High sensitivity C-reactive protein associated with different health predictors in middle-aged and oldest old Chinese / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To describe the distribution of plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and explore the relationship between hsCRP and metabolic risk factors among residents living in longevity areas of China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>268 individuals aged between 40 and 59 years and 506 individuals aged over 90 years were selected from 5 longevity areas of China to participate in a cross section longitudinal cohort study. The participants were interviewed with general health related questionnaire to collect their demographic, behavioral and lifestyle data, as well as their chronic conditions, and meanwhile their physical and biomedical parameters including waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), hsCRP, plasma lipids, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The median of hsCRP was 0.99 mg/L in the middle-aged group and 1.76 mg/L in the oldest old group. No significant gender difference was observed between the above two groups. Among the oldest old individuals, 36.56% had an hsCRP level >3.0 mg/L. The prevalence of high hsCRP was 16.79% in the middle-aged group. The results of stepwise multiple linear regression analyses showed that HDL-C was independently associated with ln (hsCRP) concentration in the middle-aged group, whereas ln (TG), HDL-C and FBG were correlated after adjustment for gender, study site, smoking, drinking, education and BMI in the oldest old group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>HDL-C is a stronger predictor of elevated hsCRP than other metabolic factors in the middle-aged population. For the oldest old persons, high TG, low HDL-C, and FBG predict elevated plasma hsCRP.</p>

Association of anemia with cognition among senior female in China / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between anemia and cognitive function among senior female aged 90 years old and above in longevity regions in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>383 senior female in 5 longevity areas from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) 2008 - 2009 were included in the study. The cognitive function was assessed by mini mental state examination (MMSE) scale. All subjects were administered the physical examinations and biochemical testing of blood, including the hemoglobin. The difference of cognitive function between those with and without anemia was analyzed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between anemia and cognitive function.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The 383 subjects were divided into two groups, 141 in anemia group and 242 in group without anemia. The total score of cognitive function was 9.65 ± 9.32 in anemia group, and 13.06 ± 10.25 in group without anemia (χ(2) = 5.59, P < 0.05). The percentage of cognition impairment was 84.4% (119/141) in anemia group, and 72.3% (175/242) in group without anemia (χ(2) = 8.08, P < 0.05). In the multivariable logistic regressions, after adjustment for age, education, marital status, smoking and alcohol drinking, the risk for cognition impairment in anemia group was about twice of that in group without anemia (OR = 2.016, 95%CI: 1.185 - 3.431, P = 0.010).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Anemia increases the risk of cognition impairment among senior female in Chinese longevity areas.</p>

A study on chronic diseases and other related health indicators of centenarians in longevity areas in China / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To describe chronic diseases and other related health indicators of centenarians, compare these health indicators with other age groups in longevity areas in China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Residents who participated in the project of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) conducted in 2008 - 2009 were selected from 7 Longevity Areas.2029 people aged 40 and over attended the study from March to June, 2009, including 469 aged 40 and over, 436 aged 60 and over, 346 aged 80 and over, 380 aged 90 and over, 398 centenarians. Information, including socio-demographic, were collected by self-designed questionnaire. Calibrated instruments were used by the clinical personnel who had worked over 3 years to manually check subjects' health. Venous blood and urine samples were collected for blood and urine routine test, plasma macro and trace elements test, plasma biological test, using standard methods such as instrument analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistical methods.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the groups aged 40 and over, 60 and over, 80 and over, 90 and over, 100 and over, the body mass index (BMI) were (23.2 +/- 4.6), (22.1 +/- 3.7), (20.2 +/- 3.4), (20.2 +/- 3.9) and (19.1 +/- 5.0) kg/m(2) in males (F = 22.78, P < 0.01) and (23.3 +/- 4.0), (21.6 +/- 3.5), (19.7 +/- 3.9), (19.0 +/- 4.8), (18.4 +/- 3.8) kg/m(2) in females (F = 51.84, P < 0.01); the prevalence of hypertension were 38.3% (80/209), 60.8% (166/273), 63.5% (106/167), 61.8% (68/110), 54.8% (34/62) in males (chi(2) = 34.26, P < 0.01) and 32.3% (84/260), 60.1% (98/163), 69.8% (125/179), 61.5% (166/270), 58.9% (198/336) in females (chi(2) = 78.45, P < 0.01); the prevalence of diabetes were 10.5% (22/209), 12.5% (34/273), 9.0% (15/167), 18.2% (20/110), 12.9% (8/62) in males (chi(2) = 5.92, P = 0.20) and 4.2% (11/260), 15.3% (25/163), 10.1% (18/179), 12.2% (33/270), 7.4% (25/336) in females (chi(2) = 19.25, P < 0.01). In groups aged 40 and over, 90 and over, 100 and over, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were (29.03 +/- 5.79), (30.93 +/- 5.39), (31.63 +/- 5.92) U/ml in males (F = 4.40, P < 0.05) and (28.27 +/- 6.25), (30.86 +/- 5.72), (31.55 +/- 5.25) U/ml in females (F = 13.13, P < 0.05); levels of plasma calcium were (3.63 +/- 1.08), (3.09 +/- 0.91), (3.34 +/- 1.07) mmol/L in males (F = 5.71, P < 0.01) and (3.84 +/- 1.02), (3.19 +/- 1.16), (3.38 +/- 1.16) mmol/L in females (F = 11.61, P < 0.01); levels of selenium were (1.44 +/- 0.86), (1.28 +/- 0.60), (1.75 +/- 0.57)micromol/L in males (F = 3.79, P < 0.05) and (1.44 +/- 0.80), (1.48 +/- 0.81), (1.78 +/- 0.80) micromol/L in females (F = 8.69, P < 0.01); levels of iron were (63.25 +/- 49.05), (71.86 +/- 54.16), (138.36 +/- 77.60) micromol/L in males (F = 22.78, P < 0.01) and (64.86 +/- 57.72), (74.56 +/- 56.93), (106.56 +/- 74.08) micromol/L in females (F = 17.88, P < 0.01); levels of copper were (23.49 +/- 12.85), (17.96 +/- 7.57), (22.33 +/- 6.89) micromol/L in males (F = 5.18, P < 0.01) and (21.52 +/- 10.63), (19.60 +/- 9.57), (22.99 +/- 8.71) micromol/L in females (F = 5.68, P < 0.01); positive rates of high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hsCRP) were 5.5% (8/146), 24.0% (18/75), 31.3% (10/32) in males (chi(2) = 22.62, P < 0.01) and 9.8% (12/122), 19.6% (40/204), 25.1% (49/195) in females (chi(2) = 11.24, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results indicate that the centenarians have lower chronic diseases risks and higher anti-oxidants activity compared with other age groups, and have a high level of nutritional elements compared with those aged 90 and over. However, it is more common for them suffering from inflammation.</p>

Comprehensive evaluation on the potential risk for HIV infection in 12 villages with a history of former paid blood donation / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To learn the potential risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in 12 villages with a history of former paid blood donation, and to provide different measures for HIV/AIDS prevention and control.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seven indexes were selected, including HIV sero-prevalence rates, hepatitis C virus (HCV) sero-prevalence rates, HIV/AIDS KAB (knowledge, attitude and belief), proportion of paid blood/plasma donation, risks on related behavioral information on sex and HIV/AIDS infections. Rank Sum Ratio (RSR) was performed to synthetically evaluate the potential risk of HIV infection in those 12 selected villages.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>According to the results of evaluation by 18 experts, weight coefficient of HIV sero-prevalence rate was the highest (0.28), and HIV/AIDS KAB the lowest (0.09) among the seven indexes. The results of comprehensive evaluation with RSR showed that the villages coded 01 and 02 belonged to higher level of potential risk of HIV infection, villages 09, 12, 05, 10 and 03 were at medium level while villages 04, 06, 08, 07 and 11 were at low level.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The level of potential risk for HIV infection was different in 12 villages with a history of former paid blood donation. Different measures of HIV/AIDS prevision and control should be performed according to the potential risk level for HIV infection of the 12 villages.</p>

A cross-sectional survey on human immunodeficiency virus infection in a former commercial blood donating community, Shanxi Province / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the sero-prevalence of and the risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection among residents in a former commercial blood donating community, Shanxi Province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among all residents aged 18 - 64 years in 4 villages in a rural county of Shanxi Province. A standardized structured questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic, medical and risk behavioral information. Venous blood was collected for HIV antibody testing. Generalized estimating equation with logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for HIV infection. Population attributable fraction was used to evaluate the role of public health in the risk factors for the incidence of HIV.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 3062 villagers participated in the study and provided their blood samples for HIV antibody testing. 29.5% of the participants had a history of selling blood and/or plasma. Among the subgroup of former blood donors (FBDs), 71.9% sold whole blood only, 4.1% sold plasma only and 24.0% sold both. Forty HIV infected persons were identified in the four villages. HIV prevalence was 1.3%, overall, 4.1% in FBDs and 0.1% in non-FBDs in the community. Amongst the subgroup of FBDs, HIV prevalence was 1.5% for whole blood only, 21.6% for plasma only and 8.8% for both. Univariate analysis showed that village of residence, education, marital status, gender, plasma/blood donation were statistically associated with HIV seropositivity in the villagers. Other variables, such as gender, age, occupation, number of sexual partners, drug use, histories of tooth extraction, acupuncture, surgical operation and medical injection were not found to be statistically associated with HIV seropositivity. Multivariate analysis found that selling whole blood only (adjusted OR = 13.25, 95% CI: 3.02 - 58.25) and selling plasma or both (adjusted OR = 87.85, 95% CI: 22.22 - 347.27) were significantly associated with HIV seropositivity, and the additive population attributable fraction (PAF) was 89.8%. Villagers in village 03 were more likely to be HIV positive than those in village 04 (adjusted OR = 12.26, 95% CI: 1.46 - 103.00).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>At present, HIV epidemic in the former commercial blood donating community has a low prevalence in Shanxi Province and the majority of HIV infections should be related to the blood and plasma donation. This study reveals the existence of HIV second-generation transmission from the infected blood donors to the general population. However, HIV had not been evidently extended from the blood/plasma donors to general population.</p>

Study on sexual behavior and HIV/STIs among miners in Yunnan province / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>This paper aims to describe human immunodeficiency virus/sexual transmitted infections (HIV/STIs) related knowledge, attitudes, practice and the prevalence of HIV/STIs amongst miners.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Two focus-group related discussions with a total number of 13 members including Community Advisory Boards (CAB) and 12 miners were conducted in a mining township in Yunnan province. Questionnaire surveys and HIV/STIs tests were conducted among 233 miners recruited by cluster sampling in two towns where the mines were located.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average age of respondents was 28 year old with 82.8% of them younger than 35 year old. 95.3% of the respondents attended the education level of junior middle school. AIDS related knowledge among miners was low. The percentage of right answers to the routes of transmission was only 54.4%. The ratio of self-reported prostitutes visits was 9.0%. The prevalence rates of Neisseria gonrrhoeae, HIV and Chlamydia trachomatis were 0.4%, 0.4%and 8.2% respectively. The correlation between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and education (P = 0.0347) was significant, and so was that between Chlamydia trachomatis infection and marriage status (P = 0.032).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>This study showed that the awareness of HIV/STIs prevention was limited and the rate of condom use was low, suggesting that miners needed to be viewed as a key population in HIV/STIs prevention and control.</p>

Epidemiologic study on human immunodeficiency virus infection among children in a former paid plasma donating community in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Illegal plasma collecting activities in mid 1990s caused a large number of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in rural areas of central-eastern China. Although most of these activities have been stopped, there were few reports on secondary transmission from infected former plasma donors to their spouses and from infected mothers to their children. This study was to determine the extent of HIV infections among young children in a rural community with a large proportion of plasma donors.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A survey was conducted among children aged under 7 years in a former plasma donating community in September 2000: finger blood was collected for HIV antibody testing. Another survey was repeated among children aged under 8 years and their families in the same community in April 2001: urine samples were collected for HIV testing. HIV positive children and samples of HIV negative children, whose mothers were positive based on 2001 survey, were followed up until September 2002 to investigate HIV seroconversion, disease progression and HIV strain analysis. Questionnaires were administered to collect information on children's delivery, breast feeding, medical history and their parents' commercial blood donation history and HIV status.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among 169 children surveyed in 2000, 10 (5.9%) were HIV positive. Of 224 children, 11 were positive in 2001. The overall prevalence rate in the two surveys was 5.0% (17/337) when counting 56 repeated children only once. Of children born to HIV positive mothers, 28.9% were infected. A seroconversion rate of 2.5 per 100 child-years was observed by following up 28 HIV negative children. No statistically significant associations were found between children's HIV infection and their histories of blood transfusion, surgery, immunization injection or medical injections. All infections were HIV-1 subtype B' strain, the average dispersion rate is 7.4%. DNA sequence analysis showed a close relationship between the seroconverted children and their infected mothers.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>HIV vertical transmissions in the rural former plasma donating community was significant. Intervention measures should be taken to prevent further transmission. It was estimated that the HIV spread in this community occurred in 1994 or even earlier. Many infected people are developing AIDS now: treatment and care are urgently needed for these sick people.</p>

A cross-sectional survey on hepatitis C virus infection among residents aged 18-59 years in a former commercial blood donating community, Shanxi Province / 中华流行病学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine sero-prevalence of and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) among residents aged 18-59 years in a former commercial blood donating community, Shanxi province.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 660 randomly selected residents aged 18-59 years from 12 villages in a rural county of Shanxi province. Structured questionnaire was administered to collect socio-demographic,medical and risk behavioral information. 7 ml-volume venous blood was collected for HCV antibody testing.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The overall HCV sero-prevalence rates were 8.2% and 27.7% among former commercial blood donors in the community. Data from multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that people ever selling blood (adjusted OR = 14.28, 95% CI: 6.83-29.87) and receiving blood transfusion (adjusted OR = 8.66,95% CI: 2.31-32.47) were the primary risk factors for HCV infection. Subgroup analysis in blood donors explored that ever selling plasma (adjusted OR = 8.56,95% CI: 2.87-25.54) was the risk factor for HCV infection. Villagers who stopped selling blood in 1994 and thereafter were less likely to be HCV positive than those stopping selling blood before 1994 (adjusted OR = 0.32,95% CI: 0.11-0.93). Female donors had a lower risk than male ones (adjusted OR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10-0.83).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>A HCV epidemic was once existing in rural community residents in the province that former commercial blood/plasma donation was the main reason for HCV epidemic in the community. It is urgent to make efficient measures to prevent HCV secondary transmission and provide patients with care and treatment to this community.</p>