Processing biological samples from simulated radiological terrorist events using Rapid DNA instruments.

Two commercially available portable Rapid DNA instruments were evaluated for their ability to process 1 µL and 10 µL saliva samples deposited on metal and plastic surfaces and contaminated with surrogates of cesium (Cs)-137, strontium (Sr)-90 and cobalt (Co)-60; radioactive materials potentially released during a nuclear weapon accident or a radiological dispersal device detonation. A comparable success rate was noted for both Rapid DNA instruments when considering the number of complete and balanced DNA profiles, the number of profiles with a minimum of 10 autosomal STR loci (out of 23 [FlexPlex™ 27] or 21 [GlobalFiler™ Express]), and the possibility to search a national DNA database in Canada and the United States. Cobalt had an adverse impact on the quality of the megaplex short tandem repeat (STR) DNA profiles derived on each instrument for two of the three contamination levels tested in this study, i.

Comparative analysis of two Rapid DNA technologies for the processing of blood and saliva-based samples.

Rapid DNA technologies recently gained significant momentum as a means to generate DNA profiles faster than with standard laboratory workflows. Initially developed for the analysis of buccal reference samples, applications are being considered for other types of forensic samples. In this study, an identical set of 150 blood and saliva-based samples was processed using two different Rapid DNA technologies, the Applied BioSystems™ RapidHIT™ ID System using the RapidINTEL™ sample cartridge and the ANDE™ 6C Rapid DNA Analysis™ System using the I-Chip.

Differential expression of CCR8 in tumors versus normal tissue allows specific depletion of tumor-infiltrating T regulatory cells by GS-1811, a novel Fc-optimized anti-CCR8 antibody.

The presence of T regulatory (Treg) cells in the tumor microenvironment is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to therapies aimed at reactivating anti-tumor immune responses. Therefore, depletion of tumor-infiltrating Tregs is a potential approach to overcome resistance to immunotherapy. However, identifying Treg-specific targets to drive such selective depletion is challenging.

Validation of the Verogen ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit/Primer Mix B for phenotypic and biogeographical ancestry predictions using the Micro MiSeq® Flow Cells.

In anticipation of offering phenotypic and biogeographical ancestry predictions to help resolve cases, the Verogen ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep kit/Primer Mix B was evaluated in the context of Micro MiSeq® Flow Cells. These flow cells were determined as the best format for a quick turnaround time response and cost effective approach compared to standard flow cells. The phenotype informative SNPs (piSNPs) and ancestry informative SNPs (aiSNPs) were thoroughly examined through sensitivity, reproducibility and repeatability, concordance, robustness (mock casework) and low level DNA mixture studies purposely selecting individuals with different phenotypes (hair and eye color) when possible and different biogeographical ancestry.

The NLRP3 inflammasome mediates DSS-induced intestinal inflammation in Nod2 knockout mice.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by inflammation and intestinal epithelial injury. Loss of function mutations in the intracellular bacterial sensor NOD2 are major risk factors for the development of CD. In the absence of robust bacterial recognition by NOD2 an inflammatory cascade is initiated through alternative PRRs leading to CD.