Controlling the optical and magnetic properties of CdTeSe and Gd-doped CdTeSe alloy semiconductor nanocrystals.

In this study, CdTexSe1-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) and CdTeSe:Gd y% (y = 0-8.05) alloy semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) were prepared by wet chemical method. The presence and composition of the elements in the sample were determined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Structural analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns indicated that most NCs crystallized in the zinc blende (ZB) structure however some Gd-doped NCs (y = 4.52 and 8.05%) crystallized in the wurtzite (WZ) structure. The emission peak of CdTexSe1-x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) NCs varied over a wide range when changing x while the particle size remained almost unchanged. The effect of Gd doping on the structure and optical and magnetic properties of CdTeSe NCs was studied in detail. When the Gd concentration increases from 0-8.05%: (i) the structure of CdTeSe NCs gradually changed from ZB to WZ, (ii) the emission efficiency of the material was significantly reduced, (iii) the PL lifetime of samples increased more than 10 times, and (iv) the ferromagnetic properties of the material were enhanced. The research findings demonstrated that it is possible to control the crystal structure, optical characteristics, and magnetic properties of Gd-doped CdTeSe nanocrystals by adjusting the dopant concentration and chemical composition of the host material.

Loss in MCL-1 function sensitizes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines to the BCL-2-selective inhibitor venetoclax (ABT-199).

As a population, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) cell lines positive for the t(14;18) translocation and/or possessing elevated BCL2 copy number (CN; BCL2(High)) are exquisitely sensitive to navitoclax or the B-cell lymphoma protein-2 (BCL-2)-selective inhibitor venetoclax. Despite this, some BCL2(High) cell lines remain resistant to either agent. Here we show that the MCL-1-specific inhibitor A-1210477 sensitizes these cell lines to navitoclax. Chemical segregation of this synergy with the BCL-2-selective inhibitor venetoclax or BCL-XL-selective inhibitor A-1155463 indicated that MCL-1 and BCL-2 are the two key anti-apoptotic targets for sensitization. Similarly, the CDK inhibitor flavopiridol downregulated MCL-1 expression and synergized with venetoclax in BCL2(High) NHL cell lines to a similar extent as A-1210477. A-1210477 also synergized with navitoclax in the majority of BCL2(Low) NHL cell lines. However, chemical segregation with venetoclax or A-1155463 revealed that synergy was driven by BCL-XL inhibition in this population. Collectively these data emphasize that BCL2 status is predictive of venetoclax potency in NHL not only as a single agent, but also in the adjuvant setting with anti-tumorigenic agents that inhibit MCL-1 function. These studies also potentially identify a patient population (BCL2(Low)) that could benefit from BCL-XL (navitoclax)-driven combination therapy.

Mcl-1 is critical for survival in a subgroup of non-small-cell lung cancer cell lines.

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most deadly type of cancer in the United States and worldwide. Although new therapy is available, the survival rate of NSCLC patients remains low. One hallmark of cancer cells is defects in the apoptotic cell death program. In this study, we investigate the role of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family members Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L) and Mcl-1, known to regulate cell survival and death, in a panel of fourteen NSCLC cell lines. NSCLC cell lines express high levels of Mcl-1 and Bcl-x(L), but not Bcl-2. Silencing the expression of Mcl-1 with small interfering RNA (siRNA) oligonucleotides potently killed a subgroup of NSCLC cell lines. In contrast, Bcl-x(L) siRNA had no effect in these lines unless Mcl-1 siRNA was also introduced. Interestingly, high MCL1 to BCL-xl messenger RNA determines whether the cells depend on Mcl-1 for survival. We further investigated the role of Mcl-1 in NSCLC cells using a Mcl-1-dependent cell line, H23. The expression of a complementary DNA containing only the coding region of MCL1 rescued H23 cells from the toxicity of a 3' untranslated region (UTR) targeting Mcl-1 siRNA but not a siRNA targeting the coding region of MCL1. Furthermore, we show that Mcl-1 sequesters the BH3-only protein Noxa and Bim and the apoptotic effector Bak. Not surprisingly, Noxa, Bim, or Bak knockdown partially rescued H23 cells from toxicity mediated by Mcl-1 siRNA to different degrees. Collectively, our results indicate that targeting Mcl-1 may improve therapy for a subset of NSCLC patients.

Factors associated with social interaction anxiety among Chinese adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate potential risk factors for social anxiety, particularly social interaction anxiety among the Chinese adolescents. METHODS: A cross-sectional health survey was conducted in Guangzhou city of the Guangdong Province where high school students aged 13 to 18 years were recruited. The sample was selected from all high schools in the city using a 2-stage random cluster sampling technique. Social interaction anxiety was assessed using the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale. Information collected in the survey included: demographics, self-perception on school performance, relationship with teachers and peers, satisfaction with self-image, achievements, and parenting style of the mother. The parent-child relationship, specifically the relationship between respondents and their mothers, was assessed using the mother attachment subscale of the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment. Self-esteem was assessed using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The multiple linear regression technique was applied to investigate associations between selected potential risk factors and social interaction anxiety, with adjustments for cluster sampling. RESULTS: Lower family income, lower self-esteem, and hostility were significantly associated with social interaction anxiety among adolescents. Variables identified as risk factors of anxiety disorder in the literature, such as gender, were not associated with social interaction anxiety in this sample. CONCLUSIONS: These results were consistent with those of other studies conducted mainly in the United States and Europe. Regarding non-significant results related to gender, they need viewing in the context of parenting styles of Chinese mothers.

The impact of opioids, anticholinergic medications and disease progression on the prescription of laxatives in hospitalized palliative care patients: a retrospective analysis.

Definitive risk factors for constipation in palliative care remain poorly defined. A retrospective analysis of 211 admissions to a palliative care unit was undertaken, with the main aim being to identify some factors, which influence laxative prescription. On univariate analysis, significant unadjusted associations were found between two or more prescribed laxatives and a diagnosis of malignancy, morphine equivalent dose, type of illness phase and the subsequent phase type, length of phase, anticholinergic load imposed by medications, symptom severity and functional status. Multiple ordinal logistic regressions revealed the prescription of one laxative to be significantly associated with oral morphine-equivalent dose, total anticholinergic load (odds ratio [OR] 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-2.0), disease progression to terminal phase and death (OR 0.1, 95% CI = 0.0-0.3), and length of phase (OR 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0-1.2). Similar results were obtained for the prescription of two or more laxatives. Two additional measures of function, toileting (OR 3.6, 95% CI = 1.6-8.2) and transfer (OR 0.4 95% CI = 0.2-0.9), also became significant. Total anticholinergic load was significantly associated with the prescription of a single laxative (OR 1.4, 95% CI = 1.0-2.0) and two or more laxatives (OR 1.8, 95% CI = 1.3-2.5) for each unit increase in anticholinergic load. Opioids and in particular opioids prescribed at higher doses, the total anticholinergic load associated with prescribed medications, the degree of impaired physical function of a person, their length of stay in a palliative care unit and their proximity to death were all strongly related to the prescription of laxatives.

The association between internet addiction and self-injurious behaviour among adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between internet addiction and self-injurious behaviour (SIB) in adolescence. METHODS: Population-based cross-sectional survey of 1618 high school students aged 13-18 years in Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province, PR China. Deliberate SIB was measured using self-reported questionnaire; internet addiction was assessed using the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). RESULTS: 263 (16.3%) participants reported having committed some form of SIB in the past 6 months. 73 (4.5%) had committed SIB 6 times or more, and 157 (9.7%) 1-5 times. The majority of respondents were classified as normal users of the internet (n = 1392, 89.2%), with 158 (10.2%) moderately and 10 (0.6%) severely addicted to the internet. After adjusting for potential confounders, the odds ratio for SIB was 2.0 (95% CI 1.1 to 3.7) for those who were classified as moderately and severely addicted to the internet when compared to the normal group. CONCLUSIONS: SIB is common in adolescence in the study population in China. Addiction to the internet is detrimental to mental health and increases the risk of self-injury among adolescents. Clinicians need to be aware of potential co-morbidities of other addictions among adolescent self-injured patients.

The effect of ranitidine versus proton pump inhibitors on gastric secretions: a meta-analysis of randomised control trials.

Aspiration of acid into the lungs is an infrequent but potentially devastating complication of general anaesthesia. Routine practice often includes use of pharmacological agents to reduce gastric volume and increase gastric pH. The aim of this study was to compare the net benefit of proton pump inhibitors with histamine 2 blockers in a meta-analysis. Electronic databases were searched for trials that compared ranitidine vs proton pump inhibitors in their effect on volume and pH of gastric fluid aspirates. We identified nine trials of which seven were suitable for meta-analysis. Pooled outcomes suggest that premedication with ranitidine is more effective than proton pump inhibitors in reducing the volume of gastric secretions (by an average of 0.22 ml.kg(-1); 95% confidence interval 0.04-0.41) and increasing gastric pH (by an average of 0.85 pH units; 95% confidence interval -1.14 to -0.28).

Uncorrected or untreated vision problems and occupational injuries among the adolescent and adult population in Australia.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between uncorrected or untreated vision problems and occupational injuries in the adolescent and adult population in Australia. DESIGN: National Health Survey conducted via personal interviews with a stratified random sample. SETTING: Population-based. SUBJECTS: Individuals selected from the total population aged 15 or older. Exposure measures: Information on uncorrected or untreated vision problems was collected by personal interview via responses to screening questions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Information on occupational injuries also collected via personal interview. RESULTS: After adjustment for potential confounders, the odds of occupational injury increased by approximately 60% (OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.11 to 2.24) for those who had any uncorrected or untreated vision problems, and by 3(1/2) times (OR = 3.52, 95% CI = 1.64 to 7.55) for those with untreated macular degeneration compared with healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Uncorrected or untreated vision problems, particularly macular degeneration, significantly increased the risk of occupational injury. Vision examination should be recommended and implemented regularly for all workers.

A two-site ELISA can quantify upregulation of SMN protein by drugs for spinal muscular atrophy.

OBJECTIVES: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by loss of lower motor neurons during early or postnatal development. Severity is variable and is inversely related to the levels of survival of motor neurons (SMN) protein. The aim of this study was to produce a two-site ELISA capable of measuring both the low, basal levels of SMN protein in cell cultures from patients with severe SMA and small increases in these levels after treatment of cells with drugs. METHODS: A monoclonal antibody against recombinant SMN, MANSMA1, was selected for capture of SMN onto microtiter plates. A selected rabbit antiserum against refolded recombinant SMN was used for detection of the captured SMN. RESULTS: The ratio of SMN levels in control fibroblasts to levels in SMA fibroblasts was greater than 3.0, consistent with Western blot data. The limit of detection was 0.13 ng/mL and SMN could be measured in human NT-2 neuronal precursor cells grown in 96-well culture plates (3 x 10(4) cells per well). Increases in SMN levels of 50% were demonstrable by ELISA after 24 hours treatment of 10(5) SMA fibroblasts with valproate or phenylbutyrate. CONCLUSION: A rapid and specific two-site, 96-well ELISA assay, available in kit format, can now quantify the effects of drugs on survival of motor neurons protein levels in cell cultures.

Overweight/obesity and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder tendency among adolescents in China.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate whether there is any association between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tendency and overweight/obesity among adolescents. DESIGN: This study was a population-based health survey utilizing a two-stage random cluster sampling design. SUBJECTS: Subjects were recruited from the total population of adolescents who attended high school years 1, 2 and 3 with ages ranging from 13 to 17 years. MEASUREMENTS: Individual body weight and height were measured by medical professionals. Overweight and obesity were determined according to the CDC classification. ADHD tendency was assessed via a structured personal interview using a standardised scale. RESULTS: In all, 1429 students were recruited with 85 (6.3%) classified overweight and 42 (3.1%) obese with a mean BMI score of 19.1 (s.e.=0.15). For ADHD tendency, the average score was 15.48 (s.e.=0.28) with a median score of 16.0. There was a significant association between ADHD tendency and obesity among these adolescent (t=2.18, P=0.040), after adjusting for the potential confounding factors. However, the association between ADHD tendency and overweight did not reach a significant level. CONCLUSION: ADHD tendency is associated with overweight/obesity among adolescents. Clinician should be aware of the increased risk of ADHD among obese adolescents. ADHD should be assessed and proper treatment should be provided in the management of obese.

Concussive head injury in children and adolescents related to sports and other leisure physical activities.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics of children and adolescents with concussive head injury (CHI) sustained during organised sports or other leisure physical activity. METHODS: This was a case series study reviewing the medical records retrospectively over a four year period of children 6-16 years presenting to the emergency department with a CHI after participating in sport and/or recreation activity. RESULTS: There were 592 cases of sport and recreation related concussion over the study period (2000-2003). Most of the patients (n = 424, 71.6%) were male, with half (n = 304, 51.4%) being older than 10 years of age. A total of 152 (25.7%) cases of CHI were related to playing sports. Most cases (71.2%) were mild concussion. The cause of injury was a fall (n = 322, 54.4%) or a collision. Nearly a quarter of the children (n = 143, 24.2%) were admitted to hospital, with imaging performed in 134 (22.7%). Most children were treated appropriately and no adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: A severe CHI in a child is six times more likely to have resulted from organised sport than from other leisure physical activities. Outcomes for CHI in children is excellent, although their management places a considerable burden on emergency services. The need for activity restriction and the benefits of this in reducing long term cognitive effects of CHI are uncertain.

Different quantitative measures of the impact of injury deaths on the community in the Guangxi Province, China.

BACKGROUND: Injury has been identified as a major health problem in China. Different quantitative measures based on the concept of years of potential life lost have been derived for assessing the burden of injury and other diseases. However, few studies have been conducted to compare the usefulness of these measures in terms of providing practical information. This study aims to examine the utility of different measures in assessing the impact of injury to Chinese society. METHODS: This is a population-based epidemiological study utilising surveillance and fielded-gathered data. Data are obtained from the disease surveillance information system and record on each death certificate. The mortality rates, years of potential life lost (YPLL), potentially years of productive life lost (PYPLL), and the valued years of potential life lost (VYPLL) are calculated and compared for deaths due to injury and other major diseases. Data on different causes of injury were analysed in the same manner. RESULTS: In comparison to other causes of death, injury deaths had the highest annual rates of YPLL (1265.1 years/100,000 persons), PYPLL (517.8 years/100,000 persons), and VYPLL (378.6 years/100,000 persons). Premature deaths due to injury provided the only positively valued VYPLL among all major causes of death. Among the injury deaths, motor vehicle traffic-related death caused the largest YPLL (13,274 years), PYPLL (5461 years), and VYPLL (3064 years). CONCLUSION: In considering the burden of deaths to society, mortality rate only is an insufficient measure. The age, the years of overall life and expected productivity and related economic consequences have to be taken into consideration. As an indicator of the economic impact and burden of premature deaths to society, the VYPLL seems to be an advantageous utility. Injury posts the greatest public health problem to the developing economy of China.

Hospitalisation due to sports-related injuries among children and adolescents in New South Wales, Australia: an analysis on socioeconomic and geographic differences.

This population-based epidemiological study aims to investigate the associations between socioeconomic status, geographic location, and sports-related injuries among children and adolescents in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Data utilised in this study were collected as part of the routine vital health information system via all hospitals in NSW. Included were all patients aged between 5-19 years admitted to a hospital because of sports-related injuries in NSW between 1996 and 2000. The crude age-and-sex-specific hospitalisation rates (/100,000 population-years) by socioeconomic levels and geographic residential locations were calculated. Negative Binomial regression analyses were also performed to examine the associations between socioeconomic status, geographic location and the rate of hospitalisation after adjusting for the age and sex of children and adolescents. The results indicated a significant association between geographic location and hospitalisation due to sports-related injury, after adjusting for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. The risk of hospital admission with sports-related injury among children and adolescents in rural areas was nearly 10% higher than for those in the metropolitan areas (RR=1. 12, 95%C.I.=1.07-1.32)). However, no association between socioeconomic status and hospitalisation with sports-related injury was found. Greater efforts are required in the implementation of safety strategies in research, training, and education for the prevention of sports-related injury in rural areas.

Epidemiological profile of mortality due to injuries in three cities in the Guangxi Province, China.

This study aimed to provide epidemiological information on injury mortality in three major cities in Guangxi Province of South Western China. This was a population-based descriptive study utilising surveillance and field-gathered data. Data were obtained from the disease surveillance information system and record on each death certificate. Mortality rates were compared between sex and among different age groups for different causes of injury. Regression modelling was applied to examine for any increasing trend of injury mortality within the study period. Drowning was a severe problem for boys and girls younger than 5 years. Among all estimated mortality rates (per 100,000 person-years) for all sex, age groups, and categories of death, they were the highest with a rate of 29.8 (95%CI = 16.7-42.9) for boys and 29.6 (95%CI = 15.9-43.3) for girls. The overall mortality rates of motor vehicle and other transport-related injury was also similar to those developed countries. There was a marginally significant trend of increasing injury mortality within the study period.

Childhood and adolescence poisoning in NSW, Australia: an analysis of age, sex, geographic, and poison types.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate whether there is any association between the types of poison substances and geographic locations for different age groups and sex. DESIGN: This is a population based epidemiological study utilising routinely collected inpatient statistics. SETTING: Data are collected as part of the routine vital health information system via all hospitals in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. PATIENTS: All patients aged between 0-19 years who were admitted to a hospital because of poisoning by the four major types of substances that were defined in the study in NSW in 2000. MAIN RESULTS: The standardised incidence ratios of poisoning related hospitalisation between metropolitan and rural areas varied across different poison types when compared with the NSW average. While there are few differences between metropolitan and rural areas for analgesic and chemical related poisoning admissions across different age groups and sex, differences in the standardised incidence ratios between geographic locations for psychotropic and venom related poisoning admissions were found. No significant difference in standardised mortality ratios were found between metropolitan and rural areas except for females in the 10-14 years age group (standardised mortality ratio 3.24, 95% confidence interval 1.69 to 6.21). CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained in this study, on the whole, provide some evidence for an association between poison types and geographic locations for psychotropic and venom related poisoning.

Nurse administered relative analgesia using high concentration nitrous oxide to facilitate minor procedures in children in an emergency department.

AIMS: To describe the experience of using high concentration nitrous oxide (N(2)O) relative analgesia administered by nursing staff in children undergoing minor procedures in the emergency department (ED) and to demonstrate its safety. METHOD: Data were collected over a 12 month period for all procedures in the ED performed under nurse administered N(2)O sedation. All children greater than 12 months of age requiring a minor procedure who had no contraindication to the use of N(2)O were considered for sedation by this method. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of a major complication namely respiratory distress or hypoxia during the procedure. Secondary outcome measures were minor complications and the maximum concentration of N(2)O used. RESULTS: Data were collected for a total of 224 episodes of nurse administered N(2)O sedation over a 12 month period. In 73.2% of children no complications were recorded. One major complication was recorded (respiratory distress) and the most common minor complication was mask intolerance in 17%. The mean maximum concentration of N(2)O used was 60.2%. CONCLUSIONS: N(2)O is a safe analgesic in children over the age of 1 year undergoing painful or stressful procedures in the ED. It may safely be administered in concentrations of up to 70% by nursing staff after appropriate training.

Children under 5 years presenting to paediatricians with near-drowning.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize children aged under 5 years who present to paediatricians following near-drowning and the circumstances surrounding the event, identify high-risk groups and document short-term outcome. METHODOLOGY: Monthly notifications to the Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (an active, national surveillance system) between 1994 and 1996. Collection of additional case information from reporting doctors by postal questionnaire. RESULTS: All 169 reported cases of near-drowning were admitted to hospital (mean (SD) stay 6 (17) days) and 15% required intensive care (mean (SD) stay 19 (32) days). The mean (SD) age for near drowning was 26 (13) months and 22% children were aged between 12 and 18 months. Males predominated (1.6:1) and 69 (41%) of episodes occurred in summer (December - February). The majority (82%) of near-drownings occurred in the child's home, usually in a swimming pool or bath. Children who nearly drowned at home were significantly younger than those who nearly drowned in natural waterways or public pools. Neurological damage at discharge following near-drowning was reported in 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Children reported in this national case series represent the severe end of the spectrum of those who nearly drown, as indicated by their presentation to a paediatrician, universal hospitalization and adverse neurological outcome. The home is the site of most near-drownings and males and toddlers were at particular risk. Unimpeded access to pools and lack of supervision were identified as potentially modifiable factors for prevention. The study suggests the need for additional community education regarding the risks of near-drowning and for further research on long-term neuro-developmental outcomes following near-drowning.

Clinical pathway using rapid rehydration for children with gastroenteritis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine in the Emergency Department (ED) the efficacy of a clinical pathway using rapid rehydration for children moderately dehydrated as a result of acute gastroenteritis. METHODS: This was a prospective study using historical controls, set in the ED of the Children's Hospital at Westmead, NSW, Australia. Subjects were aged from 6 months to 16 years presenting with vomiting and diarrhoea for <48 h who were mildly or moderately dehydrated. The intervention was a clinical pathway involving rapid rehydration using N/2 saline + 2.5% dextrose intravenously at 20 mL/kg per h for 2 h, or Gastrolyte R (Aventis Pharma, Lane Cove, NSW, Australia) via nasogastric tube at the same rate. There were 145 children in the prospective intervention group and 170 in the historical control group. The outcome measures were admission rate, percentage of patients discharged from the ED in 8 h or less, rate of re-presentations within 48 h requiring admission, and rate of procedures with intravenous cannula or nasogastric tube. RESULTS: In the moderately dehydrated children, significant reductions were observed in the admission rate and the number discharged in 8 h or less in the intervention group compared with the control group, with no significant difference in the rate of re-presentation and the rate of procedures. In the moderately dehydrated children in the intervention group, the admission rate was 29 of 52 (55.8%) compared with the controls 26 of 27 (96.3%) (P < 0.001) and the number discharged in 8 h or less was 23 of 52 (44.2%) compared with 1 of 27 (3.7%) in the controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The clinical pathway utilizing rapid rehydration in children moderately dehydrated from gastroenteritis is effective in reducing admission rates and lengths of stay in the ED.