ABSTRACT
To explore the efficacy of Entecavir on hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis. One Hundred two cases of hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis patients were randomly divided into treatment group [N=51] and control group [N=51]. Both groups received conventional treatment, meanwhile treatment group received Entecavir for anti-virus treatment. Comparison of liver function between the two groups was statistically significant [P < 0.01] at week 4, 8 and 12 after antiviral therapy, liver fibrosis contrast of two groups was statistically significant [P < 0.01] at week 4, 8 and 12 after antiviral therapy. Although Entecavir can be effective in treating hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis, its resistance and course of treatment need to be further evaluated.
ABSTRACT
The behavioral responses of a tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) school to low (0.13 mg/L), moderate (0.79 mg/L) and high (2.65 mg/L) levels of unionized ammonia (UIA) concentration were monitored using a computer vision system. The swimming activity and geometrical parameters such as location of the gravity center and distribution of the fish school were calculated continuously. These behavioral parameters of tilapia school responded sensitively to moderate and high UIA concentration. Under high UIA concentration the fish activity showed a significant increase (P<0.05), exhibiting an avoidance reaction to high ammonia condition, and then decreased gradually. Under moderate and high UIA concentration the school's vertical location had significantly large fluctuation (P<0.05) with the school moving up to the water surface then down to the bottom of the aquarium alternately and tending to crowd together. After several hours' exposure to high UIA level, the school finally stayed at the aquarium bottom. These observations indicate that alterations in fish behavior under acute stress can provide important information useful in predicting the stress.