Objective To preliminarily evaluate the value of color power doppler ultrasonography in the diagnosis of sacroiliitis in ankylosing spondylitis(AS). Methods Fifty-seven sacroiliac joints in 31 patients with active AS and 40 sacroiliac joints in 20 volunteers were detected by color power doppler ultrasonography.The color flow signs inside the sacroiliac joints were observed,and the resistance index(RI) was measured. Results In active AS,color flow signs were seen in 55 joints,and the mean RI value was 0.53?0.08 in 45 joints,while the other 10 color flow signs represented reversed phase in diastolic phase on pulse doppler ultrasonography.In the volunteers,color flow signs were seen in 16 joints,and the mean RI value was 0.97?0.01 in 6 joints,while the other 10 color flow signs represented reversed phase in diastolic phase on pulse doppler ultrasonography. Conclusion The abnormal flow signs at the sacroiliac joints can be detected by color power doppler ultrasonography.Low RI values provide diagnosis evidence for active AS.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the value of valplast dentures in the temporary restoration of single missing anterior tooth.

METHODSTotally 76 patients who needed temporary restoration of single missing anterior tooth were involved and equally divided into two groups according to their own choices of procedures: group A, with valplast dentures as their temporary dentures and group B, with conventional removable partial dentures as their temporary dentures. Meanwhile,38 patients who had their single anterior teeth pulled out and did not need temporary dentures were enrolled as control group without any temporary restoration, and impressions were taken immediately before the temporary dentures were used (2 weeks after tooth extraction) and before the initiation of permanent restorations (97-100 days after tooth extraction).The heights of clinical crowns of the adjacent teeth were also recorded twice from plaster models made from the impressions.The height of labial gingiva recession was calculated as the difference between the two heights recorded.

RESULTSThe height differences of clinical crowns of the adjacent teeth was 0.5mm (range: 0.0-1.2mm) in group A, which was significantly larger than those in group B [0.0mm;(range: 0.0-0.6mm)](P<0.05) and in group C[0.0mm;(range: 0.0-0.4mm)](P<0.05).However, the difference was not significant between group B and group C (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONApplication of valplast denture as temporary denture may cause labial gingival recession of the adjacent teeth, and therefore is not suitable for the restoration of single missing anterior tooth.

Adult ; Dental Restoration, Temporary ; instrumentation ; Dentures ; adverse effects ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gingival Recession ; etiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tooth Loss ; therapy ; Young Adult

To investigate the profile of gene expression in American ginseng (Panax quinquefolium L.) and discover its functional genes, for the first time, expressed sequence tags (EST) library of four-year-old American ginseng roots has been established. According to BLAST and Gene Ontology analysis, eleven genes, encoding cytochrome P450, glucosyltransferase, farnesyltransferase and cyclase family protein, are found to be associated with ginsenosides biosynthesis. Six other genes are obtained encoding auxin-regulated protein, auxin response factor 4 and auxin-repressed protein in the roots of American ginseng. In addition, thirteen expressed transcripts are stress-connected proteins and twelve expressed other transcripts are closely related to plant defense in four-year-old American ginseng roots. Furthermore, 62 genes no hit in BLAST and in Interproscan may be new genes. These results indicate EST is an useful tool for research on functional genomics of P. quinquefolium and it can be applied to the molecular modification of the ginsenosides biosynthetic pathway ultimately for improving the quality of American ginseng germplasm.
DNA, Plant ; genetics ; Expressed Sequence Tags ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Library ; Genes, Plant ; Ginsenosides ; biosynthesis ; Panax ; genetics ; Plant Roots ; genetics ; Plants, Medicinal ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate the frequencies distribution of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 subtypes in unrelated healthy Chinese.

METHODPolymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing (PCRSBT) was used to determine HLA high-resolution genotypes of 825 unrelated healthy Chinese.

RESULTSA total of 25 HLA-B27-positive individuals and 8 HLA-B27 subtypes were detected. These subtypes and their corresponding frequencies were B * 2704 (30.77%) , B * 2705 (23.08%), B * 2707 (19.23%), B * 2711 (7.69%), B * 2712 (7.69%), B * 2701 (3.85%), B * 2713 (3.85%) and B * 2721 (3.85%).

CONCLUSIONThe data obtained through PCR-SBT method may serve as important reference for the research of relationship between HLA-B27 subtypes and some diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis.

Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Frequency ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; HLA-B27 Antigen ; classification ; genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing ; genetics

OBJECTIVETo detect gene mutations associated with autosomal dominant congenital stationary night blindness(ADCSNB) in a large Chinese family.

METHODSGenomic DNAs were extracted from peripheral blood samples of 16 affected and 14 unaffected family members. According to 5 missense mutations in 3 genes reported previously, 4 pairs of primers were designed and corresponding exons containing the five mutation sites were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Amplified products were purified and sequenced by MegaBACE1000 capillary array electrophoresis DNA sequencer. Full field electroretinogram (ERG, ISCEV) of patients was recorded and analyzed by Roland Consult System.

RESULTSDark-adapted ERG showed a-wave was normal, but b-wave of the patients was markedly decreased. None of the five missense mutations were detected in 16 affected and 14 unaffected family members.

CONCLUSIONThe molecular pathogenesis of ADCSNB in this family does not involve point mutations or deletions of these five sites, which indicates the heterogeneity of ADCSNB.

Adult ; Base Sequence ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Night Blindness ; congenital ; genetics ; Pedigree ; Point Mutation

To validate the use of the Index of Complexity, Outcome and Need (ICON) in assessing orthodontic treatment need among 12-13 year-olds in southern China, we determined the threshold value of ICON based on Chinese orthodontists' judgments. The samples consisted of 335 students in grade 7 from 16 randomly selected middle schools in Chengdu, China. Three associate professors provided ICON scores for each participant and the results were compared with the gold standard judgments from 25 experts on treatment needs. Based on the gold standard, 195 casts belonged to the treatment category, while the rest 140 belonged to the no-treatment category. With the international cutoff point of 43, the sensitivity and specificity of the ICON score were 0.29 and 0.98.The best compromise between sensitivity and specificity in Chengdu, compared with the gold standard, was found at a cutoff point of 29, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.88 and 0.83. When used to evaluate the treatment need of 12-13 year-olds in southern China, the international ICON cutoff value did not correspond well with Chinese orthodontists' judgments; a lower cutoff value of 29 offered a greater sensitivity and specificity with respect to expert orthodontists' perception of treatment need.
Adolescent ; Child ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Cultural Comparison ; Data Collection ; Dental Health Surveys ; methods ; standards ; Female ; Health Services Needs and Demand ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Male ; Malocclusion ; diagnosis ; epidemiology ; Needs Assessment ; statistics & numerical data ; Observer Variation ; Orthodontics, Corrective ; standards ; statistics & numerical data ; Reference Values ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo investigate the gene polymorphism of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, B, DRB1 loci in the population of Beijing region, and research on the application feasibility of polymerase chain reaction sequence-based typing (PCR-SBT) method.

METHODSPCR-SBT method was applied to determine HLA- A, B, DRB1 genotypes of 618 unrelated healthy individuals of Beijing region.

RESULTSA total of 84 different alleles and 199 genotypes of HLA-A, 143 alleles and 366 genotypes of HLA-B, 122 alleles and 286 genotypes of HLA-DRB1 were detected.

CONCLUSIONThe results showed the characteristics of HLA-A, B, DRB1 distributions, and provided more comprehensive and accurate gene data that may serve as normal reference values for all of Beijing people.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; China ; ethnology ; Female ; Genetics, Population ; HLA-A Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-B Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-DR Antigens ; genetics ; HLA-DRB1 Chains ; Humans ; Male ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Population

Humans ; Bone Cements/adverse effects* ; Paralysis/etiology*

Objective To understand the situation of Schistosoma japonicum infections in wild animals in transmission-controlled schistosomiasis-endemic areas in Jiangxi Province, so as to provide scientific evidence for implementing precision control interventions and achieving the goal of transmission interruption and elimination of schistosomiasis. Methods Five endemic villages from Ruichang City and Pengze County that were heavily endemic for schistosomiasis in Jiangxi Province, were selected as the study villages. Wild animals like wild mice were captured, and the livers of wild animals were purchased from the snail habitats in the study villages for detection of S. japonicum infections. In the study villages, S. japonicum human infections were screened using indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) followed by parasitological examinations with miracidial hatching test and Kato-Katz method, and the S. japonicum infection in livestock was tested using a miracidial hatching test with a plastic tube. In addition, snail survey was conducted in the study villages by means of systematic sampling combined with environmental sampling, and the S. japonicum infection in snails was detected using a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay. Results A total of 240 liver specimens were sampled or purchased from 5 species of wild animals in the study villages, including wild mice, weasels, pigs, deer and rabbits. A total of 172 wild mice were captured, with a 2.91% rate of S. japonicum infection, and there was no S. japonicum infection detected in other wild animals. The prevalence of Capillaria hepatica infection was 12.21%, 1.96% and 12.50% in wild mice, deer and pigs, respectively. In addition, there was no S. japonicum infection found in either humans or livestock in the study villages, and the mean snail density varied from 0.13 to 0.80 snails/0.1 m² in the study villages. LAMP assay detected S. japonicum infection in 2 tubes in a study village. Conclusions The role of wild animals in schistosomiasis transmission and their potential risks can not be neglected in hilly schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Jiangsu Province after transmission control. Intensified surveillance and targeted control measures should be implemented to consolidate schistosomiasis control achievements.

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the CARTO3-based total three-dimensional(T3D,total three-dimensional)zero X-ray mapping technique in radiofrequency catheter ablation of elderly patients with atrial fibrillation. Methods A total of 60 patients diagnosed with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation at the Beijing Anzhen Hospital Arrhythmia Center from December 2015 to April 2017 were included. All patients were randomly divided into the study group(30 cases) and the control group(30 cases). T3D technique was utilized in the study group, and patients in the control group received conventional AF ablation. The procedure parameters success rate of circumferential pulmonary vein isolation(CPVI), rates of atrial fibrillation recurrence complication were compared between the two groups. Results All the 60 patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation had successful atrial fibrillation ablation and finished follow-up. Compared with the control group, the time of atrium three-dimensional reconstruction in the study group was longer [study group vs control group:(57.7±11.0)min vs.(10.4±3.5)min,P<0.001)];X-ray exposure time was significantly shorter in the study group[study group vs control group:0 min vs.(15.73±3.91)min,(P<0.001)]. The diff erence in circumferential pulmonary vein ablation time between the two groups was not of statistical significance[study group vs. control group:(49.9 ± 11.3)min vs.(51.1 ± 12.6)min,P=0.699].CPVI was successful in all patients in both groups. There was no signifi cant diff erence in the early and late recurrence rate and the incidence of complications between the two groups(P>0.05). Conclusions The application of T3D technique in radiofrequency ablation for elderly patients with paroxysmal atrial fi brillation is safe and eff ective, which can reduce the time of X-ray exposure and has important clinical value.