[Detection of cytogenetic abnormalities in multiple myeloma by using optical genome mapping].

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell neoplasm characterized by numerous chromosomal number and structural abnormalities, which are of great significance for risk stratification and response evaluation of MM patients. Optical genome mapping (OGM) is a novel technology that has the potential to resolve many of the issues and limitations associated with traditional cytogenetic methods. To date, the clinical utility of OGM has been validated in the fields of cancer, reproduction, and embryonic dysplasia, et al. In this study, we compared OGM to traditional techniques for the first time in five newly diagnosed MM patients, and evaluated the potential of OGM for detecting cytogenetic aberrations and its clinical application value in MM.

B-cell lymphoma-2 phosphorylation at Ser70 site-related autophagy mediates puerarin-inhibited the apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 cells during osteoblastogenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis regulated by puerarin during osteoblastogenesis. METHODS: In this study, the effects of puerarin on the autophagic activity and apoptosis level of osteoblast precursors (MC3T3-E1 cells) was observed. Subsequently, the roles of puerarin on B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) phosphorylation at different sites in osteoblast precursors were observed. The effect of puerarin on the interaction between Bcl-2 and autophagy regulatory molecule or pro-apoptotic molecule was also investigated using Co-immunoprecipitation assays. In addition, the effect of puerarin on mitochondrial membrane potential of osteoblast precursors was also identified by mitochondrial membrane potential fluorescence probe assays. RESULTS: Our results showed that puerarin can promote the autophagic activity and apoptosis level of MC3T3-E1 cells. In addition, puerarin promoted Bcl-2 phosphorylation at Ser70 site, and the dissociation of Bcl-2-Beclin1 complex. Moreover, puerarin could enhance the binding of Bcl-2-Bcl-2-Associated X (Bax) complex in MC3T3-E1 cells. Furthermore, puerarin increased the mitochondrial membrane potential of MC3T3-E1 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, puerarin promotes Beclin1 into autophagy flux through Bcl-2 phosphorylation at Ser70, thereby enhancing autophagy of osteoblast precursors, which mediates its anti-apoptotic role during osteoblastogenesis. Furthermore, the dissociation of Bcl-2-Beclin1 complex is conducive to the binding of Bcl-2-Bax complex, which resists the apoptosis of osteoblast precursors viathe increased mitochondrial membrane potential.

[Application of target trail emulation in real world: a case study of effect of statins on mortality in diabetes patients].

Target trail emulation is an observational research method, which can use real-world data (such as observational data and historical data) to carry out research design according to the design principles of randomized controlled trials (RCT) when RCT cannot be carried out. The intervention group and the control group were classified by simulating random grouping. Finally a high-reliable conclusion similar to RCT can be obtained. This paper summarizes the basic concepts and application process of target trail emulation based on the effect of statins on the prognosis of myocardial infarction in diabetic patients to provide reference for the application of this method in real world.

[Efficacy analysis of a novel dose-adjusting regimen for prolonged delayed injection allergen- specific immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a novel dose adjustment schedule based on subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) after a 16 weeks delayed injection during the maintenance period. Methods: Sixty-eight patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) who received dust mite cluster SCIT and had interrupted treatment for more than 16 weeks during the maintenance period were recruited at Beijing TongRen Hospital, from July to September 2020. They were randomly divided into the novel schedule group (n=34) and the guideline recommended schedule group (n=34). In addition, 34 patients who received dust mite SCIT at the same period were selected as the continuous treatment group (n=34). When receiving treatment again after delayed injection, the novel schedule group was injected directly with the initial dose of maintenance period (10 000 SQ), and the guideline recommended schedule group started the dosage accumulation again from the lowest dose (10 SQ), while the continuous treatment group was injected according to the original schedule. Changes in the combined symptom and medication score (CSMS) from baseline after 3 years of SCIT were used as the primary efficacy evaluation index. Local and systemic adverse events were recorded to evaluate safety. SPSS 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: At the end of 3 years, CSMS in all three groups decreased significantly from baseline, and there was no significant difference in the 3-year change value of CSMS from baseline between the novel schedule group and the guideline recommended schedule group (-1.0±0.3 vs -1.3±0.4, P=0.655). There was also no significant difference in the change of CSMS between the two dose-adjusted groups and the continuous treatment groups (-0.8±0.3 vs -1.3±0.3, P=0.156). No systemic adverse events occurred between the novel schedule group and the guideline recommended schedule group after restarting treatment, and there was no significant difference in frequency of adverse events (0.5% vs 0.5%, P=0.698). Conclusion: There is no significant difference in efficacy and safety between the novel dose adjustment schedule and the recommended dose adjustment schedule when SCIT interrupted injection for more than 16 weeks. Furthermore, SCIT discontinuation of injection for more than 16 weeks doesn't significantly impact on 3-year efficacy.

[Several aspects on the long-term survival of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients].

Patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma have a poor overall prognosis and a low long-term survival rate. Currently, multimodal treatment is the mainstay of treatment, and surgical resection is the most important treatment for patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma for a long-term survival. Although the treatment strategies have been constantly updated in recent years to improve survival rates, there are still many controversial issues in the existing treatment strategies. Based on our center's clinical practice and recent research progress, analyzes several issues affecting long-term survival were analyzed based on three aspects: accurate clinical assessment methods, the related decisions making for surgical resection, and the strategies of precision medicine.

[Annual review of venous thromboembolism in 2022].

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) includes pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The mortality rate of PTE in China is comparable to the international level, accounting for a significant portion of the global disease burden and a major aspect of respiratory diseases. The research on VTE has made rapid progress in recent years, especially in the VTE prevention, diagnosis strategy, risk stratification, treatment guideline, poor prognosis and complications. Researchers have gradually realized that VTE is a chronic disease involved multi-system. It still needs to be further standardized about the complete flow scheme of the VTE. The article reviewed the latest progress in the field of VTE in the previous year, aiming to provide more medical evidence for the future.

[Application of LASSO and its extended method in variable selection of regression analysis].

Multicollinearity is an important issue affecting the results of regression analysis. LASSO developed in recent years has great advantages in selecting explanatory variables, processing high-dimensional data, and solving multicollinearity problems. This method adds a penalty term to the model estimation, which can compress the regression coefficients of some unnecessary variables to zero and then remove them from the model to achieve the purpose of variable screening. This paper focuses on the LASSO method and compares it with optimal subsets, ridge regression, adaptive LASSO, and elastic net results. It is found that both LASSO and adaptive LASSO have good performance in solving independent variable multicollinearity problems and enhancing model interpretation and prediction accuracy.

Prevalence of active HCV infection and genotypic distribution among the general population of district Mardan, Pakistan / Prevalência de infecção HCV ativa a distribuição genotípica entre a população geral do distrito de Mardan, Paquistão

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é o grave problema de saúde pública das doenças hepáticas. Aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas no mundo estão infectadas com HCV; no Paquistão, a doença tem alto índice de ocorrência. O presente estudo prevê uma prevalência atualizada do HCV e distribuição genotípica na população geral do distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. As amostras de sangue de 6.538 indivíduos, incluindo 3.263 homens e 3.275 mulheres, foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite C por teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e reação em cadeia da polimerase de transcrição reversa (PCR). Verificou-se que 396 (12,13%) de 3.263 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV, enquanto entre as diferentes faixas etárias as maiores incidências de anticorpos anti-HCV foram encontradas na faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (11,01%). As amostras positivas para ICT foram posteriormente rastreadas por nested PCR para determinar a existência de HCV-RNA ativo. Identificou-se que 7,11% (3.263) do total da população (6.538) testada foram positivos, dentre os quais 461 (14,07%) mulheres possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV. Nossos dados mostraram que a infecção total pelo HCV na população investigada foi de 5,78%. Maior porcentagem de prevalência de HCV foi detectada em homens do que em mulheres nas faixas etárias de 31-40 e 41-50. Para comparar a prevalência de genótipos de HCV com relação à idade no genótipo masculino e feminino 3a foi encontrado o genótipo mais prevalente seguido por 1a, 2a e 3b, respectivamente.

Prevalence of active HCV infection and genotypic distribution among the general population of district Mardan, Pakistan

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

Resumo O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é o grave problema de saúde pública das doenças hepáticas. Aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas no mundo estão infectadas com HCV; no Paquistão, a doença tem alto índice de ocorrência. O presente estudo prevê uma prevalência atualizada do HCV e distribuição genotípica na população geral do distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. As amostras de sangue de 6.538 indivíduos, incluindo 3.263 homens e 3.275 mulheres, foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite C por teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e reação em cadeia da polimerase de transcrição reversa (PCR). Verificou-se que 396 (12,13%) de 3.263 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV, enquanto entre as diferentes faixas etárias as maiores incidências de anticorpos anti-HCV foram encontradas na faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (11,01%). As amostras positivas para ICT foram posteriormente rastreadas por nested PCR para determinar a existência de HCV-RNA ativo. Identificou-se que 7,11% (3.263) do total da população (6.538) testada foram positivos, dentre os quais 461 (14,07%) mulheres possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV. Nossos dados mostraram que a infecção total pelo HCV na população investigada foi de 5,78%. Maior porcentagem de prevalência de HCV foi detectada em homens do que em mulheres nas faixas etárias de 31-40 e 41-50. Para comparar a prevalência de genótipos de HCV com relação à idade no genótipo masculino e feminino 3a foi encontrado o genótipo mais prevalente seguido por 1a, 2a e 3b, respectivamente.

Prevalence of active HCV infection and genotypic distribution among the general population of district Mardan, Pakistan / Prevalência de infecção HCV ativa a distribuição genotípica entre a população geral do distrito de Mardan, Paquistão

Abstract Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

Resumo O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) é o grave problema de saúde pública das doenças hepáticas. Aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas no mundo estão infectadas com HCV; no Paquistão, a doença tem alto índice de ocorrência. O presente estudo prevê uma prevalência atualizada do HCV e distribuição genotípica na população geral do distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Paquistão. As amostras de sangue de 6.538 indivíduos, incluindo 3.263 homens e 3.275 mulheres, foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite C por teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e reação em cadeia da polimerase de transcrição reversa (PCR). Verificou-se que 396 (12,13%) de 3.263 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV, enquanto entre as diferentes faixas etárias as maiores incidências de anticorpos anti-HCV foram encontradas na faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (11,01%). As amostras positivas para ICT foram posteriormente rastreadas por nested PCR para determinar a existência de HCV-RNA ativo. Identificou-se que 7,11% (3.263) do total da população (6.538) testada foram positivos, dentre os quais 461 (14,07%) mulheres possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra o HCV. Nossos dados mostraram que a infecção total pelo HCV na população investigada foi de 5,78%. Maior porcentagem de prevalência de HCV foi detectada em homens do que em mulheres nas faixas etárias de 31-40 e 41-50. Para comparar a prevalência de genótipos de HCV com relação à idade no genótipo masculino e feminino 3a foi encontrado o genótipo mais prevalente seguido por 1a, 2a e 3b, respectivamente.

Aetiology of tinea capitis in China: a multicentre prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Tinea capitis is still common in developing countries, such as China. Its pathogen spectrum varies across regions and changes over time. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify the current epidemiological characteristics and pathogen spectrum of tinea capitis in China. METHODS: A multicentre, prospective descriptive study involving 29 tertiary hospitals in China was conducted. From August 2019 to July 2020, 611 patients with tinea capitis were enrolled. Data concerning demography, risk factors and fungal tests were collected. When necessary, the pathogens were further identified by morphology or molecular sequencing in the central laboratory. RESULTS: Among all enrolled patients, 74·1% of the cases were in patients aged 2-8 years. The children with tinea capitis were mainly boys (56·2%) and were more likely than adults to have a history of animal contact (57·4% vs. 35·3%, P = 0·012) and zoophilic dermatophyte infection (73·5% vs. 47%). The adults were mainly female (83%) and were more likely than children to have anthropophilic agent infection (53% vs. 23·9%). The most common pathogen was zoophilic Microsporum canis (354, 65·2%), followed by anthropophilic Trichophyton violaceum (74, 13·6%). In contrast to the eastern, western and northeastern regions, where zoophilic M. canis predominated, anthropophilic T. violaceum predominated in central China (69%, P < 0·001), where the patients had the most tinea at other sites (20%) and dermatophytosis contact (26%) but the least animal contact (39%). Microsporum ferrugineum was the most common anthropophilic agent in the western area, especially in Xinjiang province. CONCLUSIONS: Boys aged approximately 5 years were the most commonly affected group. Dermatologists are advised to pay more attention to the different transmission routes and pathogen spectra in different age groups from different regions.

Serological prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Prevalência sorológica do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) no distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Hepatitis B virus infection is perilous among the five types of Hepatitis, as it remains clinically asymptomatic. The present study draws up-to-date prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The blood samples from 4803 individuals including 2399 male and 2404 females were investigated. All the suspected samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and followed by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that 312 (13.00%) out of 2399 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HBV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HBV antibodies were found in the age of 21-30 groups (10.73%). Furthermore, the ICT positive samples were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction to detect the existence of active HBV-DNA. It was observed that 169 (7.04%) out of (2399) male of the total population (4803) tested was positive. On the other hand, the female 463 (19.25%) possessed antibodies in their blood against HBV. Accumulatively, our results showed a higher percentage of HBV prevalence in males than females in the age group 21-30 years. The total HCV infected in Mardan general population was recorded at 5.7% comprising both male and female.

A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B é perigosa entre os cinco tipos de hepatite, pois permanece clinicamente assintomática. O presente estudo traça a prevalência atualizada do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) na população geral de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão. Amostras de sangue de 4.803 indivíduos, incluindo 2.399 homens e 2.404 mulheres, foram investigadas. Todas as amostras suspeitas foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite B usando teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), seguido por transcrição reversa-reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR). Os resultados mostraram que 312 (13,00%) de 2.399 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o VHB, enquanto, entre as diferentes faixas etárias, as maiores incidências de anticorpos VHB foram encontradas nos grupos de 21 a 30 anos (10,73%). Além disso, amostras positivas para ICT foram rastreadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada para detectar a existência de HBV-DNA ativo. Observou-se que 169 (7,04%) de 2.399 homens do total da população (4803) testados foram positivos. Por outro lado, 463 mulheres (19,25%) possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra VHB. Acumulativamente, nossos resultados mostraram uma porcentagem maior de prevalência de HBV em homens do que em mulheres na faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos. O total de HCV infectados na população geral de Mardan foi registrado em 5,7%, incluindo homens e mulheres.

Serological prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Abstract Hepatitis B virus infection is perilous among the five types of Hepatitis, as it remains clinically asymptomatic. The present study draws up-to-date prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The blood samples from 4803 individuals including 2399 male and 2404 females were investigated. All the suspected samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and followed by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that 312 (13.00%) out of 2399 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HBV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HBV antibodies were found in the age of 21-30 groups (10.73%). Furthermore, the ICT positive samples were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction to detect the existence of active HBV-DNA. It was observed that 169 (7.04%) out of (2399) male of the total population (4803) tested was positive. On the other hand, the female 463 (19.25%) possessed antibodies in their blood against HBV. Accumulatively, our results showed a higher percentage of HBV prevalence in males than females in the age group 21-30 years. The total HCV infected in Mardan general population was recorded at 5.7% comprising both male and female.

Resumo A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B é perigosa entre os cinco tipos de hepatite, pois permanece clinicamente assintomática. O presente estudo traça a prevalência atualizada do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) na população geral de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão. Amostras de sangue de 4.803 indivíduos, incluindo 2.399 homens e 2.404 mulheres, foram investigadas. Todas as amostras suspeitas foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite B usando teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), seguido por transcrição reversa-reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR). Os resultados mostraram que 312 (13,00%) de 2.399 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o VHB, enquanto, entre as diferentes faixas etárias, as maiores incidências de anticorpos VHB foram encontradas nos grupos de 21 a 30 anos (10,73%). Além disso, amostras positivas para ICT foram rastreadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada para detectar a existência de HBV-DNA ativo. Observou-se que 169 (7,04%) de 2.399 homens do total da população (4803) testados foram positivos. Por outro lado, 463 mulheres (19,25%) possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra VHB. Acumulativamente, nossos resultados mostraram uma porcentagem maior de prevalência de HBV em homens do que em mulheres na faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos. O total de HCV infectados na população geral de Mardan foi registrado em 5,7%, incluindo homens e mulheres.

Serological prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan / Prevalência sorológica do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) no distrito de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Paquistão

Hepatitis B virus infection is perilous among the five types of Hepatitis, as it remains clinically asymptomatic. The present study draws up-to-date prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The blood samples from 4803 individuals including 2399 male and 2404 females were investigated. All the suspected samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and followed by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that 312 (13.00%) out of 2399 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HBV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HBV antibodies were found in the age of 21-30 groups (10.73%). Furthermore, the ICT positive samples were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction to detect the existence of active HBV-DNA. It was observed that 169 (7.04%) out of (2399) male of the total population (4803) tested was positive. On the other hand, the female 463 (19.25%) possessed antibodies in their blood against HBV. Accumulatively, our results showed a higher percentage of HBV prevalence in males than females in the age group 21-30 years. The total HCV infected in Mardan general population was recorded at 5.7% comprising both male and female.

A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B é perigosa entre os cinco tipos de hepatite, pois permanece clinicamente assintomática. O presente estudo traça a prevalência atualizada do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) na população geral de Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, no Paquistão. Amostras de sangue de 4.803 indivíduos, incluindo 2.399 homens e 2.404 mulheres, foram investigadas. Todas as amostras suspeitas foram analisadas para o antígeno de superfície da hepatite B usando teste imunocromatográfico (ICT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), seguido por transcrição reversa-reação em cadeia da polimerase (RT-PCR). Os resultados mostraram que 312 (13,00%) de 2.399 indivíduos continham anticorpos no sangue contra o VHB, enquanto, entre as diferentes faixas etárias, as maiores incidências de anticorpos VHB foram encontradas nos grupos de 21 a 30 anos (10,73%). Além disso, amostras positivas para ICT foram rastreadas por reação em cadeia da polimerase aninhada para detectar a existência de HBV-DNA ativo. Observou-se que 169 (7,04%) de 2.399 homens do total da população (4803) testados foram positivos. Por outro lado, 463 mulheres (19,25%) possuíam anticorpos no sangue contra VHB. Acumulativamente, nossos resultados mostraram uma porcentagem maior de prevalência de HBV em homens do que em mulheres na faixa etária de 21 a 30 anos. O total de HCV infectados na população geral de Mardan foi registrado em 5,7%, incluindo homens e mulheres.

Prevalence of active HCV infection and genotypic distribution among the general population of district Mardan, Pakistan.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the serious global public health burden of liver disease. Approximately 170 million people in the world are infected with (HCV). In Pakistan, where the disease has high occurrence rate. The present study envisages an up-to-date prevalence of HCV and genotypic distribution in the general population of Mardan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The blood samples from 6,538 individuals including 3,263 males and 3,275 females were analyzed for hepatitis C surface antigen by Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It was found that 396 (12.13%) out of 3263 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HCV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HCV antibodies were found in the 31-40 age group (11.01%). The ICT positive samples were further screened by nested PCR to determine the existence of active HCV-RNA. It was identified that 7.11% (3263) of the total population (6538) tested was positive, among which the 461 (14.07%) females possessed antibodies in their blood against HCV. Our data showed total HCV infection in the investigated population was 5.78%. Higher percentage of HCV prevalence was detected in males than females in the age group 31-40 and 41-50. To compare the prevalence of HCV genotypes age-wise in male and female genotype 3a was found most prevalent genotype followed by 1a, 2a and 3b, respectively.

Serological prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Mardan district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Hepatitis B virus infection is perilous among the five types of Hepatitis, as it remains clinically asymptomatic. The present study draws up-to-date prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the general population of Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan. The blood samples from 4803 individuals including 2399 male and 2404 females were investigated. All the suspected samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using Immuno-chromatographic test (ICT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and followed by Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results showed that 312 (13.00%) out of 2399 individuals contained antibodies in their blood against HBV, while among the different age groups, the highest incidences of HBV antibodies were found in the age of 21-30 groups (10.73%). Furthermore, the ICT positive samples were screened by nested polymerase chain reaction to detect the existence of active HBV-DNA. It was observed that 169 (7.04%) out of (2399) male of the total population (4803) tested was positive. On the other hand, the female 463 (19.25%) possessed antibodies in their blood against HBV. Accumulatively, our results showed a higher percentage of HBV prevalence in males than females in the age group 21-30 years. The total HCV infected in Mardan general population was recorded at 5.7% comprising both male and female.

Antibacterial Performance of a Streptomyces spectabilis Strain Producing Metacycloprodigiosin.

After separation of bacterial colonies on solid plates, purification, and screening through the agar cup-plate method, an antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolate was obtained, and named strain L20190601, the 16S rRNA gene sequence data of strain L20190601 to GenBank, NCBI have provided GenBank accession number MW931615. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that this isolate was highly similar to a number of Streptomyces species. Among them, the homology with S. spectabilis was the highest, reaching 99.9, together with curved hyphal morphology and biochemical tests, allowed us to identify strain L20190601 as S. spectabilis. The red pigment produced by S. spectabilis strain L20190601 was structurally identified. An acid-base color reaction assay showed that when this pigment was dissolved in a solution at pH 3.0 and 9.0, the color of the solution was red and yellow, respectively. In addition, the analysis of absorption spectra revealed that at pH 8.0 and 3.0, the maximum absorption peaks were at 466 and 531 nm, respectively. These results are consistent with the spectral absorption characteristics of metacycloprodigiosin reported in the literature. Moreover, the retention time of purified pigments was identical to those of standard metacycloprodigiosin solutions. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed that the molecular weight of the red compound was 392.2 [M + H]+. Finally, metacycloprodigiosin was found to be effective against eight clinically common pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus typhi, Candida albicans, and Trichophyton rubrum. In summary, metacycloprodigiosin exhibited strong antibacterial activity and a broad antibacterial spectrum, and thus is a promising compound for the development of a new type of antibacterial drug.

[Study on protective mechanism of Tibetan medicine Ershiwuwei Songshi Pills on cholestatic liver injury in rats based on FXR signaling pathway].

This paper aimed to investigate the protective effect and mechanism of the Tibetan medicine Ershiwuwei Songshi Pills on α-naphthalene isothiocyanate(ANIT)-induced cholestatic liver injury in rats based on the farnesol X receptor(FXR) signaling pathway. SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, ursodeoxycholic acid(UDCA) group, Tibetan medicine Ershiwuwei Songshi Pills low, medium and high dose groups(0.09, 0.18, 0.36 g·kg~(-1)). A prophylactic dosing regimen was used in the experiment. From the 1 st to 4 th days, the UDCA group and the Tibetan medicine Ershiwuwei Songshi Pills suspension groups received prophylactic gavage administration; on the 5 th day, the blank control group was given an equal volume of olive oil blank reagent, and the remaining groups were given ANIT modeling reagent. Administration was continued on day 5 to 6 in each administration group. Forty-eight hours after modeling on the 7 th day, blood was collected from the femoral artery of rats. Serum alkaline phosphatase(ALP), alanine aminotransferase(ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), direct bilirubin(DBIL), total bilirubin(TBIL), and total bile acid(TBA) levels were detected, and liver histopathological changes were observed. The relative expression changes of FXR, SHP, CYP7 A1, MRP2, MRP3, NTCP, BSEP mRNA in liver tissues were detected by Real-time fluorescence quantitative method, and the expression changes of FXR, SHP, UGT2 B4 protein in liver tissues were detected by Western blot. The results showed that the Tibetan medicine Ershiwuwei Songshi Pills significantly reduced the levels of ALT, ALP, DBIL, TBIL and TBA in the serum of the ANIT mo-del rats(P<0.01, P<0.05), significantly up-regulated the mRNA expressions of SHP and NTCP(P<0.01, P<0.05), significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression of CYP7 A1 and MRP3(P<0.01, P<0.05); and significantly up-regulated the protein expressions of FXR and SHP(P<0.01, P<0.05). The Tibetan medicine Ershiwuwei Songshi Pills have an obvious protective effect on ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury in rats, and its mechanism may be related to the bile acid metabolism mediated by the FXR signaling pathway.

Prunella vulgaris L protects glucocorticoids-induced osteogenesis inhibition in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells through activating the Smad pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the role of Prunella vulgaris L (PVL) in protecting glucocorticoids (GC)-induced osteogenesis inhibition, thereafter, protecting the deterioration of osteoporosis (OP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was conducted to assess the influence of PVL treatment on MSCs viability. Osteogenesis in MSCs was induced by Dexamethasone (DEX) stimulation. Regulatory effects of PVL on osteogenesis-related gene expressions, ALP activity, and mineralization ability in DEX-induced MSCs were determined. At last, protein levels of p-Smad1/5/9 and total-Smad1/5/9 influenced by DEX and PVL were measured by Western blot. RESULTS: PVL treatment did not pose a time- or dose-dependent influence on MSCs viability. DEX induction in MSCs downregulated ALP, RUNX2, Bglap, and Osterix. ALP activity and mineralization in DEX-induced MSCs were suppressed. Downregulated osteogenesis-related genes decreased ALP activity and mineralization in MSCs undergoing DEX stimulation were partially reversed by PVL treatment. Moreover, the downregulated p-Smad1/5/9 level in DEX-induced MSCs was elevated by PVL treatment, while total-Smad1/5/9 was not affected. CONCLUSIONS: PVL alleviated GC-induced suppression in MSCs osteogenesis by activating the Smad pathway, thereafter, protecting the deterioration of OP.