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Objectives: To analyse the patterns of transition of health burden for 110 causes of death by stratification of age, sex and geographic regions in Guangdong between 2005 and 2015.Methods: We analysed the age-specific, sex-specific, region-specific mortality in Guangdong based on assembled databases. County-level surveillance data were calculated to inform city-level changes.Results: The age-standardised mortality of all causes, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), communicable diseases, maternal diseases, neonatal diseases, malnutrition and injury declined progressively. Despite declining mortality of NCDs, the overall burden of disease was dominated by NCDs (ie, cerebrovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) that still accounted for 86.93% and 88.12% of death in 2005 and 2015, respectively. Considerable variations across geographic regions were observed (lowest in Pearl River Delta and highest in west Guangdong). There was a modest shift to transport injuries at younger ages and unintentional injuries in the elderly.Conclusions: We have documented a dramatic change in the overall mortality and age-specific, sex-specific and cause-specific mortality in Guangdong province between 2005 and 2015. The significant burden of NCDs remains a major healthcare issue despite the notable progress in reducing mortality in Guangdong, China. Our findings highlight important unmet needs to refine healthcare services by taking into account the inequity of age, sex and geographic regions. Identification of the 'treatable' risk factors and improved disease surveillance should be continuously improved to minimised the overall and cause-specific mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to explore the association between long-term exposure to particulate matter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) 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 (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, NO2, and O3) at individual levels. We recorded other covariates by using a structured questionnaire. Generalized linear mixed model was used for analysis.Results: A 10-μg/m3 increase in the two-year mean PM2.5 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 PM2.5 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 PM2.5 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karstic landscapes play an important role in biodiversity formation and often contain high levels of endemism. However, site-endemic taxa in karstic landscapes are being threatened by exploitation and weak legal protection. In this study, we describe Odorrana concelata Wang, Zeng, & Lin, sp. nov., a limestone karst-restricted odorous frog from northern Guangdong, China. This new species shows distinctive genetic divergence and morphological differences from its congeners. Phylogenetic results suggest that the new species represents an independent lineage that is grouped with O. lipuensis and O. liboensis based on the mitochondrial 16S and 12S ribosomal RNA genes. We recommend the new species be listed as Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN categorization as it is only known from the type locality with limited microhabitats and is threatened by habitat degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We hypothesized that exposure to polluting fuels for cooking was associated with abnormality of glucose metabolism and diabetes mellitus (DM) in south urban China. 3414 residents were surveyed in 14 urban areas of Guangdong Province in 2018. We recorded polluting fuels for cooking exposure, different DM status (DM, prediabetes), fasting blood glucose (FBG), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and other covariates by using a structured questionnaire. We conducted logistic regression model and multivariate linear regression model based on propensity‐score method (inverse probability of weighting) to examine the effect of polluting fuels for cooking exposure on DM and glucose metabolism. Exposure to polluting fuels for cooking was associated with DM (odds ratio: 2.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.71 to 3.86) and prediabetes (odds ratio: 1.98, 95% confidence interval: 1.52 to 2.58) in both the adjusted and unadjusted models (all p < 0.05). Exposure to polluting fuels for cooking was significantly associated with an increase of FBG (β: 0.30 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval: 0.22 to 0.38 mmol/L). Sensitivity analysis showed that the results were not substantially changed. There was an increased risk of DM, prediabetes and high levels of FBG, OGTT, and HbA1c among participants aged ≥ 40 years with exposure to polluting fuels for cooking. We demonstrated that exposure to polluting fuels for cooking was associated with higher levels of FBG, which contributed to the increased risk of DM and prediabetes in middle‐aged elderly Chinese population living in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To summarize data from a serological survey of high‐risk populations in Guangdong Province, China, and to perform a meta‐analysis to investigate the prevalence and seroprevalence of celiac disease (CD) in the Chinese general and high‐risk populations. Methods: We collected data from the serological survey of high‐risk population of CD in Guangdong Province, China (N = 1390) by testing their serum tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin A (tTG‐IgA), deamidated gliadin peptides immunoglobulin A (DGP‐IgA) and deamidated gliadin peptides immunoglobulin G (DGP‐IgG). Additionally, a literature search was performed on PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and three Chinese databases for articles published up to 20 December 2020 to estimate the pooled prevalence and seroprevalence of CD in China. Results: In the serological survey, 0.94% (13/1390) of individuals were positive for CD antibodies. In a meta‐analysis of 18 studies, the seroprevalence of CD in the general Chinese population was 0.27% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02%‐0.71%). While that in the high‐risk population was 8.34% (95% CI 4.90%‐12.54%) (odds ratio 7.27, 95% CI 4.06‐13.04). The prevalence of biopsy‐confirmed CD in high‐risk Chinese populations was 4.44% (95% CI 1.53%‐8.58%). The seroprevalence of CD varied with patients' geographical origin, being higher in northern China than in southern China. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of CD by serological screening in high‐risk population and generous serological testing in those with vague symptoms, especially in northern China, are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We sought to investigate the association between active cigarette smoking (ex‐ and current smokers) with or without exposure to biomass fuels and respiratory symptoms/lung function in middle‐aged adults and the elderly. In the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease surveillance conducted in six cities of Guangdong province, China, we surveyed 1986 residents aged 40‐93 years. We recorded respiratory symptoms, smoking status, use of biomass fuel, and other covariates by using a structured questionnaire. All models were adjusted for second‐hand smoking. Active smoking with or without exposure to biomass fuels was significantly associated with wheezing, chronic cough, and phlegm (all P <.05). Active smoking alone with or without exposure to biomass fuels was associated with 2.5% and 0.6% reduction in the mean forced vital capacity predicted, 6.8% and 4.2% reduction in the mean forced expiratory volume in one second predicted, and 9.0% and 4.7% reduction in the mean maximal mid‐expiratory flow predicted compared with the exposure to neither smoking nor biomass fuels, respectively. However, exposure to biomass fuel alone was associated with neither greater lung function impairment nor respiratory symptoms except for chronic cough. Efforts should be made to protect home owners and their family from adverse effects of indoor air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assessment of fractured rock aquifers in many parts of the world is complicated given their strong heterogeneity. Delineation of the subsurface geological formation in the weathered terrain is essential for groundwater exploration. To achieve this goal, 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and self-potential (SP) in combination with joint profile method (JPM) and boreholes have been carried out to delineate the subsurface geological units, detect the fracture/fault zones in hard rock, monitor the groundwater flow, and estimate the groundwater reserves contained within the weathered terrain at a complex heterogeneous site of Huangbu, South Guangdong of China. The integration of resistivity images with the borehole lithology along three profiles delineates three subsurface distinct layers namely topsoil cover, weathered and unweathered layers. The incorporation of ERT and SP with JPM reveal five fractures/faults, i.e., F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5. 2D ERT models interpret the less resistive anomalies as the fractures/faults zones, and high resistive anomalies as the fresh bedrock. The inversion program based on the smoothness-constraint is used on the resistivity field data to get more realistic three layered model. SP measurements are obtained along the same electrical profiles which provide the negative anomalies clearly indicating the groundwater preferential flow pathways along the fracture/fault zones. Hydraulic parameters namely hydraulic conductivity and transmissivity were determined to estimate the groundwater resources contained within the fractures/faults. The integrated results suggest that the fractures/faults zones are most appropriate places of drilling for groundwater exploration in the investigated area. Geophysical methods coupled with the upfront borehole data provides better understanding about the conceptual model of the subsurface geological formations. The current investigation demonstrates the importance of the integrated geophysical methods as a complementary approach for groundwater assessment in the hard rock weathered areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Drowning is a major cause of morbidity and mortality for children, yet non-fatal drowning remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to explore potential modifiable risk factors of non-fatal drowning among children in rural areas of China.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was first conducted to obtain non-fatal drowning cases, and 7432 students in grades three to eight from 17 schools participated in the cross sectional survey. Of these, 805 students reported that they experienced non-fatal drowning in the previous year. Then 368 cases were selected randomly to participate in a 1:1 matched case-control study. Each drowning case was matched by one control with the same sex and similar age (the gap less than 2 years) who was selected randomly from the same class.Results: Boys were more likely to be involved in non-fatal drowning. Non-fatal drowning most often happened in the afternoon (65.1%) and natural bodies of water were the most common sites of drowning (71.1%). Swimming, diving and playing in natural waters were the leading activities that preceded non-fatal drowning. The significant risk factors for non-fatal drowning were swimming in natural waters without adult supervision (OR = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.92-6.03), playing in or beside natural waters (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.17-3.70) and poor swimming skills (OR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.14-6.62). However, the following variables were protective factors: supervisor aged 30 years or over (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.09-0.49) and no water activities (OR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.18-0.70).Conclusions: The reduction in dangerous water activities, swimming training and enhancement in supervision among children might decrease the risk of non-fatal drowning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huanglongbing, commonly known as citrus greening, is a devastating disease of citrus worldwide. Candidatus liberibacter asiaticus is the putative cause of citrus greening disease in China and is spread through the process of plant grafting and feeding by insect vectors. Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) is a destructive pest due to insecticide resistance development and the main cause of dissemination of Huanglongbing. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of Huanglongbing present in Guangdong province and the acquisition of the pathogen by D. citri through feeding. Six different city areas of Guangdong province were sampled. The results demonstrated that Yunfu currently has the highest infestation rate of CLas in Guangdong province, followed by Chaozhou, Jiangmen, and Foshan. In comparison, Zhongshan and Maoming have the lowest infestation rates. Results also showed that CLas acquisition was directly proportional to the insect feeding duration. The longer an insect fed on an infested plant, the more CLas it acquired. The acquisition efficiency of the pathogen was higher at night compared to during the daytime. During the time period of 15:00–07:00 D. citri acquires more pathogens than during the period of 07:00–15:00. This study provides a basic understanding of the feeding pattern of D. citri, which aids in devising a management program for effective control of direct and indirect losses caused by D. citri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to investigate the association between household exposure to biomass fuel and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components including blood pressure, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and waist circumference among females in southern rural China. We surveyed 1664 residents in the Chronic Disease and Risk Factors Surveillance , conducted in 14 districts of Guangdong province. We recorded the use of biomass fuel, MetS and its components, and other covariates by using a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression model and multivariate linear regression model were adopted for analysis. Exposure to biomass fuel was significantly associated with an increase of systolic blood pressure (SBP) (β: 2.15, 95% confidence interval: 0.13 to 4.17) and FBG (β: 0.19, 95% confidence interval: 0.01 to 0.37) in the adjusted and unadjusted models (all P < 0.05). Among participants with exposure to biomass fuel, being overweight or obese was associated with an increased risk of having hypertension (odds ratio: 3.19, 95% confidence interval: 2.13 to 4.76) and higher FBG levels (odds ratio: 2.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.46 to 3.02). Exposure to biomass fuel was significantly associated with a decrease of the prevalence of central obesity (P < 0.05). However, exposure to biomass fuel was not associated with MetS, diastolic blood pressure and TG (all P > 0.05). Exposure to biomass fuel is associated with an increase in blood pressure and FBG levels, but not MetS per se. Efforts should be made to protect females in southern rural China from the adverse effects associated with biomass fuel pollution. • This is the first study delineating the association between biomass fuel and multiple MetS components. • Biomass fuel was associated with increased blood pressure and FBG. • Overweight or obese women who were exposed to biomass fuel had a higher risk of hypertension. • Higher FBG associated with biomass fuel exposure was detected in overweight or obese participants. • Biomass fuel exposure was not associated with the development of MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]