Prevalence and risk factors for isolated systolic hypertension among the oldest-old population in southwestern China: A community-based cross-sectional study.

The prevalence of isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) has doubled between 2002-2005 and 2014 among the oldest-old population in China. However, the prevalence and characteristics of ISH among the oldest-old population in southwestern China remain less known. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ISH among the oldest-old population in Chengdu and identify associated factors to provide valuable information for disease etiology and prevention. We recruited 1,312 participants aged over 80 years by using a stratified cluster sampling method between September 2015 and June 2016, from three districts (Jinjiang, Qingyang, and Longquanyi) of Chengdu, the largest city of southwest China. A structured questionnaire, anthropometric data, and blood pressure were collected according to the standard method. Blood pressure was measured three times by using a standardized mercury sphygmomanometer after a 10-minute seated rest. Of 1312 participants, 53.0% (n = 695) had ISH. The prevalence of ISH in men and women was 54.7% and 51.3%, respectively, with no significant sex difference (P = .222). The prevalence of ISH increased with advanced age in men (P for trend = 0.029), 52.5% for the 80-84 years group, 55.2% for the 85-89 years group, and 70.4% for the 90-98 years group, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analyses found that drinking (OR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.26-2.71), being overweight (OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.19-2.96), and having a higher heart rate (OR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.51-0.86) were associated with ISH. Stratified by sex, these three factors remained significant in men. Our work highlights that the burden of ISH is substantial among the oldest-old population in southwestern China.

Association between vitamin C intake and glioma risk: evidence from a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The field of quantifying the association between the intake of vitamin C and risk of glioma still has conflicts. Thus, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that a high intake of vitamin C may be a protective effect on glioma risk. METHODS: Pertinent studies were identified by a search in PubMed and Web of Knowledge up to June 2014. The random-effect model was used to combine study-specific results. Publication bias was estimated using Begg' funnel plot and Egger's regression asymmetry test. RESULTS: Thirteen articles with 15 studies (2 cohort study and 13 case-control studies) involving 3,409 glioma cases about vitamin C intake and glioma risk were used in this meta-analysis. The combined relative risks (RRs) of glioma associated with vitamin C intake was 0.86 (95% CIs = 0.75-0.99). Overall, significant protective associations were also found in the American population (RRs = 0.85, 95% CIs = 0.73-0.98) and case-control studies (RRs = 0.80, 95% CIs = 0.69-0.93). No publication bias was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis indicated that vitamin C intake might decrease the risk of glioma, especially among the Americans.

Decreased plasma gelsolin is associated with 1-year outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE: Decreased plasma gelsolin level has been associated with 1-month mortality after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Thus, we investigated the ability of gelsolin to predict 1-year mortality and functional outcome in these patients. METHODS: One hundred fourteen healthy controls and 114 patients with acute severe TBI were included in this study. Plasma gelsolin concentration on admission was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients (48.2%) had unfavorable outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale score of 1-3) and 38 patients (33.3%) died in 1 year after TBI. Upon admission, plasma gelsolin level in patients was substantially lower than that in healthy controls. A multivariate analysis selected plasma gelsolin level as an independent predictor for 1-year unfavorable outcome and mortality of patients. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed plasma gelsolin level predicted 1-year unfavorable outcome and mortality statistically significantly. The predictive value of the gelsolin concentration was thus similar to that of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. In a combined logistic-regression model, gelsolin did not statistically significantly improve the area under curve of GCS score. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma gelsolin level is a useful, complementary tool to predict functional outcome and mortality 1 year after TBI.