Successful up-scaled population interventions to reduce risk factors for non-communicable disease in adults: results from the International Community Interventions for Health (CIH) Project in China, India and Mexico

BACKGROUND

Non-communicable disease (NCD) is increasing rapidly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC), and is associated with tobacco use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity. There is little evidence for up-scaled interventions at the population level to reduce risk in LMIC.

METHODS

The Community Interventions for Health (CIH) program was a population-scale community intervention study with comparator population group undertaken in communities in China, India, and Mexico, each with populations between 150,000-250,000. Culturally appropriate interventions were delivered over 18-24 months. Two independent cross-sectional surveys of a stratified sample of adults aged 18-64 years were conducted at baseline and follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 6,194 adults completed surveys at baseline, and 6,022 at follow-up. The proportion meeting physical activity recommendations decreased significantly in the control group (C) (44.1 to 30.2%), but not in the intervention group (I) (38.0 to 36.1%), p<0.001. Those eating ≥ 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily decreased significantly in C (19.2 to 17.2%), but did not change in I (20.0 to 19.6%,), p=0.013. The proportion adding salt to food was unchanged in C (24.9 to 25.3%) and decreased in I (25.9 to 19.6%), p<0.001. Prevalence of obesity increased in C (8.3 to 11.2%), with no change in I (8.6 to 9.7%,) p=0.092. Concerning tobacco, for men the difference-in-difference analysis showed that the reduction in use was significantly greater in I compared to C (p=0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Up-scaling known health promoting interventions designed to reduce the incidence of NCD in whole communities in LMIC is feasible, and has measurable beneficial outcomes on risk factors for NCD, namely tobacco use, diet, and physical inactivity.

Cloning and expression analysis of terpenoid metabolism-related gene NsyCMS in Nicotiana sylvestris

Terpenoids constitute the main class of secondary metabolites produced in plants with industrial, pharmacological, and agricultural interests. Nicotiana sylvestris has been widely adopted as a diploid model system in plant biology for studies of terpenoid biosynthesis. In this paper, we report the isolation and analysis of the 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase (CMS) gene of the MEP (methylerythritol 4-phosphate) pathway from N. sylvestris. We used homologous-based cloning with a RACE method to obtain the full-length coding sequence of the NsCMS. Then, the physical and chemical properties, function, and three-dimensional structure of the NsyCMS protein were predicted. Fluorogenic quantitative PCR was used to conduct an expression analysis at different developmental stages of various tissues of the NsyCMS. The sequence of the NsyCMS consists of a 954-bp open reading frame and encodes a predicted protein of 317 amino acids, with a molecular weight of approximately 49.6 kDa and pi of 6.92. The in vivo localization of the encoded protein was cytoplasmic with no signal peptide, whereas 2 transmembrane regions were found in NsyCMS. The conserved domains of typical 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol 2,4-cyclodiphosphate synthase, aminotransferase, and pyridoxal phosphate-dependent transferase were found in NsyCMS. Differential expression patterns of the NsyCMS were observed throughout the different developmental stages and tissues. NsyCMS messenger RNA was expressed in all tissues, with the highest level of expression in the seedling leaves. NsyMK was expressed at a higher level in the resettling roots. The results from our study set the foundation for exploring the terpenoid biosynthetic pathways in N. sylvestris.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms predisposing to asthma in children of Mauritian Indian and Chinese Han ethnicity

Our objective was to investigate the distributions of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) MS4A2 E237G, MS4A2 C-109T, ADRB2 R16G, IL4RA I75V, IL4 C-590T, and IL13 C1923T in Mauritian Indian and Chinese Han children with asthma. This case-control association study enrolled 382 unrelated Mauritian Indian children, 193 with asthma and 189 healthy controls, and 384 unrelated Chinese Han children, 192 with asthma and 192 healthy controls. The SNP loci were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism for the Chinese Han samples and TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR for the Mauritian Indian samples. In the Mauritian Indian children, there was a significant difference in the distribution of IL13 C1923T between the asthma and control groups (P=0.033). The frequency of IL13 C1923T T/T in the Mauritian Indian asthma group was significantly higher than in the control group [odds ratio (OR)=2.119, 95% confidence interval=1.048-4.285]. The Chinese Han children with asthma had significantly higher frequencies of MS4A2 C-109T T/T (OR=1.961, P=0.001) and ADRB2 R16G A/A (OR=2.575, P=0.000) than the control group. The IL13 C1923T locus predisposed to asthma in Mauritian Indian children, which represents an ethnic difference from the Chinese Han population. The MS4A2 C-109T T/T and ADRB2 R16G A/A genotypes were associated with asthma in the Chinese Han children.

Family influences on physical activity and sedentary behaviours in Chinese junior high school students: a cross-sectional study

Background

Family influence plays an important role in a child’s physical activity (PA). This study aimed to describe the level of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviours among Chinese junior high school students and examine the associations between different types of family influence and MVPA or sedentary behaviours.

Methods

Participants of two independent cross-sectional surveys, conducted in 2009 and 2011, were students in Grade 7 and 9 from all junior high schools in Hangzhou, China. The daily duration and frequency of MVPA, amount of sedentary time and frequency of family support were self-reported. Multi-level mixed-effects logistic regression was used to examine the associations between different types or levels of family influence and MVPA or sedentary behaviours.

Results

A total of 7286 students were analysed finally. Overall, only 9.0% of the students participated in MVPA at least 60 minutes/day; 63.9% spent no more than 2 hours/day in sedentary behaviours. Frequent verbal encouragement and watching were associated with less leisure-time sedentary behaviours. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for verbal encouragement and watching were 1.29 (95% CI, 1.08 to 1.55) and 1.19 (95% CI, 0.97 to 1.45) for 5-7 days per week. The involvement of family in the children’s activity in most days of the week was associated with both higher level of MVPA and less leisure-time sedentary behaviours. The respective ORs among students who reported familial support 5-7 days per week, were 1.50 (95% CI, 1.21 to 1.86) for engaging in seven days of MVPA per week, 1.67 (95% CI, 1.19 to 2.32) for at least 60 minutes of MVPA daily, and 1.48 (95% CI, 1.19 to 1.84) for no more than 2 hours of leisure-time sedentary behaviours daily.

Conclusions

This study found that less than 10.0% of urban Chinese adolescents engaged in MVPA at least 60 minutes/day. Family involving themselves in the children’s activity exerted the most significant influence on children’s behaviours as compared with verbally encouraging and observing children’s activity. Any type of familial support including verbally encouraging, watching, and involving had effects on reducing leisure-time sedentary behaviours.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-015-1593-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Photoreactivation of Escherichia coli is impaired at high growth temperatures

Photolyase repairs UV-induced lesions in DNA using light energy, which is the principle of photoreactivation. Active photolyase contains the two-electron-reduced flavin cofactor. We observed that photoreactivation of Escherichia coli was impaired at growth temperatures ⩾37°C, and growth in this temperature range also resulted in decreased photolyase protein levels in the cells. However, the levels of phr transcripts (encoding photolyase) were almost unchanged at the various growth temperatures. A lacZ-reporter under transcriptional control of the phr promoter showed no temperature-dependent expression. However, a translational reporter consisting of the photolyase N-terminal α/β domain-LacZ fusion protein exhibited lower β-galactosidase activity at high growth temperatures (37-42°C). These results indicated that the change in photolyase levels at different growth temperatures is post-transcriptional in nature. Limited proteolysis identified several susceptible cleavage sites in E. coli photolyase. In vitro differential scanning calorimetry and activity assays revealed that denaturation of active photolyase occurs at temperatures ⩾37°C, while apo-photolyase unfolds at temperatures ⩾25°C. Evidence from temperature-shift experiments also implies that active photolyase is protected from thermal unfolding and proteolysis in vivo, even at 42°C. These results suggest that thermal unfolding and proteolysis of newly synthesized apo-photolyase, but not active photolyase, is responsible for the impaired photoreactivation at high growth temperatures (37-42°C).

Reducing Health Risk Factors in Workplaces of Low and Middle-Income Countries

OBJECTIVE

To reduce risk factors in workplace settings in low- and middle-income countries.

DESIGN AND SAMPLE

Workplace interventions were utilized as part of the Community Interventions for Health program, a nonrandomized, controlled study undertaken in three communities in China, India, and Mexico. Exactly, 45 industrial, 82 health and 101 school workplace settings with a target population of 15,726. Two independent cross-sectional surveys of workers were conducted at baseline and follow-up, after 18-24 months of intervention activities.

MEASURES

Culturally appropriate interventions to reduce tobacco use, increase physical activity, and improve dietary intake were delivered in the intervention areas.

RESULTS

Exactly, 12,136 adults completed surveys at baseline, and 9,786 at follow-up. In the intervention group, the prevalence of tobacco use reduced significantly in men (-6.0%, p < .001) and the proportion eating five portions of fruit and vegetables daily increased (+6.9%, p < .001) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups for changes in physical activity or prevalence of overweight.

CONCLUSIONS

Workplace interventions improved risk factors in China, India, and Mexico.

The effect of CPAP treatment on EEG of OSAS patients

PURPOSE

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is currently the most effective treatment method for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The purpose of this study was to compare the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) changes before and after the application of CPAP to OSAS patients.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted and 45 sequential patients who received both polysomnography (PSG) and CPAP titration were included. The raw data of sleep EEG were extracted and analyzed by engineers using two main factors: fractal dimension (FD) and the zero-crossing rate of detrended FD (zDFD). FD was an effective indicator reflecting the EEG complexity and zDFD was useful to reflect the variability of the EEG complexity. The FD and zDFD indexes of sleep EEG of 45 OSAS patients before and after CPAP titration were analyzed.

RESULTS

The age of 45 OSAS patients was 52.7 ± 5.6 years old and the patients include 12 females and 33 males. After CPAP treatment, FD of EEG in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while FD of EEG increased in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, zDFD were decreased remarkably in both NREM and REM sleep after CPAP therapy (P < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

CPAP therapy had a significant influence on sleep EEG in patients with OSAHS, which lead to a more stable EEG pattern. This may be one of the mechanisms that CPAP could improve sleep quality and brain function of OSAS patients.

Hypertension burden and control in mainland China: Analysis of nationwide data 2003-2012

BACKGROUND

No nationwide survey on hypertension was conducted in China since 2002. We assessed the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension in mainland China and in various regions using nationwide data from 2003 to 2012.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We identified studies that reported age- and gender-specific prevalence and/or age-specific awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in representative population samples from 31 provinces, using China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang and PubMed, supplemented by a manual search of references of retrieved articles. All data were extracted independently by two investigators using a standardized data-collection form. Overall, 265 million adults (145 million men and 120 million women) had hypertension for a prevalence of 26.7% (28.9% among men and 24.5% among women) in 2010. Among hypertensive patients, only 44.6% were aware of their condition, 35.2% were taking antihypertensive medication, and 11.2% achieved adequate blood pressure control. There were substantial geographic variations in the prevalence and control of hypertension. Hypertension prevalence was the highest in east region (32.6%) followed by northeast region (31.8%). Worse still, the control rate among hypertensive people was very poor in southwest (4.8%) and northeast (5.9%) regions.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension is highly prevalent in mainland China, with inadequate awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension. Effective strategies are urgently needed in China, especially in the regions with high prevalence and low control.

The associations of month of birth with body mass index, waist circumference, and leg length: findings from the China Kadoorie Biobank of 0.5 million adults

Background

Season of birth (SoB) has been linked with various health outcomes. This study aimed to examine the associations between month of birth (MoB) and adult measures of leg length (LL), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC).

Methods

We analysed survey data from 10 geographically diverse areas of China obtained through the China Kadoorie Biobank. Analysis included 487 529 adults with BMI ≥ 18.5 kg/m². A general linear model was used to examine the associations between MoB and adult measures of LL, BMI, and WC, adjusted for survey site, sex, age, education level, smoking habit, alcohol consumption, physical activity level, sedentary leisure time, height (only for WC and LL), and hip circumference (only for LL).

Results

MoB was independently associated with both BMI and WC. Birth months in which participants had higher measures of adiposity were March–July for BMI and March–June for WC. The peak differences were 0.14 kg/m² for BMI and 0.47 cm for WC. The association between MoB and LL depended on survey site. Participants who were born in February–August in four sites (Harbin, Henan, Gansu, and Hunan) had the shortest LL (all P < 0.01). The peak difference in mean LL was 0.21 cm. No statistically significant association between MoB and LL was noted in the other sites (Qingdao, Suzhou, Sichuan, Zhejiang, Liuzhou, and Haikou).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that MoB is associated with variations in adult adiposity measures and LL among Chinese adults. Low exposure to ultraviolet B radiation and subsequent reduced levels of vitamin D during the late second and early third trimesters may be involved in these phenomena.

PCDH20 functions as a tumour-suppressor gene through antagonizing the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

Several members of protocadherins have been found involved in human carcinogenesis, but little is known about PCDH20 in HCC. Here in this study, using quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay, we demonstrated the downregulation of PCDH20 expression in 6 of 7 HCC cell lines tested. Similarly, PCDH20 expression in primary HCC tissues was also significantly downregulated in comparison with that in either disease-free normal liver tissues or the adjacent nontumour liver tissues (P < 0.001, respectively). Among HCC tumour tissues studied, about 48% (51/107) of them showed reduced PCDH20 mRNA level. Further statistic analysis revealed that the reduced PCDH20 mRNA level in tumour tissues was much more common in younger patients group (aged <50 years) than that in older group (≥50 years) (60% vs 33%, P = 0.0303). Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and promoter hypermethylation analysis revealed that deletion and/or aberrant epigenetic modulation of PCDH20 gene account for its downregulation, at least in a fraction of tumour specimens. Moreover, ectopic expression of PCDH20 in HCC cells significantly suppressed cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration and tumour formation. Notably, we proved for the first time that, via activating GSK-3β, PCDH20 could inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. Furthermore, our data suggest that PCDH20 may conduct its Wnt/β-catenin signalling antagonizing function through suppressing Akt and Erk activities and promoting GSK-3β signalling activities. However, the detailed mechanism remained undiscovered. In conclusion, our data here strongly suggested that PCDH20 may act as a candidate tumour suppressor in HCC.

Aflatoxin B1 promotes cell growth and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells through H19 and E2F1

H19 is an imprinted oncofetal gene, and loss of imprinting at the H19 locus results in over-expression of H19 in cancers. Aflatoxin B1(AFB1) is regarded as one of the most dangerous carcinogens. Exposure to AFB1 would most easily increase susceptibility to diseases such as hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) but any possible relationship between AFB1 and H19 is not clear. In present study, we found that AFB1 could up-regulate the expression of H19 and promote cell growth and invasion by hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Knocking down H19 RNA co ld reverse the effects of AFB1 on cell growth and invasion. In addition, AFB1 induced the expression of E2F1 and its knock-down could down-regulate H19 expression and suppress cell growth and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Furthermore, E2F1 over-expression could up-regulate H19 expression and promote cell growth and invasion, with binding to the H19 promoter being demonstrated by chromatin immunoprecipitation assays (ChIP). In summary, our results suggested that aflatoxin B1 could promote cell growth and invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells through actions on H19 and E2F1.

A simple and visible colorimetric method through Zr4+–phosphate coordination for the assay of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B and screening of its inhibitors

Inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) are promising agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, so a colorimetric method has been developed in this work for PTP1B assay and screening of its inhibitors.

Controllable fabrication of immobilized ternary CdS/Pt–TiO2 heteronanostructures toward high-performance visible-light driven photocatalysis

Immobilized TiO₂ nanotube arrays (NTAs) co-modified with Pt and CdS nanoparticles were fabricated by using the combination of photoreduction and chemical bath deposition methods.

Adsorption between TC-stabilized AuNPs and the phosphate group: application of the PTP1B activity assay

Based on the adsorption between tetracycline (TC) and phosphate groups, a general colorimetric method is explored in this work by using TC-stabilized gold nanoparticles (TC/AuNPs) and 4-aminophenyl phosphate-functionalized Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (APP/MNPs).

Electrochemical performance and biosensor application of TiO2nanotube arrays with mesoporous structures constructed by chemical etching

Novel mesoporous structures on TiO₂nanotube arrays were achieved for enhancing electrochemical performance.

Photoelectrochemical properties and the detection mechanism of Bi2WO6 nanosheet modified TiO2 nanotube arrays

Bi₂WO₆ nanosheet modified TiO₂ NTAs are constructed for the enhancement of the photoelectrochemical determination of organic compounds.

MicroRNA signatures of platinum-resistance in ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVES

The authors utilized a microRNA (miRNA) array to compare the differentially expressed miRNAs in platinum-resistant associated ovarian cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The differential expression of microRNA between COC1 (DDP-sensitive) and platinum-resistant COC1/DDP (DDP-resistant) tumor cell lines was determined using microarray. Expression levels were further validated by real-time quantitive polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

RESULTS

The authors identified that several miRNAs are altered in collected 86 samples of human ovarian cancer cell-lines, with four significantly deregulated miRNAs and 13 upregulated miRNAs. Of which, miR-141-3p was the most differentially expressed miRNA between COC1 group (1.7833 ± 0.7213) and COC1/DDP group (14.0433 ± 4.4895) (p < 0.05). Additionally, the product curve of PCR amplification indicated that miR-141-3p had a significant higher expression level in chemotherapy resistant group (n = 20) rather than in chemotherapy sensitive group (n = 20) (9.56 ± 1.04 vs. 1.59 ± 0.91, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present results suggest that miR-141-3p might be used as a therapeutic target to modulate platinum-based chemotherapy and as a biomarker to predict chemotherapy response.

A logic gate-based fluorescent sensor for detecting H2S and NO in aqueous media and inside live cells

A single fluorescent probe herein can sensitively and selectively detect H₂S and NO in solution and in cells by using a logic gate approach.

Photocatalytic property of a Bi2O3 nanoparticle modified BiOCl composite with a nanolayered hierarchical structure synthesized by in situ reactions

Bi₂O₃ nanoparticle modified BiOCl nanosheets with a nanolayered hierarchical structure synthesized by in situ reactions exhibit high photocatalytic performance.

Photoelectrochemical activity and its mechanism of mesoporous TiO2 nanotube arrays prepared with chemical etching method

Mesopores are etched in the tube walls of TiO₂ nanotubes, which can enhance the photoelectrochemical activities of TiO₂ nanotube arrays (NTAs).

Spicy food consumption is associated with adiposity measures among half a million Chinese people: the China Kadoorie Biobank study

BACKGROUND

Few animal experiments and volunteer-based intervention studies have showed a controversial effect of spicy foods on weight management; however, information is scant on the association between spicy food intake and obesity. This study aims to examine the impact of spicy food on quantitative adiposity measures in the Chinese population; a population with a low prevalence of general obesity, but a high prevalence of central obesity.

METHODS

A total of 434,556 adults (255,094 females), aged 30-79 years, were included from the China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) study. Information on spicy food intake was obtained using a questionnaire survey. Body mass index (BMI), percentage body fat (BF%), waist circumference (WC), and WC/height ratio (WHtR) were analyzed as continuous variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of daily spicy food eating was 30.4% in males and 30.0% in females, with dramatically geographic diversity (ranging from 99.4% in Hunan to 2.7% in Zhejiang). The covariates-adjusted BMI, BF%, WC, and WHtR significantly increased with increasing frequency, strength, and duration of spicy food eating regardless of gender (p < 0.001). Among regular spicy food consumers, strength of spicy food eating showed significant and positive association with all adiposity measures in both genders (except for BF% in males). Compared with non-consumers, daily spicy food eating was significantly associated with an increase of 0.44 and 0.51 of BMI (kg/m2), 0.79 and 1.01 of BF%, 1.4 and 1.0 of WC (cm), and 0.008 and 0.006 of WHtR in males and females, respectively. In stratified analyses of 18 consecutive BMI subgroups, a significantly increasing trend in the effect of daily spicy food eating on WC and WHtR with increasing BMI was noted in males; whereas a decreasing trend was seen in females.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate that spicy food intake is a risk factor for obesity in Chinese adult population, especially for central obesity in males. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying this association.

Muscarinic-mediated vasoconstriction in human, rat and sheep umbilical cords and related vasoconstriction mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

The umbilical cord provides nutrition and oxygen to the fetus. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of acetylcholine (ACh) on umbilical cords from humans and other mammals, and the mechanisms of ACh-mediated vasoconstriction in the human umbilical cord.

DESIGN

Human and animal umbilical cords used in vascular and cellular experiments.

SETTING

Institute for Fetology, First Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.

POPULATION

A total of 85 pregnant women, 16 Sprague Dawley rats and seven pregnant sheep.

METHODS

Umbilical cord veins and arteries from humans, rats and sheep, aortas and mesenteric arteries from rats, and mesenteric, carotid and femoral arteries from ovine fetuses were used to compare vascular functions in response to ACh and to determine the mechanisms of ACh-mediated umbilical vasoconstriction. Vascular tension and ion channel currents were measured on isolated vessels and smooth muscle cells from human umbilical cords.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Provision of new evidence to conclude that ACh-stimulated vasoconstriction is common to all umbilical cords, and cellular mechanisms are linked to potassium channels.

RESULTS

ACh caused reliable vasoconstriction in umbilical veins/arteries in humans, rats and sheep, but not in any other vessels, including fetal vessels. Atropine inhibited the effects of ACh. The mRNA of ACh-muscarinic receptor subtypes M1 -M5 was expressed in human umbilical vessels. The protein kinase C antagonist GF109203X and the calcium inhibitor nifedipine decreased ACh-induced vasoconstriction in human umbilical vessels. ACh also caused a reduction in whole-cell potassium channel currents and the single-channel current of large-conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKca) channels.

CONCLUSION

Umbilical vessels are significantly different from other vessels in their response to ACh. BKca channels in smooth muscle cells may play important roles in ACh-mediated vasoconstriction in human umbilical cords. This information may be important for fetal medicine and practice with regard to the effect on fetal development of umbilical vascular functions.

OsABCG15 encodes a membrane protein that plays an important role in anther cuticle and pollen exine formation in rice

An ABC transporter gene ( OsABCG15 ) was proven to be involved in pollen development in rice. The corresponding protein was localized on the plasma membrane using subcellular localization. Wax, cutin, and sporopollenin are important for normal development of the anther cuticle and pollen exine, respectively. Their lipid soluble precursors, which are produced in the tapetum, are then secreted and transferred to the anther and microspore surface for polymerization. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the transport of these precursors. Here, we identified and characterized a member of the G subfamily of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, OsABCG15, which is required for the secretion of these lipid-soluble precursors in rice. Using map-based cloning, we found a spontaneous A-to-C transition in the fourth exon of OsABCG15 that caused an amino acid substitution of Thr-to-Pro in the predicted ATP-binding domain of the protein sequence. This osabcg15 mutant failed to produce any viable pollen and was completely male sterile. Histological analysis indicated that osabcg15 exhibited an undeveloped anther cuticle, enlarged middle layer, abnormal Ubisch body development, tapetum degeneration with a falling apart style, and collapsed pollen grains without detectable exine. OsABCG15 was expressed preferentially in the tapetum, and the fused GFP-OsABCG15 protein was localized to the plasma membrane. Our results suggested that OsABCG15 played an essential role in the formation of the rice anther cuticle and pollen exine. This role may include the secretion of the lipid precursors from the tapetum to facilitate the transfer of precursors to the surface of the anther epidermis as well as to microspores.

Tumor cell lysate induces the immunosuppression and apoptosis of mouse immunocytes

Although tumor cell lysate (TCL) is a type of immunocyte stimulator, its immunosuppressive function must not be ignored. The present study reported that TCL prepared from a Lewis lung cancer cell was able to induce the development of immunosuppressive macrophages (MΦ) and tolerogenic dendritic cells. In addition, TCL upregulated the expression of CD69 in mouse splenocytes, and cell apoptosis and the percentage of regulatory T cells in mouse splenocytes simultaneously increased. Furthermore, the present study found that the immunosuppressive factor, hyaluronan, and the apoptosis inducers, Fas ligand and transforming growth factor-β, are present in TCL. These components may be associated with the emergence of immunosuppressive cells or splenocyte apoptosis. Thus, the present study has enriched our understanding of the composition of TCL and its negative regulatory effect on immunocytes.

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGE) induce apoptosis of periodontal ligament fibroblasts

Diabetics have an increased prevalence of periodontitis, and diabetes is one of the causative factors of severe periodontitis. Apoptosis is thought to be involved in this pathogenic relationship. The aim of this study was to investigate apoptosis in human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their receptor (RAGE). We examined the roles of apoptosis, AGEs, and RAGE during periodontitis in diabetes mellitus using cultured PDL fibroblasts that were treated by AGE-modified bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA), bovine serum albumin (BSA) alone, or given no treatment (control). Microscopy and real-time quantitative PCR indicated that PDL fibroblasts treated with AGE-BSA were deformed and expressed higher levels of RAGE and caspase 3. Cell viability assays and flow cytometry indicated that AGE-BSA reduced cell viability (69.80±5.50%, P<0.01) and increased apoptosis (11.31±1.73%, P<0.05). Hoechst 33258 staining and terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling revealed that AGE-BSA significantly increased apoptosis of PDL fibroblasts. The results showed that the changes in PDL fibroblasts induced by AGE-BSA may explain how AGE-RAGE participates in and exacerbates periodontium destruction.

Listeria infection in Chinese pregnant women and neonates from Shandong

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the characters of pregnant women and neonates with listeria monocytogenes infections (L. monocytogenes) in Shandong of China.

METHOD

Pregnant women with premature delivery or prenatal fever were recruited in 2013. Bacterial culture was performed for the umbilical cord blood and placental swab after delivery. The strains isolated were then analyzed for the virulence factors and classified based on the serotype and MLST typing.

RESULTS

Four cases (0.34‰) of the neonates were identified with listeriosis. Prenatal fever was observed in mothers of all infected neonates. The pathological examination of placenta showed non-specific inflammatory manifestations and two serotypes including 1/2b and 4b were detected. Six kinds of virulence factors including hly, inlA, actA, plcB, prfA and iap were all identified in the inflected neonates.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that mother-to-infant was an important transmission mode for listeria. Antibiotic treatment, bacterial culture and placenta pathological examination were highly recommended in the diagnosis and treatment of listeriosis.

Bosentan protects the spinal cord from ischemia reperfusion injury in rats through vascular endothelial growth factor receptors

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental study.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate whether Bosentan, an endothelin-A/-B dual receptor antagonist, could protect neurons after spinal cord ischemia reperfusion (SCIR) injury in rats and its underlying signaling pathway.

SETTING

Department of Neurosurgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups, saline group (IRS, n=48) and Bosentan group (IRB, 5 mg kg(-1), n=48). After ischemia for 1 h with occlusion of the infrarenal aorta, spinal cord were reperfused for 6h, 12h, 24h, 3d, 5d, and 7d separately. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect protein expression of VEGF, VEGF receptor 1 (FLT-1) and VEGF receptor 2 (FLK-1). Gene expressions of VEGF and its receptors were evaluated using the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Compared with the IRS group, gene and protein expressions of VEGF, FLT-1 and FLK-1 were significantly increased (P<0.05), so was the concentration of VEGF in plasma (P<0.05). FLK-1 was expressed on spinal cord neurons.

Involvement of dopamine D1 receptors of the hippocampal dentate gyrus in spatial learning and memory deficits in a rat model of vascular dementia

We investigated the involvement of dopamine (DA) and its D1 receptors of the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) in spatial learning and memory deficits in a rat model of vascular dementia (VD) established by permanent bilateral carotid occlusion. Spatial learning and memory abilities of rats were measured by Morris water maze, and extracellular concentrations of DA in the DG were determined by in vivo microdialysis. The DA concentrations in the DG decreased in the VD rats compared with sham-operated group. Microinjection of SFK38393 (D1 receptor agonist) into the DG attenuates spatial learning and memory deficits in the VD rats.

Association between perceived urban built environment attributes and leisure-time physical activity among adults in Hangzhou, China

BACKGROUND

Neighborhood built environment may influence residents' physical activity, which in turn, affects their health. This study aimed to determine the associations between perceived built environment and leisure-time physical activity in Hangzhou, China.

METHODS

1440 participants aged 25-59 were randomly selected from 30 neighborhoods in three types of administrative planning units in Hangzhou. International Physical Activity Questionnaire long form and NEWS-A were used to obtain individual-level data. The China Urban Built Environment Scan Tool was used to objectively assess the neighborhood-level built environment. Multi-level regression was used to explore the relationship between perceived built environment variables and leisure-time physical activities. Data was collected in Hangzhou from June to December in 2012, and was analyzed in May 2013.

RESULTS

Significant difference between neighborhood random variations in physical activity was identified (P=0.0134); neighborhood-level differences accounted for 3.0% of the variability in leisure-time physical activity. Male residents who perceived higher scores on access to physical activity destinations reported more involvement in leisure-time physical activity. Higher scores on perception of esthetic quality, and lower on residential density were associated with more time in leisure-time walking in women.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated that perceived urban built environment attributes significantly correlate with leisure-time physical activity in Hangzhou, China.

Increased knowledge of the effects of smoking and second-hand smoke encourages smoke-free homes

Objective

To establish the drivers for smoke-free homes among current daily smokers.

Design

A cross-sectional study employing interviews (adults) and self-completed surveys (schoolchildren).

Sample

Children aged 12 and 14 in schools in four cities in China, India, Mexico and England. Adults in the community.

Measurements

Knowledge, attitude, beliefs and behaviour relevant to second-hand smoke in home.

Intervention

None.

Results

A total of 8994 adults and 14,756 children were surveyed. Knowledge of some of the effects of tobacco is high, but other effects are poorly understood in all cities. In Thiruvananthapuram, there is a lack of awareness of the addictiveness of tobacco, and Hangzhou has poor knowledge in general.

Conclusions

Messages about reducing tobacco usage are effective in support of smoke-free homes in the city with poorest knowledge (Hangzhou) but other factors are more important where knowledge is high.

Chemerin suppresses murine allergic asthma by inhibiting CCL2 production and subsequent airway recruitment of inflammatory dendritic cells

BACKGROUND

Chemerin has been implicated to play opposing roles, either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory, in various tissue inflammation processes primarily through the regulation of tissue recruitment of immune cells. However, the effect of chemerin in allergic asthma has not yet been explored. We sought to investigate the role of chemerin in the murine model of allergic asthma and explore the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

We examined the effect of intranasal (i.n.) administration of chemerin during antigen challenge in murine models of asthma. Moreover, we examined whether administration of CCL2 or bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) transfer reversed the effects of chemerin on ovalbumin-induced asthma. We finally examined the effect of chemerin on CCL2 expression in activated lung epithelial cells in vitro.

RESULTS

The administration of chemerin attenuated allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity during antigen challenge. Chemerin treatment caused significant decreases in BALF CD4(+) T-cell accumulation and mRNA expression of Th2-attracting chemokines, CCL17 and CCL22, which was accompanied by significantly decreased BALF CD11c(+) CD11b(+) inflammatory DC accumulation and CCL2 production. Furthermore, airway administration of exogenous CCL2 or adoptive transfer of CD11c(+) CD11b(+) BMDCs abrogated the suppressive effects of chemerin on allergic asthma. Finally, in vitro study showed that chemerin inhibited CCL2 secretion by low-dose LPS-stimulated lung epithelial cells, which led to decreased chemotaxis of BMDCs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates that chemerin plays a protective role in allergic asthma by suppressing airway recruitment of inflammatory CD11c(+) CD11b(+) DCs through the inhibition of CCL2 secretion by active lung epithelial cells.

[Outcomes of conversion to sirolimus therapy for new-onset diabetes mellitus after kidney transplantation]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate safety and efficacy of conversion of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) to sirolimus (SRL) therapy for treatment of new-onset diabetes after kidney transplantation (NODAT).

METHODS

Of 321 kidney transplant recipients, 34 patients who developed NODAT (10.59%) were divided into 3 groups to receive continued CNI therapy at a reduced dose (group A, 14 cases), sirolimus conversion therapy (group B, 12 cases), or oral hypoglycemic drugs (group C, 12 cases). All the patients had dietary and exercise therapies, and insulin injections were given in patients with postprandial (2 h) blood glucose over 14.0 mmol/L. The patients were followed up regularly for 5 years.

RESULTS

The mean blood glucose level was 13.02∓1.74 mol/L upon the diagnosis of NODAT in the 34 patients without significant differences between the 3 groups. At 6 months of therapy, fasting plasma glucose levels in the 3 groups decreased to 8.05 ∓2.45, 7.45∓2.44, and 9.30∓3.89 mmol/L, repsectively; at 12 months, blood glucose became normal in both groups A and B, but the patients in group A needed a greater daily insulin dose (P<0.05). In group B, the mean serum creatinine level was 165.1∓61.82 mmol/L at the conversion and lowered to 150∓53.05 mmol/L at 5 years (P<0.05), which were similar to those in group A at the two time points (152∓43.05 and 145.88∓53.05 mmol/L, respectively; P>0.05). In group C, creatinine level further increased after medication with oral hypoglycemic drugs. At 5 years, the patient and graft survival rates were 100% and 75% in group A, respectively, similar to those in group B (83.4% and 68%, respectively; P>0.05); group C showed lower patient and graft survival rates than groups B and C.

CONCLUSION

Conversion from CNI to SLR therapy can significantly the metabolism of patients with NODAT without increasing the risk of acute graft rejection.

Clinical features and mortality in Chinese with lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus: A 124-patient study

BACKGROUND

Few investigation has focused on the patients with lupus nephritis (LN) and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). This study was aimed to investigate the clinical features, mortality, and the predictors for mortality of this group of patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records were retrospectively reviewed in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital from 1996 to 2012. Data of demographic information, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score, diagnosis, complications, treatment, and mortality was collected.

RESULTS

A total of 124 patients were included in our study. Thirty-five (29.1%) patients had glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), while 24 (19.4%) experienced acute kidney injury (AKI). Thirteen of the 19 American College of Rheumatology defined NPSLE syndromes were identified. The most frequent manifestation was seizure disorder (56/124, 45.2%), followed by psychosis (37/124, 29.8%) and cerebrovascular disease (35/124, 28.2%). One hundred and five (84.7%) patients had SLEDAI-2K scores ≥15, the mean of which was 21.5 ± 6.2. The mortality during hospitalization was 12.9% (16/124) with NP involvement itself being the leading cause of death (7/16, 43.8%). Multivariate logistic regression confirmed that age <14 years at onset of NPSLE (odds ratios [OR]: 9.95, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.43-69.36, P = 0.020), AKI (OR: 10.40, 95% CI: 2.33-46.48, P = 0.002) and pneumonia (OR: 4.52, 95% CI: 1.14-17.96, P = 0.032) were risk factors for mortality, while cyclophosphamide (CYC) treatment (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02-0.54, P = 0.008) was a protective factor.

CONCLUSION

Most of SLE patients with LN and new-onset NPSLE are in an active disease state. NP manifestation itself was the leading cause of death during hospitalization. Childhood-onset NPSLE, AKI and pneumonia might be predictors of mortality, whereas CYC treatment might improve the prognosis.

HER2, MET and FGFR2 oncogenic driver alterations define distinct molecular segments for targeted therapies in gastric carcinoma

Background:

Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Since the approval of trastuzumab, targeted therapies are emerging as promising treatment options for the disease. This study aimed to explore the molecular segmentation of several known therapeutics targets, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), MET and fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), within GC using clinically approved or investigational kits and scoring criteria. Knowledge of how these markers are segmented in the same cohort of GC patients could improve future clinical trial designs.

Methods:

Using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and FISH methods, overexpression and amplification of HER2, FGFR2 and MET were profiled in a cohort of Chinese GC samples. The correlations between anti-tumour sensitivity and the molecular segments of HER2, MET and FGFR2 alterations were further tested in a panel of GC cell lines and the patient-derived GC xenograft (PDGCX) model using the targeted inhibitors.

Results:

Of 172 GC patients, positivity for HER2, MET and FGFR2 alternations was found in 23 (13.4%), 21 (12.2%) and 9 (5.2%) patients, respectively. Positivity for MET was found in 3 of 23 HER2-positive GC patients. Co-positivity for FGFR2 and MET was found in 1 GC patient, and amplification of the two genes was found in different tumour cells. Our study in a panel of GC cell lines showed that in most cell lines, amplification or high expression of a particular molecular marker was mutually exclusive and in vitro sensitivity to the targeted agents lapatinib, PD173074 and crizotinib was only observed in cell lines with the corresponding high expression of the drugs' target protein. SGC031, an MET-positive PDGCX mouse model, responded to crizotinib but not to lapatinib or PD173074.

Conclusions:

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, MET and FGFR2 oncogenic driver alterations (gene amplification and overexpression) occur in three largely distinct molecular segments in GC. A significant proportion of HER2-negative patients may potentially benefit from MET- or FGFR2-targeted therapies.

Objective assessment of urban built environment related to physical activity--development, reliability and validity of the China Urban Built Environment Scan Tool (CUBEST)

Background

Some aspects of the neighborhood built environment may influence residents’ physical activity, which in turn, affects their health. This study aimed to develop an urban built environment evaluation tool and conduct necessary reliability and validity tests.

Methods

A 41-item urban built environment scan tool was developed to objectively assess the neighborhood built environment features related to physical activity. Six neighborhoods in Hangzhou were selected from three types of administrative planning units. A pair of auditors independently assessed all of the 205 street segments at the same time. Half of the segments (n = 104) were audited twice by the same auditor after a two-week time interval. Inter-rater reliability was assessed by comparing the audits of paired observers, while intra-rater reliability was evaluated by comparing an auditor’s repeated assessments of the same segments. The construct validity was tested using factor analysis.

Results

The inter-rater reliability for most items was above 0.8. The intra-rater reliability for most items was above 0.4, and was lower than corresponding inter-rater reliability. Six factors were extracted by factor analysis and the factor loading matrix showed good construct validity.

Conclusions

The CUBEST is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used to assess the physical activity-related built environment in Hangzhou, and potentially other cities in China.

Molecular cloning of the goose ACSL3 and ACSL5 coding domain sequences and their expression characteristics during goose fatty liver development

It has been demonstrated that ACSL3 and ACSL5 play important roles in fat metabolism. To investigate the primary functions of ACSL3 and ACSL5 and to evaluate their expression levels during goose fatty liver development, we cloned the ACSL3 and ACSL5 coding domain sequences (CDSs) of geese using RT-PCR and analyzed their expression characteristics under different conditions using qRT-PCR. The results showed that the goose ACSL3 (JX511975) and ACSL5 (JX511976) sequences have high similarities with the chicken sequences both at the nucleotide and amino acid levels. Both ACSL3 and ACSL5 have high expression levels in goose liver. The expression levels of ACSL3 and ACSL5 in goose liver and hepatocytes can be changed by overfeeding geese and by treatment with unsaturated fatty acids, respectively. Together, these results indicate that ACSL3 and ACSL5 play important roles during fatty liver development. The different expression characteristics of goose ACSL3 and ACSL5 suggest that these two genes may be responsible for specific functions.

FGF4 and HGF promote differentiation of mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into hepatocytes via the MAPK pathway

Our research demonstrated the potential for mouse bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (mBMMSCs) to differentiate into hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo. However, the exact mechanism of this process remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cell-signaling pathway in the differentiation of mBMMSCs into hepatocytes. mBMMSCs were isolated from femurs and tibias, and hepatic differentiation was induced in Isove's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, containing human growth factor and fibroblast growth factor 4. After seven days of induction, morphological characteristics were examined. For inhibition of signaling molecular activities, the inhibitors p38 (SB203580), ERK1/2 (U0126), and MSK1 (H89) were added to the differentiation medium. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate the gene expression profiles and protein expression of several markers, including the early specific markers of hepatocytes (AFP and FOXa2), phosphorylated-p38 (p-p38), phosphorylated-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), and phosphorylated- MSK1 (p-MSK1). Expressions of p-p38, p-ERK1/2, and p-MSK1 were effectively inhibited by their respective inhibitors. Expressions of early specific markers, AFP and FOXa2, in the p38, ERK1/2, and MSK1 inhibitor-treated groups were significantly decreased compared to those of the cytokine-induced control. Notably, the expressions of AFP and FOXa2 in the p38 inhibitor group were more obviously reduced than those in the ERK1/2 inhibitor group. The MAPK signaling pathway, especially p38, is sufficient to drive differentiation of mBMMSCs into hepatocytes. This could increase the efficiency of hepatocyte differentiation, which would benefit clinical applications.

Wortmannin enhances cisplatin-induced apoptosis in human ovarian cancer cells in vitro

OBJECTIVE

The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway is constitutively activated in some ovarian cancers; when activated, it promotes invasion and inhibits chemotherapy-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells. The fungal metabolite wortmannin is the currently known inhibitors that show fairly high specificity for PI3K.We examined whether PI3K/Akt activity correlates with invasion and apoptotic resistance to chemotherapy in cultured human ovarian cancer cells, and whether inhibition of PI3K/Akt by wortmannin inhibits invasion and enhances cisplatin-induced apoptosis in cultured human ovarian cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The cisplatin-sensitive A2780 ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line and its daughter line, A2780cis was evaluated for basal Akt activity. Chemotherapy-induced cell death was evaluated following down-regulation of Akt activity by wortmannin treatment or upregulation of Akt activity by myr-Akt treatment. Invasion and migration were assessed using Boyden chamber assays

RESULTS

Inhibiting or activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway by wortmannin had little effect on the basal level of apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells, but increased the apoptotic effect of chemotherapy in A2780cis cells, decreased the apoptotic effect of chemotherapy in cisplatin-sensitive A2780 cells. Cisplatin resistant cells display increased potential for migration and invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

The antiapoptotic effect of AKT activation in ovarian cancer cells confer invasive ability and resistance to apoptosis. Wortmannin is as adjuncts to conventional chemotherapy in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Photocatalytic properties of Bi/BiOCl heterojunctions synthesized using an in situ reduction method

Bi nanoparticles on BiOCl nanosheets, synthesized via in situ reduction, enhance the UV light photocatalytic activity and achieve visible light activity.

Association between ambient temperature and blood pressure and blood pressure regulators: 1831 hypertensive patients followed up for three years

Several studies have suggested an association between ambient air temperature and blood pressure. However, this has not been reliably confirmed by longitudinal studies. Also, whether the reaction to temperature stimulation is modified by other factors such as antihypertensive medication is rarely investigated. The present study explores the relationship between ambient temperature and blood pressure, without and with antihypertensive medication, in a study of 1,831 hypertensive patients followed up for three years, in two or four weekly check ups, accumulating 62,452 follow-up records. Both baseline and follow-up blood pressure showed an inverse association with ambient temperature, which explained 32.4% and 65.6% of variation of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (P<0.05) respectively. The amplitude of individual blood pressure fluctuation with temperature throughout a year (a 29 degrees centigrade range) was 9.4/7.3 mmHg. Medication with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor benazepril attenuated the blood pressure fluctuation by 2.4/1.3 mmHg each year, though the inverse association of temperature and blood pressure remained. Gender, drinking behavior and body mass index were also found to modify the association between temperature and diastolic blood pressure. The results indicate that ambient temperature may negatively regulate blood pressure. Hypertensive patients should monitor and treat blood pressure more carefully in cold days, and it could be especially important for the males, thinner people and drinkers.

ReSeqTools: an integrated toolkit for large-scale next-generation sequencing based resequencing analysis

Large-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based resequencing detects sequence variations, constructs evolutionary histories, and identifies phenotype-related genotypes. However, NGS-based resequencing studies generate extraordinarily large amounts of data, making computations difficult. Effective use and analysis of these data for NGS-based resequencing studies remains a difficult task for individual researchers. Here, we introduce ReSeqTools, a full-featured toolkit for NGS (Illumina sequencing)-based resequencing analysis, which processes raw data, interprets mapping results, and identifies and annotates sequence variations. ReSeqTools provides abundant scalable functions for routine resequencing analysis in different modules to facilitate customization of the analysis pipeline. ReSeqTools is designed to use compressed data files as input or output to save storage space and facilitates faster and more computationally efficient large-scale resequencing studies in a user-friendly manner. It offers abundant practical functions and generates useful statistics during the analysis pipeline, which significantly simplifies resequencing analysis. Its integrated algorithms and abundant sub-functions provide a solid foundation for special demands in resequencing projects. Users can combine these functions to construct their own pipelines for other purposes.

A community-based multilevel intervention for smoking, physical activity and diet: short-term findings from the Community Interventions for Health programme in Hangzhou, China

Background

To assess the short-term impact of a comprehensive, community-based multilevel intervention on knowledge, beliefs and practices with respect to smoking, physical activity and diet in Hangzhou, China.

Methods

A non-randomised, controlled, before-after quasi-experimental trial was conducted in two intervention areas and one comparison area. The intervention built on a socioecological framework and took place across four settings: neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces and community health centres. Two independent cross-sectional surveys of adults aged 18–64 years at baseline and a subsequent follow-up were conducted in 2008/2009 and 2011 in the intervention and comparison areas. A 2-year intervention programme was begun in mid-2009 and continued until mid-2011.

Results

A total of 2016 adults at baseline and 2016 adults at follow-up completed the survey. Over the 2-year intervention period, the intervention areas showed a statistically significant decline (25.2% vs 18.7%, p<0.001) in the prevalence of smoking compared with the comparison area (18.0% vs 16.4%, p=0.343). The proportion of individuals who had noticed anyone smoking in any of nine locations in the previous 30 days demonstrated a statistically significant decline in the intervention (78.9% vs 66.5%, p<0.001) and comparison (76.3% vs 66.5%, p<0.001) areas. The fruit and vegetable consumption score increased in a statistically significant manner in the intervention (24.84 vs 25.97, p=0.036) and comparison (24.25 vs 26.67, p<0.001) areas. The metabolic equivalent of physical activity increased from 1204 to 1386 (p=0.023) in the intervention areas compared with 918 to 924 in the comparison area (p=0.201).

Conclusions

After a 2-year intervention, beneficial changes were noted in the intervention areas with respect to smoking and physical activity but not diet. A community-based multilevel intervention programme is feasible in urban China.