Multidimensional evaluation of salt tolerance in groundnut genotypes through biochemical responses

The manuscript explores the complex interplay between groundnut genotypes,salt tolerance and hormonal influence,shedding light on the dynamic responses of three specific groundnut genotypes,KDG-128,TG-37 A and GG-20,to salt treatments and gibberellic acid(GA3).The study encompasses germination,plant growth,total protein content and oil content as key parameters.Through comprehensive analysis,it identifies TG-37 A and KDG-128 as salt-tolerant genotypes,and GG-20 as salt-susceptible genotypes,which highlighting the potential for targeted breeding efforts to develop more resilient groundnut varieties.Moreover,the quantification of protein and oil content under different treatments provides vital data for optimizing nutritional profiles in groundnut cultivars.Principal Component Analysis(PCA) underscores the significance of the first principal component(PC1)in explaining the majority of variance,capturing primary trends and differences in plant length.Analysis of Variance(ANOVA) and hierarchical analysis confirm the presence of statistically significant differences in protein and oil content among the genotypes.Pearson's correlation coefficient matrix analysis reveals strong positive correlations between plant length and protein content,plant length and oil content,and a moderately positive correlation between protein content and oil content.These findings provide valuable insights into groundnut physiology,salt tolerance,and nutritional composition,with implications for future research in sustainable agriculture and crop improvement.

Hepatitis B virus genotypes in precision medicine of hepatitis Brelated hepatocellular carcinoma:Where we are now

Hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is a major player in chronic hepatitis B that may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).HBV genetics are diverse where it is classified into at least 9 genotypes(A to I)and 1 putative genotype(J),each with specific geographical distribution and possible different clinical outcomes in the patient.This diversity may be associated with the precision medicine for HBV-related HCC and the success of therapeutical approaches against HCC,related to different pathogenicity of the virus and host response.This Editorial discusses recent updates on whether the classification of HBV genetic diversity is still valid in terms of viral oncogenicity to the HCC and its precision medicine,in addition to the recent advances in cellular and molecular biology technologies.

Selenium Differentially Regulates Flavonoid Accumulation and Antioxidant Capacities in Sprouts of Twenty Diverse Mungbean(Vigna radiata(L.)Wilczek)Genotypes

Seed germination with selenium(Se)is promising for producing Se-biofortified foods.Mungbean(Vigna radiata(L.)Wilczek)sprout is freshly eaten as a salad dressed with sauce,making it superior for Se biofortification.Since the Se safety range for the human body is extremely narrow,it is imperative to evaluate the genotypic responses of mungbean sprouts to Se.This study evaluated the Se enrichment capacity and interaction withflavonoids and antioxidant systems in sprouts of 20 mungbean germplasms.Selenium treatment was done by immersing mung-bean seeds in 20μM sodium selenite solution for 8 h.Afterward,the biomass,Se amounts,flavonoid(particularly vitexin and isovitexin)contents,antioxidant capacity,and key biosynthetic gene expressions were measured.Sprout Se content was 2.0-7.0μg g^(-1) DW among the 20 mungbean germplasms.Selenium treatment differentially affected the biomass,totalflavonoid,vitexin,isovitexin,antioxidant enzyme activities,and antioxidant capacities of the mungbean germplasms.Eight germplasms showed increased biomass(p<0.05),the highest increasing by 127%,but 13 did not phenotypically respond to Se treatment.Seven and six germplasms showed varied levels of vitexin and isovitexin increment after Se treatment,the highest measuring 2.67-and 2.87-folds for vitexin and isovitexin,respectively.Two mungbeanflavonoid biosynthesis genes,chalcone synthase(VrCHS)and chalcone isomerase(VrCHI)were significantly up-regulated in the germplasms with increased vitexin and isovitexin levels(p<0.05).Moreover,Se enrichment capacity was significantly correlated with the vitexin,isovitexin,and antiox-idant capacities.In conclusion,mungbean sprouts could be a useful Se-biofortified food,but the Se enrichment capacity and nutritional response must be determined for each germplasm before commercialization.

High Diversity in Genotypes of Human Rhinovirus Contributes to High Prevalence in Beijing,2018-2022:A Retrospective Multiple-Center Epidemiological Study

Objective To comprehensively examine the molecular epidemiological characteristics of human rhinovirus(HRV)in Beijing.Methods A total of 7,151 children and adults with acute respiratory tract infections(ARTIs)were recruited from 35 sentinel hospitals in Beijing between 2018 and 2022.Their respiratory samples were obtained,and epidemiological and clinical data were collected.Nucleic acid testing for 11 respiratory pathogens,including HRV,was performed on the specimens.We sequenced VP4/VP2 or 5’UTR of HRV isolates to identify their genotypes using phylogenetic analyses.Results HRV was detected in 462(6.5%)cases.A total of 105 HRV genotypes were successfully identified in 359(77.7%)specimens,comprising 247(68.8%)with HRV-A,42(11.7%)with HRV-B,and 70(19.5%)with HRV-C.No predominant genotype was observed.HRV was prevalent year-round with two weak peaks in spring and autumn.HRV detection declined gradually between 2018 and 2022,with seven genotypes disappearing and five genotypes emerging.HRV detection rate decreased by age without resurge among old people.HRV-C was more common among children aged less than 5 years with severe community-acquired pneumonia compared to HRV-A and HRV-B.Adults infected with HRV-B had higher rates of hospitalization,intensive care unit admission,and complications than those infected with HRV-A and HRV-C.Conclusion HRV epidemics in Beijing were highly dispersed in genotypes,which probably resulted in a high prevalence of HRV infection,attenuated its seasonality,and made it more difficult to establish effective population immunity.

Development and application of a SYBR Green I fuorescent PCR assay for the diferentiation of genotypes I and II African swine fever viruses

African swine fever(ASF)is a highly fatal hemorrhagic disease afecting domestic pigs caused by African swine fever virus(ASFV).Genetic analysis of ASFV isolates to date has identifed 24 geographically related genotypes with various subgroups,but only genotype I and II ASFVs have been reported outside Africa.ASFV genotype II and genotype I viruses were reported in China in 2018 and 2021,respectively.In this study,unique and highly conserved noncoding regions were found between MGF_505-9R and MGF_505-10R in the 188 genomes of ASFV genotypes I and II.A pair of primers was designed on the basis of this region.By optimizing the reaction system and conditions,a SYBR Green I fuorescence PCR assay that can distinguish between ASFV genotypes I and II was established,and the sensitivity,reproducibility and specifcity were evaluated.The detection limit was 1 TCID_(50)/0.1 mL for both genotypes,with no cross-reactivity observed with other common pig pathogens.The intra-and interbatch variation coefcients were both less than 1.2%.Clinical sample detection analysis revealed 47 positive cases out of 100,including 3 for genotype I and 44 for genotype II,aligning with results from the WOAH-recommended and national standard methods.The method developed in this study allows for the diferentiation of ASFV genotypes I and II without the need for genome sequencing,ofering a convenient and rapid approach for ASFV detection and genotype identifcation.

Serological Investigation into the Infected Genotypes of Patients with Japanese Encephalitis in the Coastal Provinces of China

Objective Genotypes(G)1,3,and 5 of the Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV)have been isolated in China,but the dominant genotype circulating in Chinese coastal areas remains unknown.We searched for G5 JEV-infected cases and attempted to elucidate which JEV genotype was most closely related to human Japanese encephalitis(JE)in the coastal provinces of China.Methods In this study,we collected serum specimens from patients with JE in three coastal provinces of China(Guangdong,Zhejiang,and Shandong)from 2018 to 2020 and conducted JEV cross-neutralization tests against G1,G3,and G5.Results Acute serum specimens from clinically reported JE cases were obtained for laboratory confirmation from hospitals in Shandong(92 patients),Zhejiang(192 patients),and Guangdong(77 patients),China,from 2018 to 2020.Seventy of the 361 serum specimens were laboratory-confirmed to be infected with JEV.Two cases were confirmed to be infected with G1 JEV,32 with G3 JEV,and two with G5 JEV.Conclusion G3 was the primary infection genotype among JE cases with a definite infection genotype,and the infection caused by G5 JEV was confirmed serologically in China.

Correlation between genotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi and clinical characteristics of patients with scrub typhus in Guangzhou,China

Objective:To explore the correlation between genotypes of Orientia(O.)tsutsugamushi and clinical characteristics of scrub typhus patients.Methods:Clinical data of patients with scrub typhus admitted to different types of medical institutions in Guangzhou from September 2012 to December 2016 were collected using medical records.Demographic data,clinical manifestations,as well as hematological and biochemical indicators of patients infected with different genotypes were analyzed and compared.Results:A total of 192 patients were included in this study,including 121 patients with Karp genotype of O.tsutsugamushi infection(63.0%),36 patients with Gilliam genotype(19.0%),23 patients with Kato genotype(12.0%),and 12 patients with TA763 genotype(6.0%)infection.The median value of albumin in patients with Karp genotype infection was significantly lower than that of Gilliam-infected patients(P=0.032).Patients with Karp genotype infection had a significantly longer hospital stay(9 days)than those with Gilliam genotype(7 days)(P=0.009)and Kato genotype infection(6 days)(P=0.005).Karp-infected patients also represented for the largest number of patients with complicated organ involvement(88/133,66.2%).Furthermore,Karp-infected patients had higher risk of developing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(18.2%)and requiring intensive care unit treatment(15.9%).Besides,patients with Gilliam genotype(8 days)and TA763 genotype infection(7.5 days)had shorter fever duration than those with Karp genotype(9 days)and Kato genotype(9 days)infection,respectively.Conclusions:Genotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi were associated with varying clinical manifestations,organ involvement,and treatment outcomes,suggesting that genotypes ranged in virulence.

Characterization of early maturing elite genotypes based on MTSI and MGIDI indexes:an illustration in upland cotton(Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Background Globally,the cultivation of cotton is constrained by its tendency for extended periods of growth.Early maturity plays a potential role in rainfed-based multiple cropping system especially in the current era of climate change.In the current study,a set of 20 diverse Gossypium hirsutum genotypes were evaluated in two crop seasons with three planting densities and assessed for 11 morphological traits related to early maturity.The study aimed to identify genotype(s)that mature rapidly and accomplish well under diverse environmental conditions based on the two robust multivariate techniques called multi-trait stability index(MTSI)and multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index(MGIDI).Results MTSI analysis revealed that out of the 20 genotypes,three genotypes,viz.,NNDC-30,A-2,and S-32 accomplished well in terms of early maturity traits in two seasons.Furthermore,three genotypes were selected using MGIDI method for each planting densities with a selection intensity of 15%.The strengths and weaknesses of the genotypes selected based on MGIDI method highlighted that the breeders could focus on developing early-maturing genotypes with specific traits such as days to first flower and boll opening.The selected genotypes exhibited positive genetic gains for traits related to earliness and a successful harvest during the first and second pickings.However,there were negative gains for traits related to flowering and boll opening.Conclusion The study identified three genotypes exhibiting early maturity and accomplished well under different planting densities.The multivariate methods(MTSI and MGIDI)serve as novel approaches for selecting desired genotypes in plant breeding programs,especially across various growing environments.These methods offer exclusive benefits and can easily construe and minimize multicollinearity issues.

Effects of Zinc on the Yield,Uptake and Distribution of Nitrogen/Phosphorus/Potassium/Zinc in Different Genotypes of Maize

[Objective] To study the effects of Zinc on the yield,nitrogen/phosphorus/potassium/Zinc uptake and distribution of different genotypes of maize.[Method] Using two different genotypes of maize as materials,the effects of Zn on the yield,N/P/K /Zn uptake and distribution of different genotypes of maize were studied by pot cultivation.[Result] Appropriate Zn supply could improve the grain number per kernel.The Zn content in different organs of maize showed little difference under low Zn treatment （Zn0,Zn1）.With the increase of Zn supply,Zn content in leaf,stem and sheath rapidly increased,but the increasing amplitude of Zn content in the kernel and bract were less.The excessive Zn in maize was mainly translocated in lower organs to reduce the damage of them to plants.Different Zn supply levels had less effects on the absorption and translocation of N,P and K in low-Zn insensitive variety Mudan 9.While the absorption and translation of N,P,K in low Zn sensitive variety （Sidan 19） was more easily influenced by the amount of Zn supplied.[Conclusion] Appropriate Zn supply could enhance the maize yield and utilization rate of N and K,and reduce the absorption and utilization of P.

Changes in Levels of Endogenous Plant Hormones During Floret Development in Wheat Genotypes of Different Spike Sizes

The levels of endogenous plant hormones regulate floret development and degeneration, and thus grain set in flower crops. This study was undertaken to characterize the changes of endogenous hormone levels during floret development in three wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes: “97J1' with the highest grain set and fertile florets per spike, “H8679' with the lowest grain set and fertile florets per spike, and a medium, “YM158'. The results showed that the peak level of ABA appeared between stamen and pistil differentiation and antherlobe formation of floret development, and the timing delayed with the size of spike (earliest in “H8679” and latest in “97J1”). From antherlobe formation to meiosis, the levels of ABA and GA 1+3 decreased sharply in the ears of “97J1”, while in the ears of “H8679” there was only a slight decrease in ABA, and even an increase in GA 1+3 . The ratio of isopentenyladenosine (iPA)/ABA and IAA/ABA in the ears of “97J1” increased sharply from antherlobe formation to meiosis, but changed only slightly in the ears of “H8679”. At antherlobe formation, IAA and GA 1+3 levels were higher in the ears of “97J1”, but lower in the ears of “H8679” than in the leaves. At meiosis, ABA, GA 1+3 and IAA levels in the “97J1” ears were much lower than in the leaves, but similar in “H8679”. These results indicated that the sharp decreases of ABA and GA 1+3 in ears from antherlobe formation to meiosis and the lowest maintenance at meiosis may be favorable for development of fertile florets and enhancement of grain set in wheat.

Effects of Genotypes and Basic Medium on Culture of Maize Mature Embryos

[Objective]This study was to screen out suitable genotypes and basic medium for the culture of maize mature embryos.[Method]Using mature embryos of nine maize genotypes as explants,the effects of genotypes and basic medium on callus induction and subculture were investigated.[Result]The genotypes performed better in callus induction and subculture were found in turn 853-35,853-209,Dan 34 and 81162.MS medium is better than N6 medium in the callus induction from maize embryos,while N6 medium is more suitable for callus subculture.[Conclusion]Our study further improved the tissue culture system in maize with mature embryos as explants.

Hepatitis B virus genotypes:Global distribution and clinical importance

At least 600000 individuals worldwide annually die of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related diseases,such as chronic hepatitis B(CHB),liver cirrhosis(LC),and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Many viral factors,such as viral load,genotype,and specific viral mutations,are known to affect disease progression.HBV reverse transcriptase does not have a proofreading function,therefore,many HBV genotypes,sub-genotypes,mutants,and recombinants emerge.Differences between genotypes in response to antiviral treatment have been determined.To date,10 HBV genotypes,scattered across different geographical regions,have been identified.For example,genotype A has a tendency for chronicity,whereas viral mutations are frequently encountered in genotype C.Both chronicity and mutation frequency are common in genotype D.LC and progression to HCC are more commonly encountered with genotypes C and D than the other genotypes.Pathogenic differences between HBV genotypes explain disease intensity,progression to LC,and HCC.In conclusion,genotype determination in CHB infection is important in estimating disease progression and planning optimal antiviral treatment.

Changes in Phosphorus Fractions, pH, and Phosphatase Activity in Rhizosphere of Two Rice Genotypes

A rhizobox experiment with two phosphorus (P) treatments, zero-P (0 mg P kg-1) and plus-P (100 mg P kg-1) as Ca(H2PO4)2·H2O, was conducted to study the chemical and biochemical properties in the rhizosphere of two rice genotypes (cv. Zhongbu 51 and Pembe) different in P uptake ability and their relationship with the depletion of soil P fractions. Plant P uptake, pH, phosphatase activity, and soil P fractions in the rhizosphere were measured. Both total dry weight and total P uptake of Pembe were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of Zhongbu 51 in the zero-P and plus-P treatments. Significant depletions of resin-Pi, NaHCO3-Pi, NaHCO3-Po, and NaOH-Pi, where Pi stands for inorganic P and Po for organic P, were observed in the rhizosphere of both Zhongbu 51 and Pembe under both P treatments. Pembe showed a greater ability than Zhongbu 51 in depleting resin-Pi, NaHCO3-Pi, NaHCO3-Po, NaOH-Pi, and NaOH- Po in the rhizosphere. HCl-Pi and residual-P were not depleted in the rhizosphere of both genotypes, regardless of P treatments despite significant acidification in the rhizosphere of Pembe under zero-P treatment. Higher acid phosphatase (AcPME) activity and alkaline phosphatase (AlPME) activity were observed in the rhizosphere of both Zhongbu 51 and Pembe compared to the corresponding controls without plant. AcPME activity was negatively (P < 0.01) correlated to NaHCO3-Po concentration in the rhizosphere of both Zhongbu 51 and Pembe, suggesting that AcPME was associated with the mineralization of soil organic P.

Differentiation of Barley Genotypes with High Phosphorus Efficiency under Low Phosphorus Stress

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate differences in phosphorus effi-ciency between two-rowed barley and multiple-rowed barley and differences in phos-phorus efficiency among various agronomic traits, and to explore the relationship be-tween agronomic traits and row type with phosphorus efficiency. [Method] Under available phosphorus mass fractions of 1.32 and 36.6 mg/kg, 172 barley varieties, including 79 two-rowed foreign barley, 22 multiple-rowed foreign barley, 58 two-rowed Chinese barley and 13 multiple-rowed Chinese barley, were selected to com-pare differences in phosphorus efficiency-related agronomic traits. Plant height, spike length, number of unfil ed grains, number of unfil ed grains, main panicle weight, to-tal panicle weight, total stem weight, weight of aerial part and heading stage were surveyed for statistical analysis. [Result] The results showed that, various agronomic traits were larger under fertilization condition than under non-fertilization condition ex-cept number of unfil ed grains and heading stage. Plant high, spike length, weight of aerial part and heading stage varied greatly under non-fertilization condition; number of fil ed grains, number of unfil ed grains and total stem weight varied greatly under fertilization condition. In two-rowed barley, plant height and number of fil ed grains of Chinese varieties were higher than those of foreign varieties, while other agronomic traits such as spike length, number of unfil ed grains, main panicle weight, total panicle weight, total stem weight, weight of aerial part and heading stage of foreign varieties were higher than those of Chinese varieties. Spike length and weight of aerial part in multiple-rowed and two-rowed foreign barley were higher than those in Chinese barley. In multiple-rowed barley, plant height, number of unfil ed grains, total panicle weight and total stem weight of foreign varieties were higher under non-fer-tilization condition and lower under fertilization condition compared with those of Chi-nese varieties; number of fil ed grains, main panicle weight and heading stage of foreign varieties were lower under non-fertilization condition and higher under fertil-ization condition compared with those of Chinese varieties. [Conclusion] Heading stage, number of fil ed grains, number of unfil ed grains and total stem weight are more sensitive to phosphorus efficiency. Multiple-rowed barley is more sensitive to phosphorus efficiency than two-rowed barley.

Prevalence and Genotypes of Rotavirus A and Human Adenovirus among Hospitalized Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in Fujian, China, 2009-2017

Gastroenteritis is an infectious diarrhea that has been considered as an important cause of hospitalizations and death in children aged < 5 years, particularly in developing countries. Unsanitary water, contaminated food, poor hygiene, and inadequate disposal of waste and feces are all risk factors for gastroenteritis, resulting in the higher incidence in developing countries. Gastroenteritis is generally caused by viral infections, among which rotavirus (RV) infections have been reported to be the most common, especially among young children aged < 5 years with acute gastroenteritis in Asia and Africa[1]. Other viruses associated with acute gastroenteritis include human Adenovirus (HAdV), Norovirus, Sapovirus (SaV), human Astrovirus (HAstV), and Aichi virus. Recent research has reported that adenovirus types 40 and 41, belonging to species F, cause gastroenteritis and were therefore termed as enteric adenoviruses. In addition, non-enteric HAdV species such as A, B, C, and D have been associated with diarrheal.

Susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma associated with null genotypes of GSTM] and GSTT1

AIM In order to study the association betweenthe null genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1 and thegenetic susceptibility to hepatocellularcarcinoma(HCC).METHODS The genotypes of GSTM1 and GSTT1of 63 cases of HCC and 88 controls were detectedwith the multiple PCR technique.RESULTS The frequency of GSTM1 nullgenotype was 57.1% among the cases,and42.0% among the controls,the difference beingstatistically significant(χ~2=3.35,P=0.067),but χ~2 value approaching the significance level.The odds ratio was 1.84(95% Cl= 0.91-3.37).The frequency of GSTT1 non-null genotype was87.3% among the cases and 52.5% among thecontrols,the difference being statisticallysignificant(χ~2=11.42,P=0.0007274).The oddsratio was 4.13(95% Cl=1.64-10.70).According to the cross analysis,the GSTT1 non-null genotype was more closely associated withHCC than GSTM1 null genotype,and these twofactors play an approximate additive interactionin the occurrence of HCC.CONCLUSION The persons with GSTM1 nullgenotype and GSTT1 non-null genotype have theincreased risk to HCC.

Hepatitis C virus in Pakistan:A systematic review of prevalence,genotypes and risk factors

In Pakistan more than 10 million people are living with Hepatitis C virus (HCV), with high morbidity and mortality. This article reviews the prevalence, genotypes and factors associated with HCV infection in the Pakistani population. A literature search was performed by using the keywords; HCV prevalence, genotypes and risk factors in a Pakistani population, in Pubmed, PakMediNet and Google scholar. Ninetyone different studies dating from 1994 to May 2009 were included in this study, and weighted mean and standard error of each population group was calculated. Percentage prevalence of HCV was 4.95% ± 0.53% in the general adult population, 1.72% ± 0.24% in the pediatric population and 3.64% ± 0.31% in a young population applying for recruitment, whereas a very high 57% ± 17.7% prevalence was observed in injecting drug users and 48.67% ± 1.75% in a multi-transfused population. Most prevalent genotype of HCV was 3a. HCV prevalence was moderate in the general population but very high in injecting drug users and multi-transfused populations. This data suggests that the major contributing factors towards increased HCV prevalence include unchecked blood transfusions and reuse of injection syringes. Awareness programs are required to decrease the future burden of HCV in the Pakistani population.

Hepatitis B virus genotypes and lamivudine resistance mutations in Jordan

AIM:To investigate and identify prevalent hepatitis B virus(HBV) genotypes and to explore lamivudine-resistant mutations among treated and untreated patients in Jordan.METHODS:A total of 107 cases with chronic hepatitis B were recruited from different medical centers in Jordan.Serological tests were preformed for all cases using a microparticle enzyme immunoassay.HBV Genotyping was performed for 70 cases using Line probe genotyping assay.The YMDD mutations were explored for 20 cases(4 were lamivudine naive) using the INNO-LiPA HBV DR assay.RESULTS:Genotype D was the only detected genotype.A total of 6 YMDD mutations were detected in 5 treated patients(31%) while one mutation was detected in the naive patients.Seventeen percent of cases were positive for HBeAg and had statistically significant higher levels of serum aminotransferases.CONCLUSION:HBV genotype D appears to be the only circulating type in Jordanian patients.The YMDD mutations were detected in 31% of lamivudine-treated cases with similar patterns to those found in the literature.We also found a relatively low prevalence of HBeAg expression among examined cases(17%).Awareness of these serologic,genotypic and resistance patterns might help in the formulation of management plans and for predicting clinical outcomes.Further larger scale studies are needed to confirm our results and to examine possible associations among clinical,serologic,and genetic patterns of HBV infections in Jordan.

Influence of HLA-DRB1 alleles and HBV genotypes on interferon-α therapy for chronic hepatitis B

AIM. To investigate the influence of HLA-DRB1 alleles and HBV genotypes on inberferon-α therapy for chronic hepatitis B. METHODS： HLA-DRBI＊03, ＊07, ＊09,＊12, ＊15 alleles were determined using polymerase chain reaction/sequence specific primer （PCR/SSP） technique in 126 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 76 normal control subjects in Shandong Province, and HBV genotypes were determined by nested-PCR analysis using type-specific primers in 126 patients. RESULTS： The positivity of HLA-DRB1＊07 allele in chronic hepatitis B group was significantly higher than that in normal control group （X^2 = 6.33, P〈0.025, RR = 2.37）. Among the 126 patients, genotype B was found in 38 （30.2%）, genotype C in 69 （54.8%）, and mixed genotype （B＋C） in 19 （15.0%）, genotypes D-F were not found. Among the 46 DRB1＊07（＋） patients, 7 were responders and 39 were non-responders among them （X^2 = 6.71, P〈0.05）. The positivity of HLADRB1＊07 and prevalence of HBV genotype C were significantly higher in non-responders than in responders. CONCLUSION： High positivities of HLA-DRB1 ＊07 allele and HBV genotype C are closely associated with the lower response to interferon-α therapy for chronic hepatitis B.

Does copper reduce cadmium uptake by different rice genotypes?

A hydroponics experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of copper （Cu） on cadmium （Cd）, calcium （Ca）, iron （Fe）, and zinc （Zn） uptake by several rice genotypes. The experiment was carried out as a 2×2×4 factorial with four rice genotypes and two levels of Cu and Cd in nutrient solution. Plants were grown in a growth chamber with controlled environment. The results showed a significant difference between the biomass of different rice genotypes （P 〈 0.001）. The Cd and Cu concentration in the solution had no significant effect on the biomass. The addition of Cu significantly decreased Cd uptake by shoots and roots of rice （P 〈 0.001）. The Cd concentration did not significantly influence Ca uptake by plants, whereas the Cu concentration did （P = 0.034）. There was a significant influence of Cd on Fe uptake by shoots and roots （P 〈 0.001, P = 0.003, respectively）. Zn uptake decreased significantly as the addition of Cd and Cu increased in shoots. We concluded that Cu had significant influence on Cd uptake. The possible mechanisms were discussed.