Understanding research methods,limitations, and applications of drug data collected by the National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS-Drug)

The National Forensic Laboratory Information System (NFLIS) is a drug surveillance program of the US Drug Enforcement Administration that systematically collects data on drugs that are seized by law enforcement and submitted to and analyzed by the Nation's forensic laboratories (NFLIS-Drug). NFLIS-Drug data are increasingly used in predictive modeling and drug surveillance to examine drug availability patterns. Given the complexity of the data and data collection, there are some common methodological pitfalls that we highlight with the aim of helping researchers avoid these concerns. The analysis done for this Technical Note is based on a review of the scientific literature that includes 428 unique, refereed article citations in 182 distinct journals published between January 1, 2005, and April 30, 2021. Each article was analyzed according to how NFLIS-Drug data were mentioned and whether NFLIS-Drug data were included. A sample of 37 articles was studied in-depth, and data issues were summarized. Using examples from the literature, this Technical Note highlights eight broad concerns that have important implications for the proper applications, interpretations, and limitations of NFLIS-Drug data with suggestions for improving research methods and accurate reporting of forensic drug data. NFLIS-Drug data are timely and provide key information to inform drug use trends across the United States; however, our present analysis shows that NFLIS-Drug data are misunderstood and represented in the literature. In addition to highlighting these issues, DEA has created several resources to assist NFLIS data users and researchers, which are summarized in the discussion.     

Postmortem genetic testing in sudden unexplained death: A public health laboratory experience

Sudden unexplained death in the young poses a diagnostically challenging situation for practicing autopsy pathologists, especially in the absence of anatomic and toxicological findings. Postmortem genetic testing may identify pathogenic variants in the deceased of such cases, including those associated with arrhythmogenic channelopathies and cardiomyopathies. The Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene (WSLH) is a state-run public health laboratory which performs postmortem genetic testing at no cost to Wisconsin medical examiners and coroners. The current study examines sequencing data from 18 deceased patients (ages 2 months to 49 years, 5 females) submitted to WSLH, from 2016 to 2021. Panel-based analysis was performed on 10 cases, and whole exome sequencing was performed on the most recent 8 cases. Genetic variants were identified in 14 of 18 decedents (77.8%), including 7 with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants (38.9%). Whole exome sequencing was more likely to yield a positive result, more variants per decedent, and a larger number of variants of uncertain significance. While panel-based testing may offer definitive pathogenic variants in some cases, less frequent variants may be excluded. Whole exome testing may identify rare variants missed by panels, but increased yield of variants of uncertain significance may be difficult to interpret. Postmortem genetic testing in young decedents of sudden unexplained death can provide invaluable information to autopsy pathologists to establish accurate cause and manner of death and to decedent's relatives to allow appropriate management. A public health laboratory model may be a financially advisable alternative to commercial laboratories for medical examiner's/coroner's offices.     

国产试剂盒Goldeneye~(TM)20A在亲权鉴定中的应用评估

目的评估GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒在亲权鉴定中的应用价值。方法应用GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒对289宗亲权鉴定案例中的FTA卡血样本基因组DNA进行PCR扩增,扩增产物用ABI 3130xl遗传分析仪进行毛细管电泳,GeneMapper v3.2和GeneMarker HID软件进行基因分型及统计学分析,并与IdentifilerTM、SinofilerTM、PowerPlex16 3种试剂盒进行比较。结果采用GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒,累积非父排除概率(CPE)为0.999 999 996,累积个人识别能力(CPD)达0.999 999 999 999 999 999 999 932 44,与目前常用的3种试剂盒相比较,GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒在不排除的案例中具有更高的CPI值;在排除的案例中具有更多的排除指标。结论国产GoldeneyeTM20A试剂盒在亲权鉴定中有较高的应用价值。     

法医精神病学能力验证相关问题探讨

能力验证是利用实验室间比对,按照预先制定的准则评价参加者的能力,是世界各国用以评价和保障实验室/机构能力所采用的重要手段.在我国司法鉴定领域,能力验证已逐渐成为执业管理、监督管理的重要手段.根据管理部门的要求,司法鉴定机构应通过参加能力验证活动证明其具有相应的技术能力,并作为内部质量控制、发现问题和持续改进的重要途径.作为公认的主观性较强、风险较高的司法鉴定行业,在法医精神病专业开展能力验证活动更具必要性与迫切性.近几年的运作尝试也表明,在本专业开展能力验证活动是可行的,评价结果亦是行业技术水平的真实反映.但在项目设计与运作上还有完善空间,如样本与物品制备可真实、完备些,可争取更大的技术指导与示范引导作用,应合理控制考核难度,并增强专家公议结果的可靠程度、可接受性,且运作方式应更灵活、多样.参加机构应提高对能力验证的认识,加强业务培训,科学对待;作业时严格遵守作业要求,通读懂材料,寻找关键点,并注重要点与逻辑性,反馈结论要尽量明确、唯一,争取较满意评价结果.     

以就业为导向的高职英语口语的测试方法探索

语言测试在学界的不断论证之下,经过多个阶段的发展已经形成几类测试方法。通过进行语言测试发展不同阶段的比较以及交际性语言测试特点的分析,发现交际性语言测试是以就业为导向的高职英语口语教学要求相适应的有效的测试方法,并提出有效可行的测试方式和评分方法。     

网络主题探究教学模式的设计——以《英语测试》课程考试成绩分析为例

网络主题探究教学模式（WebQuest）即学生通过网络来寻求某个问题的解决方案。该设计把现代教育技术——网络教学资源融入传统的《英语测试》课程中,以＂考试成绩分析＂的主题为例,研究网络主题探究教学模式及设计方法,通过定性分析和定量分析相结合的方法,探讨网络主题探究教学模式对学生及其自主学习的影响。     

Parentage of Hydatidiform Moles

We were presented with the STR (short tandem repeat) profiles from two separate paternity trios. Each trio consisted of a mother, an alleged father, and products of conception (POC) that contained a hydatidiform mole but no visible fetus. In both cases , antecedent pregnancies had followed alleged sexual assaults. Mole classification and pathogenesis are described in order to explain the analyses and statistical reasoning used in each case. One mole exhibited several loci with two different paternal alleles, indicating it was a dispermic (heterozygous) mole. Maternal decidua contaminated the POC, preventing the identification of paternal obligate alleles (POAs) at some loci. The other mole exhibited only one paternal allele/locus at all loci and no maternal alleles, indicating it was a diandric and diploid (homozygous) mole. In each case, traditional calculations were used to determine paternity indices (PIs) at loci that exhibited one paternal allele/locus. PIs at mole loci with two different paternal alleles/locus were calculated from formulas first used for child chimeras that are always dispermic. Combined paternity indices in both mole cases strongly supported the paternity of each suspect.     

析秘密研制新型毒品的违法犯罪动向

随着科学技术的普及 ,掌握了一定有机合成术的制毒分子完全可以变换手法合成以苯丙胺为主要结构的各种各样的“冰毒”、“摇头丸”等新型毒品。实践证明 ,打击新型毒品犯罪 ,必须尽快建立健全以毒品检验、监测为主的高科技禁毒队伍。从武汉市毒品检测中心发现的多达 2 0余种易制毒化学品及合成试剂的案例中 ,提示我们“科技强警 ,科技禁毒”已刻不容缓     

Workplace drug testing in a military organization: Results and experiences from the testing program in the Finnish Defence Forces

In the military environment drug abuse is a particular risk for occupational safety. In the Finnish Defence Forces a drug testing program was conducted in 2002–2005; soldiers, professional civilians, and military students were tested when applying for a work or right to study; furthermore, annually 5% of the personnel were subjected to random testing. In total, over 2000 urine samples were analyzed in an accredited laboratory for cannabis, opiates, amphetamines, or cocaine. In this article, the drug testing program as a part of the anti-drug strategy of the Finnish Defence Forces is described, and the findings including practical experiences and financial expenses are reported. Only one person applying for a civilian post tested positive for amphetamine and cannabis. In seven other samples codeine and morphine were detected; these were, however, due to prescribed medication, not drug abuse. In the execution of the program, no particular difficulties were reported. In conclusion, it seems that the use of illicit drugs in the Finnish military is extremely rare, at least partly due to the successful anti-drug strategy. After an elaborate planning, even an extensive drug testing program can be executed without substantial setbacks. In the future, the effectiveness of drug testing programs as a means of improving occupational safety needs to be investigated in controlled studies using comparative design.