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Graphene oxide-ZnS (GOZS) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by solvothermal method. The microstructure, morphology and nonlinear optical properties of the obtained GOZS nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, Raman, SEM, TEM, Mapping, UV–vis and open aperture Z-scan test. The results show that ZnS particles with a diameter of about 20 nm are evenly distributed on the GO surface. And GOZS exhibited enhanced nonlinear absorption and optical limiting (OL) action under ultrafast (1030 nm, 340 fs) excitation. The theoretical nonlinear coefficients of GO, ZnS, GOZS(4:5), GOZS(2:5) and GOZS(1:5) at 20.8 GW/cm2 are calculated as 27.6 cm/GW, 25.4 cm/GW, 554.9 cm/GW, 193.3 cm/GW and 117.1 cm/GW, respectively. The nonlinear performance of GOZS is 5–22 times higher than that of pure GO and ZnS, making it a potential optical limiting material. These results may be useful to design GOZS composites with better OL properties.

Introduction: Splenectomy is an important and potentially curative treatment for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has replaced open splenectomy (OS) as the standard approach. The prognostic role of platelet count and the clinical indication of preoperative platelet transfusion are not entirely clear. Methods: We designed a study to explore the prognostic impact of surgical methods, platelet count, and platelet transfusion in a large, single-institute, long-term cohort of ITP patients. Result: In 118 ITP patients, there was no difference between OS and LS in response and surgical complications. The overall response rate was 77% and the complete response (CR) rate was 70%. Patients with a CR had a trend towards a higher baseline platelet count. A stable platelet count 14–28 days after splenectomy was associated with a sustained long-term response. Patients requiring preoperative platelet transfusion had a lower preoperative platelet count and were more likely to need postoperative transfusion of red blood cells and platelets. They also had a lower postoperative platelet count than the nontransfusion group. Relapse-free survival did not differ. Conclusions: Baseline and postoperative platelet counts are apparently associated with the treatment response to splenectomy but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Preoperative platelet transfusion did not overcome the disadvantage of thrombocytopenia and was not recommended when other preparative measures are available.

Graphene-structure GeSe2 nano-films (NFMs) were prepared by chemical vapour deposition. The synthesized GeSe2 NFMs were characterized by using various techniques such as SEM and XRD. Our work provi...

Graphene-CuO nanocomposites were synthesized by the solvothermal method, and graphene (G) were prepared for comparison. The morphologies and structures of samples were investigated by x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were tested by the Z-scan technology with 1030 nm laser pulses (340 fs, 1000 Hz). The analyse demonstrates that the NLO properties of the graphene-CuO nanocomposites are significantly enhanced compared with graphene, the doping of CuO increases the time of the electron transfer and the photon transition, suppress the recombination between electrons and holes, and prolong the working time of the free carrier, ultimately enhance the nonlinear optical properties of nanocomposites. The results provide a facile approach of doping CuO in graphene to obtain nanocomposites with excellent NLO properties, and the nanocomposites exhibited potential applications in optical devices such as optical switch and optical sensors, etc.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have increasingly been shown to be important biological regulators involved in numerous diseases. Further, increasing evidence demonstrates that circulating lncRNAs can be used as diagnostic biomarkers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential for circulating lncRNAs as novel biomarkers for the diagnosis of preeclampsia. In the present study, we measured the expression of five lncRNAs known to be relevant to the uterus in whole blood samples from 48 preeclampsia patients and 24 non-preeclampsia healthy subjects using qRT-PCR. We found that circulating levels of lncRNA BC030099 were significantly higher in patients with preeclampsia (1.232 ± 0.4870) than in non-preeclampsia healthy subjects (0.9928 ± 0.2008, p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for lncRNA BC030099 was 0.713. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified lncRNA BC030099 as an independent predictor for preeclampsia. In brief, our results suggest that increased plasma levels of lncRNA BC030099 are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia and may be considered a novel biomarker. Keywords: lncRNA, biomarker, preeclampsia, peripheral blood

Autophagy exists widely in various physiological and pathological conditions. Lots of investigations have verified that the autophagic activity is always related to the occurrence and the development of cancer. Endometriosis (EMs) is a disease that endometrium-like tissues abnormally grow outside the uterus and also considered to possess the characters of tumor because of its malignant biological behavior.Recently, several studies have already revealed that autophagy may play a potential role in proliferative-phase EMs. However, the function of autophagic activity in secretory-phase EMs is still unclear.In our work, we explored autophagic activity between normal endometrium and EMs lesion endometrium during different menstrual phases and EMs stages. The clinical endometrium samples from 73 women were selected in this study, including 30 healthy individuals and 43 patients with EMs (endometrium samples include eutopic and its matched ectopic endometrium). All the participants were divided into two groups according to the menstrual cycle, namely proliferative-phase and secretive- phase group. Among the patients with EMs, 22 individuals in proliferative phase and the other 21 individuals in secretory phase were further classified into the groups of Stage I-II and Stage III-IV according to revised-American Fertility Society (r-AFS). Two autophagy-related proteins microtubuleassociated protein 1 light chain 3 beta-II (LC3B-II) and sequestosome protein (P62), which are believed to be the indicators of autophagy activity, were chosen in the study. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, Western blot assay and Real-Time quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTqPCR) were used to examine the expression of LC3B-II and P62 in protein and mRNA level accordingly.It showed that the expression of LC3B-II both in protein and mRNA level decreased and that of P62 increased in secretory phase of the healthy group (P0.05), but showed no significant difference in ectopic and its eutopic endometrium group during proliferative and secretory phase (P0.05). In addition, the expression of LC3B-II in ectopic endometrium group was significantly lower than that of its eutopic endometrium group (P0.05), and the expression of P62 was significantly higher accordingly (P0.05). At the same time, both LC3B-II and P62 levels remained same between eutopic endometrium group and control group (P0.05). Furthermore, compared to Stage I-II EMs group, the expression of LC3B-II was significantly lower (P0.05) and P62 was significantly higher (P0.05) in Stage III-IV EMs during secretory phase.Taken together, the periodicity-losing in EMs and the decreased autophagic activity in ectopic endometrium may exert a potential role in the pathogenesis of EMs. Down-regulated autophagy of ectopic endometrium in secretory phase may be related to the progression of EMs.

Graphene has excellent thirdorder nonlinear optical (NLO) properties due to its unique electronic band structure and wideband gap tunability. This paper focuses on the research progress of graphene and its composite materials in nonlinear optics in recent years. In this review, recent results on graphene (or graphene oxide)–metal nanoparticles (G-MNPs), graphene–metal–oxide nanoparticles (G-MONPs), graphene–metal sulfide nanoparticles (G-MSNPs), and graphene–organic molecular composites (G-OM) have been discussed. In addition, the enhancement mechanism of nonlinear absorption (NLA) and optical limiting (OL) have also been covered.

We present a systematic study in investigating the orientation characteristics of pentacene molecules grown on graphene substrates using polarized Raman spectroscopy. The substrate-induced orientation alignment of pentacene can be well distinguished through the polarized Raman spectra. Interestingly, we found that the nature of polycrystalline graphene not only provides efficient route to control molecular orientation, but also acts as an excellent template allowing conjugated molecules to stack accordingly. The relative orientation of the well-aligned pentacene molecules and the nearby graphene domains exhibits several preferred angles due to atomic interactions. This unique feature is further examined and verified by single domain graphene. Furthermore, polarized Raman spectroscopy contains abundant information allowing us to analyze the ordering level of pentacene films with various thicknesses, which provides insightful perspectives of manipulating molecular orientations with graphene and spatial orga...

Objective Deoxyribonucleic acid methylation is an important epigenetic modification that is frequently altered in cancer. Recent reports showed that the level of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was altered in various types of cancers. The influence of deoxyribonucleic acid methylation in cervical squamous cell carcinoma is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and ten-eleven translocation expression in cervical squamous cell carcinoma and whether they are associated with poor survival in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Methods We detected the expression of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine and TET1/2/3 in 140 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma and 40 patients with normal cervical tissues by immunohistochemistry. We assessed the prognostic values of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine and TET2 in the clinical outcome of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Results Expression of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was significantly decreased in cervical squamous cell carcinoma compared with normal cervix tissues. In contrast, 5-methylcytosine expression was significantly increased in cervical squamous cell carcinoma compared with normal cervix tissues. Moreover, expression of TET2, but not TET1 and TET3, was decreased in cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Our study showed that the decreased level of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine predicts poor prognosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients. The expression of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine was an independent prognostic factor for both disease-free and overall survival of cervical squamous cell carcinoma patients. Conclusions In cervical squamous cell carcinoma, less aggressive tumor behavior was correlated with 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and TET2. Our data indicated that 5-hydroxymethylcytosine may become a prognostic marker for cervical squamous cell carcinoma and the decreased expression of TET2 may be an underlying mechanism for decreased 5-hmC in cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

MoSe2 hold great performance potential because of its large specific surface area, quantum confinement effect and Graphene-like structure. In this review, the research progress of different preparation methods (including Mechanical stripping, Intercalation stripping, Chemical vapor deposition, Hydrothermal) of MoSe2 and its composites have been discussed. Its application status in many fields have also been covered, such as photoelectric, hydrogen evolution reaction, battery and capacitor. In addition, in the application of biology, water decomposition and low thermal conductivity materials were briefly introduced.

Objective For immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), efficacy of frontline steroids is well established. However, clinical data comparing various treatment options for refractory or relapsed ITP are limited. We aimed to investigate the outcome of frontline steroid treatment for ITP patients and compare common second-line modalities in a single institute in Taiwan. Methods We collected the complete outpatient list over a 6-month period. Patients were identified from the list, and medical records were reviewed to capture the data retrospectively. The diagnosis of ITP was made by excluding other etiologies. Results Among 665 patients with thrombocytopenia, the diagnosis of ITP was made in 375. Two hundred and fifty-seven patients (51 males, median age 45.5) received treatment. Response to steroids was evaluable for 184 patients. Complete response (CR) was achieved in 120 (65.2%) and partial response in 43 (23.3%). In 21 (11.4%) patients, ITP was refractory to steroids. Among those with CR, 76 (63%) patients relapsed in a median of 9.5 months. After relapse or steroid failure, 57 (49%) received azathioprine treatment and 38 (32%) underwent splenectomy. Response rate was 71.4% (38.1% CR) for azathioprine and 91.4% (77.1% CR) for splenectomy. Rituximab was effective in 8 of 10 patients. Conclusion Steroids are effective frontline treatment for ITP, but relapse is common. Both azathioprine and splenectomy are effective treatment after steroid failure. Rituximab appears to a reasonable second-line treatment option in our limited experience.

Long non-coding RNA CCAT2 (colon cancer-associated transcript 2) is dysregulated in varieties of human tumors. However, the role of CCAT2 in epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is not yet known clearly. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of CCAT2 on proliferation and invasion of EOC cells and the potential mechanisms by which CCAT2 functions. In the present paper, we found that knockdown of CCAT2 impaired cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, we also studied the role of CCAT2 in the modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our results showed that knockdown of CCAT2 inhibited the expression of β-catenin and the activity of TCF/LEF (T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor) acting as a key transcription factor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In addition, we found that silencing CCAT2 down-regulated the expression of c-MYC and MMP-7. But, that was reversed by the treatment with LiCl (lithium chloride) which could activate canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Taken together, these results indicate that CCAT2 may promote ovarian cancer progression, at least partly, through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Thus, CCAT2 might represent a novel therapeutic target for ovarian cancer.

GeSe2 Nano-Films (GeSe2NFMs) were prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The nanostructures of the GeSe2NFMs were revealed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. The linear optical properties of the samples have been studied by absorption spectroscopy. The nonlinear optical properties of the GeSe2NFMs have been studied by Z-scan technique with femtosecond pulses at the wavelength of 1030 nm. The measured band gap of GeSe2NFMs is 2.33eV, and the nonlinear absorption coefficient βeff is about 1.344*10−7 cm/W, which is a saturated absorption. In addition, in the fluorescence emission spectrum of GeSe2NFM, we found emission peaks in the red and infrared light regions with a wavelength of 760 nm. We found that GeSe2NFMs prepared by CVD has a larger band gap and a larger nonlinear absorption coefficient than the doped GeSe2. These studies indicate the application of GeSe2NFMs in laser emitters and nonlinear optical devices, and also provide a reference for subsequent research on nonlinear optical characteristics.

Objective Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health problem worldwide, with vertical transmission as the leading transmission route. Therefore, it is very important to explore the risk factors associating with HBV perinatal transmission, providing valuable information for preventive and curative means for HBV perinatal infections. In this study, we systematically investigated the impact of adverse outcomes of HBV maternal infection on fetal intrauterine infection. Patients and methods This is a nested case-control study that included 42 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive pregnant women. Gestational weeks, delivery modes, alanine aminotransferase levels, platelet counts, liver ultrasonography results as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes for the pregnant mothers and Apgar scores at both 1 and 5 min, birth weight, and height for the newborn infants were recorded. Vein blood from pregnant mothers and cord blood immediately after delivery were collected for the detection of HBsAg, antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), antibody to hepatitis B e antigen, hepatitis B core antigen, and HBV DNA. Placental tissues were collected for detection of HBV DNA. Results Positive HBeAg as well as HBV DNA in the mother's serum were correlated closely with HBV intrauterine infection. Mother's age, delivery mode, alanine aminotransferase, blood platelet count, clinical HBV infection features, premature labor, gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, fetal growth retardation, fetal distress, Apgar scores of the infant as well as the HBV infection status of the placenta all failed to show a statistically significant correlation with intrauterine infection. Conclusion High level of HBV in maternal blood was one of the risk factors accounting for intrauterine infection.

Synthesis and characterization of silicon quantum dots (Si QDs) materials are carried out. The Si QDs were prepared from a hydrogenated silicon rich nitride film that is deposited by the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process with a gas mixture of SiH 4 and NH 3 at flow ratios from 0.5 to 2. The Si QDs can be precipitated from the hydrogenated silicon rich nitride film by a high temperature annealing. The optimum density of the Si QDs precipitated amounts to 6.4 × 10 12 cm − 2 , as calculated from transmission electron microscope images, for flow ratio of SiH 4 versus NH 3 at 2, and particle sizes less than 6 nm. The dots density within the film becomes concentrated when the flow ratio of SiH 4 versus NH 3 increases. The intensity of photo response increases drastically when the dots density becomes large.

Due to several reasons, there is a shortage of water resources in Taiwan, despite abundant rainfall. These reasons include high population density, uneven spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall, and rivers with steep gradients. According to the data collected by Central Geological Survey in the project: Pumping of Groundwater Resources in the Central Division of Mountain Areas of Taiwan, the abundant underground water in mountain areas exists in areas with thick regolith, broken rock or sandstone. Therefore, the investigation of regolith depth distribution would help us to further understand the amount of underground water, and the areas that can be exploited. This study is based on 441 drilling data over the Da-Chia and Choshui river basins, and aims to construct a relation model of topographic and environmental variables and to estimate the regolith depth in the study area. The amount of drilling data will be increased each year so that the model can be improved, developed and converged. Moreover, it can help in developing a model that is most suitable for estimating regolith depth in Taiwan.

In this paper, the successful preparation of electroactive polyurethane (EPU) coatings containing amine-capped aniline trimer (ACAT) is presented for the first time. To accomplish this, ACAT was synthesized by carrying out oxidative coupling reactions between aniline and para -phenylenediamine, after which it was characterized through Fourier-transformation infrared and UV–vis spectroscopy. Subsequently, a polyurethane (PU) prepolymer was prepared by polymerizing diisocyanate of 4,4-methylene-bis(cyclohexylisocyanate), diol of polycaprolactone, and triol of phloroglucinol at 60 °C for 3 h. EPU was then produced by allowing the as-prepared polyurethane prepolymer to react with ACAT under suitable conditions. Non-electroactive polyurethane (NEPU) coating was also prepared for the control experiments. Based on a series of electrochemical corrosion measurements, EPU in the form of a coating was found to possess a clearly enhanced corrosion protection effect when compared to PU. The observed enhancement of the anticorrosion effect of EPU on a metallic substrate when compared to that of NEPU may have been caused by the redox catalytic capability of ACAT present in EPU, inducing the formation of a densely passive metal oxide layer ( i.e. , Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4 ), as indicated by the results of scanning electron microscopy and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis. The redox behavior of the EPU coatings was further analyzed and compared to that of the NEPU coating by cyclic voltammetric (CV) studies.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a species of non fermentative Gram-negative bacteria commonly found in water and soil. This organism was susceptible to most antibiotics in the 1970s. It has now become a major cause of hospital-acquired infections worldwide due to its remarkable propensity to rapidly acquire resistance determinants to a wide range of antibacterial agents. Herein we have determined the mutation frequency of two hot spot residue 83 in gyrA of gyrase and residue 80 in parC of topoisomerase IV and performed a comparative screen the drug resistance ability in 128 clinical isolates ofAcinetobacter baumannii in Taiwan region. Low frequency of mutation was found (11.7%, 11.7%, and 10.2% ingyrA, parC, or both, respectively). Mutation of these sites was not correlated with drug resistance. Our study suggested that mutation ofgyrA andparC may play a minor role in quinolone resistance and other mechanisms may contribute to the drug resistance ofA. Baumannii.

Background: Glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a type of molecular chaperone. It is a possible candidate protein that contributes to development of drug resistance. We first examined the involvement of GRP78 in chemotherapy-resistance in human ovarian cancer cell. Materials and Methods: The expression of GRP78 mRNA and protein were examined by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively, in human ovarian cancer cells line (HO-8910). Sensitivity of HO-8910 to paclitaxel was determined with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). Suppression of GRP78 expression was performed using specific small-interfering RNA (siRNA) in HO-8910 cells, and cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 15.0 statistical package. Results: HO-8910 cells, with high basal levels of GRP78, exhibited low sensitivity to paclitaxel. The mRNA and protein levels of GRP78 were dramatically decreased at 24h, 48h and 72h after transfection and the sensitivity to paclitaxel was increased when the GRP78 gene was disturbed by specific siRNA transfection. Conclusions: The results suggested that high GRP78 expression might be one of the molecular mechanisms causing resistance to paclitaxel, and therefore siRNA of GRP78 may be useful in tumor-specific gene therapy for ovarian cancer.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa M-1001 produced a protease when it was grown in a medium containing shrimp and crab shell powder (SCSP) of marine wastes. An antifungal protease was purified from the culture supernatant to homology. The protease had a molecular weight of 38,000 and a p I of 5.7. The optimum pH, optimum temperature, and pH stability of the protease were pH 7, 37 °C, and pH 5–8, respectively. Antifungal activity of the protease was found when using assay based upon inhibition of spores germination and hyphal extension of the fungal Fusarium solani .

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification that is frequently altered in cancer. Recent reports showed that the level of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) was altered in various types of cancers. The influence of DNA methylation in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate factors involved in DNA demethylation in EOC compared with normal ovarian tissues.We examined the expression of 5-hmC, 5-mC, and TET2 by immunohistochemistry in 130 cases of EOC and 40 cases of normal ovarian tissues. We assessed the prognostic values of 5-hmC, 5-mC, and TET2 in clinical outcome of EOC.We discovered a significant decrease in 5-hmC and TET2 expression in EOC compared with normal ovarian tissues. In contrast, there was a significant increase in 5-mC expression in EOC compared with normal ovarian tissues. The expression of 5-hmC, 5-mC, and TET2 correlated with pathologic stage, tumor grading, lymph node metastasis, and vascular thrombosis. Furthermore, decreased level of 5-hmC predicts poor prognosis of EOC patients. The expression of 5-hmC was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival of EOC patients.The data suggest that loss of 5-hmC is an epigenetic event of EOC, and the expression of 5-hmC could serve as a prognostic factor for EOC.

Both low tube voltage and sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (IR) techniques hold promise to decrease radiation dose at coronary CT angiography (CCTA). The increased iodine contrast at low tube voltage allows for minimizing iodine load.To assess the effect of reduced x-ray tube voltage, low iodine concentration contrast medium and IR on image quality and radiation dose at CCTA.Two hundred thirty-one consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease were enrolled in this prospective, multicenter trial and randomized to 1 of 2 dual-source CCTA protocols: 120-kVp with 370 mgI/mL iopromide or iopamidol (n = 116; 44 women; 55.3 ± 9.8 years) or 100 kVp with 270 mgI/mL iodixanol (n = 115; 48 women; 54.2 ± 10.4 years). Reconstruction was performed with filtered back projection and IR. Attenuation, image noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio were measured and image quality scored. Size-specific dose estimates and effective doses were calculated.There were no significant differences in mean arterial attenuation (406.6 ± 76.7 vs 409.7 ± 65.2 Hounsfield units; P = .739), image noise (18.7 ± 3.8 vs 17.9 ± 3.4 Hounsfield units; P = .138), signal-to-noise ratio (22.5 ± 5.4 vs 23.7 ± 6.1; P = .126), contrast-to-noise ratio (17.5 ± 5.5 vs 18.3 ± 6.1; P = .286), or image quality scores (4.1 ± 0.9 vs 4.0 ± 0.9; P.05) between 120-kVp filtered back projection-reconstructed and 100-kVp IR-reconstructed series. Mean iodine dose was 26.5% lower (18.3 ± 0.5 vs 24.9 ± 0.9 g; P.0001), mean size-specific dose estimate was 35.1% lower (17.9 ± 6.6 vs 27.5 ± 8.2 mGy; P.0001), and effective dose was 34.9% lower (2.3 ± 1.0 vs 3.5 ± 1.1 mSv; P.0001) with the 100 kVp compared with the 120-kVp protocol, respectively.Using low x-ray tube voltage and IR allows for decreasing the iodine load and effective radiation dose at CCTA while maintaining image quality.

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) in children is widespread. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of VDD in schoolchildren from Henan Province, China.The study was conducted on school students from areas of Xinxiang, one of the largest cities of Henan Province in China, in the winter of 2013. A questionnaire on demographic data, socioeconomic status, sun exposure, and times of acute respiratory infections (RTI) in the past 12 months were completed for each student. Blood samples were taken to assess serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D].In our study, 606 schoolchildren completed the questionnaire. The median serum level of 25(OH)D was 20.5 ng/mL (interquartile range: 15.9–25.1). The prevalence of VDD and insufficiency was 46.9% (284/606) and 85.8% (520/606), respectively. VDD was more associated with female gender, high body mass index, lower socio-professional status, residence in urban areas, and less time spent outdoors. There was an inverse correlation between levels of 25(OH) and times of RTI (pVDD and insufficiency are common among schoolchildren in Xinxiang. Supplementation with food fortification or vitamin D for Chinese children is warranted.

Objective The function of Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate1 (Rac1) in the progression of cervical cancer is unclear. This study used RNA interference technology to explore the involvement of Rac1 in the regulation of cervical cancer cells. Methods A short hairpin (sh) RNA plasmid targeting Rac1 was constructed and transfected into HeLa cells. Rac1 mRNA and protein levels were investigated by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Cell proliferation and cisplatin chemosensitivity were determined using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay. The Matrigel™ assay and flow cytometry were used to assess cell invasion and apoptosis, respectively. The concentration of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 in cell supernatants was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Rac1 expression was significantly downregulated at the mRNA and protein levels in HeLa cells transfected with Rac1 shRNA, and the cell proliferation and invasion capability of cells was decreased. Rac1 downregulation was associated with a decrease in MMP-2 secretion, and increased cell chemosensitivity to cisplatin and cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Conclusions Rac1 may play an important role in cervical cancer progression and could be a potential target for anticancer therapy.

A field experiment with complete combination design was conducted to study the effects of partitioning alternative drip irrigation with plastic mulch and nitrogen fertilization on the dry matter accumulation and nitrogen use efficiency of cotton plant. Three levels of irrigation (260, 200, and 140 mm) and of nitrogen fertilizer (270, 180, and 90 kg.hm-2) were installed. The cotton dry mass was the highest in treatments medium nitrogen/high water and high nitrogen/high water. As compared with that in high nitrogen/high water treatment, the nitrogen use efficiency for dry matter accumulation in medium nitrogen/high water treatment was increased by 34.0% -44.6%, with an average of 34.7% , while the water use efficiency was decreased by 6.4% -10.7%, averagely 10.2%. As for the nitrogen accumulation in cotton plant, the nitrogen use efficiency was the highest in medium nitrogen/high water treatment, and the water use efficiency was the highest in high nitrogen/medium water treatment. Compared with high nitrogen/high water treatment, medium nitrogen/high water treatment increased the nitrogen use efficiency for cotton nitrogen accumulation by 29.0% -41.7%, but decreased the water use efficiency for cotton nitrogen accumulation by 5.5%-14.0%. Among the treatments of coupling water and nitrogen of higher cotton yield, treatment medium nitrogen/high water had the higher cotton nitrogen recovery rate, nitrogen agronomic efficiency, and apparent use efficiency than the treatments high nitrogen/medium water and high nitrogen/high water, but no significant differences were observed in the nitrogen absorption ratio and nitrogen physiological efficiency. Treatment medium nitrogen/high water was most beneficial to the coupling effects of water and nitrogen under partitioning alternate drip irrigation with plastic mulch and nitrogen fertilization.

In order to explore the effects of wheat-oilseed rape intercropping in combining with methyl salicylate (MeSA) release on Sitobion avenae and its main natural enemies, a field experiment was conducted at the Tai'an Experimental Station of Shandong Agricultural University in East China from October 2008 to June 2010 to study the temporal dynamics of S. avenae and its main natural enemies as well as the ecological control effect on the aphid. In the plots of intercropping combined with MeSA release, the S. avenae apterae population reached a peak about 12 d in advance of the control, but the peak value was significantly lower than that of the control. The average annual number of S. avenae apterae per 100 wheat tillers decreased in the order of wheat monoculturewheat-oilseed rape intercroppingMeSA releasewheat-oilseed rape intercropping combined with MeSA release. Moreover, the total number of ladybeetles was the highest in the plots of intercropping combined with MeSA release. The population densities of aphid parasitoids reached a peak about 10 d in advance of the control, which could play a significant role in controlling S. avenae at the filling stage of wheat. Taking the biological control index (BCI) as a quantitative indicator, and with the ladybeetles and parasitoids as the dominant control factors in fields, it was observed that wheat-oilseed rape intercropping combined with MeSA release could suppress the population increase of S. avenae apterae effectively from the heading to filling stages of wheat.

To evaluate the value of coronary CT angiography in assessment of bifurcation lesions.The original image of 79 established and suspected coronary artery disease patients who underwent both coronary CT angiography and conventional artery angiography (CAG) sequentially were included in this analysis. Bifurcation lesions were assessed on primary and secondary vessels with diameter ≥ 2.0 mm, bifurcation lesions were graded according to Chen's classification. CAG was used as golden standard. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were calculated. Spearman's test and Kappa test were used to evaluate the correlation and classification identity of the two methods.CAG evidenced 177 bifurcation lesions out of 445 bifurcation vessels and coronary CT detected 168 bifurcation lesions out of 404 bifurcation vessels with satisfactory imaging quality and 390 bifurcation vessels could be analyzed by both CAG and coronary CT. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of coronary CT angiography were 94.2%, 94.6%, 90.7%, 96.1%, respectively. The results for the lesions at LM-LAD/LCX + LAD/Mid, LAD/Diag, RCA/PDA were more satisfactory and the sensitivity and specificity were as high as: 97.1% and 94.2%, 95.7% and 89.5%, 92.3% and 98.7%, respectively. There were significant correlations for evaluating the narrow degree of the opening of the bifurcation branch with these two methods (r = 0.799 58, P0.01) and for identifying I, II, III type bifurcation lesions (Kappa coefficient = 0.7959, P0.01) as well as for identifying the subtype bifurcation lesions (Kappa coefficient = 0.6328, P0.01) using the two methods.Coronary CT angiography is efficient in identifying the bifurcation lesions and offers a reasonable indication for bifurcation lesion classification.

To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the transition process of new nurses in Taiwan. Background. The transition period for new nurses can be a daunting and traumatic experience. The large number of newly graduated Taiwanese nurses who resign from their jobs within three months indicates that this process can be complicated. However, the problems associated with the experiences of new nurses have not yet been recognised.We adopted a phenomenological design using focus group interviews.Sixteen new nurses (less than one year working experience) participated in eight weekly group interviews lasting two hours each to grasp their experience of 'being new'. Interview data were analysed according to Sloan's (2002) three moments, and the whole process of analysis followed the suggestions of Agar (1986), which was performed in a close collaboration between researchers until the consensus about the findings could be reached.The overarching pattern of the transition process of new nurses becoming experienced members of the clinical nursing team was revealed as a journey of 'struggling to be an insider'. This phenomenon was characterised by four themes, including (1) 'being new as being weak', (2) 'masking myself', (3) 'internalising the unreasonable' and (4) 'transforming myself to get a position'.While Western culture view abusive indoctrination of new nurses as toxic behaviour, under the Chinese traditions of yield, tolerance and self-oppression, following the power hierarchy and seeking harmony, the transition of new nurses is interpreted differently.Recognition of the journey of 'struggling to be an insider' helps nurse administrators to (1) gain a better understanding of what new nurses encounter in their transition process, (2) help new nurses without harm, (3) improve in-service training programmes and (4) retain future nurses.

To investigate clinical value of anti-adhesion agent:chitosan in preventing adhesions followed by laparotomy surgery in obstetrics and gynecology.From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2009, 770 patients underwent laparotomy surgery at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University. One hundred and twenty-five patients underwent secondary surgery due to disease recurrence or cesarean section, the previous surgery were 18 cases with myomectomy, 20 cases with endometriosis surgery, 5 cases with resection of pelvic abscess, 20 cases with ectopic pregnancy surgery, 27 cases with benign adnexal neoplasm resection, 9 cases with cyto-reductive surgery in ovarian cancer, 26 cases with variable infertility surgery. Those 125 patients were managed by different agents washing before abdomen closure, which were assigned into two groups, including 59 cases washed by saline in control group and 66 cases washed by chitosan in study group. The abdomen adhesion in secondary surgery was evaluated by adhesion classification system.In study group, 37 patients without adhesions, 20 patients with degree I adhesion, 6 patients with degree II adhesion, 3 patients with degree III adhesion, and no patients with degree IV adhesion were observed. While in control group, there were 11 patients without adhesions, 23 patients with degree I adhesion, 14 patients with degree II adhesion, 8 patients with degree III adhesion, and 3 patients with degree IV adhesion. The distribution of adhesion reached statistical significance between the two groups (χ(2) = 20.9999, P = 0.0003). Twenty-six patients in previous surgeries due to infertility included 17 cases in control group and 9 cases in study group. They all were managed by cesarean section in secondary surgery, it was found that 15 cases without adhesion and 2 cases with degree I adhesion were in study group and 2 cases without adhesion and 7 cases with degree I adhesion were in control group. It reached statistical difference (P = 0.0016).Anti-adhesion agent could prevent adhesion followed by surgery in obstetrics and gynecology effectively.

Aims and objectives. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the transition process of new nurses in Taiwan. Background. The transition period for new nurses can be a daunting and traumatic experience. The large number of newly graduated Taiwanese nurses who resign from their jobs within three months indicates that this process can be complicated. However, the problems associated with the experiences of new nurses have not yet been recognised. Design. We adopted a phenomenological design using focus group interviews. Methods. Sixteen new nurses (less than one year working experience) participated in eight weekly group interviews lasting two hours each to grasp their experience of ‘being new’. Interview data were analysed according to Sloan’s (2002) three moments, and the whole process of analysis followed the suggestions of Agar (1986), which was performed in a close collaboration between researchers until the consensus about the findings could be reached. Results. The overarching pattern of the transition process of new nurses becoming experienced members of the clinical nursing team was revealed as a journey of ‘struggling to be an insider’. This phenomenon was characterised by four themes, including (1) ‘being new as being weak’, (2) ‘masking myself’, (3) ‘internalising the unreasonable’ and (4) ‘transforming myself to get a position’. Conclusions. While Western culture view abusive indoctrination of new nurses as toxic behaviour, under the Chinese traditions of yield, tolerance and self-oppression, following the power hierarchy and seeking harmony, the transition of new nurses is interpreted differently. Relevance to clinical practice. Recognition of the journey of ‘struggling to be an insider’ helps nurse administrators to (1) gain a better understanding of what new nurses encounter in their transition process, (2) help new nurses without harm, (3) improve in-service training programmes and (4) retain future nurses.

Nucleophosmin plays a critical role in embryonic development. This study aimed to examine the expression pattern of nucleophosmin in glandular epithelium of human endometrium during the menstrual cycle.Endometrial tissues used for this study were obtained from 46 non-pregnant patients who underwent hysterectomy which had been performed to treat benign diseases. Nucleophosmin expression was assessed by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.At the early-, mid- and late-proliferative phase, nucleophosmin mRNA was highly expressed in glandular epithelium of human endometrium. At the secretory phase, the expression of nucleophosmin mRNA was reduced in glandular epithelium in early-secretory phase, and the expression in mid- and late-secretory phases was not detected. Similarly, nucleophosmin protein was strongly expressed in endometrial glands throughout the proliferative phase, but was gradually reduced during secretory phase.Nucleophosmin mRNA and protein are expressed in glandular epithelium of human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle.