Sulfolane‑Based Flame‑Retardant Electrolyte for High‑Voltage Sodium‑Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries hold great promise as next-generation energy storage systems.However,the high instability of the electrode/electrolyte interphase during cycling has seriously hindered the development of SIBs.In particular,an unstable cathode–electrolyte interphase(CEI)leads to successive electrolyte side reactions,transition metal leaching and rapid capacity decay,which tends to be exacerbated under high-voltage conditions.Therefore,constructing dense and stable CEIs are crucial for high-performance SIBs.This work reports localized high-concentration electrolyte by incorporating a highly oxidation-resistant sulfolane solvent with non-solvent diluent 1H,1H,5H-octafluoropentyl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether,which exhibited excellent oxidative stability and was able to form thin,dense and homogeneous CEI.The excellent CEI enabled the O3-type layered oxide cathode NaNi_(1/3)Mn_(1/3)Fe_(1/3)O_(2)(NaNMF)to achieve stable cycling,with a capacity retention of 79.48%after 300 cycles at 1 C and 81.15%after 400 cycles at 2 C with a high charging voltage of 4.2 V.In addition,its nonflammable nature enhances the safety of SIBs.This work provides a viable pathway for the application of sulfolane-based electrolytes on SIBs and the design of next-generation high-voltage electrolytes.

Quafu-Qcover:Explore combinatorial optimization problems on cloud-based quantum computers

We introduce Quafu-Qcover,an open-source cloud-based software package developed for solving combinatorial optimization problems using quantum simulators and hardware backends.Quafu-Qcover provides a standardized and comprehensive workflow that utilizes the quantum approximate optimization algorithm(QAOA).It facilitates the automatic conversion of the original problem into a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization(QUBO)model and its corresponding Ising model,which can be subsequently transformed into a weight graph.The core of Qcover relies on a graph decomposition-based classical algorithm,which efficiently derives the optimal parameters for the shallow QAOA circuit.Quafu-Qcover incorporates a dedicated compiler capable of translating QAOA circuits into physical quantum circuits that can be executed on Quafu cloud quantum computers.Compared to a general-purpose compiler,our compiler demonstrates the ability to generate shorter circuit depths,while also exhibiting superior speed performance.Additionally,the Qcover compiler has the capability to dynamically create a library of qubits coupling substructures in real-time,utilizing the most recent calibration data from the superconducting quantum devices.This ensures that computational tasks can be assigned to connected physical qubits with the highest fidelity.The Quafu-Qcover allows us to retrieve quantum computing sampling results using a task ID at any time,enabling asynchronous processing.Moreover,it incorporates modules for results preprocessing and visualization,facilitating an intuitive display of solutions for combinatorial optimization problems.We hope that Quafu-Qcover can serve as an instructive illustration for how to explore application problems on the Quafu cloud quantum computers.

Quafu-RL:The cloud quantum computers based quantum reinforcement learning

With the rapid advancement of quantum computing,hybrid quantum–classical machine learning has shown numerous potential applications at the current stage,with expectations of being achievable in the noisy intermediate-scale quantum(NISQ)era.Quantum reinforcement learning,as an indispensable study,has recently demonstrated its ability to solve standard benchmark environments with formally provable theoretical advantages over classical counterparts.However,despite the progress of quantum processors and the emergence of quantum computing clouds,implementing quantum reinforcement learning algorithms utilizing parameterized quantum circuits(PQCs)on NISQ devices remains infrequent.In this work,we take the first step towards executing benchmark quantum reinforcement problems on real devices equipped with at most 136 qubits on the BAQIS Quafu quantum computing cloud.The experimental results demonstrate that the policy agents can successfully accomplish objectives under modified conditions in both the training and inference phases.Moreover,we design hardware-efficient PQC architectures in the quantum model using a multi-objective evolutionary algorithm and develop a learning algorithm that is adaptable to quantum devices.We hope that the Quafu-RL can be a guiding example to show how to realize machine learning tasks by taking advantage of quantum computers on the quantum cloud platform.

Effects of shore-normal coastal structure on medium-to long-term embayed shoreline evolution

Based on high-tide shoreline data extracted from 87 Landsat satellite images from 1986 to 2019 as well as using the linear regression rate and performing a Mann-Kendall(M–K)trend test,this study analyzes the linear characteristics and nonlinear behavior of the medium-to long-term shoreline evolution of Jinghai Bay,eastern Guangdong Province.In particular,shoreline rotation caused by a shore-normal coastal structure is emphasized.The results show that the overall shoreline evolution over the past 30 years is characterized by erosion on the southwest beach,with an average erosion rate of 3.1 m/a,and significant accretion on the northeast beach,with an average accretion rate of 5.6 m/a.Results of the M–K trend test indicate that significant shoreline changes occurred in early 2006,which can be attributed to shore-normal engineering.Prior to that engineering construction,the shorelines are slightly eroded,where the average erosion rate is 0.7 m/a.However,after shore-normal engineering is performed,the shoreline is characterized by significant erosion(3.2 m/a)on the southwest beach and significant accretion(8.5 m/a)on the northeast beach,thus indicating that the shore-normal engineering at the updrift headland contributes to clockwise shoreline rotation.Further analysis shows that the clockwise shoreline rotation is promoted not only by longshore sediment transport processes from southwest to northeast,but also by cross-shore sediment transport processes.These findings are crucial for beach erosion risk management,coastal disaster zoning,regional sediment budget assessments,and further observations and predictions of beach morphodynamics.

非离子-阴离子Bola型表面活性剂和纳米SiO2颗粒协同稳定的双重响应型O/W乳状液

合成了一种非离子-阴离子Bola型智能表面活性剂,通过pH-响应可以在非离子型CH_(3)O(EO)_(5)-R_(11)-COOH(pHpKa)之间转换。单独使用时,非离子型和Bola型分别表现为不良乳化剂和优良乳化剂。与纳米SiO_(2)颗粒复配使用时,非离子型能与SiO_(2)颗粒协同稳定O/W(正癸烷)型Pickering乳状液,其中表面活性剂通过氢键作用吸附到颗粒表面产生原位疏水化作用,提高了颗粒的表面活性,并且这种Pickering乳状液具有pH-和温度-双重响应性,能够通过改变pH或者温度使乳状液在稳定和破乳之间实现多次转换。另一方面,Bola型CH_(3)O(EO)5-R_(11)-COONa能够与纳米SiO_(2)颗粒协同稳定分散液包油(oil-in-dispersion)乳状液,该乳状液具有良好的耐温性,但对调节pH时产生的盐较为敏感。然而与破乳后能完全返回水相便于回收再利用的同系物CH_(3)O(EO)7-R_(11)-COOH相比,具有较短EO链的CH_(3)O(EO)_(5)-R_(11)-COOH无论处于非离子型还是Bola型状态仍具有相当的油溶性,破乳后不能完全返回水相,表明EO数大小对这类新型智能表面活性剂的性能有显著的影响。

Analysis of alkaline phosphatase and γ-glutamyltransferase after radiofrequency ablation of primary liver cancer: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Changes in alkaline phosphatase(ALP)andγ-glutamyltransferase(GGT)levels in patients with primary liver cancer(PLC)after radiofrequency ablation(RFA).Hepatocellular carcinoma is a malignant tumor with high incidence worldwide.As a common local treatment,RFA has attracted much attention for its efficacy and influence on liver function.AIM To investigate the effect of serum ALP and GGT levels on the prognosis of patients with PLC treated by RFA.METHODS The preoperative clinical data of 165 patients who were pathologically or clinically diagnosed with PLC and who received RFA in our hospital between October 2018 and June 2023 were collected.The chi-square test was used to compare the data between groups.The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used to analyze the associ-ations between serum ALP and GGT levels and overall survival,progression-free survival(PFS)and clinical characteristics of patients before treatment.RESULTS The 1-year survival rates of patients with normal(≤135 U/L)and abnormal(>135 U/L)serum ALP before treatment were 91%and 79%,respectively;the 2-year survival rates were 90%and 68%,respectively;and the 5-year survival rates were 35%and 18%,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P=0.01).Before treatment,the 1-year survival rates of patients with normal serum GGT levels(≤45 U/L)and abnormal serum GGT levels(>45 U/L)were 95%and 87%,the 2-year survival rates were 85%and 71%,and the 5-year survival rates were 37%and 21%,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statist-ically significant(P<0.001).Serum ALP[hazard ratio(HR)=1.766,95%confidence interval(95%CI):1.068-2.921,P=0.027]and GGT(HR=2.312,95%CI:1.367-3.912,P=0.002)is closely related to the overall survival of PLC patients after RF ablation and is an independent prognostic factor.The 1-year PFS rates were 72%and 50%,the 2-year PFS rates were 52%and 21%,and the 5-year PFS rates were 14%and 3%,respectively.The difference between the two groups was statistically significant(P<0001).The 1-year PFS rates were 81%and 56%in patients with normal and abnormal serum GGT levels before treatment,respectively;the 2-year PFS rates were 62%and 35%,respectively;and the 5-year PFS rates were 18%and 7%,respectively,with statistical significance between the two groups(P<0.001).The serum ALP concentration(HR=1.653,95%CI:1.001-2.729,P=0.049)and GGT(HR=1.949,95%CI:1.296-2.930,P=0.001)was closely associated with PFS after RFA in patients with PLC.The proportion of male patients with abnormal ALP levels is high,the Child-Pugh grade of liver function is poor,and the incidence of ascites is high.Among GGT-abnormal patients,the Child-Pugh grade of liver function was poor,the tumor stage was late,the proportion of patients with tumors≥5 cm was high,and the incidence of hepatic encephalopathy was high.CONCLUSION Serum ALP and GGT levels before treatment can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with PLC after RFA,and they have certain guiding significance for the long-term survival of patients with PLC after radiofrequency therapy.

直出绿激光汽化切除术与选择性绿激光汽化术治疗良性前列腺增生的疗效分析

目的总结分析直出绿激光前列腺汽化切除术(PVRP)与选择性绿激光前列腺汽化术(PVP)在治疗良性前列腺增生症(BPH)方面的安全性和临床疗效。方法将113例BPH患者随机分为两组,PVRP组62例,PVP组51例。比较两组手术时间、术中出血量、术后持续膀胱冲洗时间、导尿管留置时间;观察两组手术前、后生活质量评分(QOL)、国际前列腺症状评分(IPSS)、残余尿量(PVR)、最大尿流率(Q_(max))及术后并发症发生情况。结果所有患者手术均成功,无严重并发症发生。PVRP手术时间(49.4±18.9)min明显少于PVP组(75.1±20.7)min(P<0.05);两组间术中出血量、膀胱冲洗时间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。两组术后6个月Q_(max)、PVR、IPSS、QOL均明显改善,与术前比较差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组间比较,上述指标间差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论直出光PVRP及PVP治疗BPH安全、有效,PVRP在手术时间上较PVP更有优势。

Analysis of the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Transportation

With the advancement of the information age,the transportation industry has experienced rapid growth,leading to an expansion in the scale and number of highway constructions.However,this development has also given rise to numerous traffic issues,including frequent vehicle congestion and traffic accidents.To address these problems,it is essential to leverage modern technology for real-time information collection and analysis,providing robust technical support for intelligent transportation systems.This paper focuses on artificial intelligence(AI)technology,explaining its concept and its role in intelligent transportation.It reviews the various application areas and analyzes the use of AI in intelligent transportation.Finally,it proposes strategies for applying AI to promote the healthy development of intelligent transportation systems.

Analysis of the Current Situation of Cost Management and Control of Highway Construction Projects

The highway engineering process is complex,coupled with a relatively long construction period,hence requires increased coordination between participating units to prevent economic disputes and efficiency losses.The main body of the construction project needs to strengthen the management and control of funds.In this regard,this paper analyzes the importance of cost management in highway projects by clarifying and analyzing the current cost management status quo problems and causes.The highway engineering cost control strategy and implementation methods are summarized to provide references for improving the quality of highway engineering.

中医眼科对疫病的认识及眼科预防新型冠状病毒感染的措施探讨

新型冠状病毒肺炎属于中医学“疫病”范畴,中医眼科学将疫病引起的眼病称为天行赤眼,对轻症治疗以疏风清热为主,对重症治疗以泻火解毒为主。目前仍然不能排除结膜传播新型冠状病毒的可能性,因此眼科工作者在临床一线的诊疗中需要加强警惕。本文探讨了眼科医务工作者在眼科检查、眼科操作、眼科手术等方面预防新型冠状病毒的措施与普通人群家中预防眼病的措施。希望能对预防新型冠状病毒有所帮助。

基于SS-OCT分析眼轴长度与眼前节参数的相关性

目的:利用扫频源光相干断层扫描成像(SS-OCT)观察与探讨眼轴长度(AL)与眼前节相关参数的相关性。方法:横断面临床研究,纳入2022-01-01/03-31在郑州大学第一附属医院眼科门诊招募的不同程度近视的成人志愿者109例,依据AL将受检者分为4组:A组(AL≤24.0mm)、B组(24.0mm26.0mm)。SS-OCT(视微影像)进行眼前节检查,对中央角膜厚度(CCT)、晶状体厚度(LT),前房参数:中央前房深度(ACD)、前房宽度(ACW)、房角开放距离(AOD500)、房角隐窝面积(ARA500)、小梁网-虹膜间面积(TISA500)、小梁虹膜夹角(TIA500),晶状体矢高(CLR)进行记录,并分析其与AL、等效球镜度数(SE)的关系。结果:四组CCT比较无差异(P>0.05)。四组SE、LT、ACD、ACW、AOD500、ARA500、TISA500、TIA500、CLR比较有差异(均P<0.01)。SE、LT与AL呈负相关(r=-0.75、-0.41,均P<0.01);ACD、ACW、CLR与AL呈正相关(r=0.58、0.45、0.54,均P<0.01);AOD500、ARA500、TISA500、TIA500(颞侧及鼻侧)与AL呈正相关(均P<0.01)。ACD、CLR与SE呈负相关(r=-0.21、-0.25,均P<0.01),LT与SE呈正相关(r=0.21,P<0.05)。结论:随着AL的增加CCT无明显改变,ACD、ACW及房角开放程度则增加,晶状体位置后移,LT变薄。

血清PCT、D-LA、BT、DAO水平对急性胰腺炎的预测价值分析

目的分析血清降钙素原(PCT)、D-乳酸(D-LA)、内毒素(BT)、二胺氧化酶(DAO)水平对急性胰腺炎的预测价值。方法将秦皇岛市第一医院2020年1月至2021年12月收治的112例急性胰腺炎患者作为急性胰腺炎组,选取同期在秦皇岛市第一医院进行体检的100名健康体检者作为健康对照组,比较两组血清细胞因子水平和急性生理与慢性健康评分(APACHEⅡ),根据急性胰腺炎患者病情严重程度将其分为重症组(48例)和轻症组(64例),比较不同病情严重程度急性胰腺炎患者血清细胞因子水平和APACHEⅡ评分,采用Pearson相关系数模型分析急性胰腺炎患者血清细胞因子水平与APACHEⅡ评分的相关性,绘制受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线,根据曲线下面积(AUC)评价血清PCT、D-LA、BT、DAO水平单独及联合检测对急性胰腺炎的预测价值。结果急性胰腺炎组血清PCT、D-LA、BT、DAO水平及APACHEⅡ评分均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(t=42.425、13.980、21.007、27.478、21.983,P<0.05)。重症组血清PCT、D-LA、BT、DAO水平及APACHEⅡ评分均高于轻症组,差异有统计学意义(t=13.145、9.261、7.819、22.440、10.684,P<0.05)。急性胰腺炎患者血清PCT、D-LA、BT、DAO水平与APACHEⅡ评分均呈显著正相关关系(r=0.784、0.599、0.937、0.668,P<0.05)。绘制ROC曲线,结果显示血清PCT、D-LA、BT、DAO水平联合检测预测急性胰腺炎的AUC为0.925(95%CI:0.881~0.957),高于PCT、D-LA、BT、DAO单一检测(AUC分别为0.778、0.820、0.808、0.823,95%CI分别为0.716~0.832、0.761~0.869、0.749~0.869、0.765~0.872,P<0.05)。结论随着急性胰腺炎患者病情严重程度升高,血清PCT、D-LA、BT、DAO水平升高,同时血清PCT、D-LA、BT、DAO水平与APACHEⅡ评分呈显著正相关关系,四者联合对急性胰腺炎具有较好的预测价值。

Retrospective study of effect of whole-body vibration training on balance and walking function in stroke patients

BACKGROUND Dysfunction in stroke patients has been a problem that we committed to solve and explore.Physical therapy has some effect to regain strength,balance,and coordination.However,it is not a complete cure,so we are trying to find more effective treatments.AIM To observe the effect of whole-body vibration training(WVT)on the recovery of balance and walking function in stroke patients,which could provide us some useful evidence for planning rehabilitation.METHODS The clinical data of 130 stroke participants who underwent conventional rehabilitation treatment in our hospital from January 2019 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The participants were divided into whole-body vibration training(WVT)group and non-WVT(NWVT)group according to whether they were given WVT.In the WVT group,routine rehabilitation therapy was combined with WVT by the Galileo Med L Plus vibration trainer at a frequency of 20 Hz and a vibration amplitude of 0+ACY-plusmn+ADs-5.2 mm,and in the NWVT group,routine rehabilitation therapy only was provided.The treatment course of the two groups was 4 wk.Before and after treatment,the Berg balance scale(BBS),3 m timed up-and-go test(TUGT),the maximum walking speed test(MWS),and upper limb functional reaching(FR)test were performed.RESULTS After 4 wk training,in both groups,the BBS score and the FR distance respectively increased to a certain amount(WVT=46.08±3.41 vs NWVT=40.22±3.75;WVT=20.48±2.23 vs NWVT=16.60±2.82),with P<0.05.Furthermore,in the WVT group,both BBS score and FR distance(BBS:18.32±2.18;FR:10.00±0.92)increased more than that in the NWVT group(BBS:13.29±1.66;FR:6.16±0.95),with P<0.05.Meanwhile,in both groups,the TUGT and the MWS were improved after training(WVT=32.64±3.81 vs NWVT=39.56±3.68;WVT=12.73±2.26 vs NWVT=15.04±2.27,respectively),with P<0.05.The change in the WVT group(TUGT:17.49±1.88;MWS:6.79±0.81)was greater than that in the NWVT group(TUGT:10.76±1.42;MWS:4.84±0.58),with P<0.05.CONCLUSION The WVT could effectively improve the balance and walking function in stroke patients,which may be good for improving their quality of life.

Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway in primary liver cancer cells

Objective:To investigate clinical significance of Sonic Hedgehog(SHH)signaling pathway molecular Shh,Smo and Gli2 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)tissue.Methods:A total of 30 HCC tissue samples were collected.Protein expression of SHH signaling pathway molecules Shh,Smo and Gli2 in HCC tissues and para-carcinoma tissue were detected by using immimohistochemical method.Cirrhosis and normal liver tissue specimens were observed as control to analyze the expression of SHH signaling pathway molecular Shh,Smo and Glil mRMA in HCC tissues and corresponding para—carcinoma tissues and its relationship with the onset of HCC.Results:There was no expression of Shh,Smo and Gli2 protein in normal liver tissue,while their positive rates were 63.3%,76.79%and 66.7%in HCC tissues,respectively,with a significantly higher expression level than that in the para-carcinoma tissue(P<0.05).The protein expressions in HepG2 cells were slightly lower than that in Huh7 cells,with no statistical difference(P>0.05);Shh and Smo protein was detected in part of cirrhosis with positive expression,but Gli2 protein was not observable in cirrhosis tissues.Conclusions:In HCC tissues,the high expression level of SHH signaling pathway molecules signal peptide(Shh),membrane protein receiptor(Smo)and nuclear transcription molecular(Gli2)can be indicators of the onset of liver cancer.

A new cerebroside and its anti-proliferation effect on VSMCs from the radix of Cyperus rotundus L.

A new cerebroside,1-O-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-(2S,3R,4E,8Z)-2-[(2′R)-2’-hydroxylignoceranoylamino]-4,8-tetradecene-3- diol was isolated from the 60%EtOH extract of traditional Chinese medical plant Cyperus rotundus L.Its structure was determined on the basis of spectroscopic data.This new compound showed anti-proliferation effect on vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs).

Intercalation engineering of layered vanadyl phosphates for high performance zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs) have attracted great attention as the candidates for large-scale energy storage system,recently,because of their low cost,environment-friendly,high safety,and high theoretical energy densities.Among the numerous cathode materials,layered structure vanadium based polyanionic compounds,such as VOPO_(4),exhibit high specific capacity for Zn ion storage.However,the low Zn ion diffusion coefficient and limited interlayer spacing make the cathodes low reversible capacity and inferior cycling stability.Herein,K ions were pre-intercalated into the VOPO_(4) layers via ions exchange adopting VOPO_(4)·2 H_(2) O as the precursor.When evaluated as the cathode for ZIBs,an excellent cycle stability of 400 cycles under a current density of 500 mA g^(-1) was achieved by the obtained KVOPO_(4) electrode,verifying the positive effect of intercalation engineering.Furtherly,a solid-solution reaction Zn ion storage mechanism was confirmed.This study provides a new insight to explore high performance cathode materials for ZIBs.

Bifurcation and chaos characteristics of hysteresis vibration system of giant magnetostrictive actuator

Chaotic motion and quasi-periodic motion are two common forms of instability in the giant magnetostrictive actuator(GMA).Therefore,in the present study we intend to investigate the influences of the system damping coefficient,system stiffness coefficient,disc spring cubic stiffness factor,and the excitation force and frequency on the output stability and the hysteresis vibration of the GMA.In this regard,the nonlinear piezomagnetic equation,Jiles-Atherton hysteresis model,quadratic domain rotation model,and the GMA structural dynamics are used to establish the mathematical model of the hysteresis vibration system of the GMA.Moreover,the multi-scale method and the singularity theory are used to determine the eo-dimensional two-bifurcation characteristics of the system.Then,the output response of the system is simulated to determine the variation range of each parameter when chaos is imposed.Finally,the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method is used to obtain the time domain waveform,phase portrait and Poincare mapping diagrams of the system.Subsequently,the obtained three graphs are analyzed.The obtained results show that when the system output is stable,the variation range of each parameter can be determined.Moreover,the stability interval of system damping coefficient,system stiffness coefficient,and the coefficient of the cubic stiffness term of the disc spring are obtained.Furthermore,the stability interval of the exciting force and the excitation frequency are determined.

Increased heat shock protein 70 expression in the pancreas of rats with endotoxic shock

AIM： To investigate the ultra-structural changes and heat shock protein 70 （HSP70） expression in the pancreas of rats with endotoxic shock and to detect their possible relationship. METHODS： A total of 33 Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups： control group （given normal saline）, small dose lipopolysaccharide （LPS） group （given LPS 5 mg/kg） and large dose LPS group （given LPS 10 mg/kg）. Pancreas was explanted to detect the ultrastructural changes by TEM and the HSP70 expression by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS： Rats given small doses of LPS showed swelling and loss of mitochondrial cristae of acinar cells and increased number of autophagic vacuoles in the cytoplasm of acinar cells. Rats given large doses of LPS showed swelling, vacuolization, and obvious myeloid changes of mitochondrial cristae of acinar cells, increased number of autophagic vacuoles in the cytoplasm of acinar cells. HSPT0 expression was increased compared to the control group （P〈0.05）. CONCLUSION： Small doses of LPS may induce stronger expression of HSP70, promote autophagocytosis and ameliorate ultra-structural injuries.

Clinical classification of chronic prostatitis:a preliminary investigation

Aim: To propose a practical clinical classification for the chronic prostatitis (CP). Methods: The clinical fea-tures and the findings in the expressed prostatic secretion (EPS) in 804 cases of CP patients were retrospectively ana-lyzed. Results: Four types of CP were identified based on the clinical manifestations and the amounts of whiteblood cells (WBC) and lecithin in EPS. They were the latent type (85 cases; 10.6%), the common type (423 cases;52.6%), the persisting type (104 cases; 12.9%), and the active type (192 cases, 23.9%). The therapeutic efficacyfor these 4 subtypes were 40.4%, 76.8%, 30.8% and 37%, respectively; a statistical difference was noticed be-tween the common type and the persisting type (P < 0.01 ). Conclusion: The method of classification proposed bythe authors may help clinicians in the diagnosis and predicting the prognosis of CP. (Asian J Androl 2000 Dec; 2:311-313)

Novel ATP8B1 mutation in an adult male with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 1 is a rare disease that is characterized by low serum γ-glutamyltransferase levels due to mutation inATP8B1.We present a 23-year-old male who experienced persistent marked pruritus for eighteen years and recurrent jaundice for thirteen years,in addition to cholestasis that eventually became fatal.Genetic sequencing studies of the entire coding(exon) sequences of ATP8B1 and ABCB11 uncovered a novel heterozygous missense 3035G>T mutation(S1012I) and a synonymous 696T>C mutation in ATP8B1.The patient's progression was associated with not only impaired familial intrahepatic cholestasis 1(FIC1) function but also impaired bile salt export pump expression due to the impaired FIC1 function.Our findings show that patients with intermittent cholestasis can develop progressive liver disease even after several decades and require regular follow up.