Liver Tuberculosis presenting as an uncommon cause of pyrexia of unknown origin: positron emission tomography/computed tomography identifies the correct site for biopsy

To identify the correct site to biopsy in a case of pyrexia of unknown origin [PUO] caused by hepatic tuberculosis [TB]. A 58-year-old man who developed hepatic TB presented with PUO. Ultrasonography [US] and computed tomography [CT] of the abdomen showed only calcifications in the liver, and positron emission tomography [PET]/CT showed diffuse increased metabolic activity in addition to focal areas of increased activity. A diagnosis of hepatic TB was confirmed by histological examination of liver tissues and interferon-Y release assays [IGRAs of T-SPOT/TB]. The patient was treated with 4 anti-tubercular therapies [rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide]. At the 3-month follow-up, the patient was disease free as confirmed by abdominal US. PET/CT was helpful in identifying a site to biopsy that led to the correct diagnosis

Comparative analysis of the efficacies of entecavir capsules and lamivudine in chronic hepatitis B patients / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy profile of entecavir capsule (ETV) as a chronic hepatitis B therapy, as compared to lamivudine (LAM).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel group evaluation of ETV, 232 subjects were administered a 96-week course of 0.5 mg/day ETV or 100 mg/day LAM. PCR measurement of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was conducted throughout the treatment course to determine achievement of complete virologic response (CVR; defined as less than 500 copies/ml of HBV DNA) or experience of virology rebound ( more than 500 copies/ml of HBV DNA after achievement of CVR).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After week-48 of treatment, the ETV group showed a higher CVR rate (90.3% vs. LAM: 59.4%) and lower virology rebound rate (1.9% vs. LAM: 13.9%). After week-96 of treatment, the ETV group continued to have a higher CVR rate (86.0% vs. LAM: 71.4%), and virology rebound was experienced by significantly less subjects in the ETV group (1.2% vs. LAM: 11.9%, P = 0.005).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ETV therapy can quickly and continuously suppress HBV replication in chronic hepatitis B patients, and has a lower resistance rate than LAM. Compared to LAM, ETV may be a superior long-term treatment choice for chronic hepatitis B.</p>

Study on the role of western blot band profile for the detection of recent HIV infection / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To obtain information on HIV disease progression through western blot (WB) band profile.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>1466 available serum samples of newly reported HIV/AIDS cases, confirmed by WB from Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province in 2011, were tested, using the BED HIV Incidence Capture Enzyme Immunoassay (BED-CEIA) and Limiting Antigen Avidity Enzyme Immunoassay (LAg-Avidity EIA), respectively. Differences of WB band profiled between recent infections and established infections were then compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Infections defined as 'recent' showed lower mean antibody intensities to p17, p24, p31, gp41, p51, p55, p66, gp120 and gp160 in WB when compared to those established infections with statistical difference(P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These WB band profiles which were considered as 'recent' infections would include factors as:lack of antibody reactivity to gp41 antigen, with intensity scores of all bands lower than 13, and those intensity scores of antibody to env protein lower than 5 or to pol protein lower than 4.</p>

Expression and role of augmenter of liver regeneration in patients with hepatic failure / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the expression and role of augmenter of liver regeneration (ALR) in hepatic failure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>ALR polyclonal antibody was prepared and purified. Serum ALR in patients with hepatic failure, chronic hepatitis B and healthy persons were quantified by ELISA, ALR mRNA in hepatic tissues were quantified by real-time PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Different serum ALR levels foreshowed different outcomes for hepatic failure patients: The liver function was restored in 6 patients with higher ALR level [(1613.5+/-369.6) pmol/ml], and the liver function was deteriorated in 12 patients with lower ALR level [(462.3+/-235.8) pmol/ml]. ALR level in patients with chronic hepatitis B [(969.2+/-332.5) pmol/ml] was similar to that in healthy persons [(806.9+/-240.8) pmol/ml]. ALR mRNA level in hepatic failure patients receiving OLT (103.45 copies/microl) was lower than that in chronic hepatitis B patients (104.37 copies/microl) and healthy persons (104.31 copies/microl), ALR mRNA level in chronic hepatitis B and healthy persons was similar.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These findings suggest serum ALR level reflected ALR mRNA level in liver and is helpful in estimating the survival time of patients with hepatic failure.</p>