[Effects of estimated glomerular filtration rate on all-cause mortality in the elderly aged 65 years and older in 8 longevity areas in China]

Objective: To investigate the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and all-cause mortality in the elderly aged 65 years and older in longevity areas in China. Methods: Data used in this study were obtained from Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study, a sub-cohort of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey, 1 802 elderly adults were collected in the study during 2012-2017/2018. In this study, the elderly were classified into 4 groups, moderate-to-severe group [<45 ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)], mild-to-moderate group [45- ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)], mild group [60- ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)] and normal group [≥90 ml·min(-1)·(1.73 m(2))(-1)] according to their eGFR levels. Results: After 6 years of follow-up, 852 participants died, with a mortality rate of 47.3%. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the levels of eGFR were negatively correlated with all-cause mortality risk in the elderly (the HR of elderly was 0.993 and the 95%CI was 0.989-0.997 for every unit of eGFR increased, P=0.001), while compared with the group with normal eGFR, the HRs (95%CI) of the elderly in the moderate-to-severe group, mild-to-moderate group, and mild group were 1.690 (1.224-2.332, P=0.001), 1.312 (0.978-1.758, P=0.070), 1.349 (1.047-1.737, P=0.020) respectively [trend test P<0.001]. Conclusion: The decrease in eGFR was associated with higher mortality risk among the elderly in longevity areas in China.

[Influencing factors for depressive symptoms in the elderly aged 65 years and older in 8 longevity areas in China]

Objective: To analyze influencing factors for depressive symptoms in the elderly aged 65 years and older in 8 longevity areas in China. Methods: We recruited 2 180 participants aged 65 years and older in 8 longevity areas from Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study, a sub-cohort of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey in 2017. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationships of socio-demographic characteristics, behavioral lifestyle, chronic disease prevalence, functional status, family and social support with depressive symptoms in the elderly. Results: The detection rate of depression symptoms was 15.0% in the elderly aged 65 years and older in 8 longevity areas of China, and the detection rate of depression symptoms was 11.5% in men and 18.5% in women. Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the detection rate of depressive symptoms was lower in the elderly who had regular physical exercises (OR=0.44, 95%CI: 0.26-0.74), frequent fish intakes (OR=0.57, 95%CI: 0.39-0.83), recreational activities (OR=0.65, 95%CI: 0.44-0.96), social activities (OR=0.28, 95%CI: 0.11-0.73) and community services (OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.50-0.93). The elderly who were lack of sleep (OR=2.04, 95%CI: 1.49-2.80), had visual impairment (OR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.08-2.18), had gastrointestinal ulcer (OR=2.97, 95%CI: 1.53-5.77), had arthritis (OR=2.63, 95%CI: 1.61-4.32), had higher family expenditure than income (OR=1.80, 95%CI: 1.17-2.78) and were in poor economic condition (OR=4.58, 95%CI: 2.48-8.47) had higher detection rate of depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The status of doing physical exercise, fish intake in diet, social activity participation, sleep quality or vision, and the prevalence of gastrointestinal ulcers and arthritis were associated with the detection rate of depressive symptoms in the elderly.

[Suggestions on environmental and health work from Health Environment Promotion Campaigns]

The Health Environment Promotion Campaigns (HEPCs) focus on the major environmental health issues and relevant factors of concern among the general public, and promote the achievement of the national health goal. Based on the summary and analysis of the background, key indicators, specific actions in different domains of the HEPCs, this paper proposes suggestions for scientifically implementing HEPCs from five aspects, namely, formulating implementation plans, establishing pilot areas, building comprehensive service platforms, improving the health literacy of residents and strengthening the development of protection technologies and standards.

[Determination of samarium oxide and lanthanum oxide in the air of workplace by inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry]

Objective: To establish a method for the determination ofsamarium oxide and lanthanum oxide by inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometryin the air of workplace. Methods: Samarium, lanthanum and their compounds in the air of workplace were collected through microporous filter. The samples were digested by nitricacid and perhydrol (V/V=4∶1) and detected by inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry. Results: The linear range ofsamarium oxide and lanthanum oxide was 0-50.00 μg/L, Sm(2)O(3): y=0.0119x, r=0.9999; La(2)O(3): y=0.0617x, r=0.9998. The detection limits were less than 0.1 μg/L, and the minimum detection concentration were less than 1.52×10(-5) mg/m(3). The sampling efficiency were 100%, the recovery rates were 95.70%-102.01%, and the precision were 0.78%-1.58%. Conclusion: The indicators established in this study are conformed with the requirements of Chinese Occupational Standars of GBZ/T 210.4-2008, "The Guidelines for the Development of Occupational Hygiene StandarsMehods Part 4: Determination of Chemical Substances in the Air of Workplace".

[Analysis on diagnosis rate of chronic kidney disease in hospitalized pediatric patients]

Objective: To analyze diagnosis rate of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in hospitalized pediatric patients in a single center and understand pediatricians' awareness of CKD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Children who were admitted to the Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Peking University First Hospital from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017 and met the diagnostic criteria of CKD (kidney disease: improving global outcomes 2012 guideline) were recruited. A total of 4 472 cases were enrolled. Original CKD diagnosis was collected from the home page of medical records. Actual CKD diagnosis was validated and corrected by reviewing medical records and recalculating glomerular filtration rate. The diagnosis rate and influencing factors of pediatric CKD, the distribution and etiology of actual CKD were analyzed. The comparison between groups were performed with χ(2) test. Results: In 4 472 cases, there were 3 470 cases in actual CKD stage 1, among which only 24 cases were in original CKD stage 1. There were 543 cases in actual CKD stage 2-3, among which only 181 cases were in original CKD stage 2-3. Three hundred and one cases were in actual CKD stage 4-5, including 290 cases in original CKD stage 4-5. In addition, there were 43 cases with unknown CKD stage and 115 cases with acute kidney injury. Compared to original CKD diagnosis, the diagnosis rates of CKD stage 1-5 were 0.7% (24/3 470), 16.7% (58/348), 63.1% (123/195), 90.7% (78/86) and 98.6% (212/215), respectively. The proportions of actual CKD stage 1-5 were 80.4% (3 470/4 314), 8.1% (348/4 314), 4.5% (195/4 314), 2.0% (86/4 314) and 5.0% (215/4 314). The etiology of actual CKD included primary glomerular disease (62.2%, 2 686/4 314), secondary glomerular disease (19.7%, 849/4 314), hereditary kidney disease (9.1%, 391/4 314), congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) (3.1%, 135/4 314), tubulointerstitial disease (2.2%, 94/4 314) and etiology uncertain (2.1%, 89/4 314). The leading cause of end stage renal disease was etiology uncertain (31.1%, 67/215), followed by hereditary kidney disease (24.2%, 52/215), CAKUT (16.3%, 35/215) and primary glomerular disease (16.3%, 35/215). Conclusions: Among actual CKD hospitalized pediatric patients, the diagnosis rate of CKD given by physicians at discharge was relatively low, especially patients in earlier CKD stages, which reflected serious lack of physicians' awareness of CKD.

[Association of plasma albumin and hypersensitive C-reactive protein with 5-year all-cause mortality among Chinese older adults aged 65 and older from 8 longevity areas in China]

Objective: To investigate the relationship of plasma albumin and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) with 5-year all-cause mortality among Chinese older adults aged 65 and older. Method: Data was collected in 8 longevity areas of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) study conducted by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention and Peking University at baseline survey in 2012 and 2014, the participants enrolled in 2012 was followed-up in 2014 and 2017, the participants enrolled in 2014 was followed-up in 2017 only. Finally, 3 118 older adults aged 65 and older with complete information on albumin, Hs-CRP and body mass index (BMI) were included in this study. Plasma samples of older adults were collected for the detection of albumin and Hs-CRP at baseline survey. Survival status and follow-up time was recorded for all participants. All older adults were divided into 4 groups according to the levels of plasma albumin and Hs-CRP, and Cox proportional hazard models were constructed to assess their influence on the risk of all-cause mortality. Results: Among 3 118 older adults included, the prevalence of hypoalbuminemia was 10.1% (316/3 118), and was 22.8% (711/3 118) for elevated Hs-CRP. During 10 132 person-years of follow-up, 1 212 participants died. Participants with hypoalbuminemia had increased risk of all-cause mortality, with an hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidential interval (CI) of 1.18 (1.01-1.38), compared to participants with normal plasma albuminemia; participants with elevated Hs-CRP had increased risk of all-cause mortality, with an HR (95%CI) of 1.18 (1.04-1.35), compared to participants with normal plasma Hs-CRP. Participants with normal plasma albumin and elevated Hs-CRP, with hypoalbuminemia and normal Hs-CRP, with hypoalbuminemia and elevated Hs-CRP also had increased risk of all-cause mortality when compared to those with normal plasma albumin and normal Hs-CRP, the HR (95%CI) were 1.16 (1.01-1.34), 1.11 (0.91-1.37) and 1.43 (1.11-1.83), respectively. Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia and elevated Hs-CRP were responsible for increased risk of 5-year all-cause mortality among Chinese older adults from 8 longevity areas.

[Association of arsenic with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion: a case-control study]

Objective: To explore the association of arsenic with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Methods: A case-control study was conducted to select URSA patients who were admitted to the Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from April to October 2018 as a case group. Women who had a normal pregnancy in the Family Planning Department of the hospital but volunteered to have an abortion were selected as a control group. The case and control group were paired in a 1: 1 ratio. The inclusion criteria of the case group were patients with newly diagnosed recurrent spontaneous abortion who had clinically confirmed more than 2 spontaneous abortions and had 20 weeks prior to pregnancy, excluding patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion caused by abnormal blood coagulation (anti-phospholipid antibody positive), abnormal physiological anatomy (B-ultrasound), abnormal immune factors (anti-nuclear antibody positive, anti-cardiolipin antibody, etc.), genetic chromosomal abnormalities (karyotype analysis) and pathogenic microbial infection. The control group was matched according to the age of the case group (±3 years old) and the gestational age (±2 weeks) to exclude adverse pregnancy outcomes such as stillbirth, congenital malformation, premature delivery and low birth weight infants. A total of 192 subjects were included. Questionnaires were used to collect information of all subjects, and 12 ml of peripheral venous blood was collected to detect blood arsenic levels. Blood arsenic levels were divided into low concentration group (<1.00 μg/L), medium concentration group (1.00-1.50 μg/L) and high concentration group (>1.50 μg/L). The multivariate conditional logistic regression was performed to analyze the relationship between blood arsenic exposure and URSA and explore the influencing factors of blood Arsenic. Results: The geometric mean values of blood arsenic level in the cases group and control group were 1.68 (1.50-1.86) μg/L and 1.26 (1.17-1.37) μg/L, respectively. The blood arsenic level in the case group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). The results of multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for tobacco exposure during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy body mass index and the effects of residential decoration in past five years, the risk of URSA was higher in the high-concentration group compared with the low-concentration group (OR=2.56, 95%CI:1.06-6.24). Conclusion: Blood arsenic may increase the risk of URSA in women of childbearing age.

[Evaluation the Extent of Health Damage Caused by PM2.5 Particulate in Xi'an City]

The study evaluated the acute health damage effect of PM_2.5 exposure in winter in Xi'an City, using the average concentration of PM_2.5 (24 h) and the Average Poisson Regression Model for three consecutive years, from 2014 to 2016. The Corrected Human Capital Method was used to evaluate the economic loss from premature death. The cost of illness was used to assess the economic loss of hospitalization, illness and clinic. The results show that the economic loss in the study period (2014, 2015, 2016) caused by PM_2.5 was about 33.523 billion yuan (95% CI: 24.961-36.975), 21.105 billion yuan (95% CI: 13.560-26.880), and 37.132 billion yuan (95% CI: 27.246-41.164). The proportions of GDP were as follows: 6.10% (4.54%-6.73%), 3.64% (2.34%-4.63%), and 5.91% (4.34%-6.55%) for each of the three years. The health economic loss was positively correlated with the average PM_2.5 concentration in winter. PM_2.5 pollutants have a significant impact on the health of residents in Xi'an. The number of reported cases was about 1071338 (95% CI: 646432-1385847), 438273 (95% CI: 246842-599989), and 1019503 (95% CI: 611407-1324547) for each of the three years. The effects on children with asthma were significantly higher than that on adults, while adults with chronic bronchitis were affected more significantly than children. This study can provide a scientific basis for cost-benefit analysis of the PM_2.5 air quality standard in Xi'an, and provide a reference for the management of environment quality.

[Cause and control of non-sampling error in China National Human Biomonitoring Program]

The size of the non-sampling error is directly related to the accuracy and reliability of the sampling survey result. This paper studied the non-sampling errors generated during the sampling process of the China National Human Biomonitoring Program(CNBP), mainly including the sampling frame error, non-response error and measurement error. The program reduced the influence of the non-sampling error on the quality of the survey effectively by scientifically designing the sampling scheme and questionnaire, strengthening investigator trainings and standardizing the data review, which could be used to provide reference for the control of non-sampling errors in public health monitoring projects in China.

[Research progress of ambient air pollution and human health in China]

As one of the major environmental and health problems in China, ambient air pollution has attracted substantial public concerns. This paper reviews the current evidence on air pollution and population health in China, including acute health effect studies, chronic health effect studies, disease burden, and interventions studies. Future research directions are also discussed.

[Study on the current situation of China's First List of Rare Diseases based on 15 million hospitalizations]

Objective: To investigate and analyze the distribution of 121 diseases of China's First List of Rare Diseases based on hospitalized patients of tertiary hospitals and to explore the current situation of rare diseases in China. Methods: Based on previous data of study from Beijing Society of Rare Diseases, a comparison between China's First List of Rare Diseases and the survey list from the pre-study was performed. Descriptive analysis was carried out on the current situation of rare diseases on hospitalizations in 96 tertiary hospitals from year of 2014 to 2015. Results: Nineteen out of 121 diseases on China's First List of Rare Diseases were not included in the rare diseases survey list of Beijing Society of Rare Diseases. The total number of other 102 rare disease cases was 54 468, accounting for 0.35% of the inpatients during the same period. The top ten most and least cases with rare disease were demonstrated in this study. The number of the top ten most cases was 37 977, accounting for 0.25% of the inpatients during the same period. The number of the top ten least cases was 24, accounting for 0.000 16% of the inpatients during the same period. The top most five types of rare diseases counted on the provinces and municipalities were Beijing, Hunan, Shanghai, Shandong and Guangdong. The top five most cases of rare diseases counted on the provinces and municipalities were Beijing, Shanghai, Guangdong, Shandong and Hubei. The age distribution showed that the cases with rare diseases aged 25-64 years accounted for 45.8%, and the cases in children aged 0-14 accounted for 28.6%. The top ten readmission rate ranged from 28.42% to 64.88%. Conclusions: This study preliminarily investigates the number, type, province and municipality distribution, age distribution, and readmission rate of 121 rare diseases from China's First List of Rare Diseases in the hospitalized patients of tertiary hospitals, which provides important data for registration study, medical and drug policy making and other relevant work on rare diseases in China in the future.

[Distribution, Source and Human Exposure of Phthalic Acid Esters (PAEs) in Surface Dust in Urban Area of Xi'an City, China]

A total of 58 surface dust samples were collected in urban area of Xi'an City. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyze the concentrations of six phthalic acid esters (PAEs) listed as priority pollutants by United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). Composition, distribution, environmental sources and exposure characteristics of PAEs in the surface dust were further studied. All analyzed PAEs were detected in the surface dust. The concentration of individual PAE compounds varied from not detectable to 183.19 mg·kg^-1 and their mean concentrations decreased in the order of DEHP>DnBP >>DEP >DMP >BBP >DnOP. The total concentration of six PAEs (∑6PAEs) ranged from 0.87 to 250.30 mg·kg^-1 with an average of 40.48 mg·kg^-1, and followed the order of parks >traffic area >mixed business and traffic area >residential area >educational area >industrial area. The ∑6PAEs presented the decreasing trend along the main urban area - the second ring road - the third ring road. The results of correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed that PAEs in surface dust of Xi'an City were related to the application of plasticizers, the emission of cosmetics and personal care products along with building materials and home decoration materials. The dose order of human exposure to PAEs in surface dust was the direct ingestion by hand and mouth >>dermal adsorption >inhalation via mouth and nose. Meanwhile, the intake dose of children was higher than that of adults. However, the intake dose of DnBP, DEHP, DBP and BBP was lower than the tolerable daily intake (TDI) suggested by European Union Scientific Committee for Toxicity, Ecotoxicity and the Environment (EU CSTEE) and the reference doses (RfD) proposed by U.S. EPA.

[Follow-up study of body mass index and risk of cognitive impairment among elderly adults aged ≥65 years old from longevity areas of China]

Objective: To discuss the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and cognitive impairment among elderly adults aged ≥65 years old from longevity areas of China. Methods: A total of 2 439 elderly adults from 8 longevity areas were included in our baseline survey by answering questionnaire and taking body measurements and blood biochemical examinations in 2012. In the follow-up study in 2014, we studied the cognitive impairment status among the 1 135 elderly adults aging ≥65 years old. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between BMI and cognitive impairment risk. Results: 113 participants were defined as cognitive impairment, with a positive rate at 10.0%. The positive rate in group of underweight, normal weight, and overweight and obese elderly were 22.2% (51/230), 7.5% (47/629), 5.4% (15/276). The rate of cognitive impairment in groups of low BMI (<19.7 kg/m(2)), middle BMI (19.7-23.1 kg/m(2)) and high BMI (>23.1 kg/m(2)) were separately 17.7% (66/372), 7.1% (27/379) and 5.2% (20/384) (P<0.001). Every 1.0 kg/m(2) increase in BMI, the risk of cognitive impairment would significantly decreased by 7% (RR(95%CI): 0.93(0.87-0.99)). Compared with participants with middle BMI level, the group of low BMI participants was associated with a significantly increased risk of cognitive impairment (RR (95% CI): 1.98(1.14-3.44)); while there was no significant association was observed in the high BMI group (RR(95%CI): 1.15(0.57-2.32)). Compared with elderly in normal weight, the elderly with under weight was in higher risk of cognitive impairment (RR (95%CI: 2.19(1.31-3.66)) and there was no significant association found between the elderly with overweight (RR(95%CI): 1.18(0.58-2.38)). Conclusion: Among the elderly ≥65 years old from longevity area, low BMI level and underweight were associated with the increased risk of cognitive impairment.

Low-temperature Plasma Promotes Fibroblast Proliferation in Wound Healing by ROS-activated NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Low-temperature plasma (LTP) has shown great promise in wound healing, although the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. In the present study, an argon atmospheric pressure plasma jet was employed to treat L929 murine fibroblasts cultured in vitro and skin wounds in BALB/c mice. The in vitro analysis revealed that treatment of fibroblasts with LTP for 15 s resulted in a significant increase in cell proliferation, secretion of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor-βi (TGF-βi), production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the percentage of cells in S phase, protein expression of phosphorylated p65 (P-p65) and cyclinD1, but a noted decrease in the protein expression of inhibitor kappa B (IκB). The in vitro experiments demonstrated that 30-s LTP treatment enhanced the number of fibroblasts and the ability of collagen synthesis, while 50-s treatment led to the opposite outcomes. These results suggested that LTP treatment promotes the fibroblast proliferation in wound healing by inducing the generation of ROS, upregulating the expression of P-p65, downregulating the expression of IκB, and activating the NF-κB signaling pathway and consequently altering cell cycle progression (increased DNA synthesis in S phage).

[A review on the research progress related to ambient air pollution and depression]

It is reported that depression has caused heavy disease burden across the world, with an possible association between ambient air pollution and depressive symptoms. In this paper, we reviewed relative literature in this field and summarized the research events on association between ambient air pollution and depression, both in China and abroad and found that the results of the existed studies were inconsistent, with most studies showing that there existed a positive correlation between the exposure of air pollution and depression, but few studies showing the negative correlation or no correlation between the two.

[Progress in research of relationship between heavy metal exposure and cardiovascular disease]

Heavy metal is one of pollutants existed widely in the environment, its relationship with cardiovascular disease has attracted more and more attention. In this review, the concentrations of heavy metals, including lead, cadium and asenic, in the body from several national surveillance networks and the epidemiological studies on the effects of the exposure of three heavy metals on cardiovascular system were summarized. It is suggested to strengthen nationwide surveillance for body concentrations of heavy metals in general population in order to provide baseline data for quantitative evaluation of the risk of heavy metal exposure on cardiovascular disease.

[Association between air pollution and cognitive function in the elderly]

Cognition disorders is one of the most important factors affecting the elderly. Impaired cognitive function caused by the elderly daily self-care ability decreased, the elderly in China cause serious social, psychological and economic burden. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on main air pollutants(SO(2), NO(2), CO, PM(2.5) and PM(10), black carbon)and cognitive function in elderly. The study found that exposure to air pollution, especially particulate matter, is associated with cognitive disorders n in the elderly. However, the existence of such correlations requires reasonable physiological mechanisms. Future studies also require a large number of longitudinal cohorts to investigate air pollution in association with cognitive impairment . There is a need for parallel toxicological and epidemiological studies to elucidate mechanisms and pathways of action.

[Association between biomarkers and activities of daily living in the elderly ≥65 years old from longevity areas in China]

Objective: To explore the association between biomarkers and activities of daily living (ADL) in the elderly over 65 years old from longevity areas in China. Methods: A total of 2 439 people from 8 longevity areas were included in our baseline survey in 2012. Using questionnaires, body measurements, and blood biochemical examinations, information on demographics characteristic, life style, ADL, blood pressure and biomarkers were collected. Based on these six items of ADL (bathing, dressing, indoor activities, toileting, eating, bowel and bladder control), we constructed a dichotomous indicator for ADL. A respondent was defined as ADL disabled if any difficulty in one or more of the above six activities was reported. Information were collected in the follow-up in 2014 using the same questionnaires and examinations. We excluded information on the elderly who lacked ADL or biomarkers test results or with ADL disability at baseline study. Finally 938 elderly people over 65 years old were included in this analysis. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the influence factors of ADL disability. Results: During the 2-year follow-up, 100 (10.7%) participants developed into ADL disability, with a rate at 10.7%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that each year increase in age or each 1 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) would cause the risk of ADL disability to increase 9% or 1%, whose OR (95%CI) were separately 1.09 (1.06-1.12), 1.01 (1.00-1.02). Han nationality or cognitive impairment increased the risk of ADL disability, whose OR (95%CI) values were separately 4.90 (1.13-21.24), 2.47 (1.44-4.25), while increased lymphocyte count (>1.60×10(9)/L), being married, or participating in recreational activities decreased the risk of ADL disability, whose OR (95%CI) values were separately 0.51 (0.31-0.82), 0.52 (0.28-0.96), 0.43 (0.23-0.80). Conclusion: In the elderly elevated lymphocyte count was associated with lower risk of ADL disability. In addition, incresed age, increased SBP, unmarried, Han nationality or cognitive impairment were associated with the increasing risk of ADL disability in older people, while participating in recreational activities would reduce the risk.

[Study on handgrip strength of elderly ≥60 years old from longevity areas in China]

Objective: To assess the status of handgrip strength of elderly population from longevity areas in China, and to analyze the correlative factors of handgrip strength of elderly people. Methods: Data from Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2012 was used, from which1 967 participants aged ≥60 years old with valid data of grip strength value from 8 Chinese longevity areas were included. Information on demographics characteristic, life style and health status was collected using questionnaires. The handgrip strength of both left and right hands were measured by grip dynamometer. The different characteristics of group of participants with different grip strength were compared and then analyzed by adopting the Cumulative odds Logistic regression model to identify main factors associated with hand grip strength. Results: The P(50) (P(25)-P(50)) of hand grip strength of elderly people from the eight longevity areas was 20 (11-28) kg; The hand grip strength of males was 26 (18-34) kg, which was higher than that of females(14 (9-20) kg) (P<0.001). Cumulative odds Logistic regression model showed that the hand grip strength of females was lower than males, whose β value (95%CI) was-1.22 (-1.43--1.00). The elderly who was at a higher age, smoking, drinking or with anemia, had a comparatively lower handgrip strength, whose β (95%CI) value were separately-0.08(-0.09~-0.07),-0.29(-0.56~-0.02),-0.54(-0.80~-0.28), and-0.41(-0.62~-0.20). And the elderly who had a higher boby mass index, drinking tea and outdoor activities, had a comparatively higher handgrip strength, whose β(95%CI) value were separately 0.28 (0.15-0.40), 0.25(0.03-0.47) and 0.51(0.30-0.71). Conclusion: Age and gender were the main correlative factors, lifestyles and physical conditions might also be correlative factors of hand grip strength of the elderly from longevity areas in China.

[Association between serum albumin and cognitive performance in elderly Chinese]

Objective: To explore association between serum albumin level and cognitive performance in elderly Chinese. Methods: All the subjects aged ≥65 years in the 8 longevity areas in Chinese longitudinal health longevity survey (CLHLS) were invited to participate the biomedical indepth CLHLS study, information about subjects' demographic characteristics, lifestyle, prevalence of diseases and health status was collected through household-interview. The cognitive performance was assessed with Mini Mental State Evaluation (MMSE) scale. Health examination was conducted by medical personnel and fasting venous blood samples were collected to detect the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, fasting glucose, creatine and blood albumin. MMSE score was compared and the trend was analyzed with generalized linear model. Association between albumin concentration and cognitive impairment was analyzed by logistic regression model. Results: Generalized linear model showed that adjusted MMSE score increased from 23.22 in the lowest quartile group to 25.07 in the highest quartile group (P for linear trend <0.001). Logistic regression analysis results showed that the higher albumin level was associated with the lower risk of cognitive impairment (P< 0.001), the OR decreased linearly with the increasing level of albumin (P<0.01), with the OR (95%CI) for the lower, higher and highest quartile groups was 0.64(0.45-0.91), 0.60(0.40-0.89) and 0.43(0.27-0.69), respectively, compared with the lowest quartile group. Conclusion: High level of serum albumin was associated with low risk of cognitive impairment.

Low temperature plasma promoting fibroblast proliferation by activating the NF-κB pathway and increasing cyclinD1 expression

The potential applications of low temperature plasma (LTP) in wound healing have aroused the concern of many researchers. In this study, an argon atmospheric pressure plasma jet was applied to generate LTP for treatment of murine fibroblast cell (L929) cultured in vitro to investigate the effect of NF-κB pathway on fibroblast proliferation. The results showed that, compared with the control, L929 cells treated with plasma for less than 20 s had significant increases of proliferation; the productions of intracellular ROS, O₂⁻ and NO increased with prolongation of LTP treatment time; NF-κB pathway was activated by LTP in a proper dose range, and the expression of cyclinD1 in LTP-treated cells increased with the same trend as cell proliferation. After RNA interference to block p65 expression, with the same treatment time, RNAi-treated cells proliferated more slowly and expressed less cyclinD1 than normal cells. Furthermore, pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) markedly prevented the plasma-induced changes in cells. In conclusion, the proliferation of L929 cells induced by LTP was closely related to NF-κB signaling pathway, which might be activated by appropriate level of intracellular ROS. These novel findings can provide some theoretical reference of LTP inducing cell proliferation and promoting wound healing.

[Attaching importance to study on acute health risk assessment and adaptation of air pollution and climate change]

Air pollution and climate change have become key environmental and public health problems around the world, which poses serious threat to human health. How to assess and mitigate the health risks and increase the adaptation of the public have become an urgent topic of research in this area. The six papers in this issue will provide important and rich information on design, analysis method, indicator selection and setting about acute health risk assessment and adaptation study of air pollution and climate change in China, reflecting the advanced conceptions of multi-center and area-specific study and multi-pollutant causing acute effect study. However, the number and type of the cities included in these studies were still limited. In future, researchers should further expand detailed multi-center and multi-area study coverage, conduct area specific predicting and early warning study and strengthen adaptation study.

[Simulation study of air quality health index in 5 cities in China: 2013-2015]

Objective: To construct the air quality health index (AQHI) by inclusion of air pollutants PM(2.5) and O(3) in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Xi' an, Beijing, Shenyang, and explore scientificity and feasibility of its application in China. Methods: The daily average concentrations of PM(2.5) and O(3) in air, and daily average mortality from 2013 to 2015 in the 5 cities in China, the exposure-response coefficients of PM(2.5) and O(3) and total mortality from Meta studies in China were used to construct local AQHI. The health risk levels of air pollution in the 5 cities were calculated and compared with the characteristics of single pollutant concentrationof PM(2.5) or O(3). Results: In the 5 cities, the average concentration of PM(2.5) was highest in Beijing (82 μg/m(3)) and lowest in Guangzhou (46 μg/m(3)). And the average concentration of O(3) was highest in Shanghai (72 μg/m(3)) and lowest in Xi' an (45 μg/m(3)). In all the cities, the average concentration of PM(2.5) was highest in winter and lowest in summer. In summer, the average concentration of O(3) was lowest. But the health risk level of AQHI showed that the 5 cities had higher frequency of low or medium risk averagely. And Beijing had the highest frequency of high risk in summer (5.69%). Xi' an had the highest frequency of extremely high risk in winter (1.63%). Conclusions: In this study, AQHI could be constructed by using air PM(2.5) and O(3) concentration data which can be obtained in many areas in China. The application of this index is scientific and feasible in China.