Objective To investigate the value of magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） in the diagnosis of neurilemmoma of the brachial plexus. Methods Preoperative MRI images of 36 consecutive eases of neurliemmornas of the brachi...Objective To investigate the value of magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） in the diagnosis of neurilemmoma of the brachial plexus. Methods Preoperative MRI images of 36 consecutive eases of neurliemmornas of the brachial plexus, proven surgically and pathologically, were reviewed. The MRI findings were analyzed for location, size, margin, signal intensity, contrast enhancement of the mass, and the extent of the lesions. Results The roots, trunks, and various divisions of the brachial plexus appeared as linear structures with low signal intensity on MR images obtained with all sequences. All patients had large schwannomas （mean size 〉 4.9 cm in diameter） presenting as masses along a braehial plexus nerve root as explored by MRI. 30 cases of the masses exhibited spindle or oblong shape with well-defined margins. 16 cases appeared as homogeneous hypo-or iso-intense to muscle in T1-wei- hgted images, hyper-intense in T2-weighted images, and moderate contrast enhancement after abministmtion of contrast media. 20 lesions were hypo-isointense to muscle on T1-weighted images and heterogeneous hyper-intense on T2-weighted images which may have central areas with low signal intensity, the so-called ＂target sign＂, and enhance intensely after administration of gadolinium-based contrast material. Conclusion The locations, morphologic features and MR signal characteristics are useful in making a proper preoperative diagnosis of neurilemmomas of the brachial plexus. 6 refs, 1 fig.展开更多
This paper reports 25 kinds of polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies by ABC immunohistochemical technique used for 253 cell smears by fine-needle aspiration. The results were,1. Immunohistochemical diagnosis were classi...This paper reports 25 kinds of polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies by ABC immunohistochemical technique used for 253 cell smears by fine-needle aspiration. The results were,1. Immunohistochemical diagnosis were classified into 136 metastatic cancers ( K12+ EMA+ CEA+ LCA-),92 lymphomas (LCA+ k12- EMA- CEA-), 4 mesenchymal tumors (Vimentin+), 3 melanomas (S-100+NSE+). 15 reactive proliferations (k+λ4+ CD+ CD8+) and 3 unspecified.2. The origin of 70 metastatic cancers were classified into 36 lung (HLC3-AB+), 4 gastrointestinal tract (MG7+), 8 thyroid (TGB+), 1 prostate (PSA+), 3 liver (AFP+) and 14 unknown. 3. Immunologic phenotype of 87 lymphomas wereclassified into 66 cases of B-cell, 4 T-cell, 3 hsitocyte, 7 Hodgkin' s diseases and 7 unclear. The above results suggest that immunohistochemlcal method may be used as a new method of diagnosing and differentiating epithelial and non-epithelial tumors, detecting primary focus of metastatic cncer, differentiating between reactive proliferation adn lymphome and specifying immunologic phenotype of lymphoma in cell smears of fine- needle aspiration.展开更多
Objective To detect and analyze the gene variation types of 64 unrelated pedigrees affected with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD),and explore the detection efficiency of multiple gene analysis tech...Objective To detect and analyze the gene variation types of 64 unrelated pedigrees affected with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD),and explore the detection efficiency of multiple gene analysis techniques and variation characteristics.Methods The clinical data of 64 pedigrees with ADPKD from Nephrology Department or Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2017 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.展开更多
Purpose:We aimed to measure the variation in researchers’knowledge and attitudes towards bibliometric indicators.The focus is on mapping the heterogeneity of this metric-wiseness within and between disciplines.Design...Purpose:We aimed to measure the variation in researchers’knowledge and attitudes towards bibliometric indicators.The focus is on mapping the heterogeneity of this metric-wiseness within and between disciplines.Design/methodology/approach:An exploratory survey is administered to researchers at the Sapienza University of Rome,one of Europe’s oldest and largest generalist universities.To measure metric-wiseness,we use attitude statements that are evaluated by a 5-point Likert scale.Moreover,we analyze documents of recent initiatives on assessment reform to shed light on how researchers’heterogeneous attitudes regarding and knowledge of bibliometric indicators are taken into account.Findings:We found great heterogeneity in researchers’metric-wiseness across scientific disciplines.In addition,within each discipline,we observed both supporters and critics of bibliometric indicators.From the document analysis,we found no reference to individual heterogeneity concerning researchers’metric wiseness.Research limitations:We used a self-selected sample of researchers from one Italian university as an exploratory case.Further research is needed to check the generalizability of our findings.Practical implications:To gain sufficient support for research evaluation practices,it is key to consider researchers’diverse attitudes towards indicators.Originality/value:We contribute to the current debate on reforming research assessment by providing a novel empirical measurement of researchers’knowledge and attitudes towards bibliometric indicators and discussing the importance of the obtained results for improving current research evaluation systems.展开更多
Ferroptosis is a newly proposed type of programmed cell death,which has been associated with a variety of diseases including tumors.Researchers have thereby presented nanoplatforms to mediate ferroptosis for anti-canc...Ferroptosis is a newly proposed type of programmed cell death,which has been associated with a variety of diseases including tumors.Researchers have thereby presented nanoplatforms to mediate ferroptosis for anti-cancer therapy.However,the development of ferroptosis-based nanotherapeutics is generally hindered by the limited penetration depth in tumors,poor active pharmaceutical ingredient(API)loading content and the systemic toxicity.Herein,self-propelled ferroptosis nanoinducers composed of two endogenous proteins,glucose oxidase and ferritin,are presented to show enhanced tumor inhibition via ferroptosis while maintaining high API and biocompatibility.The accumulation of our proteomotors at tumor regions is facilitated by the active tumor-targeting effect of ferritin.The enhanced diffusion of proteomotors is then actuated by efficiently decomposing glucose into gluconic acid and H_(2)O_(2),leading to deeper penetration and enhanced uptake into tumors.Under the synergistic effect of glucose oxidase and ferritin,the equilibrium between reactive oxygen species and GSH is damaged,leading to lipid peroxidation.As a result,by inducing ferroptosis,our self-propelled ferroptosis nanoinducers exhibit enhanced tumor inhibitory effects.This work paves a way for the construction of a biocompatible anticancer platform with enhanced diffusion utilizing only two endogenous proteins,centered around the concept of ferroptosis.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of hypersensitivity quantitative fecal immunochemical test(hs-qFIT)in colorectal cancer(CRC)and advanced adenoma.Methods From July to December 2020,consecutive patients ...Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of hypersensitivity quantitative fecal immunochemical test(hs-qFIT)in colorectal cancer(CRC)and advanced adenoma.Methods From July to December 2020,consecutive patients aged 50 to 75 years who underwent colonoscopy in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University,and had the Asia-Pacific colorectal screening score of medium or high risk were enrolled.All patients were requested to complete two hs-qFIT before colonoscopy.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure (ALF) remains a dramatic and unpredictable disease with high morbidity and mortality. Early and accurate prognostic assessment of patients with ALF is critically important for optimum c...BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure (ALF) remains a dramatic and unpredictable disease with high morbidity and mortality. Early and accurate prognostic assessment of patients with ALF is critically important for optimum clinical pathway. DATA SOURCES: Five English-language medical databases, MEDLINE, Science Direct, OVID, Springer Link and Wiley Interscience were searched for articles on 'acute liver failure', 'prognosis', and related topics. RESULTS: Multi-variable prognostic models including the King's College Hospital criteria and the model for end-stage liver disease score have been widely used in determination of the prognosis of ALF, but the results are far from satisfactory. Other prognostic indicators including serum Gc-globulin, arterial blood lactate, serum phosphate, arterial blood ammonia, and serum alpha-fetoprotein are promising but await further assessement. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable prognostic model to be developed in the future should not only have predictive value for poor outcome but also help to predict the survival of patients without a liver transplantation. Further studies are necessary to assess the prognostic accuracy of any new models. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 122-128)展开更多
INTRODUCTION The hepatitis A virus specific immunoglobulin M(IgM)antibody is a specific serological marker forearly diagnosis of hepatitis A..At present,themethods used at home or abroad for detecting anti-HAV IgM are...INTRODUCTION The hepatitis A virus specific immunoglobulin M(IgM)antibody is a specific serological marker forearly diagnosis of hepatitis A..At present,themethods used at home or abroad for detecting anti-HAV IgM are RIA,ELISA and SPHAI.The dotimmunogold combination assay that has beendeveloped since 1989 is a new technique with theproperty of simple and rapid immunologicaldetection,by using the red colloidal gold particles tolabel the antibodies as indicator,and the展开更多
Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a global problem affecting millions of people worldwide.This disease is unique because of its slow progress that makes it preventable and often curable.CRC symptoms usually emerge only at adva...Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a global problem affecting millions of people worldwide.This disease is unique because of its slow progress that makes it preventable and often curable.CRC symptoms usually emerge only at advanced stages of the disease,consequently its early detection can be achieved only through active population screening,which markedly reduces mortality due to this cancer.CRC screening tests that employ non-invasively detectable biomarkers are currently being actively developed and,in most cases,samples of either stool or blood are used.However,alternative biological substances that can be collected non-invasively(colorectal mucus,urine,saliva,exhaled air)have now emerged as new sources of diagnostic biomarkers.The main categories of currently explored CRC biomarkers are:(1)Proteins(comprising widely used haemoglobin);(2)DNA(including mutations and methylation markers);(3)RNA(in particular microRNAs);(4)Low molecular weight metabolites(comprising volatile organic compounds)detectable by metabolomic techniques;and(5)Shifts in gut microbiome composition.Numerous tests for early CRC detection employing such non-invasive biomarkers have been proposed and clinically studied.While some of these studies generated promising early results,very few of the proposed tests have been transformed into clinically validated diagnostic/screening techniques.Such DNA-based tests as Food and Drug Administration-approved multitarget stool test(marketed as Cologuard®)or blood test for methylated septin 9(marketed as Epi proColon®2.0 CE)show good diagnostic performance but remain too expensive and technically complex to become effective CRC screening tools.It can be concluded that,despite its deficiencies,the protein(haemoglobin)detection-based faecal immunochemical test(FIT)today presents the most cost-effective option for non-invasive CRC screening.The combination of non-invasive FIT and confirmatory invasive colonoscopy is the current strategy of choice for CRC screening.However,continuing intense research in the area promises the emergence of new superior non-invasive CRC screening tests that will allow the development of improved disease prevention strategies.展开更多
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic, noncytopathic, DNA virus which can cause acute and chronic infection. Viral persistence is associated with a weak or absent specific immune responses to HBV, part...BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic, noncytopathic, DNA virus which can cause acute and chronic infection. Viral persistence is associated with a weak or absent specific immune responses to HBV, particularly the cellular immune response. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells with a unique T cell stimulatory aptitude that play a crucial role in the instruction of adaptive immune responses upon infection. An impaired function of DCs was suggested by recent studies to account for the T and B cell hyporesponsiveness in chronic HBV infection. This review summarizes recent insights into the recognition of HBV antigens by DCs. DATA SOURCES: Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE and/or PubMed for articles using the key words 'hepatitis B virus (HBV)', 'dendritic cells', 'C-type lectins', 'mannose receptor', 'toll-like receptor', and 'dendritic cell-specific intercellular-adhesion-molecule-3 grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN)' up to December 2009. Additional papers were identified by a manual search of the references from the key articles. RESULTS: DCs play an important role in the progress of hepatitis B, especially in the recognition of HBV. There are three main ways of recognition of HBV antigens by DCs. First, HBV DNA can be recognized by DCs through toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) which activates the NF-kappa B signal pathway and p38 MAPK to up-regulate the expression of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7) in a manner independent of type I IFN signaling, resulting in secretion of type I IFN and inflammatory cytokines, and induction of DC maturation and the adaptive immune response. Second, HBc/HBeAg cannot be recognized by DCs, but DNA or ssRNA encapsulated within HBcAg can be internalized by DCs through TLRs. Third, HBsAg can be internalized by DCs through the mannose receptor, which lacks the ability to induce DC maturation without the assistance of DC-SIGN. Meanwhile, there is some cross-talk among the three mechanisms, which induces an effective anti-viral response or HBV persistence. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these recognition processes, methods have been used to enhance the efficacy of DC-based vaccine against HBV and have been useful in the clinical application of HBV vaccine therapy. But the interactions between HBV antigens/HBV DNA and DCs are not clear, and cross-talk between TLRs and various ligands makes HBV antigen recognition by DCs more complicated. More efforts should be made to define the mechanisms and develop effective vaccines and therapies. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9:584-592)展开更多
文摘Objective To investigate the value of magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） in the diagnosis of neurilemmoma of the brachial plexus. Methods Preoperative MRI images of 36 consecutive eases of neurliemmornas of the brachial plexus, proven surgically and pathologically, were reviewed. The MRI findings were analyzed for location, size, margin, signal intensity, contrast enhancement of the mass, and the extent of the lesions. Results The roots, trunks, and various divisions of the brachial plexus appeared as linear structures with low signal intensity on MR images obtained with all sequences. All patients had large schwannomas （mean size 〉 4.9 cm in diameter） presenting as masses along a braehial plexus nerve root as explored by MRI. 30 cases of the masses exhibited spindle or oblong shape with well-defined margins. 16 cases appeared as homogeneous hypo-or iso-intense to muscle in T1-wei- hgted images, hyper-intense in T2-weighted images, and moderate contrast enhancement after abministmtion of contrast media. 20 lesions were hypo-isointense to muscle on T1-weighted images and heterogeneous hyper-intense on T2-weighted images which may have central areas with low signal intensity, the so-called ＂target sign＂, and enhance intensely after administration of gadolinium-based contrast material. Conclusion The locations, morphologic features and MR signal characteristics are useful in making a proper preoperative diagnosis of neurilemmomas of the brachial plexus. 6 refs, 1 fig.
文摘This paper reports 25 kinds of polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies by ABC immunohistochemical technique used for 253 cell smears by fine-needle aspiration. The results were,1. Immunohistochemical diagnosis were classified into 136 metastatic cancers ( K12+ EMA+ CEA+ LCA-),92 lymphomas (LCA+ k12- EMA- CEA-), 4 mesenchymal tumors (Vimentin+), 3 melanomas (S-100+NSE+). 15 reactive proliferations (k+λ4+ CD+ CD8+) and 3 unspecified.2. The origin of 70 metastatic cancers were classified into 36 lung (HLC3-AB+), 4 gastrointestinal tract (MG7+), 8 thyroid (TGB+), 1 prostate (PSA+), 3 liver (AFP+) and 14 unknown. 3. Immunologic phenotype of 87 lymphomas wereclassified into 66 cases of B-cell, 4 T-cell, 3 hsitocyte, 7 Hodgkin' s diseases and 7 unclear. The above results suggest that immunohistochemlcal method may be used as a new method of diagnosing and differentiating epithelial and non-epithelial tumors, detecting primary focus of metastatic cncer, differentiating between reactive proliferation adn lymphome and specifying immunologic phenotype of lymphoma in cell smears of fine- needle aspiration.
文摘Objective To detect and analyze the gene variation types of 64 unrelated pedigrees affected with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD),and explore the detection efficiency of multiple gene analysis techniques and variation characteristics.Methods The clinical data of 64 pedigrees with ADPKD from Nephrology Department or Genetic and Prenatal Diagnosis Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2017 to August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.
基金supported by the Sapienza Universitàdi Roma Sapienza Awards no.6H15XNFS.
文摘Purpose:We aimed to measure the variation in researchers’knowledge and attitudes towards bibliometric indicators.The focus is on mapping the heterogeneity of this metric-wiseness within and between disciplines.Design/methodology/approach:An exploratory survey is administered to researchers at the Sapienza University of Rome,one of Europe’s oldest and largest generalist universities.To measure metric-wiseness,we use attitude statements that are evaluated by a 5-point Likert scale.Moreover,we analyze documents of recent initiatives on assessment reform to shed light on how researchers’heterogeneous attitudes regarding and knowledge of bibliometric indicators are taken into account.Findings:We found great heterogeneity in researchers’metric-wiseness across scientific disciplines.In addition,within each discipline,we observed both supporters and critics of bibliometric indicators.From the document analysis,we found no reference to individual heterogeneity concerning researchers’metric wiseness.Research limitations:We used a self-selected sample of researchers from one Italian university as an exploratory case.Further research is needed to check the generalizability of our findings.Practical implications:To gain sufficient support for research evaluation practices,it is key to consider researchers’diverse attitudes towards indicators.Originality/value:We contribute to the current debate on reforming research assessment by providing a novel empirical measurement of researchers’knowledge and attitudes towards bibliometric indicators and discussing the importance of the obtained results for improving current research evaluation systems.
基金supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2022YFA1206900)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.22175083,82204415,51973241,22375224)GuangDong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2021A1515220187)。
文摘Ferroptosis is a newly proposed type of programmed cell death,which has been associated with a variety of diseases including tumors.Researchers have thereby presented nanoplatforms to mediate ferroptosis for anti-cancer therapy.However,the development of ferroptosis-based nanotherapeutics is generally hindered by the limited penetration depth in tumors,poor active pharmaceutical ingredient(API)loading content and the systemic toxicity.Herein,self-propelled ferroptosis nanoinducers composed of two endogenous proteins,glucose oxidase and ferritin,are presented to show enhanced tumor inhibition via ferroptosis while maintaining high API and biocompatibility.The accumulation of our proteomotors at tumor regions is facilitated by the active tumor-targeting effect of ferritin.The enhanced diffusion of proteomotors is then actuated by efficiently decomposing glucose into gluconic acid and H_(2)O_(2),leading to deeper penetration and enhanced uptake into tumors.Under the synergistic effect of glucose oxidase and ferritin,the equilibrium between reactive oxygen species and GSH is damaged,leading to lipid peroxidation.As a result,by inducing ferroptosis,our self-propelled ferroptosis nanoinducers exhibit enhanced tumor inhibitory effects.This work paves a way for the construction of a biocompatible anticancer platform with enhanced diffusion utilizing only two endogenous proteins,centered around the concept of ferroptosis.
文摘Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of hypersensitivity quantitative fecal immunochemical test(hs-qFIT)in colorectal cancer(CRC)and advanced adenoma.Methods From July to December 2020,consecutive patients aged 50 to 75 years who underwent colonoscopy in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University,and had the Asia-Pacific colorectal screening score of medium or high risk were enrolled.All patients were requested to complete two hs-qFIT before colonoscopy.
基金supported by grants from the NationalS&T Major Project for Infectious Disease Control of China(2008ZX10002-005)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(2006AA02A140)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30630023)Zhejiang Health Science Foundation(2009A076)
文摘BACKGROUND: Acute liver failure (ALF) remains a dramatic and unpredictable disease with high morbidity and mortality. Early and accurate prognostic assessment of patients with ALF is critically important for optimum clinical pathway. DATA SOURCES: Five English-language medical databases, MEDLINE, Science Direct, OVID, Springer Link and Wiley Interscience were searched for articles on 'acute liver failure', 'prognosis', and related topics. RESULTS: Multi-variable prognostic models including the King's College Hospital criteria and the model for end-stage liver disease score have been widely used in determination of the prognosis of ALF, but the results are far from satisfactory. Other prognostic indicators including serum Gc-globulin, arterial blood lactate, serum phosphate, arterial blood ammonia, and serum alpha-fetoprotein are promising but await further assessement. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable prognostic model to be developed in the future should not only have predictive value for poor outcome but also help to predict the survival of patients without a liver transplantation. Further studies are necessary to assess the prognostic accuracy of any new models. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9: 122-128)
文摘INTRODUCTION The hepatitis A virus specific immunoglobulin M(IgM)antibody is a specific serological marker forearly diagnosis of hepatitis A..At present,themethods used at home or abroad for detecting anti-HAV IgM are RIA,ELISA and SPHAI.The dotimmunogold combination assay that has beendeveloped since 1989 is a new technique with theproperty of simple and rapid immunologicaldetection,by using the red colloidal gold particles tolabel the antibodies as indicator,and the
文摘Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a global problem affecting millions of people worldwide.This disease is unique because of its slow progress that makes it preventable and often curable.CRC symptoms usually emerge only at advanced stages of the disease,consequently its early detection can be achieved only through active population screening,which markedly reduces mortality due to this cancer.CRC screening tests that employ non-invasively detectable biomarkers are currently being actively developed and,in most cases,samples of either stool or blood are used.However,alternative biological substances that can be collected non-invasively(colorectal mucus,urine,saliva,exhaled air)have now emerged as new sources of diagnostic biomarkers.The main categories of currently explored CRC biomarkers are:(1)Proteins(comprising widely used haemoglobin);(2)DNA(including mutations and methylation markers);(3)RNA(in particular microRNAs);(4)Low molecular weight metabolites(comprising volatile organic compounds)detectable by metabolomic techniques;and(5)Shifts in gut microbiome composition.Numerous tests for early CRC detection employing such non-invasive biomarkers have been proposed and clinically studied.While some of these studies generated promising early results,very few of the proposed tests have been transformed into clinically validated diagnostic/screening techniques.Such DNA-based tests as Food and Drug Administration-approved multitarget stool test(marketed as Cologuard®)or blood test for methylated septin 9(marketed as Epi proColon®2.0 CE)show good diagnostic performance but remain too expensive and technically complex to become effective CRC screening tools.It can be concluded that,despite its deficiencies,the protein(haemoglobin)detection-based faecal immunochemical test(FIT)today presents the most cost-effective option for non-invasive CRC screening.The combination of non-invasive FIT and confirmatory invasive colonoscopy is the current strategy of choice for CRC screening.However,continuing intense research in the area promises the emergence of new superior non-invasive CRC screening tests that will allow the development of improved disease prevention strategies.
基金supported by grants from the Major National Science&Technology Projects for Infectious Diseases(2009ZX10004-309,2008ZX10002-007)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2009QNA7033)the Science and Technology Department Foundation of Zhejiang Province(2010R10061)
文摘BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic, noncytopathic, DNA virus which can cause acute and chronic infection. Viral persistence is associated with a weak or absent specific immune responses to HBV, particularly the cellular immune response. Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells with a unique T cell stimulatory aptitude that play a crucial role in the instruction of adaptive immune responses upon infection. An impaired function of DCs was suggested by recent studies to account for the T and B cell hyporesponsiveness in chronic HBV infection. This review summarizes recent insights into the recognition of HBV antigens by DCs. DATA SOURCES: Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE and/or PubMed for articles using the key words 'hepatitis B virus (HBV)', 'dendritic cells', 'C-type lectins', 'mannose receptor', 'toll-like receptor', and 'dendritic cell-specific intercellular-adhesion-molecule-3 grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN)' up to December 2009. Additional papers were identified by a manual search of the references from the key articles. RESULTS: DCs play an important role in the progress of hepatitis B, especially in the recognition of HBV. There are three main ways of recognition of HBV antigens by DCs. First, HBV DNA can be recognized by DCs through toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) which activates the NF-kappa B signal pathway and p38 MAPK to up-regulate the expression of interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 7 (IRF-7) in a manner independent of type I IFN signaling, resulting in secretion of type I IFN and inflammatory cytokines, and induction of DC maturation and the adaptive immune response. Second, HBc/HBeAg cannot be recognized by DCs, but DNA or ssRNA encapsulated within HBcAg can be internalized by DCs through TLRs. Third, HBsAg can be internalized by DCs through the mannose receptor, which lacks the ability to induce DC maturation without the assistance of DC-SIGN. Meanwhile, there is some cross-talk among the three mechanisms, which induces an effective anti-viral response or HBV persistence. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these recognition processes, methods have been used to enhance the efficacy of DC-based vaccine against HBV and have been useful in the clinical application of HBV vaccine therapy. But the interactions between HBV antigens/HBV DNA and DCs are not clear, and cross-talk between TLRs and various ligands makes HBV antigen recognition by DCs more complicated. More efforts should be made to define the mechanisms and develop effective vaccines and therapies. (Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2010; 9:584-592)
