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NADC34-like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has become endemic in some provinces of China and caused huge economic losses to local pig industry. The increased reports of NADC34-like PRRSV outbreaks in vaccinated pig herds suggest the limited protection of immunization with commercial vaccines. In this study, we evaluated a commercial PRRSV vaccine that has been widely used in China against the challenge of JS2021NADC34 PRRSV, a highly pathogenic Chinese NADC34-like strain isolated in 2021. The vaccinated pigs developed PRRSV-specific antibody responses, as shown by IDEXX ELISA results. After JS2021NADC34 PRRSV challenge, the vaccinated pigs had low level of viremia but suffered pathological lesions in lungs and lymphoid tissues. The viral antigens were also detected in the above tissues of the vaccinated pigs by immunohistochemistry staining. One out of five pigs in vaccinated group died at 13 days postchallenge. The above results suggested that the commercial PRRSV vaccine could not provide complete protection to the NADC34-like PRRSV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Background: latest studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is related to the occurrence of irritable bowel disease (IBS), and taking vitamin D as a supplement can alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel disease. However, clinical treatment of irritable bowel disease with vitamin D is controversial. Objective: we conducted a meta-analysis of all clinical trials to evaluate the associations between vitamin D and irritable bowel disease. Methods: we screened all randomized controlled trials that were published before December 20, 2021 from the following databases: Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Cochrane Central, and Clinical Trial. We used RevMan 5.4.1 and Stata 16.1 to analyze the relevant data. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) was used to report effect sizes. Serum vitamin D concentration, risk of vitamin D deficiency among patients with IBS, Symptom Severity Score (SSS), and Quality of Life (QoL) score are the main endpoint outcomes in this study. Results: data from twelve clinical trials with 1331 IBS patients were included. Patients with IBS have relatively low vitamin D levels in their serum. Vitamin D supplementation improves the Quality of Life (QoL) score but has no significant effect on the Symptom Severity Score (SSS). Conclusions: vitamin D deficiency is associated with the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome. Serum vitamin D levels decreased in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and vitamin D supplementation could improve patient quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: HIV-related stigma always is major obstacles to an effective HIV response worldwide. The effect of HIV-related stigma on HIV prevention and treatment is particularly serious in China. This study was to examine stigma attitude towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) among general individuals in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China and the factors associated with stigma attitude, including socio-demographic factors and HIV/AIDS Knowledge.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in Heilongjiang Province, China. A total of 4050 general individuals with age 15-69 years in four villages in rural areas and two communities in urban areas were drawn using stratified cluster sampling. Standardized questionnaire interviews were administered. Univariate and multivariate log-binomial regression were performed to assess factors affecting stigma attitude towards PLWHA.Results: The proportions of participants holding stigma attitude towards PLWHA were 49.6% among rural respondents and 37.0% among urban respondents (P < 0.001). Multivariate log binomial regression analysis among both rural participants (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.87-0.91, P < 0.001) and urban participants (RR = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.87-0.91, P < 0.001) showed that greater knowledge of HIV transmission misconceptions was significantly associated with lower stigma attitude towards people living with HIV. And among urban participants, higher education level (high school vs. primary school or less: RR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.62-0.87, P < 0.001; middle school vs. primary school or less: RR = 0.83, 95%CI: 0.71-0.97, P = 0.018) were also significantly associated with lower stigma attitude towards PLWHA.Conclusions: The level of stigma attitude towards PLWHA is higher in rural areas than in urban areas in Heilongjiang. Meanwhile, individuals who better were aware of HIV/AIDS transmission misconceptions may hold lower stigma attitude toward PLWHA whether among rural or urban residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is one of the most important pathogens in the global pig industry, which modulates the host’s innate antiviral immunity to achieve immune evasion. RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs) sense viral RNA and activate the interferon signaling pathway. LGP2, a member of the RLR family, plays an important role in regulating innate immunity. However, the role of LGP2 in virus infection is controversial. Whether LGP2 has a role during infection with PRRSV remains unclear. Here, we found that LGP2 overexpression restrained the replication of PRRSV, while LGP2 silencing facilitated PRRSV replication. LGP2 was prone to interact with MDA5 and enhanced viral RNA enrichment and recognition by MDA5, thus promoting the activation of RIG-I/IRF3 and NF-kB signaling pathways and reinforcing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferon during PRRSV infection. Meanwhile, there was a decreased protein expression of LGP2 upon PRRSV infection in vitro. PRRSV Nsp1 and Nsp2 interacted with LGP2 and promoted K63-linked ubiquitination of LGP2, ultimately leading to the degradation of LGP2. These novel findings indicate that LGP2 plays a role in regulating PRRSV replication through synergistic interaction with MDA5. Moreover, targeting LGP2 is responsible for PRRSV immune evasion. Our work describes a novel mechanism of virus-host interaction and provides the basis for preventing and controlling PRRSV. IMPORTANCE LGP2, a member of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), shows higher-affinity binding to RNA and work synergism with RIG-I or MDA5. However, LGP2 has divergent responses to different viruses, which remains controversial in antiviral immune responses. Here, we present the detailed process of LGP2 in positively regulating the anti-PRRSV response. Upon PRRSV infection, LGP2 was prone to bind to MDA5 and enhanced MDA5 signaling, manifesting the enrichment of viral RNA on MDA5 and the activation of downstream IRF3 and NF-kB, which results in increased proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferon expression, ultimately inhibiting PRRSV at the early stage of infection. Moreover, PRRSV Nsp1 and Nsp2 interacted with LGP2 via ubiquitinproteasome pathways, thus blocking LGP2-mediated immune response. This research helps us understand the host recognition and innate antiviral response to PRRSV infection by neglected pattern recognition receptors, which sheds light on the detailed mechanism of virus-host interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: latest studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency is related to the occurrence of irritable bowel disease (IBS), and taking vitamin D as a supplement can alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel disease. However, clinical treatment of irritable bowel disease with vitamin D is controversial. Objective: we conducted a meta-analysis of all clinical trials to evaluate the associations between vitamin D and irritable bowel disease. Methods: we screened all randomized controlled trials that were published before December 20, 2021 from the following databases: Medline, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Cochrane Central, and Clinical Trial. We used RevMan 5.4.1 and Stata 16.1 to analyze the relevant data. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) was used to report effect sizes. Serum vitamin D concentration, risk of vitamin D deficiency among patients with IBS, Symptom Severity Score (SSS), and Quality of Life (QoL) score are the main endpoint outcomes in this study. Results: data from twelve clinical trials with 1331 IBS patients were included. Patients with IBS have relatively low vitamin D levels in their serum. Vitamin D supplementation improves the Quality of Life (QoL) score but has no significant effect on the Symptom Severity Score (SSS). Conclusions: vitamin D deficiency is associated with the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome. Serum vitamin D levels decreased in patients with irritable bowel syndrome, and vitamin D supplementation could improve patient quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spreading from high-risk groups, such as men who have sex with men (MSM) and sex workers, to the general population in China. This study examined the willingness of general residents in Heilongjiang, Northeast China, to participate in free HIV testing in the nearest health care setting, and the factors that may affect participation, including demographic characteristics, HIV-related knowledge, and stigma.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Heilongjiang Province. All residents aged 15-69 years in two communities in urban areas (September 2007) and four villages in rural areas (April 2008) were recruited using stratified cluster sampling. A total of 4050 residents were interviewed using an anonymous questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate log-binomial regression were used to analyze factors affecting willingness to undergo HIV testing.Results: The proportions of participants who were willing to participate in free HIV testing was 73.0% in urban residents and 78.8% in rural residents. Multivariate regression analysis among urban participants showed that greater knowledge of HIV transmission misconceptions (relative risk (RR) = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.00-1.04, P = 0.021) and the awareness that an apparently healthy person can be an HIV carrier (RR = 1.12, 95%CI:1.03-1.21, P = 0.007) was significantly associated with greater willingness to participate in free HIV testing. Among rural participants, greater knowledge of HIV transmission modes (RR = 1.03, 95%CI: 1.01-1.06 P = 0.001) and the awareness that an apparently healthy person can be an HIV carrier (RR = 1.07; 95%CI: 1.01-1.13 P = 0.019) was significantlyassociated with greater willingness to participate.Conclusions: The overall level of willingness to accept free HIV testing is high, and is higher in rural residents than in urban residents in Heilongjiang. knowledge of HIV transmission misconceptions and that an apparently healthy person can be a carrier for HIV were associated with willingness to accept free HIV testing among urban residents, while knowledge of HIV transmission modes and that an apparently healthy person can be a carrier for HIV were associated with willingness to accept free HIV testing among rural residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malnutrition and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is frequently present in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). However, the direct relationship between SIBO and nutrition status in the LC patients has not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was an association between nutrition status, evaluated by the subjective global assessment (SGA) and SIBO in patients with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) related cirrhosis. A total of 120 patients with HBV or HCV-related cirrhosis and 30 healthy controls were included. Nutritional status was determined according to SGA and anthropometry. All patients and healthy controls underwent a glucose hydrogen breath test for SIBO. The prevalence of malnutrition for the patients with HBV or HCV related cirrhosis ranged 19.4%-60% in China. The highest prevalence of malnutrition was detected by SGA, the lowest by triceps skinfold thickness. The frequency of SIBO was significantly higher in the malnourished (SGA-B/C) than in the well-nourished (SGA-A) patients with HBV or HCV related cirrhosis [41/72 (56.9%) vs 12/48 (25.0%) (p=0.001)]. Univariate analysis showed that SIBO, ascites, and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class were associated with malnutrition. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that SIBO [odds ratio (OR) 8.10; p=0.002] and ascites (OR 4.56; p=0.022) were independently associated with the occurrence of malnutrition (SGA-B/C) in the same subjects. SIBO is independently related to the occurrence of malnutrition (SGA-B/C) in patients with HBV or HCV cirrhosis. We deduce that SIBO may play an important role in nutrition status in patients with HBV or HCV cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a special wave mode propagating in the interface between an infinite elastic solid and fluid, the Scholte waves are well known for their existence and frequency with distinct properties. The analysis and features are usually presented through the formulation in Cartesian coordinates, while the essential features of the phase velocity and wave patterns are also similar in other coordinates on the basis of equivalence. A variation of the Scholte wave features with a coordinate framework should be examined for possible insights related to mathematical solutions and applications besides the known properties. Using a systematic formulation with cylindrical coordinates and subsequent solutions in the Bessel functions, it is proved that the Scholte waves will attenuate with the increase of a radius in an axisymmetric case, which is different from the results in the Cartesian coordinate system. In addition, the particle trajectory will also vary due to the changes of the waveform. The examination of such features in a systematic analysis should play a prominent role in engineering applications of wave propagation associated with cylindrical solids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stoneley waves -- as one of just a few special wave modes propagating in infinite elastic solids and interfaces -- are well-known for their existence and frequency with distinct features. Their analysis and properties are usually presented through the formulation in Cartesian coordinates, while the essential features including the phase velocity and wave patterns are also consistent with other coordinates based on an equivalent principle. The variation of the Stoneley wave properties with different coordinate framework should be examined for possible insights related to mathematical solutions and applications in addition to known knowledge. Through a systematic formulation with cylindrical coordinates and subsequent solutions in the Bessel functions, it is shown that the amplitudes of Stoneley waves in an axisymmetric configuration will decrease with radius which is in a strong contrast to the Cartesian coordinate case. The examination of such features in a systematic manner can be of importance in crafting and tuning of engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transcription factor PU.1 was previously identified as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor in different types of leukemia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of PU.1 in breast cancer and to analyze its association with clinical features and prognosis. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine PU.1 expression in breast cancer tissue microarrays and paraffin‑embedded sections. The association between PU.1 expression and clinicopathological factors was assessed by using chi‑square test. The survival analysis of patients was conducted by using Kaplan‑Meier analysis and log‑rank tests. Cox regression was utilized for univariate and multivariate analyses of prognostic factors. The results indicated that the expression level of PU.1 protein in breast cancer samples was significantly higher compared with normal breast tissues (P=2.63x10‑8). Furthermore, the level of PU.1 expression was detected to be positively associated with androgen receptor (P=0.027) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 status (P=2.03x10‑21) as well as molecular subtype (P=3.51x10‑11). Furthermore, patients with negative PU.1 expression had longer OR compared with those with positive PU.1 expression (P=3.67x10‑4). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that PU.1 expression level and tumor‑node‑metastasis stage were independent prognostic factors for overall survival (P=0.034 and P=0.018, respectively). Therefore, PU.1 protein expression may contribute to breast cancer progression and may be a valuable molecular marker to predict the prognosis of patients with breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resonance vibrations of LiTaO3 fast-shear overtone mode resonators with a ferroelectric inversion layer are analyzed. In addition to the fast-shear mode, the coupled extensional mode is considered. Different from most of the LiTaO3 resonators studied in the literature that are based on the slow-shear mode, the resonator in this paper operates with the fast-shear overtone mode. Results show that the capacitance ratio assumes maxima at two resonances, which are identified to be the second overtone modes of fast-shear and extension, respectively. It is found that the thickness of the inversion layer has obvious influences on the capacitance ratio of fast-shear and extensional modes. This condition may provide a simple method to adjust capacitance ratios of piezoelectric resonators. The influence mechanisms are also discussed. Besides, the effect of the cut angle of the crystal on the mode shape of vibrations is also investigated. The results can be used as important basis of parameters designs of LiTaO3 resonators operating on the fast-shear overtone mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recent emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance in the Greater Mekong Subregion poses a great threat to malaria control and elimination. A K13-propeller gene (K13), PF3D7_1343700, has been associated lately with artemisinin resistance both in vitro and in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the K13 polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum parasites from the China-Myanmar border area where artemisinin use has the longest history. Methods: A total of 180 archived P. falciparum isolates containing 191 parasite clones, mainly collected in 2007-2012 from the China-Myanmar area, were used to obtain the full-length K13 gene sequences. Results: Seventeen point mutations were identified in 46.1% (88/191) parasite clones, of which seven were new. The F446I mutation predominated in 27.2% of the parasite clones. The C580Y mutation that is correlated with artemisinin resistance was detected at a low frequency of 1.6%. Collectively, 43.1% of the parasite clones contained point mutations in the kelch domain of the K13 gene. Moreover, there was a trend of increase in the frequency of parasites carrying kelch domain mutations through the years of sample collection. In addition, a microsatellite variation in the N-terminus of the K13 protein was found to have reached a high frequency (69.1%). Conclusions: This study documented the presence of mutations in the K13 gene in parasite populations from the China-Myanmar border. Mutations present in the kelch domain have become prevalent (>40%). A predominant mutation F446I and a prevalent microsatellite variation in the N-terminus were identified, but their importance in artemisinin resistance remains to be elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]