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Fetal iodine deficiency disorder (FIDD) is the principal form of endemic cretinism, and the most common cause of preventable mental deficiency in the world. However not everyone at risk develops FIDD and familial aggregation is common. This suggests that genetic factors may also be involved. The Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene encodes for a lipoprotein that possesses a thyroid hormone binding domain, and APOE genotype may affect the efficiency with which thyroid hormone influences neuronal cell growth during the first and second trimesters of fetal development. We have compared ApoE genotypes in 91 FIDD cases with 154 local control subjects, recruited from three iodine deficiency areas in central China. We have also genotyped 42 FIDD family cases and 158 normal individuals from the families of local controls, and 375 population controls from Shanghai. APOE ∈4 genotypes were significantly enriched in FIDD probands from each of the three iodine deficiency areas; the ∈4 allele frequency was 16% vs 6% in controls. The same effect was also observed when we compared FIDD family cases with controls and control families. Our data suggest that in iodine-deficient areas, the APOE ∈4 allele is a genetic risk factor for FIDD. The phenomenon may affect population selection and contribute to the low frequency of the ∈4 allele in Chinese compared to Caucasian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Valuation of health effects of air pollution is becoming a critical component of the performance of cost–benefit analysis of pollution control measures, which provides a basis for setting priorities for action. Beijing has focused on control of transport emission as vehicular emissions have recently become an important source of air pollution, particularly during Olympic games and Post-games. In this paper, we conducted an estimation of health effects and economic cost caused by road transport-related air pollution using an integrated assessment approach which utilizes air quality model, engineering, epidemiology, and economics. The results show that the total economic cost of health impacts due to air pollution contributed from transport in Beijing during 2004–2008 was 272, 297, 310, 323, 298 million US$ (mean value), respectively. The economic costs of road transport accounted for 0.52, 0.57, 0.60, 0.62, and 0.58% of annual Beijing GDP from 2004 to 2008. Average cost per vehicle and per ton of PM10 emission from road transport can also be estimated as 106 US $/number and 3584 US $ t−1, respectively. These findings illustrate that the impact of road transport contributed particulate air pollution on human health could be substantial in Beijing, whether in physical and economic terms. Therefore, some control measures to reduce transport emissions could lead to considerable economic benefit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Testing of breeding blanket module (TBM) is one of ITER''s important objectives. China is performing design and technology development of ITER TBMs based on the development strategy of fusion DEMO in China. Solid breeder with helium-cooled test blanket module concept for test in ITER should be the basic option in China. The progress and status of China helium-cooled solid breeder (CH HCSB) TBM since 2004 are introduced briefly. Concept designs of HCSB TBM and ancillary systems, test strategy for their tests in ITER, key R&D issues are summarized in this paper. An international collaboration in R&D, development and testing of TBMs are proposed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]