Activation of endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis by basic fibroblast growth factor-chitosan gel in an adult rat model of ischemic stroke

Attempts have been made to use cell transplantation and biomaterials to promote cell proliferation,differentiation,migration,and survival,as well as angiogenesis,in the context of brain injury.However,whether bioactive materials can repair the damage caused by ischemic stroke by activating endogenous neurogenesis and angiogenesis is still unknown.In this study,we applied chitosan gel loaded with basic fibroblast growth factor to the stroke cavity 7 days after ischemic stroke in rats.The gel slowly released basic fibroblast growth factor,which improved the local microenvironment,activated endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells,and recruited these cells to migrate toward the penumbra and stroke cavity and subsequently differentiate into neurons,while enhancing angiogenesis in the penumbra and stroke cavity and ultimately leading to partial functional recovery.This study revealed the mechanism by which bioactive materials repair ischemic strokes,thus providing a new strategy for the clinical application of bioactive materials in the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Low Level of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Is Associated with Human Sperm Autophagy and Vitality

Low sperm motility is one of the main causes of male infertility. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR, an anion channel protein) is related to the progressive motility of sperm. CFTR disruptor CFTRinh-172 or forskolin (FSK) in this study were used to treat human sperm separately, and the rates of sperm autophagy and progressive motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP concentration, and the expression levels of related factors were detected to explore their relationship. It was showed that sperms treated with CFTRinh-172 or FSK reduced the levels of cAMP, CFTR and PKA, but increased sperm autophagy rate, expression levels of AMPK and LC3B. However, reactive oxygen species content had no significant difference. It was indicated that low level of CFTR performed with cAMP and its downstream effectors such as PKA and AMPK to regulate mitochondrial structure and function, leading to increased autophagy rate and reduced vitality of sperm.

Altered expression of MUC2 and MUC5AC in progression of colorectal carcinoma

AIM:To study the expression profiles of MUC2 and MUC5AC in tumorigenesis of colorectal carcinoma and in its different pathologic types.METHODS:Formalin-fixed,paraffin-embedded human colorectal tissue specimens were immunostained with antibodies against MUC2 and MUC5AC.Six samples of normal mucosa(NM),12 samples of hyperplastic polyp(HP),15 samples of tubular adenoma with low-grade dysplasia(LGD),14 samples of tubular adenoma with high-grade dysplasia(HGD),26 samples of conventional colorectal adenocarcinoma(CCA),15 samples of mucinous carcinoma(MC),and 8 samples of signetring cell carcinoma(SRCC) were collected.RESULTS:MUC2 was the most widely expressed protein in each study group,although the number of MUC2positive cases was less in CCA group than in other groups(P < 0.05).The staining score for MUC2 was significantly decreased in the HP-LGD-HGD-CCA sequence(r =-0.73436,P < 0.0001).Among the neoplasms,MC and SRCC were more frequently associated with the high expression of MUC2(P < 0.05) than with that of CCA.MUC5AC expression was detected in all groups but not in NM group.Furthermore,the staining score for MUC5AC was higher in HP,LGD,HGD,MC and SRCC groups than in NM and CCA groups(P < 0.05).The frequency of simultaneous expression of MUC proteins was significantly higher in MC and SRCC groups than in CCA group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Alterations in MUC expression occur during colorectal tumorigenesis.The transformation process in MC and SRCC may be different from that in the traditional adenoma-carcinoma sequence.

Association between ApoE Polymorphism and Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis of 59 Studies

Objective To identify the important risk factors for type 2 Diabetes Mellitus(T2 DM) and develop effective strategies to address the problem of T2 DM. Our study aimed to evaluate the association between apolipoprotein E(Apo E) genetic polymorphism and type 2 diabetes, and to provide clues for the etiology of T2 DM.Methods Based on the criteria of inclusion and exclusion, we extracted, pooled, analyzed and assessed the case-control studies of Apo E polymorphism and T2 DM published in Pub Med, Web of Science,Medline, Wan Fang, VIP, and CNKI databases by R soft-ware(version 3.4.3). We used Random-effect models when heterogeneity was present in between-study, and fixed-effect models otherwise.Results We had 59 studies covering 6,872 cases with T2 DM and 8,250 controls, and compared the alleles and genotypes of Apo E between cases and controls. When we conducted a comparison between Apo E ε4 and ε3 alleles, we produced a pooled OR of 1.18(95% CI: 1.09-1.28;P < 0.001). Apo E ε2/ε2 genotype displayed a possible association with T2 DM(OR = 1.46;95% CI: 1.11-1.93;P = 0.007), ε3/ε4 genotype showed a 1.11-fold risk(OR = 1.11;95% CI: 1.01-1.22;P = 0.039) and ε4/ε4 genotype had a1.71-fold risk of developing T2 DM(OR = 1.71;95% CI: 1.33-2.19;P < 0.001) when they were compared with ε3/ε3 genotype.Conclusions There is an association between Apo E polymorphism and T2 DM: allele ε4 and genotypes(ε2/ε2, ε3/ε4, and ε4/ε4) are associated with the increased risk for the development of T2 DM, and they may be risk factors for T2 DM.

Sex-specific and Dose-response Relationship between the Incidence of Gallstones and Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in Jinchang Cohort:A Prospective Study

Gallstones is a very common gastrointestinal disease,involving the formation of masses in the gall bladder or biliary tract,due to abnormally high concentrations of cholesterol or bilirubin in the bile[1].There is a 10%–20%prevalence of gallstones worldwide,and>20%of patients with gallstones show clinical symptoms,implying a substantial disease burden[1].

Association of PPARγand AGTR1 Polymorphisms with Hypertriglyceridemia in Chinese Population

Hypertriglyceridemia （HTG） is an important metabolic disease and strongly associated with the development of hypertension, atherosclerosis,coronary artery disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus（T2DM）. HTG risk is affected by various factors and might occur owing to the complex synergistic interaction between the genetic background and environmental factors;.

Association between Pre-pregnancy Body Mass Index and Offspring Neuropsychological Development from 1 to 24 Months of Age: A Birth Cohort Study in China

Objective To explore the interactions between pre-pregnancy body mass index(BMI) and age on offspring neuropsychological development from 1 to 24 months in China.Methods In this birth cohort study, a total of 2,253 mother-child pairs were enrolled in Tianjin, China,between July 2015 and May 2018. The China Developmental Scale for Children was used to assess developmental quotient(DQ) of children aged from 1 to 24 months.Results Mixed-models analysis revealed significant age × pre-pregnancy BMI interactions for total DQ and five neurobehavioral domains(gross motor, fine motor, adaptive, language, and social;P < 0.001).Age × pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m^2 was associated with a negative effect on total DQ and five neurobehavioral domains, as compared to pre-pregnancy BMI < 25 kg/m^2(P < 0.01). Multiple comparisons showed pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m^2 of mothers had a positive effect on child total DQ at the age of 1 month but a negative effect at 24 months(P < 0.05).Conclusions This study supported the age × pre-pregnancy BMI interaction on offspring neuropsychological development. It also revealed a short-term positive impact of high pre-pregnancy BMI on neuropsychological development at 1 month of age, but a long-term negative effect(from 1 to24 months).

The Effect of the Family’s Socioeconomic Factors on Nutrition of Elementary School Children

Introduction: Anthropometric indices are used for assessing the nutrition status of people and societies. The indices determine the growth of the child’s nutrition status, his socioeconomic status and his quality of life. This research aims to study the anthropometric indices of elementary school children in the Iranian city of Piranshahr using the Body Mass Index (BMI) and waist circumference in the first six months of 2011. Methods: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 1803 students aged between 7 and 11 in Piranshahr were studied. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used. The research setting was an elementary school in Piranshahr. Demographic data were collected through interviews and record in questionnaires. A Secca stadiometer was used to measure the height of each student standing without shoes (accuracy of 0.1 centimeter). The weight was measured using a spring scale with an accuracy of 0.1 kilogram with the least possible clothes on. The weight was divided by the square of height (square meter) to calculate BMI. To determine overweight and obesity, BMI percentiles of Center for Disease Control (CDC) were used. In order to use appropriate tests, the normality and equality of variances were measured by Leven and K-S tests, respectively. Results: The study found that 231 children (12.8%) were at risk of overweight and 96 children (5.3%) were overweight. Conclusion: There was a meaningful difference between boys and girls in terms of nutrition status of BMI, father’s higher education level, shortness, abdominal obesity and family history of obesity, and father’s jobs

Association of Lifestyle Factors and Sperm Motility in Adults from an Ethnic Minority Region of Southwest China

Objectives: To understand sperm motility in adults and its association with lifestyle in an ethnic minority area in Southwest China. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study to assess sperm motility in male adults was conducted at the Reproductive Health Center from January 2018 to May 2019. The data was collected with a questionnaire and semen quality was analyzed with Computer-Aided Sperm Analysis system (CASA). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to measure the relationship between lifestyle factors and sperm motility. Results: A total of 349 people were recruited. Dietary celery intake was significantly related to the increase of sperm progressive motility and total motility (β = 7.00, 95% CI: 1.59, 12.42 and β = 7.26, 95% CI: 1.45, 13.07, respectively). Cola consumption was associated with increased sperm progressive motility (β = 9.71, 95% CI: 1.46, 17.96). Frequent use of plastic bags for meat food storage (β = -5.56, 95% CI: -10.61, -0.51), industry work (β = -5.64, 95% CI: -11.21, -0.07), organic disease (β = -6.14, 95% CI: -11.00, -1.28) and sedentary lifestyle (β = -5.92, 95% CI: -10.66, -1.17 for 3-5 h/d and β = -6.04, 95% CI: -11.60, -0.47 for ≥5 h/d, respectively) were related with the decreased sperm progressive motility. Meanwhile, using plastic bags for meat food storage (β = -6.37, 95% CI: -11.79, -0.95), industry work (β = -7.96, 95% CI: -13.94, -1.98) and sedentary lifestyle (β = -5.51, 95% CI: -10.60, -0.42 for 3-5 h/d and β = -6.03, 95% CI: -12.01, -0.06 for ≥5 h/d, respectively) were also risk factors for total motility. Conclusions: Some modifiable lifestyle factors such as job title, cola consumption, dietary celery intake, plastic bags for meat food storage, and sedentary hours were linked to male sperm motility, indicating that changing these lifestyles may improve it.

The Effect Evaluation of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy to Patients with AIDS in Hubei Province of China

The effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy （HAART） to patients with AIDS in Hubei province of China were investigated in order to provide scientific evidence to reinforce the management of HAART. Self-made questionnaires and descriptive method of epidemiology were used to collect and describe the changes of clinical symptoms, HIV RIgA concentration, and immune function of patients with AIDS. After HAART, the effective rate of fever, cough, diarrhea, lymphadenectasis, weight loss, tetter, debility and fimgous infection was 92.4%, 90.85%, 92.91%, 90.73%, 93.69%, 89.04%, 92.34%, and 83.1%, respectively. Of 117 patients with detected HIV RNA concentration, 41.03% had declined over 0.5 log, and 52.99% less than 0.5 log. CD4^＋T cell count was obviously increased： the average number after HAART for 3 or 6 months was 237μL （26-755μL） and 239μL （17-833μL）, respectively HAART can improve AIDS patients＇ clinical symptoms, reduce HIV RNA concentration, and maintain immune function. It is very important for the effectiveness of HAART to raise clinical adherence of pa- tients with AIDS and have a persistent surveillance.

Clinicopathological Significance of Mucin 2 Immuno-histochemical Expression in Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Objective： To evaluate the association between mucin 2 （MUC2） expression and clinicopathological characters of colorectal cancer. Methods： A literature search was performed on December 31, 2010 according to defined selection criteria. We evaluated the correlation between MUC2 （detected by immunohistochemistry） and clinicopathological characters of colorectal cancer. According to the tumor histological type, differentiation, location and TNM staging of colorectal carcinoma, we divided the clinicopathological characteristics into different subgroups. Fixed and random effects models were applied for estimation of the summarized risk ratios （RRs） and 95% confidence intervals （CIs） in different subgroups. Finally, forest plots and funnel plots were created to allow for visual comparison of the results or the effect of publication bias. Results： According with the inclusive criteria, fourteen studies （n=1,558） were eligible for the meta-analysis. We observed a trend towards a correlation of MUC2 higher positivity in mucinous than non-mucinous carcinoma （RR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.30-3.40; P=0.002） and less positivity in distal than proximal colon （RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.64-0.85; P=0.000）. There was no statistically significance for the association between MUC2 expression and differentiation or TNM staging of colorectal cancer, but MUC2 overexpression tended to be associated with the presence of T stage tumor （RR, 1.17; P=0.052）. Conclusion： MUC2 overexpression was associated with the mucinous and proximal colorectal cancer.

The Combined Effect of Dyslipidemia on the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes:A Prospective Cohort Study in Northwest of China

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a major noncommunicable chronic disease in the population and is a major threat to global public health.According to the International Diabetes Federation[1],there were at least 463 million patients with diabetes between the ages of 20 and 79 in 2019,and this number will rise to 700 million by 2045.Dyslipidemia is the most important factor that influences T2DM.At present,cross-sectional studies are mainly used to determine the correlation between single lipid index,lipid ratio,and T2DM and its complications[2].Few studies have focused on dyslipidemia and its aggregation patterns in relation to T2DM.

Belief into Action Scale: A Brief but Comprehensive Measure of Religious Commitment

Objective: Our goal was to develop a comprehensive measure of religious involvement for those affiliated with monotheistic religious traditions that fully captures the centrality of religion in life. Methods: A convenience sample of female caregivers of those with chronic disabling illness, recruited from North Carolina and California, completed a questionnaire including a new 10-item scale called the Belief into Action (BIAC) scale (possible score range: 10 - 100). Psychometric properties of the BIAC were examined. Results: 231 participants completed the BIAC (87% Christian). The average score was 46.3 (range: 10 - 90). Cronbach alpha was 0.89 (95% CI 0.86 - 0.91) and the intra-class correlation coefficient between two administrations (n = 60) was 0.919 (95% CI 0.869 - 0.951). Convergent validity was demonstrated by high correlations between the BIAC and existing religiosity scales;divergent validity by weak correlations with mental, social, and physical health outcomes;construct validity by high correlations between individual items and total scale score (r’s 0.58 - 0.80);factor analytic validity by a single factor that explained 94.4% of the scale’s variance;and predictive validity by small to moderate correlations with psychosocial outcomes in expected directions. Conclusion: The BIAC is a reliable and valid scale for comprehensively assessing religious involvement in female caregivers affiliated with monotheistic religions, Christianity in particular. Psychometric properties of the scale need to be established in other populations.

Holistic Care in the Treatment of Cachexia

Cachexia is a state of wasting metabolism,which is mainly caused by cancer and other major chronic diseases and can seriously reduce the survival rate and the quality of life of the patients.Although there have been increasing researches on cachexia in recent years,the underlying mechanism has not yet been elucidated and there is no effective means to cure cachexia in the clinic.The terminal character of cachexia is irreversible,and thus holistic care needs to be applied to the treatment,in order to improve the quality of life of patients with cachexia.In the present review,we summarize the role of holistic care in treating cachexia,providing a theoretical basis for the development and application of holistic care in China.

Sex-specific and dose-response relationships of urinary cobalt and molybdenum levels with glucose levels and insulin resistance in U.S. adults

Growing studies have linked metal exposure to diabetes risk.However,these studies had inconsistent results.We used a multiple linear regression model to investigate the sexspecific and dose-response associations between urinary metals(cobalt(Co)and molybdenum(Mo))and diabetes-related indicators(fasting plasma glucose(FPG),hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c),homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR),and insulin)in a cross-sectional study based on the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.The urinary metal concentrations of 1423 eligible individuals were stratified on the basis of the quartile distribution.Our results showed that the urinary Co level in males at the fourth quartile(Q4)was strongly correlated with increased FPG(β=0.61,95%CI:0.17–1.04),HbA1c(β=0.31,95%CI:0.09–0.54),insulin(β=8.18,95%CI:2.84–13.52),and HOMA–IR(β=3.42,95%CI:1.40–5.44)when compared with first quartile(Q1).High urinary Mo levels(Q4 vs.Q1)were associated with elevated FPG(β=0.46,95%CI:0.17–0.75)and HbA1c(β=0.27,95%CI:0.11–0.42)in the overall population.Positive linear dose-response associations were observed between urinary Co and insulin(Pnonlinear=0.513)and HOMA–IR(Pnonlinear=0.736)in males,as well as a positive linear dose-response relationship between urinary Mo and FPG(Pnonlinear=0.826)and HbA1c(Pnonlinear=0.376)in the overall population.Significant sex-specific and dose-response relationships were observed between urinary metals(Co and Mo)and diabetes-related indicators,and the potential mechanisms should be further investigated.

Association between SERPING1 rs2511989 polymorphism and age-related macular degeneration: Meta-analysis

AIM: To investigate the association between SERPING1rs2511989(G】A) polymorphism and age-related macular degeneration(AMD).METHODS: A number of electronic databases(up to July 15, 2014) were searched independently by two investigators. A Meta-analysis was performed on the association between SERPING1 rs2511989 polymorphism and AMD. Pooled odds ratios(ORs) with 95% confidence intervals(CIs) were estimated.RESULTS: Eight studies with 16 cohorts consisting of9163 cases and 6813 controls were included in this Metaanalysis. There was no significant association between rs2511989 polymorphism and AMD under all genetic models in overall estimates(A vs G: OR= 0.938, 95%CI =0.858-1.025; AA vs GG:OR =0.871, 95% CI =0.719-1.056;AG vs GG: OR =0.944, 95% CI =0.845-1.054; AA +AG vs GG: OR =0.927, 95% CI =0.823-1.044; AA vs AG +GG:OR =0.890, 95% CI =0.780-1.034). Cumulative Meta-analyses also showed a trend of no association between rs2511989 polymorphism and AMD as information accumulated by year. Subgroup analysis and Meta-regression analysis indicated that age-matching status was the main source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis found the results in overall comparisons and subgroup comparisons of white subjects under the allele model were found to have significantly statistical differences after studies deviating from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium(HWE) were excluded(overall: OR=0.918, 95%CI = 0.844-0.999, P =0.049; whites: OR =0.901, 95% CI =0.817-0.994, P =0.038). However, the results were notsufficiently robust for further sensitivity analysis and statistical differences disappeared on applying Bonferroni correction(with a significance level set at 0.05/25).CONCLUSION: This Meta-analysis indicates that SERPING1 rs2511989 polymorphism and AMD tend to have no association with each other. Age matching status is a big confounding factor, and more studies with subtle designs are warranted in future.

Association between vascular endothelial growth factor gene promoter polymorphisms and sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in a Han Chinese population Case-control study

BACKGROUND： Studies have shown that vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） gene polymorphisms highly correlate with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis （ALS）, although this remains controversial. To date, the relationship between VEGF gene polymorphism and sporadic ALS in a Han Chinese population remains unclear. OBJECTIVE： To explore the relationship between sporadic ALS and VEGF gene promoter 7 locus polymorphisms in a Hart Chinese population, and to investigate whether this relationship exhibits gender differences. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A case-control study regarding genetic association was performed at the Central Laboratory of Peking University Third Hospital from 2002 to 2006. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 93 patients, who were diagnosed with definite or probable ALS according to E1 Escorial-revised diagnostic criteria, were selected from the Outpatient Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital from 2002 to 2006. All patients were from Hart populations, with no family history of ALS. In addition, 103 gender- and age-matched healthy volunteers were selected as controls. METHODS： Peripheral venous blood was collected, and whole blood genomic DNA was extracted. VEGF gene promoter 7 locus polymorphisms were analyzed by PCR using the fluorescent Taqman system. The relationship between VEGF gene promoter single nucleotide polymorphisms and ALS was analyzed using Logistic regression model analysis and was stratified according to gender. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： 7 VEGF gene promoter polymorphisms genotype distribution and allele frequencies. RESULTS： There were no significant differences in VEGF gene promoter 7 locus genotype distribution and allele frequency between case and control groups （P 〉 0.05）. Stratified analysis based on gender demonstrated that female Han subjects carrying the VEGF genotype -1154AA, -2549TT, -634CC genotype were more susceptible to ALS than those carrying -1154GG, -2549CC, -634GG （VEGF-1154AA： OR= 8.9, 95%CI= 1 .0-77.3, P= 0.047; VEGF-2549TT： OR= 3.1,95% CI= 1.0-9.6, P= 0.049, VEGF-634CC： OR = 0.2, 95%CI= 0.1-0.7, P= 0.012）. Moreover, in female Han populations, people carrying allele -1154A, -2549T, -634C exhibited an increased risk of ALS （VEGF -1154A： OR = 2.3, 95%CI= 1.2 4.5, P= 0.018; VEGF-2549T： OR= 3.1,95%CI= 1.4 6.9, P= 0.005; VEGF-634C： OR= 0.5, 95%CI= 0.3 0.9, P= 0.015）. CONCLUSION： Results showed that VEGF 7 gene promoter polymorphisms were associated with ALS in Han Chinese women. The VEGF gene -1154A, -2549T, -634C allele and -1154AA, -2549TT, -634CC genotype could function as susceptibility genes for ALS in Han Chinese women.

Comparing the Diagnostic Criteria of MAFLD and NAFLD in the Chinese Population:A Population-based Prospective Cohort Study

Background and Aims:Metabolic dysfunction-associ-ated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)is a new concept,pro-posed in 2020;however,its applicability in Asia populations has yet to be evaluated.Therefore,we aimed to compare the difference in epidemiological and clinical characteris-tics between MAFLD and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)among Asian populations.Methods:Based on the Jinchang cohort,30,633 participants were collected.The prevalence and incidence of MAFLD and NAFLD were used to analyze the epidemic characteristics and its overlapping effects.In addition,the corresponding clinical character-istics of the two diagnostic criteria populations were com-pared.Results:The prevalence rates of MAFLD and NAFLD were 21.03%and 18.83%,respectively.After an average 2.28-year follow-up,the incidence densities of MAFLD and NAFLD were 41.58 per 1,000 person-years and 37.69 per 1,000 person-years,respectively.With the increase of baseline age,body mass index(BMI),and waist circumfer-ence(WC)levels,the prevalence and incidence of MAFLD and NAFLD were on the rise(all ptrend<0.05).Among the total patients diagnosed at baseline or follow-up,most pa-tients had both MAFLD and NAFLD,accounting for 78.84%and 82.88%,respectively.Compared with NAFLD,MAFLD patients had greater proportions of males and metabolic diseases(diabetes,dyslipidemia),and had higher BMI,WC,liver enzymes,blood glucose,and lipid levels in the base-line diagnosis patients(p<0.05).Additionally,lean MAFLD patients had higher metabolic disorders than lean NAFLD patients(p<0.05).Conclusions:Compared with NAFLD,the newly proposed definition of MAFLD is more practical and accurate,and it can help identify more fatty liver pa-tients with high-risk diseases.

cDNA cloning and expression of erythropoietin in the plateau zokor(Myospalax baileyi) from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

All organisms respond to variation in their environments and manage environmental stress through metabolic adjustments.The plateau zokor(Myospalax baileyi) is an endemic and keystone subterranean rodent species that inhabits the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau between 2800 and 4200 m above sea level.It is a hypoxic-tolerant mammal with a high ratio of oxygen utilization that enables it to cope with its harsh surroundings.To explore the molecular mechanism of altitude acclimatization of the plateau zokor,we cloned the zokor erythropoietin(Epo) gene and used real-time PCR to compare Epo mRNA levels in zokors inhabiting 16 different altitudes.The full-length zokor Epo open reading frame was 579 bp that encoded a precursor peptide of 192 amino acids with a signal peptide of 26 residues.The Epo gene of the plateau zokor was 81%-95% homologous to that of human,mouse,rat,root vole and the Golan Heights blind mole rat,with the highest homology(95%) to species of the genus Spalax.Epo mRNA was detected mainly in the zokor kidney and spleen among 8 selected tissues.The level of Epo mRNA increased in the liver and kidney with increases in altitude.The increase in the kidney was 5 times that in the liver.Remarkably,expression of Epo mRNA in the kidney of zokors living at the highest altitude(4268 m) was 12-fold higher than that of zokors living at the lowest(2492 m) altitude.These findings provide essential information for understanding the possible role of Epo in adaptation to hypoxia in the plateau zokor.

Prevalence of Nontraumatic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head and its Associated Risk Factors in the Chinese Population： Results from a Nationally Representative Survey

Background： Nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head （NONFH） is a debilitating disease that represents a significant financial burden for both individuals and healthcare systems. Despite its significance, however, its prevalence in the Chinese general population remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of NONFH and its associated risk factors in the Chinese population. Methods： A nationally representative survey of 30,030 respondents was undertaken from June 2012 to August 2013. All participants underwent a questionnaire investigation, physical examination of hip, and bilateral hip joint X-ray and/or magnetic resonance imaging exalnination. Blood samples were taken after overnight fasting to test serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein （HDL） and low-density lipoprotein （LDL） levels. We then used multivariate logistic regression analysis to investigate the associations between various metabolic, demographic, and lifestyle-related variables and NONFH. Results： NONFH was diagnosed in 218 subjects （0.725%） and the estimated NONFH cases were 8.12 million among Chinesepeople aged 15 years and over. The prevalence of NONFH was significantly higher in males than in females （1.02% vs. 0.51%, x^2 = 24.997, P 〈 0.001 ）. Among NONFH patients, North residents were subjected to higher prevalence of NONFH than that of South residents （0.85% vs. 0.61%,x^2= 5.847, P = 0.016）. Our multivariate regression analysis showed that high blood levels oftriglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and non-H DL-cholesterol, male, urban residence, family history of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. heavy smoking, alcohol abuse and glucocorticoid intake, overweight, and obesity were all significantly associated with an increased risk of NONFH. Conclusions： Our findings highlight that NONFH is a significantpublic health challenge in China and underscore the need for policy measures on the national level. Furthermore, NONFH shares a number of risk factors with atherosclerosis.