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Specimens of Crinipellis and Marasmius (Marasmiaceae) collected from Beijing, North China, were studied by morphological and molecular methods. Phylogenetic analyses were performed separately for the two genera based on ITS sequence data. Two new species, C. deutziae and M. pinicola, were found, and C. rhizomaticola was reported from China for the first time. Crinipellis deutziae is characterized by small basidiocarps, large and variably shaped basidiospores measuring 8.8–11 × 7.5–9.5 µm, the presence of both cheilocystidia and pleurocystidia, and growing on Deutzia parviflora. Marasmius pinicola is characterized by small basidiocarps, cylindrical, reniform to phaseoliform basidiospores measuring 6–8 × 3.5–4.2 µm, often capitate cheilocystidia, and pleurocystidia, and growing on fallen leaves of Pinus tabuliformis. Descriptions and illustrations are provided for the three species. The results of this study contribute to the knowledge of the species diversity of macro-fungi in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and all-cause mortality among the elderly in Beijing. Methods This analysis was based on the Beijing multidimensional longitudinal study of aging (BLSA), which included 2,090 subjects over 55 years old and was followed-up from 1992 to 2012. BMI-mortality curves were drawn to find the optimal BMI range with the lowest mortality. Cox proportional hazard models were used to obtain the hazard ratios (HRs) for BMI and BMI changes in the overall population and in specific stratified populations. Results During follow-up, 1,164 deaths were recorded; BMI-mortality curve was U-shaped, with the lowest mortality at a BMI of approximately 25 kg/m 2 . After adjusting for gender, age, smoking, drinking and some pre-existing diseases, HRs for underweight, overweight and obesity compared with normal weight were 1.372 (95% CI : 1.154-1.631), 0.767 (95% CI : 0.666-0.884) and 0.871 (95% CI : 0.830-1.246), respectively. HR for BMI drop was 3.245 (95% CI : 0.824-12.772) in the underweight group and 1.892 (95% CI : 0.830-1.246) in the normal weight group, HR for BMI rise was 1.795 (95% CI : 1.243-2.591) in normal weight group and 1.962 (95% CI : 1.202-3.203) in the overweight group. Conclusion Keeping BMI in an overweight status and stable is related to a reduced mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most prevalent mental disorder in the general population and has been associated with socioeconomic factors. Beijing has undergone significant socioeconomic changes in last decade, however no large-scale community epidemiological surveys of MDD have been conducted in Beijing since 2003. Aims To determine the prevalence of MDD and its socio-demographic correlates in a representative household sample of the general population in Beijing, China. Method Data were collected from the 2010 representative household epidemiological survey of mental disorders in Beijing. The multistage cluster random sampling method was used to select qualified subjects in 18 districts and counties, and then face-to-face interviews were administered using the Chinese version of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Axis I Disorders-Patient Edition (SCID-I/P) during November 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. Results 19,874 registered permanent residents were randomly identified and 16,032 (response rate=80.7%) completed face-to-face interviews. The time-point and life-time prevalence rates of MDD were estimated to be 1.10% (95% CI: 0.94–1.26%) and 3.56% (95% CI: 3.27–3.85%) respectively. Significant differences were found in sex, age, location of residence, marital status, education, employment status, personal/family monthly income, perception of family environment and relationship with others, when comparing residents with MDD to those without MDD. Those who were female, aged 45 or above, reported low family income, or reported an “average” or “poor” family environment were associated with a higher risk of MDD. Conclusions The prevalence of MDD reported in this survey is relatively lower than that in other western countries. Female sex, age older than 45, low family income, and poor family environment appear to be independent risk factors for MDD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]