• Title/Summary/Keyword: Molecular diagnostic methods

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Pilot Study of the Sensitivity and Specificity of the DNA Integrity Assay for Stool-based Detection of Colorectal Cancer in Malaysian Patients

  • Yehya, Ashwaq Hamid;Yusoff, Narazah Mohd;Khalid, Imran A.;Mahsin, Hakimah;Razali, Ruzzieatul Akma;Azlina, Fatimah;Mohammed, Kamil Sheikh;Ali, Syed A.
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.13 no.5
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    • pp.1869-1872
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    • 2012
  • Background: To assess the diagnostic potential of tumor-associated high molecular weight DNA in stool samples of 32 colorectal cancer (CRC) patients compared to 32 healthy Malaysian volunteers by means of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: Stool DNA was isolated and tumor-associated high molecular weight DNA (1.476 kb fragment including exons 6-9 of the p53 gene) was amplified using PCR and visualized on ethidium bromide-stained agarose gels. Results: Out of 32 CRC patients, 18 were positive for the presence of high molecular weight DNA as compared to none of the healthy individuals, resulting in an overall sensitivity of 56.3% with 100% specificity. Out of 32 patients, 23 had tumor on the left side and 9 on the right side, 16 and 2 being respectively positive. This showed that high molecular weight DNA was significantly (p = 0.022) more detectable in patients with left side tumor (69.6% vs 22.2%). Out of 32 patients, 22 had tumors larger than 1.0 cm, 18 of these (81.8%) being positive for long DNA as compared to not a single patient with tumor size smaller than 1.0 cm (p <0.001). Conclusion: We detected CRC-related high molecular weight p53 DNA in stool samples of CRC patients with an overall sensitivity of 56.3% with 100% specificity, with a strong tumor size dependence.

White Sport Syndrome Virus Disease of Shirmp and Diagnostic Methods

  • Zhan, Wen-Bin
    • Journal of Aquaculture
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    • v.15 no.1
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    • pp.7-13
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    • 2002
  • Since 1993, the White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) disease occurred in China among cultured shrimps resulting in mass mortality. Epizootiological surveys undertaken during the outbreak period of 1993-1994 indicated that all stages of Penaeus chinensis, P. japonicus and P. monodon were infected. Consequent to the transport of contaminated shrimp seedlings and seawater, the disease spread all over the farms of China. The disease was more rapidly transmitted at temperatures above $25^{\circ}C$. Challenge experiments showed the causative agent was highly virulent. White spots appeared on the carapace of both span-taneous and experimentally infected shrimps. Moribund shrimps contained turbid hemolymph, hypertrophied Iymphoid organ and a necrotic mid-gut gland. Electron microscopy showed the presence of viral particles in the gills, stomach, lymphoid organ, and epidermal tissue of the infected shrimp. The visions were slightly ovoid with an envelope and averaged 350 $\times$ 150 nm; nucleocapsids measured 375 $\times$ 157 nm. With discontinuous sucrose gradient of 35, 50 and 60% (w/v), the virus was separated from hemolymph of the infected shrimp. The estimated molecular weight of genomic DNA was 237 Kb with EcoR I, 247 Kb with Hind III and 241kb with Pst I. A total of 9 hybridoma colones secreting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were produced from mouse myeloma and spleen cells immunized with WSSV. The immunofluorescence assay of gill tissue showed that the MAbs reacted with diseased but not with healthy shrimp. The MAbs belonged to IgGl, IgG2b subclass and IgM class, all with kappa light Immune-electron-microscopy with colloidal gold marker showed the presence of 5 MAbs epitopes on the envelope and one on the capsid of the virus. Baculoviral mid-gut gland necrosis showed the specificity of the MAbs produced. For diagnosis 5 different methods were selected. Using Kimura primers for PCR, or MAbs for immunoblot, ELISA or FAT method, in situ hybridization was carried out to show the gene. All these methods detected WSSV in the organ samples of the diseased shrimp but not in healthy one.

Comparison Between Two Detection Methods for HPV16, HPV18 and P16Ink4a Biomarkers in Diagnosis of Abnormal Cervical Cytology

  • Khazaei, Sedigheh;Izadi, Babak;Mirbahari, Seyed Ghasem;Madani, Seyed Hamid;Khosravi, Shohre Malek;Alagha, Mohsen Emami;Sajadimajd, Soraya
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.17 no.12
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    • pp.5223-5227
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    • 2016
  • Background: Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in many populations. While the Pap smear is a well established screening test it suffers from both false-positive and false-negative results in diagnosis of cancers and precancerous states. In this study, immunocytochemistry of the P16 biomarker and HPV-PCR were compared for their diagnostic potential. Materials and methods: In the study, we obtained pairs of specimens from 45 women with cervical dysplasia. One sample was placed in a liquid-based solution, and processed for staining of sections with antibodies to P16. HPV-PCR was performed on the other and the results obtained were analyzed by T-test using SPSS v. 15. Results: Using HPV-PCR 71% of the samples were found to be infected with either HPV 16 or HPV 18, and the rate of infection did not have a statistically significant relationship with higher grades of dysplasia (p= 0.253). In contrast, with immunocytochemistry evaluation of P16, 64% of the specimens were positive, but the percentage of positive results significantly increased with higher grades of dysplasia (p= 0.0001). Conclusion: Employment of the P16 marker as an optional test might be preferable over HPV-PCR for cervical dysplasia in our geographical region.

Microbiological Characteristics of Nocardia takedensis Isolated from Skin Lesion, in Korea

  • Kang, Hye-Sook;Park, Gyu-Nam;Kim, Hye-Ran;Chang, Kyung-Soo
    • Biomedical Science Letters
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    • v.23 no.2
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    • pp.96-103
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    • 2017
  • Nocardia species (spp.) are opportunistic pathogen in immunocompromised hosts. The genus Nocardia contains more than 70 species. Nocardia takedensis has been recently reported as a new species of the genus Nocardia. In this study, we describes the first clinical isolate of N. takedensis from the skin lesion in Busan, Korea. For the identification of clinical isolate to the species level as N. takedensis, classical methods (colony morphology, biochemical characteristics, and antimicrobial susceptibility), molecular method (16S rRNA gene sequencing), and MS (mass spectrometry) analysis were conducted. Clinical isolates grew slowly on the culture media (5% sheep blood agar and chocolate agar) under 5% $CO_2$ condition. Especially, carotene pigmentation was detected well on the media. Using mass spectrometry, Nocardia isolate was not identified to the species level. However, molecular method based on 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the isolate as N. takedensis correctly. N. takedensis isolate was partial positive for acid-fast bacilli on the Ziehl-Neelsen method. And it was observed to be resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and ciprofloxacin. Our results provide useful information to develop optimal identification protocol of N. takedensis in clinical diagnostic laboratories.

Screening of Differential Promoter Hypermethylated Genes in Primary Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

  • Khor, Goot Heah;Froemming, Gabrielle Ruth Anisah;Zain, Rosnah Binti;Abraham, Mannil Thomas;Thong, Kwai Lin
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.20
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    • pp.8957-8961
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    • 2014
  • Background: Promoter hypermethylation leads to altered gene functions and may result in malignant cellular transformation. Thus, identification of biomarkers for hypermethylated genes could be useful for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Objectives: To screen hypermethylated genes with a microarray approach and to validate selected hypermethylated genes with the methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSPCR). Materials and Methods: Genome-wide analysis of normal oral mucosa and OSCC tissues was conducted using the Illumina methylation microarray. The specified differential genes were selected and hypermethylation status was further verified with an independent cohort sample of OSCC samples. Candidate genes were screened using microarray assay and run by MSPCR analysis. Results: TP73, PIK3R5, and CELSR3 demonstrated high percentages of differential hypermethylation status. Conclusions: Our microarray screening and MSPCR approaches revealed that the signature candidates of differentially hypermethylated genes may possibly become potential biomarkers which would be useful for diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic targets of OSCC in the near future.

Raman Spectroscopy Studies of Graphene Nanoribbons and Chemical Doping in Graphene

  • Ryu, Sun-Min
    • Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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    • 2011.02a
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    • pp.15-15
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    • 2011
  • Atom-thick graphene membrane and nano-sized graphene objects (NGOs) hold substantial potential for applications in future molecular-scale integrated electronics, transparent conducting membranes, nanocomposites, etc. To realize this potential, chemical properties of graphene need to be understood and diagnostic methods for various NGOs are also required. To meet these needs, chemical properties of graphene and optical diagnostics of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) have been explored by Raman spectroscopy, AFM and STM scanning probes. The first part of the talk will illustrate the role of underlying silicon dioxide substrates and ambient gases in the ubiquitous hole doping of graphene. An STM study reveals that thermal annealing generates out-of-plane deformation of nanometer-scale wavelength and distortion in $sp^2$ bonding on an atomic scale. Graphene deformed by annealing is found to be chemically active enough to bind molecular oxygen, which leads to a strong hole-doping. The talk will also introduce Raman spectroscopy studies of GNRs which are known to have nonzero electronic bandgap due to confinement effect. GNRs of width ranging from 15 nm to 100 nm have been prepared by e-beam lithographic patterning of mechanically exfoliated graphene followed by oxygen plasma etching. Raman spectra of narrow GNRs can be characterized by upshifted G band and strong disorder-related D band originating from scattering at ribbon edges. Detailed analysis of the G, D, and 2D bands of GNRs proves that Raman spectroscopy is still a reliable tool in characterizing GNRs despite their nanometer width.

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Head-to-Head Comparison between Xpert MTB/RIF Assay and Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay Using Bronchial Washing Specimens for Tuberculosis Diagnosis

  • Son, Eunjeong;Jang, Jinook;Kim, Taehwa;Jang, Jin Ho;Chung, Jae Heun;Seol, Hee Yun;Yeo, Hye Ju;Yoon, Seong Hoon;Lee, Seung Eun;Cho, Woo Hyun;Kim, Yun Seong;Jeon, Doosoo
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.85 no.1
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    • pp.89-95
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    • 2022
  • Background: With the introduction of Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Xpert), its incorporation into tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic algorithm has become an important issue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Xpert assay in comparison with a commercial polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Methods: Medical records of patients having results of both Xpert and AdvanSure TB/NTM real-time PCR (AdvanSure) assays using the same bronchial washing specimens were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Of the 1,297 patients included in this study, 205 (15.8%) were diagnosed with pulmonary TB. Using mycobacterial culture as the reference method, sensitivity of the Xpert assay using smear-positive specimens was 97.5%, which was comparable to that of the AdvanSure assay (96.3%, p=0.193). However, the sensitivity of the Xpert assay using smear-negative specimens was 70.6%, which was significantly higher than that of the AdvanSure assay (52.9%, p=0.018). Usng phenotypic drug susceptibility testing as the reference method, sensitivity and specificity for detecting rifampicin resistance were 100% and 99.1%, respectively. Moreover, a median turnaround time of the Xpert assay was 1 day, which was significantly shorter than 3 days of the AdvanSure assay (p<0.001). Conclusion: In comparison with the AdvanSure assay, the Xpert assay had a higher sensitivity using smear-negative specimens, a shorter turnaround time, and could reliably predict rifampin resistance. Therefore, the Xpert assay might be preferentially recommended over TB-PCR in Korean TB diagnostic algorithm.

Development of Real-time PCR Assay Based on Hydrolysis Probe for Detection of Epichloë spp. and Toxic Alkaloid Synthesis Genes

  • Lee, Ki-Won;Woo, Jae Hoon;Song, Yowook;Rahman, Md Atikur;Lee, Sang-Hoon
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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    • v.42 no.3
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    • pp.201-207
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    • 2022
  • Fescues, which are widely cultivated as grasses and forages around the world, are often naturally infected with the endophyte, Epichloë. This fungus, transmitted through seeds, imparts resistance to drying and herbivorous insects in its host without causing any external damage, thereby contributing to the adaptation of the host to the environment and maintaining a symbiosis. However, some endophytes, such as E. coenophialum synthesize ergovaline or lolitrem B, which accumulate in the plant and impart anti-mammalian properties. For example, when livestock consume excessive amounts of grass containing toxic endophytes, problems associated with neuromuscular abnormalities, such as convulsions, paralysis, high fever, decreased milk production, reproductive disorders, and even death, can occur. Therefore, pre-inoculation with non-toxic endogenous fungi or management with endophyte-free grass is important in preventing damage to livestock and producing high-quality forage. To date, the diagnosis of endophytes has been mainly performed by observation under a microscope following staining, or by performing an immune blot assay using a monoclonal antibody. Recently, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular diagnostic method is gaining importance in the fields of agriculture, livestock, and healthcare given the method's advantages. These include faster results, with greater accuracy and sensitivity than those obtained using conventional diagnostic methods. For the diagnosis of endophytes, the nested PCR method is the only available option developed; however, it is limited by the fact that the level of toxic alkaloid synthesis cannot be estimated. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a triplex real-time PCR diagnostic method that can determine the presence or absence of endophyte infection using DNA extracted from seeds within 1 h, while simultaneously detecting easD and LtmC genes, which are related to toxic alkaloid synthesis. This new method was then also applied to real field samples.

S100A12 and RAGE Expression in Human Bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma: a Role for the Ligand/RAGE Axis in Tumor Progression?

  • Khorramdelazad, Hossein;Bagheri, Vahid;Hassanshahi, Gholamhossein;Karami, Hormoz;Moogooei, Mozhgan;Zeinali, Masoud;Abedinzadeh, Mehdi
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.16 no.7
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    • pp.2725-2729
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    • 2015
  • Background: Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) and prostate cancer are the most frequent cancers in the male genitourinary tract. Measurement of biological biomarkers may facilitate clinical monitoring and aid early diagnosis of TCC. The aim of the present investigation was to detect the mRNA levels of S100A12 and RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end products) in patients suffering from bladder TCC. Materials and Methods: To explore the involvement of S100A12 and RAGE genes, total RNA was harvested from cancer tissues and samples obtained from normal non-tumorized urothelium of the same patients. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was subsequently employed to determine the mRNA levels of S100A12 and RAGE. Results: The results showed that mRNA expression of S100A12 and RAGE was significantly up-regulated in the cancer tissue. Conclusions: According to the results presented in the current study, mRNA expression of S100A12 and RAGE might be as a useful biomarker for TCC. Therefore, this ligand-receptor axis possibly plays important roles in the development of TCC and may serve either as an early diagnostic marker or as a key factor in monitoring of response to treatment. More research is required concerning inhibition of the S100A12-RAGE axis in different cancer models.

Expression of a Functional zipFv Antibody Fragment and Its Fusions with Alkaline Phosphatase in the Cytoplasm of an Escherichia coli

  • Hur, Byung-Ung;Choi, Hyo-Jung;Yoon, Jae-Bong;Cha, Sang-Hoon
    • IMMUNE NETWORK
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    • v.10 no.2
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    • pp.35-45
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    • 2010
  • Background: Expression of recombinant antibodies and their derivatives fused with other functional molecules such as alkaline phosphatase in Escherichia coli is important in the development of molecular diagnostic reagents for biomedical research. Methods: We investigated the possibility of applying a well-known Fos-Jun zipper to dimerize $V_H$ and $V_L$ fragments originated from the Fab clone (SP 112) that recognizes pyruvate dehydrogenase complex-E2 (PDC-E2), and demonstrated that the functional zipFv-112 and its alkaline phosphatase fusion molecules (zipFv-AP) can be produced in the cytoplasm of Origami(DE3) trxB gor mutant E. coli strain. Results: The zipFv-AP fusion molecules exhibited higher antigen-binding signals than the zipFv up to a 10-fold under the same experimental conditions. However, conformation of the zipFv-AP seemed to be influenced by the location of an AP domain at the C-terminus of $V_H$ or $V_L$ domain [zipFv-112(H-AP) or zipFv-112(L-AP)], and inclusion of an AraC DNA binding domain at the C-terminus of VH of the zipFv-112(L-AP), termed zipFv-112(H-AD/L-AP), was also beneficial. Cytoplasmic co-expression of disulfide-binding isomerase C (DsbC) helped proper folding of the zipFv-112(H-AD/L-AP) but not significantly. Conclusion: We believe that our zipFv constructs may serve as an excellent antibody format bi-functional antibody fragments that can be produced stably in the cytoplasm of E. coli.