Routine identification of Nocardia species by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry.

We here show adequate species identification for bacterial isolates of the genus Nocardia spp. through VITEK mass spectrometry. Application of a specific sample preparation method in combination with a robust matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) database leads to 94% accurate identification to the species level on a set of 164 isolates.

The expression of BIRC5 is correlated with loss of specific chromosomal regions in breast carcinomas.

Expression of BIRC5 (survivin), a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, is elevated in fetal tissues and in various human cancers. Mechanisms up-regulating BIRC5 in cancer are poorly understood. Here, we show that overexpression of BIRC5 induces a high proliferation level in MCF-7 breast tumor cells.