Density of nerve fibres in eutopic endometrium in women with endometriosis

Open Medicine ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruta Liutkeviciene ◽  
Zana Bumbuliene ◽  
Jolita Zakareviciene
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Endometrial Biopsy ◽  
Nerve Fibres ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
Eutopic Endometrium ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractEndometriosis is the disease which usually takes a wide range of time to be diagnosed. Recently, the investigators found that endometriosis could be diagnosed using the density of nerve fibers in eutopic endometrium after taking endometrium bioptate. The aim of the article is to summarize the existing literature on density of nerve fibers in eutopic endometrium in women with and without endometriosis. In this review were involved only those studies which used the same exclusion criteria and the same technology to detect nerve fibers in eutopic endometrium. Our review confirmed the position of all studies’ results that detection of specific nerve fibers within eutopic endometrium using minimally invasive endometrial biopsy technique could be widely used in clinical practice to diagnose endometriosis with high specificity and sensitivity.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody and neutralization assays reveal the wide range of the humoral immune response to virus

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikail Dogan ◽  
Lina Kozhaya ◽  
Lindsey Placek ◽  
Courtney Gunter ◽  
Mesut Yigit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specific Antibody ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Negative Controls

AbstractDevelopment of antibody protection during SARS-CoV-2 infection is a pressing question for public health and for vaccine development. We developed highly sensitive SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody and neutralization assays. SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein or Nucleocapsid protein specific IgG antibodies at titers more than 1:100,000 were detectable in all PCR+ subjects (n = 115) and were absent in the negative controls. Other isotype antibodies (IgA, IgG1-4) were also detected. SARS-CoV-2 neutralization was determined in COVID-19 and convalescent plasma at up to 10,000-fold dilution, using Spike protein pseudotyped lentiviruses, which were also blocked by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Hospitalized patients had up to 3000-fold higher antibody and neutralization titers compared to outpatients or convalescent plasma donors. Interestingly, some COVID-19 patients also possessed NAbs against SARS-CoV Spike protein pseudovirus. Together these results demonstrate the high specificity and sensitivity of our assays, which may impact understanding the quality or duration of the antibody response during COVID-19 and in determining the effectiveness of potential vaccines.

scholarly journals 437 A score based on echocardiographic parameters highly predicts atrial fibrillation

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Hagemus ◽  
J T Sieweke ◽  
S Biber ◽  
S Schallhorn ◽  
J Neuser ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Atrial Fibrillation ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Left Atrial ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Volume Index ◽  
Risk Scores ◽  
Exclusion Criteria ◽  
The Past ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Echocardiographic Parameters

Abstract Background Several scores indicating patients at high risk for atrial fibrillation (AF) have been developed. Early detection of AF supported by AF risk score is important to prevent embolic events such as ischemic stroke in these patients. However, specifity and sensitivity of AF risk scores available have to be improved. Echocardiographic parameters may significantly improve the diagnostic value of AF risk scores. Purpose To investigate whether a new AF risk score (LaHAsPa) including echocardiographic parameter of LA function and remodeling identifies patients with AF and is not inferior to other published AF risk scores (CHADS2-, ATLAS-, ARIC, simple CHARGE-AF-Score). Methods This monocentric, prospective, semi-blinded, controlled study screened 319 patients between 10/2017 and 04/2018 for eligibility. 290 patients were included after applying in- and exclusion criteria (Exclusion criteria: cardiac surgery in the past, highly graded valvular heart disease, pulmonary vein isolation or ablation of any other form of atrial arrhythmias in the past, myocardial ischemia in the recent past, class Ia antiarrhythmic therapy and AF during echocardiography). Standard parameters of heart function were determined by routine transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) as well as parameters indicating left atrial remodeling (Septal/lateral total atrial conduction time (s/l PA-TDI), left atrial volume index (LAVI)/a`). Two different investigators, blinded to each other and to AF status, determined the LaHAsPA-, CHADS2-, ATLAS-, ARIC, simple CHARGE-AF Score. Results Out of 290 patients (age 59.5 [45-71] yrs, female 121 (41.7%)) 66 patients had AF in the medical history. sPA-TDI and LAVI/a` are significantly altered in patients with AF compared to patients without of AF (sPA-TDI: 145 [117-158] vs. 111 [98-124], p < 0.001; LAVI/a`: 4.5 [3.7-6.9] vs. 3.1 [2.4-4.1]). Multivariate Cox regression proportionality analysis highlighted sPA-TDI, and LAVI/a` as markers for prediction of AF (sPA-TDI: HR 1.11, 95%CI 1.00-1.23, p < 0.04; LAVI/a`: HR 1.911, 95%CI 1.2-3.04). The LaHAsPA-Score, including hypertension, age, sPA-TDI and LAVI/a’, identified patients with AF with high specificity and sensitivity (area under the curve 0.993, 95%CI 0.99-1.0). Subsequently cut-off values determined for CHADS2-, ATLAS-, ARIC and simple CHARGE-AF Score, McNemar test for dichotomous distribution on dependent collectives highlighted the powerful predictive value of the LaHAsPA-risk Score. Conclusion(s) We demonstrate, that septal PA-TDI and LAVI/a` are highly predictive for AF presence. Our new AF score LaHAsPA consisting of variables easily to be determined in daily routine stratifies AF risk with high specificity and sensitivity. It might facilitate risk-dependent decision-making and potentially identifies patients with AF more precisely compared to commonly used AF scores. Additional prospective studies at greater scale are warranted to test this intriguing hypothesis.

scholarly journals DNA Sequence Signatures for Rapid Detection of Six Target Bacterial Pathogens Using PCR Assays

2015 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. MBI.S29736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenjiro Nagamine ◽  
Guo-Chiuan Hung ◽  
Bingjie Li ◽  
Shyh-Ching Lo
Keyword(s):  
Safety Concern ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Clostridium Tetani ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Pcr Assays ◽  
Primer Sets ◽  
Species Specific

Using Streptococcus pyogenes as a model, we previously established a stepwise computational workflow to effectively identify species-specific DNA signatures that could be used as PCR primer sets to detect target bacteria with high specificity and sensitivity. In this study, we extended the workflow for the rapid development of PCR assays targeting Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium difficile, Clostridium tetani, and Staphylococcus aureus, which are of safety concern for human tissue intended for transplantation. Twenty-one primer sets that had sensitivity of detecting 5–50 fg DNA from target bacteria with high specificity were selected. These selected primer sets can be used in a PCR array for detecting target bacteria with high sensitivity and specificity. The workflow could be widely applicable for the rapid development of PCR-based assays for a wide range of target bacteria, including those of biothreat agents.

scholarly journals Highly specific SNP detection using 2D graphene electronics and DNA strand displacement

2016 ◽  
Vol 113 (26) ◽  
pp. 7088-7093 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael T. Hwang ◽  
Preston B. Landon ◽  
Joon Lee ◽  
Duyoung Choi ◽  
Alexander H. Mo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Personalized Medicine ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
Strand Displacement ◽  
Snp Detection ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Dna Strand Displacement ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Dna Strand

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a gene sequence are markers for a variety of human diseases. Detection of SNPs with high specificity and sensitivity is essential for effective practical implementation of personalized medicine. Current DNA sequencing, including SNP detection, primarily uses enzyme-based methods or fluorophore-labeled assays that are time-consuming, need laboratory-scale settings, and are expensive. Previously reported electrical charge-based SNP detectors have insufficient specificity and accuracy, limiting their effectiveness. Here, we demonstrate the use of a DNA strand displacement-based probe on a graphene field effect transistor (FET) for high-specificity, single-nucleotide mismatch detection. The single mismatch was detected by measuring strand displacement-induced resistance (and hence current) change and Dirac point shift in a graphene FET. SNP detection in large double-helix DNA strands (e.g., 47 nt) minimize false-positive results. Our electrical sensor-based SNP detection technology, without labeling and without apparent cross-hybridization artifacts, would allow fast, sensitive, and portable SNP detection with single-nucleotide resolution. The technology will have a wide range of applications in digital and implantable biosensors and high-throughput DNA genotyping, with transformative implications for personalized medicine.

scholarly journals Novel SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody and neutralization assays reveal wide range of humoral immune response during COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikail Dogan ◽  
Lina Kozhaya ◽  
Lindsey Placek ◽  
Courtney L. Gunter ◽  
Mesut Yigit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specific Antibody ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Negative Controls

AbstractDevelopment of antibody protection during SARS-CoV-2 infection is a pressing question for public health and for vaccine development. We developed highly sensitive SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody and neutralization assays. SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein or Nucleocapsid protein specific IgG antibodies at titers more than 1:100,000 were detectable in all PCR+ subjects (n=115) and were absent in the negative controls. Other isotype antibodies (IgA, IgG1-4) were also detected. SARS-CoV-2 neutralization was determined in COVID-19 and convalescent plasma at up to 10,000-fold dilution, using Spike protein pseudotyped lentiviruses, which were also blocked by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Hospitalized patients had up to 3000-fold higher antibody and neutralization titers compared to outpatients or convalescent plasma donors. Interestingly, some COVID-19 patients also possessed NAbs against SARS-CoV Spike protein pseudovirus. Together these results demonstrate the high specificity and sensitivity of our assays, which may impact understanding the quality or duration of the antibody response during COVID-19 and in determining the effectiveness of potential vaccines.

scholarly journals The Global Usability Score Short-Form for the simplified assessment of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) usability

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Povero ◽  
Paola Turco ◽  
Luca Bonadiman ◽  
Roberto W. Dal Negro
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Objective Assessment ◽  
Indirect Comparison ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Dry Powder Inhaler ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Lasso Regression ◽  
Dry Powder ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity

Background: The choice of the Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) to prescribe is a critical issue. The estimation of DPIs usability depends on the objective assessment of several indices related to both subjective and objective determinants. The Global Usability Score (GUS) Questionnaire is a comprehensive tool usable for checking, comparing, and ranking inhalers’ usability objectively in real life, but it takes some time to fill.Aim: The aim of this study was to favour the quicker check of DPIs usability in clinical practice by means of a simplified short-form GUS (S-GUS) Questionnaire, while maintaining the high specificity and sensitivity of the original, extended version of the Questionnaire (O-GUS questionnaire).Methods: The usability of the six most prescribed DPIs was assessed in 222 patients with persistent airway obstruction and needing long-term inhalation treatments. LASSO regression and multicollinearity test were used to select the subset of questions of the O-GUS questionnaire, with the highest information power. Each item was then scored using the corresponding coefficient in the linear regression (normalized at 50 as the O-GUS score). Agreement between the original and the short-form questionnaire was evaluated using the Cohen’s kappa statistic (κ). The overall S-GUS values obtained for each DPI were then compared to those from the O-GUS, in the same patients, using a Bayesian indirect comparison (IC) model.Results: After the statistical selection of the items mostly contributing to the overall score, the novel S-GUS questionnaire consists of twelve items only. Nine items are related to patients’ opinion before DPIs handling, and three to the nurse’s assessment after DPIs practicality. O-GUS and S-GUS score were strongly correlated (R2=0.9843, p<0.0001) and the usability score calculated for each DPI by means of the O- and of S- GUS overlapped almost completely (κ=84.5%, 95% CI 81.3% to 89.2%). Furthermore, S-GUS was much faster to complete than O-GUS (mean time 6.1 vs 23.4 minutes, p<0.001). Estimates of S-GUS, obtained from the IC model, allowed to propose a simple classification of usability: “good” by GUS values >25; “pretty good” by values ≤25≥15, and “insufficient” by values <15.Conclusions: The S-GUS proves as much specific and suitable as the extended O-GUS questionnaire in measuring DPIs usability, while maintaining the same high sensitivity. As the time required for its use is quite shorter, S-GUS is also particularly suitable and helpful in current clinical practice.

scholarly journals Application of Fisetin to the Quantitation of Serum Albumin

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 459 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jung-Min Park ◽  
Van Quan Do ◽  
Yoon-Seok Seo ◽  
Men Thi Hoai Duong ◽  
Hee-Chul Ahn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Serum Albumin ◽  
Serum Proteins ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Decay Rates ◽  
High Signal ◽  
Fluorescence Signal ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Human Sera

Fisetin (3,3′,4′,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a widely distributed natural flavonol. It interacts with albumin, and thereby generates a fluorescence signal quantitatively. Based on such optical characteristics, we postulated that fisetin was applicable to the quantitation of albumin as an indicator. To establish the fisetin-based albumin assay, we examined the optical properties of fisetin and fisetin–albumin complex. The assay conditions were fine-tuned to fit for the actual concentration of serum albumin and to generate an optimal signal with a high signal-to-background ratio. The reaction between fisetin and albumin was linear in a wide range of concentrations. Non-protein serum components did not interfere with the reaction. The reactivity of fisetin was apparently specific for albumin among serum proteins. Both plasma and serum were compatible with the assay. The samples could be stored in a refrigerator or a freezer without the loss of reactivity toward fisetin. The generation and decay rates of the signal were acceptable for manual handling. The recovery of fortified albumin in serum was confirmed and the assay was validated with human sera. Fisetin-based albumin assay is suitable for clinical laboratory testing, considering the simple and short procedure, high specificity and sensitivity, linearity over a wide range of albumin concentrations, and, presumably, potential automatability.

Endometrial biopsy and density of nerve fibers in eutopic endometrium. Looking for easier ways to diagnose endometriosis

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (12) ◽  
pp. 1107-1110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rūta Liutkevičienė ◽  
Gediminas Mečėjus ◽  
Diana Žilovič ◽  
Žana Bumbulienė
Keyword(s):  
Nerve Fibers ◽  
Endometrial Biopsy ◽  
Eutopic Endometrium

Prospective Application of Aptamer-based Assays and Therapeutics in Bloodstream Infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (10) ◽  
pp. 831-840
Author(s):  
Weibin Li
Keyword(s):  
Pathogenic Bacteria ◽  
Genetic Diagnosis ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Peptide Sequence ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Prospective Application ◽  
Small Molecule Therapeutics

Sepsis is still a severe health problem worldwide with high morbidity and mortality. Blood bacterial culture remains the gold standard for the detection of pathogenic bacteria in bloodstream infections, but it is time-consuming, and both the sophisticated equipment and well-trained personnel are required. Immunoassays and genetic diagnosis are expensive and limited to specificity and sensitivity. Aptamers are single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (ssDNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA) oligonucleotide or peptide sequence generated in vitro based on the binding affinity of aptamer-target by a process known as Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX). By taking several advantages over monoclonal antibodies and other conventional small-molecule therapeutics, such as high specificity and affinity, negligible batch-to-batch variation, flexible modification and production, thermal stability, low immunogenicity and lack of toxicity, aptamers are presently becoming promising novel diagnostic and therapeutic agents. This review describes the prospective application of aptamerbased laboratory diagnostic assays and therapeutics for pathogenic bacteria and toxins in bloodstream infections.

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