Showing papers by "Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention published in 2010"

Cohort Profile: The China Health and Nutrition Survey—monitoring and understanding socio-economic and health change in China, 1989–2011

Abstract: This research journal article presents a detailed overview of a cohort profile of the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) which allows for the monitoring and understanding of socio-economic and health change in China from 1989-2011. The author discusses the history and development of the CHNS as a result of the countrys transformations since Chinas reform and open policy. The CHNS was established with the goal to develop a multipurpose longitudinal survey that would allow the research group to examine a series of economic sociological demographic and health questions. The article describes the design of the survey to include in-depth coverage at the individual household and community levels though it was not designed to be representative of China but to be randomly selected and capture a range of economic and demographic circumstances. It provides data randomly from eight different provinces and rounds have been completed nearly every three years since 1989. Though they are very complex to determine with the survey response rates and attrition are assessed along with descriptions of changes in lost-to-follow-up rates. The article describes key finds and publications to be numerous including links to obesity from occupation and transportation; nutrition and chronic disease; and important policy results for agriculture and poverty reduction programs. Lastly the author provides a summary of the CHNSs strengths and weaknesses and recommendations for accessing the data and further information.

SiO2 nanoparticles induce cytotoxicity and protein expression alteration in HaCaT cells.

Abstract: Nanometer silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) has a wide variety of applications in material sciences, engineering and medicine; however, the potential cell biological and proteomic effects of nano-SiO2 exposure and the toxic mechanisms remain far from clear. Here, we evaluated the effects of amorphous nano-SiO2 (15-nm, 30-nm SiO2). on cellular viability, cell cycle, apoptosis and protein expression in HaCaT cells by using biochemical and morphological analysis, two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) as well as mass spectrometry (MS). We found that the cellular viability of HaCaT cells was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner after the treatment of nano-SiO2 and micro-sized SiO2 particles. The IC50 value (50% concentration of inhibition) was associated with the size of SiO2 particles. Exposure to nano-SiO2 and micro-sized SiO2 particles also induced apoptosis in HaCaT cells in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the smaller SiO2 particle size was, the higher apoptotic rate the cells underwent. The proteomic analysis revealed that 16 differentially expressed proteins were induced by SiO2 exposure, and that the expression levels of the differentially expressed proteins were associated with the particle size. The 16 proteins were identified by MALDI-TOF-TOF-MS analysis and could be classified into 5 categories according to their functions. They include oxidative stress-associated proteins; cytoskeleton-associated proteins; molecular chaperones; energy metabolism-associated proteins; apoptosis and tumor-associated proteins. These results showed that nano-SiO2 exposure exerted toxic effects and altered protein expression in HaCaT cells. The data indicated the alterations of the proteins, such as the proteins associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis, could be involved in the toxic mechanisms of nano-SiO2 exposure.

An emerging recombinant human enterovirus 71 responsible for the 2008 outbreak of hand foot and mouth disease in Fuyang city of China.

Abstract: Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a common contagious disease that usually affects children, is normally mild but can have life-threatening manifestations. It can be caused by enteroviruses, particularly Coxsackieviruses and human enterovirus 71 (HEV71) with highly variable clinical manifestations. In the spring of 2008, a large, unprecedented HFMD outbreak in Fuyang city of Anhui province in the central part of southeastern China resulted in a high aggregation of fatal cases. In this study, epidemiologic and clinical investigations, laboratory testing, and genetic analyses were performed to identify the causal pathogen of the outbreak. Of the 6,049 cases reported between 1 March and 9 May of 2008, 3023 (50%) were hospitalized, 353 (5.8%) were severe and 22 (0.36%) were fatal. HEV71 was confirmed as the etiological pathogen of the outbreak. Phylogenetic analyses of entire VP1 capsid protein sequence of 45 Fuyang HEV71 isolates showed that they belong to C4a cluster of the C4 subgenotype. In addition, genetic recombinations were found in the 3D region (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, a major component of the viral replication complex of the genome) between the Fuyang HEV71 strain and Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16), resulting in a recombination virus. In conclusion, an emerging recombinant HEV71 was responsible for the HFMD outbreak in Fuyang City of China, 2008.

β-Carotene Is an Important Vitamin A Source for Humans

Abstract: Experts in the field of carotenoids met at the Hohenheim consensus conference in July 2009 to elucidate the current status of β-carotene research and to summarize the current knowledge with respect to the chemical properties, physiological function, and intake of β-carotene. The experts discussed 17 questions and reached an agreement formulated in a consensus answer in each case. These consensus answers are based on published valid data, which were carefully reviewed by the individual experts and are justified here by background statements. Ascertaining the impact of β-carotene on the total dietary intake of vitamin A is complicated, because the efficiency of conversion of β-carotene to retinol is not a single ratio and different conversion factors have been used in various surveys and following governmental recommendations within different countries. However, a role of β-carotene in fulfilling the recommended intake for vitamin A is apparent from a variety of studies. Thus, besides elucidating the various functions, distribution, and uptake of β-carotene, the consensus conference placed special emphasis on the provitamin A function of β-carotene and the role of β-carotene in the realization of the required/recommended total vitamin A intake in both developed and developing countries. There was consensus that β-carotene is a safe source of vitamin A and that the provitamin A function of β-carotene contributes to vitamin A intake.

Exposure to the Chinese Famine in Early Life and the Risk of Hyperglycemia and Type 2 Diabetes in Adulthood

Abstract: OBJECTIVE Early developmental adaptations in response to undernutrition may play an essential role in susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, particularly for those experiencing a “mismatched rich nutritional environment” in later life. We examined the associations of exposure to the Chinese famine (1959–1961) during fetal life and childhood with the risk of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes in adulthood. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used the data for 7,874 rural adults born between 1954 and 1964 in selected communities from the cross-sectional 2002 China National Nutrition and Health Survey. Hyperglycemia was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥6.1 mmol/l and/or 2-h plasma glucose ≥7.8 mmol/l and/or a previous clinical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. RESULTS Prevalences of hyperglycemia among adults in nonexposed, fetal exposed, early-childhood, mid-childhood, and late-childhood exposed cohorts were 2.4%, 5.7%, 3.9%, 3.4%, and 5.9%, respectively. In severely affected famine areas, fetal-exposed subjects had an increased risk of hyperglycemia compared with nonexposed subjects (odds ratio = 3.92; 95% CI: 1.64–9.39; P = 0.002); this difference was not observed in less severely affected famine areas (odds ratio = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.25–1.31; P = 0.185). The odds ratios were significantly different between groups from the severe and less severe famine areas ( P for interaction = 0.001). In severely affected famine areas, fetal-exposed subjects who followed an affluent/Western dietary pattern (odds ratios = 7.63; 95% CI: 2.41–24.1; P = 0.0005) or who had a higher economic status in later life experienced a substantially elevated risk of hyperglycemia (odds ratios = 6.20; 95% CI: 2.08–18.5; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Fetal exposure to the severe Chinese famine increases the risk of hyperglycemia in adulthood. This association appears to be exacerbated by a nutritionally rich environment in later life.

Comparing Diagnostic Accuracy of Kato-Katz, Koga Agar Plate, Ether-Concentration, and FLOTAC for Schistosoma mansoni and Soil-Transmitted Helminths

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infections with schistosomes and soil-transmitted helminths exert a considerable yet underappreciated economic and public health burden on afflicted populations. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for patient management, drug efficacy evaluations, and monitoring of large-scale community-based control programs. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The diagnostic accuracy of four copromicroscopic techniques (i.e., Kato-Katz, Koga agar plate, ether-concentration, and FLOTAC) for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni and soil-transmitted helminth eggs was compared using stool samples from 112 school children in Cote d'Ivoire. Combined results of all four methods served as a diagnostic 'gold' standard and revealed prevalences of S. mansoni, hookworm, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis and Ascaris lumbricoides of 83.0%, 55.4%, 40.2%, 33.9% and 28.6%, respectively. A single FLOTAC from stool samples preserved in sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin for 30 or 83 days showed a higher sensitivity for S. mansoni diagnosis (91.4%) than the ether-concentration method on stool samples preserved for 40 days (85.0%) or triplicate Kato-Katz using fresh stool samples (77.4%). Moreover, a single FLOTAC detected hookworm, A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura infections with a higher sensitivity than any of the other methods used, but resulted in lower egg counts. The Koga agar plate method was the most accurate diagnostic assay for S. stercoralis. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We have shown that the FLOTAC method holds promise for the diagnosis of S. mansoni. Moreover, our study confirms that FLOTAC is a sensitive technique for detection of common soil-transmitted helminths. For the diagnosis of S. stercoralis, the Koga agar plate method remains the method of choice

Computational Analysis Identifies Human Adenovirus Type 55 as a Re-Emergent Acute Respiratory Disease Pathogen

Abstract: Novel human adenoviruses (HAdVs) arise from genome recombination. Analysis of HAdV type 55 from an outbreak in China shows a hexon recombination between HAdV-B11 and HAdV-B14, resulting in a genome that is 97.4% HAdV-B14. Sporadic appearances as a re-emergent pathogen and misidentification as "HAdV-B11a" are due to this partial hexon.

H5N1 influenza viruses: outbreaks and biological properties

Abstract: All known subtypes of influenza A viruses are maintained in wild waterfowl, the natural reservoir of these viruses. Influenza A viruses are isolated from a variety of animal species with varying morbidity and mortality rates. More importantly, influenza A viruses cause respiratory disease in humans with potentially fatal outcome. Local or global outbreaks in humans are typically characterized by excess hospitalizations and deaths. In 1997, highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses of the H5N1 subtype emerged in Hong Kong that transmitted to humans, resulting in the first documented cases of human death by avian influenza virus infection. A new outbreak started in July 2003 in poultry in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand, and highly pathogenic avian H5N1 influenza viruses have since spread throughout Asia and into Europe and Africa. These viruses continue to infect humans with a high mortality rate and cause worldwide concern of a looming pandemic. Moreover, H5N1 virus outbreaks have had devastating effects on the poultry industries throughout Asia. Since H5N1 virus outbreaks appear to originate from Southern China, we here examine H5N1 influenza viruses in China, with an emphasis on their biological properties.

High Prevalence of Macrolide Resistance in Mycoplasma pneumoniae Isolates from Adult and Adolescent Patients with Respiratory Tract Infection in China

Abstract: The resistance rate of 67 Mycoplasma pneumoniae isolates from 356 ambulatory adult patients with respiratory tract infection was 69% (46 of 67) All 46 macrolide-resistant strains harbored point mutations in the 23S ribosomal RNA gene Patients infected with macrolide-resistant M pneumoniae required significantly longer durations of antibiotic therapy and had longer time to resolution of fever

Scaling up the national methadone maintenance treatment program in China: achievements and challenges

Abstract: China’s methadone maintenance treatment program was initiated in 2004 as a small pilot project in just eight sites. It has since expanded into a nationwide program encompassing more than 680 clinics covering 27 provinces and serving some 242 000 heroin users by the end of 2009. The agencies that were tasked with the program’s expansion have been confronted with many challenges, including high drop-out rates, poor cooperation between local governing authorities and poor service quality at the counter. In spite of these difficulties, ongoing evaluation has suggested reductions in heroin use, risky injection practices and, importantly, criminal behaviours among clients, which has thus provided the impetus for further expansion. Clinic services have been extended to offer clients a range of ancillary services, including HIV, syphilis and hepatitis C testing, information, education and communication, psychosocial support services and referrals for treatment of HIV, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases. Cooperation between health and public security officials has improved through regular meetings and dialogue. However, institutional capacity building is still needed to deliver sustainable and standardized services that will ultimately improve retention rates. This article documents the steps China made in overcoming the many barriers to success of its methadone program. These lessons might be useful for other countries in the region that are scaling-up their methadone programs.

Simultaneous Determination of Seven Neonicotinoid Pesticide Residues in Food by Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Abstract: The present study developed an improved analytical method for simultaneous quantification of seven neonicotinoids in food by ultraperformance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC−MS/MS) under the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The optimization of extraction, cleanup, UPLC separation and MS/MS parameters of analytes were especially focused on. The low limits of quantification (LOQs) of neonicotinoids ranged from 0.1 to 6 μg kg−1. Meanwhile, reasonable recoveries (65−120%) of seven neonicotinoids for food including apple, cabbage, potato, rice, tea, milk, chicken, pork and egg were demonstrated in different spiked levels within their respective linear range (0.025−150 μg kg−1). The developed analytical method would be appropriate for the routine, high throughput, high sensitivity quantification of seven neonicotinoids using simple sample pretreatment.

Prevalence of diabetes among men and women in China.

Abstract: n engl j med 362;25 nejm.org june 24, 201

Schistosomiasis japonica control and research needs.

Abstract: Schistosomiasis japonica, a chronic and debilitating disease caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum, is still of considerable economic and public health concern in the People's Republic of China, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Despite major progress made over the past several decades with the control of schistosomiasis japonica in the aforementioned countries, the disease is emerging in some areas. We review the epidemiological status and transmission patterns of schistosomiasis japonica, placing it into a historical context, and discuss experiences and lessons with national control efforts. Our analyses reveal that an integrated control approach, implemented through intersectoral collaboration, is essential to bring down the prevalence and intensity of Schistosoma japonicum infections and disease-related morbidity, and to sustain these parameters at low levels. The need for innovation and a sufficiently flexible control approach to adapt interventions in response to the changing nature and challenges of schistosomiasis control from the initial phase of morbidity control to the final state of elimination is emphasised. The aim of the presentation and the analyses is to inspire researchers and disease control managers elsewhere in Asia, Africa, and the Americas to harness the experiences gained and the lessons presented here to improve the control and eventual elimination of schistosomiasis and parasitic diseases.

Molecular evidence of persistent epidemic and evolution of subgenotype B1 coxsackievirus A16-associated hand, foot, and mouth disease in China.

Abstract: The molecular epidemiology of CVA16 in China between 1999 and 2008 reflects a pattern of endemic cocirculation of clusters B1a and B1b within subgenotype B1 viruses. The annual evolution rate of CVA16 was estimated as approximately 0.91 × 10−2 substitutions per synonymous nucleotide/year and is slightly lower than that of HEV71.

Influenza A virus replication induces cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase.

Abstract: Many viruses interact with the host cell division cycle to favor their own growth. In this study, we examined the ability of influenza A virus to manipulate cell cycle progression. Our results show that influenza A virus A/WSN/33 (H1N1) replication results in G0/G1-phase accumulation of infected cells and that this accumulation is caused by the prevention of cell cycle entry from G0/G1 phase into S phase. Consistent with the G0/G1-phase accumulation, the amount of hyperphosphorylated retinoblastoma protein, a necessary active form for cell cycle progression through late G1 into S phase, decreased after infection with A/WSN/33 (H1N1) virus. In addition, other key molecules in the regulation of the cell cycle, such as p21, cyclin E, and cyclin D1, were also changed and showed a pattern of G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest. It is interesting that increased viral protein expression and progeny virus production in cells synchronized in the G0/G1 phase were observed compared to those in either unsynchronized cells or cells synchronized in the G2/M phase. G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest is likely a common strategy, since the effect was also observed in other strains, such as H3N2, H9N2, PR8 H1N1, and pandemic swine H1N1 viruses. These findings, in all, suggest that influenza A virus may provide favorable conditions for viral protein accumulation and virus production by inducing a G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest in infected cells.

Multiparasitism a neglected reality on global, regional and local scale.

Abstract: This review focuses on the issue of multiparasitism, with a special emphasis on its characteristics, its extent in eastern Asia and its significance for infectious disease control. Multiparasitism is pervasive among socially and economically disadvantaged or marginalised communities, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas. Intestinal parasites are the most numerous group, but an array of parasites is located elsewhere than in the human gastrointestinal tract. Although multiparasitism has been recognised for decades, in-depth studies are rare, and its public health and economic implications have yet to be fully elucidated. The assessment of multiparasitism is hampered by a lack of sensitive broad-spectrum diagnostic tools and the need to collect multiple biological samples for detailed appraisal. Non-specific symptoms and mainly subtle effects complicate the appreciation of its influence on cognitive and physical development, health, economic productivity and general well-being. Multiparasitism has been reported from virtually every eastern Asian country, and studies regarding the extent of multiparasitism and its effects on child health have been implemented in the region. However, new research is needed, as no comprehensive evaluations of multiparasitism in eastern Asia could be identified. Two case studies pertaining to multiparasitism at the local and regional scale are presented. Multiparasitism was rampant in an ethnic minority village in southern People's Republic of China where the challenges associated with its thorough evaluation are illustrated. The results from a cross-sectional survey covering 35 villages highlight the significance of its evaluation for the design of locally adapted and sustainable parasite control and poverty alleviation programmes. We conclude by listing a set of research needs for future investigations.

Effectiveness of oseltamivir on disease progression and viral RNA shedding in patients with mild pandemic 2009 influenza A H1N1: opportunistic retrospective study of medical charts in China

Abstract: Objective To describe the clinical features and effectiveness of oseltamivir on disease progression and viral RNA shedding in patients with mild pandemic 2009 influenza A(H1N1) virus infection. Design Opportunistic retrospective review of medical charts of patients with confirmed 2009 H1N1 identified through the national surveillance system in China from May to July 2009. Setting Under coordination of the Ministry of Health, local health departments were asked to collect medical records of confirmed patients and send them to the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention on a voluntary basis as part of the public health response. Population 1291 patients with confirmed 2009 H1N1 infection and available data for chart review. Main outcome measures Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, symptoms and signs, laboratory tests, findings on chest radiography, antiviral treatment, duration of fever, and duration of viral RNA shedding. Results The median age of 1291 patients was 20 years (interquartile range 12-26); 701 (54%) were male. The most common symptoms were fever (820, 64%), cough (864, 67%), sore throat (425, 33%), sputum (239, 19%), and rhinorrhoea (228, 18%). Of 920 patients who underwent chest radiography, 110 (12%) had abnormal findings consistent with pneumonia. Some 983 (76%) patients were treated with oseltamivir from a median of the third day of symptoms (2-4). No patients required admission to the intensive care unit or mechanical ventilation. 2009 H1N1 was shed from one day before onset of symptoms to up to eight days after onset in most (91%) patients, with a median of 5 (3-6) days of shedding after onset. Treatment with oseltamivir significantly protected against subsequent development of radiographically confirmed pneumonia (odds ratio 0.12, 95% confidence interval 0.08 to 0.18), and treatment started within two days of symptom onset reduced the duration of fever and viral RNA shedding. Conclusions Chinese patients with 2009 H1N1 infection predominantly presented with features of uncomplicated, self limiting acute respiratory illness. 2009 H1N1 might be shed longer than seasonal influenza virus. Treatment with oseltamivir was associated with a significantly reduced development of radiographically confirmed pneumonia and a shorter duration of fever and viral RNA shedding. Though these patients benefited from treatment, the findings should be interpreted with caution as the study was retrospective and not all patients underwent chest radiography.

Emergence of a New Multidrug-Resistant Serotype X Variant in an Epidemic Clone of Shigella flexneri

Abstract: Shigella spp. are the causative agent of shigellosis with Shigella flexneri serotype 2a being the most prevalent in developing countries. Epidemiological surveillance in China found that a new serotype of S. flexneri appeared in 2001 and replaced serotype 2a in 2003 as the most prevalent serotype in Henan Province. The new serotype also became the dominant serotype in 7 of the 10 other provinces under surveillance in China by 2007. The serotype was identified as a variant of serotype X. It differs from serotype X by agglutination to the monovalent anti-IV type antiserum and the group antigen-specific monoclonal antibody MASF IV-I. Genome sequencing of a serotype X variant isolate, 2002017, showed that it acquired a Shigella serotype conversion island, also as an SfX bacteriophage, containing gtr genes for type X-specific glucosylation. Multilocus sequence typing of 15 genes from 37 serotype X variant isolates and 69 isolates of eight other serotypes, 1a, 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5b, X, and Y, found that all belong to a new sequence type (ST), ST91. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis revealed 154 pulse types with 655 S. flexneri isolates analyzed and identified 57 serotype switching events. The data suggest that S. flexneri epidemics in China have been caused by a single epidemic clone, ST91, with frequent serotype switching to evade infection-induced immunity to serotypes to which the population was exposed previously. The clone has also acquired resistance to multiple antibiotics. These findings underscore the challenges to the current vaccine development and control strategies for shigellosis.

Monosodium glutamate is not associated with obesity or a greater prevalence of weight gain over 5 years: findings from the Jiangsu Nutrition Study of Chinese adults.

Abstract: Animal studies and one large cross-sectional study of 752 healthy Chinese men and women suggest that monosodium glutamate (MSG) may be associated with overweight/obesity, and these findings raise public concern over the use of MSG as a flavour enhancer in many commercial foods The aim of this analysis was to investigate a possible association between MSG intake and obesity, and determine whether a greater MSG intake is associated with a clinically significant weight gain over 5 years Data from 1282 Chinese men and women who participated in the Jiangsu Nutrition Study were analysed In the present study, MSG intake and body weight were quantitatively assessed in 2002 and followed up in 2007 MSG intake was not associated with significant weight gain after adjusting for age, sex, multiple lifestyle factors and energy intake When total glutamate intake was added to the model, an inverse association between MSG intake and 5 % weight gain was found ( P = 0·028), but when the model was adjusted for either rice intake or food patterns, this association was abolished These findings indicate that when other food items or dietary patterns are accounted for, no association exists between MSG intake and weight gain

The HIV epidemic in Yunnan Province, China, 1989-2007.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics and trends in the HIV epidemic in Yunnan province China between 1989 and 2007. METHODS: Statistical analysis of serological data from voluntary testing and counseling sites medical case reports mass screenings sentinel surveillance and other sources. RESULTS: By 2007 a cumulative total of 57325 cases of HIV infection were reported in Yunnan and unsafe drug injection practices and unsafe sexual behaviors were identified as the dominant modes of transmission. HIV affects injecting drug users most particularly in Jingpo Dai and Yi ethnicities more than 40% in 7 counties. HIV prevalence rates among female sex workers (FSWs) increased from 0.5% in 1995 to 4.0% in 2007; among men who have sex with men from 4.0% in 2005 to 13.2% in 2007; among male clients of FSWs from 0% in 1995-1997 to 1.8% in 2007; among male sexually transmitted disease clinic attendees from 0% in 1992 to 2.1% in 2007; among pregnant women from 0.16% in 1992 to 0.5% in 2007; and among blood donors from 0.0075% in 1992 to 0.084% in 2007. CONCLUSIONS: The HIV epidemic in Yunnan has progressed to a concentrated epidemic. Future efforts must focus on not only groups at risk for primary infection (injecting drug users men who have sex with men and FSWs) but also on their low-risk sexual partners.

Retrospective seroepidemiology indicated that human enterovirus 71 and coxsackievirus A16 circulated wildly in central and southern China before large-scale outbreaks from 2008

Abstract: Background: Large nationwide outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) occurred in China from 2008; most of the cases were in children under 5 years. This study aims to identify the situation of natural human enterovirus 71 (HEV71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) infections in children before 2008 in China. Results: Retrospective seroepidemiologic studies of HEV71 and CVA16 were performed with 900 serum samples collected from children ≤5 years of age in 2005. The samples were collected from 6 different geographical areas (Anhui, Guangdong, Hunan, Xinjiang, Yunnan, and Heilongjiang provinces) in mainland China. Of the 900 samples, 288 were positive for HEV71; the total positive rate was 32.0% and the geometric mean titer (GMT) was 1:8.5.

Estimation of cancer incidence and mortality attributable to smoking in China

Abstract: Background Tobacco smoking, as a cause of cancer, is common in China. Few studies have been conducted to assess the burden of tobacco-related cancer in the Chinese population.

Development of a unified web-based national HIV/AIDS information system in China.

Abstract: Background In the past, many data collection systems were in operation for different HIV/AIDS projects in China. We describe the creation of a unified, web-based national HIV/AIDS information system designed to streamline data collection and facilitate data use. Methods Integration of separate HIV/AIDS data systems was carried out in three phases. Phase 1, from January 2006 to December 2007, involved creating a set of unified data collection forms that took into account existing program needs and the reporting requirements of various international organizations. Phase 2, from January to October 2007, involved creating a web-based platform to host the integrated HIV/AIDS data collection system. Phase 3, from November to December 2007, involved pilot testing the new, integrated system prior to nationwide application. Results Eight web-based data collection subsystems based on one platform began operation on 1 January 2008. These eight subsystems cover: (i) HIV/AIDS case reporting; (ii) HIV testing and counselling; (iii) antiretroviral treatment (ART) for adults; (iv) ART for children; (v) behavioural interventions for high-risk groups; (vi) methadone maintenance treatment; (vii) sentinel and behavioural surveillance; and (viii) local county background information. The system provides real-time data to monitor HIV testing, prevention and treatment programs across the country. Conclusion China’s new unified, web-based HIV/AIDS information system has improved the efficiency of data collection, reporting, analysis and use, as well as data quality and security. It is a powerful tool to support policy making, program evaluation and implementation of the national HIV/AIDS program and, thus, may serve a model for other countries.