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[The effect of resuscitation on the results obtained in identification of enterobacteriaceae by the API system (author's transl)].

During studies on the reliability of the API system, the question arose whether the small proportion of adequate results in cultures stored at 4 degrees C could be attributable to this method of storage. Therefore, the reactions of those cultures which had caused most problems were studied following periods of storage ofone day, six weeks and nine weeks at 4 degrees C, and in the freeze-dried state. Storage in particular conditions was found to have a definite effect on the reliability of the API system so that a period of resuscitation of forty-eight hours in a bouillon at 37 degrees C is required to restore the cultures to normal.

Bacteriological Techniques

[Use of the API 20E system for rapid identification of Enterobacteriaceae (six hours) (author's transl)].

The authors propose a modification of the method of use of the API 20E system permitting more rapid identification of Enterobacteriaceae within six hours (3 hours preculture and 3 hours incubation on an API 20E plate) it was possible to identify correctly 67% of 192 strains studied at species level and 75.5% studied at generic level. One may note four mistakes (2.1%) of which 3 were minor, (species within the same genus). The construction of a base of numerical data adapted to the technic within six hours would no doubt permit us to reduce the percentage undetermined.

Enterobacteriaceae

Uncovering hidden complexity in the Apis mellifera mitotranscriptome: a polyadenylation-centered perspective.

Mitochondrial transcription is gaining increasing attention as researchers seek to better understand the full coding potential of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Emerging evidence suggests that mtDNA may encode additional elements beyond classical oxidative phosphorylation genes, pointing to a more complex transcriptional architecture than previously recognized. In this study, we explored the mitochondrial transcriptome of Apis mellifera (Insecta: Hymenoptera), with a particular focus on polyadenylation-associated features. Our analysis revealed that both sense and antisense transcripts undergo polyadenylation, although transcript abundance and poly(A) tail lengths varied markedly across mitochondrial genes. Several transcripts exhibited alternative isoforms, either extended or truncated, frequently including intergenic regions. These regions may represent functional non-coding elements or structural variants rather than conventional untranslated regions (UTRs). Interestingly, some transcripts also contained non-templated nucleotide additions particularly cytosine residues immediately upstream of the poly(A) tails. Monocistronic units that included portions of downstream intergenic regions were among the most abundantly represented, suggesting a possible regulatory role for these sequences. To experimentally validate our in silico findings, we performed RT-qPCR to assess relative gene expression and applied 3' RACE-PCR to define transcript boundaries. These approaches confirmed the presence of multiple transcript isoforms and supported the involvement of polyadenylation in shaping mitochondrial RNA diversity. Together, our findings reveal a previously underappreciated level of complexity in the A. mellifera mitochondrial transcriptome and highlight the potential regulatory significance of polyadenylation dynamics and intergenic region transcription.

Animals

Simulation of CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing for the Vitellogenin gene in Apis mellifera.

CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing provides a powerful framework for interrogating gene function in Apis mellifera. Yet, empirical application remains challenging due to biological constraints, including haplodiploid genetics, narrow embryonic injection window, and the social rearing requirements that complicate functional validation. These constraints necessitate in silico pre-screening to maximize editing success before resource-intensive wet-lab implementation. Within the omnigenic framework, which distinguishes core regulatory genes from peripheral loci buffered by network effects, vitellogenin (Vg) represents an optimal target which is ancestrally dedicated to yolk provisioning; it has been co-opted to orchestrate diverse non-reproductive functions including longevity, stress resistance, immunity, and social behavior. We developed a computational pipeline to design a list of 57 and 56 candidate guide RNAs (gRNA) for targeted Vg knockout, evaluating candidate sites in both functional exons 2 and 3 based on structural accessibility and frameshift efficiency. Comparative analysis revealed complementary strengths in two top-best candidates from initial target pool of predicted gRNAs. The gRNA targeting exon 2 exhibits weaker secondary structure (ΔG = -0.25 kcal/mol versus -2.10 kcal/mol for exon 3), aligning with empirical evidence that sites with ΔG > -1.0 kcal/mol achieve 2-5 × higher Cas9 binding efficiency. This site yielded moderate frameshift frequency (77.8%; 61.9 percentile). Conversely, the predicted editing outcome for the gRNA targeting exon 3, despite stronger structural constraints, demonstrated superior functional disruption metrics demonstrating very high frameshift frequency (88.3%; 95.2 percentile), high in silico editing precision, minimal microhomology-mediated repair bias, and reproducible outcomes wherein nearly all predicted indels disrupt the coding sequence. Protein structure and domain analyses further predict that frameshift edits will generate a truncated protein missing all downstream functional domains. We recommend parallel empirical validation of both exon 2 and exon 3 targets to resolve the trade-off between structural accessibility (favoring higher editing rates) and frameshift efficacy (favoring complete loss-of-function). This dual-target strategy accommodates uncertainty in in vivo performance while maximizing the probability of generating informative phenotypes. Our in silico framework enables rational CRISPR design in non-model organisms by computationally balancing biophysical accessibility with functional impact, accelerating functional genomics in species where empirical optimization faces substantial biological constraints.

Animals

Evaluation of two test-kits--API and Oxi Ferm tube--for identification of oxidative-fermentative Gram-negative rods.

Two test-kits--API and Oxi Ferm tube--have been compared for accuracy in individual tests and for identification on the genus or species level with conventional biochemical tests on 154 oxidative-fermentative gram-negative rods. The two test systems were found to be reliable and permit identification of the clinically most significant oxidative-fermentative strains.

Bacteriological Techniques

Comparative in silico analysis of Apis mellifera immune responses to Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps mercedesae: Common and mite-specific molecular signatures.

Parasitic mites Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps mercedesae represent major threats to global honey bee (Apis mellifera) health and productivity, yet comparative molecular insights into host responses remain limited. To address this, we systematically compiled published studies (2015-2025) reporting genes associated with honey bee interactions with V. destructor (11 studies, 87 genes), T. mercedesae (4 studies, 35 genes), and hygienic behavior (6 studies, 44 genes). Gene identifiers were harmonized to the Amel_HAv3.1 genome assembly, yielding three non-redundant sets: 64 Varroa-associated, 34 Tropilaelaps-associated, and 44 hygienic behavior-associated genes. Venn analysis identified 10 overlapping genes (including A0A088A8D5, A0A088ADL8, ABAE_APIME, Def1, Def2, Gapdh, HYTA_APIME, Imd, LOC726783, and Vg), suggesting conserved defense mechanisms, while 41 and 24 genes were uniquely associated with Varroa and Tropilaelaps, respectively. Enrichment analyses revealed Varroa-responsive genes were enriched in immune processes, chitin catabolism, and signaling pathways (Toll/Imd, MAPK, Wnt). Tropilaelaps-associated genes were enriched for antibacterial defense and stress response, with Toll/Imd signaling as the sole significantly enriched pathway. Overlapping genes reinforced core innate immunity activation. Protein-protein interaction network centrality analysis identified key hub genes: Def1, HYTA_APIME, ABAE_APIME, PPO, Imd, PGRP-LC, Vg for Varroa; and ACPH1_APIME, MRJP1, Vg, LOC726783 for Tropilaelaps. Results demonstrate that, despite differences in mite biology, honey bees show a conserved immune response against both parasites, centered on antibacterial defense, humoral immunity, and activation of the Toll/Imd pathway. Although limited by the in-silico nature and research asymmetries reflecting Tropilaelaps' emergence, this curated resource establishes a comprehensive framework for elucidating shared and distinct molecular defense mechanisms. Ultimately, this approach prioritizes diagnostic markers and candidate genes for functional validation and breeding strategies to enhance colony resilience against mite‑driven disease globally.

Animals

Biochemical typing of urinary Escherichia coli strains by means of the API 20 E enterobacteriaceae system.

With the API 20 E Enterobacteriaceae system of biochemical testing, a biotype, coded numerically, was determined for each of 574 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from patients with urinary tract infection. The serotypes of the strains were also determined. Fifty-five different biotypes were identified, two accounting together for 42% of the strains examined and seven others each accounting for between 8.4 and 1.9%. There was little correlation between biotype and serotype. Fifty pairs of strains were isolated from patients before treatment. In 43 the biotype and serotype of both strains of each pair were the same. In six pairs the biotype, but not the serotypes, differed, the difference being limited to the results of the tests for lysine decarboxylase. The biotypes of the strains of the remaining pair differed widely although their serotypes were the same. It is suggested that this method of biotyping offers a simple but accurate way of discriminating between recrudescent urinary tract infection caused by E. coli and that due to reinfection.

Bacteriuria

Rapid identification of Enterobacteriaceae with the micro-ID system versus API 20E and conventional media.

The Micro-ID system for rapid (4 h) identification of Enterobacteriaceae was evaluated by testing 433 enteric bacilli and 9 other gram-negative bacilli. Each isolate was identified with conventional tubed media and was also tested in the Micro-ID and API 20E systems. The overall accuracy of both systems was 97%. Micro-ID tests for the Voges-Proskauer reaction, indole and H2S production, and ornithine and lysine decarboxylase all demonstrated a 97 to 99% correlation with conventional methods. Only 86% of the Micro-ID urease tests agreed with Christenson urea agar. Two inoculum densities were tested in Micro-ID panels, with 157 stock cultures. Over 90% of the tests were unaffected by changes in inoculum density. Tests with four control strains suggested that the Micro-ID system was more reproducible when a light inoculum was used. The Micro-ID system was found to be a very convenient method for rapid, accurate, and precise identification of the Enterobacteriaceae.

Bacteriological Techniques

Rapid identification of Prototheca species by the API 20C system.

The conventional auxanographic method of testing for the assimilation of carbohydrates and alcohols by the various species of Prototheca requires at least 2 weeks of incubation at 25 to 30 degrees C before definitive results are obtained. Even though Prototheca spp., in culture as well as in fixed tissues, can be identified more rapidly by fluorescent-antibody techniques in which species-specific reagents are used, such diagnostic facilities and reagents are not available in most diagnostic laboratories. The API 20C clinical yeast identification system, a commercially available ready-to-use micromethod, was found to permit the definitive identification of P. stagnora, P. wickerhamii, and P. zopfii within 4 days.

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Standardization of the Analytab Enteric (API 20E) system to increase accuracy and reproducibility of the test for biotype characterization of bacteria.

Procedures employing the Analytab Enteric (API 20E) system were standardized to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of the individual biochemical tests so that the system could be used to biochemically characterize bacteria for epidemiological studies. The standardized method and the method recommended by the manufacturer (routine method) were tested in parallel with 130 clinical isolates. Tests with 100 randomly selected clinical isolates demonstrated that the standardized method was more accurate and reproducible than the routine method. In addition, the standardized method accurately identified 24 of 30 clinical isolates which could not be identified with the routine method.

Bacteriological Techniques

Comparison of Micro-ID and API 20E systems for identification of Enterobacteriaceae.

The Micro-ID 4-h identification system for Enterobacteriaceae was compared to the API 20E overnight method, using 230 fresh clinical isolates and 74 stock cultures. Agreement was 97.8% for the clinical isolates and 93.2% for the stock cultures. Eighty-seven percent of primary culture plates containing gram-negative rods yielded sufficient growth to perform the 4-h Micro-ID identification on the same day the organisms were isolated.

Bacteriological Techniques

Test reproducibility of the API (20E), Enterotube, and Pathotec systems.

Thirty-three strains of bacteria (30 Enterobacteriaceae and one strain each of Aeromonas formicans, A. hydrophila, and Plesiomonas shigelloides) were tested three times in each of 27 conventional tests and in the API, Enterotube, and Pathotec systems. The results obtained were analysed for test reproducibility within each kit, correlation of the kit tests with the equivalent conventional media, and the identification of the strains by the kits. Difficulties in evaluation and comparison of identifications are discussed. A practical evaluation of the kits was also made.

Bacteriological Techniques

Physical, chemical, and enzymatic studies on the major sucrase of honey bees (Apis mellifera).

A sucrase from honey bees (Apis mellifera) which precipitates between ammonium sulfate saturations of 50 and 70% (5 mg protein per millilitre) and which makes up the major portion of the sucrases of honey bees was purified to homogeneity as shown by several criteria. A large part of the sucrase was found in the head while most of the rest was in the abdomen (a small amount was in the thorax). The enzyme precipitated between the same values of ammonium sulfate saturation as did the sucrase in honey and honey sucrase exhibited kinetics very similar to those of this enzyme. The enzyme was found to be a relatively nonspecific alpha-glucosidase and was shown to have transglucosidase activity. The production of glucose from sucrose was rectilinear when plotted by the Hofstee method at low substrate concentrations but decreased at high sucrose concentrations. The production of fructose was rectilinear throughout the concentration range used. The production of both glucose and rho-nitrophenol when rho nitrophenyl alpha-D-glucoside was the substrate was linear by the Hofstee plot. These effects were found to be due to transglucolysis and a mechanism of action is proposed. Amino acid and amino sugar analyses indicated that the sucrase was a glycoprotein. The molecular weight was found to be between 51000 and 82000 by three different methods and an so20.w value of 4.0 S was obtained. There was no evidence for subunit structure. Tests of the enzyme under various denaturation conditions did not reveal any unusual stabilities. The sucrase bound very tightly to a hydrophobic column. Iodoacetic acid decreased the activity of the sucrase but a large concentration was needed to bring about a 50% activity loss. Reducing agents caused some activity declines. Diethyl pyrocarbonate activated the enzyme.

Amino Acids

Detoxified hymenoptera venoms: preliminary studies of in vitro cytotoxicity and antigenicity of Apis mellifera 'venomoid'.

The preparation of detoxified venom (venomoid) of Apis mellifera is described. The venomoid obtained by formaldehyde detoxification retained significant antigenicity. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) inhibition studies indicated a loss of the affinity of the venomoid for the venom-specific human IgE antibody. In rabbits the venomoid was capable of producing precipitating antibodies which cross-reacted with the original venom. Cytotoxic activity of venomoid as measured by nonimmunological histamine release and hemolytic activity with human cells was not detectable in vitro. Further studies seem warranted for the establishment of a venomoid as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent in the management of the hypersensitivity reactions to venom.

Animals

Characterization of staphylococci using the API 20E system.

Fifty-four strains of coagulase-negative staphylococci, five isolates of coagulase-positive staphylococci, and seven species of Micrococcus were tested in the API 20E system. After 48 hours' incubation, results indicated that the various species and subgroups could be separated by their reactions. Staphylococcus saphrophyticus subgroup 3 was ONPG and mannitol positive. S. epidermidis subgroup 1 was positive for arginine dihydrolase (ADH), whereas S. epidermidis subgroup 4 was positive for ADH, mannitol, and arabinose. S. aureus coagulase negative was characterized by positive ONPG, ADH, and mannitol. In contrast, S. aureus coagulase positive was not positive for ONPG but was positive for ADH and mannitol. Most of these staphylococci were able to utilize nitrates, urea, glucose, and sucrose. The micrococci, on the other hand, gave varied reactions, with most species being only weakly reactive.

Bacteriological Techniques