Infection and Fungal Development of Tubakia Dryina on Sweet Gum (Liquidambar Styraciflua)

Infection and fungal development of Tubakia dryina were investigated on leaves of sweet gum using a combination of microscopic techniques. Conidia of T. dryina adhered to the leaf surface and formed septate germ tubes. Germ tubes terminated in small appressoria that formed directly over epidermal cells. Intra- and intercellular hyphae ramified extensively throughout the leaf tissue. Host cells associated with the infection site became necrotic and collapsed, resulting in macroscopic disease symptoms

Photo-Identification Methods Reveal Seasonal and Long-Term Site-Fidelity of Risso’s Dolphins (Grampus griseus) in Shallow Waters (Cardigan Bay, Wales)

A photo-identification study on Risso’s dolphins was carried out off Bardsey Island in Wales (July to September, 1997-2007). Their local abundance was estimated using two different analytical techniques: 1) mark-recapture of well-marked dolphins using a “closed-population” model; and 2) a census technique based on the total number of iden-tified individual dolphins sighted over the study period. The mark-recapture estimates of 121 (left sides; 64 - 178, 95% CI; CV 0.24) and 145 dolphins (right sides; 78 - 213, 95% CI; CV 0.24) closely matched the census technique estimates (population size of 90 - 151). It was found that the dolphins showed a degree of long-term and seasonal site-fidelity. A first long-distance match was made for Risso’s dolphins (319 km) between Bardsey Island and Cornwall, confirming they can be wide-ranging animals. This study demonstrates that the combination of systematic and opportunistic photo-ID studies has complementary value as a population assessment tool in generating the first local abundance esti-mate for Risso’s dolphins in UK waters. From the conservation perspective, these studies confirm the regular presence of Risso’s dolphins in these waters and the presence of calves shows breeding. Bardsey Island may be part of a network of localities that are important habitats to this species where it may take advantage of prey abundance in shallow waters. As such, results of this study may provide assistance to include the Risso’s dolphin in future regional conservation strategies including the envisaged marine protected areas

Exploring the extent of mental health practice:Content and cluster analysis of techniques used in HIV Testing and Counselling sessions in Uganda

There is an urgent need for greater provision of mental health services to people living with HIV. HIV testing and counselling (HTC) sessions diagnose HIV and offer appropriate psychosocial support and behavioural messages to support people to link into HIV care. It is not known to what extent HTC currently addresses mental health. We examined transcriptions of 116 audio-recorded HTC sessions delivered in Uganda against a checklist of mental health techniques. Hierarchical cluster analysis explored co-occurrence of techniques. Core counselling skills were very commonly present, and co-occurred. Assessment techniques were not commonly seen. Specific therapy techniques to treat anxiety or depression were not present. HTC staff are a resource for delivering mental health care for people with HIV, owing to their strong fundamental counselling skills. However, training is needed in assessment and evidence-based therapies. Provision of fuller assessment and interventions may increase detection and signposting for mental health and alcohol use, both of which may affect linkage into care. HTC staff have fundamental skills that could also be developed to train and supervise other staff to provide much needed mental health support to people living with HIV. Future research should develop brief mental health interventions for delivery by HTC staff

Reconnecting Blackfoot items through technology

Reconnect: Presentation of the Mootookakio'ssin and Concepts Have Teeth projects The presentation is organized by Worlding Northern Art (WONA), a research group based at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. Its goal is to strengthen research in art history and visual culture in Northern Norway and the Circumpolar North, and to incorporate curatorial practices and artistic research. The Mootookakio'ssin and Concepts Have Teeth projects aim to reconnect Blackfoot items in UK museums with Blackfoot people and assist in processes of knowledge renewal and transmission using new technologies. The microsite is a part of the Blackfoot Digital Library, an online resource for all those now living in kitawahsinnoon. Here we have created a space that harnesses new technologies for creating and interacting with 3D and RTI images of Blackfoot items. The name, Mootookakio’ssin, was given to the project by Dr. Leroy Little Bear. In English it means distant awareness. We are a large interdisciplinary team of Indigenous and non-indigenous artists and researchers led by Elders from across the Blackfoot Confederacy. Mootookakio'ssin supports artists in addressing the legacies of colonialism, the relationship between physical and digital artworks, and how identity is entangled with these practices

The Iowa Homemaker vol.16, no.6

Cooperation Transforms Work Into Play by Helen Clark and Charlotte Heffner, page 2 Modernize Your Walls by Virginia Berry, page 3 Take a Hint from Sally by Gaynold Carroll, page 4 Should Women Have Careers? by Josephine Betty, page 6 Many Foods Make Their Debut by Jean Reis and Clare Pell, page 7 What’s New in Home Economics, page 8 The Woman’s Place in Politics by Dorothy Fedderson, page 11 Mrs. Chang Serves a Chinese Dinner by Helen Peg Belken, page 12 Graduates in New Positions by Faithe Danielson, page 13 Extend the Holiday Hilarity by Marie Larson, page 14 Shopping for Hose by Rosalie Ralston, page 15 Hints for the Coed, page 1

Equivalence of ELISpot Assays Demonstrated between Major HIV Network Laboratories

The Comprehensive T Cell Vaccine Immune Monitoring Consortium (CTC-VIMC) was created to provide standardized immunogenicity monitoring services for HIV vaccine trials. The ex vivo interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) ELISpot is used extensively as a primary immunogenicity assay to assess T cell-based vaccine candidates in trials for infectious diseases and cancer. Two independent, GCLP-accredited central laboratories of CTC-VIMC routinely use their own standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ELISpot within two major networks of HIV vaccine trials. Studies are imperatively needed to assess the comparability of ELISpot measurements across laboratories to benefit optimal advancement of vaccine candidates.We describe an equivalence study of the two independently qualified IFN-g ELISpot SOPs. The study design, data collection and subsequent analysis were managed by independent statisticians to avoid subjectivity. The equivalence of both response rates and positivity calls to a given stimulus was assessed based on pre-specified acceptance criteria derived from a separate pilot study.Detection of positive responses was found to be equivalent between both laboratories. The 95% C.I. on the difference in response rates, for CMV (-1.5%, 1.5%) and CEF (-0.4%, 7.8%) responses, were both contained in the pre-specified equivalence margin of interval [-15%, 15%]. The lower bound of the 95% C.I. on the proportion of concordant positivity calls for CMV (97.2%) and CEF (89.5%) were both greater than the pre-specified margin of 70%. A third CTC-VIMC central laboratory already using one of the two SOPs also showed comparability when tested in a smaller sub-study.The described study procedure provides a prototypical example for the comparison of bioanalytical methods in HIV vaccine and other disease fields. This study also provides valuable and unprecedented information for future vaccine candidate evaluations on the comparison and pooling of ELISpot results generated by the CTC-VIMC central core laboratories

Pharmacovigilance in hospice/palliative care: the net immediate and short-term effects of dexamethasone for anorexia

Objectives Loss of appetite is prevalent in palliative care and distressing for patients and families. Therapies include corticosteroids or progestogens. This study explores the net effect of dexamethasone on anorexia. Methods Prospective data were collected when dexamethasone was started for anorexia as part of routine care. The National Cancer Institute’s Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (NCICTCAE) Likert scales assessed severity of anorexia and immediate and short-term harms at 2 time points: baseline and 7 days. Results This study (41 sites, 8 countries) collected data (July 2013 to July 2014) from 114 patients (mean age 71 (SD 11), 96% with cancer). Median Australian-modified Karnofsky Performance Scale was 50% (range 20–70). Mean baseline NCICTCAE anorexia score was 2.7 (SD 0.6; median 3). 6 patients died by day 7. Of 108 evaluable patients, 74 (68.5%; 95% CI 59.0% to 76.7%) reported ≥1 reduction anorexia scores by day 7, of whom 30 were 0. Mean dexamethasone dose on day 7 was 4.1 mg/day (SD 3.4; median 4; range 0–46 mg). 24 patients reported ≥1 harms (32.4% CI 22.6% to 44.1%; insomnia n=10, depression n=7, euphoria n=7 and hyperglycaemia n=7). Of 24 patients with no benefit, 10 reported ≥1 harms. Conclusions This study shows positive and negative effects of 7 days of dexamethasone as an appetite stimulant in patients with advanced life-limiting illnesses. Identifying clinicodemographic characteristics of people most at risk of harms with no benefit is a crucial next step. Longer term follow-up will help to understand longer term and cumulative harms