Laboratory Identification Research Articles

Keratitis following laser refractive surgery: Clinical spectrum, prevention and management.

Laser refractive surgery (LRS) is one of the most demanding areas of ophthalmic surgery and high level of precision is required to meet outcome expectations of patients. Post-operative recovery is of vital importance. Keratitis occurring after LRS can delay visual recovery. Both surface ablations [Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)] as well as flap procedures [Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK)/Small incision lenticule extraction] are prone to this complication. Reported incidence of post-LRS infectious keratitis is between 0% and 1.5%. The rate of infections after PRK seems to be higher than that after LASIK. Staphylococci, streptococci, and mycobacteria are the common etiological organisms. About 50–60% of patients present within the first week of surgery. Of the non-infectious keratitis, diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) is the most common with reported rates between 0.4% and 4.38%. The incidence of DLK seems to be higher with femtosecond LASIK than with microkeratome LASIK. A lot of stress is laid on prevention of this complication through proper case selection, asepsis, and use of improved protocols. Once keratitis develops, the right approach can help resolve this condition quickly. In cases of suspected microbial keratitis, laboratory identification of the organism is important. Most lesions resolve with medical management alone. Interface irrigation, flap amputation, collagen cross-linking and therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) are reserved for severe/non-resolving cases. About 50–75% of all infectious keratitis cases post LRS resolve with a final vision of 20/40 or greater. Improved awareness, early diagnosis, and appropriate intervention can help limit the damage to cornea and preserve vision.

Diagnostic Value of Serum Biomarker Human Epididymis Protein4 in Ovarian Cancers

Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer affecting women today. In fact, ovarian cancer is responsible for more deaths than any other type of female reproductive cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, 20,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year. Since diagnosis early on is associated with improved rates of survival, an effective screening strategy that detects early stage ovarian cancer may have a significant impact on mortality from the disease. Cancer researchers are under way to develop more accurate tumor markers that can be used to identify disease in its early stages, to predict the effectiveness of treatment, or to predict the chance of cancer recurrence after treatment has ended. Cancer antigen 125 (CA125) is an established biomarker for ovarian cancer detection. As CA125 effectiveness in the identification of the malignancy is threatened by its low diagnostic specificity, measurements of other tumor marker, Human epididymis protein4 (He4), in the serum have been proposed for improving the sensitivity and specificity of laboratory identification of the disease. The aim of our research study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Human epididymis protein4 (He4) in ovarian cancer patients. Our study group consisted of 90 Sudanese ladies age range (16-80) years old attending Gynological Oncology clinics in Omdurman Military hospitals. Blood samples were collected and centrifugated using standardized procedure, all analyses were performed in serum samples. Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) serum concentration were determined using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (CUSABIO ELISA kits) for the quantitative invitro diagnostic measurement. the data were treated Statistically. The study results shown that epithelial ovarian cancer is the most common ovarian cancer type in Sudan followed by germ cell tumors. Serum level of Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) biomarker within the reference range in the control group. In contrast, increasing serum level of Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) were obtained in the ovarian cancer patients, A general agreement that a combination of multiple biomarkers may increase diagnostic sensitivity and specificity over use of individual marker. The results of this study confirmed that, by combining He4 measurements with cancer antigen 125, we can improve the diagnostics performance for OC. HE4 is a relatively stable serum biomarker for ovarian cancer with a higher diagnostic prediction.

ЗАКОНОМЕРНОСТИ ПОЛОВОГО СОЗРЕВАНИЯ ТИХООКЕАНСКОЙ СЕЛЬДИ CLUPEA PALLASII (VAL.) НА ПРИМЕРЕ КОРФО-КАРАГИНСКОЙ ПОПУЛЯЦИИ

Analysis of field and laboratory identifications stages of gonad maturity was carried out for 1960–2017. The dynamics of the gonad size and weight and of the gonad-somatic index during maturation were studied. The size structure and the condition of herring oocytes in the ovaries of different stages of maturity was figured out. Seasonal maturation was considered.

External Quality Assessment of Bacterial Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing in African National Public Health Laboratories, 2011–2016

Background: In 2002, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a regional microbiology external quality assessment (EQA) programme for national public health laboratories in the African region, initially targeting priority epidemic-prone bacterial diseases, and later including other common bacterial pathogens. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the efficacy of an EQA programme as a laboratory quality system evaluation tool. Methods: We analysed the proficiency of laboratories’ performance of bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for the period 2011–2016. The National Institute for Communicable Diseases of South Africa provided technical coordination following an agreement with WHO, and supplied EQA samples of selected bacterial organisms for microscopy (Gram stain), identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). National public health laboratories, as well as laboratories involved in the Invasive Bacterial Diseases Surveillance Network, were enrolled by the WHO Regional Office for Africa to participate in the EQA programme. We analysed participants’ results of 41 surveys, which included the following organisms sent as challenges: Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Salmonella Typhi, Salmonella Enteritidis, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus anginosus, Enterococcus faecium, Serratia marcescens, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterobacter cloacae. Results: Eighty-one laboratories from 45 countries participated. Overall, 76% of participants obtained acceptable scores for identification, but a substantial proportion of AST scores were not in the acceptable range. Of 663 assessed AST responses, only 42% had acceptable scores. Conclusion: In the African Region, implementation of diagnostic stewardship in clinical bacteriology is generally suboptimal. This report illustrates that AST is poorly done compared to microscopy and identification. It is critically important to make the case for implementation of quality assurance in AST, as it is the cornerstone of antimicrobial resistance surveillance reporting and implementation of the Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System.

The resistome and genomic reconnaissance in the age of malaria elimination.

ABSTRACTMalaria is an infectious disease caused by parasitic protozoa in the Plasmodium genus. A complete understanding of the biology of these parasites is challenging in view of their need to switch between the vertebrate and insect hosts. The parasites are also capable of becoming highly motile and of remaining dormant for decades, depending on the stage of their life cycle. Malaria elimination efforts have been implemented in several endemic countries, but the parasites have proven to be resilient. One of the major obstacles for malaria elimination is the development of antimalarial drug resistance. Ineffective treatment regimens will fail to remove the circulating parasites and to prevent the local transmission of the disease. Genomic epidemiology of malaria parasites has become a powerful tool to track emerging drug-resistant parasite populations almost in real time. Population-scale genomic data are instrumental in tracking the hidden pockets of Plasmodium in nationwide elimination efforts. However, genomic surveillance data can be useful in determining the threat only when combined with a thorough understanding of the malarial resistome – the genetic repertoires responsible for causing and potentiating drug resistance evolution. Even though long-term selection has been a standard method for drug target identification in laboratories, its implementation in large-scale exploration of the druggable space in Plasmodium falciparum, along with genome-editing technologies, have enabled mapping of the genetic repertoires that drive drug resistance. This Review presents examples of practical use and describes the latest technology to show the power of real-time genomic epidemiology in achieving malaria elimination.

Pasteurellaceae members with similar morphological patterns associated with respiratory manifestations in ducks.

Aim:A total of 112 freshly dead ducks aged from 2 to 20 weeks old with a history of respiratory manifestations were investigated for the implication of Pasteurellaceae family members.Materials and Methods:Isolation and identification to the family level were conducted by conventional bacteriological methods, including microscopic examination and biochemical characterization. Identification to the species level was conducted by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and analytical profile index (API) 20E kits.Results:Conventional bacteriological isolation and biochemical characterization revealed the infection of 16/112 examined birds with a prevalence rate of 14.3%. PCR confirmed the detection of Pasteurellaceae family conserved genes RpoB and Bootz in 16/16 (100%) isolates. PCR was also used for genus and species identification of the isolated Pasteurellaceae members; the results revealed that 5/16 (31.3%) of isolates were Gallibacterium anatis and 2/16 of isolates (12.5%) were Pasteurella multocida. Riemerella anatipestifer, Mannheimia haemolytica, and Avibacterium paragallinarum were not detected by PCR. Biotyping by API 20E successfully identified 5/16 (31.3%) isolates that could not be typed by PCR and confirmed their belonging to Pasteurella pneumotropica. Neither the available PCR primer sets nor API 20E succeeded for species identification of 4/16 (25%) isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility profiling of isolates revealed that 16/16 (100%) of isolates demonstrated multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotypes. Moreover, 16/16 (100%) of isolates demonstrated a phenotypic resistance pattern to neomycin.Conclusion:Combined genotypic, phenotypic, biotyping, and virulence characterizations are required for laboratory identification of pathogenic Pasteurellaceae. Moreover, P. multocida was not the prevailed member implicated in respiratory problems in ducks as P. pneumotropica, G. anatis, and unidentified strains were involved with higher prevalence. Chloramphenicol and ampicillin demonstrated the highest in vitro effects on the studied Pasteurellaceae. Furthermore, the prevalence of multidrug-resistant isolates signified the demand to implement targeted surveillance in the ducks’ production sector, and MDR survey in poultry sectors in Egypt to apply effective control measures.

2080. Impact of an Emergency Department Post-discharge Blood Culture Follow-up Program

BackgroundBlood cultures are the gold standard in the identification of laboratory confirmed bloodstream infections (LCBI) but contamination can lead to unnecessary interventions. This study sought to assess the number of unwarranted admissions in patients with contaminated blood cultures post-discharge and at low risk for LCBI before and after the implementation of a multidisciplinary emergency department (ED) blood culture follow-up program.MethodsThis was a two-phase retrospective cohort study at a tertiary care, 1,550-bed, academic hospital and level I trauma center in southeast Florida. Phase 1 assessed interventions made on patients 18 years of age or older discharged from the ED or a hospital observation unit with a positive blood culture result post-discharge from March 2018 to July 2018. Phase 2 assessed interventions made from December 2018 to March 2019 post-implementation of the multidisciplinary follow-up program. The criteria for low risk of LCBI were lack of risk factors for infection and < 2 positive blood cultures with a commensal bacteria with no symptoms of fever or hypotension on the date of specimen collection and 3 days before or after such date.ResultsAmong patients at low risk for LCBI (46% of 24 patients in phase 1 vs. 59% of 22 patients in phase 2), unwarranted admissions due to contaminated blood cultures occurred in 27.3% of patients in phase 1 vs. 0% of patients in phase 2 (P = 0.08). Phase 1 represented a period in which systematic reporting and evaluation of positive results and patient follow-up were not in place. Phase 2 consisted of daily pharmacist-led blood culture reviews with callback nurse follow-up and therapeutic care plan development with ED physicians. The number of contaminant isolates was relatively high (Figures 1 and 2). Pharmacist-led interventions were diverse (Figure 3). The program led to an estimated total cost avoidance of $16,410.80 in a median of 4.5 months due to unnecessary admissions.ConclusionImplementation of a multidisciplinary ED post-discharge blood culture follow-up program can be an effective strategy in improving patient care and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic therapy. Further interventions aimed at reducing blood culture contamination could have a direct impact on improving ED antimicrobial stewardship. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Direct multiplex allele-specific PCR amplification for ABO genotyping from whole blood, hair root and buccal cell

BackgroundABO genotyping is an increasingly being used for accurate prediction of blood transfusion, organ transplantation and forensic application. Traditional methods require DNA extract and purification which is time-consuming labor-intensive and limit the trace samples detection. MethodsPresent study developed the multiplex allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) method to identify the six major genotypes of ABO blood groups in two tubes reaction. The samples of whole blood, buccal cell and hair root from 30 volunteers were examined. ResultsAll genotyping results were interpreted and agreed with the serologic findings. The modified AS-PCR method was able to determine ABO genotyping using direct blood and non-invasive samples including buccal cell and hair root. ConclusionsThe modified technique has a high specific and sensitive, rapid and cost-efficiency of genotyping method which might be valuable for transfusion medicine in a clinical laboratory and personal identification in forensic investigation.

Candida auris in Singapore: Genomic epidemiology, antifungal drug resistance, and identification using the updated 8.01 VITEKⓇ2 system

ObjectivesCandida auris (C. auris) has globally emerged as a multidrug-resistant pathogen. While it is known that there are four geographic clades, little is known about its genomic epidemiology in the Southeast Asian region. Laboratory identification can be challenging but the VITEKⓇ2 system (version 8.01 software) has recently updated its database to include C. auris. This study aimed to investigate the genomic epidemiology of C. auris isolated in Singapore and the susceptibility profiles in relation to ERG11 and FKS1 mutations. MethodsSeven C. auris isolates from 2012–2018 were analysed using whole-genome sequencing, and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed. The performance of the updated VITEKⓇ2 system in identifying C. auris was also evaluated using these C. auris strains together with five closely related Candida species. ResultsThree clades were identified: South Asian (71.4%), South American (14.3%) and East Asian (14.3%). Local transmission was unlikely as there was no obviously identified cluster and most cases were likely to be imported at different time points following overseas hospitalisation exposure. Three isolates (42.9%) were multidrug-resistant. All South Asian strains were resistant to fluconazole and harboured ERG11 mutations, which were clade-specific. No FKS1 mutation was detected. The VITEKⓇ2 system was able to correctly identify most of the South Asian C. auris strains but misidentified the East Asian strain and gave a low discrimination result for the South American clade. ConclusionThis study showed that the introduction of C. auris into Singapore was possibly over multiple episodes and from different sources. The VITEKⓇ2 System version 8.01 software has limited abilities in identifying C .auris.

Diagnosis, management and prevention of Candida auris in hospitals: position statement of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases.

Candida auris is an emerging drug-resistant yeast responsible for hospital outbreaks. This statement reviews the evidence regarding diagnosis, treatment and prevention of this organism and provides consensus recommendations for clinicians and microbiologists in Australia and New Zealand. C. auris has been isolated in over 30 countries (including Australia). Bloodstream infections are the most frequently reported infections. Infections have crude mortality of 30-60%. Acquisition is generally healthcare-associated and risks include underlying chronic disease, immunocompromise and presence of indwelling medical devices. C. auris may be misidentified by conventional phenotypic methods. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry or sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer regions and/or the D1/D2 regions of the 28S ribosomal DNA are therefore required for definitive laboratory identification. Antifungal drug resistance, particularly to fluconazole, is common, with variable resistance to amphotericin B and echinocandins. Echinocandins are currently recommended as first-line therapy for infection in adults and children ≥2 months of age. For neonates and infants <2 months of age, amphotericin B deoxycholate is recommended. Healthcare facilities with C. auris should implement a multimodal control response. Colonised or infected patients should be isolated in single rooms with Standard and Contact Precautions. Close contacts, patients transferred from facilities with endemic C. auris or admitted following stay in overseas healthcare institutions should be pre-emptively isolated and screened for colonisation. Composite swabs of the axilla and groin should be collected. Routine screening of healthcare workers and the environment is not recommended. Detergents and sporicidal disinfectants should be used for environmental decontamination.

Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of Southern Africa guideline: Recommendations for the detection, management and prevention of healthcare-associated Candida auris colonisation and disease in South Africa.

Candida auris has been detected at almost 100 South African hospitals, causing large outbreaks in some facilities, and this pathogen now accounts for approximately 1 in 10 cases of candidaemia. The objective of this guideline is to provide updated, evidence-informed recommendations outlining a best-practice approach to prevent, diagnose and manage C. auris disease in public- and private-sector healthcare settings in South Africa. The 18 practical recommendations cover five focus areas: laboratory identification and antifungal susceptibility testing, surveillance and outbreak response, infection prevention and control, clinical management and antifungal stewardship.

High-level aminoglycoside resistance and distribution of aminoglycoside resistance genes among Enterococcus spp. clinical isolates in Tehran, Iran.

Enterococci have gained attention during the past decade as important nosocomial pathogens. Their increasing prevalence has been paralleled by the occurrence of multidrug-resistant and high-level aminoglycoside-resistant strains. This study isolated Enterococcus spp. from hospital samples and determined their antibiotic resistance profile, focusing on aminoglycosides, and associated resistance mechanisms. A total of 195 enterococci from hospital samples in Tehran were studied. Isolates were identified by biochemical reactions. Antimicrobial resistance was determined by disk diffusion. The vancomycin MIC for vancomycin-resistant isolates was determined by agar dilution. Detection of aminoglycoside resistance genes and intI1 and intI2 gene was performed by PCR. The majority of isolates were Enterococcus faecalis (65.1%), followed by Enterococcus faecium (31.8%), Enterococcus gallinarum (2.6%) and Enterococcus solitarius (0.5%). According to antibiogram results, 42.1% of isolates were high-level gentamicin-resistant (HLGR) and 40.5% were high-level streptomycin-resistant (HLSR). There was a high prevalence of aac(6')-Ie-aph(2")-Ia (96.3%) among HLGR isolates. ant(6)-Ia and aadA were identified in 93.7% and 64.6% of HLSR isolates, respectively. aph(2'')-Ic was detected in 7 isolates (3.6%) and aph(2'')-Ib in only 4 isolates (2.1%); no isolates harboured aph(2'')-Id, intI1 or intI2. Multidrug resistance was higher among HLGR and HLSR isolates compared with non-HLGR and non-HLSR isolates, which may result in limited treatment options. More than 50% of isolates were susceptible to aminoglycosides, thus correct identification in clinical laboratories and administration of these antibiotics can result in decreased used of antibiotics such as vancomycin and linezolid and help to reduce the emergence of resistance to these drugs.

Detection of Candida Albicans in some enteropathy patients using PCR technique

Laboratory identification based on DNA amplification methods by used PCR may provide an alternative and more sensitive method than traditional culture for the early detection of Candida albicans. This study aims to the identification and determines the prevalence of C. albicans by use PCR method. A total of 167 samples (40 controls and 127 patients) were taken .By the use of culture techniques for isolation and identification C. albicans on Sabouraud dextrose agar are characterized by cream to white and smooth at 30C◦ these characteristics. C. albicans have been isolated from patients' samples and these included the C.albicans was detected in 17 control subjects (42.5%), and in 51 patients (40.16%). The results of this estimation revealed that the amplified DNA (PCR product) was 459bp for C.albicans.

Epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease in Greece, 2006-2016.

The present study describes the epidemiology of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) in Greece for the period 2006-2016. Combined data from notified and laboratory-confirmed IMD cases were obtained from the two involved National Centres (Epidemiology and Reference Laboratory). Laboratory identification and typing was carried out by both conventional (culture) and molecular methods (PCR, MLST, PorA, and FetA typing). A total of 796 IMD cases were notified; of those, 720 (91%) were laboratory confirmed. Overall, a decline on the annual incidence of confirmed cases was observed, ranging from 0.91 (2006) to 0.47 (2016) /100,000. A similar trend was observed in most age groups especially in children 0-4years (7.7 to 2.9/100,000), with the exception of an increase in the incidence rate in adults > 20years (0.21 to 0.32/100,000). The overall case fatality rate was 6.5% (52/796), annual range 2-13%. Among 658 strains which were typed by sero/genogroup, 80% were identified as MenB (annual range 65-92%); however, a decline was observed in MenB incidence from 5.3 (2006) to 2.7 (2016), among infants and toddlers, while MenW (1%), MenY (2%), and MenA (1%) remained low. During the 11years, the annual incidence of IMD declined by 50%, especially in the 0-4-year age group, due mainly to MenB. Continuous surveillance of IMD is important for the development of future vaccination and public health policies.

Survey of Cultural Practices and Assessment of Some Foliar Fungi Diseases of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Aims: To assess the different cultural activities that influence the spread of fungal diseases on common bean and record the prevalence, severity and incidence of the diseases in some localities of the Western Highlands of Cameroon.&#x0D; Study Design: Structured questionnaire, Field survey, Laboratory identification of fungal diseases.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Some subdivisions of the Western Highlands of Cameroon and Departments of Crop Protection University of Dschang and Catholic University of Cameroon Bamenda from May 2016 –December 2017.&#x0D; Methodology: Field inspection formats were developed in the form of structured questionnaire and interview guide to record data related to farmer’s agronomic practices. A total of two hundred and eighty farmers and other stakeholders were interviewed on various aspects of agronomic practices. The survey of foliar fungal diseases was done in 2017 second cropping season (August to December) following the main roads and accessible routes in each surveyed area. Stops were made randomly every 1-2km intervals depending on the proximity of farm field to one another. Three sampling sites per farm were assessed for disease prevalence, incidence and severity using the CIAT evaluation scale of 1-9. Leaf samples were culture in PDA.&#x0D; Results: Majority of farmers practiced shifting cultivation and mixed cropping. The organic fertilizer poultry manure is widely used closely followed by pig, cow and goat dung. As regards mineral fertilizers, 59.7% of farmers indicated the application of different inorganic fertilizers on their farms. The results indicated that the highest observed diseases in the various localities were angular leaf spot, rust, anthracnose, white mould, leaf yellowing, floury leaf spot and Ascochyta leaf spot in that descending order in terms of prevalence, incidence and severity.&#x0D; Conclusion: From the assessment, angular leaf spot is a serious threat to common bean production in these localities. Its spread and that of the other fungal diseases is greatly influenced by the various cultural practices. Proper agronomic practices and information on disease monitoring are key to the improvement of bean cultivation.

Norovirus in São Paulo city, Brazil, 2010-2016: a cross-sectional study of the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children.

to describe cases of acute diarrheal disease caused by norovirus in children under 5 years old in São Paulo city, Brazil. this was a cross-sectional study using data from Epidemiological Surveillance of Gastroenteritis due to Rotavirus; cases were defined as patients hospitalized in a sentinel unit because of acute diarrheal disease and laboratory identification of norovirus as the etiological agent between 2010 and 2016. during the study period, the proportion of norovirus cases in children under 5 years old exceeded the proportion of Rotavirus, an agent considered predominant in childhood; norovirus was associated with 28.4% of total reported cases, occurring all year round, especially in warmer months. norovirus was the leading etiological agent identified in children under 5 years old with acute diarrheal disease in São Paulo city.

PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON OCCURRENCE OF APHIDS, THRIPS LEAF MINER IN TOMATO GROWING AREAS IN MOROGORO REGION TANZANIA

Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) is one of the important crop in East Africa as a source of food, income and export. Occurrence of different pest including indigenous and alien in tomato fields are considered as a major threat pests to tomato growers. Worldwide pest problems in horticultural investment need to be considered carefully as their presence increase cost of production. Despite of this information in Tanzania there has been little research to update pest list infesting our tomatoes. The study was conducted in Morogoro region in Kauzeni and Bigwa wards whereby farmers grow different varieties of tomatoes. Farmers spray different fungicides and pesticides twice per week to manage different pests. The selected fields were located at S 04˚47ʹ41.7ʹʹ, E 038˚13ʹ11.8ʹʹ and S 06˚53ʹ38.3ʹʹ, E 037˚36ʹ07.4ʹʹ Random sampling using “W” Pattern was used to get representation of the fields. Occurrence of pest population was estimated from ten plants during 2018/19, searching from young, middle and older leaves. Insect specimens were collected using fine forceps, aspirators, and preserved in ethanol 70% for laboratory identification.&#x0D; The results showed no aphids were detected from frequent sprayed tomato fields, other pests observed include the white flies with mean (57) individuals per plant, followed by leaf miner (70) and the highest number was thrips representing (107) Mean population comparison showed a significant differences P&lt; 0.005. Understanding occurrence of different pests in tomato growing areas could assist in planning sustainable Integrated Pest Management programme in tomato growing areas.

Новые психоактивные вещества: взгляд психиатра

Appearing not long ago, new psychoactive substances (designer drugs), including synthetic cannabinoids, derivatives of cathinone, phenethylamines, new stimulants, synthetic opioids, tryptamine derivatives, phencyclidine, piperazine, the GABA (A/B) receptors agonists, have become a serious problem for consumers and for physicians. Consumers of these substances are attracted primarily by the intensity of psychoactive effects, and the «legal high» declared by the black manufacturers, which indicates that significant difficulties in a laboratory identification of new surfactants. Designer drugs, when ingested, can be influenced on many neurotransmitter pathways/receptors: dopamine, cannabinoid (CB1), GABA (A/B), 5-HT2A, glutamate, and k-opioid receptors (KOR), the imbalance of which leads to the development of polymorphic psychotic disorders.

Panorama 2019-1: Bovine tuberculosis in Western Canada (2016): case response overview

In September 2016, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency responded to a case of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) detected in a mature beef cow from a cow-calf operation in Alberta, Canada. Due to potential exposure of numerous cattle herds, a large-scale investigation ensued to identify other potentially infected animals. When complete, the investigation identified a single infected herd. Six cows within the herd had tuberculosis lesions, with laboratory identification of Mycobacterium bovis. Given the outcome of the case response, Alberta continues to be recognised as being free from bTB. The bTB-free status of all other Canadian provinces also remains in place.

The Influence of Calibration Curve Construction and Composition on the Accuracy and Precision of Radiocarbon Wiggle-Matching of Tree Rings, Illustrated by Southern Hemisphere Atmospheric Data Sets from AD 1500–1950

ABSTRACTThis research investigates two factors influencing the ability of tree-ring data to provide accurate 14C calibration information: the fitness and rigor of the statistical model used to combine the data into a curve; and the accuracy, precision and reproducibility of the component 14C data sets. It presents a new Bayesian spline method for calibration curve construction and tests it on extant and new Southern Hemisphere (SH) data sets (also examining their dendrochronology and pretreatment) for the post-Little Ice Age (LIA) interval AD 1500–1950. The new method of construction allows calculation of component data offsets, permitting identification of laboratory and geographic biases. Application of the new method to the 10 suitable SH 14C data sets suggests that individual offset ranges for component data sets appear to be in the region of ± 10 yr. Data sets with individual offsets larger than this need to be carefully assessed before selection for calibration purposes. We identify a potential geographical offset associated with the Southern Ocean (high latitude) Campbell Island data. We test the new methodology for wiggle-matching short tree-ring sequences and use an OxCal simulation to assess the likely precision obtainable by wiggle-matching in the post-LIA interval.