Impaired phagocytosis and susceptibility to infection in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES

Impaired function of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) leads to severe gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial infection, and to major morbidity and mortality. Few studies have focused on the association of impaired function of PMNs and SLE patients' susceptibility to infection. This study aimed to analyze function of PMNs in peroxidase production, chemotaxis, and phagocytosis in pediatric-onset SLE with severe infection.

METHODS

This study compared function of PMNs among pediatric-onset SLE patients with and without histories of severe infection and in normal control subjects. Human peripheral blood PMNs were isolated from patients and controls. Function of PMNs was measured by analyzing peroxidase, chemotaxis, and phagocytic activities. Different disease activity and severity, and drug use in newly diagnosed SLE patients were also compared.

RESULTS

In total, 34 SLE patients (12 patients with severe infection, 22 patients without infection) and 25 healthy controls were analyzed. There were no differences in function of PMNs between SLE patients with or without severe infection. Regardless of infection status, medication, and disease activity, SLE patients had impaired phagocytic ability against Salmonella-specific lipopolysaccharides (LPS) compared with normal controls (p < 0.01). The use of immunosuppressants did not influence phagocytic ability against Salmonella-derived LPS.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosuppressant agents do not influence phagocytic ability against Salmonella in SLE subjects. Impaired phagocytosis against Salmonella is prominent in pediatric-onset SLE subjects, which may result in the high prevalence of Salmonella infection. There is no deficiency of peroxidase production and chemotaxis activity among SLE subjects.

Observation of two new N* resonances in the decay ψ(3686)→ppπ0

Based on 106×10(6)ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII facility, a partial wave analysis of ψ(3686)→ppπ0 is performed. The branching fraction of this channel has been determined to be B(ψ(3686)→ppπ0)=(1.65±0.03±0.15)×10(-4). In this decay, 7 N* intermediate resonances are observed. Among these, two new resonances, N(2300) and N(2570) are significant, one 1/2+ resonance with a mass of 2300(-30-0)(+40+109)  MeV/c2 and width of 340(-30-58)(+30+110)  MeV/c2, and one 5/2- resonance with a mass of 2570(-10-10)(+19+34)  MeV/c2 and width of 250(-24-21)(+14+69)  MeV/c2. For the remaining 5 N* intermediate resonances [N(1440), N(1520), N(1535), N(1650) and N(1720)], the analysis yields mass and width values that are consistent with those from established resonances.

Establishment of Eimeria tenella (local isolate) in chicken embryos

Development of an in vitro Eimeria (E.) tenella model could be valuable as a tool for vaccine, coccidiostats or molecular biology research. 1.0 × 10,000 sporozoites per 0.1 mL were inoculated into the allantoic cavity of ten-day-old chicken embryos. The complete life-cycle of E. tenella was accomplished in eight-nine days at 37 °C and 70% humidity. The addition of 100 U insulin to the embryos could remarkably improve the output of oocysts. The development of the parasite within the embryos was systematically observed, allowing guidelines to be set regarding the appropriate times at which different developmental stages of the parasite may be sampled.

279 INNER CELL MASS-DERIVED BOVINE CELL CULTURES MAINTAIN PLURIPOTENCY UNDER CHEMICALLY DEFINED CONDITIONS OF DUAL KINASE INHIBITION

Authentic embryonic pluripotent stem cells (ePSC), capable of giving rise to all cell types of an adult animal, are only available in mouse and rat. Here, we report the generation of bovine ePSC-like cells under minimal conditions. Inner cell masses were immunosurgically isolated from IVF bovine blastocysts and explanted on laminin/gelatine-coated substrates. Explants were cultured feeder-free under low oxygen (7%) in a chemically defined medium containing inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) and glycogen synthase kinase-3 signalling (GSK3). Dual kinase inhibition (2i) was necessary to sustain expression of epiblast-specific pluripotency markers SOX2 and NANOG in the central colony, which comprised a multi-layered clump of tightly packed cells that was clearly demarcated from the surrounding monolayer outgrowth. In 2i, explanted inner cell mass (ICM) expanded from 51 ± 4 to 1102 ± 55 cells per colony and surrounding outgrowth within 6 days of culture, equivalent to ~4 to 5 population doublings, before passaging. Moreover, 2i suppressed apoptosis after mechanical passaging and the cell number per colony and outgrowth remained constant for up to 8 passages every 4 to 5 days, after which cultures were discontinued. As a proxy for cell proliferation, we quantified DNA synthesis following different 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU)-incorporation protocols. EdU pulse-labelling for 30 min revealed that in steady state, 20 to 30% of cells were in S-phase in primary and passaged colonies, respectively. After cumulative labelling for 24 h, almost all primary and passaged cells were cycling. Throughout this passaging regime, ICM-derived cell lines expressed a repertoire of core pluripotency-related factors (CDH1, OCT4, SALL4, SOX2, TCF3), including markers enriched in naïve pluripotent cells (DPPA3, KLF4, LIN28, NANOG, SOCS3, STAT3) and primordial germ cells (IIFITM3). Genes that are downregulated in primed pluripotent cells were either undetectable (FGF5, T-BRACHYURY) or downregulated (LEFTY) after passaging. These mRNA results were confirmed on the protein level, where OCT4, KLF4, SOX2, and NANOG, as well as SSEA-3/4 and TRA-1-60/-81, but not SSEA-1, remained widely expressed. A diagnostic feature of murine ePSC is the simultaneous presence of 2 active X chromosomes (Xa Xa) and OCT4. We derived cultures from ICM of female blastocysts, produced through IVF with sexed semen, and stained primary cultures on Day 6 with an antibody against trimethylated histone (H) 3 lysine (K) 27 (H3K27me3). Nuclear foci of intense H3K27me3 immunoreactivity were absent in most OCT4-positive cells (660/724 = 92%), indicating presence of Xa Xa. In suspension culture, bovine ePSC-like cells formed cystic embryoid bodies expressing ectoderm (TUBB3, GFAP, NES), endoderm (AFP), and mesoderm (SPP1) markers. Bovine ePSC-like cells after 3 passages showed a normal chromosome number in the majority of spreads (17/18 = 94%). Our short-term culture system provides a chemically defined screening platform for factors that maintain long-term proliferation and pluripotency of ePSC in cattle. Supported by MSI C10X1002.

The Ultrastructural Effects of Sulfachloropyrazine on Toxoplasma gondii Tachyzoites

BACKGROUND

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most common parasitic infections of humans and other mammals. This study was aimed to understand the mechanism of action of veterinary medicine-sulfachloropyrazine (SPZ, 99.97%) against Toxoplasma gondii.

METHODS

T. gondii tachyzoites were soaked in PBS (as a control) or SPZ (250 mg/mL) for 2 h at 37 °C. After being processed, any ultrastructural changes of the tachyzoites that had occurred were observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).

RESULTS

The tachyzoites from control groups with a uniform size had a smooth surface and intact cell or nuclear membranes. In addition, an oval-shaped nucleus, conoids and micronemes were also observed. By contrast, many parasites from the SPZ-treated groups were detrimentally affected by the treatment. Some appeared to be of the vacuolization in their cytoplasm, with the substantial reduction in the number of dense granules and the blur of some organelles.

CONCLUSION

The morphology and ultrastructure of tachyzoites can be affected significantly by SPZ, which might kill the parasite by inhibiting its energy metabolism, inducing apoptosis and damaging its structure. The study provides an experimental basis for further study on the mechanism of SPZ against T. gondii.

89 INHIBITION OF MAPKK AND GSK3 SIGNALLING PROMOTES DEVELOPMENT AND EPIBLAST-SPECIFIC EXPRESSION OF PLURIPOTENCY MARKERS IN BOVINE BLASTOCYSTS

During blastocyst development, the inner cell mass segregates into the epiblast and the hypoblast. These 2 tissues form morphologically and molecularly distinct cell populations that subsequently develop into the embryo proper and some extraembryonic components, respectively. In mouse, isolated epiblast cells can be directly converted into pluripotent embryonic stem cells, capable of differentiating into all cell types of an adult animal. Epiblast pluripotency is promoted by pharmacological inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (Mapkk). This shields epiblast cells from secreted fibroblast growth factor (Fgf), which would otherwise instruct them to exit pluripotency and differentiate into extraembryonic lineages. Indirect stimulation of the Wnt pathway by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) further antagonises inductive Fgf/Mapkk signalling. Thus the double inhibition (2i) of Mapkk and Gsk3 effectively promotes pluripotency (Q. L. Ying et al. 2008 Nature 453, 519–523; J. Nichols et al. 2009 Development 136, 3215–3222). We investigated the effect of 2i culture on bovine blastocysts. The IVF embryos were cultured in the presence of dimethyl sulfoxide or inhibitors of MAPKK (0.4 µM PD0325901) and GSK3 (3 µM CHIR99021) from the zygote (Day 1) stage onward. Compared to vehicle controls, 2i increased the abundance of cumulus cells in bovine IVF cultures, compromising blastocyst formation in cumulus-intact (248/823 = 30% v. 211/824 = 26%, respectively, n = 10; P < 0.05) but not cumulus-free cultures (546/1653 = 33% v. 572/1674 = 34%, respectively, n = 15; P = 0.51). In all subsequent experiments, we therefore cultured cumulus-free zygotes in 2i v. dimethyl sulfoxide until the blastocyst stage. This treatment increased the proportion of hatching (19/433 = 4% v. 7/416 = 2%, respectively, n = 10; P < 0.05) at the expense of early blastocysts (70/433 = 16% v. 93/416 = 22%, respectively, n = 11; P < 0.05). Differential staining of expanded IETS grade 1 and 2 blastocysts showed that 2i culture increased putative inner cell mass, trophectoderm, and total cell nuclei numbers by about 30% compared with controls (57 v. 43, 89 v. 69, and 146 v. 112, respectively; P < 0.01). Accelerated development and increased cell numbers were accompanied by gene expression changes in grade 1 and 2 blastocysts. Under 2i conditions, mRNA abundance of putative epiblast markers NANOG and SOX2 was >3-fold increased (P < 0.0001 and P < 0.01, respectively), and the putative hypoblast marker GATA4 was 2-fold reduced (P < 0.05). Other lineage-related markers (POU5F1, KLF4, DPPA3, and CDX2) showed no significant changes. Using microsurgical blastocyst dissection, we found that the increase in NANOG and SOX2 levels was specific to the inner cell mass-containing portion (7-fold for NANOG and 3-fold for SOX2; P < 0.00005 and P < 0.05, respectively) and not due to ectopic expression in the trophoblast-containing part, which showed similarly low expression levels for both genes. In summary, 2i treatment primed bovine blastocysts for pluripotency in the epiblast. Supported by MSI C10X1002.

Evidence for the direct two-photon transition from ψ(3686) to J/ψ

The two-photon transition ψ(3686)→γγJ/ψ is studied in a sample of 1.06×10(8) ψ(3686) decays collected by the BESIII detector. The branching fraction is measured to be (3.1±0.6(stat)(-1.0)(+0.8)(syst))×10(-4) using J/ψ→e(+)e(-) and J/ψ→μ(+)μ(-) decays, and its upper limit is estimated to be 4.5×10(-4) at the 90% confidence level. This work represents the first measurement of a two-photon transition among charmonium states. The orientation of the ψ(3686) decay plane and the J/ψ polarization in this decay are also studied. In addition, the product branching fractions of sequential E1 transitions ψ(3686)→γχ(cJ) and χ(cJ)→γJ/ψ(J=0,1,2) are reported.

Computer aided tongue diagnosis system

To circumvent the subjective and qualitative problems of traditional tongue diagnosis, we present a novel computer aided tongue diagnosis system (CATDS). In this system, a standard acquisition device as well as a new color correction method is utilized to capture qualified tongue images. The system is constituted by five components: User Interface Module, Acquisition Module, Tongue Image Database, Image Preprocessing Module and Diagnosis Engine. In contrast to existing CATDS, the proposed system aims to establish the relationship between quantitative features and diseases via the Bayesian networks. System tests are carried out on a group of 544 patients affected by 9 common diseases and 56 healthy volunteers. The results show that the system can properly identify six groups: healthy, pulmonary heart disease, appendicitis, gastritis, pancreatitis and bronchitis with accuracy higher than 75%. Moreover, the execution time for the whole diagnosis process including image preprocessing and diagnosis is less than 5 seconds.

A field programmable gate array unit for the diagnosis and control of neoclassical tearing modes on MAST

A real-time system has been developed to trigger both the MAST Thomson scattering (TS) system and the plasma control system on the phase and amplitude of neoclassical tearing modes (NTMs), extending the capabilities of the original system. This triggering system determines the phase and amplitude of a given NTM using magnetic coils at different toroidal locations. Real-time processing of the raw magnetic data occurs on a low cost field programmable gate array (FPGA) based unit which permits triggering of the TS lasers on specific amplitudes and phases of NTM evolution. The MAST plasma control system can receive a separate trigger from the FPGA unit that initiates a vertical shift of the MAST magnetic axis. Such shifts have fully removed m∕n = 2∕1 NTMs instabilities on a number of MAST discharges.

Phenotypes of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta deficiency: hyperdontia and elongated coronoid process

OBJECTIVES

This investigation aimed to conduct a case-control study of mandibular morphology and dental anomalies to propose a relationship between mandibular/dental phenotypes and deficiency of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (CEBPB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Skulls of CEBPB(-/-), CEBPB(+/-) and CEBPB(+/+) mice were inspected with micro-computed tomography. Mandibular morphology was assessed with a method of Euclidean distance matrix analysis.

RESULTS

Elongation of the coronoid process was identified in CEBPB(+/-) (P ≤ 0.046) and CEBPB(-/-) 12-month-olds (P ≤ 0.028) but not in 14-day-olds (P ≥ 0.217) and 0-day-olds (P ≥ 0.189) of either genotype. Formation of supernumerary teeth in CEBPB(-/-) adult mice was demonstrated (χ(2) = 6.00, df = 1, P = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

CEBPB deficiency was related to elongation of the coronoid process and formation of supernumerary teeth. The mandibular and dental phenotypes of CEBPB deficiency were unseen by the 14th day after birth. Future investigations into the influence of CEBPB on mandibular and dental development are needed.

First observation of the M1 transition ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S)

Using a sample of 106×10(6) ψ(3686) events collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring, we have made the first measurement of the M1 transition between the radially excited charmonium S-wave spin-triplet and the radially excited S-wave spin-singlet states: ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S). Analyses of the processes ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S) with η(c)(2S)→K(S)(0)K(±)π(∓) and K(+)K(-)π(0) give an η(c)(2S) signal with a statistical significance of greater than 10 standard deviations under a wide range of assumptions about the signal and background properties. The data are used to obtain measurements of the η(c)(2S) mass (M(η(c)(2S))=3637.6±2.9(stat)±1.6(syst) MeV/c(2)), width (Γ(η(c)(2S))=16.9±6.4(stat)±4.8(syst) MeV), and the product branching-fraction (B(ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S))×B(η(c)(2S)→KKπ)=(1.30±0.20(stat)±0.30(syst))×10(-5)). Combining our result with a BABAR measurement of B(η(c)(2S)→KKπ), we find the branching fraction of the M1 transition to be B(ψ(3686)→γη(c)(2S))=(6.8±1.1(stat)±4.5(syst))×10(-4).

Combined use of etanercept and MTX restores CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio and Tregs in spleen and thymus in collagen-induced arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To further explore the mechanism of etanercept (ENT, rhTNFR:Fc) and methotrexate (MTX) in the combined treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we investigated whether thymic and splenic T-cell subsets and their related cytokines imbalance could be restored by ETN/MTX treatment.

METHODS

The effect of ETN/MTX on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was evaluated by arthritis scores, joint and spleen histopathology, as well as indices of thymus and spleen. T lymphocytes proliferation was determined by [(3)H]-TdR incorporation. Levels of TNF-α, LT-α, IL-1β, RANKL, IL-10, IL-17, IFN-γ and IL-6 were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The subsets of T lymphocytes including CD4(+), CD8(+), CD3(+)CD4(+), CD4(+)CD25(+), CD4(+)CD62L(+) and CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) cells were quantified using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Combined administration of ETN/MTX significantly inhibited the proliferation of T lymphocytes, decreased serum IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, RANKL and macrophage supernatant IL-17, LT-α, increased serum IFN-γ and macrophage supernatant IL-10. Moreover, the combined administration could restore CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio and Treg cells of CIA thymus and spleen.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, our findings suggest that ENT/MTX may modify the abnormal T lymphocytes balance from central to peripheral lymphoid organs, which may partially, explained the mechanism of the combined administration.

Measurements of the mass and width of the η(c) using the decay ψ(3686)→γη(c)

The mass and width of the lowest-lying S-wave spin singlet charmonium state, the η(c), are measured using a data sample of 1.06×10(8) ψ(3686) decays collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII storage ring. We use a model that incorporates full interference between the signal reaction, ψ(3686)→γη(c), and a nonresonant radiative background to describe the line shape of the η(c) successfully. We measure the η(c) mass to be 2984.3±0.6±0.6 MeV/c(2) and the total width to be 32.0±1.2±1.0 MeV, where the first errors are statistical and the second are systematic.

Directed flow of identified particles in Au+Au collisions at √[SNN]=200 GeV at RHIC

STAR's measurements of directed flow (v1) around midrapidity for π±, K±, KS0, p, and p[over ¯] in Au+Au collisions at √[sNN]=200  GeV are presented. A negative v1(y) slope is observed for most of produced particles (π±, K±, KS0, and p[over ¯]). In 5%-30% central collisions, a sizable difference is present between the v1(y) slope of protons and antiprotons, with the former being consistent with zero within errors. The v1 excitation function is presented. Comparisons to model calculations (RQMD, UrQMD, AMPT, QGSM with parton recombination, and a hydrodynamics model with a tilted source) are made. For those models which have calculations of v1 for both pions and protons, none of them can describe v1(y) for pions and protons simultaneously. The hydrodynamics model with a tilted source as currently implemented cannot explain the centrality dependence of the difference between the v1(y) slopes of protons and antiprotons.

Type I restriction-modification system and its resistance in electroporation efficiency in Flavobacterium columnare

Flavobacterium columnare, the causative agent of columnaris disease, infects freshwater fish worldwide. However, the pathogenicity of this bacterium is poorly understood due possibly to the lack of an efficient in-frame knockout technique. In order to improve electroporation efficiency, the type I restriction-modification system (R-M system) was cloned and its role in electroporation was examined in F. columnare G(4) strain. The complete sequence of type I R-M system in the bacterium, designated as Fcl, contains all three subunits of type I R-M system, named as fclM, fclS, fclR, respectively, with the identification of a hypothetical gene, fclX. Constitutive transcription of the three genes was observed in F. columnare G(4) by RT-PCR. The ORF of fclM and fclS was cloned into the plasmid pACYC184 and transformed into Escherichia coli TOP10. The resultant E. coli strain, designated as E. coli TOPmt, was transformed with the integrative plasmid pGL006 constructed for F. columnare G(4). The integrative plasmid was re-isolated from TOPmt and incubated with the lysate of F. columnare G(4). The re-isolated integrative plasmid, designated as pGL006', showed higher resistance than pGL006. With pGL006', the electroporation efficiency of the strain G(4) increased 2.6 times, while that of F. columnare G(18) was not obviously improved. Furthermore, a method to improve the electroporation efficiency of F. columnare G(4) was developed using the integrative plasmid methylated by E. coli TOPmt which contains the fclM and fclS gene of F. columnare G(4). Further analyses showed that the fcl gene cluster may be a unique type I R-M system in F. columnare G(4). It will be of significant interest to examine the composition and diversity of R-M systems in strains of F. columnare in order to set up a suitable genetic manipulation system for the bacterium.

First observation of η(1405) decays into f(0)(980)π0

The decays J/ψ → γ π+ π- π0 and J/ψ → γ π0 π0 π0 are analyzed using a sample of 225×10(6) J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector. The decay of η(1405) → f(0)(980)π0 with a large isospin violation is observed for the first time. The width of the f(0)(980) observed in the dipion mass spectra is anomalously narrower than the world average. Decay rates for three-pion decays of the η' are also measured precisely.

Microelectronic-sensing assay to detect presence of Verotoxins in human faecal samples

AIMS

 To develop a novel Vero cell assay that implements a real-time cell electronic sensing (RT-CES) system for the determination of the presence of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC). The assay overcomes the major drawbacks in conventional Vero cell assay, for example, labour-intensive and time-consuming.

METHODS AND RESULTS

 Cells were grown onto the surfaces of microelectronic sensors that are integrated into the bottom surfaces of the microtiter plate. Cellular viability was monitored in real-time and quantified based on changes in the sensor's electrical impedance. For cell viability measurement, the data generated on the RT-CES system correlated well with those obtained by the Vero cell assay for Verotoxins. To assess cytotoxicity, test cells growing on microelectronic sensors were treated with either supernatant from pure cultures, or stool samples. The specific neutralizing antibodies of VT1 and VT2 were used to identify specific toxins in the samples.

CONCLUSIONS

 The RT-CES assay provides a sensitive measurement comparable to conventional crystal violet assay. The assay has been successfully and specifically used to identify VTEC in human faecal samples.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

 The RT-CES assay significantly shortens the testing time from 48 to 72 h required by the crystal violet assay to only 15 h with automated operation.

Spin-parity analysis of pp¯ mass threshold structure in J/ψ and ψ(3686) radiative decays

A partial wave analysis of the pp¯ mass-threshold enhancement in the reaction J/ψ→γpp¯ is used to determine its J(PC) quantum numbers to be 0(-+), its peak mass to be below threshold at M=1832(-5)(+19)(stat)(-17)(+18)(syst)±19(model) MeV/c(2), and its total width to be Γ<76 MeV/c(2) at the 90% C.L. The product of branching ratios is measured to be BR[J/ψ→γX(pp¯)]BR[X(pp¯)→pp¯]=[9.0(-1.1)(+0.4)(stat)(-5.0)(+1.5)(syst)±2.3(model)]×10(-5). A similar analysis performed on ψ(3686)→γpp¯ decays shows, for the first time, the presence of a corresponding enhancement with a production rate relative to that for J/ψ decays of R=[5.08(-0.45)(+0.71)(stat)(-3.58)(+0.67)(syst)±0.12(model)]%.

Association among serum uric acid, cardiovascular risk, and arterial stiffness: a cross-sectional study in She ethnic minority group of Fujian Province in China

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between serum uric acid levels, cardiovascular risk, and arterial stiffness in She ethnic minority in South China's Fujian Province.

METHODS

5109 participants aged 20-79 yr were enrolled in analysis. Tpeak-Tend interval (Tp-e), QT interval, and height of the R wave in lead aVL (aVLR) were measured on 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG), and Minnesota code-indicated major abnormal ECG MA-ECG was used as a risk indicator of cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness was assessed by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV).

RESULTS

Longer Tp-e interval, greater Tp-e/QT ratio, and higher aVLR were observed in the highest quartile of uric acid level. The incidence of MA-ECG was gradually increased from lowest to highest quartile of serum uric acid in males (p for trend <0.01). After adjusting traditional cardiovascular risk factors, multivariate analysis revealed that the fourth quartile of serum uric acid level was independently associated with MA-ECG in males [odds ratios (OR) (95% confidence interval): 2.129 (1.376-3.295)] but not in females. Serum uric acid was also associated with abnormal baPWV, when adjusted for atherogenic confounders. Compared with the lowest serum uric acid quartile, the OR (95% confidence interval) of the second, third, and fourth quartile were 1.920 (1.246-2.957), 1.650 (1.064-2.558), and 2.501 (1.600-3.908) in males.

CONCLUSION

Among China's She ethnic minority, uric acid level was independently related to arterial stiffness assessed by baPWV in both genders. The evaluation of uric acid level was related to higher cardiovascular risk in males but not in females.