Application of digital bone block in bone augmentation / 中华口腔医学杂志

Alveolar ridge augmentation is a common method to solve the problem of insufficient bone mass during implant treatment, while shaping bone substitutes during surgery, maintaining space and stability remain challenging. Digital bone block refers to a digital method for making bone grafts suitable for personalized defect shape. With the advancement of digital technology and the development of materials science, the means of realizing digital bone blocks have also undergone a series of updates. This paper summarizes the relevant researches in the past, systematically introduces the workflow, implementation methods, development history and future prospects of digital bone blocks, and provides suggestions and references for clinicians to use digital methods to improve the predictability of bone augmentation outcome.

Preliminary study on centrifugation time of liquid plasmatrix for soft tissue regeneration / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objective: To provide reference for clinical application of liquid plasmatrix, and to investigate the optimal centrifugation time of liquid plasmatrix prepared by horizontal centrifugation for soft tissue regeneration from the aspects of mechanical properties, biological properties, and the effect of promoting soft tissue regeneration. Methods: Venous blood was collected from 6 healthy volunteers [3 males and 3 females, aged (26±2) years, with informed consent] who volunteered to donate blood at School of Stomatology, Wuhan University from September to November 2021. The collected venous blood was centrifuged at 500 ×g for 3, 5, 8 and 12 min to obtain liquid plasmatrix. The volume, weight, solidification time, and mechanical properties of liquid plasmatrix prepared at different centrifugation time were measured and recorded (the sample size at each time point was 3). The microstructure of different groups of liquid plasmatrix clot was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The rheological properties of each group of liquid plasmatrix clot were measured by rheological test. The number and concentration of cells in the whole blood group and in each liquid plasmatrix group were measured using complete blood count test. The distribution of cells in the liquid plasmatrix clots was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The effect of control group (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium containing 20% fetal bovine serum) and liquid plasmatrix clot exudates in 3, 5, 8, 12 min group (the sample size at each time point was 3) on gingival fibroblast migration was detected by cell migration method. Finally, the effects of control group and liquid plasmatrix clot exudates on the morphology of gingival fibroblasts were observed by fluorescence microscope. Results: The volume of liquid plasmatrix in 3, 5, 8 and 12 min group were approximately (2.47±0.12), (2.67±0.12), (3.53±0.12) and (3.73±0.12) ml, respectively. The weight of liquid plasmatrix in 3, 5, 8 and 12 min group were approximately (0.35±0.01), (0.46±0.02), (0.88±0.06) and (1.03±0.01) g, respectively. The maximum tensile force of liquid plasmatrix clots in 3, 5, 8 and 12 min group were (0.55±0.03), (0.56±0.03), (1.31±0.05) and (1.38±0.02) N, respectively. SEM results showed that the fibers inside the liquid plasmatrix clot became denser with increased centrifugation time. Compared with other groups, the concentrations of leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes in 8 min group were the highest, and the distribution of cell was more even. Compared with other groups, the efficiency of stimulating gingival fibroblast migration in 8 min group was the best (1.60±0.01). Fluorescence staining test showed that the liquid plasmatrix clot exudates could make gingival fibroblasts more stretched compared with control group. Conclusions: The present study shows that liquid plasmatrix prepared by centrifugation with 500 ×g centrifugal force for 8 min has higher concentration of viable cells and the ability to promote the migration of gingival fibroblasts.

Self-assembled aggregations in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction dynamically regulate intestinal tissue permeability through Peyer's patch-associated immunity / 中草药·英文版

Objective: To investigate the dynamic regulation of self-assembled aggregations (SAA) in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction on the permeability of intestinal tissue and the mechanism underlying. Methods: The effects of SAA on berberine (Ber) absorption were respectively analyzed in an in situ intestinal perfusion model and in an Ussing Chamber jejunum model with or without Peyer's patches (PPs). The expression levels of ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin-1 were detected by immunofluorescence to evaluate the tight junction (TJ) between intestinal epithelium cells. The expression levels of T-box-containing protein expressed in T cells, signal transducers and activators of tranion-6, retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor γt and forkhead box P3 in PPs were detected by the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the secretions of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-17 (IL-17) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) in PPs were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, to reflect the differentiation of T lymphocyte in PPs to helper T (Th) cell 1, Th2, Th17 and regulatory T (Treg) cell. To confirm the correlation between SAA in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction, PPs-associated immunity and intestinal epithelium permeability, SAA were administrated on an Ussing Chamber jejunum model with immunosuppressed PPs and evaluated its influences on intestinal tissue permeability and TJ proteins expression. Results: SAA in Coptidis Rhizoma decoction could dose-dependently promote Ber absorption in jejunum segment, with the participation of PPs. The dose-dependent and dynamical regulations of SAA on permeability of intestinal tissue and TJ proteins expression level between intestinal epithelium cells occurred along with the dynamically changed T lymphocyte differentiation and immune effectors secretion in PPs. The administration of SAA on immunosuppressed PPs exhibited dose-dependent PPs activation, inducing dynamic promotion on intestinal tissue permeability and inhibition on TJ proteins expression. Conclusion: SAA can improve the Ber absorption in small intestine, through the PPs-associated immunity induced dynamic regulation on intestinal tissue permeability and TJ proteins expression. These findings might enlighten the research of traditional Chinese medicine decoction.

Sleep Status of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

@#【Objective】To investigate the sleep status of patients with chronic HBV infection【Methods】From January 2019 to June 2019 ，353 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the outpatient department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University，using the sleepiness scale，insomnia scale，sleep quality scale，anxiety self- rating form and depression self- evaluation ，patients were scored and grouped according to sleep grading criteria. Patients were collected for gender，age，disease diagnosis，antiviral therapy，and educational level. Chi-square correlation test and multivariate logistic regression were applied to analyze the influencing factors of sleep. 【Results】 The overall sleepiness rate was 47.88%. The overall insomnia rate was 53.26%. There were 6.8% patients who had poor sleep quality. The risk factor of lethargy was the degree of anxiety（P = 0.000，OR = 3.076，95% CI 1.706~5.545）. The risk factor of insomnia was anxiety（P = 0.000，OR = 14.693，95% CI 5.046~42.782）and depression（P = 0.002，OR = 2.279，95% CI1.340~3.877）. The risk factor of sleep quality was anxiety（P = 0.000，OR = 9.990，95% CI 4.031~24.758）.【Conclusions】 Patients with chronic HBV infection have a high proportion of subjective sleep disorders. The main influencing factor is mental state of the patient. A full understanding of the patients′ sleep status will help the patients′ treatment.

Clinical Observation of Addition and Subtraction Therapy of Shenling Baizhu San to Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea with Spleen-stomach Deficiency and Cold Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective:To discussed the clinical efficacy of addition and subtraction therapy of Shenling Baizhu San to antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) with spleen-stomach deficiency and cold syndrome, and to investigate its effects on immune function and intestinal flora. Method:One hundred and fifteen patients were randomly divided into control group (57 cases) and observation group (58 cases) by random number table. Patients in control group got Shuangqi Ganjun Sanlian Huojun San, 2 bags/time, 2 times/days. Mengtuoshi San, 1 bag/time, 3 times/days, and they also got measures to prevent disturbance of water, electrolyte, acid-base balance and nutritional support. Based on the treatment in control group, patients in observation group also got addition and subtraction therapy of Shenling Baizhu San, 1 dose/day. The course of treatment was 7 days in both groups. Before and after treatment, scores of symptoms, intestinal secretory immunoglobulin (SIgA) levels, peripheral blood immunoglobulin A (IgA), G (IgG), M (IgM) and T lymphocyte subsets (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+and CD4+/CD8+). Detection of bacillus faccalis in feces before and after treatment and the bacteria were cultured to identify and count bifidobacterium, lactobacillus and enterococcus. In addition, diamine oxidase (DAO) and D-lactic acid levels were detected before and after treatment. Result:In rank sum test, clinical efficacy in observation group was better than that in control group (Z=2.268, PPP+, CD4+and CD4+/CD8+were higher than those in control group (P+was lower than that in control group (PPPPD-lactic acid were significantly lower than those in control group (PConclusion:Based on conventional treatment, addition and subtraction therapy of Shenling Baizhu San can alleviate symptoms, improve clinical efficacy, improve immune function, regulate intestinal flora and promote the repair of intestinal mucosal barrier in the treatment of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) with spleen-stomach deficiency and cold syndrome.

Application of Thrombelastography in Prognosis of Cerebral Infarction / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective:To explore the value of thrombelastography in long-term prognosis for patients with cerebral infarction. Methods:From January, 2015 to July, 2017, 255 patients with cerebral infarction hospitalized were selected. Thrombelastography and routine coagulation test (four coagulation and platelets) were tested after patients' admission. And thrombelastographic test was performed again 3 months after discharge. The patients were followed up for a year by outpatient visits or telephone contact. According to whether cerebral infarction recurred, they were divided into unfavorable prognosis group (n = 51) and favorable prognosis group (n = 204), and the difference of thrombelastography and routine coagulation test were compared between the two groups. Results:There was no statistically significant difference in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, scores of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and administration of antiplatelet drugs between the two groups (P > 0.05); There was no statistically significant difference in thrombin time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, and platelet in routine coagulation test between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared to the favorable prognosis group at admission, reaction time and kinetics time of thrombelastographic test shortened significantly, while rate of clot strengthening and maximum amplitude increased significantly in the unfavorable prognosis group (P < 0.05); three months after discharge, only maximum amplitude increased significantly (P < 0.05) while there was no significant difference in reaction time, kinetics time and rate of clot strengthening in the unfavorable prognosis group (P > 0.05). Conclusion:Abnormal parameters of thrombelastographic test may indicate hypercoagulability in blood in the patients with cerebral infarction which predicts unfavorablein long-term outcome.

Study of medicinal properties of Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum and Arisaema Cum Bile based on delayed luminescence of Scenedesmus sp / 中草药

Objective To find delayed luminescence parameters that could characterize the cold and hot properties of Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum and Arisaema Cum Bile. Methods Delayed luminescence of Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum with addition of Scenedesmus sp. within 26 d after decoction was measured in unequal interval, with aim to verify the stability of the natural delayed luminescence average strength and the linear fitting slope value (k) of excitation delayed luminescence. The delayed luminescence of six batches of Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum and Arisaema Cum Bile was measured using biological indicator method, and the content of β-sitosterol in Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum and β-sitosterol, bilirubin, and cholic acid of Arisaema Cum Bile was determined using high performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) to analyze the correlation of k value and the above components content of Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum and Arisaema Cum Bile. Results K value of excitation delayed luminescence within 14 d after decoction was steadier than natural delayed luminescence average strength, and k values of six batches of Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum were all higher than that of Arisaema Cum Bile. A significant negative correlation between β-sitosterol contents and k values of six batches of Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum and Arisaema Cum Bile was found, and no significant negative correlation between bilirubin and cholic acid contents and k values of Arisaema Cum Bile was found. Conclusion K value of excitation delayed luminescence could indicate the differences of medicinal properties of Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum and Arisaema Cum Bile, which provides a new method for the study of medicinal properties of Chinese materia medica.

Study on rapid screening and identifying hepatotoxic compounds in toosendan fructus / 中国中药杂志

Fluorescein diacetate-labeled HepG2 cells model and flouresence automatic microscopy screening assay were used for fast screening 23 components from Toosendan Fructus, in which 5 components showed significant toxicity on HepG2 cells. The 10 compounds in the 2 components were tentatively identified with LC-MS(n), and 3 of them (meliasenin B, trichilinin D and 1-O-tigloy-1-O-debenzoylohchinal) were prepared and identified. Further experiments showed that the 3 compounds displayed dose-dependent toxicity on HepG2 cells, suggesting that these compounds in Toosendan Fructus may cause hepatotoxicity.

Development of a rapid screening method for discovering neuroprotective components from traditional Chinese medicine / 中国中药杂志

This study developed a method for rapid screening neuroprotective compounds with FDA (fluorescein diacetate) labeled SH-SYSY cells, which was injuried by Glu (L-glutamic acid). The cell viability was determined by fluorescence automatic mi-croscopy screening system. Then, neuroprotective components from Gegen Qinlian decoction were screened by the proposed method. The results demonstrated that 4 chemical components, C15, D06, D07 and E05 from Gegen Qinlian decoction, showed significantly neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, 8 compounds (i. e. daidzin, 3'-methoxydaidzin, liquiritin apioside, 6-C-L-alpha-arabinopyranosyl-8-C-beta-D-glucopyranosyl chrysin, isoliquiritin apioside, baicalin, oroxylin-A-7-O-fP-D-glucuronide and wogonoside) were identified from these active components by LC-Q/TOF-MS technology (liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight tandem mass spectrometry). These 8 compounds may be the potential neuroprotective substances in Gegen Qinlian decoction.

Study on screening cardioprotective components from Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Tang / 中国中药杂志

Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Tang (ZSXBGZT), a famous traditional Chinese formula from Synopsis of Golden Chamber, composing of five herbal medicines, has been routinely used for the therapy of cardiovascular diseases in clinical. However, the active components of ZSXBGZT have not been investigated thoroughly. A reliable cell model was established by H2O2-induced injury in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs), with fluorescein diacetate (FDA) labelling the live cells, to screen cardioprotective substances. Seven components were found to have obvious cardioprotective effects through screening ZSXBGZT, Vc as the positive control. Eleven compounds were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) from the active components C18, D14, D15, D16 and E09, and 6 of them were investigated further, which showed that hesperidin, neohesperidin and eriodictyol could protect NRCMs from H2O2-induced injury. In particular, eriodictyol showed significant cardioprotective effects in a dose-response relationship.

Preventive effects of aldose reductase inhibitor AL-1576 on galactose cataract in rat / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background Sugar cataract is one of the major diabetic complications in the eye,but there is not effective medicine to prevent or delay development of cataract. Objective The goal of this study was to investigate the effects and the potential mechanism of aldose reductase (AR) inhibitor,AL-1576 on prevention of galactose cataract in rats. Methods Forty-two SD rats were randomly and equally divided into 7 groups.The cataracts were induced by feeding with 50％ galactose.At the day of feeding galactose and the day 5,10 and 15 after feeding galactose,AL-1576 was added into the feeds.The rats were divided AL-1576 prevention group and early-,intermediate-or late-stage intervention groups.For another group,the withdrawing AL-1576 group,AL-1576 was added into the feeds at the day of feeding galactose,then was removed after 10 days.The lenses of the rats were examined under the slit-lamp microscope before and after given AL-1576 every 5 days.At the day 35,the lenses were obtained.The wet and dry weight of the lenses were weighted,respectically,to calculate the water content of the lenses.Activities of AR and superoxidedismutase (SOD) and contents of glutathione (GSH) of the lenses were measured by their commercial detecting kits.The care and use of the animals complied with the Regulations for the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission. Results In AL-1576 prevention group,all lenses maintained clear.Opacification of the lenses were significantly attenuated in all three AL-1576 intervention groups and withdrawing AL-1576 group compared with the cataractous model group ( P＜0.05),but the inhibiting role was weaken with late intervention.The water contents and the activities of AR of the lenses were decreased,the contents of SOD and GSH were dramatically increased in all different AL-1576 treated groups compared with the cataractous model group (P＜0.05).Moreover,AL-1576 prevention group showed the best effect on all indexes (P＜0.05). Conclusions The activity of AR can be inhibited by AL-1576 at the different stages of development of cataract induced by galactose.By blocking and attenuating formation of the edema and elevating antioxdative capacity in the lenses,AL-1576 prevents and delays the formation of galactose cataract.

Influence of timing of coronal preparation on microleakage of fiber post and core systems / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the microleakage of fiber post and core systems after high-speed handpiece preparation at different time points.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The crowns of forty-five extracted human premolar were removed and the roots were endodontically treated. The samples were devided into five groups. Root canal preparation was performed on each premolar followed by fiber post cementation and core build up. Tooth preparation was applied at 5 min in group 1, at 15 min in group 2 and at 30 min in group 3 after post cementation. Five teeth with only 5 mm apical sealing were served as a positive control group, and ten with fiber post and core build-up but no coronal preparation were taken as a negative control group. Microleakage was evaluated using a fluid filtration system. The bonding interface was observed by scanning electronic microscope (SEM).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The microleakage was significantly increased after coronal preparation with high-speed handpiece. The negative control group has less leakage [(1.50 × 10(-6) ± 0.37 × 10(-6)) µl×min(-1)×Pa(-1)] than the groups with coronal preparation (P < 0.05); Group 1 leaked significantly more [(6.02 × 10(-5) ± 1.02 × 10(-5)) µl×min(-1)×Pa(-1)] than group 2 [(1.50 × 10(-5) ± 0.26 × 10(-5)) µl·min(-1)×Pa(-1)] and group 3 [(1.50 × 10(-5) ± 0.39 × 10(-5)) µl×min(-1)×Pa(-1)] did (P < 0.05). Corresponding to microleakage, the micro gaps between the resin cement and dentine in group 1 were wider than those in the other groups. The coronal section was wider than the apical part.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>High-speed handpiece had negative effects on microleakage of fiber post and core systems. Coronal preparation should be performed 15 min or more after post cementation.</p>

Pharmacokinetics interaction among three major active compounds of Shengmai formula in rats / 浙江大学学报·医学版

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction among three major bioactive compounds of Shengmai formula.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>After oral administration of ginsenoside Rg(1), ginsenoside Rb(1) and schisandrin with the same dose(100 mg.kg(-1)) individually or in combination, rat serum samples were extracted, then these three compounds were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS). The pharmacokinetic parameters of three compounds in single or combination form were calculated by WinNonLinu6.0 using non-compartment model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with single drug group, the peak concentration of ginsenoside Rg(1) in combined group increased from(0.476 ±0.238) μg.ml(-1) to (1.946 ±1.432) μg.ml(-1), AUC(0-∞) increased from(0.523 ±0.238) μg.h.ml(-1) to (1.908 ±1.319) μg.h.ml(-1), CL decreased from(226311 ± 96819) ml.h(-1).kg(-1) to(90650 ±73684) ml.h(-1).kg(-1) and Vd decreased from(317110 ±154009) ml.kg(-1) to(130967 ±78306) ml.kg(-1). While the pharmacokinetic parameters of ginsenoside Rb(1) and schisandrin showed no significant change.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Combined oral administration of three compounds of Shengmai formula can improve the bioavailability of ginsenoside RgRg(1), however it does not change the pharmacokinetic behavior of ginsenoside RbRg(1) and schisandrin.</p>

Findings and pathological characteristics of rat galactose cataract model / 中华实验眼科杂志

Background A stable diabetic cataract animal model is a premise for screening and evaluating the drug for cataract therapy.Galactose cataract model is widely used in relevant experimental study,but the onset,extent and the type of lens opacification may be different due to different modeling way.Objective This study was to investigate the manifestations and pathological characteristics of cataract induced by D-galactose.Methods Fifty-six SPF SD rats were randomly divided into cataract-model group and control group and 28 rats for each group.50% D-galactose feed was given daily in model group,and regular feed was given in control group.Lenses of rats were examined under the slit lamp through the 30-day period at a 2-day interval,and then the opacity of lenses was graded on the modified Suryanarayana criteria.The body weight of rats was recorded and compared between two groups at day 5,10,15,20,25 and 30.The lenses samples were obtained for the histopathological examination by hemotoxylin and eosin staining.The wet weight,dry weight of the lenes and their ratio were detected and compared between these two groups.The use of animals followed the Regulation for the Administration of Affair Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.Results The body weight was reduced in model rats compared with control rats with the statistically significant difference from 10 days through 30 days(P＜0.05).The different grades of opacification of lens cortical and nuclear progressed in model rats throughout the experiment duration,but the lenses were clear in control rats.The slit-lamp microscopy and pathological examinations revealed that lenses opacity in model rats started from the cortex at the equator zone and developed towards central zone gradually with the lapse of experimental time.Following the entire opacity of lens cortex,lens nucleus were cloudy and expanded.The swelling and degeneration of the fiber cells in lens cortex,the differentiation,migration and denuclearation delay of lens epithelial cells were seen in model rats under the light microscope.The wet weight of lenses was increased and the dry weight was decreased in model rats in comparison with control rats in experimental 30 days,showing significant difference between two groups(t=138.571,t=52.468,P＜0.05).Conclusion The development of galactose-induced cataract animal model resemble one of age-related cortical cataract in human with the similar generating mechanism.This cataract model is reproducible and classifiable.

Sesquiterpenoids from the whole plant of Sarcandra glabra / 药学学报

To study the sesquiterpenoid constituents in the whole plant of Sarcandra glabra, silical column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, reverse phase ODS column chromatography and preparative HPLC were used to isolate 70% EtOH extract of Sarcandra glabra. The structures were elucidated based on spectroscopic data (HR-ESI-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, HSQC, HMBC and NOESY). Four sesquiterpenoids were obtained and identified as 4alpha-hydroxy-5alphaH-lindan-8 (9)-en-8, 12-olide (1), chloranthalactone E (2), 8beta, 9alpha-dihydroxylindan-(5), 7 (1)-ieb-8alpha, 12-olide (3) and chloranoside A (4), respectively. Compound 1 is a new sesquiterpene lacone.

Estimation on the intangible cost and influencing factors for patients with hepatitis B-related diseases / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To estimate the intangible cost and associated factors on patients with hepatitis B-related diseases, so as to explore the differences of the three elicitation techniques on the health economics-related information by trained investigators, using a structured questionnaire. WTP was employed to estimate the intangible cost while an open-ended question format, together with iterative bidding game and payment card were respectively used to elicit WTP for the hypothetical cure of hepatitis B-related diseases. A Multiple linear stepwise regression model was determined to identify those factors potentially affecting the intangible cost. Results A total of 564 subjects from 641 patients with hepatitis B-related diseases were identified for the inclusion of this study. The average annual intangible cost of patient with hepatitis B-related diseases was 54 320.4 Yuan (Ren Minbi).The intangible cost accounted for 53.0% of the total cost, which was much more than the proportions of the direct and indirect costs (38.5% and 8.5%, respectively). Among annual personal and the household income of the patient, proportions of intangible cost were 262.6% and 67.6% respectively,suggesting that the patients were under huge spiritual and psychological pressure. Response rate of the approach, combined open-ended questions with iterative bidding game, was the highest (76.6%) among the three elicitation formats. Considered the characteristics of data being gathered, the approach seemed to be more reasonable. Further studies were needed to examine the results yielded from other WTP elicitation formats. We also noticed that the progression of disease was associated with the increase of direct and indirect costs, but not with the intangible cost. Data from the multiple linear stepwise regression analysis indicated that the types of hospital and commercial medical insurance were significantly different in explaining the variation of the intangible cost. Conclusion Measures should be taken to reduce the intangible cost of hepatitis B-related diseases. The approach regarding the combination of open-ended questions with iterative bidding game should be recommended when carrying our further WTP studies of this kind.

A pilot study of peginterferon alfa-2a combined with short-term lamivudine therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To investigate the efficacy of by combining a 12-week course of lamivudine in those HBeAg-positive hepatitis B patients receiving peginterferon alfa-2a (peg-IFN alpha-2a) therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 58 patients initiated a 52-week course of peginterferon alfa-2a were enrolled and divided into 3 groups. The patients with HBV DNA undetectable or HBeAg negative at week 12 were divided into group A, in this group treatment continued to week 52 with peg-IFN alpha-2a alone; The rest patients were divided into group B1 and B2, in group B1, lamivudine was combined at a course of 12 weeks, while in group B2 treatment continued to week 52 with peg-IFN alpha-2a alone. Clinical responses were assessed at week 52.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>8 out of 58 patients achieved undetectable HBV DNA or HBeAg loss at week 12 and divide into group A. In this group the HBV DNA loss rate, HBeAg seroconversion rate, HBsAg loss rate and ALT normalization rate were 100% (8/8), 75% (6/8), 0% (0/8) and 100% (8/8) respectively at the end of treatment. In this group the HBV DNA loss rate, HBeAg seroconversion rate, HBsAg loss rate and ALT normalization rate were 100% (8/8), 75% (6/8), 0% (0/8) and 100%(8/8) respectively at the end of treatment. The rest 50 patients without early response to peg-IFN alpha-2a at week 12 were divided into group B1 (24 patients enrolled) and B2 (26 patients). At the end of treatment, the HBV DNA loss rate, HBeAg seroconversion rate, HBsAg loss rate and ALT normalization rate in Group B1 were 50% (12/24), 38% (9/24), 4% (1/24) and 63% (15/24) respectively, and 31% (8/26), 27% (7/26), 0% (0/26) and 35% (9/26) respectively in group B2.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Those patients with early responses to peg-IFN alpha-2a therapy can achieve high clinical responses at the end of 52-week treatment. The combining therapy of lamivudine for a course of 12-weeks can improve the clinical responses for the patients without early responses to peg-IFN alpha-2a.</p>

Value of FIB-4 for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the diagnostic value of FIB-4 in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) by comparing their results with histological features.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>212 chronic hepatitis B patients underwent liver biopsy with a blood sample taken simultaneously. The serum level of ALT, AST, PLT were tested. These results together with age of the patients were put into the formula and final results of FIB-4 were computed. Three different endpoints were studied according to liver fibrosis stage, namely significant fibrosis (S2 to s4), extensive fibrosis (S3 to S4) and cirrhosis (S4). With liver biopsy as the gold standard, ROC curves were delineated for different endpoints. The area under the ROC curves reflected its diagnostic values.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The distribution of their fibrosis stage was as follows, S0:3 (1.4%); S1:49 (23.1%); S2:66 (31.1%); S3:50 (23.6%); S4:44 (20.8%). That means 160 patients (75.5%) had significant fibrosis (S2 to S4), 94 (44.3%) had extensive fibrosis (S3 to S4) and 44 (20.8%) had cirrhosis (S4). The AUCs of FIB-4 for significant fibrosis, extensive fibrosis and cirrhosis were 0.733 (95% CI: 0.660-0.806, P < 0.01), 0.746 (95% CI: 0.679-0.813, P < 0.01), 0.756 (95% CI: 0.687-0.825, P < 0.01) respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The FIB-4 index is a simple, accurate and inexpensive methed to assess liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis and may reduce the need for liver biopsy.</p>

Efficacy of antiviral treatment on patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure with low viral load / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy of antiviral treatment on patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure with low viral load.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>352 patients with acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure including 175 cases of low HBV viral load and 177 cases of high HBV viral load were enrolled into this study. The patients were divided into the antiviral group which received antiviral therapy (Lamivudine, Entecavir or Telbivudine) plus routine supportive therapy and the control group which received supportive therapy only. The clinical features and the 24-week short-term efficacy of antiviral therapy were assessed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>At week 24,total survival rate in antiviral group was higher than that in control group (P = 0.010). The survival rate of patients with low viral load in the antiviral group was higher than that in the control group (P = 0.001). But there was no significant difference between the antiviral group and the control group with high viral load (P = 0.856). But in the antiviral group, there was no significant difference in survival rate between the patients with high HBV viral load and those with low viral load (P = 0.755).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Antiviral therapy can significantly improve survival rate of patients of acute-on-chronic hepatitis B liver failure with low viral load. Liver failure;</p>

Relationship between SNP rs10774671 on OAS-1 gene and spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion in chronic HBV infection / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relationship between the SNP rs10774671 on OAS-1 gene and spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion in chronic HBV infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Blood samples were collected from 58 HBeAg positive, 68 anti-HBe positive patients with chronic HBV infection, and 72 normal control cases without HBV infection. Chromosomal DNA was extracted and OAS-1 gene was amplified. SNP genotyping was performed with the competitively differentiated polymerase chain reaction and enzyme immunoassay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In HBeAg positive group, frequencies of genotype GG plus GA and allele G were 31.0% and 16.4%. They were 48.5% and 29.4% in anti-HBe positive group, and 50.0% and 28.4% in normal control group respectively. Differences between HBeAg positive group and anti-HBe positive group or normal control group were statistically significant. But they weren't between anti-HBe positive group and normal control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Allele G on SNP rs10774671 of OAS-1 gene maybe benefits patients with chronic HBV infection to achieve spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion. Genotyping on this SNP may be predicting valuable for interferon therapy for chronic HBV infection.</p>