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The microplate assay for measuring antibacterial activity was adapted by incorporating a known concentration range of gentamicin as an internal standard. Staphylococcus aureus subsp. aureus strain ATCC 6538P, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and Lactobacillus spp. were used as target organisms, although other indicator organisms and antibiotics can be examined. Assay range and sensitivity were dependent on the species and density of indicator organism, and conditions (e.g., type, concentration, and pH of growth medium). Plotting the area under the growth curve (AUGC) versus gentamicin concentration (log transformed) yielded a linear curve that was used to quantify in units of gentamicin the antibacterial activity of a secretory fluid (SCF; pancreatic juice) and for comparisons of samples collected at different times, analysed on different days, and from different studies. This adaptation of the microtiter broth method will be useful for investigating man-made compounds, and the antibacterial activity of secretory fluids and the influences of age, diet, and health status. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A forensic capability to help identify perpetrators and exclude innocent people should be an integral part of a strategy against terrorist attacks. Exercises have been conducted to increase our preparedness and response capabilities to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) terrorist attacks. However, incorporating forensic components into these exercises has been deficient. CBRN investigations rely on forensic results, so the need to integrate a forensic component and forensics experts into comprehensive exercises is paramount. This article provides guidance for planning and executing exercises at local, state, federal, and international levels that test the effectiveness of forensic capabilities for CBRN threats. The guidelines presented here apply both to situations where forensics is only a component of a more general exercise and where forensics is the primary focus of the exercise.