Current controversies in prenatal diagnosis 2: Cell-free DNA prenatal screening should be used to identify all chromosome abnormalities

Noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) using cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from maternal serum has been clinically available since 2011. This technology has revolutionized our ability to screen for the common aneuploidies trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18, and trisomy 13. More recently, clinical laboratories have offered screening for other chromosome abnormalities including sex chromosome abnormalities and copy number variants (CNV) without little published data on the sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. In this debate, the pros and cons of performing prenatal screening via cfDNA for all chromosome abnormalities is discussed. At the time of the debate in 2017, the general consensus was that the literature does not yet support using this technology to screen for all chromosome abnormalities and that education is key for both providers and the patients so that the decision-making process is as informed as possible.     

The first monoclonal antibody-based,matrix-resistant immunoassay for the carbamate herbicide asulam,in water

To date, no ligand binding assay has been described for the carbamate herbicide asulam, although a variety of physical methods, dependent on pre-concentration of water samples, have been documented for its assessment. However, asulam is increasingly used in sensitive agricultural areas, and statutory regulations concerning its monitoring will undoubtedly become more stringent. Antibodies are optimal partners in ligand binding assays, but it is commonly understood by immunological researchers that where no antibody reactive with a particular antigen has yet been described, the immunogenicity of the antigen may be particularly restricted. By the expedient of employing a specialised approach to final immunisation with an asulam-protein conjugate, prior to the immortalisation of a specific anti-asulam antibody-producing cell, we have succeeded in generating a monoclonal antibody reactive specifically with asulam that can be configured in a convenient immunoassay. This antibody may be used flexibly in a number of ways: small sample volumes of 10 microl can be assessed to sensitivities of 4.35 x 10(-7) M (10 microg L(-1)) while avoiding discrepancies contributed by the assay matrix; this antibody-based assay can also be formatted to deliver sensitivities at levels stipulated by regulatory authorities (e.g., 4.35 x 10(-9) M or 0.1 microg L(-1)) directly from a water sample, without prior pre-concentration.     

Measuring the impact of rehabilitation services on the quality of life of disabled people in Cambodia

The present study aimed to measure the quality of life (QOL) of disabled people in Cambodia and the impact of rehabilitation services. The categories of services were: physical rehabilitation (prosthetics/orthotics with physiotherapy); community-based rehabilitation; and (3) labour market assistance. The 164 respondents were from a range of urban and rural settings. The results suggest that QOL was substantially lower among disabled Cambodians who had received no rehabilitation services compared to those who had received one of the three categories of rehabilitation services. QOL scores tended to be highest, however, among those who had received a combination of all three services. The results also highlighted the vulnerability of certain sub-groups who may need specific provision in planning, policy-making and service delivery. The present study suggests that an integrated approach may be the best way to maximise the impact of individual rehabilitation services in Cambodia.     

Effect of salinity on uptake of 14C-2,2′4,5,5′-pentachlorobiphenyl by juvenile Atlantic salmon

Uptake of ¹⁴C-2,2′,4,5,5′-pentachlorobiphenyl by appropiately adapted juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is more efficient from fresh water than from sea water. Concentrations of ¹⁴C-2,2′,4,5,5′-pentachlorobiphenyl in the whole body as well as in a number of organs and tissues were substantially higher in salmon exposed in fresh water.