ORCID Profile
0000-0003-2387-7035
Current Organisations
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
,
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
,
State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2013
DOI: 10.1016/J.CTIM.2013.09.008
Abstract: To evaluate the sustaining effects of Tai chi Qigong in improving the physiological health for COPD patients at sixth month. A randomized controlled trial. Subjects were in three randomly assigned groups: Tai chi Qigong group, exercise group, and control group. The 206 subjects were recruited from five general outpatient clinics. Tai chi Qigong group completed a 3-month Tai chi Qigong program. Exercise group practiced breathing and walking as an exercise. Control group received usual care. Primary outcomes included six-minute walking distance and lung functions. Secondary outcomes were dyspnea and fatigue levels, number of exacerbations and hospital admissions. Tai chi Qigong group showed a steady improvement in exercise capacity (P<.001) from baseline to the sixth month. The mean walking distance increased from 298 to 349 meters (+17%). No significant changes were noted in the other two groups. Tai chi Qigong group also showed improvement in lung functions (P<.001). Mean forced expiratory volume in 1s increased from .89 to .99l (+11%). No significant change was noted in the exercise group. Deterioration was found in the control group, with mean volume decreased from .89 to .84l (-5.67%). Significant decreased in the number of exacerbations was observed in the Tai chi Qigong group. No changes in dyspnea and fatigue levels were noted among the three groups. Tai chi Qigong has sustaining effects in improving the physiological health and is a useful and appropriate exercise for COPD patients.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-11-2008
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 30-10-2009
DOI: 10.1021/LA902987W
Abstract: We demonstrate a simple and reproducible way to produce quasi-spherical Au nanoparticles (NPs) with a fairly narrow size distribution in water by rapidly adding a mixture solution of HAuCl(4), sodium citrate, and a trace amount of silver nitrate into boiling water. The sizes of quasi-spherical Au NPs obtained increases from 12 +/- 1 nm to 18 +/- 3, 25 +/- 3, and 36 +/- 3 nm with decrease of the citrate concentration in a fairly linear way. The present protocol can efficiently minimize the effect of citrate to buffer the pH of the reaction media and thus change the type and reactive activity of auric ions and significantly speed up the nucleation and growth rate of Au NPs. The presence of Ag(+) ions can not only suppress the secondary nucleation but also reshape the polycrystalline Au NPs into a quasi-spherical shape. In the case of synthesis of Au NPs of sizes ranging from 10 to 36 nm, our approach efficiently makes up the shortages of the classical Turkevich method with respect to the reproducibility and uniformity of the NP size and shape.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.HRTLNG.2011.05.005
Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of a home-based rehabilitation program for Chinese patients with myocardial infarction in terms of health-related quality of life and psychological status. This was a randomized, controlled trial with data collected at 2 university-affiliated public general hospitals in Xian (Shaanxi Province, People's Republic of China). One hundred and sixty patients with a myocardial infarction were randomly assigned to either the interventional group (a home-based cardiac rehabilitation program using a self-help manual) or the control group (usual care). Health-related quality of life (generic, Chinese Short Form 36-Item Health Survey disease-specific, Chinese Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale) and psychological status (the Chinese Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were measured at baseline, program completion (6 weeks), and 3 and 6 months after hospital discharge. Significant differences were evident in the main outcomes when the home-based group was compared with the usual care group at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. The home-based group had significantly higher scores on 4 of the 8 domains of the Chinese Short Form 36-Item Health Survey and on 3 of the 7 dimensions of the Chinese Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale, with significantly lower scores on the anxiety, but not the depression, subscale of the Chinese Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. A simple, home-based cardiac rehabilitation program for patients with acute myocardial infarction, using a self-help manual, improves health-related quality of life and reduces anxiety. It appears feasible and acceptable, and does not produce inferior outcomes compared with usualcare in China.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2008
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPSYCHORES.2008.03.010
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the validity, reliability, and cultural relevance of the Cardiac Depression Scale (CDS) as a disease-specific screening tool for Chinese cardiac patients. The language equivalency and content validity of the Chinese version of the CDS (C-CDS) were evaluated. Measurement performance was tested on 200 Chinese cardiac patients and repeated on 40 patients for test-retest reliability. One item pertaining to sexual activity was removed from the Chinese version due to poor cultural relevance. The C-CDS demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of .91 for the total scale and .53-.78 for the subscales). The high correlation (r=.64-.89) between items and the remainder of their own scale provides further evidence of internal consistency. The test-retest reliability was satisfactory with intraclass correlation coefficients of .94 for the overall scale and .73-.92 for the six subscales. The total and subscale scores that were not significantly different (P>.05) over a 2-week period further support the stability of the instrument. There was acceptable concurrent validity with moderate (r>or=.3, P<.001) correlations between the C-CDS and the Chinese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Principal component analysis revealed six factors, and one dimension was extracted from the data set, which closely resembles the structure of the original instrument. Empirical data support the C-CDS as a valid and reliable disease-specific tool in assessing depressed mood in Chinese-speaking patients with cardiac disease.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1039/D3TA02783J
Abstract: The electrocatalytic activity of gold and gold-based bimetallic nanoparticles depends on their surface topography, especially the defects on (111) facets.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 10-08-2020
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 04-07-2013
Abstract: To investigate the long-term effects of motivational interviewing on clinical outcomes, psychological outcomes, health-related quality of life among cardiac rehabilitation patients with poor motivation. A randomized controlled trial with blind data collectors. Cardiac rehabilitation centre. A total of 146 cardiac rehabilitation patients with poor motivation. All participants received usual care, including exercise and education, while those in the experimental group also received 10 sessions of motivational interviewing, each lasting 30–45 minutes. Clinical and psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline and at six, nine and 12 months for both groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups at baseline on demographic and clinical outcomes except for monthly family income ( p = 0.034). Patients in the experimental group had higher increases in health-related quality of life (SF-36) scores in bodily pain (88.7 SD 16.7 vs. 87.6 SD 18.7 at month 12, p = 0.044) and role limitation owing to emotional problems (86.9 SD 19.2 vs. 78.6 SD 21.8 at month 9, p = 0.019 85.8 SD 18.9 vs. 76.9 SD 23.9 at month 12, p = 0.022). No statistically significant group difference was found among other outcomes. The long-term effect of motivational interviewing on clinical and psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life in studied patients is limited.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 21-06-2018
Abstract: It is well known that the activity and stability of electrocatalysts are largely dependent on their surface facets. In this work, we have successfully regulated surface facets of three-dimensional (3D) metallic Au
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-06-2009
Abstract: In the swim: Colloidal nanoparticles coated with polylactide (PLA, red) and poly(ethylene glycol) brushes (PEG, black) can transfer from organic to aqueous phases across liquid/liquid or liquid/gel interfaces during degradation of the PLA coating (see picture: first step), which is driven selectively by the hydrogen bonding of the PEG coating with the aqueous phase (second step).
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 27-10-2014
DOI: 10.1021/NN503382V
Abstract: Janus particles, consisting of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and organic particles of the complexes of α-cyclodextrin and polyethylene glycol (5) nonylphenyl ether, have been successfully fabricated via strain-driven microphase separation, which is distinct from conventional surface wetting-driven microphase separation. The as-prepared Janus particles can self-assemble into hollow spheres, which draw a clear analogy with self-assembly of lipids to vesicles.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 27-02-2014
DOI: 10.1021/LA404602H
Abstract: In this Article, high-quality gold nanocrystals (Au NCs) with various shapes including concave cubic, trisoctahedral, cubic, rod-like, and quasi-spherical have been successfully produced in high yield via adding a trace amount of NaBH4 solution into growth solutions mainly composed of HAuCl4, ascorbic acid, and surfactants. The sizes and shapes of as-prepared Au NCs can be tuned by the compositions of the growth solutions and the amount of NaBH4 added. The electrocatalytic performance of differently shaped Au NCs for methanol oxidation was studied as-prepared trisoctahedral or concave cubic Au NCs are more highly active electrocatalysts for methanol oxidation due to the presence of high-index facets on their surface.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.EJCA.2012.04.005
Abstract: The importance of quality-of-life (QoL) research has been recognised over the past two decades in patients with head and neck (H&N) cancer. The aims of this systematic review are to evaluate the QoL status of H&N cancer survivors one year after treatment and to identify the determinants affecting their QoL. Pubmed, Medline, Scopus, Sciencedirect and CINAHL (2000-2011) were searched for relevant studies, and two of the present authors assessed their methodological quality. The characteristics and main findings of the studies were extracted and reported. Thirty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria, and the methodological quality of the majority was moderate to high. While patients of the group in question recover their global QoL by 12 months after treatment, a number of outstanding issues persist - deterioration in physical functioning, fatigue, xerostomia and sticky saliva. Age, cancer site, stage of disease, social support, smoking, feeding tube placement and alcohol consumption are the significant determinants of QoL at 12 months, while gender has little or no influence. Regular assessments should be carried out to monitor physical functioning, degree of fatigue, xerostomia and sticky saliva. Further research is required to develop appropriate and effective interventions to deal with these issues, and thus to promote the patients' QoL.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C5SM00900F
Abstract: This review is an overview of the current developments in directed self-assembly of metal nanoparticles with tailored plasmonic properties.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 20-08-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-01-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2648.2007.04529.X
Abstract: This paper is a report of a study to explore Chinese patients' and partners' experiences during early convalescence from a first heart attack. There are important socio-cultural differences between Chinese and western populations and comparatively little is known about the experiences of Chinese patients and partners living with a first heart attack. A qualitative study using focus groups was conducted in 2005 with 17 Chinese patients and their partners during convalescence from a first heart attack. The interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed. Analysis was used to identify categories using established qualitative phenomenological techniques. Content analysis of the data revealed five major categories: enduring uncertainty coping with changes experiencing emotional reactions living with medications and needing professional help. The experiences of Chinese patients and partners during early convalescence from a first heart attack are different from their western counterparts and are affected by cultural traditions. Findings from this study may provide useful pointers for health professionals to deliver culturally sensitive and appropriate support and education during early convalescence.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 25-02-2014
DOI: 10.1021/LA4047148
Abstract: Monodisperse, quasi-spherical silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) with controlled sizes have been produced directly in water via adding the aqueous solutions of the mixtures of AgNO3 and sodium citrate to boiling aqueous solutions of ascorbic acid (AA). Different compounds, including NaCl, NaBr, KI, Na2SO4, Na2CO3, Na2S, and Na3PO4, are added to the AgNO3/citrate mixture solutions to form new silver compounds with fairly low solubility in water, which are used as precursors instead of soluble Ag(+) ions to synthesize Ag NPs via AA/citrate reduction. This enables us not only to produce monodisperse, quasi-spherical Ag NPs but also to tune the sizes of the resulting NPs from 16 to 30 nm according to the potential of new silver precursors as well as the concentrations of anions.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 28-12-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-11-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2009.02876.X
Abstract: To explore Chinese health care professionals' perceptions of cardiac rehabilitation for patients with coronary heart disease in mainland China. Coronary heart disease is a rapidly growing major health problem in mainland China and little is known about the current provision of rehabilitation for this population. A qualitative study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 18 Chinese health care professionals. The interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed and content analysis was used to identify categories. Content analysis of the data revealed three major categories: underdeveloped cardiac rehabilitation services, multiple obstacles to the establishment of a cardiac rehabilitation programme and a perceived need for professional guidance to patients. The current situation of cardiac rehabilitation in hospitals of China is poor with multiple obstacles prohibiting the development of cardiac rehabilitation services in the country and this has resulted in high rates of recurrence of heart attacks, coronary risk factors going undetected and/or untreated and psychological distress being observed among Chinese coronary heart disease patients. Relevance to clinical practice. The findings provide useful pointers for Chinese health professionals to explore ways of providing an effective, safe, convenient and culturally sensitive rehabilitation programme for Chinese patients with coronary heart disease.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1017/GMH.2022.35
Abstract: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been impacted psychologically due to their professional responsibilities over the prolonged era of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study aimed to identify the predictors of psychological distress, fear, and coping during the COVID-19 pandemic among HCWs. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among self-identified HCWs across 14 countries (12 from Asia and two from Africa). The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale were used to assess the psychological distress, fear, and coping of HCWs, respectively. A total of 2447 HCWs participated 36% were doctors, and 42% were nurses, with a mean age of 36 (±12) years, and 70% were females. Moderate to very-high psychological distress was prevalent in 67% of the HCWs the lowest rate was reported in the United Arab Emirates (1%) and the highest in Indonesia (16%). The prevalence of high levels of fear was 20% the lowest rate was reported in Libya (9%) and the highest in Egypt (32%). The prevalence of medium-to-high resilient coping was 63% the lowest rate was reported in Libya (28%) and the highest in Syria (76%). COVID-19 has augmented the psychological distress among HCWs. Factors identified in this study should be considered in managing the wellbeing of HCWs, who had been serving as the frontline drivers in managing the crisis successfully across all participating countries. Furthermore, interventions to address their psychological distress should be considered.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 17-09-2012
DOI: 10.1021/LA3027804
Abstract: In this report, we demonstrate a rapid and simple seeded growth method for synthesizing monodisperse, quasi-spherical, citrate-stabilized Au nanoparticles (Au NPs) via H(2)O(2) reduction of HAuCl(4). Au NPs with diameter ranging from 30 to 230 nm can be synthesized by simply adding 12 nm citrate stabilized Au NP seeds to an aqueous solution of H(2)O(2) and HAuCl(4) under ambient conditions. The diameter of the resulting Au NPs can be quantitatively controlled by the molar ratio of HAuCl(4) to the Au seeds. The standard deviation of the Au NP sizes is less than 10%, and the ellipticity (ratio of major to minor axes) of the NPs is less than 1.1. Compared to existing ones, the present seeded growth approach is implemented within 1 min under ambient condition, and no unfavorable additives are involved because H(2)O(2) can readily decompose into H(2)O during storage or via boiling.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2007
DOI: 10.1016/J.IJNURSTU.2006.06.005
Abstract: This study examined the physical, psychological and social recovery patterns of Hong Kong Chinese patients who have undergone CABG surgery over a period of six months. Recovery from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a dynamic process and the associated physical, psychological and social effects could lead to failure to recuperate leading to hospital re-admission and morbidity. A prospective repeated measures design was used for this research. Patients were interviewed in person 5 days before surgery and at 1 week after discharge, and by telephone at 3 and 6 months after discharge. Physical recovery dimension was assessed by three categories of the Sickness Impact Profile (ambulation, sleep-rest, body movement and care). Social recovery dimension was assessed by three categories of the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) (home management, social interaction, and recreation and pastimes). Psychological recovery was assessed using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D). Sixty-eight patients participated in this research. The mean physical SIP-dimension score and depression level at discharge was the highest then gradually decreased at 6 months after CABG. The SIP-physical and SIP-social and depression level differed significantly across the four-assessment time within-group. There were no gender differences in physical and social recovery and depression levels. Patients who had poorer physical and social recovery had more depression at one week and three months after CABG surgery. Patients should be prepared for discharge after CABG surgery. Cultural factors may have influenced the similar recovery patterns between genders. These factors contributing to early recovery must be further examined. Because of the large number of patients who undergo CABG worldwide, and because of healthcare cost related to this intervention, it is important for both patients and healthcare providers to have realistic expectations about the recovery process and to recognise deviations from the norm. The results provided some insights into the Hong Kong Chinese patients' recovery from CABG surgery that would guide the development of culturally appropriate pre-operative and discharge teaching for this group of patients.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 31-03-2023
DOI: 10.2196/45697
Abstract: Practicing healthy lifestyles can reduce the risk to develop noncommunicable diseases and the related mortality. Studies showed that practicing healthy lifestyles could enhance disease-free life expectancy and preserve bodily functions. However, engagement in healthy lifestyle behavior was suboptimal. This study aimed to define in iduals’ lifestyle characteristics before and during COVID-19 and determine the factors associated with practicing a healthy lifestyle. This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2019 and 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys. US in iduals aged ≥18 years were interviewed via phone call. Healthy lifestyles were assessed through corresponding questions regarding the maintenance of optimal body weight, physical activity, daily consumption of at least five portions of fruits and vegetables, current smoking status, and alcohol consumption. Missing data were imputed using a package in the R statistical software. The effects of practicing a healthy lifestyle on cases without missing data and those with imputation were reported. There were 550,607 respondents (272,543 and 278,064 from 2019 and 2021, respectively) included in this analysis. The rates of practicing a healthy lifestyle were 4% (10,955/272,543) and 3.6% (10,139/278,064) in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Although 36.6% (160,629/438,693) of all 2021 respondents had missing data, the results of the logistic regression analysis for cases without missing data and those with imputation were similar. Of the cases with imputation, women (odds ratio [OR] 1.87) residing in urban areas (OR 1.24) with high education levels (OR 1.73) and good or better health status (OR 1.59) were more likely to practice healthier lifestyles than young in iduals (OR 0.51-0.67) with a low household income (OR 0.74-0.78) and chronic health conditions (OR 0.48-0.74). A healthy lifestyle should be strongly promoted at the community level. In particular, factors associated with a low rate of practice of healthy lifestyles should be targeted.
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 03-2016
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C4TA04940C
Abstract: Well-dispersed, core–shell Au–Pt nanodendrites were synthesized via overgrowth of platinum on in situ 5.5 nm gold nanoparticles at room temperature.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2005
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2648.2004.03277.X
Abstract: This paper reports the findings of a study exploring the relationships among patients' sense of coherence, coping ability and health-related quality of life following a critical illness. Sense of coherence is a strong determinant of positive health outcomes and successful coping. Promoting sense of coherence has been used for health promotion in the general public so that better coping ability will be achieved and, thus, better quality of life. There have been limited studies focusing on these aspects in critically ill patients, particularly during the weeks following discharge from intensive care units. Based on the salutogenic theoretical framework, a descriptive, correlational research design using telephone interviews was used. Participants' outlook on life, quality of life and coping responses were measured using Chinese versions of Sense of Coherence scale, SF-36 and Coping Scale, respectively. Eighty-eight people participated in the study. Sense of coherence was significantly correlated with quality of life (r = 0.28-0.69) and with coping ability (r = 0.58). Furthermore, coping ability was significantly correlated with six (r = 0.25-0.52) out of the eight dimensions of quality of life. It was also found that high household income and support from adult children were predictors of strong sense of coherence. Patients with a strong sense of coherence are likely to take an active role in shaping their own health outcomes. The results of this study will enable nurses to design interventions in the early phase of hospitalization to enhance patients' sense of coherence and coping abilities following a critical illness so that quality of life can be promoted.
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 12-04-2013
DOI: 10.1021/LA400214X
Abstract: Monodisperse, quasi-spherical silver nanocrystals (Ag NCs) have been produced directly in water via adding the aqueous solution of a mixture of AgNO3, sodium citrate, and KI into the boiling aqueous solutions of ascorbic acid (AA). The AA is used to significantly accelerate reduction of AgNO3 in order to promote a very fast nucleation, and the KI is used to tailor the growth of the Ag NCs into a quasi-spherical shape via its preferential adsorption on the NC {111} facets. The major role of citrate is to stabilize the newly formed NCs, whereas it has a minor contribution to reduction of AgNO3. The synergy of the effects of AA, citrate, and KI can significantly narrow the size distributions of the Ag NCs obtained so and transform the NC shapes to be truly quasi-spherical.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2019
DOI: 10.1039/C9TB01653H
Abstract: Au 6–50 aerogels with {110}-rich facets (35.5%) are fabricated for glucose detection by size-dependent surface reconstruction between two differently-sized gold nanoparticles.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-2012
Abstract: Motivational interviewing (MI) is effective in promoting behavioural changes in patients with substance abuse and smoking. However, its effectiveness on health outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation patients is unclear. A randomized controlled trial. A total of 146 patients assessed as having poor motivation attended a cardiac rehabilitation programme from February 2008 to June 2010. Patients (n = 73) in the control group received usual care while those in the experimental group (n = 73) received usual care plus four sessions of MI, each lasting 30–45 min. Clinical and psychological outcomes and health-related quality of life were measured at baseline and 3 months after entering the programme. Descriptive statistics, independent t-test, Pearson Chi-squared test, and generalized estimating equations models were used to analyse the data. There was no significant difference between the two groups on clinical outcomes (all p-values & .05). Patients in the experimental group had higher increases in health-related quality of life (SF-36) scores in the aspects of general health (4.74, 95% CI 0.04–9.44 p = 0.048) and role limitation due to emotional problems (8.80, 95% CI 1.16–16.43 p = 0.024). However, they reported significantly higher increases in anxiety levels (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) than those in the control group (0.96, 95% CI 0.09–1.83 p = 0.030). The short-term effectiveness of MI on clinical outcomes and health-related quality of life in poorly motivated cardiac rehabilitation patients is limited. MI, however, was shown to increase anxiety levels of patients during the study period (3 months). More evidence is needed to better understand this phenomenon in the future studies.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2013
DOI: 10.1039/C3TA01540H
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-02-2013
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-12-2006
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1039/C4CE00334A
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.1039/C0CP00128G
Abstract: In this paper, various nanostructured poly(aniline) (PANI) particles have been prepared via redox polymerization of aniline in the presence of tri(ethylene glycol) bis(1,5-dihydroxy-naphthalene-2,6- disulfate) ether (TBE). The morphology evolution of the resulting PANI particles was carefully monitored by electron microscopy, clearly underlining the structure-directing role of TBE during the agglomeration of PANI primary nanoparticles (NPs) in the course of polymerization. Various interactions exerted on the PANI primary NPs were assessed based on extended Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory, and the thermodynamic balance of these interactions was used to analyze the effect of the TBE concentration on the morphology of the nanostructured PANI particles.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 07-07-2006
DOI: 10.1007/S11136-006-0012-1
Abstract: To test the reliability and validity of the Chinese Mandarin version of the SF-36 health survey (CM:SF-36) in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) in mainland China. Single group, cross-sectional design to test the measurement performance on a convenience s le of 180 Chinese patients with MI, 30 of whom were retested after 2 weeks to establish reliability. Cronbach's alpha coefficients exceeded the 0.70 criterion for all subscales except General Health, indicating good internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was adequate (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.70) for all subscales. The significant differences were detected by the presence or absence of co-morbidities and the number of risk factors in most physical subscales indicating good discriminative validity. Principal components factor analysis with varimax rotation confirmed the presence of the eight factors, though the item loadings of the Vitality and Mental Health subscales were found to differ from the original ones of the SF-36. The CM:SF-36 is a psychometrically acceptable instrument for assessing the health status of Chinese patients with myocardial infarction.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-06-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2008.02736.X
Abstract: To evaluate further the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as a screening instrument for anxiety and depression in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) in Xian, China. There is considerable evidence that anxiety and depression are common in patients with CHD and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A valid, reliable and sensitive screening tool that can be used readily on this group of patients would be useful for assessment, intervention and outcome evaluation. A single group, cross-sectional study. Measurement performance was tested on 314 Chinese patients with CHD and repeated on 173 of them two weeks later. The Chinese version of HADS (C-HADS) had acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability, with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.85 and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90, respectively. There was acceptable concurrent validity with significant (p < 0.05) correlations between the anxiety and depression subscales of the C-HADS and CHD patients' perceived health status as measured by the Chinese-Mandarin version of the Short Form-36 health survey (CM:SF-36). Principal components analysis revealed a three-factor solution accounting for 53% of the total variance. The three underlying sub-scale dimensions are depression, psychic anxiety and psychomotor anxiety. The responsiveness of the C-HADS was also satisfactory with significant correlation between the changes in the C-HADS score and the changes in the mental health domain of the CM:SF-36 (p < 0.01). Finally, over one-third of the patients demonstrated psychological distress. Empirical data support the C-HADS as a reliable and valid screening instrument for the assessment of anxiety and depression in Chinese-speaking patients with CHD. A tri-dimensional scoring approach should be considered as potentially clinically useful for this group of patients. The C-HADS can guide and evaluate the delivery of psychological care for Chinese patients with CHD.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2005
Publisher: Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Date: 05-2010
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2014
DOI: 10.1039/C4RA03363A
Abstract: We present a simple strategy for synthesis of water-soluble, monodisperse, highly fluorescent gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) with sizes of 1.8 nm by co-reduction of glutathione and citrate for 24 h at 50 °C. The fluorescence intensity of the GS/C–Au NCs obtained is pH-dependent and can be reversibly adjusted in the pH range from 4.1 to 8.6.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-08-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2009.02807.X
Abstract: To evaluate further the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) as a screening instrument for anxiety and depression in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease in Xian, China. There is considerable evidence that anxiety and depression are common in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. A valid, reliable and sensitive screening tool that can be used readily on this group of patients would be useful for assessment, intervention and outcome evaluation. A single group, cross-sectional study. Measurement performance was tested on 314 Chinese patients with coronary heart disease and repeated on 173 of them two weeks later. The Chinese version of HADS (C-HADS) had acceptable internal consistency and test-retest reliability, with a Cronbach alpha of 0.85 and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.90, respectively. There was acceptable concurrent validity with significant (p < 0.05) correlations between the anxiety and depression subscales of the C-HADS and CHD patients' perceived health status as measured by the Chinese Mandarin version of the Short Form-36 health survey (CM:SF-36). Principal components analysis revealed a three-factor solution accounting for 53% of the total variance. The three underlying sub-scale dimensions are depression, psychic anxiety and psychomotor anxiety. The responsiveness of the C-HADS was also satisfactory with significant correlation between the changes in the C-HADS score and the changes in the Mental Health domain of the CM:SF-36 (p < 0.01). Finally, over one-third of the patients demonstrated psychological distress. Conclusion. Empirical data support the C-HADS as a reliable and valid screening instrument for the assessment of anxiety and depression in Chinese-speaking patients with CHD. A tri-dimensional scoring approach should be considered as potentially clinically useful for this group of patients. The C-HADS can guide and evaluate the delivery of psychological care for Chinese patients with CHD.
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2015
DOI: 10.1039/C5SC01088H
Abstract: Open-mouthed, yolk–shell Au@AgPd nanoparticles are successfully produced via galvanic replacement reaction in water at room temperature.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 15-04-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2010.03558.X
Abstract: Aim. To review and synthesise, systematically, the research findings regarding motivational interviewing and to inform education, research and practice in relation to cardiovascular health. Background. Motivational interviewing is designed to engage ambivalent or resistant clients in the process of health behaviour change, and it has been widely used in different clinical conditions such as substance abuse, dietary adherence and smoking cessation. Motivational interviewing has also been proposed as a method for improving modifiable coronary heart disease risk factors of patients. Design. Systematic review. Method. Eligible studies published in 1999–2009 were identified from the following databases: CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Web of Science, Embase and British Nursing Index. A manual search was conducted of bibliographies of the identified studies and relevant journals. Two researchers independently reviewed the studies. Results. Four meta‐analyses, one systematic review and three literature reviews of motivational interviewing and five primary studies of motivational interviewing pertaining to cardiovascular health were identified. Despite a dearth of primary studies in cardiovascular health settings, there appears to be strong evidence that motivational interviewing is an effective approach focusing on eliciting the person’s intrinsic motivation for change of behaviour. Conclusion. Motivational interviewing is an effective approach to changing behaviour. It offers promise in improving cardiovascular health status. Relevance to clinical practice. This review indicates that motivational interviewing is a useful method to help nurses improve health behaviour in people with coronary risk factors.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-05-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-014-2278-0
Abstract: The aim of the study was to test a hypothesised model that supportive care needs (SCNs) have a mediating effect on the relationship between characteristics of (Chinese) head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors and their quality of life (QoL). A total of 285 Chinese HNC survivors who had finished cancer treatment 1 year earlier completed a self-reported survey covering demographic and clinical characteristics, the Chinese version of the Short-Form Supportive Care Needs Questionnaire (SCNS-SF34-C), the supplementary module of access to healthcare and ancillary support services and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer (FACT-H&N). The final path model showed that optimism, educational level, any coexisting disease, number of somatic symptoms, household income, eating ability, support from others, whether the cancer is under control or not and travelling time from home to hospital have direct or indirect effects, or both, on the QoL of HNC survivors, by way of unmet SCNs in the psychological, physical and/or health system information domains, which account for 64 % of the variance in the total FACT-H&N score. Our study demonstrated the mediating effects of SCNs in the association between HNC survivors and their QoL. Early needs assessment may help healthcare professionals to identify the actual needs of these survivors, and providing the information that HNC survivors want is a significant factor in meeting their psychological needs and thereby improving their overall QoL.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 12-01-2023
Abstract: racticing healthy lifestyles can reduce the risk to develop noncommunicable diseases and the related mortality. Studies showed that practicing healthy lifestyles could enhance disease-free life expectancy and preserve bodily functions. However, engagement in healthy lifestyle behavior was suboptimal. his study aimed to define in iduals’ lifestyle characteristics before and during COVID-19 and determine the factors associated with practicing a healthy lifestyle. This cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the 2019 and 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System surveys. S in iduals aged ≥18 years were interviewed via phone call. Healthy lifestyles were assessed through corresponding questions regarding the maintenance of optimal body weight, physical activity, daily consumption of at least five portions of fruits and vegetables, current smoking status, and alcohol consumption. Missing data were imputed using a package in the R statistical software. The effects of practicing a healthy lifestyle on cases without missing data and those with imputation were reported. here were 550,607 respondents (272,543 and 278,064 from 2019 and 2021, respectively) included in this analysis. The rates of practicing a healthy lifestyle were 4% (10,955/272,543) and 3.6% (10,139/278,064) in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Although 36.6% (160,629/438,693) of all 2021 respondents had missing data, the results of the logistic regression analysis for cases without missing data and those with imputation were similar. Of the cases with imputation, women (odds ratio [OR] 1.87) residing in urban areas (OR 1.24) with high education levels (OR 1.73) and good or better health status (OR 1.59) were more likely to practice healthier lifestyles than young in iduals (OR 0.51-0.67) with a low household income (OR 0.74-0.78) and chronic health conditions (OR 0.48-0.74). healthy lifestyle should be strongly promoted at the community level. In particular, factors associated with a low rate of practice of healthy lifestyles should be targeted.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-08-2008
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2702.2008.02294.X
Abstract: The aim of this study was to translate from English and evaluate the validity, reliability and cultural relevance of the Cardiovascular Limitations and Symptoms Profile (CLASP) as a health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) measure in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease. Improvement in HRQL is increasingly used as a primary outcome in determining the treatment benefit using a generic instrument. However, disease-specific instruments are being cited as more responsive and sensitive in detecting even the smallest changes in health status. Therefore, valid and reliable disease-specific measures for patients with coronary heart disease are now being developed and evaluated. Questionnaire design. The translation equivalence and content validity of the Chinese version of CLASP were evaluated by an expert panel. Measurement performance was tested on a convenience s le of 369 Chinese coronary heart disease patients. The instrument demonstrated good content validity (content validity index 0.94), acceptable internal consistency (>0.70), except for two subscales of angina and tiredness and significant positive correlations among the subscales of CLASP, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale and the Short Form 36 Health Survey. Principal components analysis revealed nine factors that together explained 69% of the variance. The results of this study support that CLASP is a valid and reliable disease-specific health status measure for Chinese patients with coronary heart disease. However, further item modifications and testings are needed when considering the cross-cultural context. The use of disease-specific HRQL measures could effectively evaluate nursing interventions in clinical practice. Further validations of CLASP among different diagnostic groups, such as patients with heart failure and those who have survived an acute myocardial infarction, would provide further empirical support for its use with all patients with heart disorders.
Location: United States of America
No related grants have been discovered for Sek Ying Chair.