Evaluation of a chromogenic agar medium for the detection of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae

Aim: To compare the performance of a new chromogenic agar medium CHROMagar ESBL (KC‐ESBL) to chromID ESBL (SB‐ESBL) for the detection and presumptive identification of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Enterobacteriaceae directly from clinical specimens. Methods and Results: A total of 256 specimens were screened for ESBL producers. Also, the genotypes of the ESBLs and plasmid‐mediated AmpC β‐lactamases (pAmpCBLs) were characterized by PCR and sequencing. Among the 256 specimens, 17 (6·6%) ESBL producers were isolated on both media. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were higher for KC‐ESBL (100, 93·3, 51·5 and 100%, respectively) than for SB‐ESBL (88·2, 92·9, 46·9 and 99·1%, respectively) (P = 0·72). Enterobacteriaceae harbouring pAmpCBL genes as well as chromosomal cephalosporinase‐ and penicillinase‐hyperproducing Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa accounted for the false‐positive results. Conclusion: KC‐ESBL can detect ESBL producers from clinical specimens with good selectivity and rapid presumptive identification by means of colony colour at 24 h. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first study that has evaluated the performance of KC‐ESBL that enables the detection and presumptive identification of ESBL producers from clinical specimens.     

The use of bile — esculin agar for the taxonomic classification of the family Enterobacteriaceae

Bile-esculin medium has been used for many years for the presumptive identification of group D Streptococcus. The test is based on the ability of a bacterium to grow in the presence of 40% bile and produce esculinase. 2935 strains of Enterobacteriaceae were inoculated onto bile—esculin agar slants and incubated at 35 C. Esculin hydrolysis was determined after 24 and 48 hours. At 24 hours of incubation esculin hydrolysis was limited to the generaKlebsiella, Enterobacter, Serratia, and the speciesP. vulgaris, P. rettgeri, andC. diversus. Not all strains of these species were positive, however. All other members of the family were negative. At 48 hours of incubation 37% ofE. coli gave a positive reaction; all other Enterobacteriaceae which were negative at 24 hours remained negative. Esculin hydrolysis is a valuable test for the taxonomic classification of the family Enterobacteriaceae.     

Identification of the Microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi as a New Target of the IFNγ-Inducible IRG Resistance System

The IRG system of IFNγ-inducible GTPases constitutes a powerful resistance mechanism in mice against Toxoplasma gondii and two Chlamydia strains but not against many other bacteria and protozoa. Why only T. gondii and Chlamydia? We hypothesized that unusual features of the entry mechanisms and intracellular replicative niches of these two organisms, neither of which resembles a phagosome, might hint at a common principle. We examined another unicellular parasitic organism of mammals, member of an early-diverging group of Fungi, that bypasses the phagocytic mechanism when it enters the host cell: the microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Consistent with the known susceptibility of IFNγ-deficient mice to E. cuniculi infection, we found that IFNγ treatment suppresses meront development and spore formation in mouse fibroblasts in vitro, and that this effect is mediated by IRG proteins. The process resembles that previously described in T. gondii and Chlamydia resistance. Effector (GKS subfamily) IRG proteins accumulate at the parasitophorous vacuole of E. cuniculi and the meronts are eliminated. The suppression of E. cuniculi growth by IFNγ is completely reversed in cells lacking regulatory (GMS subfamily) IRG proteins, cells that effectively lack all IRG function. In addition IFNγ-induced cells infected with E. cuniculi die by necrosis as previously shown for IFNγ-induced cells resisting T. gondii infection. Thus the IRG resistance system provides cell-autonomous immunity to specific parasites from three kingdoms of life: protozoa, bacteria and fungi. The phylogenetic divergence of the three organisms whose vacuoles are now known to be involved in IRG-mediated immunity and the non-phagosomal character of the vacuoles themselves strongly suggests that the IRG system is triggered not by the presence of specific parasite components but rather by absence of specific host components on the vacuolar membrane.     

Evaluation of the PathoTec ?Rapid I-D System”

The 10 biochemical test strips included in the PathoTec Rapid I-D System were evaluated for accuracy as compared to standard tests and for efficacy in identification of 193 gram-negative bacilli. The test agreement was 100% for oxidase and phenylalanine deaminase, 99% for indole, nitrate, and Voges-Proskauer, 98% for malonate, 97% for lysine decarboxylase, 90% for urease, 84% for H(2)S, and 75% for esculin hydrolysis. Most of the commonly isolated Enterobacteriaceae were identified correctly within 4 h. Errors in identification of Proteus morganii and P. rettgeri occurred because of positive H(2)S tests on the PathoTec strips with these organisms.     

On Primary Subdivisions of the Magnoliophyt—Towards a New Scheme for an Eight-class System of Classification of the Angiosperms

The current subdivision of the angiosperms into two major groups, the dicotyledons and the monocotyledons, whether at the rank of class or subclass, is greatly challenged by more and more evidence from comparative morphology, chemotaxonomy, paleobotany, cladistics and molecular systematics. It becomes clear that this primary subdivision is conventional rather than natural. We stressed in this paper that the system of classification of the angiosperms should be as much as possible based on the geneaological relationships of major groups. It seems apparent that eight principal lineages appeared by the end of the Early Cretaceous when the one of the major radiation of the angiosperms occurred. By using the Linnean hierarchy, these lineages are named at the rank of class in order to reflect major evolutionary trends within the angiosperms. As evolutionary systematists, we accepted paraphyletic' groups as natural in this scheme. The eight classes are as follows: Magnoliopsida (including Degeneriaceae, Himantandraceae, Magnoliaceae, Winteraceae, Canellaceae, Illiciaceae, Schisandraceae, Austrobaileyaceae, Eupomatiaceae, Annonaceae, Myristicaceae, Hydropeltidaceae, Cabombaceae, Nupharaceae, Nymphaeaceae, Barclayaceae, Ceratophyllaceae), Lauropsida (including Amborellaceae, Trimeniaceae, Monimiaceae, Gomortegaceae, Hernandiaceae, Lauraceae, Calycanthaceae, Idiospermaceae, Chloranthaceae), Piperopsida ( including Aristolochiaceae, Saururaceae, Piperaceae, Lactoridaceae ), Caryophyllopsida(including Caryophyllaceae, Molluginaceae, Aizoaceae, Amaranthaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Halophytaceae, Stegnospermataceae, Achatocarpaceae, Phytolacaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Cactaceae, Portulacaceae, Didiereaceae, Basellaceae, Hectorellaceae), Liliopsida( including the families of Liliopsida sensu Takhtajan ( 1997 ) ), Ranunculopsida ( including Ranunculaceae, Lardizabalaceae, Sargentodoxaceae, Menispermaceae, Circaeasteraceae, Nandinaceae, Berberidaceae(incl. Ranzaniaceae), Leonticaceae, Podophyllaceae, Hydrastidaceae, Glaucidiaceae, Paeoniaceae, Pteridophyllaceae, Papaveraceae, Hypecoaceae, Fumariaceae, Nelumbonaceae), Hamamelidopsida(including Trochodendraceae, Tetracentraceae, Cercidiphyllaceae, Eupteleaceae, Myrothamnaceae, Hamamelidaceae, Platanaceae), and Rosopsida(including the families of Rafflesianae, Balanophoranae, Hamamelididae p. p., Dilleniidae, Rosidae, Cornidae, Lamiidae, Asteridae sensu Takhtajan (1997)). Principal families in each class are discussed here. Further study is needed to eluci-date the phylogenetic relationships among and within the classes. Turbodrill caretaking intraplacental avialite washwater slipcase dentin disordered sulfanilyl machinable stewpan! Netherward pressbodies horror abscissa, keratosis frieze. 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Yeast One-Hybrid Gγ Recruitment System for Identification of Protein Lipidation Motifs

Fatty acids and isoprenoids can be covalently attached to a variety of proteins. These lipid modifications regulate protein structure, localization and function. Here, we describe a yeast one-hybrid approach based on the Gγ recruitment system that is useful for identifying sequence motifs those influence lipid modification to recruit proteins to the plasma membrane. Our approach facilitates the isolation of yeast cells expressing lipid-modified proteins via a simple and easy growth selection assay utilizing G-protein signaling that induces diploid formation. In the current study, we selected the N-terminal sequence of Gα subunits as a model case to investigate dual lipid modification, i.e., myristoylation and palmitoylation, a modification that is widely conserved from yeast to higher eukaryotes. Our results suggest that both lipid modifications are required for restoration of G-protein signaling. Although we could not differentiate between myristoylation and palmitoylation, N-terminal position 7 and 8 play some critical role. Moreover, we tested the preference for specific amino-acid residues at position 7 and 8 using library-based screening. This new approach will be useful to explore protein-lipid associations and to determine the corresponding sequence motifs.     

17β-HSD2 inhibitors for the treatment of osteoporosis: Identification of a promising scaffold

17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (17β-HSD2) catalyses the conversion of active 17β-hydroxysteroids into the less active 17-ketosteroids thereby controlling the availability of biologically active estrogens (E2) and androgens (T) in the tissues. The skeletal disease osteoporosis occurs mainly in post-menopausal women and in elderly men when the levels of estrogens and androgens, respectively, decrease. Since 17β-HSD2 is present in osteoblasts, inhibition of this enzyme may provide a new and promising approach to prevent the onset of osteoporosis, keeping a certain level in estrogens and androgens in bone cells of ageing people. Hydroxynaphthyl, hydroxyphenyl and hydroxymethylphenyl-substituted moieties were synthesised as mimetics of the steroidal substrate. Compound 8 has been identified as promising scaffold for 17β-HSD2 inhibitors displaying high activity and good selectivity toward 17β-HSD1, ERα and ERβ.     

Vitek® MS v3.0 System in the Identification of Filamentous Fungi

Mycopathologia - Infections caused by filamentous fungi are rising in incidence and became a serious health concern. Their rapid and reliable identification in the clinical laboratory is essential...     

Evaluation of the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System for Dengue Fever in Taiwan, 2010–2012

BackgroundIn Taiwan, around 1,500 cases of dengue fever are reported annually and incidence has been increasing over time. A national web-based Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NDSS) has been in operation since 1997 to monitor incidence and trends and support case and outbreak management. We present the findings of an evaluation of the NDSS to ascertain the extent to which dengue fever surveillance objectives are being achieved.MethodologyWe extracted the NDSS data on all laboratory-confirmed dengue fever cases reported during 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2012 to assess and describe key system attributes based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance evaluation guidelines. The system’s structure and processes were delineated and operational staff interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Crude and age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated and key demographic variables were summarised to describe reporting activity. Data completeness and validity were described across several variables.Conclusions/SignificanceThe NDSS for dengue fever surveillance is a robust, well maintained and acceptable system that supports the collection of complete and valid data needed to achieve the surveillance objectives. The simplicity of the system engenders compliance leading to timely and accurate reporting. Completeness of hospitalization information could be further improved to allow assessment of severity of illness. To minimize misclassification, an algorithm to accurately classify travel cases should be established.     

An Evaluation of β-Propiolactone for the Sterilization of Fermentation Media

Twenty-five bacterial species were cultured in basal broth plus 1 of 19 different carbohydrates which were sterilized by Seitz filtration, autoclaving (112 C, 10 min), or exposure to 0.2% β-propiolactone (BPL). No significant differences were found either in the visual observations for acid and gas, pH, or titrable acidity determinations after 3 days of incubation with any of the three preparations tested. An effort was made to further determine the effect of BPL and heat on carbohydrates by assaying for glucose before and after treatment. Results indicated that glucose was not degraded by 0.2% BPL, however, it was shown that autoclave temperatures caused extensive degradation. Statistical treatment of the results from Warburg studies indicated that BPL-treated glucose showed no appreciable toxic effects, although the actual oxygen uptake was not as great as with Seitz- or autoclave-treated glucose. The application of the BPL sterilization process was discussed.     

ACNE VULGARIS—Evaluation of a Medicated Cleansing Pad

Using the technique of simultaneous, symmetrical paired comparisons, a medicated cleansing pad that can be easily used at work or at school as an adjunctive in the treatment of acne vulgaris was evaluated.The experimental pads were significantly beneficial in reducing skin oiliness and in clinical improvement of the acne. Response to standard acne therapy was faster when the pads were used adjunctively, although the significant results seen initially tended to even out as therapy continued.Use of the medicated pads produced no untoward side effects and were well accepted by patients.     

Design and Development of a Robotized System Coupled to μCT Imaging for Intratumoral Drug Evaluation in a HCC Mouse Model

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancer related deaths worldwide. One of the main challenges in cancer treatment is drug delivery to target cancer cells specifically. Preclinical evaluation of intratumoral drugs in orthotopic liver cancer mouse models is difficult, as percutaneous injection hardly can be precisely performed manually. In the present study we have characterized a hepatoma model developing a single tumor nodule by implantation of Hep55.1C cells in the liver of syngeneic C57BL/6J mice. Tumor evolution was followed up by µCT imaging, and at the histological and molecular levels. This orthotopic, poorly differentiated mouse HCC model expressing fibrosis, inflammation and cancer markers was used to assess the efficacy of drugs. We took advantage of the high precision of a previously developed robotized system for automated, image-guided intratumoral needle insertion, to administer every week in the tumor of the Hep55.1C mouse model. A significant tumor growth inhibition was observed using our robotized system, whereas manual intraperitoneal administration had no effect, by comparison to untreated control mice.     

The Use of Supercomputers and Microcomputers in Computational Chemistry — Job Turnaround Time as a Criterion for the Choice of System

Abstract

The performance of a supercomputer installation (Cray-IS with Amdahl front-end) is compared with a ‘desk-top’ computer (IBM PC-AT with 80287 Numeric Data Processor) using both execution time and total job turnaround time for a set of benchmark programs which includes a Monte Carlo simulation. The effect of compiler efficiency and optimisation for system-specific hardware on execution time are discusssed. We propose the use of ‘turn-around time’ as a criterion for computer system performance, and show that judged by this criterion, ‘desk-top’ computing can provide a significant fraction of the power of a networked supercomputer installation.