[RNA in situ hybridization: technology, potential, and fields of application].

Significant improvements in the technology of RNA in situ hybridization (RNA-ISH) in the past five decades have opened up novel fields of its application as a valuable and an attractive adjunct to the portfolio of pathologist's daily routine diagnostic practice.In contrast to the former methodology, the current bDNA-based technology is not only easier to handle but also considerably more sensitive, enabling single-target molecule detection in formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue specimens without significant effort by both the lab and the evaluating pathologist, as assays can be run on standard automated staining devices and evaluated by light microscopy. Compared to molecular methods like RT-PCR and whole-genome analysis, RNA-ISH maintains tissue integrity thus offering the invaluable advantage of localization of target cells especially in relation to secreted proteins and expression of the target sequence in multiple cell types.

Blood glucose meters employing dynamic electrochemistry are stable against hematocrit interference in a laboratory setting.

Background: Hematocrit (HCT) is known to be a confounding factor that interferes with many blood glucose (BG) measurement technologies, resulting in wrong readings. Dynamic electrochemistry has been identified as one possible way to correct for these potential deviations. The purpose of this laboratory investigation was to assess the HCT stability of four BG meters known to employ dynamic electrochemistry (BGStar and iBGStar, Sanofi; Wavesense Jazz, AgaMatrix; Wellion Linus, MedTrust) in comparison with three other devices (GlucoDock, Medisana; OneTouch Verio Pro, LifeScan; FreeStyle Freedom InsuLinx, Abbott-Medisense).

Evaluation of the effects of insufficient blood volume samples on the performance of blood glucose self-test meters.

Background: Accuracy of blood glucose readings is (among other things) dependent on the test strip being completely filled with sufficient sample volume. The devices are supposed to display an error message in case of incomplete filling. This laboratory study was performed to test the performance of 31 commercially available devices in case of incomplete strip filling.

The precision study: examining the inter- and intra-assay variability of replicate measurements of BGStar, iBGStar and 12 other blood glucose monitors.

Objective: Self-monitoring of blood glucose is a key element in diabetes management. Accurate and precise performance of blood glucose monitors (BGMs) ensures that valid values are obtained to guide treatment decisions by patients and physicians. BGStar and iBGStar are hand-held BGMs that use dynamic electrochemistry to correct for potential interferences and thereby minimize system errors.

Hematocrit interference of blood glucose meters for patient self-measurement.

Background: Abnormal hematocrit levels may interfere with glucose readings of patient self-assessment blood glucose (BG) meters. The aim of this laboratory investigation was to assess the potential influence of hematocrit variations on a variety of BG meters applying different measurement technologies.

Methods: Venous heparinized blood was manipulated to contain three different BG concentrations (50-90, 120-180, and 280-350 mg/dl) and five different hematocrit levels (25%, 35%, 45%, 55%, and 65%).

Determination of hematocrit interference in blood samples derived from patients with different blood glucose concentrations.

Background: We performed a blood glucose meter hematocrit (HCT) interference test with lower sample manipulation requirements by using blood samples from patients with different blood glucose (BG) levels.

Methods: Blood from five patients with different BG levels (2.8, 5.

Comparison of patient preference for two insulin injection pen devices in relation to patient dexterity skills.

Background: Impaired dexterity has been reported to be prevalent in diabetes patients independent from the existence of diabetic neuropathy. This study was performed to investigate the impact of dexterity impairment on patient preference for two insulin pen injection devices (InnoLet and FlexTouch).

Methods: Ninety patients [54 male/36 female; age (mean ± standard deviation), 62 ± 8 years; disease duration, 18 ± 11 years; hemoglobin A1c, 7.

Patient device assessment evaluation of two insulin injection devices in a mixed cohort of insulin-treated patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Objective: FT (FlexTouch*) is a new disposable insulin injection pen device for use in insulin-treated patients with diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient perception of FT versus IL (InnoLet†) with respect to the ease of use and patient preference in a mixed patient cohort with different kinds and degrees of visual or dexterity impairments.

Methods: Ninety patients were included into this investigation (54 male/36 female, age [mean ± SD]: 62 ± 8 yrs, disease duration: 18 ± 11 yrs, HbA1c: 7.

A novel metagenomic short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase attenuates Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation and virulence on Caenorhabditis elegans.

In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the expression of a number of virulence factors, as well as biofilm formation, are controlled by quorum sensing (QS). N-Acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) are an important class of signaling molecules involved in bacterial QS and in many pathogenic bacteria infection and host colonization are AHL-dependent. The AHL signaling molecules are subject to inactivation mainly by hydrolases (Enzyme Commission class number EC 3) (i.

Dynamic electrochemistry corrects for hematocrit interference on blood glucose determinations with patient self-measurement devices.

Background: It has been demonstrated that dynamic electrochemistry can be used to correct blood glucose measurement results for potentially interfering conditions, such as humidity, hematocrit (HCT) variations, and ascorbic acid. The purpose of this laboratory investigation was to assess the potential influence of hematocrit variations on a variety of blood glucose meters applying different measurement technologies.

Methods: Venous heparinized whole blood was drawn, immediately aliquoted, and manipulated to contain three different blood glucose concentrations (80, 155, and 310 mg/dl) and five different hematocrit levels (25%, 37%, 45%, 52%, and 60%).