Test Tube Method Research Articles

AKTIVITAS PENGHAMBATAN POLIMERISASI HEM DARI FRAKSI ETIL ASETAT DAUN MANURAN, Coptosapelta tomentosa Valeton ex K.Heyne (Rubiaceae)

Malaria is a serious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites and is transmitted by the salivary glands of female Anopheles mosquito. The manuran (Coptosapelta tomentosa Valeton ex K.Heyne) is empirically used as a malarial treatment. The study aimed to determine the IC 50 value of ethyl acetate fraction and the coumpounds contained on the C. tomentosa Valeton ex K. Heyne leaf ethyl acetat fraction. The identification of chemical composition used tube test method. The inhibitory activity of hem e polymerization in vitro did by Basillico modified method . The identification of chemical contents on the ethyl acetate fraction of C. tomentosa leaf Valeton ex K. Heyne showed positive results containing flavonoid, tannin, saponin, terpenoid, and anthraquinone. The average percentage heme polymerization inhibition of C. tomentosa valeton ex K. Heyne leaf ethyl acetate fraction respectively from large to small concentrations of 97.94; 96.94; 95.01; 91.63; 86.19; 76.12; and 44.83 % . Result of probit analysis, that it has HPIA IC 50 value of 0.252±0.009 mg/mL and chloroquine diphosphate was 0.214±0.012 mg/mL. The independent sample T-test showed that there was significant difference between IC 50 value of them. The ethyl acetate fraction of C. tomentosa leaf Valeton ex K. Heyne has heme polymerization inhibition activity.

Preparation and Properties of Chitosan-Tranexamic Acid Salts

The solid chitosan-tranexamic acid salts were successfully prepared by the method of half-wet grinding with chitosan and tranexamic acid as raw materials. The physical properties including water solubility and stability of the prepared samples were tested, and their structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, the in vitro pro-coagulant activity was evaluated by the test tube method. The results showed that the prepared chitosan-tranexamic acid salts could be dissolved in weak acidic, neutral and weak alkaline aqueous solutions, expanding the dissolution range. The characterization results indicated that the protonation reaction of the chitosan amino group was achieved without solvent and the crystallinity degree of chitosan-tranexamic acid salts decreased by comparison with chitosan. The hemostasis evaluation showed that chitosan-tranexamic acid salts with different mass ratios had pro-coagulant activities in vitro. In particular, the clotting time of chitosan acid salt with mass ratio of 1:2 was shorter than that of Yunnan Baiyao. This effort laid the foundation for the development of the promising chitosan-based hemostatic materials.

Method for ABO Blood Group Testing Using a General-Purpose Automated Biochemical Analyzer.

We investigated a high-throughput and high-precision forward ABO blood typing screening method that utilizes a general-purpose biochemical analyzer to perform direct red blood cell sampling. The blood group antisera used were Ortho® BioClone® Anti-A Serum and Ortho® BioClone® Anti-B Se-rum. AFFIRMAGEN® Reagent Red Blood Cells (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics) were used for AB standard red blood cells. The general-purpose biochemical analyzer employed was the TBATM-120FR HbA1c measurement unit (Canon Medical Systems). ABO blood group of patient samples was determined based on values relative to amount of change in the AFFIRMAGEN® response. Repeatability was CV5% or lower, and testing of 1,112 patient samples showed 100% agreement between the results obtained using the proposed method and those obtained using the tube test method. The proposed method allows ABO blood typing to be performed simply, quickly, and with a high degree of precision.

Mechanical, Chemical and Acoustical Behavior of Sisal – Tea Waste – Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Based Hybrid Polymer Composites

Abstract Natural fiber reinforced composites replace metals due to their light weight, high strength to weight ratio, non-corrosive nature and stiffness. However poor interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix, low melting point and lack of resistance to moisture has limited the use of natural fibers. Hybridization helps to tweak the properties of composites as per specialized requirements and to get the best performance. Studies on the use of natural fibers as replacement in fiber-reinforced composites have increased and opened up further industrial possibilities. Many automobile sector are currently shifting to a “Green outlook” since customers are also looking for environmental friendly vehicles. Mixing of natural fibers with Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP’s) is finding increased applications in automotive parts. In the present research, sisal (S) and waste tea fibers (T) are selected because of their eco-friendly nature and sound absorption properties respectively. Both the fibers having a hydrophilic contents like hemicellulose, waxes and lignin. Due to this reason, the fibers are chemically treated with 5% of alkaline (NaOH) treatment and hybridized with GFRP by an epoxy matrix. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength and flexural strength were investigated. The moisture absorption properties are also carried out. The chemical compositions present inside composite were examined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Analysis. The sound absorption properties are also experimentally investigated by using Impedance Test Tube method. It shows that hybridization of sisal with glass have more flexural and impact properties. The tea fiber used as a filler material exhibits more sound absorption property than other fibers. Also interfacial properties such as internal cracks, blow holes and fiber pullouts were examined through scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis.

Resolution of blood group discrepancy and transfusion support to a nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia patient with anti-C and anti-N alloantibodies

Nontransfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) patients generally do not require regular blood transfusion, but may be transfused before surgery. Blood group discrepancy exists when forward grouping and reverse grouping do not match. Pretransfusion testing includes ABO/Rh typing, antibody screening, and cross-matching. Forward grouping and reverse grouping were done using monoclonal anti-A, anti-B, and anti-D (Tulip Diagnostics, Goa, India) and in-house prepared 5% A, B, and O cell by conventional tube test method, respectively. Antibody screening and identification were done using 3-cell panel and 11-cell panel (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, USA), respectively. In our case, we found a discrepancy in reverse grouping and incompatibility due to anti-c and anti-N alloantibodies. Three units of O positive, c and N antigen negative blood units were transfused to this patient. The patient was also managed by hematinics, antibiotic, and bed rest. Antiglobulin cross-matching must be done in all types of compatibility testing of RBC units. Rh and K phenotype-matched PRBC reduced the chances of alloimmunization. Proper coordination between the physician and specialist in transfusion medicine is required in case of alloantibody formation.

Thrombodynamic method of evaluation of some hemostatic parametersin healthy pregnant women and in women with preeclampsia

Hypothesis/aims of study. During pregnancy, hypercoagulation develops and fibrinolysis is inhibited. These changes are particularly pronounced in pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. The existing techniques to evaluate hemostasis are rather laborious and do not provide a complete information of the volume and density of the fibrin clot. We aimed to conduct comparative studies of the state of the hemostasis system by conventional test-tube and thrombodynamic methods in healthy non-pregnant women and in pregnant women who are suffering and are not suffering from preeclampsia.
 Study design, materials, and methods. We examined 40 pregnant women aged 17–33 years (mean age 24.3 ± 3.2 years) at the gestational age of 35–39 weeks. In 18 women, pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia. The control group consisted of 35 healthy women (mean age 25.1 ± 2.6 years). The thrombodynamic characteristics of the clot were evaluated using the T-2 Thrombodynamics Recorder device (GemaKor Ltd., Russia) using the following parameters: Tlag, clot growth delay; Vi, initial growth rate; Vs, steady growth rate; D, clot density; C30, the size of the main clot in the 30th minute.
 Results. When evaluating the hemostasis system by the thrombodynamic method in healthy pregnant women and in women with preeclampsia compared with non-pregnant women, the onset time of clot formation was significantly reduced, the initial and steady rate of the clot appearance, as well as the clot density and the clot size being increased.
 Conclusion. The method for evaluating thrombodynamic properties of the blood clot is objective and visual way to estimate hemostasis. It complements the coagulogram indices and gives a clear view of the hemostasis system.

Effect of polyDADMAC on aggregation of clay-size particles in red mud: Implications for immobilization practices

PolyDADMAC (PD) is a high charge density cationic polymer of diallyldimethylammonium chloride which has been recently developed as a coagulant in water purification. As PD has high affinity to fine negatively-charged colloids, it is worth to ascertain if PD can affect surface properties of clay-size particles in red mud waste and be applied to develop immobilization techniques for red mud storage areas. In the current study, a test tube method in combination with surface charge measurement was used for determination of the colloidal properties of a red mud sample under the variation of PD, soluble Al and Si, and variable pH conditions. Observations for the PD concentration range from 0.25 to 2.0 mM revealed that PD can increase surface charge and enhance aggregation or at least shift the aggregation zone to higher pH. This suggests a possible application of PD for immobilization of red mud in alkaline condition. It was also found that soluble Al and Si acted to modify the effect of PD and aggregation properties of red mud. While soluble Si supported aggregation, Al appeared as an enhancer for dispersion of red mud. It implies that development of PD-based techniques for immobilization of red mud needs to consider the effects of soluble Al and Si.

Evaluation of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide method for assessing biofilm formation in vitro by Trichosporon spp.

BACKGROUND:Invasive infections due to Trichosporon spp. have increased recently and are frequently associated with indwelling medical devices. Such infections which are associated with biofilm formation do not respond to the routinely used antifungal agents and are often persistent, associated with high mortality rate. Various methods have been described by researchers to evaluate and quantify the biofilm formation.AIM:This study was conducted to compare two methods of biofilm production by Trichosporon sp, i.e., test tube method with crystal violet (CV) staining and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Seventy-two clinical isolates of Trichosporon spp. collected from various sources were considered for the study. The identity of all the isolates was genotypically confirmed by Trichosporon-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The isolates were further speciated phenotypically using biochemical profile and growth characteristics which identified the isolates as Trichosporon asahii (64/72), Trichosporon asteroides (5/72), Trichosporon cutaneum (2/72), and Trichosporon mucoides (1/72). Biofilm production was then evaluated and compared by test tube-CV method and MTT assay.RESULTS:All the Trichosporon isolates produced biofilm by MTT assay, whereas only 42 (53.6%) of the isolates were detected to be biofilm producers by CV method. Furthermore, MTT assay could differentiate better between weak and moderate biofilm producers as compared to CV method.CONCLUSION:Hence, MTT assay is a reliable method for quantification of biofilm produced by Trichosporon spp. using 96-well microtiter plate.

Antibacterial Activity and Phytochemical Analysis of Edible Seaweed Eucheuma spinosum Against Staphyloccocus aureus

The current work aims to determine antibacterial activities of ethanol extracts of Eucheuma spinosum against Staphylococcus aureus . These were showed through inhibition zones formation, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values. The MIC was determined using dilution test tube method, and the MBC was calculated using streaking method. Qualitative test was applied to determine phytochemical compounds in ethanol extract of E. spinosum . Results showed that ethanol extracts of E. spinosum at concentrations of 1%; 2%; 5%, and 10% (v/v) resulted in inhibition zones of 1.98; 4.14; 7.42; and 10.27 mm, respectively. In addition, concentration of 10% (v/v) was the MIC, and 15% (v/v) was the MBC values of E. spinosum extracts against S. aureus . The phytochemical analysis showed that alkaloids and saponins were the main components detected. Alkaloids positive tests were observed by the formation of brown sediment with Wagner’s reagent, yellow sediment with Mayer’s reagent, and orange sediment with Dragendorff’s reagent. Saponins positive results were detected by the formation of stable foam when the extracts reacted with water and HCl. Overall, these results suggested that E. spinosum extracts have antibacterial properties against Gram-positive bacteria, i.e. S. aureus .

P123 Anti-A titer method comparison

Aim To determine an appropriate testing method to evaluate the anti-A titer in blood group B renal transplant waitlist patients to qualify for consideration of blood group A2 (A subgroup) donors. UNOS has established a maximum anti-A titer of 8 to qualify for an A to B kidney. Methods A review of methods in use at transplant centers performing ABO incompatible kidney transplants identified four categories of method variation. The four categories were: • Dithiothreitol (DTT) treatment of serum vs. no DTT treatment • Direct agglutination vs. Indirect agglutination (anti-human globulin enhancement) ∘ Direct = Room Temperature Test Tube or MTS-Gel buffer card ∘ Indirect = Anti-IgG Test Tube or MTS-Gel anti-IgG card • Test Tube method vs. MTS-Gel microcolumn method • A1 target cells vs. A2 target cells Standard commercial blood bank reagents were used for all testing. The same technologist performed all testing. Ten blood group B patients from the kidney transplant waitlist were tested using 8 different methods. After choosing the preferred variable for each of the first three categories, 15 group B potential recipients were tested comparing A1 vs. A2 target cells. Results The categories of Test Tube vs. MTS-Gel and Direct vs. Indirect agglutination had little impact on titers. Pretreatment of serum with DTT provided qualifying titers for three times as many patients as using serum not treated with DTT. DTT pretreatment of serum was chosen along with the indirect agglutination method to optimize detection of IgG anti-A. Using the DTT – Indirect – MTS Gel titer method, comparing A1 vs. A2 target cells with 15 samples showed the choice of target cells also impacted titers. 8 of 15 patients had a 3-fold or greater titer increase using A1 cells compared to A2 cells. 11 of 15 patients (73%) had a qualifying titer with A1cells, compared to 100% with A2 cells. Conclusions Use of DTT treated serum and A2 cells were associated with the lowest anti-A titers. Efforts to establish acceptable method specific titer limits are encouraged.

Abstract 4521: Flow cytometric measurement of increased erythrocyte bound IgG: A potential screening method for colorectal cancer

Abstract Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is increasing worldwide. While screening for CRC has led to early detection, thus reducing mortality, checking for fecal occult blood, as the accepted screening method for CRC worldwide, has some shortcomings including false-negative results in early disease stages and/or advanced CRC of the right ascending colon. We have previously reported on the ectopic expression of Band3 (encoded by SLC4A1), an antigen abundant in the cytoplasmic membrane of erythrocytes, in a case of CRC with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), and suggested that Band3 expression in CRC might stimulate production of the autoantibody that binds to the erythrocyte membrane. Besides, the amount of erythrocyte-bound IgG may be higher in CRC patients compared with healthy people, even though no symptoms or signs of AIHA are seen. We conducted a prospective observational study to compare the amount of erythrocyte-bound IgG, including anti-Band 3 antibody, between CRC patients and healthy controls. Patients and Methods: From October 2016 to November 2017, 30 CRC patients and six healthy controls were enrolled. Direct Coombs test was carried out, using test tube and column methods, immediately after blood collection. Cell suspensions were incubated with either anti-human IgG antibody or a control isotype conjugated with FITC. Fluorescence was measured with a flow cytometer. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) was calculated as the difference in fluorescence intensity between anti-human IgG and control isotypes. Total serum IgG was collected using protein G sepharose. The amount of serum erythrocyte-bound IgG was quantified by ELISA using erythrocyte membrane protein coated 96-well plates and anti-human IgG antibody. Erythrocyte membrane protein was immunoprecipitated and subjected to immunoblotting using anti-Band3 IgG to confirm its proportion to total serum IgG. Results: Clinical AIHA was not observed in any patient, but a direct Coombs test was positive in eight patients (one on the test tube method, five on the column method, and two patients on both methods). The median±SD MFI was 40±17.4 in patients with CRC and 23±11.6 in controls (p=0.005). Moreover, with the MFI cutoff value set at 31, ROC curve analysis showed the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve to be 100%, 70% and 0.867, respectively. In CRC patients, the median MFI was not affected by positive or negative results for fecal occult blood, involvement of the left or right colon, and/or disease stage. The serum erythrocyte-bound IgG and the proportion of anti-Band3 to total serum IgG was higher in CRC patients than in controls. Conclusion: Whether flow cytometric measurement of total erythrocyte-bound IgG, including anti-Band 3 antibody, in CRC patients can be a useful screening tool warrants further evaluation in a larger cohort. Citation Format: Akihito Kitao, Shinichiro Kawamoto, Keiji Kurata, Ikuyo Hayakawa, Hiroshi Matsuoka, Yasuo Sumi, Yoshihiro Kakeji, Toyomi Kamesaki, Hironobu Minami. Flow cytometric measurement of increased erythrocyte bound IgG: A potential screening method for colorectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 4521.

Extraordinary treatment of supraventricular arrytmia in pregnant

Patient is 37 years old female and 35 months pregnant. She admitted emergency service with palpitaion. Supraventricular tachicardia (SVT) was shown on ECG. She hasn’t cardiovascular disease priority. Any drugs weren’t used to treat for SVT because parents didn’t want. She had pregnant with test tube method. We placed temporary pacemaker to over-drive pacing method in her heart. Sinüs rythim was shown after overdriving. Both mother and fetus were axcharged as healty.

Biofilm production and its correlation with antibiogram among clinical isolates of uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Background: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the commonest health problem encountered in clinical practice. The biofilms play major role in decreasing the susceptibility to the antimicrobial agents. The present study aimed at isolation and identification of Escherichia coli from cases of urinary tract infection, and to find out production of biofilms by these isolates and to correlate it with antimicrobial resistance.Methods: This study was a cross sectional study. Urine specimen from patients suspected of UTIs were collected and processed by standard operative procedure, antibiotic susceptibility test was done by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Biofilm production in isolates was done by Tissue culture plate (TCP) method, Christensen’s test tube (CTT) method, and Congo red agar (CRA) method.Results: Out of the total of 250 isolates 191 (76%) showed biofilm positive by TCP method, 180 (72%) showed biofilm positive by CTT method, 161 (64%) showed biofilm positive by CRA method. 90% of total extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli were biofilm producers. There is more resistance for each and every antibiotic among biofilm producers in comparision to biofilm non producers.Conclusions: The microbial biofilms may pose a public health problem, as the microorganisms in the biofilms are difficult to be treated with antimicrobial agents.

Comparison of Microbiological Examination by Test Tube and Congo Red Agar Methods to Detect Biofilm Production on Clinical Isolates

Biofilm on medical devices can cause significant diseases and deaths and give a large effecton disease transmission among patients and health providers and potentially increasethe cost of patient treatment. By knowing the presence of biofilm on a patient, one can differentiate the treatment management for that particular patient from the patients without biofilm on their medical device. The purpose of this study was to obtain diagnostic method to detect biofilm formation on isolates from the medical devices by simple method that is easy to do and can be applied in resource-limited microbiology laboratory. 36 specimens obtained from IV Line, CVC, urinary catheter and ETT were grown on Muller Hinton agar and continued with 3 methods, i.e., Test Tube method, Congo Red Agar method and Microtiter Plate Assay method. Results of this study showed Test Tube (nephelometer), Test Tube (visual) and Congo Red Agar in order to have the same sensitivity of 100% but has higher specificity compared to Test Tube method (visual) and Congo Red Agar method in detecting biofilm production on isolates from medical devices that had been plugged into patients body. The biofilm formation inside devices depends on factors, i.e., host, device and the microorganism itself.

Prevalence of <i>Strongyle</i. ova in goats and comparative studies of some faecal culture techniques in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal parasitism is one of the major health problems affecting productivity of small ruminants worldwide. A dry season study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Strongyle ova in goats and their faecal egg counts, as well as to compare different faecal culture methods for larval counts and identification. Out of 200 faecal samples examined, 114 were from male and 86 from female goats. An overall prevalence of 42(21%) for Strongyle ova was observed with a mean EPG of 91.67 + 6.12. The prevalence was higher in the male 26(22.8%) than in female 16(18.6%) with mean EPG of 90.38 ± 7.35 and 93.75 ± 11.06 respectively (p > 0.05). It was also higher in adults 38(22.22%) compared with the young 4(13.79%). All positive goats were of the Sahelian breed. No significant difference (p > 0.05%) was observed between sexes and age but a significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between breeds. The infection was higher from samples collected in the abattoir 36 (25.35%) compared with 6(18.75%) in Mairi Village and none was positive from the University of Maiduguri Farm. A significant difference (p<0.05) was thus observed between locations. Only Strongyle ova was seen throughout the study and on subjection of the positive samples to larval recovery, Oesophagostomum columbianum was the only larva recovered. The test tube method yielded the highest larval recovery with mean larval count of 9.14 + 0.72 (p<0.05), compared with bottle with no charcoal; bottle with charcoal and Baermann’s techniques.Keywords: Goats, Strongyle ova, Faecal Culture Techniques, Prevalence

Effect of slight structural changes on the gelation properties of N-phenylstearamide supramolecular gels.

Supramolecular gels present several applications in which the gelator properties are closely dependent on their structure and solvent. Despite this, there are few studies on the effect of the gelation ability of gelators with slight molecular changes. Therefore, N-arylestearamides (in which aryl = phenyl (1), 4-tolyl (2) and 4-acetylphenyl (3)) were evaluated in different solvents. The critical gelefication concentration (CGC) values indicated that the substituents can significantly affect the concentration at which the supramolecular gels are formed, mainly in non-aromatic solvents (e.g. cyclohexane, acetonitrile and DMSO). From UV-Vis and DSC data, we verified that the gel-sol and sol-gel transitions (Tgel-sol and Tsol-gel) increase in the order of 1 < 2 < 3. Organogel strength was evaluated for 1-3 as a function of concentration and solvent type using rheology data. Gel strength is concentration-dependent and a strength order was found in acetonitrile, cyclohexane and DMSO, in which: 1 ∼ 2 > 3. Dynamic viscoelastic measurements as a function of temperature sweeps indicate a predominantly enthalpic contribution to the elasticity of the organogels formed from 1-3. Temperature-dependent 1H NMR indicates that NHO interactions may be responsible for the molecular association of molecules into 1D fibers, while 3D fibers were formed from van der Waals interactions.

Evaluation of Exoenzyme Activities, Biofilm Formation, and Co-hemolytic Effect in Clinical Isolates of Candida parapsilosis Species Complex.

Candida parapsilosis species complex is considered as important emerging pathogens and little is known about their pathogenicity factors and co-hemolytic activity with different bacteria species. The aim of this study was to determine in vitro exoenzyme activities, biofilm formation, and co-hemolytic effect of different bacteria species on clinical C. parapsilosis complex isolates. In total, 67 C. parapsilosis complex isolates consist of C. parapsilosis sensu stricto 63/67 and Candida orthopsilosis 4/67 were used in this study. To determine the hemolytic activity of these species, Sabouraud dextrose sheep blood agar was used. Evaluation of the CAMP-like phenomenon carried out in the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus agalactiae. Tube test method with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-rabbit plasma was used to determine coagulase activity, and biofilm formation was assessed by the tube method in assist of Sabouraud glucose broth (8%) medium. Fisher's exact tests were used for data statistical analysis. Sixty-six of 67 (98.5%) and 3/67 (4.5%) of the species showed hemolysin and coagulase activity, respectively. Fifty-five of 67 (82.1%) of species had ability for biofilm formation, and none of the samples exhibited co-hemolytic effect in the presence of four mentioned bacteria. No significant difference was found between the level of enzyme production and biofilm formation among the isolates.

Clay dispersion and loss in Oxisol treated with different concentrations of limestone

The addition of limestone to the soil may cause clay dispersion and loss. In this study, we aimed to estimate clay dispersion and loss in Oxisol incubated with different concentrations of limestone. To this end, soil samples were collected from a depth of 0.0-0.20 m, treated with limestone at a concentration of 1.46 Mg ha-1 or 2.73 Mg ha-1 to raise base saturation to 60% and 70%, respectively, and incubated for 12 months under greenhouse conditions. Clay dispersion analysis was conducted monthly using the test tube method. The results showed that clay dispersion increased with soil pH and time after limestone application. However, no significant change in clay concentration was identified in the control (no limestone application). At 60% base saturation, clay loss was first observed to be significantly higher than that of the control at 4 months after application and reached a maximum at 9 months after application. At 70% base saturation, clay loss was also first observed to be significantly higher than that of the control at 4 months after application and reached a maximum at 6 months after application. Overall, our data revealed that clay dispersion due to limestone application was approximately 16 g kg-1 over a period of 12 months and increased with the increasing concentrations of Ca and Mg.

Novel application of a classical side-chain liquid crystalline polymer as a gelator for common solvents

A classical side-chain liquid crystalline polymer (SCLCP) named poly [ω-(4′-n-octadecyloxybiphenyl-4-oxy) hexyl methacrylate (PM6BiC18) have been synthesized. The polymer and its monomer (M6BiC18) organogels were prepared by introducing PM6BiC18 or M6BiC18 into common organic solvents. The minimum gelation concentration (MGC) and gel-to-sol transition temperature (TGS) were tested by the “tube-testing method”. In the same organic solvent, it was found that the TGS of gels based on PM6BiC18 was higher than the gels formed by M6BiC18. The microscopic morphology of the gels was carefully investigated by SEM and polarizing microscope. Experimental results revealed that the M6BiC18 gels are formed by the crystallization of fibers. However, the polymer gels are formed by uniform spherical self-assembly structures. Further studies discussed by UV–vis spectroscopy, the results implied that the π–π stacking interaction of the biphenyl mesogens might be the key factor for guiding the self-assembly processes and the polymer gel formation.

The Effect of Lysozyme on Reducing Biofilms by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Gardnerella vaginalis: An In Vitro Examination.

Two basic questions about lysozyme activities on the selected microorganisms were investigated, namely whether lysozyme inhibits biofilm production and which concentrations of the enzyme have the ability to change the natural biofilm producing capacity of different strains of Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin sensitive and resistant), Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Gardnerella vaginalis. The effect of lysozyme on biofilm formation capacities of 16 strains of selected microorganisms was investigated, whereby four testing replicates have been performed in vitro using the Test Tube method, and the potential of lysozyme to change biofilm forming capacities depending on its concentration, species, and strains of microorganisms is demonstrated. A lysozyme concentration of 30 μg/ml indicated to have the highest inhibiting effect on all tested microorganisms. Furthermore, G. vaginalis was the most sensitive of them all, as its biofilm formation was inhibited in the presence of as low as 2.5 μg/ml of lysozyme. At enzyme concentrations of 7.5-50 μg/ml (with the exception of 30 μg/ml) the biofilm forming capacities of P. aeruginosa were enhanced. Depending on the strain of P. aeruginosa, the total biofilm quantity was either reduced or unaffected at lysozyme concentrations of 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 30 μg/ml. In contrast, lysozyme concentrations below 15 or 20 μg/ml did not affect or increase the volume of biofilm formation, while higher concentrations (15, 20, 25 μg/ml) reduced biofilm formation by 50% (3/6) and 30 μg/ml of biofilm reduced biofilm forming capacity of S. aureus by 100% (6/6). The results of this study are a strong foundation for further research on lysozyme as a modulator of the biofilm forming capacity of different species with the potential to aid in the development of new drugs for the treatment of oral and vaginal infections.