bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular disease in China: an urgent need to enhance the nursing role to improve health outcomes
Authors: Cao Yingjuan , Davidson Patricia M , DiGiacomo Michelle 
Published: January 2009

Aims.  This paper reviews the role of cardiac nursing in China and the potential of this professional group to take an important role in secondary and tertiary prevention initiatives.Background.  China is undergoing unprecedented economic growth, yet globalisation of Chinese society has caused an increase in the prevalence of chronic conditions, particularly cardiovascular disease. Studies recognise that health providers and members of the public are not fully aware of the risks associated with cardiovascular disease and consequently are not equipped to deal with this looming epidemic.Design.  Position paper.Method.  This position paper summarises and discusses the burden of cardiovascular disease in China within the context of evidence for nurse‐coordinated interventions. Barriers and facilitators to developing the nursing role in contemporary China are discussed.Conclusions.  A key strategy for promoting the role of nurse‐led programmes in China is increasing research skills among Chinese nurses to promote independent, collaborative interdisciplinary research. Promoting doctoral education in China, increasing the status of nursing in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with cardiovascular nurses internationally and increasing the public’s awareness of cardiovascular disease are critical steps in promoting nurse‐led programmes to improve the health and well‐being of the community.Relevance to clinical practice.  Given the positive relationship between knowledge and skill levels of nurses and clinical outcomes, China’s investment in the education and training of its nursing workforce is critical in improving practice and outcomes in cardiovascular disease.
A psychometric evaluation of the Chinese version of the stage of change‐readiness and treatment‐eagerness scale
Authors: Yeh Mei‐Yu 
Published: January 2009

Aims.  The present study analysed the psychometric properties of a Chinese version of the stage of change‐readiness and treatment‐eagerness scale among alcohol‐dependent patients and investigated whether a three‐factor structure fit the data.Background.  The stage of change‐readiness and treatment‐eagerness scale is a 19‐item instrument designed to measure alcohol‐dependent patients’ motivation for change. However, this instrument had not been translated and validated for use in Taiwan.Design.  Survey.Methods.  A sample of 161 alcohol‐dependent patients receiving alcohol‐related treatment in psychiatric hospital outpatient and inpatient units was included. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on three‐factor measurement models of the stage of change‐readiness and treatment‐eagerness scale.Results.  Confirmatory factor analyses supported the presence of a three‐factor modified model (ambivalence, recognition and taking steps) among alcohol‐dependent patients. Higher internal item consistency was found for the recognition and taking step factors, while the ambivalence factor was shown to have lower internal consistency. Convergent, discriminant and concurrent validity were obtained for the assessment of severity of alcohol dependence.Conclusions.  The results indicated that the 11‐item, three‐factor modified Chinese version of the stage of change readiness and treatment eagerness scale provided best goodness of fit for the data in this study. This study demonstrated that the Chinese version of the stage of change readiness and treatment eagerness scale is a reliable and valid self‐report measure for the assessment of changing motivation in alcohol‐dependent patients.Relevance to clinical practice.  The Chinese version of stage of change readiness and treatment eagerness scale is applicable for use in clinical treatment and research, predicting motivation for change and evaluating intervention outcomes in Taiwan.
Method to deterministically study photonic nanostructures in different experimental instruments
Authors: HUSKEN B.H. , WOLDERING L.A. , BLUM C. , VOS W.L. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryWe describe an experimental method to recover a single, deterministically fabricated nanostructure in various experimental instruments without the use of artificially fabricated markers, with the aim to study photonic structures. Therefore, a detailed map of the spatial surroundings of the nanostructure is made during the fabrication of the structure. These maps are made using a series of micrographs with successively decreasing magnifications. The graphs reveal intrinsic and characteristic geometric features that can subsequently be used in different setups to act as markers. As an illustration, we probe surface cavities with radii of 65 nm on a silica opal photonic crystal with various setups: a focused ion beam workstation; a scanning electron microscope (SEM); a wide field optical microscope and a confocal microscope. We use cross‐correlation techniques to recover a small area imaged with the SEM in a large area photographed with the optical microscope, which provides a possible avenue to automatic searching. We show how both structural and optical reflectivity data can be obtained from one and the same nanostructure. Since our approach does not use artificial grids or markers, it is of particular interest for samples whose structure is not known a priori, like samples created solely by self‐assembly. In addition, our method is not restricted to conducting samples.
Optimization of a FIB/SEM slice‐and‐view study of the 3D distribution of Ni4Ti3 precipitates in Ni–Ti
Authors: CAO S. , TIRRY W. , VAN DEN BROEK W. , SCHRYVERS D. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe 3D morphology and distribution of lenticular Ni4Ti3 precipitates in the austenitic B2 matrix of a binary Ni51Ti49 alloy has been investigated by a slice‐and‐view procedure in a dual‐beam focused ion beam/scanning electron microscope system. Due to the weak contrast of the precipitates, proper imaging conditions need to be selected first to allow for semi‐automated image treatment. Knowledgeable imaging is further needed to ensure that all variants of the precipitates are observed with equal probability, regardless of sample orientation. Finally, a volume ratio of 10.2% for the Ni4Ti3 precipitates could be calculated, summed over all variants, which yields a net composition of Ni50.27Ti49.73 for the matrix, leading to an increase of 125 degrees for the martensitic start temperature. Also, the expected relative orientation of the different variants of the precipitates could be confirmed.
Single electron response of the scintillator‐light guide‐photomultiplier detector
Authors: NOVÁK L. , MÜLLEROVÁ I. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe time response of a scintillator‐light guide‐photomultiplier combination was measured with a time‐constant of 3 ns. Single detected electrons were recognizable at the output of the photomultiplier. The distribution of the number of photoelectrons produced by one detected electron and the pulse‐height distribution of the photomultiplier output pulses were analysed. Statistical noise computed from these distributions was compared with the noise produced by the dark current of the photomultiplier.
A hybrid total internal reflection fluorescence and optical tweezers microscope to study cell adhesion and membrane protein dynamics of single living cells
Authors: SNIJDER‐VAN AS M.I. , RIEGER B. , JOOSTEN B. , SUBRAMANIAM V. , FIGDOR C.G. , KANGER J.S. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryThe dynamics of cell surface membrane proteins plays an important role in cell–cell interactions. The onset of the interaction is typically not precisely controlled by current techniques, making especially difficult the visualization of early‐stage dynamics. We have developed a novel method where optical tweezers are used to trap cells and precisely control in space and time the initiation of interactions between a cell and a functionalized surface. This approach is combined with total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy to monitor dynamics of membrane bound proteins. We demonstrate an accuracy of ∼2 s in determining the onset of the interaction. Furthermore, we developed a data analysis method to determine the dynamics of cell adhesion and the organization of membrane molecules at the contact area. We demonstrate and validate this approach by studying the dynamics of the green fluorescent protein tagged membrane protein activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule expressed in K562 cells upon interaction with its ligand CD6 immobilized on a coated substrate. The measured cell spreading is in excellent agreement with existing theoretical models. Active redistribution of activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule is observed from a clustered to a more homogenous distribution upon contact initiation. This redistribution follows exponential decay behaviour with a characteristic time of 35 s.
Quantitative off‐axis electron holography of GaAs p‐n junctions prepared by focused ion beam milling
Authors: COOPER D. , TRUCHE R. , TWITCHETT‐HARRISON A.C. , DUNIN‐BORKOWSKI R.E. , MIDGLEY P.A. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryFocused Ion beam (FIB) prepared GaAs p‐n junctions have been examined using off‐axis electron holography. Initial analysis of the holograms reveals an experimentally determined built‐in potential in the junctions that is significantly smaller than predicted from theory. In this paper we show that through combinations of in situ annealing and in situ biasing of the specimens, by varying the intensity of the incident electron beam, and by modifying the FIB operating parameters, we can develop an improved understanding of phenomena such as the electrically ‘inactive’ thickness and subsequently recover the predicted value of the built‐in potential of the junctions.PACS numbers: 85.30.De
Automated identification of neurons in 3D confocal datasets from zebrafish brainstem
Authors: KAMALI M. , DAY L.J. , BROOKS D.H. , ZHOU X. , O'MALLEY D.M. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryMany kinds of neuroscience data are being acquired regarding the dynamic behaviour and phenotypic diversity of nerve cells. But as the size, complexity and numbers of 3D neuroanatomical datasets grow ever larger, the need for automated detection and analysis of individual neurons takes on greater importance. We describe here a method that detects and identifies neurons within confocal image stacks acquired from the zebrafish brainstem. The first step is to create a template that incorporates the location of all known neurons within a population – in this case the population of reticulospinal cells. Once created, the template is used in conjunction with a sequence of algorithms to determine the 3D location and identity of all fluorescent neurons in each confocal dataset. After an image registration step, neurons are segmented within the confocal image stack and subsequently localized to specific locations within the brainstem template – in many instances identifying neurons as specific, individual reticulospinal cells. This image‐processing sequence is fully automated except for the initial selection of three registration points on a maximum projection image. In analysing confocal image stacks that ranged considerably in image quality, we found that this method correctly identified on average ∼80% of the neurons (if we assume that manual detection by experts constitutes ‘ground truth’). Because this identification can be generated approximately 100 times faster than manual identification, it offers a considerable time savings for the investigation of zebrafish reticulospinal neurons. In addition to its cell identification function, this protocol might also be integrated with stereological techniques to enhance quantification of neurons in larger databases. Our focus has been on zebrafish brainstem systems, but the methods described should be applicable to diverse neural architectures including retina, hippocampus and cerebral cortex.
Severity scoring in the ICU: a review
Authors: STRAND K. , FLAATTEN H. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) require huge resources because of the dysfunction of several of their vital organs. The heterogeneity and complexity of the ICU patient have generated interest in systems able to measure severity of illness as a method of predicting outcome, comparing quality‐of‐care and stratification for clinical trials.Methods: By searching Medline and EMBASE for publications describing scoring systems in the ICU, the most frequently used systems, defined as resulting in more than 50 references, are included in this review. Scoring systems belong to one of four classes prognostic, single‐organ failure, trauma scores and organ dysfunction (OD). The different systems are described and discussed.Results: Three different prognostic scoring systems, including several versions, four single OD scores and three OD scores, were included in this review.Conclusion: Different forms of scoring systems are frequently used in the ICU. They have become a necessary tool to describe ICU populations and to explain differences in mortality. As there are several pitfalls related to the interpretation of the numbers supplied by the systems, they should not be used without knowledge on the science of severity scoring.
Leptin and perioperative neuroendocrine stress response with two different anaesthetic techniques
Authors: MARANA E. , SCAMBIA G. , COLICCI S. , MAVIGLIA R. , MAUSSIER M. L. , MARANA R. , PROIETTI R. 
Published: January 2009

Background:Stress response to surgery is modulated by several factors, including magnitude of the injury, pain, type of procedure and choice of anaesthesia. Our purpose was to compare intra‐ and post‐operative hormonal changes during total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) using propofol and remifentanil vs. sevoflurane anaesthesia in a low stress level surgical model (laparoscopy).Methods:We randomly allocated 18 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for benign ovarian cysts in two groups to receive either TIVA (groupA=9) or sevoflurane anaesthesia (groupB=9). Perioperative plasma levels of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (E), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol and leptin were measured. Blood samples were collected pre‐operatively (time 0), 30 min after the beginning of surgery (time 1), after extubation (time 2), and 2 h (time 3) and 4 h after surgery (time 4).Results:The comparative analysis between the groups shows significantly higher values of NE (P<0.001 at time 1 andP<0.01 at time 3), E (P<0.001 at times 1 and 2;P<0.01 at time 3 andP<0.05 at time 4), ACTH (P<0.001 at times 1and 2;P<0.05 at time 3) and cortisol (P<0.001 at times 1and 2;P<0.01 at time 3;P<0.05 at time 4) in groupB.The serum values of leptin were not significantly different between the two groups.Conclusion:The choice of anaesthesia does not seem to affect the leptin serum levels but influences the release of stress response markers: ACTH, cortisol, NE and E.
Aspergillus flavus: an emerging non‐fumigatus Aspergillus species of significance
Authors: Krishnan Suganthini , Manavathu Elias K. , Chandrasekar Pranatharthi H. 
Published: January 2009

SummaryInvasive aspergillosis is rare in immunocompetent people but contributes to significant morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed patients. The majority (approximately 80%) of invasive Aspergillus infections is caused by Aspergillus fumigatus. The second most frequent (approximately 15–20%) pathogenic species is Aspergillus flavus and to a lesser extent, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus. Aspergillus flavus has emerged as a predominant pathogen in patients with fungal sinusitis and fungal keratitis in several institutions worldwide. To date, there has not been any publication exclusively reviewing the topic of A. flavus in the literature. This article reviews the microbiology, toxigenicity and epidemiology of A. flavus as well as describes the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management of infections caused by this organism.
Development of TaqMan real‐time polymerase chain reaction for the detection and identification of Penicillium marneffei
Authors: Pornprasert Sakorn , Praparattanapan Jutarat , Khamwan Chantana , Pawichai Sudjai , Pimsarn Parichat , Samleerat Tanawan , Leechanachai Pranee , Supparatpinyo Khunchai 
Published: January 2009

Summary Penicillium marneffei is a dimorphic fungus, which is endemic in Southeast Asia and responsible for emerging opportunistic infections. Diagnosis of penicilliosis may be difficult when few yeast cells are present, while a gold standard diagnosis technique requires long‐term culture. In order to provide a more rapid and accurate diagnosis, we developed a TaqMan real‐time PCR to detect and identify P. marneffei DNA coding for 5.8S rRNA in purified yeast DNA and clinical samples. All P. marneffei DNA preparations could be detected using specific primers and TaqMan probe. The assay has a sensitivity to detect at least 10 yeast cells in seeded blood. Moreover, it can detect P. marneffei DNA in peripheral blood samples and blood‐culture bottles. Therefore, the real‐time PCR assay may represent a potential tool for early diagnosis of penicilliosis marneffei.
How do general practitioners in Thailand diagnose and treat patients presenting with anxiety and depression?
Authors: Lotrakul Manote , Saipanish Ratana 
Published: January 2009

Aims:  To examine general practitioners’ (GPs’) diagnosis of a case vignette presenting both anxiety and depression symptoms, and to understand their treatment preferences for the case.Methods:  A total of 1193 copies of a questionnaire were sent to doctors in primary care settings throughout Thailand. The questionnaire inquired about GPs’ demographic information and training background, as well as common psychiatric diagnoses and drug prescriptions to patients in their practise. A case vignette of a patient presenting both anxiety and depression symptoms was then given, and GPs were asked to describe their diagnosis and treatment preferences. For comparison, postal questionnaires of the same case vignette were also sent to 40 psychiatrists practising in general hospitals, asking their opinion about the diagnosis and treatment preferences.Results:  A total of 434 questionnaires (36.4%) were returned. GPs reported that 37.7% of their patients suffered from anxiety disorders while 28.4% suffered from depressive disorders. For the patient in the case vignette, GPs made a diagnosis of anxiety disorders (53.5%) more often than depressive disorders (31.9%), whereas the psychiatrists at the general hospitals made a diagnosis of depressive disorders (54%) more often than anxiety disorders (9.1%). One‐third of the GPs prescribed only anxiolytics, while 15.4% prescribed only antidepressants. The most commonly prescribed antidepressant by GPs was amitriptyline, which 93% of GPs used at a dosage below 50 mg/day. Only 5.8% of them prescribed fluoxetine as antidepressant. The most frequently prescribed anxiolytic drug was diazepam (65.4%). The most common combination of drugs prescribed was amitriptyline and diazepam (38.7%).Conclusion:  Compared to psychiatrists, GPs were more likely to diagnose anxiety than depression in patients with the same set of symptoms. They also preferred to use amitriptyline to treat depression, and prescribed the drug at a low dose. GPs in Thailand should be encouraged to prescribe fluoxetine for treatment of depression because it is safer and more convenient to use than tricyclic antidepressants.
Alcohol consumption and transition of mild cognitive impairment to dementia
Authors: Xu Gelin , Liu Xinfeng , Yin Qin , Zhu Wusheng , Zhang Renliang , Fan Xiaobing 
Published: January 2009

Aim: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a prodrome for dementia. Alcohol drinking patterns may affect cognitive functions and the effects may accumulate to a significant level at an advanced age. This study investigated the relationship between alcohol consumption and risks for dementia in a cohort of elderly patients with MCI.Methods: Patients with suspected cognitive impairment were screened. One hundred and seventy‐six patients who met the MCI criteria were enrolled. Lifetime and daily alcohol consumptions were assessed at baseline using a self‐report questionnaire answered by patients and their caregivers. Patients were classified according to alcohol consumptions as abstainers, light–moderate and heavy drinkers. Global cognitive functions were assessed periodically with Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). Enrolled patients were followed for 2 years.Results: Of the 176 patients diagnosed as having MCI, 15 (8.5%) died, 13 (7.4%) were lost to follow up, and 66 (37.5%) developed dementia during follow up. Light–moderate alcohol drinkers had better MMSE performance than abstainers (P < 0.05) and heavy drinkers (P < 0.01) 2 years after MCI diagnosis. Patients who consumed a total of ≤300 kg alcohol prior to MCI diagnosis had less cognitive decline than patients who consumed no (P < 0.05) or >300 kg alcohol (P < 0.01). Heavy drinkers had a higher risk for dementia than abstainers (P < 0.05) and light–moderate drinkers (P < 0.05) 2 years after MCI diagnosis.Conclusions: A J‐shaped relationship may exist between alcohol consumption and cognitive decline in MCI patients. Light–moderate alcohol drinking may be associated with decreased risks for dementia in elderly patients with MCI.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of aripiprazole in patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, or schizoaffective disorder: 26‐week prospective study
Authors: Kwon Jun Soo , Jang Joon Hwan , Kang Do‐Hyung , Yoo So Young , Kim Yong Ku , Cho Seong‐Jin ,   the APLUS study group
Published: January 2009

Aims: To date there have been no reports of long‐term efficacy of aripiprazole in Asian populations. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the long‐term efficacy, safety and tolerability of aripiprazole in a large number of patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, or schizoaffective disorder in Korea.Methods: This study was a prospective, multicenter, single‐group, 26‐week open study of patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, or schizoaffective disorder. A total of 300 Korean patients participated in the study. The primary efficacy measure was the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score, and secondary efficacy measures included the PANSS positive and negative subscales, Clinical Global Impression–Severity of Illness (CGI‐S). Tolerability and safety were assessed by monitoring the frequency and severity of treatment‐emergent adverse events, extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), vital signs, weight, and laboratory tests.Results: Aripiprazole produced rapid and significant improvements on all efficacy measures. As evidenced by PANSS total score, PANSS positive subscales and the CGI‐S scores, first‐episode drug‐naïve patients demonstrated significantly greater efficacy relative to patients who had previously experienced one or more episodes of relapse. Aripiprazole was associated with significant decrease of serum prolactin level. The subjects showed mild weight gain.Conclusion: Aripiprazole is an effective antipsychotic in the long‐term treatment of both positive and negative symptoms. This study extends the findings of previous long‐term studies, and has found that there is no significant difference with regard to ethnicity in response to aripiprazole.