1.Differences in deltamethrin resistance and kdr gene mutation in Culex tritaeniorhynchus population in and outside the Yellow Sea wetland
Xiao-er ZHANG ; Zhi-ming WU ; Ye TIAN ; Qian CUI ; Yu-qian JI ; Huan WANG ; Shu-juan YANG ; Yi-chao ZHAO ; Yu WANG ; Hua-yu YIN ; Yu DING ; Guo-jin YAN ; Min-sen ZHAO ; Shou-gang ZHANG ; Bing-dong SONG ; Hong-na CHEN ; Jian GAO ; Wei-fang YANG ; Yu-fu ZHANG ; Hui LIU ; Hong-liang CHU
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2026;33(2):101-107
Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.
2.Association of Body Mass Index with All-Cause Mortality and Cause-Specific Mortality in Rural China: 10-Year Follow-up of a Population-Based Multicenter Prospective Study.
Juan Juan HUANG ; Yuan Zhi DI ; Ling Yu SHEN ; Jian Guo LIANG ; Jiang DU ; Xue Fang CAO ; Wei Tao DUAN ; Ai Wei HE ; Jun LIANG ; Li Mei ZHU ; Zi Sen LIU ; Fang LIU ; Shu Min YANG ; Zu Hui XU ; Cheng CHEN ; Bin ZHANG ; Jiao Xia YAN ; Yan Chun LIANG ; Rong LIU ; Tao ZHU ; Hong Zhi LI ; Fei SHEN ; Bo Xuan FENG ; Yi Jun HE ; Zi Han LI ; Ya Qi ZHAO ; Tong Lei GUO ; Li Qiong BAI ; Wei LU ; Qi JIN ; Lei GAO ; He Nan XIN
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(10):1179-1193
OBJECTIVE:
This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study.
METHODS:
A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants.
RESULTS:
Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m 2) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m 2) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m 2) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m 2 ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSION
This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans
;
Body Mass Index
;
China/epidemiology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Prospective Studies
;
Rural Population/statistics & numerical data*
;
Aged
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Adult
;
Mortality
;
Cause of Death
;
Obesity/mortality*
;
Overweight/mortality*
3.Effect of comorbidity for patients with non-small cell lung cancer on exercise tolerance and cardiopulmonary function: A propensity score matching study
Xinyu WANG ; Jin LI ; Min GAO ; Xin RAN ; Yiman TONG ; Wei CHEN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1115-1120
Objective To observe the effect of comorbidity for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) on exercise tolerance and cardiopulmonary function. Methods NSCLC patients who underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) before surgery were retrospectively included. According to the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) score, patients were divided into two groups: a CCI≥3 group and a CCI<3 group. The patients were matched with a ratio of 1 : 1 by propensity score matching according to the age, body mass index, sex, smoking history, exercise habits, pathological stage and type of surgery. After matching, CPET indexes were compared between the two groups to explore the differences in exercise tolerance and cardiopulmonary function. Results A total of 276 patients were included before matching. After matching, 56 patients were enrolled with 28 patients in each group, including 38 (67.9%) males and 18 (32.1%) females with an average age of (70.7±6.8) years. Compared with the CCI<3 group, work rate at peak (WR peak), WR peak/predicted value (WR peak%), kilogram oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold (VO2/kg AT), VO2/kg peak, VO2/kg peak%, peak carbon dioxide output, the minute ventilation to carbon dioxide production slope, O2 pulse peak and O2 pulse peak% of CCI≥3 group were statistically different (P<0.05). Among them, the rate of postoperative pulmonary complication in the CCI≥3 group was higher than that in the CCI<3 group (60.7% vs. 32.1%, P=0.032). Conclusion In the NSCLC patients, exercise tolerance and cardiopulmonary function decreased in patients with CCI≥3 compared with those with CCI<3. CPET can provide an objective basis for risk assessment in patients with comorbidity scored by CCI for pulmonary resection.
4.Preliminary efficacy and safety of a dose-intensified C5VD regimen in 24 children with locally advanced hepatoblastoma.
Jia-Xin PENG ; Can HUANG ; An-An ZHANG ; Ya-Li HAN ; Hai-Shan RUAN ; Xiao-Xia WANG ; Min XU ; Yuan XIN ; Li-Ting YU ; Zhi-Bao LYU ; Sha-Yi JIANG ; Yi-Jin GAO
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(10):1247-1252
OBJECTIVES:
To assess the preliminary efficacy and safety of a dose-intensified C5VD regimen (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, vincristine, and doxorubicin) in children with locally advanced hepatoblastoma.
METHODS:
This prospective study enrolled 24 children with newly diagnosed, locally advanced hepatoblastoma who received the dose-intensified C5VD regimen at Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, and Shanghai Children's Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023. Clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes, and chemotherapy-related toxicities were analyzed.
RESULTS:
Of the 24 patients, 13 were male and 11 were female, with a median age at diagnosis of 18.7 months (range: 3.5-79.4 months). All patients achieved complete macroscopic resection of hepatic lesions without liver transplantation. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels decreased significantly after two chemotherapy cycles. During a median follow-up of 38.4 months (range: 15.8-50.7 months), all patients maintained continuous complete remission, with 3-year event-free survival and overall survival rates of 100%. Across 144 chemotherapy cycles, the incidence rates of grade 3-4 neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and infections were 97%, 77%, and 71%, respectively; no treatment-related deaths occurred. Notably, 5 patients (21%) developed Brock grade ≥3 hearing loss, of whom 1 required a hearing aid.
CONCLUSIONS
The dose-intensified C5VD regimen demonstrates significant efficacy with an overall favorable safety profile in the treatment of newly diagnosed, locally advanced pediatric hepatoblastoma. Grade 3-4 myelosuppression and infection are the predominant toxicities. However, high‑dose cisplatin-induced ototoxicity remains a concern, highlighting the need for improved otoprotective strategies.
Humans
;
Hepatoblastoma/pathology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Infant
;
Liver Neoplasms/pathology*
;
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Prospective Studies
;
Doxorubicin/adverse effects*
;
Child
;
Cisplatin/adverse effects*
;
Vincristine/adverse effects*
;
Fluorouracil/adverse effects*
5.Progress in diagnosis and treatment of chronic intestinal failure
Min-Yi ZHU ; Xue-Jin GAO ; Xin-Ying WANG
Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition 2025;32(2):107-112,118
Intestinal failure(IF)is defined as a severe impairment of intestinal function requiring prolonged intravenous supplementation to maintain health or growth.Chronic intestinal failure(CIF)refers to stable metabolic dependence on parenteral support for months or years.IF is associated with life-threatening complications,and recent advances in its diagnosis and management have deepened the understanding of this condition,facilitating personalized and precision treatment strategies.This review synthesizes current knowledge on CIF,including its definition,classification,diagnostic criteria,and therapeutic approaches and its complications.
6.Imaging features of pathological myopic perivascular abnormalities and macular retinoschisis and their correlation with clinical features
Guangqi AN ; Min ZHANG ; Pei LIU ; Chenyu LU ; Wenna GAO ; Xuemin JIN ; Liping DU
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(2):98-105
Objective:To observe and analyze the imaging features of pathologic myopic paravascular abnormalities (PVA) and macular retinoschisis (MRS) and their relationship with clinical features.Methods:A retrospective case series study. A total of 371 eyes of 224 patients with pathological myopia with PVA and/or MRS diagnosed by examination in Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2021 to December 2023 were included in the study. There were 74 eyes in 48 males and 297 eyes in 176 females. Age were 54 (49, 61) years; equivalent spherical lens (SE) was -13.375 (-18.00,-10.00) D. Axial length (AL) was 29.84 (28.27, 31.24) mm. According to the features of ultra-wide-angle sweep source optical coherence tomography, PVA morphology was divided into blood vessels and paravascular microfolds, paravascular retinal cysts, paravascular retinal splits and paravascular lamellar macular holes. MRS was divided into inner layer, outer layer and mixed layer according to splitting level, and grouped accordingly. The presence of dome-shaped macula (DSM), internal and external lamellar macular hole, and full lamellar macular hole (FTMH) were recorded. According to whether PVA combined with MRS or not, the affected eyes were divided into PVA group and PVA combined with MRS group. According to whether MRS involved the fovea, the affected eyes were divided into two groups: MRS not involved the fovea group and MRS involved the fovea group. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare age, SE and AL among different groups. Qualitative data were compared by χ2 test. Results:In 371 eyes, there were 120 eyes in the simple PVA group; in the MRS group, there were 251 eyes, of which 208 eyes were in the PVA combined with MRS group. There were 33, 27, 3, 14, 12, 56, 28, and 7 eyes with or without retinal detachment, choroidal neovascularization, DSM, preretinal membrane, and simple superficial detachment of neuroepithelium in inner lamina, outer lamina, and FTMH, respectively. In 328 eyes with PVA, blood vessels and paravascular microfolds, paravascular retinal cysts, paravascular retinal splits and paravascular lamellar macular holes were 151, 236, 202 and 72 eyes, respectively. There were 142 eyes with single lesion (43.29%, 142/328). There were 186 eyes with 2 or more lesions (56.71%, 186/328). There were 34 eyes in the inner MRS group, 92 eyes in the outer MRS group and 125 eyes in the mixed MRS group, respectively. It involved 155 eyes in the fovea group; 96 eyes in the fovea group were not involved. There were significant differences in the number of PVA eyes between the outer MRS group, the inner MRS group and the mixed MRS group ( χ2=30.614, 28.379; P<0.001). Compared with PVA group, PVA group combined with MRS group was more likely to have two or more PVA lesions, the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=30.535, P<0.001). Compared with the inner MRS group and mixed MRS group, the age of the simple PVA group was younger, and the age of the outer MRS group was older, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Compared with the inner MRS group and the outer MRS group, the simple PVA group had short AL, less myopia and better optimal corrected visual acuity (BCVA), while the mixed MRS group had long AL, more myopia and worse BCVA, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Compared with the PVA group and the inner MRS group, the fovea was more involved in the outer MRS group and the mixed MRS group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=3.906, 10.836; P<0.05). Those with MRS involved in fovea were older, AL was longer, myopia was more severe, and BCVA was worse ( P<0.001). DSM-associated splits were less likely to involve macula ( P<0.001). Conclusion:PVA and MRS exhibit a variety of presentations, and their imaging features correlate with clinical features.
7.Association between CHRM1 gene polymorphisms and genetic susceptibility to high myopia in the Han population of Henan province
Fan YANG ; Min ZHANG ; Guangqi AN ; Wenna GAO ; Liping DU ; Xuemin JIN
Chinese Journal of Ocular Fundus Diseases 2025;41(3):194-199
Objective:To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the CHRM1 gene and genetic susceptibility to high myopia (HM) in the Han population of Henan Province. Methods:A retrospective case-control study. From January 2021 to April 2023, 576 HM patients (HM group) and 768 healthy volunteers (control group) were recruited from the Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. All participants were of Han ethnicity from Henan Province. SNP data for the CHRM1 gene in the Northern Han Chinese population were downloaded from the 1000 Genomes Project Online Website, with screening criteria of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium P>0.05 and minor allele frequency> 0.05. Haploview software was used to analyze HapMap genotypes, identifying 5 tagSNP: rs55885673, rs544978, rs56995061, rs1942499, and rs2075748. MassARRAY system was employed for genotyping the 5 tagSNP loci. The SHEsis online software was employed to analyze the distribution differences of genotypes and allele frequencies between the two groups. Linkage disequilibrium coefficient D' was used to evaluate the recombination events between SNP loci, and haplotypes with frequencies exceeding 3% were constructed for statistical analysis. Results:The age of the HM group was significantly lower than that of the control group ( t=18.515, P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed in gender distribution ( χ2=2.869, P=0.087). Compared with the control group, the HM group showed significantly higher frequencies of the C allele [odds ratio ( OR)=1.44, 95% confidence interval ( CI): 1.09-1.91, Pc=0.045)] and CC genotype ( OR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.11-2.02, Pc=0.038) at the rs56995061 locus, and significantly lower frequencies of the T allele ( OR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.91, Pc=0.045) and CT genotype ( OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.91, Pc=0.045). Additionally, the CT genotype frequency at the rs2075748 locus was significantly lower in the HM group ( OR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.53-0.84, Pc=0.002). The haplotype G-T-A-A formed by rs55885673-rs56995061-rs1942499-rs544978 was significantly less frequent in the HM group ( OR=0.71, 95% CI: 0.54-0.94, P=0.170). Conclusions:The polymorphisms at the SNP loci rs56995061 and rs2075748 in the CHRM1 gene are associated with the genetic susceptibility to high myopia in the Chinese Han population. The G-T-A-A haplotype composed of rs55885673-rs56995061-rs1942499-rs544978 reduces the susceptibility to high myopia.
8.Association between liver radiodensity and the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Zheyu LI ; Lili WANG ; Xiaoyue ZHANG ; Cuifang HE ; Min LI ; Shan WANG ; Xiaoqin GAO ; Longzhen SHI ; Jianjun JIN ; Liting ZHANG ; Junfeng LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(7):1358-1363
Objective To investigate the association of liver radiodensity with the degree and progression of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 114 CHB patients who were hospitalized in The First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January to December 2019,and related clinical data were collected,including laboratory tests and abdominal CT.The metabolic characteristics of the patients were assessed,and liver radiodensity was measured.An analysis of variance was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between three groups,and the Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test was used for comparison of continuous data with skewed distribution between three groups;the chi-square test or the Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between three groups.A logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for the degree of liver fibrosis,and the Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for the progression of liver fibrosis in CHB.Results Among the 114 patients enrolled,43(37.72%)had no liver cirrhosis,30(26.32%)were suspected of liver cirrhosis,and 41(35.96%)had liver cirrhosis,with a median follow-up time of 538.5(322.75-1 031.50)days.Liver radiodensity on plain scan(odds ratio[OR]=0.81,95%confidence interval[CI]:0.68-0.97,P=0.025),liver radiodensity on contrast-enhanced scan(OR=0.95,95%CI:0.90-0.99,P=0.037),and liver volume(OR=0.99,95%CI:0.98-0.99,P<0.001)were independent influencing factors for the degree of liver fibrosis.The univariate Cox regression analysis showed that the low level of HDL(hazard ratio=2.81,95%CI:1.04-7.54,P=0.041)was associated with the progression of liver fibrosis in CHB patients,and the degree of liver fibrosis,liver volume,and liver radiodensity showed no significant association with the progression of liver fibrosis(all P>0.05).Conclusion In CHB patients,liver radiodensity is an independent influencing factor for the degree of liver fibrosis,and low HDL has a marked influence on the progression of liver fibrosis.
9.Research progress in mechanisms of bone and muscle loss of astronauts in microgravity environments
Zhengyi JIN ; Jiaqi HU ; Dumu MIN ; Lixia CHEN ; Jie GAO
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine 2025;36(1):65-71
Objective:To review the current research on mechanisms for bone and muscle loss among astronauts in a microgravity environment and predict progress in prevention and treatment. Literature resource and selection Related literature retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed and other Chinese and English databases that was published as of December 2023. Such key words as weightless, microgravity, bone, muscle and osteoporosis were used. Literature quotation Fifty seven related articles that had been published at home and abroad were included. Literature synthesis The loss of bone and muscle in a microgravity environment was receiving increasing attention in the field of aerospace medicine, but the process of bone and muscle loss was influenced by a range of factors. The microgravity environment altered the function and expression of osteoblasts, osteocytes and osteoclasts, thus impacting bone formation, mineralization and absorption. In addition, the microgravity environment led to muscle cell atrophy, apoptosis, functional decline and degradation of muscle proteins. Complex signaling pathways and molecular regulatory mechanisms existed between bone and muscle cells, and these interactions were disrupted in the microgravity environment. Conclusions:Current strategies for prevention and treatment of bone and muscle loss in a microgravity environment include mechanical stimulation, pharmacologic interventions and nutritional supplementation. More effort is needed to study the related mechanisms and targets.
10.National clinical three-tiered surveillance and stratified precision detection report on respiratory infectious pathogens in 2024
Jingwen AI ; Jikui DENG ; Min DONG ; Xiaohong GAO ; Jiawei GENG ; Xiaoli HU ; Zhu JIN ; Hongyan LIU ; Yongzhong LI ; Xi LIU ; Yuanwang QIU ; Lihong QU ; Binhuang SUN ; Wei SONG ; Hongyu WANG ; Junping WANG ; Sen WANG ; Xiaoming XIONG ; Daokun YANG ; Liaoyun ZHANG ; Yanliang ZHANG ; Xianghong ZHOU ; Wenhong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(2):79-89
Objective:To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of respiratory pathogens in China.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study, which encompassed 19 core units of the clinical pathogen network and established a three-tiered clinical pathogen surveillance system. Thirty respiratory samples were collected every two weeks from various units from January to December 2024, and the clinical and pathogen diagnostic information were gathered. A total of 11 864 samples were tested using this system. The tier-1 clinical pathogen surveillance system covered influenza A virus (Flu-A), influenza B virus (Flu-B), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The tier-2 clinical pathogen surveillance system focused on 18 key respiratory pathogens. The tier-3 clinical pathogen surveillance system further clarified whether any emerging infectious diseases had occurred.Results:The tier-1 clinical pathogen surveillance system showed Flu-A predominated in December, Flu-B predominated in January, SARS-CoV-2 peaked in March and August, whereas RSV circulated sporadically throughout the year. Geographic trends were broadly consistent across the seven major regions, although Flu-A detection in December was notably higher in Northeast China (48.1%(111/231)) and East China (36.2%(148/409)), and RSV detection was concentrated in the Northwest and South China from January to March. Data from the tier-2 clinical pathogen surveillance system indicated that Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, rhinovirus, and adenovirus were detected year-round, of these, Streptococcus pneumoniae and rhinovirus showed elevated positive detection rates from August to September, while adenovirus peaked in January. Legionella pneumophila was not detected throughout the year, and other pathogens fluctuated throughout the year without a consistent pattern. The predominant etiologic agents of pediatric pneumonia were Mycoplasma pneumoniae (35.0%(105/300)), rhinovirus (25.7%(77/300)), and adenovirus (17.3%(52/300)), whereas adult pneumonia was mainly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (10.5%(29/277)), Staphylococcus aureus (6.9%(19/277)), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (6.9%(19/277)), and Flu-A (6.1%(17/277)). The tier-3 clinical pathogen surveillance system did not identify any emerging respiratory pathogens. Conclusion:Respiratory pathogens in China in 2024 exhibit distinct temporal and spatial distribution patterns and vary among different populations.


Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail