Epidemiology of birth defects based on a birth defects surveillance system in southwestern China and the associated risk factors.

Background: Birth defects (BDs) are associated with many potential risk factors, and its causes are complex. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the epidemiological characteristics of BDs in Guangxi of China and the associated risk factors of BDs. Methods: BDs data of perinatal infants (PIs) were obtained from the Guangxi birth defects monitoring network between 2016 and 2020. Univariate Poisson regression was used to calculate the prevalence-rate ratios (PRR) to explore the changing trends of BDs prevalence by year and the correlation between the regarding of characteristics of BDs (including infant gender, maternal age, and quarter) and BDs. Clinical characteristics of PIs with BDs and general characteristics of their mothers were documented, and Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the potential associated risk factors of BDs. Results: Between 2016 and 2020, 44,146 PIs with BDs were monitored, with an overall BDs prevalence of 121.71 (95% CI: 120.58-122.84) per 10,000 PIs, showing a significant increase trend (PRR = 1.116, 95% CI: 1.108-1.123), especially the prevalence of congenital heart defects (CHDs) that most significantly increased (PRR = 1.300, 95% CI: 1.283-1.318). The 10 most common BDs were CHDs, polydactyly, congenital talipes equinovarus, other malformation of external ear, syndactyly, hypospadias, cleft lip with cleft palate, cleft lip, hemoglobin Bart's hydrops fetalis syndrome (BHFS), and congenital atresia of the rectum and anus. BDs were positively correlated with pregnant women's age (R = 0.732, P < 0.01) and education level (R = 0.586, P < 0.05) and having pre-gestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM)/gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (R = 0.711, P < 0.01), while when the pregnant women had a family history of a dead fetus (R = -0.536, P < 0.05) and a birth of a fetus with BDs (R = -0.528, P < 0.05) were negatively correlated with BDs. Conclusion: A significant increase in the prevalence of BDs was detected between 2016 and 2020 in Guangxi, especially the prevalence of CHDs that most significantly increased. Older maternal age, higher maternal education level, and having PGDM before pregnancy or GDM in early pregnancy were the risk factors for BDs.

Factors Influencing Public Participation in Community Disaster Mitigation Activities: A Comparison of Model and Nonmodel Disaster Mitigation Communities.

Public participation in community-organized disaster mitigation activities is important for improving disaster mitigation capacity. With data from 260 questionnaires, this study compared the current status of public participation in model disaster mitigation communities and nonmodel communities in a geological-disaster-prone area. Three community-organized disaster mitigation education activities were compared cross-sectionally. A binary logistic regression was used to analyze the effects of attitude, perceived behavioral control, disaster experience, and other key factors on the public's choice to participate in community disaster mitigation activities. The analysis results indicated that model communities had higher public participation in two efforts, evacuation drills and self-help skills training, and lower participation in activities that invited them to express their feedback than nonmodel communities. The influence of attitudinal factors on the decision to participate in disaster mitigation activities had a high similarity across community types. The public participation in model disaster mitigation communities is influenced by factors such as subjective norms and participation cognition; the behavior of people in nonmodel communities is influenced by factors such as previous experience with disasters, perceived behavioral control, risk perception, and participation cognition and has a greater potential for disaster mitigation community construction. This study provides practical evidence and theoretical support for strengthening the sustainable development of disaster mitigation community building.

Epstein-Barr Virus Promotes Tumor Angiogenesis by Activating STIM1-Dependent Ca2+ Signaling in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) promotes tumor angiogenesis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by activating store-operated Ca2+ entry. Since such entry has been linked to stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), we examined whether the virus acts via STIM1-dependent Ca2+ signaling to promote tumor angiogenesis in NPC. STIM1 expression was detected in NPC cell lines HK1 and CNE2 that were negative or positive for EBV. STIM1 was knocked down in EBV-positive cells using recombinant lentivirus, then cytosolic Ca2+ levels were measured based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Cells were also exposed to epidermal growth factor (EGF), and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Endothelial tube formation was quantified in an in vitro angiogenesis assay. Growth of CNE2-EBV xenografts was measured in mice, and angiogenesis was assessed based on immunohistochemical staining against CD31. Paraffin-embedded NPC tissues from patients were assayed for CD31 and STIM1. EGFR and ERK signaling pathways were assessed in NPC cell lines. STIM1 expression was higher in EBV-positive than in EBV-negative NPC cell lines. STIM1 knockdown in EBV-positive NPC cells significantly reduced Ca2+ influx and VEGF production after EGF treatment. STIM1 knockdown also inhibited xenograft growth and angiogenesis. Moreover, CD31 expression level was higher in EBV-positive than EBV-negative NPC tissues, and high expression of CD31 co-localized with high expression of STIM1 in EBV-positive tissues from NPC patients. Viral infection of NPC cells led to higher levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 after EGF treatment, which STIM1 knockdown partially reversed. Our results suggest that EBV promotes EGF-induced ERK1/2 signaling by activating STIM1-dependent Ca2+ signaling, and that blocking such signaling may inhibit EBV-promoted angiogenesis in NPC.

Aggravation of hepatic ischemia­reperfusion injury with increased inflammatory cell infiltration is associated with the TGF­ß/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Ischemia­reperfusion (IR) injury is a major challenge influencing the outcomes of hepatic transplantation. Transforming growth factor­ß (TGF­ß) and its downstream gene, SMAD family member 3 (Smad3), have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatic injuries, such as hepatic fibrosis. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the role of the TGF­ß/Smad3 signaling pathway on hepatic injury induced by IR in vivo. In total, 20 129S2/SvPasCrl wild­type (WT) mice were randomized into two groups; 10 mice underwent IR injury surgery and 10 mice were sham­operated. Histopathological changes in liver tissues and serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were examined to confirm hepatic injury caused by IR surgery. The expression levels of TGF­ß1, Smad3 and phosphorylated­Smad3 (p­Smad3) were detected via western blotting. Furthermore, a total of five Smad3­/­ 129S2/SvPasCrl mice (Smad3­/­ mice) and 10 Smad3+/+ littermates received IR surgery, while another five Smad3­/­ mice and 10 Smad3+/+ littermates received the sham operation. Histopathological changes in liver tissues and serum levels of ALT were then compared between the groups. Furthermore, hepatic apoptosis and inflammatory cell infiltration after IR were evaluated in the liver tissues of Smad3­/­ mice and Smad3+/+ mice. The results demonstrated that the expression levels of TGF­ß1, Smad3 and p­Smad3 were elevated in hepatic tissue from WT mice after IR injury. Aggravated hepatic injury, increased apoptosis and enhanced inflammatory cell infiltration induced by hepatic IR injury were observed in the Smad3­/­ mice compared with in Smad3+/+ mice. Collectively, the current findings suggested that activation of the TGF­ß/Smad3 signaling pathway was present alongside the hepatic injury induced by IR. However, the TGF­ß/Smad3 signaling pathway may have an effect on protecting against liver tissue damage caused by IR injury in vivo.

Construction and Comparison of ceRNA Regulatory Network for Different Age Female Breast Cancer.

Studies have shown the difference appearing among the prognosis of patients in different age groups. However, the molecular mechanism implicated in this disparity have not been elaborated. In this study, expression profiles of female breast cancer (BRCA) associated mRNAs, lncRNAs and miRNAs were downloaded from the TCGA database. The sample were manually classified into three groups according to their age at initial pathological diagnosis: young (age ≤ 39 years), elderly (age ≥ 65 years), and intermediate (age 40-64 years). lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was respectively constructed for different age BRCA. Then, the biological functions of differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) in ceRNA network were further investigated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Finally, survival analysis was used to identify prognostic biomarkers for different age BRCA patients. We identified 13 RNAs, 38 RNAs and 40 RNAs specific to patients aged ≤ 39 years, aged 40-64 years, and aged ≥ 65 years, respectively. Furthermore, the unique pathways were mainly enriched in cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction in patients aged 40-64 years, and were mainly enriched in TGF-beta signaling pathway in patients aged ≥ 65 years. According to the survival analysis, AGAP11, has-mir-301b, and OSR1 were respectively functioned as prognostic biomarkers in young, intermediate, and elderly group. In summary, our study identified the differences in the ceRNA regulatory networks and provides an effective bioinformatics basis for further understanding of the pathogenesis and predicting outcomes for different age BRCA.

Effect of metformin on global gene expression in liver of KKAy mice.

BACKGROUND: Metformin is a first-line drug for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, yet its mechanism remains only partially understood and controversial. In this study we assessed a global gene expression profiling in liver of KKAy mice affected by metformin. This study aimed to identify the novel anti-diabetic mechanisms of metformin. METHODS: After KKAy mice were administered metformin for 5 weeks, the gene changes profile in the livers of KKAy mice were assessed by using the Agilent whole mice genome oligo microarray. RESULTS: Metformin altered the gene expression profiles in liver of KKAy mice. To our best knowledge, some genes have not been reported until now, such as Anxa2, Atf6, and so on. These genes were involved in many pathways, such as peroxisome proliferator activated receptor signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Gene expression changes induced by metformin were in support of the improvement of glucolipid metabolism and insulin resistance in KKAy mice. These findings expanded our knowledge of pharmacological action of metformin, and provided the potential novel insights and interesting information about the molecules involved in the antidiabetic effects of metformin.

[Forensic Investigation of Goldeneye™ DNA ID 22NC Kit].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the genetic data of 21 autosomal STR included in Goldeneye™ DNA ID 22NC Kit in Chinese Han nationality and to evaluate the forensic application. METHODS: By detected 500 unrelated healthy individuals in Chinese Han nationality of East China with Goldeneye™ DNA ID 22NC Kit, allele frequencies, population genetics parameters and linkage disequilibrium information of the 21 autosomal STR were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: In the 21 autosomal STR, no deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were detected and all loci were independent form each other. DP values of 21 autosomal STR were all above 0.85, and the combined discrimination power was 1-3.616 5 x 10(-26). Combined mean exclusion chance of this system in duo cases was 1-2.786 81 x10(-6), in trio cases was 1-8.545 82 x 10(-1). CONCLUSION: Twenty-one autosomal STR included in Goldeneye™ DNA ID 22NC Kit are highly polymorphic in the Han nationality. Combined with Goldeneye™ DNA ID 20A Kit, the kit can satisfy the needs for full-sibling testing and facilitate the solution of this kind of case tools.

Prenatal diagnosis of ß-thalassemia in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish a comprehensive prenatal diagnosis service and to control the birth of thalassemia children in Guangxi Zhuang Automonous Region, China. METHODS: Prenatal diagnosis was performed in 1,058 couples with 'at risk' ß-thalassemia from Guangxi Zhuang Automonous Region. Fetal samplings were collected by chorionic villus sampling in the first trimester, by amniocentesis in the second trimester and by cordocentesis in the third trimester. DNA analysis was carried out using polymerase chain reaction, reverse dot blot assay, multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification method and DNA sequencing. Automated high-performance liquid chromatography system was used to analyze the fetal hemoglobin in pregnancies in case mutations were unidentified. RESULTS: A total of 12 different ß-thalassemia mutations were characterized from 2,116 parents. The most common mutation for ß-thalassemia was CD41-42 (-CTTT) followed by CD17 (A→T). Prenatal testing revealed 315 normal fetuses, 500 carriers and 253 ß-thalassemia major fetuses. The couples having fetuses with ß-thalassemia major were counselled to terminate the pregnancies. Postnatal follow-up confirmed all pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Our prenatal diagnosis strategy proved to be highly effective in reducing severe thalassemia in pregnant populations.

[Forensic validation of goldeneye? DNA ID 26Y system].

OBJECTIVE: To perform the validation and analysis of forensic parameters of Goldeneye DNA ID 26Y system. METHODS: Based on the validation rules of Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM), the kit was assessed from several parts, as test of PCR system, reproducibility, accuracy, and sensitivity, etc. And Y-STR loci of 517 unrelated healthy individuals from Eastern China were genotypes by this kit. The distribution and frequency of haplotype were calculated and forensic parameters of the kit were assessed. RESULTS: The complete profiles can be obtained even when the PCR reaction volume with 6.25 microL. And correct profile was obtained with DNA down to 125 pg. No reproducible peaks were detected with the DNA of common animals and microorganism with the kit. For the male-male mixture testing, average 70% of the minor alleles were obtained when the ratios of 1:19 and 19:1. For the male-female mixture testing, results showed that the sensitivity of the kit was no compromised with the addition of female samples. CONCLUSION: The validation studies demonstrated that Goldeneye DNA ID 26Y system has good sensitivity and specificity, and suitable for mixture testing. The polymorphism of 26 Y-STR loci included in this kit are good for forensic application.

[Universal algoritihms for paternity index in trios and its extended application].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce an universal algorithm for kinship index between a baby and a random person with biologic mother reference. METHODS: Based on the formulas of paternity index in trios (PIT), common factors shared in these formulas were deduced following reconstructions of these formulas with the common factors. Universal algorithms for other common kinship indices, such as grandparental index (GI), half sibling index (HSI), avuncular index (AI) and first cousin index (CI1st), were investigated according to avuncular index rule and the coefficient of relationship (r). RESULTS: The common factor shared in the formulas for PI(T) calculation was 1 plus reciprocal of the frequency of the allele with identity by state between the alleged father and the detected baby. Two general formulas for PI(T), GI, AI, HSI and CI1st with biologic mother reference were successfully established with the common factor and r value. CONCLUSION: The calculation was simplified with the universal algorithms for common kinship indices between random person and the baby with biologic mother reference and the batch arithmetic operation with the universal algorithms can be easily realized with programming.

[Establishment of universal algorithms for commonly used kinship indices between two individuals].

OBJECTIVE: To establish universal algorithms for commonly used kinship indices between two individuals. METHODS: Based on the formulas of paternity index in duos(PID), full sibling index(FSI), half sibling index (HSI), avuncular index (AI), grandparental index (GI) and first cousin index (CI1st) deduced from ITO method, the common factors, 1 plus reciprocal of the frequency of the allele with identity by state between the two individuals, shared in these formulas were abstracted with induction method, following with reconstruction of these formulas with the common factor and the coefficient of relationship (r). RESULTS: A universal algorithm for PI(D), HSI, AI, GI and CI1st, was developed with the common factor and r value according to the heterozygosity of the two individuals. Meanwhile, a group of two formulas for FSI calculation was also established according to the individuals' heterozygosity. CONCLUSION: The universal algorithms for the 6 types of kinship indices are practical in corresponding kinship determination and the batch arithmetic operation with the universal algorithms can be easily programmed.

[Application of multiple polymorphism genetic markers in determination of half sibling sharing a same mother].

OBJECTIVE: Determination strategies for half sibling sharing a same mother were investigated through the detection of autosomal and X-chromosomal STR (X-STR) loci and polymorphisms on hypervariable (HV) region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). METHODS: Genomic DNA were extracted from blood stain samples of the 3 full siblings and one dubious half sibling sharing the same mother with them. Fifteen autosomal STR loci were genotyped by Sinofiler kit, and 19 X-STR loci were genotyped by Mentype Argus X-8 kit and 16 plex in-house system. Polymorphisms of mtDNA HV-I and HV-II were also detected with sequencing technology. RESULTS: Full sibling relationship between the dubious half sibling and each of the 3 full siblings were excluded based on the results of autosomal STR genotyping and calculation of full sibling index (FSI) and half sibling index (HIS). Results of sequencing for mtDNA HV-I and HV-II showed that all of the 4 samples came from a same maternal line. X-STR genotyping results determined that the dubious half sibling shared a same mother with the 3 full siblings. CONCLUSION: It is reliable to combine three different genotyping technologies including autosomal STR, X-STR and sequencing of mtDNA HV-I and HV-II for determination of half sibling sharing a same mother.

[Piezoelectric property of novel biological piezoelectric ceramic HALNK and its effect on the functional expression of rat osteoblast cells].

OBJECTIVE: To test the Piezoelectric property of novel biological piezoelectric ceramic HALNK and its effect on the proliferation and differentiation of rat osteoblast cells. METHODS: The biological piezoelectric ceramic HALNK1/9 and HALNK5/5 were prepared by mixing Hydroxyapatite (HA) with lithium sodium potassium niobate (LNK) piezoelectric ceramic at a ratio of 1/9 and 5/5 (wt/wt), respectively. After poling treatment, the piezoelectric constants were measured. The osteoblast cells were then seeded on the surfaces of HALNK. The proliferation and differentiation activities of the osteoblast cells were evaluated by MTT assays, ALP activities and scanning electron microscopy examinations. RESULTS: Cells grown on the surfaces of HALNK showed normal morphology, and had better proliferation and differentiation activities than the control. The growth of osteoblastic cells on the surface of HALNK1/9 was significantly better than others. CONCLUSION: The surface of HALNK 1/9 possesses better piezoelectric property and osteogenesis potential than HALNK5/5.

[Application of the number of allele shared among autosomal STR loci in full sibling identification].

OBJECTIVE: To establish and evaluate the method of full sibling identification based on the number of allele shared among autosomal STR Loci. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty full sibling pairs and 2,003 unrelated individual pairs were genotyped in 15 STR loci with Identifiler Kit, and the number of allele shared among the 15 STR loci (S15) and full sibling index (FSI) were calculated. Fisher discriminant functions were established with SAS 8.2 software based on S15, the power of which were compared with ITO method. RESULTS: The distribution of S15, in full sibling pair group and unrelated individual pair group were in accord with normal distribution. The established Fisher discriminant functions for each group were Z(FS)= 3.26970S15-31.51174 and Z(UI)=1.70058S15-8.524 11, respectively. The average error of probability in sibling and unrelated pair group was 0.0298. There was no statistically significant difference on the power of full sibling discriminant between the method based on the number of allele shared among the 15 STR loci or the CODIS 13 STR loci and the ITO method. CONCLUSION: The method based on the number of allele shared among the 15 STR loci in full sibling identification is convenient, credible, easy to handling and unaffected by the allele frequency of STR loci.

[The evaluation of Identifiler system in paternity testing].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the power of Identifiler System for paternity testing. METHODS: A total of 3 277 paternity testing cases were studied using Identifiler System. The exclusion power and mutation rates of the Identifiler System were analysed in the paternity testing. RESULTS: The cumulated power of exclusion was 0.999 998 827, and the cumulated discriminating power was 0.999 999 999 999 999 98, respectively. Of the 3 277 cases, paternity was confirmed in 2 863, but excluded in 347. Among this paternity testing, mutations involving a single STR locus were observed in 65 cases, while mutations involving 2 STR loci were observed in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: The Identifiler System is powerful and reliable for paternity testing.

[Analysis of appropriate amount of template DNA for sinofiler kit by real time quantitative PCR technique].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the appropriate amount of template DNA for Sinofiler Kit. METHODS: The DNA samples with ideally genotyped results by Sinofiler Kit were detected by real-time quantitative PCR assay. RESULTS: It was shown that 1.29-1.51 ng of template DNA in 12.5 microL reaction volume was optimal for STR genotyping with Sinofiler Kit. CONCLUSION: Real time quantitative PCR is an accurate and necessary technique for detection of appropriate amount of template DNA for different kits.

[Application of D6S1043 and D12S391 loci in forensic paternity testing].

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the polymorphisms of D6S1043 and D12S391 loci among Han population and evaluate their values in paternity testing. MERTHODS: By using fluorescence dye-labeled primers and capillary electrophoresis, the allele frequencies of the two STR loci among 192 unrelated individuals were investigated. RESULTS: Twelve alleles were observed in both D6S1043 and D12S391 loci. The ranges of allele frequencies were from 0.0026 to 0.1719 and from 0.0026 to 0.2292, respectively. The discrimination power of D6S1043 and D12S391 were 0.9656 and 0.9510. The Average exclusion probability in paternity testing for duos were 0.573 and 0.510. The Average exclusion probability in paternity testing for trios were 0.731 and 0.679, respectively. The genotypes frequencies met Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium expectation. CONCLUSION: The results show that D6S1043 and D12S391 have high values in forensic paternity testing.

SNP genotyping by multiplex amplification and microarrays assay for forensic application.

OBJECTIVE: Research on the application feasibility of SNP genotyping for forensic identification by microarrays. METHODS: Oligonucleotide microarrays which could detect 34 different SNPs were used. After hybridization and washing, the arrays were scanned and fluorescence intensities analyzed using Microarray software. Population studies on 34 SNP loci were carried out in a sample of 109 unrelated Chinese Han individuals using oligonucleotide microarrays for genotype detection. The method was also applied to cases. RESULTS: According to the results of population studies, no deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium could be found. Among the 34 loci, 3 SNPs were low informative, 4 were medium informative and 27 were high informative. The combination discrimination power (CDP) of the 31 optimal polymorphic SNPs was 0.9999999999979. The matching probability was 2.13 x 10(-12). The average exclusion probability in paternity testing for duos was 0.9609. The average exclusion probability in paternity testing for trios was 0.9970. CONCLUSION: The data and case application demonstrated that SNP typing by oligonucleotide probe microarrays was a useful technique for paternity testing and individual identification. Combined with the 28 SNPs loci distributed on HLA-DRB1 and ABO genes, the combination discrimination power (CDP) was 0.9999999999999910. The matching probability was 9.02 x 10(-15). The average exclusion probabilities in duos and in trios were 0.9894 and 0.9992, respectively. It may be concluded that the 59 SNPs loci yield the same power in forensic identification as CODIS STRs currently used.

[Developing of a new multicolor-fluorescent labeled STR amplification kit].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a PCR-based STR system for genotyping of 18 loci (Amelogenin, D3S1358, vWA, FGA, D8S1179, D21S11, D18S51, D5S818, D13S317, D16S539, TH01, TPOX, CSF1PO, D7S820, D2S1338, D19S433, D12S391 and D19S253). METHODS: By using primers labeled with four color fluorescent (FAM, HEX, TAMRA and ROX), two multiplex amplification reaction systems were developed to genotype Amelogenin and 17 STR loci. RESULTS: Amelogenin and these 17 STR loci were genotyped successfully in different kinds of biological samples by the kit. CONCLUSION: The STR amplification kit developed in our study gives a new approach to genotype these 18 loci in a efficient, steady and reliable way.