dbCNV: deleteriousness-based model to predict pathogenicity of copy number variations.

Background: Copy number variation (CNV) is a type of structural variation, which is a gain or loss event with abnormal changes in copy number. Methods to predict the pathogenicity of CNVs are required to realize the relationship between these variants and clinical phenotypes. ClassifyCNV, X-CNV, StrVCTVRE, etc.

An enhanced method for nucleic acid detection with CRISPR-Cas12a using phosphorothioate modified primers and optimized gold-nanopaticle strip.

CRISPR-Cas12a system has been shown promising for nucleic acid diagnostics due to its rapid, portable and accurate features. However, cleavage of the amplicons and primers by the - and -activity of Cas12a hinders the attempts to integrate the amplification and detection into a single reaction. Through phosphorothioate modification of primers, we realized onepot detection with high sensitivity using plasmids of SARS-CoV-2, HPV16 and HPV18.

A neural mA/Ythdf pathway is required for learning and memory in Drosophila.

Epitranscriptomic modifications can impact behavior. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster to study N-methyladenosine (mA), the most abundant modification of mRNA. Proteomic and functional analyses confirm its nuclear (Ythdc1) and cytoplasmic (Ythdf) YTH domain proteins as major mA binders.

Comparison of three automatic chemiluminescent immunoassays for monitoring dynamic profile of SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM.

Background: Seldom performance evaluation and diagnosis comparison studies were reported for different chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) kits approved under an emergency approval program for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods: A total of 100 and 105 serum separately from non-infected populations and COVID-19 patients were detected with SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG kits. The characteristics including precision, functional sensitivity, linearity, and accuracy were evaluated for Axceed, iFlash, and Maglumi CLIA kits.

Analytical performance evaluation of five RT-PCR kits for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Background: We aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of five commercial RT-PCR kits (Genekey, Daan, BioGerm, Liferiver, and Yaneng) commonly used in China, since such comparison data are lacking.

Methods: A total of 20 COVID-19 confirmed patients and 30 negative nasopharyngeal swab specimens were analyzed by five kits. The detection ability of five RT-PCR kits was evaluated with 5 concentration gradients diluted by a single positive sample.

Consistency evaluation of Liferiver, Yaneng, Darui, and the Cobas 4800 test for high-risk human papillomavirus screening.

Background: In recent years, several high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) tests have been developed. The assay capabilities need to be systematically reviewed. Here, we compared the clinical sample performance of three novel HR-HPV assays (Liferiver, Yaneng, and Darui) based on different platforms with the widely adopted cobas4800 test.

Evaluation on the separated effect of 13 hemoglobin variants by a new automatic Hba1c analyzer.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a new type of automatic glycated hemoglobin analyzer on the separation of abnormal hemoglobin.

Methods: Samples diagnosed as hemoglobin variants by capillary electrophoresis and gene testing were selected, and HbA1c analyzer was used for separation and detection.

Results: A total of 13 hemoglobin variants in 40 samples could be separated from the normal peaks.

Performance evaluation of the XPEN60 CRP&SAA, a novel automated hematology analyzer, in detecting complete blood count, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A.

Background: The XPEN60 CRP&SAA (hereafter XPEN60) is a new automated hematology analyzer that can rapidly detect C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and blood cell counts (CBC), including the 5-part differential of white blood cells (5-DIFF). The aim of this study was to evaluate the analytical performance of XPEN60.

Methods: The analytical performance of XPEN60 was evaluated on the basis of several parameters, including the limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), limit of quantitation (LoQ), precision, accuracy, carryover, linearity, clinical reportable range (CRR), and interference test.

Development of a novel prognostic signature for predicting the overall survival of bladder cancer patients.

Background: Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies. So far, no effective biomarker for bladder cancer prognosis has been identified. Aberrant DNA methylation is frequently observed in the bladder cancer and holds considerable promise as a biomarker for predicting the overall survival (OS) of patients.

LINC00958 and HOXC13-AS as key candidate biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by integrated bioinformatics analysis.

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a malignant tumor with a strong tendency for metastasis and recurrence. Finding effective biomarkers for the early diagnosis of HNSCC is critical for the early treatment and prognosis of patients.

Methods: RNA sequencing data including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), messenger RNA (mRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) of 141 HNSCC and 44 adjacent normal tissues were obtained from the TCGA.

The mA pathway facilitates sex determination in Drosophila.

The conserved modification N-methyladenosine (mA) modulates mRNA processing and activity. Here, we establish the Drosophila system to study the mA pathway. We first apply miCLIP to map mA across embryogenesis, characterize its mA 'writer' complex, validate its YTH 'readers' CG6422 and YT521-B, and generate mutants in five mA factors.

Characterization of a TUTase/RNase complex required for gametogenesis.

Post-transcriptional regulatory strategies that involve coupling between terminal uridyltransferase (TUTase) and exoribonuclease enzymes have recently been characterized in diverse species. Of note, the 3' exoribonuclease Dis3L2 has received substantial attention as a factor that metabolizes uridylated substrates in contexts such as general mRNA degradation, turnover of specific miRNAs, and quality control of noncoding RNAs. To date, most studies of Dis3L2 have focused on fungi and mammalian cells.

Polymer microfiber meshes facilitate cardiac differentiation of c-kit(+) human cardiac stem cells.

Electrospun microfiber meshes have been shown to support the proliferation and differentiation of many types of stem cells, but the phenotypic fate of c-kit(+) human cardiac stem cells (hCSCs) have not been explored. To this end, we utilized thin (~5µm) elastomeric meshes consisting of aligned 1.7µm diameter poly (ester-urethane urea) microfibers as substrates to examine their effect on hCSC viability, morphology, proliferation, and differentiation relative to cells cultured on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS).

Interior tomographic imaging of mouse heart in a carbon nanotube micro-CT.

Background: The relatively high radiation dose from micro-CT is a cause for concern in preclinical research involving animal subjects. Interior region-of-interest (ROI) imaging was proposed for dose reduction, but has not been experimentally applied in micro-CT.

Objective: Our aim is to implement interior ROI imaging in a carbon nanotube (CNT) x-ray source based micro-CT, and present the ROI image quality and radiation dose reduction for interior cardiac micro-CT imaging of a mouse heart in situ.

Superior angiogenesis facilitates digit regrowth in MRL/MpJ mice compared to C57BL/6 mice.

Previous studies indicated that the fast-healer strain of MRL/MpJ-Fas(lpr)/J (MRL) mice demonstrated superior regenerative capabilities for digit wound healing and/or regeneration compared with the non-healer strain of C57BL/6 (C57) mice. These reports, however, mainly focused on morphological observations and analysis of gene expression with little attention on the role of angiogenesis in the amputated digits. By taking advantage of Laser Doppler Imaging and histological analysis, we examined the potential role(s) of angiogenesis in facilitating tissue regrowth/regeneration by comparing two strains of mice (MRL versus C57).

Tattooing Various Combinations of Ears, Tail, and Toes to Identify Mice Reliably and Permanently.

Uniquely identifying research animals is a widespread and essential procedure. Potential disadvantages of commonly used identification methods such as toe clipping, ear punching, and ear tagging include tissue loss and adverse effects in physiologic homeostasis and animal behavior. In addition, the labels produced by using these methods can become unreadable, potentially leading to misidentification.

Rho-Associated Kinase Inhibitor (Y-27632) Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis of Human Cardiac Stem Cells.

Background: Recent clinical trials using c-kit+ human cardiac stem cells (CSCs) demonstrated promising results in increasing cardiac function and improving quality of life. However, CSC efficiency is low, likely due to limited cell survival and engraftment after transplantation. The Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, Y-27632, significantly increased cell survival rate, adhesion, and migration in numerous types of cells, including stem cells, suggesting a common feature of the ROCK-mediated apoptotic pathway that may also exist in human CSCs.

Ci antagonizes Hippo signaling in the somatic cells of the ovary to drive germline stem cell differentiation.

Many stem cell populations are tightly regulated by their local microenvironment (niche), which comprises distinct types of stromal cells. However, little is known about mechanisms by which niche subgroups coordinately determine the stem cell fate. Here we identify that Yki, the key Hippo pathway component, is essential for escort cell (EC) function in promoting germline differentiation in Drosophila ovary.

Analytical performances and heart failure research of the BNP and NT-proBNP assays on the Cobas E601 and ADVIA Centaur.

Background: The analytical performances of the NT-proBNP and BNP assays on the Cobas E601 and ADVIA Centaur were thoroughly evaluated. In addition, the values of BNP and NT-proBNP, which are heart failure markers, were compared in the diagnosis of HF patients with or without acute cerebral infarction since they could also be elevated in ischemic stroke.

Methods: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) documents were employed in the analytical evaluation of NT-proBNP and BNP assays on the Cobas E601 and ADVIA Centaur.

The Fused/Smurf complex controls the fate of Drosophila germline stem cells by generating a gradient BMP response.

In the Drosophila ovary, germline stem cells (GSCs) are maintained primarily by bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) ligands produced by the stromal cells of the niche. This signaling represses GSC differentiation by blocking the transcription of the differentiation factor Bam. Remarkably, bam transcription begins only one cell diameter away from the GSC in the daughter cystoblasts (CBs).

Effete-mediated degradation of Cyclin A is essential for the maintenance of germline stem cells in Drosophila.

Increasing evidence supports the idea that the regulation of stem cells requires both extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms. However, much less is known about how intrinsic signals regulate the fate of stem cells. Studies on germline stem cells (GSCs) in the Drosophila ovary have provided novel insights into the regulatory mechanisms of stem cell maintenance.