ObjectiveMyelodysplastic syndromes （MDS） is a group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders，and this study aims to investigate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α（HIF-1α） in the bone marrow cells of patients with MDS and its correlation with the clinical features of MDS，the therapeutic efficacy of arsenic-containing Chineseherbal compound，and the survival prognosis. MethodAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria，27 MDS patients treated with arsenic-containing Chinese herbal compound in the Department of Hematology，Xiyuan Hospital，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2022 to September 2022 were included，and their bone marrow samples were collected by myelotomy. HIF-1α expression level in bone marrow cells was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR） to analyze its correlation with clinical features，and logistic and Cox regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the efficacy and prognostic survival of MDS patients. ResultThe HIF-1α mRNA expression level was lower in bone marrow cells of MDS patients than in healthy subjects. HIF-1α was positively correlated with the degree of myelodysplasia（r=0.384，P<0.05） and bone marrow granulocytic system%（G%）（r=0.560，P<0.01）. Logistic regression showed that HIF-1α was a risk factor for the prognosis in the follow-up of the efficacy of treatment（P<0.05）and Cox regression showed that HIF-1α was an independent factor affecting the survival prognosis of MDS patients ［odds ratio（OR）=398.968，95% confidence interval（CI）（1.281，116 858.743），P<0.05］. ConclusionThe level of HIF-1α expression in bone marrow cells of MDS patients was closely related to the degree of clinical myelodysplasia and G%，and HIF-1α was a risk factor for the efficacy for and survival prognosis of MDS patients.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence of adult skeletal fluorosis caused by drinking tea-type endemic fluorosis in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (hereinafter referred to as Yushu Prefecture), Qinghai Province, and provide scientific basis for prevention and control of the disease.Methods:In August 2021, one village was selected as a survey site in six counties (cities) in Yushu Prefecture, including Nangqian, Chindu, Yushu, Zadoi, Qumarlêb, and Zhiduo. Drinking water samples and 10 brick tea samples were collected from each village to determine the fluoride content in water and brick tea; at least 100 permanent residents aged ≥ 25, who had a habit of drinking brick tea and had lived in the local area for more than 5 years, were selected for X-ray imaging to examine the prevalence of adult skeletal fluorosis.Results:A total of 75 samples of residential drinking water were collected, with a fluoride content of (0.21 ± 0.05) mg/L, ranging from 0.11 to 0.34 mg/L; 60 samples of brick tea, with a fluoride content of (626.70 ± 157.27) mg/kg, ranging from 324.00 to 2 102.00 mg/kg. A total of 1 136 adults were examined, and 318 cases of skeletal fluorosis were diagnosed, with a detection rate of 27.99%. Among them, the detection rates of mild, moderate, and severe skeletal fluorosis were 20.95% (238/1 136), 6.07% (69/1 136), and 0.97% (11/1 136), respectively, with mild symptoms being the main. The detection rates of skeletal fluorosis in males and females were 29.09% (121/416) and 27.36% (197/720), respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the gender (χ 2 = 0.39, P = 0.533). Comparison of the skeletal fluorosis in different gender, the differences were statistically significant (χ 2 = 22.31, P < 0.001). The detection rates of skeletal fluorosis in the age groups of 25 - 35, 36 - 45, 46 - 55, 56 - 65, 66 - 75, and ≥76 years old were 6.86% (7/102), 22.37% (51/228), 24.02% (92/383), 37.44% (73/195), 43.48% (70/161), and 37.31% (25/67), respectively. The differences between the groups were statistically significant (χ 2 = 59.84, P < 0.001). Moreover, there was a statistically significant difference in the composition of skeletal fluorosis among different age groups ( H = 37.66, P < 0.001). The Spearman correlation analysis results showed that the severity of adult skeletal fluorosis was positively correlated with age ( r = 0.34, P < 0.001). Conclusions:There is a certain degree of prevalence of adult skeletal fluorosis in Yushu Prefecture. And as age increases, the condition of skeletal fluorosis becomes more severe.

Objective:To learn about the detection quality and external quality control assessment of fluoride and arsenic in laboratories at all levels in Qinghai Province.Methods:The Z-score method was used to analyze and evaluate the evaluation results of 1 provincial, 8 municipal and 43 county level laboratories of disease prevention and control institutions participating in the external quality control assessment of water fluoride and brick tea fluoride in Qinghai Province in 2021, as well as 1 provincial, 1 municipal and 2 county level laboratories of disease prevention and control institutions participating in the external quality control assessment of water arsenic and urine arsenic. The feedback rate and qualification rate of external quality control of each assessment laboratory were calculated.Results:In 2021, the feedback rate of external quality control of water fluoride, brick tea fluoride, water arsenic and urine arsenic in provincial and municipal level laboratories of Qinghai Province were 100.00%; except that the qualified rate of water fluoride was 7/9, the qualified rate of external quality control of other projects was 100.00%. The feedback rate of external quality control of water fluoride, brick tea fluoride, water arsenic and urine arsenic in county level laboratories was 100.00%; except that the qualified rate of water fluoride was 86.05% (37/43), the qualified rate of external quality control of other projects was 100.00%. In the specific assessment results of the laboratory, the assessment results of water fluoride sample FS20210101 from 1 provincial, 1 municipal and 2 county level laboratories, and FS20210102 from 1 county level laboratory were suspicious; the assessment results of water fluoride sample FS20210101 from 3 county level laboratories were not satisfactory; the assessment results of fluoride and arsenic sample in other laboratories were satisfactory.Conclusions:The qualified rate of external quality control of fluoride and arsenic in laboratories at all levels in Qinghai Province is relatively high, but some county level laboratories are still dissatisfied with the assessment results of water fluoride. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the detection level of water fluoride in laboratories.

Objective:To follow up the iodine nutrition and intellectual development of school children aged 8-10 years old in Nangqian County of Qinghai Province after 9 years of the implementation of iodine deficiency disorders intervention measures with iodine supplement as the main measure.Methods:In order to improve the iodine nutritional status of the population in Nangqian County, free iodized salt distribution, health education and other intervention measures for iodine deficiency disorders were implemented for 9 consecutive years since 2013. In May 2012 (before iodine supplementation) and September 2021 (after iodine supplementation), the same 5 townships (towns) were selected, and children aged 8-10 years old (half male and half female, age balanced) born locally in the central primary school of each township (town) were selected as the survey subjects. Household edible salt samples and random urine samples were collected for salt iodine and urinary iodine detection; the second revised version of the Chinese Combined Raven's Test (rural version) was used to assess the intelligence quotient (IQ) of children. The Flynn effect (FE) gain was used to adjust IQ, the corrected IQ = (IQ starting point value - current year's IQ value) - FE gain (calculated by 0.74/year). The differences of salt iodine and urinary iodine related indexes, IQ value and corrected IQ were compared before and after iodine supplementation.Results:After iodine supplementation, the coverage rate of iodized salt reached 100.00% (300/300), and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt reached95.00% (285/300), the median urinary iodine increased to 157.20 μg/L, and all indexes met the elimination standard of iodine deficiency disorders. The IQ value of children aged 8-10 years old after iodine supplementation was 99.00 ± 14.90, significantly higher than that before iodine supplementation (82.00 ± 13.20, F = 156.82, P < 0.001). The FE gain in 9 years was 6.66, and the actual IQ gain of children aged 8-10 years old after iodine supplementation was 10.34. There were statistically significant differences in IQ value before and after iodine supplementation in male and female children ( F = 78.84, 78.88, P < 0.001). After iodine supplementation, there was a statistically significant difference in IQ value between children in the 8-year-old group and the 10-year-old group ( P = 0.010). There were statistically significant differences in IQ value before and after iodine supplementation in 8, 9 and 10 years old groups ( F = 55.23, 65.79, 36.85, P < 0.001). Conclusion:Intervention measures for iodine deficiency disorders, mainly iodine supplement, can significantly improve the iodine nutrition status of children aged 8-10 years old, and significantly promote the intellectual development of children.

Objective:To analyze the external quality control assessment results of urinary iodine, salt iodine and water iodine in iodine deficiency disorders laboratories in Qinghai Province, to evaluate the testing capacity of provincial, municipal and county-level laboratories and the operation of external quality control network, so as to provide quality assurance for consolidating and eliminating iodine deficiency disorders.Methods:In 2021, 1 provincial, 8 municipal, and 43 county-level laboratories in Qinghai Province had participated in the assessment of urinary iodine and salt iodine, while 1 provincial and 8 municipal-level laboratories had participated in the assessment of water iodine. The assessment results were evaluated using the method of reference value ± uncertainty of external quality control samples.Results:All laboratories that participated in the assessment had provided feedback. One provincial-level laboratory passed the assessment of urinary iodine, salt iodine, and water iodine. Among 8 municipal-level laboratories, 2 laboratories failed the urinary iodine assessment, with a pass rate of 6/8; the assessment of salt iodine and water iodine in 8 laboratories were all qualified. Among 43 county-level laboratories, 7 laboratories failed the urinary iodine assessment, with a pass rate of 83.7% (36/43); the assessment of salt iodine in 43 laboratories were all qualified.Conclusions:The external quality control network of iodine deficiency disorders laboratories in Qinghai Province has fully covered all municipal and county-level laboratories. The testing capability of provincial-level laboratory is stable and maintains a high level; the testing quality of some municipal and county-level laboratories is still unstable and needs to be further strengthened.

Objective:To evaluate the water fluoride detection ability of county (city, district) level (referred to as the county-level) laboratories in Qinghai Province.Methods:During the "13th Five-Year Plan" period (2016 - 2020), 4, 4, 4, 43, 43 county-level laboratories in Qinghai Province were organized to participate in the national water fluoride external quality control assessment, and the assessment results were evaluated by Z-ratio scoring method.Results:The response rate of county-level laboratories was 86.05% (37/43) in 2019, and 100.00% in other years. The qualified rate of county-level laboratories was 100.00% from 2016 to 2018; in 2019 and 2020, the assessment was fully covered, and the qualified rate was 81.40% (35/43) and 95.35% (41/43), respectively. Compared with 2019, the response rate and qualified rate in 2020 increased significantly, and the differences were statistically significant (χ 2 = 6.450, 4.074, P < 0.05). In the past 5 years, two assessment samples│Z│ < 1 in each laboratory were the most common, but with two assessment samples 2≤│Z│ < 3 in some qualified laboratories. Conclusion:The consistency of water fluoride determination in Qinghai Province is not very ideal, and the detection ability of county-level laboratories still needs to be strengthened.

Objective:To analyze the external quality control assessment results of fluoride in brick tea in the provincial, city (prefecture) and county (city, district)-level endemic fluorosis laboratories in Qinghai Province, and to evaluate the testing capabilities of laboratories at all levels.Methods:The Z-score method was used to analyze and evaluate the results of provincial, city (prefecture) and county (city, district)-level laboratories that participated in the external quality control assessment of fluoride in brick tea in Qinghai Province from 2014 to 2020, and│Z│≤2 was qualified; 2 <│Z│ < 3 was basic qualified; │Z│≥3 was unqualified.Results:From the feedback, the feedback rate of external quality control of fluoride in brick tea in provincial and city (prefecture)-level laboratories in Qinghai Province from 2014 to 2020 was 100.00%; the feedback rate of county (city, district)-level laboratories from 2014 to 2018 was 100.00%, and there were no feedback units in 2019 and 2020. From the assessment of qualification, the qualification rate of provincial, city (prefecture)-level laboratories was 100.00% in all other years except one unit failed in 2017; the qualification rate of county (city, district)-level laboratories was 100.00% in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2019, and there were 6 unqualified units in other years.Conclusions:From 2014 to 2020, some endemic fluorosis laboratories in Qinghai Province still fail to pass the external quality control assessment of fluoride in brick tea. In the future, it will be the focus of work to strengthen personnel training and improve the detection ability.

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of Bushen Shengxue prescription and Yiqi Yangxue prescription in the treatment of chronic aplastic anemia and the effect on T cell subsets and the expression of T-box expressed in T cells （T-bet） and GATA binding protein 3 （GATA3）. MethodA total of 585 patients with chronic aplastic anemia who were treated in 19 hospitals in China from May 2018 to June 2021 were enrolled. With the prospective， double-blind and randomized control methods， the patients were randomized into three groups： kidney deficiency group， Qi and blood deficiency group， and control group. The three groups were respectively treated with Bushen Shengxue prescription granule， Yiqi Yangxue prescription granule， and Placebo （half the dose of Bushen Shengxue formula granules）. In addition， all of them were given oral cyclosporin and androgen. The treatment lasted 6 months， with 3 months as a course. The blood routine indexes， T cell subsets， and fusion genes T-bet and GATA3 before and after treatment were analyzed， and the safety indexes were monitored. ResultDuring the observation， a total of 75 cases dropped out and 18 were rejected. Finally， 161 cases in the kidney deficiency group， 164 in the Qi and blood deficiency group， and 167 in the control group were included. After 6 months of treatment， the total effective rate was 98.8% （159/161） in the kidney deficiency group， which was higher than the 79.9% （131/164） in the Qi and blood deficiency group （χ²=30.135， P<0.01） and the 61.7% （103/167） in the control group （χ²=70.126， P<0.01）. The total effective rate was higher in the Qi and blood deficiency group than in the control group （χ²=13.232， P<0.01）. After treatment， the hemoglobin （HGB） content increased significantly in three groups （P<0.05） as compared with that before treatment， particularly the kidney deficiency group （P<0.01）. After treatment， the white blood cell （WBC） count and platelet （PLT） count in the kidney deficiency group and the control group increased compared with those in the Qi and blood deficiency group （P<0.01）. There was no specific difference in neutrophils （ANC） after treatment among the three groups. At the same time point， the level of T helper type 1 （Th1） cells， Th1/Th2 ratio （P<0.05）， level of CD4⁺， and CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio （P<0.05） were significantly low in the kidney deficiency group among three groups. There was no significant difference in CD19^-， HLA/DR⁺， and CD25⁺ between the kidney deficiency group and the other two groups， but the T-bet of the kidney deficiency group and the control group was lower than that of the Qi and blood deficiency group （P<0.05）. ConclusionBushen Shengxue prescription exerts therapeutic effect on the aplastic anemia by improving the immunoregulatory mechanism， inhibiting the activity of immune system， modulating T cell subsets， suppressing Th1 and CD4⁺， and promoting bone marrow hematopoiesis. Moreover， it is safe with little side effects， which is worthy of further promotion.

Objective:To understand the situation of drinking water-borne endemic fluorosis (short for drinking water fluorosis) in Huangzhong, Ping'an and Ledu districts of Qinghai Province and operation status of water improvement projects, and to evaluate the effect of control measures.Methods:In historical drinking water fluorosis villages of Huangzhong, Ping'an and Ledu districts of Qinghai Province in 2018, the status of water improvement, the operation of water improvement projects and the content of water fluoride were investigated; the dental fluorosis of 8-12 years old children in all investigated villages was checked; 3 villages from 3 districts were selected, X-ray examination for skeletal fluorosis and urinary fluoride detection of adults over 25 years old of age were performed.Results:Eight-two historical drinking water fluorosis villages in 3 districts were investigated and all the villages had water improvement projects, in addition, the water improvement projects were operating normally, and the water fluoride content ranged from 0.10 to 0.37 mg/L, which were in line with the drinking water fluoride content standard (< 1.2 mg/L). Totally 2 503 children aged 8-12 years old were examined, the detection rate of dental fluorosis was 6.03% (151/2 503), the index of dental fluorosis was 0.13, the epidemic intensity was negative; the detection rates of dental fluorosis in 3 districts were 6.24% (129/2 068), 4.05% (7/173), 5.73% (15/262), respectively, reaching the control standard (< 30%), and the detection rate of dental fluorosis in 81 villages was less than 30%; 198 adults over 25 years old were examined, the detection rate of skeletal fluorosis was 5.05% (10/198), the geometric mean of urinary fluoride was 0.81 mg/L, and skeletal fluorosis cases were mainly in the age group over 40 years old, all of them were mild cases.Conclusions:The fluoride content in drinking water and the detection rate of children's dental fluorosis are all up to the control standard, and the condition of skeletal fluorosis is significantly reduced after the implementation of water improvement measures in Huangzhong, Ping'an and Ledu districts. It can be seen that the prevention and control of drinking water fluorosis in Huangzhong, Ping'an and Ledu districts have achieved good results, but later management and condition monitoring of water improvement projects should be strengthened to prevent the disease from rebounding.

Objective:To investigate the dietary iodine intake of people in different areas of Qinghai Province, and to provide the basis for scientific iodine supplementation and continuous elimination of iodine deficiency hazards.Methods:From 2018 to 2019, according to administrative division, natural geographical regions, population distribution and economic development level of Qinghai Province, a total of 14 survey sites were selected. One village was selected from each survey site, and 20 households were selected from each village, the salt samples and 24 h urine samples of all family members were collected to detect salt iodine and urinary iodine. One drinking water sample was collected at the five directions of east, west, south, north and middle of each village to detect water iodine. Salt iodine was detected by direct titration, urinary iodine and water iodine were detected by arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry. At the same time, the 3-day weighing method was used to investigate the diet, the daily dietary iodine intake per capita (the result was expressed as average) and the proportion of dietary iodine in urinary iodine were calculated, the daily dietary iodine intake per capita of different production modes (agricultural region and pastoral region), different geographical environment (Hehuang Valley, Qaidam Basin, Qilian Mountain and Qingnan Plateau), different nationalities (Han, Tibetan, Hui, Mongolian, Tu, Salar) and different economic levels (< 8 000, 8 000 -, 10 000 -, ≥12 000 Yuan) were compared.Results:A total of 999 people from 280 families were surveyed, including 511 males and 488 females. The median water iodine of each survey site was less than 10 μg/L, all of which were environmentally iodine-deficient areas. A total of 280 salt samples were collected, the median salt iodine was 26.0 mg/kg, and the consumption rate of qualified iodized salt was 100% (280/280). A total of 999 urine samples were tested, and the median urinary iodine of people was 192.5 μg/L, which was at an appropriate level of iodine. There was no statistically significant difference ( t =-1.599, P > 0.05) in the daily dietary iodine intake per capita (28.53, 33.44 μg) of people in agricultural region ( n = 643) and pastoral region ( n = 356). The daily dietary iodine intake per capita (25.38, 33.30, 32.98, 34.79 μg) of people in Hehuang Valley ( n = 448), Qaidam Basin ( n = 125), Qilian Mountain ( n = 157), and Qingnan Plateau ( n = 269) were compared, the difference was statistically significant ( F = 2.883, P < 0.05); among them, the daily dietary iodine intake per capita in Hehuang Valley was lower than that in Qingnan Plateau ( P < 0.05). The daily dietary iodine intake per capita of different nationalities were compared, the difference was statistically significant ( F = 3.647, P < 0.05), Salar ( n = 68) and Tibetan ( n = 239) were higher (37.21 and 32.21 μg). The daily dietary iodine intake per capita (38.97, 17.01, 30.86, 33.14 μg) of annual per capita disposable income < 8 000 ( n = 194), 8 000-( n = 221), 10 000-( n = 302), ≥12 000 Yuan ( n = 282) were compared, the difference was statistically significant ( F = 9.407, P < 0.05). The proportions of dietary iodine in urinary iodine of various population ranged from 5.35% to 15.54%. Conclusions:The iodine nutrition of people in Qinghai Province is suitable, the dietary iodine intake of people is closely related to geographical environment, nationality and economic level. But the proportion of dietary iodine in urinary iodine is relatively low, the consumption of iodized salt is still the main way for people to intake iodine, and it is also the main measure to continuously eliminate the harm of iodine deficiency in Qinghai Province.