Baoshan District Research Articles

Potential ecological suitability evaluation of urban construction land: A case study in Baoshan District, Shanghai

Potential ecological suitability evaluation of urban construction land: A case study in Baoshan District, Shanghai

Magnetic properties of street dust in Shanghai, China and its relationship to anthropogenic activities

Magnetic properties of urban street dust can be used as a proxy of urban pollution. In this study, magnetic measurements on 160 street dust samples, collected from five different functional areas (industrial, traffic, commercial, residential and clean areas) in sixteen administrative districts in Shanghai, China, were systematically conducted. It is showed that magnetic carriers were predominately coarse-grain ferrimagnetic particles. Meantime, concentration-related magnetic parameters showed significant variations among the functional areas and administrative units. Magnetic susceptibility (χ) decreased in the following order: industrial area (IA) > traffic area (TA) > commercial area (CoA) > residential area (RA) > clean area (ClA). Moreover, combined with the analyses conducted using a scanning electron microscope and an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDX), it is found that spherical magnetic particles originating mainly from anthropogenic sources were abundant in industrial areas. Baoshan district, which is heavily impacted by industrial activities, showed the highest χ value among the administrative units. Additionally, the correlations of street dust χ value with population, value of industrial output and the gross domestic product (GDP) in Shanghai and other cities indicated that χ is positively correlated with the city GDP as well as the population size (PS) to some extent. This study demonstrates that magnetic parameters of street dust can be used as an effective tool for monitoring environmental pollution and industrial activities in urban environments.

Historical Oncomelania hupensis snail environments in Baoshan District, Shanghai City

To understand the distribution and characteristics of historical Oncomelania hupensis snail environments in Baoshan District, Shanghai City, so as to provide the reference for adjusting and formulating the monitoring program of the snail situation in the future. A retrospective survey and a field survey were conducted to collect the information of historical O. hupensis snail environments and set up the database. The distribution and characteristics of them were analyzed. There were 53 historical O. hupensis snail environments which distributed in three towns, and the accumulative area was 1 635 530 m2 in Baoshan District, Shanghai City. Class I, II, III and IV accounted for 73.58%, 5.66%, 16.98% and 3.77% respectively. The complete transformation (Class I and Class II) was done in 42 places which covered the area of 1 622 043 m2, in which Class I environments and Class II environments accounted for 79.25% and 99.18% of the total, respectively. There has been a great change in the historical O. hupensis snail environments in Baoshan District, Shanghai City. The information of the field investigation should be enriched and updated at different times to guide the investigation of O. hupensis snails in the future.

Cohort study with 4-year follow-up of myopia and refractive parameters in primary schoolchildren in Baoshan District, Shanghai.

ImportanceCohort studies could not only reveal associations between change of refractive components and onset/progression of myopia, but also risk factors, which is important for understanding mechanism and providing strategies.BackgroundPrevalence of myopia is high in Shanghai, being reported to be 52.2% in children aged 10 years old.DesignCohort study.ParticipantsA total of 1856 students from six randomly selected primary schools in Baoshan District, Shanghai.MethodsChildren underwent comprehensive ocular measurement, including axial length (AL), corneal curvature radius and cycloplegic auto‐refraction. Questionnaires about eye usage time were collected. Grade 1 students were followed for 4 years, and grade 2 and 3 students for 2 years.Main Outcome Measures(i) Change of spherical equivalent (SE) and AL and (ii) risk factors for progression and incidence of myopia.ResultsThe average 2‐year progress of SE was 0.91D, 0.91D and 1.11D for grade 1, 2 and 3, respectively, and the average elongation of AL was 0.70 mm, 0.64 mm and 0.71 mm, respectively. Only parental myopia, but not near work time, near work diopter time, outdoor activity time or attending tutoring classes, was associated with myopia incidence and progression in the present population. Using baseline SE could be a simple and effective indicator for myopia prediction.Conclusions and RelevanceIncidence and progression of myopia is relatively high in schoolchildren in Shanghai compared with children of Western countries, East Asia and other parts of China. Effective strategies to control myopia prevalence are in urgent need.

Different patterns of myopia prevalence and progression between internal migrant and local resident school children in Shanghai, China: a 2-year cohort study

BackgroundIn 2010, there were ~ 36 million migrant children under 18 y old in China. This study compared patterns of myopia prevalence and progression between migrant and resident children.MethodsEight hundred forty-two migrant children from 2 migrant schools and 1081 from 2 local schools in Baoshan District, Shanghai, were randomly chosen. Baseline measurements were taken on children in grades one through four, and children in grades one and two were followed for 2 y. The children underwent comprehensive ophthalmic examinations, including cycloplegic refraction and axial length. The average time per week spent on homework and outdoor activities were investigated.ResultsMigrant children in grades one and two showed a lower myopia prevalence than resident children; however, from grades three to four, the prevalence accelerated and exceeded that of residents. In the follow-up, the myopia incidence did not significantly change from grades one to two in resident children but was significantly higher in grade two in migrant children. Correspondingly, for migrant children, increased progression of refraction and axial length was observed; however, it decreased in resident children. The average time spent on homework increased from grades two to three in parallel with the acceleration of myopia prevalence for migrant children; however, the time spent outdoors did not correspondingly change.ConclusionThe patterns of myopia prevalence and progression are different between migrant and non-migrant children. The acceleration of myopia in migrant children might be a result of a change in their environment, such as intensive education pressure.

Baosteel emission control significantly benefited air quality in Shanghai

As the largest iron and steel producer in China, a part of Baosteel moved out of Shanghai deserves close attention due to its environmental impact. To understand the effect of Baosteel emission control on air quality in Shanghai, daily PM10, PM2.5, SO2, NO2 and CO were measured from 2010 to 2016. Concentrations of pollutants in Baoshan District presented a decreased trend during 2010–2016, with a reduction rate of 28.6% for PM10, 67.3% for SO2, 8.6% for NO2 and 42.0% for CO. However, fine particle pollution in Baoshan District during 2012–2016 seems to become more prominent, with PM2.5 concentration of 47±28, 45±33, 38±24, 54±41 and 51±34μg/m3, respectively, indicating a slight increase of 8.5% in PM2.5. Concentrations of PM10 and CO decreased by 12.5% and 33.8% in the second half year in 2016 (compared with that in 2015) probably due to closure of blast furnace of Baosteel. Baosteel was identified as the largest pollution source in Baoshan District. Emission from Baosteel accounted for 58.0% of SO2, 43.6% of NO2 and 79.3% of dust in total emission from Baoshan District during 2010–2015. Meanwhile, pollutant emission and coal consumption from Baosteel decreased by 52.0% for SO2, 40.1% for NO2, 15.7% for dust and 22% for coal consumption. Energy consumption in Baoshan District reduced by 31% from 2011 to 2015. Air quality improvement in Shanghai was attributed to local emission reduction, together with regional air quality improvement.

Effect of soil phenolic acids on soil microbe of coal-mining depressed land after afforestation restoration by different tree species

Phenolic acids are one of the most important factors that influence microbial community structure. Investigating the dynamic changes of phenolic acids and their relationship with the microbial community structure in plantation soils with different tree species could contribute to better understanding and revealing the mechanisms of microbial community changes under afforestation restoration in coal-mining subsidence areas. In this study, plantations of three conifer and one deciduous species (Pinus koraiensis, Larix gmelinii, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, and Populus ussuriensis) were established on abandoned coal-mining subsidence areas in Baoshan District, Shuangyashan City. The contents of soil phenols, 11 types of phenolic acids, and microbial communities in all plots were determined. The results showed that the contents of soil complex phenol in plantations were significantly higher than that of abandoned land overall. Specifically, soils in larch and poplar plantations had higher contents of complex phenol, while soils in larch and Korean pine plantations had greater contents of total phenol. Moreover, soil in the P. koraiensis plantation had a higher content of water-soluble phenol compared with abandoned lands. The determination of 11 phenolic acids indicated that the contents of ferulic acid, abietic acid, β-sitosterol, oleanolic acid, shikimic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid were higher in plantation soils. Although soil phenol contents were not related with soil microbial biomass, the individual phenolic acids showed a significant relationship with soil microbes. Ferulic acid, abietic acid, and β-sitosterol showed significant promoting effects on soil microbial biomass, and they showed positive correlations with fungi and fungi/bacteria ratio. These three phenolic acids had higher contents in the poplar plantation, suggesting that poplar affo-restation had a beneficial effect on soil quality in coal-mining subsidence areas.

Prevalence and associated risk factors of undercorrected refractive errors among people with diabetes in Shanghai

BackgroundTo investigate the prevalence and risk factors of undercorrected refractive error (URE) among people with diabetes in the Baoshan District of Shanghai, where data for undercorrected refractive error are limited.MethodsThe study was a population-based survey of 649 persons (aged 60 years or older) with diabetes in Baoshan, Shanghai in 2009. One copy of the questionnaire was completed for each subject. Examinations included a standardized refraction and measurement of presenting and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), tonometry, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and fundus photography.ResultsThe calculated age-standardized prevalence rate of URE was 16.63% (95% confidence interval [CI] 13.76–19.49). For visual impairment subjects (presenting vision worse than 20/40 in the better eye), the prevalence of URE was up to 61.11%, and 75.93% of subjects could achieve visual acuity improvement by at least one line using appropriate spectacles. Under multiple logistic regression analysis, older age, female gender, non-farmer, increasing degree of myopia, lens opacities status, diabetic retinopathy (DR), body mass index (BMI) index lower than normal, and poor glycaemic control were associated with higher URE levels. Wearing distance eyeglasses was a protective factor for URE.ConclusionThe undercorrected refractive error in diabetic adults was high in Shanghai. Health education and regular refractive assessment are needed for diabetic adults. Persons with diabetes should be more aware that poor vision is often correctable, especially for those with risk factors.

Dynamic evolution of landscape spatial pattern in Taihu Lake basin, China

Based on the land-use satellite image datasets of 2000, 2010 and 2015, the landscape index, dynamic change model, landscape transfer matrix and CLUE-S model were integrated to analyze the dynamic evolution of the landscape spatial pattern of Taihu Lake basin. The results showed that the landscape type of the basin was dominated by cultivated land and construction land, and the degree of landscape fragmentation was strengthened from 2000 to 2015, and the distribution showed a uniform trend. From the point of transfer dynamic change, the cultivated land and construction land changed significantly, which was reduced by 6761 km2 (2.1%) and increased by 6615.33 km2 (8.4%), respectively. From the landscape transfer, it could be seen that the main change direction of the cultivated land reduction was the construction land, and the cultivated land with 7866.30 km2 was converted into construction land, accounting for 91.6% of the cultivated land change, and the contribution to the construction land was 96.5%. The trend of dynamic changes of cultivated and construction land in the counties and cities was the same as that of the whole Taihu Lake basin. For Shanghai Central Urban, as well as Pudong District, Lin'an City, Baoshan District, Minhang District, Jiading District and Changzhou City, the area of the cultivated land and construction land changed more prominently. However, compared with the CLUE-S model for the landscape pattern change in 2030, the change of cultivated and construction lands would be the largest in the natural development scenario. Under the ecological protection scenario, the area of grassland would increase and the dynamic degree would reach 54.5%. Under the situation of cultivated land protection, the conversion of cultivated land to construction land would be decreased.

Erratum to: The Extent of Heavy Metal Pollution and Their Potential Health Risk in Topsoils of the Massively Urbanized District of Shanghai.

Urbanization and industrialization increase the concentrations of heavy metals in soils, which affect human health. A total of 127 topsoil samples were collected from the massively urbanized and industrialized district of Shanghai: Baoshan District. The sampling sites were isolated based on the land-use practice: industrial area, roadside area, residential area, and agricultural area. The absolute concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Ni, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and compared with Shanghai and the National soil background values. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and Nemerow pollution index were used to determine the existence and severity of the pollution of heavy metals. Enrichment factor (EF) analysis, spatial variability of pollution, and multivariate statistical analyses also were employed to determine the anthropogenic loading of heavy metals, their spatial dependency, and correlation among their sources, respectively. Moreover, potential ecological risk and human health risk [carcinogenic risk (RI) and noncarcinogenic hazard (HI)] were evaluated. The average concentration of all the metals (accounted as 229, 128, 56, 719, 55, 119, and 0.3 mg kg-1 for Zn, Cr, Ni, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd, respectively) was many folds higher than the background values. The indices depicted that the pollution exists in all the sites and severity decreases in the following order: industrial soils > roadside soil > residential soils > agricultural soils. However, Zn, Pb, and Cd showed high levels of pollution in all the soils. The EF values suggested that the majority of heavy metals are anthropogenically loaded; spatial variability showed that the pollution is more concentrated in Songnan town; Pearson's correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis suggested different sources of origin for the majority of the heavy metals. RI of Cr and Pb ranged between 2.8E-04 and 2.7E-07. However, HI was site-specific (only for Cr, Pb, Mn), and most of the sites were in Songnan town. This study could be used as a significant piece of information for management purposes to prevent heavy metal pollution and to protect human health.

The Extent of Heavy Metal Pollution and Their Potential Health Risk in Topsoils of the Massively Urbanized District of Shanghai.

Urbanization and industrialization increase the concentrations of heavy metals in soils, which affect human health. A total of 127 topsoil samples were collected from the massively urbanized and industrialized district of Shanghai: Baoshan District. The sampling sites were isolated based on the land-use practice: industrial area, roadside area, residential area, and agricultural area. The absolute concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Ni, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and compared with Shanghai and the National soil background values. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and Nemerow pollution index were used to determine the existence and severity of the pollution of heavy metals. Enrichment factor (EF) analysis, spatial variability of pollution, and multivariate statistical analyses also were employed to determine the anthropogenic loading of heavy metals, their spatial dependency, and correlation among their sources, respectively. Moreover, potential ecological risk and human health risk [carcinogenic risk (RI) and noncarcinogenic hazard (HI)] were evaluated. The average concentration of all the metals (accounted as 229, 128, 56, 719, 55, 119, and 0.3mgkg-1 for Zn, Cr, Ni, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd, respectively) was many folds higher than the background values. The indices depicted that the pollution exists in all the sites and severity decreases in the following order: industrial soils>roadside soil>residential soils>agricultural soils. However, Zn, Pb, and Cd showed high levels of pollution in all the soils. The EF values suggested that the majority of heavy metals are anthropogenically loaded; spatial variability showed that the pollution is more concentrated in Songnan town; Pearson's correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis suggested different sources of origin for the majority of the heavy metals. RI of Cr and Pb ranged between 2.8E-04 and 2.7E-07. However, HI was site-specific (only for Cr, Pb, Mn), and most of the sites were in Songnan town. This study could be used as a significant piece of information for management purposes to prevent heavy metal pollution and to protect human health.

Heavy metals pollution assessment in correlation with magnetic susceptibility in topsoils of Shanghai

This study investigated the heavy metal accumulation, magnetic susceptibility, and their correlation in urban soils of Baoshan District, Shanghai. A total of 127 topsoil samples were collected from industrial (n = 28), roadside (n = 38), residential (n = 21), and agricultural (n = 40) areas. The absolute concentration of heavy metals: lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu), was measured using an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Nemerow pollution index was applied to estimate the pollution level in respective areas. The results showed an excess of heavy metals in the urban topsoil of Baoshan District, among which, Pb, Zn, and Cd were most prominent. The average values of Pb, Zn, and Cd were obtained as 118.5, 228.6, and 0.56 mg kg−1, respectively, which are 5.6, 3.0, and 2.8 times higher than the Shanghai soil background values. Kriging interpolation was employed (according to the pre-evaluated fitted model variogram values of nugget, sill, and range) to assess the spatial distribution of heavy metals. Kriging interpolation depicted that the industrial sites were heavy metal-centric locations. Complimentary to AAS detection method, magnetic susceptibility tool was also applied to evaluate the presence of magnetic particles and their correlation with heavy metals. The magnetic susceptibility of the topsoil in Baoshan District was 148 × 10−8 m3 kg−1, which is ~5 times higher than the background value of Shanghai soil (29.1 ± 9.8 × 10−8 m3 kg−1). In most of the samples, the percentage frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility (χ fd%) values in the topsoil of Baoshan District were less than 4%, suggesting the absence of pedogenic ultrafine superparamagnetic grains and the presence of anthropogenic multidomain and stable single domain grains. A significantly positive correlation (industrial: r = 0.81, P < 0.01; roadside: r = 0.65, P < 0.01; residential: r = 0.56, P < 0.01; agricultural: r = 0.6, P < 0.01) was found between magnetic susceptibility and heavy metal pollution irrespective of the type of anthropogenic activities at a particular land. The results suggested the reliability of magnetic susceptibility measurement to interpret the heavy metal pollution of the soils.

Magnetic evidence for heavy metal pollution of topsoil in Shanghai, China

This study presents the results obtained from magnetic susceptibility and heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr) concentration measurements of soil profiles collected from arable land and urban parks in Baoshan District, an industrial district of Shanghai, China. The study focuses on the investigation of vertical variations in magnetic susceptibilities and heavy metal concentrations and on correlations between magnetic susceptibilities and heavy metal concentrations in soil profiles. The results demonstrate that magnetic enhancement in the surface layer of the soil profile is associated with increased heavy metal pollution. The enrichment factors (EF) and the Tomlinson Pollution Load Index (PLI-EF) are calculated for estimating the level of heavy metal pollution of soil profiles in the study. The significant positive correlations between heavy metal contents, enrichment factors (EF), Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI-CF), modified Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI-EF), and magnetic susceptibility (c) indicate that much of the heavy metal contamination in the study area is linked to combustion derived particulate emissions. The results confirm that the combined magnetic measurement and heavy metal concentration analysis could provide useful information for soil monitoring in urban environments. However, the use of magnetic technique to locate the heavy metal pollution boundary in the soil profile of this studied area should be confirmed by further geochemical analysis.

Association between serum CA 19-9 and metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study.

Increasing evidence suggests that serum CA 19-9 is associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. However, data on the association between CA 19-9 and metabolic syndrome is limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum CA 19-9 and metabolic syndrome. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 3641 participants aged ≥40 years from the Songnan Community, Baoshan District in Shanghai, China. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between serum CA 19-9 and metabolic syndrome. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that compared with participants in the first tertile of serum CA 19-9, those in the second and third tertiles had increased odds ratios (OR) for prevalent metabolic syndrome (multivariate adjusted OR 1.46 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.11-1.92] and 1.51 [95% CI 1.14-1.98]; P trend = 0.005). In addition, participants with elevated serum CA 19-9 (≥37 U/mL) had an increased risk of prevalent metabolic syndrome compared with those with serum CA 19-9 < 37 U/mL (multivariate adjusted OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.21-3.65). Serum CA 19-9 is associated with an increased risk of prevalent metabolic syndrome. In order to confirm this association and identify potential mechanisms, prospective cohort and mechanic studies should be performed.

Association between serum CA19-9 level and lipid profiles

Objective To investigate association between serum CA19-9(carbohydrate antigen 19-9)levels and lipid profiles. Methods A total of 3 711 residents aged above 40 years in Songnan community of shanghai Baoshan District were enrolled in our study. Association between serum CA19-9 levels and lipid profiles were analyzed and the participants were divided into two groups according to their serum CA19-9 levels(normal or elevated). Comparisons of prevalence of dyslipidemia were made between these two groups. Results The prevalence of dyslipidemia among all participants was 37.3%, mainly including hypercholesterolemia(13.3%), hypertriglyceridemia(20.9%), and low levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol(12.4%). Serum CA19-9 level was positively correlated with serum total cholesterol and triglycerides levels(both P<0.05). By using Logistic regression analysis, a significant association was found between increased prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and elevated CA19-9 level(≥37 U/ml)(OR=1.81, 95%CI 1.16-2.81). Conclusion Lipid profiles were closely related to serum CA19-9 levels, elevated CA19-9 levels should be carefully interpreted when dealing with patients with dyslipidemia. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2016, 32: 723-727) Key words: CA19-9; Lipid profiles; Association

Development of a stationary carbon emission inventory for Shanghai using pollution source census data

This study utilizes 521,631 activity data points from the 2007 Shanghai Pollution Source Census to compile a stationary carbon emission inventory for Shanghai. The inventory generated from our dataset shows that a large portion of Shanghai’s total energy use consists of coal-oriented energy consumption. The electricity and heat production industries, iron and steel mills, and the petroleum refining industry are the main carbon emitters. In addition, most of these industries are located in Baoshan District, which is Shanghai’s largest contributor of carbon emissions. Policy makers can use the enterpriselevel carbon emission inventory and the method designed in this study to construct sound carbon emission reduction policies. The carbon trading scheme to be established in Shanghai based on the developed carbon inventory is also introduced in this paper with the aim of promoting the monitoring, reporting and verification of carbon trading. Moreover, we believe that it might be useful to consider the participation of industries, such as those for food processing, beverage, and tobacco, in Shanghai’s carbon trading scheme. Based on the results contained herein, we recommend establishing a comprehensive carbon emission inventory by inputting data from the pollution source census used in this study.

Measurement and application of workload subsidy standard for public hospitals

Objective To explore a scientific and reasonable workload subsidy system and build a dynamic adjustment mechanism. Methods With an analysis of literature and financial statement data of general hospitals of Baoshan district, the public hospital financial subsidy model came into being.On such basis, the study measured the subsidy standards of general hospitals of Baoshan District in 2014, and verified the financial capacity of the standards for such hospitals. Results The subsidy standard per workload of the hospitals to be made by the district in 2013 was calculated as 39.78 yuan.As the average growth rate of the gap between revenue and expenditure per workload on yearly basis is 14.8%, the subsidy standard by the district in 2014 should be 45.67 yuan. Conclusion Fiscal input based on workload subsidy standard makes fiscal funding more efficient.On the other hand, such standard must work together with performance appraisal before it can improve the operating mechanism of public hospitals and put them back on track of public welfare. Key words: Public hospitals; Fiscal subsidy; Workload; Subsidy standard; Measurement

Association of Bisphenol A Exposure With Hypertension and Early Macrovascular Diseases in Chinese Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an environmental endocrine disruptor that has been associated with cardiovascular outcomes in previous observational studies. We aimed to examine the relationships of urinary BPA levels with hypertension and early macrovascular diseases.This is a cross-sectional study. From June through August 2009, 3246 participants ages 40 years or older were enrolled from Baoshan District, Shanghai, China. Logistic regression modes were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for prevalent risk of hypertension, elevated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), arterial stiffness, and peripheral artery disease (PAD) with multivariable adjustment. We also performed stratification analysis by age and sex.The median (interquartile range) for BPA was 0.81 (0.48, 1.45) ng/mL, which is notably lower than previously reported in the United States and other Western countries. Urinary BPA concentrations were negatively associated with hypertension (multivariable-adjusted OR for the highest versus lowest BPA quartile = 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.46, 0.80), elevated CIMT (OR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.47, 0.87), and arterial stiffness (OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.44, 0.87). The corresponding OR for PAD (60 cases total) was not significant (OR = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.28, 2.80). The negative associations of BPA with hypertension, elevated CIMT, and arterial stiffness were consistent by age and sex stratifications, and were stronger among participants ≥60 versus <60 years of age, and among women than men.In contrast with previous investigations, our study suggests negative associations of BPA exposure with hypertension and early macrovascular diseases among middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Future investigations are needed to draw more definite conclusions and generalize to other populations.

Diabetes genetic score, diabetes, and arterial stiffness: a Mendelian randomisation analysis in Chinese

BackgroundThe nature and underlying mechanisms of the association between type 2 diabetes and the risk of increased arterial stiffness are unclear. We aimed to study this association using the Mendelian randomisation approach. MethodsWe did a Mendelian randomisation analysis in 11 385 participants, aged 40 years or more, recruited from two communities in Baoshan district, Shanghai, China, in 2011–13. We genotyped 34 common variants associated with type 2 diabetes that had previously been identified and validated in east Asians, and created the type 2 diabetes genetic risk score. Arterial stiffness was assessed non-invasively with measurement of brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). The effect of type 2 diabetes on the increased risk of arterial stiffness was quantified by instrumental variable estimator. The institutional review board of Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine, approved the study protocol. All participants gave written informed consent. FindingsWe found that each ten-point increase in the genetic risk score was associated with a 1·39 times increment in type 2 diabetes risk and an odds ratio (OR) for increased arterial stiffness of 1·21 (95% CI 1·06–1·38). Compared with the lowest quartile of the genetic risk score, the highest quartile was associated with a 1·22 (95% CI 1·06–1·40) times increment risk of increased arterial stiffness. Linear regression adjusted for age, sex, and body-mass index showed that every ten-point increase of the genetic risk score was associated with a rise in baPWV by 36·71 cm/s (p<0·0001). Mendelian randomisation analysis showed a causal relation between type 2 diabetes and risk of increased arterial stiffness (OR 1·23 [95% CI 1·04–1·46], p=0·02), which was smaller than the association seen between type 2 diabetes and arterial stiffness risk (2·09 [1·88–2·32], p<0·0001). InterpretationType 2 diabetes has a causal effect on the presence of arterial stiffness, measured by increased baPWV in a Mendelian randomisation analysis with a large sample size, and has an important relation with increased arterial stiffness. Large prospective studies are needed to convincingly establish the associations and to enhance our insights into the underlying biological pathways. FundingThe China National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, the National Key New Drug Creation and Manufacturing Program of Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China (863 Program), the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Shanghai Pujiang Project.

Assessing the environmental sustainability with a co-benefits approach: a study of industrial sector in Baoshan District in Shanghai

It is often difficult to determine the effects of policies at a sectoral level in the overlapping domains of pollution control and energy conservation, making it difficult to consider co-benefits of energy conservation and air pollution reduction and tensions. In China, the industry sector contributes much more carbon and pollution emissions than other sectors. In this paper, Baoshan District (BSD), one of the most important industrial zones in the Shanghai metropolis, is used as a case study to illustrate the situation and to provide information to assess the effectiveness of environmental sustainable development policies in industries. The policies resulting from China's Eleventh Five-year Plan (FYP) are considered at the level of BSD. In particular, the result of implementing local policies of air pollution control and energy are analysed at BSD. Three indicator systems are adopted for quantitatively and qualitatively evaluating energy saving and air pollution reduction achieved by technical, structural and management measures in industrial enterprises of BSD. Analysis made in the paper shows that the co-benefits of pollution cutting and energy conservation have been achieved at certain scopes and degrees in the industry sector in BSD, e.g. SO2 and Particulate Matter (PM) were reduced by 35.1% and 7.7% respectively, and the energy density was cut by 26.7%. Due to existing barriers of the lack of co-planning and co-operations in the process of designing and implementing the policies, and the overlooking the leakage of emissions in the whole project area, the overall co-benefits cannot be achieved effectively in BSD. Recommendations are made for future detailed studies of this or similar districts to develop an indicator system of co-benefits to help demonstrate the advantages of joint planning and policies for co-benefits.