Evaluation of the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) system in the detection of mastitis pathogens from bovine milk samples.

MALDI-TOF is a chemistry analytical tool that has recently been deployed in the identification of microorganisms isolated from nosocomial environments. Its use in diagnostics has been extremely advantageous in terms of cost effectiveness, sample preparation easiness, turn-around time and result analysis accessibility. In the dairy industry, where mastitis causes great financial losses, a rapid diagnostic method such as MALDI-TOF could assist in the control and prevention program of mastitis, in addition to the sanitation and safety level of the dairy farms and processing facility.

Evaluation of rapid culture, a predictive algorithm, esterase somatic cell count and lactate dehydrogenase to detect intramammary infection in quarters of dairy cows at dry-off.

Our objective was to compare four tests to standard milk culture followed by MALDI-ToF in quarters of cows at dry-off. Cows (n = 432) were randomly selected from seven U.S.

C-reactive protein does not relax vascular smooth muscle: effects mediated by sodium azide in commercially available preparations.

C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute-phase protein and newly recognized indicator of cardiovascular risk, may have direct actions on the vascular wall. Previous studies suggest that CRP is a vasodilator that activates smooth muscle K(+) channels. We examined the reported vasoactive properties of CRP and further explored its mechanisms of action.