An in-Depth Analysis Identifies Two New Genetic Variants in 22q11.2 Associated with Vitiligo in the Chinese Han Population

Background Vitiligo is a complex disease in which patchy depigmentation results from autoimmune loss of melanocytes in affected regions. Previously, we provided significant linkage evidence on 22q12 by genomewide linkage analysis of vitiligo in the Chinese Han population. Our aim is to identify susceptibility variants associated with vitiligo at an expanded region for 22q12. Methods and Results A deep analysis of the expanded region for 22q12 locus was performed in a large GWAS dataset consisting of 1117 cases and 1701 controls by imputation. Eight nominal SNPs were selected and genotyped in an independent cohort of 2069 cases and 1370 controls of Chinese Han by using the Sequenom MassArray iPLEX1 system. Data were analyzed with PLINK 1.07 software. The C allele of rs730669 located in ZDHHC8/RTN4R was observed a strong evidence of association for vitiligo (P = 3.25×10-8, OR = 0.81). The C allele of rs4820338 located in VPREB1 and A allele of rs2051582 (a reported SNP in our previous study) located in IL2RB were suggestive evidence of association for vitligo (P = 1.04×10-5, OR = 0.86; P = 1.78×10-6, OR = 1.27). The three identified SNPs showed independent associations with vitiligo by conditional logistic regression (all P < 1.0 ×10-5; all D′< 0.05, r 2 < 0.0001). Conclusions The study identifies that two novel variants rs730669 (ZDHHC8/RTN4R) and rs4820338 (VPREB1) in 22q11.2 might confer susceptibility to vitiligo and affect its disease phenotypes. The presence of multiple independent variants emphasizes an important role in the genetic pathogenesis of disease.

Barriers and facilitators to use of a mobile HIV care model to re-engage and retain out-of-care people living with HIV in Atlanta, Georgia

Novel strategies to re-engage and retain people living with HIV (PLWH) who are out of care are greatly needed. While mobile clinics have been used effectively for HIV testing and linkage, evidence guiding their use in providing HIV care domestically has been limited. To guide the development of a mobile HIV clinic (MHC) model as a strategy to re-engage and retain PLWH who are out of care, we aimed to explore stakeholder perceptions of barriers and facilitators to MHC implementation and use. From June 2019-July 2020, we conducted 41 in-depth interviews with HIV clinic providers, administrators, staff, legal authorities, and community advisory board members, PLWH, AIDS service organizations and city officials in Atlanta, Georgia, and domestic and international mobile health clinics to explore barriers and facilitators to use of MHCs. Interviews were transcribed, coded and thematically analysed. Barriers raised include potential for: breach of confidentiality with resulting heightened stigmatization, fractured continuity of care, safety concerns, staffing challenges, and low community acceptance of MHC presence in their locality. Participants provided suggestions regarding appropriate exterior design, location, timing, and co-delivery of non-HIV services that could facilitate MHC acceptance and address the concerns. In identifying key barriers and facilitators to MHC use, this study informs design and implementation of an MHC as a novel strategy for re-engaging and retaining PLWH who are out of care.

MODELING ENERGY SECURITY–EXCHANGE RATE LINKAGE: EVIDENCE OF GMM APPROACH

This study is an empirical attempt to revisit energy insecurity in Vietnam by focusing on the role of the official exchange rate. To this end, we gathered data of the related variables based on the 4A’s theory for energy security over the period 1985–2017, and conducted estimation using GMM estimator. The major results proved that economic growth has a positive impact on official exchange rate. CO2 emissions have negative coefficient which means negative relationship between this variable and the Vietnam’s official exchange rate, while inflation rate has a negative sign suggesting that by increase in price level of commodities in Vietnam’s economy, the domestic product will be more expensive than that before which accelerates commodities import flows that leads to depreciation of Vietnam’s national currency. In addition, we found out that energy intensity has a negative relationship with official exchange rate in Vietnam. Moreover, the results revealed that a 1% increase in gas import has a negative linkage with the Vietnam’s official exchange rate. According to the results, we recommend that Vietnam needs to diversify its gas imports, strengthen local energy production, increasing energy efficiency to have a stronger national currency against U.S. dollar which ensures energy security in this country.