Epidemiological Characterization of Respiratory Pathogens Using the Multiplex PCR FilmArray™ Respiratory Panel

Various pathogens can cause upper respiratory tract infections, presenting challenges in accurate diagnosis due to similar symptomatology. Therefore, rapid and precise diagnostic tests are crucial for effective treatment planning. Traditional culture-based methods for diagnosis are limited by their reliance on skilled personnel and lengthy processing times. In contrast, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques offer enhanced accuracy and speed in identifying respiratory pathogens. In this study, we aimed to assess the efficacy of the FilmArray™ Respiratory Panel (RP), a multiplex PCR test capable of simultaneously screening 20 pathogens. This retrospective analysis was conducted at Dankook University Hospital, South Korea, between January 2018 and December 2022. Samples from patients with upper respiratory tract infections were analyzed. Results revealed adenovirus as the most prevalent pathogen (18.9%), followed by influenza virus A (16.5%), among others. Notably, a 22.5% co-infection rate was observed. The FilmArray™ RP method successfully identified 20 pathogens within 2 h, facilitating prompt treatment decisions and mitigating unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions. This study underscores the utility of multiplex PCR in respiratory pathogen identification, offering valuable insights for epidemiological surveillance and diagnosis.

Comparison of Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 Assay Compared with Standard M nCoV Real-Time PCR: Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), can be diagnosed using rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), real-time reverse transcription PCR (rRT-PCR), or rapid antigen testing. Among these, rRT-PCR is considered the gold standard assay. The Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay is a rapid, real-time PCR test; approved by the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency in 2020. Current performance of the Xpert assay (Xpert) with the STANDARD M nCoV Real-Time Detection kit (SD) were determined.

METHODS

All samples used by the SD test team were immediately transferred to the Xpert test team within 24 hours. Both tests were conducted between April 2023 and July 2023. Exclusion criteria were studies which show either inconclusive, invalid, or erroneous results. Positive rate, sensitivity, specificity, overall concordance rate, positive concordance rate, discordance rate, false-positive rate, and false-negative rates of the Xpert assay with the STANDARD M nCoV Real-Time Detection kit were determined.

RESULTS

Samples from 347 patients (174 men and 173 women) with a median age of 60 years (range; 6 - 90 years) were included. Positive rate, sensitivity, specificity, overall concordance rate, positive concordance rate, discordance rate, false-positive rate, and false-negative rates of the Xpert assay were 11.2%, 82.1%, 95.0%, 93.9%, 6.6%, 6.1%, 41.0%, and 1.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 results from Xpert should be confirmed through rRT-PCR because of low sensitivity (82.1%) and high false-positive rate (41.0%).

The Usefulness of the Ratio of Antigen-Autoantibody Immune Complexes to Their Free Antigens in the Diagnosis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Autoantibodies against specific lung cancer-associated antigens have been suggested for the performance of lung cancer diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the antigen-autoantibody immune complex (AIC) against its free antigens for CYFRA21-1, ProGRP, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In total, 85 patients with NSCLC and 120 healthy controls (HCs) were examined using a 9-guanine DNA chip method. The ratios of AICs to their antigens and the combinations of ratios consisting of two to four markers were calculated. The levels of AICs for CYFRA21-1, ProGRP, NGAL, and NSE were higher than those for their free antigens in all participants. The levels of each free antigens distinguished patients with NSCLC from the HCs. The ratios of the AIC to its antigen and seven combinations of two to four ratios were significantly higher in patients with NSCLC than in the HCs. Excellent diagnostic performance was observed for all combination ratios (C4-1), with 85.9% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity at a 3.51 cut-off. Higher sensitivity was observed in the early stages (0-I) and adenocarcinoma than in stages II-IV and other pathological types. Combining all ratios of AICs and their antigens for all four markers was useful when diagnosing NSCLC.

Elucidating Ion Transport Phenomena in Sulfide/Polymer Composite Electrolytes for Practical Solid-State Batteries

Despite the enormous interest in inorganic/polymer composite solid-state electrolytes (CSEs) for solid-state batteries (SSBs), the underlying ion transport phenomena in CSEs have not yet been elucidated. Here, we address this issue by formulating a mechanistic understanding of bi-percolating ion channels formation and ion conduction across inorganic-polymer electrolyte interfaces in CSEs. A model CSE is composed of argyrodite-type Li6PS5Cl (LPSCl) and gel polymer electrolyte (GPE, including Li+-glyme complex as an ion-conducting medium). The percolation threshold of the LPSCl phase in the CSE strongly depends on the elasticity of the GPE phase. Additionally, manipulating the solvation/desolvation behavior of the Li+-glyme complex in the GPE facilitates ion conduction across the LPSCl-GPE interface. The resulting scalable CSE (area = 8 × 6 (cm × cm), thickness ~ 40 μm) can be assembled with a high-mass-loading LiNi0.7Co0.15Mn0.15O2 cathode (areal-mass-loading = 39 mg cm-2) and a graphite anode (negative (N)/positive (P) capacity ratio = 1.1) in order to fabricate an SSB full cell with bi-cell configuration. Under this constrained cell condition, the SSB full cell exhibits high volumetric energy density (480 Wh Lcell-1) and stable cyclability at 25 °C, far exceeding the values reported by previous CSE-based SSBs.

Analytical Performance and Comparability of Three New Coagulation Analyzers

BACKGROUND

Analytical performance should be evaluated before a new coagulation analyzer is adopted in a clinical laboratory. The objective of this study was to evaluate analytical performances of three new coagulation analyzers (STA-R Max3, CN-6000, and Cobas t511) and compare them based on the following four coagulation parameters: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen, and D-dimer.

METHODS

A total of 427 plasma samples, including fresh and frozen/thawed plasma spanning wide ranges. Each of the manufacturers' quality control samples were used for the evaluation. Analytical performances were evaluated. Parameters considered were precision, carryover, verification of analytical measurement range, auto-dilution, and reference range according to the CLSI guidelines (H57-A). The results of each parameter were compared between STA-R compact (currently in use) and three new analyzers using fresh plasma. The results were compared among three new analyzers using fresh and frozen/thawed plasma, and samples with interferences of hemolysis/icterus/ lipemia (H/I/L).

RESULTS

Analytical performances were excellent for all analyzers within each manufacturer's target based on results of precision, carryover, linearity, and verifications of auto-dilution, and reference range. Results for four parameters (PT/aPTT/fibrinogen/D-dimer) with the three new analyzers using fresh samples were well-correlated with those of STA-R Compact except for D-dimer tests (Pearson's r: 0.84 to 1.00). Good correlations were observed between the new analyzers with the total samples (fresh and frozen/thawed samples) (Pearson's r, 0.86 to 0.97). However, weaker correlation and/or higher mean bias% were observed for aPTT and D-dimer with total samples and for four parameters with normal samples rather than abnormal samples across the three analyzers. Differences were more prominent with H/I/L samples, especially between STA-R Max3 and CN-6000 or Cobas t511 for PT, aPTT, and D-dimers.

CONCLUSIONS

With excellent analytical performances, the three new coagulation analyzers demonstrated good correlations, although high variabilities were seen for aPTT and D-dimers. High variability in comparison analysis might be mainly attributed to differences in reference and reportable ranges of each parameter across the three different analyzers.

9G TestTM Cancer/Lung: A Desirable Companion to LDCT for Lung Cancer Screening

Simple Summary

Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Patients diagnosed at early-stage (0–I) have a higher survival rate than the metastasized stages (III–IV). Thus, there is great potential to reduce mortality by diagnosing lung cancer at stage 0~I through community screening. LDCT is a promising method, but it has a high false-positive rate. Therefore, a biomarker test that can be used in combination with LDCT for lung cancer screening to reduce false-positive rates is highly awaited. The present study evaluated the applicability of 9G test^TM Cancer/Lung test to detect stage 0~IV lung cancer. 9G test^TM Cancer/Lung test detects stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV cancers with the sensitivities of 77.5%, 78.1%, 67.4%, and 33.3%, respectively, at the specificity of 97.3%. These results indicate that the 9G test^TM Cancer/Lung can be used in conjunction with LDCT to screen lung cancer.

Abstract

A complimentary biomarker test that can be used in combination with LDCT for lung cancer screening is highly desirable to improve the diagnostic capacity of LDCT and reduce the false-positive rates. Most importantly, the stage I lung cancer detection rate can be dramatically increased by the simultaneous use of a biomarker test with LDCT. The present study was conducted to evaluate 9G test^TM Cancer/Lung’s sensitivity and specificity in detecting Stage 0~IV lung cancer. The obtained results indicate that the 9G test^TM Cancer/Lung can detect lung cancer with overall sensitivity and specificity of 75.0% (69.1~80.3) and 97.3% (95.0~98.8), respectively. The detection of stage I, stage II, stage III, and stage IV cancers with sensitivities of 77.5%, 78.1%, 67.4%, and 33.3%, respectively, at the specificity of 97.3% have never been reported before. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis allowed us to determine the population-weighted AUC of 0.93 (95% CI, 0.91–0.95). These results indicate that the 9G test^TM Cancer/Lung can be used in conjunction with LDCT to screen lung cancer. Furthermore, obtained results indicate that the use of 9G test^TM Cancer/Lung with LDCT for lung cancer screening can increase stage I cancer detection, which is crucial to improve the currently low 5-year survival rates.

Knock-down of PSAT1 Enhances Sensitivity of NSCLC Cells to Glutamine-limiting Conditions

BACKGROUND/AIM

Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) is an enzyme implicated in serine biosynthesis, and its overexpression has been linked to cancer cell proliferation. Therefore, targeting PSAT1 is considered to be an anticancer strategy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The viability of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells was measured by MTT assay. Protein and mRNA expression were determined by western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively.

RESULTS

Glutamine-limiting conditions were generated through glutamine deprivation or CB-839 treatment, which induced PSAT1 expression in NSCLC cells. PSAT1 expression induced by glutamine-limiting conditions was regulated by activating transcription factor 4. Knock-down of PSAT1 enhanced the sensitivity of NSCLC cells to glutamine-limiting conditions. Interestingly, ionizing radiation induced PSAT1 expression, and knocking down PSAT1 increased cell sensitivity to ionizing radiation.

CONCLUSION

Inhibiting PSAT1 might aid in the treatment of lung cancer, and PSAT1 may be a therapeutic target for lung cancer.

P3127Optimal revascularization strategy in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel coronary artery disease: staged vs. one-time vs. culprit-only revascularization

Background/Introduction

Although optimal revascularization strategy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) was well established, there are few studies which investigated optimal revascularization strategy in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEM) with MVD.

Purpose

We investigated 2-year clinical outcomes according to strategy of revascularization in patients with NSTEMI and MVD.

Methods

Between November 2011 and October 2015, a total of 2474 patients with NSTEMI and MVD who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health (staged 308, one-time 1043 and culprit-only 1123 patients). We did not include patients with left main disease and cardiogenic shock. Primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE: the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction [MI] or target-vessel revascularization [TVR]) during 2-year follow-up (median 737 days [interquartile range 705–764]). We also analyzed the of all-cause mortality, stroke and non-TVR.

Results

Baseline characteristics such as age, gender, and prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors between multivessel revascularization (MVR; staged or one-time revascularization) and CVR were similar. There was also no difference in symptom to balloon time in 2 groups. MACE occurred in 305 patients (12.3%) during 2-year follow-up. MVR could reduce incidence of MACE (10.2% vs. 14.9%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.50 for CVR, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–1.88, p<0.001), all-cause death (8.4% vs. 12.1%; adjusted HR 1.45 for CVR, 95% CI 1.13–1.87, p=0.003) and non-TVR (1,9% vs. 7.0%; adjusted HR 3.99 for CVR, 95% CI 2.55–6.27, p<0.001). There was no difference in incidence of stroke between MVR and CVR. We also analyzed same analysis between staged and one-time revascularization. Complete revascularization was more achieved in one-time revascularization group compared to staged revascularization group (62.0% vs. 76.1%, p<0.001). In multivariate Cox-regression analysis, staged revascularization was not associated with improved clinical outcomes in terms of MACE (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.50–1.09, p=0.126), all-cause death (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.69–1.68, p=0.759), stroke (HR 1.75, 95% CI 0.68–4.52, p=0.245) and non-TVR (HR 2.56, 95% CI 0.75–8.68, p=0.132). Analysis by propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting did not significantly affect the results.

Conclusions

MVR reduced 2-year adverse cardiac events in patients with NSTEMI and MVD compared to CVR. However, staged revascularization was not superior to one-time revascularization for reducing MACE among NSTEMI patients with MVD who received MVR.

P3555Lower native T1, extracellular volume and T2 on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is related to more left ventricular reverse remodeling in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Introduction

Guideline-directed medical therapy can induce left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). Some predictors for LVRR have been reported but, there were few studies about the relationship between cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) parameters and LVRR in NIDCM on optimal GDMT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed echocardiogram and CMR data of newly diagnosed 142 NIDCM patients (age: 57±16 years old, 71.8% male) in a single center from Jan 2012 to Dec 2017. NIDCM was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% and the ischemic etiology was excluded by CMR, coronary angiography or coronary CT or SPECT scan. LVRR was defined as improvement in LVEF ≥10% during follow-up period (median 403 days).

Results

Baseline LVEF and LV end diastolic dimension (LVEDD) were 27±8% and 64±8 mm. There were 87 patients (61.3%) of LVRR in our cohort. In LVRR group, native T1 value was significantly lower (1326±66 for LVRR vs 1369±72ms, p<0.001), extracellular volume (ECV) was significantly lower (28.3±3.6 for LVRR vs 32.4±4.4%, p<0.001), and T2 value was significantly lower (49.6±4.6 for LVRR vs 52.1±5.4ms, p=0.004) compared with non-LVRR group. ECV was an independent predictor for LVRR after adjusting current LVRR predictors such as age, sex, LVEF, LVEDD, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and QRS duration (Odd ratio 0.706, 95% confidence interval 0.616–0.809, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Lower native T1, ECV and T2 on CMR is related to higher incidence of LVRR in NIDCM. Further larger prospective study should be warranted to confirm the relationship between CMR parameters and LVRR in NIDCM.

Detection of Methylated SEPT9 in Korean Colorectal Cancer Patients: Comparison with Previous Studies

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the detection of methylated Septin 9 (mSEPT9) in Korean patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and compare the results with those of previous studies.

METHODS

A total of 127 plasma samples (111 patients with untreated CRC, 5 patients with adenomas, and 11 CRC patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy before surgery) were collected. mSEPT9 was measured qualitatively with the Abbott RealTime ms9 Colorectal Cancer Assay.

RESULTS

mSEPT9 was detected in 44 of 111 (39.6%) cases of untreated CRC but was not detected in the adenoma cases. The difference in the sensitivity of mSEPT9 among patients with adenomas and those with each stage of untreated CRC was statistically significant (Dukes' staging, p = 0.002 and TNM staging, p = 0.008). The sensitivity of mSEPT9 for each of the stages (I - IV) of untreated CRC patients were 20.7%, 54.1%, 36.6%, and 75.0%, respectively. The positive mSEPT9 results in untreated CRC patients reverted to negative in 19 of 21 patients (90.5%) after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to previous studies, the overall sensitivity of mSEPT9 was lower, but similar patterns were found in the sensitivities for each stage. Additionally, mSEPT9 appeared to have potential as a monitoring tool for CRC.

Correction: Quantification of CYFRA 21-1 and a CYFRA 21-1-anti-CYFRA 21-1 autoantibody immune complex for detection of early stage lung cancer

Correction for 'Quantification of CYFRA 21-1 and a CYFRA 21-1-anti-CYFRA 21-1 autoantibody immune complex for detection of early stage lung cancer' by Keum-Soo Song et al., Chem. Commun., 2019, 55, 10060-10063.

Utilization of Archived Plasma to Detect Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Mutation in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Precision medicine has received increased attention as an effective approach for the treatment of cancer patients. Because of challenges associated with the availability of archived tissue, liquid biopsies are often performed to detect cancer-specific mutations. One of the major advantages of the liquid biopsy is that the treatment can be monitored longitudinally, even after the tumor tissue is no longer available. In a clinical setting, one component of precision medicine is the detection of cancer-specific mutations using archived samples. In this study, we evaluated the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status of samples of lung cancer patients stored before introduction of the plasma EGFR test at our institution. The aim of this study was to validate the utility of archived plasma samples for detection of the EGFR mutation in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The Cobas^® EGFR Mutation Test v2 was the first liquid biopsy test approved as a companion diagnostic test for patients with NSCLC treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We tested for the EGFR mutation in 116 plasma samples archived in the biobank, and the results were compared with those obtained in the tissue or cytology EGFR mutation test. The EGFR mutation-positive rate from archived plasma was lower than that determined from tissue or cytology at 19.0% and 53.4%, respectively, and the concordance rate between the two tests was 58.6%. Of interest, five (4.3%) samples showed the T790M mutation in the plasma test, whereas this mutation was only detected in two (1.7%) tissue/cytology samples. Five (4.3%) samples were additionally positive in the plasma test. Overall, these results indicate that archived plasma samples can serve as an alternative source for the plasma EGFR mutation test when tissue samples are not available, and can improve precision medicine and long-term follow-up in a noninvasive manner.

Induction of HSP27 and HSP70 by constitutive overexpression of Redd1 confers resistance of lung cancer cells to ionizing radiation

Redd1 is a stress response protein that functions as a repressor of mTORC1, a central regulator of protein translation, resulting in the inhibition of cell growth and metabolism. However, paradoxically, high Redd1 expression favors cancer progression and generates resistance to cancer therapy. Herein, we revealed that constitutive overexpression of Redd1 induced HSP27 and HSP70 expression in lung cancer cells. The expression of Redd1, HSP27 and HSP70 was highly increased in lung cancer tissues compared with that in normal lung tissues. Inhibition of HSP27 or HSP70 suppressed AKT phosphorylation, which was induced by constitutive overexpression of Redd1 and enhanced the inhibitory effects on viability of Redd1‑overexpressing cells. Inhibition of AKT phosphorylation resulted in a decrease of HSP27 and HSP70 expression in Redd1‑overexpressing cells. These data indicated that HSPs and AKT in Redd1‑overexpressing cells positively regulated the function and expression of each other and were involved in lung cancer cell survival. Knockdown of HSP27, HSP70 or AKT enhanced ionizing radiation (IR) sensitivity, particularly in lung cancer cells in which Redd1 was stably overexpressed. Collectively, constitutive overexpression of Redd1 led to HSP27 and HSP70 induction and AKT activation, which were involved in lung cancer cell survival and resistance to IR, suggesting that Redd1 may be used as a therapeutic target for lung cancer.

Quantification of CYFRA 21-1 and a CYFRA 21-1–anti-CYFRA 21-1 autoantibody immune complex for detection of early stage lung cancer

Population-based screening of stage 0–I lung cancer is crucial for saving lives. The CIC/CYFRA 21-1 ratio allows the detection of stage I lung cancer with 76.0% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity.

A new general approach to synthesizing filled and yolk-shell structured metal oxide microspheres by applying a carbonaceous template

New mechanisms were found for the formation of metal oxide microspheres with yolk-shell and filled structures by applying carbonaceous template microspheres with high porosity. Repeated impregnation first adopted to achieve a high loading rate of metal precursor in the carbonaceous template provided the breakthrough. The carbonaceous template with an appropriate loading rate of the metal precursor produced metal oxide microspheres with filled and yolk-shell structure depending on the ramping rate and oxygen concentration during the post-treatment process. Combustion of the carbonaceous template-which occurs during the moderate post-treatment process in air with a high oxygen concentration-must occur to form yolk-shell structured microspheres. On the other hand, the decomposition of carbon by post-treatment at a slow ramping rate in an atmosphere with a low oxygen concentration without burning produced filled-structured metal oxide microspheres. The carbonaceous template with a high loading rate of the metal precursor produced metal oxide microspheres with filled structures even at a fast ramping rate and high oxygen concentration during the post-treatment process. The new strategy was applied to synthesize various metal oxide microspheres including SnO₂, Fe₂O₃, NiO, and Mn₂O₃ microspheres.

Initial diffusion-weighted MRI and long-term neurologic outcomes in charcoal-burning carbon monoxide poisoning

CONTEXT

This study assessed the results of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at presentation for acute charcoal-burning carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and investigated whether the initial DWI results can predict long-term neurologic outcomes.

METHODS

The study included 128 patients who suffered from CO poisoning after burning charcoal and underwent DWI. These patients were divided into two groups based on imaging results: a normal DWI group and an abnormal DWI group. Data regarding clinical courses and long-term neurologic outcomes (persistent severe neurologic sequelae) were collected and compared.

RESULTS

The rate of abnormal DWI findings at presentation was 23.4%, and the most common site of abnormalities was the globus pallidus. All lesions in abnormal DWI had decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The long-term neurologic state was assessed at a median follow-up of 19.5 months, and the frequency of poor long-term neurologic outcome was significantly higher in the abnormal DWI group (40.0% in the abnormal DWI group vs. 1.0% in the normal DWI group; p < .001). Abnormal DWI (odds ratio [OR]): 31.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-397) and old age (OR 1.1, 95% CI: 1.001-1.13) were independent factors for poor long-term neurologic outcomes, whereas the Glasgow Coma Scale score at presentation (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9) was negatively associated with the risk of poor long-term neurologic outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases involving CO poisoning due to charcoal burning, DWI at presentation may help predict the long-term neurological outcome after discharge.

Piperlongumine downregulates the expression of HER family in breast cancer cells

HER family receptors are frequently deregulated in breast cancer and the deregulation of these receptors is associated with poor prognosis. Thus, these receptors are considered therapeutic targets. In the present study, we found that piperlongumine (PL) downregulates the expression of HER family receptors HER1, HER2, and HER3 in breast cancer cells. Downregulation of these receptors by PL is mediated through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as N-acetyl-cysteine blocks it. Interestingly, the HER2-overexpressing cell lines BT474 and SkBr3 are somewhat more sensitive to PL than the low HER2-expressing cell line MCF7. In addition, the overexpression of HER2 increases the sensitivity of MCF7 cells to PL. Collectively, our data indicate the therapeutic potential of PL in the treatment of breast cancer.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D cutoffs for functional bone measures in postmenopausal osteoporosis

This study sought to determine the minimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration required to maintain bone health in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. A serum 25(OH)D concentration of 20 ng/mL rather than 30 ng/mL was appropriate for bone health.

INTRODUCTION

There is no consensus on the minimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration required to maintain bone health. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 25(OH)D measured via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which is the current gold standard, and biochemical markers of bone turnover, PTH, and bone mineral densitometry (BMD).

METHODS

The medical records of 750 postmenopausal women newly diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia at Samsung Medical Center from 2009 to 2014 were investigated. Subjects were divided into four groups according to serum 25(OH)D concentration: <10, 10-20, 20-30, and ≥30 ng/mL. Serum concentrations of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BS-ALP), carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTx), intact PTH (iPTH), and BMD were compared among the four groups using analysis of covariance. Thresholds of 25(OH)D were then assessed using spline plots and locally weighted regression smoothing (LOESS) plots.

RESULTS

25(OH)D was negatively correlated with serum BS-ALP, CTx, and iPTH. Only femur neck and total femur BMD had significant positive relationships with 25(OH)D. Cutoff values of 11.9 and 9.7 ng/mL were estimated from the spline plots of femur neck and total femur BMD, respectively. For iPTH, the LOESS plot showed a steep decrease to a serum 25(OH)D concentration of about 20 ng/mL, followed by a plateau.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this study, a serum 25(OH)D concentration of 20 ng/mL, rather than 30 ng/mL, was appropriate for bone health.

Raw ready-to-eat seafood safety: microbiological quality of the various seafood species available in fishery, hyper and online markets

Microbiological quality of 206 raw ready-to-eat seafood samples was investigated according to species (gizzard shad, halibut, rockfish, tuna, oyster and squid) and distribution channels (fishery, hyper and online market). Enumeration of aerobic plate count and total coliforms (TC) and pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus) was performed, and level of microbiological quality was classified into four groups: satisfactory, acceptable, unsatisfactory and unacceptable. Qualitative analysis was also performed for Escherichia coli and eight foodborne pathogens (B. cereus, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus). Raw ready-to-eat seafood products revealed 0·5% at an unsatisfactory level and 4·9% at an unacceptable level due to ≥4 log CFU g^-1 of TC in squid and ≥3 log CFU g^-1 of V. parahaemolyticus in gizzard shad respectively. Gizzard shad was shown to be potentially hazardous, as its sashimi is eaten with its skin attached. Bacillus cereus, E. coli, S. aureus, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus were qualitatively detected. Samples from the fishery market showed higher detection rate especially in V. parahaemolyticus (21·6%) and V. vulnificus (1·7%) which indicates the need to improve microbiological safety of raw ready-to-eat seafood products in fishery market.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Raw ready-to-eat seafood products like sashimi can be easily contaminated with various bacteria from aquatic environments and human reservoirs, which subsequently bring about a risk in food poisoning due to no heating process before consumption. The results of this study provide comprehensive microbiological data on various species of raw ready-to-eat seafood from various distribution channels. It may contribute to establish reasonable standard and effective strategies to ensure a good microbiological quality of raw ready-to-eat seafood for the safety of meals, like sashimi and sushi.

Gray matter network differences between behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease

We set out to study whether single-subject gray matter (GM) networks show disturbances that are specific for Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 90) or behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD; n = 59), and whether such disturbances would be related to cognitive deficits measured with mini-mental state examination and a neuropsychological battery, using subjective cognitive decline subjects as reference. AD and bvFTD patients had a lower degree, connectivity density, clustering, path length, betweenness centrality, and small world values compared with subjective cognitive decline. AD patients had a lower connectivity density than bvFTD patients (F = 5.79, p = 0.02; mean ± standard deviation bvFTD 16.10 ± 1.19%; mean ± standard deviation AD 15.64 ± 1.02%). Lasso logistic regression showed that connectivity differences between bvFTD and AD were specific to 23 anatomical areas, in terms of local GM volume, degree, and clustering. Lower clustering values and lower degree values were specifically associated with worse mini-mental state examination scores and lower performance on the neuropsychological tests. GM showed disease-specific alterations, when comparing bvFTD with AD patients, and these alterations were associated with cognitive deficits.

An effective diagnostic strategy for accurate detection of RhD variants including Asian DEL type in apparently RhD-negative blood donors in Korea

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to provide an effective RHD genotyping strategy for the East Asian blood donors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RhD phenotyping, weak D testing and RhCE phenotyping were performed on 110 samples from members of the RhD-negative club, private organization composed of RhD-negative blood donors, in the GwangJu-Chonnam region of Korea. The RHD promoter, intron 4, and exons 7 and 10 were analysed by real-time PCR. Two nucleotide changes (c.1227 G>A, and c.1222 T>C) in exon 9 were analysed by sequencing.

RESULTS

Of 110 RhD-negative club members, 79 (71·8%) showed complete deletion of the RHD gene, 10 (9·1%) showed results consistent with RHD-CE-D hybrid, and 21 (19·1%) showed amplification of RHD promoter, intron 4, and exons 7 and 10. Of the latter group, 16 (14·5%) were in the DEL blood group including c.1227 G>A (N = 14) and c.1222 T>C (N = 2), 2 (1·8%) were weak D, 1(0·9%) was partial D, and 2 (1·8%) were undetermined. The RhD-negative phenotype samples consisted of 58 C-E-c+e+, 19 C-E+c+e+, 3 C-E+c+e-, 21 C+E-c+e-, 6 C+E-c+e+ and 3 C+E-c-e + . Notably, all 58 samples with the C-E-c+e+ phenotype were revealed to have complete deletion of the RHD gene. The C-E-c+e+ phenotype showed 100% positive predictive value for detecting D-negative cases.

CONCLUSIONS

RHD genotyping is not required in half of D-negative cases. We suggest here an effective RHD genotyping strategy for accurate detection of RhD variants in apparently RhD-negative blood donors in East Asia.

A New Strategy for Humidity Independent Oxide Chemiresistors: Dynamic Self-Refreshing of In2 O3 Sensing Surface Assisted by Layer-by-Layer Coated CeO2 Nanoclusters

The humidity dependence of the gas sensing characteristics of metal oxide semiconductors has been one of the greatest obstacles for gas sensor applications during the last five decades because ambient humidity dynamically changes with the environmental conditions. Herein, a new and novel strategy is reported to eliminate the humidity dependence of the gas sensing characteristics of oxide chemiresistors via dynamic self-refreshing of the sensing surface affected by water vapor chemisorption. The sensor resistance and gas response of pure In2 O3 hollow spheres significantly change and deteriorate in humid atmospheres. In contrast, the humidity dependence becomes negligible when an optimal concentration of CeO2 nanoclusters is uniformly loaded onto In2 O3 hollow spheres via layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly. Moreover, In2 O3 sensors LBL-coated with CeO2 nanoclusters show fast response/recovery, low detection limit (500 ppb), and high selectivity to acetone even in highly humid conditions (relative humidity 80%). The mechanism underlying the dynamic refreshing of the In2 O3 sensing surfaces regardless of humidity variation is investigated in relation to the role of CeO2 and the chemical interaction among CeO2 , In2 O3 , and water vapor. This strategy can be widely used to design high performance gas sensors including disease diagnosis via breath analysis and pollutant monitoring.

Highly Active and Stable Pt-Loaded Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 Yolk-Shell Catalyst for Water-Gas Shift Reaction

Multishelled, Pt-loaded Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 yolk-shell microspheres were prepared by a simple spray pyrolysis process for use in the water-gas shift (WGS) reaction. The Pt-loading was optimized, obtaining highly active Pt/Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 yolk-shell nanostructures for the WGS. Of the prepared catalysts, a 2% Pt loading of the Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 yolk-shell microspheres showed the highest CO conversion. The high catalytic activity of the 2% Pt/Ce0.75Zr0.2O2 catalyst was mainly due to its easier reducibility and the maintenance of active catalytic Pt species. The Pt-loaded Ce0.75Zr0.25O2 catalyst microspheres were highly resistant to Pt sintering because of their unique yolk-shell structure. Spray pyrolysis was found to be highly efficient for the production of precious-metal-loaded, multicomponent metal oxide yolk-shell microspheres for catalytic applications.

The use of statins for the treatment of depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome

This study aimed to investigate the effect of statins for the treatment of depression in individuals with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We used 1-year follow-up data of a 24-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of escitalopram and a naturalistic prospective observational cohort study. Of 446 participants with comorbid depressive disorders and ACS at baseline, 300 participated in a randomised escitalopram trial and the remaining 146 participated in a naturalistic observational study. The participants in the two studies were approached for a 1-year follow-up investigation. Treatment response rates, defined as a ⩾ 50% reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores, were used as the outcome variables. In the escitalopram trial, both HAM-D and BDI response rates were highest in patients taking escitalopram and statins together and lowest in patients receiving neither medication. Logistic regression analyses revealed that statin use was significantly associated with higher response rates on both the HAM-D and BDI at 1 year, whereas no such associations were found for escitalopram. In the naturalistic observational study, the response rates at 1 year did not differ significantly by statin use. Instead, the HAM-D response rate was significantly higher in patients taking lipophilic statins than in those who did not. In conclusion, statins may be effective for the treatment of depression independent of medical status and escitalopram use, and they may potentiate the antidepressant action of serotonergic antidepressants in patients with ACS.

S6K1 inhibition enhances the apoptotic cell death of breast cancer cells in response to Bcl-2/Bcl-xL inhibition by the downregulation of survivin

Breast cancer cells possess a deregulated apoptotic pathway with increased expression levels of anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) family proteins and ribosomal S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) protein activity. Therefore, combined interference of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family and S6K1 protein expression may be a reasonable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of patients with breast cancer. In the present study, it was identified that the administration of a combination of ABT263 [navitoclax; a Bcl-2/Bcl-extra large (Bcl-xL) inhibitor] and PF4708671 (an S6K1 inhibitor) markedly increased apoptotic cell death in the BT474 breast cancer cells compared with the administration of either agent alone. Furthermore, the downregulation of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL and S6K1 with small interfering RNA induced a significant increase in cell death compared with RNA interference of either agent alone. Notably, combination treatment with ABT263 and PF4708671 decreased the expression level of survivin protein, with this ectopic expression of survivin attenuating cell death. Thus, the present study determined that the combined inhibition of Bcl-2/Bcl-xL and S6K1 may be a good strategy for treating patients with breast cancer.

Effects of depression co-morbidity and treatment on quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome: the Korean depression in ACS (K-DEPACS) and the escitalopram for depression in ACS (EsDEPACS) study

BACKGROUND

Depression is common after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with adverse effects on prognosis. There is little evidence on whether depression treatment improves quality of life (QoL) in ACS patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of co-morbid depression and its treatment on QoL in ACS.

METHOD

In total, 1152 patients were recruited at baseline, 2-14 weeks after a confirmed ACS episode, and 828 were followed 1 year thereafter. Of 446 baseline participants with co-morbid depressive disorders, 300 were randomized to a 24-week double blind trial of escitalopram or placebo, while the remaining 146 received medical treatment only (MTO). QoL was measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life -Abbreviated form (WHOQOL-BREF).

RESULTS

At baseline, QoL was significantly lower in patients with co-morbid depressive disorder than those without. QoL improvement was significantly greater in those receiving escitalopram than those receiving placebo over the 24-week treatment period. In the 1-year follow-up, the better outcomes associated with escitalopram remained evident against both placebo and MTO.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression was significantly associated with worse QoL even in patients with recently developed ACS. Depression treatment was associated with QoL improvement in ACS patients in the 24-week treatment period, the effects of which extended to 1 year.

Design and synthesis of micron-sized spherical aggregates composed of hollow Fe2O3 nanospheres for use in lithium-ion batteries

A novel structure denoted a "hollow nanosphere aggregate" is synthesized by introducing nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion to the spray pyrolysis process. The hollow Fe2O3 nanosphere aggregates with spherical shape and micron size are synthesized as the first target material. A solid iron oxide-carbon composite powder that is prepared by a one-pot spray pyrolysis process is transformed into the hollow Fe2O3 nanosphere aggregates by sequential post-pyrolysis treatments under reducing and oxidizing atmospheres. The nanoscale Kirkendall diffusion plays a key role in the formation of the hollow Fe2O3 nanosphere aggregates with spherical shape and micron size. The unique structure of the hollow Fe2O3 nanosphere aggregates results in their superior electrochemical properties as an anode material for lithium ion batteries by improving the structural stability during cycling. The hollow metal oxide nanosphere aggregates with various compositions for wide applications including energy storage can be prepared by the simple fabrication method introduced in this study.

General formation of tin nanoparticles encapsulated in hollow carbon spheres for enhanced lithium storage capability

A new simple process for synthesis of heterogeneous yolk-shell microspheres is introduced. The core/shell-structured microspheres are prepared by a one-pot spray pyrolysis process. The removal of one kind of metal oxide by a dry process produces heterogeneous yolk-shell microspheres. The yolk-shell Sn@C microspheres show superior electrochemical properties as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Design and Synthesis of Bubble-Nanorod-Structured Fe2O3-Carbon Nanofibers as Advanced Anode Material for Li-Ion Batteries

A structure denoted as a "bubble-nanorod composite" is synthesized by introducing the Kirkendall effect into the electrospinning method. Bubble-nanorod-structured Fe2O3-C composite nanofibers, which are composed of nanosized hollow Fe2O3 spheres uniformly dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix, are synthesized as the target material. Post-treatment of the electrospun precursor nanofibers at 500 °C under 10% H2/Ar mixture gas atmosphere produces amorphous FeOx-carbon composite nanofibers. Post-treatment of the FeOx-carbon composite nanofibers at 300 °C under air atmosphere produces the bubble-nanorod-structured Fe2O3-C composite nanofibers. The solid Fe nanocrystals formed by the reduction of FeOx are converted into hollow Fe2O3 nanospheres during the further heating process by the well-known Kirkendall diffusion process. The discharge capacities of the bubble-nanorod-structured Fe2O3-C composite nanofibers and hollow bare Fe2O3 nanofibers for the 300th cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g(-1) are 812 and 285 mA h g(-1), respectively, and their capacity retentions measured from the second cycle are 84 and 24%, respectively. The hollow nanospheres accommodate the volume change that occurs during cycling. The unique structure of the bubble-nanorod-structured Fe2O3-C composite nanofibers results in their superior electrochemical properties by improving the structural stability during long-term cycling.

Kilogram-scale synthesis of Pd-loaded quintuple-shelled Co3O4 microreactors and their application to ultrasensitive and ultraselective detection of methylbenzenes

We report the kilogram-scale, simple, and cost-effective synthesis of Pd-loaded quintuple-shelled Co3O4 microreactors by spray drying of aqueous droplets containing cobalt nitrate, palladium nitrate, citric acid, and ethylene glycol and subsequent heat treatment. Highly viscous gel spheres containing Co and Pd salts were successfully converted into multi thin-shelled Co3O4 reactors uniformly loaded with Pd catalysts by the sequential combustion of carbon and decomposition of the metal salts from the outer to the inner regions during one-step heat treatment. The responses (resistance ratio) of the Pd-loaded quintuple-shelled Co3O4 microreactors to 5 ppm toluene and p-xylene were 30.8 and 64.2, respectively, and the selectivity values to toluene and p-xylene against ethanol interference (response ratio) were 14.5 and 30.1, respectively. The unprecedented high response and selectivity were attributed to the effective dissociation of less reactive methylbenzenes into more active smaller species assisted both by catalytic Co3O4 and Pd during the prolonged retention within the microreactors. Kilogram-scale preparation of noble metal-loaded multishelled microreactors and their unique gas-sensing characteristics based on a novel microreactor concept can pave a new way to design of high-performance gas sensors for practical applications.

Heme oxygenase-1 determines the differential response of breast cancer and normal cells to piperlongumine

Piperlongumine, a natural alkaloid isolated from the long pepper, selectively increases reactive oxygen species production and apoptotic cell death in cancer cells but not in normal cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying piperlongumine-induced selective killing of cancer cells remains unclear. In the present study, we observed that human breast cancer MCF-7 cells are sensitive to piperlongumine-induced apoptosis relative to human MCF-10A breast epithelial cells. Interestingly, this opposing effect of piperlongumine appears to be mediated by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Piperlongumine upregulated HO-1 expression through the activation of nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) signaling in both MCF-7 and MCF-10A cells. However, knockdown of HO-1 expression and pharmacological inhibition of its activity abolished the ability of piperlongumine to induce apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, whereas those promoted apoptosis in MCF-10A cells, indicating that HO-1 has anti-tumor functions in cancer cells but cytoprotective functions in normal cells. Moreover, it was found that piperlongumine-induced Nrf2 activation, HO-1 expression and cancer cell apoptosis are not dependent on the generation of reactive oxygen species. Instead, piperlongumine, which bears electrophilic α,β-unsaturated carbonyl groups, appears to inactivate Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap1) through thiol modification, thereby activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and subsequently upregulating HO-1 expression, which accounts for piperlongumine-induced apoptosis in cancer cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that direct interaction of piperlongumine with Keap1 leads to the upregulation of Nrf2-mediated HO-1 expression, and HO-1 determines the differential response of breast normal cells and cancer cells to piperlongumine.

Formation of core-shell-structured Zn2SnO4-carbon microspheres with superior electrochemical properties by one-pot spray pyrolysis

Core-shell structured Zn2SnO4-carbon microspheres with different carbon contents are prepared by one-pot spray pyrolysis without any further heating process. A Zn2SnO4-carbon composite microsphere is prepared from one droplet containing Zn and Sn salts and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Melted PVP moves to the outside of the composite microsphere during the drying stage of the droplet. In addition, melting of the phase separated metal salts forms the dense core. Carbonization of the phase separated PVP forms the textured and porous thick carbon shell. The discharge capacities of the core-shell structured Zn2SnO4-carbon microspheres for the 2(nd) and 120(th) cycles at a current density of 1 A g(-1) are 864 and 770 mA h g(-1), respectively. However, the discharge capacities of the bare Zn2SnO4 microspheres prepared by the same process without PVP for the 2(nd) and 120(th) cycles are 1106 and 81 mA h g(-1), respectively. The stable and reversible discharge capacities of the Zn2SnO4-carbon composite microspheres prepared from the spray solution with 15 g PVP decrease from 894 to 528 mA h g(-1) as current density increases from 0.5 to 5 A g(-1).

The utility of the serum heavy/light chain assay as a complementary tool in the monitoring of patients with plasma cell myeloma: a report of three cases

We report three cases of plasma cell myeloma with obscure and discordant data for a monoclonal component. In this study, the results of serum heavy/light chain (sHLC) were retrospectively compared with those of conventional methods during disease monitoring. All three patients achieved a complete response and experienced a relapse during follow-up, and the sHLC ratio allowed early prediction of disease relapse and correlated well with other electrophoretic methods compared with the free light chain ratio. Therefore, we suggest that the sHLC assay may be useful as a complementary tool; it has a good correlation with conventional methods and sensitivity in assessing disease status and treatment response in patients with plasma cell myeloma.

Complete mitochondrial genome of a natural triploid crucian carp mutant, Carassius auratus var. pingxiangnensis, and phylogenetic analysis of different ploidies in crucian carp

Carassius auratus var. pingxiangnensis is a natural triploid crucian carp mutant. In order to understand its placement and genetic background at the gene level, the characteristics of mitochondrial DNA sequences and phylogenetic relationship were examined. The results showed that the mitochondrial DNA is a circular double-stranded DNA molecule that is 16,576 bp in length with 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a non-coding control region. Mitochondrial genes overlapped by a total of 40 bp in 11 different locations from 1 to 14 bp. The base composition of the C. auratus mitogenome was estimated to be 29.70% A, 26.74% C, 15.35% G, and 28.21% T. The central conserved blocks and the conserved blocks were compared and were similar among C. auratus var. pingxiangnensis and six other cyprinids with different ploidies. The origin of light strand replication was similar to that of other vertebrates; it was 33 bp, but the characteristic sequence motif 5ꞌ-GCCGG-3ꞌ at the base of the stem within tRNA(Cys) was mutated to 5ꞌ-GGCGG- 3ꞌ. Our phylogenetic analysis based on whole mitogenome sequences indicated that C. auratus var. pingxiangnensis was clustered with C. auratus and then sister-grouped with Carassius gibelio. The systemic developmental tree of crucian carp with different chromosome ploidies showed that diploid C. auratus auratus was clustered with triploid C. auratus auratus, sister-grouped with tetraploid C. auratus auratus, and clustered with other diploid, triploid, and tetraploid C. auratus.

Comparison of the serum fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products with cytokeratin 19 fragment as biomarkers in patients with lung cancer

Lung cancer is one of the main causes of cancer-related mortality. The identification of early diagnostic biomarkers improved outcomes for lung cancer patients. Serum fibrin-fibrinogen degradation products (FDP) levels are elevated in numerous malignancies due to hemostatic alterations. The serum FDP levels were compared to the levels of cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen (CYFRA 21-1), another well-established biomarker. The serum samples from 193 lung cancer patients, 84 healthy controls and 106 patients with benign respiratory diseases were obtained. The serum FDP level was measured using the DR-70 immunoassay and the CYFRA 21-1 level was measured by electrochemiluminescence using the Roche Analytics E170. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to assess the predictive sensitivity and specificity. The mean serum FDP level in lung cancer patients (35.01±229.02 μg/ml) was significantly higher compared to the 190 non-cancerous subjects (0.60±0.75 μg/ml; P=0.039). The mean serum CYFRA 21-1 level in lung cancer patients (4.50±6.67 ng/ml) was also significantly higher compared to the non-cancerous subjects (1.40±0.83 ng/ml; P<0.05). FDP exhibited clinical sensitivity and specificity of 86 and 75%, respectively, at an optimal cut-off at 0.67 μg/ml. CYFRA 21-1 exhibited clinical sensitivity and specificity of 77 and 74%, respectively, at a cut-off of 1.65 ng/ml. The serum FDP area under the curve (0.87) was slightly higher compared to CYFRA 21-1 (0.83). Therefore, it is apparent that serum FDP is comparable to CYFRA 21-1 as a lung cancer biomarker and can be used for clinical practice.

Evaluation of an immunochromatographic assay for the rapid and simultaneous detection of rotavirus and adenovirus in stool samples

Background

We evaluated the analytical and clinical performances of the SD BIOLINE Rota/Adeno Rapid kit (SD Rota/Adeno Rapid; Standard Diagnostics, Inc., Korea), an immunochromatographic assay (ICA), for the simultaneous detection of rotaviruses and adenoviruses in human stool samples.

Methods

We tested 400 clinical stool samples from patients with acute gastroenteritis and compared the ICA results with the results obtained by using ELISA, enzyme-linked fluorescent assays (ELFA), PCR, and multiplex reverse transcription-PCR (mRT-PCR). To assess the analytical performance of the SD BIOLINE Rota/Adeno Rapid kit, we determined its detection limit, reproducibility, cross-reactivity, and analytical reactivity for adenovirus subtypes, and performed interference studies.

Results

The overall agreement rates among the tested methods were 91.5% for rotavirus and 85.5% for adenovirus. On the basis of mRT-PCR, the overall agreement, positive agreement, and negative agreement rates of the ICA were 95.6%, 100%, and 94.9% for rotavirus, and 94.0%, 71.4%, and 94.8% for adenovirus, respectively. Using the ICA, we detected all the subtypes of adenovirus tested, but the analytical reactivities for adenovirus subtypes were different between the 4 adenovirus detection methods. The high reproducibility was confirmed, and no cross-reactivity or interference was detected.

Conclusions

The SD BIOLINE Rota/Adeno Rapid kit showed acceptable analytical and clinical performances. However, interpretation of adenovirus positive/negative result should be cautious because of different detectability for adenovirus subtypes among adenovirus detection methods.

Comparison of three different kits for extraction of high-quality RNA from frozen blood

Extraction of high-quality RNA is a crucial step in gene expression profiling. To achieve optimal RNA extraction from frozen blood, the performance of three RNA extraction kits- TRI reagent, PAXgene blood RNA system (PAXgene) and NucleoSpin RNA blood kit (NucleoSpin)- was evaluated. Fifteen blood specimens collected in tubes containing potassium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and stored at −80°C for approximately 5 years were randomly selected. The yield and purity of RNA, RIN (RNA integrity number) values and cycle threshold (Ct) values were assessed. Mean RNA yields with TRI reagent, PAXgene and NucleoSpin were 15.6 ± 8.7 μg/ml, 3.1 ± 1.7 μg/ml and 9.0 ± 5.5 μg/ml, respectively. Mean A₂₆₀/₂₈₀ ratios of RNA for the three kits were 1.7 ± 0.1, 2.0 ± 0.1, and 2.0 ± 0.0, and mean RIN values recorded as 3.2 ± 0.8, 6.0 ± 1.1, and 6.4 ± 0.9, respectively. The Ct values of housekeeping genes, 18S rRNA, β-actin, RPLP0 and HPRT1, were as follows: TRI reagent (19.2 ± 1.6, 30.6 ± 1.8, 29.9 ± 1.4 and 36.3 ± 1.3), PAXgene 16.6 ± 1.4, 26.4 ± 1.3, 28.2 ± 1.8 and 33.8 ± 1.1), and NucleoSpin (16.3 ± 1.5, 27.2 ± 1.3, 27.0 ± 1.6 and 32.9 ± 1.6). RNA yield using TRI reagent was 1.7 times higher than that with NucleoSpin and 5 times higher than that with PAXgene. However, the purity and integrity of TRI-extracted RNA was lower than that extracted with PAXgene and NucleoSpin. Moreover, the Ct values of housekeeping genes after extraction with TRI reagent were approximately 1.7-3.8 times higher than those obtained with PAXgene and NucleoSpin. The PAXgene and NucleoSpin kits produced similar results in terms of RNA purity and integrity and subsequent gene amplification. However, RNA yields from NucleoSpin were 2.9-fold higher, compared to PAXgene. Based on these findings, we conclude that NucleoSpin is the most effective kit for extraction of abundant and high-quality RNA from frozen blood.

High performance chemiresistive H2S sensors using Ag-loaded SnO2 yolk–shell nanostructures

Highly selective, sensitive, and reversible H₂S sensors were designed using Ag-loaded SnO₂ yolk–shell nanostructures prepared by one-pot ultrasonic spray pyrolysis.