[Analysis on trend of health examination rate and influencing factors in adults in China, 2010-2018].

Objective: To understand the health examination rate and its changing trend in adults in China from 2010 to 2018, identify the main factors affecting the health examination rate and provide data support for decision making of health intervention. Methods: Data from China Chronic Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance in 2010, 2013, 2015 and 2018 were used. After complex weighting of the data, the rates of health examination, its changing trends and reasons for receiving health examination in adults were analyzed. Average annual percent change (AAPC) was used to describe the changing trend. Anderson model was used as the analysis framework. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the influencing factors for the health examination rate. Results: From 2010 to 2018, the health examination rate in adults increased from 28.2% (95%CI: 24.8%-31.6%) to 41.0% (95%CI: 38.9%-43.1%, P for trend <0.001), the AAPC was 5.47%, the annual average increase was more obvious in those with lower education level and lower income level and in those living in rural area and in western China. In 2018, people received health examination mainly due to providing without charge by community (36.7%) and working unit (28.5%). The results of multivariate analysis showed that being women, age ≥45 years, education level of junior high school or above, living in urban areas, medical insurance, annual income ≥24 000 RMB, suffering from multiple chronic diseases, non-smoking, drinking, adequate physical activity were positive factors for receiving health examination. Conclusion: The rate of health examination in adults increased in China during 2010-2018, and the main reason for receiving health examination is free of charge.

[Cardiovascular health status of Chinese adults based on "Life's Essential 8" score].

Objective: To assess the cardiovascular health status of adults in China by using the "Life's Essential 8" score, and provide reference for the development and improvement of cardiovascular disease prevention and control policies and measures. Methods: Chronic Disease and Nutrition Surveillance was conducted in 298 counties/districts in 2015 in 31 provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities) across China, multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling was used to select 45 households in each village or neighborhood, and 20 households were further selected to conduct dietary surveys. In this study, a total of 70 093 adults aged ≥20 years who completed the dietary survey and had complete information were included, their cardiovascular health status were assessed by using the "Life's Essential 8" score, a cardiovascular health scoring standard released by the American Heart Association in 2022. All results were adjusted using complex design-based sampling weights to achieve a better estimate of the population. Results: In 2015, the overall cardiovascular health score of Chinese adults aged ≥20 years was 73.3±12.6, the score was significantly higher in women (77.9±11.6) than in men (68.7±11.8), and higher in urban area (74.5±12.8) than in rural area (71.9±12.2), the differences were significant (P<0.001). It was estimated that about 0.25% (95%CI: 0.16%-0.33%) of adults in China had cardiovascular health score of 100, and 33.0% (95%CI: 31.6%-34.3%), 63.2% (95%CI: 62.1%-64.3%), and 3.9% (95%CI: 3.5%-4.2%) of adults had high, moderate and low cardiovascular health scores, respectively. The proportion of those with high cardiovascular health scores was relatively low in men, those with low education level, those with low income, those living in rural areas, and those living in southwest China (P<0.001). Of the eight factors, diet had the lowest mean score (46.0, 95%CI: 44.7-47.3), followed by blood pressure (59.4, 95%CI: 58.2-60.6) and tobacco exposure (61.4, 95%CI: 60.6-62.2). Conclusions: The cardiovascular health status of two-thirds of adult population in China needs to be improved. Diet, tobacco exposure, and blood pressure are the factors affecting the cardiovascular health of Chinese population, to which close attention needs to be paid, and men, rural residents, and those with lower socioeconomic status are key groups in cardiovascular health promotion.

[Effects of ursolic acid on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in a rat model of AR after PM2.5 exposure].

Objective: To investigate the effects of ursolic acid (UA) on oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in a rat model of AR after PM2.5 exposure. Methods: Sixty healthy female SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: normal control group (NC group), PM2.5 unexposed AR group (AR group), PM2.5 exposed AR group (ARE group), UA intervention AR group (AR+UA group), and UA intervention PM2.5 exposed AR group (ARE+UA group), with 12 rats in each group. AR model was performed by a basal sensitization with intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and followed by nasal instillation. PM2.5 exposure was carried out by inhalation exposure system at a concentration of 200 µg/m3 for 3 h/d for 30 days. UA intervention group was given UA intragastric administration at 20 mg/(kg·d). AR symptoms including sneezing, nasal scratching and nasal secretion of rats in each group were observed. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in nasal mucosa were tested. The pathological changes of nasal mucosa were observed by HE staining. The levels of OVA-sIgE, IL-6 and IL-17 in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein microarray was used to measure the expression of multiple inflammation cell factors in nasal mucosa. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0. Results: After UA intervention, the frequency of nasal sneezing, scratching and nasal secretion in ARE+UA group were lower than those of ARE group (P<0.05). Pathological examination of nasal mucosa showed that ARE+UA group had less inflammatory granulocyte infiltration and less pathological damage to the epithelial layer than ARE group. The activities of SOD in nasal mucosa of ARE+UA group were higher than those of ARE group ((50.10±3.09) U/mg vs (20.13±1.30) U/mg, F value was 597.54, P<0.01). The contents of MDA in nasal mucosa of ARE+UA group were lower than those of ARE group ((57.78±12.36) nmol/g vs (124.12±9.40) nmol/g, F value was 115.51, P<0.01). The expression levels of OVA-sIgE, IL-6 and IL-17 proteins were lower in the ARE+UA group than those in ARE group ((11.61±0.27) ng/ml vs (20.30±0.67) ng/ml, (47.59±15.49) pg/ml vs (98.83±10.98) pg/ml, (623.30±8.75) pg/ml vs (913.32±9.06) pg/ml, F value was 283.42, 80.45, 683.73, respectively, all P<0.01). After UA intervention, protein microarray analysis showed that the expression of IL-4, IL-6, IL-13, chemokine CXCL7, IL-1α, IL-1ß, MMP-8 and MCP-1 in ARE+UA group was decreased compared with ARE group while IFN-γ and IL-10 increased (all P<0.01). Conclusion: UA can reduce the aggravated AR symptoms and pathological damage of nasal mucosa, inhibit oxidative stress and release of inflammatory factors after PM2.5 exposure, and thus plays a protective role in the pathological damage of AR induced by PM2.5 exposure.

[Analysis of cervical cancer screening and related factors in China].

Objective: To study the cervical cancer screening rate and related factors among women in China. Methods: In 2015, Chinese Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors Surveillance in Adults was conducted in 298 counties or districts using the multistage stratified cluster sampling in China. The study investigated 91 348 women aged 20 years or older who lived in the local at least 6 months in the past year. We collected the information about cervical cancer screening and socio-demographic factors through face-to-face interview. The screening rate was calculated by the complex sampling design and populating weighting. Rao-Scott χ2 was used to test the differences in screening rates within subgroups. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the factors associated with the uptake of cervical cancer screening. Results: The mean age of participants was (51±14) years old. The cervical cancer screening rate was 23.6% (n=21 346), and there was a significant difference in the screening rates among age groups. The cervical cancer screening rate in women aged 40-49 years was 34.8% (n=7 043). There was significant difference in the screening rates among geographic areas and the highest screening rate was 27.9% (n=6 707) in the eastern China. The more likelihood of uptake of cervical cancer screening was significantly associated with living in high-income regions, higher education, non-agriculture employment, higher household income, having medical insurance, and having health check-up during the past three years, and the cervical screening rate was higher (all P<0.05) . Conclusion: The cervical cancer screening rate is low in China and there was significant difference in the age and geographic areas. The uptake of cervical cancer screening is associated with local economic status, household income, education, employment, health insurance, and health check-up.

[Correlation between hypertension label and self-rated health in adult residents in China].

Objective: To study the correlation between hypertension label and self-rated health (SRH) in adults aged ≥18 years in China. Methods: Data were from 2013 Chronic Non-communicable Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance Project. The project collected the information through multi stage stratified cluster sampling, face-to-face questionnaire survey and on-site body measurement. The SRH status of the adults was inquired according to the recommendation of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) in the United States. Blood pressure measurement was performed by using OMRON HBP-1300 electronic sphygmomanometer. Surveymeans and surveyfreq processes were used to describe the general characteristics of the sample population. The cumulative odds logit model was implemented by the processes of surveylogistic to analyze the association between hypertension label and self-rated health in adults in China. Results: A total of 173 008 subjects were included in this study. Hypertension was associated with poorer SRH (OR=1.29, 95%CI: 1.22-1.35, P<0.001), but this association was eliminated by adjustment for hypertension label (P=0.670). Hypertension label was associated with poorer SRH (OR=2.09, 95%CI: 1.96-2.23, P<0.001) and the association was still significant even after adjusting for actual hypertension status (OR=2.08, 95%CI: 1.94-2.23, P<0.001). In hypertension group, those with hypertension label had poorer SRH than those without hypertension label (OR=2.18, 95%CI: 2.02-2.36, P<0.001). In normal blood pressure group, those with hypertension label had poorer SRH than those without hypertension label (OR=1.89, 95%CI: 1.64-2.18, P<0.001). Men's SRH was more sensitive to hypertension label, especially in hypertension group (OR=2.20, 95%CI: 1.98-2.45, P<0.001). The results were all adjusted for demographic factors, smoking status, alcohol consumption, physical activity and chronic diseases. Conclusions: Hypertension label is associated with self-rated health independently in adults in China. The diagnosis of hypertension should strictly follow the latest guidelines.

Effect of IL-6-mediated STAT3 signaling pathway on myocardial apoptosis in mice with dilated cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene knockout on apoptosis of myocardial cells in mice with Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3)-induced dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and its potential mechanism, so as to provide certain references for the clinical prevention and treatment of DCM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 male C57 mice were randomly divided into Sham group (n=20) and DCM group (n=20) using a random number table. Another 20 mice with IL-6 gene knockout were enrolled into DCM+IL-6 KO group (n=20). The DCM model was established via CVB3 repeated incremental infection. After 9 months, the heart weight/body weight (HW/BW) ratio of mice in each group was detected. The ejection fraction [EF (%)] and fraction shortening [FS (%)] of mice in each group were detected via two-dimensional ultrasonography. The cross-sectional area and pathological changes in myocardial cells in the heart in each group were determined using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The collagen content in myocardial tissues in each group was detected via Masson staining and picrosirius red (PSR) staining, and the expressions of Collagen I and Collagen III in myocardial tissues in each group were detected via immunohistochemistry. In addition, the myocardial apoptosis in myocardial tissues in each group was detected via terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. Finally, the protein expression levels of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), and total STAT3 (t-STAT3) were detected via Western blotting. RESULTS: The expression of IL-6 messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) in myocardial tissues in DCM group was significantly increased compared with that in Sham group (p<0.05). After IL-6 knockout, the HW/BW ratio of DCM mice significantly declined (p<0.05), and the cross-sectional area of myocardial cells was significantly reduced (p<0.05). According to the results of echocardiography, the cardiac function of mice in DCM+IL-6 KO group was significantly superior to that in DCM group, manifested as the significant increase in FS (%) and EF (%) (p<0.05). The results of Masson staining, PSR staining, and immunohistochemical staining showed that IL-6 knockout could reduce the collagen content and Collagen I and Collagen III expressions in myocardial tissues of DCM mice (p<0.05). Furthermore, it was found via TUNEL staining that the number of apoptotic myocardial cells in DCM+IL-6 KO group was markedly smaller than that in DCM group (p<0.05). At the same time, the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in myocardial tissues in DCM+IL-6 KO group was lower (p<0.05). Finally, the results of Western blotting revealed that DCM+IL-6 KO group had a lower phosphorylation level of STAT3 than DCM group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibiting IL-6 gene may improve the DCM-induced myocardial remodeling through reducing myocardial apoptosis.

[Study of the prevalence and disease burden of chronic disease in the elderly in China].

Objective: To understand the prevalence and disease burden of major chronic diseases in the elderly in China and provide scientific basis for the prevention and control of chronic diseases and for the rational allocation of health resources. Methods: We analyzed the prevalence of chronic diseases in residents aged ≥60 years in China by using national and provincial surveillance data of chronic diseases and related risk factors in China. We conducted the analysis on the burden of chronic diseases in the elderly in China by using the data of global burden of disease. Results: The prevalence rates of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia were 58.3%, 19.4% and 10.5% respectively in residents aged ≥60 years in China. Up to 75.8% of the residents aged ≥60 years had at least one chronic disease. The prevalence rate was higher in women than in men, higher in urban area than in rural area. With the increase of age, the prevalence rate of chronic diseases also increased. The top three chronic diseases with heavy disease burden in residents aged ≥70 years were stroke, myocardial infarction, cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Conclusion: The prevalence of major chronic diseases in the elderly is high with three quarters of the elderly suffering from at least one chronic disease, and the burden of chronic diseases is increasing.

[Study of epidemiological characteristics of metabolic syndrome and influencing factors in elderly people in China].

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of MS in elderly people aged ≥60 years and its related factors in China and provide scientific evidence for prevention and control of MS in the elderly. Methods: Data used in this study were obtained from the 2013 Chinese Chronic Diseases and Risk Factor Surveillance Program. A total of 50 497 people aged ≥60 years were selected and interviewed through multistage stratified cluster sampling at 298 surveillance sites in 31 provinces. According to the Chinese MS diagnostic criteria proposed by the Chinese Medical Association Diabetes Branch in 2017, the prevalence rates of different MS forms were compared, and the main related factors were analyzed. Results: The prevalence rate of MS was 36.9% (95%CI: 35.4-38.5). The prevalence rate was higher in urban area than in the rural area, higher in females than in males, higher in eastern area than in western area. The prevalence rate of MS in elderly people aged ≥70 years was lower than that in those aged 60-69 years. The rate in the elderly with higher education and income levels was higher than that in the elderly with lower socioeconomic level. The comparison of the prevalence of the five forms of MS in the elderly showed that hypertension had the highest prevalence rate (72.8%), followed by hyperglycemia (41.7%) and central obesity (37.6%). The prevalence rates of hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C were 25.8% and 17.5%. The risk for MS in women was 1.20 times higher than that in men. Age, gender, education level, living area and urban or rural residence were the main factors influencing the prevalence of MS. Smoking, drinking and physical activity levels were correlated with MS. Conclusions: The risk for MS was higher in women than in men in China's elderly population, and the risk was related to socioeconomic level and life behaviors. It is recommended to carry out lifestyle interventions, such as increasing exercise and having reasonable diet for the elderly patients with MS. Hypertension and diabetes patients also need to be treated with drugs to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality.

[Study on relationship between prevalence or co-prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and blood pressure level in adults in China].

Objective: To study the relationship between blood pressure level and major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in adults in China. Methods: A total of 179 347 adults aged ≥18 years were recruited from 298 surveillance points in 31 provinces in China in 2013 through complex multistage stratified sampling. The survey included face to face interview and physical examination to collect information about risk factors, such as smoking, drinking, diet pattern, physical activity, overweight or obesity, and the prevalence of hypertension. The blood pressure was classified into 6 levels (ideal blood pressure, normal blood pressure, normal high blood pressure and hypertension phase Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ). The relationship between the prevalence or co-prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease and blood pressure was analyzed. Results: The adults with ideal blood pressure, normal blood pressure, normal high pressure, hypertension phase Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ accounted for 36.14%, 22.77%, 16.22%, 16.43%, 5.97% and 2.48%, respectively. Among them, the blood pressure was higher in men, people in Han ethnic group and those married, and the blood pressure was higher in those with older age, lower income level and lower education level, the differences were all significant (P<0.05). Whether taking antihypertensive drug or not, co-prevalence of risk factors influenced the blood pressure levels of both sexes (P<0.05), and the blood pressure levels of those taking no antihypertensive drug was influenced more by the co-prevalence of risk factors. Finally, multiple logistic analysis showed that the risks for high blood pressure in adults with 1, 2 and ≥3 risk factors were 1.36, 1.79 and 2.38 times higher, respectively, than that of the adults without risk factor. Conclusion: The more the risk factors for cardiovascular disease in adults, the higher their blood pressure were. It is necessary to conduct comprehensive behavior intervention targeting ≥ 2 risk factors for the better control of blood pressure in general population.

[Relations between cigarette smoking and chronic diseases of Chinese adults in 2013].

Objective: To explore the relations between the prevalence of multiple chronic diseases and cigarette smoking behavior in the Chinese adults. Methods: Based on the results: from the 2013 Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (NCD Surveillance), 176 534 Chinese residents aged 18 years and above, covering 298 counties (districts) in 31 provinces, was randomly recruited, using the multi-stage stratified clustering sampling method. Information on demographics, cigarette smoking (status, quantity and period) was obtained through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. Anthropometric data and blood samples were collected and properly stored for analysis. Results In total, 175 386 adults were included for statistical analyses, with 42.7% as males and 57.3% as females. The prevalence rates of hypertension, high total cholesterol and high triglycerides were 30.4%, 7.2% and 18.0% in male smokers, 35.6%, 14.0%, 10.3% and 15.9% in female smokers respectively, which were all higher than those in the respective non-smokers. Male smokers were found under lower risk on hypertension, but 19% higher on total glycerides when compared with non-smokers of the same sex(OR=1.19, 95%CI:1.10-1.30), when multiple risk factors were under control. Male current smokers with more than 20 cigarettes per day have 41% (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.28-1.55) higher risk of high TG than non-smokers. Female smokers presented 40% (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.15-1.70) higher risk in high glycerides than the non-smokers. Specifically, women smoking longer than 20 years have 60% (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.31-1.95) higher risk of high TG than women smoking less than 20 years. Conclusions: Prevalence rates of certain chronic diseases were seen higher in smokers of both genders. People with longer history of smoking or being heavier smokers, appeared at advanced risk on developing chronic diseases.

[Geographical variation and related factors in prediabetes prevalence in Chinese adults in 2013].

Objective: To investigate the geographical variation of prediabetes in adults in different regions of China, and to analyze the related factors of prediabetes. Methods: Data was obtained from China Chronic Disease and Related Risk Factor Surveillance in 2013. The surveillance adopted multiple-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, which sampled 177 099 residents aged above 18 years old among 298 surveillance points in 31 provinces of Chinese Mainland. Questionnaire interview was used to obtain demographic variables, personal living style, and socio-economical information. Physical examination was conducted and fasting venous blood sample and (oral glucose tolerance test-2 hours, OGTT-2 h) venous blood sample were obtained from the participants. A total of 171 567 residents aged 18 and above were included in the analysis. The prevalence of prediabetes was analyzed by provinces and by China's geographical regions, after complex weighting. Multilevel logistic models were established to explore the related factors of prediabetes on the area level and individual level. Results: The prevalence of prediabetes among residents aged 18 and above was 16.6% (95%CI: 15.6%-17.6%) in China. The prevalence of prediabetes was the highest (18.3%) in the south China and lowest (13.1%) in the northwest area. The difference of the prevalence in different areas were not statistically significant (P=0.510). If categorized the prevalence of prediabetes into 5 groups by quintile, Hainan, Jilin, Shandong, Anhui, Hunan and Chongqing were in the highest group of prevalence of prediabetes (18.6%-22.7%), and Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Guizhou, and Jiangxi were in the lowest group (7.6%-12.6%). The variance of prevalence of prediabetes on the county level (MOR: 1.60 (95%CI:1.53-1.67)) was more diverse than the province level (MOR: 1.21(95%CI:1.08-1.29)) and higher than the street level (1.23 (95%CI:1.14-1.30)). Several factors increased risk of pre-diabetes, including smoking, hazardous drinking and harmful drinking, drinking in the past 30 days, overweight, obesity, central obesity, sugary drink intake, hypertension, high total cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P<0.05). After adjusted the above variables, 92.5% of variance of prediabetes prevalence conld be explained on the provincial level. Conclusion: The geographical distribution of prediabetes in adults in China differed by geographic areas, and it significantly varied on the county level. The related variables included demographic variables, personal behavior, and geographic related variables.

[Co-prevalence of chronic disease risk factors and influencing factors in floating population in China].

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and co-prevalence of tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, insufficient intake of vegetable and fruit, physical inactivity, and overweight or obesity in floating population and influencing factors in China, 2012. Methods: Data from the 2012 China Chronic Disease Risk Factor Survey in Floating Population in China were used. In this survey, 48 704 people aged 18-59 years in floating population were selected through stratified multistage clustering sampling in 170 counties and districts from 31 province (autonomous regions and municipalities) and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. The gender specific prevalence and co-prevalence of five risk factors were estimated, and the rank sum test was used for result comparison. Results: Among the people surveyed, 27.4% had one risk factor, 37.1% had two risk factors, 28.5% had ≥3 risk factors. The prevalence or co-prevalence of risk factors were positively correlated with age (P<0.05), income level (P<0.05) and migration time (P<0.05), and negatively correlated with educational level (P<0.05). People who were males, in Han ethnic group, engaged in construction and from other provinces were more likely to have more risk factors (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence and co-prevalence of tobacco use, excessive alcohol use, insufficient intake of vegetable and fruit, physical inactivity and overweight or obesity were high in floating population in China, suggesting that it is necessary to strengthen the comprehensive behavior intervention in floating population.

[Survey of degree of passive smoking exposure and related risk awareness in adults in China, 2013].

Objective: To understand the passive smoking exposure level and related risk awareness in adults in China in 2013. Methods: A face-to-face questionnaire survey was conducted in 179 570 adults selected through multistage cluster sampling from Chinese chronic disease and risk factors surveillance sample population (2013) in 302 surveillance sites. The effective sample size was 176 179 adults. After comprehensive weighting of the samples, the passive smoking exposure level and the awareness rate of related risks were analyzed. Results: The passive smoking exposure rate was 52.8% (95%CI: 51.2%-54.4%) and the rate decreased with age (χ(2)=515.8, P<0.000 1). The exposure rate was highest in persons engaged in commercial services (61.6%, 95%CI: 58.6%-64.5%). The awareness rate of related risks was 67.9% (95%CI: 65.8%-69.9%). The awareness rate was higher in urban area (77.0%, 95%CI: 75.0%-79.1%) than in rural area (60.0%, 95%CI: 57.7%-62.4%), in males (69.8%, 95%CI: 67.8%-71.7%) than in females (65.9%, 95%CI: 63.7%-68.1%). The awareness rate of three related diseases in urban residents (49.8%, 95%CI: 47.3%-52.4%) were higher than that in rural residents (37.9%, 95%CI: 35.4%-40.5%); the awareness rate of passive smoking related lung cancer was highest (88.5%, 95%CI: 87.5%-89.5%), followed by lung disease in children (70.0%, 95%CI: 68.1%-71.9%), the awareness rate of passive smoking related heart disease was lowest (46.8%, 95%CI: 44.6%-49.1%). Conclusion: The passive smoking exposure level is relatively high in adults in China, and the awareness rate of passive smoking exposure risks, especially heart disease, is low.

miR-760 mediates chemoresistance through inhibition of epithelial mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: Therapeutic resistance has been a great obstacle for successful treatment of breast cancer. Our study aimed to explore the role of microRNA-760 (miR-760) in chemoresistant breast cancer cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Real-time PCR was performed to measure the mRNA expression of miR-760 and Nanog. Western blot was used to determine the protein expression of Nanog and mesenchymal and epithelial markers. Cell viability was measured by the CCK-8 assay. RESULTS: Our results showed that the expression of miR-760 was significantly reduced the doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant MCF-7/DOX cells and chemoresistant breast cancer tissues. Moreover, up-regulation of miR-760 sensitized breast cancer cells to the anti-cancer agents. The MCF-7/DOX cells exhibited increased expression of Snail, a mesenchymal marker, and decreased levels of E-Cadherin, an epithelial marker. In addition, overexpression of miR-760 suppressed the expression of Nanog, a transcriptional factor involved in chemoresistance, and resulted in the reversal of EMT in breast cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that miR-760 modulated chemoresistance through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer cells, providing a potential therapeutic target for treatment of drug-resistant breast cancer.

[Methylation and demethylation of SOX2 gene promoter in BGC-823 gastric cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE: To study the significance and effect of methylation status of sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) gene promoter, and to investigate the effect of demethylation on the cell proliferation and invasion in BGC-823 gastric cancer cells. METHODS: Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was used to assess the role of 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR) in the methylation of SOX2 promoter in the BGC-823 cell lines treated with different concentration of 5-Aza-CdR. We mapped the expression of SOX2 in the BGC-823 cell lines by the quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blotting before and after treatment of 5-Aza-CdR. The survival of BGC-823 cells were detected by MTT assay. The invasion and migration of BGC-823 cells were investigated by transwell methods, and the migration of BGC-823 cells was also assessed by the scratch assay exposed to 5-Aza-CdR or vehicle control. Model of transplanted tumor on nude mouse were used to study the anticancer effect of 5-Aza-CdR in vivo by qPCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The methyltransferase inhibitor 5-Aza-CdR restored the loss of SOX2 expression in BGC-823 cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The mRNA and protein expression of SOX2 had significant difference between the gastric cancer tissues and normal gastric mucosa (mRNA levels: 22.80±0.36 vs 20.36±0.45, P<0.05; protein levels: 0.49±0.01 vs 0.91±0.28, P<0.05). It also had significant difference among the BGC-823 cell lines treated with 5-Aza-CdR of the different concentrations (0, 1 and 10 µmol/L) (mRNA levels: 22.99±0.42 vs 21.78±0.41 vs 20.51±0.47, P<0.05; protein levels: 0.65±0.19 vs 0.73±0.13 vs 0.83±0.14, P<0.05). Compared with the control group (5-Aza-CdR concentration of 0 µmol/L), the survival rates of BGC-823 cell lines were significantly decreased in treatment groups (5-Aza-CdR concentrations of 1, 10 and 20 µmol/L, all P<0.05). Restored expression of SOX2 in the BGC-823 cell lines inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation and cell migration (P<0.05). Model of transplanted tumor on nude mouse in the 5-Aza-CdR group eventually had the smaller tumor size, the lighter tumor weight and the longer survival time than these in the PBS group [(286.6±37.5) vs (540.7±42.6)mm(3,) P<0.05; (325.2±32.2) vs (694.7±36.1)mg, P<0.05; (22.5±1.0) vs (18.7±1.6) d, P<0.05]. Meanwhile, the 5-Aza-CdR group increased the SOX2 protein expression levels and immunohistochemistry scores (0.96±0.25 vs 0.73±0.15, P<0.05; 6.23±0.45 vs 3.76±0.43, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The SOX2 gene promotor is in the status of methylation in the BGC-823 cell. The recovery expression of SOX2 inhibits cell proliferation, invasion and the development of transplanted tumor in nude mice through DNA methyltransferase inhibition. It could suggest a new approach for the treatment of gastric cancer.

[Study on effects of community-based management of hypertension patients aged ≥35 years and influencing factors in urban and rural areas of China, 2010].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the effects of standardized community-based management of hypertension in urban and rural areas in China and related influencing factors. METHODS: The study subjects were the hypertension patients aged ≥35 years who were recruited in 2011 from the participants of 2010 national chronic and non-communicable disease surveillance project. The hypertension patients were diagnosed in community health centers or higher level hospitals and included in community based hypertension management project. By face-to-face questionnaire survey and health examination, the information of the subjects' demographic characteristics, risk factors, complications, involvement in community-based management of hypertension, anti-hypertension treatment, blood pressure, body height, waistline and body weight were collected. In this study, Rao-Scott χ(2) test was used to compare the variations among sub-groups. Taylor series linearization method was used to estimate the prevalence rate. The complex sampling and unconditional multivariate logistics regression analysis was conducted to identify the influencing factors for the control of hypertension. RESULTS: A total of 5 120 subjects were recruited in the analysis. The proportion of those receiving management for more than two years was 36.57%, and it was higher in urban area(44.56%)than in rural area(31.79%, P<0.05); In the past 12 months, 6.17% and 14.46% of the patients received no blood pressure measurement and drug therapy advice respectively, but there were no significant differences between urban group and rural group(P>0.05); In the past 12 months, the proportions of the patients receiving diet and physical activity advice were 84.25% and 84.90% respectively, and the proportions were higher in urban group than in rural group(P<0.05); In the past 12 months, the proportions of the subjects receiving tobacco and alcohol use advice were 78.41% and 77.80% respectively, and the proportions were higher in rural group than in urban group(P<0.05). In urban area, the subjects receiving standardized management had lower SBP(142.79±17.39)mmHg, lower DBP(84.26±9.49)mmHg and higher blood pressure control rate(49.77%)than those receiving no standardized management(P<0.05); while in rural area, no difference was found in BP control between the patients receiving and receiving no standardized management(P>0.05). In urban area, the influencing factors for BP control among the subjects receiving community based management were educational level, annual income, body weight, hypertension management mode, times of receiving BP measurement, times of receiving antihypertensive medicine advice and receiving physical activity advice; while in rural area, the influencing factors for BP control among the subjects receiving community based management were annual income, body weight, family history of hypertension, antihypertensive medicine awareness, times of receiving antihypertensive medicine advice and receiving diet advice. CONCLUSION: The effects of community-based standardized management of hypertension were better in urban area than in rural area, and the quality of the services of community-based hypertension management was lower in rural area than in urban area.

[Prediction of 10-year risk for ischemic cardiovascular disease in adults aged ≥35 years in China].

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the 10-year risk for ischemic cardiovascular disease(ICVD)in adults aged ≥35 years. METHODS: In 2010, we conducted a cross sectional survey among 98 712 adults aged ≥18 years selected through using multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling, and 67 214 adults without ICVD history and aged ≥35 years were recruited as study subjects. Their information on cardiovascular disease history and related behavior risk factors, including smoking, hypertension and diabetes diagnosis history were collected through face-to-face questionnaire interview, health examination and laboratory detection. The 10-year risk for ICVD in this group was evaluated according to the China 10-year risk for ICVD score tables. RESULTS: The average score and 10-year risk for ICVD in the adults aged ≥35 years were 5.1(95% CI: 4.9-5.2)and 4.2%(95% CI: 4.0%-4.4%), respectively. A total of 8.5% of the adults aged ≥35 years had high 10-year risk for ICVD(95%CI: 7.8%-9.2%). This proportion was 12.1% for males(95%CI: 11.1%-13.0%)and 4.9% for females(95%CI: 4.4%-5.5%)(P<0.05), 8.8% for those living in rural areas(95%CI: 7.8%-9.7%)and 8.1% for those living in urban areas(95%CI: 7.2%-8.9%)(P<0.05). About 19.1% and 72.4% of adults had middle and low 10-year risk for ICVD, respectively(95%CI: 18.2%-20.0%, 95%CI: 70.9%-73.9%). The proportion of the adults with high and middle risk for ICVD in 10 years was higher among those with lower educational level or with lower income level(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: About 8.5% of the adults aged ≥35 years in China have high 10-year risk for ICVD. Being male, living in rural area, with lower education or lower income levels were related with the higher 10-year risk for ICVD.

Functional response properties of VIP-expressing inhibitory neurons in mouse visual and auditory cortex.

Despite accounting for about 20% of all the layer 2/3 inhibitory interneurons, the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) expressing neurons remain the least thoroughly studied of the major inhibitory subtypes. In recent studies, VIP neurons have been shown to be activated by a variety of cortico-cortical and neuromodulatory inputs, but their basic sensory response properties remain poorly characterized. We set out to explore the functional properties of layer 2/3 VIP neurons in the primary visual (V1) and primary auditory cortex (A1), using two-photon imaging guided patch recordings. We found that in the V1, VIP neurons were generally broadly tuned, with their sensory response properties resembling those of parvalbumin (PV) expressing neurons. With the exception of response latency, they did not exhibit a significant difference from PV neurons across any of the properties tested, including overlap index, response modulation, orientation selectivity, and direction selectivity. In the A1, on the other hand, VIP neurons had a strong tendency to be intensity selective, which is a property associated with a subset of putative pyramidal cells and virtually absent in PV neurons. VIP neurons had a best intensity that was significantly lower than that of PV and putative pyramidal neurons. Finally, sensory evoked spike responses of VIP neurons were delayed relative to pyramidal and PV neurons in both the V1 and A1. Combined, these results demonstrate that the sensory response properties of VIP neurons do not fit a simple model of being either PV-like broadly tuned or pyramidal-like narrowly tuned. Instead, the selectivity pattern varies with sensory area and can even be, as in the case of low sound intensity responsiveness, distinct from both PV and pyramidal neurons.

Antitumor Efficacy of Docetaxel-loaded Nanocarrier against Esophageal Cancer Cell Bearing Mice Model.

Esophageal carcinoma is one of the most prevalent cancers with high rate of mortality worldwide. Intravenous and oral-based chemotherapeutic regimens were employed; however all the current treatment modalities are largely unsuccessful. Therefore the main aim of this work was to demonstrate the antitumor efficacy of docetaxel (DTX)-loaded trimethyl chitosan (TMC-DTX) against EC9701 esophageal squamous cancer cells. We showed a superior anti-proliferative activity for TMC-DTX against EC9701 cells upon incubation for 24, 48, and 72 h. Notably, nanoparticles effectively killed the cancer cells at longer incubation time which was consistent with the fact that much of the cells enter G2 and M phase at longer incubation at which DTX is most effective. Furthermore, Annexin V/PI based cell apoptosis study further confirmed the enhanced anticancer activity of DTX formulations. Cell-cycle analysis showed a substantial proportion of cells in subG0 and G2/M phase of cell arrest. Importantly, TMC-DTX showed a remarkable tumor regression profile in EC9701 tumor bearing mice. The intravenous administration significantly controlled/delayed the growth of tumor by comparison to free drug. Therefore TMC-DTX could a potential drug delivery system to enhance the chemotherapeutic efficacy in esophageal carcinoma.

Impact of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms and folate intake on the risk of gastric cancer and their association with Helicobacter pylori infection and tumor site.

Folic acid and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) may both affect the development of human cancer. We conducted a population-based case-control study in a Chinese population to investigate the potential role of folate intake and MTHFR gene polymorphisms in gastric cancer, and their interaction with infection by Helicobacter pylori and tumor location. A total of 767 patients with newly diagnosed gastric cancer and 775 controls were selected for this study. Genotyping of MTHFR C677T and A1298C was conducted by TaqMan assays using the ABI Prism 7911HT Sequence Detection System, and information on folate intake was collected by questionnaire. Compared with the CC genotype of MTHFR C677T, the TT genotype was significantly associated with a decreased risk of gastric cancer when the analysis was adjusted for other potential risk factors. We found a marginal significantly decreased risk of gastric cancer for individuals carrying the T allele [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.65-1.01]. We detected an inverse relationship between folate intake and risk of gastric cancer, and the adjusted ORs (95%CI) for moderate and high folate intake were 0.97 (0.74-1.25) and 0.64 (0.49-0.87), respectively. Moreover, H. pylori infection, folate intake, and location of the tumor showed a significant interaction with the MTHFR C677T polymorphism. Our study suggests a protective role of MTHFR 677TT and high folate intake against gastric cancer, and the effect of the MTHFR C677T genotype may differ by H. pylori infection, folate consumption, and tumor site.