multiple individuals for detection of infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. Methods: By April 2022, PubMed and Embase searched relevant studies published in peer-reviewed journals. The QUADAS-2 scale of a quality assessment tool was used to assess the quality of the studies. A curve of summary receiver operating characteristic was applied as a comprehensive assessment of diagnosed accuracy. A bivariate mixed-effects model was used for overall value merging in sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the subgroup analyses regarding sample type, testing method, and the number of samples per pool were performed. Results: A total of 14 846 subjects were included in the analysis. Three studies were from the United States, three from Canada, three from Denmark, two from Lithuania, two from India, two from the Netherlands, and one from Australia, Russia, and Singapore. Compared with the individual specimens, the pooled specimens of multiple individuals had an overall sensitivity of 0.98 (95%CI: 0.97-0.99) and specificity of 1.00 (95%CI: 1.00-1.00) for the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis. Results from the subgroup showed that the overall sensitivity of ligase chain reaction was significantly higher than that of PCR in the diagnosis of pooled samples. Conclusion: It is concluded from the published studies that the pooled specimens were substantially consistent with the single specimens in detecting infection with Chlamydia trachomatis.

Discovery of Fusarium proliferatum f. sp. malus domestica Causing Apple Replant Disease in China

Apple replant disease (ARD) is the most serious threat facing the apple industry globally. ARD is mainly manifested as decreased plant growth, serious root rot disease, and considerable yield loss. Microbial factors are the dominant factors leading to the occurrence of ARD. Research on soil-borne pathogenic fungi leading to the occurrence of ARD in China is limited. In the present study, we selected 16 replanting orchards from the Northwest Loess region and around the Bohai Gulf. Diseased roots and rhizosphere soil from healthy apple trees and trees showing ARD symptoms were sampled at random. High-throughput sequencing was used to study the fungal communities in the rhizosphere soil, which showed that the composition of the rhizosphere soil fungal community of ARD-symptomatic and healthy apple trees was different. Nectriaceae at the family level and Fusarium at the genus level dominated the rhizosphere soil fungal community in the two regions, while for healthy apple trees, the relative abundance of Mortierella, Minimedusa, Tetracladium, and Chaetomium was higher. Tissue separation and serial dilution were used to separate fungi, and a total of 89 genera and 219 species were obtained, most of which were Fusarium. Fusarium was further confirmed to be the most abundant pathogen species leading to the occurrence of ARD in China through pathogenicity assays. A pathogenicity assay was carried out by the dip-and-cut technique using different host plants. It was found that Fusarium MR5 showed strong aggressiveness to apple rootstocks. Diseased seedlings specifically exhibited chlorosis of the leaves, browning from the edge of the leaf, followed by rolling and yellowing of the leaves, resulting in wilting and eventually death. Strain MR5 was preliminarily identified as F. proliferatum according to the morphological and cultural characteristics. A maximum likelihood analysis of identities based on six gene sequence (ITS, TUB2, IGS, mtSSU, RPB2, and the TEF gene) alignments between the MR5 strain and other strains showed 99 to 100% homology with F. proliferatum. Based on our test results, strain MR5 was identified as F. proliferatum f. sp. malus domestica, which is of great significance for finding new measures to control ARD in China.

[Long-term outcomes and failure patterns of definitive radiotherapy for cervical esophageal carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the long-term outcomes, failure patterns and prognostic factors of definitive radiotherapy in patients with cervical esophageal carcinoma (CEC). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 148 CEC patients who treated with definitive radiotherapy in Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2001 to December 2017. The median radiation dose was 66 Gy (59.4-70 Gy) and 33.1% of patients received concurrent chemotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates. The log rank test was used for survival comparison and univariate prognostic analysis. The Cox model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis. Results: The median follow-up time was 102.6 months. The median survival time, 2- and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 22.7 months, 49.9% and 28.3%. The median, 2- and 5-year progression-free survival were 12.6 months, 35.8% and 25.8%. The 2- and 5-year locoregional recurrence-free survival were 59.1% and 50.8%. The 2- and 5-year distant metastases-free survival were 74.6% and 65.9%. Multivariate analysis showed that EQD(2)>66 Gy was the only independent prognostic indicator for OS (P=0.040). The median survival time and 5-year OS rate significantly improved in patients who received EQD(2)>66 Gy than those who received≤66 Gy (31.2 months vs. 19.2 months, 40.1% vs. 19.1%, P=0.027). A total of 87 patients (58.8%) developed tumor progression. There were 50 (33.8%), 23 (15.5%) and 39 (26.4%) patients developed local, regional recurrence and distant metastases, respectively. Eleven patients (7.4%) underwent salvage surgery, and the laryngeal preservation rate for entire group was 93.9%. Conclusions: Definitive radiotherapy is an effective treatment for cervical esophageal carcinoma with the advantage of larynx preservation. Local recurrence is the major failure pattern. EQD(2)>66 Gy is associated with the improved overall survival.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Loxocephala perpunctata (Hemiptera: Eurybrachidae)

In this study, we sequenced and annotated the complete mitochondrial genome of Loxocephala perpunctata (Jacobi, 1944) (Hemiptera: Eurybrachidae). The mitogenome of L. perpunctata is 15,017 bp long and includes 37 genes and a large control region. Consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a D-loop. All protein-coding genes have the usual ATN start codons, except for ND5, which uses the noncanonical codon GTG. 22 tRNAs, the length ranging from 59 to 69 bp, having the clover-leaf structure except for the dihydrouridine (DHU) arm of trnS2 forming a simple loop.

Two New Species of Betacixius Matsumura, 1914 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae) from Southwestern China, with an Updated Checklist and Key to Species

Simple Summary

Betacixius Matsumura, 1914 is a small genus of cixiid planthoppers distributed throughout China, Japan and Vietnam. Despite its rich biodiversity in Southwest China, Betacixius has not been taxonomically well studied in this region. Here, two new species, Betacixius gongshanensis sp. nov. from Yunan Province and B. guizhouensis sp. nov. from Guizhou Province, are described, giving the genus 27 species in total. We believe that the discovery in this study will contribute to further studies on the classification and phylogeny of Cixiidae.

Abstract

In this study, two new species of genus Betacixius Matsumura, 1914 (Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae), Betacixius gongshanensis sp. nov. from Yunnan Province and B. guizhouensis sp. nov. from Guizhou Province, are described and illustrated. An updated checklist and identification key to known species of the genus Betacixius are provided.

Prevalence of anatomically specific infections with Chlamydia trachomatis among men who have sex with men in China: protocol for a nationwide cross-sectional study as part of Disease Burden Surveillance of Infections with Chlamydia (DBSIC)

INTRODUCTION

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) causes the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the world, and men who have sex with men (MSM) are considered as a high-risk population for this infection. Data regarding the prevalence of CT infection in China are limited and fragmented. In this study, we aim to determine at the national level the anatomically specific CT prevalence and genotype distribution of CT strains among MSM, recruiting from the venues where MSM commonly seek sexual partners.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study will be a nationwide cross-sectional survey to estimate the prevalence of chlamydial infections among MSM who meet the inclusion criteria over a period of 6 months (May-October 2022). A total of 2429 participants will be recruited from the venues where MSM most often seek sex partners in 14 cities of the 7 geographical regions in China. A mobile phone app-based anonymous self-administered questionnaire will be used to collect sociodemographic and behavioural data, and specimens of urine, anorectal and pharyngeal swabs will be collected for identifying the infections of CT and Neisseria gonorrhoeae and genotypes of CT. The data will be analysed using the IBM SPSS program V.20 ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has been approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Institute of Dermatology and the National Center for STD Control on 9 October 2021 (approval number 2021-KY-037). The study is based on voluntary participation and a written informed consent process. The study results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and reported in conferences. The relevant data will be made available to development of control programmes and used as health education materials to disseminate to the community. The dataset will be deposited in a public repository.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR2100052869.

High Prevalence of Rectal Chlamydia trachomatis Infection With the Same Genotype as Urogenital Infection in Female Outpatients in Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics in China

Background

Little is known about rectal Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection in outpatients attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in China. In this study, we aimed to explore the clinical and epidemiologic features of rectal CT infection in this population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients attending STD clinics in Tianjin and Guangxi provinces of China from June 2018 to August 2020. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were developed to explore the association of different risk factors for urogenital and rectal CT infection.

Results

The prevalence of urogenital and rectal CT was 11.2% (154/1374) and 4.9% (68/1377), respectively. The rectal CT prevalence among female and male patients was 7.8% (60/767) and 1.3% (8/610), respectively. The most common genotype in urogenital CT–positive samples was genotype E (29.9%), while the most common genotype among rectal CT–positive samples was genotype J (23.4%). More than 85% (52/60) of women infected with rectal CT were co-infected with urogenital CT. About 90.0% (36/40) of women shared similar genotypes between rectal and urogenital samples. Females and patients infected with urogenital CT were deemed to be at an increased risk for rectal CT infection. A high proportion of rectal CT infection had concurrent urogenital CT infection, especially in women, and most of the co-infections were shared among the same genotypes.

Conclusions

It would be prudent to encourage awareness and introduce detection tests and treatment strategies for rectal CT infection particularly in female patients visiting STD clinics in China.

[Treatment and prognosis analysis of perineural invasion on sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma]

Objective: To analyze the efficacy of sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) with perineural invasion (PNI), and explore the prognostic value of PNI on sinonasal adenoid cystic carcinoma. Methods: The clinical data of 105 patients with sinonasal ACC admitted to Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from January 2000 to December 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were restaged according to American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition. Follow-up visits were conducted to obtain information of treatment failure and survival outcome. The Log rank test was used for univariate analysis of prognostic factors, and Cox regression model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis. Results: The maxillary sinus (n=59) was the most common primary site, followed by the nasal cavity (n=38). There were 93 patients with stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ. The treatment modalities included surgery alone (n=14), radiotherapy alone (n=13), preoperative radiotherapy plus surgery (n=10), and surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy (n=68). The median follow-up time was 91.8 months, the 5-year local control (LC), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) rates were 72.6%, 73.0%, 52.9% and 78.0%, respectively. There were 33 patients (31.4%) with PNI-positive. The 5-year DMFS, PFS, and OS rates of PNI-positive group were 53.7%, 29.4% and 56.5%, respectively, which were significantly inferior to those of PNI-negative group (80.8%, 63.0% and 86.8%, respectively, P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the 5-year LC rate between both groups (64.5% vs 76.5%, P=0.273). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed PNI was one of the poor prognostic factors of DMFS (HR=3.514, 95%CI: 1.557-7.932), PFS (HR=2.562, 95%CI: 1.349-4.866) and OS (HR=2.605, 95%CI: 1.169-5.806). Among patients with PNI-positive, the 5-year LC, PFS and OS rates of patients received surgery combined with radiotherapy were 84.9%, 41.3% and 72.7%, respectively, which were significantly higher than 23.3%, 10.0% and 26.7% of patients receiving surgery or radiotherapy alone (P<0.05). Conclusion: The presence of PNI increases the risk of distant metastasis in patients with sinonasal ACC. Compared with patients with PNI-negative, the prognosis of patients with PNI-positive is relatively poor, and surgery combined with radiotherapy for PNI-positive sinonasal ACC results in good clinical outcomes.

Characterizing the Complete Mitochondrial Genome of Arma custos and Picromerus lewisi (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Asopinae) and Conducting Phylogenetic Analysis

We characterized the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) and conducted phylogenetic analyses of 48 Hemiptera species by sequencing and analyzing the mitogenome of Arma custos (Fabricius) and Picromerus lewisi (Scott). The complete mitogenomes of the two predators were 16,024 bp and 19,587 bp in length, respectively, and it contained 37 classical genes, including 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and a control region. Most PCGs in these predators use ATN as the start codon. This research revealed that the genes of the two natural enemy species have an A + T content of 75.40% and all tRNAs have a typical cloverleaf structure, with the exception of trnS1, which lacks a dihydrouridine arm. This is the first study to compare the mitochondrial genetic structure of two predatory insects; the mitochondrial genetic structure of individual predatory insects has been sequenced in previous studies. Here, phylogenetic analysis on the basis of amino acid and nucleotide sequences of 13 mitochondrial PCGs using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods were conducted to generate similar tree topologies, which suggested that the two predators with close genetic relationships belong to Asopinae subfamily. Furthermore, the monophyly of the Pentatomoidea superfamily is well accepted despite limited taxon and species sampling. Finally, their complete mitogenome provided data to establish a predator-prey food web, which is the foundation of effective pest management. Our results also enhanced the database of natural enemy insects.

Evaluation of the Accuracy of Various Disks and Strips for Rapid Culture-Based Gonococcal Antimicrobial Susceptibility Screening Tests in China

Purpose

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, resistant to the first-line treatment option ceftriaxone, is widespread in China from 2016. Nowadays, diverse reagents of disks and strips for rapid gonococcal antimicrobial susceptibility tests used in clinics are culture-based disks diffusion and gradient strips methods. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy, quality, and availability of almost all disks and strips acquired in the Chinese market and serve as a reference for clinical selection.

Methods

We tested the performance of 15 commercial disks and 9 commercial gradient strips acquired in China, compared with traditional agar dilution method. The overall performance was evaluated by the categorical agreement. The reagent accuracy of gradient strips was assessed by the essential agreement.

Results

A total of 167 gonococcal isolates were used to evaluate antimicrobial disks from three brands. The overall categorical agreements were 71.7% to 81.8% for ceftriaxone, less than 58% for cefixime, 100% for spectinomycin, over 98% for ciprofloxacin, below 70.5% for penicillin, and 73.3% to 81.8% for tetracycline. A total of 81 isolates were tested for different gradient strips. Categorical agreements were over 96% for ceftriaxone, 86.2% for azithromycin, 62.3% to 67.1% for penicillin, 41.9% to 67.5% for tetracycline, and 95% for ciprofloxacin. Essential agreements were 57.7% to 87.3% for ceftriaxone, 70% for azithromycin, 64.9% to 68.4% for penicillin, 51.8% to 71.2% for tetracycline, and 91.3% for ciprofloxacin.

Conclusion

Rapid test reagents of disks and strips based on gonococcal culture have suboptimal performance. Disk diffusion for spectinomycin or ciprofloxacin can be recommended for clinical individualized prescription. The gradient strips are of great value to identify ceftriaxone-resistant gonococcal strains. Furthermore, abundant improvements are required for many reagents to further optimize their accuracy till the fulfillment of molecular detection.

Oral Manifestations of Early Syphilis in Adults: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Series

ABSTRACT

Rapid emergence of syphilis and oral sexual behaviors has focused attention on oral syphilis, and published reports of cases with oral syphilis have increased in the recent decades. We performed a systematic literature review by searching articles from PubMed, EMBSE, and Google Scholar, looking for case reports or series that would potentially have the clinical characteristics and outcomes for each individual case with oral syphilis. A total of 145 cases with the infection, from 95 studies, were identified to include in our review. Two main clinical phenotypes (ulcerative lesions and mucous patches) appeared to be of particular relevance to oral manifestations. A solitary ulcer was mostly manifested as the lesion of primary syphilis (91.7%) preferentially located on the upper lip, tongue, palate, and buccal mucosa. The most affected anatomical site in the patients with single location involved was the tongue (37.5%), followed by the lips (29.5%), palates (19.3%), and buccal mucosa (6.8%). It is concluded that oral syphilis has its predominant clinical phenotypes although it can manifest in diverse manners.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Ertapenem in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Isolates Collected Within the China Gonococcal Resistance Surveillance Programme (China-GRSP) 2018

Purpose

This study aimed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ertapenem on Neisseria gonorrhoeae collected from eight Chinese provinces in 2018.

Methods

The MICs of ertapenem on 503 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates (415 isolates selected randomly and 88 isolates selected with preference) were measured using the agar dilution method. For comparison, the MICs of ceftriaxone and azithromycin were detected.

Results

Among 415 randomly selected isolates, the MIC range for ertapenem was from ≤0.008 mg/L to 0.5 mg/L. The corresponding MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ were 0.06 and 0.125 mg/L, respectively. Twelve of 415 isolates (2.9%) exhibited MIC values ≥0.25 mg/L, and only one isolate (0.2%) had a MIC of 0.5 mg/L. By comparing all 503 tested isolates, a correlation of r = 0.487 (P <0.001) between ertapenem and ceftriaxone MIC was observed, and the correlation between MICs of ertapenem and azithromycin was low (r = -0.12, P = 0.007). In 24 ceftriaxone-decreased susceptibility isolates, four isolates (16.7%) showed a MIC ≥0.25 mg/L for ertapenem. In 85 azithromycin resistant isolates, three isolates (3.5%) showed a MIC ≥0.25 mg/L for ertapenem.

Conclusion

The in vitro results suggest that ertapenem has satisfactory susceptibility in isolates collected from eight provinces in China; hence, it might be a promising treatment option for resistant gonococcal infections.

Protective effects of lycopene on mitochondrial oxidative injury and dysfunction in the liver of aflatoxin B1-exposed broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of lycopene (LYC) on mitochondrial oxidative injury and dysfunction in the liver of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁)-exposed broilers. A total of 192 healthy 1-day-old male broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups with 8 replicates of 8 birds each. Birds in the 3 groups were fed basal diet (control), basal diet with 100 µg/kg AFB₁, and basal diet with 100 µg/kg AFB₁ and 200 mg/kg LYC, respectively. The experiment lasted 42 d. The results showed that AFB₁ decreased average daily body weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, and gain to feed ratio (G :F) compared to the control group, the LYC supplementation increased ADG and G/F compared to AFB₁ group (P < 0.05). Broilers in the AFB₁ group had lower mitochondrial glutathione (mGSH) concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and thioredoxin reductase activities, and higher hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations than the control group (P < 0.05). The LYC increased mGSH concentration and GSH-Px and MnSOD activities, and decreased H₂O₂ and ROS concentrations compared to AFB₁ group (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the AFB₁ diet showed increased mitochondrial swelling and decreased adenosine triphosphate concentration than the control group, and LYC had opposite effects (P < 0.05). The AFB₁ decreased the activities of mitochondrial electron transfer chain (ETC) complexes I, II, III, and V, downregulated the mRNA expression levels of hepatic MnSOD, thioredoxin 2, thioredoxin reductase, peroxiredoxin-3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A compared with the control group (P < 0.05), and LYC increased activities of mitochondrial ETC complexes III and V, and upregulated mRNA expression levels of these genes in comparison to AFB₁ group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the LYC protected broilers from AFB₁-induced liver mitochondrial oxidative injury and dysfunction by stimulating mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and maintaining mitochondrial biogenesis.

The challenge of diagnosis and treatment of neurosyphilis in China: results from a nationwide survey

Background The uncertainty of how neurosyphilis is diagnosed and treated in clinical settings led us to investigate whether this serious manifestation of syphilis infection is properly managed in China.

METHODS

This national cross-sectional study of the diagnosis and treatment of neurosyphilis included 1392 clinicians at 398 hospitals located in 116 cities in China.

RESULTS

Of 398 hospitals, 244 (61.3%) failed to perform diagnostic laboratory tests and 181 (45.5%) failed to provide recommended treatment for neurosyphilis. Of 1392 clinicians, 536 (38.5%) had previously diagnosed patients with neurosyphilis, but 419 (78.2%) of the latter provided diagnoses that did not meet the criteria set by national guidelines. Of the 485 clinicians who had previously treated patients with neurosyphilis, 280 (57.7%) failed to follow national guidelines for treatment. Analysis indicated that clinicians working in North China (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 4.24; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.65-10.88), tertiary hospitals (aOR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.63-6.41), and hospitals specialising in sexually transmitted infections (aOR, 2.49; 95% CI, 1.24-4.99) were more likely to follow national guidelines for neurosyphilis treatment.

CONCLUSION

Lack of knowledge in disease management poses a great obstacle to prevent the serious consequences of neurosyphilis in Chinese patients. More effective measures are urgently needed to improve this suboptimal situation.

Complete mitochondrial genome of the planthopper Orthopagus splendens (Germar, 1830) (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Dictyopharidae)

The first complete mitochondrial genome of a dictyopharid planthopper, Orthopagus splendens (Germar, 1830) (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Dictyopharidae) is sequenced. The 15,349 bp long complete mitogenome contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and 1 A + T-rich region with an arrangement identical to that observed in most insect mitogenomes (GenBankNo. MW441850). All PCGs start with ATN, and end with TAN or single T (nad1, nad5, and atp6). A phylogenetic analysis places O. splendens as sister to Fulgoridae confirming a sister relationship between Dictyopharidae and Fulgoridae.

The complete mitogenome of Lophops carinata (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Lophopidae)

In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Lophops carinata (Hemiptera: Lophopidae) was sequenced for the first time through next-generation sequencing. The complete mitogenome of L. carinata is 15,553 bp in length, with the typical gene content and arrangement usually observed in Hexapods. The mitogenome consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 1 D-loop. The overall nucleotide composition of the mitogenome was 44.6% A, 14.0% C, 8.3% G, and 33.2% T, with an A + T bias of 77.8%. Phylogenetic analyses from 12 Fulgoroidea species by maximum likelihood were consistent and well supported the basal position of Delphacidae, a close affinity among the families Ricaniidae, Issidae, and Flatidae, and a close relationship between Achilidae and Fulgoridae. And L. carinata belong to a separate lineage, located in the middle of the phylogenetic tree.

Performance of point-of-care tests for the detection of chlamydia trachomatis infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is one of the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally but has been inadequately detected for intervention. Introduction of point-of-care tests (POCTs) for CT is critical for filling the intervention gaps. We conducted a systematical review and meta-analysis on diagnostic performance of POCTs for CT to assist in guiding the application of these assays in CT screening and detection.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/Medline and Embase databases, from January 2004 to May 2021, for studies reporting the performance of POCTs for identifying CT using specimens collected from urethral, vaginal, cervical, anorectal, or pharyngeal site or of urine. Two investigators independently screened and extracted data for controlling the quality of data extraction. Any discrepancies in study selection and data extraction were resolved through consensus. We only included studies with sufficient data to estimate sensitivity and specificity, and used laboratory-based nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) as the reference standard. The main outcomes were pooled sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Summary estimates were calculated using a random-effects model and summary receiver operator curves (SROCs) were generated using the Moses-Littenberg method. STATA 14.0 and Meta-DiSc 1.4 were used for statistical analysis. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42019140544.

FINDINGS

Of 3,038 records identified, 39 studies (42,336 specimens) were included in the study, including 14 studies on evaluation of antigen detection (AD)-based and 25 on NAAT-based POCTs. The overall pooled sensitivity, specificity and DOR were 56% (95% CI 45%-67%), 99% (95% CI 98%-99%) and 86 (95% CI 46-163), respectively, for AD-based POCTs and corresponding values for NAAT-based POCTs were 94% (95% CI 91%-96%), 99% (95% CI 99%-99%) and 1,933(95% CI 1,018-3,669), respectively. The pooled sensitivity of AD-based POCTs varied across the types of specimens, indicating 46% for cervical swabs (95% CI 37%-56%; range 22.7%-71.4%), 52% for vaginal swabs (95% CI 34%-70%; range 17.1%-86.8%) and 57% for male urine (95% CI 36%-75%; range 20.0%-82.6%). For NAAT-based POCTs, the pooled sensitivity was 94% (95% CI 90%-96%) for cervical swabs, 94% (95% CI 86%-98%) for vaginal swabs, 95% (95% CI 91%-97%) for urine specimens and 93% (95% CI 87%-96%) for anorectal swabs.

INTERPRETATION

NAAT-based POCTs for CT have a significantly better performance particularly in sensitivity for diagnosing the infection with CT than the AD-based POCTs. Screening strategy with AD-based POCTs may potentially result in a substantial under-detection of the infections.

Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Mitochondrial Genome Sequence of Nisia fuliginosa (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Meenoplidae)

We explored characterization of the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome or mtGenome) and phylogenetic analysis between 32 Fulgoroid species by sequencing and analyzing the mitogenome of Nisia fuliginosa Yang and Hu, 1985 (Hemiptera: Fulgoroidea: Meenoplidae), thereby making it the first determined mitogenome from the family Meenoplidae. The mitogenome was found to be 15,754 bp in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs), and a control region. All PCGs started with typical ATN codons, except for nad1, which used GTG as the start codon. Canonical TAA termination codons were found in 10 PCGs and the remaining three genes (cox2, nad6, and nad1) had incomplete stop codons T. All tRNAs could fold into typical cloverleaf secondary structures, with the exception of trnC, trnV, and trnS1. Additionally, we compared the AT and GC skews of 13 PCGs of 32 Fulgoroidea mitogenomes, on the L-strand, the AT and GC skews were negative and positive, respectively. However, on the H-strand, the AT skew could be positive or negative and the GC skew was always negative. Phylogenetic results showed that the eight families of Fulgoroidea were divided into two large groups. Delphacidae formed a monophyletic group sister to a clade comprising Meenoplidae and other six families (Fulgoridae, Ricaniidae, Flatidae, Issidae, Caliscelidae, and Achilidae). Meenoplidae was located near the clade of Delphacidae, and Fulgoridae was located near the clade of Meenoplidae. Furthermore, Caliscelidae, Issidae, Ricaniidae, and Flatidae are closely related and they collectively formed a sister group to Achilidae.

Rectal Mycoplasma genitalium in Patients Attending Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics in China: An Infection That Cannot Be Ignored

Background

Previous studies have investigated rectal Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) in men who have sex with men (MSM), while little is known about the prevalence of rectal MG infection in individuals attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics in China. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of rectal MG infection in this population and identified the potential risk factors for rectal MG infection.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among individuals attending STD clinics located in China from June 2018 to August 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to explore the association of different risk factors for rectal MG infection.

Results

A total of 1,382 patients were included in the final analyses. A total of 30 of 1377 rectal swabs (2.2%) and 77 of 1374 urogenital samples (5.6%) were positive for MG. In Guangxi, 18 of 47 patients (38.3%) infected with urogenital MG and 5 of 19 patients (26.3%) infected with rectal MG received the recommended treatment. Factors found to be significantly associated with rectal MG infection included: male (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.232, [95% CI: 0.072–0.745]) compared to female, homosexual or bisexual (AOR 40.427, [95% CI: 3.880–421.196]) compared to heterosexual, and those infected with urogenital MG (AOR 7.215, [95% CI: 2.898–17.965]) compared to those who did not get infected with urogenital MG.

Conclusion

Rectal MG infection should be thought of not only in MSM population but also in STD clinic patients, especially females who have urogenital MG infection. Appropriate strategy for rectal MG screening and treatment needs to be developed for these patients in China.

Two new bamboo-feeding species of the genus Kirbyana Distant, 1906 from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae)

Two new bamboo-feeding species of the cixiid planthopper genus Kirbyana Distant, 1906 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Cixiidae: Eucarpiini), K.aspina Zhi & Chen, sp. nov. and K.furcata Zhi & Chen, sp. nov., are described and illustrated from southern China. A key to all known species and a map of their geographic distributions are provided.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Trifida elongate and comparative analysis of 43 leafhoppers

In this study, the mitochondrial genome of Trifida elongate was sequenced, and comparative analysis of T. elongate and other 43 leafhoppers was performed based on the mitochondrial genome. The mitochondrial genome sequence length of T. elongate was 14,924 bp. It comprised 13 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transport RNA (tRNA) genes, and 1 non-coding control region. The control region is located between the rrnS and trnI genes, is characterized by two tandem repeats and three simple sequence repeats. Phylogenetic analysis showed that T. elongate is closely related with Bolanusoides shaanxiensis and Limassolla lingchuanensis (bootstrap value = 92% and posterior probabilities = 1). Analysis of synonymous and non-synonymous nucleotide substitutions showed that Ka/Ks value of the 13 protein-coding genes of 8 subfamily leafhoppers were less than 1 ranging from 0.0315 to 0.9928. atp8 had the highest Ka/Ks value whereas cox1 had the lowest Ka/Ks value. This study provides information on the structure and sequence characteristics of the mitochondrial genome of T. elongata. Typhlocybinae is clustered with (Cicadellinae+(Idiocerinae+(Mileewinae+(Nirvaninae+(Evacanthinae+Ledrinae))))).

A new species of the genus Arria Stål, 1877 (Mantodea, Haaniidae) from China with notes on the tribe Arriini Giglio-Tos, 1919

A new species of the praying mantis genus Arria Stål, Arria pura sp. nov. from southwest China is described and illustrated. An overview, comparison, and distribution data of this tribe are given. A new synonym is created: Sinomiopteryx yunnanensis Xu, 2007 is a junior synonym of Arria pallida (Zhang, 1987). One new combination Arria brevifrons (Wang, 1991) comb. nov. (from Sinomiopteryx Tinkham), is proposed.

Four new species of the planthopper genus Metanigrus Tsaur, Yang & Wilson from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Meenoplidae)

Four new species of the genus Metanigrus Tsaur, Yang & Wilson, 1986, M.chromus Lv & Chen, sp. nov., M.guttatus Lv & Chen, sp. nov., M.gremius Lv & Chen, sp. nov., and M.spinatus Lv, Chen & Bourgoin, sp. nov. from China (Hubei, Guizhou and Yunnan), are described and illustrated, giving the genus six species in total. A key to all known species of Metanigrus is provided, as well as a map of their geographic distributions.

A new species of the genus Euxaldar Fennah, 1978 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Issidae) from China and revision on the molecular phylogeny of the family

A new species Euxaldar daweishanensis Yang, Chang & Chen, sp. nov. is described and illustrated from southwestern China. The female genitalia of the genus Euxaldar is described and presented for the first time. A checklist and key to the known species of the genus are provided. A revised molecular phylogenetic analysis of the family Issidae based on combined partial sequences of 18S, 28S, COI, and Cytb is provided using both Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses.