Geny: A Genotyping Tool for Allelic Decomposition of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Genes.

Accurate genotyping of Killer cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor (KIR) genes plays a pivotal role in enhancing our understanding of innate immune responses, disease correlations, and the advancement of personalized medicine. However, due to the high variability of the KIR region and high level of sequence similarity among different KIR genes, the currently available genotyping methods are unable to accurately infer copy numbers, genotypes and haplotypes of individual KIR genes from next-generation sequencing data. Here we introduce Geny, a new computational tool for precise genotyping of KIR genes. Geny utilizes available KIR haplotype databases and proposes a novel combination of expectation-maximization filtering schemes and integer linear programming-based combinatorial optimization models to resolve ambiguous reads, provide accurate copy number estimation and estimate the haplotype of each copy for the genes within the KIR region. We evaluated Geny on a large set of simulated short-read datasets covering the known validated KIR region assemblies and a set of Illumina short-read samples sequenced from 25 validated samples from the Human Pangenome Reference Consortium collection and showed that it outperforms the existing genotyping tools in terms of accuracy, precision and recall. We envision Geny becoming a valuable resource for understanding immune system response and consequently advancing the field of patient-centric medicine.

An Intelligent Channel Estimation Algorithm Based on Extended Model for 5G-V2X.

Car networking systems based on 5G-V2X (vehicle-to-everything) have high requirements for reliability and low-latency communication to further improve communication performance. In the V2X scenario, this article establishes an extended model (basic expansion model) suitable for high-speed mobile scenarios based on the sparsity of the channel impulse response. And propose a channel estimation algorithm based on deep learning, the method designed a multilayer convolutional neural network to complete frequency domain interpolation. A two-way control cycle gating unit (bidirectional gated recurrent unit) is designed to predict the state in the time domain. And introduce speed parameters and multipath parameters to accurately train channel data under different moving speed environments. System simulation shows that the proposed algorithm can accurately train the number of channels. Compared with the traditional car networking channel estimation algorithm, the proposed algorithm improves the accuracy of channel estimation and effectively reduces the bit error rate.

Deep asymmetric extraction and aggregation for infrared small target detection.

Infrared small target detection is widely applied in military and civilian fields. Due to the small size of infrared targets, textural detail is missing. Common target detection methods extract semantic feature by narrowing down the feature map several times, which may lead to the small targets lost in deep layers and are not effective for infrared small target detection. To solve this problem, we propose a novel network called deep asymmetric extraction and aggregation. The network mainly consists of two processes - the vertical feature extraction and the horizontal feature aggregation, both of which are enhanced by an asymmetric attention mechanism. In the vertical process, the use of asymmetric attention mechanism combined with the reduction of down-sampling makes the small target better retained in the deep layers. Then through the horizontal process, shallow spatial feature and deep semantic feature are aggregated to further highlight the small targets while suppressing background noise. Experiments on the public datasets NUAA-SISRT, NUDT-SISRT and MDvsFA-cGan show that our proposed network outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in terms of detection accuracy and parameter efficiency.

Intelligent Device for Harvesting the Vibration Energy of the Automobile Exhaust with a Piezoelectric Generator.

With increasing consumption of energy and increasing environmental pollution, research on capturing the vibration energy lost during transportation and vehicle driving is growing rapidly. There is a large amount of vibration energy in the automobile exhaust system that can be recycled. This paper proposes a self-powered intelligent device (SPID) using a piezoelectric energy generator. The SPID includes a piezoelectric generator and sensor unit, and the generator is installed at the end of the automobile exhaust system. The generator adopts a parallel structure of four piezoelectric power generation units, and the sensing unit comprises light-emitting diode warning lights or low-power sensors. A simulated excitation experiment verifies the working state and peak power of the piezoelectric generator unit, which can achieve 23.4 µW peak power. The self-power supply and signal monitoring functions of the intelligent device are verified in experiments conducted for driving light-emitting diode lights and low-power sensors. The device is expected to play a crucial role in the field of intelligent driving and automobile intelligence.

An efficient genotyper and star-allele caller for pharmacogenomics.

High-throughput sequencing provides sufficient means for determining genotypes of clinically important pharmacogenes that can be used to tailor medical decisions to individual patients. However, pharmacogene genotyping, also known as star-allele calling, is a challenging problem that requires accurate copy number calling, structural variation identification, variant calling, and phasing within each pharmacogene copy present in the sample. Here we introduce Aldy 4, a fast and efficient tool for genotyping pharmacogenes that uses combinatorial optimization for accurate star-allele calling across different sequencing technologies. Aldy 4 adds support for long reads and uses a novel phasing model and improved copy number and variant calling models. We compare Aldy 4 against the current state-of-the-art star-allele callers on a large and diverse set of samples and genes sequenced by various sequencing technologies, such as whole-genome and targeted Illumina sequencing, barcoded 10x Genomics, and Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) HiFi. We show that Aldy 4 is the most accurate star-allele caller with near-perfect accuracy in all evaluated contexts, and hope that Aldy remains an invaluable tool in the clinical toolbox even with the advent of long-read sequencing technologies.

Efficacy of the acupressure wrist-ankle strap in mild insomnia patients with anxiety disorders: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Insomnia is very common in current society, and patients are often accompanied by a certain degree of anxiety, depression, etc. Recent studies have found that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis excitement-inhibition state is an important indicator of sleep quality. Wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) is safe and effective for insomnia. Based on WAA theory, the acupressure wrist-ankle straps are portable WAA point compression straps that can treat diseases by automatically applying pressure to the treatment location and being operated by patients themselves. We design this trial to evaluate the clinical effect of the acupressure wrist-ankle strap in the treatment of mild insomnia patients with anxiety disorders. METHODS/DESIGN: This trial is a parallel-design, patients-assessor blinded, randomized, sham-controlled. In total, 114 patients diagnosed with mild insomnia and anxiety disorders will be randomly assigned into two groups, the acupressure wrist-ankle strap group or the non-acupressure wrist-ankle strap group; they will receive treatments for eight weeks with five sessions each week. Rating scales, sleep monitors, and laboratory tests will be used to observe the clinical effect. From the perspective of the circadian secretion of peripheral blood-related hormones in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the possible mechanism of acupressure wrist-ankle straps for treating insomnia is studied. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will confirm the efficacy of acupressure wrist-ankle strap in treating mild insomnia patients with anxiety disorder and whether its mechanism is related to the HPA axis. The acupressure wrist-ankle strap may become a pure physical, no side effect treatment of mild insomnia. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2000039352 . Registered on 24 October 2020.

Impacts of stand density on diversity of understory plant and soil seed banks in a Pinus massoniana plantation.

Stand density is a critical factor impacting the diversity of understory plants. We analyzed the diversity of understory plants and soil seed banks, as well as their relationship by setting up three planting densities in a Pinus massoniana plantation, including low density (1575 trees·hm-2, D1), medium (2474 trees·hm-2, D2), and high (3550 trees·hm-2, D3). It aimed to provide a scientific basis for the implementation of the multi-objective sustainable development of plantations. The results showed that there were 70 species of herbs and shrubs belonging to 42 families and 62 genera. D1 was dominated by heliophiles, whereas both the D2 and D3 were dominated by shade-tolerant species. The Margalef (M), Shannon (H), Simpson (D), Pielou (Jsw), and Altalo (Al) indices of the herbs and shrubs exhibited a downward trend with increasing stand den-sity. In the herb layer, D1 and D3 showed significant difference in H, D, Jsw and Al. There were significant differences of Jsw and Al in the shrub layer among the three stand densities, but no diffe-rence of H and D. H, D, Jsw and Al in the soil seed bank first decreased and then increased with increasing stand density, with species richness and diversity being the highest in D1. The similarity coefficient of Jaccard and Sorensen among different stand densities was low. In the herb layer, M was positively correlated with Jsw. The correlations between stand density and H, D, Jsw and Al were greater in the shrub layer than in the herb layer. There was significant negative correlation between stand density and Jsw both in the shrub and herb layers. The stand density of 1575 trees·hm-2 was comparatively beneficial for the development of understory, plant diversity, and sustainability of P. massoniana plantation.

A 3D printed Ga containing scaffold with both anti-infection and bone homeostasis-regulating properties for the treatment of infected bone defects.

Large bone defects face a high risk of infection, which can also lead to bone homeostasis disorders. This seriously hinders the bone healing process; therefore, the help of a dual-functional scaffold that has both anti-infection and bone-homeostasis-regulating capacities is needed in the treatment of infected bone defects. In this study, a 3D printed dual-functional scaffold composed of poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), mesoporous bioactive glasses (MBG), and gallium (Ga) was produced. In vitro experiments demonstrated the excellent antibacterial ability of the PCL/MBG/Ga scaffold against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The scaffold also significantly inhibited osteoclastic activity and promoted osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, a rabbit model with an infected bone defect in the radius was used to evaluate the in vivo bone healing capability of PCL/MBG/Ga. The results demonstrate that the PCL/MBG/Ga scaffold can significantly accelerate bone healing and prevent bone resorption, suggesting its potential for application in repairing infected bone defects.

Retrospective analysis of the incidence and predictive factors of parametrial involvement in FIGO IB1 cervical cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Radical surgery is the standard primary treatment for patients with stage IB1 (FIGO 2009 staging) cervical cancer due to latent parametrial involvement. Recent studies suggested that less radical surgery was applicable for patients with no or low risk of parametrial involvement. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence and possible predictive factors of parametrial involvement in patients with stage IB1 cervical cancer so as to evaluate whether less radical surgery was suitable for selected patients. METHODS: Clinical data of patients who underwent type C radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy and diagnosed as stage IB1 cervical cancer at Union Hospital, Wuhan, China from October 2014 to December 2017 were collected and analysed retrospectively. The incidence of parametrial involvement was calculated and the risk factors for parametrial involvement were evaluated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Among 282 eligible patients, 33 (11.7%) had parametrial involvement. Postmenopause, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), lymph node metastasis (LNM), deep stromal invasion (outer 1/3) and tumor size larger than 2 cm were statistically associated with parametrial involvement. Multivariate analysis showed that LNM (OR = 11.431; 95%CI: 3.455 - 37.821), deep stromal invasion (OR = 6.080; 95%CI: 1.814 - 20.382) and LVSI (OR = 7.147; 95%CI: 1.863-27.411) remained as independent risk factors for parametrial involvement in patients with stage IB1 cervical cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of parametrial involvement in stage IB1 cervical cancer is non-negligible. Only LNM, LVSI and deep stromal invasion were independent predictors, which were not easy to evaluate accurately before surgery. Less radical surgery requires modified pre-treatment evaluation methods and prospective data support.

A 3D-bioprinted scaffold with doxycycline-controlled BMP2-expressing cells for inducing bone regeneration and inhibiting bacterial infection.

Large bone defects face a high risk of pathogen exposure due to open wounds, which leads to high infection rates and delayed bone union. To promote successful repair of infectious bone defects, fabrication of a scaffold with dual functions of osteo-induction and bacterial inhibition is required. This study describes creation of an engineered progenitor cell line (C3H10T1/2) capable of doxycycline (DOX)-mediated release of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2). Three-dimensional bioprinting technology enabled creation of scaffolds, comprising polycaprolactone/mesoporous bioactive glass/DOX and bioink, containing these engineered cells. In vivo and in vitro experiments confirmed that the scaffold could actively secrete BMP2 to significantly promote osteoblast differentiation and induce ectopic bone formation. Additionally, the scaffold exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial capacity, thereby ensuring the survival of embedded engineered cells when facing high risk of infection. These findings demonstrated the efficacy of this bioprinted scaffold to release BMP2 in a controlled manner and prevent the occurrence of infection; thus, showing its potential for repairing infectious bone defects.

Bioprinting of an osteocyte network for biomimetic mineralization.

Osteocytes, essential regulators of bone homeostasis, are embedded in the mineralized bone matrix. Given the spatial arrangement of osteocytes, bioprinting represents an ideal method to biofabricate a 3D osteocyte network with a suitable surrounding matrix similar to native bone tissue. Here, we reported a 3D bioprinted osteocyte-laden hydrogel for biomimetic mineralization in vitro with exceptional shape fidelity, a high cell density (107 cells per ml) and high cell viability (85%-90%). The bioinks were composed of biomimetic modified biopolymers, namely, gelatine methacrylamide (GelMA) and hyaluronic acid methacrylate (HAMA), with or without type I collagen. The osteocyte-laden constructs were printed and cultured in mineralization induction media. After 28 d, increased dendritic cell connections and enhanced mineralized matrix production were observed after the addition of type I collagen. These results were further confirmed by the expression of osteocyte-related genes, markers of osteocyte morphology (Connexin43 and E11/Podoplanin), markers of mineralization (dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1 (Dmp1)) and the cellular response to parathyroid hormone (PTH). Moreover, the 3D bioprinting constructs outperformed the 2D monolayer culture and they were at least comparable to 3D casted hydrogels in mimicking the natural osteocyte phenotype. All results indicated that the 3D bioprinting osteocyte network shows promise for mechanistic studies and pharmaceutical screening in vitro.

Time-effective analgesic effect of acupressure ankle strip pressing wrist and ankle acupuncture point on primary dysmenorrhea: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT compliant).

BACKGROUND: Dysmenorrhea seriously affects the ability of women to perform normal social activities and decreases their quality of life. Primary dysmenorrhea can be effectively treated with acupuncture. Based on the wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) theory, we designed a portable WAA point compression treatment strap that treats diseases by automatically applying pressure to acupuncture points. The proposed study aims to evaluate the immediate analgesic effect of the acupressure wrist-ankle strap in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: The study will be a randomized controlled trial conducted from May 1, 2019 to May 30, 2020 that includes 78 students from Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine who have primary dysmenorrhea and meet the eligibility criteria. Participants will be randomly divided into 2 groups in a 1:1 allocation ratio. The intervention group will use the acupressure wrist-ankle strap equipped with tip compression component parts on the internal side; the control group will use the nonacupressure wrist-ankle strap with the tip compression parts removed. All participants will be treated for 30 minutes on the 1st day of menstruation. The primary outcome is the pain intensity score measured by the visual analog scale. The secondary outcomes are the onset time of analgesia, the pain threshold at Yinlingquan (SP 9), skin temperature at Guanyuan (CV 4), and expectations and satisfaction of patients as investigated via the expectation and treatment credibility scale. DISCUSSION: This trial will be the 1st study to evaluate the analgesic effect of the acupressure wrist-ankle strap in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. The quality of this study is ensured by the randomization, nonacupressure control, and blinded design. The results may provide evidence for a potential alternative treatment for primary dysmenorrhea and evidence-based proof of the analgesic effect of WAA.

Wrist-ankle acupuncture attenuates cancer-induced bone pain by regulating descending pain-modulating system in a rat model.

BACKGROUND: Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) presents a multiple-mechanism of chronic pain involving both inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and its pathogenesis is closely related to endogenous descending system of pain control. However, the action mechanism underlying the effects of wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) versus electroacupuncture (EA) on CIBP remains unknown. METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into sham, CIBP, EA-treated and WAA-treated groups. CIBP was induced in rats of the latter three groups. Time courses of weight and mechanical hyperalgesia threshold (MHT) were evaluated. After 6 days of EA or WAA treatment, the expressions of 5-hydroxytryotamine type 3A receptor (5-HT3AR) and µ-opioid receptor (MOR) in rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) and/or spinal cord, as well as the levels of 5-HT, ß-endorphin, endomorphin-1 and endomorphin-2 in RVM and spinal cord, were detected. RESULTS: Injection of cancer cells caused decreased MHT, which was attenuated by EA or WAA (P < 0.05). WAA had a quicker analgesic effect than EA (P < 0.05). No significant difference of MOR in RVM was found among the four groups. EA or WAA counteracted the cancer-driven upregulation of 5-HT3AR and downregulation of MOR in spinal cord (P < 0.05), and upregulation of 5-HT and downregulation of endomorphin-1 in both RVM and spinal cord (P < 0.05). ß-endorphin and endomorphin-2 in RVM and spinal cord decreased in CIBP group compared with sham group (P < 0.05), but EA or WAA showed no significant effect on them, although a tendency of increasing effect was observed. CONCLUSION: WAA, similar to EA, alleviated mechanical hyperalgesia in CIBP rats by suppressing the expressions of 5-HT and 5-HT3AR, and increasing the expressions of MOR and endomorphin-1 in RVM-spinal cord pathway of the descending pain-modulating system. However, WAA produced a quicker analgesic effect than EA, the mechanisms of which need further investigation.

Efficacy of complementary and integrative medicine on health-related quality of life in cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) has been used for improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with cancer. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effects of CIMs on the HRQOL of cancer patients. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving patients with cancer at any stage by retrieving electronic databases from the inception to February 14, 2018 (Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42018091609). The main outcomes were HRQOL scores and related domains such as physical well-being scores. The standardized mean difference was used for the analysis and heterogeneity was assessed with the I 2 statistic. A Bayesian framework was used to estimate the ranking order of efficacy in HRQOL change. Finally, 34 RCTs with 3,010 patients were included. As a whole, the results showed clearly superior efficacy of CIM in improving HRQOL. For different domains of HRQOL, different CIM interventions may play different roles. The ranking order of efficacy in change HRQOL was qigong plus mindfulness, Chinese herbal medicine, multimodal complementary medicine, qigong, nutritional supplement, mindfulness, acupuncture, yoga, and massage, and it was different among different domains. There was no evidence of publication bias. In conclusion, CIM may improve the HRQOL of cancer patients. More studies, especially focusing on male cancer patients, are needed to increase the confidence level of our findings.

Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of primary liver cancer with integrative traditional Chinese and Western medicine.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important part of the treatment of primary liver cancer (PLC) in China; however, the current instructions for the integrative use of traditional Chinese and Western medicine for PLC are mostly based on expert opinion. There is no evidence-based guideline for clinical practice in this field. Therefore, the Shanghai Association of Chinese Integrative Medicine has established a multidisciplinary working group to develop this guideline, which focuses on the most important questions about the use of TCM during PLC treatment. This guideline was developed following the methodological process recommended by the World Health Organization Handbook for Guideline Development. Two rounds of questionnaire survey were performed to identify clinical questions; published evidence was searched; the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to evaluate the body of evidence; and recommendations were formulated by combining the quality of evidence, patient preferences and values, and other risk factors. The guideline was written based on the Reporting Items for Practice Guidelines in Healthcare tool. This guideline contains 10 recommendations related to 8 questions, including recommendations for early treatment by TCM after surgery, TCM combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for advanced PLC, TCM drugs for external use, and acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.

The genetic assimilation in language borrowing inferred from Jing People.

OBJECTIVES: The Jing people are a recognized ethnic group in Guangxi, southwest China, who are the immigrants from Vietnam during the 16th century. They speak Vietnamese but with lots of language borrowings from Cantonese, Zhuang, and Mandarin. However, it's unclear if there is large-scale gene flow from surrounding populations into Jing people during their language change due to the very limited genetic information of this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected blood samples from 37 Jing and 3 Han Chinese individuals from Wanwei, Shanxin, and Wutou islands in Guangxi and genotyped about 600,000 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We used Principal Component Analysis (PCA), ADMIXTURE analysis, f statistics, qpWave and qpAdm to infer the population genetic structure and admixture. RESULTS: Our data revealed that the Jing people are genetically similar to the populations in southwest China and mainland Southeast Asia. But compared with Vietnamese, they show significant evidence of gene flow from surrounding East Asians. The admixture proportion is estimated to be around 35-42% in different Jing groups using southern Han Chinese as a proxy. The majority of the paternal lineages of Jing people are most likely from surrounding East Asians. DISCUSSION: We conclude that the formation and language change of present-day Jing people have involved genetic assimilation of surrounding East Asian populations. The language borrowing, in this case, is not only a cultural phenomenon but has involved demic diffusion.

[Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Different Rice Varieties].

Field experiments were conducted on the heavy metal contents (Cd, Pb, Cr, inorganic As, and total Hg) of the 129 main cultivated rice varieties in southern China. We analyzed the effects of different varieties and types of rice on the absorption capacities of these heavy metals. The results showed that the Cd content in 35 brown rice of early rice was 0.35-0.60 mg·kg-1, exceeding the standard rate of 100%. The Pb content in brown rice was 0.08-0.30 mg·kg-1, exceeding the rate of 14.29%. The Cd content in 54 brown rice of medium rice was 0.03-0.45 mg·kg-1, exceeding the rate of 33.33%. The Cd content in 40 brown rice of late rice was 0.08-0.20 mg·kg-1, which did not exceed the national standard. Early, middle, and late rice all showed that the Cd content of three-line hybrid rice was higher than that of two-line hybrid rice, but the difference was not obvious. The contents of Cr and total Hg in brown rice of three-line hybrid rice in early rice were significantly higher than that of two-line hybrid rice. There was a significant positive correlation between Cd content in brown rice and Pb and total Hg content in medium rice, and there was a significant negative correlation between inorganic Cd content and inorganic As content, whereas there was no significant correlation between Cd and Cr content. In short, rice's absorption and accumulation of heavy metals is greatly affected by genetic background, species types, and heavy metal interactions.

[Theoretical origin and clinical application of wrist-ankle acupuncture therapy].

The theory of wrist-ankle acupuncture is consistent with traditional meridian-collateral theory. For example, the body divisions of wrist-ankle acupuncture are corresponding to the distribution of 12 cutaneous regions of meridians, the needling sites of it are to the running courses of 12 meridians; the indications of it are to those of 12 meridians. The needling sites of wrist-ankle acupuncture are relevant with some special acupoints of acupuncture theory. For example, the 12-needling sites of wrist-ankle acupuncture are located similar to those of 12 meridian points and have very similar indications. The needling sites of it are located in the wrist and ankle regions, in which the five-shu points are located nearby, for meridian disorders. Most luo-connecting points are located near to the needling sites of wrist-ankle acupuncture or the needle tip points to. Additionally, the needling method of wrist-ankle acupuncture is consistent with some of the subcutaneous needling methods in traditional acupuncture therapy. On the basis of the aspects mentioned above, it is explained that wrist-ankle acupuncture is the development of traditional acupuncture and cannot be independent from the traditional theories of acupuncture and meridians. It is necessary to seek for the evidence from the traditional theories of TCM. The traditional theories of TCM are summarized from clinical practice, which can be newly verified from the practice of wrist-ankle acupuncture.

FGF-2 Gene Polymorphism in Osteoporosis among Guangxi's Zhuang Chinese.

Osteoporosis is a complex multifactorial disorder of gradual bone loss and increased fracture risk. While previous studies have shown the importance of many genetic factors in determining peak bone mass and fragility fractures and in suggesting involvement of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) in bone metabolism and bone mass, the relationship of FGF-2 genetic diversity with bone mass/osteoporosis has not yet been revealed. The current study investigated the potential relevance of FGF-2 gene polymorphism in osteoporosis among a Zhuang ethnic Chinese cohort of 623, including 237 normal bone mass controls, 227 osteopenia, and 159 osteoporosis of different ages. Bone density was examined by calcaneus ultrasound attenuation measurement, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and linkage disequilibrium analyses were performed on five SNP loci of FGF-2 gene. Significant differences were found in bone mass in males between the 45-year-old and ≥70-year-old groups (p < 0.01), and in females among 55, 60, 65 and 70-year-old groups (p < 0.05). Males had higher bone mass values than females in the same age (over 55-year-old) (p < 0.05). The proportions of individuals with normal bone mass decreased with age (65.2% to 40% in males, and 50% to 0% in females), whereas prevalence of osteoporosis increased with age (15.4% to 30% in men, and 7.7% to 82% in women). Out of five FGF-2 SNP loci, the TA genotype of rs308442 in the osteoporosis group (40.2%) was higher than in the control group (29.5%) (p < 0.05). The TA genotype was significantly correlated with the risk of osteoporosis (odds ratio OR = 1.653), 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.968-1.441). Strong linkage disequilibrium in FGF-2 gene was also detected between rs12644427 and rs3747676, between rs12644427 and rs3789138, and between rs3747676 and rs3789138 (D' > 0.8, and r² > 0.33). Thus, the rs308442 locus of FGF-2 gene is closely correlated to osteoporosis in this Zhuang ethnic Chinese cohort, and the TA may be the risk genotype of osteoporosis.

Wrist-ankle Acupuncture Increases Pain Thresholds in Healthy Adults.

Context • Wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) has been used to relieve both chronic and acute pain in China. Some research has shown that WAA can increase the pain thresholds in pain patients, but the ability of WAA to affect the pain thresholds in healthy adults is unknown. Objective • The study intended to assess the influence of WAA on the pain thresholds of healthy adults. Design • This is an observational study. Setting • This study was conducted in the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Second Military Medical University (Shanghai, China). Participants • Participants were 50 healthy university students aged 19-23 y. Intervention • In the theory of WAA, each side of the body and each limb are longitudinally divided into 6 regions, with 1 needling point defined for each region at the wrist or ankle. The theory indicates that needling a point should relieve pain in a point's corresponding region. For the study, a needle was inserted and retained for 30 min in the Upper 2 point of the left wrist of each participant. Outcome Measures • The pressure pain threshold was measured by a handheld algometer at a position in the left Upper 2 region corresponding to the site of the needling and at positions in the right Upper 2 region as well as the left and right Upper 3 regions not corresponding to the site of the needling. The measurements were taken at 40 min before needling, 5 min after needling, 30 min after needling when the needles were removed, and 70 min after needling. Results • The immediate influence of the WAA on the pain threshold was not significant at 5 min after needling (P > .05). However, at 30 min after needling when the needles were removed, the increases in the pain thresholds were statistically significant when compared to those at 40 min before needling, which were the measurements at baseline (P ≤ .01). At 70 min after needling, the pain thresholds remained higher than those at 40 min before needling (P < .05). From 40 min before needling to 70 min after needling, the pain thresholds in the different positions showed a continuous increase. Conclusions • The WAA had an analgesic effect on pressure-induced pain not only in the corresponding but also in the noncorresponding regions of the needling point in healthy adults. The immediate analgesic effect of the WAA at 5 min after needling was not obvious, but the effects at 30 min and 70 min after needling were statistically significant.