Relevant Specimens Research Articles

Multiplexed imaging and automated signal quantification in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues by ChipCytometry

SummaryDeciphering the spatial composition of cells in tissues is essential for detailed understanding of biological processes in health and disease. Recent technological advances enabled the assessment of the enormous complexity of tissue-derived parameters by highly multiplexed tissue imaging (HMTI), but elaborate machinery and data analyses are required. This severely limits broad applicability of HMTI. Here we demonstrate for the first time the application of ChipCytometry technology, which has unique features for widespread use, on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, the most commonly used storage technique of clinically relevant patient specimens worldwide. The excellent staining quality permits workflows for automated quantification of signal intensities, which we further optimized to compensate signal spillover from neighboring cells. In combination with the high number of validated markers, the reported platform can be used from unbiased analyses of tissue composition to detection of phenotypically complex rare cells, and can be easily implemented in both routine research and clinical pathology.

Mars-rover cameras evaluation of laboratory spectra of Fe-bearing Mars analog samples

The cameras on the Pathfinder probe (Imager for Pathfinder) and the rovers Spirit and Opportunity (Panoramic Camera), Curiosity (Mast Camera) and Perseverance (Mast Camera-Z) produce visible-range spectra of limited wavelength resolution but of great target resolution which allows mineralogical analysis of selected areas within martian rocks. Laboratory spectra of relevant specimens were transformed into the spectra corresponding to each of the above cameras to increase our capability to interpret martian spectral data collected in-situ. The focus was on finding spectral features that can be detected by the cameras on Mars and are diagnostic of specific minerals. The samples are a collection of (1) Fe/Mg-phyllosilicates from submarine hydrothermal sites and (2) of rocks from acid alteration environments containing goethite, hematite, jarosite and Fe-bearing chlorite as these minerals are detectable in the extended visible range. Among all the samples, interstratified glauconite-nontronite has the most unique spectral features and should be easily detectable with the rover cameras. The spectral features of talc from Fe-bearing interstratified specimens are described. These data are especially relevant as glauconite and talc have been proposed to be fairly abundant on Mars and their detections are suggested from remote-sensing near-IR data. Several indices are proposed to assess Fe content on the investigated samples as well as mineral concentration of goethite and hematite. Among these indices, the normalized spectral slope in the range 420–600 nm increases with total Fe content for all samples, whether phyllosilicates, oxides or sulphates (R2 = 0.7–0.8). For pure phyllosilicates, the slope from 600 to 1010 nm decreases with increasing octahedral Fe (R2 = 0.75). An index for goethite produced excellent results assessing goethite concentration (R2 = 0.84). Of all cameras, Mast Camera reproduces the spectra with lowest fidelity and generates the poorest correlations between indices and tested variables. The other three cameras perform similarly.

Scenopinusjerei, a new species of window fly (Diptera, Scenopinidae) from Finland.

A new species of window fly (Diptera: Scenopinidae), Scenopinusjereisp. nov., with characteristic bicoloured legs and completely black halteres, is described from Finland. To exclude potential previously named species, a survey of the relevant type specimens as well as original descriptions of the Palearctic and Nearctic Scenopinus species has been conducted, including old Scenopinusfenestralis (Linnaeus) synonyms. Scenopinusjereisp. nov. is likely to be an overlooked, boreal forest specialist living in the nests of cavity-nesting birds. An identification key to the European species is provided.

Factors Compromising Glucuronidase Performance in Urine Drug Testing Potentially Resulting in False Negatives.

Next generation β-glucuronidases can effectively cleave glucuronides in urine at room temperature. However, during the discovery studies, additional challenges were identified for urine drug testing across biologically relevant pH extremes and patient urine specimens. Different enzymes were evaluated across clinical urine specimens and commercially available urine control matrices. Each enzyme shows distinct substrate preferences, pH optima, and variability across clinical specimens. These results demonstrate how reliance on a single glucuronidated substrate as the internal hydrolysis control cannot ensure performance across a broader panel of analytes. Moreover, sample specific urine properties compromise β-glucuronidases to varying levels, more pronounced for some enzymes, and thereby lower the recovery of some drug analytes in an enzyme-specific manner. A minimum of 3-fold dilution of urine with buffer yields measurable improvements in achieving target pH and reducing the impact of endogenous compounds on enzyme performance. After subjecting the enzymes to pH extremes and compromising chemicals, one particular β-glucuronidase was identified that addressed many of these challenges and greatly lower the risk of failed hydrolyses. In summary, we present strategies to evaluate glucuronidases that aid in higher accuracy urine drug tests with lower potential for false negatives.

Typification of the names Santolina ericoides and S. villosa (Asteraceae) revisited

The typification of the species names Santolina ericoides and S. villosa (Asteraceae) are revisited. The name Santolina ericoides has been applied to plants distributed in the Iberian Peninsula and S France, and the name S. villosa has been applied to a taxon endemic to Spain. These species names have recently been neotypified from specimens kept at the herbarium of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle de Paris at P, and at the herbarium PAL (PAL-Gr), respectively. These two type designations are briefly discussed and superseded here because these neotypifications were unnecessary being contrary to Art. 9.8 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Shenzhen Code). In this work, all relevant sources, specimens, illustrations, and references cited in the protologues are carefully evaluated for the purpose to fix the application of the names. We have chosen and designated the best admissible lectotype for these two names from the original material.

Scleria (Cyperaceae) in the state of Pará, Amazon, Brazil

The present study analyzes the diversity of Scleria in the state of Pará and presents taxonomic treatments for all recorded species. The analysis was based on extensive herbarium studies (CEN, HBRA, HCJS, HSTM, IAN, IBGE, INPA, MFS, MG, RB, and UB) and field expeditions to several municipalities of the state of Pará. Specimens were identified using relevant literature, protologues, and type specimens available online. We recognize 30 species of Scleria arranged in two subgenera and nine sections. Four species (i.e., Scleria arguta, S. burchellii, S. longigluma, and S. vaginata) represent new records for Pará, and a new species is proposed (i.e., Scleria sp.). An identification key, descriptions, illustrations, and comments on diagnostic characters, geographic distribution and habitat for all species are also provided.

Artemisia verlotiorum Lamotte (Anthemideae, Asteraceae), an invasive alien from the South African list of prohibited plants, is already present in South Africa

The Eurasian species Artemisia vulgaris L. has been reported from the Eastern Cape Province (Stutterheim District) in South Africa since at least half a century. However, examination of relevant herbarium specimens has demonstrated that the South African plant material belongs to a morphologically similar East Asian species, A. verlotiorum. It is included in the South African Alien and Invasive Species Lists as a prohibited species absent in the country. However, judging from available data, in South Africa it has become a locally naturalised weed of cultivated land and apparently is difficult to eradicate. A. verlotiorum indeed is a pernicious weed in many regions of the world, appearing to be much more invasive than A. vulgaris, especially in warm-temperate and subtropical climates. Characteristics useful for distinguishing these two species are provided.

NADomics: Measuring NAD+ and Related Metabolites Using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and its metabolome (NADome) play important roles in preserving cellular homeostasis. Altered levels of the NADome may represent a likely indicator of poor metabolic function. Accurate measurement of the NADome is crucial for biochemical research and developing interventions for ageing and neurodegenerative diseases. In this mini review, traditional methods used to quantify various metabolites in the NADome are discussed. Owing to the auto-oxidation properties of most pyridine nucleotides and their differential chemical stability in various biological matrices, accurate assessment of the concentrations of the NADome is an analytical challenge. Recent liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques which overcome some of these technical challenges for quantitative assessment of the NADome in the blood, CSF, and urine are described. Specialised HPLC-UV, NMR, capillary zone electrophoresis, or colorimetric enzymatic assays are inexpensive and readily available in most laboratories but lack the required specificity and sensitivity for quantification of human biological samples. LC-MS represents an alternative means of quantifying the concentrations of the NADome in clinically relevant biological specimens after careful consideration of analyte extraction procedures, selection of internal standards, analyte stability, and LC assays. LC-MS represents a rapid, robust, simple, and reliable assay for the measurement of the NADome between control and test samples, and for identifying biological correlations between the NADome and various biochemical processes and testing the efficacy of strategies aimed at raising NAD+ levels during physiological ageing and disease states.

Ammonite biostratigraphy of two stratigraphic sections of the La Peña Formation (Aptian, Lower Cretaceous) in Nuevo León State, northeast Mexico

The ammonite record of two stratigraphic sections, La Boca Canyon and La Huasteca Canyon, of the La Peña Formation in Nuevo León State, northeast Mexico, was studied in this work. In Mexico, ammonite provincialism during the Aptian prevents the use of European zonations. We followed previous works where we proposed the critical need to define an independent ammonite zonation for the Central Atlantic Province. The current study constitutes an advance in the development of an Aptian ammonite zonation for Mexico. The methodology employed is the usual in this kind of contribution, but two additional methodologies must be highlighted, a semi-quantitative biostratigraphy and the use of 3D models in showing the more relevant specimens. These methodologies are not new, but are uncommon in the contributions of the majority of the Lower Cretaceous ammonite workers, and can be an interesting example to follow. Three ammonite zones and one subzone were recognized: Dufrenoyia justinae interval Zone, Caseyella aguilerae interval Zone, Kazanskyella minima interval Zone and Dufrenoyia scotti/Burckhardtites nazasensis concurrent range Subzone. In addition, taxonomic contributions in some species of the genera Cheloniceras, Epicheloniceras and Kazanskyella have been made. The lower/upper Aptian transition in Mexico and Europe is discussed. Several options of study have been proposed in order to better characterize the lower/upper Aptian transition in Europe and its correlation with Mexico. This work aims at stabilizing the Mexican zonation and its applicability/reproducibility for the whole Central Atlantic Province.

Rapid screening for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in clinical and environmental samples using nested RT-PCR assays targeting key mutations of the spike protein

New SARS-CoV-2 mutations are constantly emerging, raising concerns of increased transmissibility, virulence or escape from host immune response.We describe a nested RT-PCR assay (~1500 bps) to detect multiple nucleotide changes resulting in key spike protein mutations distinctive of the major known circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the three Variants of Concern (VOCs) 20I/501Y.V1 (United Kingdom), 20H/501Y.V2 (South Africa), and 20 J/501Y.V3 (Brazil), as well as the 20E.EU1 variant (Spain), the CAL.20C recently identified in California, and the mink-associated variant (GR, lineage B.1.1.298). Prior to application to field samples, the discriminatory potential of this PCR assay was explored using GISAID and Nextclade. To extend variant detection to challenging matrices such as sewage, where the amplification of long fragments is problematic, two short nested RT-PCR assays (~300 bps) were also designed, targeting portions of the region spanned by the long nested assay.The three newly-designed assays were then tested on field samples, including 31 clinical samples (7 fully-sequenced swab samples, and 24 uncharacterized ones) and 34 urban wastewater samples, some of which collected in areas where circulation of VOCs had been reported.The long assay successfully amplified 29 of the 31 swabs (93%), allowing the correct identification of variants 20I/501Y.V1 and 20E.EU1 present in the panel of previously characterized samples. The Spanish variant was detected in 14/24 of the uncharacterized samples as well. The sequences obtained using the short assays were consistent with those obtained with the long assay. Mutations characteristic of VOCs (UK and Brazilian variant) and of other variant (Spanish) were detected in sewage samples. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of the presence of sequences harboring key mutations of 20I/501Y.V1 and 20 J/501Y.V3 in urban wastewaters, highlighting the potential contribution of wastewater surveillance to explore SARS-CoV-2 diversity.The developed nested RT-PCR assays can be used as an initial rapid screening test to select clinical samples containing mutations of interest. This can speed up diagnosis and optimize resources since it allows full genome sequencing to be done only on clinically relevant specimens. The assays can be also employed for a rapid and cost-effective detection of VOCs or other variants in sewage for the purposes of wastewater-based epidemiology. The approach proposed here can be used to better understand SARS-CoV-2 variant diversity, geographic distribution and impact worldwide.

New or rare Madagascar tiger beetles-21. Physodeutera (Microlepidia) propripenis sp. nov., Ph. (M.) marginemaculata (W. Horn) and Ph. (M.) peyrierasi Rivalier (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae).

A new species of the Madagascan endemic genus Physodeutera Lacordaire, 1842 is described from northern Madagascar as Physodeutera (Microlepidia) propripenis sp. nov. The new species is compared to similar Physodeutera (Microlepidia) marginemaculata (W. Horn, 1934) and Physodeutera (Microlepidia) peyrierasi Rivalier, 1967. Apart from a detailed description of the new species, illustrations in colour photographs of its habitus, diagnostic characters and habitat are introduced. Differential diagnoses of the two similar species, as well as illustrations of their habitus and distinguishing characters in colour photographs are presented with references to their redescriptions and illustrations based on type and other relevant specimens in the monograph of the genus (Moravec 2002a). A revised key to the subgenus Microlepidia Rivalier, 1967 is presented in order to supplement the key previously published in the monograph. Essential maps of the distribution of the three species are also given.

Surveillance of avian influenza virus in external environment in Jieyang, Guangdong, 2016-2020

Objective To understand the dynamic distribution and epidemic characteristics of avian influenza virus in external environment in Jieyang, assess the risk of human infection with avian influenza, and we provide scientific basis for prevention and control of human avian influenza. Methods According to the random sampling method, relevant specimens were collected from poultry markets in 5 counties (county-level cities and districts) in Jieyang, 2016-2020. Real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR method was used to detect the nucleic acid of influenza virus Type A. Positive specimens were then tested for the nucleic acid of H5N6, H7N9 and H9N2 subtypes of avian influenza virus. Results From 2016 to 2020, a total of 1 798 environmental samples were collected, of which 660 samples were positive for influenza A virus (FluA), with a positive rate of 36.71%. The positive rates of H5N6, H7N9 and H9N2 subtypes were 1.61%, 1.28% and 21.91%, respectively. The positive rate of avian influenza virus was higher in Puning county-level city (54.14%) and Huilai county (51.43%), and lowest in Jiexi county (4.84%). The highest positive rate of different types of samples (47.09%) was the washing of poultry sewage. Conclusion There are H5N6, H7N9, H9N2 and various subtypes of avian influenza virus contamination in external environment of poultry markets in Jieyang. The avian influenza virus has a wide epidemic area and there is a risk of human infection. It is necessary to continue to strengthen the real-time monitoring of avian influenza in external environment and the health supervision of urban and rural poultry market. 摘要：目的 了解揭阳市外环境禽流感病毒动态分布情况和流行特点, 评估人感染禽流感病毒的风险, 为人禽流 感防控提供科学依据。 方法 按随机抽样的方法, 对揭阳市2016—2020年5个县 (市、区)禽类市场进行相关标本采 集, 用实时荧光定量(RT-PCR)对标本进行流感病毒A型检测, 阳性标本再进行H5N6、H7N9、H9N2亚型禽流感病毒核 酸检测。 结果 揭阳市2016—2020年共采集外环境标本1 798份, 甲型流感病毒(FluA)阳性标本660份, 阳性率为 36.71%;其中H5N6、H7N9、H9N2亚型阳性率分别为1.61%、1.28%和21.91%。普宁市和惠来县的外环境禽流感病毒阳 性率较高, 分别为54.14%和51.43%。揭西县的外环境禽流感病毒阳性率最低, 为4.84%。不同类型标本检测阳性率最 高为清洗禽类污水(47.09%)。 结论 揭阳市禽类市场外环境中存在H5N6、H7N9、H9N2及多种亚型混合的禽流感病 毒污染, 禽流感病毒流行区域较广, 存在感染人的风险, 应继续加强外环境禽流感实时监测和城乡禽类市场卫生监管。

Molecular and morphological revision of small Myotinae from the Himalayas shed new light on the poorly known genus Submyotodon (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

The systematics status of the constituent species of the M. mystacinus morphogroup in the Himalayan region has long been marred by uncertainty. Lack of integrative studies combining morphological and genetic data from specimens recently collected in this region has hampered our understanding of cryptic variations in this complex taxonomic group. To address this issue, new material from the Himalayan region of India and Nepal was obtained and vouchered specimens in the holdings of various museums were also re-examined. As comparative material, a large series of relevant specimens from South and Southeast Asia were also included in this revision. Using a combination of multivariate analysis of craniodental characters and molecular reconstructions, we critically evaluated the systematic position of the small Myotinae in the Himalayas. We establish that M. nipalensis forms a very distinct lineage (which also includes the recently described M. annatessae) and refute previous taxonomic suggestions that it is related to M. davidii. Our study also conclusively proved the common occurrence of the poorly known genus Submyotodon in the Himalayan region (Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal and China) and evidenced species-level divergences within that genus. Submyotodon species share nyctalodont or semi-nyctalodont lower molar configuration with few other small and unrelated Myotinae from Asia suggesting that these unusual dental characters are homoplasious in this subfamily. We also noticed a very confused taxonomic situation associated with many DNA sequences of Asian Myotis deposited in public repositories and call for possibilities of better data curation.

Human biomonitoring of 73 elements in blood, serum, erythrocytes and urine

BackgroundHuman biomonitoring studies of trace elements in biological fluids are mostly limited to a certain number of elements or biological materials. In this study, we describe the significant extension of a biomonitoring to 73 elements being present in concentration ranges from ng/L to g/L in clinically relevant specimens such as blood, serum, erythrocytes and urine. MethodsThe samples were collected from 102 occupationally non-exposed inhabitants of northern Germany. The elements were determined either by inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS) in the low concentration range or by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) for essential trace elements and electrolytes. ResultsMean values and selected percentiles of element concentrations are presented for all sample materials. From the results, we calculated the distribution of elements between plasma and blood cells. Application of ICP-MS/MS improves selectivity and accuracy in the determination of elements that are strongly spectrally interfered, such as Cr, Ge, Pd or Ti in blood samples. ConclusionsThis publication provides very valuable information for occupational or environmental hygienists, toxicologists and clinical chemists due to the particularly high number of determined elements and presented concentration ranges.

Each patient is a research biorepository: informatics-enabled research on surplus clinical specimens via the living BioBank.

The ability to analyze human specimens is the pillar of modern-day translational research. To enhance the research availability of relevant clinical specimens, we developed the Living BioBank (LBB) solution, which allows for just-in-time capture and delivery of phenotyped surplus laboratory medicine specimens. The LBB is a system-of-systems integrating research feasibility databases in i2b2, a real-time clinical data warehouse, and an informatics system for institutional research services management (SPARC). LBB delivers deidentified clinical data and laboratory specimens. We further present an extension to our solution, the Living µBiome Bank, that allows the user to request and receive phenotyped specimen microbiome data. We discuss the details of the implementation of the LBB system and the necessary regulatory oversight for this solution. The conducted institutional focus group of translational investigators indicates an overall positive sentiment towards potential scientific results generated with the use of LBB. Reference implementation of LBB is available at https://LivingBioBank.musc.edu.

Eye to eye: classification of conjunctival sac polystomes (Monogenea: Polystomatidae) revisited with the description of three new genera Apaloneotrema n. g., Aussietrema n. g. and Fornixtrema n. g.

Polystomes (Monogenea: Polystomatidae) of freshwater turtles are currently represented by five genera, namely Neopolystoma, Polystomoides, Polystomoidella, Uropolystomoides and Uteropolystomoides. These parasites can infect the urinary, oral and/or the conjunctival sac systems of their hosts, showing strict site specificity. A recent phylogenetic study showed that the two most diverse genera within chelonian polystomes, i.e. Neopolystoma and Polystomoides, are not monophyletic. Furthermore, polystomes infecting the conjunctival sacs of their host, except for one species, formed a robust lineage. A fusiform egg shape has been reported for conjunctival sac polystomes and it was assumed that this characteristic could be a good character for the systematics of polystomes. Our objective in the present work was, therefore, to study more in depth the morphology of polystomes collected from the conjunctival sacs of chelonians to find characters defining a putative new genus. To achieve this objective, more specimens were collected in 2018 and 2019 from turtles sampled in North Carolina and Florida (USA) to extend taxon sampling for the phylogenetic analysis. Morphological characters of relevant polystome specimens were re-examined from several collections from Asia, Australia, Europe, South Africa, South America and North America. Based on a Bayesian tree inferred from the analysis of four concatenated genes, namely 12S, 18S, 28S and COI, polystomes found in the conjunctival sacs were grouped in three distinct lineages, the first one including a single species infecting an Australian pleurodire turtle; the second one including eleven species infecting cryptodire turtles of South America, North America and Asia; and the last one including a single species infecting a softshell cryptodire turtle of North America. Based on observations of live specimens by Dr. Sylvie Pichelin and our morphological analysis, the conjunctival sac polystomes from Australian turtles are small, cannot extend their body significantly, have a spherical ovary and egg, have a large genital bulb and possess latero-ventral vaginae at the level of the testis. Based on observations of live specimens and morphological analysis of whole mounted specimens, polystomes of the second lineage share the following morphological characteristics: the ability to stretch out and double their length, a long oval ovary, a separate egg-cell-maturation-chamber, fusiform to diamond-shaped eggs with acute tips, small genital bulb and vaginae peripheral on the side of the body at the level of the testis. The polystome species of the third lineage occupies a basal position, has the ability to stretch out and possess an elongated ovary, a large fusiform egg with rounded tips, a small genital bulb and small latero-ventral vaginae at the level of the ovary. These three distinct conjunctival sac polystome lineages are herein described as separate new genera, Aussietrema, Fornixtrema and Apaloneotrema, respectively.

Specimen science-guided construction of biobanks

<p indent="0mm">Biological samples are known to be essential for clinical diagnosis of various diseases. They are also extremely valuable for subsequent scientific studies to unravel the mystery of illnesses. Translational medicine is an interdisciplinary field to discover new diagnostic tools and treatments by combining clinical science with basic biomedical research. Biological studies in translational medicine are increasingly dependent on large numbers of relevant specimens. Biobanks are established to collect, store, and deliver such complex specimens to meet clinical and research needs. Biobanks are biorepository facilities capable of storing large numbers of specimens. Most domestic and foreign biobanks utilize different degrees of standardization and automation to index and organize the large numbers of biological samples. It remains a challenge to accurately store various biological samples while maintaining their original biological characteristics to meet the demands of precision medicine and basic scientific research. This article focuses on current efforts in the construction and operation of biobanks to maintain accuracy and serve the complex requirements of clinical diagnosis and basic research. Firstly, the importance of sample collection, transportation, processing, storage, and information management are discussed. We emphasize the integration of clinical information and scientific research data as an essential part of biobanks. Secondly, we summarize how to maintain the biological integrity of various biological samples such as arterial and venous blood and various tissue samples. More specifically, (1) peripheral blood samples are important sources of material for liquid biopsies, while blood samples during surgeries are often collected from arteries of patients. In addition, there are significant differences in both cellular and non-cellular components between blood from arteries and veins. Therefore, it is important to differentiate these two blood samples. (2) Tissue samples are notoriously heterogenic, in particular for tumors and symmetrical organs. Thirdly, we discuss biological activities of specimens to support chimeric antigen receptor T cell immunotherapies, organoid establishment, exosome functional studies, and patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) animal models. Finally, we try to explore a multi-dimensional utilization of biological samples and aim to achieve “One specimen for multiple purposes” and “Multiple specimens for one purpose” management models as an important part of the new discipline of sample science and cryobiology. The ultimate goal is to utilize biobanks in an accurate and precise manner to aid the advancement of precision medicine and basic biological research efforts. The large number of human biological specimens managed by biobanks is poised to be an integral part of future translational medicine and fundamental biomedical research.

Two new species of Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from the Gangetic Plains of West Bengal, India with a key to the Indian species

ABSTRACT Two species, Culicoides obtusus sp. nov. of the subgenus Monoculicoides Khalaf and C. cornus sp. nov. of the Shermani group Wirth & Hubert are discovered from Kushmundi, Dakshin Dinajpur, Narayanpur, Birbhum, and Burdwan Town, Purba Bardhaman respectively of the Gangetic Plains of West Bengal, India with illustrations and microphotographs. The pupal stages of C. cornus sp. nov. were reared to adults of both sexes in the laboratory condition while members of both sexes of C. obtusus sp. nov. were collected using light trap as well as one pupa reared to get one adult female under the laboratory conditions. Identification of taxa is made following relevant literature and specimens are present housed in the Entomology Division, Department of Zoology, University of Burdwan. Information on the bionomics of the species, an inventory of Indian species of Culicoides and a key to the 73 Indian species of the genus are provided. urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:16BB3BAF-AA32-4316-AE79-8727BD4C33C5

Getting back to basics: Reintroduction of pelvic anatomy concepts for obstetrics and gynaecology residents

Background:A sound understanding of pelvic anatomy is essential for training in obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) and for practising in the field post-qualification. There is a growing concern that surgery residents have an inadequate knowledge of anatomy and little confidence in their approach to the subject.Objective:This study aims to explain the use of an anatomy workshop to deliver a unique and self-designed innovative instruction method that employs cutting-edge resources to enhance OBGYN residents’ comprehension of clinical anatomy and to discuss why this approach works.Methodology:The workshop emphasised the clinical and surgical anatomy of the female pelvis using 3-D virtual dissections, relevant plastinated specimens and also bony pelvic models that had been developed in house. Anatomists and OBGYN consultants facilitated the workshop. The students’ knowledge of anatomy and their perceptions of the subject were evaluated by pre- and post-tests and a five-point Likert scale, respectively. A mixed methods analysis was applied.Results:Of the 42 participants, 26 (61.9%) completed both the pre- and post-test. The overall difference (mean percentage) between the pre- and post-test performance was 25.41%. There was a significant difference in the residents’ knowledge of anatomy between the pre- and post-workshop ( p&lt;0.05). Participants ( n=10) provided positive feedback on the workshop content, teaching tools, learning activities and educators. They recommended that the workshop should be held at least once a year (70%), and particularly during the first year of residency (90%).Conclusion:The active learning workshop enabled by multidisciplinary teaching and the innovative tools employed resulted in improved outcomes in knowledge of anatomy, confidence and learning satisfaction. Reintroduction of anatomy concepts during OBGYN residency training is needed to improve surgical training and patient care.

Minor surgery in general practice in Ireland- a report of workload and safety

BackgroundThe provision of minor surgical services is an established part of the task profile of general practitioners (GPs) in many countries in Europe and elsewhere. This study aimed to collect data on the clinical process and outcomes for specified minor surgical procedures undertaken in Irish general practice by GPs experienced in minor surgery in order to document the scope and safety of minor surgery being undertaken.MethodsOver a six-month period, 24 GPs in 20 practices recorded data on a pre-determined list of procedures undertaken in adults (aged 18 and older); procedures for ingrown toenails were also recorded for those aged 12–18 years. Clinical data were rendered fully anonymous by the participating GPs, entered onto the Excel database template and returned to the project team monthly.ResultsOn average, each practice undertook 212 procedures in a six-month period. The four most frequent procedures include two relatively non-invasive procedures (cryosurgical ablation of skin lesions and aspiration and/or injection of joints) and two more invasive procedures (full thickness excision of skin lesion and shave, punch or incisional biopsy). Overall, 83.8% of relevant specimens were submitted for histology. Combining benign and malignant cases, there was an overall 87% clinical and histological concordance; 85% of malignancies were suspected clinically. A complication was recorded in 0.9% after 1 month.ConclusionsIrish GPs with experience in minor surgery can provide a range of surgical services in the community safely.