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• Reducing modifiable risk factors could prevent the onset of cognitive decline. • Physical multimorbidity–cognitive function association was mediated by depression. • Routine screening for depression in multimorbidity patient may delay dementia onset. This paper explores the role of depressive symptoms (mediator/moderator) in the association between physical multimorbidity (exposure) and cognitive function (outcome) among older adults in the three most populous middle-income countries. This study used cross-sectional data from China (2015 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study), India (2017/2018 Longitudinal Ageing Study in India), and Indonesia (2014/2015 Indonesian Family Life Survey), with a total sample of 73,199 respondents aged ≥ 45 years. Three domains of cognitive tests were harmonised across surveys, including time orientation, word recall, and numeracy. The four-way decomposition analysis assessed the mediation and interaction effects between exposure, mediator/moderator, and outcome, adjusted for covariates. The mean age of the respondents (in years) was slightly younger in Indonesia (56.0, SD = 8.8) than in China (59.5, SD = 9.3) and India (60.0, SD = 10.5). The proportion of male respondents was 49.3 % in China, 47.3 % in India, and 47.5 % in Indonesia. Respondents in China had the highest mean cognitive function z scores (54.7, SD = 19.9), followed by India (51.1, SD = 20.0) and Indonesia (51.0, SD = 18.4). Physical multimorbidity was associated with lower cognitive function in China and India (p < 0.0001), with 48.4 % and 40.0 % of the association explained by the mediating effect of depressive symptoms ('overall proportion due to mediation'). The association was not found in Indonesia. Cognitive functions were lower among individuals with physical multimorbidity, and depressive symptoms mainly explained the association. Addressing depressive symptoms among persons with physical multimorbidity is likely to have not only an impact on their mental health but could prevent cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • This paper explores the effects of four dimensions of social exclusion on self-rated health and depression among older people in China. • Lower level of exclusion from social relationships was associated with less likely to report fair or poor SRH. • Lower level of subjective feelings of exclusion was associated with less likely to report fair or poor SRH. • Lower level of subjective feeling of exclusion was associated with less likely to report depression. • Lower level of exclusion from financial products was associated with less likely to report depression. Abstract Background It is well established that social exclusion is a key social determinant of health; however, such association between social exclusion and health outcomes among older people remain a relatively under-researched area. This paper explores the effects of four dimensions of social exclusion on self-rated health and depression among older people in China. Methods This paper includes 8038 individuals aged 60 and over from the first wave national multi-stage probability sample (2014) from the China Longitudinal Aging Social Survey (CLASS). Descriptive univariate information for individual variables and four dimensions of social exclusion are presented. Multinomial and binary logistic regression models are used to examine the associations between social exclusion and self-rated health and depression. Results Older people who were in the lower level of exclusion from social relationships or subjective feelings of exclusion were significantly less likely to report fair or poor self-rated health than people in the higher level of exclusion (lower level of exclusion from social activities was significantly associated with being less likely to report poor SRH only). Older people who were in the lower level of subjective feeling of exclusion or exclusion from financial products were significantly less likely to report depression. Conclusions Different dimensions of social exclusion have different effects on self-rated health and depression. Social policies need to reflect this and efforts of services could usefully be oriented to prevent multi-dimensions of social exclusion. Ultimately, such policies should have the potential to enhance the health of older people in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China is faced with a serve aging crisis, and the seniors’ long-distance travel is becoming more challenging with the rapid development of high-speed trains. This paper studies the transfer feasibility for elderly passengers passing through specific barriers at high-speed train stations. Questionnaires were distributed at Beijing High-Speed Train Station, with 716 valid samples involved. This paper divides the transfer procedure into seven phases, and proposes various points of interest at each phase with different barriers. These points of barriers are categorized into three major different types: Serious AND Common, Serious BUT NOT Common, and Common BUT NOT Serious. The quantitative relationships between each point of barriers and old travelers’ information have been explored using decision tree and binary logistics regression. As a conclusion, we suggest some recommendations for improving the transfer environment, long-distance mobility, as well as wellbeing of the older adults at high-speed train stations. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to study the transfer feasibility at high speed train stations for seniors both qualitatively and quantitatively, especially dealing with the complicated transfer procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Interactions between non-migrants and migrants inflect their ageing experiences. • The spatial attributes of shared spaces can deter or foster intercultural relations. • Micro-publics reveal whether meaningful co-presence exists in shared space. • Ageing-in-place needs to be analysed alongside ageing-across-borders. • Qualitative GIS methods provide a fuller perspective of older adults' life-worlds. While there has been considerable academic interest in the topics of encounters and conviviality, including within the migration literature, little is known about how non-migrant and migrant older adults interact with one another in shared spaces, forming micro-publics that inflect the experiences of ageing for both groups. Using Qualitative Geographic Information Science (qualitative GIS), this paper identifies three types of spaces shared by non-migrant and migrant older adults from Singapore and the People's Republic of China respectively. The first type of shared space is characterised by asynchronicity in that, despite co-located activities, intercultural interactions are less likely to be fostered between non-migrants and migrants. The second type of shared space features informal, spontaneous encounters that develop into more regular forms of interaction with 'otherness', but active negotiation of social difference could be limited. The third type of shared space is marked by formal, organised activities where non-migrants and migrants work towards a common goal, prompting productive negotiations with difference. Through juxtaposing these three types of shared spaces, we argue for the importance of drawing out how spatial attributes can deter or foster varying degrees of negotiations with difference, while acknowledging that the fluidity of such processes depend on the users and social contexts too. We also suggest that notions of ageing-in-place need to be analysed alongside ageing-across-borders, giving attention to how migration impacts ageing in later life—both for migrants who are adapting to life abroad temporarily as well as non-migrants who may experience "transnationalism by proxy". (247 words; max 250 words) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The social and spatial patterns of ageing population in urban China illuminate the influence of the socioeconomic transformation associated with the dual economic system. Guangzhou, one of China's megacities, is used as a case study in this paper. Data from the 2010 National Census were used to examine the spatial differentiation and the related factors of ageing communities in Guangzhou. Using social area analysis, the study identified six categories of ageing communities: traditional inner-city communities, traditional danwei residential communities, commercial housing ageing communities, danwei compound ageing communities, immigrant ageing communities, and rural ageing communities. The paper analyses the reasons and processes leading to the clustering of the elderly population in each category of areas associated with distinctive spatial patterns of ageing differentiation. These patterns suggest that the socio-spatial differentiation of ageing communities is a joint outcome of urban development, housing policies, personal status and family relationships. The dynamics of both ageing in place and ageing with migration had a dual impact on the spatial, social and ecological patterns of ageing communities. The spatial differentiation of ageing communities in the study area should be taken into account when formulating urban planning and public policies. In addition, a dynamic public facility and service allocation system is also necessary to meet the needs associated with evolving socio-spatial urban restructuring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A general accelerated aging method for aftertreatment devices of HDDEs was proposed and its equivalence was verified. • The NH 3 and N 2 O emission factors are not linear deterioration with the intensification of accelerated aging. • The NH 3 emission factors of test HDDE comply with China VI emission regulation in the whole useful life. • The N 2 O emission factors of test HDDE exceed EPA's limit in the whole useful life. A general accelerated aging method for aftertreatment devices of Heavy-duty Diesel Engine (HDDE) is proposed in this paper, and three sets of aftertreatment devices were aged according to this method. The error between the World Harmonized Transient Cycle (WHTC)-NOx emission factors of conventional aging and those of accelerated aging fitted by equivalent thermal accumulation is −4.12 to 3.13 %, which proves that the two methods have good equivalence. Meanwhile, the NH 3 and N 2 O emission characteristics and durability were tested by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) equipment. The results show that NH 3 and N 2 O emissions do not deteriorate linearly with the intensification of thermal aging like NOx. Except that the NH 3 emission of AT03 exceeds the limit of China VI emission regulation (the average and maximum NH 3 concentration in the WHTC test are 35.25 ppm and 350.30 ppm, separately), NH 3 emission of other aged devices meet the requirements. Combined with the equivalent durability mileage of 1130000 km of AT02, the test China VI HDDE can effectively control NH 3 emissions and has a large margin with the limit requirements. However, the deterioration rate of N 2 O emission gradually slows down with the intensification of accelerated aging. The accelerated aging tests also indicate that N 2 O generation is closely related to NH 3 in SCR, consistent with previous studies conclusions of low-temperature and high-temperature N 2 O generation mechanisms. Equally important is that the N 2 O emission emitted from test China VI HDDE is significantly higher than the emission limit of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The N 2 O emission factors under the WHTC test are as high as 0.15 to 0.35 g/kWh, which should draw the attention of Chinese environmental regulatory authorities, who should start to formulate N 2 O emission limits and put forward complementary strategies to reduce N 2 O emissions from HDDEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a major labor-intensive agricultural producer globally, China is facing a rapidly aging farming population and a persistent exodus of young farmers. There are no clear answers to the questions of how China's labor-intensive agriculture will be shaped by these challenges and what future changes will occur. Exploring the agricultural practices of older farmers and the farmland transfer plans (FTPs) of farmers for retirement and the associated mechanisms is important for answering these questions. Thus, we construct an explanatory framework for FTPs using a nested structure consisting of factors at 3 levels, macrocontext, meso-region, and microindividual, and conduct an empirical study based on a field survey of two villages with specialized fruit and vegetable cultivation in China. The results demonstrate the negative effects of an aging farming population on labor-intensive agricultural production, returns, and risk resistance capacities. While macrolevel contextual characteristics in China determine the widespread psychological rejection of farming by the young generation, the interaction of objective factors, including their education level, jobs, wages and their family's agricultural resources and farming practices, shapes the individual heterogeneity in intergenerational farmland transfer plans; moreover, location and geography are among the core factors affecting the regional differences in FTPs. Finally, this paper envisions multiple possible trajectories of China's labor-intensive agriculture and the corresponding geographical patterns under the challenges of the aging of farmers. • The trends of aging farmers and the lack of successors in China are intensifying. • These trends are important challenges for labor-intensive agricultural development. • An explanatory framework for farmers' farm transfer plans for retirement is constructed. • The nature of individual and regional differences in farm transfer plans is revealed. • The future trajectories of labor-intensive agriculture in China are set out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The factors that influence the length of human life are complex and longevity remains a controversial topic, particularly in China. This paper demonstrates the spatial patterns and changes of the elderly group (65 years old and over), the oldest old (80 years old and over) and the centenarians in China in the last decade, analyzes the influence of economic development on aging, and in the end, using a case study, explores the characteristics of the centenarians’ behavior. The results indicate that high elderly and the oldest old proportions are more common in regions with higher socio-economic development and that have a favorable climate. Centenarian distribution pattern is less influenced by economic but only for few regions. Lifestyle factors, such as sufficient sleep, positive mental state and a light diet are also largely found among the centenarian group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Carthamus tinctorius L. (Compositae), a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, was known as Hong hua (Chinese: ▪), safflower. Safflower with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects has been used to treat dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain and mass, trauma and pain of joints, etc. The present paper reviews the advancements in investigation of botany and ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of safflower. Finally, the possible tendency and perspective for future investigation of this plant are discussed, too. Materials and methods: The information on safflower was collected via piles of resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific databases including Pubmed, Google Scholar, ACS, Web of science, CNKI and others. Results: Over 104 compounds from this plant have been isolated and identified, and quinochalcones and flavonoids are considered as the characteristic and active constituents of safflower. Safflower with its active compounds possesses wide-reaching biological activities, including dilating coronary artery, improving myocardial ischemia, modulating immune system, anticoagulation and antithrombosis, antioxidation, antiaging, antihypoxia, antifatigue, antiinflammation, anti-hepatic fibrosis, antitumor, analgesia, etc. Conclusions: As an important traditional Chinese medicine, it is important to investigate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of this plant based on modern realization of diseases' pathophysiology. More bioactive components should be identified using bioactivity-guided isolation strategies, and the possible mechanism of action as well as potential synergistic or antagonistic effects of multi-component mixtures derived from safflower need to be evaluated integrating pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, bioavailability-centered and physiological approaches. Further studies on safflower can lead to the development of new drugs and therapeutics for various diseases, and how to utilize it better should be paid more attention to. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Epimedium (Berberidaceae), is a genus of about 52 species in the family Berberidaceae, which also known as Rowdy Lamb Herb, Xianlinpi, Barrenwort, Bishop''s Hat, Fairy Wings, Horny Goat Weed, and Yangheye or Yin Yang Huo (Chinese: ▪). Many plants have been proven to possess efficacy on sexual dysfunction and osteoporosis in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The paper reviews the ethnopharmacology, the biological activities and the correlated chemical compounds of Epimedium species. More than 260 compounds have been isolated; among them prenyl-flavonoids are the major constituents and also important chemotaxonomic markers. Modern pharmacology studies and clinical practice demonstrated that Epimedium and its active compounds possess wide pharmacological actions, especially in strengthening yang, hormone regulation, anti-osteoporosis, immunological function modulation, anti-oxidation and anti-tumor, anti-aging, anti-atherosclerosis and anti-depressant activities. Currently, effective monomeric compounds or active parts have been screened for pharmacological activity from Epimedium in vivo and in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of baseline socio-economic factors on functional status decline over a period of 3 years among a sample of Chinese older men and women, using the China Health and Nutrition Surveys of 1997 and 2000. In addition, the study tries to determine whether risk differentials by these socio-economic factors can be explained by other demographic, health-related and nutritional risk factors. The eligible study population was defined as women and men aged 55 years and over who at baseline were free from any form of disablement in activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) tasks. Among subjects with complete data at followed-up (N= 976), the overall incidence proportions of any functional status decline, IADL only and ADL declines were 25.8%, 18.9% and 6.9%, respectively. Our study found that education is strongly and inversely associated with incidence of combined functional status decline and IADL only but not with the onset of ADL disability. Similarly, household income per capita was inversely associated with functional status decline and IADL disability incidence, with a clear dose-response relationship, even after adjustment for age and gender. However, multivariate analysis demonstrated that the latter association was highly confounded by other demographic factors, especially urban-rural area of residence. Using a combined measure of socio-economic status that includes years of education and household income per capita, the age and gender-adjusted odds ratio for functional status decline and belonging to lower SES class as compared to middle, upper middle and upper classes was 3.82 (95% CI: 2.15, 6.77) and 2.77 (95% CI: 1.52, 5.03) after further adjustment for urban-rural area of residence and living arrangements. Hence, there are wide socio-economic disparities in the functional health of older adults in China, although such disparities are more seen for IADL decline and are almost exclusively attributed to differentials in educational attainment. Finally, nutritional and health-related risk factors do not seem to act as intermediate factors in this association and hence further research should try to uncover other mechanisms by which SES affects changes in functional health among older adults in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Many barriers and problems are affecting large-scale deployment of AI-enabled wearable medical devices (WMDs) in China. • Public healthcare organisations have strong concerns about clinical, managerial and regulatory aspects. • Device providers are confronted with technological and financial challenges. • Elderly users emphasise more on personal and usage related issues. • Enhancing clinical trust by encouraging collaboration amongst all concerned parties is the key to improve the status quo. In order to provide better health and caring services to its rapidly growing ageing population, China has turned to new digital innovations empowered by Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, e.g. wearable medical devices (WMDs). This paper reports on an exploratory study that investigated socio-technical barriers and challenges affecting large-scale deployment of AI-enabled WMDs amongst Chinese old people. Nine focus groups were done to collect in-depth insights and comprehensive viewpoints respectively from Chinese families, local device providers, and public healthcare organisations. The qualitative data collected was analysed by using a thematic analysis approach. The results showed a set of 16 crucial barriers related to diverse technological, managerial, clinical, financial, legal and personal aspects. amongst these, lack of collaboration between WMD providers and public health organizations was identified to be the most critical barrier. This challenge was triggered by a range of clinical, financial, legal, managerial, and technical reasons, and would substantially prevent large-scale deployment and usage of AI-enabled wearable medical devices in the Chinese context [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]