The security of the seed industry is crucial for ensuring national food security.Currently,developed countries in Europe and America,along with international seed industry giants,have entered the Breeding 4.0 era.This...The security of the seed industry is crucial for ensuring national food security.Currently,developed countries in Europe and America,along with international seed industry giants,have entered the Breeding 4.0 era.This era integrates biotechnology,artificial intelligence(AI),and big data information technology.In contrast,China is still in a transition period between stages 2.0 and 3.0,which primarily relies on conventional selection and molecular breeding.In the context of increasingly complex international situations,accurately identifying core issues in China's seed industry innovation and seizing the frontier of international seed technology are strategically important.These efforts are essential for ensuring food security and revitalizing the seed industry.This paper systematically analyzes the characteristics of crop breeding data from artificial selection to intelligent design breeding.It explores the applications and development trends of AI and big data in modern crop breeding from several key perspectives.These include highthroughput phenotype acquisition and analysis,multiomics big data database and management system construction,AI-based multiomics integrated analysis,and the development of intelligent breeding software tools based on biological big data and AI technology.Based on an in-depth analysis of the current status and challenges of China's seed industry technology development,we propose strategic goals and key tasks for China's new generation of AI and big data-driven intelligent design breeding.These suggestions aim to accelerate the development of an intelligent-driven crop breeding engineering system that features large-scale gene mining,efficient gene manipulation,engineered variety design,and systematized biobreeding.This study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the development of China's seed industry technology.展开更多
In rice fields,rice plants usually grow alongside wild weeds and are attacked by various invertebrate species.Viruses are abundant in plants and invertebrates,playing crucial ecological roles in controlling microbial ...In rice fields,rice plants usually grow alongside wild weeds and are attacked by various invertebrate species.Viruses are abundant in plants and invertebrates,playing crucial ecological roles in controlling microbial abundance and maintaining community structures.To date,only 16 rice viruses have been documented in rice-growing regions.These viruses pose serious threats to rice production and have traditionally been identified only from rice plants and insect vectors by isolation techniques.Advances in next-generation sequencing(NGS)have made it feasible to discover viruses on a global scale.Recently,numerous viruses have been identified in plants and invertebrates using NGS technologies.In this review,we discuss viral studies in rice plants,invertebrate species,and weeds in rice fields.Many novel viruses have been discovered in rice ecosystems through NGS technologies,with some also detected using metatranscriptomic and small RNA sequencing.These analyses greatly expand our understanding of viruses in rice fields and provide valuable insights for developing efficient strategies to manage insect pests and virus-mediated rice diseases.展开更多
BACKGROUND Pepsinogen(PG)and the PG I/II ratio(PGR)are critical indicators for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic atrophic gastritis,and assessing gastric cancer risk.Existing reference intervals(RIs...BACKGROUND Pepsinogen(PG)and the PG I/II ratio(PGR)are critical indicators for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic atrophic gastritis,and assessing gastric cancer risk.Existing reference intervals(RIs)often overlook age,sex,and demographic variations.Partitioned RIs,while considering these factors,fail to capture the gradual age-related physiological changes.Next-generation RIs offer a solution to this limitation.AIM To investigate age-and sex-specific dynamics of PG and establish next-generation RIs for adults and the elderly in northern China.METHODS After screening,708 healthy individuals were included in this observational study.Serum PG was measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay.Age-and sex-related effects on PG were analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance.RI partitioning was determined by the standard deviation ratio(SDR).Traditional RIs were established using a non-parametric approach.Generalized Additive Models for Location,Scale,and Shape(GAMLSS)modeled age-related trends and continuous reference percentiles for PG I and PG II.Reference limit flagging rates for both RI types were compared.RESULTS PG I and PG II levels were influenced by age(P<0.001)and sex(P<0.001),while PGR remained stable.Age-specific RIs were required for PG I(SDR=0.366)and PG II(SDR=0.424).Partitioned RIs were established for PG I and PG II,with a single RI for PGR.GAMLSS modeling revealed distinct age-dependent trajectories:PG I increased from a median of 39.75μg/L at age 20 years to 49.75μg/L at age 60 years,a 25.16%increase,after which it plateaued through age 80 years.In contrast,PG II showed a continuous rise throughout the age range,with the median value increasing from 5.07μg/L at age 20 years to 8.36μg/L at age 80 years,corresponding to a 64.89%increase.Continuous reference percentiles intuitively reflected these trends and were detailed in this study.Next-generation RIs demonstrated superior accuracy compared to partitioned RIs when applied to specific age subgroups.CONCLUSION This study elucidates the age-and sex-specific dynamics of PG and,to our knowledge,is the first to establish next-generation RIs for PG,supporting more individualized interpretation in laboratory medicine.展开更多
This study investigates the diversity of gut microbiota in Metaphire peguana,an earthworm species commonly found in agricultural areas of Thailand.Earthworms play a critical role in soil ecosystems by supporting nutri...This study investigates the diversity of gut microbiota in Metaphire peguana,an earthworm species commonly found in agricultural areas of Thailand.Earthworms play a critical role in soil ecosystems by supporting nutrient cycling and breaking down organic matter.Understanding the microbial diversity in their gut is essential for exploring their ecological contributions.Using Next Generation Sequencing(NGS),we analyzed the mycobiome in the gut of M.peguana.Our findings revealed a high diversity of fungal species,primarily belonging to two major phyla:Ascomycota and Basidiomycota.Ascomycota was the most abundant phylum,comprising 40.1% of the total fungal species identified.A total of 33 distinct fungal species were identified,which underscores the richness of microbial life within the earthworm gut.This study successfully created the first genetic database of the microbial community in M.peguana,providing a foundation for future research in agricultural applications.The microbial species identified,particularly siderophoreproducing fungi,could have significant implications for improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.The use of NGS technology has enabled comprehensive profiling of microbial communities,allowing for precise identification of fungi that may play essential roles in soil health.Furthermore,the study paves the way for future studies on the potential applications of earthworm gut microbiomes in biotechnology,especially in enhancing soil nutrient availability and plant growth.The findings of this research contribute to the broader understanding of the ecological roles of earthworms and their microbiomes in soil ecosystems.展开更多
Objective and Background Early and accurate diagnosis of spinal infections,including spinal tuberculosis,is pivotal for effective treatment but remains challenging.This study aims to assess the diagnostic yield of met...Objective and Background Early and accurate diagnosis of spinal infections,including spinal tuberculosis,is pivotal for effective treatment but remains challenging.This study aims to assess the diagnostic yield of metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)compared with that of conventional microbiological tests(CMTs)in identifying pathogens associated with spinal pathologies,with a special focus on infections leading to surgical interventions.Methods We enrolled 85 patients who underwent spinal surgery,comprising 63 patients with clinically diagnosed spinal infections,including patients with spinal tuberculosis,and 22 patients with noninfectious spinal conditions.The procedures involved irrigation and debridement for persistent wound drainage,with subsequent DNA extraction from plasma and joint fluid for mNGS and CMT analysis.Results Significantly increased C-reactive protein(CRP)levels were observed in patients with infections.The mNGS approach showed greater diagnostic sensitivity(92.06%)for detecting pathogens,including Mycobacterium tuberculosis,than did CMTs(36.51%).Despite its low specificity,mNGS had considerable negative predictive value(70.59%),underscoring its utility in ruling out infections.Conclusions The mNGS offers superior sensitivity over CMTs in the diagnosis of a variety of spinal infections,notably spinal tuberculosis.This study highlights the potential of mNGS in enhancing the diagnosis of complex spinal infections,thereby informing targeted treatment strategies.展开更多
BACKGROUND Leuconostoc garlicum is commonly found in fermented foods and very few infected patients have been reported,who typically present symptoms such as fever and fatigue.Conventional clinical examinations often ...BACKGROUND Leuconostoc garlicum is commonly found in fermented foods and very few infected patients have been reported,who typically present symptoms such as fever and fatigue.Conventional clinical examinations often struggle to identify this bacterium,and routine anti-infective treatments are generally ineffective.Both diagnostic challenges and therapeutic limitations pose significant difficulties for clinicians.CASE SUMMARY We report a patient ultimately diagnosed with Leuconostoc garlicum infection.The primary manifestations included persistent fever,cough and fatigue.These symptoms lasted for 2 months.He received anti-infective treatment at a community hospital,but this was ineffective.After inquiring about the patient's medical history and conducting a physical examination,the patient underwent laboratory tests.Complete blood count tests revealed that the patient had a high proportion of neutrophils,C-reactive protein level was 235.9 mg/L,erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 67 mm/h,respiratory pathogen testing was negative,and he was then thought to have an infectious disease.However,conventional anti-infective treatments were ineffective.After excluding infectious neurological diseases,urologic diseases and digestive problems,we ultimately focused our attention on the lungs.A lung computed tomography scan indicated pulmonary inflammation.Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for next-generation sequencing suggested lung infection with Leuconostoc garlicum.The patient's symptoms gradually improved following treatment with piperacillin tazobactam and linezolid.During the follow-up period,the patient's temperature remained normal.CONCLUSION For patients with suspected bacterial infection and experiencing fever,conventional anti-infective treatment can be ineffective in controlling their symptoms,and an infection due to rare bacteria or drug-resistant bacteria should be considered.Next-generation sequencing enables rapid and precise identification of infection-related pathogens in febrile patients.展开更多
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a prevalent zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, with a cosmopolitan distribution. The parasite is transmitted cyclically between canines and numerous intermediate herbivor...Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a prevalent zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, with a cosmopolitan distribution. The parasite is transmitted cyclically between canines and numerous intermediate herbivorous livestock animals. Also, other Taeniid tapeworms could infect domestic dogs and they pose significant veterinary and public health concerns worldwide. This study aimed to develop a sensitive molecular method for detecting Echinococcus spp. DNA in dog fecal samples using next-generation sequencing (NGS). A set of PCR primers targeting conserved regions of Taeniid tapeworms’ 18s rRNA genes was designed and tested for amplifying genomic DNA from various tapeworm species. The PCR system demonstrated high sensitivity, amplifying DNA from all tested tapeworm species, with differences observed in amplified band sizes. The primers were adapted for NGS analysis by adding forward and reverse adapters, enabling the sequencing of amplified DNA fragments. Application of the developed PCR system to dog fecal samples collected from Yatta town, Palestine, revealed the presence of E. granulosus DNA in five out of 50 samples. NGS analysis confirmed the specificity of the amplified DNA fragments, showing 98% - 99% similarity with the 18s rDNA gene of E. granulosus. This study demonstrates the utility of NGS-based molecular methods for accurate and sensitive detection of Echinococcus spp. in dog fecal samples, providing valuable insights for epidemiological surveillance and control programs of echinococcosis in endemic regions.展开更多
The improvement of soybean seed carotenoid contents is very important due to the beneficial role of carotenoids in human health and nutrition. However, the genetic architecture underlying soybean carotenoid biosynthes...The improvement of soybean seed carotenoid contents is very important due to the beneficial role of carotenoids in human health and nutrition. However, the genetic architecture underlying soybean carotenoid biosynthesis remains largely unknown. In the present study, we employed next generation sequencing-based bulked-segregant analysis to identify new genomic regions governing seed carotenoids in 1,551 natural soybean accessions. The genomic DNA samples of individual plants with extreme phenotypes were pooled to form two bulks with high(50 accessions) and low(50 accessions) carotenoid contents for Illumina sequencing. A total of 125.09 Gb of clean bases and 89.82% of Q30 were obtained, and the average alignment efficiency was 99.45% with an average coverage depth of 62.20× and 99.75% genome coverage. Based on the G prime statistic algorithm(G') method analysis, 16 candidate genomic loci with a total length 20.41 Mb were found to be related to the trait. Of these loci, the most significant regions displaying the highest elevated G' values were found in chromosome 06 at a position of 18.53–22.67 Mb, and chromosome 19 at genomic region intervals of 8.36–10.94, 12.06–13.79 and 18.45–20.26 Mb. These regions were then used to identify the key candidate genes. In these regions, 250 predicted genes were found and analyzed to obtain 90 significantly enriched(P<0.05) Gene Ontology(GO) terms. Based on ANNOVAR analysis, 50 genes with non-synonymous and stopgained mutations were preferentially selected as potential candidate genes. Of those 50 genes, following their gene annotation functions and high significant haplotype variations in various environments,five genes were identified as the most promising candidate genes regulating soybean seed carotenoid accumulation, and they should be investigated in further functional validation studies. Collectively, understanding the genetic basis of carotenoid pigments and identifying genes underpinning carotenoid accumulation via a bulked-segregant analysis-based sequencing(BSA-seq) approach provide new insights for exploring future molecular breeding efforts to produce soybean cultivars with high carotenoid content.展开更多
Infectious diseases are a great threat to human health.Rapid and accurate detection of pathogens is important in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.Metagenomics next-generation sequencing(mNGS)is an un...Infectious diseases are a great threat to human health.Rapid and accurate detection of pathogens is important in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.Metagenomics next-generation sequencing(mNGS)is an unbiased and comprehensive approach for detecting all RNA and DNA in a sample.With the development of sequencing and bioinformatics technologies,mNGS is moving from research to clinical application,which opens a new avenue for pathogen detection.Numerous studies have revealed good potential for the clinical application of mNGS in infectious diseases,especially in difficult-to-detect,rare,and novel pathogens.However,there are several hurdles in the clinical application of mNGS,such as:(1)lack of universal workflow validation and quality assurance;(2)insensitivity to high-host background and low-biomass samples;and(3)lack of standardized instructions for mass data analysis and report interpretation.Therefore,a complete understanding of this new technology will help promote the clinical application of mNGS to infectious diseases.This review briefly introduces the history of next-generation sequencing,mainstream sequencing platforms,and mNGS workflow,and discusses the clinical applications of mNGS to infectious diseases and its advantages and disadvantages.展开更多
Objective This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of novel technique-targeted next-generation sequencing(tNGS)of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)in pulmonary mycobacterial infections.Methods This retrospect...Objective This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of novel technique-targeted next-generation sequencing(tNGS)of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)in pulmonary mycobacterial infections.Methods This retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent bronchoscopy and tNGS,smear microscopy,and mycobacterial culture of BALF.Patients with positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)culture or GeneXpert results were classified into the tuberculosis case group.Those diagnosed with nontuberculous mycobacteria(NTM)-pulmonary disease(NTM-PD)composed the case group of NTM-PD patients.The control group comprised patients without tuberculosis or NTM-PD.Sensitivity,specificity,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance.Results For tuberculosis patients with positive mycobacterial culture results,the areas under the ROC curves(AUCs)for tNGS,GeneXpert,and smear microscopy were 0.975(95%CI:0.935,1.000),0.925(95%CI:0.859,0.991),and 0.675(95%CI:0.563,0.787),respectively.For tuberculosis patients with positive GeneXpert results,the AUCs of tNGS,culture,and smear microscopy were 0.970(95%CI:0.931,1.000),0.850(95%CI:0.770,0.930),and 0.680(95%CI:0.579,0.781),respectively.For NTM-PD,the AUCs of tNGS,culture,and smear-positive but GeneXpert-negative results were 0.987(95%CI:0.967,1.000),0.750(95%CI:0.622,0.878),and 0.615(95%CI:0.479,0.752),respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of tNGS in NTM-PD patients were 100%and 97.5%,respectively.Conclusion tNGS demonstrated superior diagnostic efficacy in mycobacterial infection,indicating its potential for clinical application.展开更多
BACKGROUND:Prompt pathogen identification can have a substantial impact on the optimization of antimicrobial treatment.The objective of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of next-generation sequencing(NGS)fo...BACKGROUND:Prompt pathogen identification can have a substantial impact on the optimization of antimicrobial treatment.The objective of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of next-generation sequencing(NGS)for identifying pathogen and its clinical impact on antimicrobial intervention in immunocompromised patients with suspected infections.METHODS:This was a retrospective study.Between January and August 2020,47 adult immunocompromised patients underwent NGS testing under the following clinical conditions:1)prolonged fever and negative conventional cultures;2)new-onset fever despite empiric antimicrobial treatment;and 3)afebrile with suspected infections on imaging.Clinical data,including conventional microbial test results and antimicrobial treatment before and after NGS,were collected.Data were analyzed according to documented changes in antimicrobial treatment(escalated,no change,or deescalated)after the NGS results.RESULTS:The median time from hospitalization to NGS sampling was 19 d.Clinically relevant pathogens were detected via NGS in 61.7% of patients(29/47),more than half of whom suffered from fungemia(n=17),resulting in an antimicrobial escalation in 53.2% of patients(25/47)and antimicrobial de-escalation in 0.2% of patients(1/47).Antimicrobial changes were mostly due to the identification of fastidious organisms such as Legionella,Pneumocystis jirovecii,and Candida.In the remaining three cases,NGS detected clinically relevant pathogens also detected by conventional cultures a few days later.The antimicrobial treatment was subsequently adjusted according to the susceptibility test results.Overall,NGS changed antimicrobial management in 55.3%(26/47)of patients,and conventional culture detected clinically relevant pathogens in 14.9% of the patients(7/47).CONCLUSION:With its rapid identification and high sensitivity,NGS could be a promising tool for identifying relevant pathogens and enabling rapid appropriate treatment in immunocompromised patients with suspected infections.展开更多
BACKGROUND Brain abscess is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused primarily by microbial infection.Although progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of brain abscesses,the diagnostic timeliness o...BACKGROUND Brain abscess is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused primarily by microbial infection.Although progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of brain abscesses,the diagnostic timeliness of pathogens needs to be improved.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 54-year-old male with a brain abscess caused by oral bacteria.The patient recovered well after receiving a combination of metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)-assisted guided medication and surgery.CONCLUSION Therefore,mNGS may be widely applied to identify the pathogenic microor-ganisms of brain abscesses and guide precision medicine.展开更多
Background:For patients with lung cancer,timely identification of new lung lesions as infectious or non-infectious,and accurate identification of pathogens is very important in improving OS of patients.As a new auxiliar...Background:For patients with lung cancer,timely identification of new lung lesions as infectious or non-infectious,and accurate identification of pathogens is very important in improving OS of patients.As a new auxiliary examination,metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)is believed to be more accurate in diagnosing infectious diseases in patients without underlying diseases,compared with conventional microbial tests(CMTs).We designed this study tofind out whether mNGS has better performance in distinguishing infectious and non-infectious diseases in lung cancer patients using bronchoalveolar lavagefluid(BALF).Materials and Methods:This study was a real-world retrospective review based on electronic medical records of lung cancer patients with bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL)and BALF commercial mNGS testing as part of clinical care from 1 April 2019 through 30 April 2022 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.164 patients were included in this study.Patients were categorized into the pulmonary non-infectious disease(PNID)group(n=64)and the pulmonary infectious disease(PID)group(n=100)groups based onfinal diagnoses.Results:BALF mNGS increased the sensitivity rate by 60%compared to CMTs(81%vs.21%,p<0.05),whereas there was no significant difference in specificity(75%vs.98.4%,p>0.1).Among the patients with PID,bacteria were the most common cause of infection.Fungal infections occurred in 32%of patients,and Pneumocystis Yersini was most common.Patients with Tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)therapy possess longer overall survival(OS)than other anti-cancer agents,the difference between TKIs and immuno-checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)was insignificant(median OS TKIs vs.ICIs vs.Anti-angiogenic vs.Chemo vs.Radiotherapy=76 vs.84 vs.61 vs.58 vs.60).Conclusions:our study indicates that BALF mNGS can add value by improving overall sensitivity in lung cancer patients with potential pulmonary infection,and was outstanding in identifying Pneumocystis infection.It could be able to help physicians adjust the follow-up treatment to avoid the abuse of antibiotics.展开更多
BACKGROUND Mycobacterium houstonense(M.houstonense)belongs to the nontuberculous mycobacterium group.Infection caused by M.houstonense is prone to recurrence.CASE SUMMARY We present a patient who was diagnosed with os...BACKGROUND Mycobacterium houstonense(M.houstonense)belongs to the nontuberculous mycobacterium group.Infection caused by M.houstonense is prone to recurrence.CASE SUMMARY We present a patient who was diagnosed with osteomyelitis caused by M.houstonense and treated with a combination of cefoxitin,and amikacin combined with linezolid.CONCLUSION The emergence of metagenomic next-generation sequencing(NGS)has brought new hope for the diagnosis and treatment of listeria meningitis.NGS can analyze a large number of nucleic acid sequences in a short time and quickly determine the pathogen species in the sample.Compared with traditional cerebrospinal fluid culture,NGS can greatly shorten the diagnosis time and provide strong support for the timely treatment of patients.Regarding treatment,NGS can also play an important role.Rapid and accurate diagnosis can enable patients to start targeted treatment as soon as possible and improve the treatment effect.At the same time,by monitoring the changes in pathogen resistance,the treatment plan can be adjusted in time to avoid treatment failure.展开更多
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide.Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor(LHRH-R)agonists and antagonists are known to achieve castration-level testosterone suppression...Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide.Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor(LHRH-R)agonists and antagonists are known to achieve castration-level testosterone suppression;however,long-term data comparing the survival benefits of these therapies are insufficient to inform treatment decisions.Furthermore,the advent of nextgeneration hormonal agents(NHAs),such as abiraterone and enzalutamide,have shifted the paradigm of managing prostate cancer.Although LHRH-R agonists and antagonists remain the cornerstone treatment across various stages of prostate cancer,they are increasingly administered with NHAs,because the combination treatment confers a survival advantage.Nevertheless,the differences in efficacy and safety profiles among various combinations of LHRH-R agonists and antagonists and NHAs remain unclear.Hence,this narrative review is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the long-term outcomes of various LHRH-R agonists and antagonists.Key data from major clinical studies are summarized,categorized by disease stage.LHRH-R agonists and antagonists,particularly goserelin,have demonstrated long-term survival benefits in patients with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer.The clinical outcomes of different LHRH-R agonists and antagonists in combination with NHAs have also been evaluated.Among the various combinations,goserelin plus abiraterone appears to have a manageable safety profile with relatively low rates of hot flushes and fatigue.Overall,long-term survival data and safety profiles should be considered in selecting optimal combination therapies for prostate cancer treatment.展开更多
Query fever(Q fever)is a globally spread zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii,commonly found in natural foci but rarely seen in Hebei Province.The clinical manifestations of Q fever are diverse and nonspecific...Query fever(Q fever)is a globally spread zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii,commonly found in natural foci but rarely seen in Hebei Province.The clinical manifestations of Q fever are diverse and nonspecific,which often leads to missed or incorrect diagnoses in clinical practice.This article reports a case of acute Q fever diagnosed in an elderly patient using metagenomic next-generation sequencing.展开更多
This article reviews basic concepts, general applications, and the potential impact of next-generation sequencing （NGS） technologies on genomics, with particular reference to currently available and possible future ...This article reviews basic concepts, general applications, and the potential impact of next-generation sequencing （NGS） technologies on genomics, with particular reference to currently available and possible future platforms and bioinformatics. NGS technologies have demon- strated the capacity to sequence DNA at unprecedented speed, thereby enabling previously unimaginable scientific achievements and novel biological applications. But, the massive data produced by NGS also presents a significant challenge for data storage, analyses, and management solutions. Advanced bioinformatic tools are essential for the successful application of NGS technology. As evidenced throughout this review, NGS technologies will have a striking impact on genomic research and the entire biological field. With its ability to tackle the unsolved challenges unconquered by previous genomic technologies, NGS is likely to unravel the complexity of the human genome in terms of genetic variations, some of which may be confined to susceptible loci for some common human conditions. The impact of NGS technologies on genomics will be far reaching and likely change the field for years to come.展开更多
Next-generation sequencing(NGS) technology is capable of sequencing millions or billions of DNA molecules simultaneously.Therefore, it represents a promising tool for the analysis of molecular targets for the initial ...Next-generation sequencing(NGS) technology is capable of sequencing millions or billions of DNA molecules simultaneously.Therefore, it represents a promising tool for the analysis of molecular targets for the initial diagnosis of disease, monitoring of disease progression, and identifying the mechanism of drug resistance. On behalf of the Tumor Biomarker Committee of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology(CSCO) and the China Actionable Genome Consortium(CAGC), the present expert group hereby proposes advisory guidelines on clinical applications of NGS technology for the analysis of cancer driver genes for precision cancer therapy. This group comprises an assembly of laboratory cancer geneticists, clinical oncologists, bioinformaticians,pathologists, and other professionals. After multiple rounds of discussions and revisions, the expert group has reached a preliminary consensus on the need of NGS in clinical diagnosis, its regulation, and compliance standards in clinical sample collection. Moreover, it has prepared NGS criteria, the sequencing standard operation procedure(SOP), data analysis, report, and NGS platform certification and validation.展开更多
BACKGROUND: The study aims to investigate the performance of a metagenomic next-generationsequencing (NGS)-based diagnostic technique for the identifi cation of potential bacterial and viral infectionsand eff ects of ...BACKGROUND: The study aims to investigate the performance of a metagenomic next-generationsequencing (NGS)-based diagnostic technique for the identifi cation of potential bacterial and viral infectionsand eff ects of concomitant viral infection on the survival rate of intensive care unit (ICU) sepsis patients.METHODS: A total of 74 ICU patients with sepsis who were admitted to our institution from February1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 were enrolled. Separate blood samples were collected from patients for bloodcultures and metagenomic NGS when the patients’ body temperature was higher than 38 °C. Patients’demographic data, including gender, age, ICU duration, ICU scores, and laboratory results, were recorded.The correlations between pathogen types and sepsis severity and survival rate were evaluated.RESULTS: NGS produced higher positive results (105 of 118;88.98%) than blood cultures(18 of 118;15.25%) over the whole study period. Concomitant viral infection correlated closelywith sepsis severity and had the negative effect on the survival of patients with sepsis. However,correlation analysis indicated that the bacterial variety did not correlate with the severity of sepsis.CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent viral load correlates closely with the severity of sepsis and thesurvival rate of the ICU sepsis patients. This suggests that prophylactic administration of antiviraldrugs combined with antibiotics may be benefi cial to ICU sepsis patients.展开更多
Two major types of cancer occur in the esophagus: squamous cell carcinoma, which is associated with chronic smoking and alcohol consumption, and adenocarcinoma, which typically arises in gastric reflux-associated Barr...Two major types of cancer occur in the esophagus: squamous cell carcinoma, which is associated with chronic smoking and alcohol consumption, and adenocarcinoma, which typically arises in gastric reflux-associated Barrett's esophagus. Although there is increasing incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in Western counties, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) accounts for most esophageal malignancies in East Asia, including China and Japan. Technological advances allowing for massively parallel, high-throughput next-generation sequencing(NGS) of DNA have enabled comprehensive characterization of somatic mutations in large numbers of tumor samples. Recently, several studies were published in which whole exome or whole genome sequencing was performed in ESCC tumors and compared with matched normal DNA. Mutations were validated in several genes, including in TP53, CDKN2 A, FAT1, NOTCH1, PIK3 CA, KMT2 D and NFE2L2, which had been previously implicated in ESCC. Several new recurrent alterations have also been identified in ESCC. Combining the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with information obtained from NGS studies may lead to the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for ESCC. As this research becomes more prominent, it is important that gastroenterologist become familiar with the various NGS technologies and the results generated using these methods. In the present study, we describe recent research approaches using NGS in ESCC.展开更多
基金partially supported by the Construction of Collaborative Innovation Center of Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences(KJCX20240406)the Beijing Natural Science Foundation(JQ24037)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32330075)the Earmarked Fund for China Agriculture Research System(CARS-02 and CARS-54)。
文摘The security of the seed industry is crucial for ensuring national food security.Currently,developed countries in Europe and America,along with international seed industry giants,have entered the Breeding 4.0 era.This era integrates biotechnology,artificial intelligence(AI),and big data information technology.In contrast,China is still in a transition period between stages 2.0 and 3.0,which primarily relies on conventional selection and molecular breeding.In the context of increasingly complex international situations,accurately identifying core issues in China's seed industry innovation and seizing the frontier of international seed technology are strategically important.These efforts are essential for ensuring food security and revitalizing the seed industry.This paper systematically analyzes the characteristics of crop breeding data from artificial selection to intelligent design breeding.It explores the applications and development trends of AI and big data in modern crop breeding from several key perspectives.These include highthroughput phenotype acquisition and analysis,multiomics big data database and management system construction,AI-based multiomics integrated analysis,and the development of intelligent breeding software tools based on biological big data and AI technology.Based on an in-depth analysis of the current status and challenges of China's seed industry technology development,we propose strategic goals and key tasks for China's new generation of AI and big data-driven intelligent design breeding.These suggestions aim to accelerate the development of an intelligent-driven crop breeding engineering system that features large-scale gene mining,efficient gene manipulation,engineered variety design,and systematized biobreeding.This study provides a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the development of China's seed industry technology.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.31972983 and 32072487)the Key Technology R&D Program of Zhejiang Province,China(Grant No.2021C02006)the Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.LY23C140001).
文摘In rice fields,rice plants usually grow alongside wild weeds and are attacked by various invertebrate species.Viruses are abundant in plants and invertebrates,playing crucial ecological roles in controlling microbial abundance and maintaining community structures.To date,only 16 rice viruses have been documented in rice-growing regions.These viruses pose serious threats to rice production and have traditionally been identified only from rice plants and insect vectors by isolation techniques.Advances in next-generation sequencing(NGS)have made it feasible to discover viruses on a global scale.Recently,numerous viruses have been identified in plants and invertebrates using NGS technologies.In this review,we discuss viral studies in rice plants,invertebrate species,and weeds in rice fields.Many novel viruses have been discovered in rice ecosystems through NGS technologies,with some also detected using metatranscriptomic and small RNA sequencing.These analyses greatly expand our understanding of viruses in rice fields and provide valuable insights for developing efficient strategies to manage insect pests and virus-mediated rice diseases.
文摘BACKGROUND Pepsinogen(PG)and the PG I/II ratio(PGR)are critical indicators for diagnosing Helicobacter pylori infection and chronic atrophic gastritis,and assessing gastric cancer risk.Existing reference intervals(RIs)often overlook age,sex,and demographic variations.Partitioned RIs,while considering these factors,fail to capture the gradual age-related physiological changes.Next-generation RIs offer a solution to this limitation.AIM To investigate age-and sex-specific dynamics of PG and establish next-generation RIs for adults and the elderly in northern China.METHODS After screening,708 healthy individuals were included in this observational study.Serum PG was measured using chemiluminescence immunoassay.Age-and sex-related effects on PG were analyzed with a two-way analysis of variance.RI partitioning was determined by the standard deviation ratio(SDR).Traditional RIs were established using a non-parametric approach.Generalized Additive Models for Location,Scale,and Shape(GAMLSS)modeled age-related trends and continuous reference percentiles for PG I and PG II.Reference limit flagging rates for both RI types were compared.RESULTS PG I and PG II levels were influenced by age(P<0.001)and sex(P<0.001),while PGR remained stable.Age-specific RIs were required for PG I(SDR=0.366)and PG II(SDR=0.424).Partitioned RIs were established for PG I and PG II,with a single RI for PGR.GAMLSS modeling revealed distinct age-dependent trajectories:PG I increased from a median of 39.75μg/L at age 20 years to 49.75μg/L at age 60 years,a 25.16%increase,after which it plateaued through age 80 years.In contrast,PG II showed a continuous rise throughout the age range,with the median value increasing from 5.07μg/L at age 20 years to 8.36μg/L at age 80 years,corresponding to a 64.89%increase.Continuous reference percentiles intuitively reflected these trends and were detailed in this study.Next-generation RIs demonstrated superior accuracy compared to partitioned RIs when applied to specific age subgroups.CONCLUSION This study elucidates the age-and sex-specific dynamics of PG and,to our knowledge,is the first to establish next-generation RIs for PG,supporting more individualized interpretation in laboratory medicine.
文摘This study investigates the diversity of gut microbiota in Metaphire peguana,an earthworm species commonly found in agricultural areas of Thailand.Earthworms play a critical role in soil ecosystems by supporting nutrient cycling and breaking down organic matter.Understanding the microbial diversity in their gut is essential for exploring their ecological contributions.Using Next Generation Sequencing(NGS),we analyzed the mycobiome in the gut of M.peguana.Our findings revealed a high diversity of fungal species,primarily belonging to two major phyla:Ascomycota and Basidiomycota.Ascomycota was the most abundant phylum,comprising 40.1% of the total fungal species identified.A total of 33 distinct fungal species were identified,which underscores the richness of microbial life within the earthworm gut.This study successfully created the first genetic database of the microbial community in M.peguana,providing a foundation for future research in agricultural applications.The microbial species identified,particularly siderophoreproducing fungi,could have significant implications for improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.The use of NGS technology has enabled comprehensive profiling of microbial communities,allowing for precise identification of fungi that may play essential roles in soil health.Furthermore,the study paves the way for future studies on the potential applications of earthworm gut microbiomes in biotechnology,especially in enhancing soil nutrient availability and plant growth.The findings of this research contribute to the broader understanding of the ecological roles of earthworms and their microbiomes in soil ecosystems.
基金supported by the Hubei Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(No.2023AFB646)Knowledge Innovation Program of Wuhan(No.2023020201010155)Educational Research Program of Huazhong University of Science and Technology(No.2022135).
文摘Objective and Background Early and accurate diagnosis of spinal infections,including spinal tuberculosis,is pivotal for effective treatment but remains challenging.This study aims to assess the diagnostic yield of metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)compared with that of conventional microbiological tests(CMTs)in identifying pathogens associated with spinal pathologies,with a special focus on infections leading to surgical interventions.Methods We enrolled 85 patients who underwent spinal surgery,comprising 63 patients with clinically diagnosed spinal infections,including patients with spinal tuberculosis,and 22 patients with noninfectious spinal conditions.The procedures involved irrigation and debridement for persistent wound drainage,with subsequent DNA extraction from plasma and joint fluid for mNGS and CMT analysis.Results Significantly increased C-reactive protein(CRP)levels were observed in patients with infections.The mNGS approach showed greater diagnostic sensitivity(92.06%)for detecting pathogens,including Mycobacterium tuberculosis,than did CMTs(36.51%).Despite its low specificity,mNGS had considerable negative predictive value(70.59%),underscoring its utility in ruling out infections.Conclusions The mNGS offers superior sensitivity over CMTs in the diagnosis of a variety of spinal infections,notably spinal tuberculosis.This study highlights the potential of mNGS in enhancing the diagnosis of complex spinal infections,thereby informing targeted treatment strategies.
文摘BACKGROUND Leuconostoc garlicum is commonly found in fermented foods and very few infected patients have been reported,who typically present symptoms such as fever and fatigue.Conventional clinical examinations often struggle to identify this bacterium,and routine anti-infective treatments are generally ineffective.Both diagnostic challenges and therapeutic limitations pose significant difficulties for clinicians.CASE SUMMARY We report a patient ultimately diagnosed with Leuconostoc garlicum infection.The primary manifestations included persistent fever,cough and fatigue.These symptoms lasted for 2 months.He received anti-infective treatment at a community hospital,but this was ineffective.After inquiring about the patient's medical history and conducting a physical examination,the patient underwent laboratory tests.Complete blood count tests revealed that the patient had a high proportion of neutrophils,C-reactive protein level was 235.9 mg/L,erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 67 mm/h,respiratory pathogen testing was negative,and he was then thought to have an infectious disease.However,conventional anti-infective treatments were ineffective.After excluding infectious neurological diseases,urologic diseases and digestive problems,we ultimately focused our attention on the lungs.A lung computed tomography scan indicated pulmonary inflammation.Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for next-generation sequencing suggested lung infection with Leuconostoc garlicum.The patient's symptoms gradually improved following treatment with piperacillin tazobactam and linezolid.During the follow-up period,the patient's temperature remained normal.CONCLUSION For patients with suspected bacterial infection and experiencing fever,conventional anti-infective treatment can be ineffective in controlling their symptoms,and an infection due to rare bacteria or drug-resistant bacteria should be considered.Next-generation sequencing enables rapid and precise identification of infection-related pathogens in febrile patients.
文摘Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a prevalent zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus, with a cosmopolitan distribution. The parasite is transmitted cyclically between canines and numerous intermediate herbivorous livestock animals. Also, other Taeniid tapeworms could infect domestic dogs and they pose significant veterinary and public health concerns worldwide. This study aimed to develop a sensitive molecular method for detecting Echinococcus spp. DNA in dog fecal samples using next-generation sequencing (NGS). A set of PCR primers targeting conserved regions of Taeniid tapeworms’ 18s rRNA genes was designed and tested for amplifying genomic DNA from various tapeworm species. The PCR system demonstrated high sensitivity, amplifying DNA from all tested tapeworm species, with differences observed in amplified band sizes. The primers were adapted for NGS analysis by adding forward and reverse adapters, enabling the sequencing of amplified DNA fragments. Application of the developed PCR system to dog fecal samples collected from Yatta town, Palestine, revealed the presence of E. granulosus DNA in five out of 50 samples. NGS analysis confirmed the specificity of the amplified DNA fragments, showing 98% - 99% similarity with the 18s rDNA gene of E. granulosus. This study demonstrates the utility of NGS-based molecular methods for accurate and sensitive detection of Echinococcus spp. in dog fecal samples, providing valuable insights for epidemiological surveillance and control programs of echinococcosis in endemic regions.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (32161143033, 32272178, and 32001574)National Key Research and Development Program of China (2021YFD1201605)the Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Project of CAAS。
文摘The improvement of soybean seed carotenoid contents is very important due to the beneficial role of carotenoids in human health and nutrition. However, the genetic architecture underlying soybean carotenoid biosynthesis remains largely unknown. In the present study, we employed next generation sequencing-based bulked-segregant analysis to identify new genomic regions governing seed carotenoids in 1,551 natural soybean accessions. The genomic DNA samples of individual plants with extreme phenotypes were pooled to form two bulks with high(50 accessions) and low(50 accessions) carotenoid contents for Illumina sequencing. A total of 125.09 Gb of clean bases and 89.82% of Q30 were obtained, and the average alignment efficiency was 99.45% with an average coverage depth of 62.20× and 99.75% genome coverage. Based on the G prime statistic algorithm(G') method analysis, 16 candidate genomic loci with a total length 20.41 Mb were found to be related to the trait. Of these loci, the most significant regions displaying the highest elevated G' values were found in chromosome 06 at a position of 18.53–22.67 Mb, and chromosome 19 at genomic region intervals of 8.36–10.94, 12.06–13.79 and 18.45–20.26 Mb. These regions were then used to identify the key candidate genes. In these regions, 250 predicted genes were found and analyzed to obtain 90 significantly enriched(P<0.05) Gene Ontology(GO) terms. Based on ANNOVAR analysis, 50 genes with non-synonymous and stopgained mutations were preferentially selected as potential candidate genes. Of those 50 genes, following their gene annotation functions and high significant haplotype variations in various environments,five genes were identified as the most promising candidate genes regulating soybean seed carotenoid accumulation, and they should be investigated in further functional validation studies. Collectively, understanding the genetic basis of carotenoid pigments and identifying genes underpinning carotenoid accumulation via a bulked-segregant analysis-based sequencing(BSA-seq) approach provide new insights for exploring future molecular breeding efforts to produce soybean cultivars with high carotenoid content.
基金supported by the Medicine and Health,Science and Technology Plan Project of Zhejiang(Nos.2020KY1009 and 2021KY387)the Jinhua Science and Technology Planning Project Social Development Key Project(No.2021-3-072),China.
文摘Infectious diseases are a great threat to human health.Rapid and accurate detection of pathogens is important in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.Metagenomics next-generation sequencing(mNGS)is an unbiased and comprehensive approach for detecting all RNA and DNA in a sample.With the development of sequencing and bioinformatics technologies,mNGS is moving from research to clinical application,which opens a new avenue for pathogen detection.Numerous studies have revealed good potential for the clinical application of mNGS in infectious diseases,especially in difficult-to-detect,rare,and novel pathogens.However,there are several hurdles in the clinical application of mNGS,such as:(1)lack of universal workflow validation and quality assurance;(2)insensitivity to high-host background and low-biomass samples;and(3)lack of standardized instructions for mass data analysis and report interpretation.Therefore,a complete understanding of this new technology will help promote the clinical application of mNGS to infectious diseases.This review briefly introduces the history of next-generation sequencing,mainstream sequencing platforms,and mNGS workflow,and discusses the clinical applications of mNGS to infectious diseases and its advantages and disadvantages.
文摘Objective This study aimed to explore the diagnostic value of novel technique-targeted next-generation sequencing(tNGS)of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)in pulmonary mycobacterial infections.Methods This retrospective study was conducted on patients who underwent bronchoscopy and tNGS,smear microscopy,and mycobacterial culture of BALF.Patients with positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)culture or GeneXpert results were classified into the tuberculosis case group.Those diagnosed with nontuberculous mycobacteria(NTM)-pulmonary disease(NTM-PD)composed the case group of NTM-PD patients.The control group comprised patients without tuberculosis or NTM-PD.Sensitivity,specificity,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance.Results For tuberculosis patients with positive mycobacterial culture results,the areas under the ROC curves(AUCs)for tNGS,GeneXpert,and smear microscopy were 0.975(95%CI:0.935,1.000),0.925(95%CI:0.859,0.991),and 0.675(95%CI:0.563,0.787),respectively.For tuberculosis patients with positive GeneXpert results,the AUCs of tNGS,culture,and smear microscopy were 0.970(95%CI:0.931,1.000),0.850(95%CI:0.770,0.930),and 0.680(95%CI:0.579,0.781),respectively.For NTM-PD,the AUCs of tNGS,culture,and smear-positive but GeneXpert-negative results were 0.987(95%CI:0.967,1.000),0.750(95%CI:0.622,0.878),and 0.615(95%CI:0.479,0.752),respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of tNGS in NTM-PD patients were 100%and 97.5%,respectively.Conclusion tNGS demonstrated superior diagnostic efficacy in mycobacterial infection,indicating its potential for clinical application.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(72274067)。
文摘BACKGROUND:Prompt pathogen identification can have a substantial impact on the optimization of antimicrobial treatment.The objective of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of next-generation sequencing(NGS)for identifying pathogen and its clinical impact on antimicrobial intervention in immunocompromised patients with suspected infections.METHODS:This was a retrospective study.Between January and August 2020,47 adult immunocompromised patients underwent NGS testing under the following clinical conditions:1)prolonged fever and negative conventional cultures;2)new-onset fever despite empiric antimicrobial treatment;and 3)afebrile with suspected infections on imaging.Clinical data,including conventional microbial test results and antimicrobial treatment before and after NGS,were collected.Data were analyzed according to documented changes in antimicrobial treatment(escalated,no change,or deescalated)after the NGS results.RESULTS:The median time from hospitalization to NGS sampling was 19 d.Clinically relevant pathogens were detected via NGS in 61.7% of patients(29/47),more than half of whom suffered from fungemia(n=17),resulting in an antimicrobial escalation in 53.2% of patients(25/47)and antimicrobial de-escalation in 0.2% of patients(1/47).Antimicrobial changes were mostly due to the identification of fastidious organisms such as Legionella,Pneumocystis jirovecii,and Candida.In the remaining three cases,NGS detected clinically relevant pathogens also detected by conventional cultures a few days later.The antimicrobial treatment was subsequently adjusted according to the susceptibility test results.Overall,NGS changed antimicrobial management in 55.3%(26/47)of patients,and conventional culture detected clinically relevant pathogens in 14.9% of the patients(7/47).CONCLUSION:With its rapid identification and high sensitivity,NGS could be a promising tool for identifying relevant pathogens and enabling rapid appropriate treatment in immunocompromised patients with suspected infections.
文摘BACKGROUND Brain abscess is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused primarily by microbial infection.Although progress has been made in the diagnosis and treatment of brain abscesses,the diagnostic timeliness of pathogens needs to be improved.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 54-year-old male with a brain abscess caused by oral bacteria.The patient recovered well after receiving a combination of metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)-assisted guided medication and surgery.CONCLUSION Therefore,mNGS may be widely applied to identify the pathogenic microor-ganisms of brain abscesses and guide precision medicine.
基金This study was funded by Science and Technology Projects in Guangzhou(No.202002030023).
文摘Background:For patients with lung cancer,timely identification of new lung lesions as infectious or non-infectious,and accurate identification of pathogens is very important in improving OS of patients.As a new auxiliary examination,metagenomic next-generation sequencing(mNGS)is believed to be more accurate in diagnosing infectious diseases in patients without underlying diseases,compared with conventional microbial tests(CMTs).We designed this study tofind out whether mNGS has better performance in distinguishing infectious and non-infectious diseases in lung cancer patients using bronchoalveolar lavagefluid(BALF).Materials and Methods:This study was a real-world retrospective review based on electronic medical records of lung cancer patients with bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL)and BALF commercial mNGS testing as part of clinical care from 1 April 2019 through 30 April 2022 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University.164 patients were included in this study.Patients were categorized into the pulmonary non-infectious disease(PNID)group(n=64)and the pulmonary infectious disease(PID)group(n=100)groups based onfinal diagnoses.Results:BALF mNGS increased the sensitivity rate by 60%compared to CMTs(81%vs.21%,p<0.05),whereas there was no significant difference in specificity(75%vs.98.4%,p>0.1).Among the patients with PID,bacteria were the most common cause of infection.Fungal infections occurred in 32%of patients,and Pneumocystis Yersini was most common.Patients with Tyrosine kinase inhibitors(TKIs)therapy possess longer overall survival(OS)than other anti-cancer agents,the difference between TKIs and immuno-checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)was insignificant(median OS TKIs vs.ICIs vs.Anti-angiogenic vs.Chemo vs.Radiotherapy=76 vs.84 vs.61 vs.58 vs.60).Conclusions:our study indicates that BALF mNGS can add value by improving overall sensitivity in lung cancer patients with potential pulmonary infection,and was outstanding in identifying Pneumocystis infection.It could be able to help physicians adjust the follow-up treatment to avoid the abuse of antibiotics.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.82100631.
文摘BACKGROUND Mycobacterium houstonense(M.houstonense)belongs to the nontuberculous mycobacterium group.Infection caused by M.houstonense is prone to recurrence.CASE SUMMARY We present a patient who was diagnosed with osteomyelitis caused by M.houstonense and treated with a combination of cefoxitin,and amikacin combined with linezolid.CONCLUSION The emergence of metagenomic next-generation sequencing(NGS)has brought new hope for the diagnosis and treatment of listeria meningitis.NGS can analyze a large number of nucleic acid sequences in a short time and quickly determine the pathogen species in the sample.Compared with traditional cerebrospinal fluid culture,NGS can greatly shorten the diagnosis time and provide strong support for the timely treatment of patients.Regarding treatment,NGS can also play an important role.Rapid and accurate diagnosis can enable patients to start targeted treatment as soon as possible and improve the treatment effect.At the same time,by monitoring the changes in pathogen resistance,the treatment plan can be adjusted in time to avoid treatment failure.
文摘Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death in men worldwide.Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor(LHRH-R)agonists and antagonists are known to achieve castration-level testosterone suppression;however,long-term data comparing the survival benefits of these therapies are insufficient to inform treatment decisions.Furthermore,the advent of nextgeneration hormonal agents(NHAs),such as abiraterone and enzalutamide,have shifted the paradigm of managing prostate cancer.Although LHRH-R agonists and antagonists remain the cornerstone treatment across various stages of prostate cancer,they are increasingly administered with NHAs,because the combination treatment confers a survival advantage.Nevertheless,the differences in efficacy and safety profiles among various combinations of LHRH-R agonists and antagonists and NHAs remain unclear.Hence,this narrative review is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the long-term outcomes of various LHRH-R agonists and antagonists.Key data from major clinical studies are summarized,categorized by disease stage.LHRH-R agonists and antagonists,particularly goserelin,have demonstrated long-term survival benefits in patients with localized and locally advanced prostate cancer.The clinical outcomes of different LHRH-R agonists and antagonists in combination with NHAs have also been evaluated.Among the various combinations,goserelin plus abiraterone appears to have a manageable safety profile with relatively low rates of hot flushes and fatigue.Overall,long-term survival data and safety profiles should be considered in selecting optimal combination therapies for prostate cancer treatment.
基金Baoding Science and Technology Program Project:“Clinical Study Analysis on the Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation in Improving Prognosis of Elderly Patients with H-type Hypertension”(Project No.2341ZF140)。
文摘Query fever(Q fever)is a globally spread zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii,commonly found in natural foci but rarely seen in Hebei Province.The clinical manifestations of Q fever are diverse and nonspecific,which often leads to missed or incorrect diagnoses in clinical practice.This article reports a case of acute Q fever diagnosed in an elderly patient using metagenomic next-generation sequencing.
基金supported by NINDS/NIH(JZ),Coldwell Foundation(JZ) and TTUHSC(JZ)
文摘This article reviews basic concepts, general applications, and the potential impact of next-generation sequencing （NGS） technologies on genomics, with particular reference to currently available and possible future platforms and bioinformatics. NGS technologies have demon- strated the capacity to sequence DNA at unprecedented speed, thereby enabling previously unimaginable scientific achievements and novel biological applications. But, the massive data produced by NGS also presents a significant challenge for data storage, analyses, and management solutions. Advanced bioinformatic tools are essential for the successful application of NGS technology. As evidenced throughout this review, NGS technologies will have a striking impact on genomic research and the entire biological field. With its ability to tackle the unsolved challenges unconquered by previous genomic technologies, NGS is likely to unravel the complexity of the human genome in terms of genetic variations, some of which may be confined to susceptible loci for some common human conditions. The impact of NGS technologies on genomics will be far reaching and likely change the field for years to come.
基金supported by grants from Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Translational Medicine in Lung Cancer (Grant No. 2017B030314120)General Research Project of Guangzhou Science and Technology Bureau (Grant No. 201607010391)+1 种基金National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2016YFC1303800)Guangdong Provincial Applied S&T R&D Program (Grant No. 2016B020237006)
文摘Next-generation sequencing(NGS) technology is capable of sequencing millions or billions of DNA molecules simultaneously.Therefore, it represents a promising tool for the analysis of molecular targets for the initial diagnosis of disease, monitoring of disease progression, and identifying the mechanism of drug resistance. On behalf of the Tumor Biomarker Committee of the Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology(CSCO) and the China Actionable Genome Consortium(CAGC), the present expert group hereby proposes advisory guidelines on clinical applications of NGS technology for the analysis of cancer driver genes for precision cancer therapy. This group comprises an assembly of laboratory cancer geneticists, clinical oncologists, bioinformaticians,pathologists, and other professionals. After multiple rounds of discussions and revisions, the expert group has reached a preliminary consensus on the need of NGS in clinical diagnosis, its regulation, and compliance standards in clinical sample collection. Moreover, it has prepared NGS criteria, the sequencing standard operation procedure(SOP), data analysis, report, and NGS platform certification and validation.
基金supported by grants from Scienceand Technology Committee of Shanghai (18411951400)KeyClinical Medical Specialties Project in Shanghai Pudong NewArea (PWZzk2017-22)+1 种基金Science and Technology Action Plan(19495810200)Leading Talent Project in Shanghai Pudong NewArea Health System (PWRl2018-08).
文摘BACKGROUND: The study aims to investigate the performance of a metagenomic next-generationsequencing (NGS)-based diagnostic technique for the identifi cation of potential bacterial and viral infectionsand eff ects of concomitant viral infection on the survival rate of intensive care unit (ICU) sepsis patients.METHODS: A total of 74 ICU patients with sepsis who were admitted to our institution from February1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 were enrolled. Separate blood samples were collected from patients for bloodcultures and metagenomic NGS when the patients’ body temperature was higher than 38 °C. Patients’demographic data, including gender, age, ICU duration, ICU scores, and laboratory results, were recorded.The correlations between pathogen types and sepsis severity and survival rate were evaluated.RESULTS: NGS produced higher positive results (105 of 118;88.98%) than blood cultures(18 of 118;15.25%) over the whole study period. Concomitant viral infection correlated closelywith sepsis severity and had the negative effect on the survival of patients with sepsis. However,correlation analysis indicated that the bacterial variety did not correlate with the severity of sepsis.CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent viral load correlates closely with the severity of sepsis and thesurvival rate of the ICU sepsis patients. This suggests that prophylactic administration of antiviraldrugs combined with antibiotics may be benefi cial to ICU sepsis patients.
文摘Two major types of cancer occur in the esophagus: squamous cell carcinoma, which is associated with chronic smoking and alcohol consumption, and adenocarcinoma, which typically arises in gastric reflux-associated Barrett's esophagus. Although there is increasing incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in Western counties, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) accounts for most esophageal malignancies in East Asia, including China and Japan. Technological advances allowing for massively parallel, high-throughput next-generation sequencing(NGS) of DNA have enabled comprehensive characterization of somatic mutations in large numbers of tumor samples. Recently, several studies were published in which whole exome or whole genome sequencing was performed in ESCC tumors and compared with matched normal DNA. Mutations were validated in several genes, including in TP53, CDKN2 A, FAT1, NOTCH1, PIK3 CA, KMT2 D and NFE2L2, which had been previously implicated in ESCC. Several new recurrent alterations have also been identified in ESCC. Combining the clinicopathological characteristics of patients with information obtained from NGS studies may lead to the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for ESCC. As this research becomes more prominent, it is important that gastroenterologist become familiar with the various NGS technologies and the results generated using these methods. In the present study, we describe recent research approaches using NGS in ESCC.
