[Relationship between Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism and Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque: A Study Based on Vessel Wall Magnetic Resonance Imaging].

Objective To investigate the relationship between angiotensin converting enzyme(ACE) gene polymorphism and carotid plaque composition,vessel wall morphology,and clinical symptoms based on vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging. Methods Totally 75 hypertensive patients(75 internal carotid artery plaques) with maximum plaque thickness≥1.5 mm,according to the ACE insertion(I) or deletion(D) gene polymorphism,were divided into ACE 2 genotype group(n=37) and ACE ID/DD genotype group(n=38).

PI3K expression and PIK3CA mutations are related to colorectal cancer metastases.

Aim: To assess the significance of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) in colorectal cancer (CRC) and toxicity of LY294002 in CRC cells with different metastatic abilities.

Methods: Sixty formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded CRC tumor specimens were investigated. Adjacent normal colonic mucosa specimens from 10 of these cases were selected as controls.

Sequential treatment with lamivudine and interferon-alpha monotherapies in hepatitis B e antigen-negative Chinese patients and its suppression of lamivudine-resistant mutations.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of sequential treatment with lamivudine and interferon-alpha monotherapies in Chinese patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B.

Methods: One hundred and sixty-two patients with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B were included in this study. Ninety-eight were treated with lamivudine alone (100 mg per day) for 48 weeks (group B).

Rapid quantitation of lamivudine-resistant mutants in lamivudine treated and untreated patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Background: Long-term lamivudine treatment induces emergence of lamivudine-resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a significant number of patients with chronic HBV infection. Rapid and quantitative methods to determine the percentage of lamivudine-resistant mutants in total HBV are important during lamivudine therapy.

Methods: We established a quantitative real-time PCR method with selective primers and TaqMan probe to detect the percentage of lamivudine-resistant mutants in total HBV without the need of external DNA standards.

Detection of YMDD mutants using universal template real-time PCR.

Aim: To establish a rapid and accurate method for the detection of lamivudine-resistant mutations in hepatitis B virus and monitor of lamivudine resistance during lamivudine treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection.

Methods: We established a real-time PCR method using a universal template and TaqMan probe to detect YMDD mutants. Variants of YVDD and YIDD were tested by individual reactions (reaction V and reaction I) and total hepatitis B viruses were detected in another reaction for control (reaction C).

[Relationship between condylar marrow signal abnormalities and temporomandibular joint pain].

Purpose: To investigate the relationship between condylar marrow signal abnormalities and joint pain.

Methods: Oblique sagittal T1 and T2 weighted MR imaging at closed mouth was obtained from 88 joints of 44 patients who complained of unilateral TMJ pain. The condylar marrow signal of pain-free side served as self-control.