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So far, there are still no specific treatment methods for severe hepatitis and liver failure, resulting in a mortality rate of over 70%, and they are the difficulties in the treatment of critical illness in China and globally. Liver transplantation is currently the most effective treatment method for end-stage liver disease, but only 1%—2% of patients can receive the opportunity for organ transplantation. The bioartificial liver support system utilizes external mechanical, physical, and biological devices to remove various harmful substances accumulated in the patient’s body, compensate for the metabolic functions of the liver, supplement necessary substances, improve internal environment, promote the recovery of liver function, help patients get through the critical period, and save time for liver transplantation, and therefore, it is considered one of the important methods for the treatment of end-stage liver disease. Since hepatocytes are the core element of bioartificial liver, this article summarizes the sources of liver seed cells，3D culture methods, and corresponding bioreactor culture systems and hopes to gradually solve the core issue of large-scale in vitro preparation of hepatocytes to obtain hepatocytes with adequate quantity and quality, which urgently needs to be addressed in clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Isolating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) from wastewater and culturing it using a conventional method has always been a controversial issue because the bacterium converts into a coccoid form when exposed to an unfavourable environment like wastewater. To clarify the cultivability behaviour of the bacterium in fresh wastewater samples, the effect of municipal wastewater dilation on the cultivation of the bacterium using a conventional method was examined. Materials and Methods: Several dilutions of wastewater samples were inoculated with fresh H. pylori suspension (with McFarland's dilution 0.5) to examine the dilution effect of wastewater on the bacterium isolation. Results: The H. pylori growth was found to be possible for a dilution factor from 1/106 to 1/107 of raw wastewater. In higher dilution factors the growth of fungi was dominant and could prevent the isolation of the bacterium. Conclusion: The optimized technique could be applied in future studies for increasing the chance of H. pylori isolation from fresh wastewater environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The authors established an in vitro model of diabetic neuropathy based on the culture system of primary neurons and Schwann cells (SCs) to mimic similar symptoms observed in in vivo models of this complication, such as impaired neurite extension and impaired myelination. The model was then utilized to investigate the effects of insulin on enhancing neurite extension and myelination of diabetic neurons. Methods: SCs and primary neurons were cultured under conditions mimicking hyperglycemia prepared by adding glucose to the basal culture medium. In a single culture, the proliferation and maturation of SCs and the neurite extension of neurons were evaluated. In a co-culture, the percentage of myelination of diabetic neurons was investigated. Insulin at different concentrations was supplemented to culture media to examine its effects on neurite extension and myelination. Results: The cells showed similar symptoms observed in in vivo models of this complication. In a single culture, hyperglycemia attenuated the proliferation and maturation of SCs, induced apoptosis, and impaired neurite extension of both sensory and motor neurons. In a co-culture of SCs and neurons, the percentage of myelinated neurites in the hyperglycemia-treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group. This impaired neurite extension and myelination was reversed by the introduction of insulin to the hyperglycemic culture media. Conclusions: Insulin may be a potential candidate for improving diabetic neuropathy. Insulin can function as a neurotrophic factor to support both neurons and SCs. Further research is needed to discover the potential of insulin in improving diabetic neuropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Samples obtained by aspiration and scraping of the edge of the lesion were analyzed. • Direct parasitological exam and three methods of axenic culture in two media were assessed. • The TSTB culture of scraping lesions had the highest diagnostic sensitivity (98 %). • Diagnosis by axenic culture should be implemented whenever possible. Leishmaniases are zoonotic diseases caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In Bolivia, leishmaniasis occurs mainly in the cutaneous form (CL) followed by the mucosal or mucocutaneous form (ML or MCL), grouped as tegumentary leishmaniosis (TL), while cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are rare. The cases of TL are routinely diagnosed by parasitological methods: Direct Parasitological Exam (DPE) and axenic culture, the latter being performed only by specialized laboratories. The aim of the present study was to optimize the parasitological diagnosis of TL in Bolivia, using two sampling methods. Samples from 117 patients with suspected TL, obtained by aspiration (n = 121) and scraping (n = 121) of the edge of the lesion were tested by: direct parasitological exam, culture in TSTB medium, and miniculture and microculture in Schneider's medium. A positive laboratory result by any of the four techniques evaluated using either of the two sampling methods was considered the gold standard. Of the 117 suspected patients included, TL was confirmed in 96 (82 %), corresponding 79 of the confirmed cases (82.3 %) to CL and 16 (16.7 %) to ML. Parasitological techniques specificity was 100 % and their analytical sensitivity was greater with scraping samples in TSTB culture (98 %). Scraping samples in TSTB and miniculture correlated well with the reference (Cohen's kappa coefficient=0.88) and showed good reliability (Cronbach's alpha coefficient ≥0.91). Microculture provided positive results earlier than the other culture methods (mean day 4.5). By day 14, 98 % of positive cultures had been detected. Scraping sampling and miniculture were associated with higher culture contamination (6 % and 17 %, respectively). Bacterial contamination predominated, regardless of the sampling and culture method, while filamentous fungi and mixed contamination were more frequently observed in cultures from scraping samples. In conclusion: (i) scraping samples proved more suitable for the diagnosis of TL as they increased analytical sensitivity, are less traumatic for the patient and are safer for laboratory personnel than aspirates; (ii) culture, mainly in TSBT medium, should be used for the diagnosis of TL due to its high sensitivity (doubling the number of cases diagnosed by DPE) and its low cost compared to other culture media. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cholangitis is a common complication in patients with ischemic type biliary lesions and/or anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation (LTX). Patients frequently need antibiotics and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) to improve the bile flow. Antibiotic treatment is based on findings in standard microbiological cultivation (SMC) of bile. However, the cultivation techniques are limited to a subset of bacteria easy-to-cultivate. Therefore, the aim of our study was to evaluate the value of next generation sequencing as an additional diagnostic tool to SMC in ischemic type biliary lesions and/or anastomotic strictures. We sequenced the V1–V2 region of the 16S rRNA gene in 242 stored bile samples in patients after LTX and compared the results with findings of SMC. SMC was performed in n = 135 (56%) fresh bile samples in addition to NGS. SMC was part of the clinical routine in these patients. NGS detected bacterial genera in bile samples more often than SMC (P = 5.42 × 10−74). SMC showed insufficient discovery of bacterial genera compared to NGS with better performance in patients receiving antibiotics prior to ERC. SMC missed many bacterial genera detected by NGS. NGS was more sensitive in detecting bacteria in bile than SMC, no clinical parameters could be used to improve discovery rates in SMC and many genera were missed by SMC. Therefore, NGS should be used in a combined approach with SMC for improved diagnostics to achieve more specific and targeted antibiotic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a natural polymer secreted as a protective cell covering of certain bacterial species. In contrary to plant cellulose, BC possesses some unique features like high moisture-holding capacity, high durability, high liquid absorbing capabilities, biostability, and biodegradability, makes BC an excellent raw material in wide-ranging areas like biomedical, food, agriculture, paper, textile industries and electronics. The main objective of this review is to discuss various aspects of BC production (different sources for bacterial strain isolation, culture media and, its alternatives also major culture techniques). In addition, various applications of BC are also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Diagnosis of Leishmaniasis is based on culture, microscopic examination, serological tests, molecular methods. Novy-MacNeal-Nicolle (NNN) medium is mostly used for culture all over the world. The use of molecular methods for diagnostic purposes led to the questioning of the sensitivity of NNN medium. In this study, it is aimed to compare the performance of a new culture medium with those of NNN medium and the molecular method. Methods: Samples of 22 patients with suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and 4 patients with suspected visceral leishmaniasis (VL) were sent to Manisa Celal Bayar University Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Parasitology for diagnosis or confirmation from Kilis, Osmaniye, Bitlis, Gaziantep and Manisa provinces. Pre-prepared media were sent to the health centers in these provinces and inoculation of these media with clinical samples was requested. Needle aspiration fluid for CL and bone marrow samples for VL were cultured simultaneously on NNN medium and newly developed liver extracted medium (LEM), and were sent to our institution with their smears. Smears were examined by staining with Giemsa method. In addition, parasite DNA was identified with real-time polymerase chain reaction method in these materials. Results: Leishmania amastigotes were detected in 14 of 26 samples. Promastigote proliferation was observed in 8 and 24 of the samples cultured in NNN and LEM respectively. No proliferation was detected by either method in samples of 2 patients with suspected CL. L. tropica, L. major and L. infantum/donovani were detected among isolates showing dermotropic location, and L. tropica and L. infantum/donovani were detected among isolates with viscerotropic location by genotyping. Conclusions: NNN medium, which is widely used in leishmaniasis diagnosis, is not sensitive enough for the diagnosis of some Leishmania strains in Turkey. Therefore, an enrichment medium such as liver extract medium which we have presented in this study should be used for diagnosis. However our results should be confirmed with more studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Blepharitis is one of the most commonly encountered conditions in ophthalmic practice and is a frequent cause of eye irritation and discomfort. Being a difficult to treat disease, the authors sought to better understand the epidemiology, etiology, clinical presentations, treatment and evolution of their patients, aiming at greater therapeutic success. Methods: The medical records of 124 patients of Centro de Oftalmologia Tadeu Cvintal who had blepharitis were retrospectively and cross-sectionally evaluated and underwent severity classification and collection of eyelid secretions for bacterial culture and antibiogram. Results: The mean age of the patients was 67.4 years, females accounted for 70 (56.4%) cases and males for 54 (43.5%). Regarding the severity of the disease, there were 71 cases of mild blepharitis (56.8%), 52 (41.6%) with moderate intensity and 2 (1.6%) severe cases. Evaluating the follow-up of treatment of the disease, it was observed that 103 (82.4%) patients did not return to evaluate the treatment outcome and only 22 (17.6%) returned. In respect of the cultures performed, 82 (66.1%) did not show microbial growth. Among the 42 (33.8%) positive samples, coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most prevalent, especially Staphylococcus epidermidis, responsible for 35 (83.3%) of them. As for antibiotic sensitivity, the agents in our sample showed greater resistance to Penicillin, Erythromycin and Ciprofloxacin and 100% sensitivity to Linezolid, Vancomycin and Daptomycin. Conclusion: By better understanding the epidemiological characteristics of blepharitis and the antimicrobial sensitivity of the bacteria involved, it is possible to offer more effective treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • There is no correlation between bacteria in the root canal and alveolar bone loss. • There is no correlation between apical lesion area and alveolar bone loss. • A median of 5 bacteria species were detected in the root canal. Abstract Objective This study aimed to analyze the correlation between crestal alveolar bone loss with the presence of some bacterial species in root canals and the apical lesion area of necrotic teeth. Design Data from 20 patients with diagnosis of pulp necrosis and acute apical abscesses, without active periodontal diseases, were evaluated. Patients with history of antibiotic usage three months prior to the study, with exposed pulp cavity, and with probing depth >3 mm were not included. The root size, the distance between the bone crest to the tooth apex in the mesial and distal surfaces, and the apical lesion area were measured from standard periapical radiographies by a calibrated examiner. Root canal samples were collected using sterilized paper points. In multirooted teeth, the largest root canal was sampled. Culture, microbial isolation and identification by phenotypic methods were performed. Spearman correlation and exact Fischer test were calculated between higher/lower existing bone crests, according to the median and the presence of specific bacteria. Results No statistically significant differences were found between occurrence of pathogenic bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis , Porphyromonas endodontalis , and Prevotella intermedia , and groups with higher/lower degree of bone loss (p > 0.05). A negative significant correlation was found between Parvimonas micra and periodontal bone loss (p = 0.02). Additionally, no statistically significant association was found between crestal bone loss and the apical lesion area. Conclusions It was concluded that, in patients without active periodontitis, the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the root canal was not correlated with periodontal bone loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a major cause of atypical community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) with a prevalence range of 15-20% and up to 40% in adults and children, respectively. In Iran, the recorded frequency ranges between 1-6.15%. We aimed to investigate the frequency of M. pneumoniae among patients with atypical pneumonia acquired from the community. Methods Over a period of 5 months between January and June 2017, 520 patients with suspected CAP, who had been to the hospital outpatient clinics of Tehran University, were enrolled in this study. Throat swab specimens were obtained from 110 outpatients who presented with symptoms of atypical pneumonia. M. pneumoniae was identified via culture and biochemical tests, such as fermentation of glucose and arginine, hemolysis, and hemadsorption. For confirmation, PCR was performed to amplify the gene fragment coding for p1 adhesin. Results The major and minor clinical signs of the patients were dyspnea (67.3%) and nausea (15.5%), respectively. Out of 110 specimens, 25 (22.7%) and 29 (26.4%) isolates were identified to be M. pneumoniae via culture and molecular assay, respectively. Comparing the results of the two methods, the PCR showed better sensitivity and rapidity for the detection of M. pneumoniae. There was a high congruence between culture and the PCR assay; kappa level was 'almost perfect' (κ=0.90). Conclusion This is the first report of high frequency of M. pneumoniae in our region. This finding can serve as baseline information for further investigation and confirmation of the potential epidemics of M. pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) in our community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Along the coastal belt of Makran, on the southeastern margin of Iran, there are several active and inactive mud volcanoes with different morphologies. Ain—an actively bubbling eye-shaped mud pool—is one of these unique geological phenomena. Present study indicates the first overview of the bacterial diversity of this mud volcano obtained by culture techniques. For this purpose, two samples were collected at two different depths of the mud pool and were cultivated on two different nutrient culture media. A total of 13 isolates were randomly chosen for further phenotypic and genotypic characterization. Growth of the isolates occurred at 25-42°C, pH 8-10 and 0-10% NaCl, indicating that most of them were haloalkaliphiles. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the bacterial isolates belonged to three major taxa: Gammaproteobacteria (genera: Marinobacter, Nitrincola, Stentrophomonas), Actinobactera (genera: Kocuria, Brevibacterium, Dietzia) and Firmicutes (genus Planomicrobium). Gammaproteobacteria were the most abundant, following Actinobacteria and Firmicutes. Most of the strains isolated in the present study had the ability to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes such as lipases, amylases, proteases and DNases, making them important biotechnologically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Throat swabs are neither specific nor sensitive for micro-bacteria causing sore throat symptoms; however, current guidelines suggest they are still useful in some cases. Method: Retrospective and prospective analyses were conducted of throat swabs requested within the months of January 2016 and August 2016, respectively. Results: The study comprised 247 patients. Fifty-nine (24 per cent) had a positive culture. Forty-six grew group A beta-haemolytic streptococci, with the remainder growing candida (n = 10), coliform (n = 1) and klebsiella (n = 2). Therewas no significant difference in culture rates between primary or secondary care sources (χ² = 0.56, p = 0.45). None of the swabs influenced a variation in patient management from local antimicrobial policies. Current practice has an estimated annual financial impact of £3 434 340 on the National Health Service. Conclusion: Throat swabs do not influence the antimicrobial treatment for patients with sore throats, even under current guidelines, and incur unnecessary cost. Current clinical guidelines could be reviewed to reduce the number of throat swabs being conducted unnecessarily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) in different energy densities and irradiances on maintaining cell viability, and proliferation of pulp fibroblasts from human primary teeth (HPF) were cultured in DMEM and used between the fourth and eighth passages. Then, HPF were irradiated with the following different energy densities: 1.25 J/cm2 (a), 2.50 J/cm2 (b), 3.75 J/cm2 (c), 5.00 J/cm2 (d), and 6.25 J/cm2 (e); but varying either the time of irradiation (groups 1a-1e) or the output power (groups 2a-2e). Positive (groups 1f and 2f) and negative controls (groups 1g and 2g), respectively, comprised non-irradiated cells grown in regular nutritional conditions (10% fetal bovine serum [FBS]) and under nutritional deficit (1% FBS). Cell viability and proliferation were respectively assessed through MTT and crystal violet (CV) assays at 24, 48, and 72 h after irradiation. Statistical analysis was performed by two-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey test (P < 0.05). The negative controls showed significantly lower viability in relation to most of the corresponding subgroups, both for MTT and CV assays. For both assays, the intragroup comparison showed that the periods of 24 h exhibited lower viability than the periods of 48 and 72 h for most of the subgroups, except the negative controls with lower viability. The different irradiation protocols (equal energy densities applied with different irradiances) showed no statistically significant differences on cell viability and proliferation at the evaluated periods. The proposed PBM in different energy densities and irradiance did not affect the viability and proliferation of pulp fibroblasts from human primary teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a simple method to culture two sessile rotifers, Limnias ceratophylli and Limnias melicerta, which should be applicable to other sessile species, and examined effect of the concentration of Chlorella vulgaris on population growth of these species. Limnias ceratophylli had higher population abundances at higher food levels. For both species, intrinsic rate of increase ( r), derived from population growth study, varied from 0.12 to 0.16 day. Differences in r varied depending on food level for L. ceratophylli, but not for L. melicerta. Both species had little mortality during 2-3 weeks and thereafter survivorship declined until 5-7 weeks depending on food concentration. Mean life expectancy at birth for L. ceratophylli and L. melicerta was 29-34 days and 28-33 days, respectively. Generation time was shorter for L. ceratophylli. Gross and net reproductive rates were higher for L. ceratophylli. For both species, increase in food density resulted in significant decrease of average lifespan and life expectancy at birth. Gross reproductive rate and rate of population increase of both species were not significantly affected by food density. Generation time was significantly affected due to increase in algal food only for L. ceratophylli but not for L. melicerta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The cell-sheet technology, based on a temperature-responsive culture, has been drawing more and more attention; however, the temperature-responsive culture dish is quite expensive. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a substitutive technique. OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of cell-sheet culturing using common culture dish, and investigate the chondrogenesis of the cell sheet. METHODS: A piece of nasal septal cartilage was adopted from a patient with deviation of nasal septum to extract primary chondrocytes that were then cultured and amplified. The passage 3 chondrocytes were used to construct cell sheets. Monolayer cell sheet was formed by intensive culturing and allowing the extracellular matrix secretion. Bilayer cell sheet was constructed by seeding passage 2 chondrocytes on the monolayer cell sheet. The cell sheets were harvested using cell scraper, their properties were investigated prior to implantation into nude mice to construct the tissue-engineered cartilage. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Both bilayer and monolayer cell sheets with soft tremellose structures showed no significant difference through naked eyes. The newly harvested cell sheets appeared to have good fluidity and gelation. Eight weeks after implantation into the nude mice, mature cartilage blocks were obtained. Histologically, the cell sheets were thin films composed by layered chondrocytes and extracellular matrix. Glycosaminoglycan formation and type II collagen expressions were observed in the cell sheets cultured in vitro. The explanted samples exhibited mature cartilaginous tissue at 8 weeks after implantation. Biochemical analysis showed that the DNA contents of the neocartilages were higher than those of native human costal cartilage, while the contents of glycosaminoglycan and hydroxyproline were similar to native human nasal septal cartilage. To conclude, the chondrocyte cell sheets are likely to be constructed and harvested successfully using common culture dish, and the cell sheets exhibit favourable chondrogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Commensal Gram-negative (CGN) microbiota have been identified on human skin by DNA sequencing; however, methods to reliably culture viable Gram-negative skin organisms have not been previously described. Results: Through the use of selective antibiotics and minimal media we developed methods to culture CGN from skin swabs. We identified several previously uncharacterized CGN at the species level by optimizing growth conditions and limiting the inhibitory effects of nutrient shock, temperature, and bacterial competition, factors that may have previously limited CGN isolation from skin cultures. Conclusions: Our protocol will permit future functional studies on the influences of CGN on skin homeostasis and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ｏｂｊｅｃｔｉｖｅ　Ｔｏ ｅｖａｌｕａｔｅ ｔｈｅ ｖａｌｕｅ ｏｆ ｕｒｉｎｅ ｓｅｄｉｍｅｎｔ ａｎａｌｙｚｅｒ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ｓｃｒｅｅｎｉｎｇ ｏｆ ｃｌｉｎｉｃａｌｌｙ ｓｕｓｐｅｃｔｅｄ ｕｒｉｎａｒｙ ｔｒａｃｔ ｉｎｆｅｃｔｉｏｎ （ＵＴＩ） ｉｎ ｃａｎｃｅｒ ｐａｔｉｅｎｔｓ． Ｍｅｔｈｏｄｓ　Ｔｈｅ ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ ｏｆ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａｌ ｃｏｕｎｔ ｏｆ １ ０５３ ｍｉｄｓｔｒｅａｍ ｕｒｉｎｅ ｓａｍｐｌｅｓ ｂｙ ＵＦ⁃１０００ｉ ｕｒｉｎｅ ｓｅｄｉｍｅｎｔ ａｎａｌｙｚｅｒ （ＵＦ⁃１０００ｉ ｕｒｉｎｅ ｓｅｄｉｍｅｎｔ ａｎａｌｙｚｅｒ， ＵＦ⁃１０００ｉ） ｗｅｒｅ ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ ｏｆ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａｌ ｃｕｌｔｕｒｅ． Ｍｏｒｅｏｖｅｒ，ｔｈｅ ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ ｏｆ ｄｉｓｔｉｎｇｕｉｓｈｉｎｇ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａｌ ｓｐｅｃｉｅｓ ｂｙ ｔｈｅ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａｌ ｓｃａｔｔｅｒｇｒａｍ ｗｅｒｅ ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ ｏｆ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａ ｃｕｌｔｕｒｅ． Ａｔ ｔｈｅ ｓａｍｅ ｔｉｍｅ， ｔｈｅ ｓｅｎｓｉｔｉｖｉｔｙ， ｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃｉｔｙ， ｐｏｓｉｔｉｖｅ ｐｒｅｄｉｃｔｉｖｅ ｖａｌｕｅ ａｎｄ ｎｅｇａｔｉｖｅ ｐｒｅｄｉｃｔｉｖｅ ｖａｌｕｅ ｏｆ ＵＦ⁃１０００ｉ ａｎａｌｙｚｅｒ ｆｏｒ ＵＴＩ ｓｃｒｅｅｎｉｎｇ ｗｅｒｅ ｅｖａｌｕａｔｅｄ． Ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ　Ｏｆ ａｌｌ ｔｈｅ １ ０５３ ｓａｍｐｌｅｓ， ｔｈｅ ｔｏｐ ｔｈｒｅｅ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａ ｗｅｒｅ Ｅ． ｃｏｌｉ， Ｅｎｔｅｒｏｃｏｃｃｉ ａｎｄ Ｐ． ａｅｒｕｇｉｎｏｓａ． Ｔｈｅ ｔｏｐ ｔｈｒｅｅ ｍａｌｉｇｎａｎｔ ｔｕｍｏｒｓ ｏｆ ＵＴＩ ｗｅｒｅ ｂｌａｄｄｅｒ， ｌｕｎｇ ｃａｎｃｅｒ ａｎｄ ｃｅｒｖｉｃａｌ ｃａｎｃｅｒｓ． Ｔｈｅ ｐｏｓｉｔｉｖｅ ｒａｔｅ ｏｆ ＵＦ⁃１０００ｉ ａｎａｌｙｚｅｒ ｗａｓ ２０％ （２１１／１ ０５３）， ａｎｄ ｔｈａｔ ｏｆ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａ ｃｕｌｔｕｒｅ ｗａｓ １７．９％ （１８８／１ ０５３）． Ｔｈｅｒｅ ｗａｓ ｓｔａｔｉｓｔｉｃａｌｌｙ ｎｏ ｓｉｇｎｉｆｉｃａｎｔ ｄｉｆｆｅｒｅｎｃｅ ｉｎ ｔｈｅ ｐｏｓｉｔｉｖｅ ｒａｔｅｓ ｂｅｔｗｅｅｎ ｔｈｅ ｔｗｏ ｍｅｔｈｏｄｓ （χ２ ＝ １．６３６，Ｐ＞０．０５）， ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｔｗｏ ｍｅｔｈｏｄｓ ｈａｄ ａ ｃｏｎｓｉｄｅｒａｂｌｅ ｃｏｎｓｉｓｔｅｎｃｙ （Ｋａｐｐａ ＝ ０．７５６）． Ｃｏｍｐａｒｅｄ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｃｌｉｎｉｃａｌ ｄｉａｇｎｏｓｉｓ， ＵＴＩ ｓｃｒｅｅｎｉｎｇ ｂｙ ＵＦ⁃１０００ｉ ａｎａｌｙｚｅｒ ｓｈｏｗｅｄ ａ ｓｅｎｓｉｔｉｖｉｔｙ ｏｆ ７９．６％ （１６０／２０１）， ｓｐｅｃｉｆｉｃｉｔｙ ｏｆ ９５．５％ （８１４／８５２）， ｐｏｓｉｔｉｖｅ ｐｒｅｄｉｃｔｉｖｅ ｖａｌｕｅ ｏｆ ８０．８％ （１６０／１９８） ａｎｄ ｎｅｇａｔｉｖｅ ｐｒｅｄｉｃｔｉｖｅ ｖａｌｕｅ ｏｆ ９５．２％（８１４／８５５）． Ｔｈｅ ｄｉｓｔｒｉｂｕｔｉｏｎ ｏｆ ｃｏｃｃｉ ａｎｄ ｂａｃｉｌｌｉ ａｃｑｕｉｒｅｄ ｂｙ ｔｈｅ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａｌ ｓｃａｔｔｅｒｇｒａｍ ｗａｓ ｂａｓｉｃａｌｌｙ ｉｎ ａｃｃｏｒｄａｎｃｅ ｗｉｔｈ ｔｈｅ ｒｅｓｕｌｔｓ ｏｆ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａｌ ｃｕｌｔｕｒｅ． Ｃｏｎｃｌｕｓｉｏｎｓ 　Ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａｌ ｃｏｕｎｔ ｂｙ ＵＦ⁃１０００ｉ ａｎａｌｙｚｅｒ ｐｌａｙｓ ａｎ ｉｍｐｏｒｔａｎｔ ｒｏｌｅ ｉｎ ｅａｒｌｙ ｓｃｒｅｅｎｉｎｇ ｏｆ ＵＴＩ， ａｎｄ ｔｈｅ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａｌ ｓｃａｔｔｅｒｇｒａｍ ｍａｙ ｈｅｌｐ ｔｏ ｄｉｓｔｉｎｇｕｉｓｈ ｂａｃｔｅｒｉａｌ ｓｐｅｃｉｅｓ， ｐｒｏｖｉｄｉｎｇ ｒｅｆｅｒｅｎｃｅ ｆｏｒ ｔｈｅ ｕｓｅ ｏｆ ａｎｔｉｂｉｏｔｉｃｓ ｉｎ ｅａｒｌｙ ｍｅｄｉｃａｔｉｏｎ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The burns wound initially is sterile, if no contaminated materials are put on the burn area or if the patient have not fell on dirty surfaces. This time gap, from 24 to 72 hours, is considered clean or sterile. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently found germ on burn wounds, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Objective: Quantitative analysis of the microbiota of the burn wounds, in the initial 24 hours of the injurie, in 25 patients from the Burns Unit of "Conjunto Hospitalar de Sorocaba". Methods: Samples taken with swab technic from the center and periphery of the wounds were analyzed. Results: In an amount of 50, 15 samples (60%) of the patients were tagged positive with peripheric and central colonization of microorganisms. In the sample's central portion, 6 were colonized by Staphylococcus sp and 8 by Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: The burn wounds in the initial 24 hours are colonized with microorganisms. The main microbiota is similar to the previously consulted literature. With this conclusion, the early microbiological analysis seems pertinent to the confirmation of wound colonization and the following care to prevent its infection, contributing indirectly to the decrease of morbidity and mortality related to burning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study documented the number and results of mycobacterial culture and drug sensitivity testing (CDST) in Mexico from 2009-2013 and assessed whether states with a higher risk of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) performed more CDST and had more cultures showing MDR-TB. Data for this longitudinal, descriptive, operational research study came from the electronic records of 31 state public health laboratories in Mexico. The total number of CDSTs was 6 470, increasing from 2 143 in the first 2 years to 4 327 in the latter 3 years. There was a significant increase in the proportion of cultures showing sensitivity to all drugs, from 53.1% to 60.9% in 2011-2013 (P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in the proportion showing MDR-TB, from 28.2% in 2009 to 19.8% in 2013 (P < 0.001). Cases of extensively drug resistant tuberculosis were < 1 % per year. In the 12 states with higher risk for MDR-TB, significantly more CDSTs (2 382 test) were done in 2011-2013 than in the other 19 states (1 945 tests). Also, for each year the proportion of cultures showing MDR-TB was significantly higher in high risk MDR-TB states than in lower risk ones (P < 0.001). During the 5-year study period, CDST was scaled up in Mexico, particularly in high-risk MDR-TB states where a higher proportion of cultures showed MDR-TB. Scale up and wider coverage of CDST should continue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a major public health concern that threatens global progress toward effective TB control. The risk of MDR-TB is increased in patients who have received previous TB treatment. This article describes the performance of culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) in patients registered as previously treated TB patients in the Dominican Republic in 2014, based on operational research that followed a retrospective cohort design and used routine program data. Under the current system of TB culturing and DST, the majority of patients with previously treated TB do not undergo DST, and those who do often experience considerable delay in obtaining their results. The lack of DST and delay in receiving DST results leads to underestimation of the number of MDR-TB cases and hinders the timely initiation of MDR-TB treatment. . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the test material mink feed with natural microflora was used. The analyses were conducted using Wrzosek and TPGY broth media, and Willis-Hobbs and Zeissler differential agar media. Wrzosek, Willis-Hobbs, and Zeissler media are described in Polish Standards approved by the National Standards Body in Poland and routinely used in detection of anaerobic bacteria in Poland. Detection and identification of C. botulinum was performed with a previously validated real-time PCR method based on ntnh gene detection, which is common in all C. botulinum toxotypes. The use of Wrzosek broth and Zeissler agar in routine analyses for detection and identification of C. botulinum was ineffective and limited. The obtained results showed the highest culturing process effectiveness in TPGY broth with 72 h incubation at 30°C and isolation on Willis-Hobbs agar. The real-time PCR method based on ntnh gene detection used in this study could be utilised as a supplementary tool to the mouse lethality assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clostridium carboxidivorans was grown on model syngas (CO:H 2 :CO 2 [70:20:10]) in a defined nutrient medium with concentrations of nitrogen, phosphate and trace metals formulated to enhance production of higher alcohols. C. carboxidivorans was successfully grown in a limited defined medium (no yeast extract, no MES buffer and minimal complex chemical inputs) using an improved fermentation protocol. Low partial pressure of CO in the headspace, coupled with restricted mass transfer for CO and H 2 , was required for successful fermentation. In the absence of substrate inhibition (particularly from CO), growth limitation increased production of alcohols, especially butanol and hexanol. Concentrations of butanol (over 1.0 g/L), hexanol (up to 1.0 g/L) and ethanol (over 3.0 g/L) were achieved in bottle fermentations. Minimal medium and controlled supply of CO and H 2 should be used in characterizing candidate butanol and hexanol producing strains to select for commercial potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Objectives To evaluate the concordance and safety of induced sputum (IS) and spontaneous sputum (SS), and estimate concordance and time to detection of M. tuberculosis between Lowenstein–Jensen (LJ), thin-layer agar (TLA), and the Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube system (MGIT). Methods This was a cohort study. Prisoners with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) were followed for 2 years. At baseline and every follow-up visit, three sputum samples were taken on consecutive days (one IS and two SS) and adverse events occurring before, during, and 30 min after IS were registered. All sputum samples were stained with auramine and cultured in LJ, TLA (to test resistance), and MGIT. Results Five hundred eighty-six IS and 532 SS were performed on 64 PTB patients. Breathlessness (1.6%), cough (1.2%), hemoptysis (0.3%), and cyanosis (0.2%) were the only complications. Concordance between IS and SS was 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.69–0.87); 11 positive cultures from IS samples were negative in SS, and 11 positive cultures from SS samples were negative in IS. One hundred seventy-eight cultures were positive by any technique: MGIT 95%, LJ 73%, and TLA 57%. Time to detection of M. tuberculosis in LJ, TLA, and MGIT was 31, 18, and 11 days, respectively. Conclusions The IS procedure is safe in prisons. The MGIT system is better and faster than LJ and TLA in the diagnosis of M. tuberculosis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of literature has characterized settler colonial phenomena as ‘distinct’, and called for the establishment of dedicated interpretative tools. ‘Distinct’, however, begs the question: distinct relative to what? This essay reflects on this distinctiveness, and heuristically suggests that reference to the diverse operation of viral and bacterial phenomena can help an understanding of the distinct functioning of colonial and settler colonial systems. While both viruses and bacteria are exogenous elements that often dominate their destination locales, viruses need living cells to operate, while bacteria attach to surfaces and may or may not rely on the organisms they encounter. Similarly, while both colonizers and settler colonizers are exogenous elements that assert their dominance over their destination locales, a colonial system of relationships, unlike a settler colonial one, is premised on the presence and subjugation of exploitable ‘Others’. This essay also suggests that this metaphorical conceptualization can facilitate reflection on the decolonization of settler colonial forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mussel raft culture as traditionally practiced in Galicia (Spain) represents an extreme case of aggregation, where culture density along growth ropes is maximized to achieve greater commercial yields. However, to maintain high growth rates during the entire cultivation period the initial density must be reduced through a process called “thinning-out” when rope weight increases by a factor of 10. In raft culture, the annual commercial cycle is superimposed on a production cycle that can last up to 18months. For this reason, the thinned-out mussel ropes can only occupy 75% of the usable surface area of the raft. Additionally, the rope handling process has a pronounced impact on production costs, affecting both labor and material costs. With the objective of optimizing economic yields in mussel raft culture, we conducted a study to compare a new technique without thinning-out with the traditional method, and we evaluated the effect of density on mussel growth for both techniques. For this purpose, three different densities were prepared for the no thinning-out ropes (800n, 1000n and 1200n mussels/m), and the other three for the thinning-out ropes (400y, 500y and 600y mussels/m). At the end of the experiment, average length and average live weight for mussels cultured without thinning-out were significantly lower than values observed for mussels cultured with thinning-out. However, the no thinning-out technique did not result in a lower total biomass production. The technique without thinning-out has a production cycle of 12months, which coincides with annual production. On the other hand, the culture with thinning-out technique has a 15-month cycle (seeding and thinning-out processes); thus annual production was 20% lower than total production. Under these conditions, production at the two highest densities (1000n and 1200n) was significantly higher than production at all densities with thinning-out. If we consider economic yield per raft per year, which also takes into account the higher price of mussels with increasing size, the difference between the two culture methods is smaller. Only the 1200n ropes still produced a higher economic yield than the 600y ropes. On the other hand, the shortening of the cultivation time and the elimination of the thinning-out reduce the production costs. In conclusion, the results obtained with the new culture technique without thinning-out at high seed densities enable substantial improvements in terms of biomass, economic yields, and operating costs for mussel production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Several different cell culture systems and laboratory animal models have been used over the years to study Barrett's esophagus (BE) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Most of the existing models have key differences with the human esophagus and complex pathogenesis of disease. None of the models offers an ideal system for the complex study of environmental exposure, genetic risk, and prevention strategies. In fact, different model systems may be required to answer different specific research questions about the pathogenesis of BE and EAC. Given the high mortality associated with EAC and the fact that current screening strategies miss most cases of EAC, advances in basic and translational science related to esophageal injury, repair, and carcinogenesis are clearly needed. This review describes several of the existing and potential model systems for BE and EAC with their benefits and disadvantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: As soon as possible to detection of tuberculosis bacilli and to determination of their anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibilities are very important for an optimal anti-tuberculosis therapy. Therefore, two different culture methods in suspected patient samples were performed. The results of anti-tuberculosis drug susceptibility testing of culture positive samples were examined. Materials and methods: Following the homogenization and decontamination processes, patient's samples were stained with Ziehl-Neelsen dye and each preparation were inoculated separately onto Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) and into Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) media. After incubation period, drug susceptibilities of bacillus in culture positive samples against four major antituberculosis drugs were investigated. Results: The samples obtained from 163 different patients between 2007 and 2010 years were evaluated. In all samples, it was determined that positivity of Acid Resistant Bacillus (ARB), MGIT and LJ media were 7 (4.0%), 6 (3.5%) and 7 (4.0%), respectively. MGIT method was demonstrated significantly earlier growth than LJ method the tuberculosis bacillus. All isolates were found to be sensitive to four major anti-tuberculosis drugs. Conclusion: In our study, MGIT method was found to be superior to LJ media because of its quick result and drug resistance was not determined in all isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of marine fungi is reviewed based on new data on their occurrence on various substrata, unexplored habitats especially in the tropics, undescribed species, endophytic and cryptic taxa. Various estimates have been proposed for the number of marine fungi and this depends on whether the taxa are obligate, facultative or marine derived by isolation from various substrata or from seawater by culture methods. The current number of obligate marine fungi (537 species) is a gross underestimate. So where can further species be found? In this review, several fungal groups are identified that have been poorly surveyed for marine representatives and therefore a potential source of more marine species; these are marine derived fungi isolated from soils, sand, and water, planktonic fungi, deep-sea fungi, unculturable fungi, and cryptic species or taxa with similar morphology. In accounting for these potential sources the number of marine fungi might be in excess of 10,000 taxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To report our experimental results on detection and isolation of nanobacteria-like particles (NLP) from urinary stone samples. From March 2001 to August 2003, 47 urinary stone samples from Japanese patients and 18 from Paraguayan patients were collected and used for compositional analysis, direct survey of NLP by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and their cultural isolation. For the isolation, culturing was carried out using strict aseptic techniques. Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium with 10% gamma-irradiated fetal bovine serum was used based on the original method described by Kajander and Ciftçioglu. Positive NLP detection rates for Japanese and Paraguayan patient samples were 61.7% (29/47) and 66.7% (12/18), respectively. Positive NLP isolation rates for Japanese patient samples were 20.6% (7/34) and 20.0% (2/10) for Paraguayan patient samples. In the initial isolation, markedly different periods of incubation time were needed for each of the nine cases (6-220 days; median 36 days). Positive detection and isolation were obtained in stone samples with or without calcium phosphate. Growth modes and morphogenesis of NLP were divided into two phases; rod-shaped NLP was detected mainly as a floating form growing in culture medium and spherical NLP with a characteristic apatite shell was detected as an attached form growing on the surface of culture dishes. Lifeless calcifying nanoparticles can be isolated from various human urinary stones, cultured in cell culture mediums and show two characteristic growth phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cordyceps militaris is a potential harbour of bio-metabolites for herbal drugs and evidences are available about its applications for revitalization of various systems of the body from ancient times. Amongst all the species, C. militaris is considered as the oldest source of some useful chemical constituents. Besides their popular applications for tonic medicine by the all stairs of the community, the constituents of C. militaris are now used extensively in modern systems of medicine. The current survey records the mysterious potentials of C. militaris are boosting up the present herbal treatments, as well as gearing up the green pharmacy revolution, in order to create a friendly environment with reasonable safety. Evidence showed that the active principles of C. militaris are beneficial to act as pro-sexual, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant/anti-aging, anti-tumour/anti-cancer/anti-leukemic, anti-proliferative, anti-metastatic, immunomodulatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-protozoal, insecticidal, larvicidal, anti-fibrotic, steroidogenic, hypoglacaemic, hypolipidaemic, anti-angiogenetic, anti-diabetic, anti-HIV, anti-malarial, anti-fatigue, neuroprotective, liver-protective, reno-protective as well as pneumo-protective, let alone their other synergistic activities, which let it be marketable in the western countries as over-the-counter medicine. A number of culture techniques for this mushroom have been noticed, for example, storage/stock culture, pre-culture, popular/indigenous culture (spawn culture, husked rice culture and saw dust culture) and, special/laboratory culture (shaking culture, submerged culture, surface liquid culture and continuous/repeated batch culture). The prospects for herbal biotechnology regarding drug discovery using C. militaris delivering what it has promised are high, as the technology is now extremely more powerful than before. This study chiefly highlights the medicinal uses of the mushroom C. militaris including its culture techniques, also aiming to draw sufficient attention of the researchers to the frontier research needs in this context. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The increasingly popular aquarium hobby is fueling the rapid growth of the aquatic ornamental industry, particularly the trade of marine ornamental species. However, currently there is a heavy reliance on wild caught marine ornamentals to satisfy consumer demand. As public awareness of the plight of marine ecosystems grows, the often destructive and unmanaged exploitation of coral reefs for the marine ornamental trade has raised concerns. Therefore, there is consensus that urgent actions need to be taken to limit destructive exploitation of coral reefs, and to ensure the sustainability of the marine ornamental industry. An obvious and vital action of such efforts would be the development of captive breeding techniques for marine ornamental species, in particular, coral reef fish. Research efforts towards captive breeding of marine ornamental species, also known as marine ornamental aquaculture, stand to supplement or replace the supply of wild caught specimens for the marine ornamental trade, and potentially help boost reef recovery efforts through restocking. However, unfortunately, the marine ornamental aquaculture sector is still in its infancy, receiving limited research attention, and, in turn, has experienced very slow development compared to the technical and industrial advances made in foodfish aquaculture. While it is true that at present, multiple bottlenecks have severely limited the progress of marine ornamental aquaculture, through careful appraisal and adaptation of culture techniques developed for foodfish, and by addressing the specific needs of marine ornamental aquaculture, significant progress could be made for the marine ornamental aquaculture industry. With this objective in mind, this review attempts to summarize the major bottlenecks facing the marine ornamental aquaculture industry, and to highlight weaknesses in the current state of research. Major areas in need of increased research efforts include broodstock management, such as the development of specific broodstock diets and broodstock husbandry, spawning induction via hormone technologies that are tailored to the size and sensitivity of small broodstock ornamentals, and comprehensive, species-specific larval rearing techniques, including system design and larval culture conditions as well as larval feeds and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Meat has received little attention regarding human exposure to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, a possible infectious trigger of Crohn''s disease. Meat has less contamination with other organisms than gut tissues, facilitating modifications to existing decontamination protocols prior to BACTEC culture that could increase analytical sensitivity. Using spiked meat samples we trialled enzymatic and chemical digestion techniques to concentrate larger starting samples, and modifications to existing clinical mycobacteriological decontamination protocols. An acid-pepsin digestion method using a 20g sample was considerably more sensitive (detection limit 0.88log10 viable organisms per gram) than previous techniques. However, it was cumbersome for routine use, and subject to frequent contamination. Modifications to an existing centrifugation protocol yielded a simple, robust technique with slightly improved sensitivity (detection limit 1.77log10 per gram). Use of these sensitive tests in parallel identified M. a. paratuberculosis in the muscle of 59% and peripheral lymph nodes (PLN) of 85% of clinically infected sheep. The numbers of M. a. paratuberculosis in these infected tissues were low (1.67±0.92log10 per gram in muscle and 2.06±0.69log10 per gram in PLN), such that many would not have been detected by routine methods. Fewer subclinically infected animals with gross lesions harboured M. a. paratuberculosis in meat (4.5%) or PLN (32%), and the numbers of organisms in such infected animals were lower. Because most animals raised specifically for meat production are young and unlikely to be heavily infected, and because meat is usually consumed cooked, the risk of human exposure to viable M. a. paratuberculosis via meat may be small. Measures to prevent heavily infected animals, especially those with clinical signs, from entering the human food chain would further reduce this risk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Most ENT surgeons treat discharging ears with topical antibiotics but many may not routinely utilise ear microbiology specimens. One reason could be that ear microbiology reports may not reflect their usual therapeutic options. This paper explores how microbiology departments in England process ear swabs. We carried out a telephone questionnaire of 104 microbiology departments in England. Results were obtained from 95 hospitals. Various culture methods are used, with sensitivity testing for up to 51 different antibiotics. Only five are licensed for topical use. Systemic antibiotics seemed to be preferentially tested for over topical antibiotics. Anaerobes and fungus are routinely tested. Many microbiology departments do not routinely report on all sensitivities tested. Antibiotic sensitivity testing for various micro-organisms cultured from ear swabs seemed to be guided by protocols for systemic infections. Microbiologists may not fully appreciate ENT surgeons’ preferential usage of topical antibiotics in treating discharging ears, albeit there are other factors in their consideration for antibiotics to test. To gain better guidance from swab results, and to reduce needless lab costs, discussion with the microbiologists may be of benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits constitute the most important foods among natural vegetables. They along with garden crops provide a lot of vitamins and minerals; thus, they should be present in every meal. Fruits are used as CO2 reservoir, in biodiversity increment and ecological compensation areas; besides, they are appreciated for fresh consumption, juices and pulps. In Cuba, there are favorable edaphoclimatic conditions for fruit tree growth and development; however, a large number of them appear at the top of the list of threatened species in our country, so that urgent measurements of preservation and management should be taken into account. Biotechnology may help increase and improve fruit tree production; this technology enables to obtain a high-yielding material. Also, tissue culture has given a great support to agriculture and constitutes a fundamental approach in the scientific-technological activity; consequently, the application of in vitro propagation techniques to fruit trees is a valuable way to multiply, rescue and preserve these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for donated livers for transplantation far exceeds the supply. One potential way to relieve this shortage is by developing bioartificial and secondary livers. These innovative approaches will require a large number of high-quality hepatocytes. Pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells are likely to be the best source to serve this requirement. This review describes recent progress with mice ES cells which, when placed in a three-dimensional culture system within an environment of liver regeneration, can form hepatocyte-like cells and hepatic lobule-like aggregates. The combination of ES cells and culture systems imitating in vivo environments has the potential to induce high-quality hepatocytes and to develop into liver systems that can compensate for the insufficient supply of donor organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culturing the centrifuged pellet of 50 mL does not improve significantly the diagnosis of dialysis-associated peritonitis. Background: To improve the diagnosis of dialysis-associated peritonitis, culturing the centrifuged pellet of 50 mL has been proposed. Methods: Study of 144 specimens from 144 patients with peritonitis associated to dialysis, without antibiotic treatment. The specimens were processed by three methods: 1) direct plating; 2) culturing the pellet of 50 mL; and 3) inoculating 10 mL in blood-culture bottle (gold standard). The result of the cultures and the identification of the germs were blinded. Results: Culture is blood-culture bottles rendered 92 isolates (63.9%). Of the centrifuged specimens, 73 isolations were obtained (50.7%), with sensitivity of 0.76, and specificity of 0.95. The technique of direct culture in agar plate found 54 isolations (37.5%) with sensitivity of 0.57, and specificity of 0.95. Conclusions: When compared against the gold standard, culturing the sediment of 50 mL is cumbersome and it does not significantly improve the efficiency of culturing the dialysis fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a comparative description of the modern molecular genetic and routine culture techniques for assessing bacterial diversity in soils and gives analysis for the different results obtained by these two groups of methods. The necessity of the collaboration of soil scientists, microbiologists, and molecular biologists in integrating different research methods for a proper assessment of soil microbial diversity is discussed. The paramount importance of soil as the source and reserve of biodiversity on the Earth is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To establish the three-dimensional(3D) cultivation model of ovarian cancer HO-8910PM cell line using collagen I as scaffolds and observe the cellular morphologies , vitalities and functions to provide references for the study of ovarian cancer in vitro. Methods TEM was used to be assess to representation of characteristics of collagen I formation. Relied on collagen I as raw materials ,it was established three-dimensional system model. The growthform and proliferation of ovarian carcinoma cells were observed by inverted microscope. The viabilities of the ovarian carcinoma cells in the collagen I matrix were examined by calcein-AM staining ; The expression of VEGF-A , EGF and IGF- 1 in collagen I matrix were inspected by Elisa assay. Results Collagen I displayed a cross-linked network structure under transmission electron microscope I . The ovarian carcinoma cells in the collagen I matrix were irregular regiment massive structure and showed a good vitality in the collagen I . It had a good bio- compatibility beliween the cells and matrix. Compared to two-dimensional cultured cells , the secretion quantity of VEGF-A , EGF and IGF1 in the three-dimensional cultivation system was higher. The difference had statistical significance(P<0.05). Conclusion Collagen I can support ovarian cancer three-dimensional culture adequately with good structure and functions , which is suitable for three-dimensional cultivation of ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro , maintaining the form and functions of ovarian cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the response to viral infection in the context of respiratory diseases is of significant importance. Recently, there has been more focus on the role of the nasal epithelium in disease modeling. Here, we provide an overview of different submerged, organotypic 3D and spheroid cell culture models of nasal epithelial cells, which were used to study asthma and allergy with a special focus on virus infection. In detail, this review summarizes the importance, benefits, and disadvantages of patient-derived cell culture models of nasal- and bronchial epithelial cells, including a comparison of these cell culture models and a discussion on why investigators should consider using nasal epithelial cells in their research. Exposure experiments, simple virus transduction analyses as well as genetic studies can be performed in these models, which may provide first insights into the complexity of molecular signatures and may open new doors for drug discovery and biomarker research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a fatal case of Bartonella henselae bacteremic patient. He had negative serology and PCRs from whole blood and liquid culture; only ftsZ nested PCR was positive from the blood liquid culture. The isolate had positive PCRs. When considered, bartonellosis diagnosis can be still challenging because of technical limitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3D-growth of benign primary cells from vestibular schwannoma is feasible. • 3D-growth shows growth characteristics of the tumor better than 2D systems. • The 3D system shows drug effects, which are not apparent in the 2D system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the detection ratio of bacterial colony count in dialysis water, dialysate and raw water with different media and different incubation conditions, searching for suitable methods to detect bacteria from dialysis water. Methods: Between Jan 2012 and Dec 2012, 176 samples of hemodialysis water and dialysate, 88 samples of raw water were collected by hemodialysis unit, Renji hospital. Samples were inoculated in duplicate on spread plates with Blood agar, Reasoner's 2A (R2A), Tryptone glucose extract agar (TGEA) respectively, at different temperature and time. After incubation, the numbers of colonies were quantified. Results: The bacterial colony counts in dialysis water, dialysate and raw water were the lowest in blood agar and the difference had statistical significance when it was compared with that of R2A or TGEA culture media (P < 0.01). The detection rate of dialysis water and dialysate were 61.9% in R2A at 20°C for 168 hours. According to the standard of the association for the advancement of medical instrumentation (AAMI), the detection rate had no difference among these media with different conditions. Combined with medium of R2A and TGEA, the detection rate of bacteria was 77.6% at 20°C for 168 hours and the bacteria detection rate was significantly increased than that in culture R2A or TGEA respectively under the same conditions (77.6% vs. 61.9%, 50.6%, P value was 0.003 and 0.001). Conclusions: The method of R2A or TGEA agar culture can improve the detection rate of bacterial colony count compared with the method of blood agar. The method of R2A combined with TGEA at 20°C for 168 hours can improve the detection rate of bacteria in dialysis water and dialysate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new rice variety of a good productive potential and salinity tolerance was obtained at the National Institute of Agricultural Sciences (INCA), starting from in vitro culture of J-104 rice seeds irradiated with protons. This is the first report of a variety achieved by proton irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]