Test Medium Research Articles

DEVELOPMENT AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PH-RESPONSIVE POLYMERIC MICROBEADS INTERCALATED WITH MONTMORILLONITE FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF DOXORUBICIN

Objective: The aim of the present study is to develop pH-responsive polymeric microbeads for controlled release of doxorubicin. Methods: Doxorubicin-encapsulated polymeric microbeads were developed by a simple ionotropic gelation method using sodium alginate, gum ghatti, and montmorillonite (MMT). In this work, we investigate the positive benefits of MMT mineral as a drug carrier for the controlled release of DOX. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the generated microbeads. The influence of hetero-ionic concentration on drug encapsulation efficiency and drug release from microbeads was examined. In vitro release and swelling studies were performed at pH 2.0 and 7.4 at 37 °C. The cytotoxicity of the developed microbeads was studied using in vitro cultures of the human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7). Results: FTIR confirms the generation of microbeads and also the interaction between the polymer matrix, DOX and MMT clay. XRD analysis reveals the molecular dispersion of DOX and the presence of MMT in the polymeric matrix. SEM studies reveal the developed microbeads are spherical in shape with rough surfaces. Swelling and in vitro release studies are dependent on the pH of the test medium, which may be favorable for intestinal drug delivery. MTT results reveal that the developed microbeads showed good in vitro toxicity against MCF-7 cells. The drug release kinetics of the generated microbeads are followed by both the higuchi and korsmeyer-peppas models. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the DOX-encapsulated microbeads are promising carriers for drug delivery applications. The fabricated microbeads further needs warrant for drug delivery applications.

Uji Potensi Antibakteri Ekstrak Kulit Jeruk Nipis Citrus aurantifolia (Christm) Swingle Terhadap Vibrio sp.

Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) is one of the herbal plants that is rich in benefits, especially as a herbal medicines. Besides of lime fruit, lime peel also has antibacterial properties such as essential oils which contain flavonoids which can inhibit bacterial growth. This research utilizes lime peel which will be extracted as a test material. The purpose of this research is to determine the antibacterial potential of lime peel extract against Vibrio sp. at various concentrations. This research used the well-diffusion method using MHA as a test medium to determine whether lime peel extract can inhibit the growth of Vibrio sp. Various concentrations and penicillin as a positive control used in this research to determine which concentration has a greatest potential for inhibiting the growth of Vibrio sp. Result of this study used qualitative analysis by comparing the clear zone size produced on the medium. The obtained result shown that 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% concentration of lime peel can forming a clear zone which mean they can inhibit the growth of Vibrio sp. The best concentration used to inhibit Vibrio sp. is 100% concentration which produce 23.7 mm clear zone on MHA medium. Lime peel extract can be used to inhibit Vibrio sp. growth based on the research result.

Comparison of different methods to determine the viability of dermatophytes in skin scrapings

One of the most prevalent infectious dermatoses seen in dermatology outpatient clinics is superficial fungal infections of the skin, hair, and nails. Filamentous fungi, dermatophytes, which invade and colonise the keratinised layers of the skin, are the main cause of skin fungal infection. Sometimes there is a discrepancy between the results of microscopy and culture for dermatophytes. If the microscopy of scrapings is positive due to presence of non-viable fungus, no growth will take place in culture. Culture is the method used to determine the presence of viable dermatophytes. However, the problem with culture is the long time, up to 4 weeks, that is required for the growth of fungus to take place. Aim of the present study is to develop a simple, rapid method(s) for identification of live dermatophytes in skin scrapings. The novel methods used for identification of live dermatophytes in skin scrapings were direct microscopic examination using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain, trypan blue stain, neutral red stain, and methylene blue stain; and their results were compared with culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Dermatophyte Test Medium (DTM). Out of a total 91 samples, fungi were isolated in 81 (89%) in SDA and 66 (72.5%) in DTM. Sixty-eight (74.7%) showed evidence of viable fungi on microscopic examination after staining with PAS and 77 (84.6%) with trypan blue. In 84 patients, the culture was positive either by SDA or DTM or both culture media, out of which 64 (76.2%) were detected viable on staining with PAS and 74 (88.1%) on staining with trypan blue. Three skin samples that failed to grow on both SDA and DTM demonstrated viable fungi on microscopic examination after staining with PAS. Four skin samples that failed to grow on both SDA and DTM demonstrated viable fungi on microscopic examination after staining with trypan blue. Taking culture positivity in SDA or DTM or both media, as the gold standard, the sensitivity of trypan blue stain was 88.1% and specificity was 57.1%. The sensitivity of PAS stain was 76.2% and specificity was 42.9%. Although culture remains the gold standard to identify viable dermatophytes; trypan blue and PAS stains, as described, may be used as simple and rapid alternatives to culture.

CREATION OF A MODEL INSTALLATION FOR CONDUCTING STUDIES OF EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL CORROSION OF PIPE STEEL IN LABORATORY CONDITIONS

The article describes a model laboratory installation for conducting studies of hydrodynamic parameters, testing of gel pistons, additives and inhibitors, studies of external and internal corrosion of pipe steel, operation of the electrochemical protection (ECP) system, soil composition and properties. A feature of the installation is its multitasking with a wide range of simultaneous and separate studies, simulating the technology of pipeline transport. The degree of influence of additives on rheological parameters or corrosion inhibitors, the assessment of internal corrosion is carried out in the test medium - oil / oil mixture / water / oil-water mixture. Studies of the activity of external corrosion on the pipeline are carried out by selecting the parameters of the ECP system and the state and quality of the protective coating on the pipeline section immersed in the ground. In this case, it is possible to use soils from various sections of pipelines with different corrosive activity, as well as changes in their physical and chemical properties - humidity, salt content. Preliminary data on the influence of soil moisture on its electrical resistivity and metal corrosion rate are presented, the results of which correlate with field studies.Further research will make it possible to reproduce conditions close to real during the transportation of oil and water in order to assess and determine the optimal modes of transportation and technologies for protecting pipelines from corrosion in order to achieve optimal technical and economic indicators for production.

Study on Selection of Test Water for the Large Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Storage Tanks

As one of the most important clean energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG) is highly demanded and imported on a large scale in China. The safe and efficient storage of LNG is critical to its transport and development. The structure of the LNG storage tanks requires specific inspection with high standards following related specifications during its construction. After constructing the main structure of the inner and outer tank of the large LNG storage tank, the hydraulic test of the inner tank shall be carried out, but there is no systematic specification and guidance for the selection of water quality. Here, the freshwater and seawater are compared as a medium. Freshwater is preferred for the least corrosion to the inner tank if it is accessible. With seawater as a test medium, impressed current cathodic protection or cathodic protection with sacrificial anode should be taken as corrosion countermeasures. This paper will contribute to the hydraulic test as a reference for the construction of large LNG storage tanks in the future.

Collinsella urealyticum sp. nov., a urease-positive bacterial strain isolated from swine faeces

A novel actinobacterial strain, designated AGMB00827T, was isolated from swine faeces. Strain AGMB00827T was obligately anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped bacterium. Comparative analyses based on the 16S rRNA gene and whole genome sequence revealed that strain AGMB00827T was affiliated to the genus Collinsella, and was most closely related to Collinsella vaginalis Marseille-P2666T (= KCTC 25056T). Biochemical analysis showed strain AGMB00827T was negative for catalase and oxidase. Interestingly, strain AGMB00827T possessed urease activity, which was determined by traditional methods (API test and Christensen's urea medium), unlike related strains. Furthermore, the major cellular fatty acids (> 10%) of the isolate were C18:1 ω9c, C16:0, C16:0 DMA and C18:2 ω9,12c DMA. Based on the whole genome sequence analysis, the DNA G + C content of strain AGMB00827T was 52.3%, and the genome size and numbers of rRNA and tRNA genes were 1,945,251bp, 3 and 46, respectively. The average nucleotide identity and digital DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain AGMB00827T and C. vaginalis KCTC 25056T were 71.0 and 23.2%, respectively. Additionally, the genome analysis revealed that strain AGMB00827T possesses urease gene cluster including ureABC and ureDEFG while the related strains do not have those genes, which is consistent with the urease activity. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic approach, strain AGMB00827T represents a novel species within the genus Collinsella, for which the name Collinsella urealyticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AGMB00827T (= KCTC 25287T = GDMCC 1.2724T).

DEVELOPMENT OF COMPUTER-BASED TESTS USING MOODLE LMS ON THE MATERIAL OF SOCIAL CONFLICT AND INTEGRATION

Along with the development of information and communication technology, the implementation of computer-based tests has become an important requirement in the learning process. Moodle LMS is a platform that provides a quiz feature that can be used as a computer-based test medium. This study aims to analyze the quality and feasibility of computer-based questions on conflict and social integration using the Moodle LMS. This research is adevelopment research with a 4-D model. The research subjects were 64 students of class XI IPS at SMAN Titian Teras H. Abdurrahman Sayeoti. The instruments used were validation sheets for assessing the quality of the questions, the appropriateness of the media, student response questionnaires, and the quality of the items. Based on the results of the question feasibility test by material experts and media experts with an average score of 83% (Very Good). The results of the item analysis obtained valid questions of 80% with a reliability of 0.890. The difficulty level of the questions in the easy, medium, and difficult categories were 48%, 46%, and 6%, respectively. Different power of questions with a good category of 40%, sufficient category of 50% and 10% bad. Based on the description above, it can be concluded that computer-based questions on conflict and social integration have good quality questions and are very appropriate to be used as sociology learning outcomes tests.

Validation of automotive centrals using hardware in the loop -BCM and Lights

The race for electrification and the need for innovation to attract customers has driven the automotive industry to do something different in vehicles, emerging emission control challenges and efficient technological availability are the pillars of innovation. With the need to upgrade industrial manufacturing systems, directly impacting vehicle production, established the search for new prototyping methodologies and use of virtual tools for testing, validation of components and vehicle systems are developed. The demand for electronic components controls units (ECU) is growing, due to the availability of intelligence and security in today's vehicles, directly impacting their development and the performance and functionality tests. To meet this new reality, in addition to the automotive test prototypes used during development, the automotive industry has been using different virtual environments to produce, verify, and validate its vehicles. Therefore, this paper applied integration and validation using the HIL test platform, focusing on the ECU Body Control Unit (BCM), analyzing its functionalities and possible failures of the internal and external light loads. After, a brief commentary will be made exposing other test medium platforms given as the Plywood Buck (PWB), checking the reliability, flexibility, installation time, and costs of the three test platforms Software in the loop (SIL), Model in the loop (MIL) , Hardware in the loop (HIL), in order to verify their advantages, challenges, and problems in the use and information to optimize the use of each platform and test medium.

Environmental safety of second and third generation bioplastics in the context of the circular economy

Bioplastics derived from organic materials other than crude oil are often suggested as sustainable solutions for tackling end-of-life plastic waste, but little is known of their ecotoxicity to aquatic species. Here, we investigated the ecotoxicity of second and third generation bioplastics toward the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia magna. In acute toxicity tests (48 h), survival was impacted at high concentrations (g.L-1 range), within the range of salinity-induced toxicity. Macroalgae-derived bioplastic induced hormetic responses under chronic exposure (21 d). Most biological traits were enhanced from 0.06 to 0.25 g.L-1 (reproduction rate, body length, width, apical spine, protein concentration), while most of these traits returned to controls level at 0.5 g.L-1. Phenol-oxidase activity, indicative of immune function, was enhanced only at the lowest concentration (0.06 g.L-1). We hypothesise these suggested health benefits were due to assimilation of carbon derived from the macroalgae-based bioplastic as food. Polymer identity was confirmed by infra-red spectroscopy. Chemical analysis of each bioplastic revealed low metal abundance whilst non target exploration of organic compounds revealed trace amounts of phthalates and flame retardants. The macroalgae-bioplastic disintegrated completely in compost and biodegraded up to 86 % in aqueous medium. All bioplastics acidified the test medium. In conclusion, the tested bioplastics were classified as environmentally safe. Nonetheless, a reasonable end-of-life management of these safer-by-design materials is advised to ensure the absence of harmful effects at high concentrations, depending on the receiving environment.

Validation of Automotive Centrals Using Hardware in the Loop-Body Control Unit and Lights

The race for electrification and the need for innovation to attract customers has led the automotive industry to do something different with vehicles. New emissions control challenges and efficient technological availability are the pillars of creation. The growing demand to upgrade industrial manufacturing systems creates actions that directly impact vehicle production. With this comes the search for new prototyping methods and virtual tools for component testing and validation, and vehicle systems have established themselves. The demand for Electronic Control Units (ECU) is increasing due to the availability of intelligence and safety in today's vehicles, directly affecting their development, performance, and functional testing. In order to keep up with global changes, the automotive industry uses different virtual environments to produce, verify and validate their vehicles and test prototypes used during development. Therefore, in this paper, integration and validation were performed using the Hardware in the Loop (HIL) test platform, focusing on the ECU Body Control Unit (BCM). Then, a brief commentary reviews other test medium platforms, such as the Plywood Buck (PWB), and examines the reliability, flexibility, installation time, and cost of the three test platforms, software in the loop (SIL), Model in the loop (MIL), and HIL, to review their benefits, challenges, and issues in use and information to optimize the use of each platform and test medium.

Fault Voiceprint Signal Diagnosis Method of Power Transformer Based on Mixup Data Enhancement.

A voiceprint signal as a non-contact test medium has a broad application prospect in power-transformer operation condition monitoring. Due to the high imbalance in the number of fault samples, when training the classification model, the classifier is prone to bias to the fault category with a large number of samples, resulting in poor prediction performance of other fault samples, and affecting the generalization performance of the classification system. To solve this problem, a method of power-transformer fault voiceprint signal diagnosis based on Mixup data enhancement and a convolution neural network (CNN) is proposed. First, the parallel Mel filter is used to reduce the dimension of the fault voiceprint signal to obtain the Mel time spectrum. Then, the Mixup data enhancement algorithm is used to reorganize the generated small number of samples, effectively expanding the number of samples. Finally, CNN is used to classify and identify the transformer fault types. The diagnosis accuracy of this method for a typical unbalanced fault of a power transformer can reach 99%, which is superior to other similar algorithms. The results show that this method can effectively improve the generalization ability of the model and has good classification performance.

Laboratory investigation of the effect of the pore pressure on argillaceous siltstone permeability

The permeability of argillaceous siltstone is a critical parameter for the sustainable development of natural gas hydrates in the ocean beds. In the laboratory, the pressure pulse method is frequently used to measure permeability. However, the influence of pore pressure on permeability test results of argillaceous siltstone by pulse method is not established, resulting in inconsistencies between permeability test results in the laboratory and those in deep seawater (water depth ≥ 500 m). First, the effect of bound gas content in argillaceous siltstone on the rate of volume change in the test medium is considered, and the computation model of the pressure pulse method is validated. Next, the effect of pore pressure on the permeability of argillaceous siltstone is investigated while keeping the effective stress of the sample constant. The experimental results show that as pore pressure increases, the permeability of argillaceous siltstone increases gradually. The permeability measured in a 6 MPa pressure environment is two orders of magnitude greater than that measured in a 1 MPa pressure environment and the increased range is piecewise linear. The reasons for the increased permeability are investigated using the hydrophilicity of the argillaceous siltstone materials. Under high pressure, the hydrophobic properties of montmorillonite, quartz and kaolinite reduce the seepage resistance of argillaceous siltstone. The experimental results will serve as a foundation for future research, improving the accuracy of argillaceous siltstone permeability estimates.

Etiology, Clinical Spectrum, Epidemiology, New Developments in Diagnosis and Therapeutic Management of Onychomycosis: An Update

Fungal infections are recognized as an important cause of morbidity as well as mortality, especially in the immune-suppressed subjects worldwide. Onychomycosis is a sporadic fungal infection that can affect any part of the nail unit, including the matrix, bed, and plate. It is caused by a wide variety of fungi that include dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte moulds. Dermatophytes are the most common cause of onychomycosis among the numerous fungi. The disease is mainly sporadic and has been recorded in sexes, all age groups, in rural and urban settings, and developing and developed countries. Onychomycosis affects more than 5% of the world's population today. Distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO), white superficial onychomycosis (WSO), proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO), endonyx onychomycosis (EO), and candidal onychomycosis are the five primary subtypes of onychomycosis. The condition can manifest itself in a variety of clinical forms, all of which impact the nails on the fingers and legs. Generalized infections involving both hands have been found on occasion. The infection in immunocompromised patient may cause a serious health problem. A plethora of factors, such as nail trauma, occlusive foot wear, and humidity may predispose to fungal nail infections. Clinical diagnosis should be supported with laboratory findings. Direct microscopic demonstration of the fungal agent in the afflicted nail using the potassium hydroxide procedure and isolation of fungi in pure culture on mycological media, such as Sabouraud dextrose agar, dermatophyte test medium, and Pal sunflower seed agar helps to confirm the diagnosis of onychomycosis. The precise morphology of fungal cultures taken from the clinical specimens of patients can be easily investigated in staining solutions, such a PHOL and Narayan. Direct microscopy in potassium hydroxide is still considered the simplest, quickest, and cheapest way to detect fungal agents in nail scrapings. Onychomycosis medications can be applied locally (amorolfine, ciclopirox, efinaconazole, tavaborole) or taken orally (fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine). The cure rate is increased when topical and systemic treatments are used together. Depending on the extent of nail involvement, therapy might last from 3 to 6 months or even longer. It is imperative to manage the risk factors. Hygiene is considered the best prevention strategy of onychomycosis.

As-cast and extruded Mg Zn Ca systems for biodegradable implants: Characterization and corrosion behavior

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of alloy processing and composition as well as the pH control and testing medium on the in vitro corrosion performance of MgZnCa systems for biodegradable implants. The grain size and secondary phases were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Scanning kelvin probe force microscopy (SKPFM) was used to analyze the Volta potential values of the second phases. The corrosion performance of the three alloys was evaluated by electrochemical and hydrogen evolution methods in α-MEM with and without organic species (i.e. complete and inorganic α-MEM). Two strategies were followed to evaluate the influence of the pH on the corrosion behavior: daily solution replacement and CO2 flow based pH control. For all the materials, the organic medium accelerates the corrosion process. Constant pH maintained by CO2 flow through the medium results in considerably higher corrosion rates for all alloys. The impact of pH is lesser on the as-cast alloys due to the barrier effect of the secondary phases, particularly pronounced in the Mg1Zn1Ca alloy which showed the lowest corrosion rate. The wrought Mg0.5Zn0.2Ca alloy that lacks the refined secondary phase network and exhibits high number of twins undergoes accelerated uniform corrosion under constant pH conditions.

Analysis of Quality Control Using the Failure Mode And Effect Analysis (FMEA) Method in the Welding Process in the Feed Drum Project

PT. Xyz is a steel fabrication company located in Gresik. One of their projects undertaken by PT. XYZ is a Feed drum Project, the welding process is the most important stage in this project. At the time of product testing or testing there were still many welding points that were defective so that the product did not pass the trial, the trial was carried out by hydrotest where this test was carried out with water as the test medium to determine the strength of a material and find out whether there was a leak or not and as well as a visual check. The types of defects found in the feed drum project are spatter, overlap, porosity, undercut, incomplete fusion, slag, bad String Bead (Weaving Fault), start stop, pin hole. The research uses the FMEA (Failure Mode Effects and Analysis) the method which aims to identify and analyze the occurrence of defects. In the results, the highest RPN value is found in the Incomplate Fusion type of defect with a value of 384 so that it becomes a priority in carrying out control and repair .

Equivalent Circuit Models for Soils and Aqueous Solutions Under 2-Terminal Test Configuration

Numerous circuit models have been proposed to represent the electrode–electrolyte interface (EEI) impedance and bulk medium impedance of conducting media. Following a review, two suitable models are constructed to represent the behavior of conduction in electrolytes and soils, respectively. Both models incorporate a constant phase element in parallel with an apparent Faradaic resistance, which is found to reproduce the EEI behavior accurately. For the electrolyte model, a single parallel <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">R-C</i> branch is added to represent the impedance of the bulk medium, whereas for the soil model, an equivalent ladder network of <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">R</i> - <italic xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">C</i> branches is found to be suitable. Experimentally obtained electrolyte and soil impedance data based on 2-terminal impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 10 mHz to 10 MHz with variable current density are compared with values obtained from the models and where model parameters are determined by a curve fitting routine. The effects of electrolyte concentration, soil moisture, and electrode material are analyzed, and the models help to illustrate clearly how the EEI effect dominates at low frequencies while the intrinsic characteristics of the test medium prevails at high frequencies. The models are extended to account for soil-electrolyte impedance dependence on current density, which is most evident at low frequencies. The extent of the impedance plateau region is described by limiting upper and lower frequencies.

Resistance of products made of steel 20GL to sulfide stress corrosion cracking

The paper provides a short review of the history of the development of native and foreign regulatory requirements of testing for sulfide stress corrosion cracking. Systematic ambiguity (duplicated in the reviewed regulatory requirements) in the choice of test environment parameters and its influence on the interpretation of the results was revealed. A series of laboratory tests, the purpose of which was to specify the choice of the most favorable combinations of parameters (pH2S/pH combinations) of the test medium was conducted.

A STUDY ON CLINICO-MICROBIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF CONJUNCTIVAL FLORA IN CONGENITAL DACROCYSTITIS

Dacryocystitis is an inammation of the lacrimal sac and duct. It may be congenital or acquired.It is an important cause of ocular morbidity both in children and adults. To isolate &amp; identify the causati PURPOSE- ve bacteria from clinically diagnosed cases of congenital dacryocystitis &amp; to study the organism in relation to clinical prole. -Gram฀s stain MATERIALS &amp; METHODS &amp; Giemsa stain ,Culture media,10 % KOH preparation , MacConkey฀s agar, 5% Sheep Blood agar, Chocolate agar .Biochemical tests on Isolated colonies from the plates were identied by Colony morphology, Gram฀s stain, Oxidase test, Catalase test, and Motility.For further identication isolated colony was inoculated into peptone water and Hiss serum for fastidious bacteria, which was incubated aerobically and inoculated into appropriate medias for biochemical tests like Indole production, Methyl red, Voges-proskauer test, Citrate utilization, Urease hydrolysis, Sugar fermentation, Triple Sugar Iron agar, Nitrate reduction test and Amino acids decarboxylase tests. The specic tests like Inulin fermentation, Optochin sensitivity test and Bile solubility test were done. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests: The standardized Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards institute (formerly NCCLS) was used for testing. The media used was Mueller-Hinton agar for non-fastidious organisms. 5% Sheep Blood agar added to Mueller-Hinton agar for fastidious organisms and Haemophilus Test Medium was used for testing Haemophilus inuenzae and it was read after 16-18 hours. The zone of inhibition was measured and reported as Susceptible or Resistant. For detection of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus detection disc tests for methicillin resistance was done using 10μg oxacillin disc on Mueller-Hinton agar containing 4% sodium chloride. In our study , femal RESULTS- es are more (7) as compared to males (4)&amp; the culture positive cases were 10 and in 1 case culture showed no bacterial growth. The most frequent Gram-positive isolates are Streptococcus pneumoniae 7 (63.63%) followed by Staphylococcus aureus 1 (9.09%) and the most frequent Gram-negative isolates are Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (27.27%). In our study the Gram-positive isolates were most sensitive to CONCLUSION- Vancomycin (100%), followed by Tobramycin and Linezolid (97.14 %). Least sensitive antibiotic against Gram-positive organisms was Penicillin (51.42 %). The Gram-negative organisms were most sensitive to Tobramycin and Gentamicin (100%), followed by Amikacin, Oaxacin (92.59 %), Cefepime (88.88 %). Least sensitive antibiotic against Gram-negative organisms was Ciprooxacin (77.77 %)

Comparison of three staining techniques for rapid diagnosis of feline dermatophytosis

Feline dermatophytosis is a commonly encountered fungal skin disease in cats. Skin scrapings from cats with varying degrees of clinical signs were collected and subjected to microscopic and cultural examination. The clinical samples were stained with three different stains, lactophenol cotton blue (LPCB), Chicago sky blue (CSB) and Calcofluor white (CW) and were subjected to microscopic examination for fungal spores. The results of this microscopic examination were analysed and compared with growth of dermatophytes in Dermatophyte test medium (DTM). Based on cultural isolation, dermatophytosis was confirmed in 36 out of 82 cases tested. Comparison of staining techniques revealed that CW staining had better sensitivity (97.22 per cent), specificity (65.22 per cent) and overall agreement with cultures in DTM. Occurrence was found to be higher in kittens less than six months of age and long-haired breeds.

First report of Alfalfa root rot caused by Fusarium commune in China.

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is the most important perennial forage legume worldwide, with high yields and nutrient quality. Diseases are significant threats to alfalfa and cause substantial yield losses (Fang et al. 2021). In March 2022, a disease with symptoms similar to fusarium wilt was observed in an alfalfa (cultivar Aurora) field in Baima teaching and research base (119°18'07″E, 31°61'47″N) in Nanjing, China. Reddish-brown discoloration of the roots, stele, basal stems and the withering symptoms on the aerial portions are the specific symptoms of fusarium wilt. The disease incidence varied from 3 to 6% in around 0.3 hectares of alfalfa fields surveyed. Fresh tissues from symptomatic alfalfa were cut into pieces (3-5 mm) and surface sterilized with 75% ethanol for 30 seconds, followed by 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) for 120 seconds, and three rinses with sterile distilled water. Tissue pieces were placed on selective potato dextrose agar (PDA) containing 50 mg/L rifampicin and ampicillin. Plates were sealed and incubated at 25°C for 48 to 72 hours. Over 70 tissue fragments plated, 20 isolates from different fragments showed similar colonies. These isolates were purified by single spore isolation and grown on PDA and mung bean medium for morphology identification, molecular identification and pathogenicity test. The colony showed white to pink, abundant, densely aerial mycelium, while its backside was light violet. Macroconidia were hyaline, falcate with septa, and ranged in size from 25.5 to 61.5 × 3.8 to 6.2 μm (n=50). Microconidia were non-septate, hyaline, oval, straight to slightly curved, and were 5.6 to 10.7 × 2.4 to 3.2 μm (n=50). Spherical chlamydospores were 10.6 ± 1.3 μm in size. The rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS), RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (RPB2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF) genes were amplified and sequenced (White et al. 1990; Carbone et al. 1999; Wang et al. 2019). Blast analysis showed 99.41% to 100% identity to F. commune sequences in the GenBank database (KU341324.1, MN892350.1, MH341219.1). The pathogenicity test was conducted using the dipping method in roots. Fresh F. commune hyphae were cut into 3 x 3mm agar plugs from a 7 cm PDA plate and inoculated in 200 mL mung bean medium on a shaker at 160 rpm, 25°C for 5 days. Spores were filtered through a cheese cloth, adjusted to 1 × 106 spores/mL with distilled water and used immediately. Roots in two-week-old alfalfa seedlings were soaked in spore suspension for 30 mins before being transplanted to sterile vermiculate with four repeats, while those in sterile water were used as non-inoculated control. The plants were placed in the green house at 25°C with 16 h of light and 8 h of darkness. The symptoms were observed two weeks following the inoculation. 30% of the seedlings withered, and reddish-brown discoloration symptoms were visible on the roots and stem of the unwithered plant. F. commune was isolated from these lesions again, and no disease symptoms were observed in the control plant. F. commune has been reported to cause root and stem rot in many plants worldwide, including tobacco (Zhong et al. 2021), maize (Mezzalama et al. 2021; Xi et al. 2019), soybean (Detranaltes et al. 2022) and sugarcane (Wang et al. 2018). Our results show that F. commune was the causative agent of alfalfa root rot. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. commune causing root rot in alfalfa. The finding provides insights for disease diagnosis of alfalfa root rot disease and management in the region.