A Novel Digital PCR Assay for Accurate Detection and Differentiation of Focal and Non-Focal Subtypes of Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition () Gene Amplification in Lung Cancer.

Background/objectives: Mesenchymal-epithelial transition () gene amplification is a critical biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), significantly influencing treatment decisions and prognostic evaluations. However, current detection methods such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have limitations in speed, cost, and specificity, particularly when distinguishing between focal amplification and polysomy.

Methods: This study introduces a novel digital PCR (dPCR) assay designed not only to detect amplification but also to differentiate between its focal and non-focal subtypes.

Clinical and Pathologic Characteristics of Cytologically Indeterminate Thyroid Nodules with Non-V600E Alterations.

Background: Molecular assays serve as a potential risk stratification tool for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules (ITNs). mutations are nearly always associated with thyroid cancer. However, the malignancy risk for ITNs with other less common alterations is less well understood.

Minimum effective volume 90% for ultrasound-guided selective trunk block: A quantal bioassay.

Background: Selective trunk block (SeTB) targets the three trunks of the brachial plexus and produces surgical anaesthesia of the entire upper extremity, including the shoulder. However, the optimal dose of local anaesthetic (LA) required for a SeTB is not known.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the minimum effective volume 90% (MEV90) of LA required for a SeTB.

Prevention of herpes zoster in acquired immunocompromised conditions: Review of updates and perspectives from Hong Kong.

Patients with acquired immunocompromising conditions face considerable risk of developing herpes zoster (HZ). Based on the underlying medical conditions and degree of immune dysfunction, these patients require tailored strategies for HZ prevention. In Hong Kong, there is currently a lack of guidelines addressing the unique needs of this vulnerable population, including the use of prophylactic measures such as antivirals and vaccines.

Mining yeast diversity unveils novel targets for improved heterologous laccase production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a widely utilized host cell for recombinant protein production due to its well studied and annotated genome, its ability to secrete large and post-translationally modified proteins, fast growth and cost-effective culturing. However, recombinant protein yields from S. cerevisiae often fall behind that of other host systems.