S02-5 Physical inactivity in nine Eastern European and Central Asian countries: results from the WHO STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance

Background

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. This paper explores patterns of physical inactivity in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan.

Methods

Nationally-representative data were collected through the WHO STEPwise survey of noncommunicable disease risk factors, which utilizes the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) to estimate population physical inactivity.

Results

The prevalence of physical inactivity varied across the region, from 11.4 to 44.7%, and was higher among women than men in all countries except for Armenia, Belarus and Moldova. In most countries, the highest proportion of physical activity levels were registered during work time and appeared to vary according to the countries’ level of development. For both sexes and across all populations, time spent on leisure or recreational physical activity was low.

Conclusions

These results have important implications for policy, including actions to promote active travel and leisure-time physical activity as countries develop economically. Investments in workplace physical activity programmes and infrastructure are needed as populations transition to sedentary from more physically active occupations. The results reiterate the need for multisectoral policies, programmes and interventions to promote physical activity tailored to the local context.

Physical inactivity in nine European and Central Asian countries: an analysis of national population-based survey results

Background

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases. However, recent and systematically obtained national-level data to guide policy responses are often lacking, especially in countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. This article describes physical inactivity patterns among adults in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Republic of Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

Methods

Data were collected using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire drawing nationally representative samples of adults in each country. The national prevalence of physical inactivity was calculated as well as the proportional contribution to total physical activity (PA) during work, transport and leisure-time. An adjusted logistic regression model was applied to analyze the association of age, gender, education, household status and income with physical inactivity.

Results

National prevalence of physical inactivity ranged from 10.1% to 43.6%. The highest proportion of PA was registered during work or in the household in most countries, whereas the lowest was during leisure-time in all countries. Physical inactivity was more likely with older age in eight countries, with female gender in three countries, and with living alone in three countries. There was no clear pattern of association with education and income.

Conclusion

Prevalence of physical inactivity is heterogeneous across the region. PA during leisure-time contributes minimally to total PA in all countries. Policies and programs that increase opportunities for active travel and leisure-time PA, especially for older adults, women and people living alone will be an essential part of strategies to increase overall population PA.

24-epibrassinolide-induced growth promotion of wheat seedlings is associated with changes in the proteome and tyrosine phosphoproteome

Brassinosteroids (BRs) represent a unique class of steroidal plant hormones that display pronounced growth-promoting activity at very low concentrations. Although many efforts have been made to characterize the molecular basis of BR action, little is known about the mechanisms behind the growth-promoting effect of BRs at protein level. Proteomic analysis of response to the steroid plant hormone 24-epibrassinolide (EBR) in wheat seedling shoots (Triticum aestivum L.) was performed using two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and immunoblotting with highly specific antibodies (PY20) to phosphotyrosine. EBR-modulated proteins and phosphotyrosine polypeptides were identified using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The study revealed that EBR-stimulated growth of wheat seedlings was accompanied by changes in the content of multiple proteins as well as in tyrosine phosphorylation of numerous polypeptides. Among them, 22 differentially accumulated proteins and 13 phosphotyrosine proteins were identified. Based on their performed functions, the identified proteins are involved in physiological processes (photosynthesis, growth, energy and amino acid metabolism) closely associated with intensification of plant metabolism. The EBR-induced changes in protein abundance and tyrosine phosphorylation profile may contribute to growth stimulation of wheat seedlings under the action of EBR. The obtained data suggest an important role for EBR in the activation of protein metabolism underlying fundamental physiological processes, including growth promotion.

Abdominal Surgery in Patients With Idiopathic Noncirrhotic Portal Hypertension: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

In patients with idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension (INCPH), data on morbidity and mortality of abdominal surgery are scarce. We retrospectively analyzed the charts of patients with INCPH undergoing abdominal surgery within the Vascular Liver Disease Interest Group network. Forty-four patients with biopsy-proven INCPH were included. Twenty-five (57%) patients had one or more extrahepatic conditions related to INCPH, and 16 (36%) had a history of ascites. Forty-five procedures were performed, including 30 that were minor and 15 major. Nine (20%) patients had one or more Dindo-Clavien grade ≥ 3 complication within 1 month after surgery. Sixteen (33%) patients had one or more portal hypertension-related complication within 3 months after surgery. Extrahepatic conditions related to INCPH (P = 0.03) and history of ascites (P = 0.02) were associated with portal hypertension-related complications within 3 months after surgery. Splenectomy was associated with development of portal vein thrombosis after surgery (P = 0.01). Four (9%) patients died within 6 months after surgery. Six-month cumulative risk of death was higher in patients with serum creatinine ≥ 100 μmol/L at surgery (33% versus 0%, P < 0.001). An unfavorable outcome (i.e., either liver or surgical complication or death) occurred in 22 (50%) patients and was associated with the presence of extrahepatic conditions related to INCPH, history of ascites, and serum creatinine ≥ 100 μmol/L: 5% of the patients with none of these features had an unfavorable outcome versus 32% and 64% when one or two or more features were present, respectively. Portal decompression procedures prior to surgery (n = 10) were not associated with postoperative outcome. Conclusion: Patients with INCPH are at high risk of major surgical and portal hypertension-related complications when they harbor extrahepatic conditions related to INCPH, history of ascites, or increased serum creatinine.