Clostridium difficile is a gram-positive, anaerobic, spore-forming bacillus that produces a strong toxin. C difficile is a common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis.
Microbiology
A recto-sigmoidoscopy revealed pseudomembranes in a patient with severe diarrhea following prolonged treatment with ampicillin. Which of the following organisms is MOST likely to be isolated?

Refrigerated temperatures, those close to 4 ºC, are recommended for the preservation of enzyme activity in a patient sample.
Chemistry
The recommended storage temperature for the preservation of activity for MOST enzymes is:

Gluconeogenesis is the formation of glucose from noncarbohydrates when carbohydrate intake is absent, a fasting state. The hormone cortisol along with glucagon and epinephrine all stimulate this metabolic pathway.
Insulin; however, inhibits this pathway and is therefore the correct answer.
Which of the following hormones inhibits gluconeogenesis, the formation of glucose from noncarbohydrate sources such as amino acids, glycerol, and fatty acids?

Nucleated RBCs may be seen in the peripheral blood in cases of beta thalassemia major. Nucleated RBCs are usually not found in peripheral blood in cases of beta thalassemia minor and beta thalassemia intermedia, and would not be a finding in beta thalassemia minima.
Nucleated RBCs are most likely to be seen in the peripheral blood of which of these beta thalassemias?

S. aureus does not have capsular material as a defense mechanism. H. influenzae, K. pneumoniae, N.
meningitidis, and S. pneumoniae each have capsular material use as a defense mechanism. This capsular material is an antiphagocytic substance which helps deter bacterial death by macrophages and other white blood cells.
Microbiology
Which one of the following does NOT have capsular material as a defense mechanism?