Phylogenetic and temporal dynamics of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC among recently infected antiretroviral therapy-naïve men who have sex with men in Jiangsu province, China, 2012 to 2015: A molecular epidemiology-based study

The prevalence and incidence of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) among men who have sex with men (MSM) are on the rise throughout China. With a large population of MSM, Jiangsu Province is facing an escalating HIV-1 epidemic.The aim of this study was to explore the phylogenetic and temporal dynamics of HIV-1 CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC among antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve MSM recently infected with HIV-1 in Jiangsu Province.We recruited MSM in Jiangsu Province (Suzhou, Wuxi, Nantong, Taizhou and Yancheng) 2012 to 2015. We collected information on demographics and sexual behaviors and a blood sample for HIV genome RNA extraction, RT-PCR amplification, and DNA sequencing. Multiple alignments were made using Gene Cutter, with the selected reference sequences of various subtypes/recombinants from the Los Alamos HIV-1 database. Phylogenetic and Bayesian evolutionary analysis was performed by MEGA version 6.0, Fasttree v2.1.7. and BEAST v1.6.2. Categorical variables were analyzed using χ test (or Fisher exact test where necessary). χ test with trend was used to assess the evolution of HIV-1 subtype distribution over time. All data were analyzed using SPSS20.0 software package (IBM Company, New York, NY).HIV-1 phylogenetic analysis revealed a broad viral diversity including CRF01_AE (60.06%), CRF07_BC (22.29%), subtype B (5.88%), CRF67_01B (5.26%), CRF68_01B (2.79%), CRF55_01B (1.55%), CRF59_01B (0.93%), and CRF08_BC (0.62%). Two unique recombination forms (URFs) (0.62%) were also detected. Four epidemic clusters and 1 major cluster in CRF01_AE and CRF07_BC were identified. The introduction of CRF01_AE strain (2001) was earlier than CRF07_BC strain (2004) into MSM resided in Jiangsu based on the time of the most recent common ancestor.Our study demonstrated HIV-1 subtype diversity among ART-naïve MSM recently infected with HIV-1 in Jiangsu. We first depicted the spatiotemporal dynamics, traced the dates of origin for the HIV-1 CRF01_AE/07_BC strains and made inference for the effective population size among newly infected ART-naïve MSM in Jiangsu from 2012 to 2015. A real-time surveillance of HIV-1 viral diversity and phylodynamics of epidemic cluster would be of great value to the monitoring of the epidemic and control of transmission, improvement of antiretroviral therapy strategies, and design of vaccines.

A new method to locate the radial head "safe zone" on computed tomography axial views

PURPOSE

Direct location of the "safe zone" on a CT axial view is impossible because the radial head is circular in shape. Previous "safe zone" location methods are not appropriate if the physician is unable to visualize the actual radial head. This study aims to introduce a new method to locate the "safe zone" on CT.

METHODS

CT scans were performed on 20 intact cadaveric upper limbs from 20 different corpses in full pronation and supination. The DICOM-format raw data were then re-sliced and analyzed in Mimics 17.0 (Materialise, Belgium). The radial interosseous border (IB) is shaped like a droplet on the axial view; its axis was selected as our reference line (RL). A parallel line in the radial head axial slice was created, and its position relative to the "safe zone" was studied. Deviation in RL direction was evaluated.

RESULTS

Safe-zone scope was 114.41°±11.99. The rotation angle from the RL to the safe-zone's anterior and posterior border was 215.03°±5.99 and 100.62°±8.12, respectively. Rotation direction (clockwise or anti-clockwise) depended on relative radius-ulna position. The safe zone was located by determining these two borders. The reference line's direction was stable in the upper half of the IB; its distance to the radial head fovea was 77.33° mm±6.24.

CONCLUSIONS

The radial head "safe zone" can be located on CT axial view based on the upper half of the IB using this new method. The method is clinically applicable to determine whether postoperative elbow malrotation results from plate impingement.

[Relationship between C-C chemokine receptor type 2 and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway in the spinal cord of rats with bone cancer pain]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between C-C chemokine receptor type 2(CCR2) and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (P38MAPK) signaling pathway in the spinal cord of rats and further clarify the mechanism of bone cancer pain (BCP). Methods: A total of 92 healthy female SD rats, of which 60 were subjected to behavioral tests using a ciliary mechanical stimulation needle. SD rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham operation group (group S), bone cancer pain group (group B), sham operation + DMSO solvent group (group SD), bone cancer pain + DMSO solvent group (group BD), sham operation + RS102895 CCR2 inhibitor group (group SR), bone cancer pain + RS102895 CCR2 inhibitor group (group BR), and Von Frey was used in the behavioral test. Another 32 SD rats were randomly divided into the following 8 groups (n=4): sham operation group (group S), bone cancer pain 5 d group (group B5), bone cancer pain 9 d group (group B9), bone cancer pain 14 d group (group B14), bone cancer pain + DMSO solvent group (group BD), bone cancer pain + RS102895 CCR2 inhibitor 0.5 h group (group BR0.5 h), bone cancer pain + RS102895 CCR2 inhibitor 4 h group (group BR4 h), bone cancer pain + RS102895 CCR2 inhibitor 12 h group (group BR12 h). Western blot was used to detect the expression of P38, p-P38 and CCR2 in spinal cord of rats. Results: At day 5, 7, 9, 14, 21 post-injection, mechanical withdrawal thresholds of group S were(30.9±1.5), (31.9±1.2), (32.0±1.1), (31.6±1.5), (32.2±1.4)g respectively, the mechanical withdrawal thresholds of group B were( 26.4±0.7), (24.4±0.8), (21.4±0.8), (13.5±0.4), (9.9±0.2)g respectively, the mechanical withdrawal thresholds in group B decreased obviously versus group S, and the differences were statistically significant(t=-13.177, -16.660, -23.778, -35.574, -48.401, all P<0.01). At day 9 post-injection, the mechanical withdrawal thresholds in SD, BD, SR and BR groups were (32.4±1.7), (19.4±1.1), (32.1±1.3), (26.3±1.0) g respectively, the difference was statistically significant (F=224.681, P<0.01), and the mechanical withdrawal thresholds in group BD decreased obviously versus group SD, while the mechanical withdrawal thresholds in group BR increased obviously versus group BD. The expression levels of p-P38 in spinal cord of group S, group B5, group B9 and group B14 were(0.08±0.03), (0.20±0.05), (0.40±0.17), (0.65±0.14)respectively, the expression levels of CCR2 were(0.08±0.04), (0.18±0.05), (0.30±0.09), (0.58±0.07)respectively, the difference was statistically significant(F=19.123, 40.746, all P<0.01), and the expression of p-P38 and CCR2 in group B9 were showed a significant up-regulation versus group S. The expression levels of p-P38 in spinal cord of group BD, group BR0.5 h, group BR4 h and group BR12 h were (0.57±0.06), (0.17±0.11), (0.03±0.01), (0.25±0.11)respectively, and the difference was statistically significant(F=29.582, P<0.01). The expression of p-P38 in group BR0.5 h, BR4 h, BR12 h showed a significant down-regulation versus group BD. Conclusion: CCR2 in the spinal cord may be involved in the development of bone cancer pain by activating P38MAPK signaling pathway in rats.

[Research Progress of MALDI-TOF-IMS in Biomedicine and Its Application Prospect in Forensic Sciences]

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight imaging mass spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-IMS） can analysis unknown compounds in sections and obtain molecule imaging by scanning biological tissue sections, which has become a powerful tool for the research of biomarker, lipid distribution and drug metabolism, etc. This article reviews the application of this technique in protein identification, clinical application, drug discovery, lipid research and brain injury.

[Diagnostic Value of Postmortem CT Angiography in Coronary Atherosclerosis]

OBJECTIVES

To explore the application value of postmortem computed tomography （CT） angiography on diagnosis of coronary atherosclerotic stenosis degree.

METHODS

Based on the previous experimental results, the postmortem CT angiography device of human isolated heart was improved. Different coronary atherosclerotic stenosis degree of sudden death cases was selected. Before the cardiac anatomy, hearts were removed out completely and CT angiography was performed immediately. The CT angiography results were compared with histopathological findings. Meanwhile, the advantages and disadvantages of the angiography device before and after improvement were compared.

RESULTS

The improved angiography device of isolated heart could get better imaging results. The postmortem CT angiography results had high consistency with the histopathological findings on diagnosis of coronary atherosclerotic stenosis degree. And the coronary artery lesions could be revealed more objectively and vividly by 3D reconstruction technology. However, CT angiography could only be used to examine the pathological changes of blood vessels, which might have some limitations on the diagnosis of cause of death.

CONCLUSIONS

Postmortem CT angiography can be used as an additional method for the conventional autopsy in the cases of coronary atherosclerosis.

[Prevention and treatment of Horner syndrome in treatment of head and face hyperhidrosis by thoracic sympathetic nerve modulation]

Objective: By summarize the Prevention and Treatment of Horner Syndrome of CT-guided thoracic sympathetic nerve modulation in the treatment of head and face Hyperhidrosis, reduce the occurrence of the complications. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made on 116 patients of CT-guided thoracic sympathetic nerve modulation in the treatment of head and face Hyperhidrosis in The First Hospital of Jiaxing from January 2010 to December 2016. Analysis the reasons of Horner syndrome and external management to sum up the corresponding prevention and treatment measures. Results: Under the guidance of CT positioning, 116 patients were successfully punctured to the intended target (both sides of the R3 above the rib head), after injection of local anesthetic plus contrast agent, CT scan showed there are 39 sides of the liquid parallel to the outside of pleural (26 sides) or over (13 sides) R1 above the rib head. CT scan again after the injection of anhydrous alcohol, there are 43 sides of the liquid parallel to the outside of pleural (24 sides) or over (19 sides) R1above the rib head.After the operation, 22 sides appeared Horner syndrome, 19 of which immediately give physiological saline 5 ml into the ipsilateral Satellite ganglion.Within 2 hours Horner's syndrome completely disappeared, while 3 cases were not treated, Horner syndrome lasts for 3 months to 2 years. Conclusion: The incidence of Horner syndrome relatively high during the CT-guided thoracic sympathetic nerve modulation to treatment of head and face Hyperhidrosis. Injecting 5 ml physiological saline into the ipsilateral Satellite ganglion immediately can completely eliminate this common complications.

[Research Progress on Biomechanics of Craniocerebral Injury in Children]

In the researches of biomechanics for child craniocerebral injury, the research progress of performance parameter detection for brain, skull, cranial suture and dura mater, and the finite element model construction for child's head were reviewed. Meanwhile, the shortcomings of the established finite element model construction of child's head were analyzed. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen the material properties parameter detection of child's head, and establish the relevant database, so as to lay the foundation for establishing an accurate finite element model of child's head.

[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.

[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.