Extreme cold weather and circulatory diseases of older adults: A time-stratified case-crossover study in jinan, China

Analyzing cardiovascular disease hospitalization risks due to cold and heat waves in Dezful

Given the increasing health risks associated with climate change, particular attention is focused on the elderly as a vulnerable group. This study aimed to analyze how these climate extremes impact the health and hospitalization rates of these patients. In this ecological time series study, daily Meteorological and environmental pollutants data for Dezful and hospitalization records for cardiovascular diseases based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th codes were collected from 2013 to 2019. Definitions for heat waves and cold waves were established Based on previous studies in this field. The study utilized a combination of Distributed Lag Nonlinear Models and Quasi Poisson analysis to investigate the association between each definition of cold and heat waves and hospitalization. The results indicate that heat waves are associated with an increased risk of hospital admissions due to cardiovascular disease in individuals over 75 years of age. Additionally, cold waves significantly increase the risk of hospitalization due to cardiovascular disease in individuals aged 65 to 74 years. Specifically, in the section on added effects, the results show that Cold Wave impacts the risk of hospitalization in patients aged 56 to 74 years (added effects: lags of 0, 0-2, 0-6, and 0-13). This study highlights the significant impact of heat and cold waves on the risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular diseases in Dezful. Older adults, especially those over 65, are particularly vulnerable to these climate-related health risks. As climate change progresses, it is essential to implement public health strategies that protect at-risk populations during extreme weather events.

Deuterium in drinking water and its effects on cancer and longevity

This study investigates the spatial distribution of longevity levels, deuterium in drinking water, and cancer incidence rates, and further examines the impact of deuterium in drinking water on longevity and cancer incidence. Methods such as correlation coefficients and Kriging spatial interpolation were employed to uncover the characteristics of spatial distribution and identify correlations. Findings reveal that regions with higher longevity levels are mostly located on the eastern side of the Hu Huanyong Line (Heihe-Tengchong Line). Deuterium in drinking water decreases from low latitude, low elevation, and coastal areas to high latitude, high elevation, and inland regions. Notably, there is a positive correlation between deuterium content in drinking water and longevity levels, indicating that higher deuterium content is associated with increased longevity. Additionally, counties with lower deuterium content in drinking water show a reduced incidence of cancer cases.

Cold and longevity: Can cold exposure counteract aging?

Aging is a multifaceted biological process characterized by a progressive decline in physiological functions and heightened vulnerability to diseases, shaped by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Among these, cold exposure has garnered interest for its potential anti-aging benefits. This review examines the impact of cold exposure on aging, focusing on key physiological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, metabolic regulation, and cardiovascular health. Cold exposure has been shown to reduce chronic inflammation, enhance antioxidant defenses, and improve metabolic health by activating brown adipose tissue. Furthermore, findings from hibernating mammals and model organisms suggest a connection between lower environmental temperatures and increased longevity. However, the potential long-term health risks of extended cold exposure, particularly in older adults, remain a significant concern. Epidemiological studies reveal increased rates of mortality and morbidity in populations living in cold climates, emphasizing the complexity of the relationship between cold exposure and aging. This review underscores the need for further research to elucidate the long-term effects of cold exposure on aging and to establish guidelines for leveraging its benefits while mitigating cold-induced risks.

Association between periodic variation of air temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and hospital admissions for acute occlusive mesenteric ischaemia

Referring to the intestinal ischemic injury caused by sudden interruption of the blood supply, acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a highly fatal emergency with mortality rates varying from 58 to 80%. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of temperature on AMI admission. This was a retrospective, multicentric study. The medical records of 1477 patients with verified AMI who were consecutively admitted to 3 hospitals anytime between January 2010 and December 2020 were included in the study. Distributed lag non-linear model was applied, the model was adjusted for temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, year, holiday, day of the week, time and seasonality. AMI exhibited obvious sex preference, AMI patients tended to be male (M/F ratio = 2.3:1) and in their late 50 s. Hospital admissions of acute mesenteric arterial thromboembolism (AMAT) increased significantly with high temperatures on day of exposure and lag 0-14 day. The effect curve of daily average temperature on acute mesenteric venous thromboembolism (AMVT) admission was J-shaped, and the duration of cold effect was longer, while the duration of heat effect was shorter. An increase in hospital admissions of AMVT was found above 20 °C at lag 0-30. For the first time, our study indicated that temperature is significantly associated with the risk of AMI. Although it is not possible to always avoid exposure to extreme temperatures, one should be aware of dramatic temperature fluctuations and take appropriate precautions.

Social-economic transitions and vulnerability to extreme temperature events from 1960 to 2020 in Chinese cities

Climate change leads to more frequent and intense extreme temperature events, causing a significant number of excess deaths. Using an epidemiological approach, we analyze all-cause deaths related to heatwaves and cold spells in 2,852 Chinese counties from 1960 to 2020. Economic losses associated with these events are determined through the value of statistical life. Findings reveal that cold-related cumulative excess deaths (1,133 thousand) are approximately 2.5 times higher than heat-related deaths, despite an increase in heat-related fatalities in recent decades. Monetized mortality due to heat-related events is estimated at 1,284 billion CNY, while cold-related economic loss is 1,510 billion CNY. Notably, cities located in colder regions experience more heat-related excess deaths, and vice versa. Economic development does not significantly reduce mortality risks to heatwaves across China. This study provides insights into the spatial-temporal heterogeneity of heatwaves and cold spells mortality, essential for policymakers ensuring long-term climate adaptation and sustainability.

The threaten of typhoons to the health of residents in inland areas: a study on the vulnerability of residents to death risk during typhoon "Lekima" : In Jinan, China

BACKGROUND

Studies had suggested increased risk of death of residents was associated with typhoons, particularly coastal regions. However, these findings ignored the impact of inland typhoons on the health of residents, especially the indirect death risk caused by typhoons. This study aimed to investigate the acute death risk of residents during inland typhoon Lekima in Jinan, further identify vulnerable populations and areas.

METHODS

We selected the daily death from 11 to 27th August 2019 in Jinan as case period, and conducted a time-stratified case-crossover design to match the contemporaneous data from 2016 to 2018 as control period. We used the generalized linear Poisson models to estimate the related effects of death risk during typhoon Lekima and lag days.

RESULTS

During the Lekima typhoon month, there were 3,366 deaths occurred in Jinan. Compared to unexposed periods, the acute death risk of non-accidental diseases (especially circulatory diseases), female and the older adults increased significantly in the second week after the typhoon. The maximum significant effect of circulatory disease deaths, female and older adult deaths were appeared on lag9, lag9, and lag13 respectively. And the typhoon-associated RR were 1.19 (95%CI:1.05,1.34), 1.28 (95%CI:1.08,1.52), and 1.22 (95%CI:1.06,1.42) respectively. The acute death risk of residents living in TQ and CQ increased significantly on Lag2 and Lag6 after the typhoon, respectively, while those living in LX, LC, HY, JY, and SH occurred from Lag 8 to Lag 13 after the typhoon. LC lasted the longest days.

CONCLUSIONS

Typhoons would increase the vulnerability of residents living in Jinan which mainly occurred from the seventh day after the typhoon. Residents suffering from non-accidental diseases (circulatory diseases), female and the older adults were more vulnerable. The vulnerability of TQ and CQ occurred on Lag2 and Lag6 after typhoon Lekima, respectively, and the other areas except ZQ and PY occurred from Lag 8 to Lag 13. LC lasted the longest duration. Our findings emphasized the importance of the emergency response, which would help policymakers to identify vulnerable regions and populations accurately during typhoons and formulate the emergency response plan.

Acute Effects of Low Temperatures and Cold Waves on Elderly Infectious Pneumonia Mortality - Jinan City, Shandong Province, China, 2014-2022

What is already known about this topic?

The mortality rate due to pneumonia varies depending on the infectious agents present in a low- temperature environment.

What is added by this report?

This study aimed to examine the relationship between low temperatures and cold waves and the risk of mortality from infectious pneumonia in the elderly. The findings indicate a significant increase in the risk of infectious pneumonia, specifically bacterial pneumonia, during periods of low temperatures and cold waves.

What are the implications for public health practice?

This study presents compelling evidence that highlights the importance of proactive public responses to infectious pneumonia among the elderly population during periods of cold waves.

Ambient temperatures associated with reduced cognitive function in older adults in China

The cognitive function status of older adults determines the social function and living quality of older adults, which is related to the healthy development and stability of the society. However, the impact of high or low ambient temperature on cognitive function in older adults remains unclear. Based on data from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), we comprehensively assessed the impact of ambient temperature on the cognitive function of older adults in this study. The findings exhibited that for each 1 °C ascent in monthly temperature of high temperature, the examination score of global cognitive function of older adults decreased by 0.48 (95% CI 0.21-0.74), which was greater than that of 0.14 (95% CI 0.06-0.25) for each 1 °C reduction in low temperature. Overall, the detrimental effect of high temperature on cognitive function in older adults was more significant than that of low temperature, including on the five sub-cognitive functions involved. Our research provides vital technical guidance and reference for the health protection and prevention of cognitive function of older adults in specific external environmental conditions under the current climatic variation and temperature rise.

A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Older Persons and Family Experiences with Extreme Weather Conditions in Northern Thailand

Extreme weather can cause ill health in older persons due to a direct thermal effect on the body's thermoregulation and difficulties in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and accessing the health services they need. To understand experiences in relation to their exposures to extreme weather and how they responded to such weather conditions, including cold snaps, heat and air pollution in northern Thai communities, a descriptive qualitative study was conducted to uncover details and the essence of perspectives and experiences of older persons and family members. Three focus group discussions with 15 older persons and 15 family members occurred in three communities in Chiang Rai, a northern province of Thailand. Thematic analysis was performed. Experiences of older persons and families in relation to extreme weather conditions were described in five themes: local actions against weather changes, the double challenges, awareness and reactions to weather changes, protective and comfortable living environments, and mitigation of the impacts of weather conditions. Seasonal adaptability was key for older persons to stay safe and healthy during extreme weather changes. Heat, cold snaps, and air pollution made health and daily living routine maintenance among older persons challenging, especially among those with declining health. Older persons and families employed predictive and adaptive strategies to avoid and minimise extreme weather impacts and maximise their comfort and optimal living.