The clue to the identification of the colony seen in the upper frame is the gram stain in the lower frame, in which are seen short, rounded, gram positive bacilli, many of which possess distinct spores. As the colonies grew aerobically, the presence of spores indicates Bacillus species. The colonies are spreading, smooth, yellow-white and non-hemolytic. The lack of hemolysis and the small size of the bacterial cells suggests a species other than Bacillus cereus, the species causing most human infections. The isolate was identified as Bacillus circulans, which is consistent with the gram stain morphology. Clostridium septicum also produces spores; however, this species is an anaerobe and would grow poorly if at all and not produce spores aerobically. Listeria monocytogenes and Lactobacillus species are gram positive bacilli; however, neither of these produce spores.
The colonies seen in the upper frame, grown after 48 hours incubation aerobically at 35°C, and the accompanying gram stain in the lower frame are uncommonly associated with human disease, but have been associated with septicemia, bronchopneumonia, osteomyelitis and other infections, particularly in intravenous drug users. The most likely identification is:
The increase in inflammatory cytokines and the abnormal lipids and lipid levels often present in metabolic syndrome increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Adiponectin is decreased and increases in angiotensinogen lead to hypertension.
Chemistry
Which of the following statements is true regarding cardiovascular disease and adipose tissue? Please select all correct answers
Cryptococcus neoformans is the MOST likely identification of the encapsulated yeast in this question. C. neoformans is urease +, and grows brown colonies on birdseed agar. In addition, India ink stain can also be used for Cryptococus spp. identification.
What is the MOST likely identification of an encapsulated yeast in a blood culture bottle from a patient with septicemia with the following additional culture information?:
Failure to produce germ tubes
Urease positive
Produced brown pigment on bird seed agar
The most likely causes of delayed hemolytic reactions are Kidd system antibodies. Both jka and jkb are often responsible for delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions.
Blood Bank
Delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions are usually caused by antibodies directed against what blood group system?
The structures involved in the production of semen include the prostate, the seminal vesicles, and the bulbourethral gland, along with the testes and epididymis.
Semen is produced as a combination of secretions from the different regions of the male reproductive tract. Each fraction differs in chemical composition and function.
Spermatozoa are produced in the testes. They mature in the epididymis. The testes also produce testosterone and inhibin.
Fluid from the seminal vesicles accounts for approximately 70% of semen volume. The seminal vesicles are the source of fructose in semen. Fructose is used by the spermatozoa as an energy source.
The prostate gland supplies about 20% of the volume of semen. Its fluids include acid phosphatase and proteolytic enzymes that lead to coagulation and subsequent liquefaction of semen. The prostate also contains most of the IgA found in semen.
The bulbourethral gland produces mucoproteins that make up about 5% of the volume of semen.
The pituitary gland is not directly involved in the production of semen; instead hormones are released which stimulate the production of sperm. The urethra is not involved in the production of semen.
Which of the following are directly involved in the production of semen?
All of the following have been an inspection deficiency for CLIA-approved laboratories except:
The primary mechanism responsible for glomerular filtration is:
Which area of the laboratory is responsible for blood coagulation studies that test for the patient's ability to clot their blood?
Laboratories performing which of the following types of tests need to be enrolled in a CLIA-approved proficiency testing program?
Serum amylase and lipase levels may be slightly elevated in chronic pancreatitis, but not diagnostic enough to predict chronic pancreatitis; wheras high levels are found only during acute pancreatitis episodes. In the later stages of chronic pancreatitis, normal to decreased levels of amylase and lipase are caused by the gradual inability of the pancreas to secrete the enzyme
All of the statements below regarding amylase and lipase in pancreatitis are TRUE EXCEPT:
Vitamin K dependent factors are those that require Vitamin K for their synthesis in the liver. Vitamin K is an important factor to gamma-glutamyl carboxylase which adds a carboxyl group to glutamic acid residues on factors II, VII, IX and X, as well as Protein S, Protein C. In adding the gamma-carboxyl group to glutamate residues on the immature clotting factors Vitamin K is itself oxidized. Deficiency of Vitamin K due to malabsorption, liver disease, etc. may contribute to bleeding disorders because clotting factor maturation depends on Vitamin K.
Which of these coagulation factors are referred to as "vitamin-K dependent?"
In an alkaline medium, potassium ferricyanide oxidizes hemoglobin to methemoglobin. Further reaction with potassium cyanide produces cyanmethemoglobin which has a maximum absorbance at 540 nm. Color intensity is proportional to total hemoglobin concentration, which is how the hemoglobin levels are measured.
Hematology
In the hemoglobin methodology using potassium ferricyanide the following measurable reaction occurs:
The federal government has categorized critical biological agents into three groups: A, B, and C. Those agents in category A are highest-priority because they can be easily disseminated or transmitted person-to-person.
The federal government has categorized critical biological agents into three groups: A, B, and C. Those agents in category A are highest-priority because they:
Provide the equivalent measurement for 1 ounce.
HbsAg is positive in acute and chronic Hepatitis B infections, since the antigen is found on the actual surface of the virus. HbeAg is present in the blood when the hepatitis B viruses are replicating, indicating an active infection. Anti-Hbc IgM is present due to the immune response to the presence of the hepatitis core antigen and indicates an acute infection. Anti-HBs is generally interpreted as indicating recovery and immunity from hepatitis B virus infection, according to the CDC.
Given the following results, what is the immune status of the patient?
HbsAg: positive
HbeAg: positive
Anti-HBc IgM: positive
Anti-HBs: negative
