The economic burden of coronary heart disease in mainland China.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the current economic burden of coronary heart disease (CHD) in mainland China and provide a reference for the formulation of policies to reduce the economic burden of CHD. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic literature review was conducted of empirical studies on the economic burden of CHD over the past 20 years. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database and the WANFANG database were comprehensively searched for relevant articles published between 1 January 2000 and 22 December 2021. Content analysis was used to extract the data, and Stata 17.0 software was used for analysis. The median values were used to describe trends. RESULTS: A total of 35 studies were included in this review. The annual median per-capita hospitalisation expense and the average expense per hospitalisation were $3544.40 ($891.64-$18,371.46) and $5407.34 ($1139.93-$8277.55), respectively. The median ratio on medical consumables expenses, drug expenses, medical examination expenses and treatment expenses were 41.59% (12.40%-63.73%), 26.90% (7.30%-60.00%), 9.45% (1.65%-33.40%) and 10.10% (2.36%-66.00%), respectively. The median per-capita hospitalisation expense in the eastern, central and western regions were $9374.45 ($2056.13-$18,371.46), $4751.5 ($2951.95-$8768.93) and $3251.25 ($891.64-$13,986.38), respectively. The median average expense per hospitalisation in the eastern and central regions were $6177.15 ($1679.15-$8277.55) and $1285.49 ($1239.93-$2197.36), respectively. The median average length of stay in the eastern, central and western regions were 9.3 days, 15.2 days and 16.1 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The economic burden of CHD is more severe in mainland China than in developed countries, especially in terms of the direct economic burden. In terms of the types of direct medical expenses, a proportion of medical examination expenses, treatment expenses and drug expenses were lowest in the eastern region, but medical consumables expenses were the highest in this region. This study provides guidance for the formulation of policies to reduce the economic burden of CHD in mainland China.

The cross-talk of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and necroptotic hepatocyte death in acetaminophen-induced mice acute liver injury.

Overdose acetaminophen (APAP) can result in severe liver injury, which is responsible for nearly half of drug-induced liver injury in western countries. Previous studies have found that there existed massive hepatocellular necrosis and severe inflammatory response in APAP-induced liver injury. However, the mechanistic linkage between necroptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity remains poorly understood. In order to investigate the relationship between inflammation and hepatocytes death in APAP hepatotoxicity, a time-course model for APAP hepatotoxicity in C57/BL6 mice was established by intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of 300 mg/kg APAP in this study. The activity of serum enzymes and pathological changes of APAP-treated mice were evaluated, and the critical molecules in necroptosis and NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway were determined by immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis. The results demonstrated that APAP overdose resulted in a severe liver injury. Furthermore, the expression of critical molecules in NLRP3 inflammasome and necroptosis pathways peaked at 12-24 h, and then was decreased gradually, which is consistent with the pattern of pathological injury induced by APAP. Our further investigation found that the level of IL-1ß in mouse liver was closely correlated with the level of phosphorylated MLKL following exposure to APAP. Furthermore, inhibition of necroptosis with necrostatin-1 significantly suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Taken together, our results highlighted that the cross-talk between necroptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome played a critical role for promoting APAP-induced liver injury. Inhibition of the interaction of inflammation and necroptosis by pharmaceutical methods may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for APAP-induced liver injury.

Allatotropic activity in the brain of female Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

In Phormia regina, the rate of juvenile hormone (JH) synthesis rises rapidly after the ingestion of an adequate protein meal. In a previous publication we have localized the neurons containing Manduca sexta allatotropin (Mas-AT)-like substances in the brain of P. regina and demonstrated the allatotropic effect of synthetic Mas-AT in sugar-fed flies in vitro. In this current study, we examined the possible role of the brain of P. regina after the fly received a protein meal. In vitro studies showed that the brain releases, at 8 h after a protein meal, a factor(s) with a strong allatotropic effect. This factor(s) stimulates the corpus allatum (CA) to produce 6.9 times more juvenile hormones (JHs) than the control CA. Time course studies showed that the release of this allatotropic factor(s) is temporally controlled. Only the brains collected from flies at 6 and 8 h after the onset of a liver meal release allatotropic factor(s). Injection of anti-Mas-AT antiserum partially suppressed the fly follicle development in vivo. Presence of anti-Mas-AT antiserum decreased the allatotropic effect of the brain released allatotropic factor(s) in vitro. In addition to a Mas-AT-like substance, it is possible that the brains of liver-fed P. regina females may synthesize other allatotropic factors that are chemically unrelated or partially related to Mas-AT, which cannot be recognized/neutralized by our anti-Mas-AT antiserum.

Effects of calcium channel antagonists on the corpora allata of adult male loreyi leafworm Mythimna loreyi: juvenile hormone acids release and intracellular calcium level.

The effects of voltage-dependent calcium channel (VDCC) antagonists and the non-specific calcium channel antagonists on both juvenile hormone acids (JHA) release and cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) are investigated in the corpora allata (CA) of the adult males loreyi leafworm Mythimna loreyi. The VDCC antagonists used in this study are: the L-type antagonists diltiazem, nifedipine, and verapamil, the N-type antagonist omega-Conotoxin (CgTx) GVIA, the N- and P/Q-type antagonist omega-CgTx MVIIC, and the T-type antagonist amiloride. The non-specific calcium channel antagonists used in this study were cadmium (Cd2+), cobalt (Co2+), nickle (Ni2+), and lanthanum (La3+). The results show that both the DHPs-sensitive L-type antagonist nifedipine and the N-type antagonist omega-CgTx GVIA were able to inhibit JHA release, but only omega-CgTx GVIA was able to reduce the [Ca2+]i. Among the non-specific calcium channel antagonists, Cd2+ is the most potent in reducing JHA release but without obvious effect on the [Ca2+]i, La3+ significantly increases the [Ca2+]i but without effect on JHA release.

Immunolocalization and possible effect of a moth allatotropin-like substance in a fly, Phormia regina (Diptera: Calliphoridae).

Insect allatotropin upregulates the biosynthesis of juvenile hormones by the corpus allatum. We raised two rabbit antisera against the allatotropin of Manduca sexta (Mas AT) using a synthetic, multiple-antigenic-peptide that contains a branching heptalysine core and eight Mas AT molecules. Both antisera recognized specifically the same neurons in the larval brain, frontal ganglion and terminal abdominal ganglion of M. sexta as previously reported by others. Immunoassay showed reactivity specific to the Mas AT. Very low or nearly no cross-reactivity was found for two Mas AT-like peptides, a myotropin from Locusta migratoria and a Mas AT-like peptide deduced from the DNA sequence of Aedes aegypti, respectively. Immunopositive neurons also were identified in adult Phormia regina, Dacus dorsalis, Oncopeltus fasciatus, and Mythimna loreyi, and in larval M. loreyi, Bombyx mori, and Andraca bipunctata. At 20 pmol per 25 µl incubation medium (i.e. 8x10(-7) M), synthetic Mas AT significantly stimulated in vitro juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpus allatum of adult, sugar-fed females of P. regina to 2.64-fold that of controls. Thus, this study provides the first demonstration that at the higher end of the physiological concentration range, the Mas AT has allatotropic effect in vitro to CA of non-lepidopterans. However, in vivo functions of Mas AT and/or Mas AT-like peptide in P. regina remain to be defined.

Allatotropic activity in the suboesophageal ganglia and corpora cardiaca of the adult male loreyi leafworm, Mythimna loreyi.

Allatotropic activity was found in the methanolic extract of the suboesophageal ganglia (SOG) and the corpora cardiaca (CC) of the Mythimna loreyi virgin males. No allatotropic activity was observed in the extract of brain or corpora allata (CA). Although CA can be activated by the SOG and CC extract, respectively, CC extract inhibited the response to the SOG extract. A significant in vitro allatotropic effect was exerted by the SOG and CC extract within 10 and 15 min, respectively, and this effect can be sustained for several hours even after transferring to fresh medium without extracts. The time course pattern of the CA activation ratio in both the SOG and CC extract-treated group is very similar to, but with significantly higher level than, that in the control group, suggesting the existence of an intrinsic pacemaker or an in vitro effect that controls the fluctuation of the CA biosynthetic activity. Synthetic Manduca sexta allatotropin had no significant effect on the M. loreyi CA. The results of treatment with the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin, the phosphodiesterase inhibitor IBMX, and the cAMP analogue dibutyryl-cAMP did not indicate that cAMP might be involved in the allatotropic control of CA. Arch.

[Purification and some properties of superoxide dismutase from Fusarium moniliform].

Superoxide dismutase from Fusarium moniliform was purified by the steps including heating, ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephedax G-100 gel filtration and DEAE-Sephadex A-50 chromatography. The results showed that the enzyme was a Mn-SOD with the specific activity of 2640 U/mg and had two homogenous subunits whose molecular mass were 14.5 kD. The wave length of max. absorbing peak in ultraviolet spectrum was 276 nm which was not similar with other resource of SOD. The composition of amino acid was also analyzed.

Isolated cell type corpora allata in adults of the loreyi leafworm, Leucania loreyi duponchel (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The corpora allata in adult Loreyi leafworms Leucania loreyi (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) exhibit sexual dimorphism. The male possesses right and left corpora allata of about the same size. Each gland is composed of a cluster of approximately 40 semi-transparent, spherical, isolated cells held together by fine tracheae and nerve fibers. The largest cell diameter found in male glands was 203 pm. In contrast, the female gland cells and clusters are much smaller. The largest dimensions of one whole female gland cluster were 452 µm in length and 280 µm in width. Using bilateral and unilateral larval allatectomy, we confirmed that the adult isolated cell type glands develop ontogenetically from larval capsular type glands. Ultrastructural study re- vealed many similarities between the subcellular structures of the isolated cell type glands of L. loreyi and the more common capsular gland reported by others. These similarities include very large numbers of mitochondria, abun- dant whorled smooth endoplasmic reticulum, irregularly shaped nuclei, Golgi bodies, and free ribosomes. Compared with the corpora allata of 3- to 9-day-old adults, the glands of 1-day-old adults possessed much less smooth endoplasmic reticulum. The gland cells in females usually have more neurosecretory nerve endings, less-abundant stacked smooth endoplasmic reticulum, and less- defined interdigitations than the gland cells in males. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Investigation of sex pheromone components of female asian corn borer,Ostrinia furnacalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Taiwan.

(E)-12-Tetradecenyl acetate (E12-14∶OAc), (Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate (Z12-143nOAc), and tetradecanyl acetate (14∶OAc) were extracted and identified as major chemical components from female tips of the Asian corn borer,Ostrinia furnacalis (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Taiwan, with a combined wash ratio of 48∶37∶15 and an individual female ratio of 45∶39∶16. The average amount ofE12-,Z12-14∶OAc and 14∶OAc in each female gland was 6.6±4.6, 5.8±3.5, and 2.4±1.7 ng/female, respectively. The mixture of these three synthetic chemicals not only gave strong activities in male antennae but also could catch significantly more males than virgin females in field-trapping tests. The field test also showed no significant difference in trapping ability among the three-component Taiwan formulations, the two-component Taiwan formulation (Z12-14∶OAc andZ1214∶OAc, 53∶47), and the Japan formulation (Z12-14∶ OAc andE 12-14∶OAc, 3:2).

Calling behavior and pheromone titer in the smaller tea tortrix moth,Adoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

The calling behavior and pheromone titer in the female smaller tea tortrix moth,Adoxophyes sp., were investigated under a 14∶10-hr light-dark photoperiod. Quantitative gas chromatographic analysis of ovipositor extract for (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11-14∶Ac) and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14∶Ac), the major pheromone components of this species, obtained on the third day postemergence, indicated that extractable amounts of sex pheromone were present throughout the period of observation. Maximal pheromone titer and calling activity was reached at 8 and 10 hr after onset of scotophase, respectively. The ratio ofZ11-14∶Ac toZ9-14∶Ac through the 24-hr period varied significantly. The significance of the sex pheromone component ratio variation on the attraction of males was tested in a field experiment. The ratio of males trapped by the most attractive blend versus the least attractive one was 2.16.

Electroantennogram responses of synthetic periplanone-A and periplanone-B in the american cockroach.

The electroantennogram responses of synthetic (-)-periplanone-B (PB) and (-)-periplanone-A (PA) were evaluated by using the antennae of the unmated male American cockroachPeriplaneta americana L. The threshold concentrations of the pheromone activities for the two chemicals were similar. Neither a synergistic nor an inhibitory response was noted, and only an additive effect was detected when PA and PB were applied as a mixture.

Individual variation in sex pheromone of smaller tea tortrix moth,Adoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).

Female smaller tea tortrix mothsAdoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), which initiated calling at 1, 2, or 3 days old, respectively, were analyzed individually for (Z)-11-tetradecenyl acetate (Z11-14:OAc) and (Z)-9-tetradecenyl acetate (Z9-14: OAc) in the pheromone gland via GLC. Among different age groups, broad and similar distributions were found for pheromone quantity (¯X=58.6±52.9 ng/female; range 1.3-219.8 ng/female). The ratio of the two pheromone components averaged 65∶35 but ranged from 84∶16 to 40∶60. The significance of the pheromone blend variation to the attraction of males was tested in a field experiment. The ratio of males trapped by the most attractive blend versus the least attractive one was 2.2.

Evidence for presence and nature of female sex pheromone ofBrithys crini fabricius (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The existence of a female sex pheromone of the noctuid mothBrithys crini Fabricius was confirmed in both laboratory bioassay and field tests. Crude extracts and airborne volatiles from females were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry and the data compared with authentic compounds. The primary sex pheromonal compound was Z11-16: Ald. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the external surface of the sex pheromone gland was covered with folds that might increase the sex pheromone evaporation area.

Sex pheromone components of female smaller tea tortrix moth,Adoxophyes sp. (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) in Taiwan.

(Z)-11-Teiradecenyl acetate (Z11-14: Ac) and (Z)-9-tetrade-cenyl acetate (Z9-14: Ac) were isolated as major sex pheromone components from the female tips of the smaller tea tortrix moth,Adoxophyes sp., in Taiwan. The average amount ofZ11- andZ9-14: Ac in each female gland was 24.9 and 14.1 ng, in a ratio of 64∶36, respectively. When compared to a closely related Japanese strain, which used theZ9-14: Ac,Z11-14∶ Ac,E11-14:Ac, 10-Me-12:Ac four-component system (in a ratio of 63∶31∶4∶2), the Taiwan formulation of two components caught significantly more Taiwan males than the Japanese formulation of four components.

Alarm pheromone of pentatomid bug,Erthesina fullo Thunberg (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).

In the pentatomid bug,Erthesina fullo Thunberg, the odor of male metathoracic scent gland elicits an alarm response, making the male individuals of the same species alert and disperse; the alarm response of males is more obvious than that of females. Chemical composition of the glandular secretion was identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry data in comparison with authentic compounds. No sexual dimorphism exists in the glandular composition in this species. A total of 9 compounds [(E)-2-hexenal, (E)-4-keto-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexenyl acetate,n-undecane,n-dodecane, (E)-2-decenal,n-tridecane, (E)-2-decenyl acetate, andn-pentadecane] are identified, among whichn-tridecane and (E)-4-keto-2-hexenal comprised nearly 70% of the total secretion in both females and males.

Measurements of the effects of percutaneous nitroglycerin on left ventricular performance in patients with coronary artery disease with a cardiac probe.

Left ventricular function was measured after percutaneous nitroglycerin in ten patients with coronary artery disease under double blind random control. The elevation of LVEF after percutaneous nitroglycerin paste (containing 10 mg nitroglycerin) was 8.3% +/- 1.3% (P less than 0.001) at 30 min, 8.5% +/- 1.8% (P less than 0.001) at 60 min, 10.1% +/- 1.8% (P less than 0.001) at 90 min and 8.7% +/- 2.2% (P less than 0.01) at 120 min respectively, but the change of LVEF after nitroglycerin ointment (containing 5 mg nitroglycerin) was not significant. The elevation of ER and RCO after nitroglycerin paste were 0.448 +/- 0.088 (EDV/s) (P less than 0.001), 6.73 +/- 1.47 (EDV/s) (P less than 0.01) at 30 min, 0.376 +/- 0.078 (P less than 0.001), 6.64 +/- 1.36 (P less than 0.001) at 60 min, 0.456 +/- 0.089 (P less than 0.001), 8.02 +/- 2.11 (P less than 0.001) at 90 min and 0.358 +/- 0.076 (P less than 0.01), 6.18 +/- 2.05 (P less than 0.01) respectively. It was demonstrated that percutaneous nitroglycerin paste (10 mg nitroglycerin) can improve the left ventricular function of patients with coronary artery disease.