Data from: The prevention and detection of human error in ecological stable isotope analysis

1. Stable isotope analysis (SIA) is widely used in ecology, but samples are usually analysed in specialist facilities. Like any complex process, SIA is susceptible to human error. Despite the best efforts of the SIA laboratory, errors may occasionally remain in results released to clients. 2. We used our experiences as ecologists and laboratory analysts to identify human error scenarios to which SIA performed anywhere might be susceptible. These scenarios ran from sample selection and submission by the ecologist, to the final results report from the SIA laboratory. Several scenarios involved errors hard to find by visual examination, by either ecologist or analyst. 3. The ecologist can prevent pre-submission errors by formalising their sample submission process, and can best perform a final results quality check by submitting their own quality control material with a matrix similar to that of the samples. Prevention of laboratory errors is best accomplished by a comprehensive quality management system and a continual-improvement, no-blame laboratory culture. 4. We recommend that the ecologist views the entire sample selection, submission, and laboratory analysis as an integrated whole, establishing their own quality management processes to run alongside those of the SIA facility. This recommendation applies to any ecological methodology where samples are sent to a specialist facility for analysis

Incidence and prevalence of NMOSD in Australia and New Zealand

OBJECTIVES: We have undertaken a clinic-based survey of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) in Australia and New Zealand to establish incidence and prevalence across the region and in populations of differing ancestry. BACKGROUND: NMOSD is a recently defined demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The incidence and prevalence of NMOSD in Australia and New Zealand has not been established. METHODS: Centres managing patients with demyelinating disease of the CNS across Australia and New Zealand reported patients with clinical and laboratory features that were suspicious for NMOSD. Testing for aquaporin 4 antibodies was undertaken in all suspected cases. From this group, cases were identified who fulfilled the 2015 Wingerchuk diagnostic criteria for NMOSD. A capture-recapture methodology was used to estimate incidence and prevalence, based on additional laboratory identified cases. RESULTS: NMOSD was confirmed in 81/170 (48%) cases referred. Capture-recapture analysis gave an adjusted incidence estimate of 0.37 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.39) per million per year and a prevalence estimate for NMOSD of 0.70 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.78) per 100 000. NMOSD was three times more common in the Asian population (1.57 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.98) per 100 000) compared with the remainder of the population (0.57 (95% CI 0.50 to 0.65) per 100 000). The latitudinal gradient evident in multiple sclerosis was not seen in NMOSD. CONCLUSIONS: NMOSD incidence and prevalence in Australia and New Zealand are comparable with figures from other populations of largely European ancestry. We found NMOSD to be more common in the population with Asian ancestry