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Real-time PCR based on TaqMan-MGB probe technology is an excellent method for detection of HBV DNA.

In Western China, natural YMDD mutations occur at a rate of 15.56%, and it is suggested that pyrosequencing be performed to detect YMDD mutations before lamivudine treatment in patients with a chronic HBV infection.

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Background: China has the largest absolute burden of hypertension (HTN) in the world. Gut dysbiosis may be a potentially modifiable risk factor for HTN. However, the characteristics of gut microbiota in Chinese populations with HTN remain to be determined. Methods: We systematically searched for studies comparing the gut microbial in HTN with healthy controls in databases. The cut-off date was December 30, 2021. Semiquantitative analysis and meta-analysis with standardized mean differences of the alteration in gut microbiota were carried out. Results: A total of 16 studies involving 2372 patients with HTN and 849 controls were included, covering 16 Chinese provinces or regions. The present study supports that compared to healthy population, the diversity of patients with HTN is significantly compromised, while richness is overall preserved. To be specific, a significant increase of the Firmicutes(F)/Bacteroidetes(B) ratio is considered as a special parameter of gut microbiota in HTN patients. The increased abundance of phylum Firmicutes, genus Megasphaera, Escherichia_Shigella, and Klebsiella, while the lower abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes, genus Bifidobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, and Ruminococcus may be associated with HTN. The gut microbial metabolism in HTN was more abundant in LPS biosynthesis, membrane transport, and steroid degradation. Conclusions: Variation in gut microbial parameters is likely associated with Chinese patients with HTN. Further investigations should distinguish geographical and ethnic characteristics to develop in-depth knowledge of the underlying mechanisms by which gut dysbiosis contributes to HTN.

Accumulating evidence suggests that inflammation is involved in the development of late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). However, it is not clear whether inflammation is a cause or consequence, or both. The aim of this paper is to review the relationship between inflammation and LOAD. We also review the effect of anti-inflammation on the risk of LOAD to further elucidate the relationship between inflammation and LOAD.

It has become clear that soluble MHC I (sMHC I) and soluble MIC (sMIC), which are highly elevated in sera of cancer patients, can be viewed to be tolerogenic, and that metalloproteinases are involved in their generation process. In this review, an overview is provided of the recent progress made in the sMHC I and sMIC fields, with emphasis on their structure, formation, and function, and the key-questions that still await answers are addressed. Understanding better their formation mechanism, it will become more feasible to modulate the immune responses in cancer patients by targeting molecules involved in their generation process.

Background: Cyclophosphamide, thalidomide and dexamethasone (CTD) or bortezomib and dexamethasone (BDex) show substantial efficacy in patients with amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis, especially in Chinese patients. Currently, both regimens are recommended as primary treatment options for AL amyloidosis, but no comparative study has been reported. Results: We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 81 AL patients who received CTD (n=42) or BDex (n=39) and used Mayo stage 2012 to match 26 pairs of patients. In the whole cohort, the overall hematologic responses were 86% vs 91% in the CTD and BDex groups, including a complete response of 56% vs 71% based on an intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis. One- and two-year overall survival (OS) was 90.2% and 81.7% with CTD, and 87.6% and 82.7% with BDex. After matching, BDex regimen induced a significantly deeper and more rapid hematologic response over CTD, but no statistically significant difference in OS (ITT analysis, P =0.24; 6-month landmark analysis, P =0.48). Cardiac response rates were similar, while there was a trend for higher renal responses in patients treated with BDex (68% vs 44%, P =0.09). Additionally, BDex was associated with significantly improved survival in patients with advanced disease (Mayo stage III or worse) ( P =0.009). Patients treated with BDex reported more episodes of severe hematologic toxicity and diarrhea. Conclusions: CTD and BDex are effective treatments for Chinese patients with AL amyloidosis, but BDex regimen appears superior to CTD in achieving a more rapid and deeper clonal response, and in improving OS in patients with advanced disease.