Survival benefit from adjuvant TACE combined with Lenvatinib for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and microvascular invasion after curative hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hepatectomy is unsatisfactory, especially for those with microvascular invasion (MVI). This study aimed to determine the impact of adjuvant transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and Lenvatinib on the prognosis of patients with HCC and MVI after hepatectomy. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with HCC and MVI were reviewed, and stratified into four groups according to adjuvant TACE and/or Lenvatinib. Multivariate Cox regression analyses are used to determine independent risk factors. RESULTS: 346 patients were included, and divided into four groups (Group I, TACE+ Lenvatinib; Group II, Lenvatinib; Group III, TACE; Group IV, without adjuvant therapy). Multivariable analysis showed that compared to Group IV, Group I had the best effect on improving the overall survival (OS, HR 0.321, 95%CI 0.099-0.406, P = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (RFS, HR 0.319, 95%CI 0.129-0.372, P = 0.001). Additionally, compared with Group II or Group III, Group I also can significantly improve the OS and RFS. There is no significant difference between Group II and Group III in OS and RFS. CONCLUSION: The combination of TACE and Lenvatinib should be considered for anti-recurrence therapy for patients with HCC and MVI after hepatectomy.

Precise planning based on 3D-printed dry-laboratory models can reduce perioperative complications of laparoscopic surgery for complex hepatobiliary diseases: a preoperative cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Complications after laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) are important factors affecting the prognosis of patients, especially for complex hepatobiliary diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the value of a three-dimensional (3D) printed dry-laboratory model in the precise planning of LLR for complex hepatobiliary diseases. METHODS: Patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases who underwent LLR were preoperatively enrolled, and divided into two groups according to whether using a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model (3D vs. control group). Clinical variables were assessed and complications were graded by the Clavien-Dindo classification. The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) scores were calculated and compared for each patient. Multivariable analysis was performed to determine the risk factors of postoperative complications. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases underwent the precise planning of LLR. Among them, thirty-one patients acquired the guidance of a 3D-printed dry-laboratory model, and others were only guided by traditional enhanced CT or MRI. The results showed no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characters. However, compared to the control group, the 3D group had a lower incidence of intraoperative blood loss, as well as postoperative 30-day and major complications, especially bile leakage (all P < 0.05). The median score on the CCI was 20.9 (range 8.7-51.8) in the control group and 8.7 (range 8.7-43.4) in the 3D group (mean difference, -12.2, P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis showed the 3D model was an independent protective factor in decreasing postoperative complications. Subgroup analysis also showed that a 3D model could decrease postoperative complications, especially for bile leakage in patients with intrahepatic cholelithiasis. CONCLUSION: The 3D-printed models can help reduce postoperative complications. The 3D-printed models should be recommended for patients with complex hepatobiliary diseases undergoing precise planning LLR.

Adrenomedullin improved endothelial dysfunction via receptor-Akt pathway in rats with obesity-related hypertension.

Obesity-related hypertension (OH) is accompanied by obvious endothelial dysfunction, which contributes to increased peripheral vascular resistance and hypertension. Adrenomedullin (ADM), a multifunctional active peptide, is elevated in obese humans. The OH rats induced by high fat diet (HFD) for 28 weeks and the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)-treated by palmitic acid (PA) were used to investigate the effects of ADM on endothelial dysfunction and the underlying mechanisms. Vascular reactivity was assessed using mesenteric arteriole rings, and the protein expression levels were examined by Western blot analysis. Compared with the control rats, OH rats exhibited hypertension and endothelial dysfunction, along with reduced eNOS protein expression and Akt activation, and increased protein expression of proinflammatory cytokines and ROS levels. Four-week ADM administration improved hypertension and endothelial function, increased eNOS protein expression and Akt activation, and attenuated endothelial inflammation and oxidative stress in OH rats. In vitro experiment, the antagonism of ADM receptors with ADM22-52 and the suppression of Akt signaling with A6730 significantly blocked ADM-caused increase of NO content and activation of eNOS and Akt, and inhibited the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect of ADM in PA-stimulated HUVECs. These data indicate that endothelial dysfunction in OH rats is partially attributable to the decreased NO level, and the increased inflammation and oxidative stress. ADM improves endothelial function and exerts hypotensive effect depending on the increase of NO, and its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect via receptor-Akt pathway.

Homochiral and Heterochiral Self-Sorting Assemblies of Antiaromatic Ni(II) Norcorrole Dimers.

Recently, π-π stacked antiaromatic π-systems have received considerable attention because they can exhibit stacked-ring aromaticity due to substantial intermolecular orbital interactions. Here, we report three antiaromatic norcorrole dimers that self-assemble to form supramolecular architectures through chiral self-sorting. A 2,2'-linked norcorrole dimer with 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl groups forms a π-stacked dimer both in solid and solution states via homochiral self-sorting. Its association constant in solution is (3.6 ± 1.7) × 105 M-1 at 20 °C. In the solid state, 3,3'-linked norcorrole dimers with 3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl and phenyl groups afford macrocyclic and helical supramolecular assemblies via heterochiral and homochiral self-sorting, respectively. Notably, the subtle modification in the substituent resulted in a complete change in the structure of the aggregates and the chiral self-sorting mode. The present findings demonstrate that structural manipulation in antiaromatic monomer units leads to the formation of various supramolecular assemblies on the basis of the attractive interactions between antiaromatic π-systems.

[Age-dependent expression of HSP90 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice].

The present study aims to observe the change in expression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) along with amyloid-ß (Aß) and phosphorylated Tau (p-Tau) protein levels in the hippocampus tissue of Alzheimer's disease (AD) transgenic animal model with age. APP/PS1 transgenic mice at age of 6-, 9- and 12-month and C57BL/6J mice of the same age were used. The cognitive abilities of these animals were evaluated using a Morris water maze. Western blot or immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions of HSP90 and Aß1-42, as well as the phosphorylation levels of Tau protein in the hippocampus. The hsp90 mRNA levels and the morphology and number of cells in the hippocampus were detected with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Nissl staining, respectively. The results showed that compared with C57BL/6J mice of the same age, HSP90 and hsp90 mRNA expression were decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), while Aß1-42 and p-Tau protein levels were increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in the hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Meanwhile, the decrease in HSP90 and hsp90 mRNA expression (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), the increase in Aß1-42 and p-Tau levels (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) in hippocampal tissue and the reduction in behavioral ability showed a progressive development with the advancing of age in the APP/PS1 transgenic mice. In conclusion, in the hippocampal tissue of APP/PS1 mice, the decrease in HSP90 expression and the increase in Aß1-42 and p-Tau levels together with the decline of their cognitive ability are age-dependent.

An Observational Prospective Cohort Study of Vaccine Effectiveness Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection of an Aerosolized, Inhaled Adenovirus Type 5-Vectored Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Given as a Second Booster Dose in Guangzhou City, China.

Using a prospective, observational cohort study during the post-"dynamic COVID-zero" wave in China, we estimated short-term relative effectiveness against Omicron BA.5 infection of inhaled aerosolized adenovirus type 5-vectored ancestral strain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine as a second booster dose approximately 1 year after homologous boosted primary series of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine compared with no second booster. Participants reported nucleic acid or antigen test results weekly until they tested positive or completed predesignated follow-up. After excluding participants infected <14 days after study entry, relative effectiveness among the 6576 participants was 61% in 18- to 59-year-olds and 38% in ≥60-year-olds and was sustained for 12 weeks.

A Kr*-Rb cold collision apparatus based on atom trap.

A cold collision between atoms and molecules (<1 K) is one of the hot research fields in atomic and molecular physics. At low temperatures, the number of partial waves participating in the collision process decreases dramatically, and quantum phenomena start to emerge. The reaction is often dominated by quantum tunneling, and pronounced resonances can exist on collision cross sections. Here, we report on an apparatus designed for studying cold collisions between metastable noble gas atoms and alkali atoms. Our apparatus features a combined Magneto-Optical-Trap (MOT) and velocity map imaging (VMI) system. The center of a Rb MOT is overlapped with the VMI system. Cold Kr* atoms are launched toward the Rb atoms to induce Kr* + Rb reactions. The collision energy between the two species can be varied from 100 mK to 20 K. With this setup, we are planning to explore the quantum phenomena in Kr* + Rb cold collisions, including the shape resonance and stereodynamics in the reaction.

Sacubitril/valsartan attenuates myocardial inflammation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in rats with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) represents a multifaceted syndrome related to complex pathologic mechanisms. Sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/val) has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in HFpEF treatment. However, additional research is required to elucidate its pharmacological mechanisms. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic effects of Sac/val in HFpEF rats and the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, rats with HFpEF were induced by subjecting spontaneously hypertensive rats to a diet rich in fats, salts, and sugars, along with administering streptozotocin. Subsequently, they were administered Sac/val at a daily dosage of 18 mg/kg. Finally, cardiac structure and function were assessed using echocardiography; Hematoxylin and eosin staining and Masson's trichrome staining were employed to evaluate the pathological changes; Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were conducted to determine the expression of pertinent mRNA and proteins. Sac/val treatment attenuated left ventricular (LV) remodeling and diastolic dysfunction in HFpEF rats, possibly related to its anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertrophic, and anti-fibrotic efficacy. Mechanistically, Sac/val might inhibit inflammation by down-regulating cell adhesion molecule (intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)) expression. Additionally, it blocked the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase 3ß (GSK-3ß) to prevent cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Furthermore, it effectively suppressed myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1)/Smads pathway. Our findings suggest that Sac/val improved LV remodeling and diastolic dysfunction, potentially attributed to its anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertrophic, and anti-fibrotic effects. These results provide a sound theoretical rationale for the clinical application of Sac/val in patients with HFpEF.

Prognostic value of platelet distribution width to lymphocyte ratio in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma following hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Platelet distribution width (PDW), but not platelet count, was found to more comprehensively reflect platelet activity. The present study, thus, aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of PDW to lymphocyte ratio (PDWLR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) following hepatectomy. METHODS: Patients following hepatectomy were analyzed retrospectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox regression model were used to determine the prognostic value of PDWLR. RESULTS: 241 patients were analyzed eventually, and stratified into low and high PDWLR groups (≤ 9.66 vs. > 9.66). Results of comparing the baseline characteristics showed that high PDWLR was significantly associated with cirrhosis, and intraoperative blood loss (all P < 0.05). In multivariate COX regression analysis, PDWLR was demonstrated as an independent risk factor for OS (HR: 1.549, P = 0.041) and RFS (HR: 1.655, P = 0.005). Moreover, PDWLR demonstrated a superior capacity for predicting prognosis compared to other indicators. CONCLUSION: Preoperative PDWLR has a potential value in predicting the prognosis of HCC patients following hepatectomy, which may help in clinical decision-making for individual treatment.

Daytime dysfunction may be associated with postoperative delirium in patients undergoing total hip/knee replacement: The PNDABLE study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a usual complication after total hip/knee replacement, which may be affected by sleep characteristics. However, up to now, preoperative sleep characteristics have not been evaluated as risk factors of POD. The relationship between self-reported sleep characteristics and POD in patients has been investigated in this study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We recruited 495 cognitively intact individuals in the final analysis from the Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder and Biomarker Lifestyle study. Sleep characteristics were tested by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Mini-mental state examination was applied to assess preoperative mental status of patients. Postoperatively, we used confusion assessment method and memorial delirium assessment scale to evaluate the incidence of POD and POD severity, respectively. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of T-tau, P-tau, Aß40, and Aß42 were detected by enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay before the operation. Logistic regression, multiple linear regression, and mediation effects were performed to analyze the relationship between self-reported sleep characteristics and POD. RESULTS: POD was detected in 11.31% (56/495) of the patients, with logistic regression analysis showing that daytime dysfunction, P-tau, and T-tau were risk factors of POD, and Aß42 was a protective factor of POD. Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that daytime dysfunction was positively correlated with P-tau in patients with POD. Meanwhile, compared to the patients with no postoperative delirium, the CSF levels of P- and T-tau were higher in patients with POD. Furthermore, mediation analysis showed that it was probable that daytime dysfunction mediated POD through P-tau (proportion: 12.90%) partially. CONCLUSION: Daytime dysfunction is a risk factor of POD preoperatively. To sum up, CSF P-tau protein might partially mediate the influence of daytime dysfunction on POD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000033439).

Intracranial infection and sepsis in infants caused by Salmonella derby: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Salmonella derby (S. derby) is a Gram-negative diplococcus that is common in the digestive tract. Infected patients generally experience symptoms such as fever and diarrhea. Mild cases are mostly self-healing gastroenteritis, and severe cases can cause fatal typhoid fever. Clinical cases are more common in children. The most common form of S. derby infection is self-healing gastroenteritis, in which, fever lasts for about 2 d and diarrhea for < 7 d. S. derby can often cause bacterial conjunctivitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, peritonitis and urethritis. However, intracranial infections in infants caused by S. derby are rare in clinical practice and have not been reported before in China. CASE SUMMARY: A 4-mo-old female infant had recurrent fever for 2 wk, with a maximum body temperature of around 39.4°C. Treatment for infectious fever in a local hospital was ineffective, and she was admitted to our hospital. Before admission, there was one sudden convulsion, characterized by unclear consciousness, limb twitching, gaze in both eyes, and slight cyanosis on the face. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture was positive for Gram-negative bacilli, which conformed to S. derby. After treatment with meropenem and ceftriaxone antibiotics, the patient was discharged home in a clinically stable state after 4 wk of treatment. CONCLUSION: We reported a rare case of S. derby cultured in CSF. S. derby enters the CSF through the blood-brain barrier, causing purulent meningitis. If not treated timeously, it can lead to serious, life-threatening infection.

Naples Prognostic Score is an Independent Prognostic Factor in Patients Undergoing Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: Nutritional and inflammatory status has been reported to be associated with the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but many studies did not include all biomarkers simultaneously. The present study aimed to determine the impact of Naples prognostic score (NPS) on the long-term survival in patients undergoing hepatectomy for HCC. Methods: Patients with HCC after curative resection were eligible. Then, all patients were stratified into three groups according to the NPS. Clinical features and survival outcomes were compared among the three groups. Independent prognostic factors were determined by COX analysis. The time dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare prognostic performance with other immunonutrition scoring systems. Results: A total of 476 patients were enrolled eventually. Baseline characteristics showed that patients with higher NPS had a higher proportion of poor liver function and advanced tumor features. Accordingly, Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that patients with higher NPS had a lower rate of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Multivariable COX analysis demonstrated that NPS was an independent risk factor of OS (NPS group 2 vs 1: HR=1.958, 95% CI: 1.038-3.369, p = 0.038; NPS group 3 vs 1: HR=2.608, 95% CI: 1.358-5.008, p=0.004, respectively) and RFS (NPS group 2 vs 1: HR=2.014, 95% CI: 1.299-2-3.124, p=0.002; NPS group 3 vs 1: HR=2.002, 95% CI: 1.262-3.175, p=0.003, respectively). The time-dependent ROC curve showed that NPS was superior to other models in prognostic performance and discriminatory power for long-term survival (median AUC 0.675, 95% CI: 0.586-0.712, P < 0.05). Conclusion: The NPS is a simple tool strongly associated with long-term survival in patients undergoing curative hepatectomy for HCC.

Preoperative prediction model for microvascular invasion in HBV-related intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI) using a noninvasive method remain unresolved, especially in HBV-related in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). This study aimed to build and validate a preoperative prediction model for MVI in HBV-related ICC. METHODS: Patients with HBV-associated ICC undergoing curative surgical resection were identified. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the independent risk factors of MVI in the training cohort. Then, a prediction model was built by enrolling the independent risk factors. The predictive performance was validated by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration in the validation cohort. RESULTS: Consecutive 626 patients were identified and randomly divided into the training (418, 67%) and validation (208, 33%) cohorts. Multivariate analysis showed that TBIL, CA19-9, tumor size, tumor number, and preoperative image lymph node metastasis were independently associated with MVI. Then, a model was built by enrolling former fiver risk factors. In the validation cohort, the performance of this model showed good calibration. The area under the curve was 0.874 (95% CI: 0.765-0.894) and 0.729 (95%CI: 0.706-0.751) in the training and validation cohort, respectively. Decision curve analysis showed an obvious net benefit from the model. CONCLUSION: Based on clinical data, an easy model was built for the preoperative prediction of MVI, which can assist clinicians in surgical decision-making and adjuvant therapy.

Kinetics and Combustion Behavior of Atomized Zn-Mg Alloy Powder.

Using pyrolants instead of warhead charges can release red light and thick smoke for target practice to highlight the safety of the impact point and dud disposal. In order to find the ideal material, the combustion and kinetic properties of two Zn-Mg alloys at critical proportions were investigated. Thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) experiments in pure oxygen were conducted with atomized Zn-Mg alloy powder in the ratio of 7:3 and the ratio of 8:2 with three particle diameters under different heating rates. The kinetic parameters of the six materials were obtained by ASTM E698 and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW) methods, indicating that the activation energy (Eα) of the 7:3 Zn-Mg alloy powder was lower than that of the 8:2 Zn-Mg alloy powder when the particle size distributions are similar. By the method of nonlinear multivariate regression, the oxidation reaction of Zn-Mg alloy powder was divided into two steps. The proportion of mass gain of the first-step reaction of 7:3 Zn-Mg alloy powder was 0.462-0.518, and the proportion of mass gain of the first-step reaction of 8:2 Zn-Mg alloy powder was 0.138-0.228. Reaction mechanism functions of the two-step reaction of Zn-Mg alloy oxidation were derived as f(α) = (1 - α)n(1 + kcat·α). The results of combustion experiments showed that the pyrolants composed of 7:3 alloy can burn stably to produce satisfactory smoke and light signals, while the pyrolants composed of 8:2 alloy cannot achieve this. The 7:3 Zn-Mg alloy powder is an ideal ingredient for pyrotechnic compositions.

Neisseria mucosa - A rare cause of peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Neisseria mucosa is a gram negative diplococcus belonging to the genus Neisseria found commonly in the upper respiratory tract. It is typically a commensal organism when it is parasitic on oral and nasal mucosa. To our knowledge, it does not cause disease in healthy individuals with normal immunity, but can be pathogenic in those with impaired immune function or change in bacterial colonization site. Neisseria mucosa has been reported to cause bacterial meningitis, conjunctivitis, pneumonia, endocarditis, peritonitis and urethritis. However, peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis caused by Neisseria mucosa is extremely rare in clinical practice, which has not previously been reported in China. CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old female presented to the nephrology clinic with upper abdominal pain without apparent cause, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for two days. The patient had a history of Stage 5 chronic kidney disease for five years, combined with renal hypertension and renal anemia, and was treated with peritoneal dialysis for renal replacement therapy. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis. Routine examination of peritoneal dialysis fluid showed abdominal infection, and the results of microbial culture of the peritoneal dialysis fluid confirmed Neisseria mucosa. Imi-penem/ cilastatin 1.0 g q12h was added to peritoneal dialysis fluid for anti-infection treatment. After 24 d, the patient underwent upper extremity arteriovenous fistulation. One month later, the patient was discharged home in a clinically stable state. CONCLUSION: Peritonitis caused by Neisseria mucosa is rare. Patients with home-based self-dialysis cannot guarantee good medical and health conditions, and require education on self-protection.

Survival Benefits From Adjuvant Lenvatinib for Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Microvascular Invasion After Curative Hepatectomy.

Background: The long-term prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after surgery remains far from satisfactory, especially in patients with microvascular invasion (MVI). This study aimed to evaluate the potential survival benefit from adjuvant lenvatinib for patients with HCC and MVI. Methods: Patients with HCC after curative hepatectomy were reviewed. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to adjuvant lenvatinib. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to reduce selection bias and make the results more robust. Survival curves are shown by the Kaplan-Meier (K-M) analysis and compared by the Log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the independent risk factors. Results: Of 179 patients enrolled in this study, 43 (24%) patients received adjuvant lenvatinib. After PSM analysis, 31 pairs of patients were enrolled for further analysis. Survival analysis before and after PSM analysis showed a better prognosis in the adjuvant lenvatinib group (all P < .05). The adverse events associated with oral lenvatinib were acceptable. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that adjuvant lenvatinib was an independent protective factor for improving overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.455, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.249-0.831, P = .001) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.523, 95% CI = 0.308-0.886, P = .016). Conclusions: Postoperative adjuvant targeted therapy can improve the long-term prognosis of patients with HCC and MVI. Therefore, in clinical practice, oral lenvatinib should be recommended for patients with HCC and MVI to decrease tumor recurrence and improve long-term survival.

Real-World Effectiveness of Primary Series and Booster Doses of Inactivated Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccine Against Omicron BA.2 Variant Infection in China: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: China has been using inactivated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines as primary series and booster doses to protect the population from severe to fatal COVID-19. We evaluated primary and booster vaccine effectiveness (VE) against Omicron BA.2 infection outcomes. METHODS: This was a 13-province retrospective cohort study of quarantined close contacts of BA.2-infected individuals. Outcomes were BA.2 infection, COVID-19 pneumonia or worse, and severe/critical COVID-19. Absolute VE was estimated by comparison with an unvaccinated group. RESULTS: There were 289 427 close contacts ≥3 years old exposed to Omicron BA.2 cases; 31 831 turned nucleic acid amplification test-positive during quarantine, 97.2% with mild or asymptomatic infection, 2.6% with COVID-19 pneumonia, and 0.15% with severe/critical COVID-19. None died. Adjusted VE (aVE) against any infection was 17% for primary series and 22% when boosted. Primary series aVE in adults >18 years was 66% against COVID-19 pneumonia or worse and 91% against severe/critical COVID-19. Booster dose aVE was 74% against pneumonia or worse, and 93% against severe/critical COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines provided modest protection from infection, very good protection against pneumonia, and excellent protection against severe/critical COVID-19. Booster doses are necessary to provide strongest protection.

Identification of a novel HIV-1 second-generation circulating recombinant form (CRF136_0107) among MSM in China.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 in Heilongjiang, China, and try to spot signs of new circulating recombinant form (CRF) in this region. DESIGN: A molecular epidemiological study was conducted in Heilongjiang, China during 2011-2020. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected from three HIV-1-positive patients (two MSM and one man lacking risk factor information). The near full-length genome sequences (NFLGs) of a novel CRF were then obtained and subjected to phylogenetic analysis using Mega 7.0.26. Recombination analysis was performed by the jumping profile Hidden Markov Model (jpHMM). Finally, the origin time of this novel CRF was inferred using the Bayesian phylogenetic analysis in Beast v1.10.4. RESULTS: The three NFLGs formed a distinct monophyletic cluster in the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree. Recombination analysis revealed that the recombinant genome was composed of five segments derived from CRF01_AE, subtypes B, and C, but further confirmed to be a second-generation recombinant form of CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC by a comparison of genome maps and subregion phylogenetic analysis and, therefore, designated as CRF136_0107. With Bayesian phylogenetic analysis, CRF136_0107 was estimated to originate around 2010-2011. CONCLUSION: A novel HIV-1 CRF01_AE/CRF07_BC second-generation CRF called CRF136_0107 was identified among MSM in Heilongjiang, a northeast province of China.