Identification System (identification + system)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


The multidisciplinary approach to mental health crisis management: an Australian example

JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRIC & MENTAL HEALTH NURSING, Issue 1 2004
S. WEBSTER rm rpn rgn, cert. public health dip health, master of community health , science (education)
Changes within the Australian health care system have led many people with mental health disorders to use emergency departments as the point of access to mental health services. Staff in emergency departments are not necessarily equipped to assess the needs of such clients. This paper briefly describes the development of a multidisciplinary mental health liaison team, within the emergency department of one hospital in Sydney, which was designed to assist both staff and clients. Available evidence suggests the implementation of the team has been a success, however, more research is required to confirm the effectiveness of this approach. Questions are raised about appropriate referral and follow-up for some clients. The study also found deficiencies in the method of routine data collection (Emergency Department Identification System), which makes formal auditing of the team and the services it provides a difficult task. [source]


Identification and serotyping of atypical Legionella pneumophila strains isolated from human and environmental sources

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
J.H. Helbig
Abstract Aims:, To validate identification methods for Legionella pneumophila strains that cannot be serotyped into the known serogroups and to characterize their antigenic diversity. Methods and Results:, Fifty L. pneumophila strains that could not be serogrouped, but which had been confirmed as L. pneumophila by mip gene sequencing, were further identified phenotypically. We used (i) MONOFLUO anti- Legionella Staining Reagent (Bio-Rad) (50/50), (ii) an in-house prepared immunoblot assay for the detection of L. pneumophila - specific Mip protein epitope (50/50), (iii) fatty acid analysis using the Microbial Identifications System (MIDI) (47/50) and (iv) Oxoid agglutination tests (44/50). The serological diversity was further characterized by testing with five serogroup-cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies, resulting in nine phenons. Conclusions:, The division of L. pneumophila into 15 serogroups does not reflect the serogroup heterogeneity. Results of these tests indicate that there are more serogroups. Significance and Impact of the Study:, MONOFLUO anti- Legionella Staining Reagent is the only commercially available tool for identifying atypical strains of L. pneumophila. If necessary for epidemiological purposes, the antigenic heterogeneity of these strains can be analysed by monoclonal antibodies. [source]


Development of an identification system for location of free metallic particles in GIS based on analysis of Lamb waves

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING IN JAPAN, Issue 3 2009
Masahiro Kozako
Abstract We investigated propagation properties of Lamb waves in a gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) tank to diagnose insulation performance of GIS. The acoustic signals excited by a free metallic particle colliding with the tank sheath were measured using AE sensors. The wavelet transform was applied to decompose the wave data into its time,frequency components. As a result, difference of propagation properties of Lamb waves is clearly seen with different sizes of GIS tank. Based on the characteristics of Lamb waves, algorithms for location identification of a free metallic particle were examined in model GIS using two AE sensors. Herein, we propose a new system for location identification of a free metallic particle in GIS. Moreover, it is verified that the new identification system is suitable as a diagnostic technique for GIS. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 167(3): 28,35, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.20676 [source]


Identification of Acipenseriformes species in trade

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 2008
A. Ludwig
Summary Sturgeons and paddlefishes (Acipenseridae) are highly endangered freshwater fishes. Their eggs (sold as caviar) are one of the most valuable wildlife products in international trade. Concerns of overharvesting and the conservation status of many of the 27 extant species of Acipenseriformes led to all species being included on the CITES Appendices in 1998. Since then international trade in all products and parts from sturgeon and paddlefish has been regulated. However, despite the controls on trade, unsustainable harvesting continues to threaten many populations. Illegal fishing and trade continues to be a threat to the management of these fish. To enforce the regulation of legal trade and prevention of illegal trade, the development of a uniform identification system for parts and derivates of Acipenseriformes has been identified as an urgent requirement. Ideally this system should be suitable for (i) identification at the species-level of caviar and other products from Acipenseriformes; (ii) population identification; (iii) source identification (wild vs aquaculture); and (iv) determining the age of caviar because strict timeframes govern its international trade. This paper reviews the techniques currently available and their potential to be used in an identification system for Acipenseriformes species and their products in trade. A review of all available identification techniques has shown that there is not a single method that can meet all requirements (see i,iv), and it does not appear to be feasible to develop such a method in the near future therefore the most appropriate methods need to be developed for each. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of all techniques reviewed in this document, the following conclusions can be drawn: (i) for the identification of species, approaches are recommended that target mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences (RFLP, nested PCR or direct sequencing). However, they show limitations for the detection of hybrids (although natural hybrids are rare, the number of artificially produced hybrids in aquaculture is increasing) and for the differentiation of the following closely related species complexes: Acipenser gueldenstaedti,Acipenser baerii,Acipenser persicus,Acipenser naccarii; Acipenser medirostris,Acipenser mikadoi; and Scaphirhynchus albus,Scaphirhynchus plathorhynchus,Scaphirhynchus suttkusi; (ii) the identification of different populations of the same species is currently not feasible because genetic data are incomplete for most populations, and stocking and release programmes, which have become more and more common, often result in a mixture of phenotypes and genotypes, thereby impeding the creation and application of such a population identification system; (iii) source identification based on genetic approaches can be excluded at present because there are no genetic differences between wild and hatchery-raised fish. This is the result of the continuing restocking of natural populations with captive fish and vice versa. However, because rearing (i.e. environmental) conditions are different, methods focusing on differences in water quality or food seem to be more appropriate (for example differences in fatty acid composition). So far, very few studies have been conducted and therefore, source identification methods merit further exploration; and (iv) the age of a product in trade cannot be detected by DNA-based methods and protein profiling is undoubtedly impractical due to hard-to-perform, labour-and cost-intensive methods, which are highly susceptible to protein degradation. Arising from the limits discussed above, the next steps in the development of a uniform sturgeon identification system are proposed to be the following: (i) designation of qualified reference laboratories at national levels in (re-) exporting and importing countries. These should be approved through a standardized testing procedure, for instance a ring test on blind samples. Registered laboratories should be published and disseminated and their accreditations should be subject to certain guarantees regarding quality, economic independence and scientific rigour. Operational procedures have to be determined and standardized among reference laboratories; (ii) establishment of reference collections that are accessible to the reference laboratories containing DNA analyses results and information on the location and availability of tissue samples. This is highly recommended as an important step towards a population identification system and indispensable for a general species identification system; (iii) creation of a website access to the reference collections containing the reference database information about genetic samples, comparable to NCBI, which provides background data: sample location; population information; citation; available genetic data; location of archival storage; currently treated and distributed caviar and status of analysis. This website should also be a forum for the exchange of knowledge on and experiences with identification systems, species and population status information, relevant scientific research, etc.; and (iv) the outcome of the trade identification tests should be made available to the reference laboratories for future reference. The universal caviar labelling system could incorporate an indication of the verification of the consignment. In view of the lack of knowledge and the great need to develop a uniform identification system for Acipenseriformes with regard to the importance of the international caviar trade, further scientific guidance and appropriate research is strongly recommended. Progress should be assessed and exchanged on a regular basis. [source]


Factors affecting the attachment of micro-organisms isolated from ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes in dairy processing plants

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
X. Tang
Abstract Aims:, To identify the types of micro-organisms involved in the formation of biofilms on dairy ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes and investigate factors affecting the attachment of those isolates. Methods and Results:, Micro-organisms isolated from industrial membranes following standard cleaning were identified using the API culture identification system. Thirteen different isolates representing eight genera were isolated and their ability to attach to surfaces was compared using a microtitre plate assay. Three Klebsiella strains attached best, while mixed strains of Pseudomonas and Klebsiella attached better than individual strains. Whey enhanced the attachment of the isolates. The micro-organisms were characterized according to cell surface hydrophobicity using the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon (MATH) test, and cell surface charge by measuring the zeta potential. These cell surface characteristics did not show a clear relationship with the attachment of our strains. Conclusions:, A variety of different micro-organisms is associated with dairy ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes after cleaning, suggesting several possible sources of contamination. The cleaning of these membranes may be inadequate. The attachment of the different isolates is highly variable and enhanced in the presence of whey. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Knowledge of persistent microflora colonizing dairy membrane systems will help develop strategies to mitigate biofilm development in this environment, improving hygiene in membrane processing plants. [source]


Influence of tetracycline exposure on tetracycline resistance and the carriage of tetracycline resistance genes within commensal Escherichia coli populations

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2003
D.P. Blake
Abstract Aims: To assess the influence of incremental tetracycline exposure on the genetic basis of tetracycline resistance within faecal Escherichia coli. Methods and Results: Through the adoption of a novel combination of multiple breakpoint selection, phenotypic characterization and the application of a polymerase chain reaction based gene identification system it proved possible to monitor the influence of antibiotic exposure on resistance gene possession. Using tetracycline as a case study a clear hierarchy was revealed between tet genes, strongly influenced by host antimicrobial exposure history. Conclusions: The antimicrobial exposure regime under which an animal is produced affects both the identity and magnitude of resistance gene possession of a selected bacterial population within its enteric microflora. Among the ramifications associated with such resistance gene selection is the degree of resistance conferred and the carriage of linked resistance determinants. This selection is applied by exposure to antibiotic concentrations well below recognized minimum inhibitory tetracycline concentration breakpoints widely adopted to characterize bacterial ,susceptibility'. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study confirms the ability of minimal antibiotic exposure to select for the continued persistence of resistance genes within the enteric microflora. It is clearly demonstrated that different antimicrobial regimes select for different resistance genes, the implications of which are discussed. [source]


Magnetic Fingerprint Powder from a Mineral Indigenous to Thailand

JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, Issue 5 2010
Thatsanee Thonglon B.Sc.
Abstract:, A study was conducted to investigate whether natural magnetite (Fe3O4), which is an abundant mineral in Thailand, could be used as a magnetic powder in the detection of latent fingerprints. Because of the presence of impurities, powdered magnetite is only weakly attracted by a magnet and cannot be used as a magnetic fingerprint powder by itself. Mixing a small amount of magnetite powder with nickel powder greatly enhances the magnetic attraction. A mixture of magnetite powder and nickel powder in a mass ratio of approximately 1:100 was found to be suitable for use as a magnetic fingerprint powder. Fingerprints developed using the magnetite/nickel mixture on nonporous surfaces were found to exhibit good adherence and clarity. Using an automated fingerprint identification system, the number of minutiae detected in fingerprints developed by using the prepared powder on nonporous surfaces was found to be comparable to those detected in fingerprints developed by using a commercial black magnetic powder. The cost is lowered by more than 60%. [source]


rRNA PROBES FOR IDENTIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON: THEIR POTENTIAL APPLICATION FOR DNA MICROCHIPS

JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY, Issue 2001
Article first published online: 24 SEP 200
Groben R., Lange, M. & Medlin, L. K. Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Am Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany A fast and reliable identification of nano- and picoplankton by light microscopy is often difficult because of the lack of usable morphological characteristics, whereas electron microscopy and biochemical methods are very time consuming. Identification of toxic algae also requires a great deal of taxonomic experrtise so that false positives are not recorded. One solution is to use taxon specific rRNA probes. For this purpose we designed probes for phytoplankton taxa, including toxic algae. These probes were either labelled with Digoxigenin (DIG) and used in DNA dot blot experiments, or labelled with fluorochromes and used in whole-cell hybridisations with fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometric detection. Specific probes could be used over a broad taxonomic range from higher groups (i.e. the class of dinoflagellates) to species level (i.e. Prorocentrum lima). These probes were be used in the EU MAST project AIMS for the development of an automated identification system for marine phytoplankton in combination with flow cytometry and artificial neural networks (ANNs), in the EU MAST DETAL and in the German national project (TEPS) for the development of an early warning system for harmful algal blooms. Results using Digoxigenin (DIG)-labelled probes on picoplankton samples taken from several water bodies indicate that hierarchial re-probing of spotted samples can be achieved and this suggests that probes can be adapted to DNA microchips. Preliminary field results for a hand-held DNA microchip reader are presented. This work was supported by the German BMBF TEPS 03F0161 and the EU AIMS MAS3-CT97-0080 and EU DETAL Q5RS-2000-30778 projects. [source]


Oral yeast carriage in patients with advanced cancer

MOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2002
A. N. Davies
The aim of this study was to investigate oral yeast carriage amongst patients with advanced cancer. Oral rinse samples were obtained from 120 subjects. Yeasts were isolated using Sabouraud's dextrose agar and CHROMagarÔ Candida, and were identified using a combination of the API 20 C AUX yeast identification system, species-specific PCR and 26S rDNA gene sequencing. Oral yeast carriage was present in 66% of subjects. The frequency of isolation of individual species was: Candida albicans, 46%; Candida glabrata, 18%; Candida dubliniensis, 5%; others, <,5%. The increasing isolation of non- Candida albicans species is clinically important, since these species are often more resistant to antifungal drugs. Oral yeast carriage was associated with denture wearing (P = 0.006), and low stimulated whole salivary flow rate (P = 0.009). Identification of these risk factors offers new strategies for the prevention of oral candidosis in this group of patients. [source]


Study of automated mass spectral deconvolution and identification system (AMDIS) in pesticide residue analysis

RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 10 2006
Weiguo Zhang
The effects of overlapping levels and concentration ratios of overlapping components, and of scan rates of the mass spectrometer, on the capability of the automated mass spectral deconvolution and identification system (AMDIS) in pesticide residue analysis were studied. To investigate the capability of AMDIS in removing interferences from the overlapping peaks, this system was applied to data files obtained from the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of two overlapping (co-eluting) pesticides (, -HCH and PCNB) in full scan mode. Differences in overlap levels, the concentration ratios of the two overlapping components and the scan rates of the instrument were studied. When the difference in scan number of overlapping compounds was equal to 1 scan, AMDIS incompletely extracted ,purified' mass spectra but as the difference increased to 3 or more scans, complete correct spectra could be extracted. The results also show that when the scan rate was in the range of 0.4,0.90,s/scan and the concentration ratios of the target compound/interference were above 1/5, there were ideal deconvolution results for this approach. To further study the application of AMDIS to pesticide residue analysis, AMDIS was applied to the identification of pesticides spiked in real samples (cabbage and rice). Typical pesticides being evaluated were identified using AMDIS at concentrations >50,ng/g in the extracts. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Determining the sensitivity of abattoir surveillance for ovine Johne's disease

AUSTRALIAN VETERINARY JOURNAL, Issue 10 2005
TL BRADLEY
Objective The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of abattoir surveillance of intestinal tract lesions for detecting ovine Johne's disease (OJD) under normal meatwork conditions. Design The design of this study was a diagnostic test validation. The three OJD inspectors were the diagnostic test and follow-up histopathological examination was used for test validation. Procedure Approximately 1200 sheep were procured from known high prevalence OJD infected farms. The sheep viscera were tagged (numbered) and then examined as they were processed on the abattoir line by three experienced meat inspectors. Their observations were independently recorded on a cassette tape. Specified sections of viscera were prepared and subjected to histopathological examination and these results were compared with the inspector diagnoses. Results The sensitivity of abattoir inspection for OJD varied between inspectors from 53 percent to 87 percent. The specificity varied from 97 to 100 percent. It appeared that the level of sensitivity for detecting disease was higher in lines of sheep where the disease was more prevalent. It also appeared that formal training was an important aspect in ensuring a high level of sensitivity. Conclusion Abattoir surveillance is a very economical and rapid method of assessing the OJD status of sheep. On the basis of these results it is reasonable to suggest that abattoir surveillance has a sensitivity of approximately 70 percent. This technique is useful as an ancillary to other testing regimes for negative assurance programs where a sheep identification system is used. [source]


Identification of Acipenseriformes species in trade

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 2008
A. Ludwig
Summary Sturgeons and paddlefishes (Acipenseridae) are highly endangered freshwater fishes. Their eggs (sold as caviar) are one of the most valuable wildlife products in international trade. Concerns of overharvesting and the conservation status of many of the 27 extant species of Acipenseriformes led to all species being included on the CITES Appendices in 1998. Since then international trade in all products and parts from sturgeon and paddlefish has been regulated. However, despite the controls on trade, unsustainable harvesting continues to threaten many populations. Illegal fishing and trade continues to be a threat to the management of these fish. To enforce the regulation of legal trade and prevention of illegal trade, the development of a uniform identification system for parts and derivates of Acipenseriformes has been identified as an urgent requirement. Ideally this system should be suitable for (i) identification at the species-level of caviar and other products from Acipenseriformes; (ii) population identification; (iii) source identification (wild vs aquaculture); and (iv) determining the age of caviar because strict timeframes govern its international trade. This paper reviews the techniques currently available and their potential to be used in an identification system for Acipenseriformes species and their products in trade. A review of all available identification techniques has shown that there is not a single method that can meet all requirements (see i,iv), and it does not appear to be feasible to develop such a method in the near future therefore the most appropriate methods need to be developed for each. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of all techniques reviewed in this document, the following conclusions can be drawn: (i) for the identification of species, approaches are recommended that target mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences (RFLP, nested PCR or direct sequencing). However, they show limitations for the detection of hybrids (although natural hybrids are rare, the number of artificially produced hybrids in aquaculture is increasing) and for the differentiation of the following closely related species complexes: Acipenser gueldenstaedti,Acipenser baerii,Acipenser persicus,Acipenser naccarii; Acipenser medirostris,Acipenser mikadoi; and Scaphirhynchus albus,Scaphirhynchus plathorhynchus,Scaphirhynchus suttkusi; (ii) the identification of different populations of the same species is currently not feasible because genetic data are incomplete for most populations, and stocking and release programmes, which have become more and more common, often result in a mixture of phenotypes and genotypes, thereby impeding the creation and application of such a population identification system; (iii) source identification based on genetic approaches can be excluded at present because there are no genetic differences between wild and hatchery-raised fish. This is the result of the continuing restocking of natural populations with captive fish and vice versa. However, because rearing (i.e. environmental) conditions are different, methods focusing on differences in water quality or food seem to be more appropriate (for example differences in fatty acid composition). So far, very few studies have been conducted and therefore, source identification methods merit further exploration; and (iv) the age of a product in trade cannot be detected by DNA-based methods and protein profiling is undoubtedly impractical due to hard-to-perform, labour-and cost-intensive methods, which are highly susceptible to protein degradation. Arising from the limits discussed above, the next steps in the development of a uniform sturgeon identification system are proposed to be the following: (i) designation of qualified reference laboratories at national levels in (re-) exporting and importing countries. These should be approved through a standardized testing procedure, for instance a ring test on blind samples. Registered laboratories should be published and disseminated and their accreditations should be subject to certain guarantees regarding quality, economic independence and scientific rigour. Operational procedures have to be determined and standardized among reference laboratories; (ii) establishment of reference collections that are accessible to the reference laboratories containing DNA analyses results and information on the location and availability of tissue samples. This is highly recommended as an important step towards a population identification system and indispensable for a general species identification system; (iii) creation of a website access to the reference collections containing the reference database information about genetic samples, comparable to NCBI, which provides background data: sample location; population information; citation; available genetic data; location of archival storage; currently treated and distributed caviar and status of analysis. This website should also be a forum for the exchange of knowledge on and experiences with identification systems, species and population status information, relevant scientific research, etc.; and (iv) the outcome of the trade identification tests should be made available to the reference laboratories for future reference. The universal caviar labelling system could incorporate an indication of the verification of the consignment. In view of the lack of knowledge and the great need to develop a uniform identification system for Acipenseriformes with regard to the importance of the international caviar trade, further scientific guidance and appropriate research is strongly recommended. Progress should be assessed and exchanged on a regular basis. [source]


Comparison of 16S rRNA sequencing with conventional and commercial phenotypic techniques for identification of enterococci from the marine environment

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2006
D.F. Moore
Abstract Aims:, To compare accuracy of genus and species level identification of presumptive enterococci isolates from the marine environment using conventional biochemical testing, four commercial identification systems and 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Methods and Results:, Ninety-seven environmental bacterial isolates identified as presumptive enterococci on mEI media were tested using conventional and Enterococcus genus screen biochemical tests, four commercial testing systems and 16S rRNA sequencing. Conventional and Enterococcus genus screen biochemical testing, 16S rRNA sequencing and two commercial test systems achieved an accuracy of ,94% for Enterococcus genus confirmation. Conventional biochemical testing and 16S rRNA sequencing achieved an accuracy of ,90% for species level identification. Conclusions:, For confirmation of Enterococcus genus from mEI media, conventional or genus screen biochemical testing, 16S rRNA sequencing and the four commercial systems were correct 79,100% of the time. For speciation to an accuracy of 90% or better, either conventional biochemical testing or 16S rRNA sequencing is required. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Accurate identification of presumptive environmental Enterococcus isolates to genus and species level is an integral part of laboratory quality assurance and further characterization of Enterococcus species from pollution incidents. This investigation determines the ability of six different methods to correctly identify environmental isolates. [source]


Oral candidiasis: a comparison between conventional methods and multiplex polymerase chain reaction for species identification

MOLECULAR ORAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2009
G. Liguori
Background/aim:, Oral candidiasis is the most common fungal infection in dental practice, and is caused by yeasts that are normally present in the endogenous flora. Methods:, To evaluate a rapid diagnostic method for identification of Candida oral isolates, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out on colonies and on oral rinse solutions from 95 subjects with suspected oral candidiasis and results were compared with those from seven commonly used phenotypic identification systems. Results:, Between four and nine species were characterized in the samples by the phenotypic methods. PCR identified the same species in 60 (74%) samples from both colony and oral rinse solutions. Statistical analysis, carried out only for the three most frequently isolated species (Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, and Candida tropicalis), showed good concordance in the comparison of multiplex PCR with API 20C AUX and with the Rapid Yeast Identification Panel; conversely, significant differences were registered in the comparison between the molecular method and other phenotypic systems, including four chromogenic media and the automated system Vitek2. Discussion:, Multiplex PCR was rapid and effective in the identification of Candida species and allowed the detection of more than one species in the same sample. [source]