Disease In Xinjiang Research Articles

Manipulation of juvenile hormone signaling by the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora mediates fecundity enhancement of pear psylla.

In nature, plant pathogens often rely on insect vectors for transmission. Through long-term evolution, plant pathogens and insect vectors have established a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship. Fire blight, caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora (Eam), poses a significant global threat to apple and pear production due to its rapid dissemination among host plants of the Rosaceae family. Despite evidence of E. amylovora transmission by various insects, the association between this pathogen and the pear psylla Cacopsylla chinensis, a common vector insect in pear orchards, remains unclear. Sampling investigations and qRT-PCR results revealed that C. chinensis, from 11 pear orchards severely affected by fire blight disease in Xinjiang of China, harbored varying levels of this pathogen. Eam-positive females exhibited significantly higher fecundity compared to Eam-negative individuals, displaying accelerated ovarian development and a notable increase in egg production. Further RNAi results revealed that juvenile hormone (JH) receptor methoprene-tolerant (CcMet) and a crucial downstream gene Krüppel-homologue 1 (CcKr-h1) mediated the fecundity improvement of C. chinensis induced by Eam. Additionally, miR-2b, which targets CcKr-h1, was identified as being involved in Eam-induced fecundity enhancement in C. chinensis. This study unveils, for the first time, that Eam colonize and amplify the fecundity of C. chinensis females. Host miR-2b targets CcKr-h1 of the JH signaling pathway to regulate the heightened fecundity of C. chinensis induced by Eam. These findings not only broaden our understanding of the interaction between plant pathogens and insect vectors, but also provide novel strategies for managing fire blight and pear psylla. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Identification and Pathogenicity of Dothiorella sarmentorum Causing Lavender Leaf Blight Disease in Xinjiang, China

Lavender is an oil-bearing plant, which has long been cultivated for oil, fresh flowers, dried products, and food. Leaf blight disease was observed on ‘Bandera Pink’, which belongs to Lavandula stoechas in Yining County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. The causal agent of this disease was isolated, and Koch’s postulates were assessed to confirm its pathogenicity. The morphological characteristics of the pathogen were observed, and the LSU, ITS, tef1, and tub2 loci were combined and analyzed. Based on morphological characterization and phylogenetic analyses, the causal agent was identified as a fungal species named Dothiorella sarmentorum. Pathogenicity tests revealed that D. sarmentorum can infect seven varieties of three lavender species. This is the first report of D. sarmentorum causing lavender leaf blight. This study provides a theoretical basis for the diagnosis of disease and the monitoring of disease occurrence and epidemics.

Coniolariella gamsii Causes Poplar Leaf Spot Disease in Xinjiang, China

Populus laurifolia is one of the most valuable tree species in the world and an important silvicultural tree species in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. In July 2017, an unreported brown leaf spot disease was observed on P. laurifolia in Altay City, Xinjiang. The causal agent of this leaf spot disease was isolated, and Koch’s postulates were performed to confirm its pathogenicity. Based on a morphological characterization and phylogenetic analyses, the causal organism was identified to be a fungal species, Coniolariella gamsii. The optimum mycelial growth conditions for C. gamsii are on PLPDA (Populus leaves potato dextrose agar) medium, at 28 °C, in the dark. The sporulation time when using PLPDA medium (12 days) is much less than that for PDA medium (25 days). Pathogenicity tests revealed that C. gamsii can also infect two other Populus species (P. bolleana and P. tomentosa). This is the first report of C. gamsii causing brown leaf spot disease on P. laurifolia, and the optimum culture and sporulation conditions have also been optimized for the first time. This study provides a theoretical basis for the diagnosis of this disease and the monitoring of the disease’s occurrence and epidemic status.

Ethnic and geographic variations in multiple chronic conditions among community-dwelling older people in Xinjiang: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMultiple chronic conditions (MCC) refer to the presence of two or more chronic diseases. The incidence of MCC is higher in older people, and increases with age. Studies have shown an association between MCC and increased adverse outcome, as well as the higher mortality, decline of physical function, and poor quality of life in older populations. Herein, for the first time we provide the data of ethnic and geographic variations in the prevalence of MCC among community-dwelling older people in Xinjiang, China.MethodsA multilevel random sampling method was employed to perform an epidemiological survey in community-dwelling older adults in southern, northern, and eastern Xinjiang between January 2019 to December 2019. In total, 87,000 participants volunteered, with a response rate of 96.67%; 490 participants with incomplete data were excluded and data from 86,510 participants were analyzed.ResultsOur analysis demonstrated that hypertension (51.5%), obesity (27.0%), diabetes (16.9%), heart disease (8.2%), and anxiety/depression (4.5%) were the five main chronic diseases in Xinjiang. The prevalence of MCC in the population surveyed was 33.4% (95%CI, 33.1–33.7). The prevalence in females was 36.6% (95%CI, 36.1–37), which was higher than that in male (30%,95%CI, 29.5–30.4). The prevalence of MCC in older people aged 60–69, 70–79, 80–89, and ≥ 90 years was 32.7% (95%CI, 32.2–33.3), 34.3% (95%CI, 33.9–34.7), 32.5% (95% CI, 31.7–33.3), and 25.9% (95% CI, 23.5–28.3) respectively. As far as the ethnic group was concerned, the prevalence of MCC in Uygur, Han, Kazak, Hui, and Mongolian was 31.3% (95%CI, 30.9–31.7), 34.4% (95%CI, 33.9–35), 40.4% (95%CI, 39.1–41.8), 40.8% (95%CI, 38.9–42.7), 44.4% (95%CI, 38.1–50.6), respectively. The prevalence of MCC was 32.8% (95%CI, 32.1–33.5), 31.7% (95%CI, 31.2–32.1), 36.0% (95%CI, 35.3–36.7) and 39.2% (95%CI, 38.1–40.3) among uneducated, educated for 1–6, 7–9, and more than 10 years. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, and education by level, the binary logistic analysis showed that, compared with eastern Xinjiang, the risk of MCC in the southern area was increased (odds ratio [OR], 1.418; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.367–1.471), and it was relatively higher in northern Xinjiang (OR, 2.021; 95% CI, 1.944–2.102). Compared with Uygur, Han, Kazakh, Hui and Mongolian had an increased risk of MCC, which was (OR, 1.075; 95% CI, 1.040–1.111), (OR, 1.414; 95% CI, 1.332–1.501), (OR, 1.515; 95% CI, 1.396–1.644), (OR, 1.566; 95% CI, 1.216–2.017), respectively.ConclusionsThere are ethnic and geographic variations in multiple chronic conditions among community-dwelling older people in Xinjiang. The older adults living in northern and southern Xinjiang and Han, Kazakh, Mongolian and Hui older adults have a higher risk of MCC.

Substantia Nigra Echogenicity Signal Correlated with Clinical Features in Patients with Parkinson's Disease in Xinjiang.

Transcranial sonography (TCS) is a noninvasive test that can reveal structural changes in the substantia nigra (SN) in Parkinson's disease (PD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between SN signatures and clinical features in PD patients in a multiethnic region of China. A total of 147 patients with PD were included in the study, and all of whom had underwent a TCS examination. Clinical information was collected from PD patients, and motor and nonmotor symptoms were assessed using assessment scales. There were differences in the substantia nigra hyperechogenicity (SNH) area between age of onset, visual hallucinations (VH), and UPDRS3.0 II scores (P < 0.05), patients with late onset PD had a greater SNH area than early onset (0.326 ± 0.352 vs. 0.171 ± 0.194), and PD patients presenting with VH had a greater SNH area than those without hallucinations (0.508 ± 0.670 vs. 0.278 ± 0.659), and further multifactorial analysis showed that a high SNH area was an independent risk factor for development of VH. The area under the ROC curve for predicting VH from the SNH area in PD patients was 0.609 (95% CI: 0.444-0.774). There was a positive correlation between the SNH area and UPDRS3.0-II scores, but further multifactorial analysis showed that SNH was not an independent predictor of the UPDRS3.0-II score. A high SNH area is an independent risk factor for development of VH, there is a positive correlation between the SNH area and UPDRS3.0 II score, and TCS has guiding significance in predicting clinical VH symptoms and activities of daily living in PD patients.

Species Diversity of Phaeobotryon Associated with Tree Canker and Dieback Diseases in Xinjiang, China

Withered branch disease is a major threat to the health of forest trees, resulting in the death of susceptible branches and even the whole plant. Botryosphaeriaceae members (e.g., Phaeobotryon spp.) are common pathogenic fungi that cause withered branches, canker and dieback disease symptoms in woody plants. This study aimed to identify the Phaeobotryon species inhabiting tree species with canker and dieback symptoms in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, based on both morphological and phylogenetic approaches. In the current study, branches and twigs showing typical symptoms of canker and dieback were collected from Elaeagnus angustifolia, Juglans regia, Malus pumila, Malus ‘Royalty’, Prunus armeniaca (wild apricot) and Rhus typhina growing on Tianshan Mountain in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. Phaeobotryon species isolated from these samples were characterized based on methods of morphology and molecular phylogeny. As a result, two species were identified: P. rhoinum and a new species Phaeobotryon mali sp. nov. Here, we provide a description and illustrations of this new species for science.

Correlation of elevated serum uric acid with coronary artery disease in Xinjiang, China: A retrospective case-control study.

Elevated serum uric acid (SUA) levels are associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, whether this association is independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors remains controversial. Our study aimed to determine the concentration of SUA in the presence and severity of CAD in multi-ethnic patients in Xinjiang, China. For this study, 412 consecutive patients with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 845 individuals with normal coronary angiograms were included in the study. CAD severity was evaluated using the Gensini score index. The SUA concentrations and the levels of various cardiometabolic risk factors were investigated. We assessed the relationship between SUA levels and other cardiometabolic risk factors. Logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors for PCI patients. SUA levels were significantly elevated in PCI patients compared to those in control subjects (P < .01). With increased UA levels, we found that the risk factors for CAD increased. SUA concentration had a significant positive relationship with total cholesterol (P < .01), triglycerides (P < .01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < .01), and creatinine (P < .01) in both sexes. In the PCI group, there was no significant correlation between UA levels. SUA levels are not an independent risk factor for CAD. It can be concluded that in Xinjiang, China, SUA is related to multiple risk factors for CAD, but not related to the severity of CAD.

Isolation, identification, molecular typing, and drug resistance of Escherichia coli from infected cattle and sheep in Xinjiang, China.

Escherichia coli infections are common in Xinjiang, a major region of cattle and sheep breeding in China. Therefore, strategies are required to control E. coli. The aim of this study was to investigate the phylogenetic groups, virulence genes, and antibiotic resistance characteristics of E. coli isolates. In this study, 116 tissue samples were collected from the organs of cattle and sheep that were suspected of having E. coli infections between 2015 and 2019. Bacteria in the samples were identified using a biochemical identification system and amplification of 16S rRNA, and the phylogenetic groupings of E. coli isolates were determined by multiplex polymerase chain reactions. In addition, PCR detection and analysis of virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes, and drug-resistant phenotypes of E. coli isolates were performed. A total of 116 pathogenic E. coli strains belonging to seven phylogenetic groups were isolated, with the majority of isolates in groups A and B1. Among the virulence genes, curli-encoding crl had the highest detection rate of 97.4%, followed by hemolysin-encoding hlyE with the detection rate of 94.82%. Antimicrobial susceptibility test results indicated that the isolates had the highest rates of resistance against streptomycin (81.9%). These characteristics complicate the prevention and treatment of E. coli-related diseases in Xinjiang.

Analysis of a SARIMA-XGBoost model for hand, foot, and mouth disease in Xinjiang, China.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common childhood infectious disease. The incidence of HFMD has a pronounced seasonal tendency and is closely related to meteorological factors such as temperature, rainfall, and wind speed. In this paper, we propose a combined SARIMA-XGBoost model to improve the prediction accuracy of HFMD in 15 regions of Xinjiang, China. The SARIMA model is used for seasonal trends, and the XGBoost algorithm is applied for the nonlinear effects of meteorological factors. The geographical and temporal weighted regression model is designed to analyze the influence of meteorological factors from temporal and spatial perspectives. The analysis results show that the HFMD exhibits seasonal characteristics, peaking from May to August each year, and the HFMD incidence has significant spatial heterogeneity. The meteorological factors affecting the spread of HFMD vary among regions. Temperature and daylight significantly impact the transmission of the disease in most areas. Based on the verification experiment of forecasting, the proposed SARIMA-XGBoost model is superior to other models in accuracy, especially in regions with a high incidence of HFMD.

Regional characteristics and spatiotemporal differentiation of the prevalence of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Xinjiang, China

In recent years, the number of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in China has continued to grow, and the disease has become a serious public health issue. Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is located in the arid areas of Northwest China, where the epidemiological trend of HFMD is gradually increasing and characterized by geographical heterogeneity. In this study, based on the HFMD case data in all counties and cities in Xinjiang, we employed statistical and GIS spatial analyses, and geographic probe models to characterize the spatiotemporal differentiation of HFMD epidemics in Xinjiang during the period of 2009–2018, and quantitatively analyzed the factors influencing the spatial differentiation of HFMD epidemics. The results showed that HFMD incidence rate in Xinjiang had non-stationary temporal characteristics on the interannual and monthly scales, and the monthly variation characteristics of HFMD epidemic were quite different in southern and northern Xinjiang. The spatial distribution characteristics of HFMD epidemics showed a north–south spatial differentiation pattern with the Tianshan Mountains as the boundary; cold spot and hot spot of HFMD epidemics in Xinjiang have shifted from scattered to concentrated, and the spatial differentiation pattern had gradually stabilized. Moreover, the dominant factors influencing the spatial differentiation of HFMD epidemics in Xinjiang were socioeconomic factors, such as per capita GDP and urbanization rate, while the basic factors affecting its spatial differentiation were natural environmental factors. The spatial differentiation and evolution patterns of HFMD epidemics differed between northern and southern Xinjiang. Specifically, the leading role of socioeconomic factors is more obvious in southern Xinjiang than in northern Xinjiang, while natural environmental factors (e.g., dryness and relative humidity) contribute to the prevalence of HFMD epidemics in northern Xinjiang, and the perturbing effect of these factors was more prominent than other factors. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for the prevention of HFMD epidemics and early warning of HFMD epidemics in Xinjiang.

Spatial-temporal analysis of HIV/AIDS and syphilis in mainland China from 2007 to 2017.

Human immune deficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and syphilis are the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) worldwide, as well as in China. The objective of this study is to describe the trend of spatial and temporal variation of HIV/AIDS and syphilis in mainland China from 2007 to 2017. Stratified analysis was conducted according to age and the GDP per capita. Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) was calculated and spatial autocorrelation analysis was used to evaluate the epidemiology and identify clusters. The morbidity of new HIV infection increased from 2.5034/100 000 in 2007 to 6.9247/100 000 in 2017, with an EAPC of 9.84 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.07-10.60). From 2007 to 2017, the morbidity of syphilis presented a significant upward trend from 15.8834/100 000 to 34.4867/100 000 (EAPC = 6.48, 95% CI: 4.23-8.73). The number of new HIV infections (205 084) and syphilis (921 279) were highest in the 20-30 years old group, where the incidence decreased with age over 20 years. In general, HIV and syphilis infection had the same incidence trend according to age and time stratification. The morbidity of new HIV infection was mainly reported from Xinjiang and southwestern China. As for syphilis, the highest was found in Zhejiang in Xinjiang and southeast coastal areas. Both HIV and syphilis infection showed a nonrandom positive correlation by Moran's I value. The High-High cluster areas of HIV infection were concentrated in southwestern and eastern China due to syphilis. A highly significant positive correlation was found between gross domestic product per capita and syphilis infection (p < 0.05) but was not associated with HIV infection. The incidence of AIDS/HIV and syphilis is increasing year by year, and a higher prevalence is found in younger individuals. More attention should be paid to HIV infection in the southwest, syphilis in southeast coastal areas, and both the two diseases in Xinjiang.

Prevalence of dyslipidemia and gene polymorphisms of ABCB1 and SLCO1B1 in Han, Uygur, Kazak, Hui, Tatar, Kirgiz, and Sibe populations with coronary heart disease in Xinjiang, China

BackgroundDyslipidemia is a predisposing factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). High-intensity statin therapy is recommended as secondary prevention. ABCB1 and SLCO1B1 genes influence the efficacy and safety of statins. Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic area; however, little is known about the prevalence of dyslipidemia and gene polymorphisms of ABCB1 and SLCO1B1 in minority groups with CHD.ObjectiveTo measure levels of lipid and apolipoprotein and the prevalence of dyslipidemia and gene polymorphisms of ABCB1, SLCO1B1 in Han, Uygur, Kazak, Hui, Tatar, Kirgiz, and Sibe populations with CHD in Xinjiang.MethodsThis descriptive retrospective study compares lipid levels in ethnic groups using Kruskal-Wallis test or analysis of variance. The study compared gene polymorphisms and the prevalence of dyslipidemia among different ethnic groups using the chi-square test. The lipid profiles in plasma were measured before lipid-lowering therapy using commercially available kits. Genotyping of SLCO1B1 and ABCB1 variants was performed using sequencing by hybridization.ResultsA total of 2218 patients were successfully screened, including 1044 Han, 828 Uygur, 113 Kazak, 138 Hui, 39 Tatar, 36 Kirgiz, and 20 Sibe patients. The overall mean age was 61.8 ± 10.8 years, and 72.5% of participants were male. Dyslipidemia prevalence in these ethnic groups was 42.1, 49.8, 52.2, 40.6, 48.7, 41.7, and 45.0%, respectively. The prevalence of dyslipidemia, high total cholesterol (TC), high triglycerides (TG), and high low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) differed significantly among the groups (P = 0.024; P < 0.001; P < 0.001; P < 0.001, respectively). For the Han group, high LDL-C, high TC, and high TG prevalence differed significantly by gender (P = 0.001, P = 0.022, P = 0.037, respectively). The prevalence of high TC, high TG, and low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) differed significantly by gender in the Uygur group (P = 0.006, P = 0.004, P < 0.001, respectively). The prevalence of high TC in Hui patients significantly differed by gender (P = 0.043). These findings suggest that polymorphisms in ABCB1 and C3435T differ significantly across ethnicities (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe prevalences of dyslipidemia, high TC, high TG, and high LDL-C in Han, Uygur, Kazak, Hui, Tatar, Kirgiz, and Sibe CHD patients in Xinjiang differed concerning ethnicity. Ethnic, gender, and lifestyle were the key factors that affected the lipid levels of the population. The prevalence of polymorphisms of ABCB1 and C3435T significantly differed across ethnicities. These findings will aid the selection of precision lipid-lowering medications and prevention and treatment of CHD according to ethnicity in Xinjiang.

Spatial-temporal heterogeneity and meteorological factors of hand-foot-and-mouth disease in Xinjiang, China from 2008 to 2016.

The study aims to depict the temporal and spatial distributions of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) in Xinjiang, China and reveal the relationships between the incidence of HFMD and meteorological factors in Xinjiang. With the national surveillance data of HFMD in Xinjiang and meteorological parameters in the study area from 2008 to 2016, in GeoDetector Model, we examined the effects of meteorological factors on the incidence of HFMD in Xinjiang, China, tested the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of HFMD risk, and explored the temporal-spatial patterns of HFMD through the spatial autocorrelation analysis. From 2008 to 2016, the HFMD distribution showed a distinct seasonal pattern and HFMD cases typically occurred from May to July and peaked in June in Xinjiang. Relative humidity, precipitation, barometric pressure and temperature had the more significant influences on the incidence of HFMD than other meteorological factors with the explanatory power of 0.30, 0.29, 0.29 and 0.21 (P<0.000). The interaction between any two meteorological factors had a nonlinear enhancement effect on the risk of HFMD. The relative risk in Northern Xinjiang was higher than that in Southern Xinjiang. Global spatial autocorrelation analysis results indicated a fluctuating trend over these years: the positive spatial dependency on the incidence of HFMD in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2015, the negative spatial autocorrelation in 2009 and a random distribution pattern in 2011, 2013 and 2016. Our findings revealed the correlation between meteorological factors and the incidence of HFMD in Xinjiang. The correlation showed obvious spatiotemporal heterogeneity. The study provides the basis for the government to control HFMD based on meteorological information. The risk of HFMD can be predicted with appropriate meteorological factors for HFMD prevention and control.

Epidemiological survey to determine the prevalence of cholecystolithiasis in Uyghur, Kazakh, and Han Ethnic Groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China: cross-sectional studies

BackgroundThis study was performed to understand the prevalence of and possible risk factors for cholecystolithiasis in Uyghur, Kazakh, Han, and other ethnic groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region of China.MethodsSubjects were enrolled using typical case sampling and multistage stratified random sampling. We collected epidemiological data regarding cholecystolithiasis using a standard questionnaire of risk factors for gallbladder disease in Xinjiang. The subjects completed the questionnaire and underwent an abdominal ultrasound examination of the liver and gallbladder.ResultsThis study included 5454 Xinjiang residents aged ≥ 18 years. The prevalence of cholecystolithiasis was 15% (11.3% in men and 17.1% in women), and the sex difference was statistically significant (male-to-female odds ratio [OR] 1.867; p < 0.001). The cholecystolithiasis prevalence was also significantly different among the Han, Uyghur, Kazakh, and other ethnic groups (13.1%, 20.8%, 11.5%, and 16.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). The prevalence of cholecystolithiasis in northern Xinjiang was 13.5% and that in southern Xinjiang was 17.5%; this difference was also statistically significant (OR 1.599; p < 0.001). Across all ethnic groups, the cholecystolithiasis prevalence significantly increased with age (all p < 0.01) and body mass index (BMI) (all p < 0.01). A multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that cholecystolithiasis prevalence was associated with sex, age, BMI, smoking, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and geographical differences between northern and southern Xinjiang.ConclusionsThe prevalence of cholecystolithiasis was significantly higher in the Uyghur ethnic group than in the Han, Kazakh, and other ethnic groups; in women than in men; in southern Xinjiang than in northern Xinjiang; in patients with fatty liver disease; and increased with age and BMI. Our findings could provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of control measures for cholecystolithiasis.

ATP13A2 Gene Variants in Patients with Parkinson's Disease in Xinjiang.

Objective To analyze the ATP13A2 gene variants in the Han and Uyghur populations residing in Xinjiang and to determine their correlation with the risk of Parkinson's disease (PD). Methods Four ATP13A2 SNVs—rs56367069 (Arg294Gln), rs151117874 (Thr12Met), rs147277743 (Ala746Thr), and rs2076603—were analyzed in 218 patients (75 Uyghurs and 143 Hans) with sporadic PD and 234 healthy controls (90 Uyghurs and 144 Hans) by Sanger DNA sequencing. Results Only one Han patient harbored the AG genotype of the rs147277743 SNV, indicating a frequency of 0.46% in the Han population. In addition, this SNV was not associated with PD risk. The rs2076603 SNV was correlated with PD development, and the A allele in particular was significantly different across ethnicity and age. The rs56367069 and rs151117874 SNVs were not detected in the entire cohort. Conclusion ATP13A2 rs2076603 SNV is associated with PD susceptibility, and the A allele is a PD protective factor in the Han population.

Case-Control Study on the Interaction Effects of rs10757278 Polymorphisms at 9p21 Locus and Traditional Risk Factors on Coronary Heart Disease in Xinjiang, China.

Objective:To study the interaction effects of rs10757278 polymorphisms at 9p21 locus and traditional risk factors on coronary heart disease (CHD) in Xinjiang, China.Methods:This case–control study consecutively enrolled 310 unrelated consecutive CHD patients aged 18–70 years old. All study participants were recruited between January and December 2017 from The Heart Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. CHD patients were confirmed by coronary angiography (≥50% diameter stenosis in at least one of the major coronary arteries) according to the American Heart Association criteria for the confirmation of CHD. Healthy subjects were randomly selected from the occupational population, who received physical examination in our hospital and matched to cases on the basis of age (±3 years) and sex, those without medical history of cardiovascular diseases, and 536 subjects were selected as the control group after medical history inquiry, physical examination, cardiac ultrasound, electrocardiogram, and other blood biochemical examinations in the hospital. The occupational stress was evaluated by an effort-reward imbalance questionnaire. An epidemiological survey was conducted to collect clinical data. Chi-squared test, analysis of variance, and binary logistic regression analysis were adopted.Results:Both the case and the control groups showed significant difference in smoking, drinking, physical activity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, family history of CHD, and body mass index (BMI) (all P < 0.05); prevalence of CHD was not related to occupational stress. There was no significant difference in occupational stress level between the 2 groups (P > 0.05); Differences in rs10757278 genotype between the case group and the control groups were statistically significant; binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors of CHD. After adjustment for age and sex, significant increased risk effects for CHD were found to be associated with smoking [odds ratio (OR) = 2.311; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–2.499; P < 0.001], physical exercise (OR = 1.365; 95% CI: 1.137–1.639; P < 0.001), hypertension (OR = 4.627; 95% CI: 2.165–10.764; P < 0.001), family history of CHD (OR = 4.103; 95% CI: 3.169–6.892; P < 0.001), BMI (OR = 2.484; 95% CI: 2.036–3.03; P < 0.001), and GG genotype at rs10757278 (OR = 1.978; 95% CI: 1.413–2.769; P < 0.001); We noted that a significant interaction association between GG genotype at rs10757278 and CHD differs across categories of smoking, hypertension, family history of CHD, and BMI.Conclusion:GG genotype at rs10757278 may be a risk factor for CHD. And there are interaction effects between GG genotype of rs10757278 in region 9p21 gene and traditional risk factors.

Dynamical behaviors of an Echinococcosis epidemic model with distributed delays.

In this paper, a novel spreading dynamical model for Echinococcosis with distributed time delays is proposed. For the model, we firstly give the basic reproduction number R0 and the existence of a unique endemic equilibrium when R0>1. Furthermore, we analyze the dynamical behaviors of the model. The results show that the dynamical properties of the model is completely determined by R0. That is, if R0< 1, the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable, and if R0>1, the model is permanent and the endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. According to human Echinococcosis cases from January 2004 to December 2011 in Xinjiang, China, we estimate the parameters of the model and study the transmission trend of the disease in Xinjiang, China. The model provides an approximate estimate of the basic reproduction number R0=1.23 in Xinjiang, China. From theoretic results, we further find that Echinococcosis is endemic in Xinjiang, China. Finally, we perform some sensitivity analysis of several model parameters and give some useful measures on controlling the transmission of Echinococcosis.

Molecular Epidemiological Survey of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency and Thalassemia in Uygur and Kazak Ethnic Groups in Xinjiang, Northwest China

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and thalassemia occur frequently in tropical and subtropical regions, while the prevalence of relationship between the two diseases in Xinjiang has not been reported. We aimed to determine the prevalence of these diseases and clarify the relationship between genotypes and phenotypes of the two diseases in the Uygur and Kazak ethnic groups in Xinjiang. We measured G6PD activity by G6PD:6PGD (glucose acid-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) ratio, identified the gene variants of G6PD and α- and β-globin genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-DNA sequencing and gap-PCR and compared these variants in different ethnic groups in Xinjiang with those adjacent to it. Of the 149 subjects with molecular analysis of G6PD deficiency conducted, a higher prevalence of the combined mutations c.1311C > T/IVSXI + 93T > C and IVSXI + 93T > C, both with normal enzymatic activities, were observed in the Uygur and Kazak subjects. A case of rare mutation HBB: c.135delC [codon 44 (−C) in the heterozygous state], a heterozygous case of HBB: c.68A > G [Hb G-Taipei or β22(B4)Glu→Gly] and several common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were found on the β-globin gene. In conclusion, G6PD deficiency with pathogenic mutations and three common α-thalassemia (α-thal) [– –SEA, −α3.7 (rightward), −α4.2 (leftward)] deletions and point mutations of the α-globin gene were not detected in the present study. The average incidence of β-thalassemia (β-thal) in Uygurs was 1.45% (2/138) in Xinjiang. The polymorphisms of G6PD and β-globin genes might be useful genetic markers to trace the origin and migration of the Uygur and Kazak in Xinjiang.

GW26-e2341 Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease in Xinjiang Multi-Ethnic Region of China

This multiple-ethnic, community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and distribution of congenital heart disease (CHD) in Xinjiang, northwestern part of China. Four major ethnics, Han, Uygur, Kazakh, and Hui Chinese in this region were investigated during February

Prevalence of Congenital Heart Disease in Xinjiang Multi-Ethnic Region of China.

BackgroundThe prevalence and risk factors of congenital heart disease among Xinjiang, northwestern part of China is currently unknown.MethodsThis multiple-ethnic, community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and distribution of congenital heart disease (CHD) in Xinjiang, northwestern part of China. Four major ethnics, Uygur, Han, Kazak, and Hui children in this region were investigated during February 2010 and May 2012.ResultsA total of 14,530 children (0–18 yr) were examined. Of these children, 240 (boys, 43.8%, and girls, 56.3%) were identified with CHD, giving an overall prevalence of 16.5‰ (17.7‰ in Uygur, 6.9‰ in Han, 11.4‰ in Kazak, and 38.1‰ in Hui Chinese, respectively). Ventricular septal defect (VSD, 29.2%), atrial septal defect (ASD, 20.8%), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA, 13.7%), acleistocardia (13.7%), Bicuspid aortic valve (7.9%), pulmonary valve stenosis (5.4%), and tetralogy of fallot (TOF, 4.2%) were common cyanotic and cyanotic defects observed. Compared to non-CHD children, children with CHD had a higher percentage of history of abortion, CHD history of family, consanguinity and premature birth (all P<0.05). In CHD children, 24% of mothers caught a cold, 10% had a febrile illness and 6.7% received antibiotic treatment during the first trimester of pregnancy, that were higher than non-CHD group (all P<0.05).ConclusionThe overall prevalence of CHD in four ethnic children at ages 0–18 yr in Xinjiang was 16.5‰. VSD, ASD and TOF were the most common acyanotic and cyanotic congenital heart defects, respectively. This study also identified some modifiable risk factors that may contribute to the incidence of CHD among the 4 ethnic groups.