Clinical and Analytical Evaluation of a Single-Vial Stool Collection Device with Formalin-Free Fixative for Improved Processing and Comprehensive Detection of Gastrointestinal Parasites.

Microscopic examination of feces is a standard laboratory method for diagnosing gastrointestinal parasite infections. In North America, the ovum and parasite (O&P) examination is typically performed using stool that is chemically fixed in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and formalin, after which the stool is concentrated by filtration to enhance sensitivity. Mini Parasep solvent-free (SF) tubes allow collection and concentration within a single collection vial.

FimH antagonists for the oral treatment of urinary tract infections: from design and synthesis to in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) is one of the most common infections, particularly affecting women. The interaction of FimH, a lectin located at the tip of bacterial pili, with high mannose structures is critical for the ability of UPEC to colonize and invade the bladder epithelium. We describe the synthesis and the in vitro/in vivo evaluation of α-D-mannosides with the ability to block the bacteria/host cell interaction.

Lesion profiles and gliosis in the brainstem of 135 Swiss cows with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

Lesion profiles are considered to be an important tool for the comparison of the various animal and human spongiform encephalopathies and to obtain information upon prion strain variations. Histological and immunohistochemical reactions (PrPsc, GFAP) in 13 brain areas at 4 levels in the brainstem from 135 BSE-positive and 45 BSE-negative cases were retrospectively evaluated. In this retrospective study a lesion profile based on histological features was worked out on the basis of BSE cases originating from Switzerland over a period of ten years.

Decreased sedation by xylazine and high blood pressure in cows with BSE.

Fifteen cows with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and 90 healthy cows were given xylazine intramuscularly at a dosage of 0.15 mg/kg bodyweight. The onset of sedation and of drooling was recorded, and the heart and respiratory rates and the systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured every five minutes for 40 minutes.