Leaf-root-soil N:P stoichiometry of ephemeral plants in a temperate desert in Central Asia.

Ephemeral plants are a crucial vegetation component in temperate deserts of Central Asia, and play an important role in biogeochemical cycle and biodiversity maintenance in desert ecosystems. However, the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) status and interrelations of leaf-root-soil of ephemeral plants remain unclear. A total of 194 leaf-root-soil samples of eight ephemeral species at 37 sites in the Gurbantunggut Desert, China were collected, and then the corresponding N and P concentrations, and the N:P ratio were measured. Results showed that soil parameters presented no significant difference among the eight species. The total soil N:P was only 0.116 (geomean), indicating limited soil N, while the available soil N:P (4.896, geomean) was significantly larger than the total N:P. The leaf N (averagely 30.995 mg g-1) and P (averagely 1.523 mg g-1) concentrations were 2.64-8.46 and 0.93-3.99 times higher than the root N (averagely 8.014 mg g-1) and P (averagely 0.802 mg g-1) concentrations, respectively. Thus, leaf N:P (averagely 21.499) was 1.410-2.957 times higher than root N:P (averagely 11.803). Meanwhile, significant interspecific differences existed in plant stoichiometric traits. At the across-species level, N content scaled as the 3/4-power of P content in both leaves and roots. Leaf and root N:P ratios were mainly influenced by P; however, the leaf-to-root N or P ratio was dominated by roots. Leaf and root N, P contents and N:P were generally unrelated to soil nutrients, and the former presented lower variation than the latter, indicating a strong stoichiometric homeostasis for ephemerals. These results demonstrate that regardless of soil nutrient supply capacity in this region, the fast-growing ephemeral plants have formed a specific leaf-root-soil stoichiometric relation and nutrient use strategy adapting to the extreme desert environment.

The Validity and Reliability of a Tire Pressure-Based Power Meter for Indoor Cycling.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of a tire pressure sensor (TPS) cycling power meter against a gold standard (SRM) during indoor cycling. Twelve recreationally active participants completed eight trials of 90 s of cycling at different pedaling and gearing combinations on an indoor hybrid roller. Power output (PO) was simultaneously calculated via TPS and SRM. The analysis compared the paired 1 s PO and 1 min average PO per trial between devices. Agreement was assessed by correlation, linear regression, inferential statistics, effect size, and Bland-Altman LoA. Reliability was assessed by ICC and CV comparison. TPS showed near-perfect correlation with SRM in 1 s (rs = 0.97, p < 0.001) and 1-min data (rs = 0.99, p < 0.001). Differences in paired 1 s data were statistically significant (p = 0.04), but of a trivial magnitude (d = 0.05). There was no significant main effect for device (F(1,9) = 0.05, p = 0.83, ηp2 = 0.97) in 1 min data and no statistical differences between devices by trial in post hoc analysis (p < 0.01-0.98; d < 0.01-0.93). Bias and LoA were -0.21 ± 16.77 W for the 1 min data. Mean TPS bias ranged from 3.37% to 7.81% of the measured SRM mean PO per trial. Linear regression SEE was 7.55 W for 1 min TPS prediction of SRM. ICC3,1 across trials was 0.96. No statistical difference (p = 0.09-0.11) in TPS CV (3.6-5.0%) and SRM CV (4.3-4.7%). The TPS is a valid and reliable power meter for estimating average indoor PO for time periods equal to or greater than 1 min and may have acceptable sensitivity to detect changes under less stringent criteria (±5%).

[Evaluation of safety of meningococcal group AC bivalent polysaccharide conjugate vaccine in children aged 5-24 months old].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of meningococcal group AC bivalent polysaccharide conjugate vaccine among children aged 5-24 months old. METHODS: From July 2011 to June 2012, a total of 34 411 children aged 5-24 month-old who voluntarily vaccinated meningococcal group AC bivalent polysaccharide conjugate vaccine in Zhongshan city were included. The adverse effects within 72 hours were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: 34 411 children were recruited, including 18 708 boys (54.36%), whose mean age were ( 11.4 ± 3.9 ) months old.Within 72 hours, the incidence rates of local adverse effects were 0.76% (261/34 411) for erythema,0.57% (197/34 411) for sclerosis,0.56% (191/34 411) for swelling,0.42% (143/34 411) for pain,0.15% (53/34 411) for pruritus, and 0.15% (50/34 411) for rash on the injection site. The overall incidence rate of local adverse effects was 1.61% (554/34 411; 95%CI:1.48%-1.74%). The incidence rates of systemic adverse effects were 0.98% (312/34 411) for fever,0.48% (164/34 411) for anorexia,0.31% (108/34 411) for diarrhea,0.29% (100/34 411) for malaise,0.20% (70/34 411) for nausea and vomiting, and 0.08% (26/34 411) for headache. The overall incidence rate of systemic adverse effects was 1.64% (565/34 411; 95%CI:1.51%-1.78%).25 children (0.07%) had hyperpyrexia ( > 39°C), and the time of duration lasted less than 48 hours.16 children (0.05%) had symptoms of cold, such as cough and catarrh.No accident and other serious events were reported. The incidence rate of systemic adverse effects among boys was 1.79% (334/18 708), which was higher than that of girls (1.47%, 231/15 703), the difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 5.22, P < 0.01). The incidence rate of systemic adverse effects among children aged 5-12 month-old was 1.78% (411/23 113), which was higher than that among children aged 13-24 month-old (1.36%, 154/11 298), the difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 8.10, P < 0.01). The incidence rate of local adverse effects in children vaccinated the first dose was 1.72% (536/31 129), which was higher than that in children vaccinated the second or third dose (0.55%, 18/3282), the difference showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 25.81, P < 0.01). The incidence rate of systemic adverse effects in children vaccinated the first dose was 1.73% (539/31 129), which was higher than that in children vaccinated the second or third dose (0.79%, 26/5282), whose difference also showed statistical significance (χ(2) = 16.22, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The safety of meningococcal group AC bivalent polysaccharide conjugate vaccine among children aged 5-24 months old is relative good.

[The difference of IL-28B polymorphisms between hepatitis C patients with and without cryoglobulinemia].

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients infected with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) show a differential distribution profile of IL-28B polymorphisms according to the presence of concomitant cryoglobulinemia. METHODS: Sixty-two consecutive CHC patients were enrolled in the study between December 2008 and December 2010. All patients received combination therapy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (weekly, 180 g, subcutaneous injection) plus ribavirin (daily, 10to15 mg/kg body weight, oral) for 48 weeks, with individualized dosage adjustments according to the patient's clinical situation. Cryoglobulins were detected visibly by separation of cryoprecipitates in patient serum samples. Three IL-28B SNPs (rs8099917, rs12979860, and rs12980275) were detected by sequencing. Response to treatment was assessed by measuring serum levels of HCV RNA by quantitative PCR at baseline (prior to treatment initiation), during treatment (4 and 12 weeks after treatment initiation), end of therapy (48 weeks after treatment initiation), and post-treatment (24 weeks after end of therapy). The significance of between-group differences were assessed by the Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Cryoglobulinemia was detected in 43.5% (27/62) of the CHC patients and showed a female bias (59.3% vs. males: 34.3%, P = 0.05). Compared to CHC patients without cryoglobulinemia, the CHC patients with cryoglobulinemia showed significantly higher levels of HCV RNA at baseline (5.64+/-1.20 vs. 6.37+/-0.67, P less than 0.05) but lower frequencies of the IL28B rs8099917 TT genotype (94.3% vs. 63.0%, P = 0.002), rs8099917 T allele (97.1% vs. 81.5%, P = 0.003), and rs12979860 C allele (94.3% vs. 83.3%, P = 0.048). CHC patients with cryoglobulinemia and having the rs8099917 TT, rs12979860 CC, or rs12980275 AA genotype achieved a higher rate of sustained virological response. CONCLUSION: Cryoglobulinemia in CHC patients is associated with a differential distribution of IL-28B polymorphisms, and certain polymorphisms may be related to anti-viral treatment response.

[The effect of cryoglobulinemia on the antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible influence of cryoglobulinemia on the antiviral effect in chronic hepatitis C patients, who were treated with combination therapy of pegylated interferon alpha-2a and ribavirin. METHODS: Forty consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) were enrolled in the study. They received pegylated interferon alfa-2a (40kD, 180mug/w) along with ribavirin. Baseline cryoglobulins were detected in the sera by cryoprecipitation. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotyping was performed and HCV viral load was detected at baseline, and at 4, 12 weeks during treatment, 24 weeks after cessation of treatment. RESULTS: Eighteen (45.0%) patients infected with HCV were cryoglobulins positive at baseline. Mean serum HCV RNA level in cryoglobulins positive patients was higher than that in cryoglobulins negative patients (6.36+/-0.63 vs. 5.70+/-1.20, P = 0.032). The rapid virological response (RVR) rate was statically different between cryoglobulins positive patients and cryoglobulins negative ones (6/18, 33.3% vs. 15/22, 68.2%, P = 0.028). In contrast, no difference was found in early virological response (EVR) rate between the cryoglobulins positive patients and cryoglobulins negative ones (14/17, 82.4% vs. 18/21, 85.7%, P = 1.0). Sustained virological response (SVR) rate in cryoglobulins positive and cryoglobulins negative was different (0/3, 0 vs 6/6, 100%, P = 0.012). The rate of patients achieved RVR was different between the patients infected with HCV genotype 1 b of two groups (cryoglobulins positive: 2/13, 15.4% vs cryoglobulins negative 14/21; 66.7%, P = 0.005). However, the rate of EVR in patients infected HCV genotype 1 b was not statistically different (cryoglobulins positive: 9/12, 75.0% vs. cryoglobulins negative 17/20; 81.2%, P = 0.647). CONCLUSION: The rates of RVR and SVR achievement in cryoglobulinemia positive CHC patients are lower than those in cryoglobulinemia negative CHC patients.

[Protection and mechanisms of salvianolic-acid B on experimental renal interstitial fibrosis in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of salvianolic acid B (SA-B) on renal interstitial fibrosis in rats induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: 18 male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups, 6 in each group. After the models were established, the rats were treated with SA-B for 2 weeks. Then their renal pathology were examined by hight microscope and electron microscopy Protein expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) and E-cadherin (E-cad) in the obstructed kidney were analyzed by Western blot and Biochemistry assay. RESULTS: Pathological examination of the kidney in model group showed tubules lumen widened and many inflammatory cells infiltrated, a part of renal tubule expanded and part of them atrophied. The tubular epithelial cells were karyorrhexis or karyolysis, some tubulars were atrophy. The protein expression of alpha-SMA were significantly up-regulated (P < 0.01) and E-cad were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.01) in the model group. After intervention with SA-B, the renal pathological status in the treatment group was significantly improved, the expression of alpha-SMA were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05), but E-cad only a little up-regulated (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: SA-B could antagonize renal interstitial fibrosis mainly by maintaining epithelial phenotype, inhibiting the protein of alpha-SMA which is the principal effect cells that are responsible for the progressive kidney fibrosis.

[Effect of Liuwei Dihuang pill on expression of NF-kappaB in kidney lesion induced by gentamicin in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pill on kidney lesion in rats induced by gentamicin and its mechanism. METHODS: Rats were divided into three groups: control group, gentamicin group, Liuwei Dihuang Pill group randomly. Parameters of kidney function and oxidative production in three groups were tested by biochemical analysis. Nuclear Factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) protein were determined by western blotting. RESULTS: Parameters of weight, kidney indexes, oxidative production MDA and enzyme activity of NOS in kidney cortex of gentamicin group significantly increased (P < 0.05), and enzyme activity of SOD significantly decreased (P < 0. 05). The protein expression of NF-kappaB in gentamicin group was significantly up-regulated. After treatment with Liuwei Dihuang Pill, the above-mentioned up-regulated parameters were all significantly inhibited. CONCLUSION: Liuwei Dihuang Pill can inhibit the expression of NF-kappaB protein, so as to alleviate the renal oxidative lesion, and it may be one of the important mechanisms for treating gentamicin induced kidney lesion.

Early renal injury indicators can help evaluate renal injury in patients with chronic hepatitis B with long-term nucleos(t)ide therapy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with long-term nucleos(t)ide therapy may experience renal insufficiency. Traditional renal function indicators, such as urine protein, serum urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine, are normal when early mild lesions occur. Therefore, more sensitive renal function indicators are needed. AIM: To investigate the significance of early renal injury indicators in evaluating renal injury in patients with CHB with long-term nucleos(t)ide therapy. METHODS: We collected the clinical data of 69 outpatients with CHB at Peking University First Hospital from March 2018 to January 2020 who had been treated with long-term nucleos(t)ide therapy and analyzed the results of early renal injury indicators. Continuous normal distribution data were analyzed by the t-test to determine the difference between two groups. Continuous non-normally distributed data were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U-test between two groups. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to determine the differences among multiple groups. Enumeration data were analyzed by the chi-square test. The related factors of early renal injury indicators were analyzed by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The average treatment duration with nucleos(t)ide analogs of the 69 patients with CHB was 99.7 ± 28.7 mo. The cases of patients with elevated BUN and hypophosphatemia were 6 (8.7%) and 13 (18.8%), respectively; 31 (44.9%) patients had abnormal early renal injury indicators, including 9 patients with abnormal urine microalbumin, 7 patients with abnormal urine immunoglobulin, 6 patients with abnormal urine transferrin, and 19 patients with abnormal α1 microglobulin. There were no significant differences in the mean values of age, sex, BUN, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum uric acid, serum calcium, or serum phosphorus between the two groups of patients with and without early renal injury indicators. However, the mean levels of serum creatinine and urine creatinine, N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosidase enzyme, α1 microglobulin, and urine immunoglobulin in the former group of patients were significantly higher than those in the latter group of patients (P < 0.05). The incidence of early renal injury in patients with eGFR ≥ 90, 60-89, and 30-59 mL/(min·1.73 m2) was 36.4% (8/22), 47.6% (20/42), and 60% (3/5), respectively. Logistic regression analysis results showed that gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [odds ratio (OR) = 1.05 (1.008-1.093), P = 0.020], direct bilirubin [OR = 1.548 (1.111-2.159), P = 0.010], serum creatinine [OR = 1.079 (1.022-1.139), P = 0.006], and age [OR = 0.981 (0.942-1.022), P = 0.357] were independent predictors of early renal injury. CONCLUSION: Patients with CHB treated with long-term nucleos(t)ide analog therapy had a high probability of early renal injury, and early renal injury indicators were highly sensitive and could be used to monitor early renal impairment.

Novel N-containing rotenoid and seco-rotenoid from the root of Derris elliptica.

Two new rotenoids, 2-hydroxy-5-aminorotenonone (1) and elliptoic acid (2), were isolated from the roots of Derris elliptica collected in Guangdong Province, China. Their structures were established by extensive spectral analysis. Compound 1 is the first N-containing rotenoid and compound 2 is the third rotenoid with the cleavage of C(12)-C(12a).

Effects of antiviral agents and HBV genotypes on intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of antiviral agents and HBV genotypes on intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (ccc DNA) in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients. METHODS: Seventy-one patients received lamivudine (n = 35), or sequential therapy with lamivudine- interferon alpha 2b (IFN-alpha 2b, n = 24) for 48 wk, or IFN-alpha 2b (n = 12) for 24 wk. All subjects were followed up for 24 wk. Intrahepatic ccc DNA was measured quantitatively by PCR. HBV genotypes were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: Sequential lamivudine- INF-alpha therapy, lamivudine and INF-alpha monotherapy reduced ccc DNA of 1.7 log, 1.4 log and 0.8 log, respectively (P < 0.05). Seventeen out of the 71 patients developed HBeAg seroconversion, the reduction of ccc DNA in the HBeAg seroconversion patients was more significant than that in the HBeAg positive patients (3.0 log vs 1.6 log, P = 0.0407). Twenty-four weeks after antiviral therapy withdrawal, 16 patients had a sustained virological response, the baseline intrahepatic ccc DNA in the patients with a sustained virological response was significantly lower than that in the patients with virological rebound (4.6 log vs 5.4 log, P = 0.0472). HBV genotype C accounted for 85.9% (n = 61), and genotype B for 14.1% (n = 10), respectively, in the 71 patients. There was no significant difference in the change of ccc DNA level between HBV genotypes C and B (2.1 log vs 1.9 log). CONCLUSION: Forty-eight week sequential lamivudine-INF-alpha therapy and lamivudine monotherapy reduce ccc DNA more significantly than 24-wk INF-alpha monotherapy. Low baseline intrahepatic ccc DNA level may predict the long-term efficacy of antiviral treatment. HBV genotypes C and B have no obvious influence on ccc DNA load.

Relationship between nm23H1 genetic instability and clinical pathological characteristics in Chinese digestive system cancer patients.

AIM: To study the relationship between nm23H1 gene genetic instability and its clinical pathological characteristics in Chinese digestive system cancer patients. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) was used to analyze the microsatellite instability (MSI) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH). Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect the expression of nm23H1. RESULTS: The MSI was higher in TNM stage I + II than in stage III + IV of gastric, colonic and gallbladder carcinomas. The LOH was higher in TNM stage III + IV than in stage I + II of gastric, colonic and hepatocellular carcinomas. Lymphatic metastasis was also observed. The expression of nm23H1 protein was lower in TNM stage III + IV than in stage I + II of these tumors and in patients with lymphatic metastasis.The nm23H1 protein expression was higher in the LOH negative group than in the LOH positive group. CONCLUSION: MSI and LOH may independently control the biological behaviors of digestive system cancers. MSI could serve as an early biological marker of digestive system cancers. Enhanced expression of nm23H1 protein could efficiently inhibit cancer metastasis and improve its prognosis. LOH mostly appears in late digestive system cancer.

[Effects of antiviral agents on intrahepatic ccc DNA in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of antiviral agents on intrahepatic HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients. METHODS: Seventy-one HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients were enrolled in this study. Lamivudine was administered to 35 patients for 48 weeks, sequential therapy with lamivudine-IFN alpha-2b to 24 of the 71 patients for 48 weeks, and interferon alpha (IFN alpha-2b) was administered to 12 for 24 weeks. All subjects were followed-up for 24 weeks. Serum HBV DNA, intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA were measured quantitatively by PCR. HBV genotypes were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: Forty-eight weeks of sequential lamivudine-IFN alpha-therapy and lamivudine monotherapy and 24 weeks of IFN alpha monotherapy reduced the intrahepatic HBV DNA to (4.7+/-1.1) log10, (4.6+/-1.5) log10 and (5.6+/-1.5) log10, and cccDNA to (3.4+/-1.3) log10, (3.8+/-1.1) log10 and (5.0+/-1.5) log10, significantly lower than therapy (P < 0.05). Seventeen of the 71 patients developed HBeAg seroconversion, and the reduction of cccDNA in the HBeAg seroconverted patients was significantly more than that of the HBeAg positive patients (P < 0.05). After 24 weeks of antiviral therapy withdrawal, 18 patients achieved sustained virological response, and the baseline intrahepatic cccDNA in the patients with sustained virological response was significantly lower than that of patients with virological rebound (P < 0.05). The change in intrahepatic cccDNA correlated positively with the reduction in intrahepatic HBV DNA (P < 0.05). The cccDNA levels correlated with the serum HBeAg titers at the end of the treatment (P < 0.01). Of the total 71 cases, HBV genotype C accounted for 85.9% (n = 61), and genotype B for 14.1% (n = 10). There was no significant difference in the changes of intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA levels between HBV genotypes C and B (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both 48 weeks of sequential lamivudine-IFN alpha and lamivudine monotherapy strongly reduced intrahepatic HBV DNA and cccDNA more than 24 weeks of IFN alpha monotherapy. Low baseline intrahepatic cccDNA levels might predict a good long-term efficacy of antiviral treatment. The reduction of intrahepatic cccDNA correlated positively with the changes of intrahepatic HBV DNA, and intrahepatic cccDNA levels correlated with serum HBeAg titers. HBV genotypes had no obvious influence on intrahepatic HBV DNA load or cccDNA load.

Intrahepatic HBV DNA as a predictor of antivirus treatment efficacy in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of antiviral agents on intrahepatic HBV DNA in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients. METHODS: Seventy-one patients received treatment with lamivudine, interferon alpha (IFN-alpha 2b) or sequential therapy with lamivudine-IFN-alpha 2b for 48 wk. All subjects were followed up for 24 wk. Serum and intrahepatic HBV DNA were measured quantitatively by PCR. HBV genotypes were analyzed by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, the intrahepatic HBV DNA level in 71 patients decreased from a mean of (6.1 +/- 1.0) log10 to (4.9 +/- 1.4) log10. Further, a larger decrease was seen in the intrahepatic HBV DNA level in patients with HBeAg seroconversion. Intrahepatic HBV DNA level (before and after treatment) was not significantly affected by the patients' HBV genotype, or by the probability of virological flare after treatment. CONCLUSION: Intrahepatic HBV DNA can be effectively lowered by antiviral agents and is a significant marker for monitoring antivirus treatment. Low intrahepatic HBV DNA level may achieve better efficacy of antivirus treatment.

[Effect of Kangxianling Decoction on expression of hepatocyte growth factor mRNA and phosphorylations of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 and p38 in renal tissue of rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction].

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Kangxianling Decoction (KXLD), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mRNA and phosphorylations of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2) and p38 in renal tissue of rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). METHODS: Eighteen male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: sham-operated group, untreated group and KXLD-treated group. A rat model of renal interstitial fibrosis was established by UUO. Rats with UUO were sacrificed after intragastric administration of KXLD for 14 days, and the parameters such as serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and hydroxyproline in the kidney of rats in 3 groups were analyzed. The expression of HGF mRNA in kidney tissue was determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The expressions of c-Met protein, ERK1/2 protein, p38 protein and the phosphorylations of ERK1/2 and p38 were determined by Western blotting method. RESULTS: The levels of SCr, BUN and hydroxyproline in the untreated group were significantly increased as compared with those in the sham-operated group (P<0.05). The expression of HGF mRNA in the untreated group was significantly down-regulated. The expression of c-Met protein and the phosphorylations of ERK1/2 and p38 in the kidney tissue of rats with UUO in the untreated group were significantly up-regulated. After intervention with KXLD, the phosphorylations of ERK1/2 and p38 were all significantly inhibited except for c-Met expression. The HGF mRNA was increased in KXLD-treated group. CONCLUSION: KXLD can decrease the level of collagen in the obstructed kidney of rats with UUO and alleviate the renal interstitial fibrosis in rats with UUO through enhancing the HGF mRNA expression and inhibiting the phosphorylations of ERK1/2 and p38.

Mutations in surface and polymerase gene of chronic hepatitis B patients with coexisting HBsAg and anti-HBs.

AIM: To investigate the clinical significance and presence of mutations in the surface (S) and overlapping polymerase gene of hepatitis B patients with coexisting HBsAg and anti-HBs. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with chronic hepatitis B were studied. Of the 23 patients, 11 were both positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HBV surface antigen (anti-HBs), 12 were negative for anti-HBs while positive for HBsAg. DNA was extracted from 200 muL serum of the patients. Nucleotide of the surface and overlapping polymerase gene from HBV-infected patients was amplified by PCR, and the PCR products were sequenced. RESULTS: Forty-one mutations were found within the surface gene protein of HBV in 15 patients (10 with coexisting HBsAg and anti-HBs). Six (14.6%) out of 41 mutations were located at "alpha " determinant region in 5 patients (4 positive for HBsAg and anti-HBs). Eleven mutations (26.8%) occurred in the downstream or upstream of "alpha " determinant region. Lamivudine (LMV)-selected mutations were found in three patients who developed anti-HBs, which occurred in amino acid positions (196, 198, 199) of the surface protein and in YMDD motif (M204I/V) of the polymerase protein simultaneously. Presence of these mutations did not relate to changes in ALT and HBV DNA levels. CONCLUSION: Besides mutations in the "alpha " deter-minant region, mutations at downstream or upstream of the "alpha " determinant region may contribute to the development of anti-HBs. These mutations do not block the replicating competency of HBV in the presence of high titer of anti-HBs.

Clinical features of probable severe acute respiratory syndrome in Beijing.

AIM: To summarize clinical features of probable severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Beijing. METHODS: Retrospective cases involving 801 patients admitted to hospitals in Beijing between March and June 2003, with a diagnosis of probable SARS, moderate type. The series of clinical manifestation, laboratory and radiograph data obtained from 801 cases were analyzed. RESULTS: One to three days after the onset of SARS, the major clinical symptoms were fever (in 88.14% of patients), fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia (25-36%), etc. The counts of WBC (in 22.56% of patients) lymphocyte (70.25%) and CD3, CD4, CD8 positive T cells (70%) decreased. From 4-7 d, the unspecific symptoms became weak; however, the rates of low respiratory tract symptoms, such as cough (24.18%), sputum production (14.26%), chest distress (21.04%) and shortness of breath (9.23%) increased, so did the abnormal rates on chest radiograph or CT. The low counts of WBC, lymphocyte and CD3, CD4, CD8 positive T cells touched bottom. From 8 to 16 d, the patients presented progressive cough (29.96%), sputum production (13.09%), chest distress (29.96%) and shortness of breath (35.34%). All patients had infiltrates on chest radiograph or CT, some even with multi-infiltrates. Two weeks later, patients' respiratory symptoms started to alleviate, the infiltrates on the lung began to absorb gradually, the counts of WBC, lymphocyte and CD3, CD4, CD8 positive T cells were restored to normality. CONCLUSION: The data reported here provide evidence that the course of SARS could be divided into four stages, namely the initial stage, progressive stage, fastigium and convalescent stage.

[Clinical and pathological analysis of primary biliary cirrhosis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome].

OBJECTIVE: To explore clinical and histopathological characteristics of primary biliary cirrhosis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome. METHODS: Clinical data and pathological findings of 10 patients were reviewed. RESULTS: Serum glutamine transpeptidase,alkaline phosphatase levels,alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, serum IgG and IgM were elevated in all the patients. They were all positive for anti-mitochondrial antibody and AMA-M2. Nine patients were positive for anti-nuclear antibody and one patient was positive for anti liver-kidney microsome antibody. Liver biopsies in these patients revealed: ten patients had bile duct lesion,hepatitis activities ranged from moderate to severe, and fibrosis ranged from S1 to S3. CONCLUSION: PBC-AIH overlap syndrome is mostly found in middle-aged women. It has the clinical and histopathological characteristics of both PBC and AIH. Accurate and prompt diagnosis of overlap syndrome patients should be based on the clinical presentation,biochemical and immune indexes,and hepatic pathological changes.

[Percutaneous lung cancer cryotherapy guided by computer tomography].

OBJECTIVE: To document the feasibility, safety and efficacy of percutaneous lung cancer cryotherapy (PLC) guided by Computer Tomography (CT). METHODS: Two hundred and thirty seven patients with lung cancer underwent CT-guided PLC from August, 2001 to April, 2003. CT-visualized immediate ice formation beyond tumor margins was compared to tumor size and location. PLC feasibility and safety were evaluated. CT scan, lung tissue biopsy and survival rate were observed at different stages postcryoablation. RESULTS: All the patients underwent PLC using local anesthesia with minimal or no sedation. Iceball formation was well seen as negative Hounsfield units within soft tissue masses. Tumor size and location were independent determinants of ice coverage which was 97% (n = 124) for masses < 4 cm in diameter, and 80% (n = 183) for masses > 4 cm in diameter (P < 0.01). Only 59 patients had transient mild hypertension, and no death occurred during cryotherapy. Most of the slight side-effects were self-limited. No major bleeding or bronchial sequelae were identified. CT scan showed that necrotic cavitation larger than the original mass developed in 78% of the cases within one week, and mostly resolved by 6 months (4%). Partial resolution + complete resolution was noted by 1 - 6 months, which demonstrated reduced or stable tumor size. Necrotic coagulation could be found within 1 month and fibrin scarring 3 months postcryoablation. The survival rate in 18 months was 86% for patients at an early stage of lung cancer, and 21% for patients at stage III, while the one year survival rate for patients at stage IV was 9%. CONCLUSION: CT-guided PLC, with minimal procedure associated morbidity or sequelae, is a promising treatment for lung neoplasm of any stage in nearly any location.