A New Birthweight Reference by Gestational Age: A Population Study Based on the Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale, and Shape Method.

Background: It is important to choose a suitable birthweight reference to assess newborns, especially those that are small for gestational age (SGA). Currently, there is no regional standard reference for the north of China or for Shandong province. Methods: A total of 130,911 data records of singleton, live neonates born at 24-42 weeks of gestation were collected from 2016 to 2018 in Shandong province. A new birthweight-for-gestational age percentile reference was constructed based on the Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) package in R version 3.5. The established gestational age weight curve was compared separately with the Fenton curve, INTERGROWTH-21st curve, and the Chinese Neonatal Network Standard curve of 2015. Results: We established the reference values of birthweight by gestational age at the 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 97th percentiles. Newborns had much heavier birthweights than those in the INTERGROWTH-21st and Fenton curves at most gestational ages. Although the newborns' birthweight references were closer to the Chinese Neonatal Network Standard except a few for gestational age, this study and INTERGROWTH-21st had similar birthweight curve shapes. Conclusions: There are obvious differences among the criteria for newborn birthweights. Therefore, it is more accurate to assess newborns using the local birthweight reference.

Reduced Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Is Associated with Insulin Resistance in Obese Prepubertal Boys.

As one of the most common features of obesity, insulin resistance is central to the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Low insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels have been proven to be associated with many traditional cardiovascular risk factors, but it still remains controversial with the relationship between IGF-1 and insulin resistance. Accordingly, the main purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between IGF-1 and insulin resistance in obese prepubertal boys. We used the whole-body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) to represent insulin resistance. 70 obese prepubertal boys were included in the study, and the obese subjects were divided into two groups by using 1.285 as a threshold value for WBISI. Clinical examination and laboratory examinations were assessed for all participants. Among obese boys, the group of children with WBISI ≤ 1.285 had lower IGF-1 standard deviation scores (SDS) (p = 0.021) than the WBISI > 1.285 group. The results of multiple linear analyses show that lg WBISI was positively correlated with IGF-1 SDS (p = 0.031) after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. IGF-1 SDS was negatively associated with insulin resistance in obese prepubertal boys, independent of other traditional cardiovascular disease risk markers.

Public health initiatives from hospitalized patients with COVID-19, China.

BACKGROUND: Since December 2019, when it first occurred in Wuhan, China, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide via human-to-human transmission. We aimed to describe the epidemiological and demographic features of COVID-19 outside Wuhan. METHODS: A single-center case series of 136 consecutive (from January 16 to February 17, 2020) patients with confirmed COVID-19 hospitalized in The First People's Hospital of Jingzhou, China, was retrospectively analyzed. Outcomes were followed up until February 19, 2020. RESULTS: Of the 136 patients (median age, 49 years; interquartile range [IQR], 33-63 years; range, 0.3-83 years), 91 (67%) had been to Wuhan or contacted persons from Wuhan. Forty-five (33.1%) were familial clusters. The median incubation period was 6 days (IQR: 4-11 days). All children had an exact exposure history, family members with COVID-19, and "Mild/Moderate" symptoms at admission. Among the 64 elderly patients, 14 (21.9%) had no exposure history, and 43 (67.2%) had a chronic illness. All 11 (8.1%) "Severe/very severe" illness at onset cases and 5 (3.7%) fatal cases were elderly patients. The duration from symptom onset to admission was positively correlated with the duration from symptom onset to endpoint. Overall, patients with a longer incubation period had more severe outcomes. CONCLUSION: As high-risk susceptible groups, strong protection should be implemented for children and the elderly. Universal screening should be performed for people with a clear exposure history, even lacking apparent symptoms. Given the rapid progression of COVID-19, people should be admitted quickly following symptom onset.

Differential analysis of nutrient intake, insulin resistance and lipid profiles between healthy and premature thelarche Chinese girls.

BACKGROUND: Premature thelarche (PT) is a benevolent ailment affecting young girls. Multiple factors are reported to correlate with this condition, but the mechanisms responsible for the onset of PT have not yet been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship of nutrient intake, insulin resistance and lipid profile with PT. METHODS: Two hundred sixty-three girls with PT, and 222 healthy girls of similar age were enrolled into this study. Their demographics, Tanner stage of breast development, nutrient intake, insulin resistance and lipid profiles were compared. RESULTS: Daily protein and fat intakes, insulin resistance parameters including serum insulin-like growth factor 1, fasting glucose to insulin ratio, quantitative insulin check index and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance, as well as serum levels of triacylglycerol, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, were all significantly altered in PT patients. Daily intake of energy and carbohydrate, and serum level of high-density lipoprotein protein were statistically indistinguishable between PT patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Chinese girls with PT are potentially insulin resistant, which warrants more clinical attention and further investigation to address the underlying etiology.

Advanced bone age as an indicator facilitates the diagnosis of precocious puberty / Idade óssea avançada como um indicador de facilitação do diagnóstico de puberdade precoce

Abstract Objective: Diagnosis of central precocious puberty has always been challenging in clinical practice. As an important method in the diagnosis of central precocious puberty, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test is complex and time-consuming. In many cases, clinical traits are inconsistent with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test results, therefore not reliable for diagnosis. In this study, the authors intended to find an indicator that predicts the results of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test among subjects with early pubertal signs. Methods: Cases of 382 girls with early breast development before 8 years old and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test before 9 years old were included and underwent follow-up tests. Patients with peak luteinizing hormone level ≥5 IU/L were considered positive in the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test. Anthropometric data, body mass index, bone age evaluation, blood hormones levels of luteinizing hormone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and uterine and ovarian volumes were analyzed. Results: Subjects with positive results in the initial test demonstrated early bone maturation, accelerated growth, and elevated basal blood luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, when compared with subjects with negative results in the initial test. Subjects with positive results in the follow-up test presented a more advanced bone age and more accelerated linear growth, when compared with subjects with negative results in the follow-up test. Conclusions: According to the statistical analysis, advanced bone age is the most effective predictor of the result of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test.

Resumo Objetivo: O diagnóstico da puberdade precoce central sempre foi complicado na prática clínica. Como um importante método no diagnóstico de puberdade precoce central, o teste de estimulação do hormônio liberador do hormônio luteinizante é complexo e demorado. Em muitos casos, as características clínicas são incompatíveis com os resultados do teste de estimulação do hormônio liberador do hormônio luteinizante e, assim, não são confiáveis para o diagnóstico. Neste estudo, visamos constatar um indicador que previsse os resultados do teste de estimulação do hormônio liberador do hormônio luteinizante entre indivíduos com sinais puberais precoces. Métodos: Foram incluídos casos de 382 meninas com desenvolvimento precoce das mamas antes dos 8 anos de idade e teste de estimulação do hormônio liberador do hormônio luteinizanteantes dos 9 anos e elas foram submetidas a testes de acompanhamento. Os resultados das pacientes com nível máximo de hormônio luteinizante ≥ 5 IU/L foram consideradas positivos no teste de estimulação do hormônio liberador do hormônio luteinizante. Foi feita uma análise dos dados antropométricos, do índice de massa corporal, da avaliação da idade óssea, dos níveis sanguíneos de hormônio luteinizante, volumes uterinos e ovarianos de estradiol (E2) e do hormônio folículo-estimulante. Resultados: Os indivíduos com resultado positive no teste inicial demonstraram maturação precoce do osso, crescimento acelerado e níveis sanguíneos elevados de hormônio luteinizante, estradiol e hormônio folículo-estimulante, em comparação aos indivíduos com resultados negativos no teste inicial. Os indivíduos com resultados positivos no teste de acompanhamento apresentaram um maior avanço na idade óssea e crescimento linear mais acelerado, em comparação aos indivíduos com resultados negativos no teste de acompanhamento. Conclusões: De acordo com a análise estatística, a idade óssea avançada é o indicador mais efetivo do resultado do teste de estimulação do hormônio liberador do hormônio luteinizante.

Advanced bone age as an indicator facilitates the diagnosis of precocious puberty.

OBJECTIVE: Diagnosis of central precocious puberty has always been challenging in clinical practice. As an important method in the diagnosis of central precocious puberty, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test is complex and time-consuming. In many cases, clinical traits are inconsistent with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test results, therefore not reliable for diagnosis. In this study, the authors intended to find an indicator that predicts the results of the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test among subjects with early pubertal signs. METHODS: Cases of 382 girls with early breast development before 8 years old and luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test before 9 years old were included and underwent follow-up tests. Patients with peak luteinizing hormone level ≥5IU/L were considered positive in the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test. Anthropometric data, body mass index, bone age evaluation, blood hormones levels of luteinizing hormone, estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and uterine and ovarian volumes were analyzed. RESULTS: Subjects with positive results in the initial test demonstrated early bone maturation, accelerated growth, and elevated basal blood luteinizing hormone, estradiol, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels, when compared with subjects with negative results in the initial test. Subjects with positive results in the follow-up test presented a more advanced bone age and more accelerated linear growth, when compared with subjects with negative results in the follow-up test. CONCLUSIONS: According to the statistical analysis, advanced bone age is the most effective predictor of the result of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone stimulation test.

Knockdown of Trio by CRISPR/Cas9 suppresses migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells.

Triple functional domain protein (Trio) is an evolutionarily conserved protein with guanine nucleotide exchange factors that regulate different physiological processes in some types of cancer. However, the expression and function of Trio in cervical cancer are still unknown. The purpose of this study was to detect the expression of Trio in cervical cancer tissues and to evaluate its clinical value. Furthermore, the effects of the Trio on the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells and its mechanism were investigated in vitro. The results of the present study revealed that Trio expression levels were significantly higher in most of the clinical cervical cancer samples than in adjacent tissues. The clinicopathological significance of Trio expression was also analyzed, and the results revealed that high expression levels in cervical cancer were correlated with lymph node metastasis (P=0.005). The CRISPR/Cas9 system was used to knockdown the endogenous Trio. The inhibition of Trio significantly decreased the migration and invasion abilities of cervical cancer cells. Meanwhile, levels of RhoA/ROCK signaling factors (RhoA, Rock, and p-LIMK), which contributed to cell migration and invasion, were decreased along with the inhibition of Trio. Therefore, Trio may regulate the migration and invasion of cervical cancer through the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

[Relationship between serum HBV DNA level and follicular helper T lymphocyte in patients with chronic hepatitis B and its significance].

OBJECTIVE: To explore relationship between HBV DNA level and peripheral blood follicular helper T lymphocyte (Tfh) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and its significance. METHODS: HBV DNA levels of 179 cases of CHB patients with positive HBV DNA, positive HBeAg and positive human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-A2 were tested with real time fluorescent quantitative PCR. Tfh and HBV specific CTL were tested with flow cytometry. IL-21 was also tested. 179 cases of CHB patients were divided into group A and group B based on HBV DNA levels, 86 cases in group A, HBV DNA levels were 10(4)-10(5) copies/ml, 93 cases in group B, HBV DNA levels were 10(6)-10(7) copies/ml. Above testing indexes of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: HBV DNA levels of group A were (4.85 +/- 0.37) log10 copies/ml, HBV DNA levels of group B were (6.83 +/- 0.31 ) log10 copies/ml, t = 27.31, P < 0. 001; Tfh of group A was (5.96 +/- 1.59)%, higher than that of group B (3.71 +/- 2.15)%, t = 4.92, P < 0.01; IL-21 of group A was (42.61 +/- 15.11)ng/L, higher than that of group B (14.91 +/- 3.15) ng/L, t = 8.62, P < 0.01; HBV specific CTL of group A was (0.36 +/- 0.08)%, higher than that of group B (0.18 +/- 0.06)%, t = 19.99, P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Serum HBV DNA level of CHB patients is related to the level of peripheral blood Tfh level: patients with low HBV DNA level have high Tfh level, high IL-21 level and high HBV specific CTL level. Patients with high HBV DNA level have low Tfh level, low IL-21 level and low HBV specific CTL level. The mechanism of baseline HBV DNA level affecting anti-viral therapy may be related to Tfh level.

[Effect of kurarinol on peripheral blood CTL surface PD-1 expression of patients with chronic hepatitis B].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the anti-viral mechanism of kurarinol through studying its influence on cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) surface program death receptor-1 (PD-1) expression of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: 69 cases of CHB, HBV DNA > or = 10(4) copies/ml, HBeAg positive, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 positive, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 2 x upper limit of normal value(ULN).69 cases were randomly divided into two groups:34 cases in treatment group,600 mg of kurarinol glucose injection was used for intravenous dripping, once a day, one month later, 200 mg of kurarinol capsule was used orally,three times a day and 200 mg of silybin meglumine tablet was used orally, three times a day. 35 cases in control group, only silibin meglumine tablet was used, method and dosage were the same as those of treatment group. Three months later, their peripheral blood HBV specific CTL surface PD-1 expression, non-specific CTL surface PD-1 expression and level of HBV specific CTL,HBV DNA and HBeAg negative rate and liver functions were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: 3 months after treatment, peripheral blood HBV specific CTL surface PD-1 expression of the treatment group decreased compared with that before treatment (t = 2.39, P < 0.05), it also decreased compared with that of the control group 3 months after treatment (t = 2.26, P < 0.05), HBV specific CTL increased compared with that before treatment( t = 3.01, P < 0.01), it also increased compared with that of the control group after treatment (t = 2.65, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of non-specific CTL surface PD-1 expression compared with that before treatment (P > 0.05), and there was no significant difference compared with that of the control group after treatment (P > 0.05). HBV DNA of 11 cases (32.5%) turned negative ( HBV DNA < 500 copies/ ml), higher than that of the control group after treatment (2 cases, 5.71%) chi2 = 7.99, P < 0.01, HBeAg of 9 cases (26.47%) turned negative, higher than that of the control group after treatment (1 case, 2.86%), chi2 = 7.75, P < 0.01. CONCLUSION: Kurarinol can increase level of HBV specific CTL by down-regulating peripheral blood HBV specific CTL surface PD-1 expression of CHB patients, which may be one of the possible mechanisms that kurarinol can remove or inhibit HBV of CHB patients.

[Relationship between viral genotype and specific and nonspecific CTL of patients with cirrhotic hepatitis B and its significance].

OBJECTIVE: To explore relationship between different HBV genotypes and peripheral blood HBV specific and nonspecific CTL of patients with cirrhotic hepatitis B and its significance. METHODS: HBV genotypes were tested in 91 patients with cirrhotic hepatitis B, differences of HBV specific and nonspecific CTL between patients infected with genotype B and C were compared and its significance was explored. RESULTS: In 91 cases of cirrhotic hepatitis B, 55 cases (60.44%) belong to genotype C, 35 cases (38.46%) belong to genotype B, 1 case (1.1%) belongs to mixture genotype B and C. In genotype C, 27 cases (49.09%) had positive (HLA)-A2, HBV specific CTL was 0.18% +/- 0.03%. In genotype B, 18 cases (51.43%) had positive HLA-A2, HBV specific CTL was 0.38% +/- 0.04%, higher than that in genotype C, t = 5.01, P < 0.01. Nonspecific CTL: genotype C (11.87% +/- 1.50%); genotype B (11.90% +/- 1.51%), t = 0.14, P < 0.05. HBV DNA level: genotype C (6.01 +/- 0.81) log10 copy/ml, higher than that in genotype B (5.01 +/- 0.54) log10 copy/ml, t = 5.01, P < 0.01. ALT: genotype C (251.13 +/- 131.11) U/L, higher than that in genotype B (121.25 +/- 63.21) U/L, t = 3.61, P < 0.01. TBil (45.61 +/- 15.11) micromol/L, higher than that in genotype B (28.11 +/- 6.25) micromol/L, t = 3.05, P < 0.01. CONCLUSION: Compared with patients infected with genotype B of cirrhotic hepatitis B, HBV specific CTL of patients infected with genotype C was lower, resulting in higher level of HBV DNA and more severe damage of liver function.

Effect of medical ozone therapy on renal blood flow and renal function of patients with chronic severe hepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Medical ozone therapy system was reported to have certain effects on the treatment of severe hepatitis, but its mechanism is not very clear. One of the causes of death of severe hepatitis is complication of renal damage or hepatorenal syndrome. The present study aimed to observe effects of medical ozone therapy system on plasma renin activity (PRA), angiotensin II (AII), aldosterone (ALD), renal blood flow and renal function of patients with chronic severe hepatitis and explore mechanisms of medical ozone therapy in the treatment of severe hepatitis. METHODS: Eighty-five cases with chronic severe hepatitis were randomly divided into ozone therapy group (43 cases) and control group (42 cases). The patients in the ozone therapy group were treated with basic treatments plus ozone therapy system. Basic autohemotherapy was used. One hundred milliliter venous blood was drawn from each patient, and was mixed with 100 ml (35 µg/ml) medical ozone and then was returned the blood to the patient intravenously, once every other day for 20 days. Only the basic treatments were given to the control group. PRA, AII, ALD, renal blood flow and damage to renal function of the two groups before treatment and 20 days after treatment were compared. Survival rates were also compared. RESULTS: Twenty days after the treatment, in ozone therapy group, PRA was (1.31 ± 0.12) ng·ml⁻¹·h⁻¹, AII (111.25 ± 17.35) pg/ml, ALD (251.31 ± 22.60) pg/ml, which decreased significantly compared with those before treatment (PRA (2.23 ± 0.13) ng·ml⁻¹·h⁻¹, AII (155.18 ± 19.13) pg/ml, ALD (405.31 ± 29.88) pg/ml, t = 4.67 - 14.23, P < 0.01), also lower than those of control group 20 days after the treatment (PRA (2.02 ± 0.11) ng·ml⁻¹·h⁻¹, AII (162.21 ± 15.32) pg/ml, ALD (401.20 ± 35.02) pg/ml, t = 4.97 - 15.61, P < 0.01); renal blood flow was (175.15 ± 28.20) ml/min, which increased compared with that before the treatment ((125.68 ± 21.25) ml/min) and was higher than that of control group 20 days after the treatment ((128.59 ± 23.15) ml/min, t = 4.78, 4.61, P < 0.01). Renal damage occurred in 2 cases (5%) in ozone therapy group, less than that in control group (9 cases, 21%) (χ² = 5.295, P < 0.05). Thirty-three cases (77%) in ozone therapy group vs. 16 cases (38%) in control group survived (χ² = 12.993, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Basic treatment plus medical ozone therapy for patients with chronic severe hepatitis could decrease PRA, AII and ALD levels significantly increase renal blood flow, prevent renal damage to certain extent and improve survival rate of the patients.

[Association of serum HBV DNA level with cytotoxic T lymphocytes in patients with HBV-induced hepatic cirrhosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association of serum HBV DNA level with HBV-specific and nonspecific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in patients with HBV-induced hepatic cirrhosis. METHODS: 120 patients with HBV-induced hepatic cirrhosis who were positive for HBV DNA, HBeAg and human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 were enrolled in this study. The level of HBV DNA was determined by real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HBV-specific and nonspecific CTL were detected by flow cytometry. Liver function tests were done in the 120 patients. The 120 patients were divided into group A and B based on their HBV DNA levels. In group A, there were 68 patients with HBV DNA level of 3-4 log10 copy/ml, and in group B, 52 with 5-6 log10 copy/ml. HBV-specific and nonspecific CTL and liver function were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: HBV DNA levels were (3.68 +/- 0.19) and (5.97 +/- 0.32) log10 copy/ml in Group A and B respectively with P < 0.001. HBV-specific CTL was higher in group A (0.33% +/- 0.04%) than in group B (0.11% +/- 0.01%) with P < 0.001. HBV-nonspecific CTL were (11.99% +/- 1.51% ) and (11.91% +/- 1.61%) in group A and B respectively with P > 0. 05. CONCLUSION: The level of serum HBV DNA is related to the levels of HBV-specific CTL in patients with HBV-induced hepatic cirrhosis. Patients with higher HBV DNA had lower levels of HBV-specific CTL, and the damage to liver function was severe because of higher levels of HBV DNA. Patients with lower HBV DNA had higher levels of HBV-specific CTL which predict good anti-viral effect.

Comparison and significance of specific and non-specific cellular immunity in patients with chronic hepatitis B caused by infection with genotypes B or C of hepatitis B virus.

The present study was designed to investigate possible relationships between the genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses. HBV genotypes, HBV specific CTL HBV DNA and other markers of HBV infection were determined in 138 patients with chronic hepatitis B. The results showed that the patients infected with genotype C (n=62) had a significantly lower HBV-specific CTL response than those who were infected with HBV genotype B (P<0.01). HBV DNA titer was higher in patients infected with HBV genotype C than in those infected with HBV genotype B (P<0.01). Both alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TBIL) were higher in HBV genotype C infected patients than in those infected with genotype B (P<0.01 and <0.05, respectively). These results suggest that compared with CHB patients infected with HBV genotype B, the higher HBV DNA level and more severe liver damages in the patients infected with genotype C of HBV may be associated with genotype C of the virus.

Relationship between serum HBV DNA level and HBV-specific, nonspecific cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND: The response of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) to antiviral therapy against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is related to the base line level of HBV DNA, but the mechanism is not clear. The present study aimed to understand the possible relationship between the level of HBV DNA and HBV-specific, nonspecific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and natural killer (NK) cells of CHB patients and the mechanism how the HBV DNA level influences the antiviral therapeutic effect. METHODS: Totally 100 adult patients with CHB who were positive for HBV DNA, HBeAg and (HLA)-A2 were enrolled into this study. HBV DNA was tested by real time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). HBV specific and nonspecific CTL and NK cells were tested by flowcytometry. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and total bilirubin (TBil) were determined for each patient using routine biochemical tests. The 100 cases were assigned to two groups based on their HBV DNA level: group A had 48 cases, their HBV DNA level was 10(4) - 10(5) copies/ml, group B had 52 cases, their HBV DNA level was 10(6) - 10(7) copies/ml. HBV specific CTL, nonspecific CTL, NK cells, ALT and TBil of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: HBV DNA level of groups A and B was (4.81 +/- 0.39) log(10) copies/ml and (6.81 +/- 0.40) log(10) copies/ml, respectively (t = 25.32, P < 0.001). HBV specific CTL and NK cells of group A were significantly higher than those of group B (P < 0.001 for both). Nonspecific CTL of group A was significantly lower than that of group B (P < 0.01). ALT and TBil of group A were significantly lower than those of group B (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Serum HBV DNA level of patients with CHB is related to HBV specific CTL, nonspecific CTL and NK cells, which might result in inflammatory reaction of liver and cause more damage to liver function. Mechanism of HBV DNA level affecting the efficacy of anti-viral treatment may be related to the levels of HBV specific CTL and NK cells.

[Influence of Kurarinol on specific and non-specific cell immunity in patients with chronic hepatitis B].

OBJECTIVE: To explore influence of Kurarinol on specific and non-specific cell immunity in patients with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: 74 cases of CHB were randomly divided into two groups, 36 cases in treatment group, treated with 600 mg Kurarinol glucose injection, IV, once a day. After one month, Kurarinol capsule was used orally, three times a day for 2 months, 200 mg Silybin Meglumine Tablets orally, three times a day for 3 months. 38 cases in control group, only Silybin Meglumine Tablets was used, method and dosage were the same as treatment group. Compare HBV specific CTL, non-specific CTL, sub-group of T cells, changes of Th1 and Th2, negative conversion rate of HBV DNA and HBeAg of the two groups. RESULTS: In treatment group, 3 months after treatment with Kurarinol, HBV specific CTL is higher than that before treatment (P < 0.01), it is also higher than that of control after treatment, P < 0.05) . Non-specific CTL is higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05), it is also higher than that of control after treatment (P < 0.01). CD4 is higher than that before treatment (P <0.05), it is also higher than that of control after treatment (P < 0.01), Thl is higher than that before treatment (P < 0.05), it is also higher than that of control after treatment (P < 0.01) . Negative conversion of HBV DNA and HBeAg is higher than that of control (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Kurarinol can improve specific and non-specific cell immunity in patients with CHB. It is one of the mechanisms that Kurarinol can clear or inhibit HBV of patients with CHB.

Optical absorption enhancement in amorphous silicon nanowire and nanocone arrays.

Hydrogenated amorphous Si (a-Si:H) is an important solar cell material. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of a-Si:H nanowires (NWs) and nanocones (NCs), using an easily scalable and IC-compatible process. We also investigate the optical properties of these nanostructures. These a-Si:H nanostructures display greatly enhanced absorption over a large range of wavelengths and angles of incidence, due to suppressed reflection. The enhancement effect is particularly strong for a-Si:H NC arrays, which provide nearly perfect impedance matching between a-Si:H and air through a gradual reduction of the effective refractive index. More than 90% of light is absorbed at angles of incidence up to 60 degrees for a-Si:H NC arrays, which is significantly better than NW arrays (70%) and thin films (45%). In addition, the absorption of NC arrays is 88% at the band gap edge of a-Si:H, which is much higher than NW arrays (70%) and thin films (53%). Our experimental data agree very well with simulation. The a-Si:H nanocones function as both absorber and antireflection layers, which offer a promising approach to enhance the solar cell energy conversion efficiency.

[Relations between ALT level and count of HBV special CTL and non-specific CTL in patients with chronic hepatitis B].

OBJECTIVE: To explore relations between ALT level and hepatitis B virus (HBV) specific CTL and non-specific CTL in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS: 148 cases of CHB were divided into three groups according to ALT level. 35 cases in group A, ALT > or =2 x upper limit of normal value (ULN)--5 x ULN (100-250 IU/L); 53 cases in group B, ALT > 5 x ULN-- < or =10 x ULN (251-500 IU/L); 60 cases in group C, ALT > 10 x ULN ( > 500 IU/L). Flow cytometry is used to determine non-specific CTV. HBV specific CTL was tested on 74 cases of CHB (17 in group A, 27 in group B and 30 in group C) with positive (HLA)-A2. Compare HBV specific CTL, non-specific CTL, HBV DNA levels and positive rate of HBeAg. RESULTS: HBV specific CTL: Group A (0.42 +/- 0.10)% is higher than group B (0.25 +/- 0.08)%, t = 6.37, P < 0.01, group B is higher than group C (0.17 +/- 0.004)%, t = 5.14, P < 0.01; Non-specific CTL: Group A (15.01 +/- 3.01)% is lower than group B (18.1 +/- 5.02)%, t = 2.81, P < 0.01, group B is lower than group C (21.5 +/- 6.11)%, t = 3.07, P < 0.01; HBV DNA level: Group A [(4.97 +/- 0.86) log10 copies/ml] is lower than group B [(5.92 +/- 0.92) log10 copies/ml], t = 4.87, P < 0.01. Group B is lower than group C [(6.37 +/- 0.71) log10 copies/ml], t = 2.92, P < 0.01; Positive HBeAg: Group A (15 cases, 42.86%) is lower than group B (32 cases, 60.38%), chi2 = 2.59, P > 0.05. Group B is lower than group C (41 cases, 68.33%), chi2 = 0.78, P > 0.05. Group A is lower than group C, chi2 = 5.929, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: The higher the non-specific CTL of patients with CHB is, the higher the ALT level would be, whereas the lower the HBV specific CTL is, the stronger the HBV replication would be.