PE/PPE mutations in the transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in China revealed by whole genome sequencing.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the impact of PE/PPE gene mutations on the transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) in China. METHODS: We collected the whole genome sequencing (WGS) data of 3202 M. tuberculosis isolates in China from 2007 to 2018 and investigated the clustering of strains from different lineages. To evaluate the potential role of PE/PPE gene mutations in the dissemination of the pathogen, we employed homoplastic analysis to detect homoplastic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within these gene regions. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the statistical association. RESULTS: Based on nationwide M. tuberculosis WGS data, it has been observed that the majority of the M. tuberculosis burden in China is caused by lineage 2 strains, followed by lineage 4. Lineage 2 exhibited a higher number of transmission clusters, totaling 446 clusters, of which 77 were cross-regional clusters. Conversely, there were only 52 transmission clusters in lineage 4, of which 9 were cross-regional clusters. In the analysis of lineage 2 isolates, regression results showed that 4 specific gene mutations, PE4 (position 190,394; c.46G > A), PE_PGRS10 (839,194; c.744 A > G), PE16 (1,607,005; c.620T > G) and PE_PGRS44 (2,921,883; c.333 C > A), were significantly associated with the transmission of M. tuberculosis. Mutations of PE_PGRS10 (839,334; c.884 A > G), PE_PGRS11 (847,613; c.1455G > C), PE_PGRS47 (3,054,724; c.811 A > G) and PPE66 (4,189,930; c.303G > C) exhibited significant associations with the cross-regional clusters. A total of 13 mutation positions showed a positive correlation with clustering size, indicating a positive association. For lineage 4 strains, no mutations were found to enhance transmission, but 2 mutation sites were identified as risk factors for cross-regional clusters. These included PE_PGRS4 (338,100; c.974 A > G) and PPE13 (976,897; c.1307 A > C). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that some PE/PPE gene mutations can increase the risk of M. tuberculosis transmission, which might provide a basis for controlling the spread of tuberculosis.

Associations of residential greenness exposure and ambient air pollutants with newly-diagnosed drug-resistant tuberculosis cases.

Growing evidence has found the health protective effects of greenness exposure on tuberculosis (TB) and the impact of ambient air pollutants on TB drug-resistance. However, it remains unclear whether residential greenness is also beneficial to reduce TB drug-resistance, and whether air pollution modify the greenness-TB resistance relationship. We enrolled 5006 newly-diagnosed TB patients from Shandong, China, during 2014 to 2021. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in 250 m and 500 m buffer around individuals' residential zone was used to assess greenness exposure. All patients were divided by quartiles of NDVI250-m and NDVI500-m (from low to high: Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) respectively. Six logistic regression models (NDVI, NDVI + PM2.5/PM10/SO2/NO2/O3) were used to estimate the association of NDVI and TB drug-resistance when adjusting different air pollutants or not. All models were adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, complications, smoking, drinking, population density, nighttime light index, road density. Compared with participants in NDVI250-m Q1 and NDVI500-m Q1, other groups had lower rates of MDR-TB, PDR-TB, RFP-resistance, SM-resistance, RFP + SM resistance, INH + RFP + EMB + SM resistance. NDVI500-m reduced the risk of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and the adjusted odds ratio (aOR, 95% confidence interval, CI) compared with NDVI500-m Q1 were 0.736 (0.547-0.991) in NDVI + PM10 model, 0.733 (0.544-0.986) in NDVI + PM2.5 model, 0.735(0.546-0.99) in NDVI + SO2 model, 0.736 (0.546-0.991) in NDVI + NO2 model, respectively, P < 0.05. NDVI500-m contributed to a decreased risk of streptomycin (SM)-resistance. The aOR of rifampicin (RFP) + SM resistance were 0.132 (NDVI250-m, Q4 vs Q1, 95% CI: 0.03-0.578), 0.199 (NDVI500-m, Q3 vs. Q1, 95% CI: 0.057-0.688) and 0.264 (NDVI500-m, Q4 vs. Q1, 95% CI: 0.087-0.799). The adjusted ORs (Q2 vs. Q1, 95% CI) of isoniazid (INH) + RFP + ethambutol (EMB) + SM resistance in 500 m buffer were 0.276 (0.119-0.639) in NDVI model, 0.279 (0.11-0.705) in NDVI + PM10 model, 0.281 (0.111-0.713) in NDVI + PM2.5 model, 0.279 (0.11-0.709) in NDVI + SO2 model, 0.296 (0.117-0.754) in NDVI + NO2 model, 0.294 (0.116-0.748) in NDVI + O3 model, respectively. The study showed, for the first time, that residential greenness exposure in 500 m buffer is beneficial for reducing newly-diagnosed DR-TB (including PDR-RB, MDR-TB, MR-TB), and ambient air pollutants may partially mediate this association.

Transmission dynamics and phylogeography of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in China based on whole-genome phylogenetic analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the lineage-specific transmissibility and epidemiological migration of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in China. METHODS: We curated a large set of whole-genome sequences from 3204 M. tuberculosis isolates, including thousands of newly sequenced genomes, and applied a series of metrics to compare the transmissibility of M. tuberculosis strains between lineages and sublineages. The countrywide transmission patterns of major lineages were explored. RESULTS: We found that lineage 2 (L2) was the most prevalent lineage in China (85.7%), with the major sublineage 2.2.1 (80.9%), followed by lineage 4 (L4) (13.8%), which comprises major sublineages 4.2 (1.5%), 4.4 (6.2%) and 4.5 (5.8%). We showed evidence for frequent cross-regional spread and large cluster formation of L2.2.1 strains, whereas L4 strains were relatively geographically restricted in China. Next, we applied a series of genomic indices to evaluate M. tuberculosis strain transmissibility and uncovered higher transmissibility of L2.2.1 compared with the L2.2.2 and L4 sublineages. Phylogeographic analysis showed that southern, eastern, and northern China were highly connected regions for countrywide L2.2.1 strain spread. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides insights into the different transmission and migration patterns of the major M. tuberculosis lineages in China and highlights that transmissible L2.2.1 is a threat to tuberculosis control.

Genomic analysis of lineage-specific transmission of multidrug resistance tuberculosis in China.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the genetic diversities and lineage-specific transmission dynamics of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), with the goal of determining the potential factors driving the MDR epidemics in China. METHODS: We curated a large nationwide Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) whole genome sequence data set, including 1313 MDR strains. We reconstructed the phylogeny and mapped the transmission networks of MDR-TB across China using Bayesian inference. To identify drug-resistance variants linked to enhanced transmissibility, we employed ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression analysis. RESULT: The majority of MDR-TB strains in China belong to lineage 2.2.1. Transmission chain analysis has indicated that the repeated and frequent transmission of L2.2.1 plays a central role in the establishment of MDR epidemic in China, but no occurrence of a large predominant MDR outbreak was detected. Using OLS regression, the most common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with resistance to isoniazid (katG_p.Ser315Thr and katG_p.Ser315Asn) and rifampicin (rpoB_p.Ser450Leu, rpoB_p.His445Tyr, rpoB_p.His445Arg, rpoB_p.His445Asp, and rpoB_p.His445Asn) were more likely to be found in L2 clustered strains. Several putative compensatory mutations in rpoA, rpoC, and katG were significantly associated with clustering. The eastern, central, and southern regions of China had a high level of connectivity for the migration of L2 MDR strains throughout the country. The skyline plot showed distinct population size expansion dynamics for MDR-TB lineages in China. CONCLUSION: MDR-TB epidemic in China is predominantly driven by the spread of highly transmissible Beijing strains. A range of drug-resistance mutations of L2 MDR-TB strains displayed minimal fitness costs and may facilitate their transmission.

Polyketide synthases mutation in tuberculosis transmission revealed by whole genomic sequence, China, 2011-2019.

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Previous studies have primarily focused on the transmissibility of multidrug-resistant (MDR) or extensively drug-resistant (XDR) Mtb. However, variations in virulence across Mtb lineages may also account for differences in transmissibility. In Mtb, polyketide synthase (PKS) genes encode large multifunctional proteins which have been shown to be major mycobacterial virulence factors. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the role of PKS mutations in TB transmission and assess its risk and characteristics. Methods: Whole genome sequences (WGSs) data from 3,204 Mtb isolates was collected from 2011 to 2019 in China. Whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiles were used for phylogenetic tree analysis. Putative transmission clusters (≤10 SNPs) were identified. To identify the role of PKS mutations in TB transmission, we compared SNPs in the PKS gene region between "clustered isolates" and "non-clustered isolates" in different lineages. Results: Cluster-associated mutations in ppsA, pks12, and pks13 were identified among different lineage isolates. They were statistically significant among clustered strains, indicating that they may enhance the transmissibility of Mtb. Conclusion: Overall, this study provides new insights into the function of PKS and its localization in M. tuberculosis. The study found that ppsA, pks12, and pks13 may contribute to disease progression and higher transmission of certain strains. We also discussed the prospective use of mutant ppsA, pks12, and pks13 genes as drug targets.

Association between diagnostic delay and prognosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong, China: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the main infectious diseases that seriously threatens global health, while diagnostic delay (DD) and treatment dramatically threaten TB control. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2017 in Shandong, China, we enrolled pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients with DD. DD trends were evaluated by Joinpoint regression, and associations between PTB patient characteristics and DD were estimated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The influence of DD duration on prognosis and sputum smear results were assessed by Spearman correlation coefficients. RESULTS: We identified 208,822 PTB cases with a median DD of 33 days (interquartile range (IQR) 18-63). The trend of PTB with DD declined significantly between 2009 and 2017 (annual percent change (APC): - 4.0%, P = 0.047, 2009-2013; APC: - 6.6%, P = 0.001, 2013-2017). Patients aged > 45 years old (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.223, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.189-1.257, 46-65 years; aOR: 1.306, 95% CI 1.267-1.346, > 65 years), farmers (aOR: 1.520, 95% CI 1.447-1.596), and those with a previous treatment history (aOR: 1.759, 95% CI 1.699-1.821) were prone to developing long DD (> 30 days, P < 0.05). An unfavorable outcome was negatively associated with a short DD (OR: 0.876, 95% CI 0.843-0.910, P < 0.001). Sputum smear positive rate and unfavorable outcomes were positively correlated with DD duration (Spearman correlation coefficients (rs) = 1, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The DD situation remains serious; more efficient and comprehensive strategies are urgently required to minimize DD, especially for high-risk patients.

Impact of alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking on the drug-resistance of newly diagnosed tuberculosis: a retrospective cohort study in Shandong, China, during 2004-2020.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the independent and collective impact of alcohol drinking and tobacco smoking on the drug-resistance of newly diagnosed tuberculosis (TB). DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Shandong, China. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with newly diagnosed TB from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2020 were collected. Exclusive criteria: retreated cases; extrapulmonary tuberculosis; without information on drug susceptibility testing results, smoking or drinking habits; bacteriological identification as non-tuberculous mycobacteria. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were classified into four groups including smokers only (G1), drinker only (G2), smoker +drinker (G3), non-smoker +non-drinker group (G0). We described the drug-resistant profiles, clinical factors and calculated the ORs of different drug-resistance among G1, G2, G3, compared with G0 through univariate and multivariate logistics regression models. RESULTS: Of the 7996 TB cases enrolled, the proportions of G1, G2, G3 and G0 were 8.25%, 3.89%, 16.46% and 71.40%, respectively. The rates of drug-resistant (DR)-TB, mono-resistant TB, multidrug resistant (MDR)-TB, polydrug resistant TB in G1, G2, G3 and G0 were 19.24%/16.4%/17.33%/19.08%, 11.52%/8.68%/10.94%/11.63%, 3.03%/2.57%/2.96%/3.66% and 4.70%/4.82%/3.34%/ 4.08%, respectively. G3 had a higher risk of MDR1: isoniazid +rifampin (adjusted OR (aOR)=1.91, 95% CI: 1.036 to 3.532), but had a lower risk of DR-TB (aOR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.71 to 0.99), rifampin-related resistance (aOR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.49 to 0.93), streptomycin-related resistance (aOR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.68 to 0.99), ethambutol-related resistance (aOR=0.57, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.95), MDR3: isoniazid +rifampin+streptomycin (aOR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.19 to 0.85), any isoniazid +streptomycin resistance (aOR=0.85, 95% CI: 0.71 to 1.00). However, there were no significant differences between G1 and G0, G2 and G0 in all drug-resistant subtypes. Those patients with cavity had a higher risk of DR-TB among G3 (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.81). CONCLUSION: Although we did not found an independent impact of alcohol drinking or tobacco smoking on TB drug-resistance, respectively, these two habits had a combined effect on TB drug-resistance.

Use of PD-1 inhibitor tislelizumab in the treatment of advanced pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma: A case report.

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC), characterized by poor differentiation, aggressive progression, and early metastasis, is a rare type of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), which shows a low response rate to conventional antitumor therapies and has a poor prognosis. With the achievements in gene sequencing, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, several new approaches have recently been explored in PSC treatment. A small case series of PSC patients were found to have programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) overexpression, a prerequisite for PD-1 inhibiting therapy, which made immunotherapy possible. However, anti-PD-1 treatment for PSCs was still at a preliminary stage. Here, we report the successful outcome of tislelizumab monotherapy in a patient with advanced PSC with pleural invasion, thus providing a novel promising approach for PSC patients with PD-L1 overexpression.

Association between body mass index and newly diagnosed drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong, China from 2004 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), obesity, and malnutrition are growing public health problems in the world. However, little has discussed the impact of different BMI status on the emergence of TB drug resistance. We aimed to explore the drug-resistant profiles of DR-TB and its clinical predictors among underweight, overweight or obesity population. METHODS: 8957 newly diagnosed TB cases with drug susceptibility results and BMI data in Shandong China, from 2004 to 2019 were enrolled. Multivariable and univariable logistic regression models were applied to investigate the impact of BMI on different drug-resistance. Clinical predicators and drug-resistant profiles of DR-TB among obesity, underweight, normal TB group were also described. RESULTS: Among 8957 TB cases, 6417 (71.64%) were normal weight, 2121 (23.68%) were underweight, 373 (4.16%) were overweight, and 46 (0.51%) were obese. The proportion of drug resistance and co-morbidity among normal weight, underweight, overweight, obese TB groups were 18.86%/18.25%/20.38%/23.91% (DR-TB), 11.19%/11.74%/9.65%/17.39% (mono-resistant tuberculosis, MR-TB), 3.41%/3.06%/5.36%/0.00% (multidrug resistant tuberculosis, MDR-TB), 4.21%/3.39%/5.36%/6.52% (polydrug resistant tuberculosis, PDR-TB), 10.57%/8.44%/19.57%/23.91% (co-morbidity), respectively. Compared with normal weight group, underweight were associated with lower risk of streptomycin-related resistance (OR 0.844, 95% CI 0.726-0.982), but contributed to a higher risk of MR-TB (isoniazid) (odds ratio (OR) 1.347, 95% CI 1.049-1.730; adjusted OR (aOR) 1.31, 95% CI 1.017-1.686), P < 0.05. In addition, overweight were positively associated with MDR-TB (OR 1.603, 95% CI 1.002-2.566; aOR 1.639, 95% CI 1.02-2.633), isoniazid + rifampicin + streptomycin resistance (OR 1.948, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.061-3.577; aOR 2.113, 95% CI 1.141-3.912), Any isoniazid + streptomycin resistance (OR 1.472, 95% CI 1.013-2.14; aOR 1.483, 95% CI 1.017-2.164), P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The higher risk of MDR-TB, isoniazid + rifampicin + streptomycin resistance, Any isoniazid + streptomycin resistance, and co-morbidity among overweight population implies that routine screening for drug sensitivity and more attention on co-morbidity among overweight TB cases may be necessary. In addition, underweight TB cases have a higher risk of isoniazid resistance. Our study suggests that an in-depth study of the interaction between host metabolic activity and infection of DR-TB may contribute more to novel treatment options or preventive measures, and accelerate the implementation of the STOP TB strategy.

COVID-19 and Tuberculosis Coinfection: An Overview of Case Reports/Case Series and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and tuberculosis (TB) are two major infectious diseases posing significant public health threats, and their coinfection (aptly abbreviated COVID-TB) makes the situation worse. This study aimed to investigate the clinical features and prognosis of COVID-TB cases. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wanfang databases were searched for relevant studies published through December 18, 2020. An overview of COVID-TB case reports/case series was prepared that described their clinical characteristics and differences between survivors and deceased patients. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for death or severe COVID-19 were calculated. The quality of outcomes was assessed using GRADEpro. Results: Thirty-six studies were included. Of 89 COVID-TB patients, 19 (23.46%) died, and 72 (80.90%) were male. The median age of non-survivors (53.95 ± 19.78 years) was greater than that of survivors (37.76 ± 15.54 years) (p < 0.001). Non-survivors were more likely to have hypertension (47.06 vs. 17.95%) or symptoms of dyspnea (72.73% vs. 30%) or bilateral lesions (73.68 vs. 47.14%), infiltrates (57.89 vs. 24.29%), tree in bud (10.53% vs. 0%), or a higher leucocyte count (12.9 [10.5-16.73] vs. 8.015 [4.8-8.97] × 109/L) than survivors (p < 0.05). In terms of treatment, 88.52% received anti-TB therapy, 50.82% received antibiotics, 22.95% received antiviral therapy, 26.23% received hydroxychloroquine, and 11.48% received corticosteroids. The pooled ORs of death or severe disease in the COVID-TB group and the non-TB group were 2.21 (95% CI: 1.80, 2.70) and 2.77 (95% CI: 1.33, 5.74) (P < 0.01), respectively. Conclusion: In summary, there appear to be some predictors of worse prognosis among COVID-TB cases. A moderate level of evidence suggests that COVID-TB patients are more likely to suffer severe disease or death than COVID-19 patients. Finally, routine screening for TB may be recommended among suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in countries with high TB burden.

Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Among Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), especially multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a public health threat. Little is known about estimates of different profiles and rates of DR-TB among children globally. Methods: We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies reporting DR-TB among children by searching Embase, PubMed, and Scopus databases from January 1, 2000 to October 1, 2020. Publications reporting more than 60 children with bacteriological confirmed tuberculosis and phenotypical drug susceptibility testing (DST) results were included. Pooled proportions of MDR-TB and sub-analysis by age subgroups, regions, economical levels were performed. Results: We identified 4,063 studies, of which 37 were included. Of 23,652 pediatric TB patients, the proportions of DR-TB, MDR-TB, mono-resistant TB, polydrug resistant TB, extensively drug-resistant TB were 13.59% (1,964/14,453), 3.72% (881/23,652), 6.07% (529/8,719), 1.61% (119/7,361), 0.44% (30/6,763), respectively. The pooled proportion of MDR-TB among 23,652 children of 37 studies was 3.7% (95% CI, 3.5-4.0%). Rate of MDR-TB was much lower in high-income countries (1.8%) than that in lower-middle-income countries (6.3%) and upper-middle-income countries (7.3%). More specifically, the rates of MDR-TB were 1.7% in USA, 1.7% in UK, 2.9% in India, 6.0% in South Africa, 9.8% in China, respectively. Conclusions: The burden of DR-TB remains high in children, and there are potential associations between rates of pediatric MDR-TB and national economical levels. More interventions on child TB cases in low-income countries may be urgently needed in future.

Risk factors for drug-resistant tuberculosis, the association between comorbidity status and drug-resistant patterns: a retrospective study of previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong, China, during 2004-2019.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to identify the risk factors for drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) and the association between comorbidity and drug resistance among retreated pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted among all the 36 monitoring sites in Shandong, China, over a 16-year period. Baseline characteristics were collected from the TB Surveillance System. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher's exact or Pearson's χ2 test. The risk factors for drug resistance were identified using univariable analysis and multivariable logistic models. The influence of comorbidity on different types of drug resistance was evaluated by performing multivariable logistic models with the covariates adjusted by age, sex, body mass index, drinking/smoking history and cavity. RESULTS: A total of 10 975 patients with PTB were recorded during 2004-2019, and of these 1924 retreated PTB were finally included. Among retreated PTB, 26.2% were DR-TB and 12.5% had comorbidity. Smoking (adjusted OR (aOR): 1.69, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.39), cavity (aOR: 1.55, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.97) and comorbidity (aOR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.02) were risk factors for DR-TB. Of 504 DR-TB, 9.5% had diabetes mellitus, followed by hypertension (2.0%) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.8%). Patients with retreated PTB with comorbidity were more likely to be older, have more bad habits (smoking, alcohol abuse) and have clinical symptoms (expectoration, haemoptysis, weight loss). Comorbidity was significantly associated with DR-TB (aOR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.02), overall rifampin resistance (aOR: 2.17, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.36), overall streptomycin resistance (aOR: 1.51, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.27) and multidrug resistance (aOR: 1.96, 95% CI 1.17 to 3.27) compared with pan-susceptible patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Smoking, cavity and comorbidity lead to an increased risk of drug resistance among retreated PTB. Strategies to improve the host's health, including smoking cessation, screening and treatment of comorbidity, might contribute to the control of tuberculosis, especially DR-TB, in China.

Using a risk model for probability of cancer in pulmonary nodules.

BACKGROUND: Considering the high morbidity and mortality of lung cancer and the high incidence of pulmonary nodules, clearly distinguishing benign from malignant lung nodules at an early stage is of great significance. However, determining the kind of lung nodule which is more prone to lung cancer remains a problem worldwide. METHODS: A total of 480 patients with pulmonary nodule data were collected from Shandong, China. We assessed the clinical characteristics and computed tomography (CT) imaging features among pulmonary nodules in patients who had undergone video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy from 2013 to 2018. Preliminary selection of features was based on a statistical analysis using SPSS. We used WEKA to assess the machine learning models using its multiple algorithms and selected the best decision tree model using its optimization algorithm. RESULTS: The combination of decision tree and logistics regression optimized the decision tree without affecting its AUC. The decision tree structure showed that lobulation was the most important feature, followed by spiculation, vessel convergence sign, nodule type, satellite nodule, nodule size and age of patient. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that decision tree analyses can be applied to screen individuals for early lung cancer with CT. Our decision tree provides a new way to help clinicians establish a logical diagnosis by a stepwise progression method, but still needs to be validated for prospective trials in a larger patient population.

Ambient air pollutants, diabetes and risk of newly diagnosed drug-resistant tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), diabetes and exposure to air pollution are thought to be important threat to human health, but no studies have explored the effects of ambient air pollutants on DR-TB when adjusting diabetes status so far. METHODS: We performed a study among 3759 newly diagnosed TB cases with drug-susceptibility testing results, diabetes status, and individual air pollution data in Shandong from 2015 to 2019. Generalized linear mixed models (GLMM) including three models (Model 1: without covariates, Model 2: adjusted by diabetes status only, Model 3: with all covariates) were applied. RESULTS: Of 3759 TB patients enrolled, 716 (19.05%) were DR-TB, and 333 (8.86%) had diabetes. High exposure to O3 was associated with an increased risk of RFP-resistance (Model 2 or 3: odds ratio (OR) = 1.008, 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.002-1.014), ethambutol-resistance (Model 3: OR = 1.015, 95%CI: 1.004-1.027) and any rifampicin+streptomycin resistance (Model 1,2,3: OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 1.002-1.018) at 90 days. In contrast, NO2 was associated with a reduced risk of DR-TB (Model 3: OR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.981-0.999) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) (Model 3: OR = 0.977, 95%CI: 0.96-0.994) at 360 days. Additionally, SO2 (Model 1, 2, 3: OR = 0.987, 95%CI: 0.977-0.998) showed a protective effect on MDR-TB at 90 days. PM2.5 (90 days, Model 2: OR = 0.991, 95%CI: 0.983-0.999), PM10 (360 days, Model 2: OR = 0.992, 95%CI: 0.985-0.999) had protective effects on any RFP+SM resistance. CONCLUSIONS: O3 contributed to an elevated risk of TB resistance but PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2 showed an inverse effect. Air pollutants may affect the development of drug resistance among TB cases by adjusting the status of diabetes.

Population aging and trends of pulmonary tuberculosis incidence in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: To explore population aging and the epidemic trend of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in the elderly, and provide a basis for the prevention and control of pulmonary tuberculosis among the elderly. METHODS: We collected clinical information of 239,707 newly active PTB patients in Shandong Province from 2005 to 2017. We analyzed and compared the clinical characteristics, reported incidence and temporal trend of PTB among the elderly group (≥60 years) and the non-elderly group (< 60 years) through logistic model and Join-point regression model. RESULTS: Among the total PTB cases, 77,192(32.2%) were elderly. Compared with non-elderly patients, newly active elderly PTB patients account for a greater proportion of male cases (OR 1.688, 95% CI 1.656-1.722), rural population cases (OR 3.411, 95% CI 3.320-3.505) and bacteriologically confirmed PTB cases (OR 1.213, 95%CI 1.193-1.234). The annual reported incidence of total, elderly, pulmonary bacteriologically confirmed cases were 35.21, 68.84, 35.63 (per 100,000), respectively. The annual reported incidence of PTB in the whole population, the elderly group and the non-elderly group has shown a slow downward trend since 2008. The joinpoint regression model showed that the overall reported incidence of PTB in the elderly significantly decreased from 2007 to 2017 (APC = -5.3, P < 0.05). The reported incidence of bacteriologically confirmed PTB among elderly patients declined rapidly from 2005 to 2014(2005-2010 APC = -7.2%, P < 0.05; 2010-2014 APC = -22.6%, P < 0.05; 2014-2017 APC = -9.0%, P = 0.1). The reported incidence of clinically diagnosed PTB among elderly patients from 2005 to 2017 (11.48-38.42/100,000) increased by about 235%. It rose significantly from 2007 to 2014 (APC = 9.4, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the non-elderly population, the reported incidence of PTB in the elderly population is higher. The main burden of PTB will shift to the elderly, men, rural population, and clinically diagnosed patients. With the intensification of aging, more researches on elderly PTB prevention and treatment will facilitate the realization of the global tuberculosis (TB) control targets.

Association between economic development level and tuberculosis registered incidence in Shandong, China.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major infectious diseases that seriously endanger people's health. In Shandong province, the relationship between the level of economic development and TB incidence has not been studied. This study aims to provide more research basis for the government to prevent and control TB by exploring the impact of different economic factors on TB incidence. METHODS: By constructing threshold regression model (TRM), we described the extent to which different economic factors contribute to TB registered incidence and differences in TB registered incidence among seventeen cities with different levels of economic development in Shandong province, China, during 2006-2017. Data were retrieved from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: Per capita medical expenditure (regression coefficient, -0.0314462; SD, 0.0079305; P > |t|, 0.000) and per capita savings (regression coefficient, 0.0001924; SD, 0.0000566; P > |t|, 0.001) passed the significance test at the level of 1%.They are the two economic indicators that have the greatest impact on TB registered incidence. Through the threshold test, we selected the per capita savings as the threshold variable. In the three stages of per capita savings (<9772.8086 China Yuan(CNY); 9772.8086-33,835.5391 CNY; >33,835.5391 CNY), rural per capita income always has a significant negative impact on the TB registered incidence (The regression coefficients are - 0.0015682, - 0.0028132 and - 0.0022253 respectively. P is 0.007,0.000 and 0.000 respectively.).In cities with good economies, TB registered incidence was 38.30% in 2006 and dropped to 25.10% by 2017. In cities with moderate economies, TB registered incidence peaked in 2008 at 43.10% and dropped to 27.1% by 2017.In poorer cities, TB registered incidence peaked in 2008 at 56.30% and dropped to 28.9% in 2017. CONCLUSION: We found that per capita savings and per capita medical expenditure are most closely related to the TB incidence. Therefore, relevant departments should formulate a more complete medical system and medical insurance policy to effectively solve the problem of "difficult and expensive medical treatment". In order to further reduce the TB incidence, in addition to timely and accurate diagnosis and treatment, it is more important for governments to increase investment in medicine and health care.

Drug resistance of previously treated tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus in Shandong, China.

BACKGROUND: Although the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and tuberculosis (TB) has been well-documented for centuries, evidence of the link between diabetes and drug resistance among previously treated TB patients remains limited and inconsistent. METHODS: An observational study was performed that involved 1791 retreated TB-no DM patients (refers to TB cases without diabetes) and 93 retreated TB-DM patients (refers to TB cases with diabetes) in Shandong, China from 2004 to 2017. Baseline data including demographic and clinical characteristics, drug susceptibility test (DST) results, and diabetes status were collected. Categorical baseline characteristics were compared by Fisher's exact or Pearson Chi-square test. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic models were used to estimate the association between diabetes and different drug resistance profiles. RESULTS: Retreated TB-DM patients have a higher rate of drug resistance than TB-no DM patients (34.41% vs 25.00%, P < 0.01). Diabetes co-morbidity was significantly associated with any drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB, odds ratio (OR):1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01-2.43), multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB, OR: 2.48, 95%CI:1.39-4.41; adjusted OR (aOR):2.94, 95%CI:1.57-5.48), isoniazid-related resistance (OR:1.71, 95%CI:1.04-2.81), rifampin-related resistance (OR:2.56, 0.54, 95%CI: 1.54-4.26; aOR:2.69, 95%CI:1.524-4.74), isoniazid + rifampin resistance (OR: 3.55, 95%CI:1.33-9.44; aOR:4.13, 95%CI:1.46-11.66), any resistance to isoniazid + streptomycin (OR:2.34, 95%CI:1.41-3.89; aOR:2.22, 95%CI:1.26-3.94), and any resistance to rifampin + isoniazid (OR:2.48, 95%CI:1.39-4.41; aOR:2.94, 95%CI: 1.57-5.48), compared with pan susceptible TB cases, P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of acquired drug resistance increased significantly among retreated TB-DM patients compared with retreated TB-no DM patients, underlining the necessity of more interventions during the clinical management of TB-DM cases.

Primary drug resistance of mycobacterium tuberculosis in Shandong, China, 2004-2018.

BACKGROUND: Primary drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) has contributed to a significant health and economic burden on a global scale, especially in China. we sought to estimate epidemiological characteristics of primary DR-TB in China from 2004 to 2018. METHODS: Eleven thousand four hundred sixty-seven newly diagnosed and 1981 retreated TB cases with drug susceptibility data were included. Chi-Square test for trends, linear regression, a joinpoint regression model and temporal trend in proportions of the different resistance patterns were carried out. RESULTS: The proportion of primary DR-TB and mono-resistant TB (MR-TB) in China had reduced by more than 12% since 2004, and were 21.38%, 13.35% in 2018 respectively. Among primary DR-TB cases (2173,18.95%), the percentage of multiresistant TB (MDR-TB, from 5.41 to 17.46%), male (from 77.03 to 84.13%), cavity (from 13.51 to 43.92%), rifampicin(RFP)-resistant TB (from 8.11 to 26.98%), streptomycin(SM)-resistant TB (from 50.00 to 71.43%) increased significantly (P < 0.05). On the contrary, the proportion of female, non-cavity, isoniazide(INH)-resistant TB (from 55.41 to 48.15%) and MR-TB (from 82.43 to 62.43%) decreased significant (P < 0.05). The primary drug resistance rate among female, cavity, smoking, drinking, 15 to 44 year-old TB subgroups increased by 0.16, 6.24, 20.95, 158.85, 31.49%, respectively. The percentage of primary DR-TB, RFP-resistant TB dropped significantly during 2004-2007 in Joinpoint regression model. CONCLUSION: The total rate of drug resistance among new TB cases showed a downward trend in Shandong, China, from 2004 to 2018. Primary drug resistance patterns were shifting from female, non-cavity, INH-resistant TB, and MR-TB groups to male, cavity, RFP/SM-resistant TB, and MDR-TB groups. Considering the rising drug resistance rate among some special population, future control of primary DR-TB in China may require an increased focus on female, cavity, smoking, drinking, or 15 to 44 year-old TB subgroups.

Primary drug resistance among tuberculosis patients with diabetes mellitus: a retrospective study among 7223 cases in China.

BACKGROUND: Given the high burden of tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) in China and the worse outcome of TB-DM cases (refers to TB patients with diabetes), and drug-resistant tuberculosis cases (DR-TB), it is of great significance to explore the association between diabetes and primary DR-TB for TB elimination target in China. We assessed the clinical characteristics, drug-resistance profile, and increased risk of resistance among TB-DM patients across China from 2004 to 2017. METHOD: 7223 cases with drug-susceptibility data were collected from Shandong, China. Categorical baseline characteristics of new TB cases were compared by DM status using Fisher's exact or Pearson Chi-square test. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic models were used to estimate the association between diabetes and different drug-resistance profiles and the risk factors of primary drug resistance among TB-DM cases. RESULT: Of 7223 newly diagnosed TB patients, 426 (5.90%) were TB-DM cases. TB-DM csaes were more likely to be older，accompanied by higher body mass index (BMI) and hypertension than TB-no DM cases (refers to TB patients without diabetes). The rates of DR-TB (21.83% vs 16.96%), polydrug resistant TB (PDR-TB, 6.10% vs 3.80%), isoniazid (INH)+streptomycin (SM)-resistant TB (4.93% vs 3.13%), and SM-resistant TB (16.20% vs 11.7%) among TB-DM group were higher than TB-no DM group, P<0.05. DM was significantly associated with any DR-TB (adjusted (aOR):1.30; 95% CI, 1.02-1.65), SM-related resistance (aOR: 1.43; 95% CI, 1.08-1.88), PDR-TB (OR: 1.57; 95% CI, 1.04-2.36; aOR: 1.59; 95% CI, 1.04-2.44), compared with pan-susceptible TB patients (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that TB-DM groups had a higher proportion of drug resistance than TB groups, and diabetes was identified as a risk factor of total DR, PDR, SM resistance and INH+SM resistance among newly diagnosed TB cases. Good management of diabetes and TB infection screening program among DM patients might be necessary for improving TB control in China.

Epidemiological characteristics of pulmonary tuberculosis in Shandong, China, 2005-2017: A retrospective study.

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and gained insight into the future TB control plan in China.We extracted epidemiological, clinical, and geographic data from TB prevention and control institutions in 6 cities of Shandong province, China, during 2005 to 2017.Among 224,480 diagnosed PTB, rural residents accounted for 93%, smear-positive PTB 52%, and new cases 92%. The incidence rate of overall PTB declined from 40.8 to 26.25 per 100,000 during 2005 to 2017. Except smear-negative PTB (7.57-19.87 per 100,000), the incidence of smear-positive PTB and all that stratified by age, sex, and treatment history decreased. With 80% reduction, the incidence of smear-positive PTB (6.38 per 100,000) and relapse cases (1.01 per 100,000) were already very low in 2017.With persistent efforts to combat TB, the disease burden had shifted from smear-positive PTB to smear-negative PTB. While new cases need continuous attention, further reducing the incidence of smear-negative PTB and elderly patients may have a greater impact on future TB control.