The Development of a Novel qPCR Assay-Set for Identifying Fecal Contamination Originating from Domestic Fowls and Waterfowl in Israel.

The emerging microbial source tracking (MST) methodologies aim to identify fecal contamination originating from domestic and wild animals, and from humans. Avian MST is especially challenging, primarily because the Aves class includes both domesticated and wild species with highly diverse habitats and dietary characteristics. The quest for specific fecal bacterial MST markers can be difficult with respect to attaining sufficient assay sensitivity and specificity.

Microbial Source Tracking in Adjacent Karst Springs.

Modern man-made environments, including urban, agricultural, and industrial environments, have complex ecological interactions among themselves and with the natural surroundings. Microbial source tracking (MST) offers advanced tools to resolve the host source of fecal contamination beyond indicator monitoring. This study was intended to assess karst spring susceptibilities to different fecal sources using MST quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays targeting human, bovine, and swine markers.

Rapid identification of Enterobacter hormaechei and Enterobacter cloacae genetic cluster III.

Aim: Enterobacter cloacae complex bacteria are of both clinical and environmental importance. Phenotypic methods are unable to distinguish between some of the species in this complex, which often renders their identification incomplete. The goal of this study was to develop molecular assays to identify Enterobacter hormaechei and Ent.

Enhancing in vitro fertilization of mouse oocytes by partial zona pellucida digestion.

This work was undertaken in order to evaluate the effect of partial zona digestion on fertilization in vitro of mouse oocytes and assess zona surface changes induced by the procedure. Three hundred forty-six oocytes allocated for treatment were exposed to Ham's F-10 medium supplemented with 0.5% Pronase for either 3 min (188 oocytes) or 5 min (158 oocytes); 324 oocytes served as controls.

Technique for cellular microsurgery using the 193-nm excimer laser.

A new cell surgery technique has been developed to produce well-defined alterations in cells and tissue without detectable heating and/or other structural damage in the surroundings. The technique involves the use of an argon fluoride excimer laser, in the deep ultraviolet (UV) region of the spectrum at 193 nm, which is guided through a glass pipette filled with a positive air pressure. To demonstrate the method, holes were drilled in the zona pellucida of mouse oocytes.