Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus in Comparison with Continuous Epidural Infusion for the Effects of Enhanced Recovery after Cesarean Section / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of programmed intermittent epidural bolus （PIEB） and continuous epidural infusion （CEI） on enhanced recovery after cesarean section. MethodsTotally 120 women scheduled to undergo elective cesarean section under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia， aged 18-45 years， with single fetus， full-term pregnancy （≥37 weeks）， ASA grade II or III， were recruited， with 60 cases in each group. At the end of the surgery， after a similar epidural loading dose， patients were randomLy assigned to receive either PIEB （6 mL·h-1 beginning 30 minutes after the loading dose） or CEI （6 mL·h-1， beginning immediately after the loading dose） for the maintenance of analgesia with 0.1% ropivacaine. At 2， 6， 12， 24 and 36 h postoperatively， VAS score was used to evaluate the composite pain， and Bromage Score was used to evaluate the degree of lower extremity motor block. The time to first flatus， time to first ambulation and the satisfaction scores were also recorded. ResultsThe VAS scores at 12， 24 and 36 h postoperatively and the lower extremity motor block scores at 6， 12 and 24 h postoperatively in the PIEB group were significantly lower than those in the CEI group （P < 0.01）. The epidural analgesic dosage was less in the PIEB group than that of the CEI group （P=0.002）. The time to first flatus and time to first ambulation were significantly shorter than those in the CEI group （P < 0.05）. The satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the PIEB group than in the CEI group （P < 0.05）. There was no significant difference in the first urination time after urinary catheter removal and the length of hospital stay between the two groups （P > 0.05）. ConclusionCompared with CEI， PIEB provides better postoperative analgesia， less motor block scores， lower epidural analgesic dosage， shorter the time to first flatus and defecation and time to first ambulation， and greater patient satisfaction， which is more consistent with the ERAS concept of analgesia.

Icariin improves myocardial fibrosis induced by isoproterenol via regulating expression of a-SMA and MMPs/TIMP / 中国药理学通报

Abstract; Aim To explore the effect of icariin (ISO) in mice. Methods C57BL/6 mice were ran- (ICA) on myocardial fibrosis induced by isoproterenol domly divided into control group, ISO group, low-dose (15 mg • kg"1), middle-dose (30 mg • kg"1) and high-dose (60 mg • kg"1) of ICA-treated group and Losartan-treated group ( 9 mg • kg"1 ). The control group was subcutaneously injected with normal saline, and the other groups were subcutaneously injected with ISO (5 mg • kg"1, qd) continuously 14 days to established the myocardial fibrosis model. The ICA-treated groups and Losartan-treated group were simultaneously intragastrically administered of ICA or Losartan, respectively. And the other groups received the same a- mount of double distilled water. The left ventricular e- jection fraction (LVEF) and the left ventricular fraction shortening rate ( LVFS) were evaluated by the small animal ultrasound. The heart mass index (HMI) was calculated. The left ventricular collagen deposition was detected by Masson staining. The protein expressions of a-SMA, MMP-2, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in the left ventricular tissue were detected by Western blot. Results ICA (30, 60 mg • kg"1) and Losartan could inhibit the decreased LVEF and LVFS, the increased HMI and left ventricular collagen deposition, the up- regulated a-SMA and MMP-9 protein expression, the down-regulated MMP-2 and TIMP-1 protein expression in the left ventricular tissues induced by ISO. Conclusions ICA can improve myocardial fibrosis induced by ISO in mice, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of the protein expression of a- SMA and MMPs/TIMP-1.

Role of eNOS/PKG-1 pathway in L-Arginine against right ventricular remodeling induced by monocrotaline in rats / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the role of eNOS/PKG- 1 pathway in L-arginine (L-arg) intervention in right ventricular remodeling induced by monocrotaline (MCT) in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats with the aid of the tool medicine L-NAME. Methods Twenty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, MCT group, L-Arg group and L-Arg + L-NAME group. The general condition of rats was observed; the right ventricular pressure of rats was measured by right heart catheterization; the rats and the right ventricle were weighed and the right ventricular mass index was calculated; the morphological changes of the right ventricular were observed by H&E staining; the protein expressions of cTnl, eNOS and PKG-1 were detected by Western blot in the right ventricular. Results Compared with control group, right ventricular max pressure and right ventricular mass index significantly increased ( P < 05) ; the weight of rats in MCT group was significantly reduced ( P < 0. 05); the right ventricular myocytes were hypertrophic, disordered and infiltrated with inflammatory cells; the protein expression of cTnl was obviously up-regulated ( P < 0. 05 ) ; the protein expressions of eNOS and PKG-1 were significantly down- regulated ( P < 0. 05 ) . L-arg could significantly improve the above changes ( P < 0. 05 ). However, the effects of L-arg were inhibited by eNOS inhibitor L- NAME. Conclusions L-arg can improve the right ventricular remodeling in rats induced by MCT, and the mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of the protein levels of eNOS and PKG-1.

Predictive value of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor in late-onset sepsis in newborn / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and its predictive value in late-onset sepsis in the newborn.Method To collect the data of neonates aged 7 days and older,who were diagonsed to have infections.They were admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of our Hospital from January 2014 to January 2015.The group of sepsis and nonseptic group were assigned according to the diagnostic criteria of sepsis,and a control group was selected without infection.Blood cultures were collected in patients on the first day when infection was identified and the serum suPAR and CRP were measured on the first day,fourth day and tenth day respectively.The controls were tested with suPAR and CRP when infection was excluded.The levels of blood suPAR and CRP in the three groups were compared and the receiver-operating characteristic curve was performed according to serum suPAR level of neonates with sepsis on the first day.Result A total of 65 infants with infections (40 were septic and 25 were non-septic) were enrolled in this study and 20 patients were selected as control group.There were significant differences in serum suPAR and CRP levels between the patients with and without infection (P ＜ 0.001).The level of suPAR in the survivors of the sepsis group was significantly decreased as time went by,and the difference was statistically significant on the 10th day compared with the 1 st day [9.3 (8.2,13.1) ng/ml vs.18.9 (14.8,24.7) ng/ml,P ＜ 0.05].The level of CRP increased first initially and then decreased with time,while the highest level was on the 4th day and the difference was statistically significant compared with the 10th day [19.0 （ 6.8,56.4) mg/L vs.6.4 (2.5,12.0) mg/L,P ＜ 0.05].The levels of serum suPAR and CRP in non-sepsis group were not significantly different (P ＞ 0.05).There were no deaths in the sepsis group and the non-septic group,but the levels of suPAR between survivals and deaths in the infection groups were statistically significant [15.4(10.6,21.6) ng/ml vs.22.6 (15.4,31.9) ng/ml,Z =-2.063,P =0.039].The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of serum suPAR was 0.955 (95％ CI 0.906 ～ 1.000,P ＜0.001),and the sensitivity was 90％ and the specificity was 100％ when the suPAR level was 10.9 ng/ml.Conclusion Early elevated serum suPAR levels were prominently related to the severity of neonatal late-onset sepsis.The level of first day suPAR has a high sensitivity and specificity in the prognosis of sepsis and can be helpful to predict the prognosis.

Research advances in antiviral drugs and their treatment regimens in chronic hepatitis C / 临床肝胆病杂志

Chronic hepatitis C has become a serious public health issue around the world.In recent years,with the development of pharmacotherapy for hepatitis C,it may be possible to cure hepatitis C.With reference to the epidemic status of hepatitis C and the advantages and side effects of conventional standard therapy (pegylated interferon plus ribavirin) and various oral direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs),this article summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of different combinations of DAAs in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C with different genotypes and briefly introduces the World Health Organization recommendations on the treatment of hepatitis C.Hepatitis C is expected to be eliminated with the development of pharmacotherapy for chronic hepatitis C.

Study on lipolysis-oxidation and volatile flavour compounds of dry-cured goose with different curing salt content during production.

The effect of dry-curing salt content (4% low salt (LS), 8% high salt (HS)) on lipolysis, lipid oxidation and volatile compounds in dry-cured goose was investigated in our study. The activities of acid lipase and neutral lipase increased during dry-curing, while phospholipase reached its maximum at the end of marinating. Lipoxygenase (LOX) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values increased during dry-curing and marinating then decreased during dry-ripening. Total free fatty acids (TFFA) increased at dry-curing and dry-ripening points and decreased during marinating. Total peak area of lipids derived volatile compounds (TPALDVC) and total peak area increased during entire stages. Compared to LS, HS group has higher lipolytic and LOX activities, TBARS, TFFA, unsaturated fatty acids and TPALDVC. The higher TPALDVC in HS could be attributed to higher lipid hydrolysis and oxidation during processing.

Application value of plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic ;patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants / 临床儿科杂志

Objective To explore the clinical application value of plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (sPDA) in preterm infants. Methods A total of 107 preterm infants with gestational age of 28-32 weeks and birth weight less than 1500 g who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from October 2013 to September 2014 were recruited. Plasma NT-proBNP were on 4th and 7th day after birth. The echocardiography examination was performed within 30 minutes after the blood was drawn. According to the echocardiography examination on 4th day after birth, the infants were divided into the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) group (n?=?39) and the control group (n?=?68). According to whether there were signiifcant hemodynamics changes of ultrasonography and clinical symptoms, the PDA group were classiifed into the sPDA group (n?=?20) and the asymptomatic PDA group (asPDA, n?=?19). Then according to whether ibuprofen was taken, the sPDA group was further divided into treatment group (n?=?13) and non-treatment group (n?=?7). Results On the 4th day after birth, the level of plasma NT-proBNP in the sPDA group was signiifcantly higher than that in asPDA group, and the level of plasma NT-proBNP in asPDA group was signiifcantly higher than that in the control group (P??0.05). In the treatment group, the level of plasma NT-proBNP on the 7th day after birth was signiifcantly lower than that on the 4th day after birth (P??0.05). In PDA group, the level of plasma NT-proBNP on the 4th day after birth was positively correlated with ductus arteriosus (DA) diameter, ratio of the left atrium to aortic root diameter (LA/AO ratio) and transductal diameter-to-left pulmonary artery ratio (TDD/LPA) (r?=?0.498-0.670, respectively). The area under receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for prediction of sPDA by the plasma NT proBNP on the 4th day after birth was 0.969 (95%CI:0.938-1.000). When the NT-proBNP was 13964 pg/ml on the 4th day after birth, the sensitivity for diagnosis sPDA was 95%, the speciifcity was 95.4%. Conclusions The level of plasma NT-proBNP is signiifcantly higher in preterm infants with sPDA and is decreased after treatment. Plasma NT-proBNP on the 4th day after birth is a sensitive marker for predicting sPDA. Dynamic monitoring of plasma NT-proBNP has important clinical value in selection of the treatment strategy in preterm infants with PDA.

Nursing care for patients with malignant obstructive jaundice receiving biliary stenting combined with linear 125I seeds strand implantation / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To discuss the nursing points for patients with malignant obstructive jaundice who are receiving biliary stenting combined with linear 125I seeds strand implantation. Methods A total of 41 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice were enrolled in this study. Biliary stenting combined with linear 125I seeds strand implantation was performed in all the 41 patients. Sufficient preoperative preparation and psychological intervention were carefully implemented. During the operation, active cooperation with the surgical procedures and close observation of patient’s vital signs as well as adverse reactions such as nausea and vomiting were strictly carried out. After the treatment the management of PTCD drainage tube, the protection of radiation and the early detection of complications were further emphasized. Results The technical success rate of biliary stenting together with linear 125I seeds strand implantation was 100%. The serum total bilirubin levels, determined at one week, one and 3 months after the treatment, were significantly decreased when compared with the preoperative data. Clinically, the jaundice basically subsided. Bile-cardiac reflex occurred in one case and displacement of PTCD drainage tube in 2 cases. Twelve patients developed chills and fever after operation. Acute renal insufficiency occurred in one patient, which was relieved after effective management. The median survival time was 10.9 months. Conclusion Careful and comprehensive preoperative preparation can ensure a successful operation. Intraoperative close observation of patient’s condition and skilled cooperation with the operator, and high quality postoperative nursing measures and close observation for early signs of complications are essential nursing points to ensure that the patients can safely get over the rehabilitation period.

Biliary stenting combined with 125I seed implantation intracavitary irradiation for the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice / 介入放射学杂志

Objective To discuss the method, safety and clinical value of biliary stenting combined with 125I seed implantation intracavitary irradiation in treating malignant obstructive jaundice. Methods A total of 36 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice were enrolled in this study. PTCD was carried out in all patients, which was followed by biliary stenting combined with 125I seed implantation intracavitary irradiation treatment. The results were analyzed. Results During the interventional management, displacement of the stent and 125I seeds were observed in two cases, and the displaced stent and 125I seeds were replaced to the right position with the help of biliary biopsy forceps. The technical success rate was 100%, and the remission rate of the jaundice was 100%. All the patients were followed up for 1-23 months. No radioactive particles leaking or complications such as radiation enteritis occurred. No in-stent obstruction due to tumor recurrence was observed although slight dilatation of intrahepatic bile duct was detected in 25%of patients, which was resulted from intimal hyperplasia at the stent mesh and/or biliary stone formation. The median survival time was 10.9 months. Conclusion For the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice, biliary stenting combined with 125I seed implantation intracavitary irradiation is safe, reliable and effective. This technique can prolong stent patency time as well as the patient’s survival time.

Study on the heterogeneous degradation of chitosan with H(2)O(2) catalyzed by a new supermolecular assembly crystal: [C(6)H(8)N(2)](6)H(3)[PW(12)O(40)].2H(2)O.

A new supermolecular assembly crystal, [C(6)H(8)N(2)](6)H(3)[PW(12)O(40)].2H(2)O (DMB-PWA), was synthesized with phosphotungstic acid (PWA) and 1,2-diaminobenzene (DMB) under hydrothermal conditions and was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. DMB-PWA could effectively catalyze oxidative degradation of chitosan with H(2)O(2) in the heterogeneous phase. The optimum degradation conditions were determined by orthogonal tests as follows: amount of chitosan 1.00 g, 30% (wt %); H(2)O(2), 3.0 mL; dosage of catalyst, 0.06 g; reaction temperature, 85 degrees C; and reaction time, 30 min. The water-soluble chitosan with a viscosity-average molecular weight (M(v)) of 4900 was obtained under the optimum degradation conditions and was characterized by FTIR, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectra (UV-vis DRS), and X-ray powder diffraction analysis.

Comparison of the efficacy of 48 week-Entecavir therapy with that of Adefovir therapy for chronic hepatitis B patients / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the efficacy of 48 week-Entecavir therapy with that of Adefovir therapy for chronic hepatitis B patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In this open-label study we randomly assigned 125 CHB patients to receive 0.5 mg of entecavir (n = 56) or 10mg of adefovir (n = 69) once daily for 48 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>HBV DNA, ALT and HBeAg were quantified at baseline and at 0, 24, 48 weeks. At week 24 and 48, more patients in entecavir group than in adefovir group achieved undetectable serum HBV DNA level (68% vs 35%, 84% vs 49%, P < 0.05). The percentage of patients with normal ALT level in the two groups at week 48 was similar (100% vs 94%, P > 0.05). Among the HBeAg positive patients, more patients in entecavir group than in adefovir group had HBeAg loss at week 24 and 48 (23% vs 7%, 44% vs 15%, P < 0.05). The ratio of HBeAg seroconversion was similar in the two groups at week 24 (18% vs 7%, P > 0.05), but more patients in entecavir group than in adefovir group achieved HBeAg seroconversion at week 48 (33% vs 12%, P < 0.05). The retreated patients in the entecavir group had a higher chance to achieve undetectable serum HBV DNA level (79% vs 34%, P < 0.05), HBeAg loss (42% vs 17%, P > 0.05), and seroconversion (26% vs 17%, P > 0.05), than these in the adefovir group. The safety profiles and adverse event profiles were similar in the two groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Compared to adefovir, entecavir is more potent to suppress HBV replication.</p>

Analysis of spontaneous decline of HBV DNA in chronic hepatitis B patients in 12 weeks / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To analyze the spontaneous decline of HBV DNA in chronic hepatitis B patients in 12 weeks.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Chronic hepatitis B patients not receiving antiviral treatment from 2003 to 2005 were divided into two groups according to the baseline value of ALT and TBil. Spontaneous decline of HBV DNA were retrospected, and the influence of the baseline value of ALT and TBil on spontaneous decline of HBV DNA was analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total of 213 chronic hepatitis B patients (male 174, female 39, aged from 18 to 65) were recruited in this study, including 124 mild and moderate type of hepatitis B, 89 severe type of hepatitis B, and 19 patients (8.92%) were lost at the end of the 12th week. The mean baseline value of HBV DNA of all the patients was (6.66+/-1.03) log10 copies/ml, at 12 week the mean value of HBV DNA of all the patients was (5.98+/-1.53) log10 copies/ml (compared to baseline P<0.01), the decline value of HBV DNA was (0.68+/-1.46) log10 copies/ml. The mean baseline value of HBV DNA of patients with the severe type of hepatitis B was lower than that with the mild or moderate type of hepatitis B patients [(6.45+/-0.99) log10 copies/ml and (6.81+/-1.04) log10 copies/ml respectively] (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the mean and the declined value of HBV DNA between these two groups at the 12th week (P<0.05). At the 12th week, the baseline values of ALT and TBil were higher in patients with HBV DNA<or=3 log10 copies/ml than those in patients with HBV DNA>3 log10 copies/ml (P>0.05); And there were no significant difference in the baseline values of ALT and TBil between patients with the declined value of HBV DNA>or=2 log10 copies/ml and patients with declined value of HBV DNA less than 2 log10 copies/ml. At the 12th week, the mean and the declined value of HBV DNA were similar between the patients with ALT<or=5xULN and the patients with ALT>5xULN at baseline. The mean baseline value of HBV DNA of patients in the group of patients whose baseline value of ALT<or=5xULN while TBil<or=5xULN was higher than that in the group of patients whose baseline value of ALT>5xULN while TBil>5xULN, ALT<or=5xULN while TBil>5xULN, ALT>5xULN while TBil<or=5xULN (P<0.05 respectively), there were no significant difference in the rate of the HBV DNA<or=3 log10 copies/ml and the rate of the declining value of HBV DNA<or=2 log10 copies/ml between the groups at 12 week (P>0.05 respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There is spontaneous decline of HBV DNA in patients with chronic hepatitis B in 12 weeks, but the level of liver injury is not correlated with the level of spontaneous decline of HBV DNA in chronic hepatitis B patients in 12 weeks.</p>

Comparison of intervertional devascularization and surgical devascularization in treatment of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage for portal hypertensive / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To evaluate the clinical effect of intervertional devascularization and surgical devascularization in treatment of patients with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage .Methods Ninety-nine cases treated with intervertional devaacularization or surgical devascularization were retrospectively studied including 48 cases in intervertional group and 51 cases in surgical group.The postoperative resection, complications and rebleeding time were compared by X2 test and t test between two methods.Results The 12 months, 24 months and 36 months cumulative rebleeding rates after intervertional devascularization were 12.5% (6/47) ,24.5% (11/45), 27.9% (12/43) respectively.The rate after surgical devaacularization were 29.2% (14/48) ,44.7% (21/47), 48.9% (22/45) respectively.There were statistically significant differences between the intervertional and surgical groups (X2=3.843,4.150,4.083, P < 0.05).The complications of intervertional devascularization included fever 85.4% (41/48), bellyache 81.3% (39/48), portalvein thrombosis 4.2% (2/48), intraabdominal hemorrhage 2.1% (1/48), infection 2.1% (1/48) and death 2.1% (1/48).The complications of surgical devaacularization included fever 68.6% (35/51), bellyache 62.7% (32/51), generous hydroperitoneum 25.5% (13/51), portalvein thrombosis 37.3% (19/51), splenic vein thrombosis 11.8% (6/51), hepatic encephalopathy 3.9% (2/51), hepatorenal syndrome 2.0% (1/51), intraabdominal hemorrhage 2.0% (1/51), death 3.9% (2/51) and infection 15.7% (8/51).There were statistically significant differences of fever, bellyache, generous hydroperitoneum, portalvein thrombosis, splenic vein thrombosis between the intervertional and surgical groups(X2=4.174,3.098,16.199,6.011,5.536,14.085,P <0.05).Conclusions The intervertional devascularization procedure is simple, safe and effective method for treating upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage for portal hypertensive.The clinical effect is better than that of surgical devascularization.

1,2-Di-2-pyridylethyl-ene-phenyl-succinic acid (1/1).

In the title 1:1 adduct, C(10)H(10)O(4)·C(12)H(10)N(2), the two components are linked by O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds to form a one-dimensional chain. The dihedral angle between the pyridine rings is 15.68 (8)° These chains are further inter-connected by weak inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H⋯π inter-actions to generate a three-dimensional network.

Growth and propagation of wild Pinellia ternata in cultivation / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the growth and propagation of Pinella ternata in cultivation.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Forty six populations of P. ternata originated from Sichuan, Shanxi province and chongqing city were collected and cultivated in experimental field under the same cultivation condition.</p><p><b>RESULT AND CONCLUSION</b>Reproduction tubers at the weight of 0.51-2.00 g (diameter 0.9 - 1.5 cm) had higher increments of tubers and general weight. The P. ternata populations originated from Peng-an county, Shehong county, Zhongjiang county, Lezhi county, Lu county grew faster, on the other hand, the populations originated from Lezhi county, Guangyuan county, Peng-an county, Jianyang county had stronger ability of propagation. The sprouting rate of above 0.30 g (diameter 0.7 cm) tubers was about 90%. There was no significant difference in the growth between tubers and bulbils that have the same weight. The two factors that affected the yield increment were weight range and population, and the former was the main one. Significantly positive correlations were found between weight of reproduction tuber and weight of harvested tubers, number of bulbils. However, significantly negative correlations were found between weight of reproduction tuber and weight increments of tubers, increments proportion of tubers and general weight, and a negative correlations was found between weight of reproduction tuber and general weight increments. Curve-estimated models were conjectured about the weight of reproduction tuber and growth or propagation parameters such as the diameter, the sprouting rate, increments of tubers and general weight, increments proportion of tubers and general weight and the number of bulbils. Some proposals to improve the cultivation of P. ternate were suggested.</p>

Short-term results of telbivudine versus entecavir treatments in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients in China / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the efficacy and safety of telbivudine (LDT) versus entecavir treatments in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Eighty HBeAg-positive compensated CHB patients with HBV DNA more than 6 log10 copies/ml and serum ALT 2 x ULN were divided into two groups: a telbivudine treatment group, and a entecavir treatment group. HBV DNA, ALT and HBeAg were surveyed at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks. The efficacy and safety of the two nucleoside analogues were assessed at 12 and 24 weeks.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Undetectable serum HBV DNA levels of the telbivudine group (50% and 80%) were similar to those of the entecavir B group (50% and 70%) according to the polymerase-chain-reaction assay at week 12 and 24. There were no significant differences in the normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels between the two groups at week 12 and 24 (52.5% vs 60.0%, 77.5% vs 75.0%). The mean reductions in serum HBV DNA from the baseline levels at week 12 and 24 were similar between the two groups [5.27 vs.5.36, 6.49 vs.6.18 log (on a base-10 scale) copies per milliliter]. More patients in the telbivudine group had HBeAg seroconversion at week 12 than those in the entecavir group (20.0% vs 5.0%, P = 0.043); however, there was no significant difference between the two groups at week 24 (27.5% vs 17.5%). No adverse reactions were found in either group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There was no significant difference in HBV DNA undetectable rates and the ALT normalization rates between the two groups in a short-term therapy (24 weeks), but the telbivudine group had a higher rate in HBeAg seroconversion than that in the entecavir group at week 12.</p>

Progress in tissue optical imaging / 中国医疗器械杂志

In this review, we introduce the basic principle and technology progress of tissue optical imaging from both diffuse optical imaging and coherence domain imaging, which include the continuous-wave imaging, time-resolved optical tomography, diffuse photon density waves tomography, ultrasound-modulated optical tomography, optical coherence tomography and laser speckle imaging. Applications of optical imaging in brain activity and tissue function are also discussed.

Study on the synergetic degradation of chitosan with ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide.

Chitosan was effectively degraded by hydrogen peroxide under irradiation with ultraviolet light. The existence of a synergetic effect on the degradation was demonstrated by means of viscometry. In addition, the optimal conditions of degradation were determined on the basis of orthogonal tests. The structure of the degraded product was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectra (FTIR) analysis and diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS) analysis. The mechanism of the degradation of chitosan was correlated with cleavage of the glycosidic bond.

A multi-center clinical study of N-acetylcysteine on chronic hepatitis B / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in treating chronic hepatitis B patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>144 patients with chronic hepatitis B (total bilirubin, TBil>170 mmol/L) from several centers were chosen for a randomized and double blind clinical trial. The patients were divided into a NAC group and a placebo group and all of them were treated with an injection containing the same standardized therapeutic drugs. A daily dose of 8 microgram NAC was added to the injection of the NAC group. The trial lasted 45 days. Hepatic function and other biochemistry parameters were checked at the experimental day 0 and days 15, 30, 45.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Each group consisted of 72 patients of similar demology and disease characteristics. During the trial, 28 cases of the 144 patients dropped out. In the NAC group, at day 0 and day 30, the TBil were 401.7 vs. 149.2 and 160.1+/-160.6. In the placebo group, the TBil on the corresponding days were 384.1+/-134.0 and 216.3+/-199.9. Its decrease in the NAC group was 62% and 42% in the placebo group. At day 0 and day 45 of treatment, the effective PTa increase rate was 72% in the NAC group and 54% in the placebo group. The total effective rate (TBil + PTa) was 90% in the NAC group and 69% in the placebo group. The parameters of the two groups showed a remarkable difference. The rate of side effects was 14% in the NAC and 5% in the placebo groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>NAC can decrease the level of serum TBil, increase the PTa and reduce the time of hospitalization. NAC showed no serious adverse effects during the period of our treatment. We find that NCA is effective and secure in treating chronic hepatitis B patients.</p>

Short-term results of 89 cases of rectal carcinoma treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound and low-dose radiotherapy.

The purpose of this study was to assess the therapeutic effects and safety of combined high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and low-dose radiotherapy for the treatment of rectal carcinoma. A total of 89 cases of rectal carcinoma, including 20 cases of primary rectal carcinoma and 69 cases of recurrent rectal carcinoma after radical rectectomy, were treated with HIFU from July 1998 to December 2000. Of these, 23 patients had follow-up for more than 1 year. There was complete response (CR) in 22.5%, partial response (PR) in 64.0% and no change (NC) in 13.5%. There were no complications, such as skin burn, visceral perforation or hemorrhage, etc. In the 23 cases with follow-up, the 1-year survival rate was 87.0% (20 of 23) and the 2-year survival rate was 80.0% (12 of 15). It was concluded that HIFU is a new method to treat rectal carcinoma that has remarkable therapeutic effect and is safe, with no significant side effects.