The spatial distribution of the normal reference values of the activated partial thromboplastin time based on ArcGIS and GeoDA

Prevalence and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Female Stress Urinary Incontinence in Mainland China

Background and objective

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women is a common condition that affects middle-aged and elderly women. Currently, there are still many limitations in the epidemiological research on SUI. This study aims to address the gap in the prevalence of female SUI in mainland China and provide theoretical support for the prevention and treatment of SUI.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on the prevalence of female SUI in mainland China, systematically searching Chinese and English databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, and Weipu Database as of April 1, 2024. Detailed criteria for screening and exclusion were established. The prevalence of SUI in the selected studies was synthesized using Stata MP (version 15) software, and a multisubgroup analysis, a sensitivity analysis, and publication bias detection of the prevalence of SUI were also performed using the software. Additionally, ArcGIS software (version 10.8) and Geoda software (version 1.2) were utilized to explore the geographical distribution characteristics of the prevalence of female SUI in mainland China.

Key findings and limitations

A total of 688 articles were screened, and finally 85 articles were included. The overall rate of female SUI in mainland China was 24.5% (95% confidence interval: 22.5-26.5%). The heterogeneity of the study is statistically significant (I2 = 99.0%, p < 0.001). Based on significant heterogeneity, a multisubgroup analysis was conducted. The results showed that the prevalence of SUI varies among different publication years, literature quality scores, investigators, study settings, sampling methods, provinces, regions, coastal or inland areas, and rural or urban areas. A spatial econometric analysis indicated that the incidence of SUI in the east-west distribution showed a downward trend, while in the north-south distribution, the incidence rate of SUI showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. Additionally, a spatial metrology analysis showed similar trends in the distribution of SUI incidence.

Conclusions and clinical implications

The high incidence rate of female SUI in mainland China and the regional differences observed indicate the need for further rigorous epidemiological investigation in the future.

Patient summary

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is common among middle-aged and elderly women. The high prevalence of SUI in mainland China and the differences across regions emphasize the need for conducting more robust epidemiological studies in the future.

Healthcare-seeking behavior and spatial variation of internal migrants with chronic diseases: a nationwide empirical study in China

Individuals migrating with chronic diseases often face substantial health risks, and their patterns of healthcare-seeking behavior are commonly influenced by mobility. However, to our knowledge, no research has used spatial statistics to verify this phenomenon. Utilizing data from the China Migrant Dynamic Survey of 2017, we conducted a geostatistical analysis to identify clusters of chronic disease patients among China's internal migrants. Geographically weighted regressions were utilized to examine the driving factors behind the reasons why treatment was not sought by 711 individuals among a population sample of 9272 migrant people with chronic diseases. The results indicate that there is a spatial correlation in the clustering of internal migrants with chronic diseases in China. The prevalence is highly clustered in Zhejiang and Xinjiang in north-eastern China. Hotspots were found in the northeast (Jilin and Liaoning), the north (Hebei, Beijing, and Tianjin), and the east (Shandong) and also spread into surrounding provinces. The factors that affect the migrants with no treatment were found to be the number of hospital beds per thousand population, the per capita disposable income of medical care, and the number of participants receiving health education per 1000 Chinese population. To rectify this situation, the local government should "adapt measures to local conditions." Popularizing health education and coordinating the deployment of high-quality medical facilities and medical workers are effective measures to encourage migrants to seek reasonable medical treatment.

Characterizing spatial dependence of boron, arsenic, and other trace elements for Permian groundwater in Northern Anhui plain coal mining area, China, using spatial autocorrelation index and geostatistics

Anthropogenic and geological factors play an essential role in the variability of groundwater quality, resulting in a weak spatial dependence of groundwater trace elements. Thus, it is an essential study to investigate the factors affecting groundwater quality and its spatial abundance of trace elements (including As, B, and other metalloids). In this study, samples are obtained from a Permian sandstone fracture aquifer in a coal mining area. A multivariate statistical analysis, hydrogeochemistry modeling, and spatial autocorrelation analysis were used to analyze the data. The results showed that Moran index was positive for all trace elements, which had good spatial autocorrelation. The Local indicators of spatial association (LISA) indicated that trace elements were clustered. The hydrogeochemical modeling results indicated that the precipitation and stability of iron-phase minerals, such as rhodochrosite and arsenic (As) absorption on the surface of iron-phase minerals in the aquifer, may limit concentrations in the southern region. The spatial autocorrelations of both As and Boron (B) were positive (high-high) in the western areas, indicating that As contamination occurred from both natural geological causes and human coal mining activities. In contrast, B contamination was mainly linked to the influence of human agricultural or industrial activities. Over 96% of the groundwater concentrations of As (10 μg/L) and B (300 μg/L) in the study area exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) limits. Overall, the results of this work could help decision-makers involved in regional water quality management visualize disperse zones where specific anthropogenic and geological processes may threaten groundwater quality.

Spatial distribution differences of cholinesterase in healthy Chinese under the influence of geographical environmental factors

The main targets of this were to screen the factors that may influence the distribution of cholinesterase (CHE) reference value in healthy people, and further explored the geographical distribution differences of CHE reference value in China. In this study, we collected the CHE data of 17,601 healthy people from 173 cities in China to analyse the correlation between CHE and 22 geography secondary indexes through spearman regression analysis. Six indexes with significant correlation were extracted, and a ridge regression model was built, and the country's urban CHE reference value of healthy Chinese was predicted. By using the disjunctive kriging method, we obtained the geographical distribution of CHE reference values for healthy people in China. The reference value of CHE for healthy Chinese was significantly correlated with the 6 secondary indexes, namely, latitude (°), altitude (m), annual average temperature (°C), annual average relative humidity (%) and annual precipitation (mm), and topsoil sand gravel percentage (% wt). The geographical distribution of CHE values of healthy Chinese showed a trend of being higher in southeast China and lower in northwest. This study lays a foundation for further research on the mechanism of different influencing factors on the reference value of CHE index. A ridge regression model composed of significant influencing factors has been established to provide the basis for formulating reference criteria for the treatment factors of the liver damage diseases and liver cancer using CHE reference values in different regions.

Meta-analysis on the epidemiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease in China

BACKGROUND

No large-scale epidemiological survey on the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in China has been conducted. China has a large population and a complex geographical environment. It is important to understand the prevalence and spatial distribution of GERD in China.

AIM

To explore the prevalence and the spatial, temporal, and population distributions of GERD in the natural Chinese population.

METHODS

We searched Chinese and English databases for literature on the prevalence of GERD in the natural Chinese population. The prevalence of GERD was pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Subgroup analysis was performed according to time, region, and population. We used ArcGIS software to draw statistical maps and trend analysis charts. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was carried out using Geoda software. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the spatial distribution relationship between GERD and upper digestive tract tumours.

RESULTS

Altogether, 70 studies involving 276014 individuals from 24 provinces of China were included. The overall pooled prevalence of GERD was 8.7% (95%CI: 7.5%-9.9%) in mainland China. Over the past two decades, the prevalence of GERD in China has increased from 6.0% to 10.6%. GERD was more common in people aged 40-60, with body mass index ≥ 24, and of Uygur ethnicity. The prevalence was higher in the west and east than in the centre, and there may be a local spatial autocorrelation between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the southeast. GERD was correlated with gastric (r = 0.421, P = 0.041) and oesophageal tumours (r = 0.511, P = 0.011) in spatial distribution.

CONCLUSION

GERD is becoming common in China. The prevalence differs by region and population. The development of appropriate strategies for the prevention and treatment of GERD is needed.

Hydrogeochemical Processes and Connection of Multi-Layer Groundwater System in Sunan Mining Area, Eastern China

Groundwater is an important freshwater resource in the world and serves as the main source of water for mining areas in Northern China. Coal mining may cause changes in water quality. As such, to identify ways to prevent water contamination, this study investigates the hydrogeochemical processes and transport paths of a complex aquifer system in the Sunan mining area in Northern China. Using the APFS-MLR model, a geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis, and a hydrochemical correlation analysis method, this study identifies the potential mineral phases in groundwater, the spatial distribution of mineral reactions, and the contribution rate of these reactions to hydrochemical variables. Inverse modeling is used to verify hydrogeochemical process. The study reveals the relationship between multiple aquifers and four hydrological transport paths. Here, Path 1 and Path 2 show that the Quaternary aquifer, Carboniferous aquifer, and Ordovician aquifer are recharging the Permian aquifer through mineral dissolution and precipitation, cation exchange, and sulfate reduction. On the other hand, Path 3 and Path 4 show that tthe connections of Carboniferous and Ordovician limestone aquifers are dominated by the dissolution and precipitation of minerals and cation exchange, and that they are mainly recharged by the Quaternary aquifer. In the future, the water level of the Permian aquifer may rise somewhat after mining ends, and the mixing of water from the Permian aquifer, Quaternary aquifer, Carboniferous aquifer, and Ordovician aquifer could cause cross-pollution. In addition, sewage produced by human activities may recharge the deep water through the shallow water, polluting the deep karst water. As such, measures should be taken to reduce the hydraulic connection between Permian mine water and karst aquifers. The results of this study may benefit water quality predictions and treatment approaches in other complex multi-layer aquifer areas in the world.

Spatial distribution differences of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in healthy elderly people under the influence of geographical environmental factors

The main targets of this were to screen the factors that may influence the distribution of 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] reference value in healthy elderly people in China, and further explored the geographical distribution differences of 25(OH)D reference value in China. In this study, we collected the 25(OH)D of 25,470 healthy elderly from 58 cities in China to analyze the correlation between 25(OH)D and 22 geography secondary indexes through spearman regression analysis. Six indexes with significant correlation were extracted, and a ridge regression model was built, and the country's urban healthy elderly'25(OH)D reference value was predicted. By using the disjunctive Kriging method, we obtained the geographical distribution of 25(OH)D reference values for healthy elderly people in China. The reference value of 25(OH)D for healthy elderly in China was significantly correlated with the 6 secondary indexes, namely, latitude (°), annual temperature range (°C), annual sunshine hours (h), annual mean temperature (°C), annual mean relative humidity (%), and annual precipitation (mm). The geographical distribution of 25(OH)D values of healthy elderly in China showed a trend of being higher in South China and lower in North China, and higher in coastal areas and lower in inland areas. This study lays a foundation for further research on the mechanism of different influencing factors on the reference value of 25(OH)D index. A ridge regression model composed of significant influencing factors has been established to provide the basis for formulating reference criteria for the treatment factors of the vitamin D deficiency and prognostic factors of the COVID-19 using 25(OH)D reference value in different regions.

Spatial distribution of soil nutrients and evaluation of cultivated land in Xuwen county

It is of great significance to promote the quantitative research of soil science and the implementation of precision agriculture. On this basis, taking Xuwen County as the research object, this paper comprehensively analyzed the soil characteristics of cultivated land in Xuwen County and clarify the soil nutrient content and spatial distribution characteristics of cultivated land in Xuwen County, this paper comprehensively applied the methods of geostatistics, geographic information system (GIS) and fuzzy mathematics, and referred to the cultivated land quality grade standard (GB/T 33469-2016), to analyze the soil characteristics and evaluate the soil fertility of this region. The results show that the optimal interpolation model of soil pH and available phosphorus (AP) is a Gaussian model, and the optimal interpolation model of soil organic matter (SOM), available nitrogen (AN) and available potassium (AK) is a J-Bessel model. In addition, the spatial correlation of AK is weak, whereas pH, SOM, AN and AP show moderate spatial correlation. The proportion of excellent, good, average, medium and poor comprehensive fertility index are 26.00%, 32.67%, 19.33%, 19.00% and 3.00%, respectively. The overall level of soil fertility in Xuwen County is above the average, and the fertility quality presents an obvious trend of high in the South and low in the North. Areas that above average fertility are mainly distributed in Maichen Town, Qujie Town, Nanshan Town and Chengbei Town. The results can provide theoretical basis for improving the utilization rate of chemical fertilizer, fine management of cultivated land and ecological environment in this region, which can help in decision-making of precision fertilization.

Spatial-temporal Distribution and Influencing Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Chinese Mainland, 2001-2020: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The spatial-temporal distribution of Helicobacter pylori infection in China is poorly understood. We aimed to study the spatial-temporal distribution of H. pylori infection in Chinese mainland and to explore its influencing factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the relevant literature from 2001 to 2021 and applied meta-analysis to obtain the pooled prevalence estimates of all studies and subgroups. Then, we used the pooled prevalence as the dependent variable for the following analysis, including time series analysis, statistical mapping, spatial autocorrelation analysis, and influencing factor analysis based on generalized additive model and panel data model.

RESULTS

A total of 726 articles and 3,407,392 people were included. The pooled prevalence was 43.7% (95% confidence interval: 42.7%-44.8%). The prevalence decreased in the past 20 years, with high in the eastern and western regions and low in the central region. Qinghai Tibet Plateau and Guizhou Plateau were the high incidence areas of this disease. The intake of vegetable oil, aquatic products, meat, milk, per capita gross domestic product, and annual average humidity were significantly correlated with H. pylori.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of H. pylori is decreasing in Chinese mainland, but still high in underdeveloped areas. Appropriate strategies for the prevention need greater attention.

Pattern of plant communities' influence to grasshopper abundance distribution in heterogeneous landscapes at the upper reaches of Heihe River, Qilian Mountains, China

Understanding the impact of the heterogeneity of the ecological environment on biodiversity is a key issue in ecology. Topographical heterogeneity was potentially important in grassland systems to create or change habitats for grasshopper settlement and foraging. Yet, there was little knowledge of how grasshopper communities respond to plant communities along the altitude gradient. We investigated the role of plant communities on grasshopper diversity with geostatistical methods to test the effects of heterogeneity in the natural grassland on the upper reaches of the Heihe River, Qilian Mountains. To aim the goal of the study, nonreturn experiments were used to collect the grasshoppers' diversity and populations, and the plant's community was sampled at the same location. The results showed that the semivariograms of grasshopper abundance and plant communities were both nonlinear models, while the grasshopper abundance typically produces heterogeneity with a larger range and nuggets than plant communities (except the plant coverage range in the model, range <1.5 m). The two communities presented the spatial distribution pattern of aggregated distribution, and the spatial trend is more intense in the northeast-southwest direction than in the northwest-southeast. The grasshopper species developed a good selection on microenvironment to habitat and the distribution consistent with plants, forming the horizontal distribution with a flaky and plaque distribution pattern. The relationship between grasshoppers and plants was highly dependent on the altitude, and grasshopper abundance has a positive correlation with plant richness (F = 0.68) and plant coverage (F = 0.32) and has a negative correlation with plant height (F = 0.13). In summary, the spatial distribution and correlation characteristics of plant communities and grasshoppers formed a plaque heterogeneity structure under the altitude gradients.