Prevalence of Occupational Injury and Knowledge of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Accessibility among Healthcare Workers in Mogadishu, Somalia

Introduction: Healthcare workers in Mogadishu, Somalia face significant occupational injury risks, particularly needle stick injuries, with 61.1% reporting incidents. This poses a serious threat to their health, leading to infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Despite the high prevalence of injuries, awareness of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) accessibility is relatively high, with 84.0% of respondents aware of it. However, there are gaps in knowledge and implementation, as evidenced by variations in availability of PEP. Improving workplace safety measures, providing comprehensive training on injury prevention and PEP protocols, and ensuring consistent availability of PEP in healthcare facilities are crucial steps to safeguard the well-being of healthcare workers in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among hospital workers in Mogadishu, Somalia, focusing on professionals from various healthcare facilities. The study targeted nurses, doctors, laboratory personnel, and pharmacists. Purposive sampling was employed, resulting in a sample size of 383 calculated using Fisher’s sample size formula. Data were collected using coded questionnaires entered into Microsoft Excel 2019 and analyzed with SPSS software to generate frequencies and proportions, presented through frequency tables and pie figures. Results: The study in Mogadishu, Somalia, examined the prevalence of occupational injuries and knowledge of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) accessibility among healthcare workers. Findings indicate a high prevalence of injuries, with 61.1% reporting incidents, predominantly needle stick injuries (60.6%). Despite the majority seeking prompt medical attention (72.0%), work-related illnesses affected 53.2% of respondents, notably work-related stress (59.5%). While most received training on injury and illness prevention (68.9%), gaps exist in PEP awareness, with 16.0% unaware of it. Nonetheless, 84.0% were aware, predominantly through health facilities (52.0%). Availability of PEP was reported by 71.3% in healthcare facilities, with variations in shift availability. The majority reported guidelines for PEP use (55.7%). Efforts are needed to bolster PEP awareness and ensure consistent availability in healthcare facilities to safeguard worker health. Conclusion: High prevalence of occupational injuries among healthcare workers, with needle stick injuries being the most common (60.6%). Despite this, 84.0% of respondents were aware of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), primarily learning about it from health facilities (52.0%). While 71.3% reported the availability of PEP in their facility, 28.7% noted its unavailability. These results emphasize the need for improved education and accessibility of PEP to mitigate occupational injury risks.

Establishment of cell clones with different metastatic potential from the metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma cell line MHCC97

AIM: To establish clone cells with different metastatic potential for the study of metastasis-related mechanisms. METHODS: Cloning procedure was performed on parental hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line MHCC97, and biological characteristics of the target clones selected by in vivo screening were studied. RESULTS: Two clones with high (MHCC97-H) and low (MHCC97-L) metastatic potential were isolated from the parent cell line. Compared with MHCC97-L, MHCC97-H had smaller cell size (average cell diameter 43 microm vs 50 microm) and faster in vitro and in vivo growth rate (tumor cell doubling time was 34.2h vs 60.0h). The main ranges of chromosomes were 55-58 in MHCC97-H and 57-62 in MHCC97-L. Boyden chamber in vitro invasion assay demonstrated that the number of penetrating cells through the artificial basement membrane was (37.5 +/- 11.0) cells/field for MHCC97-H vs (17.7 +/- 6.3)/field for MHCC97-L. The proportions of cells in G0-G1 phase, S phase, and G2-M phase for MHCC97-H/MHCC97-L were 0.56/0.65, 0.28/0.25 and 0.16/0.10, respectively, as measured by flow cytometry. The serum AFP levels in nude mice 5wk after orthotopic implantation of tumor tissue were (246 +/- 66) microg.L(-1) for MHCC97-H and (91 +/- 66) microg.L(-1) for MHCC97-L. The pulmonary metastatic rate was 100% (10/10) vs 40% (4/10). CONCLUSION: Two clones of the same genetic background but with different biological behaviors were established, which could be valuable models for investigation on HCC metastasis.

Prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections among various donor groups:A comparative analysis

BACKGROUND Transfusion transmissible infections(TTIs)are illnesses spread through contaminated blood or blood products.In India,screening for TTIs such as hepatitis B virus(HBV),hepatitis C virus(HCV),human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-I/II,malaria,and syphilis is mandatory before blood transfusions.Worldwide,HCV,HBV,and HIV are the leading viruses causing mortality,affecting millions of people globally,including those with co-infections of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV.Studies highlight the impact of TTIs on life expectancy and health risks,such as liver cirrhosis,cancer,and other diseases in individuals with chronic HBV.Globally,millions of blood donations take place annually,emphasizing the importance of maintaining blood safety.AIM To study the prevalence of TTIs,viz.,HBV,HCV,HIV I/II,syphilis,and malaria parasite(MP),among different blood donor groups.METHODS The study assessed the prevalence of TTIs among different blood donor groups in Delhi,India.Groups included total donors,in-house donors,total camp donors,institutional camp donors,and community camp donors.Tests for HIV,HBV,and HCV were done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,while syphilis was tested with rapid plasma reagins and MP rapid card methods.The prevalence of HBV,HCV,HIV,and syphilis,expressed as percentages.Differences in infection rates between the groups were analyzed usingχ²tests and P-values(less than 0.05).RESULTS The study evaluated TTIs among 42158 blood donors in Delhi.The overall cumulative frequency of TTIs in total blood donors was 2.071%,and the frequencies of HBV,HCV,HIV-I/II,venereal disease research laboratory,and MP were 1.048%,0.425%,0.221%,0.377%,and 0.0024%,respectively.In-house donors,representing 37656 donors,had the highest transfusion transmissible infection(TTI)prevalence at 2.167%.Among total camp donors(4502 donors),TTIs were identified in 1.266%of donors,while community camp donors(2439 donors)exhibited a prevalence of 1.558%.Institutional camp donors(2063 donors)had the lowest TTI prevalence at 0.921%.Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in overall TTI prevalence,with total and in-house donors exhibiting higher rates compared to camp donors.CONCLUSION Ongoing monitoring and effective screening programs are essential for minimizing TTIs.Customizing blood safety measures for different donor groups and studying socio-economic-health factors is essential to improving blood safety.

Serum concentration of sFas and sFasL in healthy HBsAg carriers,chronic viral hepatitis B and C patients

AIM:To estimate the amount of apoptosis among healthy HBsAg carriers,patients with chronic HBV infection treated wibh lamivudine and patients with chronic HCV infection treated with interferon alpha and ribavirin.Activity of apoptosis was evaluated by serum sFas/sFasL concentration measurement. Moreover dependence between apoptosis and HBV-DNA or HCV-RNA levels was studied. METHODS:Eighty-six persons were included into study:34 healthy HBsAg carders,33 patients with chronic HBV infecl^on and 19 patients with chronic HCV infection.Serum levels of sFas/sFasL were measured by ELISA assay.HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA were measured by RT-PCR assay.Levels of sFas/sFasL were determined before and 2 and 12 wk after therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C infection. HBV-DNA or HCV-RNA was detected before treatment and 6 mo after treatment. RESULTS:Twenty-four (71%) healthy HBsAg carders showed HBV-DNA over 10~5/mL,which was comparable to the patients with chronic hepatitis B.independently from HBV-DNA levels, the concentration of sFas among healthy HBsAg carders was comparable to healthy persons.Among patients with chronic hepatitis B and C,the concentration of sFas was significantly higher in comparison to healthy HBsAg carriers and healthy persons.In chronic hepatitis B patients the concentration of sFas was decreased during lamivudine treatment.Among chronic hepatitis C patients the concentration of sFas was increased during IFN alpha and ribavirin treatment,sFasL was not detected in control group.Furbhermore sFasL occurred more frequently in chronic hepatitis C patients in comparison to chronic hepatitis B patients. CONCLUSION:There are no correlations between apoptosis and HBV-DNA levels.However ther is an association between apoptosis and activity of inflammation in patients with chronic HBV infection.Apoptosis can be increased in patients with chronic hepatitis C by effective treatment which may be a result of apoptosis stimulation by IFN-α.

Risk Factors, Clinical Features, Baseline Alanine Aminotransferase and CD4+ Count of Children with HIV Co-Infection with Hepatitis B and C at a Tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B and C viruses are endemic in sub- Saharan African countries including Nigeria. Researchers have studied the burden of co-infection of HIV with hepatitis B and hepatitis C but the risk factors and clinical presentation have not been much addressed especially in children. Methodology: This was a prospective cross sectional study that determined the prevalence, risk factors, clinical features, baseline CD4+ count, CD4+ percentage, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of newly diagnosed, HAART na?ve HIV co-infection among children who were managed at a Tertiary Hospital in Ilorin, Nigeria. Result: Of the 60 HIV- infected children recruited, 11.7% had HIV co-infection with HBV or HCV. Children with co-infec- tions (mean age 8.43 ± 2.37 years) were significantly older than their HIV mono-infected counterparts (mean age 5.25 ± 3.96 years) (p = 0.011). There was no significant difference between HIV monoinfection and HIV co-infection with respect to gender (p = 0.758), ethnicity (p = 0.707), religion of parents (p = 0.436), family type (p = 0.184), social class (p = 0.535), previous transfusion (p = 0.053), scarification (p = 0.612), female genital mutilation (p = 0.778), and sharing of clippers (p = 0.806). The mean BMI, immunological staging (p = 0.535), baseline ALT (p = 0.940), and mean baseline CD4+ count (p = 0.928) were comparable. However, the body mass index of HIV co-infec- ted children decreased with age up till age 10 years. Conclusion: There were no risk factors, nor clinical features predictive of co-infection identified in this study. Co-infection did not negatively impact baseline, CD4+ count and ALT.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract EGb761 on neural differentiation of stem cells offer new hope for neurological disease treatment

Stem cell transplantation has brought new hope for the treatment of neurological diseases.The key to stem cell therapy lies in inducing the specific differentiation of stem cells into nerve cells.Because the differentiation of stem cells in vitro and in vivo is affected by multiple factors,the final differentiation outcome is strongly associated with the microenvironment in which the stem cells are located.Accordingly,the optimal microenvironment for inducing stem cell differentiation is a hot topic.EGb761 is extracted from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree.It is used worldwide and is becoming one of the focuses of stem cell research.Studies have shown that EGb761 can antagonize oxygen free radicals,stabilize cell membranes,promote neurogenesis and synaptogenesis,increase the level of brain-derived neurotrophic factors,and replicate the environment required during the differentiation of stem cells into nerve cells.This offers the possibility of using EGb761 to induce the differentiation of stem cells,facilitating stem cell transplantation.To provide a comprehensive reference for the future application of EGb761 in stem cell therapy,we reviewed studies investigating the influence of EGb761 on stem cells.These started with the composition and neuropharmacology of EGb761,and eventually led to the finding that EGb761 and some of its important components play important roles in the differentiation of stem cells and the protection of a beneficial microenvironment for stem cell transplantation.

Prevalence of hepatitis B and C markers among refugees in Athens

AIM: To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B and C serological markers in a population of refugees living in Athens.METHODS: One hundred and thirty refugees (81 males and 49 females, mean age ±SD: 31.7±8 years) were included in the study. The hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg),the hepatitis B virus core antibody (anti-HBc) and the hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) were detected using a third-generation immunoassay.RESULTS: Twenty individuals (15.4%) were HBsAg positive and 69 (53.1%) were anti-HBc positive. The prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBc was higher among refugees from Albania and Asia (statistical significant difference, P＜0.008 and P＜0.001 respectively). The prevalence of these markers was found irrelevant to age or sex. Anti-HCV was detected in the serum of 3 individuals (2.3 %). No differences among age, sex or ethnicity regarding anti-HCV prevalence were found.CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that refugees living in Athens are an immigrant population characterized by a high incidence of HBV infection. The prevalence of HBV markers is higher among refugees from Albania and Asia. It is therefore believed that the adherence to general precautions and the initiation of HBV vaccination programs will be necessary in the future, especially in these communities.Although the prevalence of HCV infection seems to be relatively low, extended epidemiological surveys are needed to provide valid results.

Hepatitis C virus in human B lymphocytes transformed by Epstein-Barr virus in vitro by in situ reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction

AIM: To study persistence and replication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultured in vitro. METHODS: Epstein Barr virus (EBV) was used to transform the hepatitis C virus from a HCV positive patient to permanent lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL). Positive and negative HCV RNA strands of the cultured cells and growth media were detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) each month. Core and NS5 proteins of HCV were further tested using immunohistochemical SP method and in situ RT-PCR. RESULTS: HCV RNA positive strands were consistently detected the cultured cells for one year. The negative-strand RNA in LCL cells and the positive-strand RNA in supernatants were observed intermittently. Immunohistochemical results medicated expression of HCV NS3 and C proteins in LCL cytoplasm mostly. The positive signal of PCR product was dark blue and mainly localized to the LCL cytoplasm. The RT-PCR signal was eliminated by overnight RNase digestion but not DNase digestion. CONCLUSION: HCV may exist and remain functional in a cultured cell line for a long period.

Resveratrol and fenofibrate ameliorate fructose-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by modulation of genes expression

AIM: To evaluate the effect of resveratrol, alone and in combination with fenofibrate, on fructose-induced metabolic genes abnormalities in rats.METHODS: Giving a fructose-enriched diet (FED) to rats for 12 wk was used as a model for inducing hepatic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Adult male albino rats (150-200 g) were divided into a control group and a FED group which was subdivided into 4 groups, a control FED, fenofibrate (FENO) (100 mg/kg), resveratrol (RES) (70 mg/kg) and combined treatment (FENO + RES) (half the doses). All treatments were given orally from the 9th week till the end of experimental period. Body weight, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), liver index, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA), serum and liver triglycerides (TGs), oxidative stress (liver MDA, GSH and SOD), serum AST, ALT, AST/ALT ratio and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured. Additionally, hepatic gene expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), malonyl CoA decarboxylase (MCD), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and adipose tissue genes expression of leptin and adiponectin were investigated. Liver sections were taken for histopathological examination and steatosis area were determined.RESULTS: Rats fed FED showed damaged liver, impairment of glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia. As for gene expression, there was a change in favor of dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) development. All treatment regimens showed some benefit in reversing the described deviations. Fructose caused deterioration in hepatic gene expression of SOCS-3, SREBP-1c, FAS, MDA and TGF-β1 and in adipose tissue gene expression of leptin and adiponectin. Fructose showed also an increase in body weight, insulin resistance (OGTT, HOMA), serum and liver TGs, hepatic MDA, serum AST, AST/ALT ratio and TNF-α compared to control. All treatments improved SOCS-3, FAS, MCD, TGF-β1 and leptin genes expression while only RES and FENO + RES groups showed an improvement in SREBP-1c expression. Adiponectin gene expression was improved only by RES. A decrease in body weight, HOMA, liver TGs, AST/ALT ratio and TNF-α were observed in all treatment groups. Liver index was increased in FENO and FENO + RES groups. Serum TGs was improved only by FENO treatment. Liver MDA was improved by RES and FENO + RES treatments. FENO + RES group showed an increase in liver GSH content.CONCLUSION: When resveratrol was given with half the dose of fenofibrate it improved NASH-related fructose-induced disturbances in gene expression similar to a full dose of fenofibrate.

Synthesis, Reactions and Characterization of 1,1’-(1,4-Phenylenebis(3-amino-6-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-4,5-diyl))bis(ethan-1-one)

Reaction of 4,4’-(1,4-phenylene)bis(5-acetyl-6-methyl-2-thioxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile) (1) with methyl iodide afforded the 4,4’-(1,4-phenylene)bis(5-acetyl-6-methyl-2-(methylthio)nicotinonitrile) (2). The reaction of 2 with hydrazine hydrate followed by diazotization reaction af-forded the 1,1’-(1,4-phenylenebis(3-amino-6-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridine-4,5-diyl))bis(e-than-1-one) (3) and 1,1’-(1,4-phenylenebis(3-(chlorodiazenyl)-6-methyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]-pyridine-4,5-diyl))bis(ethan-1-one) (4) respectively. On the other hand, reaction of 4 with malononitrile, 2-cyanoethanethioamide, ethyl acetoacetate, acetyl acetone, ethyl benzoylacetate, diethylmalonate, ethyl cyanoacetate and phenacylbromide aiming to build up pyrazolotriazine or pyrazole ring on the ring system of 4. Structures of all newly synthesized heterocyclic compounds in the present study were confirmed by considering the data of IR, 1H NMR, mass spectra as well as that of elemental analyses.

TT virus and hepatitis G virus infections in Korean blood donors and patients with chronic liver disease

AIM:To determine the prevalences of TTV and HGV infections among blood donors and patients with chronic liver disease in Korea,to investigate the association of TTV and HGV infections with blood transfusion,and to assess the correlation between TTV and HGV viremia and hepatic damage. METHODS:A total of 391 serum samples were examined in this study.Samples were obtained from healthy blood donors(n=110),hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)-positive donors(n=112),anti-hepatitis C virus(anti-HCV)-positive donors(n=69),patients with type B chronic liver disease (n=81),and patients with type C chronic liver disease(n=19). Trv DNA was detected using the hemi-nested PCR.HGV RNA was tested using RT-PCR.A history of blood transfusion and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)were also determined. RESULTS:TTV DNA was detected in 8.2%of healthy blood donors,16.1%of HBsAg-positive donors,20.3%of anti- HCV-positive donors,21.0%of patients with type B chronic liver disease,and 21.1%of patients with type C chronic liver disease.HGV RNA was detected in 1.8%of healthy blood donors,1.8%of HBsAg-positive donors,17.4%of anti-HCV-positive donors,13.6%of patients with type B chronic liver disease,and 10.5%of patients with type C chronic liver disease.The prevalence of TTV and HGV infections in HBV- or HCV-positive donors and patients was significantly higher than in healthy blood donors(P<0.05), except for the detection rate of HGV in HBsAg-positive donors which was the same as for healthy donors.There was a history of transfusion in 66.7%of TTV DNA-positive patients and 76.9%of HGV RNA-positive patients(P<0.05).No significant increase in serum ALT and AST was detected in the TTV or HGV-positive donors and patients. CONCLUSION:TTV and HGV infections are more frequently found in donors and patients infected with HBV or HCV than in healthy blood donors.However,there is no significant association between TTV or HGV infections and liver injury.

Causes and Stages of Hepatocellular Carcinoma at Patient Presentation at a Tertiary Medical Center in Western Saudi Arabia

Background: With 748,300 new cases diagnosed every year, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 5th?and the 7th?most common cancer among males and females, respectively, and causes 7% of all cancer-related deaths. HCC represents more than?90% of primary liver cancers. Objective: The aim of the present study was to recognize the stages of HCC at presentation in patients who were diagnosed at King Abdul Aziz University Hospital (KAUH) and to identify the associated laboratory features of advance HCC.?Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 57 HCC patients admitted to KAUH between January 2008 and December 2012 was conducted. The diagnosis was established using ultrasound (U/S), computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), with or without a liver biopsy, as well as blood testing for alpha-fetoprotein.?The following data were extracted from the medical records at KAUH: patient demographics (age, sex and nationality), laboratory results (CBC, LFT, PT, INR and alpha-fetoprotein), radiological results, biopsy results for those patients who underwent biopsy, outcomes (living, deceased or lost from the follow-up), and mortality and survival rates. Results: A total of 57 HCC patients were admitted during the study period, and 3 patients were excluded from the analysis. Of the remaining 54 patients, 44 (81.5%) were males and 10 (18.5%) were females. The mean age was 64.54 years (SD, 11.2 years;range, 31?-?86 years). The majority of patients were Saudis (19, 35.2%), non-Saudis (35, 64.8%), Egyptians (9, 16.6%) and Yemenis (7, 13%). The remaining 19 (35.2%) patients comprised other nationalities. Chronic hepatitis C virus was the most common cause for liver cirrhosis (35 patients, 64.8%). CT was the primary diagnostic method (37 patients 68.5%), while 9 (16.7%) cases were confirmed by adnominal MRI. Six patients (11.1%) were diagnosed with abdominal ultrasound examination and elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels. In 2 (3.7%) patients, HCC was confirmed by liver biopsy. The majority of the patients (37, 68.5%) had advanced disease. Only 21 (39%) patients underwent radio frequency appellation (RFA). The mean survival time from diagnosis to death was 5.9 months (SD, 5.7 months), and the longest survival time to death was 20 months. Conclusion: The majority of our patients presented at an advanced disease stage, and CHC was the most common underlying cause for liver cirrhosis in our cohort of HCC patients. The proper implementation of HCC screening programs for cirrhotic patients is expected to help detect the treatable stages of HCC in a timely manner.

EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON THE IMMUNOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS IN HEPATITIS B VIRUS CARRIERS

A contrast study on the effects of manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture wasconducted in 60 cases of chronic hepatitis B carriers.The results demonstrated that theimmunological functions,both cellular and humoral,were markedly regulated asevidenced by the negative turnover rates of HBsAg,HBeAg,anti-HBc and HBcAg,as wellas the positive turnover rate of anti-HBe.

Expression pattern of BIM,BCL-6,and c-MYC in adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Objective We aimed to evaluate the expression pattern of the genes BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC in adult patients at initial diagnosis of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia(B-ALL).Methods Relative m RNA levels of BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) from B-ALL patients were determined by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR) using SYBR Green dye. PBMCs from healthy volunteers served as a control. GAPDH was used as a reference gene.Results Relative expression of BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC m RNA in B-ALL patients was significantly lower than in healthy controls(P < 0.05). Furthermore, this result was observed for both newly diagnosed B-ALL patients and those incomplete remission(CR)(P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC between these B-ALL patient groups(P > 0.05). Spearman's rank correlation analyses revealed the expression level of BIM to be positively correlated with that of BCL-6 in B-ALL patients.Conclusion Expression of the genes BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC is decreased in adult B-ALL patients. Moreover, the expression pattern of these genes may be similar in such patients at initial diagnosis and following CR. The expression characteristics of BIM, BCL-6, and c-MYC may constitute useful markers for the diagnosis of adult B-ALL.

Quantitation of HBsAg predicts response to entecavir therapy in HBV genotype C patients

AIM： To analysis the factors that predict the response to entecavir therapy in chronic hepatitis patients with hepatitis B virus （HBV） genotype C. METHODS： Fifty patients [hepatitis B e antigen （HBeAg）- negative：HBeAg-positive = 26：24] with HBV genotype C, who received nalve entecavir therapy for 〉 2 years, were analyzed. Patients who showed HBV DNA levels ≥ 3.0 log viral copies/mL after 2 years of entecavir ther- apy were designated as slow-responders, while those that showed 〈 3.0 log copies/mL were termed rapid- responders. Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen （HBsAg） levels （qHBsAg） were determined by the Archi- tect HBsAg QT immunoassay. Hepatitis B core-related antigen was detected by enzyme immunoassay. Pre-C and Core promoter mutations were determined using by polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Drug-resistance muta- tions were detected by the PCR-Invader method. RESULTS： At year 2, HBV DNA levels in all patients in the HBeAg-negative group were 〈 3.0 log copies/mL. In contrast, in the HBeAg-positive group, 41.7% were slow-responders, while 58.3% were rapid-responders. No entecavir-resistant mutants were detected in the slow-responders. When the pretreatment factors were compared between the slow- and rapid-responders; the median qHBsAg in the slow-responders was 4.57 log IU/mL, compared with 3.63 log IU/mL in the rapid- responders （P 〈 0.01）. When the pretreatment factors predictive of HBV DNA-negative status at year 2 in all 50 patients were analyzed, HBeAg-negative status, low HBV DNA levels, and low qHBsAg levels were signifi- cant （P 〈 0.01）. Multivariate analysis revealed that the low qHBsAg level was the most significant predictive factor （P = 0.03）. CONCLUSION： Quantitation of HBsAg could be a use- ful indicator to predict response to entecavir therapy.

Construction and characterization of an experimental ISCOMS-based hepatitis B polypeptide vaccine

AIM: To characterize the biochemical and immunological properties of an experimental ISCOMS vaccine prepared from a novel therapeutic polypeptide based on T cell epitopes of HBsAg, and a heptatis B-ISCOMS was prepared and investigated. METHODS: An immunostimulating complexes(ISCOMS)-based vaccine containing a novel therapeutic hepatitis B polypeptide was prepared by dialysis method, and its formation was visualized by electron microscopy and biochemically verified by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Amount of the peptide within ISCOMS was determined by Bradford assay, and specific CTL response was detected by ELISPOT assay. RESULTS: Typical cage-like structures of submicroparticle with a diameter of about 40nm were observed by electron microscopy. Results from Bradford assay showed that the level of peptide incorporation was about 0.33g.L(-1). At the paralleled position close to the sixth band of the molecular weight marker(3480kDa) a clear band was shown in SDS-PAGE analysis, indicating successful incorporation of polypeptide into ISCOMS. It is suggested that ISCOMS delivery system could efficiently improve the immunogenicity of polypeptide and elicit specific immune responses in vivo by the results of ELISPOT assay, which showed that IFN-gamma producing cells(specific CTL responses) were increased(spots of ISCOMS-treated group: 47+/-5, n =3; control group: 5+/-2, n =3). CONCLUSION: ISCOMS-based hepatitis B polypeptide vaccine is successfully constructed and it induces a higher CTL response compared with short polypeptides vaccine in vivo.

A developmental biological study of aldolase gene expression in Xenopus laevis

We cloned cDNAs for Xenopus aldolases A, B and C. These three aldolase genes are localized on different chromosomes as a single copy gene. In the adult, the aldolase A gene is expressed extensively in muscle tissues, whereas the aldolase B gene is expressed strongly in kidney, liver, stomach and intestine, while the aldolase C gene is expressed in brain, heart and ovary. In oocytes aldolase A and C mRNAs, but not aldolase B mRNA, are extensively transcribed. Thus, aldolase A and C mRNAs, but not B mRNA, occur abundantly in eggs as maternal mRNAs, and strong expression of aldolase B mRNA is seen only after the late neurula stage. We conclude that aldolase A and C mRNAs are major aldolase mRNAs in early stages of Xenopus embryogenesis which proceeds utilizing yolk as the only energy source, aldolase B mRNA, on the other hand, is expressed only later in development in tissues which are required for dietary fructose metabolism.We also isolated the Xenopus aldolase C genomic gene (ca. 12 kb) and found that its promoter (ca. 2 kb)contains regions necessary for tissue-specific expression and also a GC rich region which is essential for basal transcriptional activity.

Selective ischemic-hemisphere targeting Ginkgolide B liposomes with improved solubility and therapeutic efficacy for cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury(CI/RI)remains the main cause of disability and death in stroke patients due to lack of effective therapeutic strategies.One of the main issues related to CI/RI treatment is the presence of the blood-brain barrier(BBB),which affects the intracerebral delivery of drugs.Ginkgolide B(GB),a major bioactive component in commercially available products of Ginkgo biloba,has been shown significance in CI/RI treatment by regulating inflammatory pathways,oxidative damage,and metabolic disturbance,and seems to be a candidate for stroke recovery.However,limited by its poor hydrophilicity and lipophilicity,the development of GB preparations with good solubility,stability,and the ability to cross the BBB remains a challenge.Herein,we propose a combinatorial strategy by conjugating GB with highly lipophilic docosahexaenoic acid(DHA)to obtain a covalent complex GB-DHA,which can not only enhance the pharmacological effect of GB,but can also be encapsulated in liposomes stably.The amount of finally constructed Lipo@GB-DHA targeting to ischemic hemisphere was validated 2.2 times that of free solution in middle cerebral artery occlusion(MCAO)rats.Compared to the marketed ginkgolide injection,Lipo@GB-DHA significantly reduced infarct volume with better neurobehavioral recovery in MCAO rats after being intravenously administered both at 2 h and 6 h post-reperfusion.Low levels of reactive oxygen species(ROS)and high neuron survival in vitro was maintained via Lipo@GB-DHA treatment,while microglia in the ischemic brain were polarized from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the tissue-repairing M2 phenotype,which modulate neuroinflammatory and angiogenesis.In addition,Lipo@GB-DHA inhibited neuronal apoptosis via regulating the apoptotic pathway and maintained homeostasis by activating the autophagy pathway.Thus,transforming GB into a lipophilic complex and loading it into liposomes provides a promising nanomedicine strategy with excellent CI/RI therapeutic efficacy and industrialization prospects.

Tribological Behavior of Binary B-C Films Deposited by Sputtering-PBII Hybrid System

In this article, the authors report on the use of Radio Frequency (RF) Magnetron Sputtering combined with Plasma-Based Ion Implantation (PBII) technique to synthesize the Boron-Carbon (B-C) films. High purity of boron carbide (99.5%) disk was used as a target with an RF power of 300 W. The mixtures of Argon (Ar)-Methane (CH4) ware used as reactive gas under varying CH4 partial flow pressure at the specified range of 0 - 0.15 Pa and fixed total gas pressure and total gas flow at 0.30 Pa and 30 sccm, respectively. The effect of CH4 flow ratio on the friction coefficient of B-C films was studied. The friction coefficient of the film depended on the concentration of B. When it was 10% or lower, the coefficient decreased to 0.2 or lower. In this concentration range of B, the specific wear rate also decreased to the order of 10-7 mm3/Nm, and excellent wear resistance was displayed.

Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection

Occult hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection(OBI) is characterized by the persistence of HBV DNA in the liver tissue in individuals negative for the HBV surface antigen.The prevalence of OBI is quite variable depending on the level of endemic disease in different parts of the world,the different assays utilized in the studies,and the different populations studied.Many studies have been carried out on OBI prevalence in different areas of the world and categories of individuals.The studies show that OBI prevalence seems to be higher among subjects at high risk for HBV infection and with liver disease than among individuals at low risk of infection and without liver disease.