[Survival analysis on HIV/AIDS cases newly received antiretroviral therapy who coinfected with hepatitis B virus in Jiangsu Province, 2005-2020].

Objective: To analyze the incidence of co-infection of HIV and HBV and death in HIV/AIDS cases who newly received antiretroviral therapy (ART) from 2005-2020 in Jiangsu Province. Methods: According to the baseline and follow-up data of HIV/AIDS cases on ART enrolled between January 2005 and December 2020, the last follow-up clinical visit was up until December 31, 2022, the national information system was retrospectively collected for HIV/AIDS cases from Chinese System Disease for Control and Prevention. Excel database was established, and statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 16.0 software. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curves, the log rank test was used to compare the survival curves, and Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to assess the mortality and potential risk factors. Results: There were 33 322 HIV/AIDS cases that newly received ART during 2005-2020.The rate of HBsAg test was 57.3%(19 098/33 322). Among HIV/AIDS cases tested HBsAg, the ratio of male to female was 7.1∶1 (16 745∶2 353), the average age was (39.4±14.0) years old, 49.5% (9 446/19 098) of the HIV/AIDS cases were married, 57.8% (11 048/19 098) were infected with HIV through homosexual contact and 36.6% (6 990/19 098) were through heterosexual contact. The M (Q1, Q3) of CD4+T lymphocytes (CD4) counts at ART initiation was 297 (166, 445) cells/µl. A total of 8.2% (1 566/19 098, 95%CI:7.8%-8.6%) were HBsAg positive. There were 1 062 HIV/AIDS died by December 31, 2022. The log rank test showed that there were differences in survival curves between HIV/AIDS co-infected with HBV or not (χ2=28.07, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis of the Cox proportional risk regression model showed that enrollment year, age, marital status, route of HIV infection, baseline CD4 counts before ART, and co-HBV infection were the influencing factors for HIV/AIDS death (all P<0.05), compared with those enrolled in 2015 and before, age ≥45 years, and those who were unmarried. Those enrolled in treatment from 2016 to 2020, those younger than 45 years, and married/cohabitation had a lower risk of death. Compared with baseline CD4 counts ≥201 cells/µl, other routes of infection, and HIV infection alone, baseline CD4 counts ≤200 cells/µl, injecting drug use, and co-HBV infection were associated with a higher risk of death. Conclusion: Effective treatment for coinfection with HBV and HBV vaccination for HBV-negative people with HIV should be integrated into HIV treatment programs to reduce HIV-related mortality in Jiangsu Province, 2005-2020.

[Association between metabolic risk factors and the hepatitis B reactivation of inactive HBsAg carriers in Jiangsu province: a cohort study].

Objective: To analyze the impact of metabolic risk factors on the epidemiological characteristics of the reactivation of inactive HBsAg carriers (IHC) and provide effective intervention measures to standardize the management of chronic hepatitis B infections. Methods: Based on the chronic hepatitis B infection cohort established in 2010 in Jiangsu province, six follow-up visits from 2012 to 2020 were conducted to analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of the hepatitis B reactivation of IHC and the impact of metabolic risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperglycemia. Results: From 2012 to 2020, 2 527 IHC and 17 730 person-years were observed during a median follow-up period of 7.0 person-years. Ninety-eight cases of hepatitis B reactivation, with a cumulative reaction rate, was 3.9%, and the incidence density was 5.53/1 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that age and baseline HBV DNA were independent risk factors of HBV reactivation. Compared with the patients ≥60 years, 40-49 age group (aHR=2.16, 95%CI:1.20-3.90) and 20-29 age group (aHR=5.48, 95%CI:2.07-14.48) were significantly associated with hepatitis B reactivation. Compared with the HBV DNA negative patients at baseline, the risk of hepatitis B reactivation was higher in the group with low HBV DNA level 100-1 999 IU/ml (aHR=1.67, 95%CI:1.11-2.52). Stratification analysis results showed that compared with those without metabolic risk factors, in the ≥50 age group, patients with ≥2 metabolic risk factors showed adjusted HR of 2.73 (95%CI:1.08-6.96). Conclusions: The risk of hepatitis B being reactive is the persistent existence of IHC in communities in Jiangsu province, especially young adults, low-level HBV DNA carriers, and IHC with ≥2 metabolic risk factors. Follow-up for these IHC should be strengthened to reduce the risk of disease progression by antiviral treatment at the right time.

[Analysis on HIV and hepatitis B virus coinfection in HIV/AIDS cases newly received highly active antiretroviral therapy in Jiangsu province, 2005-2019].

Objective: To analyze the HIV and HBV coinfection in HIV/AIDS cases who newly received highly active antiretroviral therapy during 2005-2019 in Jiangsu province. Methods: According to the base data of HIV/AIDS cases on HAART enrolled between January 2005 and December 2019; the National Information system was retrospectively collected for HIV/AIDS Control and Prevention of Chinese System Disease for Control and Prevention. Excel database was established, and statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 16.0 software. A Chi-square test was used to assess differences in rates of HBsAg testing and HIV/HBV coinfection between potential risk factors. The unconditional logistic regression model entered risk factors with P values <0.05 in the Chi-square test. Results: There were 29 288 HIV/AIDS cases newly received HAART during 2005-2019. The rate of HBsAg test was 49.8% (14 594/29 288) the rate of HBsAg test increased from 0.0% (0/80)to 75.2%(3 448/4 586), showing an increasing trend year by year during 2005 to 2019. Among HIV/AIDS cases tested HBsAg, 81.6% (11 915/14 594) cases were from Jiangsu province; the ratio of male to female was 7.34∶1 (12 845∶1 749), the average age was (38.5±13.8) years old, 96.1% (14 023/14 594) were Han nationality,48.9% (7 131/14 594) of the HIV/AIDS cases married, 97.9%(14 294/14 594) were infected with HIV through homosexual and heterosexual transmission. Unconditional logistic regression modeling showed that the proportion of HIV/AIDS cases initiated HAART in 2015 or after that, married, not Jiangsu province resident, college education or above, and drug injection infected were more likely to have HBsAg testing. 8.6%(95%CI:8.2%-9.1%) were HBsAg positive. The HIV and HBV coinfection rates were more than 10% before 2016 while showed stability from 6.7% to 8.2% since 2016. Unconditional logistic regression modeling showed that the proportion of HIV/AIDS cases who were male, elder, married, non-Han, primary education or below were more likely to have HBV coinfection. Conclusion: More HBsAg testing should be strengthened when the HIV/AIDS cases initiated HAART in Jiangsu province, 2005-2019.

[Prevalence of HBV co-infection in HIV-positive population in China: a systematic review and Meta-analysis].

Objective: To reveal the epidemiologic characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in HIV positive population in China. Methods: We collected research papers published from 2010 to 2019 on HBV co-infection in HIV positive population in China through literature retrieval, screening and quality evaluation. The Meta-analysis was conducted after extracting relevant data from the research papers meeting the inclusion criteria. Results: Twenty-seven studies were included with 69 816 samples. The pooled HBV infection rate in HIV positive population in China was 11.29%. The HBV co-infection rate was higher in the western China (10.73%) and southern China (14.18%), while lower in northern China (6.36%). The HBV infection rates were 11.22%, 12.76%, 9.58%, 11.32% and 10.34%, respectively, in HIV-positive population infected through blood or blood products transfusion, intravenous drug use, homosexual contact, heterosexual contact and unknown transmission routes. Population infected with HIV caused by mother-to-child transmission had the lowest HBV infection rate (2.87%). The HBV infection rate in HIV positive males was 1.29 times higher than that in HIV positive females in southern China. Conclusions: The HBV infection rate in HIV positive population is significantly higher than that in general population. More attention should be paid to the prevention and control of HBV co-infection in HIV positive population.

[Effect of fragmented sleep on postoperative cognitive function and central neuroinflammation].

Objective: To investigate the effect of sleep fragmentation on perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) and central neuroinflammation by simulating sleep patterns of postoperative patients with sleep fragmentation in aged mice. Methods: Thirty-two elderly ICR mice were randomly divided into four groups (n=8): normal group (C), surgery group (S), fragmented sleep group (F), and surgery+fragmented sleep group (D). Fragmented sleep was conducted after internal fixation of tibia fractures, cognitive function was evaluated by novel object recognition (NOR) and fear conditioning (FC) test, and changes in expression of inflammatory cytokines in hippocampus were detected by ELISA. Results: NOR test: the recognition index (RI) of mice in group C, group S, group F and group D was 0.69±0.07, 0.48±0.07, 0.54±0.10 and 0.50±0.12, respectively. The RI of mice in group S, group F and group D was significantly lower than that in group C (t=4.885, 3.521 and 4.433, all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in RI between group S and group D (t=0.967 1, P>0.05). Contextual FC test: the freezing time of mice in group C, group S, group F and group D was(21.34±6.48), (13.83±4.26), (11.50±6.25) and (6.17±4.77) s, respectively. The freezing time of mice in group S, group F and group D was significantly lower than that in group C (t=2.722, 3.566, 5.496, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The freezing time of mice in group D was significantly lower than that in group S (t=2.774, P<0.05). Cue FC test: the freezing time of mice in group C, group S, group F and group D was (74.36±17.09), (43.91±9.71), (46.34±13.43) and (24.90±14.21) s, respectively. The freezing time of mice in group S, group F and group D was significantly lower than that in group C (t=4.393, 4.043 and 7.136, all P<0.01). The freezing time of mice in group D was significantly lower than that in group S (t=2.743, P<0.05). The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß in hippocampus of mice in group S, F and D were significantly higher than those in group C, while the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in hippocampus of mice in group D were significantly higher than those in group S, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion: Postoperative fragmented sleep aggravates postoperative cognitive impairment and increases the hippocampal neuroinflammation in aged mice.

[Clinicopathological features and prognosis of 488 patients with neuroendocrine tumors].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Methods: The clinicopathologic data of enrolled patients with NETs between October 2012 and October 2017 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Among the 488 NETs patients, the average age was (51.0±15.8) years, and the sex ratio (male/female) was 1∶1.1. Of the NETs, 370 were located in the digestive system (75.8%), 63 were pulmonary (12.9%), 14 were mediastinal (2.9%), 7 were of unknown primary origin (1.4%), and 34 were located in other sites (7.0%). Among the NETs, the pancreas, rectum and stomach were the most common sites. In the digestive system NETs, the most common tumor grade was G1 (190 cases, 51.4%), followed by G2 (143 cases, 38.6%) and NET-G3 (37 cases, 10.0%). In pulmonary NETs, typical and atypical carcinoid tumors was 47.6% and 52.4%, respectively. There were 310 patients at stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ, 53 at stage Ⅲ, 69 at stage Ⅳ and 56 at stage undiagnosed, respectively. The relationships among age, stage, grade, metastasis, treatment and prognosis were analyzed. All these factors could influence the survival rate of NET patients. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that age (>50 years old) (HR=2.831, 95%CI:1.414-7.029, P=0.025) and distant metastasis (HR=10.208, 95%CI:4.110-25.355, P<0.001) were independent risk factors. Conclusions: The most common primary sites of NETs are the pancreas, rectum, and stomach. Age and distant metastasis are independent risk factors for the prognosis of NETs.

[Modified memory sub-test of Syndrom Kurz test in middle-aged and elderly Chinese].

Objective: To investigate the applicability of the modified memory sub-test of syndrom kurz test (SKT-M) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Methods: Between March 1, 2017, and October 31, 2017, at HwaMei Hospital, 132 patients receiving elective great saphenous vein high ligation and stripping operation and 96 their accompanying dependents, 55-75 years old, were randomly divided into the SKT-M group (n=121) and auditory verbal learning test -huashan version (AVLT-H) group (n=107) using random numeral method. The two groups underwent two corresponding neuropsychological tests respectively on the day before surgery and the second day after surgery. Results: There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics and all the neuropsychological indices at the two time points between patients and dependents (P>0.05). As a consequence, the data of the patients and dependents were integrated to compare the applicability of SKT-M and AVLT-H. The "low-score" ratio of SKT-M immediate recall (2.4%) was lower than that of AVLT-H test (12.1%) (χ(2)=8.138, P<0.01). Besides, the "low-score" ratio of SKT-M delayed recall (5.7%) was also lower than that of AVLT-H test (20.5%) (χ(2)=11.167, P<0.01). The influence factors of SKT-M were less than that of AVLT-H test. However, the learning effect of SKT-M immediate recall was more significant, for its first testing sore (23.1±5.4) was significantly higher than the second one (21.9±5.1) (t=-3.971, P<0.001). Conclusion: The SKT-M has better applicability to 55-75 years old Chinese than AVLT-H test, but its learning effect should be noted.

[Comparison of effects of two anesthesia methods on the first night sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly patients undergoing surgery for lower extremity varicose vein].

Objective: To investigate effects of two anesthesia methods on the first night sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly patients after surgery. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted from November 2017 to March 2018. Sixty patients, aged 50-70, undergoing elective surgery for unilateral lower extremity varicose vein at Ningbo No.2 Hospital, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade Ⅰ or Ⅱ, were enrolled and randomly allocated to two groups (n=30), general anesthesia group and spinal anesthesia group. On the first day before surgery, the patient's general data were collected and the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was used to assess the patient's sleep status in the past month. The postoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR) and pulse oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) in the ward were recorded with a multi-function monitor on first night after surgery. The total sleep time and arousal time were obtained by bispectral index (BIS) monitoring from 20: 00 (the first day) to 6: 00 (the second day). Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was recorded at 18: 00 at the second day after surgery. Results: There was no significant difference in general data and PSQI scale scores between the two groups of patients (all P>0.05). And there were no significant differences in MAP, HR, SpO(2) and BIS every 2 hours between the two groups from 20: 00 (the first day) to 6: 00 (the second day)(all P>0.05). Compared with the general anesthesia group, the first night of total sleep time in the spinal anesthesia group was significantly shorter[(357.2±83.4)min vs (275.1±64.8)min, t=-9.635, P<0.05], while the rate of wakefulness, total sleep time, overall sleep quality, daytime mood and daytime physical function were significantly higher[(25.9%, 22.2%, 25.9%, 18.5%18.5%) vs (51.7%, 51.7%, 55.2%, 48.3%44.8%), χ(2)=3.901, 5.192, 4.941, 5.523 and 4.437, all P<0.05], and the cases of postoperative urinary retention and lower limb discomfort were significantly higher[(8 and 6) vs (1 and 0), all P<0.05]. Conclusion: Both anesthesia methods can be safely and effectively applied to middle-aged and elderly patients with lower extremity varicose veins surgery, but patients with general anesthesia show fewer adverse reactions on the first night after surgery and have better sleep quality.

[A cohort study on the epidemiological characteristics of HBeAg sero-clearance in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients in Jiangsu province from 2012 to 2014].

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors related to HBeAg sero-clearance in chronic hepatitis B patients so as to provide evidence for regular management on chronic HBV patients. Methods: From 2012 to 2014, a cohort study was conducted among HBeAg positive chronic HBV patients in Jiangsu province. Association between the characteristics and incidence of HBeAg sero-clearance was analyzed by Cox regression method. The changing trend on HBV DNA between patients with HBeAg sero-clearance and those with persistent HBeAg positive status was compared by repeated measure data variance analysis method. Results: In 2012, there were 721 HBeAg positive hepatitis B patients aged (45.2 ± 14.2) years enrolled in this study. By 2014, the follow-up observation period was 1 058 person-years, and 393 cases had lost their HBeAg status, with the rate as 37.2/100 person-years. The HBeAg sero-clearance rate was 32.4/100 person-years in hepatitis B patients who received antiviral treatment. The probability of HBeAg clearance in HBeAg positive hepatitis B patients aged ≥60 year (62.0/100 person-years) was higher than those of aged <20 year (7.0/100 person-years). The rate of HBeAg sero-clearance in HBeAg positive patients with HBV DNA <20 000 IU/ml (75.8/100 person-years) was higher than those whose HBV DNA were ≥200 000 IU/ml (16.1/100 person-years). By Cox regression analysis, the HBV DNA level was an important influencing factor on the progress of HBeAg sero-clearance. Patients with HBV DNA levle as ≥200 000 IU/ml, had a lower HBeAg clearance rate (HR=0.18, 95%CI: 0.13-0.23, P<0.001). Compared to the persistent HBeAg positive group, HBV DNA showed a more dramatic fall in the HBeAg-lost group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The rate of HBeAg sero-clearance among HBeAg positive hepatitis B patients was correlated with age and HBV DNA status of the patients that called for comprehensive management and intervention programs to develop for the HBeAg positive hepatitis B patients with different characteristics.

[Prognosis and related risk factors for 465 subjects infected with hepatitis C virus in Danyang, Jiangsu province].

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and viral load of persons infected with HCV and the risk factors for severe outcomes. Methods: Medical testing and questionnaire survey were conducted on 465 cases who were infected with HCV, 20-30 years back. HCV RNA, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin, globulin and bilirubin were tested for these subjects. Factors as demography, tobacco and alcohol consumption, SNP of rs7453920 and rs2856718 on HLA-DQ gene of subjects with HCV RNA, were analyzed by multiple logistic regression method to explore the risk factors for severe outcomes among the patients. Result: Totally, 465 subjects had symptoms as hypodynamic (15.70%, 73/465), digestive system (17.63%, 82/465), and arthrodynia (10.32%, 48/465). HCV RNA was positive in 68.60% (319/465) of the subjects with median viral load as 76.01×10(4) copies/ml (min-max: 592 copies/ml -1.08×10(10) copies/ml). Totally, 11.83% (55/465) of the cases appeared having liver inflammation by routine ultrasound exams. ALT and AST was seen higher than 80 (IU/L) in 12.70% (59/465) and 11.18% (52/465) of the subjects, separately. Factors as being male (OR =2.298, 95%CI: 1.247-4.238), GA genotype compared with AA type in rs2856718 (OR=1.716, 95%CI: 1.070-2.752), alcohol intake ≥7 times per-week (OR=2.966, 95% CI: 0.979-8.988) etc., were independently related to HCV RNA sustained positivity. Factors as: being male (OR=1.694, 95%CI: 0.975-2.942), in 50-59 years age group (OR=2.414, 95%CI: 1.156-5.042), having other liver diseases (OR=2.592, 95% CI: 1.105-6.079) and carrying positive HCV RNA (OR=3.479, 95% CI: 1.648-7.343) etc. were independent risk factors for abnormal liver function. Conclusion: High rates of carrying sustained positive HCV RNA and abnormal liver function appeared in subjects who got the HCV infection 20-30 years ago. Factors as being male, in old age, being frequent alcohol taker, GA genotype in rs2856718 and with other liver diseases etc. were related to higher risk for developing severe outcomes.

[Epidemiological characteristics of HBeAg reversion in chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg seroconversion in Jiangsu province, 2012-2014].

Objective: To understand characteristics and influencing factors of reversion of HBeAg in chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg sero-conversion, and provide epidemiological evidence for the regular management of chronic hepatitis B patients. Methods: From 2012 to 2014, a cohort study was conducted among the chronic hepatitis B patients with sero-conversion of HBeAg in Jiangsu province. Association between participants' demographics, ALT, HBV DNA and incidence of HBeAg reversion was analyzed by Cox regression model. HBV DNA changing trend between patients with HBeAg reversion and patients with persistent HBeAg sero-conversion was compared by repeated measure data variance analysis. Results: In 2012, there were 5 068 HBeAg seroconverted chronic hepatitis B patients aged (51.9 ± 12.8) years enrolled. By 2014, HBeAg had reversed in 121 cases with the rate of 1.3/100 person-years. The probability of HBeAg reversion decreased with the age of the patients. By Cox regression analysis, HBV DNA level was an important influencing factor for the progress of HBeAg reversion. The patients with HBV DNA≥200 000 IU/ml had a higher HBeAg reversion rate DNA (3.8/100 person-years) than those with HBV DNA <2 000 IU/ml (1.1 person-years) (HR=3.44, 95% CI: 1.91-6.20, P=0.000). Compared with the persistent HBeAg sero-conversion group, HBV DNA and ALT showed a more dramatic increase in the HBeAg reversion group (P=0.000). Conclusions: There was a certain HBeAg reversion rate in chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg sero-conversion. Younger chronic CHB patients with HBeAg sero-conversion and those with higher HBV DNA lever had higher HBeAg reversion rate. Following up and management of chronic CHB patients with HBeAg sero-conversion is important and helpful for the control of hepatitis B.

[Follow-up study on efficacy of blocking mother-to-infant transmission of HBV and its influence factors in Jiangsu province, 2010-2015].

Objective: To evaluate the effects of blocking transmission of HBV from mother to infant in Jiangsu, and discuss influencing factors related to development of chronic HBV infection in children of HBsAg positive mother. Methods: HBsAg positive mothers delivered during 2010-2015 in three counties of Jiangsu (Zhangjiagang, Danyang and Taixing) and their neonates were included in the study. The neonates were vaccinated with hepatitis B vaccine (10 µg) and hepatitis B immunoglobin (100 units) within 24 hours after birth. Blood samples were collected from the infants 7 months later, and serum HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc were detected by Abbott particles chemiluminescence. Results: A total of 2 099 children aged 7-52 months were surveyed, of whom 34 (1.62%) developed chronic HBV infection. Logistic regression analysis showed that mother HBeAg positivity (RR=4.997, 95% CI: 2.408-10.370) was the independent risk factors of mother-to-infant transmission of HBV, while elder delivery age (RR=0.264, 95% CI: 0.101-0.691) was independent protective factors of HBV transmission. Among the other 2 065 uninfected children, 9.7% had anti-HBs level less than 10 mIU/ml, 35.4% between 10 and 100 mIU/ml, and 54.9% higher than 100 mIU/ml. The anti-HBs positive rate was 90.3% and the anti-HBc positive rate was 13.7%. The positive rate and geometric mean titers (GMT) of anti-HBs reached the peaks at 7-12 months after birth, and decreased with the age. Conclusions: The current immunological strategy of Jiangsu has good protective efficacy for the interruption of perinatal transmission of HBV. Mother HBeAg positivity is the major risk factor for perinatal blocking failure. Children with effective immunization still need to be monitored for anti-HBs and revaccinated if necessary.

[Effects and related mechanism of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine on endothelial function in rats with hyperhomocysteinemia].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects and related mechanism of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine(Aza) on endothelial function in Hyperhomocysteinemia rats. METHODS: Adult male SD rats were divided into 3 groups (n=7 each): control group, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) group and Aza group according to the random number table. Control group rats were fed with normal diet. HHcy group rats were fed with diet adding 3% L-methionine. Aza group rats were fed with diet adding 3% L-methionine and Aza (0.5 mg/kg) injection for consecutive three days per week for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, content of rat plasma homocysteine (Hcy) was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The rat mesenteric artery endothelium-dependent diastolic function was detected. The nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and asymmetric dimethyl fine ammonia acid (ADMA) content were detected by ELISA, and the content of nitric oxide was detected by nitrate reductase method in the mesenteric arteries. The mRNA expression of DNA methyl transferase 1 (DNMT1) and dimethyl arginine acid dimethylamine hydrolase 2 (DDAH2) in the mesenteric arteries were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR, and the protein expressions of DNMT1 and DDAH2 in the mesenteric arteries were detected by Western blot. The DDAH2 promoter methylation level in the mesenteric arteries was detected by nested methylation specific PCR. RESULTS: (1) The content of plasma Hcy was significantly higher in the HHcy group and Aza group compared to the control group ((29.00±0.94) µmol/L and (26.43±0.47) µmol/L vs.(10.34±0.63) µmol/L, both P<0.01), which was significantly reduced in the Aza group compared with the HHcy group (P<0.05). (2) Acetylcholine-mediated relaxation at various concentrations was significantly lower in the HHcy group and the Aza group compared with the control group (both P<0.05), which was significantly increased in Aza group compared with HHcy group (P<0.05). SNP-mediated relaxation at various concentrations was similar among the three groups(all P>0.05). (3) Compared with the control group, the content of nitric oxide in the HHcy group was significantly decreased ((0.52±0.01) µmol/g vs.(0.42±0.00) µmol/g, P<0.01), which could be increased by Aza((0.49±0.01) µmol/g, P<0.05); the eNOS activity in the HHcy group was significantly decreased ((0.74±0.01) U/mg vs. (0.57±0.00) U/mg, P<0.01), which could be significantly increased by Aza ((0.65±0.01) U/mg, P<0.01); the content of ADMA in the HHcy group was significantly increased ((0.34±0.01) µmol/g vs. (0.37±0.00) µmol/g, P<0.05), which could be significantly decreased by Aza ((0.32±0.01) µmol/g, P<0.05). (4) Compared with the control group, the relative expression of DDHA2 mRNA in the HHcy group was significantly decreased (0.15±0.01 vs.0.12±0.01, P<0.01), which could be significantly increased by Aza (0.13±0.01, P<0.05); the relative expression of DDHA2 protein in the HHcy group was significantly decreased (0.31±0.02 vs. 0.24±0.01, P<0.01), which could be significantly increased by Aza (0.28±0.01, P<0.01). Compared with the control group, the relative expression of DNMT1 mRNA in the HHcy group was significantly increased (0.23±0.01 vs.0.43±0.01, P<0.01), which could be significantly decreased by Aza (0.39±0.01, P<0.05); the relative expression of DNMT1 protein in the HHcy group was significantly increased (0.35±0.01 vs. 0.50±0.01, P<0.01), which could be significantly decreased by Aza (0.47±0.01, P<0.05). (5) Compared with the control group, the methylated/non methylated ratio of DDHA2 promoter in the HHcy group was significantly increased (1.04±0.03 vs. 1.26±0.03, P<0.01), which could be significantly decreased by Aza (0.80±0.03, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Aza can inhibit the activity of DNMT1, reduce DDAH2 promoter methylation level, increase the expression of DDAH2, decrease the content of ADMA, increase eNOS activity and content of nitric oxide, thus lead to the improvement of endothelial dysfunction in mesenteric artery of Hyperhomocysteinemia rats.

[A cohort study of hepatitis B virus carriers progressing to chronic hepatitis in Jiangsu province, 2012-2014].

Objective: To understand epidemiological characteristics and influencing factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers progressing to chronic hepatitis B in Jiangsu, and provide evidence for regular management of HBV carriers. Methods: From 2012 to 2014, a cohort study was conducted among the HBV carriers in an area in Jiangsu province. Association between HBV carriers' demographics, HBeAg level and HBV DNA detection result and incidence of chronic hepatitis B was analyzed by Cox regression analyses. Results: In 2012, a total of 4 069 HBV carriers aged (52.0±12.8) years were surveyed. By 2014, chronic hepatitis B had developed in 1 444 cases, with the rate of 21.0/100 person-years. Cox regression analysis indicted that, in addition to gender, HBV DNA level was an important influencing factor for the incidence of chronic hepatitis B (P<0.05). In HBeAg positive carriers progressing to chronic hepatitis, 40.7% had HBeAg seroconversion, and reversion of HBeAg occurred in 1.7% of HBeAg negative carriers. Conclusion: Chronic hepatitis B developed in more than 1/5 (21.0/100 person-years) of HBV carriers in the surveyed area in Jiangsu. It is suggested to conduct regular ALT, HBV DNA detection and B ultrasonic examination in HBV carriers for the early detection of chronic hepatitis B.

Effects of docetaxel plus three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy on microvessel density and apoptosis expression in local advanced squamous non-small-cell lung cancer.

We examined the effects of weekly single-agent docetaxel plus three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) on apoptotic index (AI) and microvessel density (MVD) in local advanced non-small-cell lung squamous cancer patients and analyzed the correlation of MVD, AI, and 50% tumor shrinkage time (T0.5) The molecular mechanism of docetaxel radiosensitization was investigated. Sixty untreated patients with stage IIIA or IIIB lung squamous cancer were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: observation (N = 30; 3D-CRT + docetaxel + adjuvant chemotherapy) and control (N = 30; 3D-CRT + adjuvant chemotherapy). From day 1 radiotherapy, the observation group received intravenous docetaxel (36 mg/m(2)) once weekly for 6 weeks. Post-radiotherapy, chemotherapy of docetaxel combined with cisplatin lasted 4-6 cycles in both groups. Before radiotherapy and within 24 h after radiotherapy (20 Gy), bronchoscopic biopsy was performed twice at the same site. To analyze the MVD of tumor specimens with immunohistochemical staining . The AI of lung cancer cells was assessed with TUNEL assay, T0.5 values were calculated. The observation group had significantly lower MVD than the control group (P < 0.05). AI significantly increased before and after treatment in the observation group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The decreased MVD values negatively correlated with T0.5 values (r = -0.624, P < 0.05), whereas the increased AI values did not correlate with the T0.5 values. Docetaxel radiosensitization may occur by decrease in MVD and increase in AI values. Weekly single-agent docetaxel plus 3D-CRT can improve prognosis and quality of life in local advanced non-small-cell lung squamous cancer patients.

Hepatitis C virus infection and risk factors in the general population: a large community-based study in eastern China, 2011-2012.

Limited information is available on the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the general population in China. A community-based epidemiological study was conducted in three counties in eastern China. A total of 149 175 individuals were investigated in 60 communities in three counties in Jiangsu province, eastern China, of whom 1175 subjects [0·79%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·74-0·83] were HCV antibody positive. The prevalence was low in children (0·09%, 95% CI 0·04-0·17), but increased progressively from adolescents (0·20%, 95% CI 0·15-0·28) to adults aged ⩾21 years (95% CI 0·15-1·64). Women had a higher prevalence of HCV infection than men in most age groups. In a multilevel regression analysis, age, sex, education, occupation, blood transfusion [odds ratio (OR) 2·91, 95% CI 1·09-5·37], invasive testing (OR 1·28, 95% CI 1·14-1·61), and dental therapy (OR 2·27, 95% CI 1·41-3·42) were associated with HCV infection. In conclusion, although the prevalence of HCV in this population was lower than reported from national levels, the total reservoir of infection is significant and warrants public health measures, such as health education to limit the magnitude of the problem.