First-line erlotinib versus gemcitabine/cisplatin in patients with advanced EGFR mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer: analyses from the phase III, randomized, open-label, ENSURE study

BACKGROUND

The phase III, randomized, open-label ENSURE study (NCT01342965) evaluated first-line erlotinib versus gemcitabine/cisplatin (GP) in patients from China, Malaysia and the Philippines with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients ≥18 years old with histologically/cytologically confirmed stage IIIB/IV EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2 were randomized 1:1 to receive erlotinib (oral; 150 mg once daily until progression/unacceptable toxicity) or GP [G 1250 mg/m(2) i.v. days 1 and 8 (3-weekly cycle); P 75 mg/m(2) i.v. day 1, (3-weekly cycle) for up to four cycles]. Primary end point: investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). Other end points include objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety.

RESULTS

A total of 217 patients were randomized: 110 to erlotinib and 107 to GP. Investigator-assessed median PFS was 11.0 months versus 5.5 months, erlotinib versus GP, respectively [hazard ratio (HR), 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-0.51; log-rank P < 0.0001]. Independent Review Committee-assessed median PFS was consistent (HR, 0.42). Median OS was 26.3 versus 25.5 months, erlotinib versus GP, respectively (HR, 0.91, 95% CI 0.63-1.31; log-rank P = .607). ORR was 62.7% for erlotinib and 33.6% for GP. Treatment-related serious adverse events (AEs) occurred in 2.7% versus 10.6% of erlotinib and GP patients, respectively. The most common grade ≥3 AEs were rash (6.4%) with erlotinib, and neutropenia (25.0%), leukopenia (14.4%), and anemia (12.5%) with GP.

CONCLUSION

These analyses demonstrate that first-line erlotinib provides a statistically significant improvement in PFS versus GP in Asian patients with EGFR mutation-positive NSCLC (NCT01342965).

Observation and Spin-Parity Determination of the X(1835) in J/ψ→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η

We report an observation of the process J/ψ→γX(1835)→γK_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0}η at low K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0} mass with a statistical significance larger than 12.9σ using a data sample of 1.31×10^{9} J/ψ events collected with the BESIII detector. In this region of phase space the K_{S}^{0}K_{S}^{0} system is dominantly produced through the f_{0}(980). By performing a partial wave analysis, we determine the spin parity of the X(1835) to be J^{PC}=0^{-+}. The mass and width of the observed X(1835) are 1844±9(stat)_{-25}^{+16}(syst)  MeV/c^{2} and 192_{-17}^{+20}(stat)_{-43}^{+62}(syst)  MeV, respectively, which are consistent with the results obtained by BESIII in the channel J/ψ→γπ^{+}π^{-}η^{'}.

High resolution Fourier domain optical coherence tomography in the 2 μm wavelength range using a broadband supercontinuum source: erratum

We correct a mistake in the OCT system sensitivity given in our recent paper [Opt. Express23(3), 1992 (2015)].

Dynamic QTL analysis of protein content and glutamine synthetase activity in recombinant inbred wheat lines

Protein content (PC) is a crucial factor that determines the end-use and nutritional quality of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Glutamine synthetase (GS), which is a major participant in nitrogen metabolism, can convert inorganic nitrogen into organic nitrogen. Although many studies have been conducted on PC and GS, a dynamic analysis of all of the filling stages has not been conducted. Therefore, 115 F9-10 recombinant inbred wheat lines of 'R131/R142' were used to analyze PC and GS activity during different developmental stages, using the conditional quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping method. Twenty-two and six conditional QTL were detected for PC and GS activily, respectively. More QTL in leaf PC were detected during the early filling stages than in the later filling stages. Grain PC QTL displayed different dynamic variations to leaf PC QTL during the entire grain-filling stages. All of the QTL were expressed differently over time, and nine conditional QTL were detected across two filling stages. QTL with similar functions may have tended to group in specific locales. This study provides dynamic genetic information on protein accumulation during grain-filling stages.

Observation of the ψ(1 3D2) State in e+e-→π+π-γχc1 at BESIII

We report the observation of the X(3823) state in the process e+e-→π+π-X(3823)→π+π-γχc1 with a statistical significance of 6.2σ, in data samples at center-of-mass energies sqrt[s]=4.230, 4.260, 4.360, 4.420, and 4.600 GeV collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII electron positron collider. The measured mass of the X(3823) state is (3821.7±1.3±0.7)  MeV/c2, where the first error is statistical and the second systematic, and the width is less than 16 MeV at the 90% confidence level. The products of the Born cross sections for e+e-→π+π-X(3823) and the branching ratio B[X(3823)→γχc1,c2] are also measured. These measurements are in good agreement with the assignment of the X(3823) state as the ψ(1 3D2) charmonium state.

[Imaging of corneal dystrophies: Correlations between en face anterior segment OCT and in vivo confocal microscopy]

PURPOSE

To evaluate the usefulness of en face Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for evaluation of corneal dystrophies and to describe correlations with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-two eyes of 16 patients with 4 types of corneal dystrophies (epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, Fuchs dystrophy, Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy and Crocodile Shagreen dystrophy) were enrolled in this study. Axial and reconstructed en face scans were acquired using OCT. Images were then correlated to IVCM findings.

RESULTS

En face OCT provided new insights into the structure, size and depth of corneal tissue alterations in various corneal dystrophies. OCT en face images were well correlated with IVCM features. Despite lower resolution than IVCM, en face OCT offers the advantages of being non-invasive and allowing the analysis of larger corneal areas.

CONCLUSION

En face OCT provides useful new information in corneal dystrophies. This imaging technique will probably increase in popularity in the near future for the assessment of various anterior segment diseases.

Ultra-high resolution Fourier domain optical coherence tomography for old master paintings

In the last 10 years, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) has been successfully applied to art conservation, history and archaeology. OCT has the potential to become a routine non-invasive tool in museums allowing cross-section imaging anywhere on an intact object where there are no other methods of obtaining subsurface information. While current commercial OCTs have shown potential in this field, they are still limited in depth resolution (> 4 μm in paint and varnish) compared to conventional microscopic examination of sampled paint cross-sections (~1 μm). An ultra-high resolution fiber-based Fourier domain optical coherence tomography system with a constant axial resolution of 1.2 μm in varnish or paint throughout a depth range of 1.5 mm has been developed. While Fourier domain OCT of similar resolution has been demonstrated recently, the sensitivity roll-off of some of these systems are still significant. In contrast, this current system achieved a sensitivity roll-off that is less than 2 dB over a 1.2 mm depth range with an incident power of ~1 mW on the sample. The high resolution and sensitivity of the system makes it convenient to image thin varnish and glaze layers with unprecedented contrast. The non-invasive 'virtual' cross-section images obtained with the system show the thin varnish layers with similar resolution in the depth direction but superior clarity in the layer interfaces when compared with conventional optical microscope images of actual paint sample cross-sections obtained micro-destructively.

Optimization of SCoT-PCR reaction system in Dactylis glomerata by orthogonal design

The effects of 5 factors (template DNA, Mg(2+), dNTPs, Taq DNA polymerase, and primer) on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were investigated to optimize the start codon targeted polymor-phism (SCoT)-PCR system of Dactylis glomerata L., using an orthogo-nal design L16 (4(5)). A suitable SCoT-PCR system for D. glomerata was established; the 20 μL reaction volume contained 3.0 mM Mg(2+), 0.2 mM dNTPs, 1.0 U Taq DNA polymerase, 0.2 μM primer, 20 ng tem-plate DNA, and 2 μL 10X buffer. Each factor had a different effect on the amplification reaction, and the concentration of dNTPs had the larg-est effect on the SCoT-PCR system. We tested 10 orchardgrass samples to determine and verify the stability of the reaction system. The results showed that amplified bands from diverse materials were clear, stable, and rich in polymorphisms, indicating that the optimized system was very stable.

Study of e(+)e(-)→ωχ(cJ) at center of mass energies from 4.21 to 4.42 GeV

Based on data samples collected with the BESIII detector at the BEPCII collider at nine center of mass energies from 4.21 to 4.42 GeV, we search for the production of e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{cJ} (J=0, 1, 2). The process e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c0} is observed for the first time, and the Born cross sections at sqrt[s]=4.23 and 4.26 GeV are measured to be (55.4±6.0±5.9) and (23.7±5.3±3.5)  pb, respectively, where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second are systematic. The ωχ_{c0} signals at the other seven energies and the e^{+}e^{-}→ωχ_{c1} and ωχ_{c2} signals are not significant, and the upper limits on the cross sections are determined. By examining the ωχ_{c0} cross section as a function of center of mass energy, we find that it is inconsistent with the line shape of the Y(4260) observed in e^{+}e^{-}→π^{+}π^{-}J/ψ. Assuming the ωχ_{c0} signals come from a single resonance, we extract the mass and width of the resonance to be (4230±8±6)  MeV/c^{2} and (38±12±2)  MeV, respectively, and the statistical significance is more than 9σ.

High resolution Fourier domain optical coherence tomography in the 2 μm wavelength range using a broadband supercontinuum source

A 220 nm bandwidth supercontinuum source in the two-micron wavelength range has been developed for use in a Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) system. This long wavelength source serves to enhance probing depth in highly scattering material with low water content. We present results confirming improved penetration depth in high opacity paint samples while achieving the high axial resolution needed to resolve individual paint layers. This is the first FDOCT developed in the 2 μm wavelength regime that allows fast, efficient capturing of 3D image cubes at a high axial resolution of 13 μm in air (or 9 μm in paint).

Ultra-broadband wavelength-swept Tm-doped fiber laser using wavelength-combined gain stages

A wavelength-swept thulium-doped fiber laser system employing two parallel cavities with two different fiber gain stages is reported. The fiber gain stages were tailored to provide emission in complementary bands with external wavelength-dependent feedback cavities sharing a common rotating polygon mirror for wavelength scanning. The wavelength-swept laser outputs from the fiber gain elements were spectrally combined by means of a dichroic mirror and yielded over 500 mW of output with a scanning range from ~1740 nm to ~2070 nm for a scanning frequency of ~340 Hz.

Effects of tetracycline on simultaneous biological wastewater nitrogen and phosphorus removal

The presence of 2 and 5 mg L⁻¹of tetracycline decreased total nitrogen removal. Tetracycline induced EPS release and decreased its protective role on cells. Denitrifiers instead of nitrifiers were negatively affected by tetracycline.

Survival and associated mortality risk factors among post-treatment pulmonary tubercolosis patients in the northwest of China

OBJECTIVE

The tuberculosis (TB) program was carried out in the Changji zone in northwest of China. Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course (DOTS) is a modern control strategy against tuberculosis recommended by World Health Organization. The purpose of this work is to describe the survival of post-treatment TB (PTB) patients and to identify the risk factors associated with mortality and treatment outcomes, so that effective measures and interventions could be used to decrease the mortality rate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Registry of 4501 TB patients at Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) treated from 2007 to 2014 were collected. Mortality was used as an outcome measure and calculated per 100 person years of observation (PYO) from the date of completion of the treatment to the date of interview if the patients were alive or to the date of death. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods were used to determine the survival and hazard ratios. An indirect method of standardization was used to calculate the standard mortality ratio (SMR).

RESULTS

The average PYO was 5.0 and the total was 21851. Mortality per 100 PYO was 1.9/100 PYO [223/11871] for smear-positive, 3.4/100 PYO [305/9048] for smear-negative and 2.4/100 PYO [22/932] for EPTB cases. Univariate and Cox regression analysis showed that age (p < 0.01), education (p < 0.01), occupation (p < 0.01) and economic status (p < 0.01) were associated with increased mortality.

DISCUSSION

Since the mortality rate was higher in Post-treatment TB patients than the general population these patients need special health care. An integrated survival and associated mortality risk factors and information system is necessary for TB surveillance, personal health status and treatment management. Further studies are required to identify the causes of death in these patients.

The defect of both angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis is involved in preeclampsia

INTRODUCTION

Pre-eclampsia (PE) is characterized by failed remodeling of maternal vessels perfusing the placenta. Blood vessels and lymphatic system are involved in vessel remodeling and flow homeostasis in the uterus during pregnancy. This study aims to investigate the involvement of angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in PE.

METHODS

Placental and decidual tissues were obtained from pregnancies with PE (n = 90), including PE cases with decidual vasculopathy (DV) (n = 52) and without DV (n = 38), and healthy pregnancies (control, n = 20). The clinical characteristics of these groups were analyzed. The expression levels of VEGF1, CD34, PROX-1, VEGFR3, and CD31 in the placenta and decidua were detected through immunohistochemistry, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot.

RESULTS

The lymphangiogenic markers PROX-1 and VEGFR3 were negatively expressed in the placenta but positively expressed in the decidua. The expression levels of the angiogenic markers VEGF1 and CD34 and the panendothelial marker CD31 were significantly lower in the placenta and decidua of the PE group than in those of the control group. The expression levels of VEGF1, CD34, and CD31 were significantly lower in the placenta and decidua with DV than in those without DV. Furthermore, the expression trends of PROX-1 and VEGFR3 was similar to those of VEGF1, CD34, and CD31 among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphangiogenesis occurred in the decidua but not in the placenta. Impaired angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were associated with PE, particularly in the presence of DV.

Phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann model for axisymmetric multiphase flows

In this paper, a phase-field-based lattice Boltzmann (LB) model is proposed for axisymmetric multiphase flows. Modified equilibrium distribution functions and some source terms are properly added into the evolution equations such that multiphase flows in the axisymmetric coordinate system can be described. Different from previous axisymmetric LB multiphase models, the added source terms that arise from the axisymmetric effect contain no additional gradients, and therefore the present model is much simpler. Furthermore, through the Chapmann-Enskog analysis, the axisymmetric Chan-Hilliard equation and Navier-Stokes equations can be exactly derived from the present model. The model is also able to deal with flows with density contrast. A variety of numerical experiments, including planar and curve interfaces, an elongation field, a static droplet, a droplet oscillation, breakup of a liquid thread, and dripping of a liquid droplet under gravity, have been conducted to test the proposed model. It is found that the present model can capture accurate interface and the numerical results of multiphase flows also agree well with the analytical solutions and/or available experimental data.

Observation of e(+)e(-)→π(0)π(0)hc and a neutral charmoniumlike structure Zc(4020)(0)

Using data collected with the BESIII detector operating at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider at center-of-mass energies of sqrt[s]=4.23, 4.26, and 4.36 GeV, we observe e(+)e(-)→π(0)π(0)hc for the first time. The Born cross sections are measured and found to be about half of those of e(+)e(-)→π(+)π(-)hc within less than 2σ. In the π(0)hc mass spectrum, a structure at 4.02  GeV/c(2) is found. It is most likely to be the neutral isospin partner of the Zc(4020)(±) observed in the process of e(+)e(-)→π(+)π(-)hc being found. A fit to the π(0)hc invariant mass spectrum, with the width of the Zc(4020)(0) fixed to that of its charged isospin partner and possible interferences with non-Zc(4020)(0) amplitudes neglected, gives a mass of (4023.9±2.2±3.8)  MeV/c(2) for the Zc(4020)(0), where the first error is statistical and the second systematic.

Optical coherence tomography in the 2-μm wavelength regime for paint and other high opacity materials

An optical coherence tomography system using a compact fiber source emitting amplified spontaneous emission at central wavelength of 1960 nm with bandwidth of 40 nm is developed to enhance the probing depth in a highly scattering material with low water content. Examples of application to paint are used to demonstrate significantly improved penetration depth in high opacity materials in the 2-μm wavelength regime.

Interleukin-17 facilitates the immune suppressor capacity of high-grade glioma-derived CD4 (+) CD25 (+) Foxp3 (+) T cells via releasing transforming growth factor beta

High-grade glioma is a malignant tumour; the pathogenesis is to be further investigated. Interleukin (IL)-17 is an inflammatory cytokine. Chronic inflammation is a pathological feature of cancer. This study aimed to characterize the glioma-derived IL-17(+) regulatory T cells (Treg). In this study, single cells were isolated from surgically removed high-grade glioma tissue and examined by flow cytometry. The immune suppressor effect of IL-17(+) Tregs on CD8(+) T cells was assessed in vitro. The results showed that abundant IL-17(+) Tregs were found in high-grade glioma tissue. The immune suppressor molecule, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, was detected in the IL-17(+) Tregs. The proliferation of CD8(+) T cells was suppressed by culturing with the IL-17(+) Tregs, which was partially abrogated by neutralizing antibodies of either TGF-beta or IL-17 and completely abrogated by neutralizing antibodies against both TGF-beta and IL-17. In conclusion, IL-17(+) Tregs exist in the high-grade glioma tissue; this subset of T cells can suppress CD8(+) T cell activities via releasing TGF-beta and IL-17.

Search for a light sterile neutrino at Daya Bay

A search for light sterile neutrino mixing was performed with the first 217 days of data from the Daya Bay Reactor Antineutrino Experiment. The experiment's unique configuration of multiple baselines from six 2.9 GW(th) nuclear reactors to six antineutrino detectors deployed in two near (effective baselines 512 m and 561 m) and one far (1579 m) underground experimental halls makes it possible to test for oscillations to a fourth (sterile) neutrino in the 10(-3) eV(2)<|Δm(41)(2) |< 0.3 eV(2) range. The relative spectral distortion due to the disappearance of electron antineutrinos was found to be consistent with that of the three-flavor oscillation model. The derived limits on sin(2) 2θ(14) cover the 10(-3) eV(2) ≲ |Δm(41)(2)| ≲ 0.1 eV(2) region, which was largely unexplored.