Genomic Characterization of a Novel HIV-1 Second-Generation Recombinant (CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC) Identified from a Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Patient in Hebei, China.

Along with the co-circulation of dominant HIV-1 strains (CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC) in China, an increasing number of second-generation recombinants are being detected, especially among men who have sex with men (MSM). In this study, we identified a unique CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC recombinant from a HIV-1-positive man (BDD015A) infected through homosexual transmission in Baoding city, Hebei Province. Analysis of the near full-length genome sequence of the recombinant revealed five segments divided by four breakpoints, with two regions of CRF07_BC inserted into the pol and env regions of the CRF01_AE backbone. Three CRF01_AE segments (I, III, and V) clustered within the cluster 4 lineage, which mainly circulated among MSM in China. This recombinant differed from previously reported CRF01_ AE and CRF07_BC recombinant forms. The continuous emergence of novel recombinants increases the genetic complexity of HIV-1 in Hebei. Further measures are needed to monitor the molecular epidemiological characteristics of HIV-1 to help control the spread of infections.

Influence of elderly patients' coronary artery lesion severity on cardiac remodeling and left ventricular function.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between coronary artery lesion and cardiac function change among elderly patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: A total of 171 elderly patients with CHD hospitalized from 2009 to 2016 were selected. Their ultrasonic cardiographic and coronary angiographic data were collected, and the correlation between coronary artery lesion and left ventricular remodeling, systolic and diastolic function was analyzed. RESULTS: Coronary artery lesion among elderly patients with CHD was closely related with left ventricular remodeling and systolic function change, but not significantly correlated with diastolic function change. CONCLUSION: Coronary artery lesion severity of elderly patients with CHD was an important reason for left ventricular remodeling and cardiac systolic function change. Early intervention of coronary artery disease is of great significance to protect the heart function.

Detrimental effects of metronidazole on the liver of freshwater common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.).

The widely used antibiotic metronidazole (MTZ) was investigated for its toxic effects on the liver of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). The fish were exposed to 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/L MTZ in water for 30 days, and parameters that are indicative of liver damage and oxidative stress were measured. MTZ increased liver ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, malondialdehyde, and glutathione levels, and elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase. These parameters usually showed significant differences in the 0.5 and 2.5 mg/L MTZ groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). These findings indicated that MTZ induced oxidative stress and caused liver damage in common carp, suggesting that measures should be taken to avoid contamination of surface waters with MTZ.