Association of RELN promoter SNPs with schizophrenia in the Chinese population

Previous research on gene expression analysis and association tests have suggested that RELN is a risk gene for schizophrenia in world populations.Based on the reported down-regulation of RELN in schizophrenia patients compared with normal subjects,we speculated that variants in the RELN promoter region may confer risk for schizophrenia.In this study,we investigated the associations of three SNPs in the promoter region of RELN with schizophrenia in a case-control sample from southwestern China（940 cases and 13 69 controls）.The results suggested that none of the SNPs showed significant associations in our sample,indicating the risk variants for schizophrenia in RELN may not be located in the promoter region.We also performed meta-analysis by combining our data with previously reported data on the Chinese population with a total sample size of 2 843 individuals,and the result remained nonsignificant.Collectively,our results suggested variants in the RELN promoter may not harbor risk SNPs associated with schizophrenia in the Chinese population.

Joint jammer and user scheduling scheme for wireless physical-layer security

In order to improve the performance of the security-reliability tradeoff （SRT）, a joint jammer and user scheduling （JJUS） scheme is proposed. First, a user with the maximal instantaneous channel capacity is selected to transmit its signal to the base station （ BS） in the transmission time slot. Then, when the user transmits its signal to BS, the jammer is invoked for transmitting artificial noise in order to perturb the eavesdropper’s reception. Simulation results show that increasing the number of users can enhance the SRT performance of the proposed JJUS scheme. In addition, the SRT performance of the proposed JJUS scheme is better than that of the traditional round-robin scheduling and pure user scheduling schemes. The proposed JJUS scheme can guarantee the secure transmission even in low main-to-eavesdropper ratio（ MER） regions.

A Study of the Gendered Identity of Female Migrants in Contemporary China

As a new group in the process of socio-economic transformation, female members of the Chinese floating population have negative self-identities rooted in the traditional gender discrimination in China society. This impacts negatively on female migrants1 both physiologically and psychologically, disadvantaging them in the pursuit of resources, opportunities and rights. It is therefore necessary to positively influence the self-image of female migrants so as to ensure their rights, further their interests and ultimately to achieve gender equality.

Effects of Berbamine on PAF Production in Human Neutrophils and on Platelet Aggregation

The effects of berbamine, an alkaloid of dibenzylisoquinoline, on PAF produc tion in human neutrophils and on platelet aggregation induced by PAF were studied and compared with those of the calcium antagonist verapamil. Preincubation with berbamine (50 mmol / L, 100 mmol / L) or verapamil (10 mmol / L, 100 mmol / L) was shown to significantly inhibit A 23187 stimulated PAF synthesis. Berbamine and verapamil were found to inhibit platelet aggregation induced by PAF 70 pmol / L in a dose dependent manner. These results suggest that the inhibitory effects of berbamine and verapamil on A 23187 stimulated PAF synthesis in human neutrophils and PAF induced platelet aggregation are possibly brought about by inhibiting cellular calcium influx.

Genetic variability of CYP2B6 polymorphisms in four southern Chinese populations

AIM： To investigate the genotype and allelic frequencies of Cytochrome P450 2B6 polymorphisms in four southern Chinese populations.METHODS： DNA was obtained from blood samples from Han Chinese from Hong Kong and three minority groups,the Wa, Bulang and Lahu from Yunnan in southern China. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR and confirmed by direct sequencing.RESULTS： A total of 507 subjects from southern China were studied. Results showed there is a high prevalence of 516G 〉 T （34.5%） in ethnic Chinese compared to literature reports on other Asian populations and Caucasians. The frequency of the 516TT genotype is higher in the Hah majority （23.1%） than in three other ethnic minority groups （i.e., 7.4%, 9.1% and 15.8%） in southern China.CONCLUSION： This was the first study to document the spectrum of CYP2B6 allelic variants and genotypes in a southern Chinese population. The 516G 〉 T allele is associated with a defective metabolism of efavirenz （EFV）, which therefore may predispose to drug toxicity.Treatment regimens for human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） and heroin addiction may need to be optimized in different populations because of the marked variability of the key metabolizing enzyme.

Detection of hMSH2 and hMLH1 mutations in Chinese hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer kindreds

AIM： To establish and validate the mutation testing for identification and characterization of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer （HNPCC） in suspected Chinese patients. METHODS： Five independent Chinese kindreds with HNPCC fulfilling the classical Amsterdam criteria were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted after informed consent was obtained. The coding region of hMSH2 and hMLH1 genes was detected by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography （DHPLC）. Mutations identified in the proband by DHPLC were directly sequenced using a 377 DNA sequencer, analyzed with a basic local alignment tool （BLAST）, and tested in the corresponding family members by direct DNA sequencing. RESULTS： Mutations were identified in two Chinese HNPCC kindreds. One was the missense mutation of hMSH2 c.1808A→G resulting in Asp 603 Gly identified in the proband of the fifth HNPCC （HNPCCS） kindred. In the HNP5 kindred, three family members were found to have this mutation and two of them had colorectal cancer. The other mutation of hMLH1 c.1882A→G was identified in the HNP2 kindred＇s proband, which might be the nonsense mutation analyzed by BLAST. CONCLUSION： Pedigree investigation and mutation testing of hMSH2 and hMLH1 are the practical methods to identify high-risk HNPCC patients in China.

GST polymorphisms are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk in Chinese population

AIM: To investigate the association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Chinese population. METHODS: Literature databases including PubMed, ISI web of science and other databases were searched.Pooled odds ratio (OR) and 95% CI were calculated using random- or fixed-effects model. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed. RESULTS: Nineteen studies of GSTM1 (2660 cases and 4017 controls) and 16 studies of GSTT1 (2410 cases and 3669 controls) were included. The GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotypes were associated with increased risk of HCC in Chinese population (for GSTM1, OR = 1.487, 95% CI: 1.159 to 1.908, P = 0.002; for GSTT1, OR = 1.510, 95% CI: 1.236 to 1.845, P = 0.000). No publication bias was detected. In subgroup analysis, glutathione S-transferases polymorphisms were significantly associated with HCC risk among the subjects living in high-incidence areas, but not among the subjects living in low-incidence areas. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis suggests that GSTM1/GSTT1 null genotypes are associated with increased risk of HCC in Chinese population.

Cupping Therapy for 103 Cases of High Fever due to Infection of the Upper Respiratory Tract

The cupping therapy has remarkable antipyretic effect in the treatment of fever. In recent years, the author has treated 103 cases of high fever caused by infection of the upper respiratory tract and obtained quite satisfactory therapeutic results. A report follows.

Genetic characteristics and pathogenicity of human hepatitis E virus in Nanjing,China

AIM： To investigate the genetic characteristics and pathogenicity of hepatitis E virus （HEV） and assess the potential risk factors for sporadic hepatitis E.

Risk factors and gene polymorphisms of inflammatory bowel disease in population of Zhejiang,China

AIM:To identify the risk factors and three single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) of NOD2/CARD15 gene in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD) of the population in Zhejiang,China.METHODS:A case-control study was conducted using recall questionnaire to collect data on demographic,socioeconomic,lifestyle characteristics and dietary behaviors from 136 determined IBD patients and 136 paired healthy controls.COX regression method was used to screen the statistically significant risk factors for IBD.The polymorphisms of NOD2/CARD15 gene Arg702Trp,Gly908Arg and Leu1007fsinsC were genotyped and further compared between 60 patients with IBD and 60 healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism.RESULTS:IBD occurred primarily in young and middle-aged people.The mean age for IBD patients was 42.6 years.The ratio of males to females was 1.23:1.COX regression indicated a higher statistical significance in milk,fried food and stress compared with the other postulated risk factors for IBD.None of the patients with IBD and healthy controls had heterozygous or homozygous SNPs variants.CONCLUSION:Milk,fried food and stress are associated with increased risk of IBD.The common variants in NOD2/CARD15 gene are not associated with IBD in China's Zhejiang population.

The Affects of Acupuncture at Sibai and Neiting Acupoints on Gastric Peristalsis

The frequency and amplitude of gastric peristaltic wave were significantly changed in 15 subjects when Sibai (ST 2) and Neiting (ST 44) acupoints of the Stomach Channel of Foot-Yangming were punctured. The results demonstrate that these acupoints are effective for treatment of stomach diseases, providing an experimental basis for the theory of channels and collaterals.

TCM Treatment of Diabetic Hearing Loss——An Audiological and Rheological Observation

35 cases (48 ears) of diabetic hearing loss were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the treatment group of 19 cases (25 ears) treated with drugs for nourishing the kidney-yin, invigorating blood circulation and removing blood stasis based on differentiation of symptoms and signs, and the control group of 16 cases (23 ears) treated with euglucon and other routine drugs. The results showed that the total effective rate for audition elevation in the treatment group was 52.0%, and that in the control group, 26.1%. In the treatment group, the rheological indexes were improved after treatment, the difference being very significant in comparison with those before treatment (P<0.05 and P<0.01); while in the control group, except the whole blood low shearing specific viscosity, all the other 4 indexes were not statistically significant before and after treatment (P>0.05).

The Effect of Acupuncture on Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

According to the TCM theory that the kidney is in charge of the bone, the authors carried out a study on the effect of acupuncture on bone mineral density in 40 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis treated by the method of reinforcing the kidney to strengthen the bone, with satisfactory therapeutic results reported as follows.……

Prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders in Chinese gastroenterological outpatients

AIM:To investigate the prevalence and physicians' detection rate of depressive and anxiety disorders in gastrointestinal(GI)outpatients across China. METHODS:A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the GI outpatient departments of 13 general hospitals.A total of 1995 GI outpatients were recruited and screened with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale(HADS).The physicians of the GI departments performed routine clinical diagnosis and management without knowing the HADS score results.Subjects with HADS scores≥8 were subsequently interviewed by psychiatrists using the Mini International Neuropsy-chiatric Interview(MINI)to make further diagnoses. RESULTS:There were 1059 patients with HADS score ≥8 and 674(63.64%)of them undertook the MINI interview by psychiatrists.Based on the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th edition),the adjusted current prevalence for depressive disorders,anxiety disorders,and comorbidity of both disorders in the GI outpatients was 14.39%, 9.42%and 4.66%,respectively.Prevalence of depressive disorders with suicidal problems[suicide attempt or suicide-related ideation prior or current;module C (suicide)of MINI score≥1]was 5.84%in women and 1.64%in men.The GI physicians'detection rate of depressive and anxiety disorders accounted for 4.14%. CONCLUSION:While the prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders is high in Chinese GI outpatients, the detection rate of depressive and anxiety disorders by physicians is low.

One Hundred and Seven Middle-Aged and Senile Cases of Coronary Heart Disease with Ventricular Premature Beat Treated by Qing Xin An Shen Fang

The therapeutic principle of clearing away the heart-heat to induce tranquilization was adopted in 107 middle-aged and senile patients with ventricular premature beat of coronary heart disease on the basis of pathogenic features of phlegm, heat, blood stasis and deficiency in this condition. Qing Xin An Shen Fang ([symbol: see text] a formula for clearing away the heart-heat to induce tranquilization) was used in the treatment group and compared with mexiletine and Fu Fang Dan Shen Tablets ([symbol: see text] Compound Salvia Tablets) used in the control group. The results turned to be that the markedly effective rate was 85.1% and the total effective rate 96.3% in the treated group, better than that in the control group, with the former having a good antihypertensive and antihyperlipemic effect and an effect of improving microcirculation and clinical symptoms.

Effects of Xin Mai Tong Capsule on Vasoregulatory Peptides in the Patients of Coronary Heart Disease

In order to inquire into the therapeutic effects of Xin Mai Tong Capsule (心脉通胶囊) on coronary heart disease with myocardial ischemia, 40 patients were randomly divided into two groups (Xin Mai Tong group and the control group). The plasma endothelin (ET) levels in the two groups of patients were markedly higher than that of the healthy people (P<0.001), and the calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) was similar to that of the healthy people (P>0.05). After treatment, ET and symptomatic scores in the two groups decreased markedly (P<0.01), and their S-T segments were elevated obviously (P<0.01). But the decrease of ET and symptomatic scores and elevation of S-T segment in Xin Mai Tong group were superior to those of the control group (P<0.05～0.01). The CGRP level in the control group did not vary obviously post-treatment, but it increased markedly (P<0.01) with the addition of Xin Mai Tong Capsule in Xin Mai Tong group.

Influencing factors analysis of spontaneous knee joint osteoarthritis among middle aged and old aged pople in Xi'an

Objective:To explore the prevalence rate of knee joint osteoarthritis and its pathogenetic fea- tures among the middle-aged and old aged people in the urban and rural area of Xi'an.Methods:From May to October 2005,1538 Han nationality above 40 years in Xi'an were investigated according to strati- fied and cluster random sampling.The same questionnaire was delivered to subjects who had been given normotopia and lateral position radiographic examination in both knees.Excluded from etiological arthri- tis,some subjects with clinical symptoms and a radiographic grade (beyond Kellgren & Lawrence gradeⅡ) were finally diagnosed as spontaneous knee joint osteoarthritis.All analyses were performed with SPSS 13.0 and t test,U test.Single factor analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to analyze dates.Results:The total prevalence of spontaneous knee joint osteoarthritis was 12.1% with 2.5% and 2.1% for right and left knees,respectively.The prevalence of knee joint osteoarthritis in wom- en was 2.5 times of that in men (17.2% vs 6.8%,P=0.000).the osteophyte prevalence in women was 2.3 times of that in men (26.5% vs 11.4%,P=0.000).The prevalence of knee joint osteoarthritis and osteophyte increased with the growth of age.So did the symptomatic knee,except for the age group of 56- 60 years and 66-70 years.The prevalence of symptomatic knee joint for urban area was significantly higher than that for rural area (56.3% vs 45.3%,P=0.003).In women,the prevalence of knee joint os- teoarthritis increased significantly with the increasing of body mass index,which had not been observed in men.Female and obesity are the risk factors for osteoarthritis,but bean and its products and meat could prevent the osteoarthritis.Conclusion:Old age,female and obesity serve as risk factors for knee joint os- teoarthritis.

Qi-Promoting and Phlegm-Resolving Method for Treatment of Diabetic Microvascular Complications

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of qi-promoting and phlegm-resolving approach in treatment of diabetic microvascular complications. METHODOLOGY: Clinical observation of cases given modified Wen Dan Tang ([symbol: see text] Gallbladder-warming Decoction). RESULT: Favorable results obtained in cases of diabetic microvascular complications of the type of stagnancy of qi and phlegm (diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy and diabetic foot). CONCLUSION: Wen Dan Tang is effective for diabetic microvascular complications of the type of stagnancy of qi and phlegm.

Active explosion barrier performance against methane and coal dust explosions

Preventing the propagation of methane or coal dust explosions through the use of active explosion-suppression systems remains one of the most underutilised explosion controls in underground coal mines. As part of the effort to develop better technologies to safeguard mines, the use of active barrier systems was investigated at Kloppersbos in South Africa. The system is designed to meet the requirements of the European Standard （EN 14591-4 2007） as well as the Mine Safety Standardisation in the Ministry of Coal Industry, Coal Industrial 1 Standard of the Peoples Republic of China （MT 694-1997）. From the tests conducted, it can be concluded that the ExploSpot System was successful in stopping flame propagation for both methane and methane and coal dust hybrid explosions when ammonium phosphate powder was used as the suppression material. The use of this barrier will provide coal mine management with an additional explosion control close to the point of ignition and may find application within longwall faces further protecting mines against the risk of an explosion propagating throughout a mine.

A new discovered ABCA1 gene polymorphisms and the association of ABCA1 SNPs with coronary artery disease and plasma lipids in Chinese population

Single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNP） of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 （ABCA1） gene are related to plasma lipid and susceptibility to coronary artery disease （CAD）. Our first goal was to screen all 50 coding regions of ABCA1 to find new SNPs. Our second goal was to investigate the frequency distribution of R1587K and M883I polymorphisms of ABCA1 gene, which are the variant occurred most frequently, in Chinese people and to evaluate their association with the CAD phenotype and plasma lipids. Methods： Single-strand conformation polymorphism （SSCP） and DNA sequence were used for confirming new SNP of ABCA1, and restriction fragment length polymorphism （RFLP） were applied for confirming genotypes of R1587K and M883I in 112 CAD cases and 108 healthy people. Results： We discovered a new ABCA1 SNP in Chinese population, which converse 233 amino acids from Methionine to Valine （M233V）. This new ABCA1 SNP located in exon7, and might potentially modulate the biological function of lipid metabolism. For R1587K and M883I SNPs, the K allele and I allele frequency was 28.9% and 31.1%, respectively. The K allele at R1587K conferred lower mean values of HDL-C in a dose-dependent manner in both CAD patients and healthy people. However, 883I allele was not associated with plasma lipid level. Neither 1587KK nor 883II associated with increased risk of CAD. Conclusion： Our study finds a potential functional ABCA1 SNPs and revealed K allele of R1587K associated decreased HDL-C level in Chinese population.