1.Mediating effect of frailty on social isolation and cognitive function among the elderly
JIANG Meiting ; YANG Wenfei ; ZHANG Xiang ; CAI Xin ; GUAN Aijun ; ZENG Dongyang
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(1):17-20
Objective:
To examine the mediating effect of frailty on social isolation and cognitive function among the elderly.
Methods:
Demographic information, smoking, alcohol consumption and cognitive function of the elderly at ages of 60 years and older were collected from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study 2020. Social isolation and frailty were evaluated using social isolation index and frailty index, respectively. The mediating effect of frailty on social isolation and cognitive function was analyzed using the Process program, and the significance of the mediating role was tested using the Bootstrap test.
Results:
A total of 2 822 individuals were enrolled, including 1 483 males (52.55%) and 1 339 females (47.45%). There were 2 497 (88.48%) and 325 (11.52%) individuals at ages of 60-<75 years and ≥75 years, respectively. The median cognitive function score was 14 (interquartile range, 16) points. There were 432 cases with social isolation (15.31%), with a median social isolation index of 10 (interquartile range, 5) points. The median frailty index was 0.11 (interquartile range, 0.15). There were 1 111 individuals without frailty, accounting for 39.37%; 1 214 individuals with pre-frailty, accounting for 43.02%; and 497 individuals with frailty, accounting for 17.61%. Mediating effect analysis showed that social isolation affected cognitive function directly and negatively with the effect value of -0.773 (95%CI: -0.899 to -0.647), and also affected cognitive function by frailty indirectly and negatively with the effect value of -0.147 (95%CI: -0.188 to -0.110), with the mediating effect contributed 15.98% of the total effect.
Conclusion
Frailty can directly or indirectly affect cognitive function among elderly through social isolation.
2.Effect of Modified Shoutai Pill (寿胎丸加味方) on Inflammatory Reaction and Expression of Endometrial Receptivity-Related Factors in A Rat Model of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Miscarriage with High Testosterone-Insulin Resistance
Tingting GUO ; Meng JIANG ; Huaiying YANG ; Xiang JI ; Yuehui ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(3):275-282
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Modified Shoutai Pill (寿胎丸加味方, MSP) in treating polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and miscarriage, focusing on inflammatory response and endometrial receptivity. MethodsThirty female SPF-grade SD rats with regular estrous cycles and in proestrus, and 15 male SPF-grade SD rats were housed together in a 2∶1 ratio at 18:00. At 8:00 next morning, rats showing abundant sperm and vaginal plugs were considered pregnant on the day 0.5. The 30 pregnant rats were randomly divided into three groups, normal group, model group, and MSP group, with 10 rats in each group. From day 0.5 to day 13.5 of pregnancy, the MSP group was given 26.6 g/(kg·d) of the MSP via gavage twice a day for 14 consecutive days. The normal group and the model group received 4 ml of normal saline daily. From day 7.5 to day 13.5 of pregnancy, the rats in the model group and MSP group were intraperitoneally injected with dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and insulin (INS) for 7 consecutive days to establish a PCOS model with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and miscarriage. On day 13.5 of pregnancy, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed to measure blood glucose levels at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes. On day 14.5, serum level of progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2), fasting insulin (FINS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA. The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. Embryo implantation, miscarriage rate, and average number of live fetuses were observed. Uterine tissue pathology was examined by HE staining, and mRNA expression of Il-6, Tnf-α, leukemia inhibitory factor (Lif), homeobox gene 10 (Hoxa10), prolactin family 8 subfamily A member 2 (Prl8a2), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (Igfbp1) in the uterine tissue was detected by qRT-PCR. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group had significantly higher blood glucose level at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes, increased miscarriage rate, elevated HOMA-IR, decreased average number of live fetuses, lower level of P4 and E2, higher level of IL-6, TNF-α, and FINS, and higher mRNA expression of Il-6 and Tnf-α in the uterine tissue. The mRNA expression of Lif, Hoxa10, and Prl8a2 was reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The uterus had a dark red color, visible areas of bleeding, fewer embryos with developmental abnormalities, and increased placental necrosis. Pathological examination revealed thrombus in the decidual layer, unclear decidual cell morphology, loose arrangement, scattered distribution, edema degeneration in the cytoplasm, and nuclear shrinkage or disappearance, with extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells. In contrast, compared with the model group, the MSP group showed significantly lower blood glucose level at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min, reduced miscarriage rate, lower HOMA-IR, increased number of live fetuses, higher level of P4 and E2, and lower level of IL-6, TNF-α, and FINS. The mRNA expression of Il-6 and Tnf-α in the uterine tissue was lower, while the expression of Lif, Hoxa10, and Prl8a2 mRNA was higher (P<0.05 or P<0.01). There was significant improvement in uterine and embryo conditions, as well as in uterine tissue pathology. ConclusionThe MSP can reduce the miscarriage rate in a PCOS model with hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and miscarriage. Its mechanism may involve inhibiting inflammation, improving endometrial receptivity, and restoring the defects in endometrial decidualization.
3.Platelet-rich plasma injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome
Xiang SHANG ; Fei WANG ; Qiqi YANG ; Tianxin JIANG ; Fen ZHANG ; Sanbing WU ; Yonghui YANG ; Fei LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):270-279
Objective:
To determine the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome.
Methods:
One hundred and twenty-eight patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome who visited the Rehabilitation Department and Orthopedics Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to March 2024 and who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into an experimental (n=64) and control group (n=64) using the random number table method. The experimental group was treated with PRP injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion, whereas the control group was treated with normal saline injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. PRP and normal saline injections were administered once every two weeks, a total of four times. Patients were treated with warm acupuncture and moxibustion once a day, six times a week, for four consecutive weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome, visual analog scale (VAS), and Lysholm scores were determined before treatment, at week 4 and week 8 of treatment, and week 16 of follow-up. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone gla protein(BGP), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels were compared between the two groups before and after 8 weeks of treatment. The clinical efficacy and safety indicators between the two groups were also compared.
Results:
There was no statistical difference in baseline data such as gender, age, disease duration, and body mass index between the two groups of patients. Compared with before treatment, both groups showed decreased WOMAC total and subscale, TCM syndrome total score and symptom scores, and VAS scores, and an increase in Lysholm scores at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after treatment. After treatment, serum IL-6, MMP-3, TNF-α, and COMP levels decreased, whereas serum OPG and BGP levels increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed decreased WOMAC total and subscale, TCM syndrome total score and symptom scores, and VAS scores, and an increase in Lysholm score at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after treatment. Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed decreased serum IL-6, MMP-3, TNF-α, and COMP levels and an increase in serum OPG and BPG levels after treatment (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the experimental group was 91.94%, higher than that of the control group (81.97%; P<0.05).
Conclusion
PRP injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion can improve various TCM symptoms, improve knee joint function and bone metabolism, and reduce inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome.
4.Management status and influencing factors of disease stabilization in patients with severe mental disorders in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province
Xuemei ZHANG ; Bo LI ; Benjing CAI ; Youguo TAN ; Bo XIANG ; Jing HE ; Qidong JIANG ; Jian TANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(2):131-137
BackgroundSevere mental disorders represent a major public health concern due to the high disability rates and substantial disease burden, which has garnered significant national attention and prompted their inclusion in public health project management systems. However, credible evidence regarding the current status of disease management and factors influencing disease stabilization among patients with severe mental disorders in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, remains limited. ObjectiveTo investigate the current management status of patients with severe mental disorders in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, and to analyze influencing factors of disease stabilization among patients under standardized care, so as to provide evidence-based insights for developing targeted management strategies to optimize clinical interventions for this patient population. MethodsIn March 2023, data were extracted from the Sichuan Mental Health Service Comprehensive Management Platform for patients with severe mental disorders in Luzhou City who received management between December 2017 and December 2022. Information on mental health service utilization and clinical status changes was collected. Trend analysis was conducted to evaluate temporal changes in key management indicators for severe mental disorders in Luzhou City. Logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing the disease stabilization or fluctuation of these patients. ResultsThis study enrolled a total of 20 232 patients. In Luzhou City, the stabilization rate and standardized management rate of severe mental disorders were 94.89% and 79.36% in 2017, respectively, which increased to 95.33% and 96.92% by 2022. The regular medication adherence rate rose from 34.42% in 2018 to 86.81% in 2022. In 2022, the regular medication adherence rate was 71.80% for schizophrenia, 55.26% for paranoid psychosis, and 51.43% for schizoaffective disorder. Multivariate analysis identified the following protective factors for disease stabilization: age of 18~39 years (OR=0.613, 95% CI: 0.409~0.918), age of 40~65 years (OR=0.615, 95% CI: 0.407~0.931), urban residence (OR=0.587, 95% CI: 0.478~0.720), and regular medication adherence (OR=0.826, 95% CI: 0.702~0.973). Risk factors for disease fluctuation included poor (OR=1.712, 95% CI: 1.436~2.040), non-inclusion in care-support programs (OR=1.928, 95% CI: 1.694~2.193), non-participation in community rehabilitation (OR=2.255, 95% CI: 1.930~2.634), and intermittent medication adherence (OR=3.893, 95% CI: 2.548~5.946). ConclusionThe stability rate, standardized management rate, and regular medication adherence rate of patients with severe mental disorders in Luzhou City have shown a year-by-year increase. Age, household registration status, economic condition, medication compliance, and community-based rehabilitation were identified as influencing factors for disease fluctuation in these patients. [Funded by Luzhou Science and Technology Plan Project (number, 2022-ZRK-186)]
5.Biomechanical characteristics of walking in patients with idiopathic scoliosis:cross-sectional analysis of three-dimensional motion capture
Yanyun GOU ; Meijin HOU ; Zheng JIANG ; Shaoqing CHEN ; Xiang CHEN ; Yuzhan GAO ; Xiangbin WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(3):471-477
BACKGROUND:The biomechanical analysis of scoliosis cases is limited,with only independent analysis focusing on the spine or lower limbs,thus lacking a comprehensive evaluation of the multidimensional body.As a result,it becomes challenging to reflect the movement relationship between the trunk and lower limbs during daily activities,which hinders comprehensive clinical treatment guidance. OBJECTIVE:To explore the relationship between different segments of the spine and the kinematics/kinetics of the lower limbs during gait activities by measuring spinal kinematics in scoliosis patients,to provide a comprehensive and multi-level assessment of the biomechanical differences between scoliosis patients and the normal population,consequently offering evidence-based guidance for the prevention and treatment of scoliosis. METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to June 2021 at the Rehabilitation Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Fuzhou University City.A total of 28 scoliosis patients and 28 normal individuals in the same age group were included.Three-dimensional motion capture system was used to capture gait kinematic data at a sampling frequency of 100 Hz.Two force plates(AMTI 400600,sampling frequency 1 500 Hz)were embedded in a 10-meter-long 2.4-meter-wide level ground walkway(with an effective data collection length of 4 m)to collect kinetic data.The differences in spatial-temporal parameters,kinematics,and kinetics of gait between the two groups were compared.Immediately after inclusion,all subjects underwent full spinal X-ray measurements to compare the differences between the scoliosis and normal groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Patients with scoliosis exhibited reduced relative rotational range of motion between the shoulder and trunk,as well as between the thorax and pelvis,compared to the normal group(P<0.05).However,the rotational range of motion in the pelvis was larger in patients with scoliosis compared to the normal group(P<0.05).(2)Patients with scoliosis showed decreased range of motion in the hip and knee joints,as well as reduced peak torque in hip joint flexion and extension,and lower peak values of ground reaction forces in the concave and convex directions,in comparison to the normal group(P<0.05).(3)Patients with scoliosis demonstrated greater asymmetry indices in knee joint range of motion,relative rotational range of motion between the shoulder and trunk,and between the thorax and pelvis,when compared to the normal group(P<0.05).(4)These findings illustrate a rigid movement pattern among the shoulder,thorax,and pelvis in patients with scoliosis during level walking.There is a reduction in range of motion in the hip and knee joints,as well as decreased peak torque values in hip joint flexion and extension,and ground reaction forces in the concave and convex directions.These characteristics can serve as foundational elements for assessing rehabilitation and developing treatment plans.
6.Research on interview outline design and quality control methods based on grounded theory for physician prescribing behavior
Liyuan TAO ; Li WANG ; Xinli XIANG ; Lu YANG ; Songleng DUAN ; Dechun JIANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):524-528
OBJECTIVE To establish a interview outline design process and quality control evaluation method based on grounded theory, providing ideas for qualitative research interview outline design in medical fields. METHODS A literature review was conducted to understand the current research status; a preliminary interview outline was developed around the research content. The triangulation method, group evaluation, expert review and pre-interview were adopted to execute the interview outline and conduct quality control. The evaluation indicators and target values were formulated (an average score for the overall quality evaluation of all indicators ≥4.5, and an average score for individual indicators ≥4.00) to evaluate the effect of the interview outline. Taking the research on the mechanism of physicians’ prescribing behavior under the background of Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) payment as an example, the methodological contents of above interview outline were applied in practical research. RESULTS The interview outline included basic information and interview questions. The interview questions were divided into three parts:influencing factors survey, promoting and hindering factors of standardizing physician prescription behavior, and communication, with a total of 12 questions. After being reviewed by members of the research group, experts review and pre- interview, a total of 9 people participated in the quality control evaluation of the interview outline. The overall evaluation score was 4.94 (>4.50), and the average score of each indicator was greater than 4.00, indicating that the quality of the outline met the requirements for the interview and could be used for the formal interview. CONCLUSIONS The established interview outline design and quality control method based on grounded theory provides ideas for the qualitative research interview outline design in the medical field, and lays the foundation for further using grounded theory to study the influencing factors and mechanisms of physician prescription behavior under the DRG background.
7.Surveillance and analysis of microbial contamination in commercially available ready-to-eat foods in Songjiang District, Shanghai from 2017 to 2022
Xiang QIU ; Yuxing ZHU ; Xinyi GU ; Fengsong SHENG ; Yuanqiang JIANG
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(3):255-259
ObjectiveTo investigate the microbial contamination status of commercially available ready-to-eat (RTE) foods in Songjiang District of Shanghai, to verify the potential food safety hazards, so as to provide a scientific basis for the local regulation of RTE foods and the prevention of foodborne diseases. MethodsA total of 882 food samples from 9 categories of RTE foods were collected in Shanghai from 2017 to 2022. Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphyloccus aureus and Bacillus cereus were detected according to the standard operating procedures in the Manual for China National Food Contamination and Harmful Factors Risk Monitoring, and which were determined with reference to relevant standards. ResultsA total of 77 samples were found to carry foodborne pathogens, with a total detection rate of 8.73%. Among the 5 foodborne pathogens, Bacillus cereus had the highest detection rate (8.35%), followed by Vibrio parahaemolyticus (5.05%), and the difference of detection rates among the 5 foodborne pathogens was statistically significant (χ2=112.307, P<0.001). Among the 9 categories of RTE food products, the detection rate of foodborne pathogens in RTE fermented/non-fermented soybean products was the highest (27.50%), followed by cold noodles (17.33%) and raw edible aquatic products (9.50%), and the difference in the detection rates of foodborne pathogens among different RTE food categories was statistically significant (χ2=45.909, P<0.001). The detection rate of foodborne pathogens in the third quarter of the year was 10.99%, significantly higher than that in other quarters (χ2=10.329, P=0.016). The detection rate of foodborne pathogens in samples from supermarkets was highest (15.08%), followed by snack bars (11.58%), with a statistically significant difference (χ2=14.108, P=0.015). ConclusionFoodborne pathogens contamination is found in commercially available RTE foods in Songjiang District of Shanghai, especially in RTE fermented/non-fermented soybean products, RTE cold noodles and raw edible aquatic products from supermarkets, snack bars and farm products markets during summer and autumn. Therefore, it is crucial to strengthen supervision and management to avoid the foodborne diseases.
8.Application of left internal mammary artery and bilateral radial arteries in off-pump total arterial coronary artery bypass grafting
Shengzhong LIU ; Dachuang WEI ; Bo XIANG ; Jin TAN ; Lu JIANG ; Tao YU ; Keli HUANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(08):1159-1165
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of total arterial off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) using a left internal thoracic artery (LITA) combined with bilateral radial arteries (RAs). Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with severe multi-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent total arterial OPCABG with a LITA and bilateral RAs at Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital from November 2020 to April 2023. Results A total of 24 patients were included, comprising 23 males and 1 female, with a mean age of (53.63±4.33) years. The New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class was Ⅱ to Ⅲ. The mean number of distal anastomoses was 3.17±0.38. A Y-graft was constructed in 12 patients and sequential grafting was performed in 4 patients. Concomitant procedures included coronary endarterectomy in 1 patient, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) implantation in 10 patients, and thymoma resection in 1 patient. The mean operative time was (308.13±30.39) min, mechanical ventilation time was (15.42±7.42) h, ICU stay was (46.08±27.32) h, and postoperative hospital stay was (11.71±1.90) d. There were no in-hospital deaths. Postoperative complications included one patient of acute renal failure and one patient of cerebral infarction. Pre-discharge color Doppler echocardiography revealed that the left ventricular end-diastolic diameter was significantly smaller than before surgery (P<0.05), while the left ventricular ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly higher (P<0.05). Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) showed that all arterial grafts were patent. During a mean follow-up of (14.58±8.75) months, no patients experienced angina recurrence or mortality. Repeat coronary CTA or angiography in 16 patients one year postoperatively confirmed that all arterial grafts remained patent. Conclusion Total arterial OPCABG using a LITA and bilateral RAs is a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe multi-vessel coronary artery disease. For high-risk patients, intraoperative IABP support is recommended.
9.Wilson's Disease in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine: A Review
Yue YANG ; Wenming YANG ; Han WANG ; Xiang LI ; Peng HUANG ; Hailin JIANG ; Wenjie HAO ; Yulong YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(4):209-217
Wilson's disease (WD) is a copper metabolism disorder caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, with diverse phenotypes and complex pathogenesis. It is one of the few rare diseases that can achieve good clinical efficacy through standardized treatment. Since there are few systematic reviews of this disease, we summarize the pathogenesis and treatment methods of WD from traditional Chinese and western medicine by reviewing the literature related to WD. In western medicine, ATP7B gene mutation is considered as the root cause of WD, which affects copper transport and causes copper metabolism disorders. The excessive copper deposited in the body will result in oxidative stress, defects in mitochondrial function, and cell death. Western medicine treatment of WD relies mainly on drugs, and copper antagonists are the first choice in clinical practice, which are often combined with hepatoprotective and antioxidant therapy. Surgery is a common therapy for the patients with end-stage WD, and gene therapy provides an option for WD patients. According to the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, WD is rooted in constitutional deficiency and copper accumulation and triggered by dampness-heat accumulation or phlegm combined with stasis. The patient syndrome varies in different stages of the disease, and thus the treatment should be based on syndrome differentiation. The TCM treatment method of nourishing the liver and kidneys and warming the spleen and kidneys can address the root cause. The methods of clearing heat and drying dampness, resolving phlegm and dispelling stasis, and soothing liver and regulating qi movement can be adopted to treat symptoms. On the basis of syndrome differentiation, special prescriptions for the treatment of WD have been formulated, such as Gandou decoction, Gandouling, and Gandou Fumu decoction, which have been widely used in clinical practice. TCM and western medicine have their own advantages and shortcomings. The integrated Chinese and western medicine complementing with each other demonstrates great therapeutic potential. This paper summarizes the pathogenesis and treatment of WD with integrated Chinese and western medicine, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.
10.Association between temperature and mortality: a multi-city time series study in Sichuan Basin, southwest China.
Yizhang XIA ; Chunli SHI ; Yang LI ; Shijuan RUAN ; Xianyan JIANG ; Wei HUANG ; Yu CHEN ; Xufang GAO ; Rong XUE ; Mingjiang LI ; Hongying SUN ; Xiaojuan PENG ; Renqiang XIANG ; Jianyu CHEN ; Li ZHANG
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine 2024;29():1-1
BACKGROUND:
There are few multi-city studies on the association between temperature and mortality in basin climates. This study was based on the Sichuan Basin in southwest China to assess the association of basin temperature with non-accidental mortality in the population and with the temperature-related mortality burden.
METHODS:
Daily mortality data, meteorological and air pollution data were collected for four cities in the Sichuan Basin of southwest China. We used a two-stage time-series analysis to quantify the association between temperature and non-accidental mortality in each city, and a multivariate meta-analysis was performed to obtain the overall cumulative risk. The attributable fractions (AFs) were calculated to access the mortality burden attributable to non-optimal temperature. Additionally, we performed a stratified analyses by gender, age group, education level, and marital status.
RESULTS:
A total of 751,930 non-accidental deaths were collected in our study. Overall, 10.16% of non-accidental deaths could be attributed to non-optimal temperatures. A majority of temperature-related non-accidental deaths were caused by low temperature, accounting for 9.10% (95% eCI: 5.50%, 12.19%), and heat effects accounted for only 1.06% (95% eCI: 0.76%, 1.33%). The mortality burden attributable to non-optimal temperatures was higher among those under 65 years old, females, those with a low education level, and those with an alternative marriage status.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggested that a significant association between non-optimal temperature and non-accidental mortality. Those under 65 years old, females, and those with a low educational level or alternative marriage status had the highest attributable burden.
Female
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Humans
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China/epidemiology*
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Cities
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Cold Temperature
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Hot Temperature
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Mortality
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Temperature
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Time Factors
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Middle Aged
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Male


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