Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in the Aksu Region of Xinjiang, China, between 1985 and 2016 / Prevalência de tuberculose bovina na região Aksu de Xinjiang, China, entre 1985 e 2016

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis infection in cattle in Aksu Prefecture determined by intradermal tuberculin skin test (TST), between 1985 and 2016. Cattle were analyzed according to region, feeding pattern, herds and age. A total of 890,009 cattle were tested, with overall bovine tuberculosis prevalence of 0.13% (1172/890009). Statistically significant difference was found in feeding pattern and herds. Prevalence in cows (0.19%, 615/327022) was higher than that in beeves (P< 0.01, OR= 1.903, 95% CI = 1.696 to 2.134). Significant difference (P< 0.01; OR= 2.238, 95%; CI= 1.937 to 2.585) was evident for rates for bovine tuberculosis in the peasant household (0.12%, 942/802343) and farm groups (0.26%, 230/87666). The overall prevalence of bTB was decreased in the Aksu Prefecture, especially the positive rate was under 0.1% in 2010s. We concluded that the control measures forbovine tuberculosis in the Aksu region cattle herds are effective.(AU)

Prevalência de infecção por tuberculose bovina em gado na prefeitura de Aksu determinada por teste cutâneo tuberculínico (TST) entre 1985 e 2016 foi avaliada. O gado foi analisado de acordo com região, padrão alimentar, rebanho e idade. Um total de 890009 animais foram testados, com prevalência de 0,13% de tuberculose bovina (1172/890009). Diferença estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada em padrão alimentar e rebanhos. Prevalência em vacas (0,19%, 615/327022) foi mais alta que em bois (P< 0,01, OR= 1,903, 95% CI = 1,696 a 2,134). Diferenças significativas (P< 0,01; OR= 2,238, 95%; CI= 1,937 a 2,585) foram evidentes em taxas para tuberculose bovina em casas de camponeses (0,12%, 942/802343) e grupos de fazendeiros (0,26%, 230/87666). A prevalência de bTB caiu na prefeitura Aksu, a taxa positiva se encontrava abaixo de 0.1% a partir de 2010. Conclui-se que as medidas de controle para tuberculose bovina na região de Aksu foram eficazes.(AU)

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in the Aksu Region of Xinjiang, China, between 1985 and 2016 / Prevalência de tuberculose bovina na região Aksu de Xinjiang, China, entre 1985 e 2016

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis infection in cattle in Aksu Prefecture determined by intradermal tuberculin skin test (TST), between 1985 and 2016. Cattle were analyzed according to region, feeding pattern, herds and age. A total of 890,009 cattle were tested, with overall bovine tuberculosis prevalence of 0.13% (1172/890009). Statistically significant difference was found in feeding pattern and herds. Prevalence in cows (0.19%, 615/327022) was higher than that in beeves (P< 0.01, OR= 1.903, 95% CI = 1.696 to 2.134). Significant difference (P< 0.01; OR= 2.238, 95%; CI= 1.937 to 2.585) was evident for rates for bovine tuberculosis in the peasant household (0.12%, 942/802343) and farm groups (0.26%, 230/87666). The overall prevalence of bTB was decreased in the Aksu Prefecture, especially the positive rate was under 0.1% in 2010s. We concluded that the control measures forbovine tuberculosis in the Aksu region cattle herds are effective.(AU)

Prevalência de infecção por tuberculose bovina em gado na prefeitura de Aksu determinada por teste cutâneo tuberculínico (TST) entre 1985 e 2016 foi avaliada. O gado foi analisado de acordo com região, padrão alimentar, rebanho e idade. Um total de 890009 animais foram testados, com prevalência de 0,13% de tuberculose bovina (1172/890009). Diferença estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada em padrão alimentar e rebanhos. Prevalência em vacas (0,19%, 615/327022) foi mais alta que em bois (P< 0,01, OR= 1,903, 95% CI = 1,696 a 2,134). Diferenças significativas (P< 0,01; OR= 2,238, 95%; CI= 1,937 a 2,585) foram evidentes em taxas para tuberculose bovina em casas de camponeses (0,12%, 942/802343) e grupos de fazendeiros (0,26%, 230/87666). A prevalência de bTB caiu na prefeitura Aksu, a taxa positiva se encontrava abaixo de 0.1% a partir de 2010. Conclui-se que as medidas de controle para tuberculose bovina na região de Aksu foram eficazes.(AU)

Management of clinically negative nodes (N0) in supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma: A systematic review.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment of clinically negative cervical lymph nodes in supraglottic carcinoma by a meta-analysis. The search words were "supraglottic carcinoma", "cervical lymph nodes negative/cN0", "radical neck dissection", and "radiotherapy". The databases included the Chinese biomedical literature database, Medline, Cochrane library, EMBASE database, journals, and theses, etc. from 1989 onwards. Using the 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and disease-specific survival rates, and the recurrence and distant metastasis rates as observation indexes, the proper model and method were selected after a heterogeneity test to allow combined statistic tests, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias analysis to be conducted. Four studies (807 cases) were included in the analysis. Comparisons of the 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and disease-specific survival rates as well as lymph node metastasis and the recurrence rate for radical neck dissection and radiotherapy showed no significant differences. There was no advantage of radical neck dissection in supraglottic carcinoma with clinically negative cervical lymph nodes compared to radiotherapy. However, owing to the lack of a prospective study and large number of cases, selection bias and measurement bias may still exist.

Gynophore miRNA analysis at different developmental stages in Arachis duranensis.

Peanut is one of the most important oilseed crops in the world that provides a significant amount of lipids and protein for many people. The gynophore plays an important role in gynophore development after fertilization of the peanut ovule. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in numerous developmental and physiological plant processes. Therefore, it is essential to analyze the miRNA sequences at different gynophore stages to explore and validate gene function. Multiple small RNAs were sequenced and collected from gynophore stages A1, A2, and A3 (5, 10, and 20 days of development, respectively) for further prediction. We obtained 266 known and 357 novel miRNAs from the three different stages. Stage A3 had the largest number of reads. Genes involved in the lignin catabolic process were identified only at stage A1. The copper ion-binding process also specifically emerged at stage A1, whereas negative regulation of biological processes occurred only in stages A2 and A3. The genes related to growth were found only at stage A3, suggesting that the gynophore may contribute to rapid development of the gynophore at this stage. Our identification and assessment of miRNAs from different gynophore stages may serve as a basis for further studies of gynophore miRNA regulation mechanisms. Some biological processes were specifically regulated at different gynophore stages indicating that miRNAs play an important role in the gynophore development.

Comparative quantitative trait locus mapping of maize flowering-related traits in an F2:3 and recombinant inbred line population.

Flowering-related traits in maize are affected by complex factors and are important for the improvement of cropping systems in the maize zone. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) detected using different materials and methods usually vary. In the present study, 266 maize (Zea mays) F2:3 families and 301 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a cross between 08-641 (founding parent from southeast China) and Ye478 (founding parent from China) were evaluated for four flowering-related traits, including days to tasseling (DTT), days to pollen shedding (DPS), days to silking (DTS), and anthesis-silking interval. Sixty-six QTLs controlling the target traits were detected in the F2:3 and RIL populations via single environment analysis and joint analysis across all environments (JAAE). The QTLs explained 0.8-13.47% of the phenotypic variation, with 12 QTLs explaining more than 10%. The results of meta-QTL (MQTL) analysis indicated that 41 QTLs could be integrated into 14 MQTLs. One MQTL included 2.9 QTLs, ranging from two to ten QTLs for one to three traits. QTLs, including MQTL1-1 and MQTL9-1, were detected across the F2:3 and RIL populations via SAE and JAAE. Among the MQTLs, nine QTLs were integrated into MQTL9-1 and affected DTT, DPS, and DTS, with the favored allele being derived from 08-641. MQTL3-2 showed high phenotypic variation and was suitable for fine mapping to determine the genetic mechanisms of flowering. MQTL3-2 could be applied to improve inbred lines using marker-assisted selection.

Antimicrobial and antitumor activity and diversity of endophytic fungi from traditional Chinese medicinal plant Cephalotaxus hainanensis Li.

Endophytes from Cephalotaxus hainanensis Li, an important source of anti-leukemia drugs, have not been widely explored. In this study, 265 endophytic fungal isolates from C. hainanensis Li were screened for antimicrobial activities against tilapia, banana, rice, and rape and for antitumor activities against human leukemia cell lines (K562, NB4, and HL-60). Diversity was also analyzed. The results showed that 17.7% of the endophytic fungi had antimicrobial activities against at least three different test microbes, and activity against Fusarium oxysporum RKY102 was the highest at 15.8%. Cytotoxicity against at least one tumor cell line tested was observed in 18.5% of the endophytic fungi; with the highest value of 10.6% against K562. The endophytic fungal strains also showed relatively high activities against K562, NB4, and HL-60 while relatively fewer strains were cytotoxic against the human hepatic Hep-G2 and colon LoVo cancer cell lines. Thirty endophytic fungal strains showed both high antimicrobial and antitumor activities. Moreover, the analyses of the diversity of the 30 highly active strains showed they belonged to 20 species from 14 genera, and this is the first report of endophytic fungi Albonectria rigidiuscula, Colletotrichum magnisporum, and Nemania diffusa being isolated from Cephalotaxus plants. These findings suggest that natural antibacterial products for humans and tilapia; antifungal compounds for rice, rape, and banana; and antitumor compounds for leukemia therapy could be isolated from fungal strains derived from C. hainanensis Li.

Analyzing the association between XRCC1 c.1804C>A genetic variant and lung cancer susceptibility in the Chinese population.

Lung cancer is the most common cancer occurring worldwide. The human X-ray repair complementing group 1 (XRCC1) gene is one of the most important candidate genes that influence the susceptibility to lung cancer. The objective of this study was to analyze the potential association between the c.1804C>A genetic variant of XRCC1 and lung cancer susceptibility. A total of 703 subjects were recruited for this study. Genotyping of c.1804C>A genetic variant was performed using the created restriction site-polymerase chain reaction. Statistically significant differences in allele frequencies and genotype were found between lung cancer patients and cancer-free controls. The genotype AA was statistically associated with the increased risk of lung cancer when compared to the wild genotype, CC, and the carrier genotype, CA/CC (AA vs CC: OR = 2.71, 95%CI = 1.57-4.67, P < 0.001; AA vs CA/CC: OR = 2.54, 95%CI = 1.50-4.29, P < 0.001). The allele A likely contributes to the susceptibility to lung cancer (A vs C: OR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.17-1.84, P = 0.001). Our data indicates that the c.1804C>A genetic variant of XRCC1 is statistically associated with the susceptibility to lung cancer in the Chinese population.

Comparison of the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel benzene sulfonate and clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate in stable coronary heart disease.

Clopidogrel hydrogen sulfate (CHS) is a thienopyridine, which can be used to prevent cardiovascular complications alone or in combination with acetyl salicylic acid as an important antiplatelet agent. Clopidogrel benzene sulfonate (CB) is a special clopidogrel salt that can be used as a conventional drug for antiplatelet effects, but the mechanism is still unknown. This study aimed to compare the antiplatelet effects of CHS and CB in stable coronary artery disease patients. Stable coronary artery disease patients (N = 119) were randomly divided into two groups receiving CHS (N = 67) or CB (N = 52). The patients were administered the drugs (600 mg dosage) and monitored for 12 to 14 h to detect antiplatelet effects. Antiplatelet response was evaluated by the P2Y12 response unit (PRU) and P2Y12 suppression percentage. In addition, all patients' CYP2C19*2, CYP2C19*3, and CYP3A5 polymorphisms were studied. Similar clinical manifestations were observed in the two groups. No obvious difference was detected in the platelet levels of patients given CHS or CB. The antiplatelet response (PRU and P2Y12 evaluation) of the patients using CHS and CB was not significantly different. In the two groups, the CYP2C19*2 polymorphic heterozygote number and antiplatelet response were similar. CB and CHS presented similar antiplatelet effects in stable coronary artery disease patients, and there was no difference in the CYP2C19*2 heterozygous polymorphism.

Toll-like receptor-4-dependence of the lipopolysaccharide-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation.

Bone fractures or bones subjected to open conduction and internal fixation are easily infected by bacteria; bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been recognized as an important pathogenic factor affecting bone fracture healing. Therefore, the effect of LPS on bone metabolism is relevant for bone healing. In this study, we investigated the effect of LPS on the expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 (an LPS receptor) by using real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. We also examined the regulatory role of LPS in osteoblast differentiation by measuring the ALP activity, matrix mineralization, and ALP, OCN, and Runx2 mRNA (essential factors affecting osteoblast differentiation) expression in LPS-treated mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. We also evaluated the effect of TLR-4 on LPS-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation using RNA interference. LPS promotes TLR-4 mRNA and protein expression in MC3T3-E1 cells (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.001), and inhibits osteoblast differentiation by downregulating matrix mineralization and ALP activity (P < 0.05, P < 0.01 or P < 0.001), and suppressing the expression ALP, OCN, and Runx2 mRNA in MC3T3-E1 cells (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conversely, RNAi-mediated TLR-4 knockdown abrogates the LPS-mediated inhibition of osteoblast differentiation (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In summary, LPS was shown to inhibit osteoblast differentiation by suppressing the expression of ALP, OCN, and Runx2 in a TLR-4-dependent manner. The results of this study may provide insights into the signal pathway of LPS-induced bone loss or delayed bone fracture healing.

Genetic analyses of the major and minor locus groups of bacterial wilt resistance in tobacco using a diallel cross design.

Tobacco germplasm samples with various levels of resistance to bacterial wilt were selected to construct F1 combinations of parental inbred lines and orthogonal diallel crosses using samples collected in 2009 (15 germplasms), 2010 (15 germplasms), and 2011 (16 germplasms). A total of 1/2P (P + 1) experimental materials were used for analysis. Based on the analyses of major and minor locus groups, genetic effects on the incidence rate and index of bacterial wilt in tobacco were investigated on the 15th and 25th day during the early stage. Significant effects were observed in major locus groups, but not in minor locus groups. Specifically, adjacent major locus groups (J1 = 13,056 and J1 = 13,055; J1 = 14,080 and J1 = 14,079) were detected in both the first and second analyses with considerable effects. Based on the additive effects of minor locus groups on the rate and index of bacterial wilt, the effects on the incidence rates of Yunyan 85, DB101, and RG11 as well as the effects on the disease index of the latter two germplasms reached the maximum. This was consistent with the disease resistance indicators of these tobacco varieties in the field (corresponding broad heritability >20%). Genetic homozygous dominant loci (+ +) increased the rate of bacterial wilt (susceptible), whereas homozygous recessive loci (- -) reduced the index of bacterial wilt (resistant) with considerable additive effects and low dominant effects, suggesting that the inheritance of the bacterial wilt rate and index in tobacco mainly relies on additive inheritance.

Developmental methylation pattern regulates porcine GPR120 expression.

DNA methylation is an important component of the epigenetic machinery and plays a critical role in transcriptional regulation. It mostly occurs in CpG abundant regions, known as CpG islands (CGIs). G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) functions as an omega-3 fatty acid receptor and is involved in multiple-biological processes, including lipogenesis. Herein, we show that GPR120 is highly expressed in porcine mature adipose tissue and is positively associated with adipose tissue development (r = 0.86, P < 0.01). We also predicted 5 CGIs across the GPR120 genomic sequence and investigated their methylation status using the MassArray approach. Our results show that these CGIs exhibit significantly different methylation states (P(CGI) < 0.01), and that the DNA methylation of GPR120 5ꞌ-untranslated and first exon regions can negatively regulate its expression levels. This study will aid further investigations on the epigenetic mechanism regulating GPR120 expression.

Effects of kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) gene silencing on the sensitivity of A549 cells to erlotinib.

We investigated the effects of kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) gene silencing on the proliferation of A549 cells and their sensitivity to erlotinib. A KDR small interfering RNA (siRNA) sequence was designed and synthesized; then, it was transfected into A549 cells using Lipofectamine(TM) 2000. KDR mRNA and protein expression after KDR gene silencing was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting; the A549 cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry. A 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and colony formation assay were performed to determine the sensitivity of A549 cells to erlotinib after KDR gene silencing. After 48h of KDR gene silencing, there was a significant decrease in KDR gene and protein expression (P < 0.05). The A549 cell cycle was arrested at the G0/G1 phase, and the number of cells in the S phase decreased; the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the KDR gene silencing group, the sensitivity of A549 cells to erlotinib was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05). KDR siRNA can significantly silence the KDR gene in A549 cells, inhibit the proliferation of A549 cells, and enhance their sensitivity to erlotinib.

Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite markers in Bagarius yarrelli using RNA-Seq.

The yellow sisorid catfish (Bagarius yarrelli) is a vulnerable fish species. In this study, seven polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers for yellow sisorid catfish were described, using RNA-Seq methodology. In B. yarrelli (N = 44) from a Hekou wild population, allelic frequency, and observed and expected heterozygosities per locus varied from two to six, 0.0333 to 0.6793, and 0.0333 to 0.6004, respectively. One locus (Baya153) denoted notable separation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, after sequential Bonferroni correction (P < 0.05). The microsatellite markers described here will be useful for investigating population structure and genetic resource of B. yarrelli from different geographical locations.

Effects of cetuximab combined with afatinib on the expression of KDR and AQP1 in lung cancer.

In this study, we examined the effect of cetuximab (epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibody) combined with afatinib (epidermal growth factor receptorand human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 tyrosine kinase irreversible inhibitor) on the apoptosis of A549 cells and on kinase domain receptor (KDR) and aquaporin 1 (AQP1) expression in A549 cells. A549 cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 and then divided into 4 groups: control group, 1-nM cetuximab group, 25-µM afatinib group, and 1-nM cetuximab + 25-µM afatinib group. After incubation for 48 h, the cell inhibition rate, cell cycle distribution, and invasive ability of A549 cells before and after treatment were examined using MTT, flow cytometry, and transwell assays, respectively. Gene and protein expression levels of KDR and AQP1 were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Cetuximab and afatinib significantly inhibited A549 cell growth. Their combination produced greater growth inhibition (P < 0.01). Cetuximab and afatinib both induced the apoptosis of A549 cells, and their combination produced a higher apoptosis rate (P < 0.01). Compared with monotherapy, cetuximab in combination with afatinib induced G1 phase arrest and downregulated the gene and protein expression of KDR and AQP1 (P < 0.05). Cetuximab in combination with afatinib synergistically inhibited the growth and migration of cells and downregulated the gene and protein expression of KDR and AQP1, indicating that a combination of cetuximab and afatinib is a potential strategy for lung cancer therapy.

Microvascular remodeling of nasal mucosa in allergic rhinitis induced by an allergen in Sprague-Dawley rats.

This study aimed to observe microvascular changes in the nasal mucosa of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with allergic rhinitis (AR) after persistent exposure to an allergen with fluticasone propionate (FP) treatment. Ninety healthy SD rats were randomly distributed into the control group (A, N = 30), the group with continued exposure to an allergen (B, N = 30), and FP treatment group (C, N = 30). The animals of the persistence group were subjected to persistent exposure to an allergen after 7 weeks of modeling of ovalbumin (OVA) provocation in the nasal mucosa for 16 weeks. At the 8th, 12th, and 16th week after OVA provocation, each group was euthanized at each time point: the FP treatment after OVA provocation, and animals of the control group were not stimulated with OVA and were sacrificed at the same time point. The nasal mucosa of 5 animals from each group was analyzed for the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and another 5 animals were used to make micro vascular corrosion casts for a scanning electron microscope. The results demonstrate that FP has a strong inhibitory effect on angiogenesis in AR. Inhalation of FP had an antiangiogenic effect through inhibition of VEGF expression but does not completely reverse the remodeling of the nasal mucosa in the short term nor does it have complete control over the expression of VEGF mRNA.

Inheritance of balanced translocation t(17; 22) from a Down syndrome mother to a phenotypically normal daughter.

We report that a 30-year-old woman with mental retardation was referred for prenatal diagnoses during pregnancy. An ultrasound scan showed that the heart structure and function of the fetus were normal. Cytogenetic analysis showed that the female karyotype was 47,XX, t(17; 22) (q21; q11), +21. The woman's husband had a normal male karyotype and was phenotypically normal. During this first pregnancy, an amniocentesis, which was done at 19 weeks, revealed that the fetal karyotype was 46,XX, t(17; 22) (q21; q11). Fluorescence in situ hybridization testing of amniotic fluid gave a normal result for chromosome 21. The child was a phenotypically normal female baby.

Effect of skeletal muscle fibers on porcine meat quality at different stages of growth.

In this study, we examined changes in meat quality and content of muscle types during porcine growth. The influence of the longissimus dorsi muscle fiber composition on meat quality and the correlation between 2 fiber-typing methods (histochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction) were examined. Type IIx and type IIb fibers accounted for most of the total number of fibers; the proportion of these fibers increased during porcine growth (75.42, 80.09, and 79.88%, respectively, at 3 different stages of growth). There was a strong positive correlation between the 2 fiber-typing methods; the correlation coefficients of type I, IIa, and IIx+IIb fiber contents were 0.65, 0.88, and 0.92, respectively. The a* value of meat color was significantly lower at 98 days and negatively correlated with white fiber content (r = -0.69, P < 0.01). Water-holding capacity decreased during porcine growth. The drip loss parameter was positively correlated with type IIx+IIb fiber content (r = 0.55, P < 0.05). Decreased pH was strongly positively correlated with type IIx+IIb fiber content (r = 0.61, P < 0.01) and negatively correlated with type IIa fiber content (r = -0.44, P < 0.05). Therefore, we found that the composition of muscle fibers influenced the establishment of meat quality and its alteration during the early postmortem period.

Influence of sugars and hormones on the genes involved in sucrose metabolism in maize endosperms.

Starch is the major storage product in the endosperm of cereals. Its synthesis is closely related to sucrose metabolism. In our previous study, we found that the expression of most of the genes involved in starch synthesis might be regulated by sugars and hormones in the maize endosperm. However, little is known regarding the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in sucrose metabolism. Thus, in this study, maize endosperms were treated with different sugars and hormones and the expression of genes involved in sucrose metabolism (including synthesis, degradation, and transport) were evaluated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We found that genes affected by different sugars and hormones were primarily regulated by abscisic acid. Sucrose and abscisic acid showed an additive effect on the expression of some genes. Differences in the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in sucrose metabolism and starch biosynthesis were observed.

Gene polymorphisms associated with susceptibility to coronary artery disease in Han Chinese people.

This study investigated 5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) haplotypes in susceptibility genes for coronary artery disease (CAD) and the putative involvement of these SNPs in CAD in the Chi-nese Han population. From March 2008 to June 2009, we selected 119 CAD patients and 115 subjects not related to the CAD of Chinese Han or-igin as controls. The SNP genotypes were performed by multiplex SNaP-shot technology. The HNRPUL1 gene rs11881940T and GATA2 gene rs3803T loci were highly correlated with CAD (P < 0.05). rs10757278G increased the risk of CAD in patients indicated by an odds ratio (OR) = 1.242 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.49]; rs11881940T and rs3803T were protective factors for CAD with ORs = 0.767 (95%CI = 0.61-0.97) and 0.53 (95%CI = 0.40-0.72), respectively. Analysis of the rs10757278, rs11881940 and rs3803 loci showed that haplotypes ATC (OR = 4.26; 95%CI = 2.85-6.40, P < 0.01), GAC (OR = 1.50; 95%CI = 1.25-1.81, P < 0.01) and GAT (OR = 1.53; 95%CI = 1.12-2.09, P < 0.01) were CAD risk factors, whereas GTC was protective (OR = 0.48; 95%CI = 0.32-0.72, P < 0.01). ATC and glucose were positively correlated (OR = 1.91; 95%CI = 1.01-3.61, P < 0.05). GAT was a risk factor for hyper-tension (OR = 2.86; 95%CI = 1.40-5.83, P < 0.01). In conclusion, poly-morphisms and haplotype analysis of susceptibility genes for CAD can improve predicting this disease and will enable early diagnosis of CAD.

Analysis of the dynamic changes in the soft palate and uvula in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea using ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging.

Apnea and the respiratory cycle are dynamic processes in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea (OSAH), which occur only during sleep. Our study aimed to observe the dynamic changes in the soft palate and the uvula during wakefulness and sleep using ultrafast magnetic resonance imaging (UMRI) to provide reference data for the pathogenesis and treatment of OSAH. The dynamic changes in the soft palate and uvular tip of 15 male patients (average age: 50.43 ± 9.82 years) with OSAH were evaluated using UMRI of the upper airway while asleep and awake after 1 night of sleep deprivation. A series of midline sagittal images of the upper airway were obtained. The distance from the center of the soft palate to the x-axis (an extended line from the anterior nasal spine to the posterior nasal spine), from the uvular tip to the x-axis, from the center of the soft palate to the y-axis (a perpendicular line from the center of the pituitary to the x-axis), and from the uvular tip to the y-axis (designated as PX, UX, PY, and UY, respectively) were measured during sleep and wakefulness. The minimum PX, PY, UX, and UY were shorter during sleep than during wakefulness, whereas the maxima were longer during sleep (P < 0.01), the differences between the maximum and minimum PX, PY, UX, and UY were larger during sleep (P < 0.01). The upward, downward, forward, and backward ranges of movement of the soft palate and the uvular tip were larger during sleep in OSAH patients. This increased compliance may trigger each airway obstructive event.