Compact multiplex PCR device for HIV-1 and HIV-2 viral load determination from finger-prick whole blood in resource-limited settings.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a major global health concern for which accurate viral load monitoring is essential for the management of HIV infection. The advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has transformed once-fatal HIV disease into a manageable chronic condition that now makes the need for VL testing which aims to satisfy international suppression targets 95-95-95 al l the more essential. Therefore, considering the complexity and diversity of HIV infection, it is essential to develop rapid diagnostic technologies suitable for different clinical situations.

Survivin inhibition attenuates EGF-induced epithelial mesenchymal transformation of human RPE cells via the EGFR/MAPK pathway.

Purpose: The abnormal growth factors-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells was known as a vital pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). This study aims to explore how survivin inhibition affects EMT induced by epidermal growth factor (EGF) in RPE cells.

Methods: Human primary RPE cells were identified in vitro.

Analytical and Clinical Validation of an Automated Microfluidic Interleukin-6 Immunoassay.

Objective: We validated an automated microfluidic interleukin-6 (IL-6) immunoassay on the Ella platform for clinical use.

Methods: The assay was validated for precision, lower limit of quantification, analytical measurement range, accuracy, specificity, interference of biotin, tocilizumab, GP130, IL-6R, hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia, and establishing the reference value. The clinical performance was evaluated in 96 COVID-19 patients.

Monitoring mouse papillomavirus-associated cancer development using longitudinal Pap smear screening.

Unlabelled: A substantial percentage of the population remains at risk for cervical cancer due to pre-existing human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, despite prophylactic vaccines. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for better disease outcomes. The development of new treatments heavily relies on suitable preclinical model systems.

Inhibition of EGFR attenuates EGF-induced activation of retinal pigment epithelium cell EGFR/AKT signaling pathway.

Aim: To explore the effect of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition by erlotinib and EGFR siRNA on epidermal growth factor (EGF)-induced activation of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells.

Methods: Human RPE cell line (ARPE-19 cells) was activated by 100 ng/mL EGF. Erlotinib and EGFR siRNA were used to intervene EGF treatment.

Hepatocyte growth factor promotes retinal pigment epithelium cell activity through MET/AKT signaling pathway.

Aim: To explore the effects of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) on retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell behaviors.

Methods: The human adult retinal pigment epithelial cell line-19 (ARPE-19) were treated by HGF or mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET) inhibitor SU11274 . Cell viability was detected by a Cell Counting Kit-8 assay.

Immune Responses in Oral Papillomavirus Clearance in the MmuPV1 Mouse Model.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-induced oropharyngeal cancer now exceeds HPV-induced cervical cancer, with a noticeable sex bias. Although it is well established that women have a more proficient immune system, it remains unclear whether immune control of oral papillomavirus infections differs between sexes. In the current study, we use genetically modified mice to target CCR2 and Stat1 pathways, with the aim of investigating the role of both innate and adaptive immune responses in clearing oral papillomavirus, using our established papillomavirus (MmuPV1) infection model.

Compact Point-of-Care Device for Self-Administered HIV Viral Load Tests from Whole Blood.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a significant problem to consider as it can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Fortunately, AIDS is manageable through antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, frequent viral load monitoring is needed to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy.

Clinical efficacy and changes of serum VEGF-A, VEGF-B, and PLGF after conbercept treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and systemic safety profile of conbercept in clinical practice on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, VEGF-B, and placental growth factor (PLGF) levels after intravitreal injections for the neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: Thirty-five patients (35 eyes) with neovascular AMD received intravitreal injections of conbercept treatment with protocol. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were detected before the intravitreal injection and at 1, 3, and 12mo after conbercept treatment.

The CKD-EPI 2021 Equation and Other Creatinine-Based Race-Independent eGFR Equations in Chronic Kidney Disease Diagnosis and Staging.

Background: Recent debate on the race correction factor in creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has led to the development of a new race-independent equation (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration, CKD-EPI_2021). Previously, some institutions have already modified the early version of the CKD-EPI or Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equations by removing the race factors (CKD-EPI_2009_non-Black (NB), MDRD_NB) for Black populations although this approach remains controversial.

Methods: In this study, the CKD-EPI_2009_NB, MDRD_NB, and European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) equations were compared directly with the CKD-EPI_2021 equation in eGFR calculation, chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis, and staging in a local population.

Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage and protective role of peroxiredoxin 6 protein via EGFR/ERK signaling pathway in RPE cells.

Introduction: Damage to retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells caused by oxidative stress is closely related to the pathogenesis of several blinding retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa, and other inherited retinal degenerative conditions. However, the mechanisms of this process are poorly understood. Hence, the goal of this study was to investigate hydrogen peroxide (HO)-induced oxidative damage and protective role of peroxiredoxin 6 (PRDX6) protein via EGFR/ERK signaling pathway in RPE cells.

STAMP-Based Digital CRISPR-Cas13a for Amplification-Free Quantification of HIV-1 Plasma Viral Loads.

Quantification of HIV RNA in plasma is critical for identifying the disease progression and monitoring the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy. While RT-qPCR has been the gold standard for HIV viral load quantification, digital assays could provide an alternative calibration-free absolute quantification method. Here, we reported a elf-digitization hrough utomated embrane-based artitioning (STAMP) method to digitalize the CRISPR-Cas13 assay (dCRISPR) for amplification-free and absolute quantification of HIV-1 viral RNAs.

AACC Guidance Document on Cervical Cancer Detection: Screening, Surveillance, and Diagnosis.

Background: Persistent genital infection with high-risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV) causes the vast majority of cases of cervical cancer. Early screening, ongoing surveillance, and accurate diagnosis are crucial for the elimination of cervical cancer. New screening guidelines for testing in asymptomatic healthy populations and management guidelines for managing abnormal results have been published by professional organizations.

Comparison of Performance between the Elecsys 4 and 5 Generation STAT Cardiac Troponin T Immunoassays.

Objective: To evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of the 5 GEN cTnT assay by comparing it with the 4 GEN assay.

Methods: Imprecision, analytical measurement range (AMR), reference interval, and quantitative comparison were studied. Qualitative comparisons of the two assays for randomly selected patients with the cTnT test orders and patients with elevated N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and increased procalcitonin were performed.

Passive Immunization with a Single Monoclonal Neutralizing Antibody Protects against Cutaneous and Mucosal Mouse Papillomavirus Infections.

We have established a mouse papillomavirus (MmuPV1) model that induces both cutaneous and mucosal infections and cancers. In the current study, we use this model to test our hypothesis that passive immunization using a single neutralizing monoclonal antibody can protect both cutaneous and mucosal sites at different time points after viral inoculation. We conducted a series of experiments involving the administration of either a neutralizing monoclonal antibody, MPV.

Elevated hCG Concentration in a Patient after an Unsuccessful Fertilization.

A patient had a positive serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) 22 days after a failed in vitro fertilization (IVF). The result was confirmed by repeating the test using quantitative and qualitative assays after 48 hours, but the quantitative result did not double compared to the previous concentration. Heterophilic antibody interference was ruled out.

Preterm labor tests: current status and future directions.

Preterm labor (PTL) is a severe issue of neonatal healthcare because its related to preterm birth (PTB) is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and the most common reason for antenatal hospitalizations. The PTB rate is about 11% globally and it is similar in the United States. PTB poses a significant economic burden on the healthcare system.

Rapid detection of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 by RT-LAMP coupled solid-state nanopores.

The current pandemic of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2) has raised significant public health concerns. Rapid and accurate testing of SARS-CoV-2 is urgently needed for early detection and control of the disease spread. Here, we present an RT-LAMP coupled glass nanopore digital counting method for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Initial subduction-related magmatism in southern Alaska identified by geochemistry and zircon Hf-O isotopes.

Abundant arc-type magmatic and metamorphic rocks exist on Earth today, which provide insights into the equilibrium state of the subduction process. However, magmatic samples generated during the initial stage of subduction is largely unknown. This hinders our understanding of the subduction initiation process and by inference, the onset of plate tectonics as well as the history of crustal formation.