Switching of alternative electrochemical charging mechanism inside single-walled carbon nanotubes: a quartz crystal microbalance study.

We probed electrochemical ion storage in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) of different diameters in two different organic electrolytes using electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) tracking. The measurements showed that charge storage probed by cyclic voltammetry did not deteriorate when steric effects seemed to hinder the accessibility of counter-ions into SWCNTs, and instead proceeded predominantly by co-ion desorption, as was shown by the decrease in the electrode mass probed by EQCM. The dominant mechanism correlated with the SWCNT diameter/ion size ratio; counter-ion adsorption dominated in the whole potential range when the diameter of SWCNTs was comparable to the size of the largest ion, whereas for larger diameters the charge increase coincided with a decrease in the electrode mass, indicating the dominance of co-ion desorption.

Validation of the Japanese version of the barriers questionnaire II in cancer pain management: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The Barriers Questionnaire II (BQ-II) was developed to assess barriers to effective pain management. In this study, we aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the newly developed Japanese version of the BQ-II (JBQ-II).

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design.

Electrochemical Reactions of Iodine Molecules Encapsulated in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes.

We prepared iodine molecules encapsulated in single-walled carbon nanotubes (I@SWCNTs) by electro-oxidation of iodide ions with empty SWCNT electrode. Li-ion battery electrode properties of I@SWCNTs were investigated. It was found that the I@SWCNT sample can catch and release Li ions reversibly.

[Relation between pain and health-related quality of life in cancer patients].

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relation between pain and health-related quality of lif e(HRQOL)in cancer patients.

Methods: An internet-based HRQOL survey of 618 patients with different malignancies using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and BPI-SF was performed. Three study groups were formed based on the pain in the previous month: group A comprised patients without pain; group B comprised patients with mild pain; and group C comprised patients with moderate to severe pain.

The Effects of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy on Quality of Life in Patients With Dementia.

Background: To examine the effects of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) on quality of life (QOL) in patients with dementia.

Methods: We retrospectively included 53 Japanese community and tertiary hospitals to investigate the relationship between the newly developed PEG and consecutive dementia patients with swallowing difficulty between Jan 1st 2006 and Dec 31st 2008. We set improvements in 1) the level of independent living, 2) pneumonia, 3) peroral intake as outcome measures of QOL and explored the factors associated with these improvements.

Fibroblast growth factor-1-induced ERK1/2 signaling reciprocally regulates proliferation and smooth muscle cell differentiation of ligament-derived endothelial progenitor cell-like cells.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) is a fibrous connective tissue located between the tooth root and the alveolar bone. We previously demonstrated that a single cell-derived culture of primarily cultured PDL fibroblasts has the potential to construct an endothelial cell (EC) marker-positive blood vessel-like structure, suggesting that the fibroblastic lineage cells in ligament tissue could act as the endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which regenerate to construct a vascular system around the damaged ligament tissue. Moreover, we showed that EPC-like fibroblasts expressed not only EC markers but also smooth muscle cell (SMC) markers.

Survival of geriatric patients after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in Japan.

Aim: To examine the long term survival of geriatric patients treated with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in Japan.

Methods: We retrospectively included 46 Japanese community and tertiary hospitals to investigate 931 consecutive geriatric patients (≥ 65 years old) with swallowing difficulty and newly performed PEG between Jan 1st 2005 and Dec 31st 2008. We set death as an outcome and explored the associations among patient's characteristics at PEG using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazard models.

The sky blue method as a screening test to detect misplacement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube at exchange.

Background: During tube exchange for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), a misplaced tube can cause peritonitis and death. Thus, endoscopic or radiologic observation is required at tube exchange to make sure the tube is placed correctly. However, these procedures cost extensive time and money to perform in all patients at the time of tube exchange.

Development of a standard for hospital-based palliative care consultation teams using a modified Delphi method.

Although palliative care consultation teams are rapidly being disseminated throughout Japan as a result of government policy, the role of these teams has not been standardized. The aim of this study was to develop a hospital-based palliative care consultation team standard. We adopted a modified Delphi method to develop a standard.

Does Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy for peptic ulcer prevent gastric cancer?

Aim: To investigate the effects of Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) eradication therapy for treatment of peptic ulcer on the incidence of gastric cancer.

Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted between November 2000 and December 2007 in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. The study included patients with H pylori-positive peptic ulcer who decided themselves whether to receive H pylori eradication (eradication group) or conventional antacid therapy (non-eradication group).

Nurse views of the adequacy of decision making and nurse distress regarding artificial hydration for terminally ill cancer patients: a nationwide survey.

We evaluated nurse views on the adequacy of decision-making discussion among nurses and physicians regarding artificial hydration for terminally ill cancer patients and nurse distress arising from artificial hydration issues, as well as factors related to this distress. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of 4 questions about nurse views of discussions regarding artificial hydration and 6 questions about nurse distress arising from artificial hydration issues was distributed in participating institutions in October 2002 and returned by mail. A total of 3328 responses (79%) were analyzed.

Physician and nurse attitudes toward artificial hydration for terminally ill cancer patients in Japan: results of 2 nationwide surveys.

This study investigated physician and nurse attitudes toward artificial hydration in terminally ill cancer patients and compared differences in attitudes between these 2 professions and among clinical settings in Japan. The response rate was 53% (584/1,123) for physicians and 79% for nurses (3,328/4,210). More physicians answered that artificial hydration alleviates the sensation of thirst.

Structural visualization of expert nursing: Cancer pain management.

Nurses' knowledge and making decisions in Cancer Pain Management contribute much to the improvement of cancer patients' QOL. Based on the practice of a expert nurse involved in Cancer Pain Management, we have developed the algorithm, which clarified that nurses implement much of observations or complicated decision-makings in Cancer Pain Manage Hereafter it is a significant challenge to examine its consistency and validity to develop its system.

[Preparation of pamphlets to teach the technique of home parenteral nutrition aiming at timely back home].

The home drip infusion is a stressful procedure for both patients and families under HPN at home. Effective and reliable guidance for drip infusion management should be provided while patients are still at the hospital to realize reliable home care. We revised the HPN Guidance Manual and report the process in this article.

[Preparation of pamphlets to teach the technique of home parenteral nutrition aiming at timely back home].

The home drip infusion is a stressful procedure for both patients and families under HPN at home. Effective and reliable guidance for drip infusion management should be provided while patients are still at the hospital to realize reliable home care. We revised the HPN Guidance Manual and report the process in this article.