Hepatitis B virus genotypes:an overview

BACKGROUND:Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major cause of mortality and morbidity globally.The quest continues to identify viral factors that influence disease progression and severity as well as responses to treatment of HBV infection.Based on variations in HBV,the virus has been divided into a number of genotypes. DATA SOURCES:Review of published literature on HBV genotypes. RESULTS:HBV genotypes are likely to be important in determining the severity and progression of HBV-induced liver disease as well as responses to different anti-viral agents. CONCLUSION:Although HBV genotyping is not yet recommended for routine use in treating HBV infection, available data suggest that,as in hepatitis C virus infection, HBV genotyping is also likely to become a routine investigation for HBV treatment,perhaps in the not too distant future.

Synthesis and characterization of polymeric responsive CMC/Pectin hydrogel films loaded with Tamarix aphylla extract as potential wound dressings

The fourth most predominant overwhelming type of trauma is burn injuries worldwide.Ideal wound healing dressings help in the wound healing process in a lower time with less pain.Commonly used dry wound dressing,like absorbent gauze or absorbent cotton,possess limited therapeutic effects and require repeated use,which further exaggerates patients’suffering.In contrast,hydrogels films present a promising alternative to improve healing by guaranteeing a moisture balance at the wound site.The aim of the current study was to synthesize Tamarix aphylla(T.aphylla)extract-loaded hydrogel film with Na-CMC and pectin and to study their wound healing properties.The Na-CMC/Pectin hydrogels films were synthesized and characterized for HPLC analysis,FTIR,surface morphology,rheology,tensile strength,swelling behavior,drug release kinetics,and in vivo wound healing in an animal model.FTIR confirmed the existence of strong interaction between both polymers but no interaction with the extract.SEM photographs showed successful embedding of extract in small pores of hydrogel film and showed smooth and homogenous morphology.Rheological and texture profiles indicated that hydrogels behaved as strong gels.Swelling and erosion were dependent on the amount of the CMC.HPLC showed drug content of three selected formulation(A3,E3 and S3)as 85±0.1%,82.5±0.4%and 80±0.3%,respectively.The release of the drug from the hydrogel was controlled by a Fickian diffusion mechanism.In vivo wound healing activity of hydrogel film confirmed that T.aphylla extract successfully promoted healing rate by significantly reducing(P<0.05)the size of wound closure compared to the control group,evidenced by intensive collagen formation in histopathological and biochemical analysis.The capability of these hydrogels for burn wounds could be valuable for medical uses as a new window of safe and effective medication.

Diet and feeding behavior of a group of high-altitude rhesus macaques: high adaptation to food shortages and seasonal fluctuations

Diet and feeding behavior data are crucial to a deep understanding of the behavioral response and adaptation of primates to a high-altitude environment.From August 2019 to June 2021,we collected data on the feeding behavior of a high-altitude rhesus macaque Macaca mulatta group from Yajiang County,Western Sichuan Plateau,which has an altitude of over 3,500 m.The results showed that feeding(33.0±1.8%)and moving(28.3±2.6%)were the dominant behavior of rhesus macaques.Macaques ate 193 food items,comprising 11 food categories from 90 species.Our study found that plant roots(30.9±30.1%)and young leaves(28.0±33.1%)were the main foods eaten by macaques.The preferred foods of rhesus macaques were young leaves,fruits,and seeds,and the consumption of these items was positively correlated with its food availability.When the availability of preferred foods was low,macaques took plant roots,barks,and fallen leaves as fallback foods.In particular,roots were a dominant food item in winter,and this way of feeding became a key survival strategy.Our results suggest that,facing the relative scarcity and strong seasonal fluctuations of food resources in high-altitude habitat,macaques adopt active foraging strategies,relying on a variety of food species and adjusting flexibly their food choices based on food availability,which may help to maximize the energy efficiency of high-altitude macaques.