Association of HIV transmissions and non-transmission knowledge with negative attitudes to HIV/AIDS

Background Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immure deficiency syndrome （HIV/AIDS）-related stigma is an obstacle to the implementation of treatment, care, and support programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. This study explored the association of the HIV knowledge with the attitudes toward HIV/AIDS.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in HIV epidemic rural areas with 5355 participants. Their knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS were assessed, and the associations of HIV transmission and non-transmission knowledge with negative attitudes towards the HIV/AIDS were analyzed.Results Negative attitudes were significantly correlated with the HIV non-transmission knowledge and the correlation was higher than that with HIV transmission knowledge among participants who were male, 20 years old and migrant workers, students and respondents of and above junior high school. However, among those who were female, age 30 and older, illiterate with primary school education, negative attitudes were significantly associated with HIV non-transmission knowledge and the association was lower than that with HIV transmission knowledge.Conclusions HIV transmission knowledge and non-transmission knowledge have different influences on negative attitudes towards HIV/AIDS among different demographic subgroups.

Enhanced expression of the decoy receptor IL-13Rα2 in macrophages of Schistosomajaponicum-infected mice

Background Type 2 cytokine interleukin （IL）-13 and its decoy receptor, IL-13 receptor （R）a2 appear to play a major role in tissue fibrosis of schistosomiasis and asthma. IL-13 is a key regulator of the extracellular matrix （ECM）. It is known to signal to cells by binding to the IL-13Rα1, which then heterodimerizes with IL-4Rα. In contrast, IL-13Rα2 binds IL-13 with high affinity but does not signal. IL-13Rα2 is known to down-regulate granulomatous inflammation and prolong host survival in Schistosoma mansoni （S. mansoni） infection, but little is known about the location and expression level of IL-13Rα2 in the context of S. japonicum infection. Methods We established S. japonicum-infected mouse models. Kinetic serum levels of IL-13Rα2 were examined with ELISA. IL-13Rα2 mRNA and protein of liver tissues were determined by PCR and immunoblotting analysis, respectively. Detection of IL-13Rα2 expression and location in macrophages was performed by TaqMan PCR and fluorescent immunocytochemistry technique, respectively. Results A marked elevation of mRNA and protein expression of IL-13Rα2 was observed in mice during S. japonicum infection. An enhanced expression of IL-13Rα2 was further demonstrated in primary macrophages of murine schistosomiasis. Conclusions IL-13Rα2 in macrophages may be a critical contributor to pathogenesis of schistosomiasis. The data highlight the potential importance of cell signaling and antifibrotic gene therapeutics in T helper 2 cell （Th2）-mediated diseases.