Objective:To investigate the water improvement status and current disease situation in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas of Taiyuan City, evaluate the effect of prevention and control measures, and provide a basis for optimizing control measures.Methods:Monitoring data from 2019 to 2024 for drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis in the diseased areas in Taiyuan City were collected from the Taiyuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A retrospective analysis was conducted on water improvement status, water fluoride content, dental fluorosis in children aged 8 - 12, skeletal fluorosis, and urinary fluoride monitoring results in all endemic villages.Results:From 2019 to 2024, all endemic villages in the six endemic counties (districts) of Taiyuan City completed water improvement. The number of water improvement projects each year was 75, 75, 72, 68, 64, and 57, respectively, with all projects operating normally. The qualified rates of water fluoride content each year were 81.33% (61/75), 100% (75/75), 98.61% (71/72), 75.00% (51/68), 87.50% (56/64), and 75.44% (43/57), respectively, with statistical significant differences ( χ2 = 36.99, P < 0.001). The detection rates of dental fluorosis each year were 18.19% (600/3 298), 14.42% (530/3 676), 11.14% (435/3 904), 11.13% (421/3 781), 11.59% (435/3 754), and 5.37% (299/5 567), respectively, with statistical significant differences ( χ2 = 386.42, P < 0.001). In 2024, 824 people were screened for skeletal fluorosis, with 250 cases showing positive symptoms and signs. Among the 250 positive cases, 210 underwent X-ray examination, detecting 170 skeletal fluorosis patients, with an X-ray positive rate of 80.95% (170/210) and a skeletal fluorosis detection rate of 20.63% (170/824). Urinary fluoride monitoring results showed that the geometric mean of urinary fluoride in villages with excessive water fluoride content was 2.95 mg/L, which was higher than the normal upper limit (1.60 mg/L). However, there was no statistically significant difference in urinary fluoride levels between skeletal fluorosis patients and non-skeletal fluorosis individuals ( Z = 0.78, P = 0.434). Conclusions:From 2019 to 2024, the drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas in Taiyuan City have undergone comprehensive water improvement and the water improvement projects are operating well. The qualified rate of water fluoride content has fluctuated, while the detection rate of dental fluorosis has decreased. Continuous monitoring is needed in the future to implement long-term water improvement measures and strengthen screening and treatment efforts for patients with fluorosis.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in Liaoning Province, analyze its disease progression, and provide a scientific basis for timely adjustment in prevention and control strategies and work priorities.Methods:From March 2019 to October 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted in five KBD endemic townships in Liaoning Province. The monitoring was conducted on a village by village basis, including the name of the administrative village, the name of the natural village (township), the number of permanent households (residing for ≥6 months), the number of permanent residents, the number of permanent residents aged 7 to 12, the management and treatment of adult patients, the implementation of prevention and control measures, and the implementation of child nutrition improvement programs (grain replacement). Anteroposterior X-rays of both hands were taken for children with abnormal signs or suspected KBD. Cases were confirmed as KBD if both clinical examination and X-ray review were positive. Five-year KBD surveillance data were analyzed, including the numbers of clinically positive and X-ray positive cases at each monitoring site, with positive detection rates calculated to macroscopically analyze the dynamic changes in KBD status.Results:From 2019 to 2024, a total of 180 103 children aged 7 - 12 years old were monitored in KBD endemic villages in Liaoning Province. Among them, 321 children showed abnormal clinical signs, but hand X-rays revealed no positive changes indicative of KBD. The annual positive detection rate for KBD was 0 throughout the study period. In 2024, in 1 500 endemic natural villages (hamlets) in Liaoning Province, 39 205 acres of farmland were converted to economic crops (1.96% of original farmland), and 16 520 acres were returned to forest or grassland (1.74% of original farmland). There were 534 KBD patients, with a prevalence rate of 6.7/10 000. All patients had completed patient information management, follow-up evaluation, achieving a 100% management rate. Four hundred thirty-five patients with Kashin Beck disease were planned for treatment, but, 476 patients were actually treated with medication, resulting in a planned treatment completion rate of 109.43% and a patient treatment rate of 89.14%.Conclusion:From 2019 to 2024, Liaoning Province has achieved the goal of eliminating KBD and maintained sustained elimination status.

Objective:To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of leptospirosis in Wenzhou City, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating prevention and control strategies of leptospirosis in Wenzhou City.Methods:Information on leptospirosis case from 2019 to 2023 was collected from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the three-dimensional distribution and clinical manifestations of leptospirosis.Results:From 2019 to 2023, the annual average incidence rate of leptospirosis in Wenzhou City was 0.43/100 000, and the annual average mortality was 0.01/100 000. The incidence rate was the highest in 2021 (0.74/100 000), and there was a statistically significant difference in the incidence rate over the five years ( χ2 = 35.48, P < 0.001). Cases were reported in all regions in Wenzhou City except for Dongtou District and Longgang City, with Yongjia County had the highest number of cases (114 cases). The impact rate of streets/townships was 35.14% (65/185), among them Yongjia County had the highest impact rate of steets/townships (86.36%, 19/22). The onset season was from August to October (88.83%, 159/179), with a male to female ratio of 4.97 ∶ 1.00 (149/30). The age group of 61 - 70 years old was the most affected (39.66%, 71/179), and farmers were the main occupation (70.95%, 127/179). Twenty-six point eighty-two per cent (48/179) of the cases had a clear history of animal contact within one month before onset, and 68.16% (122/179) had a history of contact with contaminated water. The main clinical type was influenza-typhoid type (23.46%, 42/179), with the main clinical manifestations being fever (84.92%, 152/179), chills (55.87%, 100/179), and fatigue (62.57%, 112/179). Twelve point twenty-nine per cent 12.29% (22/179), 8.38% (15/179), and 22.91% (41/179) of cases showed conjunctival congestion, lymph node enlargement, and gastrocnemius muscle tenderness, respectively. Clinical outcomes showed that 73.74% (132/179) of the cases recovered or improved, and 3 cases died. Conclusions:From 2019 to 2023, the overall prevalence of leptospirosis in Wenzhou City is at a low level, but there are deaths that need to be taken seriously. In order to control the disease, continuous monitoring should be carried out, health education for relevant populations should be strengthened, and the risk of leptospirosis should be reduced.

Objective:To study the etiological relationship between Yunnan sudden unexplained death (hereinafter referred to as YNSUD) and the desmosomal protein gene mutation of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).Methods:From September 2019 to August 2020, a cross-sectional survey method was used to select 9 key counties (cities) of YNSUD in Yunnan Province as survey sites. Autopsy cardiac blood samples of YNSUD cases ( n = 11) were collected, and peripheral venous blood samples of co-occurring case ( n = 1), case relatives ( n = 128), and control population ( n = 60) were collected. Genomic DNA from blood was extracted. After PCR amplification, 97 exons of 5 ARVC desmosomal protein genes, including plakophilin-2 (PKP2), desmoglein-2 (DSG2), desmocollin-2 (DSC2), desmoplakin (DSP), and junction plakoglobin (JUP) were sequenced by Sanger method, and the gene mutation was analyzed. Results:Compared with the control population, YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives carried 52 gene mutation sites in 36 exons of the ARVC desmosomal protein gene, with a total mutation rate of 37.11% (36/97). Among them, there were 21 in DSP gene, 10 in DSG2 gene, 8 in PKP2 gene, 8 in DSC2 gene, and 5 in JUP gene. YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives carried two same gene mutation sites: DSG2 gene exon 15 c.3321 T>C synonymous mutation and JUP gene exon 3 c.213 T>C synonymous mutation.Conclusions:The mutation rate of ARVC desmosomal protein gene is relatively high in the population of YNSUD. The two same gene mutation sites (DSG2 gene c.3321 T>C and JUP gene c.213 T>C) carried by YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives may be associated with the pathogenesis of YNSUD.

Objective:To investigate the iodine nutrition status of children aged 8-10 and pregnant women in Longxi County, Gansu Province.Methods:Descriptive epidemiological method was used to analyze the water iodine monitoring data in 2017 and the iodine deficiency disorders monitoring data from 2017 to 2023 in Longxi County (sourced from the Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control of Gansu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention), including the data of water iodine, salt iodine and urinary iodine levels of children aged 8 to 10 and pregnant women, and children's thyroid B-mode ultrasound examination results. Iodine nutrition was evaluated based on the "Guidelines for Monitoring Salt Iodization Projects and Determining Population Iodine Nutrition".Results:In 2017, a total of 85 water samples were collected, with a median iodine level of 1.6 μg/L, ranging from 0.2 to 10.9 μg/L. Except for one water sample with an iodine level of 10.9 μg/L, the iodine level of all other water samples was less than 10 μg/L. From 2017 to 2023, a total of 1 585 children and 718 pregnant women were monitored. The urinary iodine levels were 190.8 (120.2, 252.2), 137.0 (79.8, 195.8) μg/L, respectively. The coverage rate of iodized salt in Longxi County from 2017 to 2023 ranged from 99.4% to 100%, the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt ranged from 61.8% to 93.0%, and the qualified rate of iodized salt ranged from 62.1% to 93.0%. The median range of the urinary iodine for children in Longxi County was 125.9 to 228.5 μg/L. There was a statistically significant difference in the urinary iodine levels among children from different years ( P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in urinary iodine levels among children of different genders and ages ( P > 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the composition ratio of iodine nutrition status among children of different years, genders, and ages ( P < 0.05). The median range of urinary iodine in pregnant women was 121.0-180.5 μg/L. Except for 2017, the median urinary iodine of pregnant women in all other years was less than 150 μg/L. There were statistically significant differences in the urinary iodine levels and composition ratio of iodine nutrition status among pregnant women in different years ( P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference ( P > 0.05) in the urinary iodine levels and composition ratio of iodine nutrition status among pregnant women during different stages of pregnancy, and all pregnant women were iodine deficient in the early, middle, and late stages (median urinary iodine < 150 μg/L). Six hundred and sixty-five children underwent B-mode ultrasound examination, with a goiter rate ranging from 0 to 5.0%. Conclusion:From 2017 to 2023, the iodine nutrition of children aged 8 to 10 in Longxi County is in an appropriate state, while the iodine nutrition of pregnant women is in a deficiency state.

Objective:To study the relationship between the levels of multiple elements in urine and the risk of arsenic poisoning in populations exposed to drinking water arsenic in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (Inner Mongolia).Methods:From April 2023 to January 2024, a case-control study method was used to select 128 individuals with a residence time of ≥10 years in drinking water arsenic exposed areas in Inner Mongolia as study subjects. Eighty-one individuals diagnosed with arsenic poisoning were selected as the case group, and 47 healthy individuals were selected as the control group for urine sample collection and questionnaire survey. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was employed to determine the levels of 10 elements (chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, molybdenum, cadmium and lead) in urine. The levels of each element in urine were divided into four groups ( Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups) based on quartiles. The associations between the levels of various elements in urine and the risk of arsenic poisoning were studied using binary logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline (RCS). Results:The age of the control group and the case group [ M ( Q1, Q3)] were 61 (53, 69) and 61 (56, 67) years old, respectively. There were 19 and 43 males, and 28 and 38 females, respectively. There was no statistically significant differences in age and and gender composition between the two groups ( Z = - 0.39, P = 0.700; χ 2 = 1.91, P = 0.167). The levels of urinary copper and cadmium of the case group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( Z = - 2.66, - 2.16, P < 0.05). The results of univariate logistic regression analysis showed that urinary copper was an influencing factor for arsenic poisoning ( P = 0.017). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that after adjusting for covariates, urinary copper and arsenic were independent influencing factors of arsenic poisoning ( P < 0.05). Taking Q1 group as a reference, urinary copper in Q3 group [ OR (95% CI) = 8.23 (1.81, 37.39), P = 0.006] increased the risk of arsenic poisoning, while urinary arsenic in Q2, Q3, and Q4 groups [ OR (95% CI) = 0.24 (0.06, 0.92), 0.12 (0.03, 0.53), 0.15 (0.04, 0.63), P < 0.05] decreased the risk of arsenic poisoning. After adjusting for covariates, RCS did not show a dose-response relationship between urinary copper, urinary arsenic, and arsenic poisoning ( P > 0.05). Conclusion:Urinary arsenic and copper are associated with the risk of arsenic poisoning in the drinking water arsenic exposed areas of Inner Mongolia, copper exposure may contribute significantly to arsenic poisoning.

Objective:To understand the status of intestinal helminth infections in Lunan area of Shandong Province (Jining City, Rizhao City, Linyi City, Heze City, and Zaozhuang City), and provide scientific basis for formulating parasitic disease prevention and control strategies.Methods:From 2016 to 2023, a stratified sampling method was used to conduct surveillance in 33 counties (cities, districts, hereinafter referred to as counties) in Lunan area of Shandong Province. Each county was divided into five areas (east, south, west, north, and center), with one administrative village (community) selected from each area. And ≥200 permanent residents (aged ≥3 years old, having lived locally for ≥6 months) were sampled from each village (community), and one stool sample was collected from each participant. The Kato-Katz method (two slides per sample) was used for parasite detection, and the results were analyzed.Results:From 2016 to 2023, a total of 49 436 people were surveyed, including 23 861 males and 25 575 females, with an age range of 3 - 105 years old. The testing identified 687 intestinal helminth infections, with an overall infection rate of 1.39%. The predominant infection was whipworm (582 cases), with an infection rate of 1.18%; followed by roundworm and hookworm, with infection rates of 0.13% (62 cases) and 0.05% (23 cases) respectively; other types of helminths ( Clonorchis sinensis and pinworm) totaled 20 cases, with an infection rate of 0.04%. From 2016 to 2023, the annual intestinal helminth infection rates were 2.76% (201/7 292), 0.90% (56/6 327), 0.84% (52/6 200), 1.70% (124/7 282), 1.23% (88/7 133), 1.45% (104/7 150), 0.34% (17/5 058), and 1.46% (45/3 084), showing an overall downward trend (χ 2trend = 42.40, P < 0.001). The ≥60 age group had the highest intestinal helminth infection rate (2.39%, 323/13 489), while the 30 - 39 age group had the lowest rate (0.68%, 48/7 016). There was statistically significant difference in infection rates among different age groups (χ 2 = 172.25, P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in infection rates between genders (χ 2 = 0.03, P = 0.862). Farmers had the highest infection rate (1.69%, 560/33 118), with statistically significant differences among different occupational groups (χ 2 = 64.88, P < 0.001). Those with primary school education or below had the highest infection rate (1.82%, 445/24 469), with statistically significant differences among different education levels (χ 2 = 64.93, P < 0.001). Conclusions:In Lunan area of Shandong Province, whipworm is the predominant intestinal helminth infection, with elderly people being the high-risk group. Although the intestinal helminth infection rate in this region remains at a low level, there is still a risk of transmission. Continuous surveillance is needed, along with strengthened prevention and control measures for key populations.

Objective:To study the impact of fluoride exposure through drinking water on the risk of hypertension among residents in Jishan County, Shanxi Province.Methods:From March to April 2023, a cluster sampling method was used to select permanent residents aged ≥18 years and residing for ≥10 years in 12 villages in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas of Jishan County, Shanxi Province as the survey subjects. A questionnaire survey, physical examination, and morning urinary fluoride level testing were conducted. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) regression were used to analyze the key influencing factors of hypertension. Restricted cubic spline was used to evaluate the linear relationship between urinary fluoride and hypertension. Logistic regression was used to analyze the impact of urinary fluoride on hypertension.Results:Finally, 2 453 survey subjects were included, aged (62 ± 10) years, including 1 565 patients (63.80%) with hypertension. There were significant differences in the distribution of age, gender, education level, annual household income, body mass index (BMI), and the level and distribution of urinary fluoride between hypertension group and normal blood pressure group ( P < 0.05). The Lasso regression results showed that age, education level, BMI, and urinary fluoride were the key influencing factors of hypertension, with coefficients of 1.04, - 0.12, 0.24 and 0.01, respectively. The results of the restricted cubic spline showed that there was a linear relationship between urinary fluoride and hypertension after adjusting for age, education level, and BMI ( Poverall = 0.018, Pnonlinear = 0.482). The logistic regression results showed that after adjusting for age, education level, and BMI, urinary fluoride > 4.68 mg/L was a risk factor for hypertension ( OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.10 - 1.84, P = 0.007). Conclusion:High urinary fluoride is a risk factor for hypertension in drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis areas of Jishan County, Shanxi Province.

Objective:To study the resistance of Aedes albopictus to commonly used insecticides in Hangzhou, and to investigate the polymorphism distribution characteristics of voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) 1 (Ace-1) genes in Aedes albopictus in the region, providing a scientific basis for control of Aedes albopictus in Hangzhou. Methods:From May to June 2023, Aedes albopictus larvae and pupae were collected from residential areas across divided different urban areas by directions in Hangzhou. They were reared in the laboratory, and their resistance to malathion, propoxur, pyrethroid insecticides (permethrin, deltamethrin, and beta-cypermethrin) was evaluated using the World Health Organization-recommended adult mosquito contact tube method. The 24 h mortality rates of adult mosquito of 98% - 100% was susceptible, 80% - < 98% was suspected resistance, < 80% was resistant. Genomic DNA was extracted from adult Aedes albopictus, and mutations in the VGSC and Ace-1 genes were detected through PCR amplification and Sanger sequencing. Results:The 24 h mortality rates of adult Aedes albopictus exposed to 0.5% malathion, 0.05% propoxur, 0.4% permethrin, 0.03% deltamethrin, and 0.08% beta-cypermethrin in Hangzhou were 100% (75/75), 96.00% (72/75), 41.43% (29/70), 17.33% (13/75), and 32.86% (23/70), respectively. A total of 146 surviving Aedes albopictus were tested for VGSC gene mutations at diagnostic doses of pyrethroid insecticides. Among them, 6 Aedes albopictus (4.11%) had a gene mutation at position V1016, and 146 Aedes albopictus (100%) had a gene mutation at position F1534. A total of 63 Aedes albopictus that died at diagnostic doses of pyrethroid insecticides were analyzed for VGSC gene mutations. No gene mutation was detected at position V1016, while 63 Aedes albopictus (100%) had a gene mutation at position F1534. One non synonymous mutation was detected at position V1016 of the VGSC gene, which was a heterozygous mutation of V1016V to V1016V/G. Two non synonymous mutations were detected at position F1534 of the VGSC gene, namely F1534F to F1534S or a F1534F/S heterozygous mutation. No Ace-1 gene mutation was detected in all Aedes albopictus exposed to 0.05% propoxur ( n = 75). Conclusions:The Aedes albopictus in Hangzhou has developed resistance to permethrin, deltamethrin, and beta-cypermethrin. It shows suspected resistance to propoxur and sensitivity to malathion. Moreover, a high frequency of mutations in the VGSC gene has been observed in these mosquitoes. It is crucial to enhance resistance monitoring in Aedes albopictus populations in Hangzhou and to implement the rational rotation of chemical insecticides to slow down the progress of drug resistance.

Objective:To evaluate the elbow joint function of patients with endemic skeletal fluorosis based on Mayo elbow joint function score and to study its application value.Methods:Based on the monitoring results of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis in Gansu Province from 2018 to 2023, and the results of the 2019 survey on the current cases of endemic diseases, 8 typical endemic counties were selected from 48 counties with drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis. A cluster sampling method was used to investigate all adult skeletal fluorosis patients over 25 years old in the endemic fluorosis villages under the jurisdiction of the 8 counties. A total of 1 096 skeletal fluorosis patients were included as study subjects. By extracting demographic basic information, follow-up records, elbow joint X-ray films, diagnostic information, and the Mayo elbow joint function score scale of patients, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the distribution characteristics of the Mayo elbow joint function score in different genders, ages, clinical grades, disease duration, and Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grading of osteoarthritis.Results:(1) The distribution of total scores on the scale: 638 cases (58.21%) were rated as "poor" (< 60 points), 345 cases (31.48%) were rated as "fair" (60 - 74 points), 96 cases (8.76%) were rated as "good" (75 - 89 points), and 17 cases (1.55%) were rated as "excellent" (≥90 points). There were statistically significant differences in the total score grading of the scale among patients with different genders, ages, clinical grades, disease duration, and K-L grading of osteoarthritis (χ 2 = 44.90, 147.20, 264.41, 211.96, 262.85, P < 0.001). (2) The scores of each dimension of the scale: the joint stability dimension scores were compared among different ages, clinical grades, disease duration, and K-L grading of osteoarthritis, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). The scores of joint pain, range of motion, and daily living ability dimensions were compared among different genders, ages, clinical grades, disease duration, and K-L grading of osteoarthritis, and the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Conclusions:Based on the Mayo elbow joint function score scale, patients with endemic skeletal fluorosis have relatively poor elbow joint function. The scores of each dimension of the scale are influenced by factors such as genders, ages, clinical grades, disease duration, and joint degeneration. The distribution of scale scores is consistent with the clinical reality of endemic skeletal fluorosis and has certain application value in assessing disease condition.