Clinical characteristics of hypersensitivity pneumonitis: non-fibrotic and fibrotic subtypes / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#The presence of fibrosis is a criterion for subtype classification in the newly updated hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) guidelines. The present study aimed to summarize differences in clinical characteristics and prognosis of non-fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (NFHP) and fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis (FHP) and explore factors associated with the presence of fibrosis.@*METHODS@#In this prospective cohort study, patients diagnosed with HP through a multidisciplinary discussion were enrolled. Collected data included demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and radiologic and histopathological features. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore factors related to the presence of fibrosis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 202 patients with HP were enrolled, including 87 (43.1%) NFHP patients and 115 (56.9%) FHP patients. Patients with FHP were older and more frequently presented with dyspnea, crackles, and digital clubbing than patients with NFHP. Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 125, carbohydrate antigen 153, gastrin-releasing peptide precursor, squamous cell carcinoma antigen, and antigen cytokeratin 21-1, and count of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) eosinophils were higher in the FHP group than in the NFHP group. BAL lymphocytosis was present in both groups, but less pronounced in the FHP group. Multivariable regression analyses revealed that older age, <20% of lymphocyte in BAL, and ≥1.75% of eosinophil in BAL were risk factors for the development of FHP. Twelve patients developed adverse outcomes, with a median survival time of 12.5 months, all of whom had FHP.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Older age, <20% of lymphocyte in BAL, and ≥1.75% of eosinophil in BAL were risk factors associated with the development of FHP. Prognosis of patients with NFHP was better than that of patients with FHP. These results may provide insights into the mechanisms of fibrosis in HP.

Melatonin inhibits endogenous glucose via activation of akt in insulin resistant hepg2 cells / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the effects of melatonin on glucose output in insulin resistant HepG2 cells and the related mechanism. Methods Insulin resistant HepG2 cells were induced by high glucose and insulin (HGI) (25 mmol • L"1 and 1 (irnol • L"1 respectively) co-culture for 24 h,and then melatonin (10 nmol • L"1) was supplied. The glucose uptake and the gly-cogen content were measured. Levels of protein p-Akt, p-FoxOl as well as p-GSK-30 were evaluated by Western blot. The nuclear export of FoxOl and its intracellular localization were detected by immunofluorescence. Results HGI incubation led to significant decrease in insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and glyco-gen synthesis in HepG2 cells (P < 0. 0( ). However, melatonin reversed these inhibitory effects by increasing glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis significantly (P<0. 01). The results also showed that melatonin not only up-regulated levels of protein p-GSK-3 (3, p-Akt and p-FoxOl but also promoted cytoplasm translocation of FoxOl. Conclusions Melatonin could regulate glycogenesis and gluconeogenesis ih insulin resistant HepG2 cells via Akt/GSK-3(3 and Akt/FoxOl pathway. It thus suppresses the endogenous glucose output and improves the glucose metabolism.

Protective Effect of Liuwei Dihuangwan on Diabetes Mellitus with Liver Injury Based on SIRT6/NF-κB Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Objective: To investigate the protective mechanism of Liuwei Dihuangwan on diabetes mellitus with liver injury in terms of inflammation. Method: The 18 db/db mice were selected from animal model of spontaneous type 2 diabetes, mice were randomly divided into model group, Liuwei Dihuangwan group(9.75 g·kg-1·d-1,once a day), resveratrol group(42.6 mg·kg-1·d-1,once a day)based on fasting blood-glucose (FBG). The 12 litter wild db/m mice were randomly divided into normal group, Liuwei Dihuangwan group(9.75 g·kg-1·d-1,once a day). The normal group and the model group were given the same amount of distilled water by gavage. The mice in each group were treated for 16 weeks. FBG, triglyceride (TG) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were examined. Histopathological changes were observed by liver biopsy hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Silent information regulator 6 (SIRT6),nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (NF-κB p65),monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the liver tissue were detected by Western blot. Result: Compared with normal group, FBG, TG and ALT in model group increased significantly(PκB p65,MCP-1,VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 in model group were significantly up-regulated(PPPPκB p65, MCP-1 and VCAM-1 were significantly decreased (PPConclusion: Liuwei Dihuangwan can protect the diabetes mice from liver injury, and its mechanism is related to the improvement of lipid metabolism and the inhibition of inflammatory response.

Fire-needle acupuncture for upper limb spastic paralysis after stroke: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Fire-needle acupuncture, an important kind of acupuncture therapy, has been clinically used to treat upper limb spastic paralysis (ULSP) after stroke. Clinical experience has indicated that fire-needle acupuncture treatment takes less time, requires fewer visits, and has more rapid results and fewer side effects compared to chemical medicine alternatives. This study will evaluate the effects of fire-needle acupuncture for ULSP in the context of standardized clinical research and provide high-quality data to inform clinical procedures and future study design.@*METHODS/DESIGN@#A randomized controlled trial will be carried out to evaluate the effects of fire-needle acupuncture therapy in patients with ULSP from stroke. ULSP patients (n = 120) will be recruited at Changhai Hospital in Shanghai, China. Patients will be randomly divided into three groups, including fire-needle acupuncture group (FAG), filiform-needle acupuncture group (FFAG) and rehabilitation treatment group (RTG). During the 3-week treatment, the FAG will be treated every two days, while FFAG and RTG will be treated 5 d in a row and then rest for 2 d. The Simplified Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Scale and Modified Ashworth Scale will be used as the primary outcome measures. Statistical analysis will be conducted by an independent statistician.@*DISCUSSION@#Through this study, the utility of fire-needle acupuncture in treating ULSP after stroke will be tested, and some specific claims of fire-needle acupuncture therapy will be evaluated, such as relieving spasm and muscular tension, improving activities of daily living, rapidity of response and less frequency of treatment compared with other treatments.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: ChiCTR-IOR-17013875; registration date: 28 December 2016).

Correlation of Lumbar Vertebrae Position Perception to Psoas Muscles Endurance and Pain in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain Patients / 中国康复理论与实践

@#Objective To investigate the position sense in chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) patients, and the correlation to pain and endurance of psoas muscles. Methods From January, 2014 to May, 2015, 30 patients with CNLBP and other 30 healthy subjects were measured spine flexion and extension position sense absolute error (AE) and psoas endurance with Biodex System 3 synchronously, and the patients were self-assessed the pain in lumbar with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The Pearson correlation coefficient of AE to pso-as endurance and NRS was calculated. Results AE of flexion and extension was both more in the patients than in the healthy (t>1.862, P<0.05), and the psoas muscle endurance was less (t=2.307, P<0.05). AE of flexion (r=-0.71) and extension (r=-0.47) negatively correlated with the psoas muscle endurance in the patients, and positively correlated with NRS score (r=0.78 for flexion, and r=0.49 for extension). AE mildly negative correlated with the psoas muscle endurance (r=-0.38 for flexion, and r=-0.29 for extension). Conclusion Spine sensation has been impaired in CNLBP patients, and may associate with pain and psoas muscles endurance loss.

Ambulatory heart rate of professional taxi drivers while driving without their typical psychosocial work stressors: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined ambulatory cardiovascular physiological parameters of taxi drivers while driving in relation to their occupational hazards. This study aims to investigate and quantify the impact of worksite physical hazards as a whole on ambulatory heart rate of professional taxi drivers while driving without their typical worksite psychosocial stressors. METHODS: Ambulatory heart rate (HRdriving) of 13 non-smoking male taxi drivers (24 to 67 years old) while driving was continuously assessed on their 6-hour experimental on-road driving in Los Angeles. Percent maximum HR range (PMHRdriving) of the drivers while driving was estimated based on the individual HRdriving values and US adult population resting HR (HRrest) reference data. For analyses, the HRdriving and PMHRdriving data were split and averaged into 5-min segments. Five physical hazards inside taxi cabs were also monitored while driving. Work stress and work hours on typical work days were self-reported. RESULTS: The means of the ambulatory 5-min HRdriving and PMHRdriving values of the 13 drivers were 80.5 bpm (11.2 bpm higher than their mean HRrest) and 10.7 % (range, 5.7 to 19.9 %), respectively. The means were lower than the upper limits of ambulatory HR and PMHR for a sustainable 8-hour work (35 bpm above HRrest and 30 % PMHR), although 15–27 % of the 5-min HRdriving and PMHRdriving values of one driver were higher than the limits. The levels of the five physical hazards among the drivers were modest: temperature (26.4 ± 3.0 °C), relative humidity (40.7 ± 10.4 %), PM2.5 (21.5 ± 7.9 μg/m3), CO2 (1,267.1 ± 580.0 ppm) and noise (69.7 ± 3.0 dBA). The drivers worked, on average, 72 h per week and more than half of them reported that their job were often stressful. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of physical worksite hazards alone on ambulatory HR of professional taxi drivers in Los Angeles generally appeared to be minor. Future ambulatory heart rate studies including both physical and psychosocial hazards of professional taxi drivers are warranted.

Identification of a novel KIT mutation in a Chinese family affected with piebaldism / 中华医学遗传学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify the pathogenic mutation underlying piebaldism in a Chinese family.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A three-generation family showing an autosomal dominant transmission of piebaldism was recruited. Potential mutations of the KIT and SNAI2 genes were detected by PCR-amplification of the exons and exon-intron boundaries and direct sequencing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A heterozygous missense mutation, c.2585T>C, was identified in exon 18 of the KIT gene. The mutation, together with a c.2586G>C polymorphism, has led to substitution of Leucine by Proline at amino acid residue 862 (p.Leu862Pro) of the mast/stem cell growth factor receptor KIT. The same mutation was detected in all affected family members but not in dbSNP142, the 1000 Genomes draft database, or the Human Gene Mutation Database. No mutation of the SNAI2 gene was found.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The c.2585T>C (p.Leu862Pro) mutation in the KIT gene probably underlies the piebaldism phenotype in this family.</p>

Protective effects of Zhenwu decoction on kidney injury of diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin / 中国病理生理杂志

AIM:To investigate the effects of Zhenwu decoction ( ZWD) on the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and NF-κB in diabetic nephropathy ( DN) rats.METHODS:Diabetic rat model was induced by intrape-ritoneal injection of streptozotocin ( STZ) , and the animals were randomly divided into STZ group ( n=22) and STZ+ZWD group (n=23).The normal rats served as control (n=16).All rats were sacrificed on 8 weeks after modeling.Biochemical assay and pathological observation ( HE staining and transmission electron microscopy ) were used to evaluate the effects of Zhenwu decoction on the renal function and pathological morphology .The body weight , renal index , blood glucose , total urinary protein in 24 h, and superoxide dismutase ( SOD ) , malondialdehyde ( MDA ) , inducible nitric oxide synthase ( iNOS) were determined as well .Western blotting was used to observe the effects of Zhenwu decoction on the expression ofα-SMA and NF-κB in diabetic nephropathy ( DN) rats.RESULTS:Compared with normal group , the renal index , blood glucose concentration, total urinary protein in 24 h, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCr) and MDA were significantly higher and body weight was lower in DN rats (P<0.05).Pathological examination of the kidneys in DN group showed glomerular hypertrophy , glomerular basement membrane thickening , tubular epithelial cell degeneration , me-sangial matrix proliferation , protein cast formation in some renal tubules .The protein expression levels of α-SMA and NF-κB were markedly increased (P<0.05).After ZWD treatment, the level of renal index, total urinary protein in 24 h, BUN, SCr and the expression of α-SMA and NF-κB at the protein level were significantly decreased (P<0.05).The renal histological injury in ZWD group was significantly ameliorated .CONCLUSION: Zhenwu decoction might protect kidney against STZ-induced injury via decreasing the expression of α-SMA and NF-κB.

Association of hepatitis c virus infection and lnterleukin-28b gene polymorphism in chinese children

To preliminarily explore the association of rs12979860 and rs8099917 SNPs with chronic HCV infection in Chinese Man children. Chronic HCV infection patients [n=277; 1-17 years old, 4.5 years old in average] and healthy subjects [n=150, children; 2-17 years old, 5.2 years old in average] were recruited and tested by PCR combining direct sequencing. The differences between the rs12979860 and rs8099917 genotypes in patients and healthy subjects were compared, The genetic variations at rs12979860 and rs8099917 in chronic hepatitis C [CMC] children and healthy subjects did not differ significantly. The frequency of spontaneous clearance in CMC children was higher [47%], which is related to the genetic variations. The histological changes of patients were more significant compared to their clinical and biochemical indices, but they did not correlate with the genetic mutations at rs12979860 and rs8099917 significantly. The rs12979860 and rs8099917 SNPs are independent factors predicting the spontaneous clearance of Chinese CMC children patients. The correlation between diseases outcomes are in need of further study

Incidence of hypocalcemia and its changes of biochemical parameters in periparturient cows / 대한수의학회지

In this study, we investigate the status of calcium (Ca) homeostasis at parturition in three dairy farms (I, II, and III), Heilongjiang, China. Twenty multiparous Holstein cows from each farm were randomly assigned to this experiment. The dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) was 91 mEq/kg of DM for farm I, 152 mEq/kg of DM for farm II, and 85 mEq/kg of DM for farm III. Incidence of hypocalcemia was above 75% and urine pH was above 7.25 at calving in each farm. Compared to other farms, cows in farm II that fed the greatest positive DCAD had the lowest concentration of serum Ca, the highest concentration of serum PTH, and the greatest urine pH at calving (p < 0.05). However, there was not significant difference in serum 1,25-dihydroxy-vitamin D and hydroxyproline concentration of the cows among three farms. This is the first study to confirm that hypocalcemia is very prevalent at calving in Chinese dairy farms, and the high positive DCAD is a major risk factor that results in hypocalcemia at calving, which may reduce ability of the cow to maintain Ca homeostasis.

A clinical study on leucogen tablets therapy efficacy during PEG-alpha interferon and alpha-interferon in chronic hepatitis B / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the efficacy of Leucogen tablets treatment lessen the hematological reaction and raise the efficacy therapy of interferon in chronic hepatitis B treated with PEG-alpha interferon and alpha interferon.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 395 patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) inpatients from January 2002 to February 2011. Group: All the patients were assigned to A or B according as during the treatment added Leucogen tablets or not.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) All of 35.9% patients had neutrophil counts decrease under 1 x 10(9)/L, A group had 29.6%, B had 42.8% patients, P = 0.01; neutrophil counts < or = 0.75 x 10(9)/L A group had 12.6% ,B group had 26.4%, P = 0.02; neutrophil counts < or = 0. 5 x 10(9)/L A group had 4.8%, B group had 16.4%, P = 0.04. (2) A group had 8.2% patients interferon-alpha dose decreased, all the patient finished the period of therapy. B group had 23.3% patients interferon-alpha dose decreased, 2.1% of patients had paused. A group had 40.3% of patients interferon-alpha beyond conventional dose, B group had only 5.2%. (3) All of 9.8% patients had hematoblast decrease under 100 x 10(9)/L, A group had 8.7%, B had 11.1% patients; hematoblast < or = 80 x 10(9)/L A group had 5.3%, B group had 7.9%; hematoblast < or = 50 x 10(9)/L A group had 1.0%, B group had 2.6%. A group had the trend of reducing hematoblast decrease. (4) At the end of therapy A group had 67.4% patients HBVDNA < 100IU/ml, 54.3% e antigen negative, 40.7% e antigen conversed; B group had 53.9%, 41.2%, 26.9%, P was respectively 0.02, 0.01, 0.01.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Leucogen tablets treatment and prevention interferon-alpha-related neutrophil counts hematological reaction in CHB treated with alpha-interferon, and had the trend of reducing interferon-alpha-related hematoblast decrease, farther improved the efficacy of alpha-interferon treatment CHB.</p>

Relieving pre-exam anxiety syndrome with wrist-ankle acupuncture: a randomized controlled trial / 中西医结合学报

Background: Pre-exam anxiety syndrome is a common condition occurring in pre-exam students and directly affects their examination performance and physical state. Wrist-ankle acupuncture has significant therapeutic effects in treating mental disorders and may also relieve the symptoms of pre-exam anxiety syndrome. Objective: To assess the therapeutic effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on pre-exam anxiety syndrome. Design, setting, participants and interventions: A total of 60 students who met the inclusion criteria of pre-exam anxiety syndrome were enrolled from a university in Shanghai and they were randomly divided into treatment group and control group. There were 30 cases in each group, and no case failed to follow-up. In the treatment group, wrist-ankle acupuncture was adopted to point upper 1 bilaterally (impression between flexor carpi ulnaris tendon and ulnar margin), and there was no requirement for Deqi (arrival of qi). In the control group, sham acupuncture was adopted. The treatment was applied 3 times totally in both groups one week before the exam, once every other day, each time with the needles retained for 30 min. Main outcome measures: The therapeutic effects were compared between two groups. Before and after 3 treatments, Sarason Test Anxiety Scale (TAS) and Expectation and Treatment Credibility Scale (ETCS) were measured and evaluated. Results: The therapeutic effect experienced by the treatment group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in TAS and ETCS before treatment between the two groups. The scores of TAS after treatment in two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). There were statistical differences in TAS absolute difference and TAS relative difference between the two groups and the treatment group had better results (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, patients in the treatment group had higher scores in ETCS than those in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). No adverse reaction was reported. Conclusion: Wrist-ankle acupuncture can relieve the symptoms of pre-exam anxiety syndrome significantly, and this therapy is highly safe.

Efficacy and safety of ademetionine for treatment of drug-induced liver disease in children / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy and safety of ademetionine for treatment of cholestatic or mixed-type drug-induced liver disease (DILD) in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The children with DILD were divided into the treated group and control group. Yinzhihuang Granule was orally administered and Compound Glycyrrhizin Injection intravenously given in patients of both groups. Those patients in the treated group were additionally treated with intravenous infusion of 250-1000 mg ademetionine for 28 d. The incidence of pruritus and adverse effects as well as biochemical parameters in all the patients and compared between the 2 groups. For statistical analysis, Chi2 test was used for between-group comparison and t test for processing the data.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>1) Before treatment, severe pruritus was found in 17 and 16 children in the treated and control group, respectively. Two weeks after the treatment, the symptom was significantly relieved in 14 and 3 patients in the treated and control group, respectively (Chi2 = 4.52, P < 0.05). 2) As for comparisons between the 2 groups, a P value of 0.0014 for AST level was found 4 weeks, 0.045 and 0.007 for disappearance and recovery rate of jaundice, 0.0014 and 0.0006 for decrease in TBA level and 0.0003 for gammaGT level 2 and 4 weeks after the treatment.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Intravenous administration of ademetionine is safe in children with DILD and it can effectively alleviate pruritus, promote the recovery of various biochemical parameters and fasten liver functional recovery in these children. Therefore, ademetionine can be widely used for treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis in children.</p>

Comparison study between main influencing factors and diurnal variation of net photosynthetic rate in different types of Pueraria thomsonii / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the diurnal variation of net photosynthetic rate (P(n)) and main influencing factors in different types of Pueraria thomsonii, aimed at providing the theoretical basis for breeding the fine varieties of P. thomsonii suitable for the local light condition.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Diurnal variations of photosynthesis in leaves of different types of P. thomsonii were determined with the Li-6400 Portable Photosynthesis System.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>(1) Diurnal variation of P(n), transpiration Rate (T(r)), stomatal conductance (G(s)) in leaves of six varieties of P. thomsonii showed unimodal curve and asymmetric bimodal curve. Diurnal variation of water use efficiency (WUE), intercellular CO2 concentration (C(i)) showed single valley curve. Diurnal variation curve of stomatal limitation value (L(s)) was single peak and S-type. (2) P(n) in leaves of six varieties of P. thomsonii was positively correlated with photosynthetic active radiation (PAR), air temperature (T(a)), G(s), and negatively correlated with air relative humidity (RH), C(i), P(n) of all varieties were very significantly correlated with PAR, G(s).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Diurnal variations of photosynthesis in leaves of different types of P. thomsonii show significant difference. Jiuding, Chuanyu, Gange, Dijin No. 1 planted in Ya'an overcome "midday depression" phenomenon. Hechuan has the greatest photosynthetic potential, suitable for planting in forest understory and intercropping with high stalk to avoid the strong flashes. Planted in long-day region was beneficial to its growth. CO2 use efficiency of Geboshi No. 11 and Dijin No. 1 were significantly higher than that of the others. The accumulation efficiency of organics can be increased in cultivation management by fertilizing CO2.</p>

Therapeutic effect and side effect of treatment on hyperthyroid exophthalmos with the combination of acupuncture and medication / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the therapeutic effect and side effect of the treatments on hyperthyroid exophthalmos with the combination of acupuncture and medication and with medication only.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty-two cases were randomly divided into an acupuncture and medication group (27 cases) and a medication group (25 cases). Acupuncture in combination of oral taking of Thiamazole and Euthyrox were adopted for the acupuncture and medication group. And acupoints such as Jingming (BL 1), Chengqi (ST 1) and Sizhukong (TE 23) etc. were selected. Western medication for oral taking was applied as the only treatment for the medication group. Objective eye syndrome marks, side effects and accidents were compared between two groups before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The improvement of the objective marks of eye syndrome in the acupuncture and medication group was better than that in the medication group (P < 0.01). There were 4 cases with hypoleucocytosis, 3 cases with rash and 3 cases with aggravated symptom of exophthalmos in the medication group during the treatment, while no case with side effects was observed in the acupuncture and medication group. However, 8 cases were found with hemorrhage and 8 with hematoma in the acupuncture and medication group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Treatment with the combination of acupuncture and medication may not only enhance the therapeutic effect, but also reduce the side effects.</p>

The level of TNF-alpha secretion of PBMC in patients with chronic hepatitis C and nonalcoholic fatty liver / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the roles of TNF-alpha secretion of PBMC in patients with chronic hepatitis C and Nonalcoholic fatty liver.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The level of TNF-alpha secretion of PBMC in patients with chronic hepatitis C and Nonalcoholic fatty liver was detected by ELISA after culturing for 72 hours in vitro, as well as patients with chronic hepatitis C and the normal control.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with the normal control, the level of TNF-alpha in group with chronic hepatitis C and in group with chronic hepatitis C and Nonalcoholic fatty liver notably increased. (2) Compared with the group with chronic hepatitis C, the level of TNF-alpha in group with chronic hepatitis C and Nonalcoholic fatty liver also notably increased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>It suggested TNF-alpha takes important roles in the infection course of chronic hepatitis C with Nonalcoholic fatty liver.</p>

Relation of viral genotypes to clinical features in children with chronic hepatitis B / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the relation of HBV genotypes to clincal features in children with chronic hepatitis B.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The genotypes of serum HBV DNA from 404 children with chronic hepatitis B were determined by PCR using type-specific primers.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>For the 404 children, genotype B in 99 (24.5%), genotype C in 285 (70.5%). For the 75 children from south part of China, 29 were of genotype B (38.7%) and 44 of genotype C (58.7%). For the 329 children from north part of China, 70 were of genotype B (21.3%) and 241 of genotype C (73.3%). There were significant differences between the children from south part and those from north part of China in genotype B and C (P = 0.002). Genotype B and C were not significantly correlated to gender, age and mother-to-fetus transmission. There was no marked difference in liver injury severity (P = 0.4796), serum HBeAg positivity, HBVDNA level, inflammatory degree of liver tissue (P = 0.209) and liver fibrosis( P = 0.177) between the children with genotype B and those with genotype C.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>In children with HBV infection, genotype C accounts for 70.5% and genotype B for 24.5%. The genotypes are of regional difference in children with HBV infeciton. There are replication and liver pathological change between genotype B and genotype C.</p>

Level of the cytokine secreted by periferal blood mononuclear cells in patients with chronic hepatitis C before antiviral therapy / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the immune state of patients with chronic hepatitis C before antiviral therapy by detecting the levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha secretion by periferal blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The level of the cytokine secreted by PBMC in patients with chronic hepatitis C after culturing for 72 hours in vitro was detected by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with the cytokine level of normal controls, the level of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 of patients with chronic hepatitis C significantly increased (P < 0.05) while IL-2, IL-4, and IL-12 were not detected in the culture supernatant of PBMC from both normal control and patients with chronic hepatitis C. (2) There was no statistically significant difference in secretion of the cytokines among patients with different severity of the disease.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>PMBCs from patients with chronic hepatitis C tend to secret Th2 type cytokines. Restoring the imbalance of TH1/TH2 may help to clear the hepatitis C virus.</p>

Clinical study on adverse reactions of peginterferon alfa-2a in treatment of chronic hepatitis in adults and children / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the scope and degree of short-term adverse reactions of peginterferon alfa-2a in treatment of chronic hepatitis in adults and children to provide basis for anti-viral treatment in clinical practice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective study was conducted in adults and children with chronic hepatitis treated with peginterferon alfa-2a. Meanwhile, the reactions in the patients were recorded with a table designed by ourselves and statistically analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The short-term adverse reactions included increase in body temperature and aching pain in joints and muscles. The increase in body temperature was the major reaction and accounted for 54.11%. The increase in body temperature began to appear in 47.6% of the patients. The body temperature was 37.3 degrees C-38.9 degrees C in most of the patients and mediate and low increase was found in 85.4% of the patients, which was decreased to 70% in the 4th week. However, the percentage of patients with high temperature was increased from 14.5% in the 1st week to 30% in the 4th week. The increase of body temperature began to appear in 9-12 h and 3-5 h after injection of peginterferon alfa-2a in the 1st and later, respectively. The duration of fever was 3-4 h in most of the patients. It appeared once in 1 week after the rejection in most of the patients. For management of fever, cooling with medication was conducted in 45.5 % of the patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The short-term adverse reactions in patients with chronic hepatitis treated with peginterferon alfa-2a include the increase in body temperature etc. The severity of the adverse reactions gradually reduces with continuation of the treatment. Of the adverse reactions, the increase in body temperature is the major (47.6%) and others only account for 1%-16.9%. The increase in body temperature is mainly transient and no management is needed in 50% of the patients. Since the "ladder-type" dose-adding method is used for administration of peginterferon alfa-2a in this group of patients, the adverse reactions are low in number and mild in degree.</p>

Peripheral blood T cell subsets and TH1/TH2 cytokines secretion in children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the cellular immunological abnormalities in children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>(1) The quantity of the peripheral blood T cell subsets in 16 children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and 10 healthy blood donors was detected by FACS. (2) The levels of the TH1/TH2 cytokines secretion of PBMC in patients and healthy blood donors were detected by ELISA.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with normal controls, there was no significant difference in the percentage of CD4+ cells. The percentage of CD8+ cells was significantly higher than that of controls (P < 0.05). The percentage of CD3+ cells was higher and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ cells was lower, but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). (2) Compared with the cytokine level of normal control, the levels of IFN-gamma, IL-10 and TNF-alpha notably increased (P < 0.01) while IL-2, IL-4, and IL-12 were not detected in the culture supernatant of PBMCs from both normal control and patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is an imbalance in peripheral blood T cell subsets and disturbance in cellular immunity in children with chronic hepatitis C virus infection, which may be associated with HCV persistent infection.</p>