We combined the new SensititreTM MYCOTB test with the MODS assay for detection of MDR- and XDR-TB. Categorical agreement of the MODS assay with the critical concentrations at 3 days of incubation was highest for INH (...We combined the new SensititreTM MYCOTB test with the MODS assay for detection of MDR- and XDR-TB. Categorical agreement of the MODS assay with the critical concentrations at 3 days of incubation was highest for INH (91.4%) and RIF (100%) and at 5 days 86.7% and 94.6% for the fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides, respectively. By combining these two methods, it is possible to identify MDR-TB in as little as 3 days and XDR- or pre-XDR-TB within 5 days.展开更多
Aim: To elucidate the anti-apoptotic properties of nuclear factor kappa light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and feedback regulation of NF-κB by nuclear factor of kappa light-chain-enhancer of activated...Aim: To elucidate the anti-apoptotic properties of nuclear factor kappa light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and feedback regulation of NF-κB by nuclear factor of kappa light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells inhibitor alpha (IκBα). Methods: We developed an in vitro model of Sjogren’s syndrome by transfecting human salivary gland (HSG) and acinar cells (NS-SV-AC) with a plasmid-encoding IκBαM (pCMV-IκBαM), a degradation-resistant IκBα (nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha)-mutant, and examined TNF-induced apoptosis and anti-apoptotic properties of NF-κB. Apoptosis and induction of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes were investigated by cDNA arrays, RT-PCR, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and western blot. Results: In the presence of NF-κB inhibitors, TNF-induced apoptosis was markedly increased in both salivary gland and acinar cells. Increased caspase-3 activity was present in both HSG and NS-SV-AC cells. IκBαM-transfected salivary gland cells were more sensitive to TNF-induced apoptosis than IκBαM-transfected acinar cells. Transcription of pro-apoptotic genes was confirmed in both HSG and NS-SV-AC cells that were transfected with IκBαM. Results from caspase-3 activity assay confirmed previous experiments showing an apoptotic role for NF-κB. Conclusion: Data from gene expression arrays suggest that different mechanisms may operate during TNF-induced apoptosis in salivary gland ductal and acinar cells.展开更多
The ParalensTM?(PL) microscope attachment converts a light microscope into an epi-fluorescencemicroscope. We compared the PL to standard fluorescence microscopy for detection ofMycobacteriain clinical and spiked sampl...The ParalensTM?(PL) microscope attachment converts a light microscope into an epi-fluorescencemicroscope. We compared the PL to standard fluorescence microscopy for detection ofMycobacteriain clinical and spiked samples. Overall agreement between the two systems was 100%. Quantitative and qualitative performance was comparable. The PL is an acceptable alternative to standard fluorescence microscopy for detection ofMycobacteria.展开更多
文摘We combined the new SensititreTM MYCOTB test with the MODS assay for detection of MDR- and XDR-TB. Categorical agreement of the MODS assay with the critical concentrations at 3 days of incubation was highest for INH (91.4%) and RIF (100%) and at 5 days 86.7% and 94.6% for the fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides, respectively. By combining these two methods, it is possible to identify MDR-TB in as little as 3 days and XDR- or pre-XDR-TB within 5 days.
文摘Aim: To elucidate the anti-apoptotic properties of nuclear factor kappa light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) and feedback regulation of NF-κB by nuclear factor of kappa light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells inhibitor alpha (IκBα). Methods: We developed an in vitro model of Sjogren’s syndrome by transfecting human salivary gland (HSG) and acinar cells (NS-SV-AC) with a plasmid-encoding IκBαM (pCMV-IκBαM), a degradation-resistant IκBα (nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha)-mutant, and examined TNF-induced apoptosis and anti-apoptotic properties of NF-κB. Apoptosis and induction of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes were investigated by cDNA arrays, RT-PCR, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and western blot. Results: In the presence of NF-κB inhibitors, TNF-induced apoptosis was markedly increased in both salivary gland and acinar cells. Increased caspase-3 activity was present in both HSG and NS-SV-AC cells. IκBαM-transfected salivary gland cells were more sensitive to TNF-induced apoptosis than IκBαM-transfected acinar cells. Transcription of pro-apoptotic genes was confirmed in both HSG and NS-SV-AC cells that were transfected with IκBαM. Results from caspase-3 activity assay confirmed previous experiments showing an apoptotic role for NF-κB. Conclusion: Data from gene expression arrays suggest that different mechanisms may operate during TNF-induced apoptosis in salivary gland ductal and acinar cells.
文摘The ParalensTM?(PL) microscope attachment converts a light microscope into an epi-fluorescencemicroscope. We compared the PL to standard fluorescence microscopy for detection ofMycobacteriain clinical and spiked samples. Overall agreement between the two systems was 100%. Quantitative and qualitative performance was comparable. The PL is an acceptable alternative to standard fluorescence microscopy for detection ofMycobacteria.