Nine-year comparison of presentation and management of acute coronary syndromes in Ireland: a national cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: Shorter time to treatment is associated with lower mortality in acute coronary syndromes (ACS). A previous (1994) survey showed substantial delays for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Ireland. The present study compared current practice with 1994 and surveyed acute coronary syndromes as a more complete contemporary evaluation of critical cardiac care than assessing AMI alone. METHODS: Following ethics committee approval, all centres (N = 39) admitting acute cardiac patients to intensive/coronary care unit provided information on 1365 episodes. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. RESULTS: Since 1994, median hospital arrival to thrombolysis time was reduced by 41% (76 to 45 minutes). Thrombolysis was delivered more often in the emergency department in 2003 (48% vs 2%). Thrombolysis when delivered in the emergency department was achieved faster than thrombolysis delivered in intensive/coronary care (35 mins v 60 mins; z = 5.62, p < .0001). Suspected AMI patients who did not subsequently receive thrombolysis took longer to present to hospital (5 h vs 2 h 34 mins; z = 7.33, p < .0001) and had longer transfer times to the intensive/coronary care unit following arrival (2 h 17 mins vs 1 h 10 mins; z = 8.92, p < .0001). Fewer confirmed AMI cases received thrombolysis in 2003 (43% vs 58%). There was an increase in confirmed cases of AMI from 1994 (70% to 87%). CONCLUSIONS: Substantial improvements in time to thrombolysis have occurred since 1994, probably relating to treatment provision in emergency departments. Patient delay pre-hospital is still the principal impediment to effective treatment of ACS. A recent change of definition of AMI may have precluded an exact comparison between 1994 and 2003 data

Review: The increasing importance of carbon nanotubes and nanostructured conducting polymers in biosensors

The growing need for analytical devices requiring smaller sample volumes, decreased power consumption and improved performance have been driving forces behind the rapid growth in nanomaterials research. Due to their dimensions, nanostructured materials display unique properties not traditionally observed in bulk materials. Characteristics such as increased surface area along with enhanced electrical/optical properties make them suitable for numerous applications such as nanoelectronics, photovoltaics and chemical/biological sensing. In this review we examine the potential that exists to use nanostructured materials for biosensor devices. By incorporating nanomaterials, it is possible to achieve enhanced sensitivity, improved response time and smaller size. Here we report some of the success that has been achieved in this area. Many nanoparticle and nanofibre geometries are particularly relevant, but in this paper we specifically focus on organic nanostructures, reviewing conducting polymer nanostructures and carbon nanotubes

Training of the gynaecological examination in The Netherlands.

Item does not contain fulltextBACKGROUND: Competent performance of the gynaecological examination requires good technical and interpersonal skills, which are best mastered in an educationally sound atmosphere. Research has shown that effective teaching sessions of the gynaecological examination require the presence of gynaecological educated professional patients. But to what extent is this methodology currently used at Medical Schools? Currently there is no overview of how this type of training is provided by the eight Dutch medical schools. OBJECTIVES: To describe design, content and problems encountered in relation to gynaecological examination training in medical education in The Netherlands. DESIGN: Descriptive pilot study with a written questionnaire. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: The coordinators of gynaecological skills teaching of all eight Dutch Medical schools. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The questions addressed aim, preparation, format, content, organization and evaluation of training. RESULTS: After a reminder all eight coordinators returned the survey. Objectives varied between schools. Some schools focus on technical skills whereas other schools place emphasis on overcoming students' shyness towards this intimate examination. Some schools pay special attention to students' attitudes towards women. Training formats differ also. In most schools three-hour training sessions involve two gynaecological educated professional patients and three students. A common problem is the recruitment of gynaecological educated professional patients. Schools do not have formal contacts. CONCLUSIONS: It would be interesting to compare the outcomes of different teaching formats used by the different medical schools, including comparing the differences in the teaching programmes in detail. It is ineffective that there is so little collaboration between the coordinators of the medical schools