Clinical evaluation of a novel digital microfluidic based point-of-care test platform for detection of SARS-Cov-2 and influenza A/B.

Respiratory pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A/B, can cause severe illnesses in susceptible individuals. This research evaluated a novel digital microfluidic point-of-care testing platform designed to detect 23 pathogens, comparing its performance to conventional laboratory-based nucleic acid tests. The platform integrates nucleic acid extraction and amplification processes for rapid detection with only 2 min of hands-on time.

Evaluation of an individual-donation nucleic acid amplification testing algorithm for detecting hepatitis B virus infection in Chinese blood donors.

Background: This multicenter study was performed to evaluate the efficiency of a multiplex individual-donation nucleic acid amplification technology (ID-NAT) and discriminatory testing algorithm for detecting hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Chinese blood donors.

Study Design And Methods: A total of 1,205,796 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-nonreactive donations from 10 blood centers were tested by ID-NAT using the Ultrio assay. Multiplex Ultrio-reactive donations were tested in the discriminatory tests as well as in quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and in supplemental electrochemiluminescence immunoassays for HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), hepatitis B e antigen, and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc).

Using a novel microRNA delivery system to inhibit osteoclastogenesis.

Previously, we developed a novel microRNA (miRNA) delivery system based on bacteriophage MS2 virus-like particles (MS2 VLPs). In this current study, we used this system to transport miR-146a into human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and demonstrated the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis in precursors. Two cytokines, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) were used to induce osteoclastogenesis.