Correlation between Species Affecting Dogs in Taiwan and the Local Distribution of the Vector Ticks.

The objective of our study was to survey infection rates by PCR and tick species on stray dogs to correlate the distribution of with the distribution of ticks infesting dogs in Taiwan. Three hundred eighty-eight blood samples and 3037 ticks were collected from 388 roaming, and free-ranging owned dogs at residential sites in Taiwan between January 2015 and December 2017. The prevalence of and was 15.

Synthesis and properties of the kojic acid dimer and its potential for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

The kojic acid dimer (KAD) is a metabolite derived from developing cottonseed when contaminated with aflatoxin. The KAD has been shown to exhibit bright greenish-yellow fluorescence, but little else is known about its biological activity. In this study, using kojic acid as a raw material, we developed a four-step synthetic route that achieved the gram-scale preparation of the KAD in approximately 25% total yield.

Clinical characteristics of naturally Babesia gibsoni infected dogs: A study of 60 dogs.

Babesia gibsoni is increasingly recognized globally as a cause of canine tick-borne anemic disease; however, only a few clinical reports of naturally acquired infection are available. In this systematic study of dogs presenting with B. gibsoni infection, clinical and laboratory data were collected for dogs with PCR-confirmed B.

Molecular evidence for the transovarial passage of Babesia gibsoni in Haemaphysalis hystricis (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks from Taiwan: a novel vector for canine babesiosis.

Background: Babesia gibsoni is the predominant tick-borne protozoan blood parasite affecting dogs throughout the Oriental region. Babesia gibsoni is transmitted by Haemaphysalis longicornis, whereas a similar role has been suggested for Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Haemaphysalis longicornis does not occur in Taiwan, but R.

A SimpleProbe(®) real-time PCR assay for differentiating the cytochrome b M121I mutation in clinical specimens from dogs infected with Babesia gibsoni.

Babesia gibsoni (B. gibsoni) causes a canine tick-borne disease worldwide. The substitution of methionine with isoleucine (M121I) in the cytochrome b (CYTb) gene of B.

Influenza A(H6N1) Virus in Dogs, Taiwan.

We determined the prevalence of influenza A virus in dogs in Taiwan and isolated A/canine/Taiwan/E01/2014. Molecular analysis indicated that this isolate was closely related to influenza A(H6N1) viruses circulating in Taiwan and harbored the E627K substitution in the polymerase basic 2 protein, which indicated its ability to replicate in mammalian species.

An outbreak of feline infectious peritonitis in a Taiwanese shelter: epidemiologic and molecular evidence for horizontal transmission of a novel type II feline coronavirus.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal disease caused by feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection. FCoV can be divided into serotypes I and II. The virus that causes FIP (FIPV) is believed to occur sporadically and spread infrequently from cat to cat.

Full genome analysis of a novel type II feline coronavirus NTU156.

Infections by type II feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) have been shown to be significantly correlated with fatal feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Despite nearly six decades having passed since its first emergence, different studies have shown that type II FCoV represents only a small portion of the total FCoV seropositivity in cats; hence, there is very limited knowledge of the evolution of type II FCoV. To elucidate the correlation between viral emergence and FIP, a local isolate (NTU156) that was derived from a FIP cat was analyzed along with other worldwide strains.

The therapeutic efficacy of two antibabesial strategies against Babesia gibsoni.

Various combination strategies for treating Babesia gibsoni have been described. However, relapses after administering some combinations of antibabesial drugs and the presence of drug-resistant B. gibsoni still pose significant challenges to veterinarians.

Multiarmed star-like platinum nanowires with multienzyme assembly for direct electronic determination of carcinoembryoninc antigen in serum.

A new electrochemical immunoassay strategy for direct detection of carcinoembryoninc antigen (CEA) in serum was developed by using multiarmed star-like platinum nanowires (PtNWs) with biomolecular assembly as signal tags on an anti-CEA-functionalized graphene sensing platform. Initially, the PtNWs were synthesized via a wet chemical method, and then the synthesized PtNWs were used for the co-immobilization of CEA and horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Compared with platinum nanoparticles, the prepared PtNWs could provide a large room for the conjugation of HRP and CEA.

Ultrasensitive aptamer-based multiplexed electrochemical detection by coupling distinguishable signal tags with catalytic recycling of DNase I.

This work reports an aptamer-based, disposable, and multiplexed sensing platform for simultaneous electrochemical determination of small molecules, employing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and cocaine as the model target analytes. The multiplexed sensing strategy is based on target-induced release of distinguishable redox tag-conjugated aptamers from a magnetic graphene platform. The electronic signal of the aptasensors could be further amplified by coupling DNase I with catalytic recycling of self-produced reactants.

Specific immunoreaction-induced controlled release strategy for sensitive impedance immunoassay of a cancer marker.

A simple and facile impedance immunoassay strategy for sensitive detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), as a model cancer marker, was developed by using target-induced release of nanogold particle-labelled anti-AFP antibodies from polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated magnetic carbon nanotubes.

Electrochemical detection of hepatitis C virus with signal amplification using BamHI endonuclease and horseradish peroxidase-encapsulated nanogold hollow spheres.

A novel electrochemical method to detect hepatitis C virus was developed based on site-specific cleavage of BamHI endonuclease and enzymatic signal amplification with horseradish peroxidase-encapsulated nanogold hollow spheres.

Magneto-controlled electrochemical immunosensor for direct detection of squamous cell carcinoma antigen by using serum as supporting electrolyte.

A new magneto-controlled microfluidic device for direct electrochemical determination of squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC-Ag) in serum was designed by using anti-SCC antibody (SCC-Ab)-functionalized magnetic mesoporous nanogold/thionine/NiCo(2)O(4) hybrid nanostructures as immunosensing probes (P(1)-Ab) and horseradish peroxidase-SCC-Ab conjugates-labeled nanogold/graphene nanosheets as signal tags (P(2)-Ab). In the presence of the analyte SCC-Ag, the sandwich immunocomplex was formed between the immunosensing probes and the signal tags. With the aid of an external magnet, the formed immunocomplex was attached to the microfluidic device.

An organic-inorganic hybrid nanostructure-functionalized electrode for electrochemical immunoassay of biomarker by using magnetic bionanolabels.

A new electrochemical immunoassay of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) was developed on an organic-inorganic hybrid nanostructure-functionalized carbon electrode by coupling with magnetic bionanolabels. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), single-stranded DNA, thionine and AFP were utilized for the construction of the immunosensor, while the core-shell Fe(3)O(4)-silver nanocomposites were employed for the label of horseradish peroxidase-anti-AFP conjugates (HRP-anti-AFP-AgFe). Electrochemical measurement toward AFP was carried out by using magnetic bionanolabels as traces and H(2)O(2) as enzyme substrate with a competitive-type immunoassay mode.

Sensitive electrochemical immunoassay of carcinoembryonic antigen with signal dual-amplification using glucose oxidase and an artificial catalase.

A new dual-amplification strategy of electrochemical signal based on the catalytic recycling of the product was developed for the antigen-antibody interaction by glucose oxidase (GOD)- conjugated gold-silver hollow microspheres (AuAgHSs) coupled with an artificial catalase, Prussian blue nanoparticles (PB), on a graphene-based immunosensing platform. The first signal amplification introduced in this study was based on the labeled GOD on the AuAgHSs toward the catalytic oxidation of glucose. The generated H(2)O(2) was catalytically reduced by the immobilized PB on the graphene nanosheets with the second amplification.

Gold-silver-graphene hybrid nanosheets-based sensors for sensitive amperometric immunoassay of alpha-fetoprotein using nanogold-enclosed titania nanoparticles as labels.

A new sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor with enhanced sensitivity was developed for detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP, as a model analyte) in biological fluids by using nanogold-enclosed titania nanoparticle (AuTi)-labeled secondary antibody on a gold-silver-graphene hybrid nanosheet (AuAgGP)-functionalized glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The presence of the AuAgGP nanosheets not only enhanced the immobilized amount of biomolecules, but also improved the electrochemical properties of the immunosensor. With the aid of AuTi nanolabels, the electrochemical signal was greatly amplified in comparison with pure nanogold or titania-based labels.

A graphene-based Au(111) platform for electrochemical biosensing based catalytic recycling of products on gold nanoflowers.

A novel, enzyme-free amperometric immunoassay of biomarkers with sensitive enhancement was designed by using gold nanoflower-labeled detection antibodies toward the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol and redox cycling of p-aminophenol on a graphene-based Au(111) platform.

Carbon nanotube-based symbiotic coaxial nanocables with nanosilica and nanogold particles as labels for electrochemical immunoassay of carcinoembryonic antigen in biological fluids.

A feasible and practicable amperometric immunoassay strategy for sensitive screening of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in human serum was developed using carbon nanotube (CNT)-based symbiotic coaxial nanocables as labels. To construct such a nanocable, a thin layer of silica nanoparticles was coated on the CNT surface by sonication and sol-gel methods, and then colloidal gold nanoparticles were assembled on the amino-functionalized SiO(2)/CNTs, which were used for the label of horseradish peroxidase-anti-CEA conjugates (HRP-anti-CEA-Au/SiO(2)/CNT). In the presence of analyte CEA, the sandwich-type immunocomplex was formed on an anti-CEA/Au/thionine/Nafion-modified glassy carbon electrode by using HRP-anti-CEA-Au/SiO(2)/CNTs as detection antibodies.

An enzyme-free quartz crystal microbalance biosensor for sensitive glucose detection in biological fluids based on glucose/dextran displacement approach.

A sensitive and facile quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensor for glucose detection in biological fluids was developed by means of a displacement-type assay mode between glucose and its analogy dextran for concanavalin A (ConA) binding sites on a graphene-based sensing platform. To construct such a displacement-based sensor, phenoxy-derived dextran (DexP) molecules were initially assembled onto the surface of graphene-coated QCM probe via π-π stacking interaction, and ConA molecules were then immobilized on the dextran through the dextran-ConA interaction. Upon addition of glucose, the analyte competed with the dextran for the ConA, and displaced it from the QCM probe, leading to a change in the frequency.

Clinicopathological findings and disease staging of feline infectious peritonitis: 51 cases from 2003 to 2009 in Taiwan.

Fifty-one cats histopathologically confirmed to have been naturally infected by feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), were collected to analyse the clinical and laboratory findings and to characterise disease staging. Effusive FIP was found in 33 cats, non-effusive FIP in 12 cats, and mixed-type in six cats. Highly significant decreases in haematocrit and albumin levels and an increase in total bilirubin level were noted in both effusive and non-effusive FIP, at first presentation and before death.

Enzyme-free electrochemical immunoassay with catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol and recycling of p-aminophenol using gold nanoparticles-coated carbon nanotubes as nanocatalysts.

A novel enzyme-free sandwich electrochemical immunoassay with an ultrahigh sensitivity was developed for detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP, as a model analyte) using carbon nanotube-enriched gold nanoparticles (CNT-AuNPs) as nanolabels/nanocatalysts on anti-AFP/glutaraldehyde/thionine-modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs). The assays were carried out in a pH 8.0 acetic acid-buffered solution containing 6 mM p-nitrophenol (NP) and 6mM NaBH(4) after the formation of the sandwich-type immunocomplex.

Gold nanoparticles-decorated amine-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimer for sensitive electrochemical immunoassay of brevetoxins in food samples.

A sensitive electrochemical immunosensor for the fast screening of brevetoxin B (BTX-2) in food samples was developed by means of immobilizing BTX-2-bovine serum albumin conjugate (BTX-2-BSA) on the gold nanoparticles-decorated amine-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (AuNP-PAADs). The presence of gold nanoparticles greatly improved the conductivity of the PAADs, and three-dimensional PAADs increased the surface coverage of the biomolecules on the electrode. Under optimal conditions, three types of immunosensor, i.

Nanogold-actuated biomimetic peroxidase for sensitized electrochemical immunoassay of carcinoembryonic antigen in human serum.

A new electrochemical immunoassay protocol for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in human serum was developed by means of immobilizing horseradish peroxidase-labeled anti-CEA antibodies (HRP-anti-CEA) on the nanogold/nano-Fe(3)O(4) particles-functionalized polyion complex (PIC) membrane. With a one-step immunoassay format, the formed immunocomplex inhibited partly the bioactive center of the immobilized HRP, and decreased the HRP toward the reduction of H(2)O(2). Nanogold-actuated nano-Fe(3)O(4) mimetic peroxidase was used for the sensitivity improvement of the electrochemical immunosensor with Prussian blue (PB) as mediators.

Ultrasensitive electrochemical immunoassay of staphylococcal enterotoxin B in food using enzyme-nanosilica-doped carbon nanotubes for signal amplification.

A new sandwich-type electrochemical immunoassay for ultrasensitive detection of staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) in food was developed using horseradish peroxidase-nanosilica-doped multiwalled carbon nanotubes (HRPSiCNTs) for signal amplification. Rabbit polyclonal anti-SEB antibodies immobilized on the screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) and covalently bound to the HRPSiCNTs were used as capture antibodies and detection antibodies, respectively. In the presence of SEB analyte, the sandwich-type immunocomplex could be formed between the immobilized anti-SEB on the SPCE and anti-SEB-labeled HRPSiCNTs, and the carried HRP could catalyze the electrochemical reduction of H2O2 with the help of thionine.