Search

Objective: To explore the genetic characteristics of a child with comorbid 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome and Rett syndrome (RTT)., Methods: A male infant who was admitted to Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in May 2020 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the infant was collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the infant and his parents, and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing., Results: The patient, a 4-day-old male infant, had presented with poor response, poor intake, feeding difficulties, and deceased at 8 months after birth. WES revealed that he has harbored a 0.643 Mb deletion in the 16p11.2 region, which encompassed key genes of the 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome such as ALDOA, CORO1A, KIFF22, PRRT2 and TBX6. His father has carried the same deletion, but was phenotypically normal. The deletion was predicted to be pathogenic. The child was also found to harbor a maternally derived c.763C>T (p.R255X) hemizygous variant of the MECP2 gene, which was also predicted to be pathogenic (PVS1+PS4+PM2_Supporting)., Conclusion: The 16p11.2 deletion and the MECP2: c.763C>T (p.R255X) variant probably underlay the pathogenesis in this infant.

Objective: To analyze the clinical phenotype and genotypes of two children with Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency (CACTD)., Methods: Two children diagnosed with CACTD at the Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital respectively on January 3 and November 19, 2018 were selected as the study subjects. Trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) was carried out, and candidate variants were validated through Sanger sequencing and pathogenicity analysis., Results: Both children were males and had manifested mainly with hypoglycemia. Trio-WES and Sanger sequencing showed that child 1 had harbored compound heterozygous variants of the SLC25A20 gene, namely c.49G>C (p.Gly17Arg) and c.106-2A>G, which were inherited from his father and mother, respectively. Child 2 had harbored homozygous c.199-10T>G variants of the SLC25A20 gene, which were inherited from both of his parents. Among these, the c.106-2A>G and c.49G>C variants were unreported previously. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c.49G>C (p.Gly17Arg), c.106-2A>G, and c.199-10T>G variants were classified as likely pathogenic (PM2_supporting+PP3+PM3_strong+PP4), pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_supporting+PM5+PP3), and pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_supporting+PP3+PP5), respectively., Conclusion: Combined with their clinical phenotype and genetic analysis, both children were diagnosed with CACTD. Above finding has provided a basis for their treatment as well as genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for their families.

Objective: To explore the genetic basis for a patient with autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (RP)., Methods: A male patient with RP treated at Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital in September 2019 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data was collected. Peripheral blood samples of the patient and his parents were subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variant was validated by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis., Results: The patient, a 29-year-old male, developed night blindness, amblyopia, visual field defects and optic disc abnormalities since childhood. Gene sequencing revealed that he has harbored a heterozygous c.942G>C (p.Lys314Asn) variant of the IMPDH1 gene, which was inherited from his mother, whilst his father was of the wild type. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the c.942G>C variant was predicted as likely pathogenic (PM1+PM2_Supporting+PP3+PP1)., Conclusion: The c.942G>C (p.Lys314Asn) variant in the IMPDH1 gene probably underlay the RP in this patient.

Objective: To explore the genetic basis for a patient with unexplained developmental delay and special facial features., Methods: A male patient admitted to the Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Gansu Province on May 27, 2021 due to infertility was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the patient was collected, and genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the patient and his parents. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out, and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing., Results: The patient was found to harbor a 2.54 Mb deletion in 1p36.33p36.32 and a heterozygous c.1123G>C (p.E375Q) variant of the CHD3 gene, neither of which was detected in his parents., Conclusion: The patient was diagnosed with Snijders Blok-Campeau syndrome in conjunct with 1p36 deletion syndrome, which has enabled genetic counseling for his family.

Objective: To explore the genetic basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with co-morbid Ornithine carbamoyl transferase deficiency (OTCD) and MECP2 duplication syndrome., Methods: A proband who was admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital on December 19, 2017 was selected as the study subject. High-throughput sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were carried out for her pedigree, and short tandem repeat-based linkage analysis and chromosome copy number variation sequencing (CNV-seq) were used for the prenatal diagnosis., Results: The proband, a 3-day-old female, was found to harbor heterozygous deletion of exons 7-9 of the OTC gene. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PP4). The proband was diagnosed with OTCD , which was in keeping with her acute encephalopathy and metabolic abnormalities (manifesting as hyperammonemia, decreased blood citrulline, and increased urine orotic acid). Prenatal diagnosis was carried out for the subsequent pregnancy. The fetus did not harbor the exons 7-9 deletion of the OTC gene, but was found to carry a duplication in Xq28 region (which encompassed the whole region of MECP2 duplication syndrome) and was positive for the SRY sequence. The same duplication was also found in the proband and her mother. Considering the possible existence of X-chromosome inactivation, the proband was diagnosed with two X-linked recessive disorders including OTCD and MECP2 duplication syndrome, and the fetus was determined as a male affected with the MECP2 duplication syndrome., Conclusion: Discoveries of the pathogenic variants underlying the OTCD and MECP2 duplication syndrome have enabled clinical intervention, treatment, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for this pedigree.

Objective: To explore the genetic basis of eighteen patients with Tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency (BH4D) from Gansu Province., Methods: Eighteen patients diagnosed with BH4D at Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects. Whole exome sequencing was carried out, and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing., Results: All of the thirty-six alleles of the eighteen patients were successfully determined by molecular genetic testing. Sixteen patients were found to harbor variants of the PTS gene, and two had harbored variants of the QDPR gene. Ten variants were detected in the PTS gene, with the most common ones being c.259C>T (34.38%) and c.286G>A (15.63%). Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c.259C>T was classified as a pathogenic variant, whilst the c.286G>A, c.166G>A, c.200C>T, c.272A>G, c.402A>C, c.421G>T, c.84_291A>G and c.317C>T were classified as likely pathogenic variants. A novel c.289_290insCTT variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PM1+PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP3+PP4). The two variants (c.478C>T and c.665C>T) detected in the QDPR gene were both classified as variants of uncertain significance (PM1+PM2_Supporting+PP3+PP4)., Conclusion: Genetic testing has clarified the pathogenic variants in these BH4D patients, which has enabled timely and accurate clinical intervention and treatment, and provided a reference for genetic counseling and reproductive guidance for their families.

Objectives: To investigate the disease spectrum and pathogenic genes of inherited metabolic disorder (IMD) among neonates in Gansu Province of China., Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the tandem mass spectrometry data of 286 682 neonates who received IMD screening in Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2018 to December 2021. A genetic analysis was conducted on the neonates with positive results in tandem mass spectrometry during primary screening and reexamination., Results: A total of 23 types of IMD caused by 28 pathogenic genes were found in the 286 682 neonates, and the overall prevalence rate of IMD was 0.63 (1/1 593), among which phenylketonuria showed the highest prevalence rate of 0.32 (1/3 083), followed by methylmalonic acidemia (0.11, 1/8 959) and tetrahydrobiopterin deficiency (0.06, 1/15 927). In this study, 166 variants were identified in the 28 pathogenic genes, with 13 novel variants found in 9 genes. According to American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines, 5 novel variants were classified as pathogenic variants, 7 were classified as likely pathogenic variants, and 1 was classified as the variant of uncertain significance., Conclusions: This study enriches the database of pathogenic gene variants for IMD and provides basic data for establishing an accurate screening and diagnosis system for IMD in this region.

Objective: To explore the clinical features and genetic basis for a child with 3-methylglutaconic aciduria type VII., Methods: A child who was diagnosed at the Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital on August 9, 2019 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child, including urine gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, were collected. The child and her parents were subjected to whole exome sequencing., Results: The child, a female neonate, had presented mainly with intermittent skin cyanosis, convulsions, hypomagnesemia, apnea, neutropenia after birth. Her urine 3-methylpentenedioic acid has increased to 17.53 μmol/L. DNA sequencing revealed that she has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the CLPB gene, namely c.1016delT (p.L339Rfs*5) and c.1087A>G (p.R363G), which were respectively inherited from her mother and father. Both variants were unreported previously. Based on the standards from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variants were respectively predicted to be pathogenic and likely pathogenic., Conclusion: The child was diagnosed with 3-methylglutenedioic aciduria type VII. Discovery of the c.1016delT and c.1087A>G variants has enriched the mutational spectrum of the CLPB gene.

Objective: To explore the genetic etiology of a child with Pitt-Hopkins syndrome., Methods: A child who had presented at the Medical Genetics Center of Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital on February 24, 2021 and his parents were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the child was collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the child and his parents and subjected to trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES). Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. Karyotype analysis was also carried out for the child, and her mother was subjected to ultra-deep sequencing and prenatal diagnosis upon her subsequent pregnancy., Results: The clinical manifestations of the proband included facial dysmorphism, Simian crease, and mental retardation. Genetic testing revealed that he has carried a heterozygous c.1762C>T (p.Arg588Cys) variant of the TCF4 gene, for which both parents had a wild-type. The variant was unreported previously and was rated as likely pathogenic based on the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). Ultra-deep sequencing indicated that the variant has a proportion of 2.63% in the mother, suggesting the presence of low percentage mosaicism. Prenatal diagnosis of amniotic fluid sample suggested that the fetus did not carry the same variant., Conclusion: The heterozygous c.1762C>T variant of the TCF4 gene probably underlay the disease in this child and has derived from the low percentage mosaicism in his mother.

Objective: To explore the genetic etiology for a fetus with Walker-Warburg syndrome(WWS)., Methods: A fetus with WWS diagnosed at Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital in June 9, 2021 was selected as the study subject. Genomic DNA was extracted from amniotic fluid sample of the fetus and peripheral blood samples from its parents. Trio-Whole exome sequencing (trio-WES) was carried out. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing., Results: The fetus was found to harbor compound heterozygous variants of the POMT2 gene, namely c.471delC (p.F158Lfs*42) and c.1975C>T (p.R659W), which were respectively inherited from its father and mother. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), they were respectively rated as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PP4) and likely pathogenic (PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP3_Moderate+PP4)., Conclusion: Trio-WES may be used for the prenatal diagnosis of WWS. The compound heterozygous variants of the POMT2 gene probably underlay the disorder in this fetus. Above finding has expanded the mutational spectrum of the POMT2 gene and enabled definite diagnosis and genetic counseling for the family.

Objective: To analyze the clinical data and genetic characteristics of a child with fibrocartilage hyperplasia type 1 (FBCG1)., Methods: A child who was admitted to Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital on January 21, 2021 due to severe pneumonia and suspected congenital genetic metabolic disorder was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the child was collected, and genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples from the child and her parents. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out, and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing., Results: The patient, a 1-month-old girl, had presented with facial dysmorphism, abnormal skeletal development, and clubbing of upper and lower limbs. WES revealed that she has harbored compound heterozygous variants c.3358G>A/c.2295+1G>A of the COL11A1 gene, which has been associated with fibrochondrogenesis. Sanger sequencing has verified that the variants have been respectively inherited from her father and mother, both of whom were phenotypically normal. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c.3358G>A variant was graded as likely pathogenic (PM1+PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP3), and so was the c.2295+1G>A variant (PVS1＋PM2_Supporting)., Conclusion: The compound heterozygous variants c.3358G>A/c.2295+1G>A probably underlay the disease in this child. Above finding has facilitated definite diagnosis, genetic counseling for her family.

Objective: To analyze the clinical phenotype and genetic basis for a child with acute form of tyrosinemia type I (TYRSN1)., Methods: A child with TYRSN1 who presented at the Gansu Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital in October 2020 was selected as the subject. The child was subjected to tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS) and urine gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for the detection of inherited metabolic disorders, in addition with whole exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variants were validated by Sanger sequencing., Results: The child's clinical features included abdominal distension, hepatomegaly, anemia and tendency of bleeding. By mass spectrometry analysis, her serum and urine tyrosine and succinylacetone levels have both exceeded the normal ranges. WES and Sanger sequencing revealed that she has harbored c.1062+5G>A and c.943T>C (p.Cys315Arg) compound heterozygous variants of the FAH gene, which were inherited from her father and mother, respectively. Among these, the c.943T>C was unreported previously., Conclusion: Considering her clinical phenotype and result of genetic testing, the child was diagnosed with TYRSN1 (acute type). The compound heterozygous variants of the FAH gene probably underlay the disease in this child. Above finding has further expanded the spectrum of FAH gene variants, and provided a basis for accurate treatment, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for her family.

Objective: To analyze the clinical phenotype and results of genetic testing in three children with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS)., Methods: Clinical data of the children and their parents were collected. Peripheral blood samples of the pedigrees were collected for next generation sequencing analysis., Results: The main clinical manifestations of the three children have included growth delay, mental retardation, peculiar facies and other accompanying symptoms. Based on the criteria proposed by the International Diagnostic Consensus, all three children were suspected for CdLS. As revealed by whole exome sequencing, child 1 has harbored NIPBL gene c.5567_5569delGAA insTAT missense variant, child 2 has harbored SMC1A gene c.607A>G missense variant, and child 3 has harbored HDAC8 gene c.628+1G>A splicing variant. All of the variants were de novo in origin., Conclusion: All of the children were diagnosed with CdLS due to pathogenic variants of the associated genes, among which the variants of NIPBL and HDAC8 genes were unreported previously. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of pathogenic variants underlying CdLS.

Objectives: To study the clinical features and prognosis of children and their family members with family clusters of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant infection under the admission mode of parent-child ward., Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 190 children and 190 family members with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection who were admitted to Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital, the designated hospital for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), April 8 to May 10, 2022., Results: Both the child and adult groups were mainly mild COVID-19, and the proportion of mild cases in the child group was higher than that in the adult group ( P <0.05). Respiratory symptoms were the main clinical manifestations in both groups. Compared with the adult group, the child group had higher incidence rates of fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and wheezing ( P <0.05) and lower incidence rates of nasal obstruction, runny nose, cough, dry throat, throat itching, and throat pain ( P <0.05). Compared with the child group, the adult group had higher rates of use of Chinese patent drugs, traditional Chinese medicine decoction, recombinant interferon spray, cough-relieving and phlegm-eliminating drugs, and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir tablets ( P <0.05). Compared with the adult group, the child group had a lower vaccination rate of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (30.5% vs 71.1%, P <0.001) and a shorter duration of positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid ( P <0.05). The patients with mild COVID-19 had a shorter duration of positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid than those with common COVID-19 in both groups ( P <0.05). The patients with underlying diseases had a longer duration of positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid than those without such diseases in both groups ( P <0.05)., Conclusions: Both children and adults with family clusters of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection manifest mainly mild COVID-19. Despite lower vaccination rate of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in children, they have rapid disease recovery, with a shorter duration of positive SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid than adults, under the admission mode of parent-child ward.

Objective: To carry out pedigree analysis for a rare child with comorbid X-linked ichthyosis (XLI) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)., Methods: Whole exome sequencing (WES) and multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) were used to detect potential deletions in the STS and DMD genes., Results: The proband was found to harbor hemizygous deletion of the STS gene and exons 48 to 54 of the DMD gene., Conclusion: The child has comorbid XLI and DMD, which is extremely rare.

Objective: To carry out genetic analysis for 3 children from two Chinese families affected with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD)., Methods: Target capture - next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to detect pathogenic variants associated with MSUD., Results: The proband from family 1 was found to harbor homozygous c.560G>T (p.Gly187Val) variant of the BCKDHB gene (NM&#95;000056), whilst the two patients from family 2 were found to harbor compound heterozygous variants c.197-2A>G (splicing)/c.218delT (p.F74Sfs*4) of the BCKDHB gene. Among these, the c.560G>T and c.218delT variants were unreported previously., Conclusion: The new variants discovered in this study have expanded the mutational spectrum of the BCKDHB gene.

The deficiency of the DNA repair mechanism may increase DNA damage in germ cells, leading to abnormal spermatogenesis and infertility. High-fidelity DNA repair is essential for maintaining the integrity and quality of the germ cell genome. Therefore, the DNA damage repair system is a key factor in the sperm production process. Abnormal function of the genes involved in DNA damage repair of germ cells may reduce the number and induce the abnormalities of sperm. This article reviews the relationship of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the DNA damage repair genes XRCC1, OGG1, ERCC1 and ERCC2 with male infertility.

Yinshan Mountains stands on the southern edge of the Inner Mongolia Plateau, which stretches 1 200 km from east to west and 50 to 100 km from north to south. The rich and varied topographic environment of the Yinshan Mountains has created a variety of vegetation floras, which also makes the species of medicinal plant resources in this area unevenly distributed. Therefore, studying the spatial distribution difference of medicinal plant resources among various banners, counties, and districts in the Yinshan area is of great significance to formulate the protection policy and promote the industry development of medicinal plant. This study is based on the fourth national survey of traditional Chinese medicine resources in Inner Mongolia, regarding the results of the third national survey of traditional Chinese medicine resources. The species of medicinal plant resources in the Yinshan area around 31 banners, counties and districts were counted in detail. Then, using exploratory spatial data analysis(ESDA), trend surface analysis, spatial autocorrelation, geographical detector and other geostatistical analysis methods to analyze the differences in the spatial distribution of medicinal plant resources of the Yinshan area in Inner Mongolia. After discussing and analyzing the experimental results to account for the reasons for the overall trend of change and the degree of aggregation, the author further put forward relevant constructive suggestions. The results show that the areas with the most abundant and concentrated distribution of medicinal plant resources in the Yinshan area are located in Guyang county, Shiguai District of Baotou city, Tutou right banner, and Tuoketuo county; the higher richness and concentrated distribution of medicinal plant resources is in Wulate front banner, Wulate middle banner, Wulate back banner; areas with relatively low abundance and concentrated distribution of medicinal plant resources located in Qingshan district of Baotou city, Saihan district and Yuquan district of Hohhot city; areas with the lowest abundance and concentrated distribution of medicinal plant resources are located in Xincheng district and Huimin district of Hohhot city. It can be concluded that the horizontal distribution difference of multiple ecological factors, the special wetland environment of the river, the vertical difference of elevation, the farmland and other factors have an important influence on the richness of the medicinal plant resources species.

Hypoxia-inducible factors(HIFs)are the key transcription factors that sense and regulate cellular oxygen concentration in vivo. HIF-1 is composed of 2 subunits,α and β,in which,the molecular regulatory mechanism of HIF-1α involves the main processes of its degradation and activation. The degradation of HIF-1α is regulated by oxygen-dependent pathways,including &quot;von hippel-lindau protein(pVHL)-dependent pathway&quot; and &quot;pVHL-independent pathway&quot;. The activation of HIF-1α is regulated by oxygen-independent pathways,including mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/eukaryotic initiation factor 4 E-binding protein 1(4 EBP1)/HIF-1α pathway,phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3 K)/proteirrserinc-threonine kinases(Akt)/HIF-1α pathway and silent information regulator1(Sirt1)/HIF-1α pathway. In recent years,based on the molecular regulatory mechanism of HIFs,Roxadustat,a new drug for the treatment of renal anemia has been developed. Besides, some macromolecular substances with similar pharmacological effect to HIFs have been found in the extracts from Chinese herbal medicine(CHM),such as emodin,notoginseng triterpenes,honokiol and clematichinenoside. These natural macromolecular substances play the regulatory roles in inflammatory response,epigenetic modification and auto-phagy. It is worth noting that,for common hypoxic-related diseases including diabetic kidney disease,HIFs-mediated &quot;pyroptosis&quot; may be a new target of CHMs for clearing dampness and heat and its representative classical prescriptions(Ermiao Pills)in treating inflammatory injury in cells and tissues.

To study the effect of Panax japonicas saponin Ⅳa(SPJ-Ⅳa) on nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) through miR-17-5 p/MFN2 signaling pathway. The nonalcoholic steatohepatitis model was induced by a high-fat diet combined with CCl&#95;4 in Balb/c male mice. The mouse serum and liver were collected, the body weight and liver weight were measured, the liver index was calculated, and the serum biochemical indicators alanine amino transferase(ALT), triglyceride(TG), and glucose(Glu) were measured. The morphological changes in the liver were detected by HE and Masson staining, Real-time PCR was used to detect lipid metabolism-related genes, inflammation-related genes interleukin-6(IL-6) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β), miR-17-5 p and MFN2 expressions, and Western blot was used to detect MFN2 protein expression level. Compared with the normal control group, the liver index in the HFD+CCl&#95;4 group was significantly increased, and the contents of ALT, TG, and Glu were significantly increased; the morphology showed obvious steatosis and collagen fiber deposition; mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes, inflammation-related genes and miR-17-5 p increased significantly, the mRNA expression level of MFN2 decreased significantly, and the protein level of MFN2 decreased. After intervention with SPJ-Ⅳa, the levels of ALT, TG and Glu decreased, morphological steatosis decreased, collagen fiber deposition decreased, and mRNA expression levels of lipid metabolism-related genes, inflammation-related genes and miR-17-5 p decreased. The mRNA expression level of MFN2 increased, and the protein level of MFN2 also increased. The results of this study indicated that miR-17-5 p/MFN2 signaling pathway may be involved in the occurrence and development of NASH, and SPJ-Ⅳa had a protective effect on NASH, its mechanism may be related to the regulation of miR-17-5 p/MFN2 signaling pathway.

To solve the problems of the unclear planting period and the traditional flat planting of Artemisia argyi var.argyi 'Qiai', such as the serious dead leaves in the middle and lower parts of the plant and the low yield and low quality in the field, the effects of different planting period and ridge pattern on yield and quality of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' were studied. The results showed that the growth and development of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' was better when planted in autumn and winter, and the ridge directions had little effect on the growth and yield of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai', while the ridge width had a significant effect. Compared the traditional wide ridge planting mode(the width of the ridge is 160 cm) with the ridge width of 80 cm, 60 cm and 40 cm, the results showed that the density per unit area, the number of effective plants, and the rate of dead leaves were decreased, while the number of productive leaves per plant, the number of lateral branches, and the total yield per plant were increased, the total yield was decreased. The output rates of moxa in the leaves of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' decreased with the planting time postponed and the width of planting ridge increased. The contents of volatile oil, 1,8-oxido-p-menthane, camphor and borneol in A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' reach to the highest when planted in autumn and winter and the ridge width was 80 cm. In addition, the contents of total flavonoids, kaempferol, jeceosidin and eupatilin flavonoids in the leaves of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' gradually decreased as the planting period postponed and the ridge width increased. The results show that the A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' should be planted in autumn and winter, and the double row ridge planting mode with width of 60-80 cm is more suitable for the cultivation and production of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' in Qichun County of Hubei Province. This study will provide a theoretical basis and guidance for higher yield and quality in cultivation of A. argyi var.argyi 'Qiai' in Qichun county.

Artemisiae Argyi Folium is a traditional medicine commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). It contains volatile oil, flavones, phenylpropanoids, terpenes and other chemical constituents. It has the functions of antibacterial, antiviral, hemostasis, anti-tumor, liver protection, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidation, relieving cough and asthma and other pharmacological activities. At present, many useful researches on the quality of moxa floss and Artemisiae Argyi Folium have been carried out on the contents of volatile oil, flavones, phenylpropanoids, the storage time of Artemisiae Argyi Folium, the processing of moxa, the genuineness of Artemisiae Argyi Folium, and their heat release properties in combustion. This paper summarized the literature on the chemical composition, pharmacological activities and quality control of Artemisiae Argyi Folium and provided the basis for the further development and utilization of Artemisiae Argyi Folium.

In order to guide the standardized planting and scientific harvesting of Artemisia argyi var. argyi 'Qiai', effects of diffe-rent planting density, leaf position and leaf age on the growth and quality of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' were studied in this paper. The results showed that appropriate sparse planting could increase stem diameter, compact leaf spacing, increase the leaf size, reduce the rate of withered leaves and increase the number of effective leaves. Dense planting can significantly increase the yield of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' per Mu(1 Mu≈667 m~2) and the output rate of moxa, but reduce the yield per plant and the number of effective leaves. With the decrease of leaf position and the increase of leaf age, the leaf size and the weight of one hundred leaves increased at first and then decreased, the density of non-glandular hair field of the lower epidermis and the output rate of moxa decreased. With the increase of planting density, the contents of eucalyptus oleoresin, camphor, α-platyclone, and cyanidin decreased gradually, the contents of chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C in the leaves of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' increased gradually, while the contents of borneol, bornyl acetate and isozelanin increased at first and then decreased significantly. With the decrease of leaf position and the increase of leaf age, the contents of volatile oil, phenolic acid and flavonoid in A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' decreased gradually. PCA analysis can divide the leaf quality characteristics of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' into two parts: the middle and upper 10-30 days leaf age, the middle and lower 40-50 days above leaf age. Based on the above factors, the planting density of 28 000 plants/Mu(row spacing of 10 cm×20 cm) can be selected for cultivation of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' rhizome, and the effective plants in the field are about 142 800 plants/Mu. In terms of harvesting, it is suggested that the A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' should be harvested on &quot;March 3 rd&quot; and &quot;May 5 th&quot; of the lunar calendar. If it is the traditionally harvested at one time in May, the A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' should be divided into two parts: the middle and upper leaves, the middle and lower leaves, so as to achieve high quality and high price of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' leaves and improve the economic benefits of A. argyi var. argyi 'Qiai' planting.

Artemisia argyi samples were collected from different areas in Hubei Qichun and medicinal botanical garden of Hubei University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and samples were purchased from different areas in Qichun medicinal market. The same method was used to prepare A. argyi samples from different areas into moxa floss of different leaf velvet ratio. The nitrogen content of A. argyi was determined by Kjeldahl method. The results show that there was an inverse relationship between the content of nitrogen and the level of the leaf velvet ratio grades of moxa floss and nitrogen content. Therefore, six functional models were established to illustrate the relationship between the grades of leaf velvet ratio and nitrogen content. The accuracy of the functional models was evaluated by ■. The cubic function model and exponential function model are selected as the best models and the formula is: Y&#95;(grades)=-4.26 N~3+26.09 N~2-61.09 N+55.84, Y&#95;(grades)=63.68×10~(-1.374N), with R~2 values of 0.976 5 and 0.969 6, respectively. The accuracy reached above 95% of the two function models when verified by laboratory-made moxa floss, while the accuracy of the models was 85.44% when verifed by commercial moxa floss. These results indicate that the model could be applied to the identification of the grades of moxa floss.

Moxa floss is the main material of moxibustion, which plays a therapeutic role through the thermal effect of combustion. In this paper, TG/DSC thermal analysis method was used to study the characteristic parameters of combustion heat of moxa floss produced in Qichun, and the thermal therapeutic effect and mechanism of moxibustion were studied through moxibustion OA animal model. The results show that the combustion process of moxa floss can be divided into three stages: drying, combustion oxidation and carbonization, and ash burnout. The combustion properties of moxa floss are between herbaceous and woody, and tend to be woody, with flammable, slow and lasting combustion characteristics. Moxibustion can relieve the pathological state of knee joint synovium to a certain extent, reduce knee joint swelling and blood stasis in OA rats, reduce interstitial edema, and improve local inflammation. The mechanism and target point of moxibustion treatment for OA may be up-regulating TRPM3 gene to activate ion channels, affecting calcium metabolism and reducing OA swelling degree; down-regulation of GAPDH affects glucose metabolism of knee synovial cells and mediates anti-inflammatory effect. Down-regulation of pain-related gene MMP24 is helpful to relieve OA pain. Up-regulation of CTNNB1 activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and affects differentiation and regeneration of OA chondrocytes. This study reveals the pyrolysis characteristics of moxa floss for the first time and discusses the biological effect and possible mechanism of moxibustion heat, providing new ideas for the quality evaluation of moxa floss and the mechanism of moxibustion therapy.

Jiuniucao in Qizhou, known as &quot;Qiai&quot;, was precious and expensive in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. But the authentic plant of Jiuniucao is not mentioned in the Ben Cao Tu Jing and other medical books in the Song, Ming and Qing Dynasties. In history, mugwort leaf originates from many species of plants, Jiuniucao may be one of it. So this paper is to identify the original plant of Jiuniucao and clarify the historical origin of Jiuniucao and mugwort leaf. The textual research and geographical origin analysis of Jiuniucao in ancient literature was conducted. Then field investigation and sampling of Jiuniucao in Qizhou was proceeded, combing with feature comparison of Jiuniucao and Artemisia specimen in the Herbarium of Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The study concluded that A. stolonifera is the authentic Jiuniucao for medical use. Jiuniucao was also an important original plant of mugwort leaf and it is worth further development and utilization.

The chemical component information of samples was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The leaves and flosses of Artemisia argyi and A. stolonifera from different places, were distinguished by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). Then, compounds with significant differences(P&lt;0.01) in abundance were screened out according to their VIP values and t-test. Eighteen components in all samples have been filtered and identified, including flavonoids and chlorogenic acids, the content of the 12 of which were measured by UPLC-UV, which are different in presence and content. Hispidulin in A. argyi is not detected in A. stolonifera. Schaftaside, isochlorogenic acid B, and isochlorogenic acid C are differential compounds of A. argyi and A. stolonifera leaves. Isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C and jaceosidin are differential compounds of A. argyi and A. stolonifera floss. There are significant differences in the contents of jaceosidin and schaftoside in the four famous A. argyi. In addition, the content of isochlorogenic acid A in wild A. stolonifera is higher than that in cultivated A. stolonifera. The results of the study successfully clarified the differences between A. stolonifera and A. argyi, and provided theoretical and data references for the further development and utilization of A. stolonifera.

Objective: To analyze the surveillance data after schistosomiasis transmission interruption from 1985 to 2018, so as to provide scientific basis for the future prevention and control of schistosomiasis., Methods: The data pertaining to snail survey, surveillance of schistosomiasis in humans and livestock, and health education were collected and analyzed in Songjiang District after schistosomiasis transmission interruption from 1985 to 2018., Results: From 1985 to 2018, there were 8 townships, 68 villages and 1 462 settings with snails in Songjiang District, covering an area of 96.399 hm 2 . There were 4 townships and 59 villages with snails newly identified in previously schistosomiasis non-endemic areas, with emerging snail habitats of 60.161 hm 2 . A total of 26 148 snails were captured, and no infections were detected. The snail habitats were mainly distributed in the river course, ditches and farmlands, which accounted for 45.28%, 33.17% and 21.55% of total snail habitats, respectively. A total of 245 955 humans were subjected to the serological test, with a positive rate of 0.03%, and 37 humans were subjected to the parasitological test, with 3 positives detected. These three egg-positives were all imported chronic cases with schistosomiasis. A total of 9 109 livestock were detected using the serological test, and no infection was found. Most of the awareness rate of schistosomiasis control knowledge and the rate of correct behavior formation were over 80% in residents and students., Conclusions: The achievements of schistosomiasis control are consolidated in Songjiang District; however, there are still risk factors of schistosomiasis transmission, including residual snails, snail diffusion and importation of external source of infection. The future surveillance of schistosomiasis should focus on snails and sources of infection.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a type of pleiotropic immunoregulatory cytokine with a specific structure, participates in the regulation of host cell growth and migration and immune responses. Following parasitic infections, hosts may produce MIF and then participate in the parasite-host interactions. In addition, parasites may secrete parasite-derived MIF, and they jointly participate in parasite-host interactions. This paper reviews the regulation of MIF gene expression following parasitic infections, the role of MIF in parasite-host immune system interactions, and important signaling pathways of MIF-mediated immune responses.

This paper reports a case of human thelaziasis callipaeda in Tongren area of Guizhou Province.

Objective: To grasp the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Jingzhou City in 2017, so as to provide the evidence for formulating prevention strategies., Methods: According to the requirements of National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Program ( 2014 ), Hubei Schistosomiasis Surveillance Program ( 2015 ) and Jingzhou Schistosomiasis Surveillance Program , the local population infection monitoring, mobile population infection monitoring, livestock disease monitoring, snail monitoring, and wild manure monitoring were carried out at 71 monitoring sites throughout the city., Results: Among the 71 surveillance sites, 44 118 local residents received the indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) for schistosomiasis and 1 925 persons were positive, with the positive rate of 4.36%, However, no stool examination positive cases were found. Totally 2 175 mobile people received the IHA for schistosomiasis and 93 persons were positive, with the positive rate of 4.28%, but no stool examination positive cases were found. A total of 1 937 head of cattle received the stool examination for schistosome infection, but no positives were found. Totally 1 302 Oncomelania hupensis habitats were found in 69 surveillance sites, with 1 923.64 hm 2 area with snails. Totally 348 756 frames were surveyed, and the occurrence rate of snails was 17.19%. A total of 142 494 living snails were captured, with the average density of 0.41 snail/0.1 m 2 . No schistosome-infected snails were found. Totally 596 cases of wild manure were picked up in 41 environments with snails among 23 surveillance sites, but schistosome infested wild manure was not found., Conclusions: In 2017, the level of schistosomiasis epidemic was very low in Jingzhou City. However, the risk of epidemic rebound still exists, and therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the monitoring work to further consolidate the achievements of schistosomiasis control.

Objective: The objective of this article is to study the characteristics of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and the influencing factors of residual symptoms after otolith repositioning therapy, so as to provide references for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Method: From June to November in 2017，568 patients with BPPV were diagnosed and treated in otolaryngology out-patient clinics. All of these patients were followed up after 1 month, and we summarized the amount of residual symptoms.The age,sex,type of disease, etiological factor and the condition of internal medicine were compared between residual symptom ones and no residual symptom ones. All data were statistically analyzed by SPPS 22.0 software. Result: The age range was 12-92 years, and the average age of onset was (54.89±13.06) years. The proportion of men and women was 1.00∶2.74, and the number of middle aged and elderly women at the age of 45-65 was the highest, up to 74.4%. The posterior semicircular canal accounted for about 55.6%, the horizontal semicircular canal accounted for about 22.6%, and the two kinds of semicircular canals were involved in about 21.8%. Primary BPPV accounted for about 90.67% and secondary BPPV accounted for about 9.33%. Secondary BPPV patients had more trauma and middle ear surgery. After reposition, there were 98 remnants of dizziness and balance disorder. There was no significant difference of residual symptoms ( P >0.05) between the different sex,the cause and the incidence of the disease. Whether more than 65 years old, whether or not accumulative semicircular canals,whether the combination of related internal medical diseases were compared ( P <0.05), and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: The residual symptoms such as dizziness and balance disorder were easy to occur after otolith reduction in patients with older, multisemiconventional tube and associated internal medical diseases. Correct guidance and education should be carried out for the patients, and the training of the vestibule rehabilitation should be instructed., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.)

Objective: To investigate the effect of cysteine protease inhibitor derived from Schistosoma japonicum (SjCystatin) on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute ulcerative colitis in mice., Methods: Eighteen C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: a control group treated with PBS (Group A), a DSS-induced-colitis group treated with PBS (Group B), and a DSS-induced-colitis group treated with SjCystatin (Group C). Colitis was induced in mice by giving 3% DSS orally for 7 days. During this period, the mice were daily injected with 10 μg of SjCystatin or PBS only as a control intraperitoneally. The mice were monitored daily for their clinical manifestations and given scores based on disease activity index (DAI). The severity of colonic inflammation was monitored by the macroscopic score and pathological change. The cytokine profile including TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10 in the supernatants of colon homogenate was detected by ELISA., Results: Compared with Group A (0.50 ± 0.28), the DAI score increased significantly in Group B (9.30 ± 1.30) ( F = 86.86, P < 0.01), with remarkable pathological damages seen in colon tissues. and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were (321.33±67.01) and (403.58 ±180.51) pg/mL. The DAI score significantly reduced in Group C (6.67±1.57) as compared to Group B ( F = 86.86, P < 0.01), with improvements in the macroscopic and microscopic pathology in mouse colon specimens. As compared to Group B, the levels of TNF-α [(188.14 ± 40.14) pg/mL] and IL-6 ([ 209.71 ± 48.47) pg/mL] significantly decreased ( F = 17.46 and 9.89, both P < 0.01)., Conclusions: SjCystatin has a significantly inhibitory effect for alleviating DSS-induced acute ulcerative colitis in C57BL/6 mice.

Objective: To discuss multiple-factor analysis of serum allergen distribution of patients with allergic rhinitis and level of main allergen IgE in Shenyang area, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention of allergic rhinitis in this area. Method: Serum IgE was detected in 749 cases［501 cases of male (66.8%), and 248 cases of female (33.2%)］, with allergic rhinitis.The age range was from 3 to 65 years old, and they were divided into 5 groups based on age. A questionnaire survey was conducted to analyze the distribution of serum allergens and to carry out a multiple-factor analysis of level of the main allergen IgE in patients. Result: The primary allergen was house dust mite/dust mite in each age group, and the differences in the positive rate of elm, mold, cat/dog fur scurf, cockroach and ragweed among different groups were statistically significant（ P <0.01 or P <0.05）.The ingested allergen sequencing for all age groups: the distribution of 7-14 years old group and 15-35 years old group were consistent with that of the whole, among the under 6 years old group, mango and pineapple was ranked 1st,beef and mutton was ranked 2nd,the occurrence rate of shrimp and crab rose to the 3rd place, among the 36-60 years old group, mango, pineapple and milk was ranked 1st, egg was ranked 2nd, and beef and mutton ranked 3rd, the differences in positive rate of mango and pineapple, beef and mutton, crab and nut among all groups were statistically significant( P <0.01 or P <0.05).The IgE level of cockroach was impacted by the allergic history, home cultivation of flowers and plants and animal domestication. The IgE level of mold was impacted by sex, allergy history, home rearing of pet and furniture updates. The IgE level of wormwood was impacted by allergy history and asthma history. The IgE level of peanut was impacted by age and allergy history. The IgE level of egg was impacted by history of food and drink allergy, home cultivation of flowers and plants and home rearing of pet. The IgE level of crab was impacted by the allergy history and home rearing of pet. Conclusion: The primary inhaled allergen in all groups is house dust mite/dust mite, and the ingested allergen varies in each group, which has provided a reference basis for prevention of ingested allergy.The varying influence factors for IgE level of primary allergens could be used to prevent the patients from contacting the allergen,and each risk factor has become a focus of prevention and control for patients, offering a major help to the prevention and treatment of allergic rhinitis., Competing Interests: The authors of this article and the planning committee members and staff have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose., (Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.)

Objective: To investigate the molecular characteristics of genome sequence of Thelazia callipaeda (T. cp) ., Methods: The obtained T. cp genome assembling data were annotated by using a combination of ab initio gene by softwares, GeneMark and GeneID, and the homology of the experimentally confirmed genes was predicted by software GeMoMa. The results were integrated by software EVM to predict all genes of genome. The obtained genes were annotated in the common public database and three dedicated databases (CAZyme, TCDB and PHI), respectively., Results: The Scaffolds and Contigs gene structure of T. cp genome (79.34 Mb) was analyzed, and a total of 6 333 genes were obtained. The sequence search was conducted in the public databases using BLASTx, of which 97.85% of the genes could be annotated. The genes annotated in the NR database were the most (98.69%), and those enriched in the KEGG pathway were the least (50.50%). The functional genes were blasted by KOG database and totally 4 517 genes were found. The three special databases (CAZyme, TCDB and PHI) were used to annotate all the genes, and 136, 139 and 1 498 genes were assigned respectively, and the number of genes in the PHI database was the largest. In the cytochrome proprietary database, 238 cytochrome P450 genes were predicted., Conclusions: We have preliminarily revealed the T. cp genome structure characteristics and annotation information, and totally 6 333 genes are obtained.

Objective: To understand the characteristics of imported malaria cases in Qingcheng District, Qingyuan City and explore the strategies and priorities in prevention and control, so as to provide the evidence for improving the diagnosis, treatment and management of imported malaria., Methods: The data of imported malaria as well as the case epidemiological investigations were collected and retrospectively analyzed for the species composition, original countries, population distribution, regional distribution, onset situation, diagnosis, treatment, etc. in Qingcheng District from 2011 to 2016., Results: The number of imported malaria cases was 13 from 2011 to 2016. All the patients were confirmed by laboratory, and of which, 9 patients infected with Plasmodium falciparum , 1 with P. vivax , 1 with P. ovale and 2 with mixed infections ( P. vivax and P. falciparum ). The yearly incidence of imported malaria presented an uptrend. The infection sources of all the patients were from African countries, and the exported labor workers and travelers for business from malaria endemic areas were the high risk population. The reported time was mainly January, February, November and December (11/13, 84.62%). All the patients were male, and the majority of them (12/13, 2.31%) were 21-60 years old. The median time from onset to seeing a doctor was 2.5 days and the median time from seeing a doctor to being diagnosed was 1.9 day. Six patients (46.15%) were diagnosed as other diseases at the first visit to a doctor, and one patient died of falciparum malaria because of delayed diagnosis., Conclusions: The incidence of overseas imported malaria presents an uptrend in Qingcheng District. It is necessary to further strengthen the professional training in medical staff to improve the diagnosis and treatment of malaria cases. It is also necessary to strengthen the multisectoral cooperation, establish the surveillance in the high risk population, etc.

Objective: To identify the genetic variation and possible sources of Thelazia callipaeda isolates collected from patients in Zunyi City, Guizhou Province., Methods: Seven cases of T. callipaeda infection in Zunyi City, 2016 were verified, and DNA (s) were extracted from the T. callipaeda 's body collected from the thelaziasis patients. A mitochondrial COX1 fragment was amplified and sequenced. The sequence alignment and phylogenetical analysis were performed to compare the genetic variation of the gene sequence with the homologous sequences downloaded from Genebank., Results: COX1 genes of T. callipaeda were differed among the samples from the seven cases, which had low variation., Conclusions: Zunyi City is a new area with endemic of thelaziasis. The isolates from Zunyi City include either Asian origin or European origin of T. callipaeda . Moreover, at least four haplotypes are identified among the seven isolates.

ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) is an important endogenous damage - associated molecular pattern (DAMP). P2X 7 R is an ATP-gated cation channel. ATP-P2X 7 R plays a vital role in the pathophysiology of many diseases because P2X 7 R is distributed on various immune cells. ATP-P2X 7 R signal transduction pathway has been implicated to participate in the body's immune defense against pathogens. This paper reviews the recent progress regarding ATP-P2X 7 R and its effects on parasitic diseases.

The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is known as one of the highest endemic areas of echinococcosis. However, the dog infection rates of Echinococcus granulosus in the plateau regions were similar to other non-Tibetan areas with the high endemic, and most of the rates were below 40%. The infected dogs with E. multilocularis were ubiquitous in Ganzi Prefecture of Sichuan Province and Qinghai Province where many survey data were done and available, which was much different from those in non-Ti-betan areas where the geographical distribution of dogs infected with E. multilocularis was sporadic. The total infection rates of Echinococcus in dogs kept stable from 1983 to 2009 in Ganzi Prefecture of Sichuan Province and did not show much variation from 2000 to 2014 in Qinghai Province as well. Since 2006, the national comprehensive prevention and control strategy and measures against echinococcosis have been launched in China, and significant progress has been made. In the endemic Tibetan area of Sichuan, the general Echinococcus infection rates in dogs were 28.10%, 15.87%, 19.22%, 3.28% and 1.11% from 2009 to 2013, respectively, and the Echinococcus coproantigen-positive rate in Gannan Prefecture of Gansu Province and parts of Qing-hai Province also decreased. This paper reviews the literature on the characteristics of dog infections in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, so as to provide useful information to support echinococcosis control and prevention there.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the complications of supratemporalis approach with scalp coronal incision for the treatment of orbital-zygomatic fractures., Methods: A total of 206 patients with orbital-zygomatic fractures were treated with scalp coronal incision through the supratemporalis approach. The effects and complications of the treatment were analyzed., Results: The degree of fracture of the 206 patients was successfully reduced. The facial morphologies and functions were improved. No facial nerve injury was observed in all of the cases. However, the following complications were noted: fossa introcession in 1 case, forehead scalp pain or paresthesia in 11 cases, incision infection in 1 case, subcutaneous hematoma in 1 case, incision scar in 5 cases, and alopecia in 3 cases., Conclusions: The supratemporalis approach prevents facial nerve injury and does not increase the frequency of other complications. Therefore, this approach can be applied as a routine and safe procedure in clinical settings. 
.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of the project of ditching for drain on Oncomelania hupensis snail control and flood prevention security and explore the optimal engineering design plan in Dongting Lake region., Methods: A retrospective study was performed on the previous studies about the project of ditching for drain. The reference values of project indices were determined. The outside levee of Nanhu New Distinct of Yueyang City in Dongting Lake region was selected as the study area, and the cross section of marshland perpendicular to the center line of the levee was extracted to research. According to the situations of various water levels, a dynamic simulation was performed on the effect and security of the project of ditching for drain through the software FLAC 3D ., Results: The retrospective study showed that the project would be effective when the relatively subsoil water level decreased by 0.35 m, and the soil water content decreased correspondingly. The dynamic simulation by FLAC 3D showed that the minimum safe distances between transverse ditch 1, vertical ditch and levee toe should be 25 m and 13 m respectively. The digging depth of transverse ditch and vertical ditch should be 1.2 m and 1.0 m respectively. If the width of marshland in drought period was less than 500 m, one transverse ditch was efficient. Otherwise, more transverse ditches should be set with the intervals of 300 m., Conclusions: The project of ditching for drain is an effective ecological snail elimination method. Optimizing the digging depth of ditches and distances between transverse ditches, vertical ditch and levee toe will ensure the effects and security of the project.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristic of microcirculation in healthy volunteers and patients with septic shock in both Xining (2 260 m) and Nanjing (10 m)., Methods: A total of 62 cases, 33 healthy volunteers, 22 cases in Xining, (2 260 m above sea level) and 11 cases in Nanjing (10 m above sea level); and 29 septic shock, 13 cases in Xining and 16 cases in Nanjing were collected. The total vessel density (TVD), perfused vessel density (PVD), proportion of perfused vessel (PPV) and microcirculation flow index (MFI) of both healthy volunteers and septic shock had been investigated by using sidestream dark field (SDF). Analyzed and managed the image data by using AVA3.0 software., Results: In the healthy volunteers in Xining area (22 cases),the volume of TVD (15.59 ±2.58 mm/mm 2 ), PVD (15.58 ±2.58 mm/mm 2 ) and PPV(96.60% ±4.63%) were significant higher than the volume of TVD (10.0 ±2.10 mm/mm 2 ), PVD (10.81 ±2.38 mm/mm 2 ) and PPV (84.24% ±8.00%) of the volunteers (11 cases) in Nanjing (11 cases). But the MFI (2.17 ±0.31) of the healthy volunteers in the Xining was significant lower (P<0.05) than the MFI (3.21 ±0.34) in the healthy volunteers of Nanjing. In the septic shock group (13 cases) in the Xining, the volume of TVD (5.44 ±1.94 mm/mm 2 ), PVD (4.18 ±1.61 mm/mm 2 ), PPV (42.14%±5.38%) and MFI (1.05 ±0.32) compared with the volume of the healthy volunteers in Xining, the TVD (15.59 ±2.58 mm/mm 2 ), PVD (5.58 ±2.58 mm/mm 2 ), PPV (96.60% ±4.63%) and MFI (2.17 ±0.30) were significant lower ( P <0.05). In the healthy volunteers compare with septic shock group in Nanjing area, the TVD(6.80±1.72 vs 10.00±2.10, P <0.05), PVD(5.86±1.58 vs10.81±2.38, P <0.05), PPV(45.42±4.86 vs 84.24±4.86, P <0.05), MFI(1.28±0.28 vs 3.21±0.34 P <0.05), there was significant decreased. In the septic shock group in the Xining compared with the septic shock in Nanjing, there was no significant difference. 10 of 13 patients with septic shock were survived in Xining. 13 of 16 patients with septic shock were survived in Nanjing., Conclusions: The changes of physiological and pathophysiological characteristic in microcirculation induced by hypoxia would be useful for clinical treatment of septic shock at high altitude.

With rapid advancements in internal fixation and new surgical instruments, surgical treatment has gradually emerged as the first treatment choice for mandibular condylar fractures. An appropriate surgical incision is the first and determinant step during surgery to avoid postoperative complications. Hence, surgical approaches in relation to oral and maxillofacial trauma surgery for the treatment of mandibular condylar fractures have been extensively investigated. This review summarizes the research progress on surgical approaches in the management of mandibular condylar fractures.

Objective: To observe the effect of excretory/secretory products from Trichinella spiralis adult worms (AES) on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) -induced sepsis in mice., Methods: Forty-eight BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups：a sham operation group (PBS + sham group, Group A), a CLP-induced sepsis group (PBS+CLP group, Group B) and an AES treatment group (AES+CLP group, Group C). The mice of each group were intraperitoneally injected with 25 μg of AES or PBS only as a control in a total volume of 200 μl. Eight mice from each group were selected randomly for survival analysis of 96 hours. The other 8 mice in each group were observed for pathological changes in the lung, liver and kidney tissues by HE staining 12 h after CLP, and then determined for the detection of cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10 and TGF-β in the sera by ELISA., Results: The difference among the survival rates of mice in the 3 groups was statistically significant ( χ 2 = 21.16, P < 0.05). Compared to Group A (100%), the survival rate of mice in Group B (0) decreased significantly ( P < 0.05), and also the pathological damage degrees in the lung, liver and kidney tissues of the mice in Group B increased significantly after CLP. Compared with the mice in group B, the survival rate of those in Group C (70%) increased significantly ( P < 0.05), and the pathological damage degrees in the lung, liver and kidney tissues of the mice in Group C decreased significantly after the treatment with AES. The differences among the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α ( F = 27.11, P < 0.05), IL1β ( F = 18.75, P < 0.05) and IL-6 ( F = 100.93, P < 0.05) in the sera of the mice in the three groups were statistically significant. Compared with the mice in Group A, the levels of the 3 cytokines of those in Group B increased significantly (all P < 0.05). However, after the treatment with AES, the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines of those in Group C decreased significantly (all P < 0.05). The differences among the levels of immunoregulatory cytokines IL-10 ( F = 10.88, P < 0.05) and TGF-β ( F = 11.37, P < 0.05) in the sera of the mice in the three groups were also statistically significant. Compared with the mice in Group B, the levels of IL-10 and TGF-β of those in Group C were higher after treatment with AES (both P < 0.05)., Conclusions: T. spiralis AES has a therapeutic potential for alleviating sepsis induced by CLP in mice.

Objective: To explore the effect and mechanism of CD4 + CD25 + Tregs (Tregs) on the protective efficacy of gluthatione-S-transferase (GST) against Schistosoma japonicum in mice., Methods: Female BALB/c mice were divided randomly into five groups：a normal control group, an infected control group, an anti-CD25mAb group, a GST immunization group and a combination group with GST immunization and anti-CD25 mAb. The GST group and combination group were injected percutaneously with GST 50 μg each mouse, the other two groups were injected with equal volume PBS. The immunization was performed for 3 times for two-week interval, and 2 weeks after the last immunization, each mouse was challenged with 40 S. japonicum cercaria. Two weeks post-infection, the combination group and anti-CD25 mAb group were injected intraperitoneally with 300 μg antiCD25 mAb each mouse. The mice were succumbed 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks and 5 weeks post-infection respectively. The percentages of CD4 + CD25 + Tregs in splenocytes of mice were measured with flow cytometer. The levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 and TGF-β in cell cultural supernatants were determined by sandwich-ELISA after stimulation with Con A. The liver sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin., Results: The worm burden in the combination group (15.80±2.74) was significantly lower than those of the infected control group (27.78±3.15), anti-CD25 mAb group (21.50±4.21), and GST group (20.84± 6.46). Compared to those of the infected control group, the percentages of CD4 + CD25 + Tregs were significantly higher in the GST group, while the percentages of CD4 + CD25 + Tregs were significantly lower post-anti-CD25 mAb-administration. Regardless of GST administration, the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-5 after anti-CD25 mAb were significantly higher than those of the infected control groups. There were no significant differences of egg granuloma and the level of TGF-β between each group., Conclusions: CD4 + CD25 + Tregs could be partially blocked by anti-CD25 mAb while Th1 and Th2 type immunization response could be enhanced, which plays a role in improving the protective efficacy of GST against of S. japonicum .

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of operations of acquired middle ear cholesteatoma., Methods: Retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 102 patients whom received tympanoplasty with CWU or CWD with mastoid obliteration in our hospital between January 2014 and December 2014. Patients were divided into different groups according to types of the cholesteatoma as well as the different surgical procedures. Patients were followed up for 12-24 months, the pre and post-operative PTA was performed and evaluated. The post-operative hearing was assessed in terms of average ABG., Results: The average dry ear time was (5.4±1.7)weeks. The dry ear time of patients of attic cholesteatoma was shorter than those of tensa cholesteatoma[(4.9±1.7)weeks vs(6.1±1.5)weeks, t=-3.52, P=0.001]; the dry ear time of patients underwent CWU was shorter than those underwent CWD with mastoid obliteration[(2.3±0.5)weeks vs(5.8±1.4)weeks, t=-8.43, P=0.000]. Mean pre and post-operative air bone gaps in 93 ears underwent ossiculoplasty were (34.2±11.8)dB and (19.0±5.5)dB respectively and these differences were statistically significant. Both the pre and post-operative air bone gaps of ears of attic cholesteatoma were smaller than those ears of tensa cholesteatoma(P<0.05). In the patients who underwent ossiculoplasty with CWD with mastoid obliteration, the post-operative air bone gaps of attic cholesteatoma were smaller than those of tensa cholesteatoma(P<0.05). Both the pre and post-operative air bone gaps of ears underwent CWU were smaller than those underwent CWD with mastoid obliteration(P<0.05). The post-operative air bone gaps of ears underwent PORP with CWD with mastoid obliteration were smaller than those underwent TORP with CWD with mastoid obliteration(P<0.05)., Conclusions: Both the hearing loss and the outcome of tensa cholesteatoma are worser than attic cholesteatoma. The outcome of PORP is better than TORP. The patients who will accept CWU should be selected more carefully and be followed up regularly.

Objective: To prepare the egg yolk immunoglobulin (IgY) against soluble egg antigen (SEA) of Schistosoma japonicum , and explore its feasibility for schistosomiasis screening in endemic areas., Methods: The urine samples of indirect haemagglutination test (IHA) positives from endemic areas and healthy people from non-endemic areas were collected. The Anti-SEA IgY was obtained through immunization by subcutaneous injection of SEA into Laihang hen, and its molecular weight was determined by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . The circulating soluble egg antigen (CSEA) in the urine of IHA positives and healthy people were detected by ELISA-double antibody sandwich method with the Anti-SEA IgY as the capture antibody., Results: Anti-SEA IgY was prepared and purified successfully. Totally 48 urine samples of IHA positives were detected by ELISA and 26 of them were CSEA positives (54.17%); 10 urine samples of healthy people were detected, and all of them were negative., Conclusions: The CSEA in human urine can be detected effectively by ELISA based on IgY. As a convenient and atraumatic method, it could be applied in schistosomiasis screening.

Objective: To study the mRNA expression level of growth inhibition factor 4 (ING4) and hypoxia inducing factor 1 alpha (HIF-1 alpha), and their relationship with tumor malignant degree or the pathology classification in human brain astrocytoma., Methods: The mRNA expression levels of ING4 and HIF-1 alpha were detected by RT-PCR method in 45 cases of grade I-IV human brain astrocytoma and 11 cases of control brain tissues from January 2009 to June 2010 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, and their correlation was also analyzed., Results: In the non-tumor brain tissue, the expression level of ING4 mRNA was 1.19 ± 0.22, while they were 0.91 ± 0.19, 0.74 ± 0.28, 0.54 ± 0.33 and 0.22 ± 0.19 in I-IV grade astrocytoma, respectively. Compared with the non-tumor control, the mRNA expression level of ING4 gene decreased significantly in the astrocytoma (P<0.05). And the expression of ING4 gradually reduced with the increase of the pathological classification of the astrocytoma.In the non-tumor brain tissue, the expression level of HIF-1 alpha mRNA was 0.26 ± 0.16, and they were 0.34 ± 0.19, 0.50 ± 0.23, 0.96 ± 0.15 and 1.04 ± 0.15 in I-IV grade astrocytoma, respectively.For HIF-1 alpha gene, the mRNA expression level increased significantly in the astrocytoma. Meanwhile, the expression gradually increased with the increase of the pathological classification of the astrocytoma (P<0.05). The mRNA expression showed a negative correlation between ING4 and HIF-1 alpha with the increase of the tumor malignant degree., Conclusion: The ING4 and HIF-1 alpha genes play a role in the tumorigenesis and development of human brain astrocytoma, and closely associate with the malignant degree of astrocytoma.

Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics and the effect of drug treatment for sudden hearing loss with vertigo or dizziness., Methods: In a prospective, randomized, single blinded randomized multicenter clinical study, patients with sudden deafness, ranging in age from 18 to 65 years old, with a duration less than 2 weeks, and with no any medical treatments were collected. In accordance with the hearing curve, those patients were divided into four types, i.e., low and intermediate frequency descent type; high frequency descent type; fall flat type; and total deafness type. Each type was treated by four different treatment options, according to the unified design of the random table, and randomly selected one of the options for treatment. The efficacy of the patients with sudden deafness with vertigo and dizziness was analyzed statistically after the follow-up for 4 weeks. SPSS 13.0 software was used to analyze the data., Results: In August 2007 to October 2011, 33 hospitals in the country included 1 024 patients with sudden deafness in line with the inclusion criteria, of whom 296 (28.91%) were accompanied by vertigo/dizziness symptoms, 126 were males and 170 were females, with an average age of (41.2 ± 13.5) years old. types of the different audiometric curves of sudden deafness, the occurrence of complete deafness with vertigo/dizziness was the highest (44.93%), followed by flat down type (25.87%), high frequency descent type (21.28%) and low intermediate frequency descent type (18.54%). After the standard treatment, the vertigo and dizziness symptoms of the sudden deafness patients could disappear, and the hearing in each group was obviously improved. The hearing curative effect on patients accompanied by vertigo/dizziness of low frequency and intermediate frequency descent type was the best, and the total efficiency can reach up to 94.74%, with the cure rate of 68.42%; followed by flat type, in which the total effective rate was 80.76%, with the recovery rate of 22.12%; and the effects on patients in high frequency descent type and total deafness type effect were relatively poor, in which the total effective rates were 70.00% (recovery rate of 10.00%) and 65.32% (recovery rate of 5.65%), respectively. The total effective rate of patients with sudden deafness associated with halo had no statistical significance (P > 0.05), in comparison to that of patients without halo; but, the cure rate of patients with no vertigo/dizziness of total deafness and the high frequency decreased patients with sudden deafness was significantly higher than that of vertigo/dizziness patients, with a statistical difference (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: The patients with sudden deafness in each type have a certain proportion of vertigo/dizziness, especially the deaf type. The possibility of hearing complete recovery in patients with vertigo/dizziness was significantly lower than that without vertigo/dizziness.