An enhancement with a factor of around 1.56 is observed for nanoparticles with a diameter of 24 nm
and a spacing of 40 nm, bringing the structure to the absorption level of much thicker active layers without nanoparticles. In addition, a significant effect of the particle coating thickness is observed. (C) 2009 American Institute of Physics. AZD8186 ic50 [doi: 10.1063/1.3243163]“
“Objective Previous studies regarding patients’ end of life (EOL) preparation have focused mainly on practical tasks, such as advance directives. In this study, we investigate the relational and personal aspects of EOL preparation, using a patient-completed questionnaire, and examine associations with clinicianpatient communication (CPC) and other variables. Methods Patients with advanced cancer but with good performance status were recruited from 24 medical oncology clinics, to participate in a cluster-randomised controlled trial of early palliative SC75741 inhibitor care intervention. Measures included the Quality of Life at the End of Life preparation for EOL subscale, and measures of CPC, functional status, comorbidity, spiritual well-being and symptom severity. Using chi-squared tests, t-tests and multivariate regression analyses, we examined the variables associated with preparation for EOL. We also examined the frequency distributions of individual EOL preparation items and used logistic regression to examine their
associations with adequacy of CPC. Results In the 469 patients, characteristics associated with better EOL preparation buy JNJ-26481585 were better CPC, older age, living alone, less symptom burden and better spiritual well-being. Thirty-one per cent agreed that they worried quite a bit or completely about their family’s
preparation to cope with the future, and 27% agreed that they would be a burden to their family. All preparation items except regrets about life were associated with adequacy of communication. Conclusions A substantial minority of patients with advanced cancer but with good performance status are concerned about EOL preparation, particularly in relation to their families. Better CPC may help patients prepare not only practically but also personally and socially in relation to the dying process and the welfare of their families. Copyright (c) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.”
“Objectives: This study aimed to determine whether counseling has any short- or long-term benefits, and to look for characteristics that identify those most worried and those most in need of counseling.
Methods: Among 100 patients with recall or alert ICDs, 14 were pacer dependent; 50 had ICDs for 1 degrees prevention and 22 were women. Patients completed a survey indicating how worried they were on learning of the recall or alert (0-10 scale). After counseling and advice in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, patients were asked to indicate their level of worry, and were again asked after 6 months.