Han Group Research Articles

Comprehensive Analysis of UGT1A1 Genetic Polymorphisms in Chinese Tibetan and Han Populations

The study of polymorphism of the UGT1A1 gene has not been reported in the Chinese Tibetan population, and there are no comparisons of genetic polymorphism in the gene between Chinese Han and Tibetan populations. In this study, we directly sequenced the functional regions of the UGT1A1 gene in 200 unrelated healthy Chinese volunteers, detecting 20 variations (including five novel ones). The distributions of allele and genotype frequencies differ between the two groups. UGT1A1*6 is the major reduced functional variant in the populations, and the *27 allele was detected only in the Han group. Differences in the frequencies of the UGT1A1*6/*63 genotype between the Tibetan and Han populations were statistically significant (P = 0.009). Our genetic data might provide fundamental information for the advance of personalized medicine and will facilitate genotype-phenotype studies in larger populations.

AKT3, ANGPTL4, eNOS3, and VEGFA associations with high altitude sickness in Han and Tibetan Chinese at the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Mountain sickness (MS) occurs among humans visiting or inhabiting high altitude environments. We conducted genetic analyses of the AKT3, ANGPTL4, eNOS3 and VEGFA genes in lowland (Han) and highland (Tibetan) Chinese. Ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were evaluated in Han and Tibetan patients with acute (A) and chronic (C) MS. We compared 74 patients with AMS to 79 Han unaffected with MS, as well as 48 CMS patients to 31 unaffected Tibetans. The ten SNPs studied are AKT3 (rs4590656, rs2291409), ANGPTL4 (rs1044250), eNOS3 (rs1007311, rs1799983) and VEGFA (rs79469752, rs13207351, rs28357093, rs1570360, rs3025039). Direct sequencing was used to identify individual genotypes for these SNPs. Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and red blood cell count (RBC) were found to be significantly associated with the AKT3 SNP (rs4590656), Hb was found to be associated with the eNOS3 SNP (rs1007311), and RBC was found to be significantly associated with the VEGFA SNP (rs1570360) in Tibetan patients with CMS. CMS patients were found to diverge significantly for both eNOS3 SNPs as measured by genetic distance (0.042, 0.047) and for the VEGFA SNP (rs28357093) with a genetic distance of 0.078 compared to their Tibetan control group. Heart rate (HR) was found to be significantly associated with the eNOS3 SNP (rs1799983) and arterial oxygen saturation of hemoglobin (SaO2) was found to be significantly associated with the VEGFA SNPs (rs13207351, rs1570360) in Han patients with AMS. The Han and Tibetan control groups were found to diverge significantly for the ANGPTL4 SNP and VEGFA SNP (rs28357093), as measured by genetic distances of 0.049 and 0.073, respectively. Seven of the SNPs from non-coding regions are found in the transcriptional factor response elements and their possible role in gene regulation was evaluated with regard to MS. AMS and CMS were found to be significantly associated with the four genes compared to their Han and Tibetan control groups, respectively, indicating that these nucleotide alterations have a physiological effect for the development of high altitude sickness.

Research on Micro Inclusions of SS400 Steel in Slag Washing Process

The variations of T[O] and [N] as well as non metallic inclusions in different working processes of two kinds of SS400 steel production process in Han Group are studied systematically by tracing experiment, systematic sampling and integrated analyzing. The following results are observed: slag washing process and traditional process can both produce qualified steel. The slag washing process has good removal effect for Al2O3 inclusion compared with the traditional process. After slag washing treatment，the content of T[O] and [N] in slab when steady-state casting are respectively 21.75×10-6 and 24.9×10-6, which are respectively 84.9% and 76.1% of the content after LF treatment. The number of the micro inclusions is 5.583 piece/mm2,which is 79.2% of the number after LF treatment.

EPAS1 and EGLN1 associations with high altitude sickness in Han and Tibetan Chinese at the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau

High altitude sickness (HAS) occurs among humans visiting or inhabiting high altitude environments. Genetic differences in the EPAS1 and EGLN1 genes have been found between lowland (Han) and highland (Tibetan) Chinese. Three SNPs within EPAS1 and EGLN1 were evaluated in Han and Tibetan patients with acute mountain sickness (AMS) and chronic mountain sickness (CMS). We compared 85 patients with AMS to 79 Han unaffected with mountain sickness (MS) as well as 45 CMS patients to 34 unaffected Tibetan subjects. The three SNPs studied were EPAS1 [ch2: 46441523 (hg18], EGLN1 (rs480902) and (rs516651). Direct sequencing was used to identify individual genotypes for the three SNPs. Age was found to be significantly associated with the EPAS1 SNP in the CMS patients while heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation level of hemoglobin (SaO(2)) were found to be significantly associated with the EGLN1 (rs480902) SNP in the Han patients with AMS. The individuals with CMS were found to diverge significantly for the EPAS1 SNP compared to their Tibetan control group as measured by genetic distance (0.123) indicating positive selection of the EPAS-G allele with age and illness. The EGLN1 (rs480902) SNP had a significant correlation with hematocrit (HCT), HR and SaO(2) in AMS patients. AMS and CMS were found to be significantly associated with the EPAS1 and EGLN1 SNPs compared to their Han and Tibetan control groups, respectively, indicating these nucleotide alterations have a physiological effect for the development of high altitude sickness.

Difference in rocuronium-induced muscle relaxation between patients of Buyi and Han nationality

Objective To determine whether there is any difference in rocuronium-induced muscle relaxation between patients of Buyi and Han nationality.Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes aged 20-55 yr,with body mass index of 20-25 kg/m2,undergoing laparoscopic or arthroscopic surgery under general anesthesia,were divided into 2 groups ( n =30 each):Han group (group H) and Buyi group (group B).Anesthesia was induced with midazolam,fentanyl and TCI of propofol (Cp=2-3 μg/ml).Tracheal intubation was facilitated with rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg.The patients were mechanically ventilated.PETCO2 was maintained at 30-35 mm Hg.Neuro-muscular (N-M) function was monitored by accelerography.N-M block was assessed by single stimulation of ulna nerve after loss of consciousness.The onset time,maximal N-M block time,clinical muscle relaxation time (from injection d rocuronium to 25％ recovery),75％ recovery time (from injection of rocuronium to 75％ recovery) and recovery index were recorded.The plasma concentration of albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein were measured by ELISA and biochemical analysis respectively.Results The onset time was significantly longer and plasma α1-acid glycoprotein concentration lower in group B than in group H.There was no significant difference in maximal N-M block time,clinical muscle relaxation time,75％ recovery time,recovery index and plasma albumin concentration between the 2 groups.Conclusion The onset time of rocuronium-induced N-M block is longer in patients of Buyi nationality as compared with patients of Han nationality.Lower plasma α1 -acid.glycoprotein concentration may be involved in the underlying mechanism. Key words: Androstanols; Ethnic groups; Han nationality; Neuromuscular blockade

Comparison of the pharmacokinetics of sulfamethoxazole in native Han and Tibetan male Chinese volunteers living at high altitude

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of sulfamethoxazole in native Han and Tibetan healthy Chinese subjects living chronically at high altitude. An open-labeled, controlled, prospective study was conducted in healthy Chinese male volunteers. Sulfamethoxazole 1,200 mg was administered orally to two groups: native Han and Tibetan volunteers living at high altitude (2,500-3,900 m [8,200-12,800 ft]). Blood samples were collected from an indwelling venous catheter into heparinized tubes before (baseline) study drug administration and at 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h after study drug administration. Sulfamethoxazole in whole blood, plasma, and plasma water, and metabolite N (4)-acetyl-sulfamethoxazole in plasma were determined by HPLC. Tolerability was determined using blood chemistry testing, continuous 12-lead electrocardiogram, and blood pressure monitoring. The protein binding was significantly higher in the native Tibetan group (70.5 %) compared to the native Han group (67.3 %) (p < 0.05). The binding of sulfamethoxazole to red blood cells was 7.4 and 8.3 % in the native Han and native Tibetan groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups. The AUC(0-∞) was significantly lower in the native Tibetan group compared to the native Han group (p < 0.05), and other pharmacokinetics parameters were found to have no significant difference between the two groups. This study found little changes in the disposition of sulfamethoxazole in these native healthy Tibetan Chinese subjects living at high altitude in comparison to native healthy Han Chinese subjects living at high altitude.

The genetic variation of CCR5, CXCR4 and SDF-1 in three Chinese ethnic populations

The chemokine receptors and ligand CCR5, CXCR4 and SDF-1 play important roles in the entry of HIV-1 into host cells. Genetic polymorphisms such as CCR5-Δ32 and SDF-1 3′A have been reported to be associated with HIV-1 susceptibility and the progression of AIDS. Considering the remarkable difference in CCR5-Δ32 allele frequency among worldwide populations, we aimed to survey the genetic variations in CCR5, CXCR4 and SDF-1 in different Chinese populations. The open reading frames and regulatory regions of CCR5, CXCR4 and SDF-1 were sequenced in 141 Chinese individuals from three ethnic groups: Han, Mongol and Uyghur. Ninety-six variants were identified, 41 of which were newly identified (NI) in Chinese populations. A novel non-synonymous variant c.459 C>T (Trp153Cys) within CCR5 was identified in one Han individual. Of NI variants, 11 were common polymorphisms with a minor allele frequency (MAF) >5%. The polymorphism CCR5-Δ32 was found in three Uyghur individuals but was absent in Han and Mongol groups. The linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis of CCR5 and SDF-1 and frequency of CCR5 haplotypes showed considerable divergence among three ethnic groups. Our results show the great genetic heterogeneity within CCR5, CXCR4 and SDF-1 in Chinese ethnic populations.

Genetic variation and significant association of polymorphism rs7700944 G&gt;A of TIM-4 gene with rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility in Chinese Han and Hui populations

The T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domains 1 (TIM-1) and 3 (TIM-3) have been shown to be associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in many ethnicities. In this study, we investigated the rs7700944 polymorphism of the intron region of TIM-4 gene in Chinese Han and Hui populations, with and without RA in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. Our results demonstrated genetic variations of the TIM-4 gene, along with significantly different distributions of genotypes and alleles at rs7700944 site in these two populations, with or without RA (P < 0.01). In addition, a strong association between the polymorphism with RA susceptibility was found in the studies of Chinese Han and Hui ethnic groups (P < 0.01), although the risk genotype contributed to RA susceptibility was different between the Han and Hui groups (P < 0.01). The AG was the risk genotype for RA in Han population, while GG was the risk genotype at rs7700944 site of TIM-4 gene in Hui ethnicity. In addition to the genotype, the risk alleles of this single nucleotide polymorphism for RA in these two populations were also different, individuals with A allele was more susceptible to RA in Chinese Han [odds ratio (OR) = 1.930; 95% CI 1.412, 2.636; P < 0.01], but the risk allele in Hui was G in this study (OR = 1.823; 95% CI 1.330, 2.498; P < 0.01). These findings strongly suggest that polymorphism of rs7700944 of TIM-4 may be a potential genetic variant among distinguished populations, as well as an important genetic factor associated with the RA susceptibility in many ethnicities.

Comparisons of Curative and Side Effects of Chemoradiotherapy among Xinjiang Han, Uigur and Kazakh Esophageal Carcinoma Patients

This study aimed to explore the differences in the curative and side effects of chemoradiotherapy on esophageal cancer (EC) among Xinjiang Han, Uigur and Kazakh patients. 170 patients with IIA stage-IV of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma were analyzed retrospectively. Based on different nationalities, they were divided into the Han, Uigur and Kazakh groups. The 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rates, incidence of the side effects (including hematological toxicities, radioactive esophagitis and percutaneous reactions) and application of antibiotics and harmonics were compared among the groups. There was no significant difference in the short-term curative effects among the Han, Uigur and Kazakh groups. The 1- 2- and 3-year survival rates of the three groups were 84%, 40%, 26%; 78%, 27%, 18%; and 60%, 21%, 12% (x2=14.497, P<0.05). The incidence rate of hamatological toxicity ≥ Grade 2 in the Kazakh group was significantly lower than that in the Han or Uigur group. The incidence rates of radioactive esophagitis and percutaneous reactions Grade 2 in the Han group were significantly higher than those in the Uigur or Kazakh group. There was no significant difference in the types of applied antibiotics among the groups, but there were significant differences in the days of antibiotic application and proportion of patients receiving harmonics between the Hans and either of other groups. Chemoradiotherapy shows a better effect in the long-term survival rate among Han EC patients compared with Uigur or Kazakh EC patients. Uigur and Kazakh patients show a better tolerance to the side effects of chemoradiotherapy compared with Hans.

Correlation of polymorphisms of the vascular endothelial growth factor gene and the risk of lung cancer in an ethnic Han group of North China

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic mediator. The present study investigated the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of VEGF and susceptibility to lung cancer in a Han ethnic group of North China. The genotypes in the -2578C and 936C loci of VEGF gene were determined using PCR-RFLP method in 150 patients with lung cancers and 150 healthy individuals. Software PHASE 1.0 was used to analyze the experimental data. The non-conditional logistic regression model was used to analyze the statistical association of genotypes and susceptibility in the two groups adjusted by multiple factors. VEGF polymorphisms were found to be a critical risk for the genetic susceptibility to lung cancers in the ethnic Han group of North China. SNP polymorphisms at the -2578C and 936C loci of the VEGF gene were detected by the RFLP-PCR method. High rates of a single-base C-to-A alteration at the -2578 locus and high rates of a single-base C-to-T alteration at the 936 locus of both alleles were correlated with the occurrence of lung cancer. The SNP markers at the -2578C and 936C loci of the VEGF gene may serve as biological markers of lung cancer.

Relationship betweenHLA-DRgene polymorphisms and outcomes of hepatitis B viral infections: A meta-analysis

To assess the rigorous relationship between human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-DR alleles and outcomes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections by means of meta-analysis. Medline/PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI and VIP were searched to identify relevant studies. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were pooled using Stata 11.0. Subgroup analyses were performed by ethnicity. Heterogeneity and publication bias analyses were performed to validate the credibility. A total of 2609 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 2606 controls spontaneously recovering from prior HBV infection were included. Meta-analysis showed that HLA-DR*04 (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.60-0.85) and DR*13 (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.19-0.37) alleles were significantly associated with HBV clearance while patients carrying HLA-DR*03 (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.16-1.87) or DR*07 (OR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.24-2.03) alleles had a significantly increased risk of chronic HBV persistence. For the HLA-DR*01 polymorphism, a significantly association with HBV clearance was found in Chinese Han group (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.26-0.86), but not found in other ethnic groups (P = 0.191). For other polymorphisms, no association with the HBV infection outcome was found. HLA-DR*04 and DR*13 alleles may be the protective factors for HBV clearance and HLA-DR*03, and DR*07 alleles may be the risk factors for HBV persistence.

The −1541 C&gt;T and +4259 G&gt;T of TIM‐3 polymorphisms are associated with rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility in a Chinese Hui population

The T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) has been shown to be associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we investigated the association of four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TIM-3 gene with RA susceptibility in Chinese Hui and Han groups. Using restriction fragment length or sequence-specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), patients with RA and nonarthritis control individuals from these two ethnicities were analysed for SNPs of -1541 C>T, -882 T>C, -574 T>G and +4259 G>T, in the TIM-3 gene. Our results demonstrated that the polymorphisms of +4259 G>T SNP of TIM-3 gene was associated with the RA susceptibility in both the Hui (P < 0.01) and Han populations (P < 0.05). However, the -1541 C>T and -574 T>G SNPs were distinctly associated with RA for the Hui and Han populations, respectively. In addition, haplotype analysis found no statistically differences in the distribution of nine detected haplotype frequency between patients with RA and controls in this study (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that polymorphism of +4259 G>T in TIM-3 gene may be one of the most important genetic factors associated with the RA susceptibility among different populations, and genetic variations of TIM-3 gene contribute to RA susceptibility among different populations.

Relationship between a novel polymorphism of the C5L2 gene and coronary artery disease

BackgroundC5L2 has been demonstrated to be a functional receptor of acylation-stimulating protein (ASP), which is a stimulator of triglyceride synthesis or glucose transport. However, little is known about the variations...

Relationship between a Novel Polymorphism of the C5L2 Gene and Coronary Artery Disease

BackgroundC5L2 has been demonstrated to be a functional receptor of acylation-stimulating protein (ASP), which is a stimulator of triglyceride synthesis or glucose transport. However, little is known about the variations in the coding region of the C5L2 gene and their association with coronary artery disease (CAD).Methodology/Principal FindingsWe identified a novel single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 698C>T (P233L), in exon 2 using a polymerase chain reaction direct-sequencing method. This nucleotide change causes the amino-acid order from proline to leucine at codon 233. We examined the role of this SNP for CAD using two independent case–control studies: one was in the Han population (492 CAD patients and 577 control subjects) and the other was in the Uygur population (319 CAD patients and 554 control subjects). Heterozygote carriers of the 698CT genotype were more frequent among CAD patients than among controls not only in the Han population (7.3% versus 1.7%) but also in the Uygur population (4.7% versus 1.6%). The odds ratio (OR) for carriers of the 698CT genotype for CAD was 4.484 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.197–9.174) in the Han group and 2.989 (95% CI: 1.292–6.909) in the Uygur population. After adjustment of confounding factors such as sex, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, as well as serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, the difference remained significant in the Han group (P<0.001, OR = 6.604, 95% CI: 2.776–15.711) and in the Uygur group (P = 0.047, OR = 2.602, 95% CI: 1.015–6.671).Conclusion/SignificanceThe 698CT genotype of C5L2 may be a genetic maker of CAD in the Han and Uygur population in western China.

The short-and log-term effects and side effect comparisons of concurrent chemoradiotherapy in the treatment for kazak and han nationality patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma in Xinjiang provenience

Objective To study the short-term curative effects and side effects of the three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy in advanced esophageal cancer in Xinjiang provenience.Methods One hundred and twelve cases were divided into Kazak and Han nationality group according to the different nations.Chemotherapy was DF regime:5-Fu 1000 ms/m2+DDP 20 mg/m2,d1-4,21 days as a cycle,total 4-6 cycles.For both groups,3DCRT was carried out by conventional fractionation with total dose of 60-66 Gy/30-33frin 6-7w.Results The following-up rate was 100%.The number of pailents followed up at two years wero 23 and 27 in Kazak and Han nationality group,respectively.The immediate effective rates(CR(complete remission)+PR(partial remission))were 77%(34/44)and 85%(58/68)in ban and kazak group,respectively(X2=4.89,P=0.180).The 1-and 2-year survival rate were 75%,59%and 52%,40%(X2=1.71,P=0.191)in Kazak and Han group,respectively.The 3-4grade radioesophagitis were 5%(2/44)and 7%(5/68)in kazak group and han group,respectively(X2=1.66,P=0.435).The 3-4 grade radiopneumonia were 2%(1/44)and 1%(1/68)in kazak group and ban group,respectively(X2=0.99,P=0.608).The 3-4 grade haematolosical toxicity were9%(4/44) and 29%(20/68 in kazak and in han group,respectively(X2=6.57,P=0.037).Conclusions There was no significant difference in short-term curative effects between patients from han and kazak nationality with advanced carcinoma of esophagus who received the three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy.but Kazak people showed better tolerance. Key words: Esophageal neoplasms/chemoradiotherapy; Chemoradiotherapy,concurrent; Radiotherapy,three-dimensional conformal; Kazak nationality; Prognosis

Distribution of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes and combinations with HLA-C ligands in an isolated Han population in southwest China

Human natural killer cells express killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), which interact with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules. KIR/HLA combinations play an important role in innate and adaptive immunity. In the current study, 16 KIR genes were analyzed in an isolated Han group living in the Fengyandong (FYDH) region in the Yunnan province of southwest China. The framework KIR genes 3DL2, 3DL3, 3DP1, and 2DL4 were found in all individuals. A total of 22 distinct KIR genotypes were observed, four of which were unknown previously. Genotype 1 (N = 52, 55.9%) was the predominant genotype. Analysis of inhibitory and activating KIR and HLA-C ligands showed that all individuals displayed at least one inhibitory or activating KIR/HLA-C pair. One KIR/HLA-C pair was the most frequent (67/93), followed by two pairs (21/93), and three pairs (6/93). The comparison of KIR and HLA frequencies between FYDH and a local Han population showed that the two populations showed similar frequencies for the KIR genes. In contrast, the distribution of HLA alleles and haplotypes showed significant differences between them.

Genetic study of two single nucleotide polymorphisms within corresponding microRNAs and susceptibility to tuberculosis in a Chinese Tibetan and Han population

MicroRNAs (miRNA) are thought to play important roles in the pathogenesis of diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within miRNAs can change their characteristics via altering their target selection and/or expression, resulting in functional and/or phenotypic changes. We decided to investigate the genetic association with pulmonary tuberculosis with 2 nucleotide variations within corresponding microRNAs regulating the Toll-like receptor (TLR)–mediating signal pathway. MiRNAs potentially regulating the TLR-mediating signal pathway were predicted via bioinformatics. Finally, 2 SNPs, rs2910164 G>C and rs3746444 T>C within miR-146a and miR-499, were selected as candidates in accordance with some criteria. SNPs were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and validated by sequencing to demonstrate their association with susceptibility to pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in 337 PTB cases and 738 healthy controls, including 318 Tibetan and 757 Han individuals. Bioinformatics databases were searched to support the association between miRNAs and PTB. There was no association between rs3746444 and PTB risk ( p = 0.118) in the Han population, but subjects carrying the C allele exhibited decreased PTB risk (odds ratio [OR] = 0.403 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.278–0.583]). However, there was an association between rs3746444 and PTB in the Tibetan population, and individuals carrying the C allele exhibited increased PTB risk (OR = 1.870 [95% CI 1.218–2.871]). A polymorphism (rs2910164 G>C) indicated an association with PTB risk in both Tibetan ( p = 0.031) and Han ( p = 0.000) populations. However, the role of the G allele of rs2910164, like the C allele in rs3746444, differed in the Tibetan (OR = 1.509, p < 0.05) and Han (OR = 0.575, p < 0.05) groups. This is the first report to suggest that a genetic association with pulmonary tuberculosis with SNPs within the corresponding miRNAs potentially regulates the TLR signal pathway. It is interesting that both the G allele (rs2910164) and the C allele (rs3746444) play different roles in 2 populations. Further functional analysis of the SNP and its impact on mRNA targets is required to confirm the relationship between genotype and phenotype.

Association Analysis of TPH2, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT6 With Executive Function in a Young Chinese Han Population

: The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) system is widely distributed in the central nervous system. A growing body of evidence has suggested that the neurotransmitter system is implicated in the functions of the prefrontal cortex. So far, several studies have revealed that some functional genetic variants in TPH2, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT6 genes are possibly related to executive function. To investigate the potential influences of TPH2, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT6 on the components of executive function, the authors performed a population-based study with standard cognitive paradigms in a young Chinese Han group. The results indicated that −703 G/T polymorphism of TPH2 was associated with the performance of response inhibition (p = .002) and the T allele carriers (TT and GT) had fewer errors than the noncarriers (GG) did in the response inhibition test. Furthermore, there were no significant associations of the T102C in 5-HT2A and T267C in 5-HT6 with the components of executive function after correcting for multiple tests (p > .05). The present study suggests that TPH2 contributes distinctively to the inhibition domain of executive function, whereas 5-HT2A and 5-HT6 show no striking effects on executive function in the Chinese Han population.

Relationship between genetic polymorphisms of β2-adrenergic receptor gene and essential hypertension risk among the Han Chinese population: a Meta analysis

To evaluate the relationship between A46G and C79G polymorphisms in the β2-adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene and the incidence of essential hypertension (EH) among the Han Chinese population. We conducted a computer retrieval of PUBMED, EMBASE, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases prior to May 2010. Articles investigating the relationship of EH and ADRB2 gene polymorphism of Han group were found through literature search, including 15 articles on A46G and 10 articles on C79G. According to the including and excluding criteria, a Meta-analysis was conducted in EH and ADRB2 gene polymorphism of A46G and C79G. The association was examined by RevMan4.2 software through quantitative analysis. Eight articles on A46G polymorphism (including 1078 EH cases and 788 control subjects) and six articles on C79G polymorphism (including 1367 EH cases and 1006 control subjects) were included in the current study. Meta-analysis showed that there was a significant association between A46G polymorphism and EH: genotype GG/(AA + AG) (fixed-effected model, OR = 1.35, 95%CI = 1.04 - 1.74, P = 0.02), genotype GG/AA (fixed-effected model, OR = 1.41, 95%CI = 1.06 - 1.89, P = 0.02). No significant association was found between C79G polymorphism and EH of Han group in China: G/C allele comparison (random-effected model, OR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.55 - 1.39, P = 0.57). Significant association was found between A46G polymorphism of ADRB2 gene and EH, whereas no association could be found between C79G polymorphism and EH among Han Chinese population.

Whose knowledge is valued: a critical study of knowledge in elementary school textbooks in China

This study critically examines knowledge in elementary school textbooks in China. Language analysis and story‐line analysis are used to examine how the knowledge related to minority groups and how the knowledge related to the Han group are introduced and interpreted. This study finds that the Han knowledge dominates elementary school textbooks in China and that minority knowledge and culture are under‐represented, which demonstrates that the dominant Han group’s knowledge is seen as the ‘truth’ while minority knowledge is seen as backward. Moreover, through the dominant Han group’s selection and construction of school knowledge, the Han group reproduces its ideology and legitimates its hegemonic control over minority groups. Minority knowledge and culture are, therefore, subjugated.