AIM: To compare the prevalence of hepatitis viral markers among soldiers from Turkey, blood donors from Northern Cyprus, and soldiers from Northern Cyprus. METHODS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV an...AIM: To compare the prevalence of hepatitis viral markers among soldiers from Turkey, blood donors from Northern Cyprus, and soldiers from Northern Cyprus. METHODS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV and anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence, HBV DNA, HCV RNA and HCV genotyping among soldiers from Turkey (group Ⅰ ), civil blood donors from Northern Cyprus (group Ⅱ ), and soldier candidates from Northern Cyprus (group Ⅲ) were studied and compared to one another. In total, 17 545 cases (13 546 males and 3999 females with a mean age of 34.5 ± 10.3 year, group Ⅰ = 11234, group Ⅱ = 5057, and group Ⅲ = 1254) were included into the study. RESULTS: Among all cases, HBsAg positivity rates were 2.46%, anti-HCV was 0.46% and anti-HIV was 0.00%. HBV DNA was 2.25%, HCV RNA was 0.33% in all groups. HBsAg positivity rates were 2.16% in group Ⅰ, 3.00% in group Ⅱ and 2.71% in group Ⅲ. There was a significant difference between group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ (χ^2= 6.11, P = 0.047 〈 0.05). Anti-HCV positivity rates were 0.45% in group Ⅰ, 0.45% in group Ⅱ, and 0.56% in group Ⅲ. Genotypes of HCV were 1b and 1a in group Ⅰ, 1b, 1a and 2 in group Ⅱ, and tb, 1a in group Ⅲ. HBsAg carrier rates were 2.20% in females and 2.53% in males. Anti-HCV prevalence was 0.38% in females and 0.48% in males. HBsAg positivity rates were 2.53% in individuals younger than 50, and 1.47% in older than 50. There was a significant difference between the two groups (χ^2 =23.48, P = 0.001) CONCLUSION: Prevalences of HBsAg, HCV and HIV infections in Northern Cyprus population are similar to those of Turkey.展开更多
Globally, over 300 million people are living with viral he-patitis with approximately 1.3 million deaths per year. In 2016, World Health Assembly adopted the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis to elimina...Globally, over 300 million people are living with viral he-patitis with approximately 1.3 million deaths per year. In 2016, World Health Assembly adopted the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis to eliminate hepatitis by 2030. Different World Health Organization member countries are working on hepatitis control strategies to achieve hepatitis elimination. So far, only 12 countries are on track to achieve hepatitis elimination targets. The aim of the study was to give an update about the progress and challenges to achieving hepatitis elimination by 2030. According to the latest data, 87% of infants had received the three doses of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in the frst year of their life and 46% of infants had received a timely birth dose of HBV vaccination.There is a strong need to improve blood and injection safety. Rates of hepatitis B and C diagnosis are very low and only 11% of hepatitis B and C cases are diagnosed. There is a dire need to speed up hepatitis diagnosis and find the missing millions of people living with viral hepatitis. Up to 2016, only 3 million hepatitis C cases have been treated. Pricing of hepatitis C virus drugs is also reduced in many countries. The major hurdle to ach-ieve hepatitis elimination is lack of finances to support hepatitis programs. None of the major global donors are committed to invest in the fght against hepatitis. It will be very diffcult for the low and middle-income countries to fund their hepatitis control program. Hepatitis elimination needs strong fnancial and political commitment, support from civil societies, and support from pharmaceutical and medical companies around the globe.展开更多
Hepatitis C virus(HCV) hepatitis and other diseases related to HCV,such as cryoglobulinemia,lymphoma and renal failure,impair health-related quality of life(HRQoL).In addition,HCV per se might directly influence HRQoL...Hepatitis C virus(HCV) hepatitis and other diseases related to HCV,such as cryoglobulinemia,lymphoma and renal failure,impair health-related quality of life(HRQoL).In addition,HCV per se might directly influence HRQoL via colonization of microglia in the brain or,indirectly,via the effect of systemic inflammatory cytokines which,in turn,can trigger brain interleukin production.The treatment of HCV-related disorders with interferon(IFN) has an effect on HRQoL.Initially,IFN causes a transient deterioration of HRQoL,due to the induction of depression and other side effects of treatment.Subsequently,the subjects who obtain a sustained virologic response experience an improvement in HRQoL.Only rarely does interferon treatment causes permanent detrimental effects on HRQoL,due to residual psychiatric or neurologic side effects.Liver transplantation is the only treatment for end-stage HCV-related liver disease.HRQoL generally improves massively a few months after transplantation,except in the case of serious complications of the transplant procedure.Furthermore,high levels of anxiety and neuroticism pre-transplant are associated with lower HRQoL one year after transplant.Additionally,six months after transplant,patients with HCV who experience virologic recurrence show significantly greater depression,anxiety,phobic anxiety,and paranoid ideation than anti-HCV-negative patients.In conclusion,optimal care for the overall well-being of patients with HCV infection requires adequate knowledge of their neurological and psychological status.展开更多
N-ros is one of the transforming genes in human hepatic cancer cells. It has been found that N-ras was overexpressed at the mENA and protein level in hepatoma cells. In order to explore the biological roles of N-ras i...N-ros is one of the transforming genes in human hepatic cancer cells. It has been found that N-ras was overexpressed at the mENA and protein level in hepatoma cells. In order to explore the biological roles of N-ras in human hepatic oaroinogenesis and the potential application in control of cancer cell growth, a pseudotype retrovirus containing antisense sequence of human N-ras was constructed and packaged. A recombinant rebrovirus vector containing antisense or sense sequences of N-ras oDNA was constructed by pZIP-NeoSV(X)1. The pseudotype virus was packaged and rescued by transfeotion and infection in PA317 and ψ2 helper cells. It has been demonstrated that the pseudotype retrovirus containing antisense N-ras sequence did inhibit the growth of human PLC/PEF/5 hepatoma cells accompanied with inhibition of p21 expression, while the retrovirus containing sense sequence had none. The pseudotype virus had no effect on human diploid fibroblasts.展开更多
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.Acti...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.展开更多
Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease caused by the penetration of the female sand flea, Tungapenetrans, into the epidermis of the host. Through an intensive literature review, poor hygiene, poverty, social negle...Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease caused by the penetration of the female sand flea, Tungapenetrans, into the epidermis of the host. Through an intensive literature review, poor hygiene, poverty, social neglect, ignorance, and poor cultural beliefs were found to promote jigger infestation in Kenya. The research revealed the vicious cycle of poverty, low educational standards, low self-esteem/stigmatization, violation of civil rights, HIV/AIDS and secondary infections as the effects of the infestation. Fumigation, on-host treatment of animals, proper hygiene, and health education are the suggested control measures. Generally, one needs to be physically, emotionally and socially sound to appropriately deliver the much needed services of national development. The jigger infestation negatively impacts on these aspects of human health, hampering the wholesome participation in nation building by both the infected and the affected. As a country, the Jigger menace is frustrating Kenya's attempts to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on poverty reduction by the year 2015, as well as reducing the pace of national development.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a typical member of the Hepadnaviridae family, is responsible for infections that cause B-type hepatitis which leads to severe public health problems around the world. The small enveloped DNA-...Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a typical member of the Hepadnaviridae family, is responsible for infections that cause B-type hepatitis which leads to severe public health problems around the world. The small enveloped DNA-containing virus replicates via reverse transcription, and this unique process is accomplished by the virally encoded reverse transcriptase (RT). This multi-functional protein plays a vital role in the viral life cycle. Here, we provide a summary of current knowledge regarding the structural characteristics and molecular mechanisms of HBV RT. Improved understanding of these processes is of both theoretical and practical significance for fundamental studies of HBV and drug discovery.展开更多
Infection with human papillomavirus(HPV) is the major cause of pre-invasive and invasive lesions of the urogenital tract, resulting in morbidity and mortality worldwide. HPV-related infection is responsible for most c...Infection with human papillomavirus(HPV) is the major cause of pre-invasive and invasive lesions of the urogenital tract, resulting in morbidity and mortality worldwide. HPV-related infection is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Developed countries have screening programs in place to detect precancerous lesions at early stages; in resource-limited settings however, HPV related diseases are often identified in advanced stages. This is due to limitations in the availability and roll out of effective screening programs. The relatively recent availability of the HPV vaccine has provided a new public health opportunity to decrease the incidence of HPV-related disease. The high mortality rates seen in developing countries could be reduced through effective implementation of HPV vaccination programs. Large trials have proven the efficacy of bivalent, quadrivalent vaccine and most recently 9-valent vaccine. Uptake in vaccination remains low due to multiple barriers including lack of education, lack of access, and costs. New strategies are being assessed to increase access, increase knowledge and reduce costs that may result in feasible vaccination programs worldwide. The goal of this article is to review the effectiveness and safety of the current HPV vaccines available, vaccine delivery strategies, cost effectiveness, and efforts to improve the acceptability. A literature search was conducted through Pub Med using the terms "HPV vaccination, and safety, and males, and acceptability and strategies, and cost effectiveness,"focusing on articles published between 2006 and 2015. The most relevant and larger scale trials were evaluated for discussion.展开更多
AIM: To summarize clinical features of probable severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Beijing.METHODS: Retrospective cases involving 801 patients admitted to hospitals in Beijing between March and June 2003, wit...AIM: To summarize clinical features of probable severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Beijing.METHODS: Retrospective cases involving 801 patients admitted to hospitals in Beijing between March and June 2003, with a diagnosis of probable SARS, moderate type.The series of clinical manifestation, laboratory and radiograph data obtained from 801 cases were analyzed. RESULTS: One to three days after the onset of SARS, the major clinical symptoms were fever (in 88.14% of patients), fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia (25-36%), etc. The counts of WBC (in 22.56% of patients) lymphocyte (70.25%)and CD3, CD4, CD8 positive T cells (70%) decreased. From 4-7 d, the unspecific symptoms became weak; however, the rates of low respiratory tract symptoms, such as cough (24.18%), sputum production (14.26%), chest distress (21.04%) and shortness of breath (9.23%) increased, so did the abnormal rates on chest radiograph or CT. The low counts of WBC, lymphocyte and CD3, CD4, CD8 positiveT cells touched bottom. From 8 to 16 d, the patients presented progressive cough (29.96%), sputum production (13.09%), chest distress (29.96%) and shortness of breath (35.34%). All patients had infiltrates on chest radiograph or CT, some even with multi-infiltrates. Two weeks later, patients' respiratory symptoms started to alleviate, the infiltrates on the lung began to absorb gradually, the counts of WBC, lymphocyte and CD3, CD4, CD8 positive T cells were restored to normality.CONCLUSION: The data reported here provide evidence that the course of SARS could be divided into four stages, namely the initial stage, progressive stage, fastigium and convalescent stage.展开更多
Objective This study focused on the application regularity of medicinal and dietary sub-stances(MDS)of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)diet therapy during rehabilitation,in order to help patients with Corona Virus Di...Objective This study focused on the application regularity of medicinal and dietary sub-stances(MDS)of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)diet therapy during rehabilitation,in order to help patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)reduce sequelae and improve their life quality.Methods The official websites of the national and provincial health committees,the website of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,the China BioMedical Literature Database(CBM),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP),and Wanfang Database were used to search the keywords,such as“coronavirus”“novel coronavirus pneumonia”“COVID-19”“protocol”“guideline”“consensus”and“rehabilitation period”.The search time was from the establishment of databases to July 31,2022.The prevention and control protocols of various provinces and cities were manually supplemented and screened out.The information on the frequency,property,flavor,meridian tropism,and efficacy of MDS was collected for association rule analysis through the Apriori algorithm.Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using the Euclidean distance and longest distance.Results A total of 18 protocols were screened out,including 56 lists of TCM diet therapy,and 47 kinds of MDS with a frequency of 132 times during the rehabilitation of COVID-19.Among them,six lists of diet therapy were collected from national websites,26 from local government websites,and 24 from social and academic institution websites.The intended population can be divided into seven categories including normal recovery,lung-spleen Qi deficiency,deficiency of both Qi and Yin,spleen-stomach weakness,deficiency of Yang Qi,kidney Qi deficiency,and blood deficiency.Shanyao(Dioscoreae Rhizoma)and Lianzi(Nelumbinis Semen),followed by Dazao(Jujubae Fructus)were used most commonly in MDS,with mainly flat property,sweet flavor,and spleen and lung meridians in meridian tropism.Besides,deficiency-tonifying drugs were commonly used in MDS.Through association rule analysis,12 groups of association MDS pairs were obtained.The pair of Yiyiren(Coicis Semen)and Chenpi(Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium)had the highest Lift value,and Yiyiren(Coicis Semen)was used most frequently in the MDS category for eliminating pathogenic factors.The results of complex network analysis showed that the core MDS were Yiyiren(Coicis Semen),Shanyao(Dioscoreae Rhizoma),Huangqi(Astragali Radix),Fuling(Poria),and Dazao(Jujubae Fructus).Three core categories were classified by cluster analysis,including the category of strengthening spleen,nourishing kidney,and grasping Qi,the category of removing phlegm,abating panting,and regulating Qi,and the category of strengthening the middle-energizer and reinforcing Qi.Conclusion Based on the TCM theory,most patients during the rehabilitation of COVID-19 are in a state of lingering pathogens due to deficient vital Qi.TCM diet therapy is based on the principle of“giving both reinforcing and reducing treatment”,and the MDS combinations focus on both reinforcing the health Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors.The diet therapy mainly uses the MDS with flat property and sweet flavor,which belongs to deficiency-tonifying drugs,adding suitable MDS of pathogen-eliminating drugs according to different situations.The ultimate goal is to promote lung inflammation absorption,improve pulmonary fibrosis,increase immunity,reduce the occurrence of sequelae,and improve life quality.展开更多
AIM:To study knowledge levels and attitudes of health care providers toward patients with hepatitis C virus infection in Guilan,a northern province of Iran.METHODS:This cross-sectional study was performed on 239 healt...AIM:To study knowledge levels and attitudes of health care providers toward patients with hepatitis C virus infection in Guilan,a northern province of Iran.METHODS:This cross-sectional study was performed on 239 health care professionals from the Razi Hospital,including doctors,nurses,and operating room technicians.The questionnaires consisted of questions on demographic characteristics,knowledge levels,and attitudes toward hepatitis C patients.The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study and validated by Cronbach' s alpha coefficient.Data were analyzed using SPSS16 software.RESULTS:The mean ± SD knowledge score was 17.43 ± 2.65(from a total of 22).51.9% of the participants achieved scores higher than the mean.There was a significant relationship between knowledge score and age(P = 0.001),gender(P = 0.0001),occupational history(P = 0.0001),and educational history(P = 0.027).There was also a significant relationship between attitude level and age(P = 0.002),gender(P = 0.0001),occupational history(P = 0.0001),and educational history(P = 0.035).Physicians were significantly more knowledgeable and showed more positive attitudes.There was a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores(P = 0.02).CONCLUSION:Discriminatory attitudes are common among health care providers toward hepatitis C patients.It is therefore necessary to improve their knowledge level and attitude toward this disease.展开更多
Background. Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection is ubiquitous in selected population with sero-prevalence of 60-80%. Little is known for that in China, except few sporadic studies. To understand prevalence of HHV-6 ...Background. Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection is ubiquitous in selected population with sero-prevalence of 60-80%. Little is known for that in China, except few sporadic studies. To understand prevalence of HHV-6 antibody in Chinese population,this seroepidemiological study was conducted.Methods. Sera were collected from 430 healthy persons and donors living in North China,and tested for HHV-6 antibodies using IFA with HHV-6 GS strain passaged on HSB-2 cells as antigen, and titer e-qual or higher than 1:10 was regarded as seropositive.Results. Of the 430 serum samples tested,297 (69.1%) were positive for HHV-6 IgG. Both seropositive rate and GMT in females were significantly higher than those in males,with X2 = 7. 05,P<0. 01 and F = 7.23,P<0. 01,respectively. Statistically significant difference in prevalence of HHV-6 antibody among various age groups was observed in both sexes,with X2=20. 08 and 20. 28,P = 0. 04,respectively,and young children had a higher titer than adults. But, no significant difference in prevalence was observed in blood donors between various age groups or both sexes.Conclusions. This study suggests that HHV-6 infection with seropositive IgG is ubiquitous in North China,and its importance should be further studied.展开更多
Ticks are important vectors for the transmission of pathogens including viruses.The viruses carried by ticks also known as tick-borne viruses(TBVs),contain a large group of viruses with diverse genetic properties and ...Ticks are important vectors for the transmission of pathogens including viruses.The viruses carried by ticks also known as tick-borne viruses(TBVs),contain a large group of viruses with diverse genetic properties and are concluded in two orders,nine families,and at least 12 genera.Some members of the TBVs are notorious agents causing severe diseases with high mortality rates in humans and livestock,while some others may pose risks to public health that are still unclear to us.Herein,we review the current knowledge of TBVs with emphases on the history of virus isolation and identification,tick vectors,and potential pathogenicity to humans and animals,including assigned species as well as the recently discovered and unassigned species.All these will promote our understanding of the diversity of TBVs,and will facilitate the further investigation of TBVs in association with both ticks and vertebrate hosts.展开更多
Mosquitoes are classified into approximately 3500 species and further grouped into 41 genera.Epidemiologically,they are considered to be among the most important disease vectors in the world and they can harbor a wide...Mosquitoes are classified into approximately 3500 species and further grouped into 41 genera.Epidemiologically,they are considered to be among the most important disease vectors in the world and they can harbor a wide variety of viruses.Several mosquito viruses are considered to be of significant medical importance and can cause serious public health issues throughout the world.Such viruses are Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV),dengue virus(DENV),chikungunya virus(CHIKV),and Zika virus(ZIKV).Others are the newly recognized mosquito viruses such as Banna virus(BAV)and Yunnan orbivirus(YNOV)with unclear medical significance.The remaining mosquito viruses are those that naturally infect mosquitoes but do not appear to infect humans or other vertebrates.With the continuous development and improvement of mosquito and mosquito-associated virus surveillance systems in China,many novel mosquito-associated viruses have been discovered in recent years.This review aims to systematically outline the history,characteristics,distribution,and/or current epidemic status of mosquito-associated viruses in China.展开更多
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health concern, notably in Southeast Asia, and in Laos the presentation of the HCV- induced liver disease is poorly known. Our objective was thus to describe a comprehensive HCV i...Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health concern, notably in Southeast Asia, and in Laos the presentation of the HCV- induced liver disease is poorly known. Our objective was thus to describe a comprehensive HCV infection pattern in order to guide national health policies. A study on a group of 1765 patients formerly diagnosed by rapid test in health centres was conducted at the Centre of Infectiology Lao Christophe Merieux in Vientiane. The demographic information of patients, their infection status (viral load: VL), liver function (aminotransferases) and treatments were analysed. Results showed that gender distribution of infected people was balanced; with median ages of 53.8 for men and 51.6 years for women (13-86 years). The majority of patients (72%) were confirmed positive (VL 〉 50 IU/mL) and 28% of them had high VL (〉 61oglo). About 23% of patients had level of aminotransferases indicative of liver damage (〉 40 IU/mL); but less than 20% of patients received treatment. Patients rarely received a second sampling or medical imaging. The survey also showed that cycloferon, pegylated interferon and ribavirin were the drugs prescribed preferentially by the medical staff, without following any international recommendations schemes. In conclusion, we recommend that a population screening policy and better management of patients should be urgently implemented in the country, respecting official guidelines. However, the cost of biological analysis and treatment are significant barriers that must be removed. Public health resolutions should be immediately enforced in the perspective of meeting the WHO HCV elimination deadline by 2030.展开更多
文摘AIM: To compare the prevalence of hepatitis viral markers among soldiers from Turkey, blood donors from Northern Cyprus, and soldiers from Northern Cyprus. METHODS: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV and anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence, HBV DNA, HCV RNA and HCV genotyping among soldiers from Turkey (group Ⅰ ), civil blood donors from Northern Cyprus (group Ⅱ ), and soldier candidates from Northern Cyprus (group Ⅲ) were studied and compared to one another. In total, 17 545 cases (13 546 males and 3999 females with a mean age of 34.5 ± 10.3 year, group Ⅰ = 11234, group Ⅱ = 5057, and group Ⅲ = 1254) were included into the study. RESULTS: Among all cases, HBsAg positivity rates were 2.46%, anti-HCV was 0.46% and anti-HIV was 0.00%. HBV DNA was 2.25%, HCV RNA was 0.33% in all groups. HBsAg positivity rates were 2.16% in group Ⅰ, 3.00% in group Ⅱ and 2.71% in group Ⅲ. There was a significant difference between group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ (χ^2= 6.11, P = 0.047 〈 0.05). Anti-HCV positivity rates were 0.45% in group Ⅰ, 0.45% in group Ⅱ, and 0.56% in group Ⅲ. Genotypes of HCV were 1b and 1a in group Ⅰ, 1b, 1a and 2 in group Ⅱ, and tb, 1a in group Ⅲ. HBsAg carrier rates were 2.20% in females and 2.53% in males. Anti-HCV prevalence was 0.38% in females and 0.48% in males. HBsAg positivity rates were 2.53% in individuals younger than 50, and 1.47% in older than 50. There was a significant difference between the two groups (χ^2 =23.48, P = 0.001) CONCLUSION: Prevalences of HBsAg, HCV and HIV infections in Northern Cyprus population are similar to those of Turkey.
文摘Globally, over 300 million people are living with viral he-patitis with approximately 1.3 million deaths per year. In 2016, World Health Assembly adopted the Global Health Sector Strategy on viral hepatitis to eliminate hepatitis by 2030. Different World Health Organization member countries are working on hepatitis control strategies to achieve hepatitis elimination. So far, only 12 countries are on track to achieve hepatitis elimination targets. The aim of the study was to give an update about the progress and challenges to achieving hepatitis elimination by 2030. According to the latest data, 87% of infants had received the three doses of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in the frst year of their life and 46% of infants had received a timely birth dose of HBV vaccination.There is a strong need to improve blood and injection safety. Rates of hepatitis B and C diagnosis are very low and only 11% of hepatitis B and C cases are diagnosed. There is a dire need to speed up hepatitis diagnosis and find the missing millions of people living with viral hepatitis. Up to 2016, only 3 million hepatitis C cases have been treated. Pricing of hepatitis C virus drugs is also reduced in many countries. The major hurdle to ach-ieve hepatitis elimination is lack of finances to support hepatitis programs. None of the major global donors are committed to invest in the fght against hepatitis. It will be very diffcult for the low and middle-income countries to fund their hepatitis control program. Hepatitis elimination needs strong fnancial and political commitment, support from civil societies, and support from pharmaceutical and medical companies around the globe.
文摘Hepatitis C virus(HCV) hepatitis and other diseases related to HCV,such as cryoglobulinemia,lymphoma and renal failure,impair health-related quality of life(HRQoL).In addition,HCV per se might directly influence HRQoL via colonization of microglia in the brain or,indirectly,via the effect of systemic inflammatory cytokines which,in turn,can trigger brain interleukin production.The treatment of HCV-related disorders with interferon(IFN) has an effect on HRQoL.Initially,IFN causes a transient deterioration of HRQoL,due to the induction of depression and other side effects of treatment.Subsequently,the subjects who obtain a sustained virologic response experience an improvement in HRQoL.Only rarely does interferon treatment causes permanent detrimental effects on HRQoL,due to residual psychiatric or neurologic side effects.Liver transplantation is the only treatment for end-stage HCV-related liver disease.HRQoL generally improves massively a few months after transplantation,except in the case of serious complications of the transplant procedure.Furthermore,high levels of anxiety and neuroticism pre-transplant are associated with lower HRQoL one year after transplant.Additionally,six months after transplant,patients with HCV who experience virologic recurrence show significantly greater depression,anxiety,phobic anxiety,and paranoid ideation than anti-HCV-negative patients.In conclusion,optimal care for the overall well-being of patients with HCV infection requires adequate knowledge of their neurological and psychological status.
文摘N-ros is one of the transforming genes in human hepatic cancer cells. It has been found that N-ras was overexpressed at the mENA and protein level in hepatoma cells. In order to explore the biological roles of N-ras in human hepatic oaroinogenesis and the potential application in control of cancer cell growth, a pseudotype retrovirus containing antisense sequence of human N-ras was constructed and packaged. A recombinant rebrovirus vector containing antisense or sense sequences of N-ras oDNA was constructed by pZIP-NeoSV(X)1. The pseudotype virus was packaged and rescued by transfeotion and infection in PA317 and ψ2 helper cells. It has been demonstrated that the pseudotype retrovirus containing antisense N-ras sequence did inhibit the growth of human PLC/PEF/5 hepatoma cells accompanied with inhibition of p21 expression, while the retrovirus containing sense sequence had none. The pseudotype virus had no effect on human diploid fibroblasts.
文摘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.
文摘Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease caused by the penetration of the female sand flea, Tungapenetrans, into the epidermis of the host. Through an intensive literature review, poor hygiene, poverty, social neglect, ignorance, and poor cultural beliefs were found to promote jigger infestation in Kenya. The research revealed the vicious cycle of poverty, low educational standards, low self-esteem/stigmatization, violation of civil rights, HIV/AIDS and secondary infections as the effects of the infestation. Fumigation, on-host treatment of animals, proper hygiene, and health education are the suggested control measures. Generally, one needs to be physically, emotionally and socially sound to appropriately deliver the much needed services of national development. The jigger infestation negatively impacts on these aspects of human health, hampering the wholesome participation in nation building by both the infected and the affected. As a country, the Jigger menace is frustrating Kenya's attempts to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on poverty reduction by the year 2015, as well as reducing the pace of national development.
基金National Nature Science Foundations of China (30870131)Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (0802021SA1)
文摘Hepatitis B virus (HBV), a typical member of the Hepadnaviridae family, is responsible for infections that cause B-type hepatitis which leads to severe public health problems around the world. The small enveloped DNA-containing virus replicates via reverse transcription, and this unique process is accomplished by the virally encoded reverse transcriptase (RT). This multi-functional protein plays a vital role in the viral life cycle. Here, we provide a summary of current knowledge regarding the structural characteristics and molecular mechanisms of HBV RT. Improved understanding of these processes is of both theoretical and practical significance for fundamental studies of HBV and drug discovery.
文摘Infection with human papillomavirus(HPV) is the major cause of pre-invasive and invasive lesions of the urogenital tract, resulting in morbidity and mortality worldwide. HPV-related infection is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Developed countries have screening programs in place to detect precancerous lesions at early stages; in resource-limited settings however, HPV related diseases are often identified in advanced stages. This is due to limitations in the availability and roll out of effective screening programs. The relatively recent availability of the HPV vaccine has provided a new public health opportunity to decrease the incidence of HPV-related disease. The high mortality rates seen in developing countries could be reduced through effective implementation of HPV vaccination programs. Large trials have proven the efficacy of bivalent, quadrivalent vaccine and most recently 9-valent vaccine. Uptake in vaccination remains low due to multiple barriers including lack of education, lack of access, and costs. New strategies are being assessed to increase access, increase knowledge and reduce costs that may result in feasible vaccination programs worldwide. The goal of this article is to review the effectiveness and safety of the current HPV vaccines available, vaccine delivery strategies, cost effectiveness, and efforts to improve the acceptability. A literature search was conducted through Pub Med using the terms "HPV vaccination, and safety, and males, and acceptability and strategies, and cost effectiveness,"focusing on articles published between 2006 and 2015. The most relevant and larger scale trials were evaluated for discussion.
基金Supported by the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program), No. 2003AA208107 Correspondence to: Xiao-Yuan Xu
文摘AIM: To summarize clinical features of probable severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Beijing.METHODS: Retrospective cases involving 801 patients admitted to hospitals in Beijing between March and June 2003, with a diagnosis of probable SARS, moderate type.The series of clinical manifestation, laboratory and radiograph data obtained from 801 cases were analyzed. RESULTS: One to three days after the onset of SARS, the major clinical symptoms were fever (in 88.14% of patients), fatigue, headache, myalgia, arthralgia (25-36%), etc. The counts of WBC (in 22.56% of patients) lymphocyte (70.25%)and CD3, CD4, CD8 positive T cells (70%) decreased. From 4-7 d, the unspecific symptoms became weak; however, the rates of low respiratory tract symptoms, such as cough (24.18%), sputum production (14.26%), chest distress (21.04%) and shortness of breath (9.23%) increased, so did the abnormal rates on chest radiograph or CT. The low counts of WBC, lymphocyte and CD3, CD4, CD8 positiveT cells touched bottom. From 8 to 16 d, the patients presented progressive cough (29.96%), sputum production (13.09%), chest distress (29.96%) and shortness of breath (35.34%). All patients had infiltrates on chest radiograph or CT, some even with multi-infiltrates. Two weeks later, patients' respiratory symptoms started to alleviate, the infiltrates on the lung began to absorb gradually, the counts of WBC, lymphocyte and CD3, CD4, CD8 positive T cells were restored to normality.CONCLUSION: The data reported here provide evidence that the course of SARS could be divided into four stages, namely the initial stage, progressive stage, fastigium and convalescent stage.
基金Jiangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Young and Middle-aged Backbone Talent Preject Second Batch(1242001415).
文摘Objective This study focused on the application regularity of medicinal and dietary sub-stances(MDS)of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)diet therapy during rehabilitation,in order to help patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019(COVID-19)reduce sequelae and improve their life quality.Methods The official websites of the national and provincial health committees,the website of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine,the China BioMedical Literature Database(CBM),China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China Science and Technology Journal Database(VIP),and Wanfang Database were used to search the keywords,such as“coronavirus”“novel coronavirus pneumonia”“COVID-19”“protocol”“guideline”“consensus”and“rehabilitation period”.The search time was from the establishment of databases to July 31,2022.The prevention and control protocols of various provinces and cities were manually supplemented and screened out.The information on the frequency,property,flavor,meridian tropism,and efficacy of MDS was collected for association rule analysis through the Apriori algorithm.Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using the Euclidean distance and longest distance.Results A total of 18 protocols were screened out,including 56 lists of TCM diet therapy,and 47 kinds of MDS with a frequency of 132 times during the rehabilitation of COVID-19.Among them,six lists of diet therapy were collected from national websites,26 from local government websites,and 24 from social and academic institution websites.The intended population can be divided into seven categories including normal recovery,lung-spleen Qi deficiency,deficiency of both Qi and Yin,spleen-stomach weakness,deficiency of Yang Qi,kidney Qi deficiency,and blood deficiency.Shanyao(Dioscoreae Rhizoma)and Lianzi(Nelumbinis Semen),followed by Dazao(Jujubae Fructus)were used most commonly in MDS,with mainly flat property,sweet flavor,and spleen and lung meridians in meridian tropism.Besides,deficiency-tonifying drugs were commonly used in MDS.Through association rule analysis,12 groups of association MDS pairs were obtained.The pair of Yiyiren(Coicis Semen)and Chenpi(Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium)had the highest Lift value,and Yiyiren(Coicis Semen)was used most frequently in the MDS category for eliminating pathogenic factors.The results of complex network analysis showed that the core MDS were Yiyiren(Coicis Semen),Shanyao(Dioscoreae Rhizoma),Huangqi(Astragali Radix),Fuling(Poria),and Dazao(Jujubae Fructus).Three core categories were classified by cluster analysis,including the category of strengthening spleen,nourishing kidney,and grasping Qi,the category of removing phlegm,abating panting,and regulating Qi,and the category of strengthening the middle-energizer and reinforcing Qi.Conclusion Based on the TCM theory,most patients during the rehabilitation of COVID-19 are in a state of lingering pathogens due to deficient vital Qi.TCM diet therapy is based on the principle of“giving both reinforcing and reducing treatment”,and the MDS combinations focus on both reinforcing the health Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors.The diet therapy mainly uses the MDS with flat property and sweet flavor,which belongs to deficiency-tonifying drugs,adding suitable MDS of pathogen-eliminating drugs according to different situations.The ultimate goal is to promote lung inflammation absorption,improve pulmonary fibrosis,increase immunity,reduce the occurrence of sequelae,and improve life quality.
文摘AIM:To study knowledge levels and attitudes of health care providers toward patients with hepatitis C virus infection in Guilan,a northern province of Iran.METHODS:This cross-sectional study was performed on 239 health care professionals from the Razi Hospital,including doctors,nurses,and operating room technicians.The questionnaires consisted of questions on demographic characteristics,knowledge levels,and attitudes toward hepatitis C patients.The questionnaire was tested in a pilot study and validated by Cronbach' s alpha coefficient.Data were analyzed using SPSS16 software.RESULTS:The mean ± SD knowledge score was 17.43 ± 2.65(from a total of 22).51.9% of the participants achieved scores higher than the mean.There was a significant relationship between knowledge score and age(P = 0.001),gender(P = 0.0001),occupational history(P = 0.0001),and educational history(P = 0.027).There was also a significant relationship between attitude level and age(P = 0.002),gender(P = 0.0001),occupational history(P = 0.0001),and educational history(P = 0.035).Physicians were significantly more knowledgeable and showed more positive attitudes.There was a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude scores(P = 0.02).CONCLUSION:Discriminatory attitudes are common among health care providers toward hepatitis C patients.It is therefore necessary to improve their knowledge level and attitude toward this disease.
文摘Background. Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) infection is ubiquitous in selected population with sero-prevalence of 60-80%. Little is known for that in China, except few sporadic studies. To understand prevalence of HHV-6 antibody in Chinese population,this seroepidemiological study was conducted.Methods. Sera were collected from 430 healthy persons and donors living in North China,and tested for HHV-6 antibodies using IFA with HHV-6 GS strain passaged on HSB-2 cells as antigen, and titer e-qual or higher than 1:10 was regarded as seropositive.Results. Of the 430 serum samples tested,297 (69.1%) were positive for HHV-6 IgG. Both seropositive rate and GMT in females were significantly higher than those in males,with X2 = 7. 05,P<0. 01 and F = 7.23,P<0. 01,respectively. Statistically significant difference in prevalence of HHV-6 antibody among various age groups was observed in both sexes,with X2=20. 08 and 20. 28,P = 0. 04,respectively,and young children had a higher titer than adults. But, no significant difference in prevalence was observed in blood donors between various age groups or both sexes.Conclusions. This study suggests that HHV-6 infection with seropositive IgG is ubiquitous in North China,and its importance should be further studied.
基金supported by Science and Technology Basic Work Program (2013FY113500) from the Ministry of Science and Technology of Chinathe European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme (No.653316)+1 种基金the Strategic Bio-resource Service Network Plan and Building the Biogenetic Resource Preserving Capacity Program from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ZSSB-002)the Hubei Provincial program of scientific and technological condition platform establishment (2017BEC003)
文摘Ticks are important vectors for the transmission of pathogens including viruses.The viruses carried by ticks also known as tick-borne viruses(TBVs),contain a large group of viruses with diverse genetic properties and are concluded in two orders,nine families,and at least 12 genera.Some members of the TBVs are notorious agents causing severe diseases with high mortality rates in humans and livestock,while some others may pose risks to public health that are still unclear to us.Herein,we review the current knowledge of TBVs with emphases on the history of virus isolation and identification,tick vectors,and potential pathogenicity to humans and animals,including assigned species as well as the recently discovered and unassigned species.All these will promote our understanding of the diversity of TBVs,and will facilitate the further investigation of TBVs in association with both ticks and vertebrate hosts.
基金supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (Science and Technology Basic Work Program 2013FY113500)
文摘Mosquitoes are classified into approximately 3500 species and further grouped into 41 genera.Epidemiologically,they are considered to be among the most important disease vectors in the world and they can harbor a wide variety of viruses.Several mosquito viruses are considered to be of significant medical importance and can cause serious public health issues throughout the world.Such viruses are Japanese encephalitis virus(JEV),dengue virus(DENV),chikungunya virus(CHIKV),and Zika virus(ZIKV).Others are the newly recognized mosquito viruses such as Banna virus(BAV)and Yunnan orbivirus(YNOV)with unclear medical significance.The remaining mosquito viruses are those that naturally infect mosquitoes but do not appear to infect humans or other vertebrates.With the continuous development and improvement of mosquito and mosquito-associated virus surveillance systems in China,many novel mosquito-associated viruses have been discovered in recent years.This review aims to systematically outline the history,characteristics,distribution,and/or current epidemic status of mosquito-associated viruses in China.
基金supported by CILM, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Campus Francethe Fondation Mérieux
文摘Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global health concern, notably in Southeast Asia, and in Laos the presentation of the HCV- induced liver disease is poorly known. Our objective was thus to describe a comprehensive HCV infection pattern in order to guide national health policies. A study on a group of 1765 patients formerly diagnosed by rapid test in health centres was conducted at the Centre of Infectiology Lao Christophe Merieux in Vientiane. The demographic information of patients, their infection status (viral load: VL), liver function (aminotransferases) and treatments were analysed. Results showed that gender distribution of infected people was balanced; with median ages of 53.8 for men and 51.6 years for women (13-86 years). The majority of patients (72%) were confirmed positive (VL 〉 50 IU/mL) and 28% of them had high VL (〉 61oglo). About 23% of patients had level of aminotransferases indicative of liver damage (〉 40 IU/mL); but less than 20% of patients received treatment. Patients rarely received a second sampling or medical imaging. The survey also showed that cycloferon, pegylated interferon and ribavirin were the drugs prescribed preferentially by the medical staff, without following any international recommendations schemes. In conclusion, we recommend that a population screening policy and better management of patients should be urgently implemented in the country, respecting official guidelines. However, the cost of biological analysis and treatment are significant barriers that must be removed. Public health resolutions should be immediately enforced in the perspective of meeting the WHO HCV elimination deadline by 2030.