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Summary: Patients with chronic hepatitis C who achieve a sustained viral response after pegylated interferon therapy have a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, but the risk after treatment with direct‐acting antivirals is unclear. We compared the rates of early development of hepatocellular carcinoma after direct‐acting antivirals and after pegylated interferon therapy. We retrospectively analysed 785 patients with chronic hepatitis C who had no history of hepatocellular carcinoma (211 treated with pegylated interferon, 574 with direct‐acting antivirals) and were followed up for at least 24 weeks after antiviral treatment. De novo hepatocellular carcinoma developed in 6 of 574 patients receiving direct‐acting antivirals and in 1 of 211 patients receiving pegylated interferon. The cumulative incidence of early hepatocellular carcinoma development did not differ between the treatment groups either for the whole cohort (1.05% vs 0.47%, P = .298) or for those patients with Child‐Pugh Class A cirrhosis (3.73% vs 2.94%, P = .827). Multivariate analysis indicated that alpha‐fetoprotein level >9.5 ng/mL at the time of end‐of‐treatment response was the only independent risk factor for early development of hepatocellular carcinoma in all patients (P < .0001, hazard ratio 176.174, 95% confidence interval 10.768‐2882.473) and in patients treated with direct‐acting agents (P < .0001, hazard ratio 128.402, 95% confidence interval 8.417‐1958.680). In conclusion, the rate of early development of hepatocellular carcinoma did not differ between patients treated with pegylated interferon and those treated with direct‐acting antivirals and was associated with the serum alpha‐fetoprotein level at the time of end‐of‐treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored the intraspecific genetic diversity, dispersal patterns and phylogeographic relationships of Culex quinquefasciatus Say (Diptera: Culicidae) in Malaysia using reference data available in GenBank in order to reveal this species' phylogenetic relationships. A statistical parsimony network of 70 taxa aligned as 624 characters of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I ( COI) gene and 685 characters of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit II ( COII) gene revealed three haplotypes ( A1-A3) and four haplotypes ( B1-B4), respectively. The concatenated sequences of both COI and COII genes with a total of 1309 characters revealed seven haplotypes ( AB1-AB7). Analysis using tcs indicated that haplotype AB1 was the common ancestor and the most widespread haplotype in Malaysia. The genetic distance based on concatenated sequences of both COI and COII genes ranged from 0.00076 to 0.00229. Sequence alignment of Cx. quinquefasciatus from Malaysia and other countries revealed four haplotypes ( AA1-AA4) by the COI gene and nine haplotypes ( BB1-BB9) by the COII gene. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that Malaysian Cx. quinquefasciatus share the same genetic lineage as East African and Asian Cx. quinquefasciatus. This study has inferred the genetic lineages, dispersal patterns and hypothetical ancestral genotypes of Cx. quinquefasciatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains has prompted the reintroduction of maggot therapy in the treatment of chronic, infected wounds. Many previous studies have demonstrated the potent antibacterial activity of larval excretions/secretions of the blowfly Lucilia sericata ( Meigen) (Diptera:Calliphoridae) against bacteria. However, the antibacterial activity of its sibling species, Lucilia cuprina ( Wiedemann) (Diptera:Calliphoridae) against a wide range of pathogenic bacteria has never been determined. The aim of this study was to develop a new procedure to produce whole body extract of larvae of L. cuprina via methanol extraction as well as to demonstrate the in vitro antibacterial activity of this extract against seven selected wound pathogens ( Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, S. epidermidis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli). The turbidimetric assay demonstrated that L. cuprina larval extract was significantly potent against all bacteria tested ( P < 0.001). Additionally, colony-forming unit (CFU), agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration assays have confirmed the apparent potency of larval extract against P. aeruginosa. The reconstituted larval extract was highly robust and thermally stable. These observations substantiated the feasibility of the methanol extraction method in the production of larval extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recently, many studies reported that high carbohydrate and simple sugar intake increase a risk of obesity and metabolic syndrome significantly. Aim To investigate the effect of carbohydrate on aminotransferase levels in Korea, where the proportion of carbohydrate in meals is extremely high but fat is low. Methods We used the data of Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys ( KNHANES). A total of 19 749 people were included. Amounts and types of consumed foods were examined by the 24 h recall method. Results Mean carbohydrate and fat proportions in total energy intake were 67.7% and 17.4%, respectively. Aminotransferase activity increased according to the rise of the proportion of carbohydrate in the energy intake. A high carbohydrate intake (>70% of energy) was associated with abnormal aminotransferase activity and metabolic syndrome. After adjusting for covariates, such as age, energy intake and body mass index, abnormal aminotransferase activity was significantly associated with carbohydrate proportion. There was a negative correlation between fat proportion in the total energy intake and aminotransferase activity ( P < 0.01). The relation between aminotransferase activity and carbohydrate composition showed a J-shaped curve. The lowest point (the J point) was located at 50-60% carbohydrate. Conclusions The proportion of carbohydrate in energy intake but not fat is positively correlated with abnormal aminotransferase activity in Koreans. This finding may be useful in planning a strategy of nutrition education for NAFLD in countries where the proportion of carbohydrate in most meals is extremely high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel HLA-DRB1 alleles, HLA-DRB1*1214 and HLA-DRB1*1215, were found in Taiwan using sequence-based typing method. DRB1*1214 differs from DRB1*120101 by two nucleotide substitutions on exon 2, causing amino acid changes at codon 37 (L→F) and codon 38 (L→V). We suggest that DRB1*1214 is the product of a gene conversion between DRB1*120101 and DRB1*140101 or DRB1*1405 and that HLA-DRB1*1215 differs from DRB1*120201 by one single nucleotide transition at exon 2, thereby causing amino acid change at codon 37 (L→F). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokine gene polymorphisms may affect their transcription, influence their level of production, and may be implicated in inducing susceptibility or resistance to diseases. Cytokine single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to determine allelic and genotypic frequencies in the Minnan, the Hakka, and in four indigenous tribes: the Ami, the Tsou, the Atayal, and the Tao (or Yami). The following cytokine gene polymorphisms were analyzed: interleukin-1α (IL-1α) (T/C−889), IL-1β (C/T−511, T/C+3962), IL-1R (C/TPst-I 1970), IL-1Rα (T/CMspa1-I 1100), IL-2 (T/G−330, G/T+166), IL-4 (T/G−1098, T/C−590, T/C−33), IL-4Rα (G/A+1902), IL-6 (G/C−174, G/A nt565), IL-10 (G/A−1082, C/T−819, C/A−592), IL-12 (C/A−1188), interferon-γ (A/T UTR 5644), transforming growth factor-β (C/T codon 10, G/C codon 25), and TNF-α (G/A−308, G/A−238). Little differences were observed between the Minnan and the Hakka. On the other hand, the Minnan and Hakka showed significant differences with the indigenous people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Secretor gene (Se or FUT2), which produces alpha(1,2)-fucosyltransferase, exhibits extensive polymorphism. Six Se genes, including the weak Se (Se(w) or Se385) and three nonsecretor alleles (se571, se685, and se849) have been detected in various populations of Taiwan. The distribution of various Lewis phenotypes among the Taiwanese population groups has been shown to vary considerably.Study Design and Methods: A PCR-RFLP analysis system, which was based on the nucleotide polymorphism variation of the different Se alleles and which can reveal the Se genotype of an individual easily and accurately, was developed. The distribution of the Se alleles among Taiwanese population groups, including the two major populations, Minnan and Hakka Taiwanese, and 11 indigenous groups, was analyzed by the method.Results: Frequencies of the Se alleles among the Taiwanese populations were revealed. The distribution of the nonsecretor alleles, especially se849, showed a marked variation. A good correlation was observed between a person's Se genotype and Lewis phenotype.Conclusion: The Se genes have a polymorphic distribution among various Taiwanese populations, and this agrees with previous results for Lewis phenotype distributions. The Se(w) allele and the three se alleles are responsible for the Le(a+b+) and Le(a+b-) phenotypes, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan’s indigenous tribes, especially the east coast tribes are not only closely related to Oceania but also with the Australian aborigines. The Ivatans of the Batan Islands in the Philippines are closely related to the Yami tribe of Taiwan as cultural and anthropological studies have shown. Many DRB1 alleles (*15021, *16021, *0404, *04051, *11011, *12021, *1401, *08032) have high allele frequencies (>20%) in certain tribes, suggesting Taiwan’s indigenous tribes are homogeneous populations. These high frequency DRB1 alleles and also some HLA-A-B-DR haplotypes found in Taiwan’s indigenous tribes are also found in Oceania, Australian aborigines, south and north east Asians and American Indians, lending further support to our previous findings that Taiwan’s indigenous tribes are more or less genetically related to both northern and southern Asians, possibly as well as Amerindians. HLA-A*2402 with a remarkably high frequency among Taiwan’s indigenous tribes (52.1%∼86.3%), especially the central mountain tribes, possibly represents not only founder effects and population bottlenecks, but also positive selection of the allele. Although the Ami tribe has the highest ever reported frequencies of the DRB1*0404 and DRB1*0405, these alleles have not been found to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis as previously described for Caucasians. In addition, DRB1*1401 has a high frequency in most tribes but is not associated with psoriasis as previously indicated in some studies, suggesting the involvement of some additional genetic and/or environmental factors mechanism in the development of these diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Minnan and Hakka people groups, the so-called “Taiwanese”, are the descendants of early settlers from the southeast coast of China during the last few centuries. Genetically they showed affinities to southern Asian populations, as determined by phylogenetic trees and correspondence analysis calculated from HLA allele frequencies. This corresponds historically with the fact that they are the descendants of the southeast coastal indigenous population (Yueh) of China and should therefore not be considered as descendants of “pure” northern Han Chinese. A33-B58-DRB1*03 (A33-Cw10-B58-DRB1*03-DQB1*02), the most common HLA haplotype among “Taiwanese”, with a haplotype frequency of 6.3%, has also been found to be the most common haplotype among Thai-Chinese and Singapore Chinese, two other populations also originating from the southeast coast of China. These observations suggests that this haplotype is the most well-conserved ancient haplotype of the Yueh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance (MR) signals captured by RF array coils should be delivered to analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) channels through an independent receiver (Rx) circuitry for precise MRI process. Since different types of RF coils should be utilised by a fixed port configuration on a patient table with a limited number of ADC channels, a highly flexible Rx front-end design is necessary. In this Letter, a compact distributed switch matrix structure for multi-channel RF coil Rx is proposed for supporting different types of array coils with small circuit size and sufficient reconfigurability. The proposed structure is configured by a multiple number of unit matrix cells consisting of a single double pole double throw and two single pole double throw RF switches to control the pathways of received MR signals. The proposed structure was implemented and verified at 9.4-Tesla (9.4 T) MR frequency (400 MHz) by comparing different RF path losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HLA-A*9203, found in Taiwan using sequence-based typing method, was identical to HLA-A*0207 in exon 3 but differed in exon 2 by five nucleotide substitutions at positions 240–282 corresponding to three amino acid changes at codons 62, 66 and 70. Since this substitution motif is also seen in A*11 and A*03, it is likely that a gene conversion event from A*11 or A*03 to a A*0207 backbone may have been the process used in generating HLA-A*9203. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HLA-B*5612, found in Taiwan using sequence-based typing method, was identical to HLA-B*5502 in exon 2 but differed in exon 3 by 10 nucleotide substitutions at positions 353–420 leading to five amino acid change at codon 94, 95, 97, 103 and 116. As this sequence motif was not found in the Asian population, it is likely that HLA-B*5612 is the product of a complex mechanism of implying a dual gene conversion event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on HLA-A1126 variant found in Taiwan and is common in Chinese and Thai populations. The specimen was sent to Mackay Memorial Hospital by a local cord blood bank as the use of reverse-line sequence-specific oligonucleotide typing. It was generated by gene conversion events wherein the putative conversion nucleotide fragments were localized at the 5'-end of exon 3.

The HLA-B*40:238 allele has one non-synonymous transversion from HLA-B*40:01:01 at nucleotide position 484. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this Letter, a highly reconfigurable crossbar transmission line switch matrix for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system is proposed. Unlike the conventional M× N crossbar switch configuration, the proposed structure can manipulate 2M× N matrix without doubling the area occupancy. Also, the proposed structure includes the signal loss-compensation circuitry based on inductor banks to enhance signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Thus, for any required numbers of input and output channels, the proposed structure can reduce the overall size, the number of required component, and even increase the quality of MR images by SNR enhancement. The proposed structure was implemented and verified at 4-Tesla (170 MHz) MR system through the comparison of RF path loss, SNR and phantom test image qualities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B allele, B*13:01:03 ( B*130103), has been found in a Taiwanese individual. It differs from B*13:01:01 ( B*130101) by a synonymous substitution at codon 113 (CA->CA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human leukocyte antigen-DRB1*090202 has two synonymous nucleotide substitutions with DRB1*090201 at codons 57 and 58, which may be the result of a gene conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*1611 has one nucleotide change at codon 14 (GAG→AAG) from DRB1*160201, resulting in a coding change from Glu to Lys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new human leukocyte antigen-B allele, B*5410, has been detected in Taiwan. It has one nucleotide change from B*5401 at codon 156 (C TG→C GG), resulting in one amino acid change (L→R). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We here report a new human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B allele, B*460102, which differs from B*460101 by synonymous substitution at the third nucleotide of codon 74 (GAC→GAT) and independently found in three Taiwanese individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]