Clinical application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients with pulmonary infections / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To investigate the pathogen spectrum of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with pulmonary opportunistic infections in the local area, and to evaluate the clinical application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in these patients.Methods:From January to December 2021, AIDS patients with pulmonary infections admitted to Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University were enrolled. Their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was subjected to mNGS and coventional pathogen detection.Routine pathogen detection methods included smear, culture, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunochromatographic colloidal gold. Fisher′s exact probability method was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 69 patients were included, and all of them were tested positive for mNGS. Among them, 53 cases (76.8%) were positive for fungi and viruses, 40 cases (58.0%) were positive for bacteria (excluding Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM)), six cases were positive for MTB, 11 cases were positive for NTM, and seven cases were positive for other pathogens. Mixed infections with two or more pathogens were found in 89.9%(62/69) of the patients. Among the conventional pathogen detections of BALF, 79.7%(55/69) of the patients were positive for pathogens, including 42 cases positive for Pneumocystis jirovecii PCR, 16 cases positive for BALF culture, nine cases positive for MTB PCR, and five cases positive for Cryptococcus antigen. The total detection rate of mNGS was 100.0%(69/69), which was higher than that of the conventional pathogen detection rate of 79.7%(55/69), and the difference was statistically significant (Fisher′s exact probability method, P<0.001). The specificity of mNGS detection was 88.4%. Combining clinical and two detection methods, the top five pathogens were Pneumocystis jirovecii (62.3%(43/69)), Candida (29.0%(20/69)), MTB (20.3%(14/69)), NTM and Talaromyces marneffei (15.9%(11/69), each). Fifty-three patients (76.8%) had co-infection with virus. Conclusions:The main cause of pulmonary infection in AIDS patients in this area is mixed infection, and Pneumocystis jirovecii is the most common pathogen. mNGS could significantly improve the pathogen detection rate in AIDS patients with pulmonary infections.

Effects of combination antiretroviral therapy on acquired immunodeficiency syndrome complicated with malignant tumors / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To investigate the epidemic trend and risk change of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) complicated with malignant tumors after combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).Methods:The types of malignant tumors in patients with AIDS at different stages of cART were analyzed among anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive population in Hubei Province screened in National AIDS/HIV prevention and control information system from 1st January, 2004 to 31st December, 2018. The standardized incidence ratios(SIR) of malignant tumors in AIDS patients was analyzed based on the incidence of malignant tumors in the general population in Hubei Province or China in 2013. The changes in risks for development of malignant tumors in AIDS patients at different cART stages from 2004 to 2013 and 2014 to 2018 were compared.Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results:Three hundred and twenty-three out of 22 994 AIDS patients were diagnosed with malignant tumors. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma(NHL) and cervical cancer were most common types in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defining cancers (ADC), while liver cancers and lung cancers were the most common types in non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-defining cancers (NADC). The overall risk of malignancy in AIDS patients was similar to that in the general population (SIR=1.06, χ2=0.62, P=0.426). However, the risks of Kaposi sarcoma, NHL, Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical cancer, and head and face cancers (excepting nasopharyngeal cancer) in AIDS patients were significantly higher than those in the general population (SIR=834.09, 9.65, 13.33, 5.22 and 2.94, respectively, χ2=11 747.27, 625.54, 56.65, 184.21 and 13.66, respectively, all P<0.01). The risks of lung cancer, colorectal anal cancer, stomach cancer and breast cancer in AIDS patients were significantly lower than those in the general population (SIR=0.33, 0.36, 0.43 and 0.45, respectively, χ2=33.43, 12.84, 9.01 and 7.21, respectively, all P<0.05). The SIR of cervical cancer, liver cancer and colorectal anal cancer from 2014 to 2018 were 4.06, 0.43 and 0.10, respectively, which were significantly lower than those from 2004 to 2013 (7.42, 1.96 and 0.84, respectively). The differences were all statistically significant ( χ2=5.39, 19.52 and 10.86, respectively, all P<0.05). Conclusions:At present, there are no significant differences of the incidences of malignant tumors between AIDS patients and general population, but the tumor types are different. The most common malignant tumors in this region are NHL and cervical cancer, which should be noted that HIV screening among patients with such tumors is conducive to comprehensive treatment to improve the efficacy.

Cancer incidence among HIV/AIDS population in Hubei province / 中华全科医师杂志

The data of patients with HIV/AIDS from Hubei Province during 2004 to 2018 were obtained from the National AIDS Comprehensive Prevention and Control Information System. A total of 22 980 HIV-positive or AIDS patients were followed up for 113 164 person-years and 323 malignant tumors were diagnosed. Non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma (NHL), cervical cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and Kaposi sarcoma (KS) accounted for 70.0% (226/323) of all malignant tumors in this population. The average crude incidence and mortality of malignant tumors in HIV-infected patients were 285.43/100 000(269.11/100 000 in males and 325.87/100 000 in females), and 169.67/100 000(184.78/100 000 in males and 132.19/100 000 in females), respectively. The result indicates that the overall cancer incidence and mortality in HIV/AIDS population under widely implementation of combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) are similar to those in the general population of the region. But the incidence and mortality of AIDS-related tumors such as KS, NHL, HD and cervical cancer are higher than those in general population, and attention should be given to screening of these malignancies in HIV/AIDS population.

Clinical characteristics of 203 discharged patients with corona virus disease 2019 / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To analyze the clinical data of 203 discharged patients with corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19), and to investigate the predictors for the severe cases.Methods:Confirmed COVID-19 cases hospitalized at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from January 1 to February 1, 2020 were consecutively enrolled, who were divided into severe group and non-severe group.The clinical data of enrolled patients were collected and the clinical manifestations, laboratory results, imaging, treatments and prognosis of patients in the two groups were analyzed. Mann-Whitney U rank sum test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 203 discharged patients with COVID-19 were enrolled. The common clinical manifestations included fever (89.2%, 181/203), dry cough (60.1%, 122/203), chest distress (35.5%, 72/203), shortness of breath(29.1%, 59/203)and myalgia or arthralgia (26.6%, 54/203). The time from disease onset to hospital admission was 5.8 days (1.0 to 20.0 days). Among 203 enrolled patients, 107(52.7%) were divided into severe group and 96(47.3%) were non-severe group. The age in severe group was 60 years (23 to 91 years), which was significantly older than non-severe group (47 years (20 to 86 years)), the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-6.12, P<0.01). There were 63.6%(68/107) patients in severe group with at least one underlying disease, which was significantly more than non-severe group (20.8% (20/96)), the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=37.60, P<0.01). The proportions of patients with increased white blood cells, decreased lymphocytes and albumin, elevated alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, lactic acid dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, fasting blood glucose, D-dimer, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and procalcitonin in severe group were all higher. On admission, 172 patients (84.7%) had bilateral patchy shadows or ground glass opacity in the lungs on chest imaging study, 20(9.9%) presented pleural effusion. Fifty-five cases (27.1%) showed progressions of lung lesions on computed tomography (CT) rescan at an average interval of five days. Among 203 patients, 123(60.6%) were given oxygen therapy upon admission, 107(52.7%) were given short-term glucocorticoid therapy, and 131(64.5%) received antiviral therapy; and 26(12.8%) died. The hospital stay was 11.0 days (1.0 to 45.0 days). Conclusions:Fever is the most common symptoms in COVID-19 patients.Elderly and patients with underlying diseases are risk factors for progression to severe cases. The elderly patients should be strengthened early monitoring, paid attention to the control of underlying diseases, and reduce the occurrence of critical diseases.

Epidemiology of nosocomial infection in recipients after renal transplantation: a single-center analysis / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of renal transplantation recipients, effective prevention and control measures. Methods A total of 456 renal transplant recipients were monitored from January 2014 to December 2017. Postoperative infection including baseline data, infection site and infectious pathogen type was analyzed. Results Among 456 renal transplant recipients, 78 cases (17.1%) developed nosocomial infection. Postoperative infection time was 9(3-21) d. Infection sites mainly included the lower respiratory tract, urinary system and blood infection. Infection pathogens consisted of Staphylococci (n=13), Enterococcus faecium (n=6), fungi (n=6), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n=4), Acinetobacter baumannii (n=4), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=4), Staphylococcus epidermidis (n=4), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=1), Escherichia coli (n=1) and other negative bacteria (n=9). Among them, 11 cases (14%) were infected with multi-drug resistant bacteria, and 4 cases died. Conclusions In renal transplant recipients, the incidence of nosocomial infection is relatively high, with early postoperative onset, common multiple drug-resistant bacterial infection and high mortality. Preoperative preparations should be fully implemented, postoperative lower respiratory tract infection should be actively prevented and prevention and treatment measures for multidrug-resistant bacteria should be standardized.

Epidemiological study on nosocomial infection after liver transplantation from organ donation after death / 中华器官移植杂志

Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of nosocomial infection after liver transplantation from organ donation after death of citizens,and to provide evidence for the development of effective prevention and control strategies.Methods Targeted monitoring was conducted on liver transplantation patients in a hospital from January 1,2014 to December 31,2017,and then descriptive statistical analyses were carried out on postoperative infection after liver transplantation.Results The nosocomial infection occurred in 118 cases (55.40％) among 213 cases of liver transplantation.The infection sites were lower respiratory tract,blood system,and intraabdominal infection,accounting for 40.30％,22.39％,and 19.40％,respectively.186 strains of pathogens were isolated,mainly including gram-positive cocci (including 113 strains,60.75％),followed by gram-negative bacilli (56 strains,30.11％) and fungi (17 strains,9.14％).There was significant difference in the infection of the respiratory tract,post-operative wounds and other part s (P＜(0.05).The most common pathogens were Enterococcus faecium,Staphylococcus,Klebsiella Pneumoniae,and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia,accounting for 15.05％,15.05％,10.22％ and 9.69％,respectively.There was significant difference in Gram-negative Bacillus,fungi strains,Acinetobacter strains,Enterococcus faecium strains,Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains,Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and staphylococcus (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The patients after liver transplantation from organ donation after death have a high incidence of nosocomial infection.The infection was mainly distributed in the lower respiratory tract and blood system,and predominantly caused by bacteria and fungi.Infection surveillance of liver transplant patients should be strengthened and comprehensively effective prevention and control measures for nosocomial infection should be developed.

Extravascular lung water index monitoring and fluid management in patients with pulmonary contusion / 中国医师进修杂志

ObjectiveTo guide fluid management and evaluate the clinical index through monitoring extravascular lung water index(EVLWI) of patients with pulmonary contusion.MethodsThirtyone severe chest trauma patients with pulmonary contusion were selected,performed with central venous catheterization or femoral artery catheterization,and connected to pulse index continuous cardiac output (PICCO).EVLWI after pulmonary contusion were measured by using thermal dilution.The intake and output of patients were recorded in detail,fluid intake was controlled,furosemide was prescribed,and the changes and correlations of oxygenation index,EVLWI and liquid balance difference at different time points were evaluated.ResultsEVLWI after pulmonary contusion at 1st to 7th d after hospitalization was respectively (9.25 ±0.71),(8.98 ±0.61),(8.61 ±0.59),(7.75±0.53),(6.64 ±0.49),(6.22±0.36),(5.59 ±0.39) ml/kg.Comparing with 1st d after hospitalization,EVLWI declined from 3rd d (P ＜ 0.05).Oxygenation index at Ist to 7th d after hospitallzation was respectively( 145.76±23.61 ),( 144.19±20.24),( 146.67±19.25 ),(159.33±15.42),(177.38±14.25),(199.33±19.04),(213.71±18.51) mm Hg(1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa).Comparing with 1st d,oxygenation index from 4th to 7th d had significant difference (P ＜ 0.05 ).The fluid volume at 1st d to 7th d were all negative balance,that of 3rd d to 6th d had significant difference comparing with 1st d [(-431.43±121.17),(-601.43±127.09),(-629.52±140.69),(-320.01 ±93.71) ml vs.(-213.81±63.91 ) ml](P ＜ 0.05 ).Oxygenation index and EVLWI had negative correlation(r =-0.824,P＜0.01).Liquid balance difference and the changes of oxygenation index and EVLWI had no correlation.ConclusionEVLWI effectively monitoring after pulmonary contusion can not only evaluate the changes of pulmonary vascular permeability of patients with pulmonary contusion,but also have important significance to guide fluid management.

The effect of a new mucA gene mutation on the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective To study the effect of a new mucA gene mutation on the biofilm formation process and the morphology of matured biofilm of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods The mucA gene of PAO1 was cloned into the Pseudomonas aeruginosa expression plasmid pUCP20. The recombinant plasmid was transformed to mucoid PA17 which contained a new mucA mutation. Positive clones of the plasmids were identified by enzyme digestion and sequencing. The expression levels of algD in the positive clones were assessed by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The modified plate culture method was used to establish the biofilm models of PA17, PA17 with recombinant plasmid and PAO1 in vitro. Results Transformation was identified by the decreased expression of algD in positive clones. The rate of biofilm formation of the positive clones was between those of PAO1 and PA17. The irreversible adhesion occurred after 8 h and the matured biofilm was observed on day 6. The morphologies of PA17, PAO1 and PA17 with recombinant plasmid were the same. Conclusion The mucA gene mutation of PA17 delays the formation of irreversible adhesion of PA17 biofilm, but it has no effect on the morphology of matured biofilm.

The effect of HBx gene on the apoptosis of hepatic cells / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To study the effect of HBx gene on the apoptosis of the cell lines (L02, HepG2) and the interaction between HBx and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), the apoptosis of pcDNA3.1-HBx transiently transfected cell lines (L02, HepG2) was detected by flow cytometry and the mRNA expression of XIAP was assayed by real-time RT-PCR. Our study showed (1) the morphology of L02/pcDNA3.1-HBx was changed and the appearance of the cells mimicked that of HepG2 cells; (2) HBx gene could be detected in L02/pcDNA3.1-HBx and HepG2/ pcDNA3.1-HBx; (3) the apoptosis rate of L02/pcDNA 3.1-HBx was higher than that of L02 cells (P<0.01) and the apoptosis rate of HepG2/pcDNA3.1-HBx was lower than that of HepG2 cells (P<0.05); (4) the XIAP expression in L02 was about 3 times that in L02/pcDNA3.1-HBx cells (P<0.01), and the expression of XIAP in HepG2/pcDNA3.1-HBx was about 4 times that in HepG2 (P<0.01). It is concluded that HBx gene may promote the apoptosis of normal hepatocytes and inhibit the apoptosis of cells of hepatic carcinoma by regulating the expression of XIAP.

The Effect of HBx Gene on the Apoptosis of Hepatic Cells / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

To study the effect of HBx gene on the apoptosis of the cell lines (L02, HepG2) and the interaction between HBx and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), the apoptosis of pcDNA3.1-HBx transiently transfected cell lines (L02, HepG2) was detected by flow cytometry and the mRNA expression of XIAP was assayed by real-time RT-PCR. Our study showed (1) the morphology of L02/pcDNA3. 1-HBx was changed and the appearance of the cells mimicked that of HepG2 cells; (2) HBx gene could be detected in L02/pcDNA3.1-HBx and HepG2/pcDNA3.1-HBx;(3) the apoptosis rate of L02/pcDNA 3.1-HBx was higher than that of L02 cells (P＜0.01) and the apoptosis rate of HepG2/pcDNA3. 1-HBx was lower than that of HepG2 cells (P＜0.05); (4) the XIAP expression in L02 was about 3 times that in L02/pcDNA3.1-HBx cells (P＜0.01), and the expression of XIAP in HepG2/pcDNA3. 1-HBx was about 4 times that in HepG2 (P＜0.01). It is concluded that HBx gene may promote the apoptosis of normal hepatocytes and inhibit the apoptosis of cells of hepatic carcinoma by regulating the expression of XIAP.

Feasibility and its clinical significance of detection of LUNX mRNA expression in diagnosis of micrometastasis for non-small cell lung cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>There is important significance of micrometastasis for the individual treatment and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). LUNX is a lung-specific gene found recently. The aim of this study is to detect LUNX mRNA expression in NSCLC patients in order to discuss the possibility of indicating lung cancer micrometastasis by LUNX.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (FQ-RT-PCR) and ordinary RT-PCR were used to detect LUNX mRNA in cancer tissues, bone marrow and peripheral blood from 62 patients with NSCLC. Lung tissue, bone marrow and peripheral blood from 10 patients with pulmonary benign diseases and peripheral blood from 10 healthy volunteers were served as controls.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>LUNX mRNA was expressed in all the lung tissues, either malignant or benign. No bone marrow and peripheral blood sample was positive for LUNX mRNA in controls. The positive detection rate of LUNX mRNA for NSCLC was 38.7% (24/62) in bone marrow, 29.0% (18/62) in peripheral blood, and 45.2% (28/62) in either. The positive rate of LUNX mRNA for NSCLC in bone marrow increased according to the stage of disease and there was a statistical significance (P=0.02), aod there was a correlation between bone marrow and peripheral blood expression in NSCLC (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>LUNX mRNA is an efficient indicating factor on sensitivity and specificity to detect early haematogenous dissemination of cancer cells for patients with NSCLC. This method may lead to an earlier diagnosis of metastasis for lung cancer and help to evaluate the cancer more correctly and make the best treatment plan.</p>

Resection of Thymoma by Video-assisted Thoracoscopy for Myasthenia Gravis / 中国微创外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of thymoma for myasthenia gravis.Methods Between July 2005 and February 2006,10 patients with thymoma were enrolled in this study.After double lumen intubation,video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of the thymus and thymoma was performed on the patients under total intravenous anesthesia.The largest tumor in this series was 6 cm ? 4 cm ? 3 cm.For a three-trocar technique,three incisions with a length of 1,3,or 1.5 cm were made respectively at the fifth intercostal space on the midaxillary line,fourth intercostal space on the middle between the anterior axillary line and midclavicular line,and sixth intercostal space on the anterior axillary line.During the operation,to expose the ipsilateral thymus and part of the contralateral thymus,the mediastinal pleura was cut along the internal thoracic artery,and superior vena cava or phrenic nerve.The thymus was then separated,and the thymic vein was dissected along the brachiocephalic vein and ligated.All the patients received radiotherapy after the operation with a dose of 4000 cGy.Results The operation time ranged from 70 to 130 minutes(mean,110 minutes)and the blood loss was less than 100 ml in all the cases.After the operation,7 patients presented Masaoka stage Ⅰ and 3 were at stage Ⅱ.No patient died or had cardiopulmonary complications or myasthenia crisis.The symptoms of myasthenia gravis were relieved in 1 week.The patients were followed up for 8 to 15 months(mean 13.0 months).During the period,none of them developed recurrence,metastasis,or aggravation of the myasthenia gravis.Conclusions It is feasible to resect stage Ⅰ to Ⅱ thymoma by video-assisted thoracoscopy.The procedure is minimal invasive with a few postoperative complications and good cosmetic outcomes.