A1 Quantitative Article
Article #A1:
Wu, H., Li, Z., Li, H, & Wu, S. (2016). Quantitative phase imaging of breast cancer cell based on SLIM. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 679(1), 1-5. doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/679/1/012003
Background
In this article, Wu et al. (2016) used quantitative process in analyzing data created from observing the cell dynamics, in which they used spatial light interference microscopy or SLIM to come up with the data. In this process, they combined the Zernike’s phase contrast microscopy, as well as, Gabor’s holography. Zernicke discovered it back in 1935 when he was able to observe phase objects that did not scatter light, and allowed scientists to detect the inner details of cells without having to stain the image (Wu et al., 2016, p.1). It produced a level of accuracy similar to the atomic force microscopy, with greater speed in processing. The use of quantitative phase imaging became known in bioresearch, in which they map the phase distribution of the image field and useful in imaging cell growth, cell refractive, as well as in imaging the red blood cells and the optical properties of tissue. However, the quantitative phase imaging has some shortcomings, which was the reason why SLIM was invented, in order to create a more detailed quantitative phase image of the cell structure.
Review of Literature
Quantitative phase imaging produces a number of shortcomings, as it would often produce speckles in the imaging, while the experimental set-up can be very complex. This can limit the accuracy and clarity of living cell imaging, which was the reason why Wu et al. (2016) demonstrated the beneficial uses of SLIM in image processing. The use of SLIM can produce a very detailed quantitative phase image of the cell structure, especially when it is combined with Laplace operator. On the other hand, combining it with fluorescence imaging can provide a unique method of observing the growth of cells and, at the same time, does not produce a complex method of processing but one that is easier to handle and apply. Thus, SLIM can be useful when it comes to producing “instantaneous spatial light interference microscopy which combines the benefits of white light illumination” (Wu et al., 2016, p.2). Moreover, it can set the diameters for applying red blood cell analysis, and set the basis for the topography and refractometry of biological nanostructures just by measuring the system point-spread function using SLIM, producing improved resolution of the living cell images.
Discussion of Methodology
SLIM’s principle lies on the passing of light in imaging, in which one portion of light remains scattered and contains the so-called structure information sample. The other portion, on the other hand, appear to be unscattered and thus, forms a uniform background of cell image. In using this principle, U1 (x, y) denotes the scattered light, while U0 denotes the unscattered light. I (x, y; ϕ) denotes the light intensity being accepted by the CCD, and this can be expressed as an equation wherein
I (x, y, ϕ) = │U 0│² + │U 1 (x, y)│² + 2 │U 0││U 1 (x, y)│cos [Δϕ (x, y) + ϕ]
Using this equation, Wu et al. (2016) were able to produce a quantitative phase image that is associated with the sample. They were also able to produce a local refractive index that is crucial in calculating the sample mass. Lastly, Wu et al. (2016) placed the MCF-7 breast cancer cells with about 10 percent FBS being added to the DMEM buffer, and incubated for a total of three days at a temperature of 37˚c at an incubator having 5 percent carbon dioxide (Wu et al., 2016, p.4). Their aim was to produce an accurate cell image of a breast cancer cell using SLIM and the quantitative phase imaging that applies common interferometry.
Data Analysis
When Wu et al. (2016) placed some breast cancer cells with 10 percent FBS added, and incubated for three days at 37˚c, the average size of the breast cancer cells appeared to be at 13µm (p.4). They came up with images that showed four phase rings around the cells, with a corresponding phase of 0, π/2, π, 3π/2 (Wu et al., 2016, p.4). Using SLIM, Wu et al. (2016) came up with better, more accurate images when they used the equation:
Δϕ (x, y) = tan -1^ 1 (x, y, 3π / 2) – 1 (x, y, π/2)
1 (x, y, 0) – 1 (x, y, π)
Better yet, however, it was more accurate when they combined the first and second equation with another third equation that was:
ϕ (x, y) = tan -1^ ά (x, y) sin [Δϕ (x, y)]
1 + ά (x, y) cos [Δϕ (x, y)]
The data shows that it is possible to produce a highly accurate quantitative phase image of a breast cancer cell just by using common interferometry highlighted in SLIM processing.
Researcher’s Conclusion
In using spatial light interference microscopy or SLIM, it renders highly accurate and with high contrast intensity image, as it allows light to pass through the transparent specimens and achieve a successful quantitative phase imaging. It uses common interferometry by allowing the use of sensitive optical path length measurement that can provide images without the speckles. SLIM is therefore used in extracting both quantitative and nanoscale information regarding cell density, which can be proven through images. It is used also in demonstrating physiological activity and the status of individual cells, not to mention reveal the heterogeneity between breast cells. SLIM can also be useful in studying cellular differentiation and pathology, as proven by the data retrieved by Wu et al. (2016).
B1 Qualitative Article
Article #B1:
Van Devanter, N. Combellick, J., Hutchinson, M.K., Phelan, J., Malamud, D., & Shelley, D. (2012). A qualitative study of patients’ attitudes toward HIV testing in the dental setting. Nursing Research and Practice, Article ID 803169, 1-6. doi: 10.1155/2012/803169
Background:
It is estimated that there are as much as 1.1 million citizens living in the United States that is suspected to be positive in HIV/AIDS (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.1). Yet, about 200,000 of them have no idea that they are positively infected with the virus (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.1). Thus, in 2006 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offered screening tests to both adolescents and adults, which included patients found in dental clinical settings (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.1). As stated, “little is known about the feasibility and acceptability of this type of innovative practice” (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.1). Thus, they did a qualitative research on 19 adults who were positively found to be attending dental clinics in the city of New York (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.1). They organized a set of interviews on the adults, focusing on their attitudes towards HIV testing in the dental clinical setting. They found that the adults held positive attitudes towards HIV screening. They even identified such important factors in relation to collaborative programs in HIV screening, including the increase of the individual’s knowledge of their HIV status. They also identified the convenience of the HIV tests in receiving dental care, although it is important that they be offered to participants on a voluntary basis, since others may be fearful of undergoing tests.
Review of Literature
Early detection and treatment of HIV were said to increase the lifespan of individuals, especially patients who were positive of the virus. However, as much as 55 percent of all adults in the United States, who were ages 18 to 64, had not yet been tested for HIV (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.1). However, those who were tested and found to be positively infected by the virus discovered it late, as it was with one-third of the overall number, in which they missed the opportunity of receiving early treatment for HIV/AIDS (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.1). For this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended in 2006 that there should be extensive HIV testing for adults between the ages of 13 and 64 in all clinical settings around the United States (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.1). They revised the standards, insisting that counseling need not be required, and that prompt testing technology should always be available within the States, bringing HIV screening to a variety of new venues. In terms of dental clinical settings, however, it is said that only a small percentage offer HIV screening to their patients. There were a number of barriers for the dental clinics, such as lack of skills, lack of referral sources, and lack of time, financial sources, as well as patient privacy. These barriers, still, could be addressed just by improving collaborations between those working in dental clinics, as well as, the nurses and other healthcare professionals. The study featured the attitudes of patients with regards to HIV/AIDS care, as they voiced out their beliefs on how patients would respond to it.
Discussion of Methodology
Van Devanter et al. (2012) conducted a pilot study by accumulating data from patients, to assess the feasibility of conducting HIV screening and AIDS counseling in one dental clinic stated in a university. There were interviews conducted on the 19 patients, during the months of April and May in 2011, to investigate their beliefs, attitudes, and their state of acceptability of having HIV testing within the dental clinical setting (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.2). The study was conducted at the New York University College of Dentistry, in which 41 percent of the patients came from the New York City, and 74 percent were from 30 to 49 years of age (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.2). Most of them were females (54%), and about 60 percent were either Black or Latino (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.2). During the study, patients were led towards a waiting room by a research assistant and then invited if they be eager to answer some questions. Those who agreed were given information sheet explaining the objectives of the study and the incentive being offered, which was a New York transit card amounting to $20. They were led to a quiet, secluded area for the interviews.
Data Analysis
Van Devanter et al. (2012) used an interview guide that centered on the patients’ beliefs, intentions, and attitude toward conducting HIV tests in dental clinics. Participants were inquired about their ideas of the factors that would make HIV screening easier (i.e., facilitators), as well as the factors that would make it harder (i.e., barriers). The interviews lasted from 15 to 25 minutes and were recorded (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.3). There were three findings that Van Devanter et al. (2012) acquired in the study. First, all of the participants expressed positive attitudes towards oral HIV testing around dental clinics, in which 74 percent expressed acceptability of being screened during their dental visit (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.3). Second, all of the participants expressed positive attitudes and thought it to be consistent with their beliefs of what should be provided in the dental practice. Third, participants identified logistical issues in relation to HIV screening, such as the need for professional counseling, the need for privacy, as well as providing educational materials.
Researcher’s Conclusion
For these tests to be successfully implemented, what the patients expressed during the interview should all be addressed, including “testing-related privacy, availability of expert posttest counseling, psychosocial support, follow-up confirmatory testing and linkage to medical care” (Van Devanter et al., 2012, p.5). There should be successful collaboration between the dentists and other health professionals, to be able to successfully provide an innovative approach to conducting HIV tests and screening in the dental clinic setting.
References:
Van Devanter, N., Combellick, J., Hutchinson, M.K., Phelan, J., Malamud, D., & Shelley, D. (2012). A qualitative study of patients’ attitudes toward HIV testing in the dental setting. Nursing Research and Practice, Article ID 803169, 1-6. doi: 10.1155/2012/803169
Wu, H., Li, Z., Li, H, & Wu, S. (2016). Quantitative phase imaging of breast cancer cell based on SLIM. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 679(1), 1-5. doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/679/1/012003
Other Sources:
DiCenso, A., Guyatt, G., & Ciliska, D. (2005). Evidence-based nursing: a guide to clinical practice. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier MOSBY. Print.
Ellis, P. (2016). Evidence-based practice in nursing (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications Inc. Print.
Schmidt, N.A., & Brown, J.M. (2015). Evidence-based practice for nurses: Appraisal and application of research (3rd ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning. Print.
