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Biomedical subjects

K S Thomson

Publications and source records attributed to K S Thomson.

7 recordsLinked to original sources

Detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in members of the family Enterobacteriaceae: comparison of the double-disk and three-dimensional tests.

The three-dimensional and clavulanate double-disk potentiation tests were compared as procedures for the detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production in 32 strains of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, 31 of which produced TEM-1, TEM-2, TEM-3, TEM-4, TEM-5, TEM-7, TEM-8, TEM-9, TEM-10, TEM-12, TEM-101, SHV-1, SHV-2, SHV-3, SHV-4, SHV-5, CAZ-2, MIR-1, or an unidentified extended-spectrum beta-lactamase with a pI of 5.95, with some strains producing multiple beta-lactamases. The three-dimensional test, which was performed in conjunction with a routine disk diffusion test, detected extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production in 26 of 28 (93%) of the strains that produced extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. The clavulanate double-disk potentiation test detected extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in only 22 of the 28 strains (79%) when it was performed as currently recommended. The three-dimensional test, when performed in conjunction with the disk diffusion test, offered the advantages of providing simultaneous information about both antibiotic susceptibility and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production, coupled with a greater sensitivity and earlier detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases.

Anti-Bacterial Agents

X-ray diffraction of the calcified tissues in Polypterus.

Pyrolyzed scales, fin spines, and bone from the ray-finned bony fish Polypterus (Actinopterygii) showed two mineral phases on X-ray diffraction: hydroxyapatite (HA), Ca5(PO4)3OH, and whitlockite, Ca3(PO4)2. The ratio of HA/whitlockite varied with the structure (scale, spine, bone) within each individual fish. The relative proportions of HA to whitlockite in pyrolyzed samples reflected the Ca/P ratio of the sample. Whitlockite appears after pyrolysis when the Ca/P is lower than 1.67. Among the five fish investigated, for each structure a general trend was noted. The proportion of HA relative to whitlockite increased with size (age) of the fish. Thus the smallest fish, a juvenile, exhibited a low Ca/P mineral in its calcified tissues, whereas the larger fish had progressively more HA and less whitlockite.

Animals

Serine proteinases and their inhibitors in Phycomyces blakesleeanus.

Three serine proteinases of Phycomyces blakesleeanus were isolated and characterized. The molecular weights were determined to be 18,000, 22,000, and 60,000. The proteinases were solubilized by detergent or salt treatment. Two soluble proteins that specifically inhibit these proteinases were also isolated and characterized. Both these proteins formed 1:1 complexes with the serine proteinases. A molecular weight of 10,000 was estimated for both inhibitors. They were found to be present in excess in the cells. An acid proteinase of Phycomyces was able to take the inhibitor off a serine proteinase.inhibitor complex. This proteinase was partially purified. The proteinases and inhibitors of three mutant strains were partially purified and compared with a standard strain. These mutants exhibit abnormal growth responses of the sporangiophore to light. Mutant specific changes of the proteinases and their inhibitors were detected, but a connection to the behavioral responses could not be demonstrated.

Endopeptidases

Composition of fluid from the notochordal canal of the coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae.

Fluid from the notochordal canal of the coelacanth, Latimeria chalumnae, was analyzed for major inorganic and organic constituents and compared with blood serum from the same fish. Significantly or suggestively lower levels of sodium, magnesium, calcium, bicarbonate, sulfate, total carbohydrates, glucose, lactate, cholesterol, bound phosphate and total proteins were found in notochordal fluid than in serum, whereas potassium, chloride, urea, trimethylamine oxide, and total free amino acids were higher and inorganic phosphorus essentially identical. Osmolarity of notochordal fluid (1058 mOsm) exceeds that of serum (942 mOsm). A whitish precipitate in the fluid consisted of a matrix of fibers 100 A in diameter and of indefinite length. It resembled a sialoglycoprotein in composition and was stabilized by disulfide bonds. The fluid contained cellular debris.

Amino Acids