Haematological and serum biochemical reference interval for free-ranging northern bettongs (Bettongia tropica) in far north Queensland.

Background: The northern bettong, Bettongia tropica, is an endangered potoroid recognised as a specialist consumer of underground ectomycorrhizal fungi important to wet sclerophyll forest at the interface with tropical rainforest. In line with identified recovery objectives of re-establishing populations within the species' former range, a founder population was translocated to a feral predator-free fenced exclosure within previously occupied habitat to the south of its current range. No published reference intervals for haematology and serum biochemistry exist for this species.

Development and validation of an improved HPLC method for the control of potentially counterfeit isometamidium products.

Isometamidium, a mixture of related substances of which 8-(3-m-amidinophenyl-2-triazeno)-3-amino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium chloride hydrochloride (M&B4180A) is the principal active component, is the only chemical agent available for prophylaxis of veterinary trypanosomiasis. A method for the simultaneous quantitation of the major constituents M&B4180A, 3-(3-m-amidinophenyl-2-triazeno)-8-amino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium chloride hydrochloride (M&B38897), 7-(m-amidinophenyldiazo)-3,8-diamino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium chloride hydrochloride (M&B4250) and 3,8-di(3-m-amidinophenyltriazeno)-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium chloride dihydrochloride (M&B4596) is described. The related substances are resolved on a Gemini C18 column (150 mm x 4.

Determination of rifampicin in human plasma and blood spots by high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection: a potential method for therapeutic drug monitoring.

A high performance liquid chromatography method has been developed that allows quantification of concentrations of rifampicin in human plasma and blood spots. Rifampicin and papaverine hydrochloride (internal standard) were extracted from plasma using a Strata-X-CW extraction cartridge. These analytes were also extracted into acetonitrile from blood spots dried onto a specimen collection card.

Certainty and uncertainty in genetic counselling: a qualitative case study.

This study examines the communication that occurs during routine genetic counselling sessions. It involves the qualitative analysis of nine consultations with one member of a clinical genetics team. The consultations were characterised by a contrast between the sense of certainty apparent in how the clinicians talked about the power and promise of the new genetics and the uncertainty communicated regarding the actual information produced by genetic tests and their limitations in solving people's problems.

Incorrect recall of residual risk three years after carrier screening for cystic fibrosis: a comparison of two-step and couple screening.

Objective: This study was undertaken to compare long-term recall of the meaning of test results after a negative result of 2-step or couple antenatal screening.

Study Design: In a randomized controlled trial a subject-completed questionnaire was sent to 275 women who had undergone couple testing 3 years earlier and 83 women who had undergone 2-step testing 3 years earlier (n = 263/358 for a response rate of 73%). The main outcome measure was understanding of test results.