Efficacy of a skin care ointment containing oligomeric maltose X in the adjuvant treatment of pruritus in patients with mild to moderate eczema: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind controlled clinical study / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a skin care ointment containing oligomeric maltose X in the adjuvant treatment of eczema-related pruritus.Methods:A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical study was conducted. From March to September 2021, outpatients with mild to moderate eczema were collected from departments of dermatology of 4 hospitals, including Beijing Friendship Hospital, Hebei Traditional Chinese Medical Hospital, the Third People′s Hospital of Hubei Province, and Taizhou Central Hospital in Zhejiang Province. The patients were randomly divided into two groups by using a random number table: observation group topically treated with a skin care ointment containing oligomeric maltose X, and vehicle control group topically treated with an ointment vehicle. The ointments were applied during the attacks of itching for 14 consecutive days. Visits were scheduled before, 7, and 14 days after the start of the adjuvant treatment. The efficacy was evaluated according to the eczema area and severity index (EASI) and visual analog scale (VAS) , and adverse events were recorded. The efficacy and safety analyses were conducted by using chi-square test and t test. Results:Totally, 232 patients with eczema were enrolled, including 90 males and 142 females, with the age being 40.13 ± 13.36 years; 156 patients were in the observation group, and 76 in the vehicle control group. Before the adjuvant treatment, there were no significant differences in EASI (2.07 ± 2.24 points vs. 2.29 ± 2.28 points) or VAS (6.22 ± 1.78 points vs. 6.20 ± 1.79 points) scores between the observation group and vehicle control group ( t = -0.70, 0.06, P = 0.486, 0.955, respectively) . After one-day treatment, the VAS scores significantly decreased compared with the baseline scores in the two groups ( P < 0.001, P = 0.003, respectively) . After 14-day treatment, the VAS score was significantly lower in the observation group (2.67 points) than in the vehicle control group (3.35 points; t = -2.28, P = 0.024) . After 7- and 14-day treatment, the EASI scores significantly decreased compared with the baseline scores in both the two groups (all P < 0.001) , but there were no significant differences between the two groups ( P = 0.853, 0.731) . No adjuvant treatment-related adverse events were recorded in either of the two groups. Conclusion:The skin care ointment containing oligomeric maltose X is safe and effective in the adjuvant treatment of eczema-related pruritus, and can be applied to clinical practice.

Herbal Textual Research on Maltose in Famous Classical Formulas / 中国实验方剂学杂志

In this paper， the name， varieties， raw materials and manufacturing technology of maltose in the famous classical formulas were researched by consulting the herbal medicines， medical books， prescription books and modern literature of past dynasties， which provided the basis for the development and utilization of formulas containing maltose. Through textual research， it can be seen that the name of maltose has been derived from its shape， texture， preparation method， raw materials and producing area. In ancient times， maltose was mainly divided into soft and hard types according to the texture. Those who are wet and soft as honey are called "syrup" or "jelly"， while those who are hard and white are called "malt" and "sugar". In modern times， they are mostly called malt sugar， only jelly is used as medicine， and malt is mostly used as food. Throughout the ages， medicinal maltose were made of Oryza sativa var. glutinosa as the raw material and Hordeum vulgare as malt， prepared by fermenting， decocting and concentrating. The maltose made from other cereals such as Setaria italica var. germanica， Panicum miliaceum is slightly inferior in quality. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia did not include maltose， but included malt sugar， a pharmaceutical excipient， which was a crystal powder with high purity. But maltose was included in the national food standard and the local processing specification. Based on the textual research results， it is suggested that malt syrup in GB/T 20883-2017 can be used as the reference for the development of formulas containing maltose， and O. sativa var. glutinosa， H. vulgare are clearly used as raw materials.

Research actuality of Yitang / 中草药

Yitang, warm in property and sweet in taste, is a popular product with medicinal and edible value in China. Yitang has very important research value, but there are still some problems, such as name confusion and imperfect quality standards. Through consulting relevant literatures and “Synopsis of Golden Chamber” and other monographs, we aimed to provide a comprehensive review on the efficacy of Yitang, and its application both for food and medicine, as well as the ancient and modern processing methods and related quality standards. In conclusion, the research may be valuable to provide a theoretical basis for the new development and new application of Yitang.

A comparative study between ferrous carboxy maltose and iron sucrose in the management of post-partum anaemia in tertiary care hospital

Background: Anaemia is a global public health problem contributing tremendously to maternal morbidity and mortality. It is the most common indirect cause of maternal mortality. Variety of injectable iron preparations are now available which can be effective tools for combating post-partum anaemia. This study aims to compare FCM (Ferrous carboxy maltose) and iron sucrose in the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia in post-partum women at KIMS, Hubli, Karnataka, India.Methods: This study was conducted at KIMS, Hubli in the year 2018-19 wherein 100 post-partum women with hb levels ranging from 5-10g% were selected for the study and randomly allocated into 2 groups- FCM group and iron sucrose group. They were administered 1g of FCM and 1g of iron sucrose respectively after clinical evaluation and baseline measurement of hb. They were followed up after 2 weeks for repeat hb% and review of signs and symptoms. FCM and iron sucrose were compared in terms of their efficacy.Results: The mean increase in hb% was found to be 3.2 g% in the FCM group and 2 g% in the iron sucrose group. FCM was also found to be more efficacious in providing relief of common signs and symptoms like easy fatigability and pallor compared to iron sucrose.Conclusions: Ferrous carboxy maltose was found to be more efficacious compared to iron sucrose.

Uso de disacáridos y carbón activado para preservar consorcios de bacterias ruminales celulolíticas liofilizadas / Use of disaccharides and activated carbon to preserve cellulolytic ruminal bacterial consortiums lyophilized

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la fermentación in vitro de consorcios bacterianos ruminales celulolíticos (CBC) conservados por liofilización usando carbón activado, maltosa y lactosa como preservadores. Materiales y métodos. Un CBC se aisló de fluido ruminal de una búfala de agua en medios selectivos celulolíticos. Los CBC se liofilizaron con carbón activado (CA), lactosa (LA) o maltosa (MA) como preservadores y sin preservador (SP). El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar para medir biogás a diferentes intervalos de tiempo; así como, un diseño completamente al azar con arreglo factorial 4x3, los factores fueron preservadores (SP, CA, LA y MA) y tiempo de fermentación (24, 48 y 72 h) para pH, nitrógeno amoniacal (N-NH3), degradación de materia seca (DMS) y de fibra detergente neutro (DFDN), actividad enzimática celulasas y la población de bacterias totales. Resultados. LA produjo mayor biogás acumulado a las 72 h y parcial a partir de las 12 h (p≤0.05). SP no mostró diferencias (p>0.05) en celulasas, conteo de bacterias total, DMS y DFDN en los tiempos de fermentación evaluados con el resto de los preservadores. Conclusiones. La producción de biogás parcial y acumulada, el aumento en la tasa de degradación de 8.3 y 91.1 % en la DMS y DFDN de las 24 a 72 h (p≤0.05) con el preservador LA, muestran que la lactosa puede usarse como preservador de bacterias celulolíticas ruminales.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine in vitro fermentation of cellulolytic ruminal bacterial consortia (CBC) preserved by lyophilization using activated carbon, maltose and lactose as preservatives. Materials and methods. A CBC was isolated from the ruminal fluid of a female water buffalo in selective cellulolytic media. The CBC were lyophilized without preservative (SP), activated carbon (CA), lactose (LA) o maltose (MA) as preservatives. The experimental design was completely random to measure biogas at different time intervals; as well as completely random with 4x3 factorial arrangement, factors were preservative [SP, CA, LA and MA] and fermentation time (24, 48 and 72 h) for pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N), dry matter degradation (DMD), neutral detergent fiber degradation (NDFD), enzymatic activity cellulases and total bacteria population. Results. LA produced higher accumulated biogas at 72 h and partial biogas after 12 h (p≤0.05). SP did not show differences (p>0.05) in cellulases, total bacteria population, DMD and NDFD in the fermentation times evaluated with the rest of the preservative. Conclusions. The production of partial and accumulated biogas, the increase in the degradation rate of 8.3 and 91.1% in the DMD and NDFD from 24 to 72 h (p≤0.05) in the LA preservative, show that lactose can be used as a preservative of ruminal cellulolytic bacteria.

A novel ready-to-use dry-reagent polymerase chain reaction for detection of Escherichia coli & Shigella species

Background & objectives: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has wide acceptance for rapid identification of pathogens and also for diagnosis of infectious conditions. However, because of economic and expertise constraints, a majority of small or peripheral laboratories do not use PCR. The objective of the present study was to develop a dry-reagent PCR assay as an alternative to conventional PCR to assess its applicability in routine laboratory practice using malB gene for identification of Escherichia coli as a model. Methods: A total of 184 isolates were selected for the study comprising clinical isolates of E. coli and non-E. coli including Shigella sp. and a few other control strains. The DNA was isolated from all the isolates. The isolated DNA as well as the overnight grown bacterial cultures were subjected to both conventional wet PCR and dry-reagent PCR. Results: The genomic DNA isolated from E. coli showed amplification of malB gene in both conventional wet and dry-reagent PCR and the band was observed at 491 bp. In dry-reagent PCR, the overnight grown E. coli cells also showed positive result. The non-E. coli strains other than Shigella sp. showed negative in both conventional wet and dry-reagent PCR. Shigella sp. showed positive in both conventional wet and dry-reagent PCR. Interpretation & conclusions: Considering the elimination of genomic DNA isolation step, and similar results with the conventional wet PCR, dry-reagent PCR may be a good alternative for the conventional wet PCR.

Comparison of iron carboxy maltose and iron sucrose in pregnant females

Background: Maternal anaemia is a common problem worldwide. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of FCM vs iron sucrose for correction of iron deficiency during pregnancy.Methods: This study was conducted in Swasthya healthcare, Jammu for a period of ten months from Sep 2017 to June 2018. A total of 100 women with Hb 7-9.9g% enrolled. They were divided into two groups of 50 each. Group A were given Iron Carboxy maltose and Group B were given Iron Sucrose. These were compared for their efficacy and safety.Results: In the present study, the rise in mean hemoglobin at 4 weeks in Group A was 1.79±0.47 and 1.06±0.11 in Group B which was highly significant (p-value<0.0001). Rise in mean serum ferritin level at 4 weeks in Group A was 123.80±16.03 and in Group B was 84.78±10.53. Statistically, this rise was also highly significant (p<0.0001). In present study, adverse reactions were observed in 34% patients in Group A, while in Group B it was observed in 52% patients.Conclusions: Iron carboxy maltose shows higher rise in hemoglobin and ferritin levels as compared to Iron Sucrose and incidence of adverse effects is also comparatively lower in the former.

Prokaryotic expression and purification of recombinant CARD9-MBP fusion protein / 医学研究生学报

Objective　CARD9 can activate several pathways involved in immunity, such as NF-ΚB, MAPK, etc. However the mechanism of this process has not yet been elucidated. For conducting relevant experiments in vitro, a prokaryotic expression vector of CARD9-MBP fusion protein has to been construct, and the fusion protein need to be expressed and purified.　Methods　The coding sequence of CARD9 and MBP genes were amplified by PCR and the recombinant plasmid was correctly inserted into the pET-30a(+) vector. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into E.coli DH5α competent cells and proceeded PCR identification, restriction analysis and gene sequencing. The correct recombinant plasmid was transformed into E.coli BL21(DE3) competent cells. The target protein was induced to express by IPTG under different conditions. Relative molecular weight of the target protein was detected by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The CARD9-MBP fusion protein was purified by MBP maltose chromatography column and gel filtration chromatography column, and identificated by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry after MBP-tag to be removed by HRV3C enzyme.　Results　The CARD9-MBP fusion protein was successfully constructed and confirmed by PCR and restriction analysis. The result of gene sequencing was consistent with the target sequence. The SDS-PAGE electrophoresis showed that the target protein with molecular mass (MR) about 105 000 was successfully induced to express in E.coli BL21 (DE3). A quite pure CARD9-MBP fusion protein was obtained by purification of MBP maltose chromatography column. Identification by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry demonstrated that the target protein after MBP-tag to be removed by HRV3C enzyme is CARD9 protein. In the later stage, gel filtration chromatography column was used to obtain further pure CARD9-MBP fusion protein.　Conclusion　The prokaryotic expression vector of CARD9-MBP fusion protein was successfully constructed and a large number of soluble protein expressed. The purified target protein can be obtained by purification with MBP maltose chromatography column and gel filtration chromatography column.

Specific Th2 immune response of MUC1 induced by thmosin α1 / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To investigate the MUC1 specific immune response enhanced by thmosinα1(Tα1)using MUC1-MBP as the specific antigen,and to discuss the feasibility of MUC1-MBP as an adjuvant.Methods:The C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal saline group,MUC1-MBP+BCG group and MUC1-MBP+Tα1 group.The T cellular immune activities,MUC1 special antibody and subclass,anti-tumor effect of Tα1 combined with MUC1-MBP were detected.4-7 d after the 3rd immunization,the spleen indexes of the mice in various groups were measured;the lymphocyte proliferation response was used to detect the stimulate index(SI)of the mice in various groups;the levels of specific cytokines IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4 and IL-10 in the supernatant of spleen cells of the mice were detected by ELISA;the level of serum MUC1-specific antibody was detected by ELISA.The C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with B16-MUC1 7 d after the last immunization and the survival of the mice was observed.Results:Compared with normal saline group,the spleen index and SI of the mice in MUC1-MBP+Tα1 and MUC1-MBP+BCG groups were significantly increased(P< 0.05 or P<0.01);the specific SI of MUC1 were significantly increased(P< 0.05).Compared with normal saline group,the levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 in the supernatant of spleen cells of the mice in MUC1-MBP+BCG group were obviously increased(P<0.05);the levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were slightly increased,but there were no significant differences(P>0.05);compared with normal saline group,the level of IL-4 in MUC1-MBP+Tα1 group was obviously increased(P< 0.01);the levels of IFN-γ,IL-2 and IL-10 were slightly increased,but there were no significant differences(P>0.05).The titer of MUC1 specific antibody was increased with the increase of concentration of Tα1.The antibody subtype detection results showed that compared with normal saline group,the level of IgG1 in MUC1-MBP+BCG group was significantly increased(P< 0.05 or P< 0.01),and the level of IgG2a had no obvious change.The tumor prevention experiment results showed that compared with normal saline group,the survival rates of the mice in MUC1-MBP+BCG group and MUC1-MBP+Tα1 group had no significant differences.Conclusion:MUC1-MBP combined with Tα1 prefers to Th2 immune responses in the mice.It indicates that Tα1 can be used as an adjuvanted preventive vaccines,but not suitable for therapeutic vaccines.

Specific Th2 immune response of MUC1 induced by thmosin α1 / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective: To investigate the MUC1 specific immune response enhanced by thmosinal (Tα1) using MUC1-MBP as the specific antigen, and to discuss the feasibility of MUC1-MBP as an adjuvant. Methods: The C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into normal saline group, MUC1-MBP + BCG group and MUC1-MBP + Tα1 group. The T cellular immune activities, MUC1 special antibody and subclass, anti-tumor effect of Tα1 combined with MUC1-MBP were detected. 4-7 d after the 3rd immunization, the spleen indexes of the mice in various groups were measured; the lymphocyte proliferation response was used to detect the stimulate index (SI) of the mice in various groups; the levels of specific cytokines IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 in the supernatant of spleen cells of the mice were detected by ELISA; the level of serum MUC1-specific antibody was detected by ELISA. The C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with B16-MUC1 7 d after the last immunization and the survival of the mice was observed. Results: Compared with normal saline group, the spleen index and SI of the mice in MUCl-MBP+Tα1 and MUC1-MBP+BCG groups were significantly increased (P0.05); compared with normal saline group, the level of IL-4 in MUCl-MBP+Tal group was obviously increased (P0.05). The titer of MUC1 specific antibody was increased with the increase of concentration of Tα1. The antibody subtype detection results showed that compared with normal saline group, the level of IgG1 in MUCl-MBP + BCG group was significantly increased (P< 0.05 or P< 0.01), and the level of IgG2a had no obvious change. The tumor prevention experiment results showed that compared with normal saline group, the survival rates of the mice in MUC1-MBP+BCG group and MUCl-MBP + Tal group had no significant differences. Conclusion: MUC1-MBP combined with Tα1 prefers to Th2 immune responses in the mice. It indicates that Tα1 can be used as an adjuvanted preventive vaccines, but not suitable for therapeutic vaccines.

Simultaneous Determination of Fructose, Glucose, Sucrose and Maltose in Honey by HPLC-CAD / 中国药师

Objective: To establish an HPLC-CAD method for the simultaneous determination of fructose, glucose, sucrose and maltose in honey.Methods: The samples were separated on an Alltech Prevail carbohydrate ES(250 mm×4.6 mm,5 μm)column using acetonitrile-water (70:30) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 ml·min-1, and detected by a charged aerosol detector.

Effect of temperature and time on change of carbohydrates in Hordei Germinatus Fructus with frying process / 中草药

Objective: To establish a method for the determination of D-fructose, D-glucose, sucrose, D-maltose, and other four main carbohydrates in Hordei Germinatus Fructus (HGF) by HPLC-ELSD, as well as explore the dynamic changes of reducing sugar and non-reducing sugars in stir-frying process of HGF and provide scientific basis for clarifying the mechanism of digestion effect of HGF. Methods: HGF samples were prepared with different stir-frying temperature and time. The contents of fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and other four main carbohydrates were determined by HPLC-ELSD method. HCA and PLS-DA were used to analyze the changes of four main carbohydrates in the stir-frying process. Results: The contents of fructose, glucose, maltose, and other three kinds of reducing sugar showed a downward trend on the whole with temperature increasing. And non-reducing sugar such as sucrose increased firstly and then decreased. HGF under different temperature was divided into three categories by HCA. PLS-DA showed that the stir-frying temperature had main effect on the content of sucrose, and the effect of reducing sugar such as fructose, glucose, and maltose was relatively small. With the extension of stir-frying time, the contents of four carbohydrates decreased and reached steady-state at 16 min. HGF with different stir-frying time was divided into four categories by HCA. Standardized A420 value increased with the frying time increasing, and reached the peak at 16 min. Conclusion: The contents of reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, and amino acids decreased in HGF, which is caused by Maillard reaction directly or indirectly in stir-frying process. The products of Maillard reaction may be associated with digestion effect of HGF.

The exopolysaccharides biosynthesis by Candida yeast depends on carbon sources

Background: The exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by yeast exhibit physico-chemical and rheological properties, which are useful in the production of food and in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries as well. The effect was investigated of selected carbon sources on the biosynthesis of EPS by Candida famata and Candida guilliermondii strains originally isolated from kefirs. Results: The biomass yields were dependent on carbon source (sucrose, maltose, lactose, glycerol, sorbitol) and ranged from 4.13 to 7.15 g/L. The highest biomass yield was reported for C. guilliermondii after cultivation on maltose. The maximum specific productivity of EPS during cultivation on maltose was 0.505 and 0.321 for C. guilliermondii and C. famata, respectively. The highest EPS yield was found for C. guilliermondii strain. The EPS produced under these conditions contained 65.4% and 61.5% carbohydrates, respectively. The specific growth rate (µ) of C. famata in medium containing EPS as a sole carbon source was 0.0068 h-1 and 0.0138 h-1 for C. guilliermondii strain. Conclusions: The most preferred carbon source in the synthesis of EPS for both Candida strains was maltose, wherein C. guilliermondii strain showed the higher yield of EPS biosynthesis. The carbon source affected the chemical composition of the resulting EPS and the contribution of carbohydrate in the precipitated preparation of polymers was higher during supplementation of maltose as compared to sucrose. It was also found that the EPS can be a source of carbon for the producing strains.

Determination of preservative in iron maltose syrup by HPLC / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To establish a HPLC method for the determination of preservative in iron maltose syrup.Methods A Kromasil 100-5 C18 column was used with acetonitrile-sodium acetate buffer solution(40 ︰60) as the mobile phase at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and 254 nm as the detection wavelength.The column temperature was set at 30 ℃.Results The calibration curve was linear within the range of 0.62 ~3.72 μg/mL for methyl parahydroxybenzoate, 0.18~1.07μg/mL for propyl parahydroxybenzoate, and the linear equation was Y=228494X-2512.5,Y=203351X-3471.4, respectively.The average recovery of methyl parahydroxybenzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate was 100.9%(RSD=1.5%),99.6%(RSD=0.5%), respectively.Conclusion The established method is simple, rapid and accurate, which could be used in the determination of preservative in iron maltose syrup.

Determination of molecular weight and weight distribution in Iron Maltose Syrup by HPGPC / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To establish a method for determining the molecular weight (Mw) and molecular weight distribution of Iron Maltose Syrup. Methods HPGPC was used; PSS HEMA was used as column.Detector was differential refraction detector.Mobile phase was phosphate buffer solution (pH6.8) at 0.5 mL/min, column temperature was 45℃.Results The Mw of 3 batches of Iron Maltose Syrup were 45000-47000 Da with good linearity, precision and reproducibility.Conclusion The method is simple, reliable and accepted by the specification for controlling the molecular weight and weight distribution of Iron Maltose Syrup.

Quality evaluation of rust rot red ginseng and injured red gingseng / 中草药

Objective: To compare the quality of rust rot red ginseng and injured red ginseng, and thus provide the basis for ginseng cultivation and processing. Methods: Based on Chinese Pharmacopoeia and literature related to red ginseng, ten ginsenosides, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, ether extract, carbohydrate, and total protein of red ginseng in different transplanting systems were studied or determined. Results: The contents of total ash, acid-insoluble ash, volatile ether extract, and sucrose in rust rot red ginseng are significantly higher than those in normal red ginseng. The contents of ginsenoside Rg1, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Re, Rf, Rb3, Rd, Rg2, and Rg3 in rust rot red ginseng and injured red gingseng are significantly lower than those in normal red ginseng. Conclusion: The raw materials of rust rot red ginseng and injured red ginseng have a significant effect on the quality of the processed red ginseng.

Evaluation of ACCU-CHEK(R) Inform II Blood Glucose Meter and ACCU-CHEK(R) Performa Strip / 임상검사와정도관리

BACKGROUND: Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for all diabetic patients who receive insulin treatment, because such monitoring of glucose levels may aid in achieving better control in type II diabetes. Further, the use of point-of-care (POC) blood glucose testing in hospitals has increased substantially. In the present study, we validated the performance of ACCU-CHEK(R) Inform II Blood Glucose Meter and ACCU-CHEK(R) Performa Strip (Roche Diagnostics, Germany). METHODS: We evaluated the precision, accuracy, and maltose interference of the ACCU-CHEK(R) Inform II Blood Glucose Meter and ACCU-CHEK(R) Performa Strip. Further, precision was evaluated using dedicated quality control (QC) and Bio-Rad Whole Blood (WB) QC materials (Meter Trax(TM) Control; Bio-Rad, USA). Forty samples were used to compare the results obtained using the ACCU-CHEK(R) Inform II Blood Glucose Meter and ACCU-CHEK(R) Performa Strip with those obtained using the clinical chemistry analyzer Hitachi 7600 (Hitachi, Japan). Maltose interference was assessed at 2 glucose concentration levels at 3 maltose concentration levels. RESULTS: For each concentration level of control materials, within-run coefficient of variation (CV) and total CV obtained were less than 5%. Good correlation was obtained using the Hitachi 7600 (y = 1.02x - 0.18; r 2 = 0.996; N = 40). Effects of maltose interference were less than 10%. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the ACCU-CHEK(R) systems show good precision and correlation with the routine clinical chemistry analyzer and allow only minimal effects of maltose interference.

Screening Wild Yeast Strains for Alcohol Fermentation from Various Fruits

Wild yeasts on the surface of various fruits including grapes were surveyed to obtain yeast strains suitable for fermenting a novel wine with higher alcohol content and supplemented with rice starch. We considered selected characteristics, such as tolerance to alcohol and osmotic pressure, capability of utilizing maltose, and starch hydrolysis. Among 637 putative yeast isolates, 115 strains exhibiting better growth in yeast-peptone-dextrose broth containing 30% dextrose, 7% alcohol, or 2% maltose were selected, as well as five alpha-amylase producers. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the 26S rDNA gene classified the strains into 13 species belonging to five genera; Pichia anomala was the most prevalent (41.7%), followed by Wickerhamomyces anomalus (19.2%), P. guilliermondii (15%), Candida spp. (5.8%), Kodamaea ohmeri (2.5%), and Metschnikowia spp. (2.5%). All of the alpha-amylase producers were Aureobasidium pullulans. Only one isolate (NK28) was identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae. NK28 had all of the desired properties for the purpose of this study, except alpha-amylase production, and fermented alcohol better than commercial wine yeasts.

Evaluation of the Analytical Performance of NOVA StatStrip(R) Blood Glucometer in a Peritoneal Dialysis Setting / 임상검사와정도관리

BACKGROUND: The use of point of care glucometer is widely established. However, the reliability of glucometer can vary according to the type of patients tested. Chemical interference with some current glucometer has been observed in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. StatStrip(R) (Nova Biomedical, USA) has been designed to compensate for this interference effect. So we compared the analytic performance and interference response of StatStrip(R) to two conventional glucometers. And we also evaluated the interference response with samples in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. METHODS: StatStrip(R) and two other glucometers were compared for linearity, imprecision, correlations with Advia 2400(TM) (Bayer Diagnostics, USA). Interference by lactate, maltose, were evaluated. Interferences in 20 samples of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis were also evaluated. RESULTS: The coefficients of variation (CVs) of within-run precision were 1.70-3.77% and CVs of total precision were 1.98-3.99%. The linearity was R2=0.9776-0.988 (P<0.001). High correlation was found in each glucometer and the Advia 2400(TM). But all the glucometers showed a variable positive or negative bias compared with reference method. Including samples of patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, maltose did not significantly influence the glucose concentration in StatStrip(R) and one of the conventional glucometers within 20% difference range. Lactate and hematocrit did not significantly influence the glucose concentration in all glucometers. CONCLUSIONS: StatStrip(R) shows good linearity, precision, correlation with the reference method and shows minimal interference effects. Our results indicate that StatStrip(R) also has clinical reliability when used in a peritoneal dialysis setting.

Influence of high osmotic pressure on sorbitol production by Zymomonas mobilis

The objective of the present work was to study the variation on the sorbitol production in relation to the concentration of sugars, (metabolizable or not) and the cultivation time. A full factorial design was used considering the factors such as sucrose and maltose concentration and cultivation time. The addition of sugars caused increases on the sorbitol production up to the concentration of 300g/L however, decreases on the sorbitol production were observed when the concentration reached values above this. Increasing the time of fermentation was statistically significant to sorbitol production, however, little increase the production was noticed after 36h.

Zymomonas mobilis produz o poliálcool sorbitol como principal subproduto. Sua formação é atribuída principalmente a sua função A produção de sorbitol foi avaliada através de um planejamento fatorial completo utilizando as variáveis concentração de sacarose, concentração de maltose e tempo de cultivo. A adição de açúcares causou um aumento na produção de sorbitol até a concentração de 300g/L, porém decréscimos na produção de sorbitol foram observados a concentrações superiores a esta. Aumento no tempo de fermentação foi estatisticamente significativo para aumentos da produção de sorbitol, porém pequeno aumento foi observado de 12 para 36 horas de cultivo.