A rapid method for profiling samples of illicit heroin

The aim of this investigation was to profile samples of illicit heroin. It involved derivatization and gas chromatographic separation followed by a fully automated data analysis. Six major constituents (acetylcodeine, 6-monoacetylmorphine, papaverine, noscapine, codeine, and morphine) were tested and analyzed. The square cosine function was used to evaluate correlation values. The method proved to be efficient and reliable providing information on links between illicit heroin samples.     

Stability of immunophenotypic markers in fixed peripheral blood for extended analysis using flow cytometry

The analysis of whole blood samples by flow cytometry for pharmacodynamic and biomarker assessments in clinical studies has been limited by the necessity to test these samples within a short time frame after blood collection. In most clinical studies, blood specimens are shipped to a centralized testing facility; it is critical to demonstrate specimen stability over a period of time which will encompass the time elapsed between specimen collection and testing. A possible solution to overcome this limitation is the use of a fixative to preserve the cell surface antigen stability in whole blood. We examined the stability of markers for T lymphocytes (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RA, and CD45RO), B lymphocytes (CD19), NK cells (CD16 + CD56), activation (CD25 and HLA-DR), chemokine receptors (CCR5 and CXCR3) and skin homing (CLA) in fixed blood over 7 days and used this information to select the markers for global clinical studies. These assays with selected markers were further validated using fit-for-purpose approach (Lee et al., 2006) and to set the sample acceptability criteria for use in clinical sample testing. Most of the markers examined were stable when collected in Cyto-Chex® BCT for one week with the exception of the activation markers on T cells.     

护理专业学生批判性思维气质与技能的相关性研究

目的 探讨护理专业学生(下称护生)批判性思维气质和技能水平及二者相关性,为批判性思维的教学和评价提供依据.方法 应用中文版批判性思维气质测量表(CTDI-CV)和加利福尼亚批判性思维技能测量表(CCTST)对496名大专护生进行问卷调查.结果 护生CTDI-CV和CCTST总分分别为284.69±29.34和12.79±3.24,两者呈正相关(P＜0.05),但相关程度较低(r=0.136);CTDI-CV总分与推理、演绎推理和归纳推理呈正相关(均P＜0.05);CCTST总分与寻找真相、开放思想、分析能力和求知欲特质呈正相关(均P＜0.05);技能水平不同的护生CTDI-CV总分及寻找真相、分析能力、系统化能力、批判性思维自信心、求知欲评分比较,差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);正性和非正性气质水平护生CCTST总分比较,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),推理和演绎推理得分差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).结论 护生批判性思维气质达中等偏上水平,技能水平偏低,两者相关性较低;技能和气质呈现不平衡发展,技能培养是薄弱环节,提示教育者需将技能和气质培养置于同等重要的地位.     

The Rewarming Index Formula for Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Perfusion

Careful rewarming of perfusion blood following cardiopulmonary bypass surgery is critical to a successful outcome, but the optimal rewarming strategy is not clear. The purpose of this study was to derive a formula for a rewarming index (defined as [rewarming time × perfusion flow]/[body weight × body surface area]) that would enable the calculation of the ideal rewarming conditions for pediatric cardiopulmonary perfusion. We retrospectively investigated 220 pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass operations conducted from July 2005 to June 2008 in Okayama University Hospital, Japan. We determined the formula as Φ = (T × Q)/(R × S) = |0.9127P ? 0.0152|, where Φ = rewarming index, T = rewarming time (min), Q = perfusion volume (L), R = body weight (kg), S = body surface area (m²), and P = temperature gap (). The formula will help those who perform pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass surgery to establish ideal perfusion flow conditions and to control physiological temperature during rewarming.