Baoshan District Research Articles

Research on the residents' commuting feature of large-scale residential district in suburban Shanghai:A case study of Gucun, Baoshan District

Research on the residents' commuting feature of large-scale residential district in suburban Shanghai:A case study of Gucun, Baoshan District

Prevalence of undercorrected refractive errors in elderly population aged 60 years and older in Dachang County, Shanghai

Background The undercorrection of refractive error is becoming a major cause of reversible visual impairment worldwide.To investigate and reduce the rate of undercorrected refractive error is one of the primary missions to fight blindness in China. Objective This study was to analyze the prevalence of undercorrected refractive error in residents aged 60 years and older in Dachang County of Baoshan District, Shanghai. Methods This study followed Declaration of Helsinki, and informed consent was obtained from each subject before any medical examination.A cross-sectional study was performed and a random cluster sampling technique was used.All fieldwork was conducted from October to December 2009.All participants were urban population who were changed from the rural population in 10 years ago.The participants received detailed ophthalmic and medical examination, including a standardized refraction and visual acuity examinations, tonometry, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and fundus photography.The undercorrected refractive error was defined based on the criteria of the presenting study, including criterion 1 (the vision improved by ≥1 line after refraction), and criterion 2 (the vision improved by ≥2 lines after refraction). The demographic characteristics of the population with undercorrected refractive error were also analyzed. Results Among the 5 199 people in the project, 4 545 received survey, with the response rate 87.42%.The overall prevalence of undercorrected refractive error was 45.43% or 24.84% based on criterion 1 or criterion 2, respectively.Women and older age were significant risk factors of undercorrected refractive error.The prevalence of undercorrected refractive error was 53.54% for myopia only, 53.06% for hyperopia only, 38.37% for astigmatism only, 38.99% for myopia with astigmatism, and 36.75% for hyperopia with astigmatism.In 401 participants with visual impairment, the prevalence of undercorrected refractive error was 78.80% or 67.58% based on criterion 1 or criterion 2, respectively. Conclusions In rapid urbanization and aging community of Shanghai, undercorrected refractive error is an important cause that affecting the vision of older persons. Key words: Vision; Aged; Epidemiology; Community health services; Refractive error; Undercorrected; Visual impairment; Cross-sectional study

A Coupled SD and CLUE-S Model for Exploring the Impact of Land Use Change on Ecosystem Service Value: A Case Study in Baoshan District, Shanghai, China.

Most of the cities in developing countries are experiencing rapid urbanization. Land use change driven by urban sprawl, population growth, and intensified socio-economic activities have led to a steep decline of ecosystem service value (ESV) in rapid urbanization areas, and decision-makers often ignore some valuable ecosystem service functions and values in land use planning. In this paper, we attempt to build a modeling framework which integrated System Dynamics model with Conversion of Land Use and its Effects at Small Extent model to simulate the dynamics of ESV of landscape and explore the potential impacts of land use change on ESV. We take Baoshan district of Shanghai as an example which is a fast urbanization area of metropolitan in China. The results of the study indicate that: (1) The integrated methodology can improve the characterization and presentation of the dynamics of ESV, which may give insight into understanding the possible impacts of land use change on ESV and provide information for land use planning. (2) Land use polices can affect the magnitude and location of ESV both directly and indirectly. Land use changes tend to weaken and simplify ecosystem service functions and values of landscape at urban rural fringe where land use change is more intensive. (3) The application of the methodology has proved that the integration of currently existing models within a single modeling framework could be a beneficial exploration, and should be encouraged and enhanced in the future research on the changing dynamics of ESV due to the complexity of ecosystem services and land use system.

A description of pseudorapidity distributions in p-p collisions at center-of-mass energy from 23.6 to 900 GeV**Supported by Transformation Project of Science and Technology of Shanghai Baoshan District (CXY-2012-25), Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project (XTKX 2012), National Training Project (14XPM03), and the Hujiang Foundation of China (B14004)

In the context of the combined model of evolution-dominated hydrodynamics + leading particles, we discuss the pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles produced in p-p collisions. A comparison is made between the theoretical predictions and experimental measurements. The combined model works well in p-p collisions in the whole available energy region from √s = 23.6 to 900 GeV.

Impact of spatial resolution on air quality simulation: A case study in a highly industrialized area in Shanghai, China

The air pollution contribution from highly industrialized areas has been a prominent issue in regional air quality control. Particular emphasis on local industrial emissions is necessary to understand the complexity of air pollution over highly industrialized areas. Baoshan District, one of the most important industrialized areas in China and the most competitive steel and iron production base worldwide, was selected as the study area in this work. The WRF/CMAQ modeling system with local emission profile was applied to study the impact of spatial resolution on air quality modeling. The simulation results for SO2, NO, NO2, CO and PM10 at both 3–km and 1–km resolutions were verified by ground level observations. The results showed that the allocation of the emission inventory is improved by using finer resolution grids, which allow the consideration of detailed emission features. The influence of model resolution was more significant for air quality than for meteorology simulation. The relative errors using the finer resolution method ranged from –25% to 59%, an obvious improvement over the error value of 26%–245% obtained using the coarse resolution method. The changing tendencies of air pollutants in urban and rural areas were generally better modeled at finer than coarser resolution. However, the detailed variation in the most heavily polluted areas was still difficult to capture, and the model performance was not evidently improved by the use of a fine resolution. To improve the model performance over highly industrialized areas for future studies, combining the dynamic emission profile with detailed industrial activities and accurate local meteorological fields is suggested.

Distribution characteristics of corneal thickness in healthy children aged 7-15 years in Baoshan District of Shanghai

Background Measurement of corneal thickness is important for the early diagnosis and treatment of some eye disorders,including corneal diseases and refractive errors.However,the corneal parameters from schoolage population are rarely reported.Objective The aim of this survey was to characterize the central corneal thickness (CCT),minimum corneal thickness (MCT) and paracentral corneal thickness in healthy Chinese schoolage population.Methods A cross-sectional study was designed in this study.Children aged 7 to 15 years with the diopter of-3.00 D to +3.00 D were recruited from two primary schools in Baoshan district in Shanghai based on random cluster sampling under the approval of Shanghai First People's Hospital and informed consent of child custodian.Routine examinations were firstly performed to determine the healthy participants.CCT (within 2 mm range away the corneal vertex),MCT and paracentral corneal thicknesses (2 to 5 mm zone away the cornea vertex in superior,inferior,nasal and temporal quadrants) were then measured by RTVue Fourier optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the comparison between both eyes and different gender.The subjects were grouped into the 7-9,10-12 and 13-15 years groups,and the correlations between age and CCT,MCT and paracental corneal thicknesses were analyzed.The coordinate position of the thinnest cornea was determined.Results A total of 147 children were enrolled in the study.The mean CCT value of the right eyes was (537.77±29.33) μm,and that of the left eyes was (539.22±29.16) μm,showing a significant difference between them (t =-3.21,P =0.00).The paracentral corneal thicknesses of the right and left eyes were (565.52±30.11) μm and (568.42±31.07) pm in the superior quadrant,and those in the temporal quadrant were (549.01 ±30.46) μm and (547.24±30.23) μm,with significant differences between them (t =-2.47,P =0.01 ; t =2.12,P =0.04).No significant difference was found in the CCT,MCT,paracentral corneal thicknesses from various quadrants (all at P＞0.05).In addition,no considerably correlation was seen between age and CCT,MCT and paracentral corneal thickness (all at P＞0.05).The thinnest cornea area was located in the inferotemporal region in 40.82％ right eyes and 57.82％ left eyes.The distance of thinnest cornea area away corneal vertex was (0.62±0.33)mm in the right eyes and (0.91±0.63)mm in the left eyes,with a significant difference between them (t =-5.17,P =0.00).Conclusions The central,superior and temporal corneal thicknesses are significantly different between the right and the left eyes among healthy Chinese school-age children,but corneal thickness change is not associated with age or gender.The thinnest corneal area does not locate at the vertex. Key words: Biometrics; Corneal thickness; Optical coherence tomography; Child; Healthy

SA population-based study of macular choroidal neovascularization using optical coherence tomography in Eastern China.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the pathomorphological and functional variations of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Chinese population using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This population-based study enrolled 59 patients (age, >45 years; eyes, 70) with early and intermediate-stage AMD from Youyi Road Community, Baoshan District, Shanghai, China. Comprehensive standardized ophthalmic examinations included visual acuity, anterior segment analysis using a slit lamp, dilated fundus evaluation by direct ophthalmoscopy, 90D handheld lens analysis, fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and fast optic disk scans using OCT. The macular CNV characteristic profiles in early and intermediate-stage AMD were determined by OCT. Data were obtained on the first visit and the follow-up period ranged between 6 and 24 months, where FFA and OCT outcomes of early and intermediate-stage AMD patients were analyzed. Three profiles of early and intermediate-stage AMD were created from the OCT and FFA results, each with a different prognosis. Firstly, drusens with unclear boundaries and evident pigment proliferation, as well as hypofluorescence around the drusens, was observed via FFA. A slight small arch field located in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)/choriocapillary layer (CCL) was shown on OCT scans, indicating exudative AMD. Secondly, RPE detachments of >1 pupillary distance, without CNV in the macular area, indicated geographic chorioretinitis atrophy. Finally, drusens with clear boundaries and few pigment proliferations and no certain surrounding fluorescence was observed via FFA, while a clear RPE/CCL band on the OCT scans indicated slow progress. The results of the present study demonstrated that combined OCT and FFA was the most efficient method for identifying CNV and diagnosing AMD. If the two techniques are not available concurrently, then OCT is a safer and more reliable technique to follow-up early and intermediate-stage AMD patients.

Prevalence of ametropia and visual impairment in elementary school students in Baoshan District of Shanghai

Background Epidemiologieal survey suggests that visual impairment in teenagers is a worldwide public health problem,and its leading cause is uncorrected refractive error.To conduct an extensive screening of visual impairment in teenagers and analyze the relevant affecting factors are significant works for the prevention and management of refractive errors.But high-quality epidemiological data on visual impairment and refractive error from large groups of children are lacking in Shanghai.Objective This study was to investigate the prevalence of ametropia and visual impairment in schoolchildren aged 6 to 12 years old.Methods In this cross-sectional study,4 686 students from 6 elementary schools in Baoshan District of Shanghai,a rural-urban fringe zone,China were selected by clustering sampling from May 2010 to April 2011.The eye examinations included visual acuity,ocular surface,ocular anterior segment,ocular media,fundus and intraocular pressure measurement,and the data autorefraction under cycloplegia and eye position were recorded.The cause of visual impairment was evaluated.Results A total of 4 594 students received examination with the response rate 98.0％,and autorefraction under cycloplegia was completed in 84.8％ schoolchildren (3 975/4 594).The prevalence rate of uncorrected visual acuity 0.5 or worse in both eyes was 14.4％ (662/4 594),with the wearing glasses rate 51.8％ (343/662).The percentage of students with the uncorrected visual acuity 0.5 or worse in at least one eye was 22.4％ (1 031/4 594).The prevalence rate of refractive error in the visual impaired students was 96.9％ (999/1 031),followed by amblyopia (37/1 031,3.6％).The prevalence rate of myopia,hyperopia,and astigmatic in the pupils after cycloplegia was 31.1％,4.3 ％ and 33.0％,respectively.In addition,the prevalence rate of myopia in public elementary schools was higher than that in migrant elementary schools (33.9％ versus 30.3％) (x2 =5.46,P =0.02).Logistic regression analysis showed that myopia was associated with age (OR =1.60,95 ％ CI:1.53-1.68,P ＜ 0.01) and female (OR =1.33,95％ CI:1.16-1.54,P＜0.01).Conclusions The leading cause of vision impairment is myopia in the elementary school students in Shanghai,China.The screening-ratio of refractive error and the coverage of refractive correction in the elementary school students in Shanghai are matters of urgent concern. Key words: School child; Visual acuity; Refractive error; Prevalence rate; Cross-sectional study

Detecting land subsidence near metro lines in the Baoshan district of Shanghai with multi-temporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar

Land subsidence is a major factor that affects metro line (ML) stability. In this study, an improved multi-temporal interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) (MTI) method to detect land subsidence near MLs is presented. In particular, our multi-temporal InSAR method provides surface subsidence measurements with high observation density. The MTI method tracks both point-like targets and distributed targets with temporal radar backscattering steadiness. First, subsidence rates at the point targets with low-amplitude dispersion index (ADI) values are extracted by applying a least-squared estimator on an optimized freely connected network. Second, to reduce error propagation, the pixels with high-ADI values are classified into several groups according to ADI intervals and processed using a Pearson correlation coefficient and hierarchical analysis strategy to obtain the distributed targets. Then, nonlinear subsidence components at all point-like and distributed targets are estimated using phase unwrapping and spatiotemporal filtering on the phase residuals. The proposed MTI method was applied to detect land subsidence near MLs of No. 1 and 3 in the Baoshan district of Shanghai using 18 TerraSAR-X images acquired between April 21, 2008 and October 30, 2010. The results show that the mean subsidence rates of the stations distributed along the two MLs are −12.9 and −14.0 mm/year. Furthermore, three subsidence funnels near the MLs are discovered through the hierarchical analysis. The testing results demonstrate the satisfactory capacity of the proposed MTI method in providing detailed subsidence information near MLs.

Concentrations and source apportionment of particulate matter in different functional areas of Shanghai, China

Concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter with different sizes and 9 metallic elements (Al, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were measured in two sampling sites of Baoshan District and Putuo District from July 2009 to September 2010, to investigate the size distribution and the possible sources of particulate matter. The results showed that in these two sampling sites, crustal elements mainly distributed in coarse mode and heavy metals all distributed in fine mode. Source apportionment results by enrichment factor and principal component analysis indicated that in Baoshan sampling site, PM0.43–2.1 was mainly from industrial metallurgical processes, while PM2.1–10 was mainly from re-suspended soil dust. Local road traffic source was the dominant contributor to PM0.43–2.1 and PM2.1–10 in Putuo sampling site.

Myopia Screening

To explore the effectiveness of combining uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and noncycloplegic autorefraction (NCAR) for large-scale myopia screening in schoolchildren with a high prevalence of myopia. A total of 1687 children aged between 6 and 12 years, from five primary schools in the Baoshan district of Shanghai participated in the study. We measured UCVA and autorefraction before and after cycloplegia by a Topcon KR-8800. We drew receiver operating characteristic curves to achieve the best cutoff points and their corresponding sensitivities and specificities for the UCVA and NCAR, respectively. We then combined the UCVA and NCAR in serial order to explore the optimal criterion and its effectiveness. A specificity of 90% was set to compare the sensitivities among the three tests. The children were divided into three age groups (aged 6 to 7, 8 to 10, 11 to 12 years) to further examine this new method. A total of 1639 children with an average age of 9.35 (SD, 1.6) years were finally included, among which 428 (26.11%) children were diagnosed as being myopic (spherical equivalent refraction (SER) less than or equal to -0.5 diopters [D]). For the UCVA, the cutoff point is 0.2 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/32), with a sensitivity and specificity of 63.6% and 94.0%, respectively. For NCAR, the cutoff point is SER less than or equal to -0.75 D, with a sensitivity and specificity of 88.6% and 86.1%, respectively. When UCVA is combined with NCAR, the best cutoff point is UCVA less than or equal to 0 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/20) and SER less than or equal to -0.75 D, with a sensitivity and specificity of 84.4% and 90.5%, respectively. At a specificity of 90%, the sensitivities are 63.55%, 78.50%, and 84.35%, respectively, for UCVA, NCAR, and the combination test. In all age groups, the combination test had the highest sensitivities among the three tests. In a population with a high prevalence of myopia, combining the UCVA and NCAR in serial order achieved higher sensitivity than either of the two tests alone, when specificity was set at 90%.

Harmful effects and chemical control study of Mikania micrantha H.B.K in Yunnan, Southwest China

Invasive alien species Mikania micrantha, which originated from Central and South America, has spread quickly and become one of the most seriously invasive weedy species in Yunnan Province, Southwest of China. The harmful effects of this plant on major cash crops and local plant communities have been surveyed in 50 townships of 6 counties of Yunnan Province since 2006. Moreover, bioactivity and selectivity of 20 types of herbicides on M. micrantha and farming crops have been tested and analyzed since 2007. The results showed that M. micrantha is mostly distributed in subtropical and tropical areas of Yunnan, such as Lincang District, Baoshan District and Dehong Prefecture. The species has resulted in a series of negative impacts on farming cash crops and local plant communities. Compared with the control effects of 20 soil and foliar-applied herbicides, soil-applied herbicides Atrazine, Bensulfuron methyl and Prometryne have higher bioactivity and selectivity to M. micrantha germination and seedling. Foliar-applied herbicides Sulfometuron methyl, Starane and Glyphosate have better control efficiency on M. micrantha growth, but the security is low. As a result, it recommends that Atrazine should be used for sugarcane, orchard and rubber land, Glyphosate for non farming land and rubber land, Sulfometuron methyl for forest land, and 2, 4-D for maize land, respectively. Key words: Mikania micrantha, crop yield loss, plant community, chemical control, Yunnan Province.

Analysis of 1157 cases of adverse drug reaction reports in Shanghai Baoshan District of Chinese Integrative Medicine Hospital from 2005 to 2011

Analysis of 1157 cases of adverse drug reaction reports in Shanghai Baoshan District of Chinese Integrative Medicine Hospital from 2005 to 2011

Analysis of the co-benefits of climate change mitigation and air pollution reduction in China

The unprecedented resources and energy needed to support the high growth of urbanization with the emerging issues of environmental degradation and GHG emissions is increasingly dramatic in China. A series of national and local policies have been implemented for achieving the co-benefits of reducing emissions of greenhouse gas (GHG) and air pollution for China's sustainable development. In this paper, the achievement of climate change mitigation and air pollution reduction in different sectors through implementing policies is reviewed. This paper reports on the types of policy measures that have been introduced in two cases (i.e. Tiexi District of Shenyang and Baoshan District of Shanghai) to affect air quality and energy efficiency improvements, which are then collectively examined in terms of their impacts on GHG and air pollutant emissions. Recommendations are made for achieving co-benefits effectively through the integrated approach by comprehensively concentrating on the short and long-term environmental protection and energy conservation at local and national levels based on the analysis made in the paper. The limited coordination and lack of capacity in different government bodies may be the main barriers to the implementation of a co-benefits approach. Enhancing the cooperation and capacity building could overcome these obstacles.

Visual impairment and spectacle coverage rate in Baoshan district, China: population-based study

BackgroundTo investigate the prevalence and risk factors of visual impairment associated with refractive error and the unmet need for spectacles in a special suburban senior population in Baoshan District of Shanghai, one of several rural areas undergoing a transition from rural to urban area, where data of visual impairment are limited.MethodsThe study was a population based survey of 4545 Chinese aged (age: >60 years or older ) at Baoshan, Shanghai, in 2009. One copy of questionnaire was completed for each subject. Examinations included a standardized refraction and measurement of presenting and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) as well as tonometry, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and fundus photography.ResultsThe prevalence of mild (6/12 to 6/18), moderate (6/18 to 6/60) and severe visual impairment was 12.59%, 8.38% and 0.44%, respectively, and 5.26%, 3.06% and 0.09% with refractive correction. Visual impairment was associated with age, gender, education and career, but not insurance . The prevalence of correctable visual impairment was 5.81% (using 6/18 cutoff) and 13.18% (using 6/12 cutoff). Senior people and women were significantly at a higher risk of correctable visual impairment, while the well-educated on the contrary. The prevalence of undercorrected refractive error (improves by 2 or more lines with refraction) was 24.84%, and the proportion with undercorrected refractive error for mild, moderate , severe and no visual impairment was 61.54%, 67.98%, 60.00% and 14.10%, respectively. The spectacle coverage rate was 44.12%. Greater unmet need for spectacles was observed among elderly people, females, non-peasant, and subjects with less education and astigmatism only.ConclusionsHigh prevalence of visual impairment, visual impairment alleviated by refractive correction, and low spectacle coverage existed among the senior population in Baoshan District of Shanghai. Education for the public of the importance of regular examination and appropriate and accessible refraction service might be helpful to solve the problem.

Urinary Bisphenol A Concentration and Thyroid Function in Chinese Adults

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor that in animal studies can bind to the thyroid hormone receptor and affect thyroid function. Relevant epidemiologic studies are limited and results are inconsistent. We explored the relationship between urinary BPA and thyroid function in a Chinese population. The study population included 3394 subjects age 40 years or older who were enrolled in a population-based study from Songnan Community, Baoshan District, Shanghai, China, from June through August 2009. We analyzed the association between urinary BPA and thyroid function using multivariate linear regression. Participants were further divided according to thyroid function status, and logistic regression was applied to determine the relationship between urinary BPA and thyroid function. Each one-quartile increase in BPA was related to an increase of 0.068 pmol/l (95% confidence interval = 0.065- 0.071) in free triiodothyronine and a 0.084 μIU/ml decline (-0.099 to -0.069) in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in men. For women, there was a 0.10 pmol/l (0.09 to 0.11) increase in free triiodothyronine and a 0.13 μIU/ml decline (-0.14 to -0.11) in TSH. High urinary BPA level was associated with increased thyroid function (adjusted odds ratio= 1.71 [1.26 to 2.32]). Our results support previous reports of associations between BPA exposure and altered thyroid hormones in animal models and epidemiologic studies. Because our study is cross-sectional, no causal relationships can be established.

Contamination characteristics and possible sources of PM10 and PM2.5 in different functional areas of Shanghai, China

From July 2009 through September 2010, PM10 and PM2.5 were collected at two different functional areas in Shanghai (Baoshan district, an industrial area, and Putuo district, a mixed-use area of residential, commercial, and educational compounds). In our analysis, 15 elements were determined using a 710-ES Inductively Coupled Plasma-Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES). The contents of PM2.5, PM10, and metal elements at the two different sites were comparatively analyzed. The results show that the mean annual concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 (149.22 μg m−3 and 103.07 μg m−3, respectively) in Baoshan district were significantly higher than those in Putuo district (97.44 μg m−3 and 62.25 μg m−3 respectively). The concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 were both greatest in winter and lowest in summer, with the two different sites exhibiting the same seasonal variation. It was found that the proportions of 15 metal elements in PM10 and PM2.5 in Baoshan district were 20.49% and 20.56%, respectively, while the proportions in Putuo district were higher (25.98% and 25.93%, respectively). In addition, the proportions of eight heavy metals in PM10 and PM2.5 were 5.50% and 3.07%, respectively, for Baoshan district, while these proportions in Putuo district were 3.18% and 2.77%, respectively, indicating that heavy metal pollution is more pronounced in Baoshan district. Compared with cities in developed countries, the total levels of PM10, PM2.5 and heavy metals in Shanghai were slightly higher. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that the possible sources of PM10 in Baoshan district were ground level fugitive dust, traffic sources, and industrial activities, whereas PM2.5 mainly originated from industrial activities, coal combustion, and traffic sources. The sources are same for PM10 and PM2.5 in Putuo region, which originate from traffic sources and ground level fugitive dust.

Positive correlation between chronic hyperglycemia and serum fetuin‐A levels in middle‐aged and elderly Chinese

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between HbA1c and serum fetuin-A levels in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. A total of 3790 subjects (1519 men; 2271 women) aged ≥40 years were enrolled in this cross-sectional study in the Songnan community of Baoshan District, Shanghai, China. HbA1c levels were used to determine the presence of chronic hyperglycemia. Subjects were divided into three groups based on HbA1c levels: <6.5%, 6.5% ≤ HbA1c < 7.0%, and HbA1c ≥ 7.0%. "Elevated" fetuin-A levels were defined as serum levels in the upper quartile (i.e. ≥367.39 mg/L). Mean serum fetuin-A levels were higher in subjects with HbA1c ≥ 7.0% compared with those in whom HbA1c was <6.5% (309.32 vs 290.83 mg/L, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between HbA1c and serum fetuin-A levels (β = 0.07; SE = 0.03; P = 0.04). After adjustment for possible confounders, an increased percentage of subjects with elevated fetuin-A levels was found in the group with HbA1c ≥ 7.0% compared with the group in which HbA1c was <6.5% (odds ratio 1.38; 95% confidence interval 1.09-1.74). Interactions were found between HbA1c and both insulin resistance and the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio for the percentage of elevated fetuin-A levels (P(interaction) = 0.002 and 0.05, respectively). In Chinese adults, a positive correlation was found between chronic hyperglycemia and serum fetuin-A levels. Further research into the mechanisms underlying fetuin-A regulation is needed to identify potential drug targets.

Translational research in type 2 diabetes

The risk factors for type 2 diabetes, and the association between diabetes and cancer are two hot topics in translational endocrinology that have caused researchers’ high attention. Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the world’s highest production volume chemical in use. People widespreadly and continuously expose to BPA, and whether BPA associates with human health needs further research. The association between diabetes and cancer has been realized as a very important issue in the field of diabetes and diabetes care. However, how diabetes is linked with cancer and whether the duration of diabetes, as well as the degree of glycemic controls modify the risk of cancer are not well defined. We recruited 3423 participants aged 40 years or older from Songnan Community, Baoshan District, Shanghai, and all the participants were underwent a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test and blood and urine samples were collected. Risk evaluation of cancers in Chinese diabetic Individuals: a longitudinal (REACTION) study is an effort to evaluate thoroughly the risk of site specific cancers in Chinese diabetic individuals. In 2011, a study population of 250,000 people was identified from 25 communities across China, aims to research the interaction between type 2 diabetes and cancer, as phase I of a prospective study. Our study showed that the detection rate of urinary BPA was 87.7%, with a median value of 0.81 ng/mL. Higher levels of urinary BPA associated with a higher prevalence of type 2 diabetes (OR:1.37, 95%CI: 1.08-1.74), generalized obesity(OR: 1.50, 95%CI: 1.15-1.97), abdominal obesity(OR:1.28, 95%CI: 1.03-1.60), insulin resistance(OR: 1.37, 95%CI: 1.06-1.77), and low-grade albuminuria (OR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.13-1.34). Urinary BPA was positively associated with free triiodothyronine (FT3) (men: β = 0.011, P = 0.003; women: β = 0.013, P < 0.001) and negatively associated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (men: β = -0.065, P = 0.002; women: β = -0.11, P < 0.001), and higher urinary BPA was associated with high thyroid function (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.24-2.27). Results from the REACTION study indicated that type 2 diabetes associated with higher prevalence of all types of cancer and digestive system malignant tumors. BPA might be a risk factor for endocrine diseases, and people should eliminate BPA exposure in daily life. The REACTION study will provide clinical evidence for the interaction between diabetes and cancers.

Comprehensive analysis of heavy metals in soils from Baoshan District, Shanghai: a heavily industrialized area in China

The potential for soil heavy metal contamination in high risk areas is a crucial issue that will impact the environment. Soil samples were collected in 2003 and 2007 to investigate heavy metal contamination characteristics and pollution changes in the industrialized district of Baoshan (Shanghai, China). Both multi-statistic and geostatistic approaches were used and proved to be useful in the interpretation of the analytical results. The potential for soil contamination in the high risk areas presents a crucial issue that will impact the environment. The results indicate that soil in the Baoshan District is alkaline. Additionally, the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil increased between 2003 and 2007. The study results indicated that the concentration of the metals lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium(Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in the soil has great discrepancy, especially of Pb and Cr. The concentrations of Pb and Cr in the soil show significant difference between two observed years (p < 0.05). The concentration of most of these metals was higher in 2007 than 2003. Only the concentrations of Cd and As were not higher in 2007. Traffic and industrial contaminants were the likely source of Pb and As; Hg largely came from agricultural contamination, household garbage and industrial contamination; Cd, Cr, Zn and Cu mainly originated from industrial activities. Multivariate statistical analyses showed that human activities mainly contributed to heavy metal contamination. Spatial distribution confirmed this by showing that areas with the highest metal concentrations occurred where there were high levels of industrial activity and traffic. Potential ecological risk assessment results showed that high risk zones were highly correlated with spatial analysis. The study estimated that in 2007, 85.2 % of the district could be categorized as high risk, which is 77.4 times more than that in 2003.