New applications of laser microbeam irradiation to cell and developmental biology include a new instrument with a tunable wavelength (217- to 800-nanometer) laser microbeam and a wide range of energies and exposure durations (down to 25 × 10 -12 second). Laser microbeams can be used for microirradiation of selected nucleolar genetic regions and for laser microdissection of mitotic and cytoplasmic organelles. They are also used to disrupt the developing neurosensory appendages of the cricket and the imaginal discs of Drosophila .

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The occurrence of neurogenesis in mushroom bodies of adult insects belonging to several orthopteroid and coleopteran families is described. Using injections of 5-bromo, T2'-deoxyuridine, we showed that neuroblasts, which are progenitors of Kenyon cells during preimaginal instars, continue to divide in adult Acheta domesticus. Their progeny constitute a central column in mushroom body cortices of 3-week-old females. Other Gryllidae, Gryllus bimaculatus and Gryllomorpha dalmatina, show the same pattern of neuroblast activity and migration of their progeny. Immunocytochemical staining of glial cells failed to reveal any immunoreactivity, either in proliferating regions or in the resulting cells. In another orthopteran, Locusta migratoria, discrete clusters of cells, located dorsolateral to the Kenyon cells, incorporated 5-bromo, 2'-deoxyuridine, but we could not detect any neuronal progeny migrating to the mushroom body cortices. These cells were strongly labeled with an antiglial antibody, indicating that the replicating cells are glioblasts rather than neuroblasts. In Periplaneta americana (Dictyoptera), cells replicating their DNA were similarly shown to immunoreact with glial antibodies. In contrast, three coleopterans (Tenebrio molitor, Zophobas species, Harmonia axyridis) have two large neuroblasts located in the middle of the mushroom body cortices. These produce cells which migrate within the group of Kenyon cells, their nuclei having the same shape and size as those of surrounding Kenyon cells. In adult insects, neurogenesis in mushroom bodies occurs in Gryllidae and several coleopteran families, but could not be demonstrated in Dictyoptera and Acrididae. Its occurrence and distribution raise the issue of unexpected plasticity in the adult insect brain.

Purpose: The aim of this research was to explore the antecedents to patient satisfaction with food quality within a hospital setting and develop an indicative model. Methodology:A consumer opinion card concentrating on the quality indicators of core foods was used to measure patient satisfaction and compare two systems of delivery; plate and trolley. Findings:Results show that the bulk trolley method of food distribution enables all foods to have a better texture, and for some foods (potato, poached fish and minced beef) temperature, and for other foods (broccoli, carrots, and poached fish) flavour than the plate system of delivery, where flavour is associated with bad opinion or dissatisfaction. Practical implications:This research confirms patient satisfaction is enhanced by choice at the point of consumption; however, portion size was not the controlling dimension. Temperature and texture were the most important attributes which measure patient satisfaction with food, therefore defining the focus for hospital food service managers.Originality: An indicative model outlining patient satisfaction with hospital food service has not been previously published and adds to the body of knowledge in this field.

Hospital food service does not operate in isolation but requires the co-operation and integration of several disciplines to provide the ultimate patient experience. The objective of this research was to explore the antecedents to patient satisfaction and experience, including the service element. Accordingly, focus groups were conducted with doctors (n=4), nurses (n=5), ward hostesses (n=3), and patients together with their visitors (n=10) while open ended interviews were conducted with the food service manager, facilities manager, chief dietitian, orthopaedic ward dietitian and chief pharmacist.Themes centred on 'patients', 'food service' and 'meal times' and results show that food quality, particularly temperature and texture, are important factors impinging on patient satisfaction, and the trolley system of delivery is an acceptable style of service. Service predisposition demonstrates little relevance to patient satisfaction towards the overall meal enjoyment. A theoretical model has been developed that identifies hospital food service in a cyclic relationship with the community Primary Health Care team.