[Comprehensive identification of compensatory mutations in rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains].

Objective: To comprehensively identify compensatory mutations in rpoA, rpoB and rpoC genes of rifampicin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (RIF-r MTB) and to evaluate the effect of rifampicin-resistant mutation type and lineage background on occurrence of compensatory mutations. Methods: Published MTB whole genome sequencing data were searched and downloaded. RIF-r MTB was identified through known rifampicin-resistant mutations. Based on parallel evolutionary patterns, we identified putative compensatory mutations in the phylogenetic tree and calculated proportions of accumulating compensatory mutations in each rifampicin-resistant mutations' type and lineage background of RIF-r MTB. Statistic significance was analyzed by chi-square test. Results: A total of 8 453 global MTB whole genome sequencing data were downloaded form ENA (covering 12 countries), including 1 749 RIF-r MTB. Based on phylogenetic analysis, we totally identified 60 putative compensatory mutations (6 in rpoA gene, 16 in rpoB gene and 38 in rpoC gene), 11 of which were newly reported. RIF-R strains carrying rpoB S450L (41.7%, 279/669) had a significant higher chance to accumulate compensatory mutations than strains with other rpoB mutations (8.0%, 31/388, χ(2)=378.5, P<0.000 1). In addition, RIF-R strains from lineage 2 (34.0%, 223/656) had a significant higher chance to accumulate compensatory mutations than strains from other lineages [lineage1: 4.7%(2/43), 2/43, lineage3: 12.5%(4/32), 4/32, lineage4: 15.1%(78/517), 78/517; χ(2)=238.5, P<0.000 1]. Conclusions: Our study comprehensively identified putative rifampicin-resistant compensatory mutations of rifampicin resistance. RIF-R strains carrying rpoB S450L mutation or from lineage 2 had a significantly higher chance to accumulate compensatory mutations than strains either with other rpoB mutations or from other lineages.

[Clinical effect of ultraselective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma originating from the caudate lobe: an analysis of 13 cases].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effect of ultraselective transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originating from the caudate lobe. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed for 13 patients with solitary HCC originating from the caudate lobe who were admitted to Department of Interventional Radiology in PLA General Hospital from March 2013 to December 2016. A 2.6-F microcatheter was used to perform ultraselective TACE, and the embolization material was ultra-liquefied iodinated oil. The number of tumor-feeding arteries, success rate and short-term efficacy of ultraselective technique, and long-term survival were evaluated after surgery. Results: Of all patients, 8 (61.5%) had a single tumor-feeding artery and 5 (38.5%) had multiple tumor-feeding arteries. The success rate of ultraselective technique was 84.6% (11/13). The complete remission rate at 1 month after ultraselective TACE was 63.6% (7/11). During the follow-up period after the expiration date, 10 out of 11 patients who underwent successful ultraselective TACE survived, and one out of two patients who underwent failed ultraselective TACE survived. Conclusion: Ultraselective TACE has good feasibility, clinical effect, and safety in the treatment of HCC originating from the caudate lobe, with an important clinical significance in the prognosis of such disease.