HCV Genotype Distribution and Clinical Characteristics of HCV Mono-Infected and HCV/HIV Co-Infected Patients in Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.

Objective: The present study aimed to characterize the genotype distribution and clinical characteristics of HCV monoinfected and HCV/HIV coinfected patients in the Liangshan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. Methods: All the patients were divided into HCV monoinfection and HCV/HIV coinfection groups according to whether they were complicated with HIV infection. The data from the two groups were collected. Results: In this study, HCV genotype 3 was the most common genotype in both groups, while HCV genotype 6 was significantly higher in the coinfection group than in the monoinfection group (p = 0.046). The white blood cell count, total bilirubin level, and HCV RNA were significantly higher in the HCV monoinfection group than that in the HCV/HIV coinfection group (p = 0.031; p < 0.001; p = 0.027, respectively). Conclusion: HCV prevalence was high in HIV-positive patients in the Liangshan Prefecture. Thus, incorporating screening and management of HCV monoinfection and HCV/HIV coinfection is needed in local region programs.

Comparison of holmium laser enucleation and transurethral resection of prostate in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold-standard classical method for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In minimally invasive surgery, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is considered an alternative option. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to comprehensively evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of TURP and HoLEP the treating BPH. We comprehensively searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for all randomized controlled trials published before 1 December 2022 comparing HoLEP and TURP. The study protocol is registered on INPLASY (DOI: 10.37766/inplasy2023.5.0065). Compared with TURP, HoLEP required longer operation time but shorter catheter duration, hospital stay, and bladder irrigation time, as well as less postoperative irrigation. With HoLEP, maximum urinary flow rate at 12 and 24 months after surgery; post-void residual volume at 1, 6, and 12 months; and International Prostate Symptom Score at 12 months after surgery were superior to those with TURP. HoLEP was associated with significantly lower risk of hyponatremia, blood transfusion, and urethral stricture but greater risk of postoperative dysuria. Compared with TURP, HoLEP had better curative efficacy at 6, 12, and 24 months after operation and lower incidence of adverse events in patients with BPH.

The association between CYP2E1 polymorphisms and hepatotoxicity due to anti-tuberculosis drugs: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although there have been previous studies on the potential association between cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) polymorphisms and the risk of anti-tuberculosis drug-induced hepatotoxicity (ATDH), the results have generally been controversial. METHODS: We searched Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library using the following key words: cytochrome P450 2E1, CYP2E1, polymorphism, tuberculosis and TB. The strength of the association between the CYP2E1 PstI/RsaI and DraI polymorphism and ATDH risk as measured by odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was studied. RESULTS: Compared with the wild genotype (c1/c1), the OR of ATDH was 1.41 (95% CI: 1.1-1.82, P=0.007) for the PstI/RsaI polymorphism, and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.51-1.18, P=0.23) for the DraI polymorphism. Compared with individuals with N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) fast or intermediate acetylator genotype and c1/c1 genotype patients who were NAT2 slow acetylators and carried the high activity CYP2E1 c1/c1 genotype had higher risk for ATDH (OR=3.10, P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis indicates that the CYP2E1 c1/c1 genotype may be a risk factor for ATDH, and the concomitant presence of the slow acetylator NAT2 genotype may further increase this risk.

The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Mtb8.4/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine.

DNA vaccination has emerged as a powerful approach in the search for a more efficacious vaccine against tuberculosis (TB). In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of Mtb8.4/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine. The Mtb8.4/hIL-12 chimeric gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pCI-neo. C57BL/6N mice were vaccinated with Mtb8.4/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine for three times at 3 weeks intervals. Four weeks after the final inoculation, three mice per group were sacrificed to assess cytokine response and CTL induction and the other five mice per group were challenged intravenously in a lateral tail vein with 1 x 10(6) CFU of virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Spleen and the left lung were harvested from each mouse at 4 weeks after infection and homogenized in sterile saline. Serial dilutions of organ homogenates were plated on L-J agar and incubated 37 degrees C until colonies were visible 4 weeks later. Protective efficacies in each experiment were expressed as reduced CFU and were compared with the negative control group. The right lung was obtained from each mouse and immediately inflated with and stored in 10% formalin saline. Tissues were embedded in paraffin, sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Mtb8.4/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine induced the secretion of more of Th1 cytokines, but not IL-4 and enhanced CTL activity. Mice immunized with Mtb8.4/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine had fewer and smaller tubercles than control groups. As expected, control mice had the highest bacterial loads in both lung and spleen. Immunization with Mtb8.4/hIL-12 chimeric gene vaccine could remarkably reduced CFU counts in organs. When it was used to construct the chimeric gene vaccine, hIL-12 could improve the immune efficacy of Mtb8.4 gene vaccine.