OBJECTIVETo investigate genotype of HCV infection among residents in a rural village, Hebei Province.

METHODSBlood samples of the 520 residents were collected, and C/E1 of HCV genome of the 483 samples were obtained by RT-PCR amplifying, and the gene sequences were analyzed and the polygenetic tree were drawn by the software Mega 4.0.

RESULTSIn 483 subjects, HCV-RNA positive objectives are 70, positive prevalence is 14.5%, genotyping for all the samples successfully, including genotypes 1b and 2a, which are 36 (51.4%), 34 (48.6%) respectively.

CONCLUSIONHCV RNA positive rate is 14.5%, which is higher than general people. Subtypes 1b and 2a seemed to be the dominant genotypes of HCV in Zhao county area of Hebei Province.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Blood Donors ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Genotype ; Hepacivirus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Hepatitis C ; epidemiology ; virology ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo explore the distribution of HBV genotype and serotype from Tibetan in Tongde, Qinghai.

METHODSNested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) was used for amplification of S gene and C gene of HBV from sera carried by Tibetan chronic HBV carrier in Tongde, Qinghai, then the HBV DNA positive products were sequenced by direct sequencing. Genotype and serotype were identified by analysis of sequence result.

RESULTS271, which come from 311 sera samples with positive HBsAg randomly selected from natural community, were amplified and sequenced in both S gene and C gene successfully, 10 (3.7%), 261 (96.3%) out of them were identified as genotype C, recombinant between genotypes C and D respectively; 259 (95.6%), 10 (3.7%), 2 (0.7%) belonged to serotype ayw2, adr, adw2 respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe recombinant between genotypes C and D was the main genotype in Tibetan chronic carrier with hepatitis Bin Tongde, Qinghai; the serotype of this areas was consisted largely of ayw2.

Adolescent ; Adult ; China ; Genotype ; Hepatitis Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis B ; immunology ; virology ; Hepatitis B Core Antigens ; genetics ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; genetics ; Hepatitis B virus ; classification ; genetics ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult

Objective To investigate the effect of 1 800 MHz electromagnetic radiation on activity of SOD and GSH－Px in the skin tissues of SD rats.Methods A total of 98 healthy SD rats with SPF level,aged 4 weeks, were randomly divided into radiation group and control group.The radiation group was totally exposed under 1 800 MHz electromagnetic wave with seven different power density of radiation of 0.1 mW/cm2,0.3 mW/cm2,0.5 mW/cm2 , 0.7 mW/cm2, 0.9 mW/cm2, 1.0 mW/cm2and 1.2 mW/cm2respectively.It lasted 21 days and for a period of 12 hours a day. After radiation,the activity of SOD and GSH－Px in the skin tissues were detected by enzyme marker. Results In radiation group,the activity of SOD and GSH－Px in the skin tissues of SD rats were decreased under 0.3 mW/cm2and 0.5 mW/cm21 800 MHz electromagnetic wave. Compared with the control group, there was a significantly difference in radiation group (P＜0.05) .While under other four 1 800 MHz electromagnetic waves, the activity of GSH－Px and SOD in the skin tissues showed no statistical difference between the two groups (P＞0.05) . Under 1 mW/cm21 800 MHz electromagnetic wave, the activity of GSH－Px showed no statistical difference between two groups (P＞0.05) . Conclusion The power density of 0.3 mW/cm2and 0.5 mW/cm21 800 MHz electromagnetic wave can reduce the activity of GSH－Px and SOD in the skin tissues of rats.

BACKGROUNDPlantar pressure serves as a key factor for predicting ulceration in the feet of diabetes patients. We designed this study to analyze plantar pressure changes and correlating risk factors in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

METHODSWe recruited 65 patients with type 2 diabetes. They were invited to participate in the second wave 2 years later. The patients completed identical examinations at the baseline point and 2 years later. We obtained maximum force, maximum pressure, impulse, pressure-time integral, and loading rate values from 10 foot regions. We collected data on six history-based variables, six anthropometric variables, and four metabolic variables of the patients.

RESULTSOver the course of the study, significant plantar pressure increases in some forefoot portions were identified (P < 0.05), especially in the second to forth metatarsal heads. Decreases in heel impulse and pressure-time integral levels were also found (P < 0.05). Plantar pressure parameters increased with body mass index (BMI) levels. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) changes were positively correlated with maximum force (β = 0.364, P = 0.001) and maximum pressure (β = 0.366, P = 0.002) changes in the first metatarsal head. Cholesterol changes were positively correlated with impulse changes in the lateral portion of the heel (β = 0.179, P = 0.072) and pressure-time integral changes in the second metatarsal head (β = 0.236, P = 0.020). Ankle-brachial index (ABI) changes were positively correlated with maximum force changes in the first metatarsal head (β = 0.137, P = 0.048). Neuropathy symptom score (NSS) and common peroneal nerve sensory nerve conduction velocity (SCV) changes were positively correlated with some plantar pressure changes. In addition, plantar pressure changes had a correlation with the appearance of infections, blisters (β = 0.244, P = 0.014), and calluses over the course of the study.

CONCLUSIONSWe should pay attention to the BMI, HbA1c, cholesterol, ABI, SCV, and NSS changes in the process of preventing high plantar pressure and ulceration. Some associated precautions may be taken with the appearance of infections, blisters, and calluses.

Adult ; Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; physiopathology ; Diabetic Foot ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; Female ; Foot ; physiopathology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pressure ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

OBJECTIVETo observe the association between job stress (effort-reward imbalance model)and blood lipids among university staff in Yunnan province.

METHODSA cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1244 university staff in Yunnan province. The job stress was measured by the validated Chinese self-reported Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI). Blood lipids were measured in all participated staff members.

RESULTSAfter adjustment for relevant confounding factors, it was found that the risk of increased serum triglyceride was 3.5 folds higher in male staffs with high extrinsic effort compared those with low extrinsic effort (OR = 3.45, 95%CI: 1.32 - 9.04) while the risk of increased serum low density lipoprotein-cholesterol was 2.9 folds higher in male staffs with high overcommitment compared those with low overcommitment (OR = 2.86, 95%CI: 1.03 - 7.96). The risk of elevated serum triglyceride increased in proportion to increasing job stress: 3.5 folds increase in male staffs with moderate job stress (OR = 3.43, 95%CI: 1.24 - 9.53) and 4 folds increase in male staffs with high job stress (OR = 4.16, 95%CI: 1.42 - 12.17) compared those with low job stress. However, there was no significant association between job stress and lipid profile in female staffs.

CONCLUSIONOur results show that job stress (effort-reward imbalance) is positively associated with abnormal blood lipids in male university staffs.

Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Stress, Psychological ; blood ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Workload ; psychology ; statistics & numerical data

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical and pathological features and the diagnosis of childhood Alport syndrome (AS).

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed on clinical data of 91 children with AS.

RESULTSHematuria was observed in all 91 patients, of whom 86 were accompanied with proteinuria. Sixty-one children with X-Linked AS (XL-AS) had positive family history. Renal biopsy was performed on 82 children. Mild to moderate mesangial proliferation was observed in 74 cases. Small amounts of immune complexes deposits in the glomerular mesangial area were observed in 48 cases. Glomerular basement membrane (GBM) attenuation, thickening and layering were observed in 53 cases by electron microscopy (EM). In 63 cases receiving renal tissue type IV collagen α3 and α5 chain immunofluorescence detection, 58 were diagnosed with AS, including 53 cases of XL-AS and 5 cases of autosomal recessive AS. In 91 cases of AS, 58 were diagnosed as AS by renal tissue type IV collagen α3 and α5 chain immunofluorescence, 21 were diagnosed by EM, one was diagnosed by skin biopsy, and 12 were diagnosed by gene detection. Six novel mutations of COL4A5 gene were found. Forty-five cases were misdiagnosed before the diagnosis of AS. Forty-one of the 45 cases received steroids and/or immunosuppressant therapy.

CONCLUSIONSThe clinical manifestations and pathological changes are not specific in children with AS, resulting in a higher rate of misdiagnosis. Typical lesions of GBM under EM are only observed in a part of patients. There is a high novel mutation rate of COL4A5 in the detected AS children.

Child ; Child, Preschool ; Collagen Type IV ; genetics ; Diagnostic Errors ; Female ; Glomerular Basement Membrane ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Nephritis, Hereditary ; diagnosis ; genetics ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVETo assessment the trend of the mortality of the neoplasm among the residents in Gejiu city of Yunnan province and to provide scientific evidences for the neoplasm prevention.

METHODSData of mortality of the neoplasm from 1996 to 2005 was collected and analyzed through a retrospective survey.

RESULTSThe mortality was going up in the recent epidemiological surveys. The increase trend was showed on the mortality from 1996 to 2005. The mortality was 53.25 per 100,000 of 1996 increased to 70.58 per 100,000 in 2005. The mortality in female was 23.76 per 100,000 in 1996 increased to 50.57 per 100,000 of 2005.

CONCLUSIONThe neoplasm is still a leading disease in Gejiu city. The main cancer was lung cancer in the neoplasms. The mortality of the neoplasma in the town residents was higher than the countryside. It is necessary to enhance neoplasm prevention.

China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neoplasms ; mortality ; Rural Population ; Sex Distribution ; Urban Population

In order to investigate the central nervous mechanism and the diseases involved in catecholamine transmitter secretion, the dynamics of catecholamine release is studied in single cell, brain slice or in vivo. Noradrenaline is an important neurotransmitter and modulator in the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). In the present paper, we first compared three real-time methods used to measure noradrenaline secretion in single cells (membrane capacitance, amperometry and confocal fluorescence microscopy imaging). Compared to the electrophysiological method and fluorescence microscopy, the basic usage of the carbon fiber electrode (CFE) in neuroscience research was presented as an example. Then, we presented a primary description of ion channels, including voltage-gated Na(+), K(+) and Ca(2+) channels in locus coeruleus (LC) neurons in rat brain slices. Finally, we presented example recordings of combined patch-clamp and amperometry measurements in LC neurons, indicating Ca(2+)-dependent quantal noradrenaline release following Ca(2+) influx through Ca(2+) channels.
Animals ; Central Nervous System ; physiology ; Ion Channels ; physiology ; Norepinephrine ; secretion ; Patch-Clamp Techniques ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and related factors of pegylated-interferon alpha-2a (PEG-IFN-2a) treatment in patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who achieved partial viral response with nucleoside analogue (NA) therapy.

METHODSPatients with HBeAg-positive CHB and partial viral response to NA treatment were administered a PEG-IFN-2a therapy regimen of 180 g subcutaneous injection once weekly for a personlized duration of time. The existing NA therapy was continued in combination with the new PEG-IFN-2a treatment for 12 weeks. Measurements of serum HBV DNA load, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), HBeAg and hepatitis B e antibody (anti-HBe) were taken at baseline (prior to addition of the PEG-IFN-2a therapy) and every 3 months afterwards.For determining response to treatment, primary efficacy was defined as undetectable HBsAg and seroconversion, and secondary efficacy was defined as HBsAg less than 10 IU/mL and HBeAg seroconversion.Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS statistical software.

RESULTSA total of 81 consecutive patients with an average of 12.0 months (range: 6.0-24.0 months) of NA therapy were included in the study and received an average of 19.6 months (range: 15.5-33.3 months) of PEG-IFN-2a treatment. At the end of PEG-IFN-2a therapy, 7 (8.6%) of the patients achieved undetectable HBsAg and seroconversion, and 14 (17.3%) showed HBsAg less than 10IU/mL. In addition, 40.7% achieved undetectable HBeAg and seroconversion, a rate that was slightly higher than that (38.3%) seen in treatment-naive patients who received PEG-IFN-2a. Statistical analyses suggest that baseline level of HBsAg at less than 1500 IU/mL may predict end of PEG-IFN-2a treatment response for HBsAg less than 10 IU/mL, as evidenced by the area under the curve measure of 0.747, sensitivity measure of 87.3%, specificity measure of 33.3%, positive predictive value of 82.1% and negative predictive value of 42.8%.

CONCLUSIONPatients with HBeAg-positive CHB and partial viral response to NA therapy can achieve undetectable HBsAg and HBeAg seroconversion after switching to PEG-IFN-2a treatment. Baseline HBsAg level may be predictive of response to this therapeutic strategy.

Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; DNA, Viral ; blood ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; blood ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Nucleosides ; therapeutic use ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Treatment Outcome ; Viral Load

OBJECTIVEA retrospective study was conducted to investigate the clinical features and prognostic factors of 73 cases of severe hepatitis.

METHODSTo summarize clinical features of 73 cases of severe hepatitis, grouping by etiology and pathogenesis. A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between biochemical characteristics (liver function, renal function, electrolytes, PTA, etc) and complications (hepatic encephalopathy, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatorenal syndrome, ascites, abdominal infections, etc) and prognosis.

RESULTS(1) HBV infection alone accounted for 65.75%. Alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, hepatitis E, autoimmune hepatitis, overlapping causes and other factors were five cases (6.85%), six cases (8.22%), two cases (2.74%), two cases (2.74%), seven cases (9.59%) and three cases (4.11%) respectively. According to the incidence rate, severity and underlying liver condition, subacute hepatitis, cases based on chronic hepatitis and on cirrhosis were 12 cases (16.43%), 11 cases (15.07%), 50 cases (68.49%) respectively. Clinical manifestations with or without hepatic encephalopathy accounted for 58.90% or 41.10%. (2) The highest mortality of severe hepatitis was alcoholic liver disease and patients on the basis of overlapping factors (66.67%), followed by autoimmune liver disease (50%). The mortality of HBV-related hepatitis was 18.75%. Overall mortality of 73 cases of severe hepatitis was 28.77%, of which cirrhosis group was higher than non-cirrhotic group (40% vs 4.3%, P = 0.002). The difference was statistically significant. Patients without hepatic encephalopathy had lower mortality than with hepatic encephalopathy (3.33% vs 46.51%). The mortality of patients with hepatic encephalopathy Stage III and IV was 72.73%. (3) Independent samples t test filtered nine factors associated with death, namely cirrhosis, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, serum creatinine, total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), albumin (ALB) and serum sodium. The results of multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis indicated that hepatic encephalopathy, serum creatinine levels were risk factors for death, whereas ALB as a protective factor.

CONCLUSIONHepatic encephalopathy, serum creatinine levels were risk factors for severe hepatitis death, But ALB was protective factor. Nucleotide analogs using was the main reason why the mortality of hepatitis B was as low as 18.75%.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Hepatitis ; complications ; mortality ; pathology ; virology ; Hepatitis B virus ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors