Home About us Contact
|
Home About us Contact | ||
|
|
||
Laboratory Techniques (laboratory + techniques)
Selected AbstractsRole of ancillary techniques in diagnosing and subclassifying non-Hodgkin's lymphomas on fine needle aspiration cytologyCYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2006P. DeyArticle first published online: 8 SEP 200 Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) are tumours of the lymphoid cells. During the process of development of lymphoid cells, neoplasia may evolve at any point. Neoplastic cells usually carry the imprint of cell of origin at the stage of origin. Various types of NHL may have similar morphology with wide variation in origin, immunophenotype and other biological features. Different ancillary laboratory techniques may help to overcome the limitations of morphology in this aspect. The commonly used ancillary techniques in lymphomas are immunocytochemistry (IC), flow cytometry, Southern blot (SB) technique, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). In addition, laser scanning cytometry (LSC) and DNA microarray technologies are in the research phase. Various laboratory techniques are used for immunophenotyping, demonstration of monoclonality, identification of chromosomal translocation, assessment of cell kinetics and expression of mRNA in the tumour cells. Flow cytometry helps in rapid immunophenotying of NHL and it has an added advantage over IC in recognizing the co-expression of CD markers. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) combined with flow immunophenotyping may help us to diagnose and subclassify certain NHLs, such as follicular lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma, which were previously recognized as pure morphological entities. Loss of morphology is one of the important limitations of flow cytometry. LSC can overcome this limitation by studying morphology along with the immunophenotyping pattern of individual cells. Chromosomal changes in NHL can be identified by SB, PCR and FISH. Molecular diagnosis of NHL helps in diagnosis, subclassification, prognostic assessment and even in planning of therapy. DNA microarray is a relatively newer and promising technology. It gives information about the expression of several thousands of genes in a tumour in a single experiment. In the near future, FNAC combined with ancillary techniques may play a major role in diagnosis, subclassification and management of lymphomas. [source] Microchip-based small, dense low-density lipoproteins assay for coronary heart disease risk assessmentELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 9 2008Hua Wang Abstract Small, dense low-density lipoprotein (sdLDL) has been accepted as an emerging cardiovascular risk factor, and there has been an increasing interest in analytical methods for sdLDL profiling for diagnosis. Serum sdLDL may be measured by different laboratory techniques, but all these methods are laborious, time-consuming, and costly. Recently, we have demonstrated that a low-temperature bonding of quartz microfluidic chips for serum lipoproteins analysis (Zhuang, G., Jin, Q., Liu, J., Cong, H. et al., Biomed. Microdevices 2006, 8, 255,261). In contrast to this previous study, we chose SDS as anionic surfactant to modify both lipoproteins and the channel surface to minimize lipoprotein adsorption and improve the resolution of lipoprotein separation. Two major LDL subclass patterns including large, buoyant LDL (lLDL), sdLDL, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were effectively separated with high reproducibility. RSD values of the migration time (min) and peak areas of standard LDL and HDL were 6.28, 4.02, 5.02, and 2.5%, respectively. Serum lipoproteins of 15 healthy subjects and 15 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) were separated by microchip CE. No peaks of sdLDL were detected in serum samples of healthy subjects while sdLDL fractional peaks were observed in patients' entire serum samples. These results suggested that the microchip-based sdLDLs assay was a simple, rapid, and highly efficient technique and significantly improved the analysis of CHD risk factors. [source] Minerals as Model Compounds for Cu/ZnO Catalyst Precursors: Structural and Thermal Properties and IR Spectra of Mineral and Synthetic (Zincian) Malachite, Rosasite and Aurichalcite and a Catalyst Precursor MixtureEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 10 2009Malte Behrens Abstract The Cu/ZnO system is a model for Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts, which are employed industrially for the synthesis of methanol. These catalysts are usually prepared from mixed basic carbonate precursors. A complex phase mixture, with constituents structurally related to the minerals rosasite andaurichalcite, is present at the industrially applied composition (Cu/Zn , 70:30). Using minerals and phase-pure synthetic samples as references, a comprehensive characterisation of such a phase mixture, including the determination of the individual compositions of the different phases, has been attempted by complementary analytical laboratory techniques (XRD, TGA, IR). The results are critically discussed in light of the complexity of the system. A thermally very stable carbonate species , well-known for mixed synthetic systems , is also detected for the mineral reference samples. Significant amounts of amorphous phases are found to be present in the synthetic zincian malachite sample but not in synthetic aurichalcite or the catalyst precursor. A simplified explanation for the shift of the characteristic 20 reflection of the malachite structure as a function of Zn incorporation based on the varying average Jahn,Teller distortion of the MO6 octahedra is proposed. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009) [source] Factors controlling the chemical evolution of travertine-depositing rivers of the Barkly karst, northern AustraliaHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 15 2002Russell N. Drysdale Abstract Groundwaters feeding travertine-depositing rivers of the northeastern segment of the Barkly karst (NW Queensland, Australia) are of comparable chemical composition, allowing a detailed investigation of how the rate of downstream chemical evolution varies from river to river. The discharge, pH, temperature, conductivity and major-ion concentrations of five rivers were determined by standard field and laboratory techniques. The results show that each river experiences similar patterns of downstream chemical evolution, with CO2 outgassing driving the waters to high levels of calcite supersaturation, which in turn leads to widespread calcium carbonate deposition. However, the rate at which the waters evolve, measured as the loss of CaCO3 per kilometre, varies from river to river, and depends primarily upon discharge at the time of sampling and stream gradient. For example, Louie Creek (Q = 0·11 m3 s,1) and Carl Creek (Q = 0·50 m3 s,1) have identical stream gradients, but the loss of CaCO3 per kilometre for Louie Creek is twice that of Carl Creek. The Gregory River (Q = 3·07 m3 s,1), O'Shanassy River (Q = 0·57 m3 s,1) and Lawn Hill Creek (Q = 0·72 m3 s,1) have very similar gradients, but the rate of hydrochemical evolution of the Gregory River is significantly less than either of the other two systems. The results have major implications for travertine deposition: the stream reach required for waters to evolve to critical levels of calcite supersaturation will, all others things being equal, increase with increasing discharge, and the length of reach over which travertine is deposited will also increase with increasing discharge. This implies that fossil travertine deposits preserved well downstream of modern deposition limits are likely to have been formed under higher discharge regimes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Spectrophotometric Analysis of Tooth Color Reproduction on Anterior All-Ceramic Crowns: Part 2: Color Reproduction and Its Transfer from In Vitro to In VivoJOURNAL OF ESTHETIC AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY, Issue 1 2010AKI YOSHIDA RDT ABSTRACT Color reproduction of an anterior tooth requires advanced laboratory techniques, talent, and artistic skills. Color matching in a laboratory requires the successful transfer from in vivo with careful considerations. The purpose of this study was to monitor and verify the color reproduction process for an anterior all-ceramic crown in a laboratory through spectrophotometric measurements. Furthermore, a crown insertion process using composite luting cements was assessed, and the final color match was measured and confirmed. An all-ceramic crown with a zirconia ceramic coping for the maxillary right central incisor was fabricated. There was a significant color difference between the prepared tooth and the die material. The die material selected was the closest match available. The ceramic coping filled with die material indicated a large color difference from the target tooth in both lightness and chromaticity. During the first bake, three different approaches were intentionally used corresponding with three different tooth regions (cervical, body, and incisal). The first bake created the fundamental color of the crown that allowed some color shifts in the enamel layer, which was added later. The color of the completed crown demonstrated an excellent color match, with ,E 1.27 in the incisal and 1.71 in the body. In the cervical area, color match with ,E 2.37 was fabricated with the expectation of a color effect from the underlying prepared tooth. The optimal use of composite luting cement adjusted the effect from the underlying prepared tooth color, and the color match fabricated at a laboratory was successfully transferred to the clinical setting. The precise color measurement system leads to an accurate verification of color reproduction and its transfer. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The use of a dedicated dental spectrophotometer during the fabrication of an all-ceramic crown allows the dentist and the laboratory technician to accurately communicate important information to one another about the shade of the tooth preparation, the shade of the contralateral target tooth, and the influence of luting cement on the final restoration, thereby allowing the technician better control over the outcome of their tooth color matching efforts and the final color match of an all-ceramic restoration. (J Esthet Restor Dent 22:53,65, 2010) [source] Food Microbiology,Design and Testing of a Virtual Laboratory ExerciseJOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE EDUCATION, Issue 4 2010Steve Flint They were presented with a food-contamination case, and then walked through a number of diagnostic steps to identify the microorganism. At each step, the students were asked to select 1 of 4 tests. All tests had an associated cost. Feedback was given on selection and once the right test was selected, students were shown the results and could progress. At the end of the exercise, students had determined a number of characteristics of the microorganism. They were then required to identify the organism using a variety of reference material and present a report on the significance of the microorganism identified. A student survey showed they enjoyed the exercise and felt it fulfilled the aims and objectives of the lesson. There was a positive response to its flexible nature and the inclusion of test costs. This virtual laboratory was less expensive and 10 times faster than a traditional laboratory exercise yet achieved the same learning outcomes for students who were already familiar with laboratory techniques. The virtual lab was developed with a generic template that could be used for future lessons. [source] Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction: A Novel Molecular Diagnostic Tool for Equine Infectious DiseasesJOURNAL OF VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2006N. Pusterla The focus of rapid diagnosis of infectious disease of horses in the last decade has shifted from the conventional laboratory techniques of antigen detection, microscopy, and culture to molecular diagnosis of infectious agents. Equine practitioners must be able to interpret the use, limitations, and results of molecular diagnostic techniques, as they are increasingly integrated into routine microbiology laboratory protocols. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the best-known and most successfully implemented diagnostic molecular technology to date. It can detect slow-growing, difficult-to-cultivate, or uncultivatable microorganisms and can be used in situations in which clinical microbiology diagnostic procedures are inadequate, time-consuming, difficult, expensive, or hazardous to laboratory staff. Inherent technical limitations of PCR are present, but they are reduced in laboratories that use standardized protocols, conduct rigid validation protocols, and adhere to appropriate quality-control procedures. Improvements in PCR, especially probe-based real-time PCR, have broadened its diagnostic capabilities in clinical infectious diseases to complement and even surpass traditional methods in some situations. Furthermore, real-time PCR is capable of quantitation, allowing discrimination of clinically relevant infections characterized by pathogen replication and high pathogen loads from chronic latent infections. Automation of all components of PCR is now possible, which will decrease the risk of generating false-positive results due to contamination. The novel real-time PCR strategy and clinical applications in equine infectious diseases will be the subject of this review. [source] Physical properties of Martian meteorites: Porosity and density measurementsMETEORITICS & PLANETARY SCIENCE, Issue 12 2007Ian M. COULSON These samples represent igneous rocks, much like basalt. As such, many laboratory techniques designed for the study of Earth materials have been applied to these meteorites. Despite numerous studies of Martian meteorites, little data exists on their basic structural characteristics, such as porosity or density, information that is important in interpreting their origin, shock modification, and cosmic ray exposure history. Analysis of these meteorites provides both insight into the various lithologies present as well as the impact history of the planet's surface. We present new data relating to the physical characteristics of twelve Martian meteorites. Porosity was determined via a combination of scanning electron microscope (SEM) imagery/image analysis and helium pycnometry, coupled with a modified Archimedean method for bulk density measurements. Our results show a range in porosity and density values and that porosity tends to increase toward the edge of the sample. Preliminary interpretation of the data demonstrates good agreement between porosity measured at 100× and 300× magnification for the shergottite group, while others exhibit more variability. In comparison with the limited existing data for Martian meteorites we find fairly good agreement, although our porosity values typically lie at the low end of published values. Surprisingly, despite the increased data set, there is little by way of correlation between either porosity or density with parameters such as shock effect or terrestrial residency. Further data collection on additional meteorite samples is required before more definitive statements can be made concerning the validity of these observations. [source] A peritoneal dialysis patient with fatal culture-negative peritonitisNEPHROLOGY, Issue 1 2003Case Discussion SUMMARY: Culture-negative peritoneal inflammation accounts for between 5 and 20% of cases of peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients. Diagnostic yields may be enhanced considerably by reculturing dialysate effluents using appropriate collection methods and optimal laboratory techniques (including prolonged low-temperature and anaerobic incubations). In patients with persistent culture-negative peritonitis, consideration should be given to the possibilities of unusual or fastidious microorganisms (especially fungi and mycobacteria) and non-infective causes (especially drug reactions, malignancy, visceral inflammation and retroperitoneal inflammation). In this paper, an illustrative case of persistent culture-negative peritonitis is presented followed by a discussion of the investigative approach to such patients, with particular emphasis on differential diagnosis and the limitations of currently available tests. [source] Simple and specific test for the diagnosis of aspiration into the airways using a corn flour-milk mixture in a hamster modelPEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 5 2003Chaim Springer MD Abstract Aspiration into the airways is one of the major causes of lung disease in infants and young children. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of aspiration is often delayed due to unawareness and low sensitivity and specificity of existing diagnostic tests. We tested the efficacy of a new method, using a mixture of corn flour in milk instilled into the trachea, to diagnose aspiration in a hamster model. Forty-five female hamsters were used for the experiments. Twenty hamsters underwent tracheal instillation of 0.1 ml of a mixture of 7.5% corn flour (containing starch granules with a diameter of 2,30 ,m) in milk. Twenty control animals underwent tracheal instillation of saline. Five hamsters served as naive controls. Five animals from the corn flour and saline groups underwent bronchoalveolar lavage on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 after tracheal instillation. Starch granules were identified under light microscopy, using both iodine and Diff-Quik staining in all the corn flour-instilled animals and during all days after tracheal instillation. No starch granules were detected in naive or saline-treated animals. Starch granules were detected over 14 days following tracheal instillation, with a half-life rate of disappearance of about 6 days. Corn flour aspiration in hamsters can be easily identified by light microscopy, using simple laboratory techniques. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 35:400,404. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Higher-tier laboratory methods for assessing the aquatic toxicity of pesticidesPEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 7 2002A Boxall, Alistair B Abstract Registration schemes for plant-protection products require applicants to assess the potential ecological risk of their products using a tiered approach. Standard aquatic ecotoxicity tests are used at lower tiers and clearly defined methodologies are available for assessing the potential environmental risks. Safety factors are incorporated into the assessment process to account for the uncertainties associated with the use of lower-tier single-species ecotoxicity studies. If lower-tier assessments indicate that a substance may pose a risk to the environment, impacts can be assessed using more environmentally realistic conditions through the use of either pond mesocosms, artificial streams or field monitoring studies. Whilst these approaches provide more realistic assessments, the results are difficult to interpret and extrapolation to other systems is problematic. Recently it has been recognised that laboratory approaches that are intermediate between standard aquatic toxicity tests and field/mesocosm studies may provide useful data and help reduce the uncertainties associated with standard single-species tests. However, limited guidance is available on what tests are available and how they can be incorporated into the risk-assessment process. This paper reviews a number of these higher-tier laboratory techniques, including modified exposure studies, species sensitivity studies, population studies and tests with sensitive life stages. Recommendations are provided on how the approaches can be incorporated into the risk-assessment process. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Modalities for Treatment of Antisperm Antibody Mediated Infertility: Novel PerspectivesAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 5 2004Rajesh K. Naz Immunoinfertility because of antisperm antibodies (ASA) is an important cause of infertility in humans. The incidence of ASA in infertile couples is 9,36% depending on the reporting center. Early claims regarding the incidence and involvement of ASA in involuntary infertility were probably overemphasized, which has resulted in subsequent confusion, doubt, and underestimation of their clinical significance. No immunoglobulin that binds to sperm should be called an antisperm antibody in a strict sense unless it is directed against a sperm antigen that plays a role in fertilization and fertility. ASA directed against the fertilization-related antigens are more relevant to infertility than the immunoglobulins that bind to sperm associated antigens. Several methods have been reported for treatment of immunoinfertility. These include: immunosuppressive therapies using corticosteroids or cyclosporine; assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination, gamete intrafallopian transfer, in vitro fertilization, and intracytoplasmic sperm injection; laboratory techniques such as sperm washing, immunomagnetic sperm separation, proteolytic enzyme treatment, and use of immunobeads. Most of the available techniques have side effects, are invasive and expensive, have low efficacy, or provide conflicting results. Recent findings using defined sperm antigens that have a role in fertilization/fertility have provided animal models and innovative novel perspectives for studying the mechanism of immunoinfertility and possible modalities for treatment. The better understanding of local immunity and latest advances in hybridoma and recombinant technologies, proteomics and genomics leading to characterization of sperm antigens relevant to fertility will help to clarify the controversy and to establish the significance of ASA in infertility. [source] Differential diagnosis of acute central nervous system infections in children using modern microbiological methodsACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2009Pasi Huttunen Abstract Aim:, Except bacterial meningitis, the agents causing acute central nervous system (CNS) infections in children are disclosed in only approximately half of the cases, and even less in encephalitis. We studied the potential of modern microbiological assays to improve this poor situation. Methods:, In a prospective study during 3 years, all children attending hospital with suspected CNS infection were examined using a wide collection of microbiological tests using samples from the cerebrospinal fluid, serum, nasal swabs and stool. Results:, Among 213 patients, 66 (31%) cases suggested CNS infection and specific aetiology was identified in 56 patients. Of these microbiologically confirmed cases, viral meningitis/encephalitis was diagnosed in 25 (45%), bacterial meningitis in 21 (38%) and neuroborreliosis in 9 (16%) cases while 1child had fungal infection. In meningitis patients, the causative agent was identified in 85% (35/41) cases and in encephalitis in 75% (12/16). The most common bacteria were Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcous pneumonie and Neisseria meningitidis, while the most frequently detected viruses were enteroviruses and varicella zoster virus. Conclusion:, In 75% to 85% of paediatric CNS infections, specific microbiological diagnosis was obtained with modern laboratory techniques. The results pose a basis for prudent approach to these potentially serious diseases. [source] | |||||||||||||