Population In Beijing Research Articles

Serum levels of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances among middle-aged and elderly populations in Beijing and their association with dyslipidemia

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ubiquitous environmental pollutants, have been reported as possible contributors to human dyslipidemia. However, evidence for emerging PFAS remains scarce. Using a nested case-control study (n = 357) in a middle-aged and elderly population from Beijing, we investigated the serum concentrations of eight traditional and fourteen emerging PFAS and their potential links with dyslipidemia. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were found to be the dominant PFAS. Serum levels of perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA/F53B) were associated with higher risk of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with odds ratios (OR) of 3.88 (95% CI: 1.44–10.51) and 2.71 (95% CI: 1.11–6.57), respectively. These compounds also positively correlated with high total cholesterol (TC). PFOA, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and 6:2 Fluorotelomer phosphate monoester (6:2 PAP) were linked to increased risk of high triglycerides (TG) with OR of 2.79 (95% CI: 1.30–6.01), 2.41 (95% CI: 1.27–4.60), and 1.53 (95% CI: 1.05–2.22), respectively. Conversely, perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (FOSAA) was negatively associated with high TG levels. These findings indicate that both traditional and emerging PFAS may induce dyslipidemia, emphasizing the potentially serious impact of emerging PFAS on human health.

Prevalence and Genomic Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Kentucky Sequence Type 198 Circulating - Beijing Municipality, China, 2016-2023.

Highly fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky (S. Kentucky) of sequence type (ST) 198 has emerged as a global multidrug-resistant (MDR) clone, posing a threat to public health. Whole genome sequencing and antibiotic susceptibility testing was used to characterize the population structure and evolutionary history of 54 S. Kentucky isolates recovered from food and human clinical cases in Beijing from 2016 to 2023. All 54 S. Kentucky ST198 isolates exhibited resistance to quinolones, carrying point mutations in the quinolone resistance-determining regions (gyrA_S83F and parC_S80I). Resistance to other antibiotics (folate pathway inhibitors, cephems, aminoglycosides, phenicols, rifamycin, fosfomycin, macrolides, and tetracyclines), mediated by the sul1, sul2, dfrA14, bla CTX-M, bla TEM-1B, aac(3)-Id, aadA2, aadA7, aph(3')-I, aph(3'')-Ib, rmtB, floR, arr-2, fosA, mph(A), and tet(A) genes, was also observed in different combinations. The Beijing S. Kentucky ST198 evolutionary tree was divided into clades 198.2-1 and 198.2-2, which were further differentiated into three subclades: 198.2-2A, 198.2-2B, and 198.2-2C. Compared with the extended-spectrum β-lactamase-encoding gene bla CTX-M-14b in 198.2-1, the co-existence of bla CTX-M-55 and bla TEM-1B, as well as chromosomally located qnrS1, was detected in most 198.2-2 isolates, which showed more complex MDR phenotypes. S. Kentucky ST198 outbreak isolates derived from two predominant clonal sources: 198.2-1 with cgST236434 and 198.2-2A with cgST296405. The S. Kentucky population in Beijing is genetically diverse, consisting of multiple co-circulating lineages that have persisted since 2016. Strengthening surveillance of food and humans will aid in implementing measures to prevent and control the spread of AMR.

Fluorinated Liquid-Crystal Monomers in Serum from the General Population and Their Impact on Human Health.

Fluorinated liquid-crystal monomers (FLCMs) are a potential emerging class of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic compounds. Humans inevitably ingest FLCMs via food and the environment. However, there are limited studies on internal exposure biomonitoring of FLCMs. Herein, we evaluated the estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of FLCMs in the general population based on serum residue levels. For the first time, 38 FLCMs were detected in 314 serum samples from the general population in Beijing, with a median value of 132.48 ng/g of lipid weight (lw). BDPrB is a predominant FLCM in serum. The median EDI of ∑38FLCMs in the general residents was 37.96 pg/kg bw/day. The residual levels of most FLCMs were higher in urban than in suburban areas (p < 0.05). The concentrations of EFPEB, EDPrB, EDFPBB, and PDTFMTFT in serum showed positive associations with blood glucose (GLU) (r = 0.126-0.275, p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that FLCMs were significantly positively correlated with dyslipidemia, with an odds ratio of 2.19; BDPrB was significantly positively correlated with hyperglycemia (OR: 2.48). Overall, the present study suggests the occurrence of FLCMs in the nonoccupational population, and the exposure of certain FLCMs may cause abnormal blood glucose and lipid levels.

Pyogenic liver abscess in pediatric populations in beijing (2008–2023)

BackgroundData on pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) of children in China have been limited. We aimed to summarize the clinical feather, microbiological characteristics, management, and outcome of PLA in children.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed PLA cases from January 2008 to June 2023 at Beijing Children’s Hospital. Clinical characteristics, pathogens and management were analyzed.ResultsWe diagnosed 57 PLA patients in our center. The median onset age was 4.5 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.6:1. The median diagnostic time was nine days and the median length of stay was 22 days. Twenty-eight patients (49.1%) had predisposing factors, around 71.4% of the patients had malignant hematology and primary immunodeficiency disease. Patients with underlying factors were more likely to have extrahepatic organ involvement (p = 0.024), anemia (p < 0.001), single abscess (p = 0.042), unilateral involvement (p = 0.039), and small size of the abscess (p = 0.008). Twenty-four patients (42.1%) had extrahepatic organ involvement. Pathogens were identified in 17 patients (29.8%), the most common pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The positive rate of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was 87.5% (7/8). On multivariable analysis, the extrahepatic organ involved (p = 0.029) and hepatomegaly (p = 0.025) were two independent factors associated with poor outcomes.ConclusionsPLA is usually seen in children with predisposing factors. Malignant hematology and primary immunodeficiency disease were the most common underlying diseases. Extrahepatic organ involvement and hepatomegaly are associated with poor prognosis. Increased use of mNGS could be beneficial for identifying pathogens.

Population Viability Analysis on Chinese Goral Indicates an Extinction Risk for a Local Population in Beijing, China.

The Chinese goral (Naemorhedus griseus) is identified as a vulnerable species on the Red List of China's Biodiversity and listed as a national second-class key protected wild animal in China. It is a representative flagship ungulate in Beijing. Its distribution range is fragmented and small populations are separated by dense infrastructures and tourism sites. Understanding its population status provides a foundation to plan effective conservation strategies. In this study, a population viability analysis was conducted with VORTEX (10.5.6.0) on a Chinese goral population in Beijing Yunmengshan Nature Reserve with the data collected by camera trapping and parameters referenced from other goral populations. The results show that this population will initially increase in the next 20 years and then decrease with a 32% probability of extinction risk. Supplementation with four adults, two females and two males, every 10 years would help minimize the extinction risk of this population. The results highlight the vital limiting factors for Chinese goral, including the initial population size, sex ratio at birth and mortality of infants (especially female infants). To improve the protection efficiency, detailed population parameters should be further acquired through continuous monitoring of this population. A thorough large-scale study should be carried out on other segregated goral populations in Beijing to facilitate the recovery of this endangered species.

Estimation of historical daily PM2.5 concentrations for three Chinese megacities: Insight into the socioeconomic factors affecting PM2.5

Studying historical changes in the 2.5 μm particulate matter concentration (PM2.5) can clarify the relationship between air pollution and socioeconomic development. Daily PM2.5 levels and meteorological data (2012–2022) for three large cities (Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an) at different development stages in different regions of China were used to construct a random forest (RF) model for estimating historical PM2.5 data for the period 1973–2011, a time period in which few measurements were made. The eigenvalue for visibility was the largest in the RF model; visibility explained 0.76–0.87 of the variance in PM2.5 for the three cities. The daily estimated PM2.5 was validated, with an R2 of 0.654–0.780 and average absolute error of 11.52–31.73 μg m−3 in the model. PM2.5 concentrations predicted by the RF model for 2004–2011 were highly correlated with gravimetric measurements (R = 0.585, p < 0.01). We extensively validated the results of RF using manual weighing PM2.5 data, online monitoring concentration of PM10, and aerosol optical depth (AOD), demonstrating the accuracy of the model. Over the study period, the PM2.5 level first increased and then decreased in the three cities; however, the year at which the trend changed differed. We further explored the effects of urbanization and economic growth on PM2.5 levels by investigating the correlations between socioeconomic indicators and PM2.5. The magnitude of the permanent population of Beijing and gross regional production growth in Shanghai were both significantly positively correlated with the PM2.5 level. Increasing the size of urban green areas can reduce PM2.5; this effect was strongest for the southern city of Shanghai, may due to their different climates and green tree species. Energy consumption and emissions from primary industries were strongly positively correlated with the urban PM2.5 level. An in-depth understanding of the factors affecting PM2.5 concentrations could help policymakers improve air quality management strategies, especially for densely populated megacities.

Association of high-sensitivity CRP and FEV1%pred: a study on non-pulmonary disease in a population in Beijing, China

BackgroundNo studies have investigated whether high-sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) can be used to predict the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/estimated value of FEV1 (FEV1%pred). This study aimed...

Epidemiology and genotypes analysis of human papillomavirus infection in Beijing, China

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in the female population in Beijing, China, and identify the relationship between HPV genotypes and host factors.MethodsHPV testing was performed on women aged 15–89 (mean age 38.0 ± 10.9 years) from Beijing in 2020. High-risk HPV genotyping real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to determine HPV genotypes. The overall prevalence, age-specific prevalence, genotype distribution, and the correlation between HPV genotypes and cervical cytology were analyzed.ResultsAmong the 25,344 study participants, the single and double infection rates were 18.8% (4,777/25,344) and 4.2% (1,072/25,344), respectively. A total of 6,119 HPV-positive individuals were found to have 91.6% negative results for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM), 5.8% atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US), 0.9% low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), and 1.7% high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). In single HPV infections, the HPV16 genotype was highly associated with cervical cytology severity (χ2 trend = 172.487, P < 0.001). Additionally, HPV infection rates increased gradually with age, and statistical differences were observed across age groups (χ2 = 180.575; P < 0.001). High-risk HPV genotypes were highly prevalent in women below 25 years of age and those aged 55–59 years. Cluster analysis revealed that the 13 HPV genotypes could be roughly divided into two groups in a single infection; however, patterns of infection consistent with biological characteristics were not observed.ConclusionHigh-risk HPV was found in 24.1% of outpatients, with HPV52, HPV58, HPV16, HPV39, and HPV51 being the most common high-risk genotypes. Single high-risk HPV infection was predominant. HPV16, HPV39, HPV51, and HPV52 were associated with cervical lesion progression. HPV16 infection was especially worrying since it aggravates cervical lesions. Because the infection rates of the 13 HPV genotypes differed by age, the peak HPV infection rate should not guide vaccination, screening, and prevention programs. Instead, these initiatives should be tailored based on the regional HPV distribution characteristics. Moreover, it was determined that Beijing’s populace needed to receive treatment for HPV39 infection.

A mix-methods concept testing study of short videos for the national anti-cigarette gift giving campaign in China

ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the potential effect of creative concepts and scripts of different short videos for the “National Anti-Cigarette Gift Giving Campaign” during the Chinese Lunar New Year. MethodsThe concept testing study used a mix-method design combining quantitative survey and qualitative group discussion. Online focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted among general population in Beijing, the capital city, and Xining City, Qinghai Province in China in December 2021. A total of 192 participants were recruited and divided into 16 FGD groups by age, sex, smoking history, and socio-economic level. ResultsA total of five short videos were tested. Both quantitative and qualitative findings showed that the concepts and scripts of all the alternative short videos were easy to understand, but differences were observed in their potential to change participants’ behavioral intentions of cigarette gift-giving and culture appropriateness. “Gamified couple at home” was considered as the most suitable short video for wide dissemination during the Chinese Lunar New Year because of its innovative style and potential effectiveness in changing behavioral intentions. Although the short video themed “Gifting harm” showed a pronounced impact on personal motivation to not give cigarettes as gifts, it was not recommended due to the cultural inappropriateness. ConclusionFuture development of public service advertisements such as short videos targeting tobacco control is suggested to use evidence-based research to identify the most effective and appropriate concepts. Due consideration should be extended to the cultural appropriateness of communication content and its alignment with the relevant occasion.

Grey forecasting the impact of population and GDP on the carbon emission in a Chinese region

Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei metropolitan area is a significant carbon emission center. The region's early achievement of peak carbon targets is critical to the nation's achievement of peak carbon targets. In this paper, it is proposed to use different orders of grey models to classify into three scenarios. Based on three scenarios, the grey multivariate convolutional model with new information priority accumulation is adopted to predict carbon emissions in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and select the scenario suitable for local development. The results show that: (1) The Beijing region has already achieved peak carbon, the Tianjin region may not reach its peak carbon target by 2030, and the Hebei region is expected to reach its peak carbon target by 2030. (2) The high rate of carbon emission reduction scenario will greatly improve the air quality of Beijing. The low-speed growth carbon emission scenario is more in line with the future development of Tianjin city. The low-rate carbon reduction scenario is more in line with the synergistic governance of pollution reduction and carbon reduction in Hebei Province. (3) Beijing's population policy in the most recent years has been conducive to improving the local environment. Tianjin's medium-term population policy is more in line with the local area. Hebei's medium-term industrial structure reform is favorable to local development.

Association study of WNK1 genetic variants and essential hypertension risk in the Northern Han Chinese in Beijing.

Background: Essential hypertension (EH) is a complex disorder resulting from interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Lysine deficient protein kinase 1 (WNK1) plays a very important role in maintaining renal potassium, sodium and chlorine ions balance as well as the regulation of blood pressure, so the WNK1 gene is considered a key gene for EH. This study thus sought to evaluate possible genetic associations between the WNK1 genetic variants and EH risk in the Northern Han Chinese population in Beijing. Methods: This study included 476 hypertensive subjects and 491 normotensive subjects. A total of 12 tag SNVs of WNK1 gene were genotyped successfully by TaqMan assay. Comparisons of the genotypic and allelic frequency between cases and controls were made by using the chi-square test. Logistic regression analyses were performed under different genetic models, and haplotype analysis was also conducted. Results: A total of 12 SNVs were identified as the tag SNVs for WNK1 gene. Significant associations were observed between WNK1 gene rs7305099 variant and EH risk, and T allele influenced hypertension risk in a protective manner. After correcting for multiple testing using Bonferroni, the significance remained for the SNV of rs7305099 in three genetic models [allele comparison, p < 0.0002, OR = 0.627, 95%CI (0.491-0.801); homozygote comparison, p < 0.0003, OR = 0.278, 95%CI (0.140-0.552); additive model, p < 0.0003, OR = 0.279, 95%CI (0.140-0.553)]. In the haplotype analyses, we found that the haplotype A-A-A-C-G-G-G was significantly associated with increased risk for EH (p = 0.043, OR = 1.23). Conclusion: Our data suggested that the rs7305099 genetic variant and the haplotype A-A-A-C-G-G-G on WNK1 gene might be associated with the susceptibility of EH in the Northern Han Chinese population. These could provide evidences to the risk assessment, early prevention and individualized therapy of EH to some extent.

Knowledge, attitude and practice about first aid and influencing factors in key populations in Beijing: a large cross-sectional study

Objective: To investigate the status of knowledge, attitude and practice about first aid and influencing factors in key population, those who have frequent contacts with people and might be "first aid" promoter in general population of Beijing, and provide evidences for the promotion of first aid. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey based on the "Emergency Rescue Capacity Training Project". Using cluster sampling, we recruited 9 591 participants after the training in Beijing for survey with a self-designed questionnaire from October 2021 to March 2022. Results: In 9 591 participants, 98.58% knew the emergency call number, while only 32.00% knew how to identify sunstroke. The awareness rate of the definition of first aid and legal disclaimer were lower (63.61%, 75.91%). People's willingness to give first aid to others, including relative, acquaintance, stranger and vagrant, were different (χ2=822.82, P<0.001). People were more likely to give first aid to relative, acquaintance and stranger compared with vagrant (P<0.05). With the increase of psychological distance, the willingness to give first aid decreased (Z=-26.57, P<0.001). According to the results of Logistic regression analysis, older age, higher annual family income and higher awareness of first aid related knowledge were contributing factors for giving first aid. In 1 529 people who met emergency, only 66 people (4.32%)did not give any first aid. Conclusions: The key population in Beijing has high awareness of first aid related knowledge and positive attitude of first aid after training. A high proportion of people performed first aid to others. Age, annual family income and awareness of first aid related knowledge were contributing factors for giving first aid.

Association of dietary patterns and sarcopenia in the elderly population: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Sarcopenia, defined as the loss of muscle mass and strength, has been associated with increased hospitalization and mortality. Dietary pattern analysis is a whole diet approach which in this study was used to investigate the relationship between diet and sarcopenia. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of sarcopenia and explore possible factors associated with it among a large population in Beijing, China. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 1,059 participants aged more than 50years was performed. Sarcopenia was defined based on the guidelines of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The total score of the MNA-SF questionnaire was used to analyse nutrition status. The baseline demographic information, diet structure and eating habits were collected by clinicians trained in questionnaire data collection and anthropometric and bioimpedance measurements. Results: The overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 8.8% and increased with age: 5%, 5.8%, 10.3% and 26.2% in the 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and ≥80years groups, respectively. Marital status (with or without a spouse) was not an independent factor associated with sarcopenia adjusted by age and sex. However, nutritional risk or malnutrition, vegetable diet, advanced age and spicy eating habits were risk factors for sarcopenia. Meanwhile, daily fruit, dairy and nut consumption were protective factors against sarcopenia adjusted by age, sex, income status and spouse status. Conclusion: Although further studies are required to explore the association between healthy dietary patterns and the risk of sarcopenia, the present study provides basic data for identifying correlates of sarcopenia in elderly Chinese individual.

Analysis of tuberculosis epidemiological characteristics and drug resistance among the floating population in Beijing in 2019

Objective: To analyze the epidemic characteristics and drug resistance of pulmonary tuberculosis among the floating population in Beijing and to provide a scientific basis for formulating strategies for the prevention and control of tuberculosis among the floating population. Methods: Data of tuberculosis patients who were positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture was collected from 16 districts and one municipal institution of tuberculosis control and prevention in Beijing in 2019. The strain samples were tested for drug sensitivity by the proportional method. According to household registration location, patients were divided into the floating population and Beijing registration. SPSS 19.0 software analyzed tuberculosis patients' epidemic characteristics and drug resistance in the floating population. Results: In 2019, there were 1 171 culture-positive tuberculosis patients in Beijing, among the floating population, 593 (50.64%) patients were identified, with a male-to-female sex ratio of 2.2∶1 (409∶184). Compared to patients under household registration as Beijing residents, a higher proportion of young adults aged 20-39 years (65.09%,386/593) were noticed, with 55.65% (330/593) reported from the urban areas and 96.80% (574/593) were reported the first time. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). After completing the drug sensitivity test, 37 cases were with multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis, accounting for 6.24% (37/593). The rates of isoniazid resistance (42.11%,8/19) and multidrug resistance (21.05%,4/19) in floating population patients after retreatment were significantly higher than those in newly treated patients (11.67%, 67/574 and 5.75%, 33/574), and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions: Most patients with tuberculosis in the floating population in Beijing in 2019 were young males aged 20-39 years. The reporting areas were urban areas and the newly treated patients mainly. The patients with tuberculosis in the re-treated floating population were more likely to suffer from multidrug and drug resistance, which should be taken as the key population for prevention and control.

Validation of Three Tools for Estimating the Risk of Primary Osteoporosis in an Elderly Male Population in Beijing.

This cross-sectional study estimated three clinical tools including the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool for Asians (OSTA), Body Mass Index (BMI), and Beijing Friendship Hospital Osteoporosis Self-assessment Tool for Elderly Male (BFH-OSTM) for identifying primary osteoporosis and found optimal cut-off values in an elderly Han Beijing male population. We conducted a cross-sectional study, enrolling 400 community-dwelling elderly Han Beijing males aged ≥50 from 8 medical institutions. Osteoporosis was diagnosed as a T-score of -2.5 standard deviations or lower than that of the average young adult in different diagnostic criteria [lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck, total hip, WHO]. BFH-OSTM, OSTA, and BMI were assessed for predicting OP by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Sensitivity, specificity, and areas under the ROC curves (AUC) were determined. Ideal thresholds for the omission of screening BMD were proposed. The prevalence of osteoporosis ranged from 9.25% to 19.0% according to different diagnostic criteria. The present study indicated the highest discriminating ability was BFH-OSTM in different criteria. The AUCs of OSTA and BMI were 0.748 and 0.770 in WHO criteria, which suggested limiting predictive value for identifying OP in elderly Beijing males. The AUC of BFH-OSTM to predict OP based on WHO criteria was 0.827, yielding a sensitivity of 65.8% and specificity of 82.7%, respectively. With a cost of missing 6.5% of osteoporosis patients, BFH-OSTM could reduce 73.5% of participants in screening BMD tests. BFH-OSTM may be a simple and effective tool for identifying OP in the elderly male population in Beijing to omit BMD screening reasonably.

Associations between Short-Term Air Pollution Exposure and the Peripheral Leukocyte Distribution in the Adult Male Population in Beijing, China.

The inflammatory effects of air pollution exposure may account for increased public health risk. However, evidence regarding the effects of air pollution on peripheral blood leukocytes in the population is inconsistent. We investigated the association between the short-term effects of ambient air pollution and the peripheral blood leukocyte distribution in adult men in Beijing, China. From January 2015 to December 2019, a total of 11,035 men aged 22-45 years in Beijing were included in the study. Their peripheral blood routine parameters were measured. The ambient pollution monitoring parameters (particulate matter ≤ 10 µm (PM10), PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3)) were collected daily. The potential association between ambient air pollution exposure and peripheral blood leukocyte count and classification was analyzed with generalized additive models (GAMs). After adjusting for confounding factors, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and CO were significantly correlated with changes to at least one peripheral leukocyte subtype. Short-term and cumulative air pollutant exposure dramatically increased the participants' peripheral blood neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte numbers and decreased eosinophils and basophils. Our results demonstrated that air pollution induced inflammation in the participants. The peripheral leukocyte count and classification can be utilized to evaluate the inflammation induced by air pollution in the exposed male population.

A study on the Charlson comorbidity index and health-related quality of life in the middle-aged and elderly osteoporosis population

To explore the characteristics of comorbidities in patients with osteoporosis(OP) and factors associated health-related quality of life, so as to provide decision-making reference for improving the ability of disease co-prevention and co-treatment and the patient's life-cycle quality of life. From November 2017 to July 2018, clinical information and biological samples from residents in 10 communities in Chaoyang District and Fengtai Distric of Beijing were collected, and bone density testing was conducted. Based on the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), the comorbidity of the population was quantified, and grouped according to factors such as gender, age, and the differences between the groups were explored. Combined with the clinical information of patients, the difference characteristics of comorbidity and non-comorbidity population were analyzed. Pearson/Spearman correlation analysis and binary Logistic regression analysis were used to explore the factors affecting the health-related quality of life in patients with OP. Among the 521 OP patients, 121 patients had no comorbidities, and there were 153, 106, 65, and 30 patients with one, two, three, and four comorbidities, respectively, 46 patients with 5 or more kinds of comorbidites. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity in OP patients, accounting for 21.60%;followed by hyperlipidemia, accounting for 13.51%. The most common combination of the two diseases was hypertension plus hyperlipidemia (64 cases, 12.28%). Through the analysis of differences between age groups, it was found that the older patients, showed higher the CCI, and the difference between groups was statistically significant(Z=1.93, P=0.05). There were significant differences in the total EQ-5D score and the dimensions of anxiety and depression between patients with comorbidities (CCI≠0) and non-comorbidities (CCI=0) (Z=-2.67, P=0.01;Z=-2.44, P=0.02). Correlation analysis found that CCI, history of fracture, history of falls, hip bone mineral density T value and parathyroid hormone were all related to the health-related quality of life in OP patients (P<0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis suggested that the right hip bone mineral density T value (P=0.02), CCI (P=0.01), fracture history (P=0.03) and fall history (P=0.01) were the risk factors that affect the health-related quality of life in OP patients. The burden of comorbidities among middle-aged and elderly OP populations in Beijing is relatively heavy, and the health management of such populations should be further strengthened, specifically the combination of multiple comorbidities should be given high priority. Comorbid factors are of great importance for the diagnosis and treatment strategy of OP patients, which could further improve the quality of life.

Construction and Validation of a Nomogram Clinical Prediction Model for Predicting Osteoporosis in an Asymptomatic Elderly Population in Beijing.

Based on the high prevalence and occult-onset of osteoporosis, the development of novel early screening tools was imminent. Therefore, this study attempted to construct a nomogram clinical prediction model for predicting osteoporosis. Asymptomatic elderly residents in the training (n = 438) and validation groups (n = 146) were recruited. BMD examinations were performed and clinical data were collected for the participants. Logistic regression analyses were performed. A logistic nomogram clinical prediction model and an online dynamic nomogram clinical prediction model were constructed. The nomogram model was validated by means of ROC curves, calibration curves, DCA curves, and clinical impact curves. The nomogram clinical prediction model constructed based on gender, education level, and body weight was well generalized and had moderate predictive value (AUC > 0.7), better calibration, and better clinical benefit. An online dynamic nomogram was constructed. The nomogram clinical prediction model was easy to generalize, and could help family physicians and primary community healthcare institutions to better screen for osteoporosis in the general elderly population and achieve early detection and diagnosis of the disease.

Lifetime risk of herpes zoster in the population of Beijing, China

ObjectivesWe aimed to estimate the current and future lifetime risks (LTR) of herpes zoster (HZ) and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), as well as their respective number of annual incident cases in Beijing, China, if individuals were not vaccinated against HZ. Study designMathematical model built in Microsoft Excel, de novo. MethodsA hypothetical cohort of 1,000 people was simulated from age 0–100 or until death to generate LTRs of HZ/PHN in Beijing, China. LTR was defined as the risk of developing HZ/PHN at least once in the person’s lifetime. The current number of annual incident HZ/PHN cases were also calculated by multiplying up-to-date population data and the annual age-specific incidence of HZ/PHN. For both LTR and annual incident cases, current estimates were projected into the year 2035 to investigate the impact of an aging population. Scenario and deterministic sensitivity analyses (DSA) were conducted to validate the model outcomes. ResultsIn Beijing, the current and future LTRs of HZ (PHN) were 32.4% (2.8%) and 34.8% (3.3%), respectively. The current and future annual incident cases of HZ (PHN) of individuals aged ≥50 years were 68,394 (7,801) cases among 7.04 million individuals and 88,676 (9,649) cases among 9.08 million individuals, respectively. The scenario analyses demonstrated that modelled results were likely to underestimate the LTR of HZ. Results were robust under the DSA. ConclusionsGiven an aging population, HZ poses a significant, growing burden on individuals, the society, and healthcare system of China, highlighting the need for preventative measures such as vaccination.

Social Embeddedness and Protest Avoidance: Evidence from China

Social capital is generally believed to facilitate protest mobilization. We examine, however, whether and how it might reduce an individual’s tendency to join a protest. Analyzing survey data of a migrant population in Beijing, China’s capital, we find that social capital operating as better embeddedness in local social networks lowers the likelihood of protest participation. We reason that, structurally, embeddedness in local networks provides access to support and assistance, reducing the attractiveness of disruptive means of problem-solving. Psychologically, such embeddedness mitigates the feeling of relative deprivation, reducing the possibility of such feelings accumulating and eventually translating into protesting actions. Regressions and structural equation models confirm our hypotheses, and we are also able to check the robustness of our findings with a different, much larger, cross-national dataset.