AIM: To explore the effects of angiotensin II on aortic calcification in the rat. METHODS: Arterial calcification of Sprague-Dawley rats was induced by vitamin D_3 plus nicotine. Calcification was confirmed by Von Kossa staining, measurement of calcium content, [~(45)Ca~(2+)] accumulation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of vascular tissue. RESULTS: The results showed that calcium content, [~(45)Ca~(2+)] accumulation and ALP activity in calcified arteries increased significantly compared with those of control. Ang Ⅱ levels in plasma and aortic tissues and the amount of angiotensinogen mRNA in calcified aorta were also increased as compared with control. Captopril (inhibitor of ACE) and losartan (Ang Ⅱ receptor inhibitor) decreased significantly the content of calcium, [~(45)Ca~(2+)] uptake and ALP activity in calcified aorta. Ang Ⅱ levels in plasma and aortic tissues and the amount of angiotensinogen mRNA in aortic tissue were down-regulated by captopril. The amount of angiotensinogen mRNA and the content of Ang Ⅱ in the calcified aorta were also decreased by losartan. CONCLUSION: The captopril and losartan significantly alleviate the vascular calcification. [

Objective To investigate prevalence and epidemiologic features of Saffold virus (SAFV) in hospitalized children with acute respiratory infection or digestive tract infection Tianjin area. Methods Nasopharyngeal aspirates from children with acute respiratory infection and fecal samples from children with digestive tract infection in Tianjin Children ’s Hospital were collected from January 2013 to December 2013. Viral nucleic acid was extracted, and SAFV infection was determined by using real-time quantitative PCR. Positive PCR products were sequenced. The sequencing results were aligned with known gene sequences of SAFV sequences in GenBank. The positive viral infection rate of nasopharyngeal aspirates and fecal samples, viral positive constituent ratio and positive detection rate in different age groups, seasonal distribution of SAFV infection were calculated. Other common respiratory tract or digestive tract viruses were also detected. Results Fourty-three (11.9%) nasopharyngeal aspirates from children with acute respiratory infection tested positive for SAFV. There was no significant difference between male and female infected children (aged between 6 d and 12 years old). The 79%(34/43) of the patients with SAFV infection aged under 1 year old. The infection most occurred in summer and winter. The 63 (16.4%) fecal samples from children with digestive tract infection tested positive for SAFV. There was significant difference between male and female infected children (aged between 5 h and 11 years old). SAFV infection was found to be year round. There was no significant difference in different age groups of nasopharyngeal aspirates and fecal samples. The mixed infection rate with SAFV and other respiratory tract or digestive tract viruses were 7.0%(3/43)and 12.7%(8/63), respectively. Conclusion Infection of SAFV had occurred in children with acute respiratory infection or digestive tract infection in Tianjin. SAFV has high detection rate in these children and is more common in children
aged under 1 year old. The data suggest that some of acute respiratory infection or digestive tract infections in pediatric patients are related to SAFV. The Clinical doctors should pay attention to them .

Objective To find out the distribution of drinking-tea-borne fluorosis in the six ethnics in Qinghai Province, and to provide basic data for prevention and control of the disease. Methods In 2010, according to the requirement of “The National Surveillance Program of Drinking-Tea-borne Fluorosis”, six ethnics accounted for 99.59% of total population in Qinghai Province were investigated in 28 counties having brick-tea drinking habit. Three townships and a town in each county, two administrative villages(residents’ committee) in each township and town were chosen and 50 adults in each administrative village and residents ’ committee were selected to check skeletal fluorosis, dental fluorosis, urine fluoride and daily drinking amount of tea water. Five to six samples of drinking tea water were determined. Dental fluorosis was examined by Deans method; the fluoride content of brick-tea and urine were determined by fluoride ion selective electrode; the skeletal fluorosis was diagnosed based on “Endemic Osteofluorosis Clinical Indexing Diagnosis Standard”( WS 192-2008 ) . Results A total of 10 335 adults were surveyed, the number of Tibetan, Han, Hui, Mongolian, Tu and Salar ethnics were 4 972, 3 063, 1 196, 634, 235 and 235, respectively. The daily drinking amounts of tea water in Mongolian, Tibetan, Hui, Tu, Han and Salar ethnics were 2.53, 2.19, 1.74, 1.63, 1.22 and 1.07 L, respectively. Daily fluoride intakes in Tibetan, Mongolian, Tu, Hui, Han and Salar ethnics were 3.99, 2.78,2.27, 2.16, 1.78 and 1.28 mg, respectively. The medians of urinary fluoride concentration of the Tibetan, Tu, Hui, Han, Mongolian and Salar ethnics were 1.46, 1.19, 1.12, 0.98, 0.93 and 0.81 mg/L, respectively. The prevalence rates of dental fluorosis of the Hui, Han, Tibetan, Tu, Mongolian and Salar ethnics were 34.53%(413/1 196), 27.07%(829/3 063), 21.60%(1 074/4 972), 20.00%(47/235), 17.98%(114/634) and 6.38%(15/235), respectively. The incidence rates of clinical skeletal fluorosis of the Tibetan, Mongolian, Han, Hui, Tu and Salar ethnics were 13.42%(667/4 972), 11.04%(70/634), 9.31%(285/3 063), 7.61%(91/1 196), 5.53%(13/235) and 4.26%(10/235), respectively. Conclusions The distribution and prevalent status of drinking-tea-borne fluorosis in the six ethnics of Qinghai Province are different. Tibetan and Mongolian ethnics are the key population concerning the prevention and control of the disease.

Objective To observe the illness change trend of drinking water type endemic arsenic poisoning in Qinghai Province, comprehensively evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures, in order to provide a scientific basis for timely adjustment of the prevention and control measures. Methods From 2010 to 2013, according to the Drinking Water Type Endemic Arsenic Poisoning Monitoring Programs, 3 villages in 2 counties within Qinghai Province were randomly selected as monitoring sites. The arsenic content in drinking water of residents was measured, water improvement projects in all monitoring villages were investigated; at the same time an investigation of arsenic disease in resident population was conducted, and urinary arsenic content was monitored. Arsenic in drinking water and urine was determined by hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry, and arsenic poisoning was diagnosed using Endemic Arsenic Poisoning Diagnostic Criteria (WS/T 211-2001). Results Of the three water improvement projects, two were water arsenic exceeded the standard, and one was intermittently operated. From 2010 to 2013, the arsenic poisoning detec tion rate in Baoning Village was 27.30% (193/707), 31.90%(245/768), 29.35%(221/753) and 28.22%(219/776); in Kecai Village was 32.62%(107/328), 34.83%(124/356), 31.26%(131/419) and 29.35%(118/402);and in Manimotai Village was 56.58%(43/76), 52.81%(47/89), 45.10%(46/102) and 34.69% (34/98), there was no significant difference statistically of the arsenic poisoning detection rates in the three monitored villages in the 4 years (χ2 =3.09, 0.04, 0.92, all P>0.05). From 2010 to 2013, women arsenic poisoning detection rate was 36.45%(203/557), 40.59%(246/606), 36.12%(225/623) and 34.77%(218/627), respectively;men was 25.27%(140/554), 28.01%(170/607), 26.57%(173/651) and 23.57%(153/649), respectively;women arsenic poisoning detection rates were higher than those of men (χ2 = 16.25, 21.32, 13.49, 19.38, all P < 0.05). Arsenic poisoning detection rate of people younger than 60 years old had a tendency to increase with age. In 2012 and 2013, 105 and 93 urine samples were tested, respectively; urinary arsenic geometric mean was 0.113 and 0.149 mg/L. Conclusions Water improvement projects and water quality are not optimistic, and prevalence of arsenic poisoning is still at a higher level. A sound long-term monitoring program should be established as soon as possible, the management and maintenance of water improvement projects should be strengthened, and the monitoring and prevention work should not be neglected.

Objective To analyze the operation of water improvement projects in drinking water-borne fluorosis areas of Qinghai Province and the trend of dental fluorosis in children aged 8 to 12 years, and to evaluate the effects of prevention and control measures comprehensively, so as to provide basis for improving prevention and control strategies. Methods In 2009 - 2017, according to the "Qinghai Drinking Water Endemic Fluorosis Surveillance Program", four project counties of Huangyuan, Minhe, Hualong and Guide were selected in Qinghai Province. Three villages in each project county were selected according to their mild, moderate and severe conditions, and monitored the operation of water improvement projects, water fluoride content and dental fluorosis among children aged 8 to 12-year-old in each diseased village. Results In 2009-2017, the normal operation rate of water improvement projects increased from 2/8 to 7/8; the batch operation rate of the projects decreased from 5/8 to 1/8; the number of abandoned projects decreased from 1 to 0; the number of people covered by qualified water fluoride increased from 9962 to 80760 people; there was no significant difference in water fluoride content between different years (F = 0.758, P > 0.05). The total detection rate of children's dental fluorosis was 33.01％(1812/5489) from 2009 to 2017, the index of dental fluorosis was 0.65, and the epidemic intensity was slightly prevalent;the detection rate of children's dental fluorosis was 30.02％(951/3168) in villages with normal operation of water improvement projects and qualified water fluoride content, the index of dental fluorosis was 0.58, and the epidemic intensity was marginal;the detection rate of children's dental fluorosis was 32.72％(583/1782) in villages with abnormal operation of water improvement projects or excessive fluoride, the index of dental fluorosis was 0.66, and the epidemic intensity was slight; the detection rate of children's dental fluorosis in villages without changing the water was 51.58％ (278/539), and the index of dental fluorosis was 1.04, belonging to the moderate epidemic intensity; the detection rate of children's dental fluorosis in villages without changing the water was significantly higher than that in villages with normal operation of water improvement projects and qualified water fluoride content (χ2 = 102.30, P < 0.01). Conclusions The water improvement project in drinking water-borne fluorosis areas is running well and the operation rate is increasing year by year. The detection rate of dental fluorosis in children aged 8-12 years old in villages with normal operation of water improvement projects and qualified water fluoride content was significantly lower than that in villages without changing the water. The monitoring of fluorosis and the maintenance of water-renovation projects should be strengthened, and the problem of drinking water for residents in villages without changing the water should be resolved as soon as possible.

Objective To explore the prevalence state of drinking brick-tea type fluorosis in children in Guoluo Prefecture,Qinghai Province.Methods According to the historical prevalence of drinking tea-type fluorosis in Guoluo Prefecture,in 2017,in 5 counties of Guoluo Prefecture,according to the pastoral area,agricultural area,semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral areas,each township (town) was selected,in each township (town) drawed a natural village in a ward as a survey point.At each survey site,drinking water samples of local residents were collected,and 10 households were selected,tea samples were collected,and dental fluorosis was investigated for children aged 8-12 years old.The mean of fluoride was determined by fluoride ion selective electrode method (GB/T 5750.5-2006,GB 19965-2005),and the dental fluorosis was diagnosed based on "Diagnosis of Dental Fluorosis" (WS/T 208-2011).Results The mean of fluoride in 85 water samples was 0.34 mg/L (0.20-0.77 mg/L),the mean of fluoride in 161 brick-tea samples was 579 mg/kg (110-1 278 mg/kg).The mean of daily fluoride intake of each person was 6.78 mg,among them,73.29％ (118/161) drank brick-tea,the detection rate of dental fluorosis of 2 083 children was 22.85％ (476/2 083),and the index of dental fluorosis was 0.42,the prevalence was weak.Conclusion The prevalence of drinking brick-tea type fluorosis of children in Guoluo Prefecture is less serious.

Objective To find out the distribution and status of drinking-water-borne fluorosis in Qinghai,and to provide basic data for prevention and control of the disease.Methods According to the "Action Plan of Endemic Fluorosis and Arsenic Poisoning in Qinghai (2016-2020)",10 counties were selected to carry out the epidemiological study in 2016.The operation of the improvment project was investigated.The fluoride content of water was determined with fluoride ion-selective electrode,and dental fluorosis of 8-12 years old children was diagnosed by the Deans method.Results A total of 97 villages have been investigated,and all water was improved.The range of water fluoride was 0.20-2.13 mg/L.Normal operation rate of water-improving project was 83.33％ (50/60).The pass rate of water fluorine content was 96.67％ (58/60).The prevalence rate of dental fluorosis of the children was 18.70％ (774/4 140),and it was significantly lower than national standards (30％).Conclusions Water has been improved in all of the fluorosis villages.Most of the water-improving engineering projects to control drinking-water fluorosis has played a positive role,and drinking-water-borne fluorosis is under control.

Objective:To observe and evaluate the effect of health education on drinking brick-tea type fluorosis in Zhiduo County, Qinghai Province, so as to provide basis for further formulating health education strategies.Methods:From April 2019 to April 2020, according to the historical prevalence of drinking brick-tea type fluorosis in Zhiduo County, Qinghai Province, 3 townships (towns) were selected to carry out the health education activities on drinking brick-tea type fluorosis for students of grade 4 - 6, village doctors, adults and monks in each township (town). We carried out a one-year publicity on the prevention and treatment of drinking brick-tea type fluorosis, distributed health education materials and organized health education activities. Before and after the intervention, we conducted a questionnaire survey on health education among the target population (grade 4 - 6 students, village doctors, adults and monks), to evaluate the awareness rate and behavior formation rate of fluorosis prevention and control, and to evaluate the intervention effect.Results:A total of 86 students of grade 4 - 6, 40 village doctors, 42 adults and 20 monks were investigated, after the intervention, the awareness rates of prevention and treatment of drinking brick-tea type fluorosis in grade 4 - 6 students, village doctors, adults and monks were 87.98% (227/258), 96.67% (116/120), 81.75% (103/126), 83.33% (50/60), respectively, which were significantly higher than those before the intervention [38.38% (76/198), 83.33% (100/120), 15.45% (19/123), 28.89% (13/45), P < 0.05]. After the intervention, the behavior formation rates of prevention and treatment of the drinking brick-tea type fluorosis in grade 4 - 6 students, village doctors, adults and monks were 74.42% (128/172), 72.50% (58/80), 52.38% (44/84), 60.00% (24/40), respectively, which were significantly higher than those before the intervention [14.39% (19/132), 38.75% (31/80), 3.66% (3/82), 0(0/28), P < 0.05]. Conclusion:The comprehensive intervention measures based on health education can significantly improve the knowledge of local residents, and improve their bad drinking habits of drinking tea, which is of great significance to the prevention and treatment of drinking brick-tea type fluorosis.

Objective:To observe the changes of serum C-terminal peptide of type Ⅰ collagen (CTX-1) and N-terminal lengthening peptide of type Ⅰ collagen (P1NP) in adult patients with skeletal fluorosis in the tea-drinking-borne endemic fluorosis area in Qinghai Province, and to find sensitive indicators for diagnosis of skeletal fluorosis.Methods:From April to August 2019, a case-control study was carried out in tea-drinking-borne endemic fluorosis area in Zhiduo County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai Province. According to the Diagnostic Standard for Endemic Skeletal Fluorosis (WS/T 192-2008), the clinical diagnosis and X-ray examination of skeletal fluorosis were carried out for permanent residents ≥25 years old and living for more than 10 years in the area, combined with face-to-face inquiry and investigation of past disease history, lifestyle and clinical manifestations. The patients with skeletal fluorosis and healthy people were selected as skeletal fluorosis group and control group, respectively. Randomized urine samples and fasting venous blood from the two groups were collected. The content of fluoride in urine was determined by ion selective electrode method, and the contents of CTX-1 and P1NP in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:A total of 127 people in the disease area were investigated, including 63 cases in skeletal fluorosis group and 64 cases in control group. There was no statistically significant difference in age and sex ratio between the two groups ( t = 0.42, χ 2 = 0.07, P > 0.05). The X-ray examination results showed that the patients with skeletal fluorosis were mainly mild, accounting for 71.43% (45/63); X-ray changes were mainly ossification of interosseous membrane and tendon. The urinary fluoride in control group and skeletal fluorosis group was 1.62 (1.12, 1.95) and 3.22 (2.38, 4.89) mg/L, respectively, with statistically significant difference between the two groups ( Z = 7.07, P < 0.001). The difference of serum CTX-1 and P1NP contents between the two groups was statistically significant ( Z = 2.00, 4.89, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The levels of serum CTX-1 and P1NP in patients with skeletal fluorosis are higher than those in healthy people. Serum CTX-1 and P1NP may be used as sensitive indicators for diagnosis of skeletal fluorosis.

Objective To dynamic monitor drinking-water-borne fluorosis in Huzhu County and water improvement projects,to know the trend of the disease,and to evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures.Methods Seven townships in Huzhu County including 60 history drinking-water-borne fluorosis villages were selected as investigation sites in 2017,and demographic data were collected.In the villages of the diseased areas where the water had been changed,the operation of the water improvement project was investigated,and 1 tap water sample was collected to determine the fluorine content;for the villages in the diseased areas where the water had not been changed,one water sample was collected from the drinking water source in accordance with the five directions of east,west,south,north and middle to determine the fluorine content.More than 90％ of the children aged 8-12 years old in the surveyed villages were examined and judged for dental fluorosis.According to historical data,1 village with severe illness of children was selected,50 people were selected who were over 25 years old and lived in the villages for more than 5 years.Clinical and X-ray examinations of skeletal fluorosis were performed.Urine samples from adults surveyed were collected for urinary fluoride detection.Results Six of the 60 villages in the 7 townships had been relocated.By 2017,a total of 54 villages in drinking-water-borne fluorosis areas had changed their water.A total of 16 water improvement project were surveyed,among them,there were small water improvement project 6,accounting for 37.50％,large water improvement project 10,accounting for 62.50％;normal operated project 16,accounting for 100.00％;water fluoride content of qualified project 16,the qualified rate was 100.00％,the water fluoride content ranged 0.10-0.66 mg/L,covering a population of about 160 thousand and 846 people.A total of 2 399 children aged 8-12 were examined,117 cases of dental fluorosis were detected,the detection rate of dental fluorosis was 4.88％,dental fluorosis index was 0.13.Among them,89 cases were extremely mild,accounting for 3.71％ of all the children examined,21 cases were mild,accounting for 0.88％ of all the children examined,7 cases were moderate,accounting for 0.29％ of all the children examined,and no severe cases were found.A total of 68 adults over 25 years old were examined for skeletal fluorosis.Twelve patients were found to have clinical skeletal fluorosis.The detection rate was 17.65％.X-ray radiography was used to examine 46 people,and 1 case was detected,the detection rate was 2.17％.Clinical and X ray examinations showed no more than moderate patients.Fifty samples of adult urine were tested,the level of urine fluorine was 0.72 mg/L.Conclusions Water improvement project is working well in Huzhu County,and no serious children with dental fluorosis and adult skeletal fluorosis are detected.The prevention and control measures of drinking-water-bornefluorosis has achieved remarkable results in Huzhu County.We will continue to strengthen water improvement project and disease monitoring,and thoroughly control the prevalence of drinking water fluorosis.