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Aim: To evaluate the electropositive, alumina nanofibre (NanoCeram) cartridge filter as a primary concentration method for recovering adenovirus, norovirus and male-specific coliphages from natural seawater. Methods and Results: Viruses were concentrated from 40 l of natural seawater using a NanoCeram cartridge filter and eluted from the filter either by soaking the filter in eluent or by recirculating the eluent continuously through the filter using a peristaltic pump. The elution solution consisted of 3% beef extract and 0·1 mol l−1 of glycine. The method using a peristaltic pump was more effective in removing the viruses from the filter. High recoveries of norovirus and male-specific coliphages (>96%) but not adenovirus (<3%) were observed from seawater. High adsorption to the filter was observed for adenovirus and male-specific coliphages (>98%). The adsorption and recovery of adenovirus and male-specific coliphages were also determined for fresh finished water and source water. Conclusion: The NanoCeram cartridge filter was an effective primary concentration method for the concentration of norovirus and male-specific coliphages from natural seawater, but not for adenovirus, in spite of the high adsorption of adenovirus to the filter. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study demonstrates that NanoCeram cartridge filter is an effective primary method for concentrating noroviruses and male-specific coliphages from seawater, thereby simplifying collection and processing of water samples for virus recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of an increasing waiting list of new NIDDMs, we designed a new system to make better use of our existing facilities which include a small diabetes centre staffed by diabetes specialist nurses and a dietitian, and a conventional hospital clinic. Patients were usually seen at the clinic for medical assessment, where their treatment and education programme was also initiated. This programme was continued at the diabetes centre and an early clinic review was made to assess progress. After review of treatment protocols and establishment of clear guidelines for medical advice, a new system was introduced where initial assessment was made in the diabetes centre by a diabetes specialist nurse and dietitian, and medical examination was deferred until later. In order to assess this system, psychological well-being was measured using Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scales in 150 consecutive new NIDDMs under the old system, and in 100 consecutive NIDDMs under the new system. A check on the presence of medical and diabetic complications was also made. There was a significant reduction (p<0.005) in anxiety alone and both anxiety and depression together, and no significant undiagnosed medical or diabetic complications were missed. With appropriate safeguards, initial assessment of new NIDDMs can be made by diabetes specialist nurses and, by providing an earlier appointment in a less stressful environment, patient well-being is improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]