Background: and Purpose Live cell-based assays (LCBA) are increasingly used for serological antibody detection due to their ability to preserve antigen conformation, offering moderately higher sensitivity than fixed cell-based assays. However, the clinical necessity of prioritizing LCBA for the detection of aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) remains unclear, especially when compared to its established role in diagnosing myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease. Methods: We compared the performance of live cell-based assays using immunofluorescence (LCBA-IF) and fixed cell-based assays using immunofluorescence (FCBA-IF) in detecting AQP4-IgG in 90 cases of NMOSD meeting 2015 International Panel for Neuromyelitis Optica Diagnosis criteria, alongside 40 controls. Additionally, we further investigated the relationship between AQP4-IgG titers as measured by LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF and clinical parameters in NMOSD patients. Results: Results showed 96.9% agreement between LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF (Cohen’s κ=0.935), with a strong Spearman correlation (0.977, p<0.001). Both methods demonstrated 100% specificity, with LCBA-IF showing slightly higher sensitivity compared to FCBA-IF. Within LCBAIF-tested groups, statistically significant differences in annualized relapse rates were observed across all pairwise comparisons (low-titer vs. moderate-titer, low-titer vs. high-titer, and moderate-titer vs. high-titer; all p<0.050). However, this association reached statistical significance in some FCBA-IF-tested groups. Conclusions Overall, there is a strong concordance between LCBA-IF and FCBA-IF in detecting AQP4-IgG, where LCBA-IF shows slightly higher sensitivity. Furthermore, there is a potential link between elevated AQP4-IgG titers and an increased risk of relapse, and this correlation may appear more pronounced when using LCBA-IF.

Objective:To analyze the effects of biodegradable-polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (BP-SES) and durable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (DP-SES) implantation on serum endothelin 1 levels and the incidence of coronary restenosis in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods:A total of 114 patients with CHD admitted to the First People's Hospital of Xianyang in Shaanxi Province from May 2022 to January 2024 were selected. According to the principle of comparable baseline characteristics between groups, patients were divided into two groups by random number table method, with 57 cases in each group. After pretreatment of diseased vessels, DP-SES group underwent implantation of DP-SES with appropriate length and diameter, while BP-SES group underwent implantation of BP-SES with appropriate length and diameter. After implantation, non-compliant balloons were used for in-stent post-dilation. Comparisons of vascular endothelial function, levels of inflammatory factors and hemodynamic indicators before operation and at 6 months between groups were made postoperatively, also, the incidence rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and coronary restenosis within 6 months were also compared. Measurement data with normal distribution was expressed as “xˉ±s”, independent sample t-test was used on comparison between groups, paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons before and after treatment. Counting data was expressed as rate or composition ratio, χ2 test was used on comparison between groups. Results:At 6 months after surgery, the levels of endothelin 1 and VEGF were lower in BP-SES group compared to DP-SES group,[(72±5) ng/L vs. (77±7) ng/L, (147±25) ng/L vs. (157±27) ng/L, t=3.76, P<0.001, t=2.16, P=0.033]. The level of nitric oxide was higher in BP-SES group compared to DP-SES group [(79±7) μmol/L vs. (76±8) μmol/L, t=2.46, P<0.001]. At 6 months after surgery, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and CRP in DP-SES group were higher than those before surgery, and were all higher compared to BP-SES group[(81±5) ng/L vs. (75±5) ng/L, (159±18) ng/L vs. (151±16) ng/L, (31±4) mg/L vs. (29±3) mg/L, t=6.87, P<0.001, t=2.24, P=0.027, t=2.51, P=0.014]. At 6 months after surgery, the level of whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity in both group were lower than those before surgery, and the level of Hct in BP-SES group was lower than those before surgery, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.001), while the differences between groups were not statistically significant( P>0.05). The difference of incidence rates of MACE and coronary restenosis within 6 months between groups before surgery and 6 months after surgery were not statistically significant [7.0%(4/57) vs. 12.3%(7/57), χ2=0.91, P=0.341; 3.7%(2/57) vs. 8.3%(5/57), χ2=0.61, P=0.443]. Conclusion:Both BP-SES implantation and DP-SES implantation could effectively restore coronary blood supply, and are highly safe. However, the former can reduce damage to vascular wall and better improve endothelial function in patients.

Objective:To investigate the drug resistance gene characteristics, plasmid characteristics and genome tracing of Shigella sonnei causing a bacillary dysentery outbreak in Shandong Province. Methods:Sixty-five Shigella sonnei strains isolated from a 2021 outbreak in a county of Shandong Province were analyzed using antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole genome sequencing (WGS), characterization of resistance and virulence genes, plasmid profiling, core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Results:All isolates had the same resistance phenotype and genotypes and were multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing Shigella sonnei, carrying important virulence genes. Plasmid analysis revealed a conserved genetic arrangement, pil( M/ N/ O2/ P)-tra( F/ H/ J/ K/ N/ O/ P/ Q)-IS Ecp1- blaCTX-M-14-Tn 903- yub( J/ I/ F/ G/ E/ D), and shared across strains from diverse regions and bacterial species. The cgMLST and SNP analyses demonstrated concordant clustering, with all 65 outbreak-related strains forming a single cluster alongside human-derived strains from Guangxi. Conclusion:The ESBL-producing Shigella sonnei responsible for the outbreak shares a homologous relationship with Guangxi human-derived strains, and the detected resistance plasmids and virulence genes underscore the need to strengthen drug resistance surveillance and genome tracing.

OBJECTIVE To preliminarily assess the horizontal sound localization and its influencing factors in patients with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss during the acute phase.METHODS The azimuth discrimination test and azimuth identification test were completed,with the speech sound(65 dB SPL)as the stimulus.The minimum audible angle(MAA)and root-mean-square error(RMSE)were obtained,and the RMSE of the affected side and the healthy side were calculated respectively.According to the WHO(2021)hearing loss classification criteria,the data were analyzed based on the pure-tone average(PTA)of the affected ear.And the best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear was recorded.RESULTS The performance of the unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients in the sound localization varied greatly.Some performed close to the normal level,while others completely lost the ability to localize sound.The RMSE of the moderate hearing loss group(≥35 dB HL)was significantly higher than that of the normal hearing group(P<0.01),the MAA of the moderate to severe hearing loss group(≥50 dB HL)showed statistically significant differencescompared with normal hearing group(P<0.001).The RMSE of the affected side of patients in the severe and above hearing loss group was significantly larger than that of the healthy side.Regression analysis showed that the best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear was the most significant factor affecting MAA(R2=0.572,P<0.001)and RMSE(R2=0.768,P<0.001).CONCLUSION The horizontal sound localization of unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients in the acute phase varies greatly.When the PTA of the affected side reaches moderate hearing loss,the localization ability is significantly lower than that of normal-hearing individuals.The best resident hearing at each frequency of the affected ear is the key factor affecting the localization ability.

Objective:To carry out carrier screening among people of childbearing age, detect the pathogenic genes of monogenic genetic diseases and analyze the carrier status of pathogenic variants, so as to provide fertility guidance and intervention measures for high-risk families.Methods:From August 2022 to August 2023, 1 533 families of childbearing age who met the criteria were recruited in the Chinese PLA General Hospital, including a total of 3 044 subjects. According to the standard enrollment procedure, 223 genes (197 autosomal recessive genes and 26 X-linked genes) of the subjects were tested. According to the screening results, genetic counseling and fertility guidance were provided to the subjects. Invasive prenatal diagnosis was performed for high-risk couples (both couples being carriers of the same autosomal recessive disease gene or the woman was a carrier of X-linked disease gene), and their pregnancy pattern, outcome and offspring phenotype were followed up.Results:(1) A total of 3 044 cases from 1 511 couples and women of childbearing age from 22 families were included for carrier screening. Totally 1 503 families chose simultaneous screening and 30 families chose sequential screening out of the 1 533 families. Among the 3 044 subjects, 1 603 individuals carried at least one pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant, and the overall carrier rate was 52.66% (1 603/3 044). A total of 2 292 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected, and 0.75 variants (2 292/3 044) were detected per capita. (2) The three genes with the highest carrier rates were GJB2 (8.67%, 264/3 044), CYP21A2 (3.19%, 97/3 044) and PAH (3.09%, 94/3 044). There were 32 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/200, 17 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/100, and 7 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/50. (3) Thirty-eight high-risk families were identified. After excluding G6PD gene mutation, there were 33 high-risk families, of which 25 couples were carriers of the same autosomal recessive gene, 9 women were carriers of X-linked gene, and 1 family was double high-risk couple with both autosomal recessive and X-linked gene. After further excluding the GJB2 c.109G>A mutation, 21 high-risk families were identified. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease was performed in 12 families after genetic counseling. Prenatal diagnosis was completed in 4 out of 5 high-risk families who conceived naturally. Two fetuses carried the parental variants and terminated the pregnancy, one fetus did not carry the parental variants but was induced due to trisomy 21 syndrome, and one fetus was a carrier of congenital disorders of glycosylation type 1a.Conclusions:Carrier screening effectively identifies high-risk genetic disease families and provides reproductive guidance to prevent the birth of affected children. However, establishing multidisciplinary team is essential for managing complex cases. Implementation should prioritize prenatal institutions with genetic counseling or diagnostic expertise for monogenic disorders or established referral networks.

Objective:To investigate the drug resistance gene characteristics, plasmid characteristics and genome tracing of Shigella sonnei causing a bacillary dysentery outbreak in Shandong Province. Methods:Sixty-five Shigella sonnei strains isolated from a 2021 outbreak in a county of Shandong Province were analyzed using antimicrobial susceptibility testing, whole genome sequencing (WGS), characterization of resistance and virulence genes, plasmid profiling, core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. Results:All isolates had the same resistance phenotype and genotypes and were multidrug-resistant ESBL-producing Shigella sonnei, carrying important virulence genes. Plasmid analysis revealed a conserved genetic arrangement, pil( M/ N/ O2/ P)-tra( F/ H/ J/ K/ N/ O/ P/ Q)-IS Ecp1- blaCTX-M-14-Tn 903- yub( J/ I/ F/ G/ E/ D), and shared across strains from diverse regions and bacterial species. The cgMLST and SNP analyses demonstrated concordant clustering, with all 65 outbreak-related strains forming a single cluster alongside human-derived strains from Guangxi. Conclusion:The ESBL-producing Shigella sonnei responsible for the outbreak shares a homologous relationship with Guangxi human-derived strains, and the detected resistance plasmids and virulence genes underscore the need to strengthen drug resistance surveillance and genome tracing.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of CGG repeat numbers in the FMR1 gene among reproductive-age women in China, providing data reference for carrier screening and genetic counseling of Fragile X syndrome. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 16 610 reproductive-age women from 12 medical institutions between July 2022 and October 2023. Peripheral venous blood samples (3 mL) were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. The number of CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene was determined using the triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis technology. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the prevalence and distribution of CGG repeat expansions. Results:Among 16 610 women of childbearing age, 5 684 (34.220%) women had the same number of CGG repeats in the two alleles of FMR1 gene, and 10 926 (65.780%) women had different numbers of repeats in the two alleles. Among the 33 220 FMR1 alleles in 16 610 women of reproductive age, the most common CGG repeat numbers were 29 [48.645% (16 160/33 220)] and 30 [26.276% (8 729/33 220)], while the most frequent CGG genotype was CGG 29/29 [24.726% (4 107/16 610)]. The CGG repeat numbers of FMR1 gene were normal in 16 498 women (99.326%). Among the 112 women (0.674%) with CGG repeat abnormities, 96 (0.578%) women were classified as intermediate carriers, 15 (0.090%) as premutation carriers, and 1 (0.006%) as a full mutation carrier, whose CGG genotype was (36, >200). Conclusion:In the general reproductive-age female population in China, the normal CGG repeat numbers of the FMR1 gene account for 99.326%, while the intermediate carrier rate is 0.578%, and the combined carrier rate of the premutation and full mutation types is 0.096%.

Objective:To investigate the distribution of CGG repeat numbers in the FMR1 gene among reproductive-age women in China, providing data reference for carrier screening and genetic counseling of Fragile X syndrome. Methods:This cross-sectional study recruited 16 610 reproductive-age women from 12 medical institutions between July 2022 and October 2023. Peripheral venous blood samples (3 mL) were collected, and genomic DNA was extracted. The number of CGG repeats in the FMR1 gene was determined using the triplet-primed polymerase chain reaction (TP-PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis technology. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the prevalence and distribution of CGG repeat expansions. Results:Among 16 610 women of childbearing age, 5 684 (34.220%) women had the same number of CGG repeats in the two alleles of FMR1 gene, and 10 926 (65.780%) women had different numbers of repeats in the two alleles. Among the 33 220 FMR1 alleles in 16 610 women of reproductive age, the most common CGG repeat numbers were 29 [48.645% (16 160/33 220)] and 30 [26.276% (8 729/33 220)], while the most frequent CGG genotype was CGG 29/29 [24.726% (4 107/16 610)]. The CGG repeat numbers of FMR1 gene were normal in 16 498 women (99.326%). Among the 112 women (0.674%) with CGG repeat abnormities, 96 (0.578%) women were classified as intermediate carriers, 15 (0.090%) as premutation carriers, and 1 (0.006%) as a full mutation carrier, whose CGG genotype was (36, >200). Conclusion:In the general reproductive-age female population in China, the normal CGG repeat numbers of the FMR1 gene account for 99.326%, while the intermediate carrier rate is 0.578%, and the combined carrier rate of the premutation and full mutation types is 0.096%.

Objective:To carry out carrier screening among people of childbearing age, detect the pathogenic genes of monogenic genetic diseases and analyze the carrier status of pathogenic variants, so as to provide fertility guidance and intervention measures for high-risk families.Methods:From August 2022 to August 2023, 1 533 families of childbearing age who met the criteria were recruited in the Chinese PLA General Hospital, including a total of 3 044 subjects. According to the standard enrollment procedure, 223 genes (197 autosomal recessive genes and 26 X-linked genes) of the subjects were tested. According to the screening results, genetic counseling and fertility guidance were provided to the subjects. Invasive prenatal diagnosis was performed for high-risk couples (both couples being carriers of the same autosomal recessive disease gene or the woman was a carrier of X-linked disease gene), and their pregnancy pattern, outcome and offspring phenotype were followed up.Results:(1) A total of 3 044 cases from 1 511 couples and women of childbearing age from 22 families were included for carrier screening. Totally 1 503 families chose simultaneous screening and 30 families chose sequential screening out of the 1 533 families. Among the 3 044 subjects, 1 603 individuals carried at least one pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant, and the overall carrier rate was 52.66% (1 603/3 044). A total of 2 292 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected, and 0.75 variants (2 292/3 044) were detected per capita. (2) The three genes with the highest carrier rates were GJB2 (8.67%, 264/3 044), CYP21A2 (3.19%, 97/3 044) and PAH (3.09%, 94/3 044). There were 32 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/200, 17 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/100, and 7 genes with a carrier rate ≥1/50. (3) Thirty-eight high-risk families were identified. After excluding G6PD gene mutation, there were 33 high-risk families, of which 25 couples were carriers of the same autosomal recessive gene, 9 women were carriers of X-linked gene, and 1 family was double high-risk couple with both autosomal recessive and X-linked gene. After further excluding the GJB2 c.109G>A mutation, 21 high-risk families were identified. Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease was performed in 12 families after genetic counseling. Prenatal diagnosis was completed in 4 out of 5 high-risk families who conceived naturally. Two fetuses carried the parental variants and terminated the pregnancy, one fetus did not carry the parental variants but was induced due to trisomy 21 syndrome, and one fetus was a carrier of congenital disorders of glycosylation type 1a.Conclusions:Carrier screening effectively identifies high-risk genetic disease families and provides reproductive guidance to prevent the birth of affected children. However, establishing multidisciplinary team is essential for managing complex cases. Implementation should prioritize prenatal institutions with genetic counseling or diagnostic expertise for monogenic disorders or established referral networks.

Objective:To analyze the effects of biodegradable-polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (BP-SES) and durable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (DP-SES) implantation on serum endothelin 1 levels and the incidence of coronary restenosis in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods:A total of 114 patients with CHD admitted to the First People's Hospital of Xianyang in Shaanxi Province from May 2022 to January 2024 were selected. According to the principle of comparable baseline characteristics between groups, patients were divided into two groups by random number table method, with 57 cases in each group. After pretreatment of diseased vessels, DP-SES group underwent implantation of DP-SES with appropriate length and diameter, while BP-SES group underwent implantation of BP-SES with appropriate length and diameter. After implantation, non-compliant balloons were used for in-stent post-dilation. Comparisons of vascular endothelial function, levels of inflammatory factors and hemodynamic indicators before operation and at 6 months between groups were made postoperatively, also, the incidence rates of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and coronary restenosis within 6 months were also compared. Measurement data with normal distribution was expressed as “xˉ±s”, independent sample t-test was used on comparison between groups, paired t-test was used for intra-group comparisons before and after treatment. Counting data was expressed as rate or composition ratio, χ2 test was used on comparison between groups. Results:At 6 months after surgery, the levels of endothelin 1 and VEGF were lower in BP-SES group compared to DP-SES group,[(72±5) ng/L vs. (77±7) ng/L, (147±25) ng/L vs. (157±27) ng/L, t=3.76, P<0.001, t=2.16, P=0.033]. The level of nitric oxide was higher in BP-SES group compared to DP-SES group [(79±7) μmol/L vs. (76±8) μmol/L, t=2.46, P<0.001]. At 6 months after surgery, the levels of TNF-α, IL-1 and CRP in DP-SES group were higher than those before surgery, and were all higher compared to BP-SES group[(81±5) ng/L vs. (75±5) ng/L, (159±18) ng/L vs. (151±16) ng/L, (31±4) mg/L vs. (29±3) mg/L, t=6.87, P<0.001, t=2.24, P=0.027, t=2.51, P=0.014]. At 6 months after surgery, the level of whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity in both group were lower than those before surgery, and the level of Hct in BP-SES group was lower than those before surgery, the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.001), while the differences between groups were not statistically significant( P>0.05). The difference of incidence rates of MACE and coronary restenosis within 6 months between groups before surgery and 6 months after surgery were not statistically significant [7.0%(4/57) vs. 12.3%(7/57), χ2=0.91, P=0.341; 3.7%(2/57) vs. 8.3%(5/57), χ2=0.61, P=0.443]. Conclusion:Both BP-SES implantation and DP-SES implantation could effectively restore coronary blood supply, and are highly safe. However, the former can reduce damage to vascular wall and better improve endothelial function in patients.