The impact of protein extraction protocols on the performance of currently available MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry for identification of mycobacterial clinical isolates cultured in liquid media.

Background: Protein extraction step is particularly important for identification of mycobacterial isolates by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) because of its thick and solid cell wall. This study compared the performance of MALDI-TOF MS for identification of mycobacterial clinical isolates cultured in liquid media between heating-based protocol and non-heating protocol.

Methods: Clinical mycobacterial isolates cultured in liquid media were prospectively analyzed.

Evaluation of three phenotypic identification systems for clinical isolates of Raoultella ornithinolytica.

Raoultella spp. have recently been separated from the genus Klebsiella based on their molecular characteristics. It was discovered that Raoultella ornithinolytica can be misidentified as Klebsiella oxytoca by commonly used phenotypic identification systems.

Comparison of the MicroScan, VITEK 2, and Crystal GP with 16S rRNA sequencing and MicroSeq 500 v2.0 analysis for coagulase-negative Staphylococci.

Background: Three phenotypic identification systems (MicroScan, VITEK 2, and Crystal GP) were evaluated for their accuracy to identify coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). A total of 120 clinical isolates confirmed to be CNS via 16S rRNA sequencing and analysis with the MicroSeq 500 v2.0 database were assessed.

[Validity and reliability of a clinical performance examination using standardized patients].

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test the validity of a modified clinical performance examination (CPX) for preclinical students in nursing.

Method: 70 nursing students in their second semester of the junior year at C University participated in CPX. Scenarios and checklists were developed by our research team from September to October 2005.

Evaluation of sodium lactate as a replacement for conventional chemical preservatives in comminuted sausages inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Sodium lactate (SL) as a potential replacer for potassium sorbate (PS) or sodium benzoate (SB) in comminuted sausages was evaluated. Sausages manufactured with 3.3% SL were compared with a control and 0.