1.Controllability Analysis of Structural Brain Networks in Young Smokers
Jing-Jing DING ; Fang DONG ; Hong-De WANG ; Kai YUAN ; Yong-Xin CHENG ; Juan WANG ; Yu-Xin MA ; Ting XUE ; Da-Hua YU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(1):182-193
ObjectiveThe controllability changes of structural brain network were explored based on the control and brain network theory in young smokers, this may reveal that the controllability indicators can serve as a powerful factor to predict the sleep status in young smokers. MethodsFifty young smokers and 51 healthy controls from Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology were enrolled. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to construct structural brain network based on fractional anisotropy (FA) weight matrix. According to the control and brain network theory, the average controllability and the modal controllability were calculated. Two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences between the groups and Pearson correlation analysis to examine the correlation between significant average controllability and modal controllability with Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) in young smokers. The nodes with the controllability score in the top 10% were selected as the super-controllers. Finally, we used BP neural network to predict the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) in young smokers. ResultsThe average controllability of dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, lenticular nucleus putamen, and lenticular nucleus pallidum, and the modal controllability of orbital inferior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor area, gyrus rectus, and posterior cingulate gyrus in the young smokers’ group, were all significantly different from those of the healthy controls group (P<0.05). The average controllability of the right supplementary motor area (SMA.R) in the young smokers group was positively correlated with FTND (r=0.393 0, P=0.004 8), while modal controllability was negatively correlated with FTND (r=-0.330 1, P=0.019 2). ConclusionThe controllability of structural brain network in young smokers is abnormal. which may serve as an indicator to predict sleep condition. It may provide the imaging evidence for evaluating the cognitive function impairment in young smokers.
2.Identification of Cuproptosis-related Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease Based on Bioinformatics and Machine Learning and Clinical Validation and Prediction of Potential Traditional Chinese Medicine
Guofang YU ; Chenling ZHAO ; Liwei TIAN ; Wenming YANG ; Ting DONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(20):160-167
ObjectiveThis study aims to identify cuproptosis-related gene biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease(AD) using bioinformatics and machine learning methods, validate them at the clinical specimen level, and predict potential traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). MethodsDifferentially expressed genes in the AD group and normal group were obtained using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and intersections were taken with reported cuproptosis-related genes to obtain differentially expressed cuproptosis-related genes. Machine learning methods were applied to identify core differential genes of cuproptosis in AD. Peripheral blood's single nucleated cells from clinical AD patients were collected, and the relative gene expression was clinically verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR). Potential TCM regulating cuproptosis for AD were predicted by COREMINE database. ResultsA total of 12 cuproptosis-related genes were obtained, mainly involved in pathways of tricarboxylic acid cycle, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, and carbon metabolism. Five core cuproptosis-related genes, dihydrolipoamide dehydrogenase (DLD), glutaminase (GLS), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit beta (PDHB), full name nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-related factor 2 (NFE2L2), and dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 (DBT) were finally screened using four machine methods. Thirty cases each of normal and AD patients were collected clinically. Compared with those in the normal group, minimum mental state examination (MMSE) and Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) were significantly decreased in the AD group (P<0.01), Homocysteine(Hcy), interleukin(IL)-6, C-reactive protein(CRP) , and β amyloid protein(Aβ) indexes were significantly increased (P<0.01), and malondialdehyde(MDA) indexes were decreased (P<0.05). Superoxide dismutase(SOD) levels were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The mRNA relative expressions of NFE2L2 and DBT were up-regulated (P<0.05), and those of DLD, GLS, and PDHB were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). The TCM regulating cuproptosis-related genes for the treatment of AD were mainly based on the four Qi such as warmth, calmness, and cold, and the five flavors including bitterness, sweetness, and pungency, and it was attributed to the meridians of the liver, spleen, stomach, and kidney, with the efficacy of tonifying Qi, activating blood, eliminating phlegm, and resoling dampness. ConclusionDLD, GLS, NFE2L2, PDHB, and DBT can be used as novel diagnostic molecular markers for AD cuproptosis-related genes, and the corresponding potential therapeutic TCM can provide new ideas for the treatment of AD by TCM.
3.Adolescent Smoking Addiction Diagnosis Based on TI-GNN
Xu-Wen WANG ; Da-Hua YU ; Ting XUE ; Xiao-Jiao LI ; Zhen-Zhen MAI ; Fang DONG ; Yu-Xin MA ; Juan WANG ; Kai YUAN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(9):2393-2405
ObjectiveTobacco-related diseases remain one of the leading preventable public health challenges worldwide and are among the primary causes of premature death. In recent years, accumulating evidence has supported the classification of nicotine addiction as a chronic brain disease, profoundly affecting both brain structure and function. Despite the urgency, effective diagnostic methods for smoking addiction remain lacking, posing significant challenges for early intervention and treatment. To address this issue and gain deeper insights into the neural mechanisms underlying nicotine dependence, this study proposes a novel graph neural network framework, termed TI-GNN. This model leverages functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to identify complex and subtle abnormalities in brain connectivity patterns associated with smoking addiction. MethodsThe study utilizes fMRI data to construct functional connectivity matrices that represent interaction patterns among brain regions. These matrices are interpreted as graphs, where brain regions are nodes and the strength of functional connectivity between them serves as edges. The proposed TI-GNN model integrates a Transformer module to effectively capture global interactions across the entire brain network, enabling a comprehensive understanding of high-level connectivity patterns. Additionally, a spatial attention mechanism is employed to selectively focus on informative inter-regional connections while filtering out irrelevant or noisy features. This design enhances the model’s ability to learn meaningful neural representations crucial for classification tasks. A key innovation of TI-GNN lies in its built-in causal interpretation module, which aims to infer directional and potentially causal relationships among brain regions. This not only improves predictive performance but also enhances model interpretability—an essential attribute for clinical applications. The identification of causal links provides valuable insights into the neuropathological basis of addiction and contributes to the development of biologically plausible and trustworthy diagnostic tools. ResultsExperimental results demonstrate that the TI-GNN model achieves superior classification performance on the smoking addiction dataset, outperforming several state-of-the-art baseline models. Specifically, TI-GNN attains an accuracy of 0.91, an F1-score of 0.91, and a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.83, indicating strong robustness and reliability. Beyond performance metrics, TI-GNN identifies critical abnormal connectivity patterns in several brain regions implicated in addiction. Notably, it highlights dysregulations in the amygdala and the anterior cingulate cortex, consistent with prior clinical and neuroimaging findings. These regions are well known for their roles in emotional regulation, reward processing, and impulse control—functions that are frequently disrupted in nicotine dependence. ConclusionThe TI-GNN framework offers a powerful and interpretable tool for the objective diagnosis of smoking addiction. By integrating advanced graph learning techniques with causal inference capabilities, the model not only achieves high diagnostic accuracy but also elucidates the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction. The identification of specific abnormal brain networks and their causal interactions deepens our understanding of addiction pathophysiology and lays the groundwork for developing targeted intervention strategies and personalized treatment approaches in the future.
4.Effect of stage Ⅰ comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarctionafter emergency percutaneous coronary intervention
Yue REN ; Ting TIAN ; Guangsheng WEI ; Ming ZHANG ; Hong YU ; Jie LI ; Tingting DONG ; Yinmei FENG ; Hongchao CUI ; Jiao ZHANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2024;40(5):682-687
Objective This study aimed to investigate the effect of stage Ⅰ comprehensive cardiac rehabili-tation in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods A total of 72 patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction combined with PCI admitted to the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of Beijing Electric Power Hospital of State Grid Corporation from June 2021 to June 2022,which were selected as the research objectsand divided into control group and observation group randomly(36 cases in each group).The control group was treated with routine nursing and health education,and the observation group with stage Ⅰ comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation,including initial assessment(cardiovascular comprehensive assessment),exercise training(exercise training and breathing train-ing),daily activity suggestions and health education,discharge assessment(six-minute walking test and Barthel index assessment).The score of Barthel index(BI)at discharge,the 6-minute walking test distance(6MWD)at discharge,the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular event(MACE)during hospitalization and within one month of discharge,and the length of stay were compared between the two groups.Results After intervention,the six-minute walking test distance(6MWD)and Barthel index(BI)score in the observation group were better than those in the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)during hospitalization and one month after discharge was lower in the observation group than in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The length of hospital-ization in observation group was lower than that in control groupbut there was no statistical difference(P>0.05).Conclusion The application of phase Ⅰ comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation training in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction combined with emergency PCI could improve the patients'exercise ability,improve their ability of daily activity,reduce the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in the early stage of the disease,facilitate the patients to return to their families and society as soon as possible,and improve their quality of life.It has high clinical application value.
5.Clinical efficacy of TIPS combined with catheter thrombolysis or local treatment for portal vein thrombosis
Ting CUI ; Tao WANG ; Yu ZHANG ; Dan ZHANG ; Zhendong YUE ; Lei WANG ; Zhenghua FAN ; Yifan WU ; Chengbin DONG ; Fuquan LIU
Journal of Interventional Radiology 2024;33(1):22-27
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS)combined with indwelling catheter-directed thrombolysis for the treatment of portal vein thrombosis(PVT).Methods The clinical efficacy of 307 patients with portal hypertension complicated by PVT,who received successful TIPS combined with indwelling catheter-directed thrombolysis at the Affiliated Beijing Shijitan Hospital of Capital Medical University of China between January 2016 and December 2019,were retrospectively analyzed.Before and after TIPS,the inferior vena cava pressure(IVCP)and portal vein pressure(PVP)were measured,and the pre-TIPS,post-TIPS(before thrombolysis),and post-thrombolysis portal pressure gradient(PPG,PPG=PVP-IVCP)was separately calculated.Reexamination of portal venography DSA was performed to determine the degree of PVT disappearance and whether the shunt was unobstructed.All patients were followed up for one year.Results The pre-TIPS,post-TIPS(before thrombolysis),and post-thrombolysis mean PPG was(24.50±6.91)mmHg,(18.51±5.11)mmHg,and(10.17±3.97)mmHg,respectively.The post-thrombolysis mean PPG was strikingly lower than the pre-thrombolysis values,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Among the 307 patients,complete disappearance of PVT was observed in 221(72.3%),remarkable reduction of PVT in 86(27.7%),and no invalid result was seen.The patients having complete patency of the shunt flow accounted for 85.7%of the 307 patients(261/307),and the patients having partial patency of the shunt flow accounted for 14.3%of the 307 patients(46/307).Forty-two patients developed complications,and no death occurred.All patients were followed up for one year,and the main clinical symptoms were improved or completely disappeared.Among the 307 patients,an increase in thrombus volume was found in 17(5.5%)when compared to their postoperative values,which returned to the first-time postoperative level after local treatment of the thrombus via the TIPS shunt combined with catheter-directed thrombolysis.Within one year after TIPS and thrombolysis,overt hepatic encephalopathy(OHE)occurred in 54 patients(17.6%,54/307).One patient died of hepatic failure 9 months after TIPS,another patient died of cerebral hemorrhage 11 months after TIPS,and all the remaining patients were alive.Conclusion For patients with portal hypertension complicated by PVT,TIPS combined with indwelling catheter-directed thrombolysis is clinically safe and effective.The standardized,systematic management of the whole therapeutic process should be strengthened.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,32:22-27)
6.Low-dose Radiation Therapy for Osteoarthritis
Guo-Rong MA ; Yong-Ze YANG ; Xin MENG ; Yu-Ting GAO ; Shu-Zhi LI ; Hong-Zhang GUO ; Xiao-Dong JIN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2024;51(6):1382-1392
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease and the most common type of arthritis. It involves almost any joint and can lead to chronic pain and disability. In the late 19th century, Roentgen discovered X-rays, and then began to use radiotherapy to treat tumors. In the 1980s, Luckey thought that low-level radiation (LDRT) might be beneficial to biology, and it was gradually applied to the treatment of some diseases. This paper introduces the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical manifestations and treatment methods of OA, points out that the cartilage injury and the important effect of synovial inflammation in the pathogenesis of OA, namely when the homeostasis of articular cartilage are destroyed, synthetic metabolism and catabolism imbalances, cartilage cells damaged their breakdown products consumed by synovial cells. Synovial cells and synovial macrophages secrete proinflammatory cytokines, metalloproteinases and proteolytic enzymes, leading to cartilage matrix degradation and chondrocyte damage, which aggravates synovial inflammation and cartilage damage, forming a vicious cycle. The possible mechanism and clinical research progress of LDRT in alleviating OA are discussed. LDRT can regulate inflammatory response, inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and promote the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thereby achieving anti-inflammatory effect. Studies have shown that after irradiation, the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was decreased, the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the production of superoxide were inhibited, the anti-inflammatory phenotype of macrophages was differentiated from M1 to M2, the inflammatory CD8+ T cells were transformed into CD4+ T cells, and the number of dendritic cells (DC) was significantly reduced. LDRT inhibit the production of proinflammatory factors in leukocytes, reduce their recruitment and adhesion, and down-regulate the expression levels of cell adhesion molecules such as selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) and vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule (VCAM). LDRT can regulate endothelial cells, stimulate endothelial cells to produce a large amount of TGF-β1, reduce the adhesion of endothelial cells to peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and contribute to the anti-inflammatory effect of LDRT. It also exerted anti-inflammatory effects by regulating mitochondrial growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15). After low-level radiation, the MMP-13 (matrix metalloproteinases-13) and the ADAMTS5 (recombinant a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin-5) decreased, the Col2a1 (collagen type 2) increased in chondrocytes. In the existing clinical studies, most patients can achieve relief of joint pain and recovery of joint mobility after irradiation, and the patients have good feedback on the efficacy. The adverse reactions (acute reactions and carcinogenic risks) caused by LDRT in the treatment of OA are also discussed. During the treatment of OA, a few patients have symptoms such as redness, dryness or itching at the joint skin, and the symptoms are mild and do not require further treatment. Patients are thus able to tolerate more frequent and longer doses of radiotherapy. In general, LDRT itself has the advantages of non-invasive, less adverse reactions, and shows the effect of pain relief and movement improvement in the treatment of OA. Therefore, LDRT has a broad application prospect in the treatment of OA.
7.Bioequivalence of amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablet in healthy volunteers
Yi-Ting HU ; Yu-Fang XU ; Wan-Jun BAI ; Hao-Jing SONG ; Cai-Yun JIA ; Shao-Chun CHEN ; Zhan-Jun DONG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(3):419-424
Objective To evaluate the bioequivalence of test product and reference product in a single dose of amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablet under fasting and fed conditions in healthy volunteers.Methods An open label,randomized,single dose,four-period,crossover bioequivalence study was designed.Fasting and postprandial tests were randomly divided into 2 administration sequence groups according to 1:1 ratio,amoxicillin clavulanate potassium tablet test product or reference product 375 mg,oral administration separately,liquid chromatography tanden mass spectrometry was applied to determine the concentration of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium in plasma of healthy subjects after fasting or fed administration,while Phoenix WinNonlin 8.2 software were used for pharmacokinetics(PK)parameters calculation and bioequivalence analysis.Results Healthy subjects took the test product and the reference product under fasting condition,the main PK parameters of amoxicillin are as follows:Cmax were(5 075.57±1 483.37)and(5 119.86±1 466.73)ng·mL-1,AUC0_twere(1.32 × 104±2 163.76)and(1.30 × 104±1 925.11)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞were(1.32 × 104±2 175.40)and(1.31 ×104±1 935.86)ng·mL-1;the main PK parameters of clavulanic acid are as follows:Cmax were(3 298.27±1 315.23)and(3 264.06±1 492.82)ng·mL-1,AUC0-twere(7 690.06±3 053.40)and(7 538.39±3 155.89)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞were(7 834.81±3 082.61)and(7 671.67±3 189.31)ng·mL-1;the 90%confidence intervals of Cmax,AUC0-tand AUC0-∞ after logarithmic conversion of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium of the two products were all within 80.00%-125.00%.Healthy subjects took the test and reference product under fed condition,the main PK parameters of amoxicillin are as follows:Cmax were(4 514.08±1 324.18)and(4 602.82±1 366.48)ng·mL-1,AUC0-twere(1.15 × 104±1 637.95)and(1.15 × 104±1 665.69)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞ were(1.16 × 104±1 646.26)and(1.15 × 104±1 607.20)ng·mL-1;the main PK parameters of clavulanic acid are as follows:Cmax were(2 654.75±1 358.29)and(2 850.51±1 526.31)ng·mL-1,AUC0-twere(5 882.82±2 930.06)and(6 161.28±3 263.20)ng·mL-1,AUC0-∞ were(6 022.70±2 965.05)and(6 298.31±3 287.63)ng·mL-1;the 90%confidence intervals of Cmax,AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ after logarithmic conversion of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium of the two products were all within 80.00%-125.00%.Conclusion The two formulations were bioequivalent to healthy adult volunteers under fasting and fed conditions.
8.Clinical study on efficacy of different androgen deprivation regimens in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer
Huai-Jing LUO ; Ting-Ting ZHANG ; Xing-Mo DONG ; Chao-Lu LIN ; Feng YU
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(4):519-523
Objective To compare the application effect of intermittent androgen deprivation(IAD)and continued androgen deprivation(CAD)on advanced prostate cancer and influence on prognosis.Methods The patients with advanced prostate cancer were divided into treatment group(86 cases)and control group(62 cases)according to the cohort method.The treatment group was given IAD regimen(subcutaneous injection of 3.6 mg goserelin once every 28 days)combined with oral administration of flutamide(250 mg every 3 times a day)or combined with oral administration of bicalutamide(50 mg once a day),and the control group was treated with CAD regimen(bilateral orchiectomy combined with continuous flutamide or bicalutamide orally,with the same dosage as the treatment group).The observation follow-up time of both groups was ≥9 months.Efficacy,serum total testosterone(TT),prostate specific antigen(PSA)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)were compared between the two groups after treatment,and the side effects of treatment,quality of life[Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate(FACT-P)]and disease progression were evaluated.Results At 9 months after treatment,the objective response rates(ORR)in treatment group and control group were 30.99%(22 cases/71 cases)and 29.09%(16 cases/55 cases),and the disease control rates(DCR)were 71.83%(51 cases/71 cases)and 69.09%(38 cases/55 cases)respectively(P>0.05).Serum TT levels in treatment group and control group were(25.53±9.44)and(22.51±8.28)ng·dL-1,PSA levels were(4.48±1.02)and(4.32±0.95)ng·mL-1,and VEGF levels were(121.03±35.26)and(118.65±33.42)pg·mL-1 respectively(all P>0.05).The incidence rates of hot flash in treatment group and control group were 21.13%and 56.36%,the incidence rates of breast swelling pain were 16.90%and 34.55%,and the incidence rates of osteoporosis were 8.45%and 25.45%respectively(all P<0.05).The scores of physical condition of FACT-P in treatment group and control group were(24.15±4.22)and(20.28±3.71)points,the scores of life condition were(20.28±2.94)and(17.81±2.84)points,scores of prostate cancer specific(PCS)module were(33.21±6.32)and(28.42±5.43)points,respectively,the difference were all statistically significant(all P<0.05).The cumulative progression-free survival rates in treatment group and control group were 61.97%and 58.18%(P>0.05).Conclusion IAD is as effective as CAD in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer and has a similar effect on the prognosis of patients,but the former one has fewer side effects of treatment and helps to improve the quality of life of patients.
9.Effect of high-fat diet intake on pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablet in healthy Chinese volunteers
Yu-Fang XU ; Hao-Jing SONG ; Bo QIU ; Yi-Ting HU ; Wan-Jun BAI ; Xue SUN ; Bin CAO ; Zhan-Jun DONG
The Chinese Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2024;40(4):589-593
Objective To observe the pharmacokinetic effect of amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets on amoxicillin in Chinese healthy subjects under fasting and high fat and high calorie diet.Methods 71 healthy subjects were given a single dose of amoxicillin potassium clavulanate tablets(0.375 g)on fasting or high fat diet,and venous blood samples were collected at different time points.The concentrations of amoxicillin in human plasma were determined by HPLC-MS/MS method,and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-atrioventricular model using PhoenixWinNonlin 8.0 software.Results The main pharmacokinetic parameters of amoxicillin potassium clavulanate tablets after fasting and high fat diet were(5 105.00±1 444.00),(4 593.00±1 327.00)ng·mL-1,and postprandial-fasting ratio 89.40%,90%confidence interval(79.55%-100.19%);t1/2 were(1.52±0.16),(1.39±0.22)h;AUC0-t were(12 969.00±1 841.00),(11 577.00±1 663.00)ng·mL-1·h,and postdietary/fasting ratio 89.20%,90%confidence interval(83.92%-94.28%);AUC0-∞ were(13 024.00±1 846.00),(11 532.00±1 545.00)ng·mL-1·h,and postprandial-fasting ratio 88.60%,90%confidence interval(83.48%-93.50%).The median Tmax(range)were 1.63(0.75,3.00)and 2.50(0.75,6.00)h,respectively,and the Tmax of postprandial medication was delayed(P<0.01).Conclusion Compared with fasting condition,amoxicillin Tmax was significantly delayed after high fat diet,while Cmax,AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ were not significantly changed,indicating that food could delay the absorption of amoxicillin,but did not affect the degree of absorption.
10.Inferring Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Drug Resistance and Transmission using Whole-genome Sequencing in a High TB-burden Setting in China
Feng Yu FAN ; Xin Dong LIU ; Wang Yi CHEN ; Chao Xi OU ; Zhi Qi MAO ; Ting Ting YANG ; Jiang Xi WANG ; Cong Wen HE ; Bing ZHAO ; Jiang Zhen LIU ; Maiweilanjiang ABULIMITI ; Maimaitiaili AIHEMUTI ; Qian GAO ; Lin Yan ZHAO
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(2):157-169
Objective China is among the 30 countries with a high burden of tuberculosis(TB)worldwide,and TB remains a public health concern.Kashgar Prefecture in the southern Xinjiang Autonomous Region is considered as one of the highest TB burden regions in China.However,molecular epidemiological studies of Kashgar are lacking. Methods A population-based retrospective study was conducted using whole-genome sequencing(WGS)to determine the characteristics of drug resistance and the transmission patterns. Results A total of 1,668 isolates collected in 2020 were classified into lineages 2(46.0%),3(27.5%),and 4(26.5%).The drug resistance rates revealed by WGS showed that the top three drugs in terms of the resistance rate were isoniazid(7.4%,124/1,668),streptomycin(6.0%,100/1,668),and rifampicin(3.3%,55/1,668).The rate of rifampicin resistance was 1.8%(23/1,290)in the new cases and 9.4%(32/340)in the previously treated cases.Known resistance mutations were detected more frequently in lineage 2 strains than in lineage 3 or 4 strains,respectively:18.6%vs.8.7 or 9%,P<0.001.The estimated proportion of recent transmissions was 25.9%(432/1,668).Multivariate logistic analyses indicated that sex,age,occupation,lineage,and drug resistance were the risk factors for recent transmission.Despite the low rate of drug resistance,drug-resistant strains had a higher risk of recent transmission than the susceptible strains(adjusted odds ratio,1.414;95%CI,1.023-1.954;P = 0.036).Among all patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis(DR-TB),78.4%(171/218)were attributed to the transmission of DR-TB strains. Conclusion Our results suggest that drug-resistant strains are more transmissible than susceptible strains and that transmission is the major driving force of the current DR-TB epidemic in Kashgar.

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