bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calcium phosphate bonded wood and fiber composite panels: production and optimization of panel properties
Authors: Osakue Amiandamhen Stephen , Martina Meincken , Luvuyo Tyhoda
Published: June 2017

The development of phosphate bonded composites with properties comparable with those of current Portland cement bonded products has been investigated. More precisely, the focus of the study was the optimization of calcium phosphate cements in combination with wood processing residues slash pine (Pinus elliottiiEngelm.) planer shavings, Black wattle (Acacia mearnsiiDe Wild.) residues, Blue gum (Eucalyptus globulusLabill.) residues, hemp (Cannabis SativaL.) hurds and dried crushed sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarumL.) as well as pulp mill sludge and waste paper. A central composite design (CCD) for the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied for selection of the proper parameters. Mechanical tests were conducted on the composite products and the effect of the processing variables was evaluated based on the Pareto analysis of variance. The density of the wood-based panels ranged from 0.68 to 1.21 g cm−3, that of the agricultural fibers from 0.59 to 1.15 g cm−3and that of the paper pulp panels from 0.81 to 1.21 g cm−3. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) data of the panels ranged from 1.63 to 4.92 MPa for wood, from 0.37 to 3.28 MPa for agricultural fibers and from 0.65 to 3.87 MPa for paper-pulp-based fibers. The physical properties of the composite products met the requirements for Portland-cement-bonded particleboards (EN 634-2, 2007).
Mobile Data Synchronization Methods
Authors: Pál Miklós , Láner Gábor
Published: June 2017

The study introduces and compares the performance of a classical and two innovative mobile data synchronization methods. A customized test environment will be created for every selected method researched. Performance, stability, and other measurement results will be produced from these environments, which will be the major outcome of the study.
Modelling a Three-Phase Current Source Inverter
Authors: Neukirchner László , Magyar Attila
Published: June 2017

A current source inverter model has been developed in the given paper that is constructed from six LTI models for the different switching modes. The overall model is in a piecewise affine form that supports the use of model predictive control. The model has been verified against engineering expectations and its open-loop performance shows that it is a promising basis of model predictive control structures.
Vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy at term: risk factors and pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Lee Chui Ling , Ng Beng Kwang , Wu Loo Ling , Cheah Fook Choe , Othman Hanita , Ismail Nor Azlin Mohamed
Published: June 2017

Background

Vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy is a worldwide epidemic. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, its predictive factors and the association with pregnancy outcomes.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective observational study in a tertiary teaching hospital over 2-years’ duration from August 2013 to August 2015. A total of 680 women who completed 37 weeks of pregnancy were recruited.

Results

Five hundred and seventy-five patients were enrolled in the final analysis for pregnancy outcomes (response rate of 84.6%). There were 71.7% patients who exhibited vitamin D deficiency, 21.0% vitamin D insufficiency and only 7.3% who had adequate levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-vit D) of more than 30 ng/mL. There was no statistically significant association between vitamin D status with maternal (parity, gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labor, antenatal infection, bacterial vaginosis and anemia) and neonatal outcomes (low birth weight baby and neonatal intensive care unit admission) among the three groups.

Conclusion

A high prevalence of low vitamin D level among pregnant women at term was seen in this study, however, there was no significant finding observed between vitamin D status and both maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Genetic Characterization of Fusion Protein of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus: Beijing
Authors: Lu Qi , Zhao Chun-xia , Shen Kun-ling , Xu Wen-bo , Zhang Yan , Yu Jia-lin , Yang Xi-qiang
Published: June 2017

Objective Fusion protein is a subunit of the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) and a potential vaccine candidate. Thus, a study on the genetic characteristics of F protein was considered important for further investigations in this field. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of the F gene of HRSV infections in hospitalized pediatric patients in Beijing with acute lower respiratory tract infections and to compare the circulating genotypes that are currently found worldwide.

Methods HRSV particles were amplified by RT-PCR and the PCR products were purified for sequencing. Further analysis was carried out by Bioedit and MEGA 3.0 biological software programs.

Results Seventy-six samples (23.1%) were positive for HRSV. The percentage of cases in patients younger than 1 year was 84.21%. Among the six Beijing isolates, four belonged to subgroup A, whose respective F genes shared 97.0%-97.4% nucleotide sequence identity and 92.1%-93.0% amino acid sequence identity. The other two isolates belonged to subgroup B. Here, 97.3% and 98.2% sequence identity were found at nucleotide and amino acid levels, respectively.

Conclusions Phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences revealed that those four isolates within subgroup A were monophyletic and closely related to each other, but those two within subgroup B distributed in two distinct clusters. Subgroup A and B strains co-circulated, indicating that two different transmission chains occurred in Beijing from 2003-2004.
Logistic Regression Analysis of Influencing Factors on Serum ALT and HCV RNA Changes in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Wang Cheng-bao , Chen Jian-jie , Nie Hong-ming , Gao Feng , Lv Hua , Li Hong-ding
Published: June 2017

Objective This study was undertaken to investigate the influencing factors on serum ALT level and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA titer in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

Methods All patients enrolled into this study were anti-HCV positive. Retrospective tracing method was applied to detect serum ALT level and HCV RNA titer and to collect general information of the patients such as genders, age groups, interferon medication history, infection pathways, height and weight. Then the multi-factor analysis was adopted with the application of binominal logistic regression mode.

Results The abnormal rate of ALT level was positively correlated to HCV RNA and gender while negatively correlated to interferon medication history and age group, with Wald value of the 4 factors as 39.604, 11.823, 18.991 and 7.389, respectively. The positive rate of HCV RNA was negatively correlated to interferon medication history and gender while positively correlated to ALT level, with corresponding Wald value of the 3 factors as 81.394, 7.618 and 27.562, respectively.

Conclusions The normal ALT level in HCV infected patients was associated with viral load, age, gender and interferon medication history, while the normal rate of HCV RNA titer was closely associated with gender, interferon medication history and ALT level.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Liver Steatosis Induced by Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Cheng Jun , Li Min , Gao Ping , Dong Jin-ling , Wang Qi
Published: June 2017

Liver steatosis is a pathological hallmark in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Increased lipid uptake, decreased lipid secretion, increased lipid synthesis and decreased lipid degradation are all involved in pathogenesis of steatosis induced by hepatitic C virus (HCV) infection. Level of low density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-R) and activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) α is related to liver uptake of lipid from circulation, and affected by HCV. Secretion via microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), and formation of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) have been hampered by HCV infection. Up-regulation of lipid synthesis related genes, such as sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1, SREBP-2, SREBP-1c, fatty acid synthase (FASN), HMG CoA reductase (HMGCR), liver X receptor (LXR), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), hepatic CB (1) receptors, retinoid X receptor (RXR) α, were the main stay of liver steatosis pathogenesis. Degradation of lipid in liver is decreased in patients with CHC. There is strong evidence that heterogeneity of HCV core genes of different genotypes affect their effects of liver steatosis induction. A mechanism in which steatosis is involved in HCV life cycle is emerging.
Higher Viral Load and Prolonged Viral Shedding Period is Associated with Impaired Th17 Cell Response in Patients with H1N1 Influenza A
Authors: Yang Gui-lin , Liu Ying-xia , Fang Mu-tong , Liu Wei-long , Chen Xin-chun , Nunnari John , Xie Jing-jing , Liao Ming-feng , Zhang Ming-xia , Li Guo-bao , Zhang Pei-ze , Guan Yi , Zhou Boping
Published: June 2017

Objective To explore whether age, disease severity, cytokines and lymphocytes in H1N1 influenza A patients correlate with viral load and clearance.

Methods Total of 70 mild and 16 severe patients infected with H1N1 influenza A virus were enrolled in this study.

Results It was found that the patients under 14 years old and severe patients displayed significantly higher viral loads and prolonged viral shedding periods compared with the patients over 14 years old and mild patients, respectively (P < 0.05). Moreover, the patients under 14 years old and severe patients displayed significantly lower Th17 cell frequency than the patients over 14 years old and mild patients (P < 0.01). The viral shedding period inversely correlated with the frequency of IL-17+IFN-γ-CD4+ T cells. Additionally, the decreased concentration of serum TGF-β correlated with the decreased frequency of IL-17+IFN-γ-CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions Both younger and severe patients are associated with higher viral loads and longer viral shedding periods, which may partially be attributed to the impaired Th17 cell response.
HFRS with Severe Heart Liver and Renal Failure: a Case Report
Authors: Zhou Qing , Lu Meng-Hou , Fu Lei , Tan De-Ming
Published: June 2017

Hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is caused by hantavirus infection, which was characterized by abrupt high fever, systemic hemorrhage, hypotension and renal damage. Although multiple system organ damage was not uncommon, but multiple organ system failure were rare. Hereafter we report one case with simultaneous renal, heart and liver failure. In this case, we received some experience and lessons.
Prediction of the Response to Pegylated Interferon α-2a in Patients with HBeAg Positive Chronic Hepatitis B through Decline of Serum HBV DNA and Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen at Week 4
Authors: Zheng Jian-ming , Chen Ming-quan , Zhu Meng-qi , Li Ning , Li Qian , Wang Xin-yu , Huang Chong , Shi Guang-feng
Published: June 2017

Objective To assess on-treatment serum HBsAg and HBV DNA kinetics in HBeAg-positive CHB patients to predict the efficacy of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) in early phase of treatment.

Methods Forty-one treatment-naive HBeAg-positive patients treated with PEG-IFNα 2a at a dose of 180 μg/week for at least 24 weeks were evaluated. Their treatment response was assessed, including normalization of serum ALT, decline of serum HBV DNA and loss of HBeAg.

Results We found that a decrease of HBV DNA level at the 4th week was positively correlated with the decrease of HBV DNA level at the 12th week and 24th week (r = 0.8202, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.6838, P < 0.0001, respectively). We observed that a decrease of HBsAg level at the 4th week was positively correlated with decrease of HBsAg level at the 12th week and 24th week (r = 0.4868, P = 0.0023 and r = 0.4251, P = 0.0109, respectively). A decrease of HBsAg level at the 24th week was positively correlated with the decrease of HBV DNA level at the 24th week (r = 0.5262, P = 0.0024). Serum level of IFN and IFN neutralizing antibody had no relationship with HBV DNA or HBsAg titers kinetics.

Conclusions The decline of serum HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen at the 4th week can be used to predict the response to PEG-IFNα 2a in patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B.
Meta-analysis on Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B with Telbivudine and Entecavir
Authors: Ye Zhen , Zhao Min , Jiao He , Feng Yang , Li Ying-zi , Nie Cui-fang , Zhang Yan-mei , Zhang Bo , Zhao Shu-Lian , Zhao Zheng-hua , Meng Guang-ju
Published: June 2017

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effects of telbivudine and entecavir on patients with chronic hepatitis B by meta-analysis method.

Methods Databases including the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and HighWire were searched from January 2008 to October 2012. Randomized controlled trials on treatment of chronic hepatitis B with telbivudine and entecavir were included. According to the Cochrane systematic reviews, the methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated and effective data was extracted from these studies and analyzed.

Results Six studies were included eventually. The telbivudine group included 417 cases and the entecavir group included 396 cases. For 12-week antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B, the rate of undetectable HBV DNA was 39.1% with telbivudine and 38.6% with entecavir [OR = 1.04, 95% CI (0.62, 1.73), P > 0.05]; for treatment of HBeAg (+) hepatitis B, the HBeAg clearance rate was 23.8% with telbivudine and 3.8% with entecavir [OR= 8.07, 95% CI (2.69, 24.21), P < 0.05], and the HBeAg seroconversion rate was 6.7% with telbivudine and 3.8% with entecavir [OR = 4.95, 95% CI (1.60, 15.31), P < 0.05]; the ALT normalization rate was 54.3% with telbivudine and 58.5% with entecavir [OR = 0.84, 95% CI (0.49, 1.45), P > 0.05]; and for early-stage treatment, the incidence of adverse events was 17.2% with telbivudine and 22.0% with entecavir [OR = 0.66, 95% CI (0.33, 1.32), P > 0.05]. For 1-year antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B, the rate of undetectable HBV DNA was 79.4% with telbivudine and 89.7% with entecavir [OR = 0.46, 95% CI (0.28, 0.74), P < 0.05]; for treatment of HBeAg (+) hepatitis B, the HBeAg clearance rate was 28.9% with telbivudine and 15.6% with entecavir [OR = 2.21, 95% CI (1.06, 4.58), P < 0.05], and the HBeAg seroconversion rate was 31.2% with telbivudine and 18.5% with entecavir [OR = 2.31, 95% CI (1.23, 4.31), P < 0.05]; the ALT normalization rate was 85.8% with telbivudine and 84.9% with entecavir [OR = 0.90, 95% CI (0.29, 2.84), P > 0.05]; and the resistance rate was 6.0% with telbivudine and 0.76% with entecavir [OR = 5.71, 95% CI (1.67, 19.47), P < 0.05].

Conclusions For 1-year treatment of chronic hepatitis B, the difference in ALT normalization between telbivudine and entecavir was not statistically significant; and telbivudine was superior over entecavir in terms of HBeAg undetectable and HBeAg seroconversion; entecavir was superior over telbivudine in terms of HBV DNA undetectable and resistance; and both drugs had similar rates of adverse events in early-stage treatment and no severe adverse event was noted. Both telbivudine and entecavir are effective antiviral drugs against hepatitis B.
Specific T-cell Responses to CFP10, an Secreted Antigens of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Protein, in Chinese HIV Positive Individuals
Authors: Zhang Bin , Lun Wen-hui , Li Xing-wang , Wang Qi , Cheng Jun , Mao Yu
Published: June 2017

Objective To construct prokaryotic expression vector of CFP-10 gene, and obtain recombinant protein, and the recombinant CFP-10 protein was taken as stimulus to detect specific T cell responses, to set up a method to faciliate to detect potential TB infection in China.

Methods CFP-10 was cloned into inducible prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a (+) and transfected into E. coli BL21 (DE3). After IPTG induction, the product were verified with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and Western blot hybridization were carried out to verify the antigenicity; the recombinant CFP-10 protein was taken as stimulus to detect specific T cell responses in HIV (+) persons with or without clinical manifestation of TB diseases, and HIV (-) controls with or without TB diseases.

Results The CFP-10 recombinant protein exsited in the form of inclusion body and accounted for 94% in total bacterial protein of E. coli and the molecular weight is 31 kD; Western blot confirmed the recombinant proteins had high antigenicity; our in-house ELISpot-IFN-γ assay with recombinant antigen derived from CFP-10 proteins showed significant higher frequencies in TB patients with or without HIV infection than that in the healthy controls and only HIV (+) group.

Conclusions The recombinant CFP-10 genes can be expressed successfully in prokaryotic expression system of E. coli and recombinant proteins with high antigenicity were obtained, which will set foundation for further study on their immunogenicity and bioinformatics. Our results proved that it is indeed true that some HIV positive patient have high frequencies of TB specific T cell responses, which maybe a clue to find latent TB infection in this population.
Inhibition on IFN-β Expression by HCV NS3 and NS5A in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Dong Jin-ling , Liu Shun-ai , Wang Qi , Zhang Jin-qian , Cheng Jun
Published: June 2017

Objective To observe the effects of HCV protein, NS3 and NS5A on IFN-β in HepG2 cells and its regulation mechanism.

Methods Human liver hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 were transfected with recombinant eukaryotic plasmid pcDNA3.1/myc-His-core, NS3 or NS5A to overexpress these proteins, and the expression of IFN-β were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. Luc2P reporter plasmids pGL4.10-IFNβ-P were constructed and transfected into HepG2 cells, and the activity of IFN-β promoter were determined through luciferase assay for regulation mechanism study.

Results Both mRNA level and protein expression of IFN-β were significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05) in the presence of NS3 or NS5A protein. Luciferase assay revealed that NS3 or NS5A protein downregulated IFN-β promoter activity (P ＜ 0.05). Meanwhile, HCV core protein had little effect on IFN-β expression.

Conclusions HCV protein NS3 and NS5A could inhibit innate IFN-β expression and thus escape immune selection and hinder the host immune responses.
Evaluation on Common Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Treated by Integrative Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine
Authors: Zhang Guo-liang , Ding Jian-bo , Li Shuang-jie , Zhang Xi , Xu Yi , Yang Hua-sheng , Wei Dan , Li Qin , Shi Qing-sheng , Zhu Qing-xiong , Yang Tong , Zhuo Zi-qiang , Tian Yi-mei , Zheng Hao-jie , Tang Liu-ping , Zou Xin-ying , Wen Tao , Li Xiu-hui
Published: June 2017

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) combined with Western medicine in the treatment of patients with common hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) by conducting a prospective, controlled, and randomized trial.

Methods A total of 452 patients with common HFMD were randomly assigned to receive Western medicine alone (n = 220) or combined with TCM (Reduning or Xiyanping injections) (n = 232). The primary outcome was the incidence rate of rash/herpes disappearance within 5 days, while secondary outcomes included the incidence rate for fever, cough, lethargy, agitation, and vomiting clearance within 5 days.

Results The rash/herpes disappearance rate was 45.5% (100/220) in Western medicine therapy group, and 67.2% (156/232) in TCM and Western medicine combined therapy group, with significant difference (P < 0.001). Moreover, TCM remarkably increased the incidence rate of secondary disappearance, which was 56.4% in Western medicine therapy group and 71.4% in TCM and Western medicine combined therapy group (P = 0.001). No drug-related adverse events were observed.

Conclusions It’s suggested that the integrative TCM and Western medicine therapy achieved a better therapeutic efficacy. TCM may become an important complementary therapy on relieving the symptoms of HFMD.
The Change of Quantitative of HBeAg Can Predict the Efficacy of Peg-IFN-α 2a in HBeAgpositive CHB Patients
Authors: Ji Yong-jian , Ren Wan-hua , Li Fei-fei , Fang Jian-ting , Sun Xi-zhen , Qin Cheng-yong
Published: June 2017

Objective To investigate the quantitation of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) at week 24 in predicting the efficacy of pegylated-interferon alfa-2a (Peg-IFN-α 2a) in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients at week 48 and to find a useful predictor for treatment efficacy and investigate individualized treatment of antiviral therapy.

Methods Ninety-six HBeAg-positive CHB patients with detectable HBeAg who were treated with Peg-IFN-α 2a were enrolled in this trial. They were categorized into 3 groups according to the changes of HBeAg in week 24: HBeAg decline > 2 log10 group (group A), HBeAg decline between 1 1og10 - 2 log10 (group B), HBeAg decline < 1 log10 group (group C), and group C was randomly distributed into C1 and C2. The patients in group A, group B, and group C1 continued the original therapy and the patients in group C2 were given lamivudine plus Peg-IFN-α 2a for 24 weeks. At week 48, the treatment efficacy and hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA (HBV cccDNA) in liver biopsies were analyzed.

Results At week 48, mean reduction of serum HBV DNA: group A: 5.8 log10 copies/ml, group B: 3.8 log10 copies/ml, group C1: 2.8 log10 copies/ml, group C2: 5.7 log10 copies/ml, the reduction of HBV DNA in group A was greater than groups B and C1 (P < 0.01), that in group C1 was greater than group C2 (P < 0.01), the difference between groups B and C1 had no statistical significance (P = 0.19). Mean reduction of HBeAg: group A: 2.7 log10S/CO, group B: 1.9 log10S/CO, group C1: 0.9 log10S/CO, group C2: 1.5 log10S/CO, the difference among groups A, B and C1 and between groups C1 and C2 were statistically significant (P < 0.01). At week 48, HBV DNA undetectable rate in group A, group B, group C1 and group C2 were 87.5%, 34.5%, 17.4% and 81.9%, respectively, the rate in group A was greater than groups B and C1 (P < 0.01)，that in group C1 was greater than group C2 (P < 0.01). HBeAg seroconversion rate were 75.0%, 24.1%, 13.0% and 22.7%, respectively, that in group A was greater than groups B and C1 (P < 0.01). Group A had lower cccDNA in liver tissue than group B and group C1 (P < 0.01). The difference of HBV cccDNA between groups B and C1 and that between groups C1 and C2 had no statistical significance.

Conclusions HBeAg decline > 2 log10 at week 24 in Peg-IFN-α 2a-treated hepatitis B patients suggested a better efficacy at week 48; HBeAg decline < 2 log10 at week 24 suggests a worse efficacy at week 48, the combined therapy of Peg-IFN-α and lamivudine could improve the clinical responses. The change of quantitative of HBeAg at week 24 may be used as a predictor of treatment effects at week 48.
View Point on Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome
Authors: Ye Ji-bin , Hu Chuan-Song , Li Tai-Sheng , Fang Li
Published: June 2017

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS), a new disease of zoonotic natural foci has been increasing in recent years. In this review, the disease of human granulocytic anaplasmosis infection due to tickborne and new Bunia virus infection, have similar clinical symptoms. Total of 11 articles were retrieved. The emergence, etiology, nomenclature and pathogenic mechanisms, clinical diagnosis and genotyping of SFTS were summarized, and the current situation of treatment was also evaluated. In conclusion, early detection, identification and treatment are the key points to SFTS, but how to reduce the mortality of critically ill patients is still the focus in the future.
The Treatment of Tacrolimus (FK506) for Psoriasis: One Case Report and Literature Analysis
Authors: Cao Wei-gang , Qiu Bao-an
Published: June 2017

Psoriasis is a chronic recurrent inflammatory dermatosis, which is characterized by epidermal proliferation and erythema scales. Its etiology and pathogenesis are still unknown and treatment is difficult. The concentration of tacrolimus for the treatment of psoriasis has not been reported at home and abroad. In this report, we detected the tacrolimus plasma concentration and hope to provide a certain reference value for the clinical treatment of psoriasis.
The Pathogenesis of Acute on Chronic Hepatitis B Liver Failure
Authors: Chi Zhao-chun , Dong Quan-jiang , Geng Chang-xin
Published: June 2017

Acute-on-chronic liver failure is a characteristic clinical liver syndrome, which should be differentiated from acute liver failure, acute decompensated liver cirrhosis and chronic liver failure. The pathogenesis of ACLF is not fully understood yet. Viral factors and immune injury have been reported to be the two major pathogenesis. This paper reviewed the researches on the pathogenesis of acute on chronic hepatitis B liver failure in recent years, to provide theoretical basis for prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome. This would benefit for the prognosis and raise the survival rate of patients.
Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of 28 Cases of Cholera
Authors: Bao Zhong-ying , Ming Xiao , Yuan Xiao-dong , Duan Shu-hong
Published: June 2017

The data of 35 246 patients with intestinal diseases were retrospectively analyzed, 28 cases of cholera patients were screened in 17 years, of which 23 cases had suspicious unclean food history, 10 cases were migrant workers, 8 cases had history of coastal city tour in one week. All of the 28 patients were positive for Vibrio cholerae culture, 19 cases were identified as O1 serotype Ogawa and 6 were identified as O1 serotype Inaba, 3 were identified as O139. Twenty-three patients were mild, five cases were moderate, patients with severe diseases were not found. It was found in this study that O1 serotype Vibrio cholerae was still dominant, 82% of cholera patients were mild cases. Tourists who had a incompletely heated seafood intake history and migrant people are susceptible to cholera.
Acute Onset Pancreatitis in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy in HBV Carrier Women Taking Telbivudine for Blocking Mother-to-Infant Transmission
Authors: Xiong Hao-feng , Liu Jing-yuan , Cai Hao-dong , Cheng Jun
Published: June 2017

Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy (APIP) is rare and the reasons for APIP are biliary disease and congenital or acquired hypertriglyceridemia, which could occur during any trimester but more than 50% cases happened during the third trimester. In this report, one case of a young pregnant woman, a HBV carrier in her 37th week + 5 d of gestation, was admitted to Emergency Department due to acute abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. The patient was in antiretroviral treatment with telbivudine from 28 weeks of gestation to prevent motherto- child transmission of HBV. Laboratory tests demonstrated hypertriglyceridemia, abdominal computed tomography scan revealed peripancreatic edema. Hyperlipidemic pancreatitits was primary diagnosed and the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. Considering the possible role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis, telbivudine was interrupted after birth giving. After supportive treatment, her condition gradually improved. Since it is the first description of APIP during treatment with telbivudine, the association between pregnancy, hyperlipidemia, telbivudine and acute pancreatitis has been well investigated.
A Retrospective Study of Continuous Renal Therapy and Anticoagulation in Patients with Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome
Authors: Du Hong , Li Jing , Yu Hai-tao , Jiang Wei , Zhang Ye , Wang Jun-ning , Wang Ping-zhong , Bai Xue-fan
Published: June 2017

Objective To observe the application of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and heparin anticoagulation in patients with HFRS, and to explore a more suitable anticoagulant strategy.

Methods Eighty-five severe-type patients (severe group) and 71 critical-type patients (critical group) were enrolled in this study. The frequency of CRRT was compared between the two groups; the frequency of CRRT treated with and without heparin anticoagulation and the frequency of hemorrhage and channel blood clotting induced by the two anticoagulant strategies were observed.

Results The frequency of CRRT in the critical group was higher than that in the severe group (P ＜ 0.001). The frequency of CRRT initiated during the overlapping phases in the critical group was significantly higher than that of the severe group (P = 0.032). The total times of CRRT was 103, and 70 of them were treated with heparin anticoagulation. The frequencies of hemorrhage induced by heparin anticoagulation and no heparinization were 16 and 0, respectively, and the frequencies of channel blood clotting were 2 and 4, respectively.

Conclusions CRRT has been used extensively in the critical-type patients with HFRS. The heparin anticoagulation and no anticoagulant strategies should be used more rationally in patients treated with CRRT, according to the clinical characteristics of the disease.
Correlation of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma with HBV Genotypes, Subgenotypes and Gene Mutations in Gansu Province
Authors: Zhang Wen-jie , Li Zhao-xia , Mi Deng-hai , Li Jing , Yang Jian-jun , Mao Wei-wu , Gong Yan-xuan , Qu Yan
Published: June 2017

Objective To investigate the occurrence of basal core promoter (BCP) and pre-C mutations in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Gansu Province, China, and to analyze the correlation of HBV mutation and HBV genotype with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods PCR-RFLP was applied to detect HBV subgenotypes, and the presence of the pre-C and BCP mutations in 62 patients with HCC, 70 patients with hepatitis B induced liver cirrhosis (LC) and 90 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Results In HCC patients, genotype C was the major genotype (70.97%). The pre-C mutation was found in 59.68%, 31.43% and 16.67% patients with HCC, LC and CHB, respectively. The frequency of BCP mutations was significantly different between patients with HCC, LC and CHB (74.19%, 51.43% and 37.78%, respectively; X2=30.727, 19.540, respectively, P < 0.01). Patients in HCC group had a higher incidence of pre-C as well as BCP mutations compared to the other groups. The prevalence of pre-C and BCP mutations was significantly higher in patients with genotype C1 (44.32% and 69.32%, respectively) compared to patients with other subgenotypes (P < 0.05).

Conclusions The incidence of pre-C and BCP mutations increases with disease progression. Pre-C and BCP mutations frequently occur in patients with genotype C1. HBV genotype C, pre-C mutations and BCP mutations are closely related to the occurrence of HCC.
An Analysis of Epidemiological Characteristics and the Clinical Features of 394 Cases of Sporadic Acute Hepatitis E in Southwest China from 2008 to 2010
Authors: Li Hui , Yang Xiao-Dong , Yang Yong-Rui , Gao Si-Yuan , Tian De-Ying , Yuan Quan
Published: June 2017

Background and Aims Recently, epidemiology studies of hepatitis E in different areas are attracted more attention. Extensive studies of prevalent status and clinical manifestations could help us to broaden our knowledge, so as to excellently prevent and treat hepatitis E. The study analyzed the epidemiological characteristics and clinical features of 394 cases of sporadic acute hepatitis E (AHE) in Southwest of China from 2008 to 2010.

Methods The clinical data of 394 cases with sporadic AHE in Southwest of China from 2008 to 2010 were reviewed.

Results In the 394 cases with sporadic AHE, the ratio of male/female was 1.432 : 1, and the mean age was (31.53 ± 18.12) years. Totally, 94 (23.86%) patients aged under 18, 271 (68.78%) patients aged between 18 and 60, and 29 (7.36%) patients aged above 60. The incidence rate was significantly increased in summer (P = 0.000), especially in May (14.72%) and July (13.71%). In addition, the characteristics of occupation and ethnic group distribution were migrant laborers (106/394, 26.90%) and Han people (365/394, 92.64%). The length of stay, incidence of jaundice, the peak value of total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase in male patients were all higher than those in female patients significantly (P < 0.05). The prolonged length of stay, decreased levels of ALT/ALB/CHE, increased levels of TBil, and increased incidence of jaundice and fatigue were associated with older age significantly (P < 0.05). The differences in peak values of total bilirubin (TBil), total bile acid (TBA), glutamyltransferase (GGT), cholinesterase (CHE) between AHE group and the groups of AHE accompanied respectively by chronic hepatitis B (CHB), acute alcoholic fatty liver (AFL), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were significant (P < 0.05). In addition, no significant difference was found in length of stay and biochemical indexes among anti-HEV-IgG positive group, anti-HEV-IgM positive group and anti- HEV-IgM/IgG both positive group (P > 0.05).

Conclusions Four epidemiological characteristics, including aged between 18 and 60, male, summer and migrant laborers, are found to be associated with acute hepatitis E. The prognosis of AHE in the majority of patients was favorable, but aged above 60 years and coexistence with CHB, AFL and NAFLD could be considerede as the factors inducing the infaust prognosis.
Analysis of Tuberculosis-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in HIV/TB Co-infected Patients During HAART
Authors: Zhou Yang , Wang Hui , Li Sha-xi , Yang Gui-lin , Liu Ying-xia
Published: June 2017

Objectives To investigate the clinical features of tuberculosis (TB)-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB-IRIS) in patients co-infected with HIV/TB or latent infection during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods HIV-infected patients treated in the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, China between March 2012 and March 2013 were recruited, and divided into 3 groups: 1) HIV/TB co-infection group (n = 50), 2) HIV/ MTB latent infection group (n = 50), and 3) HIV infection group (n = 50), with 12-month follow-up. Patients in the HIV/TB co-infection group were treated with HAART 2 weeks after TB therapy. Patients were assessed at different time-points.

Results The incidence and mortality rates of TB-IRIS were 40% and 10% in the HIV/TB co-infected patients, and 2% (and no mortality) in the HIV/MTB group. The HIV infected group did not display TB-IRIS or death. About 95% HIV/TB co-infected patients were 20-39 years old when TB-IRIS occurred, and 65% of the patients developed TB-IRIS 2 weeks after HAART. For the co-infection group, those with TB-IRIS (20/20, 100%) had fever, with a significantly higher incidence than those who did not develop TB-IRIS (6.7%, 2/30, P < 0.05). The patients with TB-IRIS in co-infection group displayed markedly higher clinical biochemical markers, acute phase reactants, increased CD4+ cell counts, and 2 log10-decreases of HIV RNA loads, compared with the patients not presenting with TB-IRIS (P < 0.05).

Conclusion HIV/TB co-infected patients presented with a high-risk of developing TB-IRIS during HAART treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment could decrease mortality rates in TB-IRIS.
The rtA181 Mutation Produces Similar Clinical and Cellular Characteristics in Patients infected with Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes B and C
Authors: Li Ping , Xiong Xi , Zhang Xin , Yang Zhi-guo , Gao Lei , Wang Mao-rong
Published: June 2017

Objective to investigate the association between HBV genotypes and characteristics of rtA181 mutation.

Methods Total of 85 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who appeared rtA181 mutation after nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) therapy were enrolled in this study. Levels of serum ALT, AST, HBV DNA and HBsAg titers were monitored during therapy. HBV reverse transcriptase genes were amplified and sequenced to identify genotypes and resistance mutations. Virions and HBsAg in HepG2 cell with rtA181 mutation were also compared between genotypes B and C.

Results The majority of sera contained HBV genotypes B (15.7%) and C (84.3%). There were no significant difference of rtA181 mutant patterns between genotypes (P > 0.05). After emergence of rtA181 mutation, serum ALT, AST, HBV DNA levels and HBsAg titers were decreased than that at baseline (P < 0.05), while these characteristics were not different between genotypes B and C (P > 0.05). In cellular experiment, there were no significant differences between genotypes B and C not only in HBV virions but also in HBsAg titres (P > 0.05).

Conclusions No differences of clinical characteristics and cellular results were found in rtA181 mutation of HBV genotypes B and C.
Application of Structural Equation Model to Evaluate the Perception of Service Quality of Medical Staffs of Infectious Disease Department in Chinese Hospitals
Authors: Li Min , Cai Ren-tian , Huang Cheng-yu
Published: June 2017

Objective To enhance the quality of medical service for Chinese patients through research of service quality from Chinese medical personnel.

Methods ServQual scale was used for infection medical staffs randomly by sampling questionnaire in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou and Nanning. The data collected were entered and analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Statistical methods included frequency, factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, independent samples t test, one-way analyses of variance, simultaneous regression analysis and structural equation model analysis.

Results The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value for the factor analysis of the scale was 0.970. The Cronbach’s α for the reliability analysis was 0.975. The Pearson correlation coefficients were 0.624-0.874 and statistically significant. Undergraduates felt good, PhD students felt bad; the doctors felt bad; managers felt good. Standard 5 dimensions of the regression coefficients were positive, including empathy (β = 0.288), reliability (β = 0.241) impacting on perceived service quality mostly. The control ability and stability of the standard error of perceived service quality directly effected value were 0.646 and 0.382, respectively.

Conclusions Medical staffs of infectious disease department have poor perception of service quality. Hospitals should improve awareness and of clinicians and deepen the reform of the medical care system.
Reviews of Research on Risk Factors of Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Meng Chao , Li Na , Tong Zhaoxiao , Yan Huangxin , Min Shenxiao
Published: June 2017

Viral hepatitis C is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in the world and may cause serious hepatic diseases in the future. Hepatitis C-infected people account for approximately 2% to 3% of the world’s population. The main causes of hepatitis C infection in developing countries are unsafe medical injection and contaminated blood and blood products; whereas in developed countries, it is mainly caused by injection, drug abuse, and high-risk sexual behavior. The focus of hepatitis C prevention and control should be placed on safer blood supply, safer health care and related unnecessary injection, reduction of injection drug use, and high-risk sexual behavior because effective vaccine and postexposure prophylaxis are not yet available.
Research progress on influencing factors of hospital infection and prevention and control measures
Authors: He Wenlong , Meng Lingbo , Wang Yaogang
Published: June 2017

Hospital infections are associated with the emergence of hospitals. As the understanding of hospital infections deepen and prevention and control measures improve, hospital infections have become manageable. In recent years, affected by the increase in invasive treatment technology, antimicrobial abuse, and other factors, the control of hospital infection has encountered new problems. This paper reviews the influencing factors of hospital infections and their prevention and control measures.
Menarche as a predictor of risk-taking behavior in a sample of Hungarian adolescent girls
Authors: Varga-Tóth Andrea , Maróti-Nagy Ágnes , Németh Gábor , Paulik Edit
Published: June 2017

Background

The age at the time of the first sexual intercourse is declining, and the prevalence of smoking is increasing in adolescent girls in developed countries.

Objective

To assess the relationship between menarche and tobacco smoking and sexual activity in adolescent girls.

Subjects

Girls between 14 and 18 years, attending primary or secondary school.

Methods

Socio-demographic characteristics (age, living place, educational level of parents, self-estimated financial background), onset and parameters of periods, and risk behaviors (smoking, sexual activity) were measured by self-administered questionnaires. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between tobacco use and sexual activity and socio-demographic characteristics, menarche and presence of other risk behaviors.

Results

Adolescent girls who had an earlier onset of their periods were about twice as likely to smoke as girls with later onset of their first period [odds ratio (OR): 2.28, confidence interval (CI): 1.14–4.55]. Being sexually active meant more than 7-fold odds of being a regular tobacco user (OR: 7.24, CI: 4.39–11.94). Regarding sexual activity, increasing age (OR: 4.42, CI: 3.45–5.67) and regular smoking (OR: 7.07, CI: 4.24–11.80) increased, while poor financial status decreased (OR: 0.35, CI: 0.13–0.97) the odds of being sexually active.

Conclusion

In light of these findings, the reconsideration of health and sexual education in Hungary is needed. Implementation of these programs at an earlier age should be desirable to avoid unfavorable consequences, such as early pregnancy.
Language evolution and vitality of Lhagang Tibetan: a Tibetic language as a minority in Minyag Rabgang
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki , Wangmo Sonam
Published: June 2017

Lhagang Tibetan is a dialect of Khams spoken in central Lhagang [
Field assessment of surge and continuous furrow irrigation methods in relation to tillage systems
Authors: Mattar Mohamed A. , El-Saadawy Mohamed A. , Helmy Mamdouh A. , Sorour Hussien M.
Published: June 2017

Surge flow irrigation is one of the irrigation techniques for controlling furrow irrigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of surge furrow irrigation on water management compared with continuous irrigation for different tillage systems. An experimental field was treated with various tillage systems (mouldboard plough, chisel plough and rotary plough) and water irrigation application methods (continuous flow, control) in which irrigation water was applied continuously, and surge flow (3-surges, 4-surges and 5-surges) in which irrigation water was applied intermittently until it reached the tail end of the furrow. The results showed that water savings obtained using the surge technique were 18.58, 11.84 and 18.93% lower water use than with continuous flow, for the mouldboard, chisel and rotary ploughs, respectively. The 3-surges treatment with the rotary plough reduced the advance time by 25.36% from that for continuous irrigation. The 4-surges treatment with the mouldboard plough had the highest water application efficiency (88.13%). The 3-surges treatment with the rotary plough had the highest distribution uniformity (85.01%). The rotary plough did not cause as much soil aeration around the root system as the other tillage systems. The field research provided information about surge flow, aimed at reducing advance times and increasing irrigation efficiency.
Microbial biodiversity in arable soils is affected by agricultural practices
Authors: Wolińska Agnieszka , Górniak Dorota , Zielenkiewicz Urszula , Goryluk-Salmonowicz Agata , Kuźniar Agnieszka , Stępniewska Zofia , Błaszczyk Mieczysław
Published: June 2017

The aim of the study was to examine the differences in microbial community structure as a result of agricultural practices. Sixteen samples of cultivated and the same number of non-cultivated soils were selected. Gel bands were identified using the GelCompar software to create the presence-absence matrix, where each band represented a bacterial operational taxonomic unit. The data were used for principal-component analysis and additionally, the Shannon- Weaver index of general diversity, Simpson index of dominance and Simpson index of diversity were calculated. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis profiles clearly indicated differentiation of tested samples into two clusters: cultivated and non-cultivated soils. Greater numbers of dominant operational taxonomic units (65) in non-cultivated soils were noted compared to cultivated soils (47 operational taxonomic units). This implies that there was a reduction of dominant bacterial operational taxonomic units by nearly 30% in cultivated soils. Simpson dominance index expressing the number of species weighted by their abundance amounted to 1.22 in cultivated soils, whereas a 3-fold higher value (3.38) was observed in non-cultivated soils. Land-use practices seemed to be a important factors affected on biodiversity, because more than soil type determined the clustering into groups.
Accumulation of biomass and bioenergy in culms of cereals as a factor of straw cutting height
Authors: Zając Tomasz , Synowiec Agnieszka , Oleksy Andrzej , Macuda Jan , Klimek-Kopyra Agnieszka , Borowiec Franciszek
Published: June 2017

Cereal straw is an important biomass source in Europe. This work assessed: 1) the morphological and energetic characteristics of culms of spring and winter cereals, 2) the energy deposited in the different aboveground parts of cereals, 3) losses of energy due to different cutting heights. The straw of winter and spring cereals was collected from arable fields during the seasons 2009/10 and 2010/11 in southern Poland. Detailed biometric measurements of culms and internodes were performed. The losses of straw biomass and energy were assessed during simulation of cutting the culm at different heights, up to 50 cm. Longer and heavier culms were developed by winter wheat and triticale and oat. Cutting of straw up to 10 cm did not lead to significant losses in straw yield. The total amount of energy in the culms was as follows: triticale > winter wheat > oat > spring wheat > winter barley > spring barley. Cutting the culms above 20 cm led to significant differences in terms of biomass energy between cereal species. The smallest losses of energy were recorded for spring and winter barley. Oat and barley accumulated the highest energy in grains.
Influence of wood-derived biochar on the compactibility and strength of silt loam soil
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed , Gariepy Yvan , Raghavan Vijaya
Published: June 2017

Biochar is proven to enhance soil fertility and increase crop productivity. Given that the influence of biochar on soil compaction remains unclear, selected physico-mechanical properties of soil amended with wood-derived biochar were assessed. For unamended silt loam, the bulk density, maximum bulk density, optimum moisture content, plastic limit, liquid limit, and plasticity index were 1.05 Mg m-3, 1.69 Mg m-3, 16.55, 17.1, 29.3, and 12.2%, respectively. The penetration resistance and shear strength of the unamended silt loam compacted in the standard compaction Proctor mold and at its optimum moisture content were 1800 kPa and 850 kPa, respectively. Results from amending the silt loam with 10% particle size ranges (0.5-212 μm) led to relative decreases of 18.1, 17.75, 66.66, and 97.4% in bulk density, maximum bulk density, penetration resistance, and shear strength, respectively; a 26.8% relative increase in optimum moisture content; along with absolute increases in plastic limit, liquid limit, and plasticity index of 5.3, 13.7, and 8.4%, respectively. While the biochar-amended silt loam soil was more susceptible to compaction, however, soil mechanical impedance enhanced.