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Finch trichomonosis, caused by Trichomonas gallinae, emerged in the Canadian Maritime provinces in 2007 and has since caused ongoing mortality in regional purple finch (Carpodacus purpureus) and American goldfinch (Carduelis tristis) populations. Trichomonas gallinae was isolated from (1) finches and rock pigeons (Columbia livia) submitted for post-mortem or live-captured at bird feeding sites experiencing trichomonosis mortality; (2) bird seed at these same sites; and (3) rock pigeons live-captured at known roosts or humanely killed. Isolates were characterized using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and iron hydrogenase (Fe-hyd) gene sequences. Two distinct ITS types were found. Type A was identical to the UK finch epidemic strain and was isolated from finches and a rock pigeon with trichomonosis; apparently healthy rock pigeons and finches; and bird seed at an outbreak site. Type B was obtained from apparently healthy rock pigeons. Fe-hyd sequencing revealed six distinct subtypes. The predominant subtype in both finches and the rock pigeon with trichomonosis was identical to the UK finch epidemic strain A1. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in Fe-hyd sequences suggest there is fine-scale variation amongst isolates and that finch trichomonosis emergence in this region may not have been caused by a single spill-over event. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the introduction of phenylephrine, it has been used in combination with many other drugs. With some formulations it has been found useful to isolate the drug via a cationic exchange resin before determining the intact phenylephrine by the usual colorimetric procedures (coupling with diazotized p-nitroaniline, or reacting with Millon's reagent when catecholamines are present).

The article offers the author’s art teacher Facebook friends’ humorous anecdotes on teaching that help in classroom management. Methods used by teachers in classroom management include improv and stand-up comedy skills, silly art history stories, and dress like famous actors. The author’s perspective on using humor in education increases teacher engagement and effectiveness.