[Study on the disease burden of Chinese adolescent in 2015]

Objective: To discuss the main causes and risk factors of disability and death among current Chinese adolescents. Methods: Subnational data of China from Global Burden of Disease Study 2015 (GBD 2015) was used to rank the causes and risk factors leading to death and disability adjusted life years (DALY) in Chinese adolescents aged between 10 and 19 years old, and thereby to analyze the main cauese and risk factors of death and DALY among Chinese adolescents in different genders. Results: In 2015, among Chinese adolescents aged 10-19 years old, the total DALY was 13 million 490 thousand years, and the total number of deaths was 63 258 cases. The top 3 causes of DALY were skin and subcutaneous diseases, iron-deficiency anemia and road injuries, resulting in DALY (constituent ratio) of 1 411 (10.5%), 1 094 (8.1%) and 1 029 (7.6%) thousand years respectively. The top 3 causes of death were road injuries, drowning and leukemia, causing 13 881 (21.9%), 9 895 (15.6%) and 4 620 (7.3%) deaths (constituent ratio) respectively. The top 3 risk factors of DALY were iron deficiency, alcohol use and drug use, causing 1 094 (8.1%), 487 (3.6%) and 220 thousand years (1.6%) DALY (constituent ratio) respectively. The top 3 risk factors of death were alcohol use, occupational injuries and drug use, causing 5 957 (9.4%), 1 523 (2.4%) and 810 (1.3%) deaths respectively. Conclusion: Unintentional injury was the top cause of DALY and death in Chinese adolescents, followed by skin and subcutaneous diseases and iron-deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency and alcohol use were the top two risk factors of DALY and death.

Effects of Elevated Ozone on Polka Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya) with Variegated Leaves

In this study, impacts of O₃ on four cultivars ('Rose', 'Pink', 'Blush' and 'White') of the polka dot plant with variegated leaves were investigated for the first time. Ozone fumigation [(120 ± 20 ppb) for 14 days (8 h day^-1, from 8:30 to 16:30)] resulted in visible foliar injuries, decreased contents of pigments (chlorophyll a and b, and carotenoid), the inhibition of photosynthesis, the increase of quantum yield of non-regulated heat dissipation and fluorescence emission (Y(NO)), and the damage of cell membrane. Elevated O₃ increased the content of anthocyanin (Ant). 'White' showed the highest, and 'Rose' the lowest amount of injured leaf area, indicating that the former was the most sensitive, and the latter the most tolerant to O₃ stress. After O₃ exposure, the highest Ant content was found in 'Rose', followed by 'Pink', 'Blush', and 'White'. Levels of Ant were likely responsible for the different sensitivities to O₃ due to their roles in photoprotection.

Comparative treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization and costs of atomoxetine and long-acting methylphenidate among children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Germany

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) imposes a substantial burden on patients and their families.

OBJECTIVE

A retrospective, propensity score-matched cohort study compared treatment patterns, healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs among children/adolescents with ADHD aged 6-17 years at treatment initiation (index) in Germany who received atomoxetine (ATX) or long-acting methylphenidate (LA-MPH) monotherapy.

METHODS

Patients received at least one prescription for their index medication (ATX/LA-MPH) during 2006-2010; the first prescription marked the index date. ATX- and LA-MPH-indexed cohorts were matched 1:1 (n = 737); a patient subset was identified that had not received ADHD-indicated medications in 12 months prior to index (novel initiators: ATX, n = 486; LA-MPH, n = 488). Treatment patterns were evaluated among novel initiators, and HRU and costs among the matched cohorts in the 12 months after index.

RESULTS

No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the novel initiator patient subsets. ATX-indexed novel initiators had significantly longer persistence to index medication [mean (standard deviation; SD) days: 222.0 (133.9) vs 203.2 (135.0), P = 0.029) but higher switching rates (8.8 vs 5.5 %, P = 0.045) than LA-MPH-indexed novel initiators. The total ATX-indexed cohort required more prescriptions [any medication; mean (SD): 20.9 (11.5) vs 15.7 (9.0), P < 0.001] and outpatient visits [mean (SD): 10.1 (6.3) vs 8.3 (5.3), P < 0.001], and incurred significantly higher total median healthcare costs (€1144 vs €541, P < 0.001) versus matched LA-MPH patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These real-world data indicate that, among children/adolescents with ADHD in Germany, ATX-indexed patients may require more prescriptions and physician visits, and incur higher total healthcare costs, than matched LA-MPH patients.

[Expression of PD-1/PD-L1 in triple-negative breast carcinoma and its significance]

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the expression of PD-1, PD-L1 and clinicopathologic parameters in triple negative breast carcinoma (TNBC). Methods: Samples from 151 patients with TNBC and 65 cases of other breast carcinomas (non-TNBC) were examined for PD-L1 and PD-1 expression by immunohistochemical staining on tissue microarray. Results: The expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 in the tumor cells and interstitial lymphocytes in TNBC was significantly (P<0.05)higher than that in non-TNBC.In TNBC, the expression rates of PD-L1 in the cancer nests and stroma were 16.6%(25/151) and 25.2%(38/151)respectively.The former was positively correlated with tumor histological grade and lymph node metastasis (P<0.05), and the latter only with tumor histological grade (P<0.05). The expression rate of PD-1 was 27.2% (41/151), and correlated with PD-L1 expression in stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (P<0.05). Conclusion: The expression of PD-L1 in TNBC is significantly correlated with high-grade histology, lymph node metastasis and PD-L1 expression in stromal tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

[The effect of restraint stress on masseter mechanical hyperalgesia and the activity of neurons and astrocytes in the spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis in rats]

Objective: To investigate the effect of restraint stress on masseter mechanical hyperalgesia and the activity of neurons and astrocytes in the spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis (Vc). Methods: The animals were randomly divided into the control group, 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, 9-, 11-and 14-day stress groups, with 10 rats in each group. The body weight increase and behavior tests were used to testify the animal model. The mechanical sensitivity of masseter of the rat before and after the stress was measured with Von Frey filaments. Histological examinations were used to evaluate the expression of neuronal c-fos and astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Results: Restraint stress resulted in remarkable mechanical allodynia in the masseter muscle. The head withdrawal threshold was significantly lower in the 7-, 9-, 11-and 14-day stress groups ([0.071±0.011], [0.059±0.020], [0.052±0.011], [0.033±0.011] N) than that in the control group ([0.120±0.025] N) (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the rats in the 1-day stress group showed a significant increase of c-fos in neurons of the Vc and then declined to normal level after 1 week gradually. The GFAP expression in astrocytes of the Vc was significantly increased in the 7-, 9-, 11-and 14-day stress groups (4.3±1.0, 4.5±0.6, 4.6±0.5, 4.8±1.3) compared with the control group (2.0±0.8) (P<0.05). Conclusions: Chronic restraint stress could lower the threshold of mechanical allodynia in the masseter muscle and activate the neurons and astrocytes in Vc. The activation of neurons and astrocytes plays an important role in the masseter hyperalgesia induced by restraint stress in rats.

Effect of Xianling Gubao capsules on bone mineral density in osteoporosis patients

This paper aimed to analyze the clinical effects of Xianling Gubao capsules on the bone mineral density (BMD) of 94 patients with osteoporosis. After reviewing and analyzing the clinical information in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2016, the patients were divided into a control group and a treatment group with 47 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with routine Western medicine, while the treatment group received Xianling Gubao capsules. Both groups were treated continuously for 3 courses (30 days each course) and had their BMD analyzed and compared. The effective rates of the treatment group and control group were 91.48% and 70.21%, respectively, with statistical significance (P less than 0.05). Compared with the same group before the treatment, the bone metabolic indexes (blood calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphate) and the BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae (L1-2, L3-4, L2-4) of both groups were all improved with statistical significance (P less than 0.05) after the treatment. The above indexes of the treatment group were all significantly higher than those of the control group, with statistical significance (P less than 0.05). Compared with the same group before treatment (P less than 0.05), the osteocalcin (OC) levels of both groups were increased, and the Cross-linked N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX-1) levels were decreased after the treatment. The OC level in the treatment group was higher when compared with the control group, while the CTX-1 level was lower compared to the control group (P less than 0.05). Moreover, no significant side-effects or adverse events were observed during the treatment and observation period. The Xianling Gubao Capsule possesses a therapeutic effect for BMD in osteoporosis patients, which can effectively increase their BMD, improve their bone metabolism, and control the loss of bone mass, therefore, can be used in clinical promotion and application.

[Value of dual contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the preoperative T staging of rectal carcinoma]

Objective: To explore the value of dual contrast-enhanced ultrasound in preoperative T staging of rectal carcinoma. Methods: Dual contrast-enhanced ultrasound examinations were performed on 72 patients with rectal carcinoma via transrectal infusion and intravenous injection. The accordance of preoperative dual contrast-enhanced ultrasound results and postoperative pathologic results was evaluated retrospectively. Results: The overall accordance rate of preoperative T staging was 73.6% (53/72). And accordance rate was 100.0% (3/3), 100.0% (5/5), 68.4% (13/19), 71.4% (25/35)and 70.0% (7/10) for Tis , T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The consistency was good (κ=0.607, χ(2) =8.363, P<0.01). The accordance rate of middle/lower vs high rectal carcinoma was 68.7% and 85.7%. Conclusion: Dual contrast-enhanced ultrasound can provide reference for preoperative T staging for patients with rectal carcinoma.

[Effects of anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody and EGFR-TKI on the expression of PD-L1 and function of T lymphocytes in EGFR-mutated lung cancer cells]

Objective: To investigate the effects of anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody and EGFR-TKI on expression of soluble PD-L1 and function of T lymphocytes in EGFR-mutated lung cancer cells. Methods: Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of membrane PD-LI. ELISA was performed to detect the level of sPD-L1 in the supernatant of cultured EGFR-mutated and wild type lung cancer cells before and after erlotinib treatment.After treated with anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody alone and in combination with erlotinib, the proliferation of T lymphocytes in co-culture system was measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The expression levels of PD-LI and IFN-γ in tumor cells and T lymphocytes treated with erlotinib in co-culture system were analyzed by flow cytometry and ELISA, respectively. Results: PD-L1 was highly expressed in EGFR-mutated lung cancer PC9 cells (78.7±3.1)% and HCC827 cells (82.7±2.6)%.After treated with erlotinib, the expression rates of membrane PD-L1 in PC9 and HCC827 cells were down-regulated (64.7%±3.1% and 73.0%±2.6%, respectively), significantly lower than that in the two cell lines without erlotinib treatment (P<0.05), and the expression levels of sPD-L1 in the supernatant of PC9 and HCC827 cells were also down-regulated (0.680±0.120)ng/ml and (0.903±0.047)ng/ml, respectively, significantly lower than that in the two cell lines without erlotinib treatment (P<0.01). However, no significant changes of membrane PD-L1 and sPD-L1 expression were found in EGFR wild type lung cancer cells (H1299 and A549) before and after erlotinib treatment. In the co-culture system composed of T cells and EGFR-mutated lung cancer cells, treatment with erlotinib alone promoted the proliferation of T lymphocytes (P<0.05), and combined treatment of anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody with erlotinib had a stronger effect (P<0.05). In the co-culture system composed of T cells and EGFR wild type cell lines, the proliferation of T cells was not changed after using erlotinib alone or combination of erlotinib and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (P>0.05). Before and after treatment with erlotinib, the secretion levels of IFN-γ were (856.0±70.3)pg/ml and (1 697.3±161.0)pg/ml, respectively, showing a significant difference (P<0.001). The expression rates of membrane PD-L1 were (76.2±0.5)% and (50.9±0.9)%, respectively, also showing a significant difference (P<0.001). However, no significant changes in the expression of IFN-γ and membrane PD-L1 were found in the co-culture system composed of T cells and A549 cells. Conclusions: Anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody combined with EGFR-TKI can effectively promote the proliferation and secretion function of T lymphocytes in the microenvironment of EGFR-mutated lung cancer cells.

Upregulation of miR-3658 in bladder cancer and tumor progression

Despite increasing advances in surgical techniques and adjuvant chemotherapies, bladder cancer remains the ninth leading cause of male malignancy-associated deaths worldwide. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified to be closely associated with the progression and prognosis of, and response to treatments in various human cancers. However, few studies have investigated the role of miR-3658 in bladder cancer. In this study, we examined the expression of miR-3658 in 96 pairs of bladder cancer tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues via quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that expression of miR-3658 was up-regulated in the bladder cancer tissues as compared with that in the corresponding control tissues (4.15 ± 2.78 vs 2.17 ± 1.14; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, higher miR-3658 expression was significantly associated with lymph node invasion, distant metastasis, histological grade, TNM stage, and tumor recurrence in bladder cancer (all P < 0.0001). miR-3658 expression was not associated with other clinicopathological variables such as age, gender, tumor size, and number (all P > 0.05). Our study revealed that miR-3658 overexpression is involved in tumor progression of bladder cancer, indicating that the miRNA possesses prognostic values.

Fast-ion Dα spectrum diagnostic in the EAST

In toroidal magnetic fusion devices, fast-ion D-alpha diagnostic (FIDA) is a powerful method to study the fast-ion feature. The fast-ion characteristics can be inferred from the Doppler shifted spectrum of D_α light according to charge exchange recombination process between fast ions and probe beam. Since conceptual design presented in the last HTPD conference, significant progress has been made to apply FIDA systems on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Both co-current and counter-current neutral beam injectors are available, and each can deliver 2-4 MW beam power with 50-80 keV beam energy. Presently, two sets of high throughput spectrometer systems have been installed on EAST, allowing to capture passing and trapped fast-ion characteristics simultaneously, using Kaiser HoloSpec transmission grating spectrometer and Bunkoukeiki FLP-200 volume phase holographic spectrometer coupled with Princeton Instruments ProEM 1024B eXcelon and Andor DU-888 iXon3 1024 CCD camera, respectively. This paper will present the details of the hardware descriptions and experimental spectrum.

Validation of fast-ion D-alpha spectrum measurements during EAST neutral-beam heated plasmas

To investigate the fast ion behavior, a fast ion D-alpha (FIDA) diagnostic system has been installed on EAST. Fast ion features can be inferred from the Doppler shifted spectrum of Balmer-alpha light from energetic hydrogenic atoms. This paper will focus on the validation of FIDA measurements performed using MHD-quiescent discharges in 2015 campaign. Two codes have been applied to calculate the D_α spectrum: one is a Monte Carlo code, Fortran 90 version FIDASIM, and the other is an analytical code, Simulation of Spectra (SOS). The predicted SOS fast-ion spectrum agrees well with the measurement; however, the level of fast-ion part from FIDASIM is lower. The discrepancy is possibly due to the difference between FIDASIM and SOS velocity distribution function. The details will be presented in the paper to primarily address comparisons of predicted and observed spectrum shapes/amplitudes.

Measurement of the deuterium Balmer series line emission on EAST

Volume recombination plays an important role towards plasma detachment for magnetically confined fusion devices. High quantum number states of the Balmer series of deuterium are used to study recombination. On EAST (Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak), two visible spectroscopic measurements are applied for the upper/lower divertor with 13 channels, respectively. Both systems are coupled with Princeton Instruments ProEM EMCCD 1024B camera: one is equipped on an Acton SP2750 spectrometer, which has a high spectral resolution ∼0.0049 nm with 2400 gr/mm grating to measure the D_α(H_α) spectral line and with 1200 gr/mm grating to measure deuterium molecular Fulcher band emissions and another is equipped on IsoPlane SCT320 using 600 gr/mm to measure high-n Balmer series emission lines, allowing us to study volume recombination on EAST and to obtain the related line averaged plasma parameters (T_e, n_e) during EAST detached phases. This paper will present the details of the measurements and the characteristics of deuterium Balmer series line emissions during density ramp-up L-mode USN plasma on EAST.

Filterscope diagnostic system on the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST)

A filterscope diagnostic system has been mounted to observe the line emission and visible bremsstrahlung emission from plasma on the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak during the 2014 campaign. By this diagnostic system, multiple wavelengths including D_α (656.1 nm), D_γ (433.9 nm), He ii (468.5 nm), Li i (670.8 nm), Li ii (548.3 nm), C iii (465.0 nm), O ii (441.5 nm), Mo i (386.4 nm), W i (400.9 nm), and visible bremsstrahlung radiation (538.0 nm) are monitored with corresponding wavelength filters. All these multi-channel signals are digitized at up to 200 kHz simultaneously. This diagnostic plays a crucial role in studying edge localized modes and H-mode plasmas, due to the high temporal resolution and spatial resolution that have been designed into it.

[Analysis of Differentially Expressed Proteins Distribution in the Rat Brains with DAI by MALDI-TOF-IMS]

OBJECTIVES

To establish the imaging mass spectrometry for analysis of differentially expressed proteins distribution in the rat brains with diffuse axonal injury （DAI） based on matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight imaging mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-IMS）.

METHODS

MALDI-TOF-IMS scanning were conducted on the brains of DAI group and control group in the m/z range of 1 000 to 20 000 using AutoflexⅢ MALDI-TOF spectrometer. ClinProTool 2.2 software was used for statistical analysis on the data of two groups, and then the differentially expressed proteins were picked out to conduct imaging. The distribution of the proteins with different m/z in the rat brains was observed.

RESULTS

Five proteins with different m/z, including 4 963, 5 634, 6 253, 6 714 and 7 532, differentially expressed in the rat brains with DAI.

CONCLUSIONS

MALDI-TOF-IMS can be used for studying the differentially expressed proteins in rat brains with DAI and the analysis method is established for exploring the distribution of differentially expressed proteins in the rat brains with DAI using imaging mass spectrometry.

Hepcidin and iron metabolism associated with cardiometabolic risk factors in children: A case-control study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of cardiometabolic disease; however, the association between cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and hepcidin as well as other iron parameters remains unclear in children. The aims of this study were to compare the circulating hepcidin levels and iron metabolism between children with and without CMRFs and to investigate the association between those iron parameters and CMRFs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A case-control study was conducted among 1126 children aged 7-14 years in the case group (n = 563) with CMRFs and the healthy control group (n = 563). Iron parameters, lipids, and anthropometric characteristics were evaluated. The information on demographics, diet, and physical activities was either children reported or parent reported. Compared with the healthy controls, children with CMRFs had higher levels of hepcidin and lower levels of serum iron, transferrin, and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR; P < 0.001). Besides, the odds ratios (ORs) for low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were 2.03, 0.21, and 0.33 in children with higher hepcidin, transferrin, and sTfR levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, ORs for cardiometabolic risk were 0.50 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.30-0.85, P < 0.05), 0.22 (95% CI: 0.12, 0.42, P < 0.01) and 0.19 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.36, P < 0.01) in children with higher serum iron, transferrin, and sTfR levels, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The levels of hepcidin were higher, while those of iron, transferrin, and sTfR were lower in children with CMRF. Hepcidin was positively associated with the risk of low HDL levels, whereas transferrin and sTfR levels negatively correlated with the risk of low HDL levels. In addition, serum iron, transferrin, and sTfR levels were negatively associated with cardiometabolic risk.

Home-Telemonitoring Lung Cancer Intervention in Appalachia: A Pilot Study

Benefits of home-telemonitoring for rural dwelling cancer patients are largely unknown. This study examined the effectiveness of home-telemonitoring surveillance with nurse coaching for self-management to improve lung cancer outcomes in mountainous Appalachia where health care access/ service is limited. This randomized clinical trial pilot study compared patient outcomes for telemonitoring versus routine care. A convenience sample (N = 47) was enrolled/ randomized (Telemonitored: 26/ Control: 21) from a university hospital and cancer center. Physiologic parameters and symptoms were collected in the telemonitored group for two weeks; all participants were studied for 60 days after the index treatment/ discharge. The telemonitored group showed greater improvement for both functional status (Wald X² = 3.78, p = .05) and quality of life (QOL) (Wald X² = 7.25, p = .007) from baseline to 60 days post-discharge. Compared to controls, telemonitored patients survived longer; had more scheduled medical visits (96% vs. 75%); made more unplanned calls to doctors/ nurses (32% vs. 30% & 64% vs. 50%); had fewer rehospitalizations (28% vs. 40%); and had more ER utilization (36% vs. 30%). The telemonitored group had relative improvements for health utility (.09 on a scale where 0 = death/ 1= perfect health) and QOL (15 on 0-100 VAS). Differences in health care utilization and cost were not significantly different (p > .05), likely due to the sample size. Telemonitoring group satisfaction with care was high and recommended by patients and caregivers. Results suggest that it is possible to improve patient outcomes with home-telemonitoring for self-management in rural areas. Short-term, telemonitoring-based coaching is feasible and offers a promising option to develop patient self-management knowledge and skills.

[Trend and characteristics of fall in elderly adults based on data from national injury surveillance sentinel hospitals in Anhui province, 2006-2014]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the incidence pattern of fall among older adults in Anhui province during 2006-2014, and provide scientific basis for intervention strategies and decision-making.

METHODS

The incidence data of fall in elderly adults from 6 sentinel hospitals in 2 national injury surveillance areas in Anhui province between 2006 and 2014 were collected for this descriptive epidemiological analysis of the overall incidence trend, demographic characteristics, case distribution and clinical characteristics of fall cases in the elderly.

RESULTS

The fall case number, the proportions of fall cases to injury cases and to overall fall cases in the elderly all increased from 2006 to 2014. The fall was the first cause of the elderly injury during the past 9 years. The sex ratio was 0.74 and the cases in males decreased with age. In both males and females, the cases in retirees and the jobless accounted for the highest proportions. The annual incidence peak was during August to October, and two daily incidence peaks were during 9 am-11 am and 16 pm-18 pm. The elderly falls mainly occurred at home(62.07%), and more females were affected than males(70.27% vs. 50.97%). Leisure activity and homework related falls accounted for 49.18% and 28.67% respectively, and more housework related falls occurred in females than in males. Contusion/abrasion was the first injury caused by fall in males(42.63%)and fracture was the first injury caused by fall in females(47.27%). Head was the first injury site in males(38.04%)and leg was the first injury site in females(29.29%). Most injuries caused by fall were mild(55.12%)and moderate(41.84%)in severity, but the proportions of moderate and severe cases increased gradually with age.

CONCLUSION

Fall in the elderly has become a public health problem. It is necessary to take targeted prevention and control measures according to the gender and age distributions of the fall in the elderly.

[The effect of phospholipid transfer protein on cigarette smoke extract induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of rat alveolar type Ⅱ cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of phospholipid transfer protein(PLTP) on cigarette smoke extract(CSE) induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT) in rat alveolar Type Ⅱ cells (RLE-6TN).

METHODS

CSE of different concentrations (0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) was co-cultured for 2 or 3 days with RLE-6TN, either pre-treated or not pre-treated with siRNA-PLTP for 6 h. Expression levels of E-cadherin mRNA and Vimentin mRNA were examined by RT-PCR, while expression levels of PLTP, E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin were examined by Western blot.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the expression of E-cadherin mRNA decreased in CSE-treated groups: 1.01±0.05, 0.74±0.05, 0.65±0.03, 0.30±0.08 respectively at different concentrations of CSE (0 %, 0.25%, 0.5 %, and 1.0%); while the level of Vimentin mRNA increased significantly in 1% CSE treated cells(1.88±0.49), compared with control cells (1.01±0.20). Treatment with CSE at different concentrations (0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) showed that the protein levels of PLTP were 0.42±0.02, 0.89±0.25, 1.08±0.18, 1.61±0.06 respectively; those of E-cadherin were 1.61±0.04, 1.08±0.10, 0.62±0.08, 0.68±0.17, respectively; those of N-cadherin were 0.60±0.14, 0.57±0.26, 0.88±0.30, 1.94±0.54, respectively; and those of Vimentin were 0.61±0.05, 0.98±0.16, 1.07±0.14, 1.34±0.19, respectively; all P<0.05 when the 1% CSE group was compared with the control group. EMT induced by CSE was significantly inhibited by siRNA-PLTP.

CONCLUSION

PLTP may be involved in CSE induced EMT of rat alveolar cells.

Exacerbations, health services utilization, and costs in commercially-insured COPD patients treated with nebulized long-acting β2-agonists

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective cohort study compared exacerbations, health services utilization, and costs among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients who received nebulized arformoterol or nebulized formoterol therapy.

METHODS

Using PharMetrics Plus health plan claims, 417 nebulized long-acting β2-agonist (LABA) users meeting the study inclusion criteria were identified: had ≥2 fills of nebulized arformoterol or nebulized formoterol from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2011, adhered to using their index drug ≥60% of the days during 1 year post-index, were ≥35 years old and continuously enrolled 180 days pre- and 1 year post-index, and did not use a nebulized LABA or have an asthma diagnosis during the pre-index period. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 274 nebulized arformoterol users and 143 nebulized formoterol users were identified with comparable demographic characteristics. However, significant differences were observed between the two groups in some clinical characteristics at index including comorbidities and use of antibiotics. At 1 year post-index, a lower proportion of nebulized arformoterol users had ≥1 exacerbation compared to nebulized formoterol users (70.4% vs 80.4%; p = 0.028). Among patients with ≥1 hospital admission, COPD-related costs per inpatient stay were significantly lower for nebulized arformoterol users than nebulized formoterol users (median = $9542 vs $14,025; p = 0.009). After controlling for confounders, nebulized arformoterol users had 19% marginally lower risk of exacerbations than nebulized formoterol users (hazard ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval = 0.64-1.03; p < 0.084) and 14.4% marginally lower COPD-related total costs at 1 year post-index (p = 0.062), primarily related to fewer hospital readmissions (7.6% vs 12.2%) and lower average costs per readmission stay (median = $7392 vs $18 081; p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the choice of nebulized LABA may influence COPD-related exacerbation occurrence and costs. Future studies with larger and more closely matched nebulized arformoterol and nebulized formoterol users are needed to confirm these findings.

Increasing economic burden of tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment failure by line of therapy in chronic myeloid leukemia

OBJECTIVE

To assess the economic burden of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment failure in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), by assessing all-cause health care resource use (HCRU) and costs in the year after treatment failure by line of therapy (LOT; 1L/2L/3L) using real-world data.

METHODS

Treatment episodes initiating a TKI of interest (index TKI) during June 2008-December 2011 were identified from the IMS PharMetrics Plus Health Plan Claims Database for adult patients with CML diagnosis (ICD-9-CM 205.1x), 120 days pre-index continuous enrollment (CE) and no clinical trial participation. Episodes experiencing treatment failure, defined as switch to a non-index TKI or discontinuation of index TKI (gap of ≥ 60 days), and with 1 year CE post-failure, were analyzed. LOT was determined by number of unique TKIs used in the pre-index. All-cause HCRU and costs (2012 USD) in the 1 year post-failure were assessed by LOT, and the comparisons between 1L and 2L failures were also adjusted using multivariate generalized linear models (GLMs) to control for underlying differences.

RESULTS

A total of 706 episodes were identified (518 1L; 180 2L; 8 3L). Unadjusted HCRU over 1 year post-failure increased significantly. This was accompanied by a significant increase in unadjusted mean costs for 2L failures vs. 1L failures ($99,624 vs. $78,667, p = 0.021, Δ$20,957). Following the adjustment using GLMs, adjusted mean costs were 38% higher (95% CI 1.14-1.68), driven primarily by use of medical services. In adjusted analyses, compared to 1L, 2L failures had: 45% more ambulatory visits (mean 31 vs. 21, 95% CI 1.26-1.66), 75% higher risk of hospitalization (33% vs. 23% hospitalized, 95% CI 1.16-2.64), and 73% higher medical costs (95% CI 1.31-2.29). Medical costs comprised a greater proportion of total costs in 2L vs. 1L (55% vs. 44%); pharmacy costs did not increase significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

The economic burden over 1 year post TKI failure increased with each sequential line of TKI treatment failure.

Application of the ERK signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 in long-term in vivo experiments

The aim of this study was to explore methods by which the ERK signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 (PD) could be used in long-term in vivo experiments. Forty healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into blank control, model control, PD low-dose, PD high-dose, PD blank, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control, DMSO blank, and positive control groups. The corresponding treatments were administered to each experimental group over the course of four weeks, after which, total ERK1/2 and ERK5 protein levels, protein phosphorylation, and gene expression were measured in myocardial tissues. Treatment of rabbits with Adriamycin (doxorubicin) resulted in the significant overall differences in ERK1/2 and ERK5 phosphorylation (P < 0.05). Compared with the model control group, changes in phosphorylated ERK1/2 and phosphorylated ERK5 were lowest in the PD high-dose group (P < 0.05). No significant differences in total protein and mRNA levels of myocardial ERK1/2 and ERK5 were detected between the groups after four weeks (P > 0.05). Continuous intravenous injection of PD98059 significantly reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and that of ERK5. In conclusion, Adriamycin-induced myocardiopathy and abnormal ERK signaling might constitute a valuable model foruse in long-term experiments. These methods may provide a theoretical basis for related in vivo studies of long duration.

A genome-wide association study of growth trait-related single nucleotide polymorphisms in Chinese Yancheng chickens

Chicken (Gallus gallus) growth traits are important economic traits, and many studies have been conducted on genetic selection for body weight. However, most of these studies have detected functional chromosome mutations or regions by conventional molecular markers or gene chips. In this study, we performed a new genome-wide association study using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology in purebred Yancheng chickens. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that were significantly associated with phenotypic traits were identified by GAPIT-compressed mixed linear models. Eighteen SNP markers reached 5% Bonferroni genome-wide significance. A region spanning 72.3 to 82.1 Mb on GGA4 had a strong influence on growth traits. Four genes (FAM184B, KCNIP4, MIR15A, and GLI3) were closely associated with body weight. Some SNPs were coincident with previously reported quantitative trait locus regions. Our results would promote the researches of Chinese chickens and accelerate the utilization of Chinese chicken, specially Yancheng chicken.

Efficient diode-pumped acousto-optic Q-switched Er:Yb:GdAl(3)(BO(3))(4) pulse laser at 1522 nm

End-pumped by a continuous-wave 976 nm diode laser, efficient 1522 nm laser operation was demonstrated in an Er:Yb:GdAl(3)(BO(3))(4) crystal when a sapphire crystal was used as a heat diffuser. A continuous-wave 1522 nm laser with a maximum output power of 750 mW and slope efficiency of 36% was realized at an absorbed pump power of 4.1 W. The pulse performances of an acousto-optic Q-switched laser with various repetition frequencies were investigated in detail. In a repetition frequency range of 1-10 kHz, 1522 nm pulse lasers with a slope efficiency of about 10%, peak output power at the kilowatt level, and width of about 50 ns were first obtained in an Er:Yb:GdAl(3)(BO(3))(4) crystal pumped by a continuous-wave diode laser. The results indicate that the crystal is a promising gain medium for an actively Q-switched 1.5 μm laser.