hTERT rs2736098 genetic variants and susceptibility of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Chinese population:a case-control study

BACKGROUND:The human telomerase reverse transcriptase(hTERT) gene encodes the catalytic subunit of telomerase,which mediates pleiotropic effects,including the regulation of senescence and proliferation and plays an important role in carcinogenesis.This study attempts to clarify the genetic predisposition to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),focusing on the hTERT gene rs2736098 polymorphism.METHOD:Four hundred patients with HCC and 400 noncancer controls were genotyped to elucidate the potential association between hTERT rs2736098 polymorphism and HCC risks.RESULTS:Compared with the controls,the patients with HCC had a lower frequency of G/G genotype(33.3% vs 44.3%,P=0.001) and a higher frequency of G/A(51.5% vs 39.5%,P=0.001).Allele genotypic frequencies in the patients differed from those of the controls(P=0.040).The data of this study rs2736098[A] allele contributed significantly to HCC risk in female patients(OR=1.78,95% CI,1.17-2.72,P=0.007),patients with HCV infection(OR=2.89,95% CI,1.08-7.70,P=0.031),non-drinker patients(OR=1.32,95% CI,1.06-1.65,P=0.015),and patients not affected by HBV(OR=1.77,95% CI,1.30-2.40,P【0.001).CONCLUSIONS:rs2736098[A] may be an independent hereditary parameter in HCC,but some risk factors would cover up the association by more powerful hepatocarcinogenesis.These results are important guidance for further studies in detecting HCC-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms.

Proteome Analysis of Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup Strains C Associated with Outbreaks in China

Objective During 2003-2005, an outbreak of meningitis due to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C occurred in China. With the aim to find strain clues result in the final epidemics, the ancestral strain 053442, a clinical isolate, and a carrier strain 053426 with different gene type were analyzed. Methods Clinical strain 053442 and carrier strain 053426 were cultured on GC agar plates under the same condition. Two-dimensional electrophoresis was performed using the pH 3–10 nonlinear IPG strips of 24 cm length, and all the protein spots were identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight spectrometry. Results 502 and 380 protein spots were identified in 053426 and 053442 respectively, relating to 266 and 202 different genes covering a wide range of cellular functions. The express volume and number of proteins involved in energy metabolism, protein synthesis and amino acid biosynthesis in 053426 were higher than in 053442. Virulence factor Opa, Opc and a series of proteins involved in pilus assembly and retraction were identified in 053442, which appear to be of primary importance in colonization and invasion of human cells. Compared to 053442, virulence protein species were less in 053426, with lower express volumes too. No Opa and Opc were detected in 053426. Conclusion The different protein expression profiles of the clinical strain 053442 and carrier strain 053426 in the present study provide some clues of the different pathogenicity of the two strains, which may account for result in the final epidemics.

HIV incidence among men who have sex with men using geosocial networking smartphone application in Beijing, China: an open cohort study

Background:Sexual transmission among men who have sex with men(MSM)is the dominant route of HIV transmission in China.Extensive use of geosocial networking(GSN)smartphone application(app)has dramatically changed the pattern of sexual behaviors and HIV risk among MSM;but data on HIV incidence and the changing risk behaviors of GSN app-using MSM are limited.We aims to assess the HIV incidence and its correlates among gay GSN app-using MSM in China.Methods:We constructed an open cohort which was initiated and maintained using a GSN app to assess the HIV incidence among app-using MSM,recruited from June 2017 to December 2018.MSM completed an online questionnaire on their sociodemographic characteristics,sexual behaviors,recreational drug use and sexually transmitted infections status.Then each man had an HIV test,and those tested negatives were enrolled into the cohort.Participants completed follow-ups with additional HIV tests though the app during the study period,and were censored at HIV seroconversion or study end date.HIV incidence was calculated by dividing the sum of observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-time.Univariate(Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test)and multivariate(proportional hazards regression)analyses were used to examine correlates of HIV incidence.Results:A total of 6957 HIV negative MSM were enrolled in the open cohort,37 seroconversions occurred among 1937 men contributing 1065 observed person-years:HIV incidence was 3.47 per 100 person-years[95%confidence interval(Cl):2.37-4.57].More than five sexual partners[hazard ratio(HR)=2.65,95%Cl:1.04-6.67],and sex with HIV positive partners(HR=3.82,95%Cl:1.16-12.64)in the preceding six months were positively associated with HIV seroconversion.Consistent condom use for anal sex(HR=0.27,95%Cl:0.07-0.96),and reporting insertive anal sex only(HR=0.23,95%Cl:0.08-0.62)in the preceding six months were protective factors for HIV seroconversion.Conclusions:Tailored interventions targeting app-using MSM are urgently needed given their high risk of HIV.As a new tool for accessing MSM at higher HIV risk,GSN smartphone app could play an important role in HIV research among MSM.