Richard Liang

All Publications

• Outcome of pregnancy oral glucose tolerance test and preterm birth. Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.) Liang, R., Panelli, D. M., Stevenson, D. K., Rehkopf, D. H., Shaw, G. M., Sørensen, H. T., Pedersen, L. 2024

  Abstract

  Gestational diabetes is associated with adverse outcomes such as preterm birth (<37 weeks). However, there is no international consensus on screening criteria or diagnostic levels for gestational diabetes, and it is unknown whether body mass index (BMI) or obesity modifies the relation between glucose level and preterm birth.We studied a pregnancy cohort restricted to two Danish regions from the linked Danish Medical Birth Register to study associations between glucose measurements from the 2-hour post-load 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (one-step approach) and preterm birth from 2004-2018. In Denmark, gestational diabetes screening is a targeted strategy for mothers with identified risk factors. We used Poisson regression to estimate rate ratios (RR) of preterm birth with z-standardized glucose measurements. We assessed effect measure modification by stratifying analyses and testing for heterogeneity.Among 11,337 pregnancies (6.2% delivered preterm), we observed an adjusted preterm birth RR of 1.2 (95% CI: 1.1-1.3) for a 1 standard deviation glucose increase of 1.4 mmol/L from the mean 6.7 mmol/L. There was evidence for effect measure modification by obesity, e.g., adjusted RR for non-obese (BMI <30): 1.2 (95%CI: 1.1-1.3) vs. obese (BMI ≥30): 1.3 (95%CI: 1.2-1.5), P=0.05 for heterogeneity.Among mothers screened for gestational diabetes, increased glucose levels, even those below the diagnostic level for gestational diabetes in Denmark, were associated with increased preterm birth risk. Obesity (BMI ≥30) may be an effect measure modifier, not just a confounder, of the relation between blood glucose and preterm birth risk.

  View details for DOI 10.1097/EDE.0000000000001752

  View details for PubMedID 38771706

• Sensory impairment, loneliness, and the discordance between subjective and objective cognitive function among older adults: A multi-cohort study. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics Liu, G., Liang, J., Hong, C., Gao, C., Guan, B., Liang, R., Luo, Y., Zheng, X. 2024; 124: 105482

  Abstract

  This study aimed to examine the association between sensory impairment and the discordance between subjective/objective cognitive function among older adults and test the mediating effect of loneliness.We used data from four cohort studies conducted in 16 countries (N = 19,119). Sensory impairment and subjective cognitive impairment were self-reported. Objective cognitive impairment was measured in three dimensions. Generalized estimating equations were conducted to examine the association between sensory impairment and discordance in subjective/objective cognitive function. Cross-lagged panel model and a bootstrap method with 2,000 samples were employed to verify the mediating effect.Sensory impairment was related to an increased risk of subjective cognitive impairment (OR = 4.70, 95 % CI 4.33-5.10), objective impairment (OR = 1.51, 95 %CI 1.31-1.74), as well as the discordance in subjective/objective cognitive function (OR = 1.35, 95 %CI 1.06-1.71 for older adults with normal subjective cognitive function). In contrast, sensory impairment was associated with a decreased risk of discordant subjective/objective cognitive function among those with subjective cognitive impairment (OR = 0.79, 95 %CI 0.66-0.94). Moreover, loneliness mediated the association between sensory impairment and subjective cognitive impairment (standardized indirect effect = 0.002, 95 %CI 0.001-0.004), objective cognitive impairment (standardized indirect effect = 0.005, 95 %CI 0.003-0.007) as well as the discordance in subjective/objective cognitive function (standardized indirect effect = 0.001, 95 %CI 0.001-0.003 for older adults with normal subjective cognitive function).Significant association between sensory impairment and discordance in subjective/objective cognitive function and the mediating role of loneliness were revealed, varying by subjective cognitive function. Early screening on sensory impairment and targeted interventions on loneliness should be considered in future policies on cognitive impairment.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105482

  View details for PubMedID 38735224

• Estimating the joint association of adverse childhood experiences and asthma with subsequent depressive symptoms: a marginal structural modelling approach. BMJ mental health Takemura, Y., Sato, K., Liang, R., Isobe, M., Kondo, N., Inoue, K. 2024; 27 (1)

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: The relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and depression risk has been well documented. However, it remains unclear whether stress-related chronic conditions associated with ACEs, such as asthma, increase the long-term mental health burden of ACEs.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the joint association of ACEs and asthma with subsequent depressive symptoms among US adults.METHODS: This study used data from the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System 2010, including 21544 participants over 18 years old from four states where participants were questioned about ACEs. We used logistic regression models to calculate the adjusted OR (aOR) for elevated depressive symptoms evaluated by Patient Health Questionnaire-8 according to ACEs and asthma, along with marginal structural models (MSM) to consider ACE-related confounders between asthma and depression. We evaluated the additive interaction between ACEs and asthma on depressive symptoms with the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI).FINDINGS: Of the 21544 participants (mean age: 56, women: 59.5%), 52.3% reported ≥1 ACEs, 14.9% reported a history of asthma and 4.0% had depressive symptoms. ACEs and asthma were independently associated with elevated depressive symptoms (aORs (95%CI) were 2.85 (2.30 to 3.55) and 2.24 (1.50 to 3.27), respectively). Furthermore, our MSM revealed an additive interaction between ACEs and asthma for depressive symptoms (RERI (95%CI)=+1.63 (0.54 to 2.71)).CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that asthma amplifies the risk of depressive symptoms associated with ACEs.CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Prevention and treatment of asthma, along with establishing preventive environments and services against ACEs, are effective in mitigating the potential burden of ACEs on mental health.

  View details for DOI 10.1136/bmjment-2023-300859

  View details for PubMedID 38307627

• The relationship of internal migration and depressive symptoms as well as its mechanisms: evidence from China CHINA POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES Liu, Y., Liang, R., Luo, Y. 2023; 7 (4): 457-476

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s42379-023-00149-w

  View details for Web of Science ID 001329905400002

• Associations between county-level public health expenditures and community health planning activities with COVID-19 incidence and mortality. Preventive medicine reports Liang, R., Kiang, M. V., Grant, P., Jackson, C., Rehkopf, D. H. 2023; 36: 102410

  Abstract

  The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed consequences of past defunding of the U.S. public health system, but the extent to which public health infrastructure is associated with COVID-19 burden is unknown. We aimed to determine whether previous county-level public health expenditures and community health planning activities are associated with COVID-19 cases and deaths. We examined 3050 of 3143 U.S. counties and county equivalents from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2022. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression and generalized additive models were used to estimate associations between county-level public health expenditures and completion of community health planning activities by a county health department with outcomes of county-level COVID-19 cases and deaths per 100,000 population. After adjusting for county-level covariates, counties in the highest tertile of public health expenditures per capita had on average 542 fewer COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population (95% CI, -1004 to -81) and 21 fewer deaths per 100,000 population (95% CI, -32 to -10) than counties in the lowest tertile. For analyses of community health planning activities, adjusted estimates of association remained negative for COVID-19 deaths, but confidence intervals included negative and positive values. In conclusion, higher levels of local public health expenditures and community health planning activities were associated with fewer county-level COVID-19 deaths, and to a lesser extent, cases. Future public health funding should be aligned with evidence for the value of county health departments programs and explore further which types of spending are most cost effective.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102410

  View details for PubMedID 37732021

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10507150

• Guideline Compliance and Indications for Inferior Vena Cava Filter Placement at a Quaternary Care Medical Center. Journal of endovascular therapy : an official journal of the International Society of Endovascular Specialists Choe, J., Liang, R., Weinberg, A. S., Tapson, V. F. 2023: 15266028231204822

  Abstract

  PURPOSE: This study investigated physician compliance with indications for inferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement according to the 2012 American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the 2011 Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) guidelines.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective medical record review of 231 retrievable IVC filters placed between August 15, 2016, and December 28, 2017, at a large urban academic medical center. Guideline compliance to the 2012 ACCP and the 2011 SIR guidelines, and indications for IVC filter placements were assessed through an adjudication protocol. Filter retrieval and complication rates were also examined.RESULTS: Compliance to guidelines was low (60.2% for ACCP; 74.0% for SIR), especially for non-intensive care unit (ICU) patients (ICU 74.6% vs non-ICU 54.8%, p=0.007 for ACCP; ICU 82.5% vs non-ICU 70.8%, p=0.092 for SIR). After adjudication, 8.2% (19/231) of filters were considered non-indicated but reasonable, 17.7% (41/231) non-indicated and unreasonable, and 13.9% (32/231) SIR-indicated but not ACCP-indicated. The most common indication was venous thromboembolism with contraindication to anticoagulation. The most common reasons for non-compliance were distal deep venous thrombosis with contraindication to anticoagulation (19/60, 31.6%) and clot burden (19/60, 31.6%). One-year filter retrieval and 90-day complication rates were 32.0% (74/231) and 6.1% (14/231), respectively.CONCLUSION: Compliance to established guidelines was low. Reasons for non-compliance included limitations or discrepancies in guidelines, as well as non-evidence-based filter placements.CLINICAL IMPACT: Despite increasing utilization of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters, guideline compliance for IVC filter placement among providers is unclear. The results of this study indicate that physician compliance to established guidelines is poor, especially in non-intensive-care-unit patients. Noncompliance stems from non-evidence-based filter placement as well as differences and limitations in guidelines. Avoiding non-indicated IVC filter placement and consolidation of guidelines may significantly improve guideline compliance. The critical insights gained from this study can help promote judicious use of IVC filters and highlight the role of venous thromboembolism experts in navigating complex cases and nuances of guidelines.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/15266028231204822

  View details for PubMedID 37882162

• Patient Preferences for Telemedicine Among Individuals With Chronic Conditions in South Korea During the Early COVID-19 Pandemic. Asia-Pacific journal of public health Chang, A., Liang, R., Eggleston, K., Kim, D. 2023: 10105395231204994

  View details for DOI 10.1177/10105395231204994

  View details for PubMedID 37837284

• Economic insecurity exposure and cognitive function in late life. Journal of epidemiology and community health Luo, Y., Xu, M., Liang, R. 2023

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVES: This study took the State-owned Enterprises (SOE) reform from 1996 to 2002 in China as a natural experiment to explore the consequences of economic insecurity exposure during early-adulthood and mid-adulthood on cognitive function in later life.METHODS: Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), 2014 and 2015. CHARLS is a nationally representative survey covering 28 provinces in China. A total of 4536 urban dwellers born earlier than 1971 (aged 25 years old and above at the start of the SOE reform in 1996) were included in our analyses. Using province-year-level economic loss from the layoffs, we examined the impact of economic insecurity exposure on the cognitive function score by using a difference-in-differences model with 1996-2002 as the cut-off.RESULTS: Individuals exposed to economic insecurity have significantly decreased cognitive function, in which a 1% point increase in expected economic loss would decrease the cognitive function score by 0.09 (95% CI: -0.17 to -0.01). Given that the average intensity of expected economic loss was 11.59% and the mean score of cognitive function was 21.26, exposure to the SOE reforms led to an average decrease in the cognitive function score by at least 4.91%.CONCLUSIONS: Providing cognitive health surveillance and psychological counselling may be important for preventing cognitive decline among those experiencing economic insecurity.

  View details for DOI 10.1136/jech-2023-220481

  View details for PubMedID 37657920

• Consequences of China's special send-down movement on infectious disease control in rural areas: a natural experiment. SSM - population health Luo, Y., Ye, X., Wang, Y., Liu, Y., Liang, R., He, P., Zheng, X. 2023; 23: 101421

  Abstract

  China's send-down movement in the 1960s and 1970s, as a natural experiment, provides a unique opportunity to investigate the relationship between peers' dissemination of health literacy, community health workers, and infectious disease control in areas with weak health systems and inadequate human resources. To address the lack of studies on the health effects of the send-down movement, this study examined the associations between prenatal exposure to the send-down movement and infectious diseases in China.We analyzed 188,253 adults born in 1956-1977 with rural hukou who participated in the Second National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006 across 734 counties of China. Difference-in-difference models were used to detect the effect of the send-down movement on infectious diseases. Infectious diseases were ascertained by using the combination of self- or family members' reports and on-site medical diagnosis of disabilities attributed to infectious disease by experienced specialists. The density of the relocated urban sent-down youth or "sent-down youths" (SDYs) in each county defined the intensity variable of the send-down movement.Individuals in SDY-receiving areas with increased intensity of prenatal exposure to the send-down movement had a decreased probability of infectious diseases (β = -0.0362, 95% CI: 0.0591, -0.0133) after controlling for a set of regional and cohort characteristics. This association was stronger in counties with more prevalent infectious diseases prior to the send-down movement (β = -0.0466, 95% CI: 0.0884, -0.0048) than in those with less prevalence (β = -0.0265, 95% CI: 0.0429, -0.010). No substantial differences were found across sex-specific groups or by strictness of send-down movement implementation. On average, prenatal exposure to the send-down movement corresponded to a decrease in the probability of infectious diseases in rural areas by 19.70%.For areas with weak health systems, strengthening community health workers and promoting health literacy may be two key points to address the burden of infectious diseases. Increasing education and primary health care through peer-to-peer dissemination may contribute to the reduction of infectious disease prevalence.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101421

  View details for PubMedID 37252290

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC10209325

• Cardiometabolic multimorbidity, lifestyle behaviours, and cognitive function: a multicohort study. The lancet. Healthy longevity Jin, Y., Liang, J., Hong, C., Liang, R., Luo, Y. 2023

  Abstract

  Little is known about the effect of lifestyle factors on cognitive decline related to cardiometabolic multimorbidity. We aimed to examine the association between cardiometabolic multimorbidity and cognitive decline, and the role of lifestyle factors in this association.We did a pooled multi-cohort study using pooled data from four cohort studies (the Health and Retirement Study; the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing; the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe; and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study) across 14 countries. Eligible participants were age 50 years and older, and those who were missing information on exposure and outcomes, or who had been diagnosed with dementia or Parkinson's disease, were excluded. Cardiometabolic multimorbidity was defined as the co-occurrence of two or three cardiometabolic diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The primary outcome of cognitive function was measured in three domains, on the basis of the mean and SD of the corresponding tests: memory, numeracy, and orientation, in all participants with available data. A global cognitive score was created by summing the individual scores.The final sample consisted of 160 147 individuals across all four studies (73 846 [46·1%] men and 86 301 [53·9%] women) and participants had a mean age of 67·49 years  (SD 10·43). An increasing number of cardiometabolic diseases was dose-dependently associated with the decline in cognitive function score (one disease, β=-0·15 [95% CI -0·17 to -0·13]; two diseases, β=-0·37 [-0·40 to -0·34]; three diseases, β=-0·57 [-0·64 to -0·50]), with comorbid diabetes and stroke (β=-0·23 [-0·29 to -0·17]) contributing most strongly to cardiometabolic disease-associated cognitive decline. Cognitive decline associated with cardiometabolic disease was accelerated with physical inactivity (one cardiometablic disease, p=0·020; two cardiometablic diseases, p=0·42; and three cardiometablic diseases, p=0·24), excessive alcohol use (one cardiometablic disease, p=0·016; two cardiometablic diseases, p=0·65; and three cardiometablic diseases, p=0·50), and the higher number of unhealthy lifestyle factors (one cardiometablic disease, p=0·79; two cardiometablic diseases, p=0·0050; and three cardiometablic diseases, p=0·888).These findings indicated a targeted approach for simultaneously developing preventative interventions on lifestyles and integrated treatment for cardiometabolic comorbidities to delay cognitive decline in older people.Major Project of the National Social Science Fund of China, National Natural Science Foundation of China, China Medical Board, and Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/S2666-7568(23)00054-5

  View details for PubMedID 37150183

• Associations between pregnancy glucose measurements and risk of preterm birth: a retrospective cohort study of commercially insured women in the United States from 2003-2021. Annals of epidemiology Liang, R., Panelli, D. M., Stevenson, D. K., Rehkopf, D. H., Shaw, G. M. 2023

  Abstract

  To investigate associations between glucose measurements during pregnancy and risk of preterm birth (PTB).Retrospective cohort study of commercially insured women with singleton live births in the United States from 2003-2021 using longitudinal medical claims, socioeconomic data, and eight glucose results from different types of fasting and post-load tests performed between 24-28 weeks of gestation for gestational diabetes screening. Risk ratios of PTB (<37 weeks) were estimated via Poisson regression for z-standardized glucose measures. Non-linear relationships for continuous glucose measures were examined via generalized additive models.Elevations in all eight glucose measures were associated with increased risk (adjusted risk ratio point estimates: 1.05-1.19) of PTB for 196,377 women with non-fasting 50-gram glucose challenge test (one glucose result), 31,522 women with complete 100-gram, 3-hour fasting oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results (four glucose results), and 10,978 women with complete 75-gram, 2-hour fasting OGTT results (three glucose results). Associations were consistent after adjusting for and stratifying by sociodemographic and clinical factors. Substantial non-linear relationships (U-, J-, and S-shaped) were observed between several glucose measurements and PTB.Elevations in various glucose measures were linearly and non-linearly associated with increased risk of PTB, even before diagnostic thresholds for gestational diabetes.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.03.002

  View details for PubMedID 36905977

• Global trends and regional differences in the burden of anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder attributed to bullying victimisation in 204 countries and territories, 1999-2019: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study. Epidemiology and psychiatric sciences Hong, C., Liu, Z., Gao, L., Jin, Y., Shi, J., Liang, R., Maimaitiming, M., Ning, X., Luo, Y. 2022; 31: e85

  Abstract

  This study aimed to analyse the temporal and spatial trends in the burden of anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder related to bullying victimisation on global, regional and country scales.Data were from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study. We assessed the global disability-adjusted life years (DALYs, per 100 000 population) of anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder attributable to bullying victimisation by age, sex and geographical location. The percentage changes in age-standardised rates of DALYs were used to quantify temporal trends, and the annual rate changes across 204 countries and territories were used to present spatial trends. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between the sociodemographic index (SDI) and the burden of anxiety disorders as well as major depressive disorder attributable to bullying victimisation and its spatial and temporal characteristics globally.From 1990 to 2019, the global DALY rates of anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder attributable to bullying victimisation increased by 23.31 and 26.60%, respectively, with 27.27 and 29.07% for females and 18.88 and 23.84% for males. Across the 21 GBD regions, the highest age-standardised rates of bullying victimisation-related DALYs for anxiety disorders were in North Africa and the Middle East and for major depressive disorder in High-income North America. From 1990 to 2019, the region with the largest percentage increase in the rates of DALYs was High-income North America (54.66% for anxiety disorders and 105.88% for major depressive disorder), whereas the region with the slowest growth rate or largest percentage decline was East Asia (1.71% for anxiety disorders and -25.37% for major depressive disorder). In terms of SDI, this study found overall upward trends of bullying-related mental disorders in areas regardless of the SDI levels, although there were temporary downward trends in some stages of certain areas.The number and rates of DALYs of anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder attributable to bullying victimisation increased from 1990 to 2019. Effective strategies to eliminate bullying victimisation in children and adolescents are needed to reduce the burden of anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder. Considering the large variations in the burden by SDI and geographic location, future protective actions should be developed based on the specific cultural contexts, development status and regional characteristics of each country.

  View details for DOI 10.1017/S2045796022000683

  View details for PubMedID 36440549

  View details for PubMedCentralID PMC9714217

• Characteristics and treatment patterns of autism spectrum disorder in China, 2020. Psychiatry research Luo, Y., Zhao, Y., Wang, Y., Liang, R., Hong, C., Yang, Y., Zheng, X. 2022; 317: 114879

  Abstract

  This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of children diagnosed with ASD in China and to estimate ASD treatment patterns in 2020. This study used data from the 2020 Survey on Family Circumstance and Demand Support and Resources among Autistic Children in China. The study sample included 4,557 children diagnosed with ASD aged 2-16 years old. Data were collected through questionnaires completed by parents. Of the 4,557 children with ASD, there was a male-to-female ratio of 5.75:1, and the average age when ASD risk symptoms were first reported was 27.97(SD=10.83) months. Higher proportions of families with highly educated parents (college and above; around 58%) and advanced parental age at childbirth (≥35 years; over 50%) were found among autistic children. Additionally, about 41.05% of autistic children had an immediate family member diagnosed with mental/intellectual disorders. In terms of the treatment patterns for autistic children, 84.82% had received behavioral and developmental treatments and 77.74% had received therapy-based treatments, whereas 3% children had not received any treatment. Higher odds of non-treatment were found among children who were male (OR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.01,3.03) and had ASD diagnosed later on (OR= 1.02, 95% CI:1.01,1.03), as compared to their counterparts. Future studies will need to explore the etiology of the disparities of ASD, and policy efforts are critically needed to understand and address the barriers for children with ASD to receive appropriate treatments.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114879

  View details for PubMedID 36215776

• The association between community-level socioeconomic status and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older adults in China. BMC psychiatry Liu, Y., Liu, Z., Liang, R., Luo, Y. 2022; 22 (1): 297

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: There was little evidence concerning the association of community socioeconomic status (SES) and the cross-level interaction between community- and individual-level SES with depressive symptoms in China. This study aimed to investigate the association of community-level SES with depressive symptoms among Chinese middle-aged and older people and to examine whether individual-level SES moderates this relationship.METHODS: Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal 2011-2018 Study, the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10) short form was used to measure depressive symptoms in 35,546 Chinese individuals aged 45 years and older. Community SES was calculated as a sum of z scores of the average years of schooling and household income per capita, which were derived by aggregating the individual measures to the community level. Two-level hierarchical linear regression was used.RESULTS: Community SES was negatively related to CES-D-10 scores (coef=-0.438). A 1-SD increase in individual SES was associated with lower CES-D-10 scores (coef=-0.490). The cross-level interaction on individual- and community-level SES was significantly associated with depressive symptoms, indicating that with the increase of individual-level SES, the effect of community-level SES on depression decreases. Stratified analyses observed robust associations of community SES with CES-D scores between urban and rural residents.CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that individuals who live in lower-SES communities had more severe depressive symptoms, particularly individuals with low SES. Additional attention should be given to the community socioeconomic context of middle-aged and older adults with lower SES, which may be helpful to reduce SES inequalities in depressive symptoms in China.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12888-022-03937-9

  View details for PubMedID 35484534

• The association between community-level socioeconomic status and cognitive function among Chinese middle-aged and older adults: a study based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). BMC geriatrics Liu, Y., Liu, Z., Liang, R., Luo, Y. 2022; 22 (1): 239

  Abstract

  BACKGROUND: Although numerous studies focused on the relationship between area socioeconomic status (SES) and health, only a few of them investigated how community-level SES was linked to late-life cognitive function as well as the potential pathways underlying this association, and very few of them focused on the context of China. This study examined how community-level SES was linked to cognitive function and the potential pathways underlying this association among middle-aged and older adults in China.METHODS: Data was drawn from the waves 1-4 of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. We measured cognitive function with the components of the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status battery. Community-level SES was derived from a sum of z scores of the percentage of the illiterate and the per-capita net income status within communities. We adopted two-level hierarchical linear regression models to explore the associations between community-level SES and cognitive function. A multilevel mediation analysis with structural equation modeling was undertaken to disaggregate the direct and indirect pathways of the associations.RESULTS: Higher community-level SES was associated with better cognitive function (beta=0.562, 95% CI=0.390, 0.734), and this significant association was only present in rural participants, not in urban participants. Furthermore, we discovered the mediating effects of outdoor exercise facilities within communities (beta=0.023, 95% CI=0.000, 0.056) and individual-level SES (beta=0.108, 95% CI=0.057, 0.156) to explain the relationship between community SES and cognitive function.CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of community environmental interventions in maintaining individuals' cognitive health in China, especially for older adults. Our results provided solid empirical evidence for reducing mental health inequalities in China, and suggested that developing an aging-friendly environment and properly distributing community resources are important to improve cognitive function of older adults.

  View details for DOI 10.1186/s12877-022-02946-3

  View details for PubMedID 35317733

• Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Chronic Disease Care in India, China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Vietnam. Asia-Pacific journal of public health Singh, K., Xin, Y., Xiao, Y., Quan, J., Kim, D., Nguyen, T., Kondal, D., Yan, X., Li, G., Ng, C. S., Kang, H., Minh Nam, H., Mohan, S., Yan, L. L., Shi, C., Chen, J., Thi Hong Hanh, H., Mohan, V., Kong, S., Eggleston, K., Research Group on COVID-19 and Chronic disease care in Asia, Prabhakaran, D., Tandon, N., Narayan, K. V., Ali, M. K., Ranjit Mohan, A., Mohan, D., Jagannathan, S., Venkateshmurthy, N. S., Jarhyan, P., Gong, E., Xiong, S., Chen, X., Ostbye, T., Duman, E. K., Cowling, B. J., Ng, T. W., Xiao, J., Leung, G. M., Chang, A., Liang, R. 1800: 10105395211073052

  Abstract

  This study aims to provide evidence on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted chronic disease care in diverse settings across Asia. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted to assess the health, social, and economic consequences of the pandemic in India, China, Hong Kong, Korea, and Vietnam using standardized questionnaires. Overall, 5672 participants with chronic conditions were recruited from 5 countries. The mean age of the participants ranged from 55.9 to 69.3 years. A worsened economic status during the COVID-19 pandemic was reported by 19% to 59% of the study participants. Increased difficulty in accessing care was reported by 8% to 24% of participants, except Vietnam: 1.6%. The worsening of diabetes symptoms was reported by 5.6% to 14.6% of participants, except Vietnam: 3%. In multivariable regression analyses, increasing age, female participants, and worsened economic status were suggestive of increased difficulty in access to care, but these associations mostly did not reach statistical significance. In India and China, rural residence, worsened economic status and self-reported hypertension were statistically significantly associated with increased difficulty in access to care or worsening of diabetes symptoms. These findings suggest that the pandemic disproportionately affected marginalized and rural populations in Asia, negatively affecting population health beyond those directly suffering from COVID-19.

  View details for DOI 10.1177/10105395211073052

  View details for PubMedID 35067078

• The effects of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function among middle-aged and older population in China. The Science of the total environment Luo, Y. n., Zhong, Y. n., Pang, L. n., Zhao, Y. n., Liang, R. n., Zheng, X. n. 2021; 754: 142460

  Abstract

  Growing evidence has linked outdoor air pollution exposure with higher risk of cognitive impairments. However, the role of indoor air pollution in cognitive decline is not well elaborated. By using nationally representative longitudinal data, this study aimed to explore the effects of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function among middle-aged and older individuals in China.Data were obtained from 2011 to 2015 waves of CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study). Scores from the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status and figure drawing/word recall tests were used to measure cognitive function in 39,482 individuals. Exposure to indoor air pollution was measured as use of solid fuel for cooking. Solid fuel was defined as coal, biomass charcoal, wood, and straw; clean fuel was defined as liquefied gas, natural gas, and electricity. Linear mixed effect models were applied to examine the effect of indoor air pollution from solid fuel use on cognitive function.Participants had an average global cognitive function of 9.67 (SD = 4.13). Solid fuel users made up 49.71% of participants, but this proportion was much greater among those living in rural areas (64.22%). Compared with clean fuel users, solid fuel users had worse cognitive function. On average, solid fuel users had a 0.81 (95%CI: -0.89, -0.73) lower global cognition score, 0.63 (95%CI: -0.69, -0.57) lower mental health score, and 0.16 (95%CI: -0.22, -0.14) lower episodic memory score. These effects were stronger among participants who are female, aged 65 years old and above, have education level of primary school and below, or have cardiovascular diseases.These results provide evidence for the role of indoor air pollution in neurobehavioral disorders in China. Promotion of practices like expanded use of clean fuel and improved stoves in households may be crucial to significantly reduce indoor air pollution and protect mental health.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142460

  View details for PubMedID 33254849

• Low Prenatal Vitamin D Metabolite Ratio and Subsequent Postpartum Depression Risk. Journal of women's health (2002) Accortt, E. E., Arora, C., Mirocha, J., Jackman, S., Liang, R., Karumanchi, S. A., Berg, A. H., Hobel, C. J. 2020

  Abstract

  Background: Depression is a common complication of pregnancy and vitamin D deficiency is one biological risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD). Methods: We evaluated the ratio of 24,25(OH)2D and 25(OH)D serum concentrations referred to as the Vitamin D Metabolite Ratio (VMR), a new candidate biomarker during pregnancyand its relationship with PPD. Women were enrolled in the first trimester of pregnancy and followed through four timepoints. Results: A total of 89 women had complete depression, biomarker and demographic data and 34% were at risk for PPD (CES-D≥16). Stepwise multiple logistic regression models for PPD risk were carried out with eight predictors. Results showed that only lower VMR, OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.10-1.86, p = 0.007, and Hispanic/Latina identification, OR = 3.83, 95% CI 1.44-10.92, p = 0.007 were significantly associated with higher PPD risk. Conclusion: Routine prenatal screening for vitamin D metabolites, particularly in Hispanic/Latina women, may identify women at risk for PPD.

  View details for DOI 10.1089/jwh.2019.8209

  View details for PubMedID 33021442

• Schizophrenia and education in Chinese metropolises: a population-based study SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY Luo, Y., He, P., Zhang, L., Pang, L., Guo, C., Liang, R., Zheng, X. 2020

  Abstract

  Schizophrenia is a public concern in metropolises. Increases in city size may strengthen the correlation between prevalence of schizophrenia and indices of socioeconomic status, such as education. This study used population-based data of adults to investigate the association between education and schizophrenia in Chinese metropolises and its differences between inner city areas and outer suburbs.Data was obtained from the Second China National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006, and analysis was restricted to 189,143 participants aged 18 years or older in all counties (districts) of Beijing, Shanghai, and Tianjin. Schizophrenia diagnoses were ascertained according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Logistic regression models were fitted to examine the association between education and schizophrenia.An inverse U-shaped pattern between education and schizophrenia was found in inner city areas of Chinese metropolises. Compared with the primary school or below group, the odds ratios of junior high school group and senior high school or above group was 2.79 (95% CI 1.96, 3.96) and 1.45(95% CI 0.99, 2.13), respectively. In outer suburbs, junior high school (OR = 0.87, 95% CI 0.63, 1.19) and senior high school or above groups (0.58, 95% CI 0.38, 0.87) were less likely to develop schizophrenia than the primary school or below group.This study showed an association between education and schizophrenia in Chinese metropolises. In inner city areas, the association was an inverse U-shaped pattern between education and schizophrenia, whereas in suburban areas, the association was a negative linear pattern. Our findings can help identify high-risk populations of schizophrenia in Chinese metropolises. Programs for prevention and early intervention of schizophrenia will need to consider the socioeconomic disparities between inner city and outer suburban areas. Public policies can help improve mental health by developing social security for migrants in inner city areas and promoting regional equality.

  View details for DOI 10.1007/s00127-020-01898-6

  View details for Web of Science ID 000550652400001

  View details for PubMedID 32691081

• Association between urbanicity and dementia in China: a population-based study. The journals of gerontology. Series B, Psychological sciences and social sciences Luo, Y., Zhao, Y., Pang, L., Guo, C., Liang, R., Zheng, X. 2020

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the relationship between urbanicity and dementia, and predicted its non-linear pattern among Chinese adults aged 50 years old and above.METHODS: This study used data from the Second National Sample Survey on Disability, which was implemented from 1 April to 31 May 2006 across China. Dementia status was determined by a two-stage process: the combination of self-reports or family members' reports and an on-site medical diagnosis by experienced specialists based on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision Symptom Checklist for Mental Disorders. Logistic regression models were used to examine the relationship between urbanicity and dementia, and restricted polynomial spline regression models were plotted to examine the non-linear exposure-response relationship of urbanicity and dementia.RESULTS: Logistic regression results showed that an increase of 10% in the degree of urbanization was associated with a 73% decrease in the odds of dementia after adjusting for covariates, particularly area-level socioeconomic variables. This observed association was stronger in the younger age group, and this age group difference was only present in females. Spline regression findings suggested a non-linear exposure-response relationship between urbanicity and the odds of dementia. Areas with very high levels of urbanization were associated with increased odds of dementia.CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the necessity to properly examinethenuanced relationship betweenurbanicityandmental health, especially for females in the younger age group. Notably, there were increased odds of dementia at very high levels of urbanicity.

  View details for DOI 10.1093/geronb/gbaa090

  View details for PubMedID 32644163

• Use of the Bedside-Placed Angel Catheter IVC Filter for Venous Thromboembolic Disease in Critically Ill Medical Patients JOURNAL OF INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE Matusov, Y., Weinberg, A. S., Liang, R., Meza, J., Friedman, O., Tapson, V. F. 2019

  View details for DOI 10.1177/0885066619874692

  View details for Web of Science ID 000486057600001

• Extubation to high-flow nasal cannula in critically ill surgical patients. The Journal of surgical research Dhillon, N. K., Smith, E. J., Ko, A., Harada, M. Y., Polevoi, D., Liang, R., Barmparas, G., Ley, E. J. 2017; 217: 258-264

  Abstract

  High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly used to reduce reintubations in patients with respiratory failure. Benefits include providing positive end expiratory pressure, reducing anatomical dead space, and decreasing work of breathing. We sought to compare outcomes of critically ill surgical patients extubated to HFNC versus conventional therapy.A retrospective review was conducted in the surgical intensive care unit of an academic center during August 2015 to February 2016. Data including demographics, ventilator days, oxygen therapy after extubation, reintubation rates, surgical intensive care unit and hospital length of stay, and mortality were collected. Self and palliative extubations were excluded. Characteristics and outcomes, with the primary outcome being reintubation, were compared between those extubated to HFNC versus cool mist/nasal cannula (CM/NC).Of the 184 patients analyzed, 46 were extubated to HFNC and 138 to CM/NC. Mean age and days on ventilation before extubation were 57.8 years and 4.3 days, respectively. Both cohorts were similar in age, sex, and had a similar prevalence of cardiopulmonary diagnoses at admission. Although prior to extubation HFNC had lengthier ventilation requirements (7.1 versus 3.4 days, P < 0.01) and ICU stays (7.8 versus 4.1 days, P < 0.01), the rate of reintubation was similar to CM/NC (6.5% versus 13.8%, P = 0.19). Multivariable analysis demonstrated HFNC to be associated with a lower risk of reintubation (adjusted odds ratio = 0.15, P = 0.02). Mortality rates were similar.Ventilated patients at risk for recurrent respiratory failure have reduced reintubation rates when extubated to HFNC. Patients with prolonged intubation or those with high-risk comorbidities may benefit from extubation to HFNC.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jss.2017.06.026

  View details for PubMedID 28711371