Search

The riffle beetle genus Sinonychus Jäch & Boukal, 1995 (Elminae, Macronychini) includes only three species from East Asia. In this paper, two new species, S. lipinae sp. nov. and S. luodianensis sp. nov., are described from Guizhou Province, China. Illustrations of the new species and a key to all five Sinonychus species are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Classical segregation potential (SP) parameter is extended to a function of temperature G (T). • Dynamic model is proposed to uniformly express varying G (T) curves for unsaturated soils. • The temperature profile is analytically nonlinear in frozen fringe. • Extended SP model involving new understanding is proposed. For the past half-century, the segregation potential (SP) model has been extensively employed for characterizing heat and water transfer during soil freezing. However, the relation of SP with temperature and its applicability in unsaturated soils remains unclear, restricting the application scope of SP model to the thermal steady state of saturated frozen soil. To address the aforementioned issues, this study first reinterprets the classical SP model using thermodynamics, yielding the general SP function G (T). After that, the dynamic G (T) model is proposed for saturated-unsaturated soils. Moreover, by adopting the proposed G (T) function, the steady thermal profile of freezing soil column is analytically solved. Finally, an extended SP model is proposed based on the aforementioned insights. The main findings were as follows. (1) The newly introduced G (T) function extends the classical SP into a continuous function with temperature, which can be transformed from the hydraulic conductivity function of frozen soils. The classical SP parameter is essentially an average value of G (T) among frozen fringe. (2) The proposed dynamic G (T) model can uniformly express G (T) curves amidst varying degrees of saturation. (3) At the stable freezing state, the temperature profile is analytically nonlinear in the frozen fringe. (4) The extended SP model refines the governing equations and applicable scenarios of SP model, bringing new understandings regarding soil freezing and ice segregation process. In summary, this study not only clarifies the ambiguities but also strengthens the theoretical foundation and mathematical expression of the SP model. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gonococcal antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a global threat significantly hampering the control of gonorrhea. Many socioeconomic, biological, behavioral, and programmatic factors have played an important role in driving the emergence, transmission and spread of gonococcal AMR. However, research to address these scientific and programmatic questions is limited in China. Here we propose a ROADMAP (acronym for resistance surveillance, outcomes due to AMR, antibiotic stewardship and application, diagnostic tools, mechanisms of AMR, antimicrobial assessment, and population pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics) plan for expanding interdisciplinary collaborations to address the research needs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2017 International Forum on Gonococcal Infections and Resistance (2017 IFGIR) was held at Shenzhen, China from September 17, 2017, to September 19, 2017. The key objectives of the conference were to review and analyze the epidemiological profiles of gonococcal infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at global, regional, and national levels; to share and discuss findings from ongoing and completed research studies; and to identify research needs to respond to the spread of gonococcal infections and AMR. The following contents were presented at the conference: global estimates of infections with Neisseria gonorrhoeae; global, regional and country status of gonococcal AMR; molecular techniques for predicting gonococcal AMR and the use of these technologies to enhance gonococcal AMR surveillance and clinical management; and updates on therapeutic approaches to gonococcal AMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Grouvellinus Champion, 1923 comprises 60 described species distributed across the Oriental and Palearctic regions. Species diversity is very high in mainland China, with 28 recorded species. Here, the results of the aquatic beetle survey in Guizhou Province are presented; they began in 2021, when we collected more than 5000 specimens of riffle beetle. All specimens come from small ravine streams where inhabited submerged stones. Using morphological characters of adults such as body form and size, coloration, elytral, pronotal and ventral surface structures, and forms of male and female genitalia, five new species were discovered and are described: Grouvellinus loong sp. nov., G. buyi sp. nov., G. wangmoensis sp. nov., G. lihaitaoi sp. nov., G. muyinlini sp. nov. The species descriptions contain illustrations of diagnostic characters and measurements of metric characters such as body length, pronotal length, pronotal width, elytral length and width, and head length and width. The females are, on average, larger and have only slight differences in external morphology compared to the males. The comparative diagnoses discuss characters of the new and already known species. The results show that the existing species diversity requires more detailed research focusing on larger areas of South China in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multisite evaluation of a dual point-of-care syphilis test with 3 types of specimens (N = 3134) in China indicates good overall sensitivity and specificity: 95%–97% and 99%–100% in detecting treponemal antibodies, and 86%–88% and 94%–96% in detecting nontreponemal antibodies.Background. Rapid point-of-care (POC) syphilis tests based on simultaneous detection of treponemal and nontreponemal antibodies (dual POC tests) offer the opportunity to increase coverage of syphilis screening and treatment. This study aimed to conduct a multisite performance evaluation of a dual POC syphilis test in China.Methods. Participants were recruited from patients at sexually transmitted infection clinics and high-risk groups in outreach settings in 6 sites in China. Three kinds of specimens (whole blood [WB], fingerprick blood [FB], and blood plasma [BP]) were used for evaluating sensitivity and specificity of the Dual Path Platform (DPP) Syphilis Screen and Confirm test using its treponemal and nontreponemal lines to compare Treponema pallidum particle agglutination (TPPA) assay and toluidine red unheated serum test (TRUST) as reference standards.Results. A total of 3134 specimens (WB 1323, FB 488, and BP 1323) from 1323 individuals were collected. The sensitivities as compared with TPPA were 96.7% for WB, 96.4% for FB, and 94.6% for BP, and the specificities were 99.3%, 99.1%, and 99.6%, respectively. The sensitivities as compared with TRUST were 87.2% for WB, 85.8% for FB, and 88.4% for BP, and the specificities were 94.4%, 96.1%, and 95.0%, respectively. For specimens with a TRUST titer of 1:4 or higher, the sensitivities were 100.0% for WB, 97.8% for FB, and 99.6% for BP.Conclusions. DPP test shows good sensitivity and specificity in detecting treponemal and nontreponemal antibodies in 3 kinds of specimens. It is hoped that this assay can be considered as an alternative in the diagnosis of syphilis, particularly in resource-limited areas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Precisely evaluating the soil pressure above parallel tunnels is of paramount importance. In this study, the deformation characteristics of soil above dual trapdoors were analyzed firstly. A novel multi-arch model for calculating the distribution of the vertical earth pressure on deep-buried parallel tunnel was then proposed based on the limit equilibrium method. The height of the dual arch zone caused by the displacement of the dual trapdoors was calculated with consideration of internal friction angle of the soil, width of the trapdoors, spacing between the dual trapdoors, and elastic modulus of the soil. By comparing with numerical simulation results and existing theoretical calculation models that do not account for the interaction of soil arching effect, it is evident that the proposed model in this study adeptly predicts the vertical stress above the trapdoor. Additionally, it captures the characteristic of upwardly convex stress distribution above the trapdoor. The analysis of parameters conducted on the theoretical calculation model showed that the depth of the trapdoor and the internal friction angle of the soil have a substantial impact, whereas the expansion coefficient exerts a negligible effect on the soil arching ratio above the trapdoor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a nationwide study on Chlamydia trachomatis infections and genotypes among men who have sex with men in China. The study found an overall CT prevalence of 14.8%, with a higher prevalence in anorectal samples compared to urethral or oropharyngeal samples. Factors associated with a higher probability of CT infection included age, number of male sex partners, HIV status, Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection, and receptive anal role in sexual intercourse. The study highlights the need for chlamydia screening, especially rectal testing, and emphasizes the importance of tailored interventions for high-risk MSM populations. [Extracted from the article]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extragenital Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) infections are prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM). Self-sampling could potentially eliminate barriers to extragenital CT/NG testing for MSM that are hard to reach, who refuse to go for clinician-based testing, or who decline an examination. However, the required evidence to determine whether self-collected specimens are as accurate as clinician-taken specimens in terms of CT/NG diagnostic accuracy was limited in low and middle income countries. We therefore compared self-collected rectal and pharyngeal specimens with clinician-taken specimens for diagnostic accuracy among MSM in China. Methods: This was a prospective convenience sample from 6 sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in China. We randomized the order of self-collected and clinician-taken specimens from the pharynx and rectum, plus first-void urine, for CT/NG detection. Self-sampling performance was compared with clinician-sampling as to agreement, sensitivity, and specificity. The acceptability of self-sampling was evaluated by questionnaire. Results: Among the 325 participants, prevalences of rectal CT and NG infections were 13.6% and 5.2% and pharyngeal CT and NG prevalences were 1.5% and 2.8%, respectively. The agreements between the CT tests with the self-collected and clinician-taken specimens were 98.8% (κ = 0.95, 95% CI 0.89-1.00) for rectal site and 99.4% (κ = 0.83, 95% CI 0.60-1.00) for pharyngeal site; and the agreements between NG tests were 99.4% (κ = 0.94, 95% CI 0.86-1.00) for rectal site and 98.2% (κ = 0.72, 95% CI 0.50–0.93) for pharyngeal site. The sensitivity and specificity of self-collected swabs was as follows: rectal CT: 93.0% and 99.6%; pharyngeal CT: 100.0% and 99.4%; rectal NG: 100.0% and 99.4%; pharyngeal NG: 88.9% and 98.4%. Self-collection was highly acceptable, showing that 62.0% MSM preferred self-sampling over clinician-sampling; 90.2% would use self-sampling for detection of CT and NG again. Conclusions: Extragenital screening for CT and NG should be recommended as part of STI services to MSM population. Self-collection of rectal and pharyngeal specimens had good performance for CT and NG tests and acceptability to the target population. Trial registration: This trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300073473. Registered 12/07/2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the shadowing effect of existing tunnels on the evolution of soil arching, focusing on the shape of the tunnel (circular and rectangular) through trapdoor experiments. The displacement and shear strain distributions of ground soil resulting from trapdoor movement were estimated using a digital image correlation technique. The results showed that the shadowing effect of the rectangular tunnel was significantly greater than that of the circular tunnel of the same size. The sand above the tunnel was displaced in a double-groove pattern owing to the presence of the tunnel, and the maximum surface settlement occurred between the tunnel boundary and the trapdoor edge. The circular tunnels exhibited consistently higher maximum surface displacements than that in the rectangular tunnels. The shear strain value of soil was lower for the rectangular tunnel case than that for the circular tunnel case. The rectangular tunnels required lesser trapdoor displacement than that of the circular tunnel to obtain the minimum soil arching ratio. The minimum and ultimate soil arching ratios increased as the burial depth ratio increased for both the tunnel shapes. The maximum stress ratio of the tunnel crown was consistently larger for the circular case than for the rectangular case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health providers have played important roles on delivering prevention and care services to control syphilis in China. The current study was aimed to evaluate the performance of different health providers in providing outreach syphilis testing services to female sex workers (FSWs). The current study carried out during April to August 2009 in Liuzhou was aimed to investigate the services delivered by two different types of clinics in China. A total of 1,808 FSWs recruited from sex work venues were included in the study. Prevalence of positive syphilis test (6.4%) among FSWs accessed by the local center for disease control outreach teams (CDC teams) was significantly lower than that (9.3%) among FSWs accessed by the local reproductive health hospital outreach teams (RHH teams). As compared with CDC teams, RHH teams had more FSWs to be successfully referred to the designated STD clinics for further syphilis confirmation and intervention (85.7% vs. 26.7%, P<0.001). These findings indicate that RHH teams may be more efficient than CDC teams to provide outreach-based services to FSWs. Participation of the reproductive health providers or other medical facilities in outreach services to FSWs should be considered in developing intervention programs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, three new bamboo-feeding species of the genus Bambusiphaga Huang & Ding, 1979 (Hemiptera, Fulgoroidea, Delphacidae, Tropidocephalini), B. caudospina Lv, Li & Chen, sp. nov., B. laterospina Lv, Li & Chen, sp. nov. and B. striola Lv, Li & Chen, sp. nov. from Southwest China, are described and illustrated, bringing the total number of species in the genus to 34. An updated identification key and checklist to all known species of Bambusiphaga are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel T -form hydraulic conductivity (k w) function of frozen soils (HCFF) is proposed. • The proposed T -form HCFF is extended to consider vapor flow and bimodality. • HCFF prediction is supported by statistical k w models and thermodynamic equilibrium. • HCFF prediction is clarified as 3 routes: single SWCC, single SFCC and combining two. Hydraulic conductivity function for frozen soils (HCFF) is crucial for accurately simulating the water transfer process in cold regions, impacting hydrological states and frost heave diseases. However, the HCFF model capturing the relation between hydraulic conductivity and unfrozen water content (θ) or temperature (T) remains an open question. This study delves into HCFF encompassing both empirical and prediction models. This study begins with introducing θ -form and innovative T -form empirical HCFF models, showcasing their solid performance in fitting measured hydraulic conductivity data. Furthermore, the extension of the T -form empirical model to incorporate vapor flow and bimodal soils, through the introduction of maximum vapor conductivity and weighting factors, demonstrates a closer alignment with physical mechanisms and observed trends. In terms of predicting HCFF, the study provides a theoretical foundation through statistical hydraulic conductivity models and thermodynamic equilibrium in frozen soils. Additionally, it clarifies three routes for HCFF prediction—single Soil Freeze Characteristic Curve (SFCC), single Soil Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC), and a combination of the two—and validates their effectiveness through test results and comparison of HCFF prediction outcomes using SWCC and SFCC data from specific soil samples. In practice, the empirical and prediction models are recommended for available hydraulic conductivity data and available SFCC or SWCC data, respectively. Overall, this study not only lays the theoretical groundwork for most prediction models but also presents a valid empirical equation for modeling hydraulic conductivity function tailored specifically for frozen soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A response by Xiang-Sheng Chen and colleagues to a letter to the editor about their article "Syphilis and Social Upheaval in China," in the May 6, 2010 issue is presented.

Objective To estimate maternal syphilis and its associated adverse pregnancy outcomes in India, Nigeria, and Zambia. Methods An online estimation tool was used to generate point estimates and uncertainty ranges of maternal syphilis and adverse pregnancy outcomes due to mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). The most recent data (2010–2012) on antenatal care coverage, syphilis seroprevalence, and syphilis screening and treatment coverage at the subnational level in India, Nigeria, and Zambia were used to estimate disease burden for 2012. Sensitivity analysis was conducted for three screening and treatment scenarios (current coverages, current coverages minus 20%, and ideal coverages consistent with WHO targets for eliminating MTCT of syphilis). Results A total of 103 960, 74 798, and 9072 pregnant women with probable active syphilis were estimated to occur in India, Nigeria, and Zambia, resulting in 53 187, 37 045, and 2973 adverse outcomes, respectively; approximately 1.6%, 4.8%, and 37.0% of these were averted under the current service coverages in India, Nigeria, and Zambia. The disease burden varied significantly in its subnational distribution within India and Nigeria, but was distributed evenly across Zambia. Conclusions The obtained results suggest an ongoing, unaverted high burden of maternal syphilis and associated adverse outcomes in India, Nigeria, and Zambia. Screening and treatment for syphilis must be scaled-up significantly in these countries to achieve elimination of MTCT of syphilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parenteral penicillin is the first-line regimen for treating syphilis, but unsuitable for some patients due to penicillin allergy and lacking health resources. Unfortunately, the efficacy of penicillin alternatives remains poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ceftriaxone and doxycycline/tetracycline in treating early syphilis relative to that of penicillin, and thereby to determine which antibiotic is a better replacement for penicillin. Method: By searching literature from PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, the Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov and systematically screening relevant studies, eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies on treatments with penicillin, doxycycline/tetracycline, and ceftriaxone for early syphilis were identified and combined in this systematic review. Estimated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were utilized to compare their serological response and treatment failure rates. At 12-month follow up, serological response rates were compared by a direct meta-analysis and network meta-analysis (NMA), while treatment failure rates were compared with a direct meta-analysis. Result: Three RCTs and seven cohort studies were included in this research. The results of NMA demonstrated that no significant differences existed in serological response rate at 12-month follow-up between any two of the three treatments (doxycycline/tetracycline vs. penicillin RR = 1.01, 95%CI 0.89–1.14; ceftriaxone vs. penicillin RR = 1.00, 95%CI 0.89–1.13; ceftriaxone vs. doxycycline/tetracycline RR = 0.99, 95%CI 0.96–1.03), which was consistent with the outcomes of the direct meta-analysis. In addition, the direct meta-analysis indicated that, at 12-month follow-up, penicillin and ceftriaxone treatment groups had similar treatment failure rates (RR = 0.92, 95%CI 0.12–6.93), while treatment failure rate was significantly lower among penicillin recipients than among doxycycline/tetracycline recipients (RR = 0.58, 95%CI 0.38–0.89). Conclusion: Ceftriaxone is as effective as penicillin in treating early syphilis with regard to serological response and treatment failure rate. Compared with doxycycline/tetracycline, ceftriaxone appears to be a better choice as the substitution of penicillin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A web-based survey found that Chinese young students were not well aware of chlamydia, and the students who had sexual experience were likely to accept a home-based chlamydia screening. 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, χ2 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have become a major public health problem among female sex workers (FSWs) in China. There have been many studies on prevalences of HIV and syphilis but the data about Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections are limited in this population in China.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed among FSWs recruited from different types of venues in 8 cities in China. An interview with questionnaire was conducted, followed by collection of a blood and cervical swab specimens for tests of HIV, syphilis, NG and CT infections.Results: A total of 3,099 FSWs were included in the study. The overall prevalence rates of HIV, syphilis, NG and CT were 0.26%, 6.45%, 5.91% and 17.30%, respectively. Being a FSW from low-tier venue (adjusted odds ratios [AOR]=1.39) had higher risk and being age of ≥ 21 years (AOR=0.60 for 21-25 years; AOR=0.29 for 26-30 years; AOR=0.35 for 31 years or above) had lower risk for CT infection; and having CT infection was significantly associated with NG infection.Conclusions: The high STI prevalence rates found among FSWs, especially among FSWs in low-tier sex work venues, suggest that the comprehensive prevention and control programs including not only behavioral interventions but also screening and medical care are needed to meet the needs of this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has experienced an increasing epidemic of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. High risk groups likely to be infected include female sex workers (FSWs) and their clients, men who have sex with men (MSM), drug users and migrant workers. Prevention can be achieved through education of the population, condom promotion, early detection of symptomatic and asymptomatic people, and effective diagnosis and treatment of these patients and their partners. This article aims to describe the profile of the epidemic in high-risk groups in China as well as to detail the contributing factors and the implications for control. Programmes for the control of STIs should be immediate priorities in China, and primary and secondary prevention strategies are vital to this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local scour poses a serious threat to the stability of suction caisson foundations and superstructure in offshore engineering. Understanding its impact is essential for reliable marine foundation performance. This paper investigates the effect of local scour on ultimate bearing capacities and failure envelopes of caissons in sandy soil using numerical analysis with an advanced constitutive model. Various loading conditions, incorporating scour depth (S d), scour width (S w) and scour angle (φ), are analysed comprehensively. The results highlight that (1) scour depth significantly influences the ultimate bearing capacity, more so than scour width and angle; (2) variations in scour depth substantially alter the dimensions of the failure envelope, its shape remains unchanged. Then, empirical formulas are proposed to describe the failure envelope in both the two-dimensional H-M plane and the three-dimensional H-M−V space, considering the effect of scour depth. Finally, a novel macroelement model, considering the effects of local scour, is developed and validated within the hypoplasticity framework. Compared to previous macroelement models, the developed macroelement model is simple in formula and easy to implement for engineers, which only needs one added parameter to incorporating the scour effect. These results could be beneficial for the design of foundations in practical engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The human treponematoses are important causes of disease. Mother-to-child transmission of syphilis remains a major cause of stillbirth and neonatal death. There are also almost 100 000 cases of endemic treponemal disease reported annually, predominantly yaws. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) would improve access to screening for these diseases. Most RDTs cannot distinguish current and previous infection. The Dual Path Platform (DPP) Syphilis Screen & Confirm test includes both a treponemal (T1) and nontreponemal (T2) component and may improve the accuracy of diagnosis. Methods. We conducted a metaanalysis of published and unpublished evaluations of the DPP-RDT for the diagnosis of syphilis and yaws. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and overall agreement of the test compared with reference laboratory tests. Results. Nine evaluations, including 7267 tests, were included. Sensitivity was higher in patients with higher titer rapid plasma reagin (≥1:16) for both the T1 (98.2% vs 90.1%, P< .0001) and the T2 component (98.2% vs 80.6%, P< .0001). Overall agreement between the DPP test and reference serology was 85.2% (84.4%-86.1%). Agreement was highest for high-titer active infection and lowest for past infection. Conclusions. The RDT has good sensitivity and specificity of the treponemal and nontreponemal components both in cases of suspected syphilis and yaws, although the sensitivity is decreased at lower antibody titers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bumblebees, as important pollinating insects, play a vital role in maintaining natural and agricultural ecosystems. Its antennae with sensilla can guide in selecting a nectariferous source, locating nest sites, and communicating between individuals. To explore how bumblebees detect and receive chemical signals from nectariferous plant and foraging behavior, the morphology of antennae with sensilla, including antennal length and type, distribution, and number of antennal sensilla were compared in four bumblebee species, Bombus atiapes, Bombus breviceps, Bombus flavescens, and Bombus terrestris through scanning electron microscopy. The characteristics and differences in the total antennal length, and length of scape, pedicel, and flagellum were recorded among three castes and four species. Furthermore, 13 major types of antennal 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. The characteristics and differences in the distributions and number of sensilla were also found among three castes and four species. Therefore, this study may help to understand the effects of antennae with sensilla in the coevolution of species and the external environment. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bombus breviceps is an important native species of bumblebee in southern China. As a pollinator, it has the potential for domestication and commercial rearing. In this study, in order to identify the nutritional requirements for the egg-laying, hatching, and colony foundation stages, we selected three common local types of pollen, including camellia pollen, oilseed rape pollen, and apricot pollen, as well as mixtures of them, to feed B. breviceps queens to evaluate the reproductive performance, and feasibility of these pollens as a diet and the nutritional requirements. The results showed that the pollen with a higher essential amino acid content had advantages in laying time, the number of eggs laid, larval ejection, and the time of first worker emergence, while the pollen with a higher crude protein content had advantages in the time the colony took to reach ten workers. These results may guide the selection of feed in B. breviceps artificial feeding and help to explore the nutritional requirements in oviposition and the colony stage from the perspective of conventional pollen. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study attempts to elucidate the taxonomic complexities in tribe Gargarini using phylogenetic and evolutionary analysis based on the integrated morphological and molecular datasets: the shape of the pronotum and the complete mitochondrial genome, respectively. Despite being the largest tribe of the subfamily Centrotinae, with more than 400 species, the morphological similarities among the genera and complicated taxonomic history, the phylogenetic relationships among many species are still unknown. The phylogenetic relationships among some species of this tribe based on the mitochondrial genome were established in this study. Moreover, this study provides the possibility of establishing an evolutionary history. This study provides a basis for follow-up research on the phylogeny and evolution of more species of this tribe. In this study, we newly sequenced and analyzed the complete mitochondrial genomes of five genera and six species in Gargarini: Antialcidas floripennae, Centrotoscelus davidi, Kotogargara minuta, Machaerotypus stigmosus, Tricentrus fulgidus, and Tricentrus gammamaculatus. The mitochondrial genomes contain 13 protein-coding genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, and a control region. The lengths of the mitochondrial genomes are 15,253 bp to 15,812 bp, and the AT contents of the obtained mitogenomes indicate a strong AT bias, ranging from 75.8% to 78.5%. The start codons of all PCGs show that most start with a typical ATN (ATA/T/G/C) codon and less start with T/GTG; the stop codon TAA is frequently used, and TAG and a single T are less used. In Gargarini mitogenomes, all tRNA genes can be folded into the canonical cloverleaf secondary structure, except for trnaS1, which lacks a stable dihydrouridine (DHU) stem and is replaced by a simple loop. At the same time, the phylogenetic analysis of the tribe Gargarini based on sequence data of 13 PCGs from 18 treehopper species and four outgroups revealed that the 10 Gargarini species form a steady group with strong support and form a sister group with Leptocentrini, Hypsauchenini, Centrotini, and Leptobelini. Diversification within Gargarini is distinguished by a Later Cretaceous divergence that led to the rapid diversification of the species. Moreover, the ancestral state reconstructions analysis showed the absence of the suprahumeral horn, which was confirmed as the ancestor characteristic of the treehopper, which has evolved from simple to complex. Our results shed new light specifically on the molecular and phylogenetic evolution of the pronotum in Gargarini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewed interest in developing vaccines against Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been sparked by the increasing threat of gonococcal antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and growing optimism that gonococcal vaccines are biologically feasible. Evidence suggests serogroup B Neisseria meningitidis vaccines might provide some cross-protection against N. gonorrhoeae , and new gonococcal vaccine candidates based on several approaches are currently in preclinical development. To further stimulate investment and accelerate development of gonococcal vaccines, greater understanding is needed regarding the overall value that gonococcal vaccines might have in addressing public health and societal goals in low-, middle-, and high-income country contexts and how future gonococcal vaccines might be accepted and used, if available. In January 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) convened a multidisciplinary international group of experts to lay the groundwork for understanding the potential health, economic, and societal value of gonococcal vaccines and their likely acceptance and use, and for developing gonococcal vaccine preferred product characteristics (PPCs). WHO PPCs describe preferences for vaccine attributes that would help optimize vaccine value and use in meeting the global public health need. This paper describes the main discussion points and conclusions from the January 2019 meeting of experts. Participants emphasized the need for vaccines to control N. gonorrhoeae infections with the ultimate goals of preventing adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes (e.g., infertility) and reducing the impact of gonococcal AMR. Meeting participants also discussed important PPC considerations (e.g., vaccine indications, target populations, and potential immunization strategies) and highlighted crucial research and data needs for guiding the value assessment and PPCs for gonococcal vaccines and advancing gonococcal vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• EICNN and EFBNN are proposed for long-term settlement prediction of shield tunnels. • EICNN, EFBNN and BPNN are compared with a case study in shanghai. • EFBNN had poor spatial and good temporal generalization. • EICNN has excellent temporal and spatial generalization. • The sources of the performance divergence of BPNN, EFBNN and EICNN were analyzed. In recent years, machine learning methods have been widely used to predict the long-term settlement of tunnels. However, data-driven models for long-term settlement prediction often suffer from poor out-of-distribution generalization. Consequently, data-driven models cannot satisfy the requirements of tunnel engineering. This study aims to develop an innovative machine learning methodology with strong out-of-distribution generalization for long-term settlement prediction of tunnel. To implement the data and experience-driven neural networks, we propose two methods: Empirical Formula Based Neural Network (EFBNN) and Empirical Information Constrained Neural Network (EICNN). EFBNN uses an explicit empirical formula to calculate the predicted value, while EICNN calculates it directly. Both methods employ a neural network, but EFBNN estimates the undetermined parameters of the formula, and EICNN constrains the network parameters and loss function with empirical information as prior information. Based on the 20-year settlement monitoring data of a shield tunnel section in Shanghai, the out-of-distribution generalization of EFBNN and EICNN are compared with BPNN. The results show that not all multi-driven methods could improve the out-of-distribution generalization. EFBNN has better temporal out-of-distribution generalization, but worse spatial out-of-distribution generalization, and is sensitive to the choice of empirical formula. EICNN has significant temporal and spatial out-of-distribution generalization. This method can improve the usability of monitoring data, and summarize a model with out-of-distribution generalization. It is a suitable machine learning method for predicting the long-term settlement of tunnels affected by countless and uncertain factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the differences in mitogenome variation and phylogenetics among lineages of the Hemiptera superfamily Fulgoroidea, we sequenced four new mitogenomes of Caliscelidae: two species of the genus Bambusicaliscelis (Caliscelinae: Caliscelini), namely Bambusicaliscelis flavus and B. fanjingensis, and two species of the genus Youtuus (Ommatidiotinae: Augilini), namely Youtuus strigatus and Y. erythrus. The four mitogenomes were 15,922–16,640 bp (base pair) in length, with 37 mitochondrial genes and an AT-rich region. Gene content and arrangement were similar to those of most other sequenced hexapod mitogenomes. All protein-coding genes (PCGs) started with a canonical ATN or GTG and ended with TAA or an incomplete stop codon single T. Except for two transfer RNAs (tRNAs; trnS1 and trnV) lacking a dihydrouridine arm in the four species and trnC lacking a dihydrouridine stem in the Youtuus species, the remaining tRNAs could fold into canonical cloverleaf secondary structures. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequence data of 13 PCGs in the 28 Fulgoroidea species and two outgroups revealed that Delphacidae was monophyletic with strong support. Our data suggest that Fulgoridae is more ancient than Achilidae. Furthermore, Flatidae, Issidae, and Ricaniidae always cluster to form a sister group to Caliscelidae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 2500 species belong to the Meloidae family (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea), members of which produce the potent defensive blistering agent cantharidin and are commonly known as blister beetles or Spanishflies. Cantharidin has recently been used for cancer therapy. Hycleus cichorii and Hycleus phaleratus have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years due to their ability to biosynthesize cantharidin. To understand the role of the chemosensory system in beetle evolution, we comparatively analysed the chemosensory receptor families of both blister beetle species and compared them with those of other beetles. Results: We identified 89 odorant receptors (ORs), 86 gustatory receptors (GRs), and 45 ionotropic receptors (IRs) in H. phaleratus and 149 ORs, 102 GRs and 50 IRs in H. cichorii. Nine groups of beetle ORs were recovered, and a similar pattern of ORs in Coleoptera emerged. Two evident expanded clades in Hycleus (Groups 5A and 3) were reconstructed in the phylogenetic tree. Four of eight genes with evidence of positive selection were clustered in the expanded clades of Group 5A. Three, eight and three orthologous pairs of CO2, sugar and fructose receptors, respectively, were identified in both blister beetles. Two evident expanded clades of putative bitter GRs in Hycleus were also found, and the GR in one clade had notably low divergence. Interestingly, IR41a was specifically expanded in blister beetles compared to other insects identified to date, and IR75 was also clearly expanded in both blister beetles based on our phylogenetic tree analysis. Moreover, evidence of positive selection was detected for eight ORs, three GRs and two IRs, half of which were from five duplicate clades. Conclusions: We first annotated the chemosensory receptor families in a pair of sister beetle genomes (Meloidae: Hycleus), which facilitated evolutionary analysis of chemosensory receptors between sibling species in the Coleoptera group. Our analysis suggests that changes in chemosensory receptors have a possible role in chemical-based species evolution in blister beetles. Future studies should include more species to verify this correlation, which will help us understand the evolution of blister beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although it is well acknowledged that persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus types in genital sites plays a crucial role in the development of squamous cell cervical carcinoma, there is no unanimous consensus on the association between non-HPV sexually transmitted infections and abnormal cervical cytology. Methods: In the present study, we evaluated cervical cytology status, sexually transmitted infections and bacterial vaginosis status, and collected social-demographic information among recruited participants to explore the association of STIs and bacterial vaginosis with abnormal cervical cytology. Results: 9,090 women's specimens were successfully tested, with a total of 8,733 (96.1%) women had normal cytology and 357 (3.9%) women exhibited abnormal cytology. The prevalence of HPV, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and bacterial vaginosis was significantly higher in the ≥ASC-US group than the NILM group (P<0.05). Women with Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection (AOR = 5.30, 95% CIs = 1.30–21.51, P = 0.020) or bacterial vaginosis (AOR = 1.94, 95% CIs = 1.08–3.47, P = 0.026) exhibited an increased risk of abnormal cervical cytology after adjusted for carcinogenic HPV-positive status. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection in genital sites and/or bacterial vaginosis may independently increase the risk for cervical cytology abnormalities after adjusted for carcinogenic HPV-positive status. Besides, these results improved our understanding of the etiology of abnormal cervical cytology and may be useful for the management of women with ASC-US cytology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Spectrum-STI model, structured by sub-groups within a population, was used in a workshop in Yunnan, China, to estimate provincial trends in active syphilis in 15 to 49-year-old adults. Syphilis prevalence data from female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and lower-risk women and men in Yunnan were identified through literature searches and local experts. Sources included antenatal care clinic screening, blood donor screening, HIV/STI bio-behavioural surveys, sentinel surveillance, and epidemiology studies. The 2017 provincial syphilis prevalence estimates were 0.26% (95% confidence interval 0.17–0.34%) in women and 0.28% (0.20–0.36%) in men. Estimated prevalence was 6.8-fold higher in FSW (1.69% (0.68–3.97%) than in lower-risk women (0.25% (0.18–0.35%)), and 22.7-fold higher in MSM (5.35% (2.74–12.47%) than in lower-risk men (0.24% (0.17–0.31%). For all populations, the 2017 estimates were below the 2005 estimates, but differences were not significant. In 2017 FSW and MSM together accounted for 9.3% of prevalent cases. These estimates suggest Yunnan's STI programs have kept the overall prevalence of syphilis low, but prevalence remains high in FSW and MSM. Strengthening efforts targeting FSW and MSM, and identification of other risk populations e.g. among heterosexual men, are critical to reduce syphilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection is one of the most pervasive sexually transmitted infections and has high prevalence in urogenital and extra-urogenital sites among men who have sex with men (MSM). This study investigated anatomical site-specific prevalence and genotypes of CT among MSM recruited from three geographic areas in China.Methods: We collected urine specimens and anorectal, pharyngeal swab specimens from 379 MSM. CT infection was identified using polymerase chain reaction and CT genotyping was determined by sequences of the ompA gene.Results: The results indicated that the overall prevalence of CT infection was 18.2% (95% confidence intervals [CIs], 13.9-22.5%) and significantly different between the cities (p = 0.048). The infection was most common at the anorectal site (15.6, 95%CIs 11.6-19.5%) followed by urethral (3.2, 95%CIs 1.4-5.0%) and oropharyngeal sites (1.6, 95%CIs 0.3-2.9%). Genotypes D and G were the most common CT strains in this population but genotype D was significantly predominated in Nanjing while genotype G was in Wuhan. No genotype related to lymphogranuloma venereum was found. CT infection was significantly related to the infection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 14.27, 95%CIs 6.02-33.83, p < 0.001) and age. Men older than 40 years old were less likely to have a CT infection as compared to men under 30 years old (aOR 0.37, 95% CIs 0.15-0.93, p = 0.03).Conclusion: The high CT infection prevalence, particularly in the anorectal site, among MSM suggests the necessity to development an integrated CT screening and treatment program specifically focusing on this high-risk population. Surveillance of CT infections should be improved by including both infection and genotype based surveys into the current surveillance programs in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Epicauta impressicornis Pic (Coleoptera: Meloidae) was determined. The circular genome is 15,713-bp long, and encodes 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and a control region (CR). The 13 PCGs start with the typical ATN codon and terminate with the typical stop codon TAA (ND2, ND4L, ND6, ATP6, ATP8, and CYTB), TAG (ND1 and ND3), and T- (COX1, COX2, COX3, ND4 , and ND5). The two rRNA genes (rrn12S and rrn16S) are encoded on the minority strand. All tRNAs genes except trnS1 (AGN) are predicted to fold into the typical cloverleaf structure. The longest overlap (10 bp) is observed between ATP8 and ATP6. CR mainly harbors a conserved poly-T stretch (15 bp), a short repeat unit (17 bp), some universal microsatellite-like repeats, and a canonical poly-A tail. Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inferences and maximum likelihood based on nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequences of the 13 PCGs showed that E. impressicornis is closely related to E. chinensis , this relationship is and supported within Cucujiformia belonging to Meloidae (Tenebrionoidea). Our results further confirmed the monophyly of Tenebrionoidea, Lymexyloidea, Curculionoidea, Chrysomeloidea, Cucujoidea, Coccinelloidea, and Cleroidea within Cucujiformia, and revealed the sister relationships of (Cleroidea + Coccinelloidea), (Lymexyloidea + Tenebrionoidea), and ((Chrysomeloidea + Cucujoidea) + Curculionoidea). We believe that the complete mitogenome of E. impressicornis will contribute to further studies on molecular bases for the classification and phylogeny of Meloidae or even Cucujiformia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]