Different Ethnic Groups In China Research Articles

Establish a novel framework for enhancing minority music genre identification

The objective of this study is to develop a new framework based on Waterwheel Plant optimization for improving minority music genre classification using Layer-tuned Long Short-Term Memory (WP-LT-LSTM). Chinese minority music includes various musical styles of different ethnic groups in China. It depends on the specific instrumentalities, the distribution of pitch classes and rhythms, and the culture. Specifically, the proposed framework will enhance the ability to efficiently detect under represented music genres, which could have applicability for cultural sustainability and more personalized music recommendation services. For this, we collected a dataset that includes a wide range of different minority music samples in audio format. These include genre labels, artist information and audio features necessary for the training of our suggested model. Using K-fold cross validation to enhances the accuracy. Min-max Normalization is used on the obtained data to perform pre-processing. To extract the important features from the processed data, we used Mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs). In our proposed model, the WP algorithm dynamically adjusts LT-LSTM’s internal parameters, enhancing model adaptability. LT-LSTM processes sequential audio data, capturing temporal dependencies crucial for genre classification in minority music genres. The implemented model is executed in Python software. It evaluates the model’s performance across a range of parameters throughout the result analysis phase. We also performed comparison studies using standard methods. The results collected indicate the excellence and effectiveness of the proposed framework for music genre identification.

The Application of Ethnic Folk Dance Elements in Choreographic Techniques from a Contemporary Perspective - Exploring the Fusion of Dai Ethnic Folk Dance and Modernity

Chinese dance, rooted in a diverse cultural heritage, encompasses various styles reflecting the traditions of different ethnic groups in China. Among these, Dai Ethnic Folk Dance, originating from the Dai people of southwestern China, is notable for its intricate movements, vibrant costumes, and rhythmic music. As a means of preserving cultural identity and fostering community cohesion, Dai Ethnic Folk Dance plays a significant role in Dai cultural expression, particularly during festive occasions and traditional ceremonies. With China's modernization and globalization, there is a growing interest in blending traditional dance forms with contemporary artistic expressions, presenting an opportunity to revitalize ethnic dance traditions while stimulating creativity in Chinese dance. This research investigates the integration of Dai Ethnic Folk Dance into contemporary choreography, focusing on practitioners' perceptions and approaches to this fusion. Through qualitative interviews with students and teachers from Chinese dance programs at prominent universities, this study explores the implications of incorporating Dai Ethnic Folk Dance into modern dance practices. Findings reveal a shared belief in the potential for blending traditional Dai dance elements with modern choreographic techniques, enriching the Chinese dance landscape and promoting intercultural dialogue. Recommendations include incorporating Dai Ethnic Folk Dance into dance curriculum, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, and promoting awareness of Dai culture and dance traditions.

Whole genome sequencing in high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia patients from different ethnic groups in China.

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. It develops through precancerous lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), graded from low-grade (CIN1) to high-grade (CIN2-3)). It is well established that precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions are caused by a persistent infection with high-risk types of the human papilloma virus (hrHPV). To have a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of CIN and CC, we systematically analyzed the landscape of genomic alterations and HPV integration profiles in high-grade CIN2/3. We performed deep whole genome sequencing on exfoliated cervical cells and matched peripheral blood samples from a cohort of 51 Chinese patients (of whom 35 were HPV+) with high-grade CIN from 3 ethnic groups and constructed strict integrated workflow of genomic analysis. In addition, the HPV types and integration breakpoints in the exfoliated cervical cells from these patients were examined. Genomic analysis identified 6 significantly mutated genes (SMGs), including CDKN2A, PIK3CB, FAM20A, RABEP1, TMPRSS2 and SS18L1, in 51 CIN2/3 samples. As none of them had previously been identified as SMGs in the Cancer Genome Atlas cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (TCGA-CESC) cohort, future studies with larger sample size of CINs may be needed to validate our findings. Mutational signature analysis showed that mutational signatures of CINs were dramatically different from CCs, highlighting their different mutational processes and etiologies. Moreover, non-silent somatic mutations were detected in all of the CIN2/3 samples, and 88% of these mutations occurred in genes that also mutated in CCs of TCGA cohort. CIN2 samples had significantly less non-silent mutations than CIN3 samples (P = .0006). Gene ontology and pathway level analysis revealed that functions of mutated genes were significantly associated with tumorigenesis, thus these genes may be involved in the development and progression of CC. HPV integration breakpoints occurred in 28.6% of the CIN2/3 samples with HPV infection. Integrations of common high risk HPV types in CCs, including HPV16, 52, 58 and 68, also occurred in the CIN samples. Our results lay the groundwork for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of CC and pave the way for new tools for screening, diagnosis and treatment of cervical precancerous and cancerous lesions.

Comprehensive analyses of genetic diversities and population structure of the Guizhou Dong group based on 44 Y-markers.

The non-recombining region of the human Y chromosome (NRY) is a strictly paternally inherited genetic marker and the best material to trace the paternal lineages of populations. Y chromosomal short tandem repeat (Y-STR) is characterized by high polymorphism and paternal inheritance pattern, so it has been widely used in forensic medicine and population genetic research. This study aims to understand the genetic distribution of Y-STRs in the Guizhou Dong population, provide reference data for forensic application, and explore the phylogenetic relationships between the Guizhou Dong population and other comparison populations. Based on the allele profile of 44 Y-markers in the Guizhou Dong group, we estimate their allele frequencies and haplotype frequencies. In addition, we also compare the forensic application efficiency of different Y-STR sets in the Guizhou Dong group. Finally, genetic relationships among Guizhou Dong and other reference populations are dissected by the multi-dimensional scaling and the phylogenetic tree. A total of 393 alleles are observed in 312 Guizhou Dong individuals for these Y-markers, with allele frequencies ranging from 0.0032 to 0.9679. The haplotype diversity and discriminatory capacity for these Y-markers in the Guizhou Dong population are 0.99984 and 0.97440, respectively. The population genetic analyses of the Guizhou Dong group and other reference populations show that the Guizhou Dong group has the closest genetic relationship with the Hunan Dong population, and followed by the Guizhou Tujia population. In conclusion, these 44 Y-markers can be used as an effective tool for male differentiation in the Guizhou Dong group. The haplotype data in this study not only enrich the Y-STR data of different ethnic groups in China, but also have important significance for population genetics and forensic research.

Epidemiological distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of hepatitis B virus in 15 ethnic groups in China

Objective: To understand the distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV in different ethnic groups in China. Methods: The HBsAg positive samples were selected by stratified multi-stage cluster sampling from the sample base of national HBV sero-epidemiological survey in 2020 for the amplification of S gene of HBV by nested PCR. A phylogeny tree was constructed to determine the genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV. The distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV were analyzed comprehensively by using laboratory data and demographic data. Results: A total of 1 539 positive samples from 15 ethnic groups were successfully amplified and analyzed, and 5 genotypes (B, C, D, I and C/D) were detected. The proportion of genotype B was higher in ethnic group of Han (74.52%, 623/836), Zhuang (49.28%, 34/69), Yi (53.19%, 25/47), Miao (94.12%, 32/34), Buyi (81.48%, 22/27). The proportions of genotype C were higher in ethnic groups of Yao (70.91%, 39/55). Genotype D was the predominant genotype in Uygur (83.78%, 31/37). Genotype C/D were detected in Tibetan (92.35%,326/353). In this study, 11 cases of genotype I were detected, 8 of which were distributed in Zhuang nationality. Except for Tibetan, sub-genotype B2 accounted for more than 80.00% in genotype B in all ethnic groups. The proportions of sub-genotype C2 were higher in 8 ethnic groups, i.e. Han, Tibetan, Yi, Uygur, Mongolian, Manchu, Hui and Miao. The proportions of sub-genotype C5 were higher in ethnic groups of Zhuang (55.56%, 15/27) and Yao (84.62%, 33/39). For genotype D, sub-genotype D3 was detected in Yi ethnic group and sub-genotype D1 was detected in both Uygur and Kazak. The proportions of sub-genotype C/D1 and C/D2 in Tibetan were 43.06% (152/353) and 49.29% (174/353). For all the 11 cases of genotype I infection, only sub-genotype I1 was detected. Conclusions: Five genotypes and 15 sub-genotypes of HBV were found in 15 ethnic groups. There were significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV among different ethnic groups.

Clinical and genetic characterization of pediatric patients with Wilson's disease from Yunnan province where ethnic minorities gather.

Background: Wilson's disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive disease that is caused by mutations in the ATP7B (a copper-transporting P-type ATPase) gene. The disease has a low prevalence and is characterized by a copper metabolism disorder. However, various characteristics of the disease are determined by race and geographic region. We aimed to discover novel ATP7B mutations in pediatric patients with WD from Yunnan province, where there is a high proportion of ethnic minorities. We also performed a comprehensive analysis of ATP7B mutations in the different ethnic groups found in Southwest China. Methods: We recruited 45 patients who had been clinically diagnosed with WD, from 44 unrelated families. Routine clinical examinations and laboratory evaluations were performed and details of age, gender, ethnic group and symptoms at onset were collected. Direct sequencing of the ATP7B gene was performed in 39 of the 45 patients and their families. Results: In this study, participants came from seven different ethnic groups in China: Han, Bai, Dai, Zhuang, Yi, Hui and Jingpo. Three out of ten patients from ethnic minorities presented with elevated transaminases, when compared to the majority of the Han patients. Forty distinct mutations (28 missense, six splicing, three non-sense, two frameshift and one mutation of uncertain significance) were identified in the 39 patients with WD. Four of the mutations were novel and the most frequent mutation was c.2333G > T (p.R778L, allelic frequency: 15.38%). Using the phenotype-genotype correlation analysis, patients from ethnic minorities were shown to be more likely to have homozygous mutations (p = 0.035) than Han patients. The patients who carried the c.2310C > G mutation had lower serum ceruloplasmin levels (p = 0.012). In patients with heterozygous mutations, c.3809A > G was significantly associated with ethnic minorities (p = 0.042). The frequency of a protein-truncating variant (PTV) in Han patients was 34.38% (11/32), while we did not find PTV in patients from ethnic minorities. Conclusion: This study revealed genetic defects in 39 pediatric patients with WD from Yunnan province. Four novel mutations were identified and have enriched the WD database. We characterized the genotypes and phenotypes in different minorities, which will enhance the current knowledge on the population genetics of WD in China.

Classroom Teaching of Jiangnan Ethnic Music under the Cultural Vision

<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:16px;font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'">Jiangnan ethnic music culture has great potential and high application value. For college music education, it can actively draw nutrients from it and combine rich ethnic culture with music education. This article aims to study the classroom teaching of Jiangnan ethnic music from a cultural perspective. This article analyzes and studies the music aspects of different ethnic groups in China, and investigates and analyzes from a cultural perspective. The actual performance of the teaching in the classroom is investigated and experimental data are collected. Research data shows that the classroom teaching of Jiangnan folk music requires a certain cultural foundation as a background. Research data show that more than 80% of music teachers have a deeper understanding of Jiangnan ethnic music from a cultural perspective. Adding elements of Jiangnan ethnic music to classroom teaching can increase class efficiency by about 62%, and students ’concentration in listening can increase by 56 %about. From these, it can be seen that the classroom teaching of Jiangnan folk music has a promoting effect on the development of music classroom teaching from a cultural perspective.</span>

Intestinal flora differences between patients with ulcerative colitis of different ethnic groups in China.

To determine the differences in intestinal flora between Uygur and Han patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).Microbial diversity and structural composition of fecal bacteria from patients with UC and their matched healthy spouses or first-degree relatives were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing technology.The fecal microbial diversity and abundance index of Uygur patients with UC (UUC) were significantly lower compared with the Uygur normal control group, while there was no significant difference between the Han UC patients (HUC) and the Han normal control group (HN). Compared with their respective control groups, Uygur UC patients and Han UC patients had a different main composition of human intestinal flora (P < .05). The abundance of Burkholderia, Caballeronia, Paraburkholderia in the UUC group were higher compared with the HUC group, while Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, and Blautia in the HUC group were higher than those in the UUC group (P < .05). Veillonella in the UUC group was higher than that in the Uygur normal control group group, while Subdoligranulum and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-002 were significantly lower (P < .05). Prevotella_9 in the HUC group was significantly higher than that in HN group, while Blautia, Anaerostipes, and [Eubacterium]_hallii_group were significantly lower. Moreover, the top 6 species in order of importance were Christensenellaceae_R_7_group, Ruminococcae_ucg_005, Ruminococcae_ucg_010, Ruminococcae_ucg_013, Haemophilus, and Ezakiella.The difference in intestinal microflora structure may be one of the reasons for the clinical heterogeneity between Uygur and Han patients with UC. Christensenellaceae_R_7_group, Ruminococcae_ucg_005, Ruminococcae_ucg_010, Ruminococcae_ucg_013, Haemophilus, and Ezakiella could be used as potential biomarkers for predicting UC.

Frequencies and ethnic distribution of ABO and RhD blood groups in China: a population-based cross-sectional study

ObjectivesABO and RhD blood groups are key factors affecting blood transfusion safety. The distribution of ABO and RhD blood groups varies globally, but limited data exist for ethnic distributions of...

A supporting role of Chinese National Immortalized Cell Bank in life science research.

A biorepository of human samples is essential to support the research of life science. Lymphoblastoid B cell line (LCL), which is easy to be prepared and can reproduce indefinitely, is a convenient form of sample preservation. LCLs are established from human B cells transformed by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Chinese National Immortalized Cell Bank has preserved human LCLs from different ethnic groups in China. As there are many studies on the nature of LCLs and public available resources with genome-wide data for LCLs, they have been widely applied in genetics, immunology, pharmacogenetics/genomics, regenerative medicine, cancer pathogenesis and immunotherapy, screening and generation of fully human neutralizing monoclonal antibodies and study on EBV pathogenesis. Here, we review the characteristics of LCLs and their contributions to scientific research, and introduce preserved samples in Chinese National Immortalized Cell Bank to the scientific community. We hope this bank can support more areas in the scientific research.

The relationship between osteoporosis and body composition in pre- and postmenopausal women from different ethnic groups in China

ABSTRACTObjective: To investigate the ethnic differences in osteoporosis (OP) and body composition (BC) and their relationship in the Maonan, Mulam, Hmong, and Yao minorities in China.Design: A total of 860 Maonan, Mulam, Hmong, and Yao women were included in this cross-sectional study. Demographic, health history, and lifestyle information was collected using questionnaires. BC was measured through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed via calcaneal quantitative ultrasound.Results: Compared with premenopausal women, postmenopausal women exhibited a lower fat-free mass (FFM), muscle mass (MM), limb muscle mass, and T-score but a higher waist-to-hip ratio and prevalence of OP in each minority (p < .05). After adjustment for age, Hmong women displayed the highest body mass index, fat mass, percentage of body fat, visceral fat, and subcutaneous fat contents, while Yao women presented the highest T-scores and lowest prevalence of OP among the four minorities (p < .05). Having a greater number of children and an older age were significant risk factors for OP in all ethnic groups (p < .05, OR > 1). In addition, our results revealed that FFM and MM exhibited exactly the same weak positive relationship with the T-score (r = 0.081, p < .05) after adjusting for menopausal status and age in all of the participants. Furthermore, significant ethnic differences in the relationship between BC and the T-score existed in the four minorities studied here.Conclusions: BC and OP prevalence varied by menopausal status and ethnic group, and ethnic-specific relationships between BC and BMD were present in the four minorities. More research is needed to further investigate the ethnic differences in BC, OP, and risk factors for lower BMD to develop targeted prevention strategies to reduce the burden of OP across different ethnic groups in China.

The Association between Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphism and Mild Cognitive Impairment among Different Ethnic Minority Groups in China.

The association, in different ethnic groups, of apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene polymorphism with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been unclear. Few studies have examined the association in Chinese minorities. The current study explores the association between apoE gene polymorphism and MCI in one of the biggest ethnic groups—the Hui—and compares it with the Han. The Minimental State Exam, Activities of Daily Living Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale were administered to 306 ethnic Hui and 618 ethnic Han people aged ≥55 years. ApoE genotypes were determined using the high resolution melting curve method. The distribution of the apoE genotype and the frequency of alleles ε2, ε3, and ε4 were similar in the Hui and Han groups. In analyses adjusted for age, gender, and education level, the ε4 allele was a risk factor for MCI in both the Hui group (OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.02–6.66) and the Han group (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.19–4.67), but the apoE ε2 allele was protective for MCI only in the Han group (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.38–0.88). The association of some apoE genotypes with MCI may differ in different ethnic groups in China. Further studies are needed to explore this effect among different populations.

Distinct HLA allele and haplotype distributions in four ethnic groups of China

Distinct human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele and haplotype distributions occur in the northern and southern Han populations of China. However, different ethnic groups in China show limited regional distributions for many HLA alleles and haplotypes. Therefore, it is necessary and meaningful to study the differences in HLA allele and haplotype distribution for northern and southern ethnic groups of China. A total of 428 unrelated individuals from the Lisu, Nu, Tu and Yugur ethnic populations were genotyped for HLA-A, -B, -C and -DRB1 alleles using the PCR-Luminex typing method. The frequencies of HLA alleles and statistically inferred haplotypes were calculated. A total of 29 HLA-A, 54 HLA-B, 27 HLA-C and 41 HLA-DRB1 alleles were spread throughout these four populations with distinct allele and deduced haplotype frequencies between populations. Some alleles and deduced haplotypes exhibited significantly different distributions between northern (Tu and Yugur) and southern groups (Lisu and Nu). A phylogenetic tree and principal component analysis were used to compare the HLA polymorphism between our dataset and 19 other eastern and southeastern Asian populations. This analysis showed that Lisu and Nu belong to a cluster of southern ethnic groups, while Tu and Yugur are most closely related to other northern groups. Thus, distinct ethnic population histories were revealed by analyzing HLA allelic polymorphisms with the HLA profiles of the Lisu and Nu southern Chinese ethnic groups clearly different from the Tu and Yugur northern ethnic groups. The results will be useful for future association studies of infectious disease and contribute toward a more efficient search of organ/tissue matches for transplantation.

Detection and preliminary study of a family carrying a CCR5Δ32 deletional mutation

To investigate the frequencies of chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 gene (CCR5)Δ32 deletional mutation of in Han and Dai populations from Yunnan province. Immortalized cell lines were derived from a family carrying the CCR5Δ32 mutation. Blood samples of 346 Han and 355 Dai individuals were collected for genotyping. The coding regions of CCR5 gene were amplified with PCR followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Suspected mutations were verified with DNA sequencing. Immortalized cell lines were constructed by using Epstain Barr virus and cyclosporine A. The difference between the cell lines and original blood samples was verified with PCR. One ethnic Han individual was confirmed to be heterozygous for a deletional mutation by sequencing, which has led to discovery of a family with CCR5Δ32. Nine immortalized cell lines were established from this family, and no difference between the cell lines and original blood samples was detected by PCR. Together with previous reports, this study has indicated a significant difference in CCR5Δ32 among different ethnic groups in China. Established immortalized cell lines can also provide material for future research.

(A295) Post Disaster Mental Health among Ethnic Minorities in Rural China: Results from Qualitative Studies

BackgroundChina has one of the countries with highest occurrence of disasters and disasters are disproportionately affecting rural area of China where ethnic minorities are inhibiting. Limited studies have been conducted to examine how mental health of ethnic minorities in China might be affected by disasters. Through qualitative focus group study methods, this multi-site project examines the mental health impact of disasters in ethnic minority groups in rural China.Methods20 focus groups were conducted in rural Sichuan, Yunnan, Gansu and Hainan province of China to understand the mental health impact and coping of disasters during 2008–2010. Ethnic minority groups including Tai, Naxi, Li, Jiang and Hui affected by earthquake, flooding, mudslide, storm and snow storm were included for the focus group interviews. Guided questions were used and male and female participants participated separately in different groups. Focus groups were held at common area within the village and were all type recorded and transcribed for analyses. Saturation of data was reached and thematic analyses were conducted.ResultsWhilst distress, including mood disturbance, sleep problems and heightened arousal after disaster occurrences, were reported among respondents, when compared with Han Chinese affected in disasters, ethnic minority respondents reported more resilience and coping capacity post disaster. Gender impact and gaps in mental health service were identified.ConclusionStudy results disparities in resilience and coping behavior among different ethnic groups in China. More in-depth studies should be conducted to understand post disaster mental health needs and service utilization of ethnic minorities in China.

Pharmacokinetics of midazolam tablet in different Chinese ethnic groups

Subjects of different ethnic groups may respond differently to drugs. The present study was conducted to compare the oral pharmacokinetics of midazolam among healthy volunteers from five different ethnic groups in China: Han, Mongolian, Uygur, Hui and Korean. Healthy volunteers (10 Hans, 10 Mongolians, 10 Uygurs, 10 Huis and 9 Koreans) of Chinese nationality received a single oral tablet dose of 15 mg midazolam in an open label, parallel-group study. Blood samples were collected at intervals and analysed for midazolam by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Ethnic differences in pharmacokinetic parameters of midazolam using non-compartmental methods and anova and Kruskal-Wallis rank test. Midazolam maximum concentration (C(max) ) was significantly lower in Mongolians than that in Hans, Uygurs, Huis and Koreans (74·9 ± 33·7, 103·1 ± 26·4, 124·8 ± 50·0, 130·0 ± 38·3 and 189·0 ± 82·1 μg/L, respectively). C(max) for the Koreans were significantly greater, compared with Hans and Mongolians. The time to attain C(max) (t(max) ) for Hans was significantly longer as compared with Koreans and Uygurs (1·5 ± 0·7, 0·8 ± 0·5, 0·6 ± 0·7 h, respectively). Midazolam terminal half-life (t(1/2z)) were 3·0 ± 0·8, 2·2 ± 0·7, 1·9 ± 0·7, 3·5 ± 1·9, 3·8 ± 2·3 h for Hans, Mongolians, Uygurs, Huis and Koreans, respectively. The differences in half-life were significant between Koreans and Mongolians, Koreans and Uygurs, Uygurs and Huis, respectively. There were no differences between young males and females for all pharmacokinetic parameters. Double peaks in the concentration-time profiles were observed in some subjects. There were some significant differences in midazolam pharmacokinetics between the five Chinese ethnic groups. However, the wide intra-ethnic variability observed in PK parameters makes predictions of midazolam kinetics, using ethnicity as predictor, unreliable.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among rural adult residents in Ningxia.

To describe the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among rural adult residents in Ningxia, under IDF2005 ATP III 2005 AHA and CDs2004 definition. Stratified cluster sampling methods was used and the participants were interviewed by trained health workers under a structured questionnaire. The number of research subjects was 1612. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), blood lipids, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure (BP) of all samples (1612 subjects) were measured. and related data was analysed by IDF2005, ATP III 2005 AHA, as well as CDs2004 definition of MS. The age-standardized prevalence of MS was 15.00% by ATP III 2005 AHA definition and 11.80% by IDF 2005 definition and 6.71% by CDs 2004 definition, respectively. Based on IDF 2005 and ATP III 2005 AHA definition, women had higher prevalence than men (16.3% vs. 5.4%, 18.9% vs. 8.9%, P < 0.01), but there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between them according to the CDs definition. MS prevalence among Hui (Muslim) ethnic group was higher than Han ethnic group (P < 0.05). The prevalence of MS increased with age in all samples and the prevalence of MS started at age of 35 in Hui ethnic group, higher than in Han ethnic group. There was no significant difference in the prevalence rates of MS between male Hui ethnic group and male Han ethnic group (P > 0.05). The prevalence of MS in female Hui ethnic group was higher than Han ethnic group females (P < 0.05). The prevalence of MS was high in the rural adult residents, in Ningxia. Clusters of MS components were commonly seen, and the main disorder appeared in lipid abnormalities and abnormal glucose metabolism. It is necessary to discuss that the cut off point of central obesity for the waist circumference diagnostic criteria of MS in different ethnic groups in China. Big differences on the components of MS were seen in different ethnic groups. It is important to choose suitable MS definition for prevention of MS and to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

HGD-Chn: The Database of Genome Diversity and Variation for Chinese Populations

The Database of Genome Diversity and Variation for Chinese Populations is toward a more efficient utilization and sharing of the valuable yet diminishing genetic resources in China (including sample information of healthy populations, healthy pedigrees, disease population and disease pedigrees; genomic diversity data; disease-related allelic and haplotype data). Organization of the database can be divided into two parts: (1) Genetic resources of healthy people – Organizing genetic resources of healthy people. A variety of genetic markers (VNTR, STR, SNP, HLA, and enzyme markers, etc.) are chosen for their diversity among populations, with their distribution among different ethnic groups in China stored in the form of allelic frequency. A further analysis as well as an overall description of the Chinese population genetic structure is also being made possible. (2) Disease genetic resources – Four categories are mainly concerned: chromosomal diseases, monogenic diseases, polygenic diseases, and birth defects. For each kind of disease, the basic introduction and description, sample information, and allelic data of related gene are involved. Aside from research-oriented information, introductory courses oriented at general public covering fields of genomic diversity and variation, the related experimental techniques, standards and specifications could also be accessed in our website. Further more, flexible query and submit system with user-friendly interfaces are also integrated in our website to simplify the process of user-query and administrators’ database maintenance work. Online data analyzing and managing tools are developed using bioinformatics algorithm and programming language for a better interpretation of the biological data.

Study on genital tract Chlamydia trachomatis and gonococcal infection in Han and minority (Naxi and Dai) women in China's two provinces.

To estimate the prevalence of lower female genital tract chlamydial (GTC) and gonococcal infection in 3 different ethnic groups in China, and to analyze the risk factors influencing these infections. A cross-sectional survey + physical and laboratory examinations. 1,800 married women aged 18-35 Han (600, from Dujiangyan city, Sichuan), Naxi (600, from Yanyuan county, Sichuan), and Dai (600, from Jinghong Prefecture, Yunnan) were investigated between March 1996 to March 1997. Information was obtained about their personal history, socioeconomic status, medical history, STDs, sexual history, contraceptive history, results of both examinations. Tabulation, t-test, Chi-square test, multiple-logistic models were used to analyze the data. 3.2% of Han, 12.8% of Naxi and 4.5% of Dai women tested positive for gonococci; and 9.1% of Han, 16.7% of Naxi and 27.5% of Dai women tested positive for GTC infection. The differences of GTC and gonococcal infections between Han and Naxi, and Han and Dai women were significant. STDs are common in China today; both GTC and gonoccocal infections are related to non-use of condom, having sexual partners other than husband, number of abortions, and low education; and condom has a function in prevention of STDs.