OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at investigating the carrier rate of, and molecular variation in, α- and β-globin gene mutations in Hunan Province. METHODS: We recruited 25,946 individuals attending premarital screening from 42 districts and counties in all 14 cities of Hunan Province. Hematological screening was performed, and molecular parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The overall carrier rate of thalassemia was 7.1%, including 4.83% for α-thalassemia, 2.15% for β-thalassemia, and 0.12% for both α- and β-thalassemia. The highest carrier rate of thalassemia was in Yongzhou (14.57%). The most abundant genotype of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia was -α ^3.7/αα (50.23%) and β ^IVS-II-654/β ^N (28.23%), respectively. Four α-globin mutations [CD108 (ACC>AAC), CAP +29 (G>C), Hb Agrinio and Hb Cervantes] and six β-globin mutations [CAP +8 (C>T), IVS-II-848 (C>T), -56 (G>C), beta nt-77 (G>C), codon 20/21 (-TGGA) and Hb Knossos] had not previously been identified in China. Furthermore, this study provides the first report of the carrier rates of abnormal hemoglobin variants and α-globin triplication in Hunan Province, which were 0.49% and 1.99%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the high complexity and diversity of thalassemia gene mutations in the Hunan population. The results should facilitate genetic counselling and the prevention of severe thalassemia in this region.
Humans ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Hemoglobinopathies/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) and its risk factors in very preterm infants (VPIs) during hospitalization in China. METHODS: A prospective multicenter study was performed on the medical data of 2 514 VPIs who were hospitalized in the department of neonatology in 28 hospitals from 7 areas of China between September 2019 and December 2020. According to the presence or absence of EUGR based on the evaluation of body weight at the corrected gestational age of 36 weeks or at discharge, the VPIs were classified to two groups: EUGR group (n=1 189) and non-EUGR (n=1 325). The clinical features were compared between the two groups, and the incidence of EUGR and risk factors for EUGR were examined. RESULTS: The incidence of EUGR was 47.30% (1 189/2 514) evaluated by weight. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher weight growth velocity after regaining birth weight and higher cumulative calorie intake during the first week of hospitalization were protective factors against EUGR (P<0.05), while small-for-gestational-age birth, prolonged time to the initiation of total enteral feeding, prolonged cumulative fasting time, lower breast milk intake before starting human milk fortifiers, prolonged time to the initiation of full fortified feeding, and moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia were risk factors for EUGR (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS It is crucial to reduce the incidence of EUGR by achieving total enteral feeding as early as possible, strengthening breastfeeding, increasing calorie intake in the first week after birth, improving the velocity of weight gain, and preventing moderate-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in VPIs.
Female ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; Gestational Age ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Ulcerative colitis-colorectal cancer (UC-CRC) is one of the most serious complications in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), with worse prognosis and higher mortality than sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). Since most UC-CRC developed through the "inflammation-dysplasia-carcinoma" approach, early detection of dysplasia through identification of high-risk groups reasonable monitoring and active prevention are extremely important. However, there is no consensus on the risk factors of UC carcinogenesis and the drugs that can be used for chemoprevention currently. This article combined with relevant literature at home and abroad, reviewed the current risk factors and chemopreventive drugs for UC carcinogenesis, in order to provide reference for early prevention, early detection and early diagnosis of UC-CRC.
Humans ; Colitis, Ulcerative/diagnosis* ; Colorectal Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Risk Factors ; Chemoprevention/adverse effects* ; Carcinogenesis

ObjectiveThere are many methods for the detection of hydroxyproline (HYP), but few of them are suitable for the detection of lung tissue in mice. We intend to establish an accurate and reliable method for measuring HYP levels based on mouse lung tissues to assess the degree of fibrosis development more effectively.MethodsBased on the alkali hydrolysis method, the effects of the concentration of alkali hydrolysate and hydrolysis time on the determination results of HYP level in mice lung tissue were compared; the effects of the changes of experimental conditions on the determination results of HYP standard were compared; and the results of the determination of HYP level in mice lung tissue under dry and wet conditions were compared on the basis of the above experimental results.ResultsThe optimum concentration of alkali hydrolysate is 2 mol/L and the optimum hydrolysis time is 20 min. The optimum pH value of citric acid buffer is 6.0-6.5. The optimum solvent for chloramine T is methanol, the optimum reaction time for chloramine T solution is 15 min, the optimum reaction time for perchloric acid solution is 5 min, and the optimum reaction time for 4-(dimethylamino) benzoyl toluene is 5 min. The optimum condition of aldehyde solution color development is that it is bathed in water at 85 for 3 minutes. Some related reagents are stored in suitable environment after preparation, and the experimental data will not be affected within 7 days. Dry lung tissue of mice can improve the detection level of HYP. The improved experimental protocol was applied to the bleomycin-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model, and the HYP measurement results were significantly higher than that of the original protocol.ConclusionAn accurate and reliable method for the determination of hydroxyproline in lung tissue of mice was established.

To evaluate the effectiveness of minimally invasive bridging for the lateral malleolar fractures in the open comminuted ankle fractures with dislocation. Methods The clinical data of 24 patients [19 males and 5 females aged 40 to 65 years,mean(47.5±8.6)years] with open comminuted ankle fractures with dislocation who were treated in the Second Hospital of Tangshan from September 2015 to June 2017 were retrospectively analyzed.All patients were treated with minimally invasive bridging for the lateral malleolar fractures.The ankle function after treatment was assessed with the Olerud Molander Ankle(OMA)score. Results All the 24 patients were followed up from 12-26 months [mean:(14.5±2.6)months].Good fracture union was achieved in all patients after 2 - 5 months(mean:3 months).No deep infection,skin necrosis,or bone nonunion occurred after 12 months of follow-up.Only one patient suffered from partial skin necrosis at lateral malleolus,which was cured after changing wound dressings.The OMA score was 93.5(range:85-100)after 12 months(excellent in 19 cases and good in 5 cases). Conclusions Minimally invasive bridging for the lateral malleolar fractures is effective in treating the open comminuted ankle fractures with dislocation.It can obtain good reduction and fixation,reduce complications,and achieve high union rate.
Adult ; Aged ; Ankle ; surgery ; Ankle Fractures ; surgery ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical effect of squeezing and clapping bone setting manipulation in treating the postpartum pubis symphysis separation.

METHODSFrom June 2015 to March 2017, 80 patients with postpartum pubic symphysis separation were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, 40 patients in each group. In treatment group, the patients' reproductive age ranged from 26 to 40 years old with an average of (30.61±5.94) years old and the neonatal weight ranged from 3.2 to 4.52 kg with an average of (3.59±0.13) kg. In control group, patients' reproductive age ranged from 22 to 37 years old with an average age of (27.51±4.57) years old and the neonatal weight ranged from 3 to 5.8 kg with an average of (3.81±0.63) kg. The patients in the treatment group were treated with the squeezing and clapping manipulation, once a week for 3 weeks. The patients in the control group were treated with pelvic bandage immobilization, and the immobilization of the pelvis was not less than 8 hours per day, 3 weeks for 1 course. The VAS pain score, Oswestry dysfunction index (ODI) and separation distance of pubis were clinical observed and evaluated on the first day of treatment, 1, 2, 3 weeks and 1 months after treatment.

RESULTSThe pubic symphysis VAS score was compared with that before treatment, in the treatment group, the difference was statistically significant at 1 week(0.013); the difference was statistically significant in the control group for 1 month (0.042). The two groups were less than those of the control group after treatment (<0.05). The ODI score was compared with that before the treatment, in the treatment group, the difference was statistically significant at 1 week (0.009), the difference was statistically significant in the control group for 1 month(0.013), the two groups were less than those before treatment(<0.05). The pubic symphysis distance was compared with that before treatment, the treatment group decreased significantly after treatment (<0.05), there was no significant difference in the control group after treatment (>0.05), the two groups were compared, the difference was statistically significant at first weeks(0.042) and third weeks (0.005).

CONCLUSIONSThe "squeezing and clapping" manipulation can quickly restore the distance between pubic symphysis separation, relieve local pain and improve lumbosacral function, and is better than pelvic bandage fixation treatment.

OBJECTIVETo obtain recombinant sperm-protein actin-like protein 7a (ACTL7a) and detect the damage seminiferous tubules in mouse testis caused by anti-sperm antibodies generated by purified ACTL7a active immunization.

METHODSThe recombinant expression plasmid pET30a-ACTL7a was constructed and then transformed into E. coli Rosseta (DE3). The protein expression was induced by isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), and the protein was purified by nickel ions chelating resin. Finally, the protein was separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate poly-acrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and harvested by excising the gel containing target. ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice were then immunized using purified ACTL7a protein. The antibody titers were determined by ELISA and the development of seminiferous tubules after active immunization was stained by PAS staining.

RESULTSInduced by IPTG, the target protein ACTL7a was expressed in E. coli. After purification, it was used to immunize the ICR mice. As shown by PAS staining, spermatid expulsion, pyknotic cells, absence of germ cells, and germ cells degenerated were seen in the seminiferous tubules in the immunized testes.

CONCLUSIONSThe ACTL7a prokaryotic expression vector was successfully constructed. High-purity target protein was obtained after induction and purification. After the active immunization with the target protein, the seminiferous tubules in the mouse testes will be severely damaged.

Actins ; adverse effects ; metabolism ; Animals ; Antibodies ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Escherichia coli ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Protein Transport ; Recombinant Proteins ; Seminiferous Tubules ; metabolism ; pathology ; Spermatozoa ; Testis ; metabolism ; Vaccination ; adverse effects

BACKGROUNDAblation of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) is an important adjunctive therapy in atrial fibrillation (AF). The present study was to elucidate the substrate underlying CFAE.

METHODSNine adult mongrel dogs were involved in the present study. AF was induced through rapid atrial pacing with vagosympathetic nerve stimulation. CFAE was recorded during AF. Ablation was performed at CFAE sites. Based on the location of the ablation scar, the atrial specimens were divided into CFAE and non-CFAE sites. Serial sections of the atrium were stained respectively with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and the general neural marker protein gene product 9.5 (PGP9.5). We compared the characteristics of the myocardium and the ganglionated plexus (GPs) distribution between the CFAE and non-CFAE sites.

RESULTSThe myocardium of non-CFAE sites was well-organized with little intercellular substance. However, the myocardium in the CFAE site was disorganized with more interstitial tissue ((61.7 ± 24.3)% vs. (34.1 ± 9.2)%, P < 0.01). GPs in the CFAE site were more abundant than in non-CFAE sites ((34.45 ± 37.46) bundles/cm(2) vs. (6.73 ± 8.22) bundles/cm(2), P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe heterogeneity of the myocardium and GPs distribution may account for the substrate of CFAE and serve as a potential target of ablation.

Animals ; Atrial Fibrillation ; pathology ; Dogs ; Electrophysiologic Techniques, Cardiac ; methods ; Myocardium ; pathology

OBJECTIVEYoga is becoming more and more popular in the female society while the concomitant sports injury is seldom mentioned. Many clinicians have noted that yoga may result in knee problems, which though requires more researches to corroborate. This investigation was conducted to ascertain the relationship between yoga and meniscus injury as well as the extent of impairment according to variant yoga practice periods.

METHODSTotally 819 women aged 20-49 years who practiced yoga or other popular sports including badminton, jogging, climbing hills, etc for at least one hour per day were selected to participate in this research. These subjects were required to complete a questionnaire and receive relevant physical examination. Magnetic resonance (MR) scan of the knee was recommended for the suspicious subjects for ultimate diagnosis. The subject with abnormal meniscus MR signals was defined as a case and matched with two controls in terms of age and body mass index (BMI). Altogether there were 273 cases and 546 controls. The nested case-control model was adopted to assess the risk of meniscus injury between variant exposures in practicing yoga and several other popular sports. Moreover, the 181 yoga subjects were subdivided into three groups according to different exercise durations, followed by further analysis with the variables of age, BMI and Lysholm score.

RESULTSYoga was found associated with a higher risk (P equal to 0.008, OR equal to 1.621) of meniscus injury compared with badminton, jogging and climbing hills. The three yoga subgroups showed statistical difference between each other in terms of Lysholm score (P equal to 0.027) and BMI (P equal to 0.003). The subjects with longer-term yoga practice had lighter weight but lower Lysholm scores.

CONCLUSIONSYoga perhaps exerts destructive impact on the meniscus for Chinese women, yet it needs further verifications. Furthermore, the female yoga players with longer exercise duration are more susceptible to meniscus injury though they can become leaner.

Body Mass Index ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; Motor Activity ; Tibial Meniscus Injuries ; Yoga