Comparison of doxycycline and benzathine penicillin G for the treatment of early syphilis

Doxycycline is the preferred recommended second-line treatment for the treatment of early syphilis. Recent reports showed a declining efficacy trend of doxycycline in treatment of early syphilis. The aim of our study was to assess the serological response to the treatment for early syphilis with doxycycline compared with benzathine penicillin G and evaluate whether doxycycline is still an effective agent for the treatment of early syphilis. A record-based retrospective study was conducted. Patients were diagnosed with early syphilis in an sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2014. They were treated with a single dose of benzathine penicillin G 2.4MU or oral doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 14 days. Pearson’s chi-squared test was used for data analysis. 601 cases were included in the final study sample: 105 (17.5%) patients received a 14-day course of doxycycline (doxycycline group), and 496 (82.5%) patients received single-dose benzathine penicillin G (BPG group). The serological responses at 6 months and 12 months after treatment were compared. No statistically significant differences were found between the two groups at 6 months (69.52% vs. 75.00%, P=0.245), and at 12 months (92.38% vs. 96.17%, P=0.115). Doxycycline is still an effective agent for the treatment of early syphilis. </p

Evidence for an association of HLA-DRB1*15 and DRB1*09 with leprosy and the impact of DRB1*09 on disease onset in a Chinese Han population

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) have been proposed to modulate the immune response to <it>Mycobacterium leprae</it>. The association of HLA-DRB1 with leprosy has been reported in several populations, but not in a Chinese population.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The polymerase chain reaction-sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe with Luminex100 (PCR-SSOP-Luminex) method was used to genotype HLA-DRB1 alleles in 305 leprosy patients and 527 healthy control individuals.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The HLA-DRB1*15 allele was significantly more prevalent among leprosy patients than healthy controls, whereas the frequency of the HLA-DRB1*09 allele was lower among leprosy patients, especially those with early-onset disease.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>HLA-DRB1 alleles are associated with leprosy susceptibility in a Chinese population. The HLA-DRB1*09 allele was found to be protective exclusively in a subset of early-onset leprosy patients.</p

Characterization and expression analysis of heat shock protein 90β from golden pompano (<em>Trachinotus ovatus</em>, Linnaeus 1758) in responses to stock density stress and <em>Cryptocaryon irritans</em> infection

Heat shock protein 90 family, a class highly conserved protein and important molecular chaperone and its plays a role in enhancing animal adaptability to environmental stress and improving immunity. In this study, a full-length HSP90β cDNA (ToHSP90β) sequence was identified from Trachinotus ovatus. The cDNA of ToHSP90β was 2648 base-pairs (bp) long and contained a 5′-terminal untranslated region of 130 bp, a 3′-terminal untranslated region of 334 bp, and the open reading frame length 2184 bp, which can encode 728 amino acids. The ToHSP90β has a heat shock protein 90 family signature. The ToHSP90β amino acid sequence has high homology with other fish HSP90β amino acids (92.5-99.17%) and contains five conserved signal regions and a structural feature of the cytoplasmic HSP90 family. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that ToHSP90β was most closely related to Seriola dumerili HSP90β. Tissues expression analysis showed that the ToHSP90β was expressed in all nine tissues of T. ovatus, and its expression was the highest in the intestine. The stocking density significantly affected the expression of ToHSP90β in the kidney and brain tissues, and its expression levels increased significantly with increasing stocking densities, indicating that it plays an important regulatory role in the process of T. ovatus’ chronic stress response. After Cryptocaryon irritans infection, the mRNA expression of ToHSP90β was significantly increased in liver and kidney tissues, indicating that ToHSP90β would be involved in the immune regulatory response. This study was the first to analyze the expression pattern of HSP90β mRNA in T. ovatus tissues and their expression responses to stocking density stress and C. irritans infection. To provide a theoretical basis for further study of the function of fish HSP90 and its physiological mechanism in environmental stress and parasite infection

Difference analysis of gut microbiota of golden pompano <em>Trachinotus ovatus</em> (Linnaeus, 1758) with the unsynchronized growth by feeding fermented soybean meal

Abstract Golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) is a commercially important marine fish and is widely cultured in the coastal area of South China. We explored the distribution difference of intestinal microflora with the same growth condition and the difference of gut microflora with different growth rates fed with fermented soybean meal (FSM) and fish meal (FM) primary protein source. After 8 weeks of the breeding experiment, select significant growth fish (Zcd, 156.04 ± 1.04 g) average growth fish (Zc, 120.01 ± 1.05 g) stagnant growth fish (Zcx, 98.03 ± 1.08 g) in FSM and select average growth fish (Dc, 158.03 ± 1.02 g) in FM. Sequencing results show that a total of 86303 sequences had been obtained in the intestine of Trachinotus ovatus. The number of OTUs that can be annotated to the database was 2315 (98.97%). At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, Spirochaetes and Firmicutes were the predominant phyla. Alpha diversity and beta diversity analyses show that gut microbes' richness and diversity in the Dc group were the highest. The diversity of gut microbiota in the FSM: Zc > Zcd >Zcx. At the genus classification level, the differences between FM and FSM were mainly in Gueglia, Grimontia, Klebsiella, Alistipes, Staphylococcus, and Parasutterella (p <0.05). Alistipes and Staphylococcus were the different genera between Dc and Zcd (p <0.05). We found significant differences in the relative abundance of Ruegeria between the Zc and Zcd groups. Also, significant differences were found in the distribution of Brevinema, Ruegeria, Unidentified-Lachnospiraceae, Blautia, and Bacteroides between Zc and Zcx groups. The results showed that fermented soybean meal had an essential effect on gut microflora of T. ovatus with the unsynchronized growth

Availability of benzathine penicillin G for syphilis treatment in Shandong Province, Eastern China

Abstract Background The shortage of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) worldwide presents a major challenge in the treatment of syphilis. Its availability for syphilis treatment has not been adequately evaluated in China. Methods Two surveys were conducted among hospitals providing sexually transmitted infection clinical services in Shandong Province in 2012 and 2018. Data on the basic information and BPG availability of the surveyed hospitals and related factors were collected and analyzed using SPSS 17.0. Results A total of 433 and 515 hospitals were surveyed in 2012 and 2018, respectively. A significant difference in BPG availability was observed among different levels and types of hospitals both in 2012 (X2 = 9.747, p = 0.008; X2 = 37.167, p = 0.000) and 2018 (X2 = 11.775, p = 0.003; X2 = 28.331, p = 0.000). The BPG availability among surveyed hospitals increased from 45.0% in 2012 to 56.4% in 2018 (X2 = 11.131, p = 0.001). The BPG availability was higher in 2018 than in 2012 among county-level hospitals (52.0% vs. 40.8%, X2 = 7.783, p = 0.005), general western medicine hospitals (62.1% vs. 50.0%, X2 = 6.742, p = 0.009), maternal and child health hospitals (57.1% vs. 26.9%, X2 = 13.906, p = 0.000), and public hospitals (56.8% vs. 45.0%, X2 = 11.361, p = 0.001). However, the county-level availability of BPG (at least one hospital has BPG in a county-level unit) has not improved between 2012 and 2018 (65.93% vs. 70.34%; X2 = 0.563, p = 0.453). The absences of clinical needs, restriction of clinical antibacterial drugs, and lack of qualifications for providing syphilis treatment were the major reasons for the low BPG availability of hospitals. Conclusions BPG availability for syphilis treatment in Shandong Province remains low and presents disparities among different levels and types of hospitals, although it has been improved in recent years. The low availability of BPG for syphilis treatment in China is related to its clinical use by doctors rather than the market supply. Health care reforms should further improve the availability and accessibility of health services

HIV test uptake and related factors amongst heterosexual drug users in Shandong province, China.

BACKGROUND:In China, the mode of HIV transmission and the types and routes of drug use have changed in the past decade. HIV testing amongst drug users needs further improvement. METHODS:Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used for data collection amongst 600 heterosexual drug users from the community and a municipal detention centre, where criminal suspects are supervised. Descriptive statistics, univariate analysis and multilevel logistic regression analysis were used to identify the factors associated with HIV testing amongst heterosexual drug users. All participants were screened HIV and sexually transmitted infections. RESULTS:Amongst 600 participants, 554 (92.3%) were methamphetamine users, and 155 (25.8%) underwent HIV testing in the past year. Multivariate analysis results revealed that drug users who were single (adjusted odds ratio(AOR) = 1.923, 95% confidence interval(CI) = 1.189-3.109), had less knowledge of HIV (AOR = 1.706, 95% CI = 1.074-2.711), used only one kind of drug (AOR = 2.649, 95% CI = 1.155-6.077), used drug via a non-injection route (AOR = 2.121, 95% CI = 1.103-4.078), did not receive free condoms (AOR = 2.307, 95% CI = 1.129-4.715) and who did not receive free publicity material from health workers in the past year (AOR = 2.828, 95% CI = 1.757-4.552) were less likely to undergo HIV testing. A total of 594 participants underwent HIV and syphilis screening in this survey. Amongst these participants, 2 (0.3%) were HIV antibody positive, and 88 (14.8%) showed positive results in both non-treponemal test (rapid plasma regain test) and treponemal test (Treponema pallidum particle agglutination test) for the first time. CONCLUSIONS:The rate of HIV test uptake amongst heterosexual drug users in China remains low. Thus, more specific interventions are urgently needed to improve the utilisation of HIV testing amongst heterosexual drug users, particularly amongst non-injection drug users in China

ROS Induced by <i>Streptococcus agalactiae</i> Activate Inflammatory Responses via the TNF-α/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Golden Pompano <i>Trachinotus ovatus</i> (Linnaeus, 1758)

Streptococcus agalactiae is common pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture and can cause mass mortality after fish infection. This study aimed to investigate the effects of S. agalactiae infection on the immune and antioxidant regulatory mechanisms of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). Serum and liver samples were obtained at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, and 120 h after golden pompano infection with S. agalactiae for enzyme activity and gene expression analyses. After infection with S. agalactiae, the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum was significantly increased (p p p SOD, CAT, and GPx) in the liver increased and then decreased, reaching the maximum at 24 h, 48 h, and 24 h, respectively. During the experimental period, the mRNA expression levels of NF-κB-related genes of the inflammatory signaling pathway inhibitory κB (IκB) showed an overall decreasing trend (p TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IκB kinase (IKK), and nuclear factor NF-κB increased significantly (p S. agalactiae could activate internal regulatory signaling in the liver of golden pompano to induce defense and immune responses. This study is expected to lay a foundation to develop the healthy aquaculture of golden pompano and promote a more comprehensive understanding of its disease resistance mechanisms

Effect of feeding frequency on growth performance and immune response on Golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus

Golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) is a commercially important marine fish and is widely cultured in the coastal area of South China. The aims of this study are to investigate the effect of feeding frequency on growth performance, biochemical indices, muscle composition of Trachinotus ovatus, 6 groups of feeding frequency were designed (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6TD) for 10 weeks to analyze the survival rate of T. ovatus. The results showed that final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate, viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index of the 4TD group were significantly higher than of the other groups (P 0.05). The crude fat and crude protein content were higher in the 4TD group, but there was no difference in moisture and ash among the groups (P > 0.05). Total protein, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein content was lowest in the 4TD group. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and total antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in the 3 and 4TD groups than that of the other groups (P 0.05). Malondialdehyde was significantly higher in the 4TD group than that of the 1, 2 and 5TD groups (P 0.05). Lysozyme was significantly lower in the 1 and 6TD groups than other groups (P 0.05). Feeding frequency of 4TD for the T. ovatus seems suitable since the fish of this treatment group showed a fast and a healthy growth while muscle quality was maintained

Comprehensive measures succeeded in improving early detection of leprosy cases in post-elimination era: Experience from Shandong province, China.

BACKGROUND:A few new leprosy cases still can be seen in Shandong province after elimination. In post-elimination era, government commitments dwindled and active case-finding activities were seldom done. Most of the cases were detected by passive modes and advanced cases with longer delay and visible disability were common. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Comprehensive measures including health promotion, personnel training, reward-offering, symptom surveillance and a powerful referral center were implemented in the past decade. The diagnosis of leprosy was mainly based on three cardinal clinical signs. Two-group classification system developed by the WHO was used and cases were classified into multibacillary (MB) type or paucibacillary (PB) type. Cases detected during period 2007-2017 were analyzed and associated factors of grade 2 disability (G2D) were explored. RESULTS:231 new leprosy cases detected during 2007-2017 were analyzed. The mean age at diagnosis is 51.7±16.0 years and the number of males, peasants, illiterates, MB cases, G2D cases and immigrants were 130(56.3%), 221(95.7%), 73(31.6%), 184(79.7%), 92(39.8%) and 40(17.3%) respectively. 181(78.4%) cases were reported by skin clinics and 152 (65.8%) cases came from formerly high endemic counties/districts. The annual number of new cases showed a decreasing trend, from 42 cases in 2008 to 13 cases in 2017. 92 (39.8%) cases presented with G2D at diagnosis. The annual proportion of new cases with G2D declined from 50% in 2008 to 23% in 2017. PB type (OR = 2.76, 95% CI, 1.43-5.32), >12 months of patient delay (OR = 2.40, 95% CI, 1.38-4.19), >24 months of total delay (OR = 4.35, 95% CI, 2.33-8.11), detected by non skin-clinic (OR = 3.21, 95% CI, 1.68-6.14), known infectious source (OR = 1.77, 95% CI, 1.01-3.12) were associated with G2D. CONCLUSION:A few scattered cases still can be seen in post-elimination era and some kind of leprosy control program is still necessary. Government commitments including adequate financial security and strong policy support are vital. Comprehensive case-finding measures including health promotion, personnel training, reward-offering, with an emphasis on former high or middle endemic areas, are necessary to improve early presentation of suspected cases and to increase suspicion and encourage participation of all relevant medical staff. Symptom surveillance based on a powerful transfer center may play an important role in the early detection of new cases in post-elimination era