Genomic diversity of two lineages of exfoliative toxin A-converting phages predominating in Staphylococcus aureus strains in the Czech Republic.

We have isolated and characterized two distinct types of exfoliative toxin A (ETA)-converting bacteriophages originating from Staphylococcus aureus strains responsible for massive outbreaks of pemphigus neonatorum in the Czech Republic. Three induced phages designated as ph iB531, phi B557 and phi B122 were found to be capable of transferring the eta gene into the prophageless non-toxigenic S. aureus strain and converting it into an ETA producer.

Photochemical properties of a potential photosensitiser indocyanine green in vitro.

The present study investigates the photochemical properties of a potential photosensitiser, indocyanine green (ICG), in an in vitro HeLa cell system. Cell proliferation was studied after a combined effect of ICG, at a concentration range of 24-94 microM, and therapeutic laser irradiation at several different energy densities. In addition, ICG cytotoxicity was evaluated in HeLa cells and V79 Chinese hamster by the MTT assay.

Discrete Fourier transform-based analysis of HeLa cell microtubules after ultrasonic exposure.

Cytoskeletal structures can be affected by external factors including ultrasound. Our task was to develop a structure analysis method to evaluate these changes quantitatively. We exposed HeLa cells to continuous ultrasound (1 MHz, 1 and 2 W/cm2, 10 min at 37 degrees C).

Effects of low-power laser irradiation on cell locomotion in protozoa.

Low-power lasers are commonly used in human medicine for treatment of various pathological conditions, but mechanisms of their healing effects are still poorly understood. The results of this study provide information related to these effects at the cellular level. Two different protozoan species, Euglena gracilis and Tetrahymena thermophila, were used to study changes in locomotion behavior in response to low-power lasers.