Objective To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection among patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in some regions of China. Methods Serum samples were collected from 3 131 patients with chronic HBV infection in 10 provinces, cities, and autonomous regions of China from March 2021 to June 2022, and anti-HDV IgG ELISA was used for the detection of all serum samples. Nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR) was used to detect HDV RNA in anti-HDV IgG-positive samples, and the nRT-PCR amplification products of HDV RNA-positive samples were sequenced and analyzed to determine HDV genotype. The clinical features of anti-HDV IgG-positive patients were analyzed. The Mann-Whitney U rank sum test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. Results The positive rate of anti-HDV IgG in the 3 131 patients with chronic HBV infection was 0.70% (22/3 131), and that in the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Beijing, and Hunan Province was 1.81% (16/886), 0.88% (2/226), 0.28% (2/708), and 1.00% (2/200), respectively; the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region had a significantly higher positive rate of anti-HDV IgG than those in Beijing ( P =0.004), and there was no significant difference between the other regions ( P > 0.05). Clinical features of the patients with chronic HBV infection in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region showed that compared with the anti-HDV IgG-negative group, the anti-HDV IgG-positive group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with Mongol nationality ( P =0.001), abnormal alanine aminotransferase ( P =0.007), or antiviral treatment ( P =0.029), as well as a significantly lower median HBV DNA level ( P =0.030). A total of 19 HDV RNA-positive samples were identified, all of which had HDV genotype 1. Conclusion The prevalence rate of HDV varies greatly across different regions of China, with a higher prevalence rate of HDV in patients with chronic HBV infection from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. HDV genotype 1 is the predominant genotype in some provinces and cities of northern China.

Objective: To understand sexual orientation and characteristics of sexual behaviors related with HIV infection among HIV positive male college students in Beijing and to provide suggestions for development of sexual health education and HIV prevention strategy for student population. Methods: HIV positive male college students diagnosed from 2016 to June 30, 2019 in Beijing were recruited. Questionnaire was used to retrospectively investigate sexual orientation and characteristics of sexual behaviors before HIV infection. Behaviors related to HIV infection were compared between absolutely homosexual and others sexual orientation. Results: The average age of male students firstly identified to be HIV positive was (22.18±2.70) years old, 61.5%(123) of them were undergraduate, 69.5%(139) were not registered permanent residency in Beijing, 38.5%(77) of their interviewed sexual partners were from online chat and 83.0%(166) had homosexual behaviors. Sexual orientation score analysis showed that 50.0% of the participants self identified as exclusively homosexual. Compared with other sexual oriental group, exclusively homosexual group had lower mean age of their HIV infection firstly identified（ t =2.77， P =0.01）, higher rate of Rush use, firstly insertive sexual behavior with male, firstly insertive sexual behavior before 18 years old, sexual partners more than three persons, having regular partners, nonpersistent use of condom, being diagnosed of sexual transmitted disease and the frequency of homosexual behaviors more than 1 time per month （ χ 2=5.15,28.06,4.16,5.34,5.89,7.39,6.68, P <0.05）. Rush users had higher rate of STD diagnosis than non users in exclusively homosexual group ( χ 2=6.26， P =0.01). Conclusion Risky sexual behaviors associated with HIV infection were higher in exclusively homosexual group then other sexual orientation groups among HIV positive male college students. Family and school should concern with sexual health education byreinforcing health education via network media to improve college students’ awarenees on HIV/AIDS.

A massive depletion of CD4+ T lymphocytes has been described in early and acute human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, leading to an imbalance between the human microbiome and immune responses. In recent years, a growing interest in the alterations in gut microbiota in HIV infection has led to many studies; however, only few studies have been conducted to explore the importance of oral microbiome in HIV-infected individuals. Evidence has indicated the dysbiosis of oral microbiota in people living with HIV (PLWH). Potential mechanisms might be related to the immunodeficiency in the oral cavity of HIV-infected individuals, including changes in secretory components such as reduced levels of enzymes and proteins in saliva and altered cellular components involved in the reduction and dysfunction of innate and adaptive immune cells. As a result, disrupted oral immunity in HIV-infected individuals leads to an imbalance between the oral microbiome and local immune responses, which may contribute to the development of HIV-related diseases and HIV-associated non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome comorbidities. Although the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to a significant decrease in occurrence of the opportunistic oral infections in HIV-infected individuals, the dysbiosis in oral microbiome persists. Furthermore, several studies with the aim to investigate the ability of probiotics to regulate the dysbiosis of oral microbiota in HIV-infected individuals are ongoing. However, the effects of ART and probiotics on oral microbiome in HIV-infected individuals remain unclear. In this article, we review the composition of the oral microbiome in healthy and HIV-infected individuals and the possible effect of oral microbiome on HIV-associated oral diseases. We also discuss how ART and probiotics influence the oral microbiome in HIV infection. We believe that a deeper understanding of composition and function of the oral microbiome is critical for the development of effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for HIV infection.
Dysbiosis ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; HIV Infections/drug therapy* ; Humans ; Microbiota ; Mouth

BACKGROUND: Albuvirtide is a once-weekly injectable human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 fusion inhibitor. We present interim data for a phase 3 trial assessing the safety and efficacy of albuvirtide plus lopinavir-ritonavir in HIV-1-infected adults already treated with antiretroviral drugs. METHODS: We carried out a 48-week, randomized, controlled, open-label non-inferiority trial at 12 sites in China. Adults on the World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended first-line treatment for >6 months with a plasma viral load >1000 copies/mL were enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive albuvirtide (once weekly) plus ritonavir-boosted lopinavir (ABT group) or the WHO-recommended second-line treatment (NRTI group). The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with a plasma viral load below 50 copies/mL at 48 weeks. Non-inferiority was prespecified with a margin of 12%. RESULTS: At the time of analysis, week 24 data were available for 83 and 92 patients, and week 48 data were available for 46 and 50 patients in the albuvirtide and NRTI groups, respectively. At 48 weeks, 80.4% of patients in the ABT group and 66.0% of those in the NRTI group had HIV-1 RNA levels below 50 copies/mL, meeting the criteria for non-inferiority. For the per-protocol population, the superiority of albuvirtide over NRTI was demonstrated. The frequency of grade 3 to 4 adverse events was similar in the two groups; the most common adverse events were diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infections, and grade 3 to 4 increases in triglyceride concentration. Renal function was significantly more impaired at 12 weeks in the patients of the NRTI group who received tenofovir disoproxil fumarate than in those of the ABT group. CONCLUSIONS: The TALENT study is the first phase 3 trial of an injectable long-acting HIV drug. This interim analysis indicates that once-weekly albuvirtide in combination with ritonavir-boosted lopinavir is well tolerated and non-inferior to the WHO-recommended second-line regimen in patients with first-line treatment failure. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02369965; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov.Chinese Clinical Trial Registry No. ChiCTR-TRC-14004276; http://www.chictr.org.cn/enindex.aspx.
Adult ; Anti-HIV Agents/adverse effects* ; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active ; China ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; HIV Infections/drug therapy* ; HIV-1 ; Humans ; Maleimides ; Peptides ; Ritonavir/therapeutic use* ; Treatment Outcome ; Viral Load

Herb-induced liver injury (HILI) is a type of adverse drug reactions related to using Chinese medicine (CM) or herbal medicine (HM), and is now a growing segment of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) worldwide. Owing to the complicated compositions and miscellaneous risk factors associated with the clinical usage of CM or HM, it is more challenging to diagnose and manage HILI than DILI. In the present guideline issued by the China Association of Chinese Medicine (CACM), the authors present an evidence chain-based workflow with 9 structured judgment criteria for diagnosing HILI. The 3 diagnostic ending points-suspected diagnosis, clinical diagnosis, and confirmed diagnosis-could be reached according to the length of the evidence chain acquired in the structured diagnostic workflow. Either identifying the species of CM or HM or excluding adulterations and toxin contaminants was strongly recommended to improve the level of evidence for a clinical diagnosis of HILI. In addition, the authors report that the improper use of CM, which violates the general law of CM theory, is one of the most important factors that contributes to HILI and should be avoided. By contrast, based on syndrome differentiation, some CM can also be used to treat HILI if used in accordance with the general law of CM theory. Therefore, 9 recommendations are put forward in this guideline.

Objective: To analyze the therapeutic effect on HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients treated with Peg-IFNα-2a combined with NAs to obtain the influencing factors for predicting HBsAg clearance. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the effect of pegylated interferon alpha-2a combined with nucleoside analogues (lamivudine/adefovir dipivoxil) on HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B. The treatment course was 96 weeks. Patients were followed up 120 weeks after the treatment. HBsAg clearance at 120 weeks was taken as the objective of the study. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis screened the related factors affecting HBsAg clearance. χ ² test was used to compare count data. Results: 111 patients were treated with pegylated interferon alpha-2a combined with nucleoside analogues, and 107 patients completed the scheduled course of treatment and follow-up. HBsAg clearance rate at120 week was 29.0% (31/107). The influencing factors for analysis were: (1) gender had no effect on HBsAg clearance rate; age and baseline levels of HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase had no significant effect on HBsAg clearance; low baseline level of HBsAg (< 3.023 lgIU/ml) was beneficial to HBsAg clearance. The area under the working characteristic curve of the subjects was 0.746, the positive predictive value was 44.4%, and the negative predictive value was 86.8%. (2) HBsAg quantification or decline in 24 weeks and 48 weeks of treatment had a good predictive effect on HBsAg clearance, and the 48 weeks predicted value was higher than 24 weeks. When the HBsAg quantification was≤2.070 lgIU/ml at 48 weeks, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.931, the positive predictive value was 52.8%, and the negative predictive value was 94.4%. When HBsAg decreased from baseline to≥0.991 lgIU/ml, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.888, the positive predictive value was 50.8%, and the negative predictive value was 97.9%. (3) The analysis of HBsAg subgroup levels at 48 weeks suggested that the "interval analysis" can forecast HBsAg clearance more exactly than "nodal analysis" .The final HBsAg clearance rate of 100 IU/ml < HBsAg≤1 000 IU/ml, 10 IU/ml < HBsAg≤100 IU/ml and HBsAg≤10 IU/ml groups reached 6.7%, 31.8% and 67.7%, respectively. (4) The ALT abnormal group in the course of treatment obtained a higher HBsAg clearance rate (48.0%, 12/25). Conclusion 96-weeks long-term treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha -alpha-2a combined with nucleoside analogues for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B has a good predictive value for HBsAg clearance at baseline and during treatment. The "interval level" of HBsAg at 48-weeks is more accurate in predicting HBsAg clearance, suggesting that HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with low HBsAg levels at 48-weeks are the advantageous populations with HBsAg clearance. These patients are worthy of prolonged treatment to pursue "clinical cure".

Objective To compare the ExacTrac X-ray and CBCT image guide system for the head and neck cancer patients in radiotherapy. Methods Twenty head and neck cancer patients were randomly chosen and divided two Group. In group A ( 10 patients) ,the cross X-ray radiation photos were matched with the DRR after positioning with the infrared markers. Obtain the setup errors on three directions and rotation errors. Then adjustment of error with 6D treatment bed,record time set-up and registration. In group B ( 10 patients) ,the CBCTimages were matched with reference CT data after manual positioning. Obtain the setup errors on three directions and around the vertical axis direction errors. Then adjustment of error,record the time of set-up and registration. Groups were compared using the paired t-test. Results For group A and B group,the translation errors were (0.59±0. 25) mm,(0.62±0. 25) mm,(1.56±0. 28) mm,and (0.52± 0. 31) mm,(0.74±0. 17) mm,(1.58±0. 34) mm on horizontal,vertical,up-down directions,respectively (P=0.43,0.21,0.90).For group A,the rotation errors were (0.54±0.17)°,(0.72±0.27)°,(0.44± 0. 22)°,respectively;with (1.26±0. 33)°on vertical directions on B group (P=0. 01).The time of set-up registration on group A was significantly less than group B ( 108. 0 s vs . 165. 8 s , P= 0. 00 ) . Conclusions For the head and neck cancer patients in raditherapy,the image guide systems is feasible. The rotation errors of ExacTrac X-ray slightly less than CBCT.The time of set-up and registration of ExacTrac X-ray significantly less than CBCT,but the image resolution of ExacTrac X-ray inferior for CBCT.

Objective To study the ExacTrac X-ray image guide system for patients with head and neck cancer.Methods Ten patients were chosen foe this study.It was immoblized using the head mask and frame fixtures.The two KV X-ray units were matched with the digitally reconstructed radiographs after positioning with the infrared markers.Then the setup errors on x (horizontal axis),y (vertical axis) and z (up-down) directions and rotation errors were obtained.Paired t-test between any two direction difference errors.Results The setup errors with ExacTrac X-ray image guide system for the patients in x,y,z directions and rotation errors were (0.57 ± 0.24) mm,(0.68 ± 0.19) mm,(1.54 ± 0.29) mm,(0.54 ±0.13) °,(0.60 ± 0.23) °,(0.51 ± 0.15) °.The z-axis direction have slightly larger error (P =0.02,0.01).The others have not statistical significance (P =0.06,0.10-0.41).Conclusions To use ExacTrac X-ray image guide system cooperating with the six degree of freedom treatment couch in image guided radiotherapy for is feasible,the motion errors ＜ 2 mm,the rotation errors ＜ 2°.Reduced of the setup errors with replace the sphere or to reduce pollution of the sphere,improve the accuracy,it could provide a better quality assurance in radiation therapy.

OBJECTIVETo observe the clinical efficacy of combination therapy with peg-IFNalpha and adefovir (CPIA) in women who were hepatfis B virus (HBV) carriers and had just given birth and received telbivudine (LdT) during pregnancy for prevention of mother-to-child transmission.

METHODSOne-hundred-and-fifty third trimester-pregnant women who were HBV carriers with highly-viremic were treated with LdT until time of birth. After delivery, those women with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level exceeding two times the upper limit of normal and HBV DNA level that had decreased more than 31 gIU/mL or hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) titer that had decreased more than 50% were switched to CPIA for 96 weeks.

RESULTSFollowing delivery, 45 of the women were switched to the CPIA treatment, of which 91.1% (41/45) achieved virological response, 55.6% (25/45) achieved HBeAg clearance or seroconversion, and 26.7% (12/45) achieved hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance or seroconversion.The immediate post-delivery (and pre-CPIA) levels of HBeAg and HBV DNA were negatively associated with HBeAg clearance. Ninety-eight of the total study participants stopped the LdT treatment and there were no cases of significant deterioration of liver function.

CONCLUSIONPregnant women who are HBV carriers and receive LdT for protection against mother-to-child transmission, and who show significant ALT elevation and decreased HBeAg titer and/or reduced HBV DNA after delivery, may be good candidates for the CPIA therapy following delivery.

Adenine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use ; Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Carrier State ; virology ; DNA, Viral ; blood ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical ; prevention & control ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Organophosphonates ; therapeutic use ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious ; drug therapy ; virology ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Recombinant Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Thymidine ; analogs & derivatives ; therapeutic use