Semicircular duct and ampulla dimensions in cat,guinea pig and man

Predictions from the classic theory of semicircular canal operation, the torsion pendulum model, depend upon labyrinthine dimensions and the physical properties of the endolymph. The dimensions of the semicircular canal, duct and ampulla in cat, guinea pig and man were determined from measurements of magnified sections of decalcified temporal bones. Estimates of the effect of shrinkage were obtained from measures in fresh material and it appears shrinkage is probably only a fairly small factor. The dimensions so obtained were used to provide new estimates of the short time constant and other mechanical parameters of the torsion pendulum model in the three species.     

Why Did I Stop? Barriers and Facilitators to Uptake and Adherence to ART in Option B+ HIV Care in Lilongwe,Malawi

Causes for loss-to-follow-up, including early refusals of and stopping antiretroviral therapy (ART), in Malawi’s Option B+ program are poorly understood. This study examines the main barriers and facilitators to uptake and adherence to ART under Option B+. In depth interviews were conducted with HIV-infected women who were pregnant or postpartum in Lilongwe, Malawi (N = 65). Study participants included women who refused ART initiation (N = 10), initiated ART and then stopped (N = 26), and those who initiated ART and remained on treatment (N = 29). The barriers to ART initiation were varied and included concerns about partner support, feeling healthy, and needing time to think. The main reasons for stopping ART included side effects and lack of partner support. A substantial number of women started ART after initially refusing or stopping ART. There were several facilitators for re-starting ART, including encouragement from community health workers, side effects subsiding, decline in health, change in partner, and fear of future sickness. Amongst those who remained on ART, desire to prevent transmission and improve health were the most influential facilitators. Reasons for refusing and stopping ART were varied. ART-related side effects and feeling healthy were common barriers to ART initiation and adherence. Providing consistent pre-ART counseling, early support for patients experiencing side effects, and targeted efforts to bring women who stop treatment back into care may improve long term health outcomes.     

Semicircular canal radii of curvature (R) in cat,guinea pig and man

The radii of curvature (R) of the horizontal (Rh), anterior (Ra) and posterior (Rp) semicircular canals were measured by a new technique (called ROTA) for cat, guinea pig and man. For each canal, data points from the ossecus canal were rotated and plotted by computer such that the plane of the sheet of computer plot corresponded to the plane best fitting that canal. The radius of each osseous canal was determined and where necessary, the radius of the are of data points was corrected for thickness of the absent tissue. For cat, guinea pig and man there are differences in R between canals within a labyrinth suggesting that if other things are equal there could be differences in the average mechanical sensitivity of the canals, which is consistent with physiological recordings from primary vestibular neurons in the cat, The Rs determined by ROTA are compared with Rs determined by conventional histological means.