Objective To investigate the relationship between arsenic in drinking water and skin lesions in endemic arsenism area in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province,in order to provide epidemiologic data for further arsenism research.Methods One hundred and eighty-nine endemic arsenism patients and 59 controls were randomly selected in 17 endemic amenism countries in Shanyin County of Shanxi Province.The content of arsenic in drinking water which wa8 collected indoom was half-quantitatively screened by a kit made by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention,then quantitatively determined by HPLC-ICP-MS.Patients of endemic arsenism were diagnosed by "The Standard of Diagnosis for Endemic Amenism"(WS/T 211-2001).Results There were 64.9% (87/134)samples above the arsenic level(50μg/L)of drinking water and the median value of arsenic in drinking water was 91.43 μg/L in 134 water samples.The OR(95%CI)value between arsenic in drinking water and hyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation,depigmentation was 2.46(1.22-4.94),3.34(1.50～7.44)and 2.86(1.50-5.46),respectively.The prevalence of hyperkeratosis,hyperpigmentation and depigmentation increased,as the arsenic in drinking water increased(≤10,≤50,≤200,＞200μg/L),especially in＞200μg/L group(OR=6.15,13.96,11.41,P＜0.05).The arsenic level in drinking water of Ⅲ degree of depigmentation patients(318.300μg/L)was higher(P＜0.05)than that of 0,Ⅰ and Ⅱ degree groups(86.670,131.800,1 10.590μg/L,P＜0.05).Conclusions Shanyin County is a medial arsenic pollution area. Arsenic in drinking water is considered as a risk factor of skin lesion. The degree of skin lesions increased,as the arsenic in drinking water increased.

Objective To assess the predictive value of short-latency somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) in the acute phase of stroke regarding functional recovery. Methods One hundred and fifty stroke patients were included. SSEPs were recorded on the first 7 days after stroke, and the patients were then stratified into groups with absent, abnormal and normal responses. Clinical state was determined according to the NIH stroke scale (NIHSS), the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), the modified Barthel index (MBI) and the modified Rankin scale (MRS). SSEP was followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Results The NIHSS and FMA scores were significantly different comparing any two groups or at different times in the same group. The median SSEP N20 latency and tibial nerve SSEP P40 latency during stroke were positively correlated with MRS scores 12 months later but negatively correlated with MBI results. The ADL results 12 months after stroke were used to evaluate functional recovery, and the prediction rate of the SSEP results alone was 40.8% , however the rate improved to 44.2% when SSEP results were combined with FMA scores and became 46.1% when SSEP, FMA and MRS results were all considered. Conclusion SSEP has independent predictive value regarding functional recovery after stroke. Combined assessment of initial FMA, MRS and SSEP substantially improves the predictive power for stroke prognosis.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of free highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in adult infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in Dehong area. Methods Clinical data of 1039 adult HIV/AIDS patients from five counties/cities in Dehong area who initiated HAART during the period from July 1st 2004 to June 30th 2008 were retrospectively analyzed to examine their virological and immunological responses to HAART. Data were analyzed by Chi-squared test or F test. Results Among the 1039 HIV/AIDS cases, 611 were males and 428 were females. The mean age was (37.0±9.9) years and the mean treatment duration was (22. 41 ± 12. 69) months. Complete viral suppression (HIV viral load＜50 copy/mL) was achieved in 781 cases (75. 17%). The percentage of patients achieving complete viral suppression rates were 76.95%, 76.49%, 70.65% and 77. 73% in patients treated for 6-12,13-24, 25-36 and more than 37 months, respectively (x2=8.646, P=0.194). The meanCD4+ T cell counts were (164.93±118.05) × 106/L at baseline, and (330.85±201.73) × 106/L, (356.24±205.49) × 106/L, (434.53±250.65) × 106/L and (396.31±202.62) × 106/L in patients treated for 6- 12, 13-24, 25-36 and more than 37 months, respectively. CD4- T cell counts were significantly different in patients treated for 6-12 and 13-24 months (F= 19. 423 , P＜0. 01). Successful immune reconstitution was achieved in 927 ( 90.88 % ) cases. Seven hundred and seventeen (70.29% ) cases achieved both virological suppression and immunological reconstitution with HAART, whereas 40 cases (3. 92%) failed to achieve both virological and immunological responses. Conclusion HIV/AIDS patients in Dehong area show good virological and immunological responses to HAART.

Objective To analyze the monitoring results of urinary iodine of students aged 8 - 10 in Zhangjiakou city,problems in monitoring results,and to provide basic information for working out control strategies of iodine deficiency disorders.Methods A township(town,street) in each country of each city(district) in Zhangjiakou was selected according to 5 positions of the east,the west,the south,the north and center,and 1 village elementary school was sampled in each chosen township,twenty students(half male and female) aged 8 - 10 were selected to collect their urine samples in each school.Urinary iodine concentration was determined by arseniccerium method.Results The median of urinary iodine of the 1700 children aged 8 - 10 was 291.5 μg/L,with ＜ 50 μg/L accounted for 0.8％(13/1700),50 ～ 99 μg/L about 4.9％(83/1700),100 - 199 μg/L about 20.5％ (349/1700),200 - 299 μg/L about 29.7％(504/1700),and ≥300 μg/L about 44.9％(764/1700).Conclusions Urinary iodine has reached the elimination standard of iodine deficiency disorders in Zhangjiakou city.But the situation of more than adequate amount of urinary iodine and iodine excess is relatively serious and it is necessary to lower iodine concentration.

Objective:To analyze the activities of human NKG2D ligand MICA/B promoter induced by 5-Fu.Methods:The 5'-end flanking regions of MICA /B promoter and their different truncated fragments were amplified from A549 genome by PCR. The resulting amplicons were cloned into pGL3-Basic vector to generate the MICA/B luciferase reporter plasmids. All the constructs were transiently transfected A549 cells. The promoter region activities were determined by dual-luciferase reporter assays. The effect of 5-Fu on the promoter activities of MICA/B was also tested.Results and Conclusion:The 5'-end flanking regions of MICA /B promoter and five of their different truncated fragments were successfully obtained. The normalized luciferase reporter gene activities driven by the above promoters and fragments were 3.61,2.26,1.63,0.313,0.711 and 0.663 for MICA and 17.49,10.11,7.398,0.822,0.997 and 0.49 for MICB,respectively. Promoter activities in transiently transfected A549 cells treated by 20,40,80,160 and 320 μg/m of 5-Fu increased 1.69,1.48,1.62,1.55 and 1.78 fold for MICA and 1.44,1.87,1.38,1.19 and 1.25 fold for MICB. Our results suggest that 5-FU can significantly up-regulate the promoter activity of both MICA and MICB.

Objective To analyze comprehensively the monitoring data of iodized salt in Zhangjiakou city during 2001 to 2009, and to provide basic information for working out control strategies of the iodine deficiency disorders. Methods According to the iodized salt monitoring requirements in National Iodine Deficiency Disorders Monitoring Program of Ministry of Health, a batch of nine salt samples were taken from each processing (wholesale)company of each county or district of the seventeen counties(districts) of Zhangjiakou once a month. Two townships (towns, street offices) were selected by their location of east, south, west and north in each county(district), and a township in central area each year. Four villages(neighborhoods) were selected in each township(town, street office),and eight household salt samples were collected in each village(neighborhood), and quantitatively determined by direct titration of iodine. Results Iodized salt processing(wholesale) : during 2001 to 2009, a total of 1728 batches was monitored, 1689 batch qualified, batch qualification rate 97.74%;15552 salt samples were tested, 15 357 qualified, iodized salt qualification rate 98.75 %. Household salt levels : 5297 villages (neighborhoods) of 1305 townships(towns, street offices) were monitored, 44 316 salt samples were collected, 43 274 qualified, iodized salt qualification rate 98.04%(43 274/44 141 ), iodized salt coverage rate 99.61%(44 141/44 316), qualified iodized salt consumption rate 97.65%(43 274/44 316). Rate of non-iodized salt was 0.40%(260/44 316), and salt median iodine was 30.02 mg/kg. Conclusions The iodized salt quality indicators are within the state-controlled range in Zhangjiakou city for nine years which remaines at relatively stable levels with a smaller range of annual fluctuations.Detection of non-iodized salt over the years has become the main factors affecting the effectiveness of the prevention and control measures.We should increase monitoring,supervision,and universal health education,and prevent the spread of non-iodized salt.

Objective To compare 99Tcm-MIBI MPI with delayed enhancement MRI (DE-MRI) in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM). Methods Forty patients with IDCM were included. They underwent both rest 99Tcm-MIBI myocardial perfusion imaging and DE-MRI within 7 days. 99Tcm-MIBI MPI was performed to identify diffuse or segmental abnormal perfusion patterns including reduced or defect perfusion segments. DE-MRI images were divided into 4 categories: no delayed enhancement, septal, subendocardial and transmural delayed enhancement, x2 test was used for data analysis. Results Diffuse and segmental perfusion abnormality on 99Tcm-MIBI MPI were found in 19 (47.5%) and 21 (52.5%)patients respectively, while DE-MRI enhancement was simultaneously found in 5 patients of the former (5/19, 26.3%) and 18 (18/21, 85.7%) of the latter (x2 =14.401, P＜0. 001). For those (n=18) with both segmental perfusion abnormality and DE-MRI enhancement, the number of segments of the 4 DE-MRI respectively. A significant difference was found in the DE-MRI enhancement categories between normal and defect perfusion segments (x2 = 29. 183, P ＜0.001 ) and between reduced and defect perfusion segments as well (x2 =25. 110, P＜0. 001). Conclusions Both diffuse and segmental perfusion abnormalities on 99Tcm-MIBI MPI can be found in patients with IDCM. DE-MRI enhancement is more frequently found in patients with segmental perfusion abnormality.

Objective To investigate the accuracy of serum S-100β protein and neuron specific enolase (NSE) level in predication of postoperative delirium (PD) in patients of different ages.Methods Four hundred ASA Ⅰ -Ⅳ patients of both sexes weighing 40-82 kg undergoing abdominal surgery performed under general anesthesia were divided into 4 age groups:group Ⅰ 18-44 yr; group Ⅱ 45-59 yr; group Ⅲ 60-74 yr and group Ⅳ ≥75 yr.The diagnosis of PD was made by using confusion assessment method.The incidence of PD was recorded within 72 h after operation.Each group was further divided into PD and non-PD subgroups.Blood samples were taken at 1 day before operation (T1),during their stay in PACU (T2) and at 24 and 72 h after operation (T3,4 ) for determination of serum S-100β protein and NSE concentrations.The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for serum S-100β protein concentration in determining the PD efficacy was plotted.Results The incidence of PD was significantly higher and the duration was significantly longer in groups Ⅲ and Ⅳ than in groups Ⅰ and Ⅱ,and in group Ⅳ than in group Ⅲ (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the serum S-100β protein concentration between PD subgroup and non-PD subgroup in groups Ⅰ - Ⅲ ( P ＞ 0.05).Compared with that at T1 and in nonPD subgroup,the serum S-100β protein concentration was significantly increased in PD subgroup in group Ⅳ,and the serum NSE concentration was significantly decreased at T2,3 in PD subgroup in group Ⅰ (P ＜ 0.05).There was no significant difference in the serum NSE concentration between PD subgroup and non-PD subgroup in groups Ⅱ -Ⅳ.The analysis results of the ROC curve showed that:the area under the curve for the serum S-100β protein concentration and 95％ confidence interval were 0.329 (0.127-0.531),0.352 (0.168-0.536),0.619 (0.466- 0.772) and 0.921 (0.846-0.995),the sensitivity was 50％,50％,56％ and 88％,and the specificity was 29％,22％,46％ and 86％ in groups Ⅰ-Ⅳ respectively.Conclusion Increase in the serum S-100β protein concentration can be used in predicting the development of PD in patients ≥75 yr,but the serum NSE protein concentration can not be used.

Animals ; China ; epidemiology ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Molecular Epidemiology ; Rickettsia ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Rickettsia Infections ; epidemiology ; transmission ; Ticks ; microbiology

Objective: A longitudinal study design was used to explore the effect of perceived discrimination on the psychological adaptation of children relocated to alleviate poverty. Methods: Four hundred twenty six children who were relocated to alleviate poverty were measured three times using a perceived discrimination questionnaire, childhood depression inventory, and the Illinois loneliness questionnaire, the data were analyzed using a cross lag model. Results: Depression and loneliness of children relocated to alleviate poverty had an increasing trend during the three surveys( F=18.79, 8.69, P <0.01). Perceived discrimination was positively correlated with depression and loneliness at the time points for the three surveys( r=0.23~0.55, P <0.01). Cross lag analysis showed that perceived discrimination in the pretest (Tn) significantly predicted posttest (Tn+1) depression ( β=0.16, 0.20, P < 0.01 ) and perceived discrimination at time 2 significantly predicted loneliness ( β=0.25, P <0.01) at time 3. Conclusion Perceived discrimination was shown to be an important factor affecting the psychological adaptation of children relocated to alleviate poverty.