<b>Objective:b> To understand the influence of diurnal temperature range (DTR) on influenza incidence in the elderly in Beijing and to conduct a subgroup analysis. <b>Methods:b> The incidence data of daily influenza cases in the elderly and daily meteorological data from 2014 to 2016 in Beijing were collected for this study. A generalized additive model (GAM) was used to explore whether the relationship between daily influenza cases and DTR is a linear one. A distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was established to quantify the lagged effect of DTR on daily influenza incidence in the elderly. The model was also used to estimate the effects of DTR on daily influenza incidence among various subgroups. <b>Results:b> A total of 4 097 influenza cases in the elderly were notified during study period. The mean DTR was 10.153 ℃. A linear relationship between daily influenza incidence and DTR was detected by using GAM. DTR was significantly associated with daily influenza incidence between lag0 and lag5 with a maximal effect at lag0. An 1 ℃ increase of DTR was associated with a 2.0% increase in daily influenza incidence in the elderly (95%CI: 0.9%-3.0%). The RR values of males, females, people aged 60-69 years, people aged ≥70 years were 1.018 (95%CI: 1.005-1.032), 1.021(95%CI: 1.007-1.035), 1.012 (95%CI: 1.002-1.022), 1.025 (95%CI: 1.012-1.039), respectively. The influencing time of DTR on females (lag6) was longer than males (lag2). <b>Conclusions:b> DTR was associated with increased risk of influenza in the elderly in Beijing. It is necessary to take targeted measures in the elderly to control the incidence of influenza when DTR becomes greater.
Aged ; Beijing ; China/epidemiology* ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Influenza, Human/epidemiology* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Temperature

<b>Objective:b> To understand the situation related to health seeking and diagnosis of imported malaria and to provide practical measures for malaria elimination in Jiangsu province. <b>Methods:b> Data on imported malaria cases in Jiangsu province was retrieved in CISDCP from 2014 to 2016. Relevant information on health seeking behavior, diagnosis and treatment of the disease was gathered. <b>Results:b> A total of 1 068 imported cases were reported in Jiangsu province from 2014 to 2016. Except for one malaria case that was caused by blood transfusion, the rest patients were all recognized as 'imported'. Majority of the cases were migrant laborers working in African countries. The accurate rates on the diagnosis of ovale, vivax and quartan malaria and mixed infection were relatively low, as 79.3% (107/135), 29.5% (18/61), 52.9% (18/34) and 0.0% (0/2) at the primary health care settings, respectively. Rate of seeking health care on the same day of onset was more in 2015 than in 2014 and 2016 (χ(2)=18.6, P=0.001). While only 65.4% (699/1 068) of the patients were diagnosed correctly at the primary health care settings. There appeared no statistical difference in the 3-year-study period (χ(2)=5.4, P=0.246). Capacity on 'correct diagnosis' seemed stronger at the CDC than at the hospital levels (χ(2)=13.2, P=0.000; χ(2)=5.4, P=0.020). Totally, 72.7% (32/44) of the severe falciparum malaria cases did not immediately seek for health care when the symptoms started. <b>Conclusions:b> Migrant workers returning from the high endemic malaria areas seemed to have poor awareness in seeking health care services. Capability on correct diagnosis for malaria at the primary health care settings remained unsatisfactory and staff from these settings needs to receive adequate training.
Adult ; China/epidemiology* ; Female ; Human Migration ; Humans ; Malaria/transmission* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plasmodium/isolation & purification* ; Prevalence ; Seasons ; Transients and Migrants ; Travel

<b>Objective:b> To understand the prevalence of major human parasitic diseases and related factors in Henan province. <b>Methods:b> This stratified sampling survey was carried out according to the requirement of national survey protocol of major human parasitic diseases, 2014-2015. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection, taeniasis and intestinal protozoiasis were surveyed in 104 sites selected from 35 counties (districts) and the prevalence of clonorchiasis was surveyed in 62 sites selected from 37 townships. In each survey spot, 250 persons were surveyed. A total of 26 866 persons and 15 893 persons were surveyed. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear was used to detect the eggs of intestinal helminthes. Tube fecal culture was used to identify the species of hookworm. The Enterobius eggs were detected in children aged 3 to 6 years by using adhesive tape. The cyst and trophozoite of intestinal protozoa were examined with physiological saline direct smear method and iodine stain method. <b>Results:b> The overall infestation rate of intestinal parasites was2.02% in Henan, and the worm infection rate was higher than protozoa infection rate. Fourteen kinds of intestinal parasites were found, including nematode (5 species), trematode (2 species), and protozoan (7 species). The infection rate of Enterobius vermicularis was highest, and Qinba Mountain ecological area had the highest infestation rate of intestinal parasites in 4 ecological areas of Henan. There was no significant difference in intestinal parasite infection rate between males and females (χ(2)=3.630, P=0.057), and the differences in intestinal parasite infection rate among different age groups had significance (χ(2)=124.783, P=0.000 1). The infection rate reached the peak in age group ≤9 years and the major parasite was Enterobius vermicularis. Furthermore the overall human infection rate of parasite showed a downward trend with the increase of educational level of the people (χ(2)=70.969, P=0.000 1), the differences had significance (χ(2)=120.118, P=0.000 1). For different populations, the infection rate of intestinal parasites was highest among preschool children. The infection of intestinal helminth was mainly mild, only 2 severe cases were detected. The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis in urban residents was only 0.006%. Logistic regression analysis showed that being preschool children (χ(2)=15.765, P=0.000 1) and drinking well water (χ(2)=45.589, P=0.000 1) were the risk factors for intestinal parasite infection, and annual income per capita of farmers was the protective factor against intestinal parasite infection. The infection rates of protozoa and intestinal parasites decreased sharply compared with the results of previous two surveys, and the rate of intestinal helminth infection also dropped sharply compared with the second survey. The numbers of protozoa, helminth and intestinal parasites detected in this survey were all less than the numbers found in the previous two surveys. <b>Conclusions:b> Compared the results of three surveys in Henan, the infection rate of protozoa and intestinal parasites showed a downward trend. The prevention and treatment of Enterobius vermicularis infection in children should be the key point of parasitic disease control in the future.
Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Clonorchiasis/epidemiology* ; Farmers ; Feces/parasitology* ; Female ; Helminthiasis/epidemiology* ; Helminths ; Humans ; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology* ; Male ; Prevalence ; Protective Factors ; Risk Factors ; Rural Population ; Soil Microbiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Taeniasis/epidemiology* ; Trematode Infections/parasitology* ; Urban Population ; Water Wells

<b>OBJECTIVEb>To investigate the underlying mechanism of apoptosis-inducing effect of a specific COX-2 inhibitor SC236 in gastric cancer cells.

<b>METHODSb>Western blot analysis was used to measure apoptosis-related proteins, cytochrome c, and caspase-3. The catalytic activity of the caspases was measured using a colorimetric assay.

<b>RESULTSb>Treatment of AGS gastric cancer cells with SC236 caused a significant elevation of the pro-apoptotic protein Bak, release of cytochrome c to the cytosol, and activation of caspase-3. A specific caspase-3 inhibitor, z-DEVD-fmk, blocked SC236-induced apoptosis.

<b>CONCLUSIONb>SC236 inhibits cell growth and induces apoptosis in gastric cancer cells at least partly through the up-regulation of Bak, stimulation of cytochrome c release, and activation of caspase-3.

Adenocarcinoma ; metabolism ; pathology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; Caspases ; metabolism ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors ; pharmacology ; Cytochromes c ; metabolism ; Humans ; Oligopeptides ; pharmacology ; Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerases ; metabolism ; Pyrazoles ; pharmacology ; Stomach Neoplasms ; metabolism ; pathology ; Sulfonamides ; pharmacology ; bcl-2 Homologous Antagonist-Killer Protein ; metabolism

<b>INTRODUCTIONb>Dermatomyositis (DM) is a multisystem inflammatory disease with a strong association with malignancy. We aimed to describe a series of Asian patients with DM and identify any significant clinical factors associated with malignancy.

<b>MATERIALS AND METHODSb>This was a retrospective review of a multi-racial cohort of 69 Asian patients diagnosed with DM over an 11-year period from 1996 to 2006.

<b>RESULTSb>Malignancy was detected in 15 out of 68 patients (22%), the most common of which was nasopharyngeal carcinoma (7 cases). Compared to the non-malignancy group, the malignancy-associated group was older and had more male patients. There were no statistically significant clinical, serological or laboratory factors associated with a higher risk of malignancy.

<b>CONCLUSIONb>This study highlights the importance of ongoing malignancy screening especially for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Asian patients with DM.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Carcinoma ; Confidence Intervals ; Dermatomyositis ; complications ; epidemiology ; immunology ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Weakness ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; epidemiology ; immunology ; pathology ; Odds Ratio ; Paraneoplastic Syndromes ; complications ; epidemiology ; immunology ; pathology ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Young Adult

<b>Objective:b> To investigate the rates on prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in population older than 15 years of age in Beijing, 2013-2014. <b>Methods:b> A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Beijing between 2013-2014. Stratified multistage random sampling method was used to select representative sample of 13 057 Chinese individuals aged over 15 years, from the general population. Blood pressure was measured for three readings at sitting position after resting for at least five minutes with an average reading recorded. A standardized structured questionnaire was developed to collect history of hypertension and antihypertensive treatment. <b>Results:b> A total of 4 663 community residents aged over 15 years were hypertensive among the 13 057 individuals, with the standardized prevalence rate as 32.7%, in Beijing area. The age-standardized prevalence rates of hypertension appeared 34.6% in men and 30.8% in women. The age-and sexstandardized prevalence of hypertension rates were 33.3% in urban and 24.6% in rural areas. The prevalence of hypertension increased with age and appeared higher in men than in women, in urban than in rural residents. Among the hypertensive patients, rates of awareness, treatment and control were 66.8%, 64.6% and 31.6%, respectively. <b>Conclusion:b> High prevalence of hypertension with low rates on awareness and treatment and control, appeared in the general population of Beijing. Related strategies should be developed regarding prevention, control and management of hypertension, to reduce the burden of this disease.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use* ; Asian People/statistics & numerical data* ; Awareness ; Blood Pressure ; Blood Pressure Determination ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Hypertension/epidemiology* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Rural Population ; Sex Distribution ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Population ; Young Adult

Adult ; Candy ; Dust ; Health Surveys ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced/etiology* ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Noise, Occupational/adverse effects* ; Occupational Diseases ; Occupational Exposure

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced/etiology* ; Humans ; Male ; Manufacturing Industry ; Noise, Occupational ; Occupational Exposure ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Young Adult

<b>Objective:b> To understand the rate on tobacco use and associated factors in junior middle school students in Shaanxi province. <b>Methods:b> We used a multi-stage stratified random sampling method to select students from 30 junior middle schools in 10 areas of Shaanxi province in 2013. All the participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. <b>Results:b> A total of 4 633 questionnaires were dispatched and 4 298 were qualified for further analysis. The current smoking rate of junior middle school students in Shaanxi was 6.5%, with rate in male (11.1%) higher than that of female students (1.7%). The current smoking rate of students in grade three (9.3%) was higher than those of students in grade one (3.5%) or in grade two (7.0%). The smoking rate of students with pocket money more than 31 Yuan per week was (10.0%) higher than those of students with pocket money less than 10 Yuan (4.6%) or 10-30 Yuan (6.3%) per week. Results from the logistic regression analysis showed that factors as: male, school located in the city, older age, with more pocket money, having smokers in the family and exposure to second hand smoking were high risk factors for current smoking. <b>Conclusion:b> Rate on current smoking was high in junior middle schools students in Shaanxi, suggesting that comprehensive intervention programs be developed to reduce the rate of tobacco use in junior middle school students.
China/epidemiology* ; Cities ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Prevalence ; Schools ; Smoking/epidemiology* ; Students/statistics & numerical data* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution/adverse effects* ; Tobacco Use/epidemiology*

<b>Objective:b> To understand the prevalence and distribution of hypertension in population aged 15 years and over in Guizhou province and provide evidence for the prevention and management of hypertension. <b>Methods:b> Face to face interviews using national standard questionnaire were conducted among the study subjects selected in Guizhou through multi-stage random sampling. Blood pressure measurement for them was done with Omron HEM-1300 professional portable blood pressure monitor. SPSS 19.0 software was used for statistical analysis. The ratio was compared by the χ(2) test. The influencing factors of hypertension was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis. <b>Results:b> A total of 13 480 participants were investigated, including 5 509 (40.8%) men and 7 971 (59.2%) women; 6 558 (48.6%) urban residents and 6 922 (51.4%) rural residents. Among the subjects surveyed, 3 232 (23.9%) were smokers, 2 412 (17.9%) were alcoholic and 4 859 (36.0%) were obese or overweight. A total of 3 937 (29.2%) hypertension patients were found. The prevalence of hypertension was 29.2%. The standardized prevalence of hypertension were 18.97% (compared with national population composition) and 21.16% (compared with Guizhou province population composition), respectively. The hypertension prevalence in men and women were 29.8% and 28.8%, respectively. The hypertension prevalence in rural population (35.8%) was higher than that in urban population (22.2%). The difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). The hypertension prevalence in people aged 65 years and over was 56.2%. The prevalence of hypertension were 34.3% and 27.6% in smokers and non-smokers, 39.2% and 27.0% in alcoholic and non-alcoholic and 40.7% and 22.7% in obese or overweight group and normal or less weight group, respectively. There were significant statistical differences in prevalence of hypertension among the population in urban area and rural area, with different age, education levels, smoking status, drinking status and BMI (P<0.001). <b>Conclusions:b> The prevalence of hypertension in Guizhou was at a high level. The hypertension prevalence in rural area was higher than that in urban area. Hypertension prevalence increased significantly with age. The prevalence of hypertension was negatively associated with the education level of the people. Older age, living in rural area, smoking, drinking, obesity were the risk factors for hypertension.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Blood Pressure/physiology* ; Body Weight ; China/epidemiology* ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension/epidemiology* ; Life Style/ethnology* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Rural Population ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Population ; Young Adult