Novel Measurement of the Neutron Magnetic Form Factor from A=3 Mirror Nuclei

The electromagnetic form factors of the proton and neutron encode information on the spatial structure of their charge and magnetization distributions. While measurements of the proton are relatively straightforward, the lack of a free neutron target makes measurements of the neutron's electromagnetic structure more challenging and more sensitive to experimental or model-dependent uncertainties. Various experiments have attempted to extract the neutron form factors from scattering from the neutron in deuterium, with different techniques providing different, and sometimes large, systematic uncertainties. We present results from a novel measurement of the neutron magnetic form factor using quasielastic scattering from the mirror nuclei ^{3}H and ^{3}He, where the nuclear effects are larger than for deuterium but expected to largely cancel in the cross-section ratios. We extracted values of the neutron magnetic form factor for low-to-modest momentum transfer, 0.6 Collapse

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How reconfiguration of a minor injuries unit has affected service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

Redeployment of orthopaedic consultants to a minor injuries unit (MIU) during the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to assess the impact of early senior specialist input on patient management.

METHODS

Patient demographics, diagnosis, location of injury and disposal method were compared between three 7-day periods: during the April 2020 COVID-19 lockdown (period A), one month prior to period A (period B) and one year prior to period A (period C). Orthopaedic consultants staffed the MIU during period A, and emergency nurse practitioners staffed the MIU during periods B and C.

RESULTS

Period A witnessed higher injury severity either due to modified activities or altered healthcare-seeking behaviour during lockdown. For fractures, compared with periods B and C, period A saw a lower rate of referral to fracture clinic (41% vs 100% vs 86%, p<0.001) and higher rate of discharge (38% vs 0% vs 9%, p<0.001). The median time to fracture clinic was also longer (15 days vs 6 days vs 10 days, p<0.001), indicating earlier institution of definitive care. There were no other significant differences between periods with radiology alerts and complaints received remaining largely unchanged.

CONCLUSION

Early senior orthopaedic input in the patient journey from MIU had clear benefits, this being most true for fracture diagnoses. Earlier definitive management planning was observed as lower rates of fracture clinic referral, higher rates of discharge and deferred first fracture clinic reviews. This study highlights the benefits of greater partnership between MIU and orthopaedics. As the pandemic subsides and redeployed staff return to normal duties, a modification of this model could be utilised to ensure this partnership is sustainable.

Incisional hernia following colorectal cancer surgery according to suture technique: Hughes Abdominal Repair Randomized Trial (HART)

BACKGROUND

Incisional hernias cause morbidity and may require further surgery. HART (Hughes Abdominal Repair Trial) assessed the effect of an alternative suture method on the incidence of incisional hernia following colorectal cancer surgery.

METHODS

A pragmatic multicentre single-blind RCT allocated patients undergoing midline incision for colorectal cancer to either Hughes closure (double far-near-near-far sutures of 1 nylon suture at 2-cm intervals along the fascia combined with conventional mass closure) or the surgeon's standard closure. The primary outcome was the incidence of incisional hernia at 1 year assessed by clinical examination. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Between August 2014 and February 2018, 802 patients were randomized to either Hughes closure (401) or the standard mass closure group (401). At 1 year after surgery, 672 patients (83.7 per cent) were included in the primary outcome analysis; 50 of 339 patients (14.8 per cent) in the Hughes group and 57 of 333 (17.1 per cent) in the standard closure group had incisional hernia (OR 0.84, 95 per cent c.i. 0.55 to 1.27; P = 0.402). At 2 years, 78 patients (28.7 per cent) in the Hughes repair group and 84 (31.8 per cent) in the standard closure group had incisional hernia (OR 0.86, 0.59 to 1.25; P = 0.429). Adverse events were similar in the two groups, apart from the rate of surgical-site infection, which was higher in the Hughes group (13.2 versus 7.7 per cent; OR 1.82, 1.14 to 2.91; P = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of incisional hernia after colorectal cancer surgery is high. There was no statistical difference in incidence between Hughes closure and mass closure at 1 or 2 years.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN25616490 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

Bacteriological outcomes following random allocation to quarter-level selection based on California Mastitis Test score or cow-level allocation based on somatic cell count for dry cow therapy

Intramammary infusion of antimicrobials at the end of lactation (dry cow therapy) has been a cornerstone of mastitis management for many years. However, as only a proportion of cows are infected at this time, treating only those cows likely to be infected is an important strategy to reduce antimicrobial usage and minimize risk of emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Such an approach requires the ability to discriminate between cows and quarters likely to be infected and uninfected. This study compared assignment of cows or quarters to antimicrobial treatment at the end of lactation based on cow composite somatic cell count (SCC; i.e., all quarters of cows with a maximum SCC across lactation >200,000 cells/mL received an antimicrobial; n = 891 cows, SCC-group) or assignment to quarter-level treatment based on a quarter level California Mastitis Test (CMT) score ≥ trace (n = 884 cows; CMT-group) performed immediately before drying off. All quarters of all cows also received an infusion of a bismuth-based internal teat sealant. Milk samples were collected for microbiology following the last milking, and again within 4 d of calving. Clinical mastitis records from dry off to 30 d into the subsequent lactation were collected. Multilevel, multivariable models were used to assess the effect of assignment to antimicrobial treatment. At drying off, a total of 575 (8.8%) and 147 (2.3%) of the 6,528 quarters had a minor, and a major intramammary infection (IMI), respectively. At drying off, 2089/3270 (63.9%) and 883/3311 (26.7%) of quarters were treated with dry cow therapy in the CMT and SCC-groups, respectively. Apparent bacteriological cure proportion for any IMI was higher in quarters assigned to the CMT than the SCC-group (349/368 (0.95, 95% CI 0.92-0.97) versus 313/346 (0.90, 95% CI 0.87-0.93)). New IMI proportion was lower among quarters assigned to the CMT than SCC-group [101/3,212 (0.032, 95% CI 0.025-0.038) versus 142/3,232 (0.044, 95% CI 0.036-0.051)]. The prevalence of any IMI postcalving was lower in quarters assigned to the CMT than SCC-group [119/3,243 (0.037, 95% CI: 0.030-0.044) versus 173/3,265 (0.054, 95% CI: 0.045-0.062)]. There was no difference in incidence of clinical mastitis between treatment groups. The total mass of antimicrobials used was 63% higher in the CMT-group than in the SCC-group (3.47 versus 2.12 mg/kg of liveweight). Selection of quarters for antimicrobial treatment at the end of lactation based on CMT resulted in greater proportion undergoing bacteriological cure, reduced risk of any new IMI and reduced post calving prevalence of any IMI compared with selection of cows based on SCC. However, CMT-based selection resulted in higher antimicrobial use compared with SCC-based selection, and further research is required to analyze the cost benefit and impact on risk of antimicrobial resistance of these 2 strategies.

Study of Λn FSI with Λ quasi-free productions on the 3H(e, e′K+)X reaction at JLab

Abstract. An nnΛ is a neutral baryon system with no charge. The study of the pure Λ-neutron system such as nnΛ gives us information on the Λn interaction. The nnΛ search experiment (E12-17-003) was performed at JLab Hall A in 2018. In this article, the Λn FSI was investigated by a shape analysis of the 3H(e, e′K+)X missing mass spectrum, and a preliminary result for the Λn FSI study is given.

Cross-section measurement of virtual photoproduction of iso-triplet three-body hypernucleus, Λnn

Missing-mass spectroscopy with the 3H(e, e′K+) reaction was carried out at Jefferson Lab’s (JLab) Hall A in Oct–Nov, 2018. The differential cross section for the 3H(γ∗, K+)Λnn was deduced at ω = Ee − Ee′ = 2.102 GeV and at the forward K+-scattering angle (0° ≤ θγ∗K ≤ 5°) in the laboratory frame. Given typical predicted energies and decay widths, which are (BΛ, Γ) = (−0.25, 0.8) and (−0.55, 4.7) MeV, the cross sections were found to be 11.2 ± 4.8(stat.)+4.1−2.1(sys.) and 18.1 ± 6.8(stat.)+4.2−2.9(sys.) nb/sr, respectively. The obtained result would impose a constraint for interaction models particularly between Λ and neutron by comparing to theoretical calculations.

Study of the Λ/Σ0 electroproduction in the low-Q2 region at JLab

We performed an experiment using tritium and hydrogen cryogenic gas targets at Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) in 2018 (E12-17-003)[1, 2]. In this article, we discuss the Λ/Σ0 hyperon electroproduction from hydrogen target. Elementary Λ/Σ0 hyperon production processes are important not only for an absolute mass scale calibration in our experiment, but also for the study of the electroproduction mechanisms themselves. In this article, we reported the results of the differential cross section for the p(e, e’K+)Λ/Σ0 reaction at Q2 ∼ 0.5 (GeV/c)2.

732 Delay to Elective Colorectal Cancer Surgery and its Potential Implications During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Metanalysis

Aim

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has interrupted the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC). This systematic review will assess literature concerning the risk of delay of elective surgery for CRC patients, focusing on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

Method

A systematic review was performed as per PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020189158). Medline, EMBASE and Scopus were searched. Delay to elective surgery was defined as the period between CRC diagnosis and the day of surgery. Metanalyses of the outcome’s OS and DFS were conducted. Forest plots, funnel plots, and tests of heterogeneity were produced. An estimated Number Needed to Harm (NNH) was calculated for statistically significant pooled Hazard Ratios (HRs).

Results

Of 3753 articles identified, seven met the inclusion criteria. Encompassing 314560 patients, three of the seven studies showed that a delay to elective resection is associated with poorer OS or DFS. OS was assessed at a one-month delay, the HR for six datasets was 1.13 (95%CI 1.02-1.26, p = 0.020) and at three months the pooled HR for three datasets was 1.57 (95%CI 1.16-2.12, p = 0.004). Estimated NNHs for a delay at one month and three months were 35 and 10 respectively. Delay was non-significantly negatively associated with DFS on meta-analysis.

Conclusions

This review recommends that elective surgery for CRC patients is not postponed, as evidence suggests delays from diagnosis are associated with poorer outcomes. Focused research is essential so that patient groups can be prioritized based on risk factors for future pandemics.

Risk factors for clinical or subclinical mastitis following infusion of internal teat sealant alone at the end of lactation in cows with low somatic cell counts

AIMS

To identify risk factors for subclinical and clinical mastitis in cows with low somatic cell counts (SCC) following infusion with internal teat sealant (ITS) at drying off.

METHODS

Cows with no history of clinical mastitis and a maximum SCC <250,000 cells/mL at any herd test in the lactation before drying off were randomly selected from 36 herds. In the final week of lactation, quarter milk samples were collected aseptically from each selected cow for microbiology, and each quarter was then infused with ITS. Clinical mastitis records from 22 herds and herd test data from all herds were collated to determine potential herd- or cow-level explanatory variables for clinical mastitis over the dry period or in the first 60 days of the subsequent lactation, and subclinical mastitis (SCC >200,000 cells/mL; SCM) at the first herd test after calving. Multivariable, multilevel, logistic regression analyses were used to model the data.

RESULTS

At drying off, 44/1,514 (2.8%) cows were infected with a major pathogen. Two of 1,001 (0.2%) cows were diagnosed with clinical mastitis over the dry period. There were 128/1,514 (8.5%) cows with SCM at the first herd test after calving. The odds of SCM were greater for cows with a major pathogen present at drying off than those without (OR = 4.7 (95% CI = 2.29-9.65); p < 0.001), and for third or greater lactation than second lactation cows (OR = 3.16 (95% CI = 1.70-5.88); p < 0.001). For every 1L increase in milk yield at the last herd test before drying off the OR for SCM was 1.07 (95% CI = 1.01-1.13); (p = 0.02), and for each 1 unit increase in ln maximum SCC in the lactation before drying off the OR for SCM was 1.54 (95% CI = 1.13-2.10); (p = 0.01). There were 30/976 (3.1%) cows diagnosed with clinical mastitis in the first 60 days after calving. The odds of clinical mastitis were greater for cows producing >15 L/day at the last herd test of the preceding lactation than cows producing <10 L/day (OR = 4.79 (95% CI = 1.48-15.46); p = 0.009); for each 1 unit increase in ln maximum SCC in the previous lactation the OR for clinical mastitis was 1.96 (95% CI = 1.09-3.54); (p = 0.03), and the odds increased with increasing herd-level cow-case lactational incidence of clinical mastitis in the preceding lactation (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Selection of cows with low SCC for ITS infusion should consider cow milk yield and maximum cow SCC in the preceding lactation.

Detecting intramammary infection at the end of lactation in dairy cows

To reduce antimicrobial use, infusion of antimicrobials into only infected cows at the end of lactation (selective dry cow therapy) is preferable to infusion of every cow with antimicrobials. Use of selective dry cow antimicrobial therapy requires differentiation of probably infected from uninfected cows to enable treatment allocation. Milk somatic cell count (SCC) has been used to distinguish between cows with and without intramammary infection (IMI). However, SCC may be influenced by milk yield, stage of lactation, breed, and herd-level variables such as prevalence of infection. Cut points for SCC, to distinguish between cows with and without an IMI, may need to differ between cow age groups and breeds, or among herds. This study evaluated associations between SCC and major pathogen IMI in one or more quarters of 2,606 cows from 36 herds in 4 regions of New Zealand. In the last week of lactation, cows selected at random had milk samples collected from each quarter, and the teat-end condition and hygiene of the udder were scored. Herd- and cow-level data including age, breed, milk volume, and SCC at each production were recorded, and bulk tank milk SCC and volume of milk shipped were collated. At cow level, the association between average, maximum, and last cow-composite SCC, and presence of a major pathogen IMI in one or more quarters of cows, was examined using receiver operator curves. Predictive logistic regression models were then developed that included potential effect modifiers such as age, milk yield, and bulk tank milk SCC. The population average prevalence of major pathogen IMI was 7.2% of cows (95% confidence interval = 5.9-8.6), and this varied significantly between herds. The average, maximum, and last cow-composite SCC of lactation were all predictive of presence of a major pathogen IMI and did not differ in their ability to discriminate infected from uninfected cows. However, the optimal cut points for the last SCC, the maximum SCC, and average SCC were 108, 152, and 105 × 1,000 cells/mL, respectively. Inclusion of age, bulk tank SCC, and history of clinical mastitis improved overall model fit. However, inclusion of these variables did not improve the discriminatory power of maximum cow-composite SCC used alone. We conclude that cow-composite SCC on its own resulted in sensitivities and specificities of between 0.76 and 0.86, and 0.71 to 0.80, respectively, for determination of presence of major pattern IMI, and the predictive value was not improved by addition of other predictor variables.

Flexible gauge length intrinsic fiber-optic strain sensor using broadband interferometry [Invited]

Monitoring strain is important in precision engineering applications that require maintaining the precise alignments of structures over time, such as those found in machine tools and metrology frames. We present a fiber-optic strain measurement technique based upon broadband interferometry that is variously configurable in terms of gauge length and sensitivity. This is achieved by the use of an unbalanced interrogation interferometer configuration that alleviates the cavity length limit imposed by the temporal coherence of the system. We also demonstrate that dispersion in fiber sensors based on intrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometers must be considered to optimize performance. The possibility of multisensor interrogation using the same optical system is also reported.

A nurse-led paediatric oncology fast-track clinic proves a successful ambulatory intervention for patients

AIM

To assess the impact of a pilot nurse-led paediatric oncology fast-track clinic (OFTC) for complications and side effects following chemotherapy within a paediatric tertiary hospital.

METHODS

Prospective clinical data from the first 100 patients seen in the OFTC were compared with retrospective data of oncology patient presentations to the emergency department (ED) (over a 1-year period, n = 196) who would have been eligible for review in the OFTC. Parent and patient satisfaction of clinical care were also assessed via surveys pre- and post-OFTC implementation.

RESULTS

Analysis which achieved statistical difference was a reduction in the number of blood tubes taken in OFTC (average 1.9 for those discharged from clinic, 2.9 for those admitted from clinic) in comparison to those seen in the ED (average 3.2) (p = 0.0027). The average number of interventions per patient seen in the ED were 2.1 (standard deviation 1.64) compared with 1.7 (standard deviation 1.55) interventions per patient seen in the OFTC, and who were not admitted following review. This result approached statistical significance with p = 0.0963. Other results which did not meet statistical significance included a reduction in treatment times, hospital admissions and medical oncology reviews.

CONCLUSION

Our pilot study implementing an OFTC for the triage and assessment of chemotherapy-related complications has proven successful from an operational and consumer perspective. The clinic improved care by ensuring expedited review, more streamlined interventions, and less overall hospital admissions. The improvements in efficiency were also mirrored by increased parent and patient satisfaction.

Improvements to dispersed reference interferometry: beyond the linear approximation

Interferometric instruments with dispersion introduced in the reference arm have previously been created, as the controlled dispersion can be used to generate a signal that contains a clearly identifiable point, the location of which relates to the position of the scattering surface in the measurement arm. In the following, we illustrate that the linear approximations that have been used previously can lead to significant errors, and that second-order terms need to be included in order to correct this. These corrections are vital if these instruments are to be used for metrological applications.

Evaluation of Nasonov Pheromone Dispensers for Pollinator Attraction in Apple, Blueberry, and Cherry

Declines in the number of commercial honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and some wild bee species around the world threaten fruit, nut, and vegetable production and have prompted interest in developing methods for gaining efficiencies in pollination services. One possible approach would be to deploy attractants within the target crop to increase the number of floral visits. In this study, we evaluate two new pollinator attractants, Polynate and SPLAT Bloom, for their ability to increase pollinator visitation and fruit set in apple (Malus pumila Mill.), highbush blueberry (Vaccinium sp. L.), and tart cherry (Prunus cerasus L.). Polynate is a plastic twin-tube dispenser loaded with a mixture of floral scent and Nasonov pheromone. SPLAT Bloom contains the same chemical formula as Polynate, but is applied as a 3 g wax dollop directly onto the tree or bush. The objectives of this study were to determine if Polynate and SPLAT Bloom increase the number of honey bee foragers and fruit set in apples, highbush blueberries, and tart cherries. We conducted replicated evaluations of 32 fields or orchards with and without putative attractants over three growing seasons. Both products failed to provide a measurable increase in pollinator visits or fruit set in these crops, indicating no return on investment for either product.

Cognitive Performance Does not Limit Physical Activity Participation in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot Study (LIFE-P)

OBJECTIVES

We examined whether multiple domains of baseline cognitive performance were associated with prospective physical activity (PA) adherence in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Pilot study (LIFE-P).

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS

The LIFE-P study was a single-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of a PA intervention compared to a successful aging educational intervention in sedentary, mobility-limited older adults.

INTERVENTION

A 12-month structured, moderate-intensity, multi-modal PA program that included walking, resistance training, and flexibility exercises. For the first 2 months (adoption), 3 center-based exercise sessions (40-60 min) / week were conducted. During the next 4 months (transition), center-based sessions were conducted 2 times / week. The subsequent maintenance phase consisted of optional once-to-twice-per-week center-based sessions and home-based PA.

MEASUREMENTS

Tests of executive and global cognitive functioning, working memory and psychomotor speed were administered at baseline. Median test scores were used to dichotomize participants into low or high cognitive performance groups.

RESULTS

52 mobility-limited older adults (age: 76.9 ±5 yrs) were randomized to the PA arm of LIFE-P. Compared to participants with high cognitive performance, participants with low performance had similar PA adherence rates (all P ≥ 0.34). Furthermore, weak and non-significant univariate relationships were elicited between all measures of cognition and overall PA adherence levels (r values ranged: -0.20 to 0.12, P ≥ 0.12).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that cognitive performance does not limit long-term PA adherence in mobility-limited older adults. Additional studies in larger cohorts are warranted to verify these findings.

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging-indeterminate/negative cardiac sarcoidosis revealed by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography: two case reports and a review of the literature

Background

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder of immune dysregulation characterized by non-caseating granulomas that can affect any organ. Cardiac sarcoidosis is an under-recognized entity that has a heterogeneous presentation and may occur independently or with any severity of systemic disease. Diagnosing cardiac sarcoidosis remains problematic with endomyocardial biopsies associated with a high risk of complications. Several diagnostic algorithms are currently available that rely on histopathology or clinical and radiological measures. The dominant mode of diagnostic imaging to date for cardiac sarcoidosis has been cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium enhancement.

Case presentations

We report the cases of two adult patients: case 1, a 50-year-old white man who presented with severe congestive cardiac failure; and case 2, a 37-year-old white woman who presented with complete heart block. Both patients had a background of untreated pulmonary sarcoidosis. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging did not show evidence of sarcoidosis in either patient and both proceeded to ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography scans that were highly suggestive of cardiac sarcoidosis. Both patients were systemically immunosuppressed with orally administered prednisone and methotrexate and had subsequent improvement by clinical and nuclear medicine imaging measures.

Conclusions

Current consensus guidelines recommend all patients with sarcoidosis undergo screening for occult cardiac disease, with thorough history and examination, electrocardiogram, and transthoracic echocardiogram. If any abnormalities are detected, advanced cardiac imaging should follow. While cardiac magnetic resonance imaging identifies the majority of cardiac sarcoidosis, early disease may not be detected. These cases demonstrate ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography is warranted following an indeterminate or normal cardiac magnetic resonance imaging if clinical suspicion remains high. Unidentified and untreated cardiac sarcoidosis risks significant morbidity and mortality, but early detection can facilitate disease-modifying immunosuppression and cardiac-specific interventions.

Comparison of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex Yield and Contamination Rates using Lowenstein-Jensen with and without Antibiotics in Western Kenya

BACKGROUND

While molecular methods have been recently endorsed for diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB), mycobacterial culture remains the gold standard. Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) is often used for the cultivation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC); however contamination often renders a subset of cultures useless. We compared the MTBC yield and contamination rate of processed sputum inoculated on LJ with antibiotics (LJ PACT) to LJ without antibiotics (LJ).

METHODOLOGY

Sputum samples were obtained from people living with HIV enrolled in a TB screening study in western Kenya, processed using NALC/NaOH-Na citrate, then inoculated on LJ PACT and LJ media. Cultures were evaluated weekly with growth identified as acid-fast bacilli by Ziehl-Neelsen bright-field microscopy. MTBC and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) were identified by immunochromatographic and line probe assays.

RESULTS

A total of 700 sputum samples were cultured on both LJ PACT and LJ between March and June 2012. Of those cultured on LJ PACT, 29 (4.1%) grew MTBC, 613 (87.6%) were negative, 12 (1.7%) grew NTM, and 46 (6.6%) were contaminated; on LJ, 28 (4%) grew MTBC, 553 (79%) were negative, 9 (1.3%) grew NTM, and 110 (15.7%) were contaminated. The difference in contamination on LJ PACT and LJ was statistically significant (p<0.0001), while the difference in MTBC growth was not (p=0.566).

Exposing the illegal trade in cycad species (Cycadophyta:Encephalartos) at two traditional medicine markets in South Africa using DNA barcoding

Species in the cycad genus Encephalartos are listed in CITES Appendix I and as Threatened or Protected Species in terms of South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEM:BA) of 2004. Despite regulations, illegal plant harvesting for medicinal trade has continued in South Africa and resulted in declines in cycad populations and even complete loss of sub-populations. Encephalartos is traded at traditional medicine markets in South Africa in the form of bark strips and stem sections; thus, determining the species traded presents a major challenge due to a lack of characteristic plant parts. Here, a case study is presented on the use of DNA barcoding to identify cycads sold at the Faraday and Warwick traditional medicine markets in Johannesburg and Durban, respectively. Market samples were sequenced for the core DNA barcodes (rbcLa and matK) as well as two additional regions: nrITS and trnH-psbA. The barcoding database for cycads at the University of Johannesburg was utilized to assign query samples to known species. Three approaches were followed: tree-based, similarity-based, and character-based (BRONX) methods. Market samples identified were Encephalartos ferox (Near Threatened), Encephalartos lebomboensis (Endangered), Encephalartos natalensis (Near Threatened), Encephalartos senticosus (Vulnerable), and Encephalartos villosus (Least Concern). Results from this study are crucial for making appropriate assessments and decisions on how to manage these markets.

Experience in implementing a quality management system in a tuberculosis laboratory, Kisumu, Kenya

We implemented a quality management system (QMS) and documented our improvements in a tuberculosis (TB) laboratory in Kisumu, Kenya. After implementation of the QMS, a sustained reduction in culture contamination rates for solid (from 15.4% to 5.3%) and liquid media (from 15.2% to 9.3%) was observed, and waste from product expiry was reduced significantly. External quality assurance (EQA) results were satisfactory before and after QMS implementation, and a client survey after implementation revealed 98% satisfaction. The laboratory attained ISO 15189 accreditation in October 2013. The implementation of QMS facilitated the attainment of target quality indicators, reduced waste due to expiry and led to high client satisfaction.

Antiretroviral therapy uptake among adult tuberculosis patients newly diagnosed with HIV in Nyanza Province, Kenya

SETTING

In 2008, the Kenya tuberculosis (TB) program reported low (31%) antiretroviral therapy (ART) uptake among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected TB patients.

OBJECTIVE

To confirm ART coverage and identify factors associated with HIV clinic enrollment and ART initiation among TB patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart abstraction of adult TB patients newly diagnosed with HIV and eligible for ART at 58 Nyanza Province TB clinics between October 2006 and April 2008. TB data were linked to HIV clinic data at 50 facilities that provided ART. Associations with HIV clinic enrollment and ART were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among 1137 ART-eligible TB patient records sampled, 32% documented HIV clinic enrollment and 29% ART. Date fields were largely incomplete; 11% of the patient records included HIV testing dates and ≤1% had dates for cotrimoxazole prophylaxis, HIV clinic enrollment and ART initiation. Adding HIV clinic data increased HIV clinic enrollment and ART documentation to respectively 62% and 44%. Among TB patients in HIV care, female sex, older age group and baseline CD4 documentation were associated with ART initiation.

CONCLUSION

Linking data increased documentation of HIV clinic enrollment and ART uptake. Continued efforts are required to improve the documentation of HIV service delivery, especially in TB clinics. Interventions to increase ART uptake are needed for younger patients and men.

The effect of multimodal and enriched feedback on SMR-BCI performance

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the effect of multimodal (visual and auditory) continuous feedback with information about the uncertainty of the input signal on motor imagery based BCI performance. A liquid floating through a visualization of a funnel (funnel feedback) provided enriched visual or enriched multimodal feedback.

METHODS

In a between subject design 30 healthy SMR-BCI naive participants were provided with either conventional bar feedback (CB), or visual funnel feedback (UF), or multimodal (visual and auditory) funnel feedback (MF). Subjects were required to imagine left and right hand movement and were trained to control the SMR based BCI for five sessions on separate days.

RESULTS

Feedback accuracy varied largely between participants. The MF feedback lead to a significantly better performance in session 1 as compared to the CB feedback and could significantly enhance motivation and minimize frustration in BCI use across the five training sessions.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates that the BCI funnel feedback allows participants to modulate sensorimotor EEG rhythms. Participants were able to control the BCI with the funnel feedback with better performance during the initial session and less frustration compared to the CB feedback.

SIGNIFICANCE

The multimodal funnel feedback provides an alternative to the conventional cursorbar feedback for training subjects to modulate their sensorimotor rhythms.