Relationship between phytoplankton community and water parameters in planted fringing mangrove area in South China.

Reforestation has been commonly adopted to increase the mangrove areas lost due to developments. A diverse phytoplankton community is critical to mangrove ecosystem functions; however, its compositions in planted mangrove habitats have seldom been reported. The present study, based on the temporal and spatial variations of phytoplankton community and water parameters, evaluated their relationships in a 20-year old artificially planted fringing mangrove in South China.

The G1613A mutation in the HBV genome affects HBeAg expression and viral replication through altered core promoter activity.

Infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis and is closely associated with the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previously, we demonstrated that the G1613A mutation in the HBV negative regulatory element (NRE) is a hotspot mutation in HCC patients. In this study, we further investigated the functional consequences of this mutation in the context of the full length HBV genome and its replication.

Comparison of the modified Chinese Baecke Questionnaire with a 3-day activity diary in a Hong Kong Chinese population.

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of the modified Chinese Baecke Questionnaire, using a 3-day activity diary as a reference, in Hong Kong Chinese population. A total of 198 Chinese subjects aged 18 to 65 years were recruited in Hong Kong. Validity of the questionnaire was assessed using a 3-day activity diary as the reference method.

The humoral response after laparoscopic versus open colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis.

Background: The local and systemic humoral response after colorectal surgery is thought to affect postoperative recovery. It is commonly claimed that laparoscopic surgery elicits a diminished inflammatory response than equivalent open surgery. Despite these claims, the evidence is conflicting.

Carotid atherosclerosis and the risk factors in early postmenopausal Chinese women.

Objectives: To describe the distribution of intima-media thickness (IMT) and the prevalence of plaque by carotid segments, walls and sides, and to examine their associated risk factors in asymptomatic, early postmenopausal Chinese women in Hong Kong.

Methods: Between 2002 and 2004, the study recruited 518 postmenopausal women aged 50-64 years. They were examined by B-mode ultrasound to measure the IMT and the prevalence of plaque at the near and far walls of common carotid (CCA), bifurcation (bulb), and internal carotid (ICA) of both the left and right carotid arteries.

Inhibition of adipocyte differentiation by insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3.

Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) interacts with the type II nuclear receptors retinoid X receptor (RXR)alpha and retinoic acid receptor-alpha and modulates their transcriptional activity. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma, a related nuclear receptor that dimerizes with RXRalpha, plays an important role in adipocyte differentiation. IGFBP-3 is regulated during adipocyte differentiation, but its role in this process is unknown.

The molecular diagnosis of hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC has been studied extensively, and molecular changes during malignant transformation have been identified. It has been proposed that the insertion of HBV DNA into the human genome results in chromosomal instability and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.

Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 leads to insulin resistance in adipocytes.

Context: Transgenic mice overexpressing IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) have insulin resistance with reduced uptake of 2-deoxyglucose in muscle and adipose tissue.

Objective: Our aim was to investigate the effects of IGFBP-3 on glucose uptake in adipocytes.

Results: In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, IGFBP-3 reduced insulin-stimulated but not basal glucose uptake.

Postpartum maternal iodine status and the relationship to neonatal thyroid function.

Iodine deficiency in the postpartum period has the potential to affect neonatal neuropsychointellectual development. We performed a cross-sectional study involving 50 postpartum women and their neonates, measuring maternal urine iodine, breast milk iodine, and neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and examining their interrelationships. Women were studied at a median (range) of 4 (3-9) days postpartum.