Diagnosis of bacterial kidney disease by detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum by real-time PCR.

Bacterial kidney disease (BKD), caused by Renibacterium salmoninarum (Rs), is a serious threat to salmon in aquaculture as well as to wild populations. We have developed a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of Rs in kidney samples. The PCR is based on detection of unique parts of the 16S rRNA gene of Rs and DNA equivalent to 1-10 Rs genomes was detected per reaction. No cross-reactivity with other fish pathogenic or related bacteria could be demonstrated. Analysis of individual kidney samples collected from BKD classified populations identified 39.9% of the fish as positive by real-time PCR compared with 28.0% by polyclonal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The real-time PCR assay was found to be well suited for complementary use with ELISA for diagnosis of BKD, with the ability to detect clinical as well as covert Rs infections. The infection level determined by the polyclonal ELISA and by real-time PCR was significantly correlated.

Post-invasion change in the trend of complications and outcome of pregnancy in Maternity Hospital Kuwait from 1981 to 1995.

To assess the trend in the complications and outcome of pregnancy in Maternity Hospital, Kuwait, a retrospective analysis of yearly hospital statistics books and labour ward records of patients delivering in Maternity Hospital Kuwait was carried out for the period 1981 to 1995. In the post-invasion period there is a significant rise in: primiparity; mothers aged 35 years or older; Kuwaiti mothers; and in multiple pregnancy. The incidence of pregnancy-induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and hysterectomy for postpartum haemorrhage also increased. There was a significant increase in spontaneous abortions and low birth weight babies. The incidence of hydatidiform mole has significantly decreased. Still birth rate shows a decreasing trend in the study period. The significant change in the age and parity of the mothers delivering in the post-invasion period might partly explain the above changes. However, the effect of environmental pollution, social and psychological stress, and anxiety due to war may have also contributed to an increase in the complications and adverse outcomes of pregnancy.

Stability of toluene in blood: its forensic relevance.

Toluene is the chemical most frequently present in cases involving volatile solvents. Therefore, its stability is of prime forensic significance. Losses of toluene in three different blood standards stored at 24 degrees, 4 degrees, and -18 degrees C were studied at intervals of one, two, and seven weeks, and 34 and 46 months. The results were compared with previously published studies, and guidelines for the significant forensic analysis of toluene in blood are suggested. As previously cited, studies show that an accurate estimate of the initial toluene concentration is not possible, but its presence can be documented with an ion trap detector after 46 months if the initial concentration was above 0.04 mg/dL, even in specimens stored at 4 degrees C in a Vacutainer (90% filled) without preservative. If the specimen is collected in a Vacutainer at approximately 90% capacity and stored at 24 degrees C or below, up to 25% loss of toluene after one week can be expected.