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Objective To summarize the clinical characteristics of peripheral nerve hyperexcitability syndrome (PNHS). Methods and Results Ten patients with PNHS were admitted to He'nan Provincial People's Hospital from October 2018 to April 2022, with the clinical phenotypes of Morvan syndrome in 5 cases, Issacs syndrome in 4 cases, and cramp-fasciculation syndrome (CFS) in one case. There were 10 cases with clinical manifestations of muscle twitching, 8 of dysautonomia, 7 of central nervous system symptoms, 7 of limb weakness, 6 of sensory deficits, and 2 of cramping and muscle stiffness. Five cases were positive for autoimmune antibodies. Two cases had MRI abnormalities located in the brainstem, left occipital lobe and right thalamus. Ten cases had EMG abnormalities, including afterdischarges of F-wave in 10 cases, unit potential of spontaneous motion abnormalities in 10 cases, fasciculation potentials in 10 cases, myokymic discharges in 8 cases, and neuromyotonic and myokymic discharges in 3 cases. Three cases underwent only symptomatic therapy, and 7 cases underwent symptomatic therapy and immunomodulatory treatments. Except for one case who lost of follow-up, 5 cases had a good prognosis, 2 cases with poor prognosis, and 2 cases died. Conclusions PNHS is a heterogeneous group of clinical manifestations. Electrophysiological appearance of afterdischarges may be a sensitive indicator for the diagnosis of PNHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), sarcopenia and obesity are two common body composition issues. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the associated influencing factors of muscle mass loss in obese adults with T2DM, to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention of sarcopenic obesity in patients with T2DM. METHODS: We recruited 315 participants in this study. The participants underwent body composition assessment and clinical information was collected. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to verify the accuracy of the body composition data. Based on their body fat percentage, 189 patients with T2DM were classified as obese. Patients with T2DM and obesity were grouped into the muscle mass loss group and non-muscle mass loss group based on gender. We collected demographic and clinical information about patients with T2DM who were obese, including their age, gender, body mass index (BMI), appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI), and body fat percentage (PBF). RESULTS: Among the participants who were obese and had T2DM, 56.61% (107/189) experienced muscle mass loss, with a detection rate of 43.42% (33/76) among females and 65.49% (74/113) among males. Body mass index, fat index, Android fat, Gynoid fat, limb fat, trunk fat, and total body bone mineral content were all lower in the muscle mass loss group compared to the non-muscle mass loss group, regardless of gender (all P < 0.001). Muscle mass loss in obese adults with T2DM was affected by BMI, body fat index, and limb fat. CONCLUSION: Muscle mass loss is more prevalent in adults with T2DM and a high PBF. Body mass index, body fat index, and limb fat are the protective factors of muscle mass loss in adult patients with T2DM and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: To explore the actual experience of training effect of Baduanjin on patients with hemiplegic limb dysfunctions after cerebral infarction through semistructured interviews and promote Baduanjin training application in clinical and community settings. Design: This qualitative study was conducted using the conventional content analysis approach. Methods: Twenty‐five patients with hemiplegic limb dysfunctions after cerebral infarction were recruited as participants by applying purposive sampling method between September 2017–December 2020 in the physical therapy department of a rehabilitation hospital affiliated with Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. Semistructured interviews were conducted after patients participated in Baduanjin training for 6 weeks. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis method of Graneheim and Lundman. Results: Three major themes were identified after analysis, namely improving functions of hemiplegic limbs, improving the condition of the entire body and the feelings of practice. The participants indicated that Baduanjin could improve the limb functions and general conditions of hemiplegic patients. Their experience in practicing Baduanjin was generally positive, and they were willing to continue practicing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is a typical arboreal group-living Old World primate. While limb preference has been extensively studied in this species, limb preference consistency has not yet been explored. Here, based on 26 R. roxellana adults, we investigated whether individuals exhibit consistent motor biases in manual- (e.g., unimanual feeding and social grooming) and foot-related (e.g., bipedal locomotion) tasks and whether limb preference consistency is influenced by increased social interactions during social grooming. Results showed no consistency in the direction or strength of limb preference among tasks, except for lateral strength in handedness for unimanual feeding and footedness in the initiation of locomotion. Population-level foot preference was only found among right-handers. Marked lateral bias was found in unimanual feeding, indicating that it may be a sensitive behavioural measure for assessing manual preference, especially for provisioned populations. This study not only improves our understanding of the relationship between hand and foot preference in R. roxellana but also reveals potential differential hemispheric regulation of limb preference and the influence of increased social interaction on handedness consistency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To summarize the evolution of Ilizarov technology in China, highlight important milestones, introduce the atmosphere of the era concerning the first uses and development of this technology, and share Chinese modification and experience in this field.Method: A thorough interview with senior ASAMI members of China and literature search and physical books in libraries was undertaken to summarize the history of Ilizarov technology in China.Results: The formal development of Ilizarov technology began when professor Ilizarov himself came to Beijing (1991) and gave a speech. In the following 31 years, his technology was rapidly developed through China, with many symposiums held and associations established including ASAMI China (2003) and ILLRS China (2015). Today, Ilizarov technology has become the main treatment of complex fractures, defects, nonunion, infections, deformities, and chronic ischemic ulcers of the limbs. In those years, Chinese scholars also developed some special treatment methods and made many modifications to Ilizarov external fixators.Conclusion: Ilizarov technology has developed in China for 31 years. It revolutionized the treatment of complex limb traumas, deformities, and diseases. In the treatment of millions of patients, Chinese scholars had many unique experiences and made modifications to this technology which is worthy to share with the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patrinia scabra Bunge is a well-known herbal medicine for its favorable treatment on inflammatory diseases owing to its effective ingredients, in which iridoid glycoside plays an extremely significant role. This article aimed to improve the content of total iridoid glycosides in crude extract through a series optimization of extraction procedure. Moreover, considering that both pain and inflammation are two correlated responses triggered in response to injury, irritants or pathogen, the article investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of P. scabra to screen out the active fraction. Method: P. scabra was extracted by ultrasonic-microwave synergistic extraction (UMSE) to obtain total iridoid glycosides (PSI), during which a series of conditions were investigated based on single-factor experiments. The extraction process was further optimized by a reliable statistical method of response surface methodology (RSM). The elution fractions of P. scabra extract were prepared by macroporous resin column chromatography. Through the various animal experiment including acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin induced licking and flinching, carrageenan-induced mice paw oedema test and xylene-induced ear edema in mice, the active fractions with favorable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect were reasonably screen out. Results: The content of PSI could reach up to 81.42 ± 0.31 mg/g under the optimum conditions as follows: ethanol concentration of 52%, material-to-liquid ratio of 1:18 g/mL, microwave power at 610 W and extraction time of 45 min. After gradient elution by the macroporous resin, the content of PSI increased significantly. Compared with other concentrations of elution liquid, the content of PSI in 30 and 50% ethanol eluate was increased to reach 497.65 and 506.90 mg/g, respectively. Owing to the pharmacology experiment, it was reasonably revealed that 30 and 50% ethanol elution fractions of P. scabra could relieve pain centrally and peripherally, exhibiting good analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Conclusion: Patrinia scabra possessed rich iridoids and exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To summarize the clinical, muscle pathology and molecular biological features of late-onset glycogen storage disease type II (GSD II). Methods and Results Five patients with late - onset GSD II diagnosed and treated in The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to January 2020 were selected. The main clinical manifestations of 5 patients were weakness of raising the head, weakness of the proximal extremities, decreased muscle tone, fatigue intolerance, and dyspnea. The activity of acid α-glucosidase (GAA) was significantly reduced. HE staining of muscular tissues in 5 patients showed vacuole-like changes of different sizes, different numbers, and irregular shapes in most muscle fibers. Modified Gomori trichrome (MGT) staining showed a large number of blue and purple particles deposited in the vacuole. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining showed the glycogen content in the vacuoles were increased in 4 cases, and the glycogen content in the vacuoles were lost in one case. GAA gene testing showed that 9 mutations were detected in 5 patients, and 4 cases were compound heterozygous mutations, which were derived from father and mother respectively. The c.1320&lowbar;1322delGAT (p.Met440del) was a deletion mutation, c.2331G > C (p.Thr777Thr) was a synonymous mutation, c.2237G > A (p.Trp746*) was a nonsense mutation, c.877G > A (p.Gly293Arg) was a missense mutation, c.2238G > C (p. Trp746Cys) was a missense mutation, c.784G > A (p.Glu262Lys) was a missense mutation, c.2014C > T (p. Arg672Trp) was a missense mutation, and c. 2332 - 2A > G was a splicing mutation. One case was homozygous mutation of c. 1432G > A (p. Gly478Arg), which originated from the mother. Among them, c. 2331G > C, c. 1432G > A and c. 2332 - 2A > G were reported for the first time at home and abroad. Conclusions The clinical manifestations of late - onset GSD II are weakness of proximal limbs and dyspnea. The activity of GAA in peripheral serum is decreased significantly. Muscle tissue pathology is characteristic. GAA gene mutations are mainly compound heterozygous mutation, c.2331G > C, c.1432G > A and c.2332-2A > G are new mutations, which extended the mutation spectrum of GAA gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice is the property of Journal of Clinical Nursing in Practice (Editorial Board, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To help selecting appropriate meridians and acupoints in clinical practice and experimental study for Parkinson's disease (PD), the rules of meridians and acupoints selection of acupuncture and moxibustion were analyzed in domestic and foreign clinical treatment for PD based on data mining techniques. Methods: Literature about PD treated by acupuncture and moxibustion in China and abroad was searched and selected from China National Knowledge Infrastructure and MEDLINE. Then the data from all eligible articles were extracted to establish the database of acupuncture-moxibustion for PD. The association rules of data mining techniques were used to analyze the rules of meridians and acupoints selection. Results: Totally, 168 eligible articles were included and 184 acupoints were applied. The total frequency of acupoints application was 1,090 times. Those acupoints were mainly distributed in head and neck and extremities. Among all, Taichong (LR 3), Baihui (DU 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4) and Chorea-tremor Controlled Zone were the top five acupoints that had been used. Superior-inferior acupoints matching was utilized the most. As to involved meridians, Du Meridian, Dan (Gallbladder) Meridian, Dachang (Large Intestine) Meridian, and Gan (Liver) Meridian were the most popular meridians. Conclusions: The application of meridians and acupoints for PD treatment lay emphasis on the acupoints on the head, attach importance to extinguishing Gan wind, tonifying qi and blood, and nourishing sinews, and make good use of superior-inferior acupoints matching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Peripheral perfusion index (PPI) is an indicator reflecting perfusion. Patients undergoing long time surgeries are more prone to hypoperfusion and increased lactate. Few studies focusing on investigating the association between PPI and surgical patients' prognoses. We performed this study to find it out. Methods: From January 2019 to September 2019, we retrospected all surgical patients who were transferred to ICU, Xinyang Central hospital, Henan province, China. Inclusive criteria: age ≥ 18 years old; surgical length ≥ 120 min. Exclusive criteria: died in ICU; discharging against medical advice; existing diseases affecting blood flow of upper limbs, for example, vascular thrombus in arms; severe liver dysfunction. We defined "prolonged ICU stay" as patients with their length of ICU stay longer than 48 h. According to the definition, patients were divided into two groups: "prolonged group" (PG) and "non-prolong group" (nPG). Baseline characteristics, surgical and therapeutic information, ICU LOS, SOFA and APACHE II were collected. Besides we gathered data of following parameters at 3 time points (T0: ICU admission; T1: 6 h after admission; T2: 12 h after admission): mean artery pressure (MAP), lactate, heart rate (HR), PPI and body temperature. Data were compared between the 2 groups. Multivariable binary logistic regression and ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curves were performed to find the association between perfusion indictors and ICU LOS. Results: Eventually, 168 patients were included, 65 in PG and 103 in nPG. Compared to nPG, patients in PG had higher blood lactate and lower PPI. PPI showed significant difference between two groups earlier than lactate (T0 vs T1). The value of PPI at two time points was lower in PG than nPG(T0: 1.09 ± 0.33 vs 1.41 ± 0.45, p = 0.001; T1: 1.08 ± 0.37 vs 1.49 ± 0.41, p < 0.001). Increased lactateT1(OR 3.216; 95% CI 1.253–8.254, P = 0.015) and decreased PPIT1 (OR 0.070; 95% CI 0.016–0.307, P < 0.001) were independently associated with prolonged ICU stay. The area under ROC of the PPIT1 for predicting ICU stay> 48 h was 0.772, and the cutoff value for PPIT1 was 1.35, with 83.3% sensitivity and 73.8% specificity. Conclusions: PPI and blood lactate at T1(6 h after ICU admission) are associated with ICU LOS in surgical patient. Compared to lactate, PPI indicates hypoperfusion earlier and more accurate in predicting prolonged ICU stay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most previous studies have examined the associations between carotenoids and anthropometrics with cross-sectional designs. Few studies have investigated the associations between serum carotenoids and fat mass and fat distribution (general vs central type). This study aimed to explore the associations of serum carotenoids with body fat and fat distribution in Chinese adults. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of a prospective, community-based cohort were performed. There were 4,048 participants aged 40 to 75 years recruited in the Guangzhou Nutrition and Health Study from 2008 to 2013. Serum carotenoids were assessed at baseline. Anthropometrics, fat mass (FM), and percentage FM (%FM) over the total body, trunk, limbs, and android and gynoid regions were obtained by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry for 3,002 participants between 2011 and 2013 and for 2,537 participants after 3.1 years. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed to compare the mean differences in adiposity indices among the quartiles of carotenoids. Covariance analyses showed significant inverse associations between serum total carotenoid levels and adiposity indices cross-sectionally (all P trends<0.05). The percentage mean differences in quartile 4 (vs 1) in FM and %FM were much more pronounced in the trunk (–15.4% and –7.74%) and android area (–16.6% and –8.59%) than those in the limbs (–8.31% and –4.51%) and gynoid area (–7.76% and –2.71%) (all P <0.001). Longitudinal results revealed that higher total carotenoids were associated with significantly lower 3-year increases in body mass index (calculated as kg/m2); waist circumference; waist-to-hip ratio; body FM in the limbs and android and gynoid area; and %FM in total body, trunk, and limbs (all P trends<0.05). Regarding individual carotenoids, β-carotene tended to have the most notable beneficial associations with the majority of fat indices, especially for cross-sectional analyses. Serum carotenoid concentrations are inversely associated with body fat, especially in the abdominal region, in Chinese adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Folic acid (FA) supplementation prevents neural tube defects, but there are mixed results for its ability to prevent limb reduction defects. We examined whether a preventive effect of FA supplementation exists for congenital limb reduction defects in a large population in China.Methods: Data from a large population-based cohort study in China were used to evaluate the effects of FA supplementation on birth defects. All births at 20 complete gestational weeks, including live births, stillbirths and pregnancy terminations, and all structural congenital anomalies, regardless of gestational week, were recorded. A total of 247 831 singleton live births delivered at gestational ages of 20-42 weeks to women from northern and southern China with full information on FA intake were included. Limb reduction defects were classified by subtype and maternal FA supplementation.Results: The prevalence of limb reduction defects was 2.7 per 10 000 births among women who took FA compared with 9.7 per 10 000 births among those who did not take FA in northern China; the prevalence was 4.5 and 3.8 per 10 000 births, respectively, in southern China. In both unadjusted and adjusted analyses, the estimated relative risk for upper limb reduction defects [odds ratio (OR) = 0.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.04, 0.63] and total limb reduction defects (OR = 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.70) in northern China, but not for lower limb reduction defects ,was significantly decreased in association with FA supplementation in northern China. There was no association between FA supplementation and either an increased or decreased risk for limb reduction defects in southern China.Conclusions: FA supplementation successfully reduces the prevalence of limb reduction defects in northern China, whose population has low folate concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, incidence, and the associated factors of pressure injuries (PIs) among immobile hospitalised patients in China. Being immobile during hospitalisation put these patients at a higher risk of PIs. There is little literature about pressure injury (PI) prevalence or PI incidence in immobile hospitalised patients in hospitals in China. This was a multicentre, cross‐sectional, exploratory descriptive study. A total of 23 985 immobile patients were recruited from 25 general hospitals in six provinces of China from November 1, 2015 to March 18, 2016. Information was collected on demographic characteristics, physical assessment information, and treatment and nursing care measures. The PI period prevalence was 3.38%, and the PI cumulative incidence was 1.23%. Most PIs (84.03%) were Stage 1 or Stage 2. A total of 48.22% of PIs occurred in the sacrum or heel region. In the multivariate analysis, the following factors were associated with higher PI prevalence: age, gender, length of immobility, type of hospital, modified Braden Scale score, urinary incontinence, faecal incontinence, low serum albumin, the usage of fixation or restraint devices, and patient's discharge diagnosis (lower limb fracture, malnutrition, and spinal cord injury). PI prevalence for immobile hospitalised patients in the study was lower than those reported in literature. However, because of the large population in China, the number of patients who suffer with PIs can be very high. The relating factors of higher PI prevalence identified in this study were consistent with current literature. Patients with a higher number of these associated factors should be monitored more closely, and preventative measures should be taken to prevent PI occurrence in high‐risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Previous studies had indicated that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associate with different inflammatory diseases. However, potential links between these polymorphisms and susceptibility to extremity chronic osteomyelitis (COM) remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate relationships between IL-1β gene polymorphisms (rs16944, rs1143627, rs1143634, and rs2853550) and risks of developing extremity COM in Chinese Han population. Methods. Altogether 233 extremity COM patients and 200 healthy controls were genotyped for the four tag SNPs of the IL-1β gene using the SNapShot genotyping method. Comparisons were performed regarding genotype distribution, mutant allele frequency, and four genetic models (dominant, recessive, homozygous, and heterozygous models) of the four SNPs between the two groups. Results. Significant associations were identified between rs16944 polymorphism and the risk of developing COM by dominant model (P = 0.026, OR = 1.698, 95% CI 1.065-2.707) and heterozygous model (P = 0.030, OR = 1.733, 95% CI 1.055-2.847). Although no statistical differences were found of rs1143627 polymorphism between the two groups, there existed a trend that rs1143627 may be linked to an elevated risk of developing COM by outcomes of dominant (P = 0.061), homozygous (P = 0.080) and heterozygous (P = 0.095) models. However, no statistical correlations were found between rs1143634 and rs2853550 polymorphisms and susceptibility to COM in Chinese Han population. Conclusions. To our knowledge, we reported for the first time that IL-1β gene rs16944 polymorphism may contribute to the increased susceptibility to extremity COM in Chinese Han population, with genotype of AG as a risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the relationship between the clinical onset locations and the electrophysiological characteristics of different spinal segments in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. To develop a rapid examination method using electromyographs (EMGs) for the diagnosis of ALS.Methods: The clinical symptoms and electrodiagnostic examination results of 150 patients with definite or probable ALS were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into four groups according to the primary onset locations (arms and legs onset, arms onset, legs onset, and bulbar onset groups). The differences between the onset locations and the electrophysiological characteristics revealed the lower motor neuron dysfunction in EMGs.Results: The most affected onset location was the lower limbs (36.7%), particularly in the distal muscles. Nerve conduction showed that the sensory system was damaged in 22 patients (14.7%). The positive diagnostic rate of EMGs varied due to different onset locations. EMG abnormalities were seen in approximately 40% of asymptomatic limb muscles. Distal limb muscles showed higher electrodiagnostic sensitivity (78.4%) than proximal limb muscles. Cervical muscles showed the highest electrodiagnostic sensitivity (86.3%).Conclusions: The sensory system in ALS patients was commonly impaired. Cervical muscles showed the highest electrodiagnostic sensitivity. The highest positive rate was generated from detecting the spinal segment onset and the special distal muscles onset ALS in our optimized test method. Through this improved examination based on the most affected individual muscles, physicians can greatly optimize the test duration and significantly reduce patient discomfort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the association of genetic variants with characteristic symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A matched case-control study was performed to investigate the association between common variants in four genes (CDKAL1, GLIS3, GRK5, and TCF7L2) and symptoms of T2DM. Symptoms were examined with questionnaire for 710 subjects. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cell by salting-out procedure. Genotyping was carried out by direct sequencing of the unpurified polymerase chain reaction products. Result: Most of the T2DM patients pressented characteristic symptoms, such as feeling weak in limbs ( P =0.0057), hand tremor ( P =0.0208), bradymasesis ( P =0.0234), and polyuria ( P =0.0051). Some of the T2DM patients shared characteristic symptoms, such as desire for cold drinks ( P =0.0304), polyphagia ( P =0.0051), and furred tongue ( P =0.028). The impaired glucose regulation (IGR) cases took only one characteristic symptom of frequent micturition ( P =0.0422). GLIS3 rs7034200 and GRK5 rs10886471 were significantly associated with increased T2DM risk (GLIS3 rs7034200 under dominant model: P=0.0307; GRK5 rs10886471 under recessive model: P=0.0092). However, only the rs10886471 polymorphism in GRK5 showed a significant effect on both differentiated symptoms and T2DM risk. The C-allele was involved in both dampness-heat encumbering Pi (Spleen) syndrome ( P =0.047) and qi-yin deficiency syndrome ( P =0.002) via increased GRK5 expression. Conclusions: Both T2DM and IGR exhibited its corresponding characteristic symptoms. The variants of GRK5 were involved with both qi-yin deficiency syndrome and dampness-heat encumbering Pi syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This cross-sectional study was designed to characterize by age the ratios of limb segments length to height and extremities-trunk ratio and body proportions of southern Chinese children.Methods: Data were collected from students (n = 4715) from five school, aged 6-17 years, in the city of Chongqing. Their standing height, sitting height, arm span, forearm length, upper arm length, leg length, lower leg length, and ratios of extremities to trunk length were determined.Results: Sitting height, forearm length, upper arm length, arm span, and lower leg length were highly correlated with standing height (r > 0.9; P < 0.05). The ratio of extremities to trunk increased till about 13 years of age for both genders.Conclusions: The length of extremities and their ratio to sitting height reflect regular changes of growth in Chinese children as their age, and limb segments length is highly correlated with height. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An updated reconstruction of the body plan, functional morphology and lifestyle of the arthropod Isoxys curvirostratus is proposed, based on new fossil specimens with preserved soft anatomy found in several localities of the Lower Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte. The animal was 2-4 cm long and mostly encased in a single carapace which is folded dorsally without an articulated hinge. The attachment of the body to the exoskeleton was probably cephalic and apparently lacked any well-developed adductor muscle system. Large stalked eyes with the eye sphere consisting of two layers (as corneal and rhabdomeric structures) protrude beyond the anterior margin of the carapace. This feature, together with a pair of frontal appendages with five podomeres that each bear a stout spiny outgrowth, suggests it was raptorial. The following 14 pairs of limbs are biramous and uniform in shape. The slim endopod is composed of more than 7 podomeres without terminal claw and the paddle shaped exopod is fringed with at least 17 imbricated gill lamellae along its posterior margin. The design of exopod in association with the inner vascular (respiratory) surface of the carapace indicates I. curvirostratus was an active swimmer. Morphological comparisons demonstrate that species of Isoxys were diverse in feeding habits and occupied a very broad morphospace, i.e., carapace bivalved or a single shield, the pre-oral limbs antenniform or modified into great appendages, the succeeding endopods slim or stout. This casts doubt on the current taxonomy that assigns all species to a single genus, and on any presumed lifestyle of Isoxys extrapolated to the generic level. Finally, since I. curvirostratus and I. acutangulus carry a pair of great appendages, Isoxys has recently been placed into the great appendage arthropods. Such placement might be inadequate because the homology of the great appendages can not be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) Xiagou Formation has yielded approximately 100 avian partial skeletons, many with soft-tissue traces, from sites in the Changma Basin of Gansu Province, north-western China. The most abundant taxon amongst these is the ornithuromorph Gansus yumenensis, but enantiornithines have also been identified in the sample. Here we describe two incomplete, semi-articulated appendicular skeletons, the first consisting of a partial left pelvic girdle and complete pelvic limb, and the second comprised of a nearly complete right pelvic limb. Both specimens bear characteristics diagnostic of Enantiornithes, and are referred to a new taxon, et The exceptional, three-dimensional preservation of these specimens (compared to the crushed, nearly two-dimensional condition of most other Early Cretaceous avian fossils) reveals new information regarding enantiornithine anatomy, evolution, and diversity. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, , 201-219. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate features of crush extremity fractures associated with massive earthquake on digital radiography (DR) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).Materials and Methods: Six hundred and twenty-three consecutive patients with clinically confirmed crush extremity fractures arising from the 2008 Sichuan earthquake were enrolled into our study. Six hundred and eleven patients with suggested extremity fractures underwent DR, and 12 patients with possible knee fractures underwent MDCT. Image data were retrospectively reviewed, with the focus on anatomic sites, numbers, and status of the fractures.Results: Extremity fractures occurred in lower extremities in 428 patients, upper extremities in 151, and both lower and upper extremities in 44. Lower extremity fractures were more common than upper extremity fractures (P < 0.05), and the commonly involved bones were the tibia and fibula in 141 patients, femur in 102, tibia in 52, and fibula in 40. According to the numbers of bones involved, multiple bone fractures occurred in 336 patients and included lower extremity fractures in 231, upper extremity fractures in 61, and both lower and upper fractures in 44. Multiple fractures in lower extremities were seen more often than in upper extremities (P < 0.05). As for status of the extremity fractures, comminuted fractures occurred in 324 patients and included lower extremity fractures in 248, upper extremity fractures in 51, and both lower and upper extremity fractures in 25. Comminuted fractures were more common in lower extremities than in upper extremities (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Multiple and comminuted fractures, predominantly in the lower extremities, could be considered as features of crush extremity fractures associated with the massive Sichuan earthquake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The continued washing, sorting, and identification of middle Eocene (∼45Mya) primates from the Shanghuang fissure-fillings (Jiangsu Province, China) have produced additional hind limb elements. All are isolated elements. The strepsirhine hind limb elements include a first metatarsal and a talus, which are appropriate in size and morphology to pertain to Adapoides troglodytes. Adapoides is interpreted as a quadrupedal-climbing (nonleaping) primate with similarities to living lorises and the fossil primate Adapis. The haplorhine hind limb elements are estimated to span a range of adult body sizes from tiny (17g) to small (200g). Included among the new sample of haplorhine hind limb specimens is the smallest primate talus reported thus far. These new postcranial specimens expand our understanding of early haplorhine hind limb anatomy and demonstrate additional similarities between Shanghuang eosimiids and other anthropoids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A new specimen of an enantiornithean bird from the Lower Cretaceous Xiagou Formation of Gansu Province, northwestern China, consists of an articulated distal left humerus, ulna, radius, carpus, and manus. The specimen may represent a primitive enantiornithean because it lacks a longitudinal sulcus on the radius, has incompletely fused alular and major metacarpals, and possibly retains a remnant of a second phalanx on the minor digit. It differs from all other known enantiornitheans, and exhibits possible autapomorphies, including peculiar, flat humeral epicondyles, a pair of eminences on the distal minor metacarpal, and an enormous flexor tuberculum on the alular ungual. The specimen probably pertains to the same taxon as a previously described enantiornithean arm from Changma; the incompleteness of the taxon precludes erecting a new name, but it provides new information concerning enantiornithean diversity in the Early Cretaceous of central Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the motor recovery of the upper and lower extremities, and to explore the effects of post-stroke time, stroke subtype, age, affected side, and gender to the rehabilitation outcome of stroke in a Chinese population. From June 1999 to June 2002, 92 patients, who qualified for the research criteria from a hospital in china, were measured with the stroke rehabilitation assessment of movement. All data were analyzed with the statistical software SPSS 12.0. Based on the paired t-test and multiple regression analysis, the lower extremity had more complete and quicker recovery than the ipsilateral upper extremity. The post-stroke time was the single strongest predictor to both completion and efficiency or quickness of functional recovery. However, if other factors were considered. post-stroke time and stroke subtype together accounted for the largest amount of variance in completion of recovery, and post-stroke time and age together were best in predicting the quickness of recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) is a rare autosomal dominant cutaneous disorder characterized by a mixture of hyperpigmented and hypopigmented macules of various sizes on the extremities. Pathogenic mutations in the DSRAD gene have recently been identified. In this study, we report and identify the mutations of the DSRAD gene in two Chinese pedigrees with DSH. Two novel mutations in the functional domains of the DSRAD gene were identified and verified in two pedigrees. The c.3244A>G (H1075R) mutation was found in all patients but not in the healthy individuals from family A and c.3335_3336delAT (Y1112fs→1112X) mutation was found in three patients but not in the healthy family members from family B. Our data suggests that these two novel mutations in the DSRAD gene could cause DSH and add new variants to the repertoire of DSRAD mutations in DSH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses the effects of lesions in the anterior limb of the bilateral internal capsules (LALBIC) on cognition, learning, and memory functions in patients with refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The authors report that in May 2007-March 2008, they subjected to LALBIC a total of 10 refractory OCD patients at the Ruijin Hospital in China. They found that while LALBIC improved obsessive-compulsive symptoms and implicit memory in OCD patients, they worsened short-term memory deficits.