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Background China has the largest population of smokers in the world. Little previous research has explored the cultural challenges in encouraging smoking cessation in China. This study aimed to explore and generate research questions about culturally distinctive beliefs and barriers to smoking cessation. Methods A convenience sample of 21 smokers and ex-smokers selected from a Guangzhou hospital smoking cessation clinic and medical ward was interviewed about experiences with quitting smoking. Data were analysed to elucidate culturally distinctive obstacles to cessation that may warrant further study. Results Three major obstacles to smoking cessation were identified: family and social influences, the myth that quitting smoking is dangerous to health and misinformation from health professionals. Conclusions This study suggests that smoking cessation in China is made more challenging by a social context in which family, friends and even health professionals may discourage it. However, these identified barriers and beliefs about smoking cessation need to be confirmed in larger, more representative studies in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction As a neuroprotective medication, butylphthalide (NBP) may help protect against cerebral ischaemic injury. However, evidence on whether NBP influences the outcomes of patients who had acute ischaemic stroke who are receiving revascularisation treatment is limited. This study aims to evaluate whether additional NBP therapy can improve the functional outcome of patients who receive intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and/or endovascular treatment (EVT).Methods and analysis The study will be a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multiple-centre, parallel group trial. The sample size is estimated at 1200 patients. Eligible patients will be randomised at a 1:1 ratio to receive either NBP or placebo daily for 90 days, which will include 14 days of injections and 76 days of capsules. The first use of NBP/placebo will be started within 6 hours of onset of ischaemic stroke. The primary outcome is the functional outcome as assessed by the 90-day modified Rankin Scale, adjusted for baseline scores on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. The primary safety outcome is the percentage of serious adverse events during the 90 days of treatment. This trial will determine whether NBP medication benefits patients who had acute ischaemic stroke who receive intravenous thrombolysis or EVT.Ethics and dissemination The protocol was written according to the general ethical guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and approved by the Institutional Review Board/Ethics Committee of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University with approval number KY 2018-003-02. Ethics committees of all participating sites have approved the study . Results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and shared in scientific presentations.Trial registration number NCT03539445.