Gender influences health-related Quality of Life in IPF

Disclosure statements Dr. Han has received research support from the NIH. Dr. Bartholmai has received research support from the NIH and GlaxoSmithKline. Dr. Murray has received research support from the NIH. Dr. Giardino has received research support from the VAHS. Dr. Flaherty has received research support from Intermune and the NIH, consulting honorarium from GlaxoSmithKline and is a member of advisory boards for Boehringer Ingelheim and Gilead. Dr. Thompson has received research support from the NIH. Dr. Frederick has received research support from the NIH. Ms. Li has received research support from the NIH. Dr. Schwarz has received research support from the NIH. Dr. Limper received consulting fees and a research grant from Novartis and has received research support from the NIH. Dr. Martinez is a member of a steering committee for Actelion, Gilead, Centocor, and Genzyme and has received research support from Actelion and the NIH.Background HRQL in IPF patients is impaired. Data from other respiratory diseases led us to hypothesize that significant gender differences in HRQL in IPF also exist. Methods Data were drawn from the NIH-sponsored Lung Tissue Research Consortium (LTRC). Demographic and pulmonary physiology data along with MMRC, SF-12, and SGRQ scores from women vs. men were compared with two-sample t-tests. Multivariate linear regression was used to examine the association between SF-12 component scores and gender while adjusting for other relevant variables. Results The study sample consisted of 147 men and 74 women. Among several baseline variables, only DLCO% predicted differed between women and men, (43.7 vs. 38.0, p = 0.03). In general, men exhibited lower (better) MMRC scores (1.7 vs. 2.4, p = 0.02), particularly those with milder disease as measured by DLCO% predicted. In an adjusted analysis, SF-12 PCS scores in men were lower (worse) than women (p = 0.01), an effect that was more pronounced in men with greater dyspnea scores. In a similar analysis, SF-12 MCS scores in women were lower than men (worse) (48.3 vs. 54.4, p = 0.0004), an effect that was more pronounced in women with greater dyspnea scores. Conclusions Significant gender differences in HRQL exist in IPF. As compared to women, men reported less severe dyspnea, had worse SF-12 PCS scores, but better SF-12 MCS scores. Dyspnea appears to have a greater impact on the physical HRQL of men and the emotional HRQL of women. An improved understanding of the mechanism behind these differences is needed to better target interventions.This work is supported by the Lung Tissue Research Consortium (N01 HR46158 (Bartholmai), N01 HR46160 (Schwarz), N01 HR46161 (Limper), N01 HR46162 (Han, Martinez), N01 HR46164 (Li, Frederick, Thompson), KL2 RR024987 (Han), K24 HL04212 (Martinez).Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/91956/1/2010 Respiratory Medicine - Gender Influences health-related Quality of Life in IPF.pd

Evaluating students’ computation skills in learning amount of substance based on SOLO taxonomy in secondary schools

In upper-secondary chemistry education, the concept of ‘Amount of Substance’ occupies a central position within the computation framework. However, comprehending this concept often poses a challenge for students. To address this issue, our study aimed to design and implement a computation skills test to assess the varying levels of students’ computation skills in understanding Amount of Substance. The test was administered to a total of 214 first-year students at the secondary schools. To analyse the test scores and unveil students’ comprehensive and mastery levels of computation skills, the SOLO Taxonomy was employed for scoring the levels. Additionally, interviews were conducted to identify the underlying reasons for their learning difficulties. Findings revealed that the majority of students demonstrated proficiency in solving relatively straightforward problems and applying basic formulas. Only a small fraction of students reached the advanced relational level, showcasing their ability to apply chemical concepts and methodologies to solve complex problems. Moreover, students exhibited varying degrees of proficiency when dealing with different types of knowledge and problems associated with computations involving solutions and the quantification of microscopic particles. Interviews uncovered students’ major learning difficulties. These findings inform the teachers’ teaching of Amount of Substance in chemistry education.</p

Impact of percutaneous coronary intervention on biomarker levels in patients in the subacute phase following myocardial infarction : the Occluded Artery Trial (OAT) biomarker ancillary study

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the Occluded Artery Trial (OAT) Biomarker substudy was to evaluate the impact of infarct related artery (IRA) revascularization on serial levels of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and dynamics of other biomarkers related to left ventricular remodeling, fibrosis and angiogenesis. METHODS: Patients were eligible for OAT-Biomarker based on the main OAT criteria. Of 70 patients (age 60.8 ± 8.8, 25% women) enrolled in the substudy, 37 were randomized to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and 33 to optimal medical therapy alone. Baseline serum samples were obtained prior to OAT randomization with follow up samples taken at one year. The primary outcome was percent change of NT-proBNP from baseline to 1 year. The secondary outcomes were respective changes of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (TIMP-2), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), and Galectin-3. RESULTS: Paired (baseline and one-year) serum samples were obtained in 62 subjects. Baseline median NT-proBNP level was 944.8 (455.3, 1533) ng/L and decreased by 69% during follow-up (p < 0.0001). Baseline MMP-2 and TIMP-2 levels increased significantly from baseline to follow-up (p = 0.034, and p = 0.027 respectively), while MMP-9 level decreased from baseline (p = 0.038). Levels of VEGF and Galectin-3 remained stable at one year (p = NS for both). No impact of IRA revascularization on any biomarker dynamics were noted. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant changes in measured biomarkers related to LV remodeling, stress, and fibrosis following MI between 0 and 12 month. Establishing infarct vessel patency utilizing stenting 24 hours-28 days post MI did not however influence the biomarkers’ release

Piezoelectric performance of aligned PVDF nanofibers fabricated by electrospinning and mechanical spinning

Conference Name:2013 13th IEEE International Conference on Nanotechnology, IEEE-NANO 2013. Conference Address: Beijing, China. Time:August 5, 2013 - August 8, 2013.IEEE Nanotechnology Council (NTC); China Association for Science and Technology; The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS); The Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE); Chinese Society of Micro-Nano Technology (CSMNT)Considerable attention has been paid to aligned polymer nanofibers because of their appealing mechanical and piezoelectric properties. With modified electrospinning, the aligned poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers can be produced. However, the roles of mechanical stretching and electrical poling during this process require further investigation. Here, we utilize a rotary drum to collect the fibers by both electrospinning and mechanical drawing approaches. The fiber mats were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and were directly made into sensing films without post electric poling treatment. Their piezoelectricity was measured in our home-made dynamic air pressure sensor. Results show that the β-phase predominates in both electrospun and mechanically-spun nanofibers. However, sensor based on electrospun β-PVDF fiber mat presented a sensitivity of 178 mV/kPa, while only a very weak output signal was observed in the mechanically spun β-PVDF fiber mat. Therefore, mechanical stretching and electrical poling may play key roles in inducing the β-phase and orienting the dipoles in a preferential direction during electrospinning process, respectively. ? 2013 IEEE

TCD in Infants: A Report from the BABY HUG Trial

Abstract Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is useful in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) to detect increased risk of stroke. The use of TCD in infants less than 2 years of age is less well established, but has previously been shown to be feasible. As a secondary endpoint in the BABY HUG Trial, TCD is expected to provide useful information on the possible effects of hydroxyurea (HU) in babies with SCA. BABY HUG is an NHLBI-NICHD sponsored phase III clinical trial to compare hydroxyurea to placebo to ascertain effectiveness in preventing end organ damage of the spleen and kidney. Eligible subjects underwent a baseline TCD using the Nicolet Companion (EME) 2-MHz pulsed Doppler. All infants were 8–18 months of age at enrollment, had no history of stroke and were not receiving chronic blood transfusions. Blood flow velocities were recorded using the Stroke Prevention Trial in Sickle Cell Anemia (STOP) protocol with the exception of reducing the standard sample volume to 4 mm. No sedation was used. The time averaged maximum mean was measured to determine the highest velocity on either side to categorize the study as normal (all recordings <170 cm/sec), conditional (170–199cm/sec) or abnormal (≥200 cm/sec). Recordings of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) bifurcation defined an adequate TCD. TCD was not required for study entry but subjects with an abnormal exam were not eligible for randomization and treatment. TCD exams were read by blinded reviewers at the Medical College of Georgia. TCD results were transmitted to Clinical Trials & Surveys Corporation (C-TASC) for statistical analysis. As of June 24, 2005, 70 TCD exams had been attempted. Two exams were unsuccessful (no data) because of the children’s irritability and 1 was interpreted as inadequate. Of the remaining 67 TCD exams, 66 were normal and one baby had a high conditional TCD (190 cm/sec). No subjects were found ineligible for the study due to TCD results. The mean velocity of the left MCA was 117 cm/sec ±22.9 and that of the right MCA was 114 cm/sec ±24.9. Regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship of maximum flow velocity (VMAX) to age and total hemoglobin (Hb). VMAX was inversely correlated to Hb (left p=<0.0001, right=<0.0014) and directly associated with age (left p=<.0005, right p=<0.0022). When the mean MCA velocity was regressed against age and Hb, both age (p=0.0285) and Hb (p=.0024) were significant. Adequate baseline TCD evaluation was obtained on 67 out of 70 babies. As expected, baseline TCD velocities varied inversely with the degree of anemia and directly with age; all but one was normal by childhood sickle cell disease standards. These studies provide valuable normative data for infants with SCA, and for further assessment of the effect of HU on TCD in infants with SCA as the study progresses

Evaluation of Renal Function by Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) in Infants with Sickle Cell Anemia

Abstract Chronic anemia and intraparenchymal sickling within the kidney lead to intravascular volume expansion and an increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in sickle cell anemia (SCA). An elevated GFR is considered to be an early indicator of renal damage in SCA, and the pathophysiologic changes leading to sickle nephropathy and elevated GFR likely begin at a young age. The Pediatric Hydroxyurea Phase III Clinical Trial (BABY HUG), an NHLBI-sponsored multi-center double-blinded placebo-controlled study, compares hydroxyurea versus placebo in infants with SCA, with the primary goal of determining the efficacy of hydroxyurea for the prevention of organ dysfunction in the spleen and kidney. In the Feasibility and Safety Pilot, a primary objective is to assess GFR in infants with SCA between the age of 12 and 18 months by measuring plasma clearance of 99m Tc-DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid) and by estimating GFR using the Schwartz equation. The DTPA GFR was determined following administration of an IV bolus of 25–50 μCi/kg of the radiotracer, with venous blood samples obtained at 1, 2, and 4 hours. GFR was also calculated using the Schwartz equation: 0.55 x body length (cm) ÷ plasma creatinine (mg/dL). For both measurements, a logarithmic transformation was applied to improve linearity between the variables, and to stabilize the variance of the transformed data. To date, 17 infants with SCA (median age 13.2 months) have had GFR measurements, with no complications occurring. The geometric mean of the GFR (± SD) as measured by DTPA plasma clearance was 112 ± 14.6 mL/min/1.73m2 (range 53–178 mL/min/1.73m2). By regression analysis, the GFR was correlated with age, with an increase of approximately 10% per month (univariate p = 0.006, multivariate p = 0.02), and this correlation could not be ascribed to other age-adjusted changes in hemoglobin concentration (p = 0.35), % fetal hemoglobin (HbF, p = 0.67), white blood cell (WBC) count (p = 0.64), or platelet count (p = 0.76). The estimated GFR calculated by the Schwartz equation was not significantly correlated with age (univariate p = 0.12), and adjustments using hemoglobin, %HbF, platelet or WBC counts did not improve the correlation. There was a modest correlation between GFR determined by DTPA and the Schwartz equation (r = 0.44; p = 0.08). These data indicate that (1) GFR measurement using DTPA plasma clearance is feasible in one year-old infants with SCA; (2) renal damage as measured by an elevated DTPA GFR appears to be present early in life and to be increasing with age; (3) preliminary evaluation of the use of the Schwartz formula indicates only a modest level of correlation with results obtained using DTPA measurements; and (4) in the BABY HUG trial, further evaluation of the efficacy of hydroxyurea in preservation of renal function will likely require DTPA GFR measurements rather than GFR estimates using the Schwartz equation

Evaluation of Splenic Function in Infants with Sickle Cell Anemia in the BABY HUG Trial

Abstract Organ damage in children with sickle cell anemia [SCA] begins with the spleen. Hydroxyurea [HU] decreases clinical complications and mortality in severely affected adults with SCA, and has proven hematologic benefits in children. To critically assess the efficacy of HU in preventing chronic organ damage, the Pediatric Hydroxyurea Phase III Clinical Trial [BABY HUG], an NHLBI sponsored double-blinded placebo-controlled multi-center trial, was initiated. One objective of the Feasibility and Safety Pilot is to evaluate novel strategies for assessment of splenic function in young children with SCA. To date 23 subjects (13 male; median age 12.9 mos, range 10.3–17.6 mos) have been recruited without regard to disease severity. Pretreatment spleen function determined by Tc-99m sulfur colloid liver-spleen [LS] scan was compared to pocked erythrocyte [PIT] counts and flow cytometric quantitation of Howell-Jolly Bodies [HJB]. Results were correlated with total [Hgb] and % fetal [HbF] hemoglobin, white blood cell [WBC] and platelet [PLT] counts. Splenic uptake of Tc-99m was qualitatively graded as normal, decreased, or absent by two nuclear medicine physicians. Of 17 LS scans reviewed 3 had normal (mean age 12.2 mos) and 14 decreased (mean age 14.6 mos) spleen function. LS scans were also imaged quantitatively by determining the geometric mean total counts over the spleen. Although there was a trend for qualitative LS scan results to discriminate splenic function among patients (p=.08), quantitative spleen counts demonstrated a stronger relationship between lower uptake and reduced splenic function. A logarithmic transformation was applied to each measure (except age) to improve linearity with other variables and stabilize the variance of the transformed data. PIT counts (p<.0001) and WBC counts (p=.023) were significantly linearly associated with age. Age was inversely related to Hgb (p=.005) and %HbF (p=.009), but not associated with PLT (p=.54) or HJB (p=.38). Quantitative spleen counts were related inversely to age (p<.01), PIT counts (p=.02), and WBC (p=.026); linearly to %HbF (p=.0003) and Hgb (p=.04); and had no relationship with HJB (p=.39) or PLT (p=.68). In multivariate analysis with age and PIT counts, the decline in spleen counts had the strongest association with %HbF (p=.006). A PIT count of 3.5%, which classically divides normal from decreased spleen function, separated spleen counts into significantly different groups (p<.001). No similar relationship existed for HbF 25% (p=.059), Hgb 8 g/dl (p=.15), or HJB 300/million rbc (p=.28). These preliminary data indicate that the decline of splenic function with age in young children with SCA can be effectively assessed by multiple techniques in a multi-center study. Compared to the traditional qualitative assessment, quantitative evaluation of the LS scan will allow more informative gradation of the decline in splenic function for the BABY HUG study. Surrogate measures such as PIT counts and %HbF are associated with LS scan results, and may prove to be informative non-invasive markers predictive of splenic function