Unexpected Periodicity in Cationic Group 5 Initiators for the Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactones

ε-Caprolactone (ε-CL) adducts of cationic, amine tris(phenolate)-supported niobium(V) and tantalum(V) ethoxides initiate the ring-opening polymerization of lactones. The Ta(V) species prepared and applied catalytically herein exhibits higher activity in the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone than the previously reported, isostructural Nb(V) complex, contradicting literature comparisons of Nb(V)- and Ta(V)-based protocols. Both systems also initiate the ROP of δ-valerolactone and rac-β-butyrolactone, kinetic studies confirming retention of higher activity by the Ta congener. Polymerizations of rac-β-butyrolactone and δ-valerolactone were previously unrealized under Group V- or Ta-mediated conditions, respectively, although the former has afforded only low molecular weight, cyclic poly-3-hydroxybutyrate. Cationic ethoxo-Nb(V) and -Ta(V) δ-valerolactone adducts are also reported, demonstrating the facility of δ-valerolactone as a ligand and the generality of the synthetic method. Both δ-valerolactone-bearing complexes initiate the ROP of ε-caprolactone, δ-valerolactone, and rac-β-butyrolactone. Accordingly, we have elucidated trends in reactivity and investigated the initiation mechanism for such systems, the insertion event being predicated upon intramolecular nucleophilic attack on the coordinated lactone by the adjacent alkoxide moiety. This mechanism enables quantitative, stoichiometric installation of a single monomer residue distinct from the bulk of the polymer chain, and permits modification of polymer properties via both manipulation of the molecular architecture and tuning of the polymerization kinetics, and thus dispersity, through hitherto inaccessible independent control of the initiation event.

Investigation of an international outbreak of multidrug-resistant monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium associated with chocolate products, EU/EEA and United Kingdom, February to April 2022

An extensive multi-country outbreak of multidrug-resistant monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium infection in 10 countries with 150 reported cases, predominantly affecting young children, has been linked to chocolate products produced by a large multinational company. Extensive withdrawals and recalls of multiple product lines have been undertaken. With Easter approaching, widespread product distribution and the vulnerability of the affected population, early and effective real-time sharing of microbiological and epidemiological information has been of critical importance in effectively managing this serious food-borne incident.

Detection and control of an ongoing international outbreak of hepatitis A among the Irish Traveller community beginning September 2020

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a notifiable disease in Ireland, with national coverage of clinical and laboratory surveillance. In December 2020, a cluster of 11 HAV cases among the Irish Traveller community was detected. The outbreak investigation identified 61 total HAV cases from September 2020 to November 2021. Sequenced isolates were sub-genotype IA with identical genome sequence. Case-patients were predominantly aged under 18 (77%), hospitalised (46%) and lived on communal residential sites. Mass onsite HAV vaccination was employed following failure of initial ring vaccination to contain the outbreak. This is the largest outbreak of HAV described in Ireland, involving spillover to the UK and Netherlands. We recommend mass HAV vaccination and tailored communication for outbreak control in migratory subpopulations.

Association between common cardiovascular risk factors and clinical phenotype in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) EurObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy/Myocarditis registry

AIMS

The interaction between common cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is poorly studied. We sought to explore the relation between CVRF and the clinical characteristics of patients with HCM enrolled in the EURObservational Research Programme (EORP) Cardiomyopathy registry.

METHODS AND RESULTS

1739 patients with HCM were studied. The relation between hypertension (HT), diabetes (DM), body mass index (BMI), and clinical traits was analysed. Analyses were stratified according to the presence or absence of a pathogenic variant in a sarcomere gene. The prevalence of HT, DM, and obesity (Ob) was 37, 10, and 21%, respectively. HT, DM, and Ob were associated with older age (P<0.001), less family history of HCM (HT and DM P<0.001), higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) class (P<0.001), atrial fibrillation (HT and DM P<0.001; Ob p = 0.03) and LV (left ventricular) diastolic dysfunction (HT and Ob P<0.001; DM P = 0.003). Stroke was more frequent in HT (P<0.001) and mutation-positive patients with DM (P = 0.02). HT and Ob were associated with higher provocable LV outflow tract gradients (HT P<0.001, Ob P = 0.036). LV hypertrophy was more severe in Ob (P = 0.018). HT and Ob were independently associated with NYHA class (OR 1.419, P = 0.017 and OR 1.584, P = 0.004, respectively). Other associations, including a higher proportion of females in HT and of systolic dysfunction in HT and Ob, were observed only in mutation-positive patients.

CONCLUSION

Common CVRF are associated with a more severe HCM phenotype, suggesting a proactive management of CVRF should be promoted. An interaction between genotype and CVRF was observed for some traits.

Nine year experience of the Northern Ireland Inherited Cardiac Conditions Service (NI ICC of slow vs. rapid ajmaline infusion protocols for the diagnosis of Brugada syndrome (BrS)

Background

BrS is diagnosed in patients with ST-segment elevation with type1 morphology ≥2mm in one or more leads among the right precordial leads V1 and/or V2 positioned in the second, third or fourth intercostal space, occurring either spontaneously or after provocative drug test with intravenous administration of sodium channel blockers (ie. ajmaline, flecainide, procainamide or pilsicainide). The specific protocol for Ajmaline provocation testing for diagnosis of BrS has been debated between ICC services worldwide. Concerns regarding safety and false positive rates are perceived to be associated with a more rapid infusion protocol. This retrospective observational cohort study describes the safety and positivity rates for patients undergoing ajmaline provocation challenge by both protocols over nine years.

Method

Consecutive adults undergoing ajmaline challenge test from Mach 2011 to Feb 2020 were retrospectively collected. Data on patient demographics, indication for testing, genetic information, adverse events and positivity rates were compared by test protocol used. Slow protocol was defined as total dose of 1mg/kg ajmaline capped at 100mg given at rate of 10mg/min over 10 minutes. Rapid protocol was defined as 1mg/kg ajmaline capped at 100mg given over 5 minutes.

Results

A total of 350 ajmaline challenges were included (275 (73%) slow vs. 75 (27%) rapid protocol) [Mean age 40±15 years; 53% male]. Indication for conducting the test was a) Family history of Brugada syndrome 164 (43%) b) Family history of SADS/SUD 103 (28%), c) OOHCA 22 (6%) d) abnormal ECG 39 (11%) and e) syncope 22 (6%). Among the positive test group, average time for test positivity is 5.92 minutes and average dose was 55mgs (p&lt;0.05). There were no differences between positivity rate between the two protocols, group A vs. group B, p=0.45, ns. Comparison between all patients with positive vs. negative results regardless of the protocol, showed no statistical differences. Predominantly male in both groups (p=0.71, ns) and mean age of patients in their 40's (p=0.93, ns). There is a trend that positive patients likely to have family history of BrS p=0.08, ns). 2 patients had experience jaundice at later stage which resolved.

Conclusion

In NI ICC service to date, we have performed 350 Ajmaline test over the last nine years. Our positivity rate was 21% (75/350). We did not identify any significant evidence of ventricular dysrhythmia (0) or QRS broadening (2) that resulting in early termination of the protocol. Abnormal ECG with absence of symptoms yields low. Therefore we will continue fast protocol in our service for efficiency in our unit.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Belfast Health and Social Care TrustCormac Felowship

Spatiotemporal epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis in the Republic of Ireland, 2008-2017: development of a space-time "cluster recurrence" index

Background

Ireland frequently reports the highest annual Crude Incidence Rates (CIRs) of cryptosporidiosis in the EU, with national CIRs up to ten times the EU average. Accordingly, the current study sought to examine the spatiotemporal trends associated with this potentially severe protozoan infection.

Methods

Overall, 4509 cases of infection from January 2008 to December 2017 were geo-referenced to a Census Small Area (SA), with an ensemble of geo-statistical approaches including seasonal decomposition, Local Moran’s I, and space–time scanning used to elucidate spatiotemporal patterns of infection.

Results

One or more confirmed cases were notified in 3413 of 18,641 Census SAs (18.3%), with highest case numbers occurring in the 0–5-year range (n = 2672, 59.3%). Sporadic cases were more likely male (OR 1.4) and rural (OR 2.4), with outbreak-related cases more likely female (OR 1.4) and urban (OR 1.5). Altogether, 55 space–time clusters (≥ 10 confirmed cases) of sporadic infection were detected, with three “high recurrence” regions identified; no large urban conurbations were present within recurrent clusters.

Conclusions

Spatiotemporal analysis represents an important indicator of infection patterns, enabling targeted epidemiological intervention and surveillance. Presented results may also be used to further understand the sources, pathways, receptors, and thus mechanisms of cryptosporidiosis in Ireland.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06598-3.

Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Sporadic Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Enteritis, Ireland, 2013-2017

The Republic of Ireland regularly reports the highest annual crude incidence rates of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli (STEC) enteritis in the European Union, ≈10 times the average. We investigated spatiotemporal patterns of STEC enteritis in Ireland using multiple statistical tools. Overall, we georeferenced 2,755 cases of infection during January 2013–December 2017; we found >1 case notified in 2,340 (12.6%) of 18,641 Census Small Areas. We encountered the highest case numbers in children 0–5 years of age (n = 1,101, 39.6%) and associated with serogroups O26 (n = 800, 29%) and O157 (n = 638, 23.2%). Overall, we identified 17 space-time clusters, ranging from 2 (2014) to 5 (2017) clusters of sporadic infection per year; we detected recurrent clustering in 3 distinct geographic regions in the west and mid-west, all of which are primarily rural. Our findings can be used to enable targeted epidemiologic intervention and surveillance.

Geocoding cryptosporidiosis cases in Ireland (2008-2017)-development of a reliable, reproducible, multiphase geocoding methodology

Background

Geocoding (the process of converting a text address into spatial data) quality may affect geospatial epidemiological study findings. No national standards for best geocoding practice exist in Ireland. Irish postcodes (Eircodes) are not routinely recorded for infectious disease notifications and > 35% of dwellings have non-unique addresses. This may result in incomplete geocoding and introduce systematic errors into studies.

Aims

This study aimed to develop a reliable and reproducible methodology to geocode cryptosporidiosis notifications to fine-resolution spatial units (Census 2016 Small Areas), to enhance data validity and completeness, thus improving geospatial epidemiological studies.

Methods

A protocol was devised to utilise geocoding tools developed by the Health Service Executive’s Health Intelligence Unit. Geocoding employed finite-string automated and manual matching, undertaken sequentially in three additive phases. The protocol was applied to a cryptosporidiosis notification dataset (2008–2017) from Ireland’s Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting System. Outputs were validated against devised criteria.

Results

Overall, 92.1% (4266/4633) of cases were successfully geocoded to one Small Area, and 95.5% (n = 4425) to larger spatial units. The proportion of records geocoded increased by 14% using the multiphase approach, with 5% of records re-assigned to a different spatial unit.

Conclusions

The developed multiphase protocol improved the completeness and validity of geocoding, thus increasing the power of subsequent studies. The authors recommend capturing Eircodes ideally using application programming interface for infectious disease or other health-related datasets, for more efficient and reliable geocoding. Where Eircodes are not recorded/available, for best geocoding practice, we recommend this (or a similar) quality driven protocol.

A 'Life-Style Choice' or a Philosophical Belief?: The Argument for Veganism and Vegetarianism to be a Protected Philosophical Belief and the Position in England and Wales

The recent judgment in Casamitjana Costa v The League Against Cruel Sports in England and Wales held that ethical veganism was a protected philosophical belief under employment law. In contrast, vegetarianism was found not to be a protected philosophical belief in Conisbee v Crossley Farms Limited and others. The authors argue that the Employment Tribunal misunderstood the notion of vegetarianism when deciding that it was a 'life-style choice'. There are different kinds of vegans and vegetarians, each with their own way of practising the philosophy which influences how they live their life. Not all people who follow a meat-free diet should be afforded this protection, and it depends on whether their belief is one which is determined by certain factors, such as animal welfare and environmentalism, rather than for health purposes. The authors explore the arguments and analysis in the above employment cases, coming to the conclusion that the tribunals oversimplified what it means to hold values such as veganism and vegetarianism, failing to understand the differences between different classifications and sub-groups when coming to a decision. The different kinds of vegans and vegetarians and their characteristics are outlined, before determining whether this should constitute protection under employment law, protecting individuals from discrimination. The situation in the USA and Canada regarding this issue is very different, and there are parallels drawn with attempting to establish veganism or vegetarianism as a religion, and where they could benefit from the recent decision in England and Wales. Finally, this paper concludes that ethical and environmental veganism and vegetarianism should both qualify as protected philosophical beliefs, but other kinds may fall short of what is required to satisfy the requirements under law.

Make or break: Mg(ii)- and Zn(ii)-catalen complexes for PLA production and recycling of commodity polyesters

A series of Mg(ii) and Zn(ii) catalen complexes have been prepared for PLA formation and recycling.

Aluminium(iii) and zinc(ii) complexes of azobenzene-containing ligands for ring-opening polymerisation of ε-caprolactone and rac-lactide

The ability to control the outcome of polymerisations using an external stimulus remains a formidable challenge.

Chemical Degradation of End-of-Life Poly(lactic acid) into Methyl Lactate by a Zn(II) Complex

The catalyzed methanolysis of end-of-life poly(lactic acid) (PLA) products by an ethylenediamine Zn(II) complex to form biodegradable methyl lactate was studied experimentally at 70, 90, and 110 °C. The PLA samples consisted of typical consumer waste materials, including a cup, a toy, and a three-dimensional (3D) printing material. High selectivities and yields (>94%) were possible depending on temperature and reaction time. Additionally, and to develop a predictive kinetic model, kinetic parameters (pre-exponential factor and activation energies) of the PLA transesterification reaction were first obtained from virgin PLA. These parameters were subsequently used to estimate the conversion of PLA, selectivity, and yield of methyl lactate after 1 and 4 h of the reaction, and the results were compared with the experimental values of the end-of-life PLA. Despite the presence of unknown additives in the PLA waste material and uncontrolled particle size, the model was able to predict the overall conversion, selectivity, and yield to an average deviation of 5, 7, and 12%, respectively. A greater agreement between the model and experimental values is observed for the higher temperatures and the longer reaction time. Larger deviations were observed for the PLA toy, which we attribute to the presence of additives, since despite its lower molecular weight, it possessed a higher structural strength.

Kinetics of Methyl Lactate Formation from the Transesterification of Polylactic Acid Catalyzed by Zn(II) Complexes

The kinetics of the transesterification of polylactic acid (PLA) with methanol to form methyl lactate catalyzed by Zn(II) complexes was studied experimentally and numerically. The complexes, Zn(1 ^Et )₂ and Zn(2 ^Pr )₂, were synthesized from ethylenediamine and propylenediamine Schiff bases, respectively. The temperature range covered was 313.2-383.2 K. An increase in the reaction rate with the increase in temperature was observed for the Zn(1 ^Et )₂-catalyzed reaction. The temperature relationship of the rate coefficients can be explained by a linear Arrhenius dependency with constant activation energy. The kinetics of Zn(2 ^Pr )₂, on the other hand, is only explained by non-Arrhenius kinetics with convex variable activation energy, resulting in faster methyl lactate production rates at 323.2 and 343.2 K. The formation of a new catalyst species, likely through reaction with protic reagents, appears to promote the formation of intermediate complexes, resulting in the nonlinear behavior. Stirring speed induced the stability of the intermediate complexes. Contrary to Zn(1 ^Et )₂, Zn(2 ^Pr )₂ was susceptible to the presence of air/moisture in solution. The kinetic parameters were obtained by fitting the experimental data to the mass and energy balance of a consecutive second step reversible reaction taking place in a jacketed stirred batch reactor. For the case of Zn(2 ^Pr )₂, the activation energy was fitted to a four-parameter equation. The kinetic parameters presented in this work are valuable for the design of processes involving the chemical recycling of PLA into green solvents.

Salalen vs. thiolen: in the ring(-opening of epoxide and cyclic carbonate formation)

A range of Fe(iii)-salalen and -thiolen–chloride complexes have been prepared and are shown to be active catalysts for the selective coupling of CO₂ and cyclohexene oxide (CHO).

Mono- and dimeric zinc(ii) complexes for PLA production and degradation into methyl lactate – a chemical recycling method

A series of well-defined mono- and dimeric Zn(ii)-complexes were prepared and fully characterised by X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy.

Novel hybrid aluminium(iii)–catalen complexes as highly active catalysts for lactide polymerisation: towards industrial relevance

A series of novel Al(iii) complexes are prepared that show remarkable activity under the industrially preferred conditions.

Zinc Complexes for PLA Formation and Chemical Recycling: Towards a Circular Economy

A series of Zn^II complexes, based on propylenediamine Schiff bases, have been prepared and fully characterized. X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy identified significant differences in the solid and solution state for the Zn^II species. All complexes have been applied to the ring-opening polymerization of l-lactide with emphasis on industrial conditions. High conversion and good molecular weight control were generally achievable for Zn(A-D)₂ , and high-molecular-weight poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was prepared in 1 min at a 10 000:1:33 [lactide]/[Zn]/[BnOH] loading. The more active Zn^II catalysts were also applied to PLA degradation to alkyl lactate under mild conditions. Zn(A-B)₂ demonstrated high activity and selectivity in this process with PLA being consumed within 1 h at 50 °C. Zn(C-D)₂ were shown to be less active, and these observations can be related to the catalysts' structure and the degradation mechanism. Initial results for the degradation of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and mixed feeds are also presented, highlighting the broader applicability of the systems presented.

The synthesis, characterisation and application of iron(iii)–acetate complexes for cyclic carbonate formation and the polymerisation of lactide

Cracking the whip: Simple iron(iii) acetate complexes have been applied to the catalytic cyclic carbonate formation and lactide ROP.

Tuning a robust system: N,O zinc guanidine catalysts for the ROP of lactide

Non-toxic, highly active and robust complexes are the holy grail as ideal green catalysts for the polymerisation of biorenewable and biodegradable polylactide. Four new zinc guanidine complexes [ZnCl2(TMG4NMe2asme)], [ZnCl2(TMG5Clasme)], [ZnCl2(TMG5Measme)] and [ZnCl2(TMG5NMe2asme)] with different electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups on the ligand's aromatic backbone have been synthesised. Ligands are derived from low-cost commercially available compounds and have been converted by a three- or four-step synthesis process into the desired ligand in good yields. The compounds have been fully characterised and tested in the ROP of rac-LA under industrially relevant conditions. The complexes are based on the recently published structure [ZnCl2(TMGasme)] which has shown high activity in the polymerisation of lactide at 150 °C. Different substituents in the para-position of the guanidine moiety significantly increase the polymerisation rate whereas positioning substituents in the meta-position causes no change in the reaction rate. With molecular weights over 71 000 g mol-1 being achievable, the best system produces polymers for multiple industrial applications and its polymerisation rate approaches that of Sn(Oct)2. The robust systems are able to polymerise non-purified lactide. The initiation of the polymerisation is suggested to occur due to impurities in the monomer.

Aluminium salalens vs. salans: "Initiator Design" for the isoselective polymerisation of rac-lactide

We report the rationalised design of aluminium initiators and their application for ROP of rac-lactide (rac-LA). A very minor change to the ligand backbone (imine reduction) to give secondary amines was found to have a dramatic effect on activity and selectivity with isotactic PLA being realised.

Highly active Mg(ii) and Zn(ii) complexes for the ring opening polymerisation of lactide

Simple, highly active, Zn(ii) and Mg(ii) complexes for the industrial ring opening polymerisation (ROP) of lactide.

Highly Active N,O Zinc Guanidine Catalysts for the Ring-Opening Polymerization of Lactide

New zinc guanidine complexes with N,O donor functionalities were prepared, characterized by X-Ray crystallography, and examined for their catalytic activity in the solvent-free ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of technical-grade rac-lactide at 150 °C. All complexes showed a high activity. The fastest complex [ZnCl₂ (DMEGasme)] (C1) produced colorless poly(lactide) (PLA) after 90 min with a conversion of 52 % and high molar masses (M_w =69 100, polydispersity=1.4). The complexes were tested with different monomer-to-initiator ratios to determine the rate constant k_p . Furthermore, a polymerization with the most active complex C1 was monitored by in situ Raman spectroscopy. Overall, conversion of up to 90 % can be obtained. End-group analysis was performed to clarify the mechanism. All four complexes combine robustness against impurities in the lactide with high polymerization rates, and they represent the fastest robust lactide ROP catalysts to date, opening new avenues to a sustainable ROP catalyst family for industrial use.

Pro Bono: What's in it for law students? The students' perspective

<p>In England and Wales, there is an increasing need for the provision of pro bono legal services.  Law students may be a resource that can help fill the access to justice gap, whilst at university and onwards in their future careers.  Whilst some students are intrinsically motivated towards altruistic behaviour, many are not.  This article will consider what motivates students to undertake pro bono work whilst at law school.</p><p>The article will explore the range of intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors for student participation in pro bono programmes and consider how students can be encouraged to engage in such activities.  The article will also consider whether exposure to pro bono experience can instil a public service ethos in students.</p>In conclusion, the article will highlight experience as an influential factor in encouraging initial participation in pro bono work but also instilling a willingness to undertake pro bono work in the future.

Ligands and complexes based on piperidine and their exploitation of the ring opening polymerisation of rac-lactide

Ligands based on 2-aminomethyl piperidine have been prepared, complexed to a variety of metals and tested for their ability to polymerise lactide.

Aminopiperidine based complexes for lactide polymerisation

A series of new ligands based on a 2-(aminomethyl)piperidine motif have been prepared. An interesting diversity in structure is observed, all complexes have been trialled for the polymerisation of rac-lactide.

Metal influence on the iso- and hetero-selectivity of complexes of bipyrrolidine derived salan ligands for the polymerisation of rac-lactide

A series complexes based on 2,2′-bipyrrolidine based salan ligands have been prepared and either isotactic or heterotactic PLA have been prepared.

In this paper we have prepared a series of Ti(iv), Hf(iv) and Al(iii) complexes based on bipyrrolidine salan pro-ligands. The Hf(iv) complexes have all been characterised in the solid-state, the chiral ligands coordinate to Hf(iv) in an α-cis manner whereas the meso ligand coordinates in a β-cis geometry. The Hf(iv) complexes are all active for the ROP of rac-lactide in the melt, with the fluxional meso complex affording a strong isotactic bias P_m = 0.84. As expected Hf(3)(OⁱPr)₂ polymerised l-LA faster than rac-LA (k_app = 5.9 × 10^–3 min^–1vs. 3.8 × 10^–3 min^–1). For Ti(iv) complexes atactic PLA was formed. The salan pro-ligands have also been complexed to Al(iii), and the novel Al–Me and Al-OⁱPr complexes were characterised in the solid and solution state. Al(1)(OⁱPr) was fluxional on the NMR timescale, whereas Al(3)(OⁱPr) was locked in solution with no exchange. Interestingly, the Al(iii) complexes of 3H₂ produce PLA with a very strong heterotactic bias P_r upto 0.87, whereas atactic PLA is produced with 1H₂. For Al(3)(OⁱPr) a linear relationship is observed with M_n and conversion. Experiments with the addition of an equivalent of rac-LA to the selective initiators have also been performed and are discussed.

Law student attitudes towards pro bono and voluntary work: The experience at Northumbria University

<p>This study considers whether participation in pro bono legal work during a programme of academic study at Northumbria University increases the likelihood of future participation in pro bono activity amongst law students.</p><p>This was a quantitative study in which an online survey, measuring altruistic attitudes, was sent to students enrolled on the M Law Exempting degree programme at Northumbria University. The author analysed the data by comparing the attitudes of those students who had engaged in pro bono activity during the fourth year of the programme against those students who had yet to engage in pro bono activity, being those students in Years 1, 2 and 3 of the programme.</p><p>The data suggests that whilst the students value engagement in pro bono activity, this is principally due to the personal benefits which they gain. In particular, respondents reported improvement in legal skills and enhanced employability as a consequence of participation in pro bono work. The data indicates that there is an increased awareness of social and economic issues whilst engaged in pro bono work but this does not translate into a desire to continue pro bono work after graduation.</p>It was therefore concluded that participation in pro bono work during the course of academic study does not increase the likelihood of future participation in pro bono activity following graduation.

A multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Newport gastroenteritis in Europe associated with watermelon from Brazil, confirmed by whole genome sequencing: October 2011 to January 2012

In November 2011, the presence of Salmonella Newport in a ready-to-eat watermelon slice was confirmed as part of a local food survey in England. In late December 2011, cases of S. Newport were reported in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Ireland and Germany. During the outbreak, 63 confirmed cases of S. Newport were reported across all six countries with isolates indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis from the watermelon isolate.A subset of outbreak isolates were whole-genome sequenced and were identical to, or one single nucleotide polymorphism different from the watermelon isolate.In total, 46 confirmed cases were interviewed of which 27 reported watermelon consumption. Further investigations confirmed the outbreak was linked to the consumption of watermelon imported from Brazil.Although numerous Salmonella outbreaks associated with melons have been reported in the United States and elsewhere, this is the first of its kind in Europe.Expansion of the melon import market from Brazil represents a potential threat for future outbreaks. Whole genome sequencing is rapidly becoming more accessible and can provide a compelling level of evidence of linkage between human cases and sources of infection,to support public health interventions in global food markets.

“10 lessons for new clinicians”

<p>As a new clinician, if you have trained as a lawyer via a traditional legal education route you inevitably have very little experience of clinical education to bring to the role, although you of course have your professional and practical experience to draw on. Although many readers are experienced clinicians, this is a timely opportunity to go back to the beginning and re-assess the potential problems or risk areas that clinicians face at the beginning of a new academic year, with a new intake of students. Society changes continually so each year will bring new issues as well as those well known to all clinicians.</p><p>In clinic at Northumbria University final year students are placed in to groups of up to six students known as firms and each firm is allocated an area of law such as employment or housing. Each firm is supervised by a qualified solicitor who allocates cases to the students. Students can work individually or in pairs, depending on the complexity of the case. At the end of the academic year, students are assessed on their practical performance using grade descriptors. They also submit reflective pieces about their experiences in clinic.</p><p>These “lessons” have emerged from our own first year of transition from practising lawyer to clinical educator. We hope some of them ring true with other new clinicians.</p>

Underreporting of viral encephalitis and viral meningitis, Ireland, 2005-2008

Viral encephalitis (VE) and viral meningitis (VM) have been notifiable infectious diseases under surveillance in the Republic of Ireland since 1981. Laboratories have reported confirmed cases by detection of viral nucleic acid in cerebrospinal fluid since 2004. To determine the prevalence of these diseases in Ireland during 2005–2008, we analyzed 3 data sources: Hospital In-patient Enquiry data (from hospitalized following patients discharge) accessed through Health Intelligence Ireland, laboratory confirmations from the National Virus Reference Laboratory, and events from the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting surveillance system. We found that the national surveillance system underestimates the incidence of these diseases in Ireland with a 10-fold higher VE hospitalization rate and 3-fold higher VM hospitalization rate than the reporting rate. Herpesviruses were responsible for most specified VE and enteroviruses for most specified VM from all 3 sources. Recommendations from this study have been implemented to improve the surveillance of these diseases in Ireland.

Zirconium complexes of bipyrrolidine derived salan ligands for the isoselective polymerisation of rac-lactide

We report a series of Zr(iv) 2,2′-bipyrrolidine–salan derived complexes and their exploitation for the ROP of rac-lactide to afford highly isotactically enriched PLA.

Investigation and management of an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 associated with duck eggs, Ireland 2009 to 2011

Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 was a very rare cause of human illness in Ireland between 2000 and 2008, with only four human isolates from three patients being identified. Over a 19-month period between August 2009 and February 2011, 34 confirmed cases and one probable case of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 were detected, all of which had an MLVA pattern 2-10-NA-12-212 or a closely related pattern. The epidemiological investigations strongly supported a linkbetween illness and exposure to duck eggs. Moreover, S. Typhimurium with an MLVA pattern indistinguishable (or closely related) to the isolates from human cases, was identified in 22 commercial and backyard duck flocks, twelve of which were linked with known human cases. A range of control measures were taken at farm level, and advice was provided to consumers on the hygienic handling and cooking of duck eggs. Although no definitive link was established with a concurrent duck egg-related outbreak of S. Typhimurium DT8 in the United Kingdom, it seems likely that the two events were related. It may be appropriate for other countries with a tradition of consuming duck eggs to consider the need for measures to reduce the risk of similar outbreaks.

Investigation and management of an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 associated with duck eggs, Ireland 2009 to 2011

>Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 was a very rare cause of human illness in Ireland between 2000 and 2008, with only four human isolates from three patients being identified. Over a 19-month period between August 2009 and February 2011, 34 confirmed cases and one probable case of Salmonella Typhimurium DT8 were detected, all of which had an MLVA pattern 2-10-NA-12-212 or a closely related pattern. The epidemiological investigations strongly supported a link between illness and exposure to duck eggs. Moreover, S. Typhimurium with an MLVA pattern indistinguishable (or closely related) to the isolates from human cases, was identified in 22 commercial and backyard duck flocks, twelve of which were linked with known human cases. A range of control measures were taken at farm level, and advice was provided to consumers on the hygienic handling and cooking of duck eggs. Although no definitive link was established with a concurrent duck egg-related outbreak of S. Typhimurium DT8 in the United Kingdom, it seems likely that the two events were related. It may be appropriate for other countries with a tradition of consuming duck eggs to consider the need for measures to reduce the risk of similar outbreaks.

Potential role of asymptomatic kitchen food handlers during a food-borne outbreak of norovirus infection, Dublin, Ireland, March 2009

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches

Completeness and timeliness of Salmonella notifications in Ireland in 2008: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

In Ireland, salmonellosis is the second most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis. A new electronic system for reporting (Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting--CIDR) of Salmonella cases was established in 2004. It collates clinical (and/or laboratory) data on confirmed and probable Salmonella cases. The authors studied the completeness and the timeliness of Salmonella notifications in 2008.

METHODS

This analysis was based upon laboratory confirmed cases of salmonella gastroenteritis. Using data contained in CIDR, we examined completeness for certain non-mandatory fields (country of infection, date of onset of illness, organism, outcome, patient type, and ethnicity). We matched the CIDR data with the dataset provided by the national Salmonella reference laboratory (NSRL) to which all Salmonella spp. isolates are referred for definitive typing. We calculated the main median time intervals in the flow of events of the notification process.

RESULTS

In total, 416 laboratory confirmed Salmonella cases were captured by the national surveillance system and the NSRL and were included in the analysis. Completeness of non mandatory fields varied considerably. Organism was the most complete field (98.8%), ethnicity the least (11%). The median time interval between sample collection (first contact of the patient with the healthcare professional) to the first notification to the regional Department of Public Health (either a clinical or a laboratory notification) was 6 days (Interquartile 4-7 days). The median total identification time interval, time between sample collections to availability of serotyping and phage-typing results on the system was 25 days (Interquartile 19-32 days). Timeliness varied with respect to Salmonella species. Clinical notifications occurred more rapidly than laboratory notifications.

CONCLUSIONS

Further feedback and education should be given to health care professionals to improve completeness of reporting of non-mandatory fields. The efficiency of reporting was similar to that published elsewhere. Delays in the reporting system at present mean that although the system is of value in facilitating comprehensive reporting it is unlikely it can be relied upon for rapid detection of outbreaks at an early stage. Direct person-to-person, communication between clinical and reference laboratories and public health practitioners remains a critical element of the surveillance system for rapid outbreak detection.