The economic burden of influenza-associated outpatient visits and hospitalizations in China: a retrospective survey

published_or_final_versio

Proteome profiling of cadmium-induced apoptosis by antibody array analyses in human bronchial epithelial cells

Protein array technology is a powerful platform for the simultaneous determination of the expression levels of a number of proteins as well as post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation. Here, we screen and report for the first time, the dominant signaling cascades and apoptotic mediators during the course of cadmium (Cd)-induced cytotoxicity in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) by antibody array analyses. Proteins from control and Cd-treated cells were captured on Proteome Profiler™ Arrays for the parallel determination of the relative levels of protein phosphorylation and proteins associated with apoptosis. Our results indicated that the p38 MAPK- and JNK-related signal transduction pathways were dramatically activated by Cd treatment. Cd potently stimulates the phosphorylations of p38α (MAPK14), JNK1/2 (MAPK8/9), and JUN; while the phosphorylations of Akt1, ERK1/2 (MAPK3/1), GSK3β, and mTOR were suppressed. Moreover, there was an induction of proapoptotic protein BAX, release of cytochrome c (CYCS) from mitochondria, activation of caspase-3/9 (CASP3/9); as well as decreased expression of cell cycle checkpoint proteins (TP53, p21, and p27) and several inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) [including cIAP-1/2 (BIRC2/3), XIAP (BIRC4), and survivin (BIRC5)]. Pretreatment of cells with the thiol antioxidant glutathione or p38 MAPK/JNK inhibitors before Cd treatment effectively abrogated ROS activation of p38 MAPK/JNK pathways and apoptosis-related proteins. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Cd causes oxidative stress-induced apoptosis; and the p38 MAPK/JNK and mitochondrial pathways are more importantly participated for signal transduction and the induction of apoptosis in Cd-exposed human lung cells.published_or_final_versio

On the elliptical flow in asymmetric collisions and nuclear equation of state

We here present the results of elliptical flow for the collision of different asymmetric nuclei (10Ne20 +13 Al27, 18Ar40 +21 Sc45, 30Zn64 +28 Ni58, 36Kr86 +41 Nb93) by using the Quantum Molecular Dynamics (QMD) model. General features of elliptical flow are investigated with the help of theoretical simulations. The simulations are performed at different beam energies between 40 and 105 MeV/nucleon. A significant change can be seen from in-plane to out-of-plane elliptical flow of different fragments with incident energy. A comparison with experimental data is also made. Further, we predict, for the first time that, elliptical flow for different kind of fragments follow power law dependence ? C(Atot)? for asymmetric systems

Preface

Preface - The second International Conference on Mathematical Modeling in Physical Sciences (IC-MSQUARE) took place at Prague, Czech Republic, from Sunday 1 September to Thursday 5 September 2013

Wave coupling theory for mutual action of optical activity and Pockels effect in birefringent crystals

The wave coupling theory with analytic solution for mutual action of optical activity and Pockels effect in birefringent crystals is developed, which is based on Maxwell's equations and the second-order polarizations responsible for the two effects. We take the crystalline quartz as an example to demonstrate the applications of the theory and some typical results for different propagation directions and different external electric fields are presented. Besides, we find out the directions of pure electro-optic delay in the optically active crystals belonging to different point groups. Along these directions both the optical activity and electro-optic coupling are absent. These will facilitate the use of an optically active medium as an electro-optic modulator

An Evidence-Based Medical Review on Promoting Gastrointestinal Function Recovery After Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Chun-Yu Zhao,1 Wan-Hong Shi,2 Zheng-Qi Wen,3 Yong-Mei Jin,4 Yun-Bo Shang,5 Lei Zheng,3 Juan Li,2 Xin-Min Chen2 1School of Nursing, Dali University, Dali, 671000, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of General Surgery, Third People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kun Ming, 650000, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Surgical Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kun Ming, 650000, People’s Republic of China; 4Department of Nursing, Shanghai Seventh People’s Hospital, Shanghai, 200137, People’s Republic of China; 5Department of Emergency, Third People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kun Ming, 650000, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Yun-Bo Shang, Department of Emergency, Third People’s Hospital of Yunnan Province, No. 292 of Beijing Road, Guandu District, Kun Ming, 650000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13708876606, Fax +8663196549, Email [email protected] Zheng-Qi Wen, Department of Surgical oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kun Ming, 650000, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-13888079932, Email [email protected]: The objective of this study was to search for, evaluate, and summarize data related to a faster postoperative recovery in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) based on literature from China as well as internationally. This will serve as an evidence-based foundation for the clinical implementation of enhanced postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients with CRC.Methods: Based on the hierarchical “ 6S” evidence model, we conducted a systematic search of computerized decision-support systems, guideline websites, as well as domestic and international databases for evidence, guidelines, expert consensus statements, clinical decision-making, best practices, evidence summaries, and systematic reviews of interventions focusing on accelerating gastrointestinal function rehabilitation after CRC surgery. The time limit for the search was from the date of creation of the database to January 2023. Two researchers evaluated the quality of the literature that was included, and we extracted data and summarized the evidence from those publications that fulfilled the quality criteria.Results: The review included a total of 21 publications, comprising 6 guidelines, 6 systematic reviews, 3 expert consensus statements, 4 randomized controlled trials, and 2 evidence summaries. We summarized 51 best evidence findings across five areas: organizational management, preoperative risk assessment, education, intraoperative monitoring, and postoperative management.Conclusion: There is a wide variety and wealth of information available on interventions to promote enhanced postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal function in patients with CRC. The use of evidence is discussed, keeping in mind the practical situation in China.Keywords: colorectal cancer, evidence-based nursing, evidence summary, gastrointestinal function recovery, postoperativ

Liquid crystalline behaviour of chitooligosaccharides

Two chitooligosaccharide samples (COS1 and COS2) were prepared by enzymatic degradation of chitosan. The molecular weight of the main component was determined by mass spectrometry to be 2340 and 4303, respectively. They showed cholesteric liquid crystal structures in concentrated solutions. The critical concentrations to form a lyotropic liquid crystalline phase in formic acid were measured by means of polarized optical microscopy, refractometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results from the three methods agreed with each other. The experimental value of COS2 was quantitatively consistent with that calculated according to Khokhlov and Semenov theory. But the experimental value of COS1 diverged from the theoretical one, which is explained by the inaccuracy at higher concentrations of the second virial approximation underlying this theory. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Application of Graphene within Optoelectronic Devices and Transistors

Scientists are always yearning for new and exciting ways to unlock graphene's true potential. However, recent reports suggest this two-dimensional material may harbor some unique properties, making it a viable candidate for use in optoelectronic and semiconducting devices. Whereas on one hand, graphene is highly transparent due to its atomic thickness, the material does exhibit a strong interaction with photons. This has clear advantages over existing materials used in photonic devices such as Indium-based compounds. Moreover, the material can be used to 'trap' light and alter the incident wavelength, forming the basis of the plasmonic devices. We also highlight upon graphene's nonlinear optical response to an applied electric field, and the phenomenon of saturable absorption. Within the context of logical devices, graphene has no discernible band-gap. Therefore, generating one will be of utmost importance. Amongst many others, some existing methods to open this band-gap include chemical doping, deformation of the honeycomb structure, or the use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). We shall also discuss various designs of transistors, including those which incorporate CNTs, and others which exploit the idea of quantum tunneling. A key advantage of the CNT transistor is that ballistic transport occurs throughout the CNT channel, with short channel effects being minimized. We shall also discuss recent developments of the graphene tunneling transistor, with emphasis being placed upon its operational mechanism. Finally, we provide perspective for incorporating graphene within high frequency devices, which do not require a pre-defined band-gap.Comment: Due to be published in "Current Topics in Applied Spectroscopy and the Science of Nanomaterials" - Springer (Fall 2014). (17 pages, 19 figures