1
2025, 38(5): 557-570.
doi: 10.3967/bes2025.040
Objective The Asia-Pacific region has a high chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) burden, but studies on its trends are limited. Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data, we analyzed COPD trends in 36 countries and territories from 1990 to 2019 and predicted future incidence trends through 2034. Methods COPD data by age and sex from the GBD 2019 database were analyzed for incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rates from 1990 to 2019. Joinpoint regression identified significant annual trends, and age-standardized incidence rates were predicted through 2034 using age–period–cohort models. Results The incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disease burden of COPD have been decreasing, and the incidence rates will continue to decrease or remain stable until 2034 in most selected countries and territories, except for a few Southeastern Asian countries. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic and Vietnam are projected to experience an increase in COPD incidence from 165.3 per 100,000 in 2019 to 177 per 100,000 in 2034 and from 179.9 per 100,000 in 2019 to 192.5 per 100,000 in 2034, respectively. Older males had a higher incidence than any other sex or age group. The sex gap in incidence rates continues to widen, though it is smaller and less significant in the younger age group than in those in the older one. Conclusion COPD rates are expected to decline until 2034 but remain a health risk, especially in countries with rising rates. Urgent action on tobacco control, air pollution, and public education is needed.
2
2025, 38(5): 529-538.
doi: 10.3967/bes2025.042
Objective Asthma imposes a significant global health burden. This study examines changes in the asthma-related disease burden from 1990 to 2021 and projects future burdens for 2050 under different scenarios. Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, we analyzed asthma incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from 1990 to 2021. We projected the disease burden for 2050 based on current trends and hypothetical scenarios in which all risk factors are controlled. Temporal trends in age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALY rates were explored using Annual Percent Change. Results In 2021, the age-standardized rates for asthma incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs in China were 364.17 per 100,000 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 283.22–494.10), 1,956.49 per 100,000 (95% UI: 1,566.68–2,491.87), 1.47 per 100,000 (95% UI: 1.15–1.79), and 103.76 per 100,000 (95% UI: 72.50–145.46), respectively. A higher disease burden was observed among Chinese men and individuals aged 70 years or older. Compared to the current trend, a combined scenario involving improvements in environmental factors, behavioral and metabolic health, child nutrition, and vaccination resulted in a greater reduction in the disease burden caused by asthma. Conclusion Addressing modifiable risk factors is essential for further reducing the asthma-related disease burden.
3
2023, 36(8): 669-701.
doi: 10.3967/bes2023.106
In the past 30 years, the accessibility and quality index of medical care have made remarkable progress in China, ranking the first among middle-income countries. Many cardiovascular technologies are at or near the world's leading level, and significant progress has been achieved in China solving the problem of “treatment difficulty” of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, due to the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles among Chinese residents, a huge population with CVD risk factors, accelerated population aging, and other reasons, the incidence and mortality rate of CVD are still increasing, and the turning point of the decline in disease burden has not appeared yet in China. In terms of proportions of disease mortality among urban and rural residents, CVD still ranks the first. In 2020, CVD accounted for 48.00% and 45.86% of the causes of death in rural and urban areas, respectively; two out of every five deaths were due to CVD. It is estimated that the number of current CVD patients in China is around 330 million, including 13 million stroke, 11.39 million coronary heart disease, 8.9 million heart failure, 5 million pulmonary heart disease, 4.87 million atrial fibrillation, 2.5 million rheumatic heart disease, 2 million congenital heart disease, 45.3 million peripheral artery disease, and 245 million hypertension cases. China has entered a new stage of transformation from high-speed development to high-quality development, and the prevention and control of CVD in China should also shift from previous emphasis on scale growth to strategies focusing more on strategic and key technological development in order to curb the trend of increasing incidence and mortality rates of CVD.
4
2025, 38(5): 539-546.
doi: 10.3967/bes2025.036
Objective This study aims to analyze the burden of lower respiratory infections in Chinese elderly people aged 70 and above. Methods This study utilized Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 1990–2050 prediction data to analyze changes in mortality rates and disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates for lower respiratory infections in the elderly population (aged 70 and above) in China from 1990 to 2050. It also discusses future trends in the burden of lower respiratory infections (LRI) in China under different scenarios. Results According to GBD predictions, the burden of lower respiratory infections in the elderly aged 70 years and above in China is lower than the global average. The burden has been decreasing from 1990 to 2020, but is projected to increase from 2020 to 2050. Scenario-based predictions suggest that, under scenarios involving improvements in nutrition and vaccination, the burden of lower respiratory infections in the elderly in China is expected to be the lowest in 2050. Conclusion This study indicates that the burden of lower respiratory infections in elderly people aged 70 years and above in China remains a significant public health issue and may worsen. The government should consider strengthening the preventive measures and management strategies for respiratory infections in the elderly population.
5
2025, 38(6): 653-665.
doi: 10.3967/bes2025.022
Objective Burning solid cooking fuel contributes to household air pollution and is associated with frailty. However, how solid cooking fuel use contributes to the development of frailty has not been well illustrated. Methods This study recruited 8,947 participants aged ≥ 45 years from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, 2011–2018. Group-based trajectory modeling was employed to identify frailty trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between solid cooking fuel use and frailty trajectories. Population-attributable fractions were used to estimate the frailty burden from solid fuel use. Results We identified three frailty trajectories: low-stable (n = 5,789), moderate-increasing (n = 2,603), and fast-increasing (n = 555). Solid fuel use was associated with higher odds of being in the moderate-increasing (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.08–1.42) and fast-increasing (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.14–1.92) trajectories. These associations were strengthened by longer solid fuel use (P for trend < 0.001). Switching to clean fuel significantly reduced the risk of being in these trajectories compared with persistent solid fuel users. Without solid fuel, 8% of moderate- and 19% of fast-increasing trajectories demonstrated frailty development like the low-stable group. Conclusion Solid cooking fuel use is associated with frailty trajectories in middle-aged and older Chinese populations.
6
2025, 38(5): 629-632.
doi: 10.3967/bes2025.039
7
2025, 38(6): 716-726.
doi: 10.3967/bes2025.066
Objective Epidemiological studies have shown that vitamin D status affects glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, findings from intervention studies remain inconsistent. Therefore, a network meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the comparative efficacy of various vitamin D supplementation strategies on glucose indicators in adults with T2DM. Methods Eligible studies published before September 12, 2024, were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. A network meta-analysis of multiple dosage strategies—low (< 1,000 IU/day, LDS), medium (1,000–2,000 IU/day, MDS), high (2,000–4,000 IU/day, HDS), and extremely high (≥ 4,000 IU/day, EHDS)—was performed. Results The network meta-analysis of 40 RCTs indicated that, compared with placebo, vitamin D3 supplementation increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)-D] levels, with pooled mean difference (MD) showing a stepwise increase from LDS to EHDS. Ranking probabilities showed a corresponding rise in 25-(OH)-D levels from LDS (46.7%) to EHDS (91.2%). EHDS reduced fasting blood glucose (FBG) relative to no treatment. LDS significantly decreased hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and vitamin D2 significantly affected FBG levels. MDS led to a significant change in fasting insulin (FIN) compared to both placebo (MD: −4.76; 95% CI −8.91 to −0.61) and no treatment (MD: −7.30; 95% CI −14.44 to −0.17). Conclusion The findings suggest that vitamin D supplementation may be a viable approach for improving glycemic control in adults with T2DM, with lower doses potentially offering benefit. The analysis also showed a dose-dependent increase in 25-(OH)-D levels.
8
2025, 38(5): 547-556.
doi: 10.3967/bes2025.019
Objective To analyze the prevalence and burden of headache disorders in China and its provinces from 1990 to 2021. Methods Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2021, the number of prevalent cases, prevalence rate, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and age-standardized DALY rates were analyzed by sex, age group, and province for headache disorders and their subtypes (migraine and tension-type headache [TTH]) between 1990 and 2021. Percentage changes during this period were also estimated. Results In 2021, approximately 426 million individuals in China were affected by headache disorders, with an age-standardized prevalence rate of 27,582.61/100,000. The age-standardized DALY rate for all headache disorders was 487.15/100,000. Between 1990 and 2021, the number of prevalent cases increased by 37.78%, while the prevalence of all headache disorders, migraine, and TTH increased by 6.92%, 7.57%, and 7.86%, respectively. The highest prevalence was observed in the 30–34 age group (39,520.60/100,000). Migraine accounted for a larger proportion of DALYs attributable to headache disorders, whereas TTH has a greater impact on its prevalence. In 2021, the highest age-standardized DALY rates for headache disorders were observed in Heilongjiang (617.85/100,000) and Shanghai (542.86/100,000). Conclusion The prevalence of headache disorders is increasing in China. Effective health education, improve diagnosis and treatment are essential, particularly for middle-aged working populations and women of childbearing age.
9
2015, 28(1): 57-71.
doi: 10.3967/bes2015.006
10
2025, 38(5): 571-584.
doi: 10.3967/bes2025.018
Objective To describe survival trends and global patterns of esophageal cancer (EC) using survival data from population-based cancer registries. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SEER, and SinoMed databases for articles published up to 31 December 2023. Eligible EC survival estimates were evaluated according to country or region, period, sex, age group, pathology, and disease stage. Results After 2010, Jordan exhibited the highest age-standardized 5-year relative survival rates (RSRs)/net survival rates (NSRs) at 41.1% between 2010 and 2014, while India had the lowest, at 4.1%. Survival rates generally improved with diagnostic age across most countries, with significant increases in South Korea and China, of 12.7% and 10.5% between 2000 and 2017, respectively. Survival was higher among women compared to men, ranging from 0.4%–10.9%. Survival rates for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were similar, differing by about 4%. In China, the highest age-standardized RSRs/NSRs was 33.4% between 2015 and 2017. Meanwhile, the lowest was 5.3%, in Qidong (Jiangsu province) between 1992–1996. Conclusion Global EC survival rates have improved significantly in recent decades, but substantial geographical, sex, and age disparities still exist. In Asia, squamous cell carcinoma demonstrated superior survival rates compared to adenocarcinoma, while the opposite trend was observed in Western countries. Future research should clarify the prognostic factors influencing EC survival and tailor prevention and screening strategies to the changing EC survival patterns.
11
ZHANG Yu Tong,
HUANG Tao,
ZHOU Fang,
HUANG Ao Di,
JI Xiao Qi,
HE Lu,
GENG Qiang,
WANG Jia,
MEI Can,
XU Yu Jia,
YANG Ze Long,
ZHAN Jian Bo,
CHENG Jing
2022, 35(7): 648-651.
doi: 10.3967/bes2022.084
12
Qian Zhang,
Xiaoling Wang,
Yuli Hou,
Jingjing Zhang,
Congcong Liu,
Xiaomin Zhang,
Yaqi Wang,
Yujian Fan,
Junting Liu,
Jing Liu,
Qiao Song,
Peichang Wang
2025, 38(5): 607-624.
doi: 10.3967/bes2025.049
Objective To reveal the effects and potential mechanisms by which synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A (SV2A) influences the distribution of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the trans-Golgi network (TGN), endolysosomal system, and cell membranes and to reveal the effects of SV2A on APP amyloid degradation. Methods Colocalization analysis of APP with specific tagged proteins in the TGN, ensolysosomal system, and cell membrane was performed to explore the effects of SV2A on the intracellular transport of APP. APP, β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) expressions, and APP cleavage products levels were investigated to observe the effects of SV2A on APP amyloidogenic processing. Results APP localization was reduced in the TGN, early endosomes, late endosomes, and lysosomes, whereas it was increased in the recycling endosomes and cell membrane of SV2A-overexpressed neurons. Moreover, Arl5b (ADP-ribosylation factor 5b), a protein responsible for transporting APP from the TGN to early endosomes, was upregulated by SV2A. SV2A overexpression also decreased APP transport from the cell membrane to early endosomes by downregulating APP endocytosis. In addition, products of APP amyloid degradation, including sAPPβ, Aβ1-42, and Aβ1-40, were decreased in SV2A-overexpressed cells. Conclusion These results demonstrated that SV2A promotes APP transport from the TGN to early endosomes by upregulating Arl5b and promoting APP transport from early endosomes to recycling endosomes-cell membrane pathway, which slows APP amyloid degradation.
13
JIANG Han Ji,
TAN Rong,
JIN Min,
YIN Jing,
GAO Zhi Xian,
LI Hai Bei,
SHI Dan Yang,
ZHOU Shu Qing,
CHEN Tian Jiao,
YANG Dong,
LI Jun Wen
2022, 35(6): 518-527.
doi: 10.3967/bes2022.069
Objective To establish an ultra-sensitive, ultra-fast, visible detection method for Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP). Methods We established a new method for detecting the tdh and trh genes of VP using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 12a (CRISPR/Cas12a) combined with recombinase polymerase amplification and visual detection (CRISPR/Cas12a-VD). Results CRISPR/Cas12a-VD accurately detected target DNA at concentrations as low as 10-18 M (single molecule detection) within 30 min without cross-reactivity against other bacteria. When detecting pure cultures of VP, the consistency of results reached 100% compared with real-time PCR. The method accurately analysed pure cultures and spiked shrimp samples at concentrations as low as 102 CFU/g. Conclusion The novel CRISPR/Cas12a-VD method for detecting VP performed better than traditional detection methods, such as real-time PCR, and has great potential for preventing the spread of pathogens.
14
2023, 36(1): 24-37.
doi: 10.3967/bes2023.003
Objective To analyze the association between exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) and 23 diseases, categorized into four classifications, among the Chinese population. Methods We searched the literature up to June 30, 2021, and eligible studies were identified according to the PECOS format: Participants and Competitors (Chinese population), Exposure (SHS), Outcomes (Disease or Death), and Study design (Case-control or Cohort). Results In total, 53 studies were selected. The odds ratio (OR) for all types of cancer was 1.79 (1.56–2.05), and for individual cancers was 1.92 (1.42–2.59) for lung cancer, 1.57 (1.40–1.76) for breast cancer, 1.52 (1.12–2.05) for bladder cancer, and 1.37 (1.08–1.73) for liver cancer. The OR for circulatory system diseases was 1.92 (1.29–2.85), with a value of 2.29 (1.26–4.159) for stroke. The OR of respiratory system diseases was 1.76 (1.13–2.74), with a value of 1.82 (1.07–3.11) for childhood asthma. The original ORs were also shown for other diseases. Subgroup analyses were performed for lung and breast cancer. The ORs varied according to time period and were significant during exposure in the household; For lung cancer, the OR was significant in women. Conclusion The effect of SHS exposure in China was similar to that in Western countries, but its definition and characterization require further clarification. Studies on the association between SHS exposure and certain diseases with high incidence rates are insufficient.
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2025-6 Cover
(30 day view times: 18)
2025, 38(6).
16
2025, 38(5): 527-528.
doi: 10.3967/bes2025.055
17
YUAN Yan,
WANG Yi,
HU Fei Fei,
JIANG Chen Yang,
ZHANG Ya Jing,
YANG Jin Long,
ZHAO Shi Wen,
GU Jian Hong,
LIU Xue Zhong,
BIAN Jian Chun,
LIU Zong Ping
2016, 29(2): 117-126.
doi: 10.3967/bes2016.013
ObjectiveTo examine the role of Cd-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the apoptosis of neuronal cells. MethodsNeuronal cells (primary rat cerebral cortical neurons and PC12cells) were incubated with or without Cd post-pretreatment with rapamycin (Rap) or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Cell viability was determined by MTT assay, apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, and the activation of phosphoinositide 3'-kinase/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and mitochondrial apoptotic pathways were measured by western blotting or immunofluorescence assays. ResultsCd-induced activation of Akt/mTOR signaling, including Akt, mTOR,p70 S6 kinase (p70 S6K), and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1(4E-BP1). Rap, an mTOR inhibitor and NAC, a ROS scavenger, blocked Cd-induced activation of Akt/mTOR signaling and apoptosis of neuronal cells. Furthermore, NAC blocked the decrease of B-cell lymphoma 2/Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bcl-2/Bax) ratio, release of cytochrome c, cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor(AIF)and endonuclease G (Endo G). ConclusionCd-induced ROS generation activates Akt/mTOR and mitochondrial pathways, leading to apoptosis ofneuronal cells. Our findings suggest that mTOR inhibitors or antioxidants have potential for preventing Cd-induced neurodegenerative diseases.
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Objectives This study aimed to quantify the impact of major chronic diseases on changes in healthy life expectancy (HLE) from 2011 to 2020 in China using an age-specific disability weights (DW) estimation method. Methods HLE at age 60 (HLE60) was used as the indicator of HLE in China. Cause-specific mortality rates were obtained from the cause-of-death database of the National Health Commission. Self-reported disease and disability status were derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A total of 55,861 participants were included for DW estimation. Rates of disability, which was assessed using the Activities of Daily Living questionnaires, were estimated using data from 5,465 participants in 2011 and 9,910 participants in 2020. Age-specific DWs were calculated using a Bayesian logistic regression model. Changes in HLE60 were decomposed into mortality and disability effects by cause, based on the estimated DWs. Results HLE60 in China increased by 0.83 years from 2011 to 2020. Ischemic heart disease (IHD) contributed the most to the decline in HLE60, remaining the leading cause of reduction in terms of mortality effects. Diabetes showed the greatest impact on HLE60 due to disability, followed by stroke. The largest sex disparities in HLE60 were associated with disability from arthritis. Conclusion HLE60 in China improved from 2011 to 2020 and IHD remained the leading contributor to its decline, particularly through increased mortality. Disabilities related to diabetes, stroke, and arthritis had significant negative impacts. These findings highlight the need to strengthen integrated chronic disease prevention and rehabilitation services at community health centers.
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Objective To investigate the effects of short-term forest bathing on human health.Methods Twenty healthy male university students participated as subjects and were randomly divided into two groups of 10.One group was sent on a two-night trip to a broad-leaved evergreen forest,and the other was sent to a city area.Serum cytokine levels reflecting inflammatory and stress response,indicators reflecting oxidative stress,the distribution of leukocyte subsets,and plasma endothelin-1 (ET-1) concentrations were measured before and after the experiment to evaluate the positive health effects of forest environments.A profile of mood states (POMS) evaluation was used to assess changes in mood states.Results No significant differences in the baseline values of the indicators were observed between the two groups before the experiment.Subjects exposed to the forest environment showed reduced oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory level,as evidenced by decreased malondialdehyde,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor α levels compared with the urban group.Serum cortisol levels were also lower than in the urban group.Notably,the concentration of plasma ET-1 was much lower in subjects exposed to the forest environment.The POMS evaluation showed that after exposure to the forest environment,subjects had lower scores in the negative subscales,and the score for vigor was increased.Conclusion Forest bathing is beneficial to human health,perhaps through preventive effects related to several pathological factors.
20
2024, 37(12): 1453-1457.
doi: 10.3967/bes2024.178
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