Evaluation of a Novel Rapid Test System for the Detection of Specific IgE to Hymenoptera Venoms

Background. The Allergy Lateral Flow Assay (ALFA) is a novel rapid assay for the detection of sIgE to allergens. The objective of this study is the evaluation of ALFA for the detection of sIgE to bee venom (BV) and wasp venom (WV) in insect venom allergic patients. Methods. Specific IgE to BV and WV was analyzed by ALFA, ALLERG-O-LIQ, and ImmunoCAP in 80 insect venom allergic patients and 60 control sera. Sensitivity and specificity of ALFA and correlation of ALFA and ImmunoCAP results were calculated. Results. The sensitivity/specificity of ALFA to the diagnosis was 100%/83% for BV and 82%/97% for WV. For insect venom allergic patients, the Spearman correlation coefficient for ALFA versus ImmunoCAP was 0.79 for BV and 0.80 for WV. However, significant differences in the negative control groups were observed. Conclusion. ALFA represents a simple, robust, and reliable tool for the rapid detection of sIgE to insect venoms.

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New screening tool for neonatal nutritional risk in China: a validation study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042467 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. e042467

Author(s):

Mei Zhou ◽

Yuwei Li ◽

Huaying Yin ◽

Xianhong Zhang ◽

Yan Hu

Keyword(s):

Validation Study ◽

Head Circumference ◽

Predictive Value ◽

Screening Tool ◽

Nutritional Risk ◽

Risk Level ◽

Spearman Correlation ◽

Nutrition Risk ◽

Sensitivity Specificity ◽

Nutritional Risk Screening

ObjectiveA neonatal nutritional risk screening tool (NNRST) was developed by using Delphi and analytic hierarchy processes in China. We verified the accuracy of this tool and analysed whether it effectively screened neonates with nutritional risk.DesignProspective validation study.Setting and participantsIn total, 338 neonates who were admitted to the neonatal unit of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May–July 2016 completed the study. Nutritional risk screening and length and head circumference measurements were performed weekly. Weight was measured every morning, and other relevant clinical data were recorded during hospitalisation.Main outcome measuresWe evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, validity, reliability, and positive and negative predictive value of the screening tool. Various characteristics of neonates in different risk groups were analysed to determine the rationality of the nutritional risk classification.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 85.11%, 91.07%, 60.61% and 97.43%, respectively. The criterion validity was texted by the Spearman correlation analysis (r=0.530) and independent samples non-parametric tests (p=0.000). The content validity (Spearman correlation coefficient) was 0.321–0.735. The inter-rater reliability (kappa value) was 0.890. Among the neonatal clinical indicators, gestational age, birth weight, length, admission head circumference, admission albumin, admission total proteins, discharge weight, discharge length and head circumference decreased with increasing nutrition risk level; the length of stay and the rate of parenteral nutrition support increased with increasing nutrition risk level. In the comparison of complications during hospitalisation, the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis and congenital gastrointestinal malformation increased with increasing nutrition risk level.ConclusionThe validation results for the NNRST are reliable. The tool can be used to preliminarily determine the degree of neonatal nutritional risk, but its predictive value needs to be determined in future large-sample studies.Trial registration numberChiCTR2000033743.

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Investigation of the rapid immunochromatographic test performance in the diagnosis of syphilis; comparison of four serological methods

LaboratoriumsMedizin ◽

10.1515/labmed-2019-0012 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Huseyin Agah Terzi ◽

Ozlem Aydemir ◽

Engin Karakece ◽

Huseyin Hatipoglu ◽

Mehmet Olmez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Test Performance ◽

Gold Standard ◽

Treponema Pallidum ◽

Rapid Test ◽

Immunochromatographic Test ◽

Rapid Plasma Reagin ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Hemagglutination Assay ◽

Predictive Values ◽

Sensitivity Specificity

AbstractObjectivesTo test the performance of the newly available rapid test for syphilis, we compared it with Treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay (TPHA). Additionally, we investigated the performance of rapid plasma reagin (RPR) and chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassays (CMIA) at our laboratory using TPHA as a gold standard.MethodsThe serum samples of 595 patients with the pre-diagnosis of syphilis were studied by four serological methods. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of RPR, CMIA, and syphilis rapid test were assessed by utilizing TPHA as a gold standard for the diagnosis of syphilis.ResultsOf the patients, 6.2% (37/595) had positive RPR, 5.5% (33/595) had positive CMIA, 5.5% (33/595) had a positive rapid immunochromatographic method and 5% (30/595) had positive TPHA. When TPHA results were taken as the reference, the sensitivity of the rapid test for syphilis was 100%, the specificity was 99.5%, PPV was 90.9%, and NPV was 100.0%.ConclusionsIt was observed that the rapid test for syphilis used in the study was quite successful, its cost was appropriate, and the test was very fast and easy to apply. At the same time, the agreement between syphilis rapid test and TPHA was found to be excellent.

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Assessment of the Mutagenic Activity of Extracts of Brazilian Propolis in Topical Pharmaceutical Formulations on Mammalian CellsIn VitroandIn Vivo

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1093/ecam/nen049 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 2011 ◽

pp. 1-7 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Juliana Marques Senedese ◽

Aline Rafaela Rodrigues ◽

Michelle Andrade Furtado ◽

Viviane Dias Faustino ◽

Andresa A. Berretta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chromosomal Aberrations ◽

Mutagenic Activity ◽

Biological Activities ◽

Antioxidant Properties ◽

Test System ◽

Negative Control ◽

Continuous Treatment ◽

Mutagenic Potential ◽

Topical Formulations

Propolis possesses various biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic and antioxidant properties. A topically applied product based on Brazilian green propolis was developed for the treatment of burns. For such substance to be used more safely in future clinical applications, the present study evaluated the mutagenic potential of topical formulations supplemented with green propolis extract (1.2, 2.4 and 3.6%) based on the analysis of chromosomal aberrations and of micronuclei. In thein vitrostudies, 3-h pulse (G1phase of the cell cycle) and continuous (20 h) treatments were performed. In thein vivoassessment, the animals were injured on the back and then submitted to acute (24 h), subacute (7 days) and subchronic (30 days) treatments consisting of daily dermal applications of gels containing different concentrations of propolis. Similar frequencies of chromosomal aberrations were observed for cultures submitted to 3-h pulse and continuous treatment with gels containing different propolis concentrations and cultures not submitted to any treatment. However, in the continuous treatment cultures treated with the 3.6% propolis gel presented significantly lower mitotic indices than the negative control. No statistically significant differences in the frequencies of micronuclei were observed between animals treated with gels containing different concentrations of propolis and the negative control for the three treatment times. Under the present conditions, topical formulations containing different concentrations of green propolis used for the treatment of burns showed no mutagenic effect in either test system, but 3.6% propolis gel was found to be cytotoxic in thein vitrotest.

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Silencing long non-coding RNA ROR improves sensitivity of non-small-cell lung cancer to cisplatin resistance by inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway

Tumor Biology ◽

10.1177/1010428317697568 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 39 (5) ◽

pp. 101042831769756 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Hui Shi ◽

Jin Pu ◽

Xiao-Li Zhou ◽

Yun-Ye Ning ◽

Chong Bai

Keyword(s):

Cell Proliferation ◽

Signaling Pathway ◽

Negative Control ◽

Mtor Signaling ◽

Mtor Signaling Pathway ◽

Control Groups ◽

Over Expression ◽

Non Coding Rna ◽

Protein Expressions ◽

Long Non Coding Rna

This study aimed to investigate the effects of long non-coding RNA ROR (regulator of reprogramming) on cisplatin (DDP) resistance in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer by regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. Human cisplatin-resistant A549/DDP cell lines were selected and divided into control group, negative control group, si-ROR group, ROR over-expression group, Wortmannin group, and ROR over-expression + Wortmannin group. MTT assay was used to determine the optimum inhibitory concentration of DDP. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were applied to detect expressions of long non-coding RNA ROR, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR. Colony-forming assay, scratch test, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were conducted to detect cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, respectively. Tumor-formation assay was performed to detect the growth of transplanted tumors. Long non-coding RNA ROR expression was high in human A549/DDP cell lines. Compared with the control and negative control groups, the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and bcl-2 decreased, whereas the mRNA and protein expression of bax and the sensitivity of cells to DDP significantly increased. Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities decreased in the si-ROR and Wortmannin groups. In comparison with control and negative control groups, the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and bcl-2 increased, whereas the mRNA and protein expressions of bax decreased, the sensitivity of cells to DDP significantly increased, and cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities decreased in the ROR over-expression group. For nude mice in tumor-formation assay, compared with control and negative control groups, the tumor weight was found to be lighter (1.03 ± 0.15) g, the protein expressions of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and bcl-2 decreased, and the protein expression of bax increased in the si-ROR group. Long non-coding RNA ROR may affect the sensitivity of lung adenocarcinoma cells to DDP by targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

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Genotoxic and Chemopreventive Effects of Vochysia divergens Leaves (Pantanal, Brazil)

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2018/6596142 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 2018 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Pollyanna Francielli de Oliveira ◽

Suzana Amorim Mendes ◽

Nathália Oliveira Acésio ◽

Luis Claudio Kellner Filho ◽

Leticia Pereira Pimenta ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Protective Effect ◽

Skin Diseases ◽

Chemical Constituents ◽

Test System ◽

Negative Control ◽

Control Group ◽

Xtt Assay ◽

Vochysia Divergens

The medicinal plant Vochysia divergens is a colonizing tree species of the Pantanal, a unique and little explored wetland region in Brazil. This species is used in folk medicine as syrups and teas to treat respiratory infections, digestive disorders, asthma, scarring, and skin diseases. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the antioxidant, cytotoxic, and genotoxic potential of the ethanolic extract of Vochysia divergens leaves (VdE), as well as the influence of VdE and its major component (the flavone 3′,5-dimethoxy luteolin-7-O-β-glucopyranoside; 3′5 DL) on MMS-induced genotoxicity. The extract significantly reduced the viability of V79 cells in the colorimetric XTT assay at concentrations ≥ 39 μg/mL. A significant increase in micronucleus frequencies was observed in V79 cell cultures treated with VdE concentrations of 160 and 320 μg/mL. However, animals treated with the tested doses of VdE (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg b.w.) exhibited frequencies that did not differ significantly from those of the negative control group, indicating the absence of genotoxicity. The results also showed that VdE was effective in reducing MMS-induced genotoxicity at concentrations of 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL in the in vitro test system and at a dose of 15 mg/kg b.w. in the in vivo test system. Its major component 3′5 DL exerted no protective effect, suggesting that it is not responsible for the effect of the extract. The results of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed that VdE was able to scavenge 92.6% of free radicals. In conclusion, the results suggest that the protective effect of VdE may be related, at least in part, to the antioxidant activity of its chemical constituents.

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Pengaruh Pemberian Ekstrak Teripang Pasir terhadap Hambatan Pertumbuhan Shigella Dysentriae Secara In Vitro

Hang Tuah Medical journal ◽

10.30649/htmj.v18i1.239 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

pp. 47

Author(s):

FERIZAL NEGERI SAMUDRA ◽

RETNO BUDIARTI ◽

IRMAWATI IRMAWATI

Keyword(s):

Sea Cucumber ◽

Antibacterial Effect ◽

Positive Control ◽

Negative Control ◽

Shigella Dysenteriae ◽

Control Group ◽

Control Groups ◽

Shigella Spp ◽

Diarrhea Disease

ABSTRACTBackground; In Indonesia, most diarrhea disease in 1995 to 2001 are caused by Shigella spp. Shigella spp infection can cause various symptom dan complication. Generally, the treatment by using antibiotic can cause antibiotic resistance. Sea cucumber (Holoturia scabra) is an herb that known, available, and easy to consume by society and has an antibacterial effect. Therefore, further research to study the effect of Holoturia Scabra on Shigella Dysentriae growth in vitro is needed.Objectives: The goal of this research is demonstrate the effect of sea cucumber (Holoturia scabra) to the growth of the Shigella dysentriae bacteria in vitro.Method: The method in this research is Posttest Only Control Group. There are 6 groups, 4 types of and 2 control groups. The concentration of the treatment group is 100%,50%, 25%, and, 12.5% while for positive control tests using chloramphenicol and aquadest as a negative control.Result: The result showed there is an influence on the intake of sand cucumber to the growth of the Shigella dysenteriae.Conclusion: Sea cucumber (Holoturia scabra) inhibit the growth of Shigella dysenteriae.Key words: Shigella dysenteriae, sea cucumber (Holoturia scabra), antibacterial

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Diagnosis performance of ultrasonography, dual-phase 99mTc-MIBI scintigraphy, early SPECT/CT and delayed SPECT/CT in preoperative localization of parathyroid gland in secondary hyperparathyroidism

10.21203/rs.2.22081/v2 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Rongqin Zhang(Former Corresponding Author) ◽

Zhanwen Zhang ◽

Pinbo Huang ◽

Zhi Li ◽

Rui Hu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Secondary Hyperparathyroidism ◽

Parathyroid Gland ◽

Serum Alkaline Phosphatase ◽

Dual Phase ◽

Spearman Correlation ◽

Accuracy Rate ◽

Serum Pth ◽

Sensitivity Specificity ◽

Mibi Scintigraphy ◽

Higher Sensitivity

Abstract Background: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) usually need parathyroidectomy when drug regimens fail. However, obtaining an exact preoperative map of the locations of the parathyroid glands is a challenge. The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of ultrasonography, dual-phase 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy, early SPECT/CT and delayed SPECT/CT in patients with SHPT. Methods: Sixty patients with SHPT who were undergoing dialysis were evaluated preoperatively with ultrasonography, dual-phase 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy, early SPECT/CT and delayed SPECT/CT. Postoperative pathology served as the gold standard. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate were determined for each method. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of the hyperplastic parathyroid calcification with serum alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Results: 229 lesions in 60 patients were pathological confirmed to be parathyroid hyperplasia with 209 lesions in typical sites, 15 lesions in upper mediastinum and 5 lesions in the thyroid. 88.33% (53/60) patients had four lesions. US, early and delayed SPECT/CT had significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy rate (P < 0.001) than did dual-phase 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy. Furthermore, early SPECT/CT had significantly higher sensitivity (χ2 = 17.521, P < 0.001, χ2 = 35.027, P < 0.001) and accuracy rate (χ2 = 11.076, P = 0.001, χ2 = 16.289, P < 0.001) than did US and delayed SPECT/CT. In ectopic hyperplastic parathyroid, the sensitivity of early SPECT/CT (90%) was significantly higher than US (55%) and dual-phase planar (50%) (P = 0.039 and P = 0.039). Spearman correlation results showed a significant linear association between the calcification and serum PTH (r = 0.398, P = 0.002) and AKP (r = 0.415, P = 0.002). Conclusion: The ability of early SPECT/CT to detect hyperplastic parathyroid in patients with SHPT is superior to US, 99m Tc-MIBI scintigraphy and delayed SPECT/CT, and dual-phase SPECT/CT is not essential. Calcification of parathyroid gland is related to the levels of PTH and AKP and may help provide an evidence for the identification of SHPT.

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Pilot Assessment of a Rapid Test for the Detection of COVID-19 Disease by Using Latex Agglutination

Austin Journal of Clinical Case Reports ◽

10.26420/austinjclincaserep.2021.1224 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

Author(s):

Cariaga-Martínez A ◽

◽

Gutiérrez KJ ◽

Alelú-Paz R ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rapid Detection ◽

Scientific Community ◽

Rapid Test ◽

Antibody Test ◽

Latex Agglutination ◽

Complementary Method ◽

Viral Particles ◽

Rapid Spread ◽

Large Populations ◽

Containment Measures

The rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which was declared a pandemic by the WHO in March 2020, has forced the scientific community to develop rapid detection tests in order to detect positive cases and implement the containment measures established in each country. In this regard, the techniques used (RTPCR, antibody test, etc.) have a number of drawbacks: require specialized personnel, in addition to, in some cases, obtaining results after 24 hours. Agglutination tests, widely used in the detection of viral particles, represent a simple, inexpensive and scalable method that would allow screening studies to be carried out in large populations. In this paper, we present a SARS-CoV-2 detection test based on this methodology, which could be considered as a complementary method to the techniques used for the detection of SARSCoV-2.

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Mitochondrial Dysfunction in EAE Mice Brains and Impact of HIF1-α Induction to Compensate Energy Loss

Archives of Neuroscience ◽

10.5812/ans.104209 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (4) ◽

Author(s):

Mahboobeh Mosavimehr ◽

Seyed Alireza Mesbah-Namin

Keyword(s):

Energy Loss ◽

Mitochondrial Dysfunction ◽

Demyelinating Disease ◽

Specific Activity ◽

Hypoxia Inducible Factor ◽

Neuronal Loss ◽

Negative Control ◽

Potential Candidate ◽

Mice Model ◽

Control Groups

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction may be involved in the process of degradation and death of gray matter cells of the central nervous system (CNS) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is known as a chronic, progressive demyelinating disease of the CNS. Objectives: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS is the best method for extracting data trend for diagnosing this disorder. The aim of this study was to evaluate the specific activity of the Cytochrome oxidase (COX), ATP, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) in brain tissues of the EAE mice model. Methods: Twenty-one female mice (C57BL/6) were used, 9 for inducing the EAE model and 6 for each of both negative and sham control groups. The specific activity of the COX, ATP, and HIF-1α levels were evaluated in the whole brain of all 3 mice groups. Results: According to the findings, specific COX activity and ATP levels were decreased significantly, which could be due to the mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal loss in MS lesions, whereas HIF-1α levels increased significantly in the EAE mice group, compared to the sham and negative control groups. The significant increase of HIF-1α levels reinforces the hypothesis that the HIF-1α induction may provide prevention of neuronal death by compensating energy loss under hypoxia-like conditions in EAE mice brains. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that HIF-1α induction may also be a potential target for controlling the progression of MS, or the development of HIF-1α inducing compounds could be a potential candidate for the management of this disease and provide a rationale to conduct further research in this area.

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Considerations for performance metrics of metagenomic next generation sequencing analyses

10.1101/2020.12.17.423212 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Jason G. Kralj ◽

Stephanie L. Servetas ◽

Samuel P. Forry ◽

Scott A. Jackson

Keyword(s):

Performance Metrics ◽

Limit Of Detection ◽

Clinical Performance ◽

Ground Truth ◽

Negative Control ◽

Fitness For Purpose ◽

Performance Metric ◽

The One ◽

Sensitivity Specificity ◽

Harmonic Means

AbstractEvaluating the performance of metagenomics analyses has proven a challenge, due in part to limited ground-truth standards, broad application space, and numerous evaluation methods and metrics. Application of traditional clinical performance metrics (i.e. sensitivity, specificity, etc.) using taxonomic classifiers do not fit the “one-bug-one-test” paradigm. Ultimately, users need methods that evaluate fitness-for-purpose and identify their analyses’ strengths and weaknesses. Within a defined cohort, reporting performance metrics by taxon, rather than by sample, will clarify this evaluation. An estimated limit of detection, positive and negative control samples, and true positive and negative true results are necessary criteria for all investigated taxa. Use of summary metrics should be restricted to comparing results of similar cohorts and data, and should employ harmonic means and continuous products for each performance metric rather than arithmetic mean. Such consideration will ensure meaningful comparisons and evaluation of fitness-for-purpose.

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