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PubMed2003

A rapid method for identifying diversity within PCR amplicons using a heteroduplex mobility assay and synthetic polynucleotides: application to characterisation of dsRNA elements associated with Cryptosporidium.

A 173-bp fragment of the small extra-chromosomal double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) element of Cryptosporidium parvum was generated by reverse transcriptase PCR from nucleic acid extracted from whole faeces of 18 epidemiologically unrelated cases of cryptosporidiosis. Eleven different sequences were detected and two selected as reference DNA in a heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA). Although sequence diversity was detected, this was difficult to characterise because of the similarity in electrophoretic mobility of the homo- and heteroduplex bands. A PCR method was devised to generate synthetic polynucleotides of greater sequence diversity for use in the HMA. The presence of the synthetic 173-bp fragments was enriched by using, as template for the PCR, material excised from the area of the heteroduplex bands in stained electrophoresis gels. Nine novel sequences were generated and evaluated as reference sequences in the HMA. One of these with 20 bp different from the original sequence was selected for use in the HMA for improved resolution of heteroduplex and homoduplex bands and number of patterns easily resolved (nine different patterns corresponding to different DNA sequences). This method may be useful for analysis of DNA where there is limited natural variation or little sequence variation is described.

Animals↗

PubMed1993

Mobile computing to the rescue.

One of the healthcare industry's greatest problems is the mass of information and paper it generates. As a solution, mobile computing applications offer a number of benefits. With some, the familiar "metaphor" of pen and pad makes them easy to use, so they require minimal training. These platforms allow entry of "unusual" forms of data such as signatures, drawings and annotations. Regardless of input methods employed, mobile computers mean instant access to crucial information from any location at any time. They eliminate redundant data entry and an accumulation of paper that may be lost or destroyed. Finally, they improve process control and result in better documentation and greater quality by gathering accurate information efficiently. Mobile and pen-based technologies promise greater access to better information, as well as opportunities to remove traditional information boundaries created by a hospital's walls--allowing caregivers access to information within and beyond the care facility. The following pages provide a brief look at mobile product offerings and projects targeting the healthcare industry.

Equipment Design↗

PubMed2026

A Multimethod Evaluation to Assess Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy of HPVVaxFacts, a Tailored Mobile Web App, for Parents With Unvaccinated Children: Pilot 2-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Mobile health (mHealth) interventions may improve provider-parent communication on human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination to reduce concerns, and increase intention and uptake. HPVVaxFacts (233 Analytics) is a novel, mobile web app delivering tailored education based on the Health Belief Model and Theory of Reasoned Action, addressing parental concerns preclinic visit. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of HPVVaxFacts among parents of adolescents aged 9-17 years. METHODS: We conducted a pilot, randomized controlled trial in 2 urban Tennessee clinics from June to September 2023 comparing 2 groups: tailored education via HPVVaxFacts mobile web app (intervention, n=27), and nutrition education (attention control, n=30). Eligible parents had or were caregivers to a child aged 9 to 17 years unvaccinated against HPV, had a mobile phone, had an upcoming clinic visit, and spoke English. The recruitment strategy was patient intake software-Phreesia (Phreesia, Inc) and eClinicalWorks (eClinicalWorks). Although unblinded, parents could deduce their study arm assignment. Providers were blinded. Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy (HPV vaccine knowledge, concerns, intentions, and vaccination rates) were assessed using multimethod evaluation. Parents were assessed at baseline and immediately post intervention via surveys. Vaccination rates were assessed at 12 months post intervention via electronic health records. Nineteen parent interviews were conducted up to 9 months post intervention. A clinic staff consultation (n=6) was 1 month post intervention. RESULTS: Of 57 enrolled parents, most were female (52/57, 91%), non-Hispanic White (44/57, 77%), had ≤US $80,000 household income (32/57, 56%), and had some college or less (27/57, 47%). In total, 81% (29/36) of parents viewed HPVVaxFacts. Post intervention, HPV vaccine initiation was higher in the intervention group compared to the attention control group (48% vs 17%; difference 0.24; 95% CI 0.03-0.46; P=.01). Parents in the HPVVaxFacts arm demonstrated a greater reduction in knowledge (ie, knowledge increase; mean change: -0.6 vs 0.1) and concern scores (mean change: -3.4 vs -1.4) than those in the nutrition education arm. However, between-arm differences were not statistically significant (P=.13 and P=.14, respectively). The majority found the study protocol and HPVVaxFacts acceptable. Benefits of HPVVaxFacts include confirming their decision to vaccinate, supporting parent-child discussion on the vaccine, and answering questions preclinic visit or offering questions for the provider. Study protocol delivery and mobile web app instructions were suggested areas for improvement. Barriers for HPVVaxFacts use include content in English only and digital format. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests HPVVaxFacts was feasible and acceptable among parents to provide previsit, tailored information on HPV vaccination. Outcomes offer a positive trajectory but need more exploration. Next steps include a well-powered efficacy trial to determine the impact of HPVVaxFacts on initiation vaccine rates and parental hesitancy factors, as well as to explore an interaction, effect modification, and mediation among different variables.

Humans↗

PubMed2001

Mobile computing for ambulatory health care: points of convergence.

The clinical practice of medicine requires highly trained and accountable health professionals who are able to blend science and art at the moment of care. To succeed in this endeavor and make effective care decisions, health professionals needs current information about the conditions and histories of their patients. Mobile computing may offer an effective solution for some of the problems inherent in clinical care, but only if it moves information to the point of care in a way that clearly adds value to the practice of medicine. Further, there are important differences between outpatient and inpatient care, and these differences must be taken into account when assessing a particular application of mobile computing. My approach to the issues associated with mobile computing is to regard clinicians as falling into natural groupings based on specialty and physical location. These groupings define how the clinicians work and how mobile computing should be used. Clinicians will adopt mobile computing when there is a convergence of critical information-processing technologies and a clear demonstration of their point-of-care value.

Ambulatory Care Information Systems↗

PubMed1999

An efficient and accurate integration of mini-Mu transposons in vitro: a general methodology for functional genetic analysis and molecular biology applications.

Transposons are mobile genetic elements and have been utilized as essential tools in genetics over the years. Though highly useful, many of the current transposon-based applications suffer from various limitations, the most notable of which are: (i) transposition is performed in vivo, typically species specifically, and as a multistep process; (ii) accuracy and/or efficiency of the in vivo or in vitro transposition reaction is not optimal; (iii) a limited set of target sites is used. We describe here a genetic analysis methodology that is based on bacteriophage Mu DNA transposition and circumvents such limitations. The Mu transposon tool is composed of only a few components and utilizes a highly efficient and accurate in vitro DNA transposition reaction with a low stringency of target preference. The utility of the Mu system in functional genetic analysis is demonstrated using restriction analysis and genetic footprinting strategies. The Mu methodology is readily applicable in a variety of current and emerging transposon-based techniques and is expected to generate novel approaches to functional analysis of genes, genomes and proteins.

Base Sequence↗

PubMed2006

Immediate effects on neck pain and active range of motion after a single cervical high-velocity low-amplitude manipulation in subjects presenting with mechanical neck pain: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to analyze the immediate effects on neck pain and active cervical range of motion after a single cervical high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation or a control mobilization procedure in mechanical neck pain subjects. In addition, we assessed the possible correlation between neck pain and neck mobility. METHODS: Seventy patients with mechanical neck pain (25 males and 45 females, aged 20-55 years) participated in this study. The lateral gliding test was used to establish the presence of an intervertebral joint dysfunction at the C3 through C4 or C4 through C5 levels. Subjects were divided randomly into either an experimental group, which received an HVLA thrust, or a control group, which received a manual mobilization procedure. The outcome measures were active cervical range of motion and neck pain at rest assessed pretreatment and 5 minutes posttreatment by an assessor blinded to the treatment allocation of the patient. Intragroup and intergroup comparisons were made with parametric tests. Within-group effect sizes were calculated using Cohen's d coefficient. RESULTS: Within-group changes showed a significant improvement in neck pain at rest and mobility after application of the manipulation (P < .001). The control group also showed a significant improvement in neck pain at rest (P < .01), flexion (P < .01), extension (P < .05), and both lateral flexions (P < .01), but not in rotation. Pre-post effect sizes were large for all the outcomes in the experimental group (d > 1), but were small to medium in the control mobilization group (0.2 < d < 0.6). The intergroup comparison showed that the experimental group obtained a greater improvement than the control group in all the outcome measures (P < .001). Decreased neck pain and increased range of motion were negatively associated for all cervical motions: the greater the increase in neck mobility, the less the pain at rest. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a single cervical HVLA manipulation was more effective in reducing neck pain at rest and in increasing active cervical range of motion than a control mobilization procedure in subjects suffering from mechanical neck pain.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

Digital healthcare solutions in preoperative care: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Active participation in preoperative anesthesia preparation is crucial to ensure safe and efficient care. Compliance with preoperative instructions improves clinical outcomes, enhances patient satisfaction and optimizes use of healthcare resources. As digital communication becomes increasingly integrated into healthcare, interactive digital tools such as smartphone applications and Short Message Service (SMS) reminders may offer a valuable means of engaging patients in their own care. In this review, we evaluated the role of digital tools in guiding patients during their preoperative care pathway for anesthesia. METHODS: Following registration (CRD420250655119), we conducted a systematic review of studies evaluating the use of smartphone applications or SMS reminders designed to support preoperative preparation for anesthesia or procedural sedation in adult patients undergoing elective procedures. The primary outcome was compliance with preoperative instructions. Secondary outcomes included rate of late cancellations, patient satisfaction and cost-effectiveness. Studies were eligible if they reported at least one of these outcomes. RESULTS: Ten studies (1 RCT and 9 observational studies), including 11501 participants, were identified. Compliance with preoperative instructions was assessed in 8 studies, most of which reported higher compliance in patients receiving digital interventions across multiple instruction domains, although statistical significance was not consistently observed. Evidence suggested a beneficial effect on reducing late cancellations and improving patient satisfaction. However, results varied across study designs, and data on cost-effectiveness were limited. CONCLUSIONS: Digital tools for preoperative anesthesia guidance were associated with higher compliance and showed potential reduction of late cancellations and increase of patient satisfaction. However, the current evidence is predominantly observational and heterogeneous, limiting the strength of conclusions. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: With healthcare systems under pressure, digital technologies may offer a scalable and patient-centered care solution to support preoperative anesthesia preparation. Nonetheless, further high-quality research is needed to evaluate their long-term clinical, economic and equity implications.

Humans↗

PubMed2001

Integrin mobilizes intracellular Ca(2+) in renal vascular smooth muscle cells.

Peptides with the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) motif induce vasoconstriction in rat afferent arterioles by increasing the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). This finding suggests that occupancy of integrins on the plasma membrane of VSMC might affect vascular tone. The purpose of this study was to determine whether occupancy of integrins by exogenous RGD peptides initiates intracellular Ca(2+) signaling in cultured renal VSMC. When smooth muscle cells were exposed to 0.1 mM hexapeptide GRGDSP, [Ca(2+)](i) rapidly increased from 91 +/- 4 to 287 +/- 37 nM and then returned to the baseline within 20 s (P < 0.05, 34 cells/5 coverslips). In controls, the hexapeptide GRGESP did not trigger Ca(2+) mobilization. Local application of the GRGDSP induced a regional increase of cytoplasmic [Ca(2+)](i), which propagated as Ca(2+) waves traveling across the cell and induced a rapid elevation of nuclear [Ca(2+)](i). Spontaneous recurrence of smaller-amplitude Ca(2+) waves were found in 20% of cells examined after the initial response to RGD-containing peptides. Blocking dihydropyridine-sensitive Ca(2+) channels with nifedipine or removal of extracellular Ca(2+) did not inhibit the RGD-induced Ca(2+) mobilization. However, pretreatment of 20 microM ryanodine completely eliminated the RGD-induced Ca(2+) mobilization. Anti-beta(1) and anti-beta(3)-integrin antibodies with functional blocking capability simulate the effects of GRGDSP in [Ca(2+)](i). Incubation with anti-beta(1)- or beta(3)-integrin antibodies inhibited the increase in [Ca(2+)](i) induced by GRGDSP. We conclude that exogenous RGD-containing peptides induce release of Ca(2+) from ryanodine-sensitive Ca(2+) stores in renal VSMC via integrins, which can trigger cytoplasmic Ca(2+) waves propagating throughout the cell.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Self-consistent framework for standardising mobilities in free solution capillary electrophoresis: applications to oligoglycines and oligoalanines.

A theoretical analysis of deviations from ideality in ionic transport is presented to correct mobilities, mu, measured in free solution capillary electrophoresis (CE) to mobility at infinite dilution, mu degree (limiting mobility). Non-ideality is treated at the same level of approximation as in equilibrium, using a correction factor for the sum of the analyte and counter-ion radius originally suggested by Robinson and Stokes (Electrolyte Solutions, 1961). Unlike previous corrections using Debye-Hückel-Onsager theory, which are strictly applicable only at very low ionic strengths, this treatment is expected to be valid for univalent ions migrating in a uni-univalent background electrolyte for ionic strengths up to 0.075 mol kg-1, a range typical of CE experiments. The analysis is applied to the determination of mu degree in acidic and basic buffers for oligoalanines and oligoglycines with degree of polymerisation 2 to 6. Limiting mobilities for the fully protonated and deprotonated peptides are found to be numerically equal but opposite in sign, consistent with a change in charge from +1 to -1. In all uni-univalent buffers studied (borate, citrate, low pH lithium phosphate and sodium phosphate) mu degree values established using data over a range of pH and ionic strength are found to be identical and in excellent agreement with previous values from isotachophoresis. Values of mu degree in high pH sodium phosphate buffer are systematically 0.2.10(-8) m2 V-1 s-1 higher than those in other buffers; this may be attributed to limitations of the model for a buffer with 1+:2- and 1+:3- ions. This self-consistent framework for standardising mobilities in free solution CE is expected to be widely applicable to univalent analytes migrating in a 1:1 background electrolyte.

Chemical Phenomena↗

PubMed1997

Feasibility of peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMNC) separation in children with a body weight below 20 KG.

Nine children from 10 to 76 months (median 28.0), weighing 8.5 to 19.7 kg (median 13.0 kg) underwent peripheral blood stem cell separation (PBSCS) or peripheral blood mononuclear cell separation (PBMNCS), after insertion of a double-lumen central venous catheter (8-10 French). Separations were performed with a continuous flow blood separator (Fen-wall CS 3000 plus), running a specially adopted separation-program. In 7 children (5 with neuroblastoma IV, 1 with multifocal Ewing's sarcoma, and 1 with rhabdomyosarcoma IV), stem cells were mobilized by application of G-CSF at a dosage of 15-27.7 micrograms/kg body weight (median 16.25) subcutaneously following high-dose chemotherapy, according to the disease-related protocols, whereas 2 children had PBMNCS to induce graft vs. leukemia (GvL)-reaction in the HLA-identical sibling suffering from relapsed chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML: n = 1), or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML: n = 1) after allogeneic BMT. In all cases, the collecting procedure was performed after filling the cell separator with priming solution consisting of 2 U of irradiated and washed packed red cells, 250 ml human albumin, and 0.9% NaCl. In the 7 patients with solid tumors between 0.45 and 62.7 x 10(6) CD-34 positive cells/kg body weight were separated; the patient who had the lowest yield was separated twice after another mobilizing course. Three patients (2 with neuroblastoma IV and 1 with multifocal Ewing's-sarcoma) underwent a double transplantation with 1-3 portions of the collected stem cells within a 5- to 6-week interval. Two children had a rapid engraftment on both peripheral blood stem cell transplantations (PBSCTs). The third child, who had the lowest yield and was separated twice had prompt engraftment at the first PBSCT but delayed and incomplete engraftment at the second PBSCT. One patient after adoptive immunotransfer with PBMNCs for relapsed CML is now 40 months in complete cytogenetic and molecular biological remission, whereas the other patient treated for relapsed CMML did not respond to the PBMNC-transfusion. The results indicate that PBSCS and PBMNCS can be performed in children with a body weight below 20 kg.

Antigens, CD34↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Application of air sampling and ion-mobility spectrometry to narcotics detection: a feasibility study.

A feasibility study of the application of air sampling and ion-mobility spectrometry (IMS) for detection of heroin and cocaine concealed in letter mail showed that a unique IMS signature is associated with each type of drug and that a number of IMS peaks can be used as markers for the presence of drugs. No false reading for cocaine or heroin resulted when innocent items were monitored. Near real-time performance with sampling and analysis times of less than 30 seconds was achieved for the simultaneous detection of cocaine and heroin. The method proved to be a reliable tool for the fast screening of suspect items. Preliminary tests also showed that the method has potential for use in detecting the drugs in suitcases and on people.

Air↗

PubMed2026

USleep: efficacy of app-based audio interventions to improve sleep disturbance in working adults, a multi-arm randomized controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of three categories of standalone, audio-based sleep interventions (Bedtime Stories, Sleep Sounds, Sleep Skills) delivered via mental health application (MHapp) in improving sleep among working adults with sleep disturbance. METHODS: A multi-arm, parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted. Adults with self-reported sleep disturbances were recruited online and randomly allocated to Bedtime Stories, Sleep Sounds, Sleep Skills, or digital control. Participants completed self-report questionnaires on sleep disturbance and other related outcomes at baseline (t0) and after the 4-week intervention (t1). The primary analysis followed an intention-to-treat approach using mixed-effects models. RESULTS: A total of 495 working adults (mean age = 32.7 years; 55.8% female) were randomized. For sleep disturbance (primary outcome), the between-group Hedges' g effect sizes were very small and not statistically significant (Bedtimes stories vs. control: g = 0.12, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.37, Sleep Sounds vs. control: g = 0.14, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.39, Sleep Skills 0.07, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.29), with slightly greater reductions in sleep disturbance for the intervention groups than control. The same pattern was observed for sleep-related impairment, mental health, well-being, and pre-sleep arousal. CONCLUSION: Audio-based sleep interventions delivered via a MHapp did not demonstrate superior efficacy over a digital control condition in reducing self-reported sleep disturbance among working adults. Although safe and well-tolerated, their use as standalone treatments for sleep disturbance is not supported by these findings. Future research should explore effectiveness in real-world settings, including user content choice across categories, and use objective sleep measures. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at https://www.isrctn.com/ under "Evaluating the efficacy of audio-based digital tools to improve sleep on the Unmind workplace well-being platform"; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN13426045; registration number: 13426045.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effect of a pharmacist-led mHealth app on adherence, quality of life, and glycaemic control in diabetes: A multicentre RCT.

AIMS: To evaluate whether CareAide®, a pharmacist-driven mHealth application, improves medication adherence, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and glycaemic control in diabetes mellitus using structural equation modelling. METHODS: Pre-specified secondary analysis of the type 2 diabetes mellitus cohort from a 6-month multicentre open-label randomised controlled trial (N = 663) across three Malaysian hospitals. Adherence was assessed by MMAS-8 (subjective) and Proportion of Days Covered (PDC; pharmacy-verified). HRQoL was measured by AQoL-6D and EQ-5D-5 L. Structural equation modelling (SEM), Necessary Condition Analysis, and Importance-Performance Map Analysis (cIPMA) were applied. RESULTS: CareAide® produced large adherence gains (MMAS-8: 7.31 vs 5.55, d = 1.64; PDC ≥ 80%: 81.6% vs 33.0%; both p < 0.001). Early 3-month adherence was the strongest predictor of sustained 6-month adherence in both models (β std = 0.567 and 0.688; p < 0.001). AQoL-6D utility improved significantly (0.669 vs 0.618; d = 0.353, p < 0.001), driven by coping (d = 0.447) and relationships (d = 0.254) domains. HRQoL did not mediate adherence; gains were a direct independent benefit. The intervention effect on HbA1c was not statistically significant in the PDC-based SEM model (β =  - 0.333, p = 0.065); a group difference was, however, supported by baseline-adjusted ANCOVA (β =  - 0.41%, p = 0.002), and the complete-case comparison was non-significant (p = 0.153), so glycaemic findings warrant cautious interpretation. cIPMA identified the intervention as the primary optimisation target. CONCLUSIONS: CareAide® significantly improves medication adherence and psychosocial quality of life. Evidence for glycaemic benefit came from baseline-adjusted analysis (ANCOVA), though findings should be interpreted with caution given incomplete HbA1c data at one site. The first three months are the most critical period for pharmacist support. In this dataset, PDC appeared more sensitive than MMAS-8 to the HbA1c signal within 6 months, but this finding requires confirmation in longer studies with more complete HbA1c data. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06068309.

Aged↗

PubMed1998

Metal mobility at an old, heavily loaded sludge application site.

This study was undertaken to determine the present distribution and mobility of sludge-applied metals at an old land application site. Trace metals concentrations were determined for soils (using 4 M HNO3 extracts), soil leachates (collected with passive wick lysimeters over a 2.5-year period), and plant tissue from a field site which received a heavy loading of wastewater sludge in 1978 and an adjacent control plot. Blue dye was used to indicate preferential percolate flowpaths in the sludge plot soil for sampling and comparison with bulk soil metals concentrations. After nearly 20 years, metals in the sludge plot leachate were found at significantly greater concentrations than in the control plot, exceeding drinking water standards for Cd, Ni, Zn, and B. Annual metals fluxes were only a fraction of the current soil metal contents, and do not account for the apparent substantial past metals losses determined in a related study. Elevated Cd, Cu, and Ni levels were found in grass growing on the sludge plot. Despite heavy loadings, fine soil texture (silty clay loam) and evidence of past and ongoing metals leaching, examination of the bulk subsoil indicated no statistically significant increases in metals concentrations (even in a calcareous subsoil horizon with elevated pH) when comparing pooled sludge plot soil profiles with controls. Sampling of dyed preferential flow paths in the sludge plot detected only slight increases in several metals. Preferential flow and metal complexation with soluble organics apparently allow leaching without easily detectable readsorption in the subsoil. The lack of significant metal deposition in subsoil may not be reliable evidence for immobility of sludge-applied metals.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2006

Interaction of radio frequency electromagnetic fields and passive metallic implants--a brief review.

During the last decade, use of radio frequency (RF) applications like mobile phones and other wireless devices, has increased remarkably. This has triggered numerous studies related to possible health risks due to the exposure of RF electromagnetic (EM) fields. One safety aspect is the coupling of EM fields with active and passive implants in the human body. While interactions with active implants have been quite extensively researched, only a few studies have focused on passive implants. The present article reviews interaction mechanisms and studies of passive metallic, that is, conductive, implants in common external RF EM fields. It is found that implants have been mostly studied numerically, and experimental studies are rare. Furthermore, the studies cover mostly far-field conditions and only a few have studied implants in near fields. A summary of results indicates that a conductive object in tissues may cause notable local enhancement of the EM field and thus enhanced power absorption. The degree of enhancement depends, for example, on the orientation, the dimensions, the shape, and the location of the implant. However, in most of the cases, the field enhancement has not been strong enough to cause remarkable excess heating (more than 1 degrees C) of tissues.

Absorption↗

PubMed2006

Characterization of high explosive particles using cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry.

The use of secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) for the detection and spatially resolved analysis of individual high explosive particles is described. A C(8) (-) carbon cluster primary ion beam was used in a commercial SIMS instrument to analyze samples of high explosives dispersed as particles on silicon substrates. In comparison with monatomic primary ion bombardment, the carbon cluster primary ion beam was found to greatly enhance characteristic secondary ion signals from the explosive compounds while causing minimal beam-induced degradation. The resistance of these compounds to degradation under ion bombardment allows explosive particles to be analyzed under high primary ion dose bombardment (dynamic SIMS) conditions, facilitating the rapid acquisition of spatially resolved molecular information. The use of cluster SIMS combined with computer control of the sample stage position allows for the automated identification and counting of explosive particle distributions on silicon surfaces. This will be useful for characterizing the efficiency of transfer of particulates in trace explosive detection portal collectors and/or swipes utilized for ion mobility spectrometry applications.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2026

Testing How Mindfulness Skills Change for Novice Meditators Using Headspace: Examining Trait Mindfulness and Perceived Stress as Moderators.

Mindfulness-based interventions are found to effectively reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes. Yet, it is not always clear how the mindfulness skills of attention and acceptance develop throughout the intervention. This knowledge gap is especially pertinent for novice meditators learning these skills for the first time, including whether some individuals are more prone to learning them. Using a randomized waitlist-controlled trial, we tested the effect of the app Headspace on changes in attention and acceptance over 8 weeks among participants new to mindfulness meditation. Further, we tested the moderating effects of trait mindfulness and perceived stress. Non-faculty university employees were randomized to a Headspace or waitlist control condition. Trait mindfulness and perceived stress were measured at baseline. Ecological momentary assessment survey data for attention and acceptance were collected five times a day in 4-day bursts at baseline and 2, 5, and 8 weeks post-randomisation. Attention and acceptance were significantly higher at Week 8 compared to baseline for the Headspace group, but not the control group. For the Headspace group, both skills showed significant change by Week 2. Trait mindfulness moderated this effect with those who were lower in trait mindfulness displaying greater increases in attention, but not acceptance. Perceived stress also moderated this effect with those who were lower in perceived stress displaying greater increases in attention and acceptance. Our discussion draws attention to implications for matching intervention content to individual needs to ensure participants reporting different levels of characteristics benefit from mindfulness training.

Humans↗

PubMed1975

[Transparency of analytical results found by different methods of electrophoresis studies on casein (author's transl)].

The electrophoretic mobility of the major casein components has been studied on different carriers. Besides free electrophoresis and paper electrophoresis starch gel, polyacrylamide gel and cellulose acetate gel have compared. With urea buffer mixtures of neutral to alkaline pH a mobility scale on all gels was found corresponding the order alphas-, beta-, kappa-, gamma-casein in the sense of decreasing mobility. The application of commercially available cellulose acetate strips for the investigation of genetic material in large numbers has been found to be sufficient. The transparency of polyacrylamide gel, starch gel and cellulose acetate gel results is guaranteed.

Caseins↗