Diagnostic accuracy of transient elastography (FibroScan) in detection of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis: A meta-analysis.

Aim: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of FibroScan (FS) in detecting esophageal varices (EV) in cirrhotic patients.

Methods: Through a systemic literature search of multiple databases, we reviewed 15 studies using endoscopy as a reference standard, with the data necessary to calculate pooled sensitivity (SEN) and specificity (SPE), positive and negative LR, diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) and area under receiver operating characteristics (AUROC). The quality of the studies was rated by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy studies-2 tool.

Phylogenetic and Molecular Analysis of an H7N7 Avian Influenza Virus Isolated in East Dongting Lake in 2012.

Objective: In March 2012, an H7N7 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) named A/wild goose/Dongting/PC0360/2012 (H7N7) (DT/PC0360) was recovered from a wild goose in East Dongting Lake. We performed whole-genome sequencing of the isolate, and analyzed the phylogenetic and molecular characterization.

Methods: RNA was extracted from environment samples (including fecal samples from wild bird or domestic ducks, and water samples) for detecting the presence of Influenza A Virus targeting Matrix gene, using realtime RT-PCR assay.

[An overview of surveillance of avian influenza viruses in wild birds].

Wild birds (mainly Anseriformes and Charadriiformes) are recognized as the natural reservoir of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). The long-term surveillance of AIVs in wild birds has been conducted in North America and Europe since 1970s. More and more surveillance data revealed that all the HA and NA subtypes of AIVs were identified in the wild ducks, shorebirds, and gulls, and the AIVs circulating in wild birds were implicated in the outbreaks of AIVs in poultry and humans.

A novel reassortant H3N8 influenza virus isolated from drinking water for duck in a domestic duck farm in Poyang Lake area.

Objective: To conduct a full genome sequence analysis for genetic characterization of an H3N8 influenza virus isolated from drinking water of a domestic duck farm in Poyang Lake area in 2011.

Methods: The virus was cultivated by specific pathogen free (SPF) chicken embryo eggs and was subtyped into hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) by real-time PCR method. Eight gene segments were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was conducted.

[Risk factors for influenza A (H1N1)-associated pneumonia on hospitalized people less than 18 years old in China, 2009-2010].

Objective: To describe the epidemiological and clinical features of hospitalized people less than 18 years old with influenza A (H1N1)-associated pneumonia and associated risk factors.

Methods: Through Chinese Reporting System of Influenza A (H1N1), children aged under 18 years who were hospitalized with laboratory confirmed influenza A (H1N1), case report forms and related information on pneumonia were collected between 1 September 2009 and 4 July 2010. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics including demographics, underlying chronic diseases, treatment, complications and clinical outcome etc.

[Epidemiological characteristics on the clustering nature of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in China].

Objective: To study the epidemiological characteristics on the clustering nature of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 in China.

Methods: Time and place distribution of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 on the nature of clustering through data from Public Health Emergency Management Information System were described.

Results: As of August 10, 2010, 2773 pandemic (H1N1) 2009 clusters, a total of 77 363 cases (including 20 deaths) were reported in the mainland of China.

[Effects of heroin exposure on the expression of caspase 3 in prefrontal lobe cortex, hippocampus and nucleus accumbens].

Aim: To investigate the expression of caspase 3 in the brain regions related to addiction, learning and memory in mice prenatally exposed to heroin and to ascertain whether postnatal apoptotic mechanism participates in neurobehavioral teratogenicity induced by maternal heroin abuse.

Methods: A mouse model was established by administration of diacetylmorphine (heroin, purity 98.5%, product ID No.

Inhibitory responses of parabrachial neurons evoked by taste stimuli in rat.

In the present study, the responses of inhibitory gustatory neurons in the parabrachial nucleus (PBN) to four basic taste stimuli NaCl, HCl, quinine HCl (QHCl) and sucrose were examined using single-unit recording technique in anesthetized rats. A total of 18 inhibitory taste neurons in the PBN were obtained. Spontaneous firing rates of these inhibitory neurons were 0.