Assessment of the elite accessions of bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr.] in Sri Lanka based on morphometric, organoleptic, and elemental properties of the fruits and phylogenetic relationships.

Aegle marmelos L. (Bael) is a native tree fruit species in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Bael is a popular fruit because of its significant nutritional and medicinal properties.

Real time PCR for the rapid identification and drug susceptibility of Mycobacteria present in Bronchial washings.

Background: Mycobacteria have a spectrum of virulence and different susceptibilities to antibiotics. Distinguishing mycobacterial species is vital as patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections present clinical features that are similar to those of patients with tuberculosis. Thus, rapid differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex from NTM is critical to administer appropriate treatment.