Changes in serum bone turnover markers and bone mineral density Z-score in children with osteogenesis imperfecta after zoledronic acid treatment.

The study aimed to investigate the changes in the levels of serum bone turnover markers (BTMs) and bone mineral density (BMD) Z-score in pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) after intravenous bisphosphonate therapy and their association with age and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This retrospective study analyzed data from 10 pediatric OI patients treated with intravenous zoledronic acid for over 1 year. Patients' clinical data were collected. The levels of BTMs and BMD Z-score before and after zoledronic acid treatment were analyzed. Significant improvement in BMD Z-score was observed after 6 and 12 months of treatment compared to baseline (all p < 0.05). The N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) levels decreased over time (all p < 0.05), indicating that zoledronic acid treatment decreased bone turnover. The levels of beta-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen remained stable after treatment. No correlation was found between PINP level and age, eGFR, or BMD (all p > 0.05). Bisphosphonate treatment can improve BMD and decrease bone turnover (indicated by decreased levels of PINP) in pediatric OI patients. PINP may serve as an independent indicator for monitoring the efficacy of bisphosphonate treatment in pediatric OI patients, particularly in those under the age of 6, where standardized BMD Z-score criteria are lacking.

Novel homozygous mutations in AIRE leading to APS-1 and potential mechanisms based on bioinformatics analysis.

Background: Autoimmune Poly-endocrine Syndrome Type 1 (APS-1), also known as autoimmune poly-endocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), is a single-gene hereditary disorder usually characterized by chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, hypoparathyroidism, and autoimmune adrenocortical insufficiency. This syndrome is very rare in China. Methods: For our reported patient, we employed clinical and laboratory examinations along with genetic identification. For previously reported cases, we summarized findings based on meta-analysis principles. To investigate the AIRE gene's role in disease, we utilized bioinformatics analysis with existing databases and R language processing. Results: Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed two novel homozygous missense mutations (c.74C > G; c.1612C > T) in the patient's AIRE gene, confirming APS-1 diagnosis. The 3D structure of these mutation sites was described for the first time, showing that altered side chains could affect AIRE protein function. We analyzed 16 genetically diagnosed APS-1 Chinese patients, summarized the AIRE genetic spectrum, and found that exons 1, 2, 3, and 5 were most commonly affected. Hypoparathyroidism and adrenal insufficiency were the most common clinical manifestations (56%-93%), followed by hypothyroidism (31.25%), hypogonadism (12.5%), type 2 diabetes (6.25%), and type 1 diabetes (6.25%). Bioinformatics analysis indicated that AIRE mutations cause antigen presentation abnormalities in immune cells, leading to excessive endogenous and reduced exogenous antigen presentation. Conclusions: Our study summarized the clinical features of APS-1 caused by AIRE gene mutations and explored underlying mechanisms. For some patients, the prophylactic use of antimicrobial agents may be beneficial. These findings guide early genetic screening and inform potential research directions for treatment strategies.

Two-dimensional spatial coherence measurement of X-ray sources using aperture array mask.

Fourth-generation synchrotron radiation delivers x-ray sources with unprecedented coherence and brilliance, which enables the development of many advanced coherent techniques taking advantage of the inherent high coherence of the x-ray beams. Simple and accurate measurement of two-dimensional (2D) coherence is of utmost importance for the applications of these coherent experimental techniques. Here, we propose a novel approach based on diffraction of aperture array mask (AAM) to obtain accurate 2D spatial coherence with a single-shot measurement. We utilize a coherent mode decomposition algorithm to simulate the diffraction of AAM illuminated by Gaussian-Schell model beam and demonstrate that spatial coherence function of the incident light beam can be accurately and robustly retrieved. We expect that this new approach will be applied into transverse coherence measurements for the new-generation synchrotron radiation source and relevant coherent experimental techniques.

A new miRNA regulator, miR-672, reduces cardiac hypertrophy by inhibiting JUN expression.

Cardiac hypertrophy is one of the initial symptoms of many heart diseases. We found that miR-672-5p may participate in the regulation of heart disease development in mouse, but the association between miR-672-5p and cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. In the present study, we found that the abundance of miR-672-5p decreased in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes induced by phenylephrine, angiotensin II (Ang II) and insulin-like growth factor 1. Putative target genes of miR-672-5p were identified using four pipelines, miRWalk, miRanda, RNA22 and Targetscan, and a total of 834 genes were predicted by all four pipelines. Among these target genes, 98 were associated with the development of heart disease. PPI networks showed that the Jun proto-oncogene product (JUN), a subunit of the AP-1 transcription factor, had the highest node degree, and it was defined as the hub gene of the PPI networks. Luciferase assays showed that miR-672-5p bound to the 3' UTR of the JUN gene and decreased luciferase activity, indicating that JUN is a target of miR-672-5p. Finally, we found that increasing the abundance of miR-672-5p in cardiomyocytes controlled the relative cell area in Ang II-stimulated hypertrophic cardiomyocytes. Correspondingly, the abundance of JUN, a target of miR-672-5p, was decreased in hypertrophic cardiomyocytes on both mRNA and protein levels, implying that miR-672-5p had suppressive effects on cardiac hypertrophy through regulating the expression of Jun in cardiomyocytes.

n-butanol extract from Folium isatidis inhibits the lipopolysaccharide-induced downregulation of CXCR1 and CXCR2 on human neutrophils.

Neutrophils, immune cells crucial for protecting against invading pathogens, are important in sepsis. Neutrophil migration is regulated by chemokine receptors and their cognate ligands. Our previous study investigated the effect of n­butanol extract from Folium isatidis on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)­induced septic shock. The present study stimulated neutrophils with LPS to explore the influence of LPS on cell. Neutrophils were then pretreated with n­butanol extract from Folium isatidis followed by LPS to examine the effect of this extract on neutrophil chemotaxis. The results showed that LPS decreased the expression levels of CXC­chemokine receptor (CXCR)1, CXCR2 and L­selectin (CD62L), and increased the expression of interleukin­8 (IL­8) by neutrophils. The addition of n­butanol extract from Folium isatidis inhibited this LPS­induced downregulation of CXCR1, CXCR2 and CD62L, and decreased the expression of IL­8 on neutrophils. In addition, n­butanol extract promoted myeloperoxidase activity in neutrophils. Taken together, LPS downregulated the expression of chemokine receptors, leading to the failure of neutrophils to migrate to sites of infection. The addition of n­butanol extract, which promoted the ability of neutrophils to migrate, is a natural product and potential therapeutic agent with which to target neutrophil chemotaxis during LPS stimulation.

Identification of a novel DMD duplication identified by a combination of MLPA and targeted exome sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive muscle-wasting disease caused by a mutation in the DMD gene. The aim of this study was to identify a de novo mutation of the DMD gene in the family of a 9-month-old Chinese male patient, as well as to describe the phenotypic characteristics of this patient. RESULTS: The patient was suspected to suffer from DMD according to physical examination, biochemical analyses, and electromyogram. We identified a duplication of exons 4-42 in DMD gene with targeted exome sequencing and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). In addition, the patient's mother was a carrier of the same mutation. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a de novo duplication of exons 4-42 in a patient with early stage DMD. The discovery of this mutation may provide insights into future investigations.

Thermal separation of soil particles from thermal conductivity measurement under various air pressures.

The thermal conductivity of dry soils is related closely to air pressure and the contact areas between solid particles. In this study, the thermal conductivity of two-phase soil systems was determined under reduced and increased air pressures. The thermal separation of soil particles, i.e., the characteristic dimension of the pore space (d), was then estimated based on the relationship between soil thermal conductivity and air pressure. Results showed that under both reduced and increased air pressures, d estimations were significantly larger than the geometrical mean separation of solid particles (D), which suggested that conductive heat transfer through solid particles dominated heat transfer in dry soils. The increased air pressure approach gave d values lower than that of the reduced air pressure method. With increasing air pressure, more collisions between gas molecules and solid surface occurred in micro-pores and intra-aggregate pores due to the reduction of mean free path of air molecules. Compared to the reduced air pressure approach, the increased air pressure approach expressed more micro-pore structure attributes in heat transfer. We concluded that measuring thermal conductivity under increased air pressure procedures gave better-quality d values, and improved soil micro-pore structure estimation.

Molecular genetic analysis and phenotypic characteristics of a consanguineous family with glycogen storage disease type Ia.

Glycogen storage disease type­Ia (GSD­Ia) is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by a mutation in the gene encoding glucose­6­phosphate­α (G6PC). The present study reported the case of a 3­month­old female Chinese patient with GSD­Ia born to consanguineous parents. The aim of the present study was to identify the precise mutation of the G6PC gene associated with this family and to describe the phenotypic characteristics of the patient. A comprehensive examination was performed on the patient, including physical examination, vein blood gas analysis, abdominal sonography and biochemical analyses. In addition, gene sequencing was performed on the coding region of the G6PC gene to identify the mutation. The patient was diagnosed with GSD­Ia and a G6PC missense mutation of c.518T>C (p.L173P) located in a highly conserved area was identified. The mutation is in a non­helical region of the protein, which previous studies have suggested should result in a lesser effect on G6PC enzymatic activity and milder phenotypic characteristics compared with mutations located in helical regions. However, the severity of the disease phenotype in the subject of the present study was inconsistent with that predicted from her genotype. The patient suffered from serious hypoglycemia, lactic acidosis, increased triglycerides, hepatic dysfunction, clear hepatomegaly and nephromegaly. The incidence of the p.L173P mutation may be relatively high in the Chinese population. Knowledge of the various phenotypic presentations of the p.L173P mutation may beneficial for future investigations.

Fever phobia: a comparison survey between caregivers in the inpatient ward and caregivers at the outpatient department in a children's hospital in China.

BACKGROUND: Fever in children is one of the most common clinical symptoms and a chief complaint and a main reason that caregivers took the children to the outpatient service or admitted to hospital. Studies have found that the majority of parents surveyed at a hospital pediatric clinic held unrealistic and unwarranted concerns about fevers, first termed as 'fever phobia' by Schmitt in 1980. In the present study, we explore whether 'fever phobia' exists in Chinese caregivers and investigate whether such phobia is alleviated when admitted to hospital after propaganda of fever related knowledge by doctors and nurses. METHODS: A questionnaire was distributed to caregivers of children who visited the pediatric outpatient department and those with caregivers in the wards between June 2012 and Feb 2013 in Wenzhou, China. RESULTS: Data were obtained from 621 caregivers, 305(49%) from the OPD and 316(51%) from the ward. Most caregivers of the two groups (OPD vs. ward group, 75.1 vs. 74.4%) believed fever could cause brain damage. 77.7% (76.0 vs. 81.3%) caregivers were very worried when their children had fever and 12.8% (14.1 vs. 11.4%) caregivers would check the temperature within 30 min. Moreover, 68.0% (63.0 vs. 72.8%, P < 0.05) caregivers would give their children antipyretics during sleep and 39.9% (40.3 vs. 39.6%) would administrate antipyretics when temperature was above 38 °C. After admitted to hospital, 83.9% caregivers stated to have received education about fever and 96.5% felt relieved. Less caregivers (ward group vs. OPD, 42.4 vs. 46.9%, P < 0.05) from ward group would give antipyretics with a temperature under 38.5 °C and less (0.6 vs. 4.9%, P < 0.05) preferred cold sponging as physical cooling method compared to the OPD caregivers. Alarmingly, more caregivers (42.7 vs. 34.3%, P < 0.05) in the ward group believed fever could lead to death or/and deafness (17.4 vs. 10.5%, P < 0.05) and even 0.6% caregivers in the ward group chose aspirin when the children had fever. CONCLUSION: 'Fever phobia' also exists in Chinese caregivers. Fever related knowledge propaganda after admitted to hospital did not work effectively to improve the caregivers' understanding and management of fever and an effective way to alleviate 'Fever phobia'.

n-Butanol extract from Folium isatidis inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages and protects mice against lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxic shock.

Sepsis, which is caused by severe infection, is an important cause of mortality, but effective clinical treatment against sepsis is extremely limited. As the main component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays a major role in inflammatory responses. Studies have shown beneficial pharmacological effects for Folium isatidis. The present study further illuminated the effects of n-butanol extract from Folium isatidis in LPS-induced septic shock and identified the main active chemical components. Our study showed that pretreatment with n-butanol extract from Folium isatidis not only significantly inhibited LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 production but also markedly and dose dependently enhanced the recruitment of MyD88, the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and the degradation of IκB-α. Additionally, the extract exhibited dramatic protective effects against lung injury and death in mice with septic shock. Eight main active compounds were identified, including organic acids, glycoside, indolinones, and flavonoids. These findings provide a perspective on the respiratory protection offered by n-butanol extract from Folium isatidis in LPS-induced sepsis and outline a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of sepsis.

Extrapolative capability of two models that estimating soil water retention curve between saturation and oven dryness.

Accurate estimation of soil water retention curve (SWRC) at the dry region is required to describe the relation between soil water content and matric suction from saturation to oven dryness. In this study, the extrapolative capability of two models for predicting the complete SWRC from limited ranges of soil water retention data was evaluated. When the model parameters were obtained from SWRC data in the 0-1500 kPa range, the FX model (Fredlund and Xing, 1994) estimations agreed well with measurements from saturation to oven dryness with RMSEs less than 0.01. The GG model (Groenevelt and Grant, 2004) produced larger errors at the dry region, with significantly larger RMSEs and MEs than the FX model. Further evaluations indicated that when SWRC measurements in the 0-100 kPa suction range was applied for model establishment, the FX model was capable of producing acceptable SWRCs across the entire water content range. For a higher accuracy, the FX model requires soil water retention data at least in the 0- to 300-kPa range to extend the SWRC to oven dryness. Comparing with the Khlosi et al. (2006) model, which requires measurements in the 0-500 kPa range to reproduce the complete SWRCs, the FX model has the advantage of requiring less SWRC measurements. Thus the FX modeling approach has the potential to eliminate the processes for measuring soil water retention in the dry range.

[Surveillance of malaria epidemic situation after malaria basically eliminated in Wujin District, Changzhou City].

The surveillance of malaria epidemic situation after malaria basically eliminated in Wujin District, Changzhou City showed that the incidence of malaria fluctuated between 0.001 per thousand and 0.015 per thousand from 1992 to 2009. The cases were dispersively distributed and most of them were input cases. The current emphasis of eliminating malaria should be the control of input cases, anti-malaria management of floating population, the training for clinical doctors and microscopists, and mass health education.

Duloxetine vs. placebo in patients with painful diabetic neuropathy.

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of duloxetine, a balanced and potent dual reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine, in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Serotonin and norepinephrine are thought to inhibit pain via descending pain pathways. In a 12-week, multicenter, double-blind study, 457 patients experiencing pain due to polyneuropathy caused by Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus were randomly assigned to treatment with duloxetine 20 mg/d (20 mg QD), 60 mg/d (60 mg QD), 120 mg/d (60 mg BID), or placebo. The diagnosis was confirmed by a score of at least 3 on the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument. The primary efficacy measure was the weekly mean score of the 24-h Average Pain Score, which was rated on an 11-point (0-10) Likert scale (no pain to worst possible pain) and computed from diary scores between two site visits. Duloxetine 60 and 120 mg/d demonstrated statistically significant greater improvement compared with placebo on the 24-h Average Pain Score, beginning 1 week after randomization and continuing through the 12-week trial. Duloxetine also separated from placebo on nearly all the secondary measures including health-related outcome measures. Significantly more patients in all three active-treatment groups achieved a 50% reduction in the 24-h Average Pain Score compared with placebo. Duloxetine treatment was considered to be safe and well tolerated with less than 20 percent discontinuation due to adverse events. Duloxetine at 60 and 120 mg/d was safe and effective in the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain.

A double-blind, multicenter trial comparing duloxetine with placebo in the treatment of fibromyalgia patients with or without major depressive disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of duloxetine, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, in subjects with primary fibromyalgia, with or without current major depressive disorder. METHODS: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 18 outpatient research centers in the US. A total of 207 subjects meeting the American College of Rheumatology criteria for primary fibromyalgia were enrolled (89% female, 87% white, mean age 49 years, 38% with current major depressive disorder). After single-blind placebo treatment for 1 week, subjects were randomly assigned to receive duloxetine 60 mg twice a day (n = 104) or placebo (n = 103) for 12 weeks. Co-primary outcome measures were the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) total score (score range 0-80, with 0 indicating no impact) and FIQ pain score (score range 0-10). Secondary outcome measures included mean tender point pain threshold, number of tender points, FIQ fatigue, tiredness on awakening, and stiffness scores, Clinical Global Impression of Severity (CGI-Severity) scale, Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-Improvement) scale, Brief Pain Inventory (short form), Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36, Quality of Life in Depression Scale, and Sheehan Disability Scale. RESULTS: Compared with placebo-treated subjects, duloxetine-treated subjects improved significantly more (P = 0.027) on the FIQ total score, with a treatment difference of -5.53 (95% confidence interval -10.43, -0.63), but not significantly more on the FIQ pain score (P = 0.130). Compared with placebo-treated subjects, duloxetine-treated subjects had significantly greater reductions in Brief Pain Inventory average pain severity score (P = 0.008), Brief Pain Inventory average interference from pain score (P = 0.004), number of tender points (P = 0.002), and FIQ stiffness score (P = 0.048), and had significantly greater improvement in mean tender point pain threshold (P = 0.002), CGI-Severity (P = 0.048), PGI-Improvement (P = 0.033), and several quality-of-life measures. Duloxetine treatment improved fibromyalgia symptoms and pain severity regardless of baseline status of major depressive disorder. Compared with placebo-treated female subjects (n = 92), duloxetine-treated female subjects (n = 92) demonstrated significantly greater improvement on most efficacy measures, while duloxetine-treated male subjects (n = 12) failed to improve significantly on any efficacy measure. The treatment effect on significant pain reduction in female subjects was independent of the effect on mood or anxiety. Duloxetine was safely administered and well tolerated. CONCLUSION: In this randomized, controlled, 12-week trial (with a 1-week placebo lead-in phase), duloxetine was an effective and safe treatment for many of the symptoms associated with fibromyalgia in subjects with or without major depressive disorder, particularly for women, who had significant improvement across most outcome measures.

Duloxetine in the treatment of depression: a double-blind placebo-controlled comparison with paroxetine.

CONTEXT: Major depressive disorder causes significant morbidity and mortality. Current therapies fail to fully treat both emotional and physical symptoms of major depressive disorder. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate duloxetine, a dual reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine, on improvement of emotional and painful physical symptoms. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind, evaluation of duloxetine at 40 mg/d (20 mg twice daily) and 80 mg/d (40 mg twice daily) versus placebo and paroxetine 20 mg/d in depressed outpatients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary efficacy measure was the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Visual Analog Scales for pain, Clinical Global Impression of Severity, Patient's Global Impression of Improvement, and Quality of Life in Depression Scale were also used. Safety was evaluated by assessing discontinuation rates, adverse event rates, vital signs, and laboratory tests. RESULTS: Duloxetine 80 mg/d was superior to placebo on mean 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total change by 3.62 points (95% CI 1.38, 5.86; P = 0.002). Duloxetine at 40 mg/d was also significantly superior to placebo by 2.43 points (95% CI 0.19, 4.66; P = 0.034), while paroxetine was not (1.51 points; 95% CI -0.55, 3.56; P = 0.150). Duloxetine 80 mg/d was superior to placebo for most other measures, including overall pain severity, and was superior to paroxetine on 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale improvement (by 2.39 points; 95% CI 0.14, 4.65; P = 0.037) and estimated probability of remission (57% for duloxetine 80 mg/d, 34% for paroxetine; P = 0.022). The only adverse event reported significantly more frequently for duloxetine 80 mg/d than for paroxetine was insomnia (19.8% for duloxetine 80 mg/d, 8.0% for paroxetine; P = 0.031). Hypertension incidence was not affected by any treatment. CONCLUSION: Duloxetine therapy was efficacious for emotional and physical symptoms of depression, with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-like profile of side effects.

Effects of duloxetine on painful physical symptoms associated with depression.

Painful physical symptoms are common features of major depressive disorder and may be the presenting complaints in primary care settings. The effect of the dual serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor duloxetine on emotional and painful physical symptoms in outpatients with major depressive disorder was evaluated in three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. The trials' primary objective was to evaluate the effect of duloxetine on mood, and subjects were not enrolled on the basis of presence, type, or severity of pain. However, the pain-relieving effects of duloxetine were evaluated by a priori defined analyses of results from a visual analogue scale and the Somatic Symptom Inventory. Compared with placebo, duloxetine was associated with significant reduction in pain severity. The authors concluded that duloxetine reduces the painful physical symptoms of depression.

Duloxetine in treatment of anxiety symptoms associated with depression.

Most patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have symptoms of anxiety associated with their depression. Duloxetine, a potent and balanced dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, is effective in the treatmentof depression. We investigated its effects in treating the symptoms of anxiety in depressed patients. This investigation includes all the placebo-controlled studies of duloxetine in MDD but focuses on four trials in which duloxetine was superior to placebo on the primary outcome measure of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD(17)) total score. Studies 1 and 2 included duloxetine at 60 mg/d (the recommended starting and therapeutic dose) and placebo. Study 3 included duloxetine 120 mg/d (administered as 60 mg b.i.d.), fluoxetine 20 mg/d, and placebo. Study 4 included duloxetine 40 mg/d (administered as 20 mg b.i.d.), duloxetine 80 mg/d (administered as 40 mg b.i.d.), paroxetine 20 mg/d, and placebo. Anxiety was assessed in all studies using the HAMD anxiety/somatization subfactor and the anxiety-psychic item (HAMD Item 10). Studies 3 and 4 also included the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA). Across the four studies, duloxetine at doses of >/=60 mg was compared with placebo on 10 outcomes and with either paroxetine or fluoxetine on 6 outcomes. In 8 comparisons, mean improvement for duloxetine was significantly greater than placebo at the last study visit and/or across all study visits. In 3 comparisons, the mean improvement for duloxetine was significantly greater than paroxetine or fluoxetine. In these studies, duloxetine provided rapid relief of anxiety symptoms associated with depression. Previous reports have summarized duloxetine's efficacy in treating the core emotional symptoms and painful physical symptoms associated with depression. Duloxetine's efficacy in treating a broad spectrum of symptoms associated with depression, including mood, anxiety, and painful physical symptoms, may be attributed to dual reuptake inhibition of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Efficacy in these three key symptom domains may in turn explain the high probabilities of remission (43-57%) observed in these studies.

Duloxetine: A New Treatment for the Emotional and Physical Symptoms of Depression.

BACKGROUND: Depression is underdiagnosed in the primary care setting. Physical symptoms such as aches, pains, and gastrointestinal disturbance are frequently associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and are often the presenting symptoms. Duloxetine, a dual-reuptake inhibitor of serotonin and norepinephrine, may have a positive effect on physical symptoms in addition to efficacy in treating emotional symptoms of depression. METHOD: Efficacy was evaluated in 6 double-blind, placebo- and/or active comparator-controlled trials of duloxetine for patients with MDD (DSM-IV criteria). Efficacy in depression was determined primarily using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D-17). Secondary efficacy measures included subscales of the HAM-D-17 and assessment of physical symptoms. Safety evaluations included adverse events, vital signs, laboratory analyses, and electrocardiograms. Safety was evaluated by pooling the data from the MDD trials and a study of duloxetine in nondepressed patients. RESULTS: Duloxetine demonstrated significant differences from placebo on core mood symptoms, physical symptoms (e.g., back pain), and global functioning as early as week 1 of treatment. The estimated probabilities of remission in the studies that demonstrated efficacy ranged from 43% to 57%. The most frequently observed adverse events for duloxetine-treated patients included nausea, dizziness, insomnia, fatigue, and somnolence. Duloxetine did not prolong corrected QT intervals, and the rate of sustained elevations of blood pressure did not differ significantly from placebo. CONCLUSION: In these studies, duloxetine was safe and effective in the treatment of both emotional and physical symptoms of MDD. Based on dose assessments, 60 mg q.d. appears to be the optimum starting and therapeutic dose.