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A method is described for the continuous-flow automation of the serum folate assay using Lactobacillus casei. The total incubation period is approximately four hours. The growth response of the organism to folate is estimated by measuring the rate of reduction of 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC). A simple continuous culture apparatus is used to grow the inoculum. Supplementation of the assay medium is necessary to obtain parallel results. A statistical assessment shows a favourable comparison with the whole-serum tube assay using a chloramphenicol resistant strain of L. casei. The method is less sensitive to inhibitory substances than the tube assay. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Measurement of K ions in extracellular fluids was used to provide evidence of direct membrane damage induced by miconazole and clotrimazole in mycelium. K release from mycelium treated with high concentrations of drug was extensive, although leakage occurred more rapidly and to a greater extent with miconazole than with clotrimazole. Cells treated with fungicidal concentrations of drug were completely necrotic. The effect of miconazole was concentration dependent. A reduction in ergosterol levels was evident after 5 h treatment with miconazole. Further reduction in ergosterol concentration was demonstrated after 24 h with fungistatic concentrations of drug and was a concentration dependent effect. Fungistatic concentrations of miconazole also induced ultrastrictural changes in mycelium, which were apparent within 5 h of treatment and became more pronounced after 24 h. Clotrimazole also reduced ergosterol levels and affected ultra-structure of mycelium. The plasma membrane in particular was affected by both these drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]