How to: identify non-tuberculous Mycobacterium species using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of MALDI-TOF MS for microorganism identification has changed the routine of the microbiology laboratories as we knew it. Most microorganisms can now be reliably identified within minutes using this inexpensive, user-friendly methodology. However, its application in the identification of mycobacteria isolates has been hampered by the structure of their cell wall. Improvements in the sample processing method and in the available database have proved key factors for the rapid and reliable identification of non-tuberculous mycobacteria isolates using MALDI-TOF MS. AIMS: The main objective is to provide information about the proceedings for the identification of non-tuberculous isolates using MALDI-TOF MS and to review different sample processing methods, available databases, and the interpretation of the results. SOURCES: Results from relevant studies on the use of the available MALDI-TOF MS instruments, the implementation of innovative sample processing methods, or the implementation of improved databases are discussed. CONTENT: Insight about the methodology required for reliable identification of non-tuberculous mycobacteria and its implementation in the microbiology laboratory routine is provided. IMPLICATIONS: Microbiology laboratories where MALDI-TOF MS is available can benefit from its capacity to identify most clinically interesting non-tuberculous mycobacteria in a rapid, reliable, and inexpensive manner.

PCR-TGGE: a method for fingerprinting the microbial flora in the small intestine of pigs.

The bacterial flora of the small intestine is still not fully understood. This is also due to the fact that a lot of these gut inhabitants aren't cultivable. PCR-TGGE (Temperature Gradient Gel Electrophoresis) is a molecular tool by which the 16S ribosomal DNA of a bacterial community can be studied for its diversity. Based on sequence differences in the variable region V6-V8, 16S ribosomal DNA fragments are separated during a TGGE run. This study shows that PCR-TGGE is a valuable tool as it gives additional information about the flora composition that could not be found with classical bacteriological techniques.

[The dentist, the dental assistant and the dental hygienist within the European Community]. / Le dentiste, le technicien dentaire et l'hygiéniste dentaire dans la communauté européenne.

The European Community dimension of the dental profession is a many faceted issue, raising a number of questions at different levels. A difficulty is hereby posed by the fact that a number of distinct demarcation-lines are at stake. These will determine the applicable legal rules to be found in the EEC-Treaty and/or in secondary Community legislation (regulations, directives). Distinct rules apply depending on whether one is dealing with workers or self-employed persons; with the freedom to provide services (on a temporary basis) or the right of (permanent) establishment and finally depending on which profession is being looked at. At the same time the resulting divisions cannot be considered in an isolated way, for they have a bearing on one another. For analytical purposes the profession-distinction will be taken as main frame of reference, so that three sections will deal with resp. dentists, dental technicians and dental hygienists. Within each of these, the other distinctions will be dealt with where appropriate. Before proceeding to the actual analysis, some final preliminary observations must be made.

The detection of intra-operative myocardial ischaemia. Preliminary experience with the right-sided precordial lead.

The value of monitoring the right precordial lead, V4R, to detect peri-operative ischaemic events during coronary artery surgery was studied in 60 patients. Thirty-four patients had only left-sided coronary disease (Group 1). The other 26 patients had both left-sided occlusive coronary artery disease and significant right-sided occlusive lesions on coronary angiography (Group 2). Lead sensitivity was estimated, assuming that all ST segment changes were true positive responses. Sensitivity using a single lead was greatest for lead V5 in the two groups (73% for Group 1 and 69% for Group 2). Sensitivity in Group 1 for lead II was intermediate (55%), whereas sensitivity for lead V4R was only 9%. In Group 2, on the other hand, lead V4R was 54% sensitive and lead II only 31%. The combination of leads V4R and V5 increased the sensitivity to 92% in Group 2, whereas lead II or V5 combined with V4R failed to improve sensitivity in Group 1. The monitoring of lead V4R allowed detection of 23% of the ischaemic episodes in Group 2 that would have passed undetected if only lead II and V5 were monitored. These results demonstrate the value of an additional right precordial lead during coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with right-sided occlusive disease.

New high-frequency catheter technique for His bundle ablation in dogs.

A new method is presented for the production of complete atrioventricular heart block. It consists of a special catheter, which is inserted into the right atrium via a femoral vein and positioned in the region of the His bundle for His bundle potential recording. Production of heart block is achieved by a high frequency current pulse from an electrocautery unit.