The self-regulated learner, entry characteristics and academic performance of undergraduate nursing students transitioning to University.

BACKGROUND: Although the importance of fostering students self-regulated learning is well known, little is known about the relationship between student entry characteristics, particularly students from disadvantaged backgrounds, self-regulatory strategy use and academic performance. The study aim was to examine undergraduate nursing students' entry characteristics, motivational behaviours and learning strategies, and academic performance after transitioning into the first unit of an undergraduate nursing course. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. SETTING: A university in Australia. PARTICIPANTS: First-year undergraduate nursing students. METHODS: The Motivational Strategies for Learning Questionnaire, including demographic information, was distributed to students in the fourth week of commencing University, consent was obtained for the use of student unit grades. RESULTS: For the 448 eligible students, n = 282 (62.9%) completed the survey. Students were categorised by age into three groups: 18 years, 19-22 years, and 23+ years. Entry characteristics, motivation and learning strategies scores and academic performance were related to the age category with the greatest difference between 18 and 23+ student groups. 23 years+ had higher scores for 11 MSLQ scales (mean difference 0.78-0.31, p < 0.05) highest grades (F = 4.694, p = 0.010). Students 23+ years had the highest motivational behaviours and learning strategies. The international students' academic grades in this study were lower than the domestic student's grades (t = -2.212, p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the need to address the tensions that exist between attracting quality students, the requirement to assess their quality efficiently and allowing students from disadvantaged groups the opportunity to enter nursing undergraduate degree courses. This study contributes new knowledge to the impact students' entry characteristics have on motivational behaviours, learning strategy use and academic performance. Knowing this would allow faculty to identify students at risk of failure early in the course and offer instructional support.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Application and Challenges.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapies have demonstrated improved outcomes for treating ICH-induced neuronal defects, and the neural network reconstruction and neurological function recovery were enhanced in rodent ICH models through the mechanisms of neurogenesis, angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis. However, many key issues associated with the survival, differentiation, and safety of grafted MSCs after ICH remain to be resolved, which hinder the clinical translation of MSC therapy. Herein, we reviewed an overview of the research status of MSC transplantation after ICH in different species including rodents, swine, monkey, and human, and the challenges for MSC-mediated ICH recovery from pathological microenvironment have been summarized. Furthermore, some efficient strategies for the outcome improvement of MSC transplantation were proposed.

Post-radiation circulating tumor DNA as a prognostic factor in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly malignant and deadly tumor. Radiation therapy is one of the primary treatments for locally advanced ESCC. However, the biomarkers for prognosis of definitive radiation remain undefined. Peripheral blood circulating tumor (ct)DNA provides information of tumor genetic alterations and has been confirmed as a potential non-invasive biomarker for several types of cancer. The present study investigated the clinical implications of ctDNA detection in patients with ESCC and receiving definitive radiation therapy. Patients with locally advanced ESCC were retrospectively recruited. Plasma samples were collected before, during and following radiation therapy. Next-generation sequencing was performed to identify somatic mutations in 180 genes. A total of 69 baseline and post-radiation plasma samples were collected from 25 patients. A total of 59 non-silent single nucleotide variants were present in 33 genes. All pre-radiation and 58.3% (14/24) of post-radiation samples had at least one mutation. Patients with lymph node metastases (LNM) exhibited a higher number of pre-radiation mutations compared with those without LNM. The variables, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of the patients with one baseline mutation were not significantly different compared with that in patients with more than one baseline mutation. Patients with initial ctDNA-positive post-radiation samples exhibited significantly reduced PFS (P=0.047) and OS (P=0.005) compared with that in patients with ctDNA-negative samples. The post-radiation plasma ctDNA status was an independent prognostic factor from univariate and multivariate analyses. Dynamic monitoring of ctDNA during follow-up was examined. The results indicated that ctDNA was a predictive and prognostic marker in patients with ESCC and receiving definitive radiation therapy, which may guide subsequent treatment.

Hsp40 Protein LeDnaJ07 Enhances the Thermotolerance of Lentinula edodes and Regulates IAA Biosynthesis by Interacting LetrpE.

Our previous study found that LeDnaJ07 RNAi decreased Lentinula edodes resistance to heat stress and Trichoderma atroviride infection. In this study, the structure and function of the LeDnaJ07 gene was analyzed by gene cloning and overexpression in L. edodes stress-sensitive strain YS55 via the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method. Transformants were confirmed by qRT-PCR, fluorescence observation and Southern blotting. Overexpression of LeDnaJ07 in YS55 not only enhanced L. edodes mycelial resistance to heat stress but also facilitated mycelial growth. In the presence of heat stress, the intracellular IAA content showed a significant increase in the two LeDnaJ07 overexpression strains but only a slight change in the YS55 wild type strain. Moreover, the interaction between LeDnaJ07 and LetrpE was demonstrated via Y2H and BiFC assays. These results suggested that LeDnaJ07 may be involved in regulating IAA biosynthesis and the resistance of L. edodes to heat stresses via interacting with LetrpE.

Ductopenia and cirrhosis in a 32-year-old woman with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3: A case report and review of the literature.

Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3 is caused by a mutation in the ATP-binding cassette, subfamily B, member 4 (ABCB4) gene encoding multidrug resistance protein 3. A 32-year-old woman with a history of acute hepatitis at age 9 years was found to have jaundice during pregnancy in 2008, and was diagnosed as having intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. In 2009, she underwent cholecystectomy for gallstones and chronic cholecystitis. However, itching and jaundice did not resolve postoperatively. She was admitted to our hospital with fatigue, jaundice, and a recently elevated γ-glutamyl transpeptidase level. Liver biopsy led to the diagnosis of biliary cirrhosis with ductopenia. Genetic testing revealed a pathogenic heterozygous mutation, ex13 c.1531G > A (p.A511T), in the ABCB4 gene. Her father did not carry the mutation, but her mother's brother carried the heterozygous mutation. We made a definitive diagnosis of familial intrahepatic cholestasis type 3. Her symptoms and liver function improved after 3 mo of treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid.

Proteome and Transcriptome Reveal Involvement of Heat Shock Proteins and Indoleacetic Acid Metabolism Process in Lentinula Edodes Thermotolerance.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Heat stress could cause huge losses for Lentinula edodes in China and other Asian cultivation areas. Yet our understanding of mechanism how to defend to heat stress is incomplete. METHODS: Using heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive strains of L. edodes, we reported a combined proteome and transcriptome analysis of L. edodes response to 40 °C heat stress for 24 h. Meanwhile, the effect of LeDnaJ on the thermotolerance and IAA (indoleacetic acid) biosynthesis in L. edodes was analyzed via the over-expression method. RESULTS: The proteome results revealed that HSPs (heat shock proteins) such as Hsp40 (DnaJ), Hsp70, Hsp90 and key enzymes involved in tryptophan and IAA metabolism process LeTrpE, LeTrpD, LeTam-1, LeYUCCA were more highly expressed in S606 than in YS3357, demonstrating that HSPs and tryptophan as well as IAA metabolism pathway should play an important role in thermotolerance. Over-expression of LeDnaJ gene in S606 strains showed better tolerance to heat stress. It was also documented that intracellular IAA accumulation of S606 (8-fold up) was more than YS3357 (2-fold up), and exogenous IAA enhanced L. edodes tolerance to heat stress. CONCLUSION: Our data support the interest of LeTrpE, LeDnaJ, tryptophan and IAA could play a pivotal role in enhancing organism thermotolerance.

Relationship between occupational stress and coping strategy among operating theatre nurses in China: a questionnaire survey.

AIM: To explore the relationship between occupational stress and coping strategies among operating theatre nurses in China. BACKGROUND: Studies on occupational stress and burnout in nurses are common, but there is a dearth of research on the coping strategies of operating theatre nurses. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a typical operating theatre in China. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 70 nurses. The data were analysed using correlation and regression methods. RESULTS: Nurses reported high stress levels in the workload and time pressure subscales. Female nurses' occupational stress was positively correlated with designation and negatively correlated with operation sets per day and night shifts. Nurses preferred self-control as a coping strategy. Active coping was positively related to resource and environmental problems, and passive coping was positively related to workload and time pressure, and to interpersonal relationship and management issues. CONCLUSION: Nursing managers could reduce operating theatre nurses' passive coping by decreasing the stressors of workload and time pressure, and interpersonal relationships and management problems. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Nursing managers could employ more nurses to reduce nurses' workload and occupational stress. In addition, managers should consider fortifying nurses' active coping strategies and training nurses in problem-solving skills.

A longitudinal study on the catch-up growth of preterm and term infants of low, appropriate, and high birth weight.

The purpose of present study was to explore the trajectories of growth of preterm and term infants of low, high, and appropriate birth weight. A total of 2465 infants were recruited from 2005 to 2007. Infants' length and weight were measured at 12 points: birth, 42 days, and monthly from 3 to 12 months. The catch-up growth of preterm infants, measured by weight or length of chronological age, occurred from 10th or 12th month of their lives. After adjusted gestational age, preterm infants' weight and length were caught-up from the adjusted birthday, overweight/over-length even occurred from 10th/11th month. For low birth weight term infants, catch-up growth was not found when using single weight or length. The ponderal index catch-up growth occurred earlier than measured by single weight or length. The catch-down growth of high birth weight term infants was not found in the first year of their lives.

Longitudinal study on infants' temperament and physical development in Beijing, China.

The objective of this longitudinal study is to explore the relationship between temperament and physical development among infants in Beijing, China. A total of 1117 term, normal and singleton infants were followed regularly for 12 months. Body weight and horizontal length were measured at 42 days and monthly from the third to twelfth month of their lives. Infants' temperament was assessed using the revised Chinese infants' temperament scale when the infants were 6 months. There was a significant difference on temperament dimensions between infants' genders (P < 0.05). Infants' weight and length were significantly related to their parents' weight and height. Infants with positive temperaments (easy and intermediate) were heavier than those with negative temperaments (difficult and slow to warm up) (P < 0.05). The horizontal length of boys was related to their temperament categories (P < 0.05). Infants' weight and length were significantly related to their temperament category and parents' weight and height.

[Centrographic analysis in Shanghai adults with normal occlusion].

PURPOSE: To obtain the reference value of centrographic analysis of Shanghai adults with normal occlusion. METHODS: Seventy five subjects of Han nationality at permanent dentition with normal occlusion were selected from Shanghai region (34 males, 41 females, age rang:18-21 years). Centrographic analysis was conducted on the basis of the lateral cephalograms, and the obtained data was compared with that of Caucasian. SAS9.2 software package was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The reference value of centrographic analysis in Shanghai adults with normal occlusion was established. The facial centroid was located on the Ba-A plane; the upper centroid was positioned on the centroid plane; the lower centroid was positioned anterior to the centroid plane within 0.92-1.29mm; the long axis of lower incisor was positioned posterior to 1/3 Ba-Gn plane symphysis intersection; the long axis of upper incisor was positioned posterior to orbitale and the upper incisor was positioned in proper occlusion with the lower incisor. The lips were positioned on the outer profile plane. There was no significant difference between male and female adults (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with that of Caucasians, mandibular position of adults in Shanghai was in a relative forward position, the incisor was labially inclined and the soft tissue in the lower 1/3 of the face was convex slightly.

Double-stranded Let-7 mimics, potential candidates for cancer gene therapy.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, single-stranded endogenous RNAs, act as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. The ability of one single miRNA regulating multiple functionally related mRNAs makes it a new potential candidate for cancer gene therapy. Let-7s miRNAs have been demonstrated as tumor-suppressor genes in various types of cancers, providing one choice of gene therapy by replenishing this miRNA. In the present studies, we demonstrate that the chemically synthesized, double-stranded Let-7 mimics can inhibit the growth and migration and induce the cell cycle arrest of lung cancer cell lines in vitro. Let-7 mimics silence gene expression by binding to the 3' UTR of targeting mRNAs. Mutation of seed sequence significantly depresses the gene silencing activity of Let-7 mimics. Our results also demonstrate that it is possible to increase the activity of Let-7s through mutating the sequence within the 3'end of the antisense strand. Directly, co-transfection Let-7 mimics with active siRNAs impairs the anti-cancer activities of Let-7 mimics. However, a 3-h interval between the introduction of Let-7 mimics and a kind of siRNA avoids the competition and enhances the anti-cancer activities of Let-7 mimics. Taken together, these results have revealed that Let-7s mimics are potential candidates for cancer gene therapy.

[Selection and anti-cancer effects of siRNAs targeting HMGA2 gene].

High mobility group A2 protein (HMGA2), an architectural factor, is highly expressed in various cancer types including lung cancers. It is a candidate target for cancer therapy. RNAi is an effective gene silencing method with low cost and less time-consuming. It is possible to exploit this technology in therapy. Here, 5 siRNAs targeting Hmga2 gene (HMGA2 siRNA1-5) were designed and synthesized. MTT assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the effects of these siRNAs on lung cancer cell lines (NCI-H446 and A549). Results from cell proliferation, clone formation, migration and apoptosis showed that HMGA2 siRNA1, 3, 5 could affect these aspects for both lung cancer cell lines. Among the five siRNAs, HMGA2 siRNA5 showed the greatest inhibition effects. The inhibition effects of HMGA2 siRNA5 are sequence specific and are not due to the induction of interferon response. Taken together, siRNAs targeting Hmga2 gene are potential candidates for lung cancer gene therapy.

Correlation of 4-month infant feeding modes with their growth and iron status in Beijing.

BACKGROUND: Growth and development of infants has been an important topic in pediatrics for a long time. Infants must be provided with food containing all necessary nutrients. Breast milk is believed to be the most desirable natural and cheapest food for well-balanced nutrition. But with the progress in the development of substitute food in developed countries, it is thought that formula milk can meet the requirement for infant growth. During early infancy, growth, as the most sensitive index of health, is therefore a critical component in evaluating the adequacy of breast-feeding, mixed-feeding and formula feeding. Iron status is another important index of infant health. Iron deficiency anemia remains the most prevalent nutritional deficiency index in infants worldwide. This study is to compare infants in Beijing at 4 months who are on three different feeding modes (breast feeding, mixed feeding and formula feeding) in physical changes and iron status. The results may provide new mothers with support in feeding mode selection, which will also be helpful to the China Nutrition Association in feeding mode education. METHODS: This is a cohort study. One thousand and one normal Beijing infants were followed regularly for 12 months. Body weight and horizontal length were measured. Hemoglobin, red blood cell counts, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and serum iron were analyzed at 4 months. RESULTS: The breast feeding percentage in the first 4 months was 47.9%. The feeding mode was not significantly related to maternal delivery age, education, labor pathway nor infant sex (P>0.05). Infant boys and girls exclusively breast-fed from 0 to 4 months had the highest weight at 0-6 months. The anemia rate of breast-fed infant boys at 4 months was the highest. CONCLUSIONS: Breast feeding should be given more emphasis. It is compulsory for new mothers to breast-feed their infants if possible. Social environment should also guarantee the requirement for breast feeding. Furthermore the normal values of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and serum iron, which were originally used to judge children's iron deficiency anemia, might not be optimal for evaluating infants. There might be a need to develop sex-specific cutoff levels of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and serum iron for infants.

Detection of hepatitis B virus genotypes using oligonucleotide chip among hepatitis B virus carriers in Eastern China.

AIM: To determine the genotype distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with a newly oligonucleotide chip assay among the HBV carriers in Eastern China. METHODS: An assay using oligonucleotide chip was developed for detection of HBV genotypes in serum samples from HBV DNA-positive patients in Eastern China. This method is based on the principle of reverse hybridization with Cy5-labeled amplicons hybridizing to type-specific oligonucleotide probes that are immobilized on slides. The results of 80 randomly chosen sera were confirmed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: HBV genotype B, C and mixed genotype were detected in 400 serum samples, accounting for 8.3% (n = 33), 83.2% (n = 333), and 8.5% (n = 34), respectively. The evaluation of the oligonucleotide assay showed 100% concordance with the amplicon phylogenetic analysis except 9 mixed genotype infections undetected by sequencing. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that HBV genotype C and B prevail in the Eastern China. It is suggested that the oligonucleotide chip is a reliable and convenient tool for the detection of HBV genotyping.

[To explore the clinical significance of HBV large protein (HBV-LP) in diagnosing viral replication].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical significance of HBV large protein (HBV-LP) in diagnosing viral replication, we detected the HBV-LP, HBV DNA and the hepatitis B viral markers (HBV M) in the serum of the patients infected with HBV. METHODS: HBV-LP and HBV M were analyzed by using ELISA. HBV-DNA was quantitatively detected using real-time fluorescent polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: (1) No significant difference between the detectable rate of HBV DNA and HBV-LP was found in the same HBV M (P 0.05). (2) No significant difference between the positive rate of HBV DNA and HBV-LP was found in HBeAg negative patients. (3) The contents of serum HBV-LP was positively correlated with the number of HBV DNA copies. CONCLUSION: There was a close correlation between the positive rate of HBV-LP and HBV DNA, and HBV-LP is a reliable serological marker that can reflect the replication of HBV.