ObjectiveTo investigate the variation of drug resistance genes in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 strains in Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, so as to provide a basis for guiding the adjustment of treatment plans for ADIS patients or patients infected with HIV. MethodsA total of 555 samples were collected from 396 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients who did not receive antiviral treatment from 2021 to 2023, in addition to 159 HIV/AIDS patients who received antiviral treatment for at least twelve months but failed during the same period.Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and nested polymerase chain reaction (nested PCR) were used to amplify the pol region gene of HIV-1. Lastly, the sequenced data were submitted to the HIV resistance database of Stanford University in the United States for resistance gene mutation analysis. ResultsDrug resistance mutations were detected in samples from 97 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients and 77 patients with failed treatment, with the main subtypes being CRF01AE and CRF07-BC. The mutation rates of drug resistance genes in the patients untreated and patients with failed treatment were 24.49% (97/396) and 48.43% (77/159), respectively. Drug resistance gene mutations against protease inhibitor (PI), nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI), and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) were detected both in the untreated and failed treatment group. The drug resistance rates of untreated and failed treatment patients were 10.61% (42/396) and 45.28% (72/159), respectively. ConclusionThe pre-treatment drug resistance rate of HIV-1 strains in Huzhou City is at a moderate level, and which is at a relatively low level nationwide after antiviral treatment. The resistance genes in the region exhibit diverse and complex characteristics, and the prevalence of drug resistance is in the process of upward and evolution compared to the monitoring results in the previous years. It is necessary to continue to monitor the occurrence and development of drug resistant strains, and to adjust treatment plans in time to prevent the occurrence of transmissible drug resistance.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mutation and genetic evolution of drug resistance gene of A（H1N1） pdm09 influenza pandemic strain in 2023 in Huzhou City， Zhejiang Province. MethodsRespiratory tract specimens from 2 influenza monitoring hospitals were collected forA（H1N1） pdm09 influenza virus nucleic acid detection. Positive specimens were inoculated with MDCK cells for influenza virus isolation and sequencing. DNA Star 7.1 software and Mega 4.0 software were used to analyze the neuraminidase （NA） enzyme active site and the amino acid sites related to drug resistance in M2 protein. ResultsNucleotide homology and amino acid homology of NA between the isolated and the vaccine strains were 98.87%‒99.22% and 98.94%‒99.36%， respectively. The nucleotide homology range of M gene was 99.07% to 99.85%， and the amino acid homology range was 99.02%‒99.94%. The isolates and vaccine strains belong to the evolutionary clades of 6B.1A.5a.2a. The amino acids at the key sites of the enzyme activity center of NA were still highly conserved， and the 9 key amino acid sites related to NA inhibitor resistance did not change， but some mutations occurred at the non-enzyme active sites in some popular strains. The 5 amino acid sites related to drug resistance of M2 protein were not replaced， but the 31st amino acid sites changed from serine to asparagine. ConclusionThe A（H1N1） pdm09 pandemic strain in Huzhou in 2023 has high homology with the 2023‒2024 vaccine strain recommended by WHO. All endemic strains are resistant to amantadines.

Objective To establish a method for the determination of mercury, methylmercury (MeHg) and ethylmercury (EtHg) in the hair of mercury-exposed individuals using high performance liquid chromatography-atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Methods About 0.20 g of hair was mixed with 5.0 mL of hydrochloric acid to a concentration of 5.00 mol/L. After standing for 12 hours, ultrasonic extraction was carried out for 30 minutes at room temperature. Ammonia solution was added dropwise into 2.0 mL supernatant after centrifuge to adjust the pH to 4-5. The solution was diluted to 10.0 mL with pure water after mixed with 0.2 mL of L-cysteine with a mass concentration of 10.0 g/L. The mobile phase consisted of 5.0% methanol + a mass concentration of 0.06 mol/L ammonium acetate + a 0.1% L-cysteine, and was used for separation by a C₁₈ liquid chromatography column, followed by detection using atomic fluorescence spectrometry after UV digestion. Results The linear relationship of mercury, MeHg and EtHg in human hair was good at mass concentrations of 0.0-10.0 μg/L, with all correlation coefficients >0.999 0. The detection limit of mercury, MeHg and EtHg was 0.008, 0.008, and 0.010 μg/g, respectively. The within- and between- run relative standard deviations of the three forms of mercury were 1.6%-4.3% and 2.0%-5.6%, respectively, and the recovery rates were 94.0%-101.2%. Conclusion This method is simple, with low detection limit, high sensitivity, and good accuracy, and is suitable for the simultaneous determination of mercury, MeHg and EtHg in the hair of mercury-exposed individuals.

Objective:To report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after adopting a Watch and Wait (W&W) strategy following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).Methods:This multicenter, cross-sectional study was based on real-world data. The study cohort comprised rectal cancer patients who had achieved complete or near complete clinical responses (cCRs, near-cCRs) after NAT and were thereafter managed by a W&W approach, as well as a few patients who had achieved good responses after NAT and had then undergone local excision for confirmation of pathological complete response. All participants had been followed up for ≥2 years. Patients with distant metastases at baseline or who opted for observation while living with the tumor were excluded. Data of eligible patients were retrospectively collected from the Chinese Wait-and-Watch Data Collaboration Group database. These included baseline characteristics, type of NAT, pre-treatment imaging results, evaluation of post-NAT efficacy, salvage measures, and treatment outcomes. We herein report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after NAT and W&W and the differences between the cCR and near-cCR groups.Results:Clinical data of 318 rectal cancer patients who had undergone W&W for over 2 years and been followed up were collected from eight medical centers (Peking University Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, the First Hospital of Jilin University, and Yunnan Cancer Hospital.) The participants comprised 221 men (69.4%) and 107 women (30.6%) of median age 60 (26-86) years. The median distance between tumor and anal verge was 3.4 (0-10.4) cm. Of these patients, 291 and 27 had achieved cCR or near-cCR, respectively, after NAT. The median duration of follow-up was 48.4 (10.2-110.3) months. The 5-year cumulative overall survival rate was 92.4% (95%CI: 86.8%-95.7%), 5-year cumulative disease-specific survival (CSS) rate 96.6% (95%CI: 92.2%-98.5%), 5-year cumulative organ-preserving disease-free survival rate 86.6% (95%CI: 81.0%-90.7%), and 5-year organ preservation rate 85.3% (95%CI: 80.3%-89.1%). The overall 5-year local recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 18.5% (95%CI: 14.9%-20.8%) and 8.2% (95%CI: 5.4%-12.5%), respectively. Most local recurrences (82.1%, 46/56) occurred within 2 years, and 91.0% (51/56) occurred within 3 years, the median time to recurrence being 11.7 (2.5-66.6) months. Most (91.1%, 51/56) local recurrences occurred within the intestinal lumen. Distant metastases developed in 23 patients; 60.9% (14/23) occurred within 2 years and 73.9% (17/23) within 3 years, the median time to distant metastasis being 21.9 (2.6-90.3) months. Common sites included lung (15/23, 65.2%), liver (6/23, 26.1%), and bone (7/23, 30.4%) The metastases involved single organs in 17 patients and multiple organs in six. There were no significant differences in overall, cumulative disease-specific, or organ-preserving disease-free survival or rate of metastases between the two groups (all P>0.05). The 5-year local recurrence rate was higher in the near-cCR than in the cCR group (41.6% vs. 16.4%, P<0.01), with a lower organ preservation rate (69.2% vs. 88.0%, P<0.001). The success rates of salvage after local recurrence and distant metastasis were 82.1% (46/56) and 13.0% (3/23), respectively. Conclusion:Rectal cancer patients who achieve cCR or near-cCR after NAT and undergo W&W have favorable oncological outcomes and a high rate of organ preservation. Local recurrence and distant metastasis during W&W follow certain patterns, with a relatively high salvage rate for local recurrence. Our findings highlight the importance of close follow-up and timely intervention during the W&W process.

Objective:To report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after adopting a Watch and Wait (W&W) strategy following neoadjuvant therapy (NAT).Methods:This multicenter, cross-sectional study was based on real-world data. The study cohort comprised rectal cancer patients who had achieved complete or near complete clinical responses (cCRs, near-cCRs) after NAT and were thereafter managed by a W&W approach, as well as a few patients who had achieved good responses after NAT and had then undergone local excision for confirmation of pathological complete response. All participants had been followed up for ≥2 years. Patients with distant metastases at baseline or who opted for observation while living with the tumor were excluded. Data of eligible patients were retrospectively collected from the Chinese Wait-and-Watch Data Collaboration Group database. These included baseline characteristics, type of NAT, pre-treatment imaging results, evaluation of post-NAT efficacy, salvage measures, and treatment outcomes. We herein report the long-term outcomes of Chinese rectal cancer patients after NAT and W&W and the differences between the cCR and near-cCR groups.Results:Clinical data of 318 rectal cancer patients who had undergone W&W for over 2 years and been followed up were collected from eight medical centers (Peking University Cancer Hospital, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Liaoning Cancer Hospital, the First Hospital of Jilin University, and Yunnan Cancer Hospital.) The participants comprised 221 men (69.4%) and 107 women (30.6%) of median age 60 (26-86) years. The median distance between tumor and anal verge was 3.4 (0-10.4) cm. Of these patients, 291 and 27 had achieved cCR or near-cCR, respectively, after NAT. The median duration of follow-up was 48.4 (10.2-110.3) months. The 5-year cumulative overall survival rate was 92.4% (95%CI: 86.8%-95.7%), 5-year cumulative disease-specific survival (CSS) rate 96.6% (95%CI: 92.2%-98.5%), 5-year cumulative organ-preserving disease-free survival rate 86.6% (95%CI: 81.0%-90.7%), and 5-year organ preservation rate 85.3% (95%CI: 80.3%-89.1%). The overall 5-year local recurrence and distant metastasis rates were 18.5% (95%CI: 14.9%-20.8%) and 8.2% (95%CI: 5.4%-12.5%), respectively. Most local recurrences (82.1%, 46/56) occurred within 2 years, and 91.0% (51/56) occurred within 3 years, the median time to recurrence being 11.7 (2.5-66.6) months. Most (91.1%, 51/56) local recurrences occurred within the intestinal lumen. Distant metastases developed in 23 patients; 60.9% (14/23) occurred within 2 years and 73.9% (17/23) within 3 years, the median time to distant metastasis being 21.9 (2.6-90.3) months. Common sites included lung (15/23, 65.2%), liver (6/23, 26.1%), and bone (7/23, 30.4%) The metastases involved single organs in 17 patients and multiple organs in six. There were no significant differences in overall, cumulative disease-specific, or organ-preserving disease-free survival or rate of metastases between the two groups (all P>0.05). The 5-year local recurrence rate was higher in the near-cCR than in the cCR group (41.6% vs. 16.4%, P<0.01), with a lower organ preservation rate (69.2% vs. 88.0%, P<0.001). The success rates of salvage after local recurrence and distant metastasis were 82.1% (46/56) and 13.0% (3/23), respectively. Conclusion:Rectal cancer patients who achieve cCR or near-cCR after NAT and undergo W&W have favorable oncological outcomes and a high rate of organ preservation. Local recurrence and distant metastasis during W&W follow certain patterns, with a relatively high salvage rate for local recurrence. Our findings highlight the importance of close follow-up and timely intervention during the W&W process.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphic (SNP) loci of PLCE1 gene and primary nephrotic syndrome (PNS) and its response to glucocorticoid therapy in Guangxi Zhuang children. Methods:It was a retrospective cohort study. One hundred and fifty-five Guangxi Zhuang children with PNS in the Affiliated Hospital of Youjiang Ethnic Medical College from October 2020 to May 2022, and 100 healthy Zhuang children during the same period as controls were included. Four SNP loci including rs17109674, rs10786156, rs3740360 and rs2274224 of PLCE1 gene were selected and high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the genotypes. Logistic regression analysis model was used to analyze the correlation between each SNP locus and onset of PNS and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. The SHEsis online software was used to analyze the link disequilibrium of each SNP locus, and construct the haploid type. Results:(1) Logistic regression analysis results showed that AC+CC genotype (AA as reference, OR=0.449, 95% CI 0.256-0.786, P=0.005), AC genotype (AA as reference, OR=0.354, 95% CI 0.188-0.667, P=0.001) and C allele gene (A as reference, OR=0.615, 95% CI 0.390-0.971, P=0.037) of rs3740360 were correlated with the risk of PNS in children. The genotypes and allele genes of rs17109674, rs10786156, rs3740360 and rs2274224 were not associated with the risk of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children (all P>0.05). (2) Strong linkage disequilibrium existed between rs10786156 and rs2274224 ( D'=0.702, r2=0.484). rs17109674 and rs10786156 ( D'=0.128, r2=0.007), rs17109674 and rs3740360 ( D'=0.142, r2=0.007), rs17109674 and rs2274224 ( D'=0.045, r2=0.001), rs10786156 and rs3740360 ( D'=0.255, r2=0.023), and rs3740360 and rs2274224 ( D'=0.281, r2=0.028) all had weak linkage disequilibrium. (3) The haploid AGCG ( OR=0.282, 95% CI 0.079-1.008, P=0.038), GGCC ( OR=0.327, 95% CI 0.111-0.967, P=0.034) and GGAG ( OR=4.616, 95% CI 1.179-18.069, P=0.016) were all correlated with the risk of PNS in children. Conclusions:AC genotype, AC+CC genotype, and C allele gene of rs3740360 SNP locus may reduce the risk of PNS in Guangxi Zhuang children. Haploid AGCG and GGCC may be associated with decreased incidence of PNS, while GGAG may be associated with increased incidence of PNS in Guangxi Zhuang children. The genotypes and alleles of 4 SNP loci are not associated with the risk of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome.

Recent studies have revealed great functional and structural heterogeneity in the ribbon-type synapses at the basolateral pole of the isopotential inner hair cell (IHC). This feature is believed to be critical for audition over a wide dynamic range, but whether the spatial gradient of ribbon morphology is fine-tuned in each IHC and how the mitochondrial network is organized to meet local energy demands of synaptic transmission remain unclear. By means of three-dimensional electron microscopy and artificial intelligence-based algorithms, we demonstrated the cell-wide structural quantification of ribbons and mitochondria in mature mid-cochlear IHCs of mice. We found that adjacent IHCs in staggered pairs differ substantially in cell body shape and ribbon morphology gradient as well as mitochondrial organization. Moreover, our analysis argues for a location-specific arrangement of correlated ribbon and mitochondrial function at the basolateral IHC pole.
Animals ; Artificial Intelligence ; Cochlea/metabolism* ; Hair Cells, Auditory, Inner ; Mice ; Mitochondria ; Synapses/metabolism*

Tripterygium wilfordii is a valuable medicinal plant rich in biologically active diterpenoids, but there are few studies on the origins of these diterpenoids in its secondary metabolism. Here, we identified three regions containing tandemly duplicated diterpene synthase genes on chromosomes (Chr) 17 and 21 of T. wilfordii and obtained 11 diterpene synthases with different functions. We further revealed that these diterpene synthases underwent duplication and rearrangement at approximately 2.3-23.7 million years ago (MYA) by whole-genome triplication (WGT), transposon mediation, and tandem duplication, followed by functional divergence. We first demonstrated that four key amino acids in the sequences of TwCPS3, TwCPS5, and TwCPS6 were altered during evolution, leading to their functional divergence and the formation of diterpene secondary metabolites. Then, we demonstrated that the functional divergence of three TwKSLs was driven by mutations in two key amino acids. Finally, we discovered the mechanisms of evolution and pseudogenization of miltiradiene synthases in T. wilfordii and elucidated that the new function in TwMS1/2 from the terpene synthase (TPS)-b subfamily was caused by progressive changes in multiple amino acids after the WGT event. Our results provide key evidence for the formation of diverse diterpenoids during the evolution of secondary metabolites in T. wilfordii.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for postoperative one-year mortality in elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture following multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) by intramedullary nailing.Methods:The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed of the 158 elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture who had undergone MDT by proximal femoral intramedullary nailing between January 2018 and August 2020 at Department of Orthopedics, Trauma Center, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University. There were 41 males and 117 females with an average age of 82.5 years (from 65 to 95 years). By the modified Evans classification, there were 15 cases of type Ⅰ, 16 cases of type Ⅱ, 35 cases of type Ⅲ, 81 cases of type Ⅳ, and 11 cases of type Ⅴ. The one-year mortality was documented in the patients after surgery. To screen for risk factors, univariate analysis was conducted of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), modified Evans classification of fractures, time from injury to operation, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and comorbidities, as well as preoperative hemoglobin (Hb), serum albumin (ALB) and total lymphocyte count (TLC). The factors with P<0.05 were included in the multivariate logistic regression model analysis to determine the risk factors. Results:A total of 13 patients died within one year after surgery, yielding a mortality of 8.2% (13/158). Univariate analysis showed significant differences in age, body mass index, modified Evans classification of fractures, CCI and Hb between the surviving and dead patients ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age >85 years ( OR=0.122, 95% CI: 0.018 to 0.834, P=0.032), BMI>23.9 kg/m 2 ( OR=0.083, 95% CI: 0.013 to 0.510, P=0.007), CCI≥3 points ( OR=0.051, 95% CI: 0.090 to 0.275, P=0.001) and preoperative Hb<90 g/L ( OR=4.733, 95% CI: 1.036 to 21.624, P=0.045) were the independent risk factors for postoperative one-year mortality in the elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture following MDT by proximal femoral intramedullary nailing. Conclusions:After MDT by proximal femoral intramedullary nailing of femoral intertrochanteric fractures, the geriatric patients with an age >85 years, BMI>23.9 kg/m 2, CCI≥3 points and Hb<90 g/L are likely to die. Therefore, special care should be taken for them.

Objective:To explore the differences in clinical and imaging features between pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma (PASC) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods:The clinical data, imaging and pathological data of 171 patients pathologically diagnosed with PASC after surgical resection (PASC group) (from February 2011 to October 2020, 148 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University and 23 patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine) and 100 patients pathologically diagnosed with PDAC after surgical resection (PDAC group) (from January to June, 2018, at the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University) were retrospectively analyzed. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging features were analyzed by two associate chief physician of department of radiology. Independent sample t test, rank sum test, chi-square test or Fisher exact probability test were used for statistical analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze independent predictors of PASC. Results:The longest diameter of tumor of PASC group was larger than that of PDAC group (35.0 mm (28.0 mm to 45.0 mm) vs. 29.5 mm (23.0 mm to 36.0 mm)), and the rates of cystic necrosis, ring-enhancement, normal distal main pancreatic duct and normal pancreatic parenchyma of PASC group were higher than those of PDAC group (62.0%, 106/171 vs. 12.0%, 12/100; 66.1%, 113/171 vs. 25.0%, 25/100; 52.0%, 89/171 vs. 12.0%, 12/100; 70.2%, 120/171 vs. 29.0%, 29/100, respectively); and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=-4.001, χ2=72.183, 42.612, 43.284 and 43.221, all P<0.01). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the cystic necrosis, ring-enhancement, normal distal main pancreatic duct and normal pancreatic parenchyma were indenpendent predictors of PASC (odds ratio=10.083, 2.361, 3.086 and 2.632, 95% confidence interval 8.736 to 11.639, 2.096 to 2.660, 2.605 to 3.656 and 2.267 to 3.057, all P<0.01); and the sensitivity for PASC diagnosis was 62.0%, 66.1%, 51.7% and 70.3%, respectively; the specificity was 88.0%, 75.0%, 88.0% and 71.0%, respectively; the positive predictive value was 89.3%, 81.9%, 88.1% and 80.5%, respectively. Conclusions:PASC and PDAC have similar clinical features. The imaging features of cystic necrosis, ring-enhancement, normal distal main pancreatic duct and normal pancreatic parenchyma are independent predictive factors of PASC.