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Background: A survey of medical physics residency program directors was conducted in Spring 2021 to examine the current state of brachytherapy (BT) training during residency. In this related work, a subsequent survey of therapeutic medical physics residents in 2022 was conducted to assess the confidence and experience of the trainees. Concerns for access to high‐quality and diverse training in BT have escalated in importance due to recent declines in BT utilization. Methods: A survey consisting of 26 questions was designed by a working unit of the Brachytherapy Subcommittee of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and approved for distribution by the Executive Committee of the AAPM. The survey was distributed to current trainees and recent graduates of the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs accredited therapeutic medical physics residency programs by the AAPM. The participant response was anonymously recorded in an online platform and subsequently analyzed using spreadsheet software. Results: The survey was distributed to 796 current medical physics residents or recent graduates over the course of 6 weeks in February and March of 2022. The survey received 736 views and a total of 182 responses were collected, with 165 respondents completing the survey in full. Among those responses, 110 had completed their residency training, with program start dates ranging from calendar years 2015 to 2021. Individual responses from the survey takers (including partial survey submissions) were evaluated and analyzed to compile results. Conclusions: Medical physics residents reported the highest levels of confidence and caseload for gynecological BT procedures when compared with other surveyed treatment techniques. This indicates opportunities to improve training and increase access to clinical caseload are needed in order to improve competency and confidence. Time constraints (clinical and rotation‐based) were indicated as impediments to BT proficiency. Medical physics residents reported enthusiasm for additional training opportunities in BT, and it is evident that additional structure and programs are required to ensure adequate access to BT training during residency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both methods resulted in twice the citation rate compared to subscription articles and OAs received 4.5 times the Altmetric score.[18] While reading an OA article is free, publishing in this model is not. In the history of academic publishing, there may not have been a more drastic philosophical and foundational change than the one from conventional printed communications to online dissemination. Unfortunately, the adoption of DORA recommendations has been slow within academic facilities.[13] OPEN ACCESS While earlier examples existed, the boom of open access (OA) publication models started around the year 2003. [Extracted from the article]

The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) is a nonprofit professional society whose primary purposes are to advance the science, education, and professional practice of medical physics. The AAPM has more than 8000 members and is the principal organization of medical physicists in the United States. The AAPM will periodically define new practice guidelines for medical physics practice to help advance the science of medical physics and to improve the quality of service to patients throughout the United States. Existing medical physics practice guidelines (MPPGs) will be reviewed for the purpose of revision or renewal, as appropriate, on their fifth anniversary or sooner. Each medical physics practice guideline represents a policy statement by the AAPM, has undergone a thorough consensus process in which it has been subjected to extensive review,and requires the approval of the Professional Council. The medical physics practice guidelines recognize that the safe and effective use of diagnostic and therapeutic radiology requires specific training, skills, and techniques, as described in each document. Reproduction or modification of the published practice guidelines and technical standards by those entities not providing these services is not authorized. The following terms are used in the AAPM practice guidelines: (1) Must and must not: Used to indicate that adherence to the recommendation is considered necessary to conform to this practice guideline. (2) Should and should not: Used to indicate a prudent practice to which exceptions may occasionally be made in appropriate circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brachytherapy (BT) was the first radiotherapeutic technique used to treat human disease and remains an essential modality in radiation oncology. A decline in the utilization of BT as a treatment modality has been observed and reported, which may impact training opportunities for medical physics residents. A survey of therapeutic medical physics residency program directors was performed as part of an assessment of the current state of BT training during residency. Methods: In March 2021, a survey consisting of 23 questions was designed by a working unit of the Brachytherapy Subcommittee of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and approved for distribution by the Executive Committee of the AAPM. The survey was distributed to the directors of the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Programs (CAMPEP)‐accredited therapeutic medical physics residency programs by the AAPM. The participant response was recorded anonymously in an online platform and then analyzed using MATLAB and Microsoft Excel software. Results: The survey was distributed to the program directors of 110 residency programs. Over the course of 6 weeks, 72 directors accessed the survey online, and 55 fully completed the survey. Individual responses from the directors (including partial submissions) were evaluated and analyzed. Nearly all participating programs (98%) utilize high dose rate BT treatments with 74% using low dose rate BT techniques. All programs treated gynecological sites using BT, and the next most common treatment sites were prostate (80%) and breast (53%). Overall, the residency program directors had a positive outlook toward BT as a radiotherapeutic treatment modality. Caseload and time limitations were identified as primary barriers to BT training by some programs. Conclusions: Based on the responses of the program directors, it was identified that the residency programs might benefit from additional resources such as virtual BT training, interinstitutional collaborations as well as resident fellowships. Programs might also benefit from additional guidance related to BT‐specific training requirements to help program directors attest Authorized Medical Physicist eligibility for graduating residents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, Wiley does not collect diversity data from anyone within the publishing process, including readers, authors, reviewers, or editors. In the publication reviewing process, it is common practice for a blind or double-blind review, which means the reviewers cannot see the author demographics and the authors cannot see the reviewer demographics. EDI and open access: How JACMP is the future of ethical publishing - A tale in two parts Future endeavors, aligning with the Joint Commitment, will likely include collecting diversity data from authors and reviewers, pushing the JACMP to the forefront of ethical publishing. [Extracted from the article]

While most Radiation Oncology clinics have adopted electronic charting in one form or another, no consensus document exists that provides guidelines for safe and effective use of the Radiation Oncology electronic medical records (RO‐EMR). Task Group 262 was formed to provide these guidelines as well as to provide recommendations to vendors for improving electronic charting functionality in future. Guidelines are provided in the following areas: Implementation and training for the RO‐EMR, acceptance testing and quality assurance (QA) of the RO‐EMR, use of the RO‐EMR as an information repository, use of the RO‐EMR as a workflow manager, electronic charting for brachytherapy and nonstandard treatments, and information technology (IT) considerations associated with the RO‐EMR. The report was based on a literature search by the task group, an extensive survey of task group members on their respective RO‐EMR practices, an AAPM membership survey on electronic charting, as well as group consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drinking water disinfection by‐products (DBPs), including the ubiquitous trihalomethanes (THMs), are formed during the treatment of water with disinfectants (e.g., chlorine, chloramines) to produce and distribute potable water. Brominated THMs (Br‐THMs) are activated to mutagens via glutathione S‐transferase theta 1 (GSTT1); however, iodinated THMs (I‐THMs) have never been evaluated for activation by GSTT1. Among the I‐THMs, only triiodomethane (iodoform) has been tested previously for mutagenicity in Salmonella and was positive (in the absence of GSTT1) in three strains (TA98, TA100, and BA13), all of which have error‐prone DNA repair (pKM101). We evaluated five I‐THMs (chlorodiiodomethane, dichloroiodomethane, dibromoiodomethane, bromochloroiodomethane, and triiodomethane) for mutagenicity in Salmonella strain RSJ100, which expresses GSTT1, and its homologue TPT100, which does not; neither strain has pKM101. We also evaluated chlorodiiodo‐, dichloroiodo‐, and dibromoiodo‐methanes in strain TA100 +/− rat liver S9 mix; TA100 has pKM101. None was mutagenic in any of the strains. The I‐THMs were generally more cytotoxic than their brominated and chlorinated analogues but less cytotoxic than analogous trihalonitromethanes tested previously. All five I‐THMs showed similar thresholds for cytotoxicity at ~2.5 μmoles/plate, possibly due to release of iodine, a well‐known antimicrobial. Although none of these I‐THMs was activated by GSTT1, iodoform appears to be the only I‐THM that is mutagenic in Salmonella, only in strains deficient in nucleotide excision repair (uvrB) and having pKM101. Given that only iodoform is mutagenic among the I‐THMs and is generally present at low concentrations in drinking water, the I‐THMs likely play little role in the mutagenicity of drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactivation of HSV and VZV is common following HSCT. Consensus guidelines do not support the use of routine screening for viremia following HSCT in adults, but no such clear guidelines exist in pediatrics. In our center, routine practice was to screen patients weekly for HSV and VZV viremia until engraftment in autologous transplant patients and up to day +100 in allogeneic transplant patients. We conducted a retrospective study of over 500 patients to establish whether this screening identified any patients with HSV or VZV viremia who would not have been identified by clinical signs or symptoms. Over a 4.5-yr period, routine screening identified three cases of HSV viremia and one case of VZV viremia. Two patients had persistent, unexplained fever and two patients had skin or mucosal lesions suggestive of HSV/ VZV. We conclude that routine screening for HSV and VZV viremia in pediatric HSCT patients has a very low yield and that viremia can be reliably identified by targeted testing in patients with vesicular skin lesions, oral or genital ulceration, unexplained fever, neurological symptoms, or unexplained abnormal liver transaminases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Human rhinovirus/enterovirus ( HRV/ ENT) infections are commonly identified in children with acute respiratory infections ( ARIs), but data on their clinical severity remain limited. Objectives We compared the clinical severity of HRV/ ENT to respiratory syncytial virus ( RSV), influenza A/ B ( FLU), and other common respiratory viruses in children. Patients/Methods Retrospective study of children with ARIs and confirmed single positive viral infections on mid-turbinate swabs by molecular assays. Outcome measures included hospital admission and, for inpatients, a composite endpoint consisting of intensive care admission, hospitalization >5 days, oxygen requirements or death. Results A total of 116 HRV/ ENT, 102 RSV, 99 FLU, and 64 other common respiratory viruses were identified. Children with single HRV/ ENT infections presented with significantly higher rates of underlying immunosuppressive conditions compared to those with RSV (37·9% versus 13·6%; P < 0·001), FLU (37·9% versus 22%; P = 0·018) or any other single viral infection (37·9% versus 22·5%; P = 0·024). In multivariable analysis adjusted for underlying conditions and age, children with HRV/ ENT infections had increased odds of hospitalization compared to children with RSV infections ( OR 2·6; 95% CI 1·4, 4·8; P < 0·003) or FLU infections ( OR 3·0; 95% CI 1·6, 5·8; <0·001) and increased odds of severe clinical disease among inpatients ( OR 3·0; 95% CI 1·6,5·6; P = 0·001) when compared to those with FLU infections. Conclusions Children with HRV/ ENT had a more severe clinical course than those with RSV and FLUA/ B infections and often had significant comorbidities. These findings emphasize the importance of considering HRV/ ENT infection in children presenting with severe acute respiratory tract infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of HHV6 DNAemia after solid organ transplantation has not been fully determined. Our objectives were to determine the prevalence of HHV6 DNAemia in pediatric liver transplant recipients and to describe the associated clinical characteristics and outcomes. This was a retrospective case-control study. Eligible liver transplant patients aged ≤ 18 yr with HHV6 DNAemia were matched with two subjects without HHV6 DNAemia. Matching was by age ± 6 months. Among 154 subjects, 25 patients (16%) had HHV6 DNAemia detected by PCR in whole blood or plasma (M:F ratio = 0.9:1). While 28% of subjects with DNAemia (7/25) had symptoms consistent with HHV6 infection, active infection was detected in only four subjects (2.6% of liver transplant patients). The major symptoms/signs were fever, vomiting, lethargy, splenomegaly, bone marrow suppression, and elevated transaminases. The prevalence of DNAemia due to other herpesviruses in cases vs. controls was EBV 56% vs. 60%, CMV 12% vs. 12%, HHV7 20% vs. 12%; p value is not significant for all pairwise comparisons. HHV6 DNAemia in pediatric liver transplant patients is not an uncommon entity. While the clinical relevance is still not entirely established, active HHV6 infection and attributable symptoms are relatively rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To present design aspects and acceptance tests performed for clinical implementation of electronic brachytherapy treatment of early stage rectal adenocarcinoma. A dosimetric comparison is made between the historically used Philips RT-50 unit and the newly developed Axxent® Model S700 electronic brachytherapy source manufactured by Xoft (iCad, Inc.). Methods: Two proctoscope cones were manufactured by ElectroSurgical Instruments (ESI). Two custom surface applicators were manufactured by Xoft and were designed to fit and interlock with the proctoscope cones from ESI. Dose rates, half value layers (HVL), and percentage depth dose (PDD) measurements were made with the Xoft system and compared to historical RT-50 data. A description of the patient treatment approach and exposure rates during the procedure is also provided. Results: The electronic brachytherapy system has a lower surface dose rate than the RT-50. The dose rate to water on the surface from the Xoft system is approximately 2.1 Gy/min while the RT-50 is 10-12 Gy/min. However, treatment times with Xoft are still reasonable. The HVLs and PDDs between the two systems were comparable resulting in similar doses to the target and to regions beyond the target. The exposure rate levels around a patient treatment were acceptable. The standard uncertainty in the dose rate to water on the surface is approximately ±5.2%. Conclusions: The Philips RT-50 unit is an out-of-date radiotherapy machine that is no longer manufactured with limited replacement parts. The use of a custom-designed proctoscope and Xoft surface applicators allows delivery of a well-established treatment with the ease of a modern radiotherapy device. While the dose rate is lower with the use of Xoft, the treatment times are still reasonable. Additionally, personnel may stand farther away from the Xoft radiation source, thus potentially reducing radiation exposure to the operator and other personnel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Despite the finding that 40% to 60% of stroke patients suffer from knee joint hyperextension during gait, there is a lack of agreement of the possible causes of this problem. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship between lower limb muscle weakness and knee joint hyperextension in hemiparetic stroke patients. Methods This is a cross-sectional observational comparison study. Twenty patients (mean age 66 years) who had suffered a single hemiparetic stroke and were ambulant with no major lower limb joint pathology participated. Muscle strength of the hip extensors, hip flexors, hip abductors, knee extensors, knee flexors, ankle plantarflexors and ankle dorsiflexors of both limbs was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Computerized and visual gait analysis identified subjects with and without knee hyperextension in loading response and midstance. Subjects were categorized as having weakness of a particular muscle group if the difference in strength between the paretic and non-paretic muscle was greater than 50%. The Pearson's chi-squared test was used to evaluate the association between weakness and knee hyperextension. Results A strong relationship was found between ankle plantarflexor weakness and knee hyperextension during midstance ( p = 0.044). No relationship was found between lower limb muscle weakness and knee hyperextension during loading response ( p > 0.05). No relationship was found between any other lower limb muscle groups and knee hyperextension in midstance ( p > 0.05). Conclusions Weak ankle plantarflexors, in particular gastrocnemius, may have an important role in the presence of knee hyperextension. The results of this study did not support a role for weak hamstrings or quadriceps in knee hyperextension during gait. Further research is needed to clarify the role of gastrocnemius during the stance phase and to determine if strengthening weak gastrocnemius reduces knee hyperextension. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A developmental toxicity bioassay was used in three experiments to evaluate water concentrates for suitability in multigenerational studies. First, chlorinated water was concentrated 135-fold by reverse osmosis; select lost disinfection by-products were spiked back. Concentrate was provided as drinking water to Sprague-Dawley and F344 rats from gestation day 6 to postnatal day 6. Maternal serum levels of luteinizing hormone on gestation day 10 were unaffected by treatment for both strains. Treated dams had increased water consumption, and increased incidences of polyuria, diarrhea, and (in Sprague-Dawley rats) red perinasal staining. Pup weights were reduced. An increased incidence of eye defects was seen in F344 litters. Chemical analysis of the concentrate revealed high sodium (6.6 g/l) and sulfate (10.4 g/l) levels. To confirm that these chemicals caused polyuria and osmotic diarrhea, respectively, Na2SO4 (5-20 g/l) or NaCl (16.5 g/l) was provided to rats in drinking water. Water consumption was increased at 5- and 10-g Na2SO4/l and with NaCl. Pup weights were reduced at 20-g Na2SO4/l. Dose-related incidences and severity of polyuria and diarrhea occurred in Na2SO4-treated rats; perinasal staining was seen at 20 g/l. NaCl caused polyuria and perinasal staining, but not diarrhea. Subsequently, water was concentrated ∼120-fold and sulfate levels were reduced by barium hydroxide before chlorination, yielding lower sodium (≤1.5 g/l) and sulfate (≤2.1 g/l) levels. Treatment resulted in increased water consumption, but pup weight and survival were unaffected. There were no treatment-related clinical findings, indicating that mixtures produced by the second method are suitable for multigenerational testing. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 00:1-11, 2012. Published 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial infection with Staphylococcus aureus is a common complication of atopic dermatitis (AD). The incidence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus infection (MRSA) in the AD population is unknown. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA in pediatric patients with AD, to compare disease severity, and to characterize the clonal diversity of the isolates. We carried out a prospective, cross-sectional study of 200 patients with AD. The severity of AD was defined as mild, moderate, or severe depending on a composite AD severity score. A swab was taken from the nares of each patient and another from affected skin or folds. Genotyping of all S. aureus isolates was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the S. aureus protein A (spa) gene. According to the severity score, 66.5% of subjects were ranked as having mild AD, 29.5% as having moderate and 4% as having severe AD. Staphylococcus aureus colonization was seen in 61.5% of all patients, represented by 43.7% of skin swabs and 48% of nares swabs. Only one of the isolations represented MRSA. Older age and higher AD severity scores were associated with S. aureus colonization ( P = 0.03 and P < 0.001, respectively). No significant associations were noted for attendance at day care, family members with frequent skin infections, or family members working in healthcare. Isolates from spa CC015 were cultured in 19.2% of patient samples. The single MRSA culture showed a new spa type that belonged to CC127. The results of this study confirm a high rate of S. aureus colonization of pediatric patients with AD. The low rate of MRSA requires further proof from larger prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which provides a comparative systematic analysis of cytotoxicity in mammalian cell and the DNA-damaging ability of haloacetic acids (HAAs), disinfection by-products (DBPs) from the disinfection of water. It explores the use of disinfectants aside from chlorine which produces DBPs and modifies their distribution. It mentions that the data offer the water supply community with knowledge on chlorine disinfection.

Purpose: To investigate the dosimetric effect of the air inside the SAVI™ partial breast irradiation device. Methods: The authors have investigated how the air inside the SAVI™ partial breast irradiation device changes the delivered dose from the homogeneously calculated dose. Measurements were made with the device filled with air and water to allow comparison to a homogenous dose calculation done by the treatment planning system. Measurements were made with an ion chamber, TLDs, and film. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations of the experiment were done using the EGSnrc suite. The MC model was validated by comparing the water-filled calculations to those from a commercial treatment planning system. Results: The magnitude of the dosimetric effect depends on the size of the cavity, the arrangement of sources, and the relative dwell times. For a simple case using only the central catheter of the largest device, MC results indicate that the dose at the prescription point 1 cm away from the air-water boundary is about 9% higher than the homogeneous calculation. Independent measurements in a water phantom with a similar air cavity gave comparable results. MC simulation of a realistic multidwell position plan showed discrepancies of about 5% on average at the prescription point for the largest device. Conclusions: The dosimetric effect of the air cavity is in the range of 3%–9%. Unless a heterogeneous dose calculation algorithm is used, users should be aware of the possibility of small treatment planning dose errors for this device and make modifications to the treatment delivery, if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IMI are emerging as an important cause of mortality and morbidity among the growing number of immunocompromised children. A retrospective chart review was performed in all patients with a proven diagnosis of IMI over an eight-yr period (1997–2004) at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada to document the incidence, clinical spectrum, microbiology, treatment, and outcome of pediatric IMI. Twenty-eight patients developed IMI over the study period (10 cancer, 12 HCT, and six SOT patients). IMI occurred in 0.51%, 2.2% and 3.2% after a median time of 118, 60 and 71 days, among cancer, HCT and SOT recipients, respectively. Aspergillus spp. infection was diagnosed most commonly (23 patients) and the most common site of infection was the lung (21 patients). Patients at increased risk included those with acute myelogenous leukemia, allogeneic unrelated HCT recipients, graft-versus-host disease, and lung transplant recipients. The mortality after one yr was 60% among cancer patients, 58% among HCT patients, and 16% among SOT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a review of the Spring meeting of the British Society for Matrix Biology AGM, held from April 7-8, 2008, in York, England. It details the discussions that took place at each session, lists the award recipients, and presents abstracts of presentations that were made on topics such as biomarkers, osteoarthritis, and tendon development.

Study Objectives. To distinguish adverse events related to ribavirin therapy from those attributable to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and to determine the rate of potential ribavirin-related adverse events. Design. Retrospective cohort study. Setting. Hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Patients. A cohort of 306 patients with confirmed or probable SARS, 183 of whom received ribavirin and 123 of whom did not, between February 23, 2003, and July 1, 2003. Of the 183 treated patients, 155 (85%) received very high-dose ribavirin; the other 28 treated patients received lower-dose regimens. Measurements and Main Results. Data on all patients with SARS admitted to hospitals in Toronto were abstracted from charts and electronic databases onto a standardized form by trained research nurses. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between ribavirin use and each adverse event (progressive anemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, bradycardia, transaminitis, and hyperamylasemia) after adjusting for SARS-related prognostic factors and corticosteroid use. In the primary logistic regression analysis, ribavirin use was strongly associated with anemia (odds ratio [OR] 3.0, 99% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-6.1, p<0.0001), hypomagnesemia (OR 21, 99% CI 5.8-73, p<0.0001), and bradycardia (OR 2.3, 99% CI 1.0-5.1, p=0.007). Hypocalcemia, transaminitis, and hyperamylasemia were not associated with ribavirin use. The risk of anemia, hypomagnesemia, and bradycardia attributable to ribavirin use was 27%, 45%, and 17%, respectively. Conclusions. High-dose ribavirin is associated with a high rate of adverse events. The use of high-dose ribavirin is appropriate only for the treatment of infectious diseases for which ribavirin has proven clinical efficacy, or in the context of a clinical trial. Ribavirin should not be used empirically for the treatment of viral syndromes of unknown origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tran L, Hébert D, Dipchand A, Fecteau A, Richardson S, Allen U. Invasive pneumococcal disease in pediatric organ transplant recipients: A high-risk population.Pediatr Transplantation 2005: 9: 183–186.© 2005 Blackwell MunksgaardThere are few studies on invasive pneumococcal disease in pediatric transplant recipients. Given this fact plus the advent of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, we conducted a retrospective study at a major pediatric transplant center. The objectives were to determine the incidence and outcomes of invasive pneumococcal diseases in the patient population and to examine the timing of these infections after transplantation. We determined that invasive disease occurred at a rate that was significantly greater than the rate extrapolated from generally healthy children<5 yr of age (176 episodes per 100 000 children per year vs. 35–68.3 per 100 000 children per year). In addition, disease occurred at a median of approximately 20 months after transplantation, thereby theoretically allowing enough time for vaccination with the 7-valent conjugate vaccine. The study also documented significant missed vaccination opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this research were to study the influence of peracetic acid (PAA) on the formation of mutagens in surface waters used for human consumption and to assess its potential application for the disinfection of drinking water. The results obtained using PAA were compared to those found with sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2). The Ames test, root anaphase aberration assay, and root/micronuclei assay in Allium cepa and Tradescantia/micronuclei test were used to evaluate the mutagenicity of disinfected samples. Microbiological tests were also performed, and disinfection by-products (DBPs) were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A slight bacterial mutagenicity was found in raw lake and river water, and similar activity was detected in disinfected samples. A plant test revealed genotoxicity in raw river water, and microbiological analysis showed that PAA has bactericidal activity but lower than that of the other disinfectants. The DBPs produced by PAA were mainly carboxylic acids, which are not recognized as mutagenic, whereas the waters treated with the other disinfectants showed the presence of mutagenic/carcinogenic halogenated DBPs. However, additional experiments should be performed with higher concentrations of PAA and using water with higher organic carbon content to better evaluate this disinfectant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective teambuilding is a critical aspect of management. The concept of appreciation of differences through understanding personality types and female/male developmental theory adds previously unexplored dimension to teambuilding. The authors present a teambuilding model using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and female/male developmental theory.
This article describes the blend between the MBTI and developmental theory, using the thinking/feeling functions of the MBTI as a bridge to developmental themes of men and women. A model of teambuilding that combines these two areas is provided. The purpose of the article is to provide a guideline that fosters success for the individual within the organization and ultimately allows for success of the organization by promoting the appreciation of differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Broverman et al. research that demonstrated that counselors hold stereotypic views of men and women is almost 15 years old. In the present study 249 counselors responded to the Sex Role Stereotype questionnaire to determine if counselors continue to hold different views of males and females. In the Broverman research males and adults were both seen as possessing traditionally masculine characteristics, whereas females were characterized as having traditionally feminine characteristics. Although in the current study males and females were still described in stereotypical ways, both masculine and feminine traits were attributed to adults. This change allows women to be seen as adults, a difference from the denial of adult roles for females as demonstrated in the Broverman et al. research.
This article presents an updated study of the Broverman et al. research using a larger sample population to determine whether counselors continue to hold different views of men and women after over a decade of awareness of sexual stereotyping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive Blue 19 (RB 19), its reactive form (RB 19-VS) and its hydrolyzed form (RB 19-OH) were examined using liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry/tandem mass spectrometry (LSIMS/MS/MS) in the negative-ion mode under low-energy collision conditions (240-300 eV). Structurally characteristic fragment ions were obtained, none of which has been previously reported for these reactive dyes. Among the ions obtained were SO3− ions, ions due to central amino cleavage and reactive group cleavage, and ions due to loss of SO3 and SO2. Possible pathways for the formation of product ions are proposed. The structural information obtained should help to characterize and identify reactive dyes better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight monosulfonated and disulfonated azo dyes were analyzed using liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry/tandem mass spectrometry, in the negative ion mode, under low-energy collision conditions (110-150 eV). Many structurally characteristic fragment ions were obtained, several of which have not been reported previously using other mass spectrometric techniques. Among the structurally important ions observed were those due to loss of SO2, SO3 and various aromatic substituents, such as NO2 and NHCOCH3. Losses of N2 were also proposed. In addition, product ions due to cleavage at the azo linkage were observed, and also SO3− and HSO3− ions. Several of the azo cleavage product ions detected did not contain sulfonate groups. Possible pathways for the formation of product ions are proposed. The structural information obtained should help to better characterize and identify sulfonated azo dyes in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two monosulfonated and eight disulfonated azo dyes of varying relative molecular mass were examined by liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (LSIMS). The effects of matrix, concentration, primary beam energy, and mode of operation were addressed in order to optimize sample ionization, whilst minimizing interference from matrix ions. Seven matrices were investigated: glycerol, thioglycerol, 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol, diethanolamine, 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide, a 1:1 (v/v) mixture of 2-hydroxyethyl disulfide and thioglycerol, and a 1 : 3 (v/v) mixture of dithioerythritol and dithiothreitol. Of these matrices, 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol produced LSIMS spectra that exhibited the most intense sample ions and the least inteiference from matrix ions. Minimum concentrations of 0.4 μg/μl and 4 μg/μl (dye in matrix) were necessary to produce useful full-scan spectra for monosulfonated azo dyes and disulfonated azo dyes, respectively; maximum sample ion intensities were obtained with concentrations ranging from 20 μg/μl to 60 μg/μl. A primary ion beam (cesium) of 10 to 15 kV produced the greatest secondary ionization efficiency, and a negative-ion analysis mode produced more useful spectra than those obtained in the positive-ion mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a 3-year-old girl with acute myelocytic leukemia who received a transfusion. Within minutes of completing the transfusion, the patient, who was receiving an antibiotic became febrile and hypotensive. Despite treatment, she died of multiple organ failure. Blood and urine samples obtained 18 hours after the transfusion were negative for the presence of bacteria. Serratia marcescens was isolated from cultures of blood, urine, liver, and lung obtained at autopsy.

Presents the conclusion of the study that small subunit ribosomal DNA suggests that the xenophyophorean Syringammina corbicula is a foraminiferan. Details of the study procedures; Identification of the types of xenophyophorea; Extraction of DNA.

Review: 252 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]