Objective:To learn about the operation of arsenic reduction and water improvement projects and the present situation of arsenic level in drinking water in drinking water type endemic arsenic poisoning areas in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province.Methods:From May to August 2023, in accordance with the requirements of the "Investigation Plan for Arsenic Content in Drinking Water of Residents in Arsenic Exposed Areas of Shanxi Province", 29 high arsenic villages in the drinking water type endemic arsenic poisoning historical areas of Pingyao County, Jiexiu City and Qi County in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province were selected as monitoring villages to investigate the operation of water improvement projects. The drinking water samples of village residents were collected and water arsenic level was measured by hydride atomic fluorescence spectrophotometry. At the same time, monitoring of the operation of water improvement projects and water arsenic level for residents within adjacent local areas were carried out in townships where 29 high arsenic villages located.Results:In 2023, a total of 29 high arsenic villages in 3 counties (cities) of Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province were monitored, all of which had undergone water improvement and all water improvement projects were operating normally. The range of water arsenic level was 0.000 - 0.047 mg/L, with 27 high arsenic villages had water arsenic level < 0.01 mg/L. A total of 81 natural villages within the adjacent local areas of high arsenic villages in Jinzhong City were monitored, all of which had undergone water improvement and the water improvement projects were operating normally. The range of water arsenic level was 0.000 - 0.043 mg/L, and there were 4, 7, and 2 natural villages in Pingyao County, Jiexiu City and Qi County with water arsenic level ranging from 0.01 to 0.05 mg/L.Conclusions:All high arsenic villages in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province have completed water improvement, and the water improvement projects are operating normally. The water arsenic level in most high arsenic villages meets the national drinking water standard (< 0.01 mg/L).

Objective To investigate the effect of total alkaloids of Rhizoma Corydalis(TAC)on the expression of silencing information regulator 1(Sirt1)/tumor suppressor P53 protein signaling pathway-related proteins in the hippocampus of rats with chronic cerebral ischemia(CCH),and to explore its mechanism.Methods The rats were randomly divided into Sham operation group,model group,TAC high-dose group(14 mg/kg)and TAC low-dose group(7 mg/kg),with 6 rats in each group.A modified bilateral common carotid artery permanent occlusion method(BCCAO)was used to establish a rat model of CCH,and only bilateral common carotid arteries were separated in the Sham group.After the modeling was completed,each group was given the corresponding drug or isotonic saline by gavage,once a day,and the treatment lasted for 14 days.Hematoxycin-eosin staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the hippocampus of rats,in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridinetriphate-biotin nick end labeling assay(TUNEL)was used to detect neuronal apoptosis,and Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were used to detect expression of Sirt1,P53,P53 positive apoptosis regulator(PUMA),B-cell lymphocytoma-2(Bcl-2)protein,Bcl-2-related X protein(BAX),respectively in the hippocampus of rats.Results(1)There were significant differences in the number of apoptotic cells and apoptosis rate among the four groups(F-values were 71.417 and 76.835,respectively,both P＜0.01).There were statistically significant differences in the mean integral optical density values of Sirt1,P53,PUMA,BAX and Bcl-2 protein positive expression areas among the four groups(F-values were 1 178.390,42.465,867.413,110.656 and 131.801,all P＜0.01).There were significant differences in the relative expression levels of Sirt1,P53,PUMA,BAX and Bcl-2 among the four groups(F-values were 9.497,11.863,58.552,186.855 and 12.466,all P＜0.01).(2)Compared with the Sham operation group,the neuronal arrangement of brain tissue in the hippocampus of the model group was disordered,the nuclear consolidation increased,and the glial cells and inflammatory cells increased significantly,and the number and apoptosis rate of neurons in the hippocampus of the model group increased significantly(respectively[10.8±1.5]cells vs.[2.0±0.9]cells and[35.5±4.5]％vs.[6.2±2.6]％;both P＜0.05),and the average integral optical density values of the positive expression areas of Sirt1 and Bcl-2 proteins decreased significantly(84.6±6.6 vs.244.6±4.9,138.5±6.7 vs.210.9±10.0;both P＜0.05),the average integral optical density values of P53,PUMA and BAX proteins were significantly increased(156.8±11.6 vs.93.5±11.6,151.3±3.3 vs.38.0±4.0,87.0±5.0 vs.38.4±5.5;all P＜0.05),the relative expression levels of Sirt1 and Bcl-2 proteins were significantly decreased(0.51±0.07 vs.0.74±0.07,0.36±0.03 vs.0.53±0.05;both P＜0.05),and the relative expression levels of P53,PUMA and BAX proteins were significantly increased(0.37±0.06 vs.0.21±0.02,0.62±0.06 vs.0.23±0.02,1.08±0.06 vs.0.45±0.03;all P＜0.05).(3)Compared with the model group,the hippocampal tissue structure of the high-dose and low-dose TAC groups was relatively compact and uniform,the neurons were neatly arranged,and the cell structure was relatively clear and complete,while the number of neuronal apoptotic cells and the apoptosis rate decreased significantly(respectively[3.8±0.7]cells vs.[6.2±1.2]cells,[12.4±2.8]％vs.[20.2±3.9]％;both P＜0.05),and the average integrated optical density values of the positive expression areas of Sirt1 and Bcl-2 proteins(the high-dose and low-dose TAC groups:Sirt1 150.0±4.8,131.3±1.3,and Bcl-2 207.1±7.4,169.5±3.9,respectively)were significantly increased(both P＜0.05),the average integral optical density values of P53,PUMA and BAX proteins were significantly decreased(the high-dose and low-dose TAC groups:P53 105.9±8.8,115.5±9.0,and PUMA56.8±5.1,74.4±3.9,and BAX40.5±5.6,48.4±5.0,respectively,all P＜0.05),the relative expression levels of Bcl-2 protein(the high-dose and low-dose TAC groups:0.53±0.05,0.47±0.02,respectively)were significantly increased(P＜0.05),the relative expression levels of P53(the high-dose and low-dose TAC groups:0.21±0.02,0.24±0.04,respectively),PUMA(the high-dose and low-dose TAC groups:0.36±0.02,0.28±0.04,respectively)and BAX proteins(the high-dose and low-dose TAC groups:0.52±0.02,0.54±0.03,respectively)were significantly decreased(all P＜0.05),the relative expression level of Sirt1 protein in the TAC high-dose group was significantly decreased(0.71±0.05,P＜0.05),and the relative expression level of Sirt1 protein in the TAC low-dose group was not statistically significant(0.52±0.08,P＞0.05).Conclusion TAC can alleviate neuronal damage and reduce the apoptosis rate of neurons in the hippocampus of CCH rats,and the mechanism may be related to the activation of Sirt1/P53 pathway,inhibition of P53 protein activity,and thus the expression level of apoptosis-related proteins in the downstream of TAC.

The Genome Sequence Archive (GSA) is a data repository for archiving raw sequence data, which provides data storage and sharing services for worldwide scientific communities. Considering explosive data growth with diverse data types, here we present the GSA family by expanding into a set of resources for raw data archive with different purposes, namely, GSA (https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/gsa/), GSA for Human (GSA-Human, https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/gsa-human/), and Open Archive for Miscellaneous Data (OMIX, https://ngdc.cncb.ac.cn/omix/). Compared with the 2017 version, GSA has been significantly updated in data model, online functionalities, and web interfaces. GSA-Human, as a new partner of GSA, is a data repository specialized in human genetics-related data with controlled access and security. OMIX, as a critical complement to the two resources mentioned above, is an open archive for miscellaneous data. Together, all these resources form a family of resources dedicated to archiving explosive data with diverse types, accepting data submissions from all over the world, and providing free open access to all publicly available data in support of worldwide research activities.

Objective To explore the effect of concave and convex interface on in vitro culture of mouse embryonic stem cells. Methods Mouse embryonic stem cells were cultured on substrate with concave and convex interface. The biological morphology of cell colony was observed. The pluripotency of embryonic stem cells was detected by immunofluorescence and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. Results Embryonic stem cells on concave substrates and convex substrates had higher stereo degree and circularity than those on flat substrates, but it was more obvious on concave substrates. Besides, the expression level of Oct4-GFP and the staining intensity of ALP in embryonic stem cells which were cultured on concave substrates and convex substrates were significantly higher than those on flat basement, especially on concave substrates. Conclusion sCompared with flat substrates, concave substrates and convex substrates had positive effects on the pluripotency maintenance of embryonic stem cells, which could help to maintain pluripotency, but concave substrates had better effects. Changing the substrate curvature could help to maintain pluripotency of embryonic stem cells cultured in vitro. The research findings are of great significance to the study and clinical application of embryonic stem cells.

OBJECTIVETo understand the prevalence of high risk behaviors and influencing factors among HIV infected persons aged ≥50 years.

METHODSFace to face questionnaire interview was conducted among the HIV infected persons selected in Jianshui, Gejiu and Mengzi counties in Yunnan province through random sampling in June 2015. The sample size was 450.

RESULTSAmong the HIV infected persons surveyed, 41.2% (122/296) had sexual behaviors with their spouses during past year, and the consistent condom use rate was 66.4% (81/122). Among the HIV infected males, 8.9% (28/313) had commercial sexual behaviors during past year, and the consistent condom use rate was 17.9% (5/28). Among the HIV infected females, 0.7% were still engaged in commercial sex service during past year. Among the 450 HIV infected persons, 32 (7.1%) reported having casual sex behaviors during past years, and the consistent condom use rate was 18.7% (6/32). The rate of commercial sexual behavior in urban residents (13.4%, 19/115) was higher than that in rural residents (4.5%, 9/198), the difference was statistically significant (χ(2)=11.715, P=0.001). The risk factors for commercial sex behaviors included lack of family and social support, aged 50-59 years, living in urban area, higher income and being male. The risk factors for using no condom included living in rural area, lower education level, lack of family and social support and higher income.

CONCLUSIONSRisk sex behaviors are still prevalent in HIV infected people aged >50 years, which exacerbated HIV transmission. Further efforts should be focused on the education about AIDS prevention and control and promoting protected sexual behaviors. Additional effort should be done to improve the family and social support for HIV infected people aged >50 years. Moreover, comprehensive intervention for low-paid female sex workers also needs to be strengthened.

China ; epidemiology ; Condoms ; utilization ; Female ; HIV Infections ; epidemiology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Risk-Taking ; Sex Work ; psychology ; statistics & numerical data ; Sexual Behavior ; psychology ; statistics & numerical data ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective To analyse the effect of matrine on sex hormone level, metal ion content and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor in male patients with liver cirrhosis.Methods 70 cases male patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis of decompensation period were selected in the hospital and randomly divided into experimental group and control group, 35 cases in each group.The experimental group were treated with 250 mL matrine sodium chloride injection on the basis of conventional treatment and the control group were given equal 0.9%sodium chloride injection, once a day, intravenous drip for a consecutive treatment of 4 weeks.The liver function, sex hormone levels, metal ion content, and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor indicators were detected before and after treatment in two groups.ResuIts Compared with control group, serum liver enzymes and total bilirubin in experimental group decreased (P<0.05);the content of serum testosterone increased and estradiol levels decreased (P<0.05);serum zinc, iron and magnesium content increased, manganese content decreased (P<0.05); serum soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor levels decreased (P<0.05). ConcIusion Matrine adjuvant therapy could regulate the level of sex hormone and metal ion in male patients with liver cirrhosis, reduce the level of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor, improve liver function in patients with cirrhosis.

A collection of 57 natural compounds derived from Chinese herbal medicines were evaluated for their an-ti-adipogenic effects. The lipid droplets in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes treated with tested substrate were de-tected by an image-based assay. The results demonstrated that oleanolic acid (OA) inhibited lipid droplets accumula-tion in 3T3-L1 adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner with the IC50 value of 14.5 μmol·L-1. In addition, ToxInsight assay showed that OA was free of liver injury for HepG2 cells within 60 μmol·L-1. It was concluded that OA, which had an obvious anti-adipogenic effect, can be a candidate for hyperlipidemia therapy.

Objective To investigate the levels and clinical significance of monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 and tissue factor (TF) in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(AECOPD).Methods Forty-nine elderly patients with AECOPD(AECOPD group) and 30 healthy controls (control group) were selected,and AECOPD group was divided into procalcitonin (PCT) increased group (PCT ≥ 0.5 μ g/L,19 cases) and PCT normal group (PCT ＜ 0.5 μ g/L,30 cases) according to the level of serum PCT.The levels of plasma TF,serum MCP-1 and PCT were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.Results The levels of plasma TF and serum MCP-1 were (203.6 ± 92.9),(152.8 ±99.9) ng/L in AECOPD group,and (136.9 ±24.3),(87.5 ±41.5) ng/L in control group.There were significant differences in the levels of plasma TF and serum MCP-1 between AECOPD group and control group (P＜0.01).The level of plasma TF was positively correlated with serum MCP-1 (r =0.673,P=0.029).The levels of plasma TF and serum MCP-1 were (215.3 ±71.2),(181.1 ±61.6) ng/L in PCT increased group,and (192.4 ±79.7),(137.3 ±74.4) ng/L in PCT normal group.There were significant differences in the levels of plasma TF and serum MCP-1 between PCT increased group and PCT normal group (P＜0.05).Conclusions In patients with AECOPD,hypercoagulability state is activated,and it is more severe in the patients with increased PCT.The level of plasma TF is positively correlated with serum MCP-1 in patients with AECOPD.To monitor the levels of plasma TF and serum MCP-1 is particularly important for elderly patients of AECOPD with hypercoagulability state to prevent cardiovascular,lungs and cerebrovascular thrombotic disease.

Objective To explore the mediating effect of perceived social support on the relationship between perfectionism and depression. Methods 454 college students completed Almost Perfectionism Scale Revised Chinese Revised, Perceived Social Support Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. SPSS 12.0 was used for Spearman Correlation Analysis and Lisrel 8. 70 was used for Structural Equation Model Analysis. Results The model(M1) fit indexes of perceived social supports partial mediating effect on the relationship between discrepancy and depression were χ2/df = 2.15, RMSEA = 0.049, SRMR = 0.068, NNFI = 0.97, CFI = 0.98, IFI = 0.98, PNF1 =0.74, ECVI =0. 35. The model( M3) fit indexes of the relationship among high standard, discrepancy, perceived social support and depression were χ2/df = 1.77, RMSEA = 0.040, SRMR = 0.059, NNFI = 0.98, CFI = 0.98, IFI = 0.98, PNFI = 0.76, ECVI = 0.48. The two models were proved well. Conclusions Perceived social support partially mediates the relationship between the negative component of perfectionism and depression; The positive component of perfectionism moderates the relationship between the negative component of perfectionism and depression; Considering the effect of the positive component of perfectionism, perceived social support still partially mediates the relationship between the negative component of perfectionism and depression; To change the perceived social support of level may help perfectionistic individuals to decrease their depressive level.

Objective To explore whether depressive disorder is one of risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in enrolled patients and observe the level of inflammation markers in coronary artery disease patients with depression. Methods In all patients, we recoded clinical information and data from Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for Depression( HRSD)and measured concentration of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and hypersensitive C-reaction protein (hsCRP). Results Among 87 patients with coronary artery disease, depressive disorder was diagnosed in 26 patients, the prevalence of depressive disorder was 29. 9%. Among 101 patients without coronary artery disease, 12 patients were suffering from depressive disorder, the prevalence of depressive disorder was 11.90%. The prevalence of depressive disorder in coronary artery disease group was statistically higher than that in non-coronary heart disease group (29.8% vs.11.9%, P<0. 01). The incidence of coronary artery disease was associated with age, hypertension,diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia and depression. Life events and stage of heart function occurred differently between CAD patients with and without depression (P<0. 05). There were no differences in the degree of coronary artery stenosis and the type of treatment (P>0. 05) between the two groups. There were higher concentration of MCP-1 in coronary artery disease patients with depression, but no remarkable difference in hsCRP and TNFa.Conclusions There is high prevalence of depressive disorder, which is one of risk factor for coronary artery disease. The depressive disorder may be associated with inflammation biomarker in patients with coronary artery disease.