Evaluation of three field test kits to detect microcystins from a public health perspective

Cyanobacteria blooms may present a public health concern in sources of drinking water and recreational water due to the production of toxins by some species, microcystins being the most commonly found. It is possible to detect microcystins using instrumental analyses and field test kits. While instrumental analysis methods are accurate, they are also costly, and in regions with a high incidence of blooms the time to report is lengthy (days). On the other hand, the use of commercially available test kits may provide quicker results at a lower cost. The purpose of this work was to evaluate three commercially available kits: the Immunochromatographic Strip Test for the Detection of Microcystins and Nodularins in Source Drinking Water at 1 μg/L (Abraxis strip test), the Abraxis Microcystin Tube Kit and the Envirologix QualiTube Kit. The evaluation of each kit focussed on the interpretation of the results by the end-user and the validity of a test kit was based on four indices: sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive rate (PPR) and negative predictive rate (NPR) (false positive/negative) based on the manufacturer's specifications. The results indicate that there are challenges in the visual interpretation of the results at levels close to the threshold value for each kit. The scope of each kit must be understood: free vs. total, qualitative vs. semiquantitative. For instance, the Envirologix Qualitube Kit does not provide a lysing agent, therefore it will underestimate the levels of total microcystin if a lysing step is not included. In the case of the Abraxis strip test, the kit provides information on the absence/presence of microcystin at a threshold value of 1 μg/L, but false positives were encountered.     

Commercially available luminometers and imaging devices for low-light level measurements and kits and reagents utilizing bioluminescence or chemiluminescence: Survey update 2

This survey was completed in December 1993 and includes products not covered in the luminometer survey (Jan 1992: Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1992; 7:77–108 and 7:157–69), kits and reagent survey (Nov 1992: Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1993; 8:51–63), update 1 (June 1993, luminometers, kits and reagents, Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1993; 8:237–40). Technical details are provided together with company address and contact information.     

Evaluation of recalcitrance of mascara in a cartridge container system to microbial challenge

Summary A cartridge mascara system designed to minimize the exposure of mascara to the environment during use was evaluated for recalcitrance to bacteria. The design of the system contributed to low numbers of bacteria found in the mascara, but the need for preservatives was not alleviated.     

Commercially available luminometers and imaging devices for low-light level measurements and kits and reagents utilizing bioluminescence or chemiluminescence: Survey update 3

This survey was compiled in February 1994 and includes products not covered in the luminometer survey (Jan 1992: Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1992; 7:77–108 and 7:157–69), kits and reagent survey (Nov 1992: Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1993; 8:51–63), update 1 (June 1993 luminometers, kits and reagents, Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1993; 8:237–40) and update 2 (Dec 1993: luminometers, kits and reagents, Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1994; 9:51–3). Technical details are provided together with company addresses and contact information.     

Commercially available luminometers and imaging devices for low-light measurements and kits and reagents utilizing bioluminescence or chemiluminescence: Survey update I

This survey update was compiled in June 1993 and includes products not covered in the luminometer survey (Jan 1992; Stanley, PE. J Biolumin Chemilumin 1992; 7:77–108 and 7:157–69) and kit and reagent survey (Nov 1992; Stanley, PE. J Biolumin Chemilumin 1993; 8:51–63). Some products are new whilst for others details have only recently become available to the author. Technical details are provided together with company address and contact information.     

Stabilization of papain and lysozyme for application to cosmetic products

For cosmetic applications, papain or lysozyme was conjugated to a soluble biopolymer produced by Schizophyllum commune. Stability of the conjugated enzymes were significantly enhanced, such that more than 90% of the initial activity remained after a month storage at 45°C, even in a cosmetic formulation including various oils and surfactants. Cosmetic lotion containing 1% papain conjugate was more effective in exfoliating stratum corneum of skin than the lotion containing 5% lactic acid, one of the popular exfoliating agents.     

Commercially available luminometers and imaging devices for low-light level measurements and kits and reagents utilizing bioluminescence or chemiluminescence: Survey update 5

This survey was compiled in July 1997 and includes products not covered in the luminometer survey (Jan 1992: Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1992; 7:77–108 and 7:157–69), kits and reagent survey (Nov 1992; Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1993; 8:51–63), update 1 (June 1993: luminometers, kits and reagents, Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1993; 8:237–240) and update 2 (Dec 1993: luminometers, kits and reagents, Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1994; 9:51–3) and update 3 (Feb 1994: luminometers, kits and reagents, Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1994; 9:123–5) and update 4 (June 1996: Stanley PE, J Biolumin Chemilumin 1996; 11:175–91). Technical details are provided together with company address and contact information including email and website where known. Items include: Luminometers, radiometers, low-light imaging, CCD cameras, immunoassays, ATP rapid microbiology, hygiene monitoring, molecular probes, labels, nucleic acid hybridization, reporter genes. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

以技能竞赛促进微生物检验技术教学的改革

微生物检验技术是检验专业中一门实践性和技能性很强的专业课,学生能力的培养至关重要,而技能竞赛作为提升学生专业技能、增强学生综合素质、推动教师教育观念的转变、引领教学方法改革的有效途径之一,已受到各校广大师生的高度关注。通过竞赛,不仅为学生提供展示技能的平台,还能发现问题,促使专业技能获得进一步提升,同时也为教育教学改革创造了有力的条件。     

Microbial pigments: learning from the Himalayan perspective to industrial applications

Pigments are an essential part of life on earth, ranging from microbes to plants and humans. The physiological and environmental cues induce microbes to produce a broad spectrum of pigments, giving them adaptation and survival advantages. Microbial pigments are of great interest due to their natural origin, diverse biological activities, and wide applications in the foods, Pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textile industries. Despite noticeable research on pigment-producing microbes, commercial successes are scarce, primarily from higher, remote, and inaccessible Himalayan niches. Therefore, substantial bioprospection integrated with advanced biotechnological strategies is required to commercialize microbial pigments successfully. The current review elaborates on pigment-producing microbes from a Himalayan perspective, offering tremendous opportunities for industrial applications. Additionally, it illustrates the ecological significance of microbial pigments and emphasizes the current status and prospects of microbial pigment production above the test tube scale.     

建立维生素K_1微生物限度测定方法

目的:根据计数培养基适用性检查和计数方法适用性试验结果,建立维生素K1微生物限度测定方法。方法:以聚山梨酯80作为乳化剂,使维生素K1在p H 7.0无菌氯化钠-蛋白胨缓冲液中充分乳化。取1:20供试液1 m L,按平皿法分别用营养琼脂培养基和玫瑰红钠琼脂培养基培养,以计数细菌、霉菌和酵母菌。结果:验证所用培养基的菌落平均数均大于对照培养基上的70%,且菌落形态大小一致。稀释液对照组和试验组培养基上菌落平均数的回收率均大于70%,且菌落形态大小一致。三批维生素K1及其加速和长期稳定性样品中均未见菌落。结论:所选培养基适宜大肠埃希菌、金黄色葡萄球菌和白色念珠菌生长。且含聚山梨酯80的p H 7.0无菌氯化钠-蛋白胨缓冲液和维生素K1对所含大肠埃希菌、金黄色葡萄球菌和白色念珠菌无抑菌性。     

Microbial conversion of glycerol to 1,3-propanediol

Abstract: Glycerol produced by cleavage of natural fats can microbially be converted to 1,3-propanediol (PD) by Citrobacter, Klebsiella and Clostridia strains. The fermentation by C. butyricum , product recovery and purification has been investigated in detail up to the 2 m³ scale. Estimation of product costs for a 10,000 t/a plant indicates that the microbial process is obviously more attractive than the chemical route. Presently, 1,3-propanediol has only a low market volume; however, its use for special polycondensates, in particular polyesters, could reduce glycerol surpluses and make plastics a easily biodegradable part of natural cycles.     

PBL (Problem-based learning)教学模式在微生物 制药设计性实验教学中的应用

微生物制药设计性实验是提高学生专业技能和培养创新能力的一种重要途径.为提高教学质量,我们在设计性实验教学中开展了基于问题的学习(PBL)教学模式.PBL教学模式的引入显著地提高了学生的学习积极性,锻炼了学生分析和解决问题的能力,增强了沟通和交流能力.本文报道PBL教学模式在微生物制药设计性实验中的实施情况,并对实施过程中出现的一些问题进行分析和探讨.     

微生物发酵产木聚糖酶研究进展

木聚糖是植物半纤维素的主要成分,是自然界中仅次于纤维素的可再生资源。木聚糖酶是一类重要的木糖苷键水解酶酶系,可将木聚糖逐次降解为低聚木糖及木糖,在饲料、造纸、食品和生物转化等行业应用广泛。目前利用微生物发酵生产木聚糖酶的研究很多,菌种涉及到细菌、真菌等,其发酵生产木聚糖酶的工艺、产量及特性也各有不同,对此进行了综述,并展望了木聚糖酶发酵生产的研究方向。     

Clinical and public health research using methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation (MeDIP): A comparison of commercially available kits to examine differential DNA methylation across the genome

The methylated DNA immunoprecipitation method (MeDIP) is a genome-wide, high-resolution approach that detects DNA methylation with oligonucleotide tiling arrays or high throughput sequencing platforms. A simplified high-throughput MeDIP assay will enable translational research studies in clinics and populations, which will greatly enhance our understanding of the human methylome. We compared three commercial kits, MagMeDIP Kit TM (Diagenode), Methylated-DNA IP Kit (Zymo Research) and Methylamp? Methylated DNA Capture Kit (Epigentek), in order to identify which one has better reliability and sensitivity for genomic DNA enrichment. Each kit was used to enrich two samples, one from fresh tissue and one from a cell line, with two different DNA amounts. The enrichment efficiency of each kit was evaluated by agarose gel band intensity after Nco I digestion and by reaction yield of methylated DNA. A successful enrichment is expected to have a 1:4 to 10:1 conversion ratio and a yield of 80% or higher. We also evaluated the hybridization efficiency to genome-wide methylation arrays in a separate cohort of tissue samples. We observed that the MagMeDIP kit had the highest yield for the two DNA amounts and for both the tissue and cell line samples, as well as for the positive control. In addition, the DNA was successfully enriched from a 1:4 to 10:1 ratio. Therefore, the MagMeDIP kit is a useful research tool that will enable clinical and public health genome-wide DNA methylation studies.     

Clinical and public health research using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation (MeDIP): a comparison of commercially available kits to examine differential DNA methylation across the genome

The methylated DNA immunoprecipitation method (MeDIP) is a genome-wide, high-resolution approach that detects DNA methylation with oligonucleotide tiling arrays or high throughput sequencing platforms. A simplified high-throughput MeDIP assay will enable translational research studies in clinics and populations, which will greatly enhance our understanding of the human methylome. We compared three commercial kits, MagMeDIP Kit TM (Diagenode), Methylated-DNA IP Kit (Zymo Research) and Methylamp™ Methylated DNA Capture Kit (Epigentek), in order to identify which one has better reliability and sensitivity for genomic DNA enrichment. Each kit was used to enrich two samples, one from fresh tissue and one from a cell line, with two different DNA amounts. The enrichment efficiency of each kit was evaluated by agarose gel band intensity after Nco I digestion and by reaction yield of methylated DNA. A successful enrichment is expected to have a 1:4 to 10:1 conversion ratio and a yield of 80% or higher. We also evaluated the hybridization efficiency to genome-wide methylation arrays in a separate cohort of tissue samples. We observed that the MagMeDIP kit had the highest yield for the two DNA amounts and for both the tissue and cell line samples, as well as for the positive control. In addition, the DNA was successfully enriched from a 1:4 to 10:1 ratio. Therefore, the MagMeDIP kit is a useful research tool that will enable clinical and public health genome-wide DNA methylation studies.     

油藏调剖菌TP-1的培养条件及岩芯模拟驱油研究

从油井产出水中分离得到一株兼性厌氧芽孢杆菌TP-1,该菌株可在55℃的油藏温度生长,并代谢产生粘性多糖和气体.经培养条件优化,发酵液多糖产量可达5.5 g/L,产气量为22 mL/L.低浓度的CaCl2、MgSO4和AlCl3对多糖的生成有促进作用.岩芯模拟试验表明,该菌的注入可使岩芯压力增加,提高石油采收率7.37%.TP-1是一株性能良好的油藏调剖菌.     

油藏调剖菌TP-1的培养条件及岩芯模拟驱油研究

从油井产出水中分离得到一株兼性厌氧芽孢杆菌TP-1, 该菌株可在55℃的油藏温度生长, 并代谢产生粘性多糖和气体。经培养条件优化, 发酵液多糖产量可达5.5 g/L, 产气量为22 mL/L。低浓度的CaCl2、MgSO4和AlCl3对多糖的生成有促进作用。岩芯模拟试验表明, 该菌的注入可使岩芯压力增加, 提高石油采收率7.37%。TP-1是一株性能良好的油藏调剖菌。     

环境中雌激素的微生物降解

环境中的雌激素是一类重要的环境内分泌干扰物,微生物降解是去除环境雌激素的主要途径。通过归纳已报道的雌激素降解细菌、总结其降解雌激素的机制、分析雌激素降解途径以及其他真核微生物的雌激素降解作用4个方面,概括阐述了雌激素的微生物降解作用,并对未来的研究方向提出展望。     

本科生英文文献阅读能力培养的探索——“微生物生态学”课程教学中的改革实践

本文介绍了华中农业大学在"微生物生态学"教学过程中进行的双语教学和前沿英文文献开卷阅读测试的实践案例。连续三年的教改实践有效帮助本科生克服了英文文献阅读的恐惧心理,提高了本科生阅读专业前沿文献的理解能力,调动了学习的积极性,创新思维能力有明显提高。