Brain ; Humans ; Neoplasms ; Neurogenesis

Objective To study the effects of HBeAg in new born infants on the response to anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin combined with hepatitis B vaccination.Methods Two hundred and eight infants who were born during January 2008 to January 2011 in the Department of Obstetrics in Second Affiliated Hospital of Southeast University,including 120 serum HBeAg positive infants without intrauterine infection,and 88 HBeAg negative infants as control group were recruited in the study.Infants in both groups were vaccinated with genetically engineered hepatitis B vaccine (CHO cell) 20 μg according to a standard vaccination regimen (i.e.0,1,6) and 200 IU doses of hepatitis B immunoglobulin immediately after birth and at day 15 respectively.Hepatitis B virus (HBV) serological markers and HBV DNA were measured at birth prior to immunization.HBsAg,HBeAgand hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were detected at 1,7,and 12 months after birth to evaluate the effects of immune response.The date were analyzed by the chi-square test and groups were analyzed by t test.Results No statistical significances of anti-HBs were observed between the serum HBeAg positive group and the serum HBeAg negative group at the 1st,7th and the 12th month of birth (t=1.285,0.563 and-0.971,respectively; all P＞0.05).The anti-HBs titers in both groups at 1 month were higher than at birth (P＜0.05).At 7 months after birth,the anti-HBs titers in both groups were even higher than those at 1 month.At 12 months after birth,the anti-HBs titers in both groups were lower than those at 7 months,but still higher than those at 1 month(F=34.3959 and 64.908,respectively; both P＜0.01).Infants who were born with positive serum HBeAg were further divided into two subgroups according to the HBeAg titers,using the median HBeAg titer (47.495 S/CO) as the cut off point.Between the two subgroups,there were also no significant differences of anti-HBs at 1 month,7 months and 12 months (all P＞0.05).The HBeAg titers in HBeAg positive infants decreased gradually after birth.At 7 months,only 3 infants remained HBeAg positive.At 12 months,HBeAg turned negative in all of the 120 infants who were previously HBeAg positive,and no anti-HBe positivity were detected.Conclusion The production of anti-HBs after combined immunization with anti-hepatitis B immunoglobulin and hepatitis B vaccine in infants is independent of HBeAg serology at birth.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of telbivudine for pregnant women with hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)negative chronic hepatitis B(CHB). Methods Sixty-two cases of HBeAg negative CHB pregnant women were collected from May 2007 to May 2012,and they were divided into telbivudine group (n=31 ,600 mg per day by oral administration)and compound glycyrrhizin group (n=31 ,120 mg per day by intravenous administration).All neonates were given intramuscular injection of 200 IU hepatitis Bimmune globalin at birth immediately and 15 days after birth,and 20 μg genetically engineered hepatitis B vaccine at 0,1 and 6 months after birth.The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)level and hepatitis B virus (HBV)DNA titer were monitored.The HBV DNA negative conversion rate,the rate of intrauterine infection,duration of pregnancy,delivery mode,neonate weight and disability rate were compared between groups.All categorical data were analyzed using the chi-square test and comparison between groups was analyzed by t test.Results In telbivudine group,the HBV DNA level before delivery ([0.20±0.11]lg copy/mL)and 6 weeks after delivery ([0.22±0.13]lg copy/mL) were lower than that before treatment [(6.24±0.75 )lg copy/mL]and the differences were statistically significant (t=303.128 and 301 .321 ,respectively;both P <0.01).The negative conversion rate of HBV DNA in telbivudine group was 28 cases before delivery,while in compound glycyrrhizin group,no one had HBV DNA negative conversion.And statistical significant differences were achieved between these two groups before delivery and 6 weeks after delivery (t = -20.285 and -8.721 ,respectively;both P <0.01).In telbivudine group,the ALT levels before delivery and 6 weeks after delivery were (13.08±5.87) U/L and (25.97 ± 17.48)U/L,respectively,which were significantly decreased compared with that before treatment (205.95± 95.69 )U/L.The differences were statistically significant (t = 93.128 and 81.321, respectively;both P <0.01).In compound glycyrrhizin group,the ALT level before delivery ([104.15 ± 69.15]U/L)was lower than that before treatment ([209.60 ± 102.24]U/L)and the difference was statistically significant (t = 9.281 ,P =0.032).However,the ALT level was fluctuant 6 weeks after delivery (150.26± 86.43)U/L,which was not significantly different from that before treatment (t =2.821 ,P =0.122).The ALT levels before delivery and 6 month after delivery were significantly different in both two groups (t=-2.559 and -3.158,respectively;both P <0.05 ).There were no statistically significant differences between these two groups in the rate of intrauterine infection, duration of pregnancy,delivery mode,neonate weight and disability rate.Conclusion The using of telbivudine for pregnant women with HBeAg negative CHB can effectively control the hepatitis activation and reduce the virus titer.

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of telbivudine (LDT) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) treatment during the second and third trimester in pregnant women with high viral load of hepatitis B virus (HBV).Methods:Totally 506 pregnancy women with HBV infection who received antiviral therapy during the second and third trimester of pregnancy in the obstetrical clinic of The Affiliated Nanjing Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018 were retrospectively enrolled, and the anti-viral efficacy and safety in mothers and neonates were evaluated. Pregnancy women were divided into TDF group and LDT group according the medications. The efficacies including decline and negative rate of HBV DNA, the vertical transmission (VT) rate, the normalization rate of liver function in mothers between the two groups were compared. The safeties including birth weight of neonates, congenital deformities and the rates of preterm between the two groups were also compared. Chi-square test, independent sample t test or rank sum test were used for statistical analysis. Results:There were 239 pregnant women in the LDT group and 267 in the TDF group. The maternal HBV DNA levels before treatment in the LDT and TDF groups were (7.83±0.75) lg IU/mL and (7.82±0.66) lg IU/mL, respectively, while the maternal HBV DNA levels prior to delivery were 2.91(1.20) lg IU/mL and 2.83(1.01) lg IU/mL, respectively. The normalization rates of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) pregnant women prior to delivery in TDF group and LDT group were 95.00%(38/40) and 98.18%(54/55), respectively. There were all no significant differences between the two groups ( t=0.097, U=1.040 and χ2=0.767, respectively, all P>0.05). For CHB pregnant women, the HBV DNA negative rate at one month postpartum in TDF group was 85.45%(47/55) and that in LDT group was 82.50%(33/40). The normalization rate of ALT in TDF group was 94.55%(52/55), and that in LDT group was 92.50%(37/40). There were no significant differences between the two groups ( χ2=0.152 and 0.164, respectively, P=0.697 and 0.687, respectively). The VT rates were 0(0/262) in TDF group and 0.43%(1/231) in LDT group, which had no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=1.127, P=0.288). Two patients in LDT group who continued taking LDT 11 months postpartum switched to TDF because of HBV rt204 mutation, and no one had virus mutation in TDF group. No significant increased in creatine kinase in LDT group, and no significant abnormal calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the TDF group. The preterm rate was 7.87%(21/267) in TDF group and 4.18%(10/239) in LDT group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=2.970, P=0.085). However, the birth weight of neonates in TDF group ((3 204.72±490.50) g) was lower than that in LDT group ((3 374.31±467.50) g), and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.780, P<0.01). During the course of treatment, no pregnant women discontinued treatment due to drug intolerance, and no infants presented with drug-related birth defects. Safeties for mothers and neonates were both good. Conclusions:Both LDT and TDF treatment could reduce the VT rate in pregnant women with high HBV viral load. The safety is good for both mothers and neonates. However, for CHB pregnant women who continue antiviral therapy postpartum, TDF is superior to LDT because of lower virus mutation, thus to reduce the risk of drug resistance.

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein D (Apo D) has recently been identified as a novel tumor suppressor gene. Apo D may have a profound effect on the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. This study was designed to evaluate the expression of Apo D in hepatocellular carcinoma and to investigate the relationship between the expression of Apo D and the clinicopathological characteristics and the patients' survival. METHODS: An immunohistochemical study was performed on the tumors and tissues from 43 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with controls to determine the expression of Apo D protein. RESULTS: Our data showed that a higher expression of Apo D was seen in 10 of 43 cases (23.3%), while a lower and no expression of Apo D was observed in 28 of 43 cases (65.1%) and 5 of 43 cases (11.6%), respectively. A reduced expression of Apo D was correlated with the tumor stage (p = 0.037) and tumor size (p = 0.017). However, the patients' 5-year survival was not associated with the expression of Apo D (p = 0.903). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that a reduced Apo D protein expression may play an important role in HCC progression as associated with the tumor stage and size, but it does not affect the survival of HCC patients.
Apolipoproteins ; Apolipoproteins D ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Disease Progression ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Humans

BACKGROUND: Signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and protein kinase substrate p36 may be involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and growth. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry for STAT3 and p36 was performed in 46 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RESULTS: STAT3 staining was present in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus, while p36 staining was present in the nucleus. STAT3 and p36 expression occurred in 78.3% (36/46) and 47.8% (22/46) of HCC patients, respectively. However, no correlation was found between STAT3 and p36 protein expression (p>0.05). Enhanced expression of STAT3 was negatively correlated with portal vein invasion (p=0.033). Expression of STAT3 in the nucleus was correlated with tumor grade (p=0.004). Enhanced expression of p36 was correlated with tumor grade (p=0.031). HCC was correlated with HBV infection (p=0.032). The patients'5-year survival was related to expression of p36 (p=0.044), but not to total STAT3 or nuclear STAT3 (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The enhanced expression of STAT3 in the nucleus and the enhanced expression of p36 are associated with the aggressive phenotype of HCC. Enhanced p36 expression may contribute to poor survival of patients with HCC.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Cell Proliferation ; Cytoplasm ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Phenotype ; Portal Vein ; Protein Kinases ; STAT3 Transcription Factor ; Transducers

OBJECTIVETo compare the various combined immunization schemes available for treatment of babies born to mothers with high-load hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

METHODSA total of 118 mothers with HBV infection status of hepatitis B surface antigen-positive (HBsAg+), hepatitis B e antigen-positive (HBeAg+) and HBV DNA load of more than 1.0 * 61og10 IU/mL were included in the study. All of the participants' babies received the main-passive immunization therapy according to the wishes of their families. For analysis,the infants were grouped according to the various dosages of the vaccine program (group A: hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) 200 IU and HBVac 20 mug intramuscular;group B:HBIG 200 IU and HBVac 10 mug intramuscular; group C HBIG 100 IU and HBVac 20 mug intramuscular injection) and times, and followed-up to 7 months of age.All results were statistically analyzed using SPSS software.

RESULTSAll of the infants produced anti-HBs after vaccination.After the HBIG injection schedule was completed in January, the mean concentrations of anti-HBs in groups A, B, and C were 263.56 ± 50.98,231.06 ± 74.07, and 99.23 ± 29.82 mIU/mL respectively;the concentrations were significantly different between groups A and C, and between groups B and C (P < 0.001). In July, the titers of anti-HBs in groups A, B, and C were 788.10 ± 281.96,428.39 ± 347.48, and 708.44 ± 315.69 mIU/mL respectively; the concentrations were significantly different between groups A and B, and between groups B and C (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAdminisWation of the hepatitis B vaccine combined with HBIG at birth can achieve immune protection for babies born to highly viremic mothers. In January, the HBIG dosage of 200 IU was more reliable than 100 IU. The hepatitis B 20 tg dose vaccine was safe and effective.

Hepatitis B ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; Hepatitis B Vaccines ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus ; Humans ; Immunization ; Immunoglobulins ; Infant ; Mothers ; Serologic Tests ; Vaccines, Combined ; Viral Load

OBJECTIVETo explore the changes of blood viscosity and external thrombus in patients with silicosis and silicosis complicated with tuberculosis (TB).

METHODBlood viscosity and external thrombus were measured in 288 patients with silicosis, 178 patients with silicosis complicated by TB and 150 healthy subjects.

RESULTSBlood viscosity and external thrombus value were significantly higher in the patients of silicosis and silicosis complicated with TB than in the healthy controls, except for patients of phase I of silicosis. Blood viscosity in the silicotics increased significantly with the advance of the disease, but no significant difference in external thrombus between patients in different phases. Apparent viscosity of whole blood significantly increased in the high-shear rate (200 s(-1)) and middle-shear rate (30 s(-1)) in patients of silicosis complicated with TB than in those without complication of TB at the same phases, but not seen in the low-shear rate (5 s(-1)) and in plasma viscosity, and the length and dried weight of external thrombus increased significantly too. There was no significant difference in blood viscosity and external thrombus between patients of silicosis at phase III and those of silicosis complicated with TB at the same phase.

CONCLUSIONBlood in patients with silicosis appeared highly viscous and highly coagulant status. Blood viscosity and external thrombus value significantly increased with the advance of the disease, especially in the patients complicated with TB.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Viscosity ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Severity of Illness Index ; Silicosis ; blood ; complications ; pathology ; Thrombosis ; etiology ; Tuberculosis ; complications

Objective To investigate whether cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) is involved in nerve growth in endometriosis-associated ectopic cyst.Methods The effect of CB1R agonist and antagonist on the expression of pan-neuronal marker protein gene product ( PGP ) 9.5 in ectopic cyst was examined by immunofluorescence and Western blot in endometriosis model of 18 rats.Results Immunofluorescence revealed that PGP 9.5 was expressed in the nerve fibers and was mainly distributed in the cyst hilum. Western blot revealed that the protein density of either PGP 9.5 (2 week:0.38 ±0.05;4 week:0.63 ± 0.03;8 week:0.80 ±0.07, P<0.01) or CB1R(2 week:0.48 ±0.04;4 week:0.68 ±0.01;8 week:0.80 ±0.03, P<0.01) in the ectopic cyst increased with cyst size.In addition, compared to control group (0.75 ±0.01), PGP 9.5 expression in the ectopic cyst was promoted by CB1R agonist ACPA (0.81 ± 0.01, P <0.05), and inhibited by CB1R antagonist AM251 (0.67 ±0.03, P <0.01) .Conclusions CB1R was involved in the nerve growth of ectopic cyst associated with endometriosis.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the significance of NADPH quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) protein overexpression on prognostic evaluation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

METHODSNQO1 protein was detected in 162 of HNSCC, 45 cases of adjacent nontumor tissues and 26 samples of normal head and neck epithelia using EnVision immunohistochemical. Correlation between NQO1 overexpression and patients prognosis was also analyzed.

RESULTSThe positive rate and strongly positive rate of NQO1 protein were 84.0% (136/162) and 69.8% (113/162) in HNSCC, respectively, and both of which were significantly higher than either those in adjacent nontumor tissues and normal head and neck epithelia (both P < 0.01). NQO1 expression was significantly correlated with the clinical stage, pT and chemoradiotherapy of HNSCC (P < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that overall survival and disease-free survival rates were significantly higher in HNSCC patients with high level NQO1 expression than that those with low level of NQO1 expression (Log-rank = 6.625 , P = 0.010;Log-rank = 6.234 , P = 0.013). Additional analysis by Cox proportional hazard regression model showed that high level of NQO1 expression was an independent hazard predictor for overall survival of patients with HNSCC (Wald = 6.626, P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONSNQO1 expression level is closely correlated with the progression and prognosis of patients with HNSCC. High level of NQO1 expression may be used as an important indicator for patients with poor prognostic HNSCC.

Breast ; enzymology ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; enzymology ; mortality ; pathology ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; enzymology ; mortality ; pathology ; Humans ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone) ; metabolism ; NADH, NADPH Oxidoreductases ; metabolism ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models