Community-based sexual health services are recommended to increase sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing among men who have sex with men (MSM). Pilot study data from multiple sites found that MSM in Guangzhou who use public STD clinics were found to have different sociodemographic characteristics, lower community engagement, and increased social cohesion, compared to MSM who use MSM-led clinics.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDysregulation of the gut microbiome has associated with the occurrence and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To determine the diagnostic capacity of this association, we compared fecal microbiomes across 104 participants including non-NAFLD controls and NAFLD subtypes patients that were distinguished by magnetic resonance imaging. We measured their blood biochemical parameters, 16 S rRNA-based gut microbiota and fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: Invasive lumbar puncture is the conventional method for diagnosing neurosyphilis (NS). We investigated a non-invasive alternative method to detect serum Treponema pallidum-specific antibodies against highly immunogenic antigens TP0171 (TP15), TP0435 (TP17), and TP0574 (TP47) by using luciferase immunosorbent assay.
Methods: A total of 816 HIV-negative patients suspected of NS from the Beijing and Guangzhou cohorts were retrospectively selected and tested for serum anti-TP15, TP17, and TP47 IgG antibodies.
Background: The global resurgence of syphilis necessitates vaccine development.
Methods: We collected ulcer exudates and blood from 17 participants with primary syphilis (PS) and skin biopsies and blood from 51 patients with secondary syphilis (SS) in Guangzhou, China, for Treponema pallidum subsp pallidum (TPA) quantitative polymerase chain reaction, whole genome sequencing (WGS), and isolation of TPA in rabbits.
Results: TPA DNA was detected in 15 of 17 ulcer exudates and 3 of 17 blood PS specimens.
To assess the clinical applicability of a semi-quantitative luciferase immunosorbent assay (LISA) for detecting antibodies against antigens TP0171 (TP15), TP0435 (TP17), and TP0574 (TP47) in diagnosing and monitoring syphilis. LISA for detection of anti-TP15, TP17, and TP47 antibodies were developed and evaluated for syphilis diagnosis using 261 serum samples (161 syphilis, 100 non-syphilis). Ninety serial serum samples from 6 syphilis rabbit models (3 treated, 3 untreated) and 110 paired serum samples from 55 syphilis patients were used to assess treatment effects by utilizing TRUST as a reference.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Probiotic administration is a promising therapy for improving conditions in NAFLD patients. This network meta-analysis aimed to compare and estimate the relative effects of probiotic interventions and identify the optimal probiotic species for the treatment of NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) patients.
Methods: The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception to 29 January 2024 to identify RCTs that were published in English.
Background: Accumulating data show that probiotics may be beneficial for reducing depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. However, the best combinations and species of probiotics have not been identified. The objective of our study was to assess the most effective combinations and components of different probiotics through network meta-analysis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Overweight and obesity as main health problems harm human beings worldwide. The number of people diagnosed with overweight and obese is gradually increasing. Green tea catechin has been reported to effectively help control body weight in overweight and obese population, and is protectively against the blood pressure and lipids in people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The global resurgence of syphilis requires novel prevention strategies. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of ( ) using different specimen types is essential for vaccine development.
Methods: Patients with primary (PS) and secondary (SS) syphilis were recruited in Guangzhou, China.
Background: Consistent evidence highlights the role of stigma in impairing healthcare access in people living with HIV (PLWH), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people with both identities. We developed an incognito standardized patient (SP) approach to obtain observations of providers to inform a tailored, relevant, and culturally appropriate stigma reduction training. Our pilot cluster randomized control trial assessed the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of an intervention to reduce HIV stigma, anti-gay stigma, and intersectional stigma.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The continuing increase in syphilis rates worldwide necessitates development of a vaccine with global efficacy. We conducted a multi-center, observational study to explore subsp. ( ) molecular epidemiology essential for vaccine research by analyzing clinical data and specimens from early syphilis patients using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and publicly available WGS data.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The ability to accurately identify the absolute risk of neurosyphilis diagnosis for patients with syphilis would allow preventative and therapeutic interventions to be delivered to patients at high-risk, sparing patients at low-risk from unnecessary care. We aimed to develop, validate, and evaluate the clinical utility of simplified clinical diagnostic models for neurosyphilis diagnosis in HIV-negative patients with syphilis.
Methods: We searched PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and UpToDate for publications about neurosyphilis diagnostic guidelines in English or Chinese from database inception until March 15, 2023.
Background: Gonorrhea and chlamydia are the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Previous studies have shown pay-it-forward (PIF) interventions to be associated with a substantial increase in gonorrhea and chlamydia test uptake compared to standard-of-care. We propose a 'pay-it-forward' gonorrhea and chlamydia testing randomized controlled trial (PIONEER).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is gradually becoming one of the most common and health-endangering diseases. Flaxseed powder (FLA) is rich in α-linolenic acid, dietary fiber, lignans, and other active ingredients, which have lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we investigated whether the FLA improves host metabolism by gut bacteria modulation and further bile acid modulation in mice fed a high-fat diet.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: Nutritional support is potentially considered an essential step to prevent muscle loss and enhance physical function in older adults.
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the role of potential nutritional strategies, i.e.
Objective: We explored the dietary effects of replacing normal dietary staple foods with supplementary nutritional protein powder, dietary fiber, and fish oil on several metabolic parameters. We examined weight loss, glucose and lipid metabolism, and intestinal flora in obese individuals when compared with individuals on a reduced staple food low carbohydrate diet.
Methods: From inclusion and exclusion criteria, 99 participants (28 kg/m ≤ body mass index (BMI) ≤ 35 kg/m) were recruited and randomly assigned to control and intervention 1 and 2 groups.
Chrysanthemum extract possesses antioxidant potential and carbohydrate and fat digestive enzyme inhibitory in vitro. However, no evidence supporting chrysanthemum in modulation of postprandial lipemia and antioxidant status in humans presently exists. This study was to analyze the composition of Imperial Chrysanthemum (IC) extract and determine the effect on changes in postprandial glycemic and lipemic response and antioxidant status in adults after consumption of a high-fat (HF) meal.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInt J Environ Res Public Health
September 2022
Bioactive compounds provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of obesity. polysaccharide (LBP), a biological macromolecule extracted from Goji berry, has displayed potential for regulating lipid metabolism. However, the relationship between gut microbiota regulation and lipid metabolism is not entirely clear.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn this study, the following four groups of mice with hyperlipidemia were involved: the model control group (MC), the Chrysanthemum flavonoids group (CF), the luteolin group, and the luteoloside group. The whole gene expression profile was detected in the liver tissues of each group. Differential genes significantly enriched in the biological process of gene ontology (GO) items and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were selected, and 4 differential genes related to lipid metabolism were selected for further real-time quantitative PCR verification.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCardiovascular diseases have been the leading cause of death worldwide for decades. Some animal studies have indicated that oatmeal could improve gut microbiota and cardiometabolic risk markers. However, vivo evidence remained limited, especially in individuals with mild hypercholesterolemia.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The effects of dietary fat on health are influenced by its fatty acid profile. We aimed to determine the effects of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich blended oils (BO) containing a balance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and with a low n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio on the health of rats fed normal or high-fat diets. The BO was obtained by mixing red palm oil, rice bran oil (RO), tea seed oil and flaxseed oil in appropriate proportions.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPurpose: To explore the causes and outcomes of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the adolescent STD patients (ASPs) in relation to their access to and interpretation of sexual and STD knowledge, their attitudes towards premarital sex, and their feelings and thoughts after getting STDs.
Methods: A qualitative study was conducted to interview 16 ASPs (12 males, 4 females) using convenience sampling. One-on-one, semi-structured, and confidential interviews were conducted in an outpatient clinic room at a dermatology hospital in Guangzhou, China.