Xue-Yan Zheng

Bio: Xue-Yan Zheng is an academic researcher from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Air quality index. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 3 publications receiving 442 citations.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome: a vanished evil?

Abstract: The year 2013, the 10 th anniversary of epidemics of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), an evil that has swept the world leading to significant death tools and rendered global alert, heralds an emerging era of prevention and treatment against viral communicable diseases. SARS has, unlike avian or swan influenza (1), vanished from the public perspective with exception of scattered cases reported in 2004 (2). This seems reasonable to lead us to assume that global alert of potential epidemics, with well-practised protocols for disease management, is anything but necessary.

Effects of long-term PM2.5 exposure on metabolic syndrome among adults and elderly in Guangdong, China

Abstract: Abstract Background We aimed to explore the association between long-term exposure to particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM 2.5 ) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components including fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and waist circumference among adults and elderly in south China. Methods We surveyed 6628 participants in the chronic disease and risk factors surveillance conducted in 14 districts of Guangdong province in 2015. MetS was defined based on the recommendation by the Joint Interim Societies’ criteria. We used the spatiotemporal land-use regression (LUR) model to estimate the two-year average exposure of ambient air pollutants (PM 2.5 , PM 10 , SO 2 , NO 2 , and O 3 ) at individual levels. We recorded other covariates by using a structured questionnaire. Generalized linear mixed model was used for analysis. Results A 10-μg/m 3 increase in the two-year mean PM 2.5 exposure was associated with a higher risk of developing MetS [odd ratio (OR): 1.17, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 1.35], increased risk of fasting blood glucose level. (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.36), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.58) in the adjusted/unadjusted models (all P < 0.05). We found significant interaction between PM 2.5 and the region, exercise on the high TG levels, and an interaction with the region, age, exercise and grain consumption on FBG ( P interaction < 0.05). Conclusions Long-term exposure to PM 2.5 was associated with MetS, dyslipidemia and FBG impairment. Efforts should be made for environment improvement to reduce the burden of MetS-associated non-communicable disease.

Cross-sectional study on prevalence and risk factors for falls among the elderly in communities of Guangdong province, China

Abstract: Objective This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of falls among the elderly in Guangdong, China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in six communities of Guangdong province. People over 60 years old were selected with multistage random-cluster sampling. Data on falls within the previous 12 months and fall-related risk factors were collected through a face-to-face interview. Results The prevalence of falls among older adults was 11.9% (95% CI: 11.0% to 12.8%) among 5374 interviewees. The common injuries caused by falls were bruises/scrapes (40.0%) and fractures (15.5%), and most people fall while doing housework (35.0%). Univariate analysis showed that 14 factors were associated with falls among older adults, including gender, age, residence, occupation, education level, balance ability, situation of cognition, disease, depression, living arrangement, marital status, the behaviour of exercise, drinking and drug use (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the associated factors of falls among older adults included woman (OR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.40 to 2.02), age from 70 to 79 years (OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.58), age over 80 (OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.25 to 2.13), impaired balance ability (OR=1.45, 95% CI: 1.20 to 1.75), exercise several times per month (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.13 to 2.53), polypharmacy (OR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.00), cognition impairment (OR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.69), mild depression (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.47 to 2.45) and moderate depression (OR=3.07, 95% CI: 1.99 to 4.73). Conclusions The hazards caused by falls to the elderly in China cannot be ignored. A multidimensional customised fall prevention programme should be considered to reduce the risk of falls among the elderly based on the results above.

Global cancer incidence in older adults, 2012 and 2035: A population-based study.

Abstract: Population ageing has substantially contributed to the rising number of new cancer cases worldwide. We document cancer incidence patterns in 2012 among older adults globally, and examine the changing magnitude of cancer in this age group over the next decades. Using GLOBOCAN 2012 data, we presented the number and proportion of new cancer cases, and the truncated age-standardised incidence rates among adults aged 65 years and older for all cancer sites combined and for the five most common cancer sites by world region. We calculated the incidence in 2035 by applying population projections, assuming no changes in rates. In 2012, 6.7 million new cancer cases (47.5% of all cancers) were diagnosed among older adults worldwide, with marked regional disparities. Nearly 48% of these cases occurred in less developed regions. Lung, colorectal, prostate, stomach and breast cancers represented 55% of the global incidence, yet distinct regional patterns were observed. We predict 14 million new cancer cases by 2035, representing almost 60% of the global cancer incidence. The largest relative increase in incidence is predicted in the Middle East and Northern Africa (+157%), and in China (+155%). Less developed regions will see an increase of new cases by 144%, compared to 54% in more developed regions. The expected increase in cancer incidence at older ages will have substantial economic and social impacts globally, posing considerable and unique challenge to healthcare systems in every world region, especially in those with limited resources and weaker health systems.