ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatial clustering patterns of brucellosis in humans in Zhangjiakou City, Heibei Province from 2018 to 2023, so as to provide a basis for the prevention and control of brucellosis. MethodsIncidence data of brucellosis in Zhangjiakou City from 2018 to 2023 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological analysis, Joinpoint regression modelling, and spatial autocorrelation analysis were used to analyze the temporal trends and spatial clustering patterns of the epidemic. ResultsA total of 3 812 cases of brucellosis were reported in Zhangjiakou City from 2018 to 2023, with no death case, yielding an average annual incidence rate of 15.43/100 000 (incidence range: 12.82/100 000‒17.76/100 000). Cases of brucellosis occurred year-round, with a distinct seasonal pattern, predominantly concentrated between March and September, peaking in May and June. The male-to-female ratio was 2.58∶1, with a higher incidence in males than that in females. The highest incidence rates were observed in the 40‒<50 years (74.98/100 000) and 50‒<60 years age group (87.14/100 000). The majority of cases were farmers and herdsmen (3 557 cases, 93.31%). Joinpoint regression analyses indicated that from 2018 to 2023, the incidence rate of human brucellosis in pastoral areas of Zhangjiakou City showed a declining trend (APC=-9.70%, 95%CI: -15.31%‒ -4.63%), while the incidence rate in mixed-use areas exhibited an increasing trend (APC=6.90%, 95%CI: 0.17%‒14.30%). Spatial clustering analyses showed that the incidence of brucellosis in Zhangjiakou from 2018 to 2023 was non-randomly distributed across the whole city, with a positive spatial correlation and significant clustering (Moran’s I>0, all P<0.001). Local spatial autocorrelation analyses showed that the high-high clusters were concentrated in the pastoral areas during 2018‒2020. From 2021 onward, the number of high-high clusters in mixed and non-pastoral regions exceeded those in traditional pastoral areas. ConclusionFrom 2018 to 2023, the incidence of brucellosis in Zhangjiakou City showed a declining trend, with significant spatial clustering observed across the city. It is recommended to intensify health education among males aged 40‒<60 years. Scientific livestock management practices should be promoted in non-pastoral and mixed areas, and cross-sectoral quarantine and joint prevention and control efforts should be strengthened as well.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical characteristics and genotypic changes of six children with RARS2 gene variants. METHODS: The clinical data of 6 children with RARS2 gene variants diagnosed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to August 2024 were collected. Genetic variants were detected using trio-whole exome sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from samples and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Variants were detected and analyzed using relevant databases and software. Pathogenic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. The protein structure encoded by a previously unreported variant was predicted using a SWISS-MODEL online server. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2024-373-01). RESULTS: Among the six children, four were males and two were females, with the most recent follow-up age ranging from 1-year-and-1-month to 7 years old. The age of onset was under 1 year in all cases. All six children exhibited seizures, including infantile spasms in three, spasms and tonic spasms in one, and focal seizures in two. One child became seizure-free for 4 ~ 5 years following Valproic acid combined with topiramate and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) pulse therapy, but subsequently experienced a relapse. Another child has remained seizure-free for nearly one year with oral sodium valproate, levetiracetam, and a "cocktail" therapy. Seizures were not controlled in the remaining four children. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia was observed on neuroimaging in two children. All six patients exhibited severe psychomotor retardation. A total of 10 RARS2 gene variants were identified, three of which were previously unreported. CONCLUSION The predominant clinical features of Pontocerebellar hypoplasia associated with RARS2 gene variants include infantile onset, severe psychomotor retardation or regression, drug-resistant epilepsy, and feeding difficulties. The characteristic neuroimaging finding is pontocerebellar hypoplasia. However, its appearance may vary widely with time. The majority of affected children have a poor prognosis.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Child ; Olivopontocerebellar Atrophies/genetics* ; Arginine-tRNA Ligase/genetics* ; Mutation ; Cerebellar Diseases

Objective:To analyze the short-term hospital-based transmission characteristics and gene variation of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) by genome-wide technique to provide evidence for transmission control. Methods:The experimental strain was derived from all the CRKP isolated in Affiliated Hospital of North China University of Science and Technology from October 2022 to December 2023. Strain identification and drug susceptibility were tested with VITEK 2-Compact automatic bacterial identification drug susceptibility analyzer or disk method, and the results were interpreted through whole genome sequencing. The ST type, carbapenem resistance gene, virulence factor, and O serotype of the collected strains were analyzed.Results:Among the 115 strains of CRKP, 94 strains were isolated from the intensive care unit (ICU), accounting for 81.7%, and 21 strains were isolated from the non-intensive care unit (NICU), accounting for 18.3%. The 115 strains of CRKP can be divided into 11 ST types, of which ST11 type was the most (54.8%, 63/115), followed by ST15 type (22.6%, 26/115) and ST5492 type (15.7%, 18/115). Type ST5492 was a new clonal group in the region. The 115 strains of CRKP could be divided into 7 O serotypes, most of which were O2a type(32.2%,37/115), followed by O5 type(30.4%,35/115) and O1 type(27.8%,32/115). The resistance genes of carbapenem antibiotics showed that there were 107 strains carrying the blaKPC-2 gene, one strain with the blaNDM-1 gene, and one strain with both the blaKPC-2 and blaNDM-13 genes. Virulence genes were detected in 55 CRKP strains (47.8%, 55/115), among which six strains detected peg-344, iucA, iroB, rmpA, and rmpA2 virulence genes (5.2%, 6/115). Four virulence genes ( peg-344, iucA, rmpA, and rmpA2) were detected in 34 strains (29.6%, 34/115). Three virulence genes ( iucA, iroB and rmpA) were detected in two strains (1.7%, 2/115). Three virulence genes ( peg-344, iucA and rmpA) were detected in one strain (0.8%, 1/115). IucA and rmpA virulence genes were detected in 12 strains (10.4%, 12/115). KPC-2_ST11_O2a, KPC-2_ST15_O1 and KPC-2_ST5492_O5 were dominant clones, and their distribution was mainly in the intensive care unit. The whole genome sequence analysis showed that there were three dominant clones, among which ST11 clones were subdivided into three dominant O serotypes, all of which were mainly in the intensive care unit. Conclusion:The popular strain in the hospital of CRKP is a KPC-2_ST11 clone group carrying iucA, rmpA/rmpA2, with cross-department transmission and mutation. ST5492 is a newly-launched clone type. The intensive care unit of hvKP carrying five virulence genes, including peg-344, should be alert to the epidemic risk of CR-hvKP outbreak.

Objective:To investigate the epidemiological and genetic characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) caused by coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6) in Xi′an city from 2021 to 2023.Methods:Collected clinical cases of HFMD, epidemiological information and samples were obtained. The specimens were tested by the real-time RT-PCR for enterovirus A71(EVA71), CVA16, CVA6 and CVA10, respectively. The VP1 regions of CVA6 were amplified and sequenced, MEGA X was used for phylogenetic analysis.Results:From 2021 to 2023, a total of 1 393 HFMD samples were collected, 1 106 (79.40%, 1 106/1 393) of which were positive for enteroviruses. The proportions of EVA71, CVA16, CVA6 and CVA10 were 0.45% (5/1 106), 16.64% (184/1 106), 72.42% (801/1 106) and 2.17% (24/1 106). A total of 801 HFMD cases tested positive for CAV6, including 783 mild cases and 18 severe cases, mainly in children aged ≤5 years (86.02%, 689/801), with a male/female ratio of 1.49∶1. The composition ratio of CVA6 infection differed with year(χ 2=332.62, P<0.01), and the highest composition ratio of CVA6 was in 2023 (91.01%, 638/701). The nucleotide and amino acid similarities in the VP1 region of Xi′an strains of CVA6 were 92.4%-99.8% and 98.3%-100.0%, respectively. Compared with the CVA6 prototype strain(Gdula), the nucleotide and amino acid similarities in the VP1 region of Xi′an strains were 82.2%-84.0% and 95.4%-96.0%, respectively, and there were 18 amino acid mutations in different degrees. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of VP1 region sequences, the CVA6 strains in Xi′an city from 2021 to 2023 belonged to D3a subtype, and could be divided into two clusters with 18 strains in cluster 1 while two strain in cluster 2. Conclusions:The sub-genotype D3a of CVA6 is the predominant virus causing HFMD in Xi′an city from 2021 to 2023, and there are two transmission chains. The monitoring and prevention of CVA6 should be strengthened.

Objective:To analyze the clinical characteristics and genotypic changes of six children with RARS2 gene variants. Methods:The clinical data of 6 children with RARS2 gene variants diagnosed at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to August 2024 were collected. Genetic variants were detected using trio-whole exome sequencing. Genomic DNA was extracted from samples and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Variants were detected and analyzed using relevant databases and software. Pathogenic variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. The protein structure encoded by a previously unreported variant was predicted using a SWISS-MODEL online server. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Ethics No.: 2024-373-01). Results:Among the six children, four were males and two were females, with the most recent follow-up age ranging from 1-year-and-1-month to 7 years old. The age of onset was under 1 year in all cases. All six children exhibited seizures, including infantile spasms in three, spasms and tonic spasms in one, and focal seizures in two. One child became seizure-free for 4 ~ 5 years following Valproic acid combined with topiramate and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) pulse therapy, but subsequently experienced a relapse. Another child has remained seizure-free for nearly one year with oral sodium valproate, levetiracetam, and a " cocktail" therapy. Seizures were not controlled in the remaining four children. Pontocerebellar hypoplasia was observed on neuroimaging in two children. All six patients exhibited severe psychomotor retardation. A total of 10 RARS2 gene variants were identified, three of which were previously unreported. Conclusion:The predominant clinical features of Pontocerebellar hypoplasia associated with RARS2 gene variants include infantile onset, severe psychomotor retardation or regression, drug-resistant epilepsy, and feeding difficulties. The characteristic neuroimaging finding is pontocerebellar hypoplasia. However, its appearance may vary widely with time. The majority of affected children have a poor prognosis.

Objective To compare the value of ultrashort echo time(UTE)and T1W sequences for detecting bone erosions of gouty arthritis.Methods Forty-four gouty patients were prospectively enrolled,including 32 cases with affected feet and 12 cases with affected knee.MR UTE and T1W sequence scanning of the affected area were performed,and subjectively scoring of imaging quality of 2 kinds of MRI were evaluated,respectively.Then total number and total score of bone erosions of each case were calculated according to all affected bones.Taken DECT as reference standard,the efficacy of UTE and T1WI for detecting bone erosions was assessed through comparing with DECT using Kappa coefficient.Results The imaging quality score of T1WI was lower than that of DECT(all P＜0.05),while no significant difference was found between UTE and DECT(all P＞0.05).There was high agreement between UTE and DECT for detecting bone erosions(κ=0.949),while the agreement between T1WI and DECT ranged from good to high(κ=0.718 to 0.805).The total number and total score of bone erosions based on T1WI were significantly lower than those based on DECT(all P＜0.05),while no significant difference was found between UTE and DECT(all P＞0.05).Conclusion UTE was better than T1WI for detecting bone erosions of gouty arthritis.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between SET domain bifurcated 1(SETDB1)expression and trefoil factor 1(TFF1)gene methylation,along with its clinical significance.Methods:Fifty-five lung adenocarcinoma samples and normal tissues of distant cancer were collected from the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College Hebei Province.TFF1 gene methylation levels were measured by pyrosequencing,relative TFF1 mRNA expression was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),and TFF1 and SETDB1 protein expression were quantified via immunohistochemistry.The clinical significance and correlation between TFF1 methyla-tion levels and SETDB1 protein expression were analyzed statistically.In vitro,SETDB1 siRNA or negative control siRNA was transfected into A549 cells.Following transfection,SETDB1 mRNA expression was analyzed using qRT-PCR,and SETDB1 protein expression was evaluated via Western blot.TFF1 methylation was reassessed via pyrosequencing.Results:In lung adenocarcinoma and normal tissues of distant cancer,TFF1 gene methylation rates were(70.16±6.32)%and(12.46±2.22)%,respectively.TFF1 mRNA relative expression levels were 0.56±0.17 for cancer tissues and 1.56±0.22 for the normal tissues of distant cancer.All detected differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).TFF1 protein expression rates were 29.09%(16/55)for cancer tissues and 65.45%(36/55)for the normal tissues of distant cancer.Additionally,relative positivity rates for SETDB1 protein expression were 74.55%(41/55)and 23.64%(13/55),respectively,and all differences were stat-istically significant(all P<0.05).Western blot analysis showed that SETDB1 protein expression was significantly higher in cancer tissues(72.89±5.27)%,compared to normal tissues of distant cancer(24.27±2.37)%.In contrast,TFF1 protein expressed was markedly lower in can-cer tissues(15.38±2.33)%than in normal tissues of distant cancer(72.72±4.48)%.All differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05).TFF1 methylation and SETDB1 expression were associated with lung adenocarcinoma(r=0.486,P<0.05).Both TFF1 methylation and SETDB1 expression were closely associated with tumor TNM stage,tissue differentiation,and lymph node metastasis(P<0.05).Furthermore,TFF1 methylation increased following SETDB1 downregulation(P<0.05).Conclusions:During lung adenocarcinoma progression,SETDB1 expres-sion correlates with TFF1 methylation,and the highly expressed SETDB1 may play a role in catalyzing TFF1 methylation.

Objective To analyze the interspecies differences in virulence of different carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CREb)strains and provide a theoretical basis for understanding the pathogenic mechanisms of CREb and for guiding individualized treatment strategies.Methods A total of nine CREb clinical isolates collected between 2013 and 2022 were included,representing five species:Enterobacter cloacae(E.cloacae),Enterobacter hormaechei(E.hormaechei),Enterobacter kobei(E.kobei),Enterobacter asburiae(E.asburiae),and Enterobacter chuandaensis(E.chuandaensis).Whole-genome sequencing was performed to characterize virulence gene profiles.Phenotypic assays included growth curve analysis,biofilm formation assessment,serum bactericidal assays,and Galleria mellonella infection models to evaluate virulence-related traits.Results Virulence gene analysis revealed that motility-related factors were the most abundant(16 to 20 per strain),followed by nutrition/metabolism-related factors(10 to 12 per strain),while invasion-related genes were rare,with the ibeB gene detected in only two E.asburiae strains.The strains of the same species shared similar viru-lence gene profiles,and E.chuandaensis harbored the fewest virulence genes.In vitro growth assays showed that E.hormaechei and E.cloacae had the fastest growth rates,while E.chuandaensis and E.kobei exhibited slower growth,and E.asburiae displayed the slo-west growth.Biofilm assays indicated that E.hormaechei and E.cloacae had the strongest biofilm-forming capacity,while E.kobei had the weakest.In serum bactericidal assays,E.hormaechei and E.cloacae showed high survival rates(＞70%),whereas the survival rate of E.chuandaensis was less than 1%.In the Galleria mellonella model,E.asburiae and E.cloacae exhibited marked dose-dependent virulence,whereas the remaining strains showed reduced virulence.Conclusion Different CREb species exhibit significant variation in virulence gene content and phenotypic traits.The pathogenic potential of CREb may provide fundamental data to inform strategies for prevention and treatment of CREb infection.

Objective To analyze the involvement of pharmacists in the pharmaceutical care of olfacatumumab in the treatment of elderly patients with refractory anti-metabotropic glutamate receptor 5(mGluR5)encephalitis and to provide a reference for the treatment and pharmaceutical care of patients with refractory autoimmune encephalitis(AE).Methods An 81-year-old patient with anti-mGluR5 encephalitis who had poor first-line immunotherapy effect.The key points of pharmaceutical care were determined according to the patient's condition and the characteristics of therapeutic drugs.The drug selection,administration mode,drug interaction,adverse reactions,and precautions of ofatumumab were put forward.At the same time,the patients and their families were given medication guidance and discharge education,and regular follow-up was carried out.Results With the cooperation of doctors,the patient was provided with whole-process pharmaceutical care,and the patient's condition was improved,and the patient's condition was good so far.Conclusion Clinical pharmacists pay attention to the effectiveness and safety of the treatment with ofatumumab by carrying out individualized pharmaceutical care for this patient,which fully reflects the value of clinical pharmacists and provides a reference for the treatment and pharmaceutical care of refractory AE patients.

Objective:To analyze the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery and to identify risk factors associated with SSI in an attempt to provide a reference for clinical prevention strategies.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data were retrospectively collected from a total of 2,248 patients who underwent surgery for pathologically confirmed CRC between 2017 and 2022 at two centers: Huangshan Shoukang Hospital ( n=649) and Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital ( n=1 599). Inclusion criteria consisted of the following: (1) age >18 years; (2) pathologically confirmed CRC treated with curative resection, including extended resections (e.g. pelvic exenteration); (3) no surgical incisions other than abdominal or perineal; and (4) no use of prosthetic implants. The incidence of SSI was analyzed, and multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent its risk factors. Results:A total of 121 patients (5.4%) developed SSI. Among them, 68 cases (56.2%) were organ/space infections, 35 cases (28.9%) were deep incisional infections, and 18 cases (14.9%) were superficial incisional infections. The median postoperative hospital stay was significantly longer in patients with SSI compared to those without (21.0 days vs. 13.0 days, U=65,754, P<0.001). The median hospitalization cost was also significantly higher in the SSI group (56,550 yuan vs. 43,645 yuan, U=72,008, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified body mass index (BMI) ≤ 20 kg/m 2 (OR=4.25, 95%CI: 3.38-5.34, P<0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR=3.44, 95%CI: 1.89-6.24, P<0.001), open surgery (OR=4.23, 95%CI: 2.37-7.56, P<0.001), and colostomy or ileostomy (OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.04-2.69, P=0.034) as independent risk factors for SSI. Conclusion:To prevent SSI following CRC surgery, attention should be given to optimizing body weight and glycemic control, promoting minimally invasive surgical approaches when feasible, and cautiously considering the necessity of colostomy or ileostomy.