Han Ethnic Group Research Articles

Population difference in the association of BDNF promoter methylation with mild cognitive impairment in the Xinjiang Uygur and Han populations

BackgroundMild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical transitional stage between normal aging and Alzheimer disease, which leads to memory loss and a reduction in cognitive function. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in neuronal development and plasticity. The aim of this study was to explore the association between BDNF promoter methylation and MCI in the Xinjiang Uygur and Han populations. MethodsA DNA methylation assay using bisulfite pyrosequencing technology was performed on 96 Uygur and 96 Han Chinese individuals from Xinjiang province, China. ResultsWe found a significantly higher BDNF methylation level in Han MCI cases than in Uygur MCI cases in males from Xinjiang province (p=0.022). In addition, the methylation level was significantly higher in Xinjiang Han healthy Chinese individuals (Northwestern China) than in Ningbo Han healthy Chinese individuals (Southeastern China) (Female and Male: p=1.17E−05; Female: p=0.020; Male: p=1.37E−04). But our results showed no significant association of BDNF methylation with MCI in either the Uygur or Han Chinese populations (p>0.05). Further gender-based subgroup analyses did not find any significant results (p>0.05). ConclusionOur results indicate that different levels of BDNF methylation may be present in different populations and environments. This study also provides further information regarding the relationship between BDNF methylation levels and MCI in Xinjiang Uygur and Han ethnic groups.

Common RASGRP1 Gene Variants That Confer Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Genome-wide association studies have validated the RAS guanyl nucleotide-releasing protein 1 (RASGRP1) gene as a type 2 diabetes (T2D) susceptibility locus. This study aimed to replicate and verify the association of RASGRP1 tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms with T2D in a Chinese Han population. Eleven common variants of RASGRP1 were detected using TaqMan technology in 1272 healthy controls and 1234 T2D patients. All study participants were unrelated members of the Han ethnic group in China. In this study, the rs7403531 genotype frequency differed significantly between T2D patients and controls (allele: adjusted p=8.30×10(-6), genotype: adjusted p=2.50×10(-5), OR=1.366 [95% CI=1.206-1.546]). The rs4465567-rs4567661 C-A and C-C haplotypes were also significant risk factors for T2D (adjusted p=0.0002 and p=0.0006, respectively) with a global p-value of 6.46×10(-5). These results indicate that in a Chinese Han population, RASGRP1 variants, particularly rs7403531, confer a risk for developing T2D.

Genetic polymorphism of 23 Y-STR loci in the Zhuang minority population in Guangxi of China.

In the present study, 23 Y-STR loci (DYS576, DYS389I, DYS389 II, DYS448, DYS19, DYS391, DYS481, DYS549, DYS533, DYS438, DYS437, DYS570, DYS635, DYS390, DYS439, DYS392, DYS393, DYS458 DYS456, DYS643, YGATAH4, and DYS385ab) were investigated in 266 unrelated, healthy autochthonous individuals from the Zhuang minority population residing in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. One hundred and eighty-nine alleles and 245 haplotypes were found in the Zhuang group. Two hundred and twenty-four haplotypes among them were unique, and the remaining 21 haplotypes were found in two individuals. Discrimination capacity was 0.9211. Haplotype diversity was 0.9993 and gene diversity ranged from 0.4173 (DYS437) to 0.9678 (DYS385ab). Populations' differentia was calculated and compared with Tibetan, Bai, Dai, Minnan Han, Beijing Han, Chengdu Han, Xuanwei Han, and Southern Han ethnic groups in China, the Singapore Han population, and the Kinh group from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, in the same 23 Y-STR loci. Our results showed that these 23 Y-STRs are highly genetically polymorphic in the Zhuang group and can also enrich Chinese ethnic genetic information.

Analysis of mitochondrial DNA in Tibetan gastric cancer patients at high altitude.

The highest risk areas of gastric cancer are currently Japan, Korea and China; Qinghai, a high-altitude area, has one of the highest gastric cancer rates in China. The incidence of gastric cancer is higher in the Tibetan ethnic group compared to that in the Han ethnic group in Qinghai. This study was conducted to determine the clinical characteristics of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations and copy numbers among Tibetans with gastric cancer residing at high altitudes and investigate the association between adaptations to hypoxic conditions and oncogenesis. A total of 23 Tibetan gastric cancer patients and 40 matched controls were recruited in this study. Leukocyte mtDNA genes and copy numbers were analyzed. The haplogroups were classified based on mitochondrial gene sequences. A total of 56.5% of the study participants had used alcohol at some point in their lives and 73.9% were positive for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). Eight mutations in 8 mitochondrial genes were identified in 43.4% of the Tibetan cancer patient group. There were no significant differences in leukocyte mtDNA copy number levels based on smoking status, alchohol consumption, obesity or H. pylori infection between the control and cancer groups. Statistical differences were also not found between gastric cancer patients with and those without mtDNA mutations. The majority of Tibetan patients with gastric cancer belonged to the mitochondrial haplogroup M9. In conclusion, Tibetans with gastric cancer residing at high altitudes exhibited a wide spectrum of mtDNA mutations. However, leukocyte mtDNA copy numbers in stage II gastric cancer were not statistically different compared to those in healthy Tibetans.

Stature of Han Chinese dialect groups: a most recent survey

The height of 26,940 Chinese Han adults (16,503 rural and 10,437 urban adults) from 11 Han ethnic groups was measured and analyzed in the current survey. The top three highest dialect groups in rural Han populations are Jianghuai (male 167.3 ± 6.4cm, female 156.5 ± 5.6cm), North China (male 167.3 ± 6.4cm, female 155.7 ± 5.7cm), and Wu (male 166.7 ± 6.9cm, female 155.6 ± 5.9cm) groups. In urban Han populations, the top three groups are as follows: the Northeast China (male 169.5 ± 6.7cm, female 158.0 ± 6.1cm), North China (male 168.5 ± 6.2cm, female 157.3 ± 5.8cm), and Jianghuai (male 169.2 ± 6.2cm, female 157.1 ± 5.6cm) dialect groups. The Gan dialect group (male 164.0 ± 6.3cm, female 153.9 ± 5.0cm) was the shortest in both rural and urban groups. The different stature of Han dialect groups may be a result of interaction between genetic background and different environmental factors, labor intensity, diet composition and nutrition intake in different areas in China.

Epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutations in patients with lung adenocarcinoma differ by frequency and type between Uighur and Han ethnic groups in Xinjiang Autonomous Region.

BackgroundThis study was designed to investigate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation types affecting lung cancer treatment in patients in Xinjiang, China. We detected and analyzed differences in the EGFR mutation points of Uighur and Han patients with lung adenocarcinoma. We examined 181 specimens of lung adenocarcinoma tissue embedded with paraffin (76 Uighur and 105 Han patients) for mutations in the EGFR gene in exon 18-21 by the amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) method. We used the chi-square statistical method to analyze the relationship between mutations and patients’ clinical parameters.ResultsEGFR somatic mutations were detected in 59 of 181 cases (32.6%). The mutation rate was higher in Han patients (45.7%) than in Uighur patients (15.8%) (P < 0.001). The main mutation types were the exon 19 deletion and the L858R point mutation in exon 21. In Han patients we found 21 (44.7%) cases of exon 19 deletion, 24 (51.1%) cases of L858R in exon 21, 1 case (2.1%) with mutations in both exon 19 and exon 21, and 1 case (2.1%) with T790 mutation in exon 20. In Uighur patients we found 8 (66.7%) cases of exon 19 deletion and 4 (33.3%) cases of L858R in exon 21.ConclusionsIn comparing these groups, the exon 19 deletion was more common than L858R in exon 21 in Uighur patients. In Han patients, EGFR-sensitive mutations occurred in female, never-smoking patients with well-differentiated tumors; but for Uighur patients only smoking history showed an obvious correlation.

Applicability of the Tanaka-Johnston and Moyers mixed dentition analyses in Northeast Han Chinese.

To assess applicability of the Tanaka-Johnston and Moyers prediction methods in a Han ethnic group from Northeast China and to develop prediction equations for this same population. Cross-sectional study. Department of Orthodontics, School of Stomatology, Jiamusi University, Heilongjiang, China. A total of 130 subjects (65 male and 65 female) aged 16-21 years from a Han ethnic group of Northeast China were recruited from dental students and patients seeking orthodontic treatment. Ethnicity was verified by questionnaire. Mesio-distal tooth width was measured using Digital Vernier calipers. Predicted values were obtained from the Tanaka-Johnston and Moyers methods in both arches were compared with the actual measured widths. Based on regression analysis, prediction equations were developed. Tanaka-Johnston equations were not precise, except for the upper arch in males. However, the Moyers 85th percentile in the upper arch and 75th percentile in the lower arch predicted the sum precisely in males. For females, the Moyers 75th percentile predicted the sum precisely for the upper arch, but none of the Moyers percentiles predicted in the lower arch. Both the Tanaka-Johnston and Moyers method may not be applied universally without question. Hence, it may be safer to develop regression equations for specific populations. Validating studies must be conducted to confirm the precision of these newly developed regression equations.

Comparison of congenital coronary artery anomalies between Uyghur and Han: a multi-slice computed tomography study in Xinjiang, China.

Background:The incidence of congenital coronary artery anomalies (CCAAs) is different between ethnic groups, but there is no report about Uyghur CCAAs because of the limitation of inspection methods. This study determined the prevalence of Uyghur CCAAs and analysis the difference of CCAAs between Uyghur and Han ethnic groups by the method of multi-slice computed tomography coronary angiography (MSCTCA).Methods:Seven thousand four hundred and sixty-nine MSCTCA were analyzed for the CCAAs retroactively, 1934 were Uyghur patients while 4746 were Han patients. All the coronary artery images dates obtained by MSCTCA were evaluated for the CCAAs by two doctors.Results:Nineteen kinds of CCAAs were found: (1) The overall incidence of CCAAs was 2.72% (203/7469) among all patients, 2.34% (111/4746) among Han patients whereas a significant higher 3.93% (76/1934) among Uyghur patients (χ2 = 12.780,P < 0.05); (2) the incidence of CCAAs among male patients was 2.48% (76/3069) in Han while 4.33% (56/1293) in Uyghur (χ2 = 10.663, P < 0.05); (3) the incidence of CCAAs on the left side was 1.07% (51/4746) among Han patients while 2.17% (42/934) among Uyghur patients (χ2 = 12.047, P < 0.05); (4) among these 19 kinds of CCAAs, there were significant differences of the incidence of the following kinds of CCAAs between Uyghur and Han: Left coronary artery (LCA) high location (χ2 = 8.320, P = 0.004), right coronary artery (RCA) originate from left coronary sinus (χ2 = 5.450, P = 0.020), and RCA originate from left Coronary sinus + LCA high location (P = 0.024).Conclusions:There exists some difference in CCAAs between Uyghur and Han ethnic groups. The CCAAs incidence of Uyghur is higher than that of Han, especially in male patients and on the left side; among all kinds of CCAAs, the incidence of LCA high location, RCA originate from left coronary sinus, RCA originate from left coronary sinus + LCA high locations of Uyghur is higher than Han.

Relationship between Serum Resistin Level of Xinjiang Uygur and Han Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome.

Xinjiang is a multi-ethnic region of China. Many large population based cross-sectional studies have shown that Uygur, the largest ethnic group in the Xinjiang, had a higher incidence rate of metabolic syndrome (MetS) than other ethnic groups living in Xinjiang region, but the pathological mechanism is not yet clear. Insulin resistance plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of MetS. Resistin is an adipocyte- and monocyte-derived cytokine that represents a link between obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between serum resistin levels and metabolic syndrome parameters in Uygur and Han in Xinjiang. Subjects came from a population based cross-sectional study, a total of 465 subjects were selected for the study. Blood resistin, fasting blood sugar (FBS), fasting insulin (FINS), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressures (SBP), diastolic blood pressures (DBP), and the homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were measured. Dietary intake data were obtained by food frequency questionnaire method. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria were adopted to define metabolic syndrome. The MetS group has higher metabolic parameters of FPG, TG, TC, DBP, SBP, WC, BMI, LDL-C, and low HDL-C than the non-MetS group, Uygurs have higher FPG and WC than Hans, and Hans have higher TC, TG, and FINS than Uygurs, even after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI, indicating ethnic differences in MetS-related parameters. There was no significant difference in serum resistin levels between the MetS and non-MetS group, as well as between the Uygur and the Han ethnic groups, but a significant positive correlation was found between serum resistin levels with FIN, HOMA, and diet fat. In our study, we did not observe significant differences in serum resitin levels between the MetS and non-MetS group, regardless of ethnicity. However, serum resistin was positively associated with insulin resistance markers, suggesting that resistin may be an independent determinant for insulin resistance, or indirectly contribute to the development of MetS. Therefore the role of resistin in MetS warrants further investigation.

Taiwan Regulation of Biobanks.

This paper introduces legal framework and governance structure in relation to the management and development of biobanks in Taiwan. At first, we briefly describe Taiwan's population, political system and health care system. Secondly, this research introduces biobanking framework of Taiwan including 25 biobanks established with the approval of the Ministry of Health and Welfare. In those biobanks, "Taiwan Biobank" is the first and the largest government-supported biobank which comprises population-based cohort study and disease- oriented study. Since the collection of information, data, and biological specimen of biobanks often involve highly sensitive personal information, in the legal framework of Taiwan, there is a specific regulation, "Human Biobank Management Act" (HBMA), which plays an important role in regulating biobanks in Taiwan. HBMA, the Personal Information Act and other regulations constitute a comprehensive legal and regulatory privacy framework of biobanks. Through the introduction and analysis of the current legal framework applicable to biobanks, we found that there are several challenges that need to be solved appropriately that involve duplicate review systems, the obstacles in the international collaboration, and data sharing between biobanks in Taiwan.

Polymorphic variations in manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) genes contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Chinese Han population.

Impaired antioxidant defense increases the oxidative stress and contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). MnSOD and eNOS are important antioxidant enzymes. This aim of this study was to verify the association of MnSOD and eNOS tagSNPs with T2DM in a Chinese Han population. Four tagSNPs of MnSOD and eight tagSNPs of eNOS were detected using TaqMan technology in 1272 healthy controls and 1234 T2DM patients. All study participants were unrelated members of the Han ethnic group in China. In this study, the frequency of the rs4880 MnSOD single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) genotype differed significantly between T2DM patients and controls [allele: P = 0.03, genotype: P = 0.04, odd's ratio (OR) = 1.26; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.49]. The A-T haplotype and G-T haplotype remained significant in T2DM after Bonferroni correction (P = 1.58 x 10(-6) and 8.00 x 10(-4), respectively) with a global p-value of 7.25 x 10(-8). The rs1799983 and rs891512 SNPs of eNOS differed significantly between T2DM patients and controls [rs1799983: corrected allele: P = 2.10 x 10(-3), corrected genotype: P = 6.30 x 10(-3), OR = 1.43 (95%CI = 1.18-1.73); rs891512, corrected allele: P = 3.50 x 10(-3), corrected genotype: P = 9.10 x 10(-3), OR = 1.70 (95%CI = 1.26-2.30)]. Following Bonferroni correction, none of the haplotypes of eNOS were significant in T2DM. These results indicate that common variants in MnSOD and eNOS increased the risk of T2DM in the Chinese Han population.

Demographic and socioeconomic disparity in knowledge about tuberculosis in Inner Mongolia, China.

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the awareness status, attitudes, and care-seeking behaviors concerning tuberculosis (TB) and associated factors among the public in Inner Mongolia, China.MethodsA five-stage sampling was conducted, in which counties as the primary survey units and towns, villages, and households as sub-survey units were selected progressively. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect TB information. Complex survey analysis methods, including the procedures of survey frequency and survey logistic regression, were applied for analysis of TB knowledge and associated factors. The sample was weighted by survey design, non-respondent, and post-stratification adjustment.ResultsAmong 10 581 respondents, awareness that TB is an infectious disease was 86.7%. Knowing that a cough lasting ≥3 weeks is suggestive of TB was 26.9%. Knowledge about TB dispensaries in county administrative areas was reported by 68.3% of respondents, and knowledge about the free TB detection/treatment policy was reported by 57.5% of respondents. About 52.5% of participants would stigmatize TB patients. Compared with the majority Han ethnic group, Mongolians and other minorities were 1.52–2.18 times more likely to know about TB curability, TB symptoms, the free detection/treatment policy, and TB dispensaries’ locations, but were less likely to know about the TB transmission mode (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.65–0.84). The main sources of TB information were TV (65.6%) and other persons (47.2%). In the past year, 19.7% of TB knowledge was from acquaintances, and 16.1% was from TB institutes.ConclusionsImprovement in knowledge about TB risk (symptoms and transmission), the free treatment policy, and facilities is necessary and should be provided through effective multimedia for different target populations.

Association between the PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the Uygur and Han ethnic groups of northwestern China.

ObjectiveMultiple common gene variants play a role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) susceptibility. Our goal was to investigate the association between variants polymorphisms and NAFLD in the Uygur and Han from Northwestern China.MethodsEight tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNPs) previously reported to be associated with NAFLD were characterized in 396 NAFLD individuals and 399 controls. The association of variants with NAFLD in the Uygur and Han was assessed using the chi-squared (χ2) test in different gene models. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the odds ratios (ORs) for risk of NAFLD and their 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for confounding factors. Finally, stratified analysis was used to explore the potential gene-environment interactions on the risk of NAFLD.ResultsIn a recessive model, we found a potential association between rs738409 and NAFLD in both ethnic groups: Chinese Han (OR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.03–3.27, p = 0.036), Uygur (OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.23–4.09, p = 0.006). The multiple logistic regression revealed that PNPLA3 rs738409 GG genotype may increase the risk of NAFLD by adjusting some confounding factors: Han (OR = 5.22, 95% CI: 1.94–14.04, p = 0.001), Uygur (OR = 4.29, 95% CI: 1.60–11.48, p = 0.004). Stratified analysis found that rs738409 polymorphism appeared to have interaction with sex, smoking status in Uygur, and have interaction with sex, age, BMI stage, lifestyle in Han.ConclusionOur data suggest the PNPLA3 I148M polymorphism influences susceptibility to NAFLD in the Han and Uygur of Northwestern China.

GW25-e0835 Differences in Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) among healthy Uygur, Kazakh and Han ethnic groups in Xinjiang, China

Platelets play an important role in atherogenesis, inflammation and atherosclerosis. Mean platelet volume (MPV), a measure of platelet size in every blood count is increasingly recognized as an important marker of platelet activity. It has been reported that MPV value was increased in cardiovascular

Overview of application and research of Echinops genus in Chinese medicine

Asteraceae Echionopos (Echinops genus) is one of the world's plants commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine herbs. In this paper, a lot of literature on the basis of domestic and foreign, and modern research on the application of medicinal plants in different ethnic groups in our country Echionopos made a brief presentation and evaluation, and its in Chinese Han, Mongolian, Uygur, Kazak, Korean and other ethnic groups in the application of traditional medicine and related research conducted profiles. To further comprehensive and accurate use of the abundant plant resources and research, in order to find biologically active natural products, provide reference basis for the clinical application of new drugs developed and expanded drug source.

Association of Polymorphisms in Stress-Related TNFα and NPY Genes with the Metabolic Syndrome in Han and Hui Ethnic Groups

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of complicated disorders caused by the interactive influencing factors of heredity and environment, which predisposes to many cnacers. RESULTS from epidemic research indicate that stress is tightly related to the pathogenesis of MS and neoplasia. This paper aims to investigate the association between psychological stress and MS with respect to the tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) genes in the Han and Hui ethnic groups. All subjects for this case-control study matched strict enrollment criteria (nationality, gender and age) and lived in the city of Wu Zhong of Ningxia Province in China. The enrolled group contained 102 matched pairs of Hui ethnic individuals and 98 matched pairs of Han ethnic individuals. Enrolled subjects completed the general Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). The TNFα-308G/A variant and NPYrs16147 polymorphism were detected in case (81 males, 119 females) and control (81 males, 119 females) groups by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Nine factors of the SCL-90 were found to be statistically different (p<0.05) between case and control groups. The homozygous mutant genotype (AA) and the mutant allele (A) of the TNFα-308G/A gene were less frequently observed in the control population compared to the case group. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval) in "Allele" for MS was 2.28 (1.47-3.53), p=0.0001, while "OR" was 1.11 (0.83-1.47), p=0.15, for the NPYrs16147 gene polymorphism. Psychological stress has been positively associated with MS. A previous study from our group suggested there were differences in the level of psychological stress between Hui and Han ethnic groups. Furthermore, we found that the stress-related TNFα gene was associated with MS for both Han and Hui ethnic groups. In contrast, NPY may be a possible contributor to MS and associated cancer for the Han ethnic group.

The Cultural Policy of Government-General in Korea and Its construction of Korean History

This study purports to explore the impact of the international and domestic circumstances of colonial Korea on the Japanese historians’ engagement with Korean history. Since 1915, Government-General in Korea (GGK) began to re-write Korean history according to the “Il-Son Tongjoron”. In the manuscript of Choson Pantosa (the History of Choson Peninsula), the ancient history of Korea was rewritten as a history of Han ethnic groups such as Mahan, Pyonhan, and Jinhan in Southern Korea under the alleged protection of the ancient Japan against Koguryo ethnic group in Northern Korea. However, after March 1st movement in 1919, GGK transformed its policy of unilateral cultural integration into a policy of relative respect for Korean culture. It published Introduction to Korean History in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Japanese rule. In this book, Korean history was defined as a history of Choson nation, consisting of both Han and Koguryo ethnic group. Nevertheless, this book was based on the Man-Son view of history, arguing Korean history after the fall of Koguryo as a history of heteronomy under the overwhelming influences of Manchuria and Northern China. In my analysis, This view of history was adopted to justify the Japanese invasion of Manchuria and China, under the slogan of ‘Bloc of Japan-Choson-Manchuria’.

Prevalence and associated factors of corneal blindness in Ningxia in northwest China.

To describe the prevalence and demographic characteristics of corneal blindness in an urban and rural region of Ningxia, located in the northwest part of China. A stratified, randomized sampling procedure was employed in the study, including urban and rural area of all age group. Visual acuity, anterior segment and ocular fundus were checked. Related factor of corneal disease, including age, gender, education status, ethnic group, location and occupation, were identified according to uniform customized protocol. An eye was defined to be corneal blindness if the visual acuity was <20/400 due to a corneal disease. Three thousand individuals (1290 from urban area and 1710 from rural area) participated in the investigation, with a response rate of 80.380%. The prevalence of corneal blindness was 0.023% in both eyes and 0.733% in at least one eye. The blindness in at least one eye with varied causes was present in 106 participants (3.533%) and in bilateral eyes in 34 participants (1.133%). The corneal diseases accounted for 20.754% of blindness in at least one eye and 20.588% of bilateral blindness. The prevalence of corneal disease was higher in older and Han ethnic group, especially those who occupied in agriculture and outdoor work. People with corneal blindness were more likely to be older and lower education. Rural population were more likely to suffer from bilateral corneal blindness than the urban population in ≥59-year group (χ (2)=6.716, P=0.019). Infectious, trauma and immune corneal disease were the three leading causes of corneal disease. Trauma corneal disease was more likely leading to blindness in one eye. However, infectious and immune corneal diseases make more contribution to the bilateral corneal blindness. Corneal blindness is a significant burden of in Ningxia population, encompassing a variety of corneal infections and trauma; the majority of those were avoidable. Health promotion strategies and good hygienic conditions have to be developed.

Seroepidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection in Bai and Han ethnic groups in southwestern China.

Eating raw pork and/or liver is a custom of the Bai ethnic group in China. Most people living in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, southwestern China are of Bai ethnicity. Little is known of the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Bai and Han ethnic populations in this region. In the present survey, a total of 555 and 595 blood samples were obtained from Bai and Han ethnic groups in Dali urban and rural areas, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to examine T. gondii IgG antibodies. Total positive rate of anti-T. gondii IgG in Bai and Han groups in this region was 21·6% (248/1150). The total seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly higher in the Bai ethnic group (32·3%, 179/555) than in the Han ethnic group (11·6%, 69/595) (P < 0·01). The results of statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference between cat feeding/non-cat feeding groups in the Bai ethnic group, the most important risk factor was consumption of raw pork and/or liver for the Bai group, but feeding a cat may be the main route of T. gondii infection for the Han group. Therefore, it is essential to implement integrated strategies to prevent and control T. gondii infection in this unique region of the world.

Genetic analysis of 17 Y-chromosomal STR loci of Chinese Tujia ethnic group residing in Youyang Region of Southern China

Y-STR haplotype data were obtained in a population sample of 197 unrelated healthy male individuals of Chinese Tujia ethnic minority group residing in an autonomous county of Southern China using 17 Y-chromosome STR markers. A total of 197 haplotypes were identified in the set of Y-STR loci. The overall haplotype diversity for the Tujia population at 17 Y-STR loci was 1.0000±0.0005. Genetic distance was estimated between this population and other 14 Chinese populations including Paiwan and Atayal populations of Taiwan, and Southern Han, Dong, Jing, Miao, Yao, Zhuang, Yi, Maonan, She, Hui, Sala, and Tibetan ethnic groups. The results demonstrated that the 17 Y-STR loci analyzed were highly polymorphic in Tujia ethnic group examined and hence useful for forensic cases, paternity testing, and population genetic studies.