HIV-1/2 differentiation in a South African public laboratory.

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus type-2 (HIV-2) prevalence in South Africa (SA) is unknown, however, sporadic cases have been reported. Human immunodeficiency virus -1 and 2 differentiation is not part of most South African public laboratories' testing algorithm. Human immunodeficiency virus -2 diagnosis using serology assays may be complicated by HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibody cross-reactivity.

The prevalence of HIV in the sudden, unexplained and unexpected death population at the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of HIV in the sudden, unexplained and unexpected (SUU) death population admitted to the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory.

Methods: This study was conducted at the Pretoria Medico-Legal Laboratory. Blood samples were obtained from decedents who died suddenly and/or unexpectedly, during autopsy, by a forensic pathologist.

The dollars and sense of restraints and seclusion.

Restraints and seclusion are a common practice in many human service settings despite the increasing evidence questioning their efficacy and appropriateness. There are many detrimental effects on people subject to these practices, such as falls, injury, psychological trauma and even death. In addition to the impact on people being served, there is also a range of negative effects on organisations and the workforce.

A preliminary investigation of the utility of the "Behavior Support Plan Quality Evaluation Guide II" for use in Australia.

Background: The quality of behaviour support plans (BSPs) can be an important influence on the quality of the support provided to people with disability who show challenging behaviours. The Behavior Support Plan Quality Evaluation Guide II (BSP-QE II) is one tool that may be useful in assessing the quality of behaviour support plans. It has previously been used to assess BSPs to support children in schools in the USA.

Quantification of HIV-1 viral load in the fluid of ranulas in HIV-positive patients.

Objective: This study aimed to detect and quantify the HIV-1 viral load in ranula fluid of HIV-positive patients.

Study Design: Fourteen HIV-positive patients (13 not on highly active antiretroviral therapy) presenting with ranulas were prospectively evaluated. The viral load in the ranula fluid was quantified, and the results were correlated with CD4(+) cell count and viral load in the patient's blood.

Use of a novel washing method combining multiple density gradients and trypsin for removing human immunodeficiency virus-1 and hepatitis C virus from semen.

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a novel treatment designed to remove human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -1 and hepatitis C virus (HCV) from spiked semen and to evaluate sperm motility and viability after treatment.

Design: A prospective clinical laboratory-based study.

Setting: The human studies were conducted in academic and national research environments.