Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) stands out as a highly sensitive diagnostic technique that is gaining traction in infectious disease diagnostics due to its ability to quantitate very low numbers of viral gene copies. By partitioning the sample into thousands of droplets, ddPCR enables precise and absolute quantification without relying on a standard curve. However, current ddPCR systems often exhibit relatively low levels of integration, and the analytical process remains dependent on elaborate workflows for up-front sample preparation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSecukinumab is a fully human IgG1 antibody that selectively binds to and neutralizes the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A. Secukinumab is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for plaque psoriasis. There is a limited real-word evidence for dose optimisation of secukinumab based on clinical response.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe describe a microfluidic system for conducting thermal lysis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification, hybridization, and colorimetric detection of foodborne viral organisms in a sample-to-answer format. The on-chip protocol entails 24 steps which are conducted by a centrifugal platform that allows for actuating liquids pneumatically during rotation and so facilitates automation of the workflow. The microfluidic cartridge is fabricated from transparent thermoplastic polymers and accommodates assay components along with an embedded micropillar array for detection and read-out.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe intensive workload associated with the preparation of high-quality DNA libraries remains a key obstacle toward widespread deployment of sequencing technologies in remote and resource-limited areas. We describe the development of single-use microfluidic devices driven by an advanced pneumatic centrifugal microfluidic platform, the PowerBlade, to automate the preparation of Illumina-compatible libraries based on adaptor ligation methodology. The developed on-chip workflow includes enzymatic DNA fragmentation coupled to end-repair, adaptor ligation, first DNA cleanup, PCR amplification, and second DNA cleanup.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Following Canada's food guide (CFG) recommendations should ensure adequate nutrient intakes. Older adults have increased needs for certain nutrients and nutrient density; the extent to which adherence to CFG recommendations can help reduce inadequate nutrient intakes is unknown.
Objectives: We aimed to assess the relationship between adherence to CFG recommendations on healthy food choices and intake of key nutrients in adults 65 y and older from the Canadian Community Health Survey 2015 - Nutrition.