Arterial pressures in a general practice

Systolic and diastolic readings of blood pressure were recorded for 5386 (2585 males and 2801 females) members of a general practice situated in and around Ballycastle, County Antrim. Polynomials to predict blood pressure from age were derived for systolic and diastolic pressures of males and females. Polynomials to predict blood pressure variance from age were derived for both systolic and diastolic pressure of each sex. Age-sex adjusted diastolic and systolic scores were calculated for each of the 5386 members of the practice using a technique similar to that reported by Hamilton et al. (1954 a, b).Parent-child correlations ranging from -0.21 to 0.17 were observed; however, when all sibships were considered together irrespective of size coefficients which were significantly greater than zero generally involved the mother of the child. No sib-sib correlation (all sibship sizes combined), except those involving twins exceeded the value 0.13. Husband-wife correlations were similar to the corresponding parent-offspring correlations when both husband and wife were aged 45 years or more. Generally speaking, the coefficients found in this study were lower than those of other workers and reasons are discussed why the estimates of the present paper may not be unbiased.

Differential survival after prostate cancer by race: Role of NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers

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Background: A significant gap exists between Caucasians and African-Americans (AAs) in prostate cancer mortality, possibly due to sociodemographics, disease biology, or treatment. Furthermore, differential access to care at NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers (NCICCCs) conceivably contributes to this difference. Methods: Using data from the Los Angeles Cancer Surveillance Program, we studied the underlying causes of differences in mortality in 18,790 men (AAs: 4,211; Caucasians: 14,579) diagnosed with prostate cancer between 1998 and 2003, and followed until 2006. Three NCICCCs serve this area: USC-Norris, UCLA-Jonsson, and City of Hope. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 67.5 yrs; AAs were significantly more likely to have lower SES; carry no insurance; have distant disease; and be managed with “watchful waiting.” The overall and prostate-specific survival was significantly superior for patients treated at NCICCCs, and for Caucasians (Table). Multivariate analysis, after adjustment for sociodemographics, race, insurance, tumor-related factors, and treatment-modality, revealed that treatment at NCICCCs was associated with lower overall (HR=0.74, 95% CI=0.6–0.9) and prostate-specific mortality (HR=0.69, 95% CI=0.5–0.97). AAs were less likely to utilize NCICCCs (OR=0.42, 95%CI=0.4–0.5). Finally, adjustment for sociodemographic, tumor/treatment-related factors, and treatment site abrogated the racial difference in overall (HR=1.08, 95%CI=0.99–1.2) and prostate-specific (HR=1.11, 95%CI=0.9–1.3) mortality. Conclusions: Patients treated at NCICCCs have lower mortality compared with other facilities. AAs are less likely to utilize NCICCCs for prostate cancer. AAs and Caucasians have comparable overall and prostate-specific survival, after adjustment for sociodemographic, tumor/treatment-related factors, and treatment site. Future studies are needed to understand barriers and facilitators to utilization of NCICCCs for management of prostate cancer.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Favorable glycemic response of type 2 diabetics to low-calorie cranberry juice

Fruit and vegetable intake is typically low for type 2 diabetics, possibly due to a perceived adverse effect on glycemic control. Cranberry juice (CBJ) may represent an attractive means for increasing fruit intake and simultaneously affording positive health benefits. This single cross-over design compared metabolic responses of type 2 diabetics (n= 12) to unsweetened low-calorie CBJ (LCCBJ; 19 Cal/240 mL), carbohydrate sweetened normal calorie CBJ (NCCBJ; 120 Cal/240 mL), isocaloric low-calorie sugar water control (LCC), and isocaloric normal calorie sugar water control (NCC) interventions. CBJ flavonols and anthocyanins, and proanthocyanidins were quantified with HPLC, LC-MS, and MALDI-TOF that includes an original characterization of several large oligomeric proanthocyanidins. Blood glucose peaked 30 min postingestion after NCCBJ and NCC at 13.3 +/- 0.5 and 12.8 +/- 0.9 (mmol/L), and these responses were significantly greater than the LCCBJ and LCC peaks of 8.1 +/- 0.5 and 8.7 +/- 0.5, respectively. Differences in glycemic response remained significant 60 min, but not 120 min postingestion. Plasma insulin values 60 min postingestion for NCCBJ and NCC interventions were 140 +/- 19 and 151 +/- 18 (pmol/L), respectively, and significantly greater than the LCCBJ and LCC values of 56 +/- 10 and 54 +/- 10; differences were not significant 120 min postingestion. Metabolic responses within the 2 high and 2 low-calorie beverages were virtually identical; however, exposure to potentially beneficial nutrients was greater with CBJ. Relative to conventionally sweetened preparation, LCCBJ provides a favorable metabolic response and should be useful for promoting increased fruit consumption among type 2 diabetics or others wishing to limit carbohydrate intake.

Objective assessment of surgical competency--ENT trainees

The objective assessment of the progression of surgical competence throughout the career of a trainee surgeon is complicated. An operative competence assessment form was introduced into the RITA process for ENT trainees in 2004 in the Eastern Deanery. Analysis of the data has shown that there is a clear improvement in their surgical ability with 'minor' procedures being mastered much earlier in their career than 'major' procedures. The value of such an assessment tool is that it has the potential to identify the trainee that has poor surgical ability early and it also provides evidence that senior trainees at the end of their training are surgically competent to meet the demands of a consultant post.

Support for mothers, fathers and families after perinatal death

BACKGROUND

Provision of an empathetic caring environment, and strategies to enable the mother, father and family to accept the reality of perinatal death, are now an accepted part of standard nursing and social support in most of the developed world. Provision of interventions such as psychological support or counselling, or both, has been suggested to improve outcomes for families after a perinatal death.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of the provision of any form of medical, nursing, social or psychological support or counselling, or both, to mother, father and families after perinatal death.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 October 2007) and reference lists of articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised trials of any form of general support aimed at encouraging acceptance of loss, specific bereavement counselling, or specialised psychological support/counselling including psychotherapy for mother, father and families experiencing perinatal death.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed eligibility of trials; a third person subsequently assessed the quality of the identified trials as a part of this review update.

MAIN RESULTS

No trials were included.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is currently insufficient information available from randomised trials to indicate whether there is or is not a benefit from interventions which aim to provide psychological support or counselling for mothers, fathers or families after perinatal death. Methodologically rigorous trials are needed.

Increased bioavailability of a transdermal application of a nano-sized emulsion preparation

The aim of this study was to compare the transdermal application of a nano-sized emulsion versus a micron-sized emulsion preparation of delta tocopherol as it relates to particle size and bioavailability. Two separate experiments were performed using seven F1B Syrian Golden hamsters, 1 week apart. Each emulsion preparation consisted of canola oil, polysorbate 80, deionized water and delta tocopherol; the only difference between the two preparations was processing the nano-sized emulsion with the Microfluidizer Processor. Both were formulated into a cream and applied to the shaven dorsal area. The particle size of the micron-sized emulsion preparation was 2788 nm compared to 65 nm for the nano-sized emulsion formulation. Two hours post-application, hamsters that were applied the nano-sized emulsion had a 36-fold significant increase of plasma delta tocopherol, where as hamsters that were applied the micron-sized emulsion only had a 9-fold significant increase, compared to baseline, respectively. At 3h post-application, plasma delta tocopherol had significantly increased 68-fold for hamsters applied the nano-sized emulsion, whereas only an 11-fold significant increase was observed in hamsters applied the micron-sized emulsion, compared to baseline, respectively. Significant differences were also observed between the nano-sized and micron-sized emulsion at 2 and 3h post-application. This study suggests that nano-sized emulsions significantly increase the bioavailability of transdermally applied delta tocopherol.

Specimen-induced distortions in light microscopy

Specimen-induced aberrations affect the imaging properties in optical 3D microscopy, especially when high numerical aperture lenses are used. Studies on aberrations are often properly concerned with the degradation of image quality such as compromised resolution or reduced signal intensity. Apart from these, aberration effects can also introduce geometric image distortions. The effects, discussed here are particularly strong when thick biological specimens are investigated. Using a high numerical aperture interferometer, we measured wavefront aberrations in transmission mode and quantified geometric distortions associated with specimen-induced aberrations. This assessment for a range of biological specimens allows estimation of the accuracy of spatial measurements. The results show that high-resolution spatial measurements can be significantly compromised by specimen-induced aberrations.

Commissioning and performance of the variable line spacing plane grating monochromator beamline at the Canadian Light Source

The variable line spacing plane grating monochromator beamline at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) employs three grazing incidence variable line spacing gratings to cover a photon energy range of 5-250 eV. It uses a 185 mm period length planar permanent magnet insertion device as the photon source, sharing a straight section with another soft x-ray beamline at the CLS. The commissioning and performance of the beamline is reported. The high resolution photoabsorption spectra of Ar and PF(5) gases are reported. A resolving power of over 40,000 for photons in the low energy region and >10,000 for a wider energy range (8-200 eV) can be achieved. A photon flux of up to 2 x 10(12) photons/s per 100 mA with slit settings of 50 microm has been measured.

The evaluation of immediate behavioural outcomes of the syndromic case management approach for the treatment of patients with sexually transmitted infections at PHC centres in South Africa: knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and sexual behaviour

This study aimed to determine the immediate behavioural outcomes of the WHO syndromic case management model for STIs in the public health sector in South Africa, on the levels of knowledge, attitudes and beliefs, and behavioural practices (KABPs) concerning STIs. An outcomes evaluation was conducted using KABP methodology. Exit interviews were conducted with 126 STI and non-STI patients at 24 primary health care (PHC) centres in four provinces. Both groups were found to have equally high levels of knowledge about STIs and their attitudes towards and beliefs about STIs were mostly practical and slightly negative, with only promiscuity both stereotyped and stigmatised. However, both groups were found to engage in risky sexual behavioural practices although they also indicated very strong intentions to use condoms in future. Overall, no significant differences were found between the two groups on any of the variables investigated. The implications of these findings for the control and prevention of both classic STIs and HIV/AIDS in South Africa are discussed.

Intranasal myopericytoma. A tumour with perivascular myoid differentiation: the changing nomenclature for haemangiopericytoma

We present a case report of a patient who developed a sinonasal myopericytoma treated by surgical excision through a lateral rhinotomy. Some aggressive features on pre-operative computed tomography scanning and the complexity of recent changes in the histological nomenclature for these tumours led to consideration of adjuvant therapy. The close histological relationship between myopericytoma, myofibromatosis, solitary myofibroma and infantile haemangiopericytoma is discussed. This group of lesions constitute a single morphological spectrum with differentiation towards perivascular myoid cells (pericytes). Currently myopericytoma is the most appropriate and accepted term embracing all these entities. A review of the literature has been reassuring in identifying these tumours as benign but with a reasonably high rate of local recurrence (17 per cent). The treatment of choice is surgical excision with further excisions for local recurrence.

Genotypic effects of calpain 1 and calpastatin on the tenderness of cooked M. longissimus dorsi steaks from Jersey x Limousin, Angus and Hereford-cross cattle

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the calpain 1 (CAPN1) and calpastatin (CAST) genes were studied to determine their effects on meat tenderness in Bos taurus cattle. Strip loins (M. longissimus dorsi) were removed from cattle in four resource populations after slaughter (n = 1042), aged under controlled conditions until fixed times after rigor mortis, cooked and measured using a tenderometer. Animals were genotyped for the CAPN1 SNP c.947C>G (p.Ala316Gly; AF252504) and for the CAST SNP c.2959A>G (AF159246). Frequencies of CAPN1 C alleles ranged from 23% to 68%, and CAST A alleles from 84% to 99.5%. From all data combined, the CAPN1 CC genotype (compared with the GG genotype) was associated with a 20.1 +/- 1.7% reduced average shear force at intermediate stages of ageing (P < 0.001) and with a 9.5 +/- 1.3% reduction near ultimate tenderness (P < 0.001). The heterozygote was intermediate. For CAST, corresponding values for AA compared with AG genotypes were reductions of 8.6 +/- 2.0% and 5.1 +/- 1.6% respectively (both P < 0.001), but there were too few GG genotypes for comparison. There were small interactions between the CAPN1 and CAST genotypes. For the CAPN1 and CAST genotypes combined, the maximal genotype effect in average shear force was 25.7 +/- 5.5% (P < 0.001) at intermediate stages and 15.2 +/- 4.8% near ultimate tenderness (P < 0.01).

Effects of treated and untreated depressive symptoms on highly active antiretroviral therapy use in a US multi-site cohort of HIV-positive women

This study examines the effects of treated and untreated depressive symptoms on the likelihood of utilization of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among a multi-site cohort of HIV-infected women who screened positive for probable depression. Data were collected biannually from 1996 through 2001 in a prospective cohort study. Random-effects regression analysis was used to estimate the longitudinal effects of mental health treatment on the probability of HAART utilization, controlling for clinical indicators (CD4 count, viral load), demographic features (race/ethnicity, income), and behavioural factors (recent crack, cocaine, or heroin use). Use of antidepressants plus mental health therapy, or use of mental health therapy alone significantly increased the probability of HAART utilization, compared to receiving no depression treatment. Use of antidepressants alone did not differ significantly from receiving no depression treatment. African American women and those who used crack, cocaine, or heroin also were less likely to use HAART. These findings suggest that efforts to enhance depressed women's access to psychopharmacologic treatment and therapy may increase their use of the most effective HIV therapies.

Quantitative anatomy of the posterior cricoid region

The anatomy of the posterior cricoid cartilage region was examined to obtain a better quantitative understanding of this region. The mean height and width of the posterior cricoid cartilage in the midline measured 24.5 mm and 25 mm respectively. The mean distance between the fibres for the left and right posterior cricoarytenoid muscles was 5 mm at the midpoint of the posterior cricoid cartilage. The height of these muscles averaged 19 mm for left sides and 20 mm for right sides. The mean distances from the midpoint and superior midline of the posterior cricoid cartilage to the inferior laryngeal nerve were 14 mm and 15 mm respectively for left sides and 17 mm and 18 mm respectively for right sides. It is hoped that these data will be of use to clinicians performing invasive procedures in this area.

Investigation of the Booroola (FecB) and Inverdale (FecX(I)) mutations in 21 prolific breeds and strains of sheep sampled in 13 countries

Twenty-one of the world's prolific sheep breeds and strains were tested for the presence of the FecB mutation of BMPR1B and the FecX(I) mutation of BMP15. The breeds studied were Romanov (2 strains), Finn (2 strains), East Friesian, Teeswater, Blueface Leicester, Hu, Han, D'Man, Chios, Mountain Sheep (three breeds), German Whiteheaded Mutton, Lleyn, Loa, Galician, Barbados Blackbelly (pure and crossbred) and St. Croix. The FecB mutation was found in two breeds, Hu and Han from China, but not in any of the other breeds. The 12 Hu sheep sampled were all homozygous carriers of FecB (FecB(B)/FecB(B)) whereas the sample of 12 Han sheep included all three genotypes (FecB(B)/FecB(B), FecB(B)/FecB+, FecB+/FecB+) at frequencies of 0.33, 0.58 and 0.08, respectively. There was no evidence of FecX(I) in any of the breeds sampled.

Simple optimization procedure for objective lens correction collar setting

We present a new method for setting a coverglass correction collar on an objective lens. Axial scans across the interface between the specimen volume and the slide are used together with a quantitative function of merit to determine the optimum setting of the correction collar. The method, which simplifies the adjustment for the user and reduces photobleaching, was implemented within the software environment of a scanning microscope system.

Molecular and bioinformatic strategies for gene discovery for meat traits: a reverse genetics approach

The identification of genes that influence meat quality and meat yield has relevance for several livestock species. Candidate genes include those involved in the biochemical pathways controlling muscle differentiation, growth and development. Mutations in one such gene, myostatin, have previously been reported to have dramatic effects on muscle phenotype in cattle. Here we report a screening strategy for the discovery of novel mutations in 10 genes involved in muscle development using single-stand conformation polymorphism gels and DNA sequencing. Several novel mutations, both non-synonymous and synonymous were discovered, and some of these may alter gene function. In addition, we also conducted a meta-analysis of published quantitative trait loci from cattle, sheep, pigs and mice, identifying those muscle development genes most likely to contribute to variation in muscle traits within species. From this strategy we found several genes that map into regions that are part of the extended muscle development pathway.

277. Is the high level of circulating FSH in Booroola ewes due to the Bmp R1b mutation?

Booroola ewes are characterised by having high ovulation rate and litter size caused by the action of the Booroola fecundity gene (FecB), which encodes the bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR) type 1b mutation (Q249R). The product of the FecB gene influences both pituitary and ovarian activity. In both neonatal and adult Booroola ewes carrying a double copy of the FecB allele, plasma concentrations of the pituitary-derived follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) are higher than in non-carrier females. BMPR-1b is expressed in the sheep pituitary gland and recent reports have shown that in addition to GnRH, TGF-β family members such as BMP 6, 7, and 15 induce pituitary FSHβ expression. Thus BMPs may function in regulating FSH synthesis in the pituitary. We are investigating whether we can detect induction/secretion of FSH in response to BMP treatment of ovine primary pituitary cell cultures, with the aim of elucidating whether the Booroola mutation is the cause of the increased FSH secretion. Due to the high variance between cultures from different animals, and between replicates from the same animal, we are attempting to determine the best method for approaching the question. Some results from these investigations will be presented.

The FLUKA code: new developments and application to 1 GeV/n iron beams

The modeling of ion transport and interactions in matter is a subject of growing interest, driven by the continuous increase of possible application fields. These include hadron therapy, dosimetry, and space missions, but there are also several issues involving fundamental research, accelerator physics, and cosmic ray physics, where a reliable description of heavy ion induced cascades is important. In the present work, the capabilities of the FLUKA code for ion beams will be briefly recalled and some recent developments presented. Applications of the code to the simulation of therapeutic carbon, nitrogen and oxygen ion beams, and of iron beams, which are of direct interest for space mission related experiments, will be also presented together with interesting consideration relative to the evaluation of dosimetric quantities. Both applications involve ion beams in the AGeV range.

The application of FLUKA to dosimetry and radiation therapy

The FLUKA Monte Carlo code has been evolving over the last several decades and is now widely used for radiation shielding calculations. In order to facilitate the use of FLUKA in dosimetry and therapy applications, supporting software has been developed to allow the direct conversion of the output files from standard CT-scans directly into a voxel geometry for transport within FLUKA. Since the CT-scan information essentially contains only the electron density information over the scanned volume, one needs the specific compositions for each voxel individually. We present here the results of a simple algorithm to assign tissues in the human body to one of four categories: soft-tissue, hard-bone, trabecular-bone and porous-lung. In addition, we explore the problem of the pathlength distributions in porous media such as trabecular bone. A mechanism will be implemented within FLUKA to allow for variable multipal fixed density materials to accommodate the pathlength distributions discovered.

Characterizing specimen induced aberrations for high NA adaptive optical microscopy

Aberrations are known to severely compromise image quality in optical microscopy, especially when high numerical aperture (NA) lenses are used in confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) and two-photon microscopy (TPM). The method of adaptive optics may correct aberrations and restore diffraction limited operation. So far the problem of aberrations that occur in the imaging of biological specimens has not been quantified. However, this information is essential for the design of adaptive optics systems. We have therefore built an interferometer incorporating high NA objective lenses to measure the aberrations introduced by biological specimens. The measured wavefronts were decomposed into their Zernike mode content in order both to classify and quantify the aberrations. We calculated the potential benefit of correcting different numbers of Zernike modes using different NAs in an adaptive CFM by comparing the signal levels before and after correction. The results indicate that adaptive correction of low order Zernike modes can provide significant benefit for many specimens. The results also show that quantitative fluorescence microscopy may be strongly affected by specimen induced aberrations in non-adaptive systems.

Simulation of specimen-induced aberrations for objects with spherical and cylindrical symmetry

Wavefront aberrations caused by the refractive index structure of the specimen are known to compromise signal intensity and three-dimensional resolution in confocal and multiphoton microscopy. However, adaptive optics can measure and correct specimen-induced aberrations. For the design of an adaptive optics system, information on the type and amount of the aberration is required. We have previously described an interferometric set-up capable of measuring specimen-induced aberrations and a method for the extraction of the Zernike mode content. In this paper we have modelled specimen-induced aberrations caused by spherical and cylindrical objects using a ray tracing method. The Zernike mode content of the wavefronts was then extracted from the simulated wavefronts and compared with experimental results. Aberrations for a simple model of an oocyte cell consisting of two spherical regions and for a model of a well-characterized optical fibre are calculated. This simple model gave Zernike mode data that are in good agreement with experimental results.

Low-cost, frequency-domain, fluorescence lifetime confocal microscopy

We describe the theory and implementation of a frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime confocal microscope using switched diode laser illumination. Standard, communications-type, radio-frequency electronics are used to provide inexpensive modulation references and to perform phase-sensitive detection. This allows the rapid acquisition of fluorescence intensity and lifetime images and their display in real time. We show fluorescence lifetime images of bead objects and fluorescence lifetime images of biological specimens from a single confocal scan.

Adamts-1 Is Essential for the Development and Function of the Urogenital System1

Successful ovulation and implantation processes play a crucial role in female fertility. Adamts-1, a matrix metalloproteinase with disintegrin and thrombospondin motifs, has been suggested to be regulated by the progesterone receptor in the hormonal pathway leading to ovulation. With the primary aim of investigating the role of Adamts-1 in female fertility, we generated Adamts-1 null mice. Forty-five percent of the newborn Adamts-1 null mice die, with death most likely caused by a kidney malformation that becomes apparent at birth. Surviving female null mice were subfertile, whereas males reproduced normally. Ovulation in null females was impaired because of mature oocytes remaining trapped in ovarian follicles. No uterine phenotype was apparent in Adamts-1 null animals. Embryo implantation occurred normally, the uteri were capable of undergoing decidualization, and no morphological changes were observed. These results demonstrate that a functional Adamts-1 is required for normal ovulation to occur, and hence the Adamts-1 gene plays an important role in female fertility, primarily during the tissue remodeling process of ovulation.

Measurement of specimen-induced aberrations of biological samples using phase stepping interferometry

Confocal or multiphoton microscopes, which deliver optical sections and three-dimensional (3D) images of thick specimens, are widely used in biology. These techniques, however, are sensitive to aberrations that may originate from the refractive index structure of the specimen itself. The aberrations cause reduced signal intensity and the 3D resolution of the instrument is compromised. It has been suggested to correct for aberrations in confocal microscopes using adaptive optics. In order to define the design specifications for such adaptive optics systems, one has to know the amount of aberrations present for typical applications such as with biological samples. We have built a phase stepping interferometer microscope that directly measures the aberration of the wavefront. The modal content of the wavefront is extracted by employing Zernike mode decomposition. Results for typical biological specimens are presented. It was found for all samples investigated that higher order Zernike modes give only a small contribution to the overall aberration. Therefore, these higher order modes can be neglected in future adaptive optics sensing and correction schemes implemented into confocal or multiphoton microscopes, leading to more efficient designs.

Morphological and anatomical development in the Vitaceae. VII. Floral development in Rhoicissus digitata with respect to other genera in the family

This study forms part of our series of investigations on genera in the Vitaceae and is the first developmental study for the genus Rhoicissus. Vegetative and reproductive development of shoot apices of Rhoicissus digitata (L.f.) Gilg et Brandt were examined using epi-illumination light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Leaf-opposed tendrils or inflorescences, typical of the shoot architecture in the Vitaceae, were present at every node. Macroscopically, the shoot appears to grow either monopodially or sympodially. At the microscopic level, however, shoot development is sympodial; the shoot apical meristem bifurcates unequally, with the larger portion forming an uncommitted primordium, which will become either an inflorescence or a tendril, and the smaller portion (in the position of the axillary bud) forming the new shoot apical meristem. Floral primordia first initiate three sepals followed by a calyx ring on which the last two sepal primordia form. The five petals are initiated in a whorl followed by the five stamens in a petal-opposed position. There is no evidence of a common petal-stamen primordium in this species. The gy noecium is initiated as a ring primordium. Subsequently, the four ovules are initiated at the base of the two septa that grow out from the inner gynoecial wall. The nectary disc forms as an outgrowth of the gynoecium base. Mature flowers have greenish petals and a red nectariferous disc. Flowers are bisexual, and seed germination is approximately 63%. Unlike previous studies in Vitis and Parthenocissus, Rhoicissus appears to have few putatively derived floral developmental characters, which would support its relatively basal position in current phylogenies for the family.Key words: Vitaceae, morphology, development, shoot architecture, flower.

Dissatisfaction with medical care among women with HIV: dimensions and associated factors

Studies have shown that women with HIV/AIDS in the USA are less likely than men to have access to appropriate health care and to utilize services, including the latest antiretroviral drug therapies. One explanation for this underutilization is patient dissatisfaction with medical care. Dissatisfaction with care has been shown to be associated not only with treatment underutilization, but also with discontinuity of care and poor clinical outcomes. Using Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire data from a national cohort of women with HIV, this study examines levels of dissatisfaction across seven established dimensions of care, and uses multivariate analysis to identify patient characteristics associated with these dimensions (N = 1,303). Women were most dissatisfied with access to care and the technical quality of care, and least dissatisfied with financial aspects of care and their providers' interpersonal manner. Women who reported poor health, who had depressive symptomatology, who were not receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), who had no consistent care providers or who were Hispanic/Latina were more likely to be dissatisfied across most dimensions of care. Implications for enhancing clinical care for women with HIV/AIDS and overcoming barriers to utilization of care and treatment are discussed.

Adsorption of argon on carbon nanotube bundles and its influence on the bundle lattice parameter

We report experimental studies of the adsorption characteristics and structure of both 36Ar and 40Ar on single-wall carbon nanotube bundles. The structural studies make use of the large difference in coherent neutron scattering cross section for the two Ar isotopes to explore the influence of the adsorbate on the nanotube lattice parameter. We observe no dilation of the nanotube lattice with 40Ar, and explain the apparent expansion of this lattice upon 36Ar adsorption by the location of the adsorbed Ar atoms on the outer bundle surface.

Development of sensitive, high-throughput one-tube RT-PCR-enzyme hybridisation assay to detect selected bacterial fish pathogens

Bacterial monitoring and surveillance is critical for the early detection of pathogens to avoid the spread of disease. To facilitate this, an efficient, high-performance and high-throughput method to detect the presence of femotgram amounts of ribosomal RNA from 4 bacterial fish pathogens: Aeromonas salmonicida; Tenacibaculum maritimum (formerly Flexibacter maritimus); Lactococcus garvieae; and Yersinia ruckeri was developed. The system uses NucleoLink strips for liquid- and solid-phase PCR in 1 tube, to perform RT-PCR-enzyme hybridisation assays (RT-PCR-EHA) detecting 4 fg or less of rRNA from pure cultures and between 1 and 9 CFU per 200 microl sample volume from selective-enrichment culture media. The liquid-phase amplicons were visualised by gel electrophoresis and the solid-phase amplicons detected using internal probes and visualised using colorimetric detection and p-nitrophenylphosphate.