Article
Microbiology
Yun-Fan Kao, Rebecca Spainhour, Shannon R. Cowan, Laura Nafe, Adam Birkenheuer, Mason Reichard, Craig A. Miller
Summary: Cytauxzoonosis is a tick-borne infectious disease that affects domestic cats and has high mortality rates. This study developed an ELISA test to detect and differentiate acute and chronic infections. The C. felis IgM ELISA showed promise in detecting acute cytauxzoonosis, but combined interpretation with IgG ELISA was not reliable in distinguishing acute and chronic infections.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hellen Hiza, Jerry Hella, Ainhoa Arbues, Beatrice Magani, Mohamed Sasamalo, Sebastien Gagneux, Klaus Reither, Damien Portevin
Summary: The study evaluated a simplified T cell activation marker (TAM)-TB assay for real-time detection of tuberculosis in adults, showing high accuracy and unaffected by HIV status.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Peng Ma, Shanshan Wang, Jie Wang, Yu Wang, Yue Dong, Shunji Li, Huiying Su, Peng Chen, Xiaojun Feng, Yiwei Li, Wei Du, Bi-Feng Liu
Summary: Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (mu PADs) have the potential to be powerful analytical platforms in various fields due to their low cost and substrate properties for biosensing. However, current fabrication methods have limitations in resolution and material properties. In this study, a bottom-up approach is demonstrated to fabricate paper-based chip arrays with controlled thickness and high resolution. This technology provides a versatile platform for various applications.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xiaojing Chen, Yiteng Liu, Xuan Zhan, Yibo Gao, Zhongyi Sun, Weijia Wen, Weidong Zheng
Summary: A microchip-based ultrafast PCR system called SWM-02 has been proposed as a rapid, portable, and low-cost strategy for molecular diagnosis. It can complete an ultrafast COVID-19 RT-PCR test within 40 minutes and has excellent performance and good linear correlation.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yinghui Feng, Qi Liu, Xinyi Zhao, Miao Chen, Xiaotong Sun, Hexiang Li, Xiaoqing Chen
Summary: In this study, a framework nucleic acid (FNA)-based nonenzymatic spatial-confinement amplifier was developed for rapid and reliable intracellular miRNA imaging. By encapsulating the localized catalytic hairpin assembly (L-CHA) reactor in the inner cavity of the FNA and utilizing the spatial-confinement effect, the reaction rate was accelerated and the dynamic performance was improved.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mengyun Zhou, Chuan Fan, Lirong Wang, Tailin Xu, Xueji Zhang
Summary: This study reports an integrated microdroplet array platform composed of an ultrasonic unit and minipillar array for enhanced RPA detection of SARS-CoV-2. The independent microvolume reactions and microstreaming driven by ultrasound greatly accelerate the amplification and increase the sensitivity, while reducing reagent consumption.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Zhang-An Yuan, Lin Zhao
Summary: This study reports the synthesis, crystal structures, and bioactivity determination of two polyoxometalate-based coordination complexes. The results show that compound 1 is more effective than compound 2 in reducing the content of inflammatory cytokines, reducing the activation of the inflammatory signaling pathway, and inhibiting bacterial survival.
JOURNAL OF SOLID STATE CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Xinggui Yang, Xu Chen, Junfei Huang, Yijiang Chen, Wenlin Zheng, Wei Chen, Huijuan Chen, Shiguang Lei, Shijun Li
Summary: A simple, specific, low-cost, and highly sensitive detection method for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was developed using multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with a label-based lateral flow immuno-assay biosensor (mLAMP-LFIA). The mLAMP-LFIA method, targeting the IS6110 and mpb64 genes, showed a detection limit of 100 fg per reaction for MTB DNA, and a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98.04% in preliminary clinical evaluations. This method has the potential to be used as a screening and/or diagnostic tool for MTB in various settings.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kimberly R. R. Celona, Austin B. B. Shannon, Derek Sonderegger, Jinhee Yi, Fernando P. P. Monroy, Christopher Allender, Heidie Hornstra, Mary B. B. Barnes, Elizabeth S. S. Didier, Rudolf P. P. Bohm, Kathrine Phillippi-Falkenstein, Daniel Sanford, Paul Keim, Erik W. W. Settles
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic potential of the BurkPx assay, a multiple antigen serological test, for detecting Burkholderia pseudomallei exposure in non-human primates (NHP). The results showed early IgM antibody response to carbohydrate antigens followed by IgG antibody recognition to multiple B. pseudomallei protein antigens during the second week of infection. The use of a multiple antigen model resulted in 100% specificity and 63.48% sensitivity, which increased to 95% sensitivity after excluding the week 1 serum samples challenged with B. pseudomallei.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Harriet N. Garlant, Kalaiarasan Ellappan, Matthew Hewitt, Prem Perumal, Simon Pekeleke, Nadina Wand, Jo Southern, Saka Vinod Kumar, Harish Belgode, Ibrahim Abubakar, Sanjeev Sinha, Seshadri Vasan, Noyal Mariya Joseph, Karen E. Kempsell
Summary: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global health crisis and the leading cause of death among infectious diseases. The diagnosis of TB is challenging and hinders its control and eradication. This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of nine biomarkers as protein targets in TB diagnosis. Some of these biomarkers show great potential for developing diagnostic tests for TB.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Varsha Gautam, Avshish Kumar, Ramesh Kumar, Mushahid Husain, Vinod Kumar Jain, Suman Nagpal
Summary: The reported work presents an ultrafast and ultrasensitive sensing platform for precise and reliable detection of Methyl nicotinate (MN) to diagnose Tuberculosis (TB) at an early stage. The sensor was designed and fabricated using silicon nanowires and titanium dioxide nanoparticles-based nanocomposite, and showed good accuracy and reproducibility.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nasir Mahmood, Mohsina Akhter, Naveed Hussain, Mohsin Shad, Zaib Un Nisa, Imran H. Khan, Muhammad Waheed Akhtar
Summary: In this study, the antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were cloned, expressed, and purified, and a chimeric construct was created. The chimeric construct showed higher sensitivity for tuberculosis compared to the individual antigens, especially for male subjects. The findings suggest that the chimeric construct can be considered as a better immunodiagnostic tool.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leila Mekkaoui, Marie Hallin, Francoise Mouchet, Marie-Christine Payen, Evelyne Maillart, Philippe Clevenbergh, Aspasia Georgala, Sigi Van den Wijngaert
Summary: The Xpert Ultra assay showed high sensitivity in rapidly detecting MTBc and RR, especially in smear-negative extra-pulmonary specimens. However, there was an issue with false-positive results in extra-pulmonary specimens.
Article
Microbiology
S. Pillay, M. de Vos, H. Sohn, Y. Ghebrekristos, T. Dolby, R. M. Warren, G. Theron
Summary: Xpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) revolutionized TB diagnosis and its quantitative information can identify a subset of smear-negative specimens, allowing laboratories to perform drug susceptibility testing on them.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Jeroen Bok, Regina W. Hofland, Carlton A. Evans
Summary: Whole blood mycobacterial growth assays (WBMGA) have the potential for evaluating tuberculosis vaccines and identifying individuals at risk of tuberculosis. Studies have shown significant associations between WBMGA results and correlates of tuberculosis susceptibility, but no direct evidence on whether WBMGA results can predict actual susceptibility to tuberculosis infection or disease is available. Further optimization, standardization, and prospective studies are recommended to determine if WBMGA can predict susceptibility to tuberculosis disease.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kutay Sagdic, Fatih Inci
Summary: This review discusses the broad applications of smart material-integrated systems in isolating and profiling rare circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor microemboli, highlighting the importance of advanced techniques in exploring tumor evolution, heterogeneity, and metastatic characteristics. It also emphasizes the challenges of tracking and isolating rare cells using conventional methods, and the significant impact of smart material-based technologies in cell detection and isolation for downstream analyses.
ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Ricardo C. H. del Rosario, Jeremie Poschmann, Carey Lim, Catherine Y. Cheng, Pavanish Kumar, Catherine Riou, Seow Theng Ong, Sherif Gerges, Hajira Shreen Hajan, Dilip Kumar, Mardiana Marzuki, Xiaohua Lu, Andrea Lee, Giovani Claresta Wijaya, Nirmala Arul Rayan, Zhong Zhuang, Elsa Du Bruyn, Cynthia Bin Eng Chee, Bernett Lee, Josephine Lum, Francesca Zolezzi, Michael Poidinger, Olaf Rotzschke, Chiea Chuen Khor, Robert J. Wilkinson, Yee T. Wang, George K. Chandy, Gennaro De Libero, Amit Singhal, Shyam Prabhakar
Summary: A genome-wide histone acetylation profiling study was conducted on patients with tuberculosis, revealing changes in acetylation that modulate potassium channel expression and apoptosis response in host immune cells. The study demonstrated the ability to independently validate the findings in different patient cohorts and identified potential causal variants for immune phenotypes. This study provides proof-of-principle for understanding host response mechanisms to pathogens.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gennaro Prota, Ana Victoria Lechuga-Vieco, Gennaro De Libero
Summary: In the past decade, there has been successful utilization of anti-tumour immune responses to improve the outcomes of patients with different cancers. However, only a subset of patients respond positively to immunotherapy, highlighting the need for novel approaches to enhance immune cell functions and identify major targets of anti-tumour immunity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Correction
Microbiology
Ricardo C. H. del Rosario, Jeremie Poschmann, Carey Lim, Catherine Y. Cheng, Pavanish Kumar, Catherine Riou, Seow Theng Ong, Sherif Gerges, Hajira Shreen Hajan, Dilip Kumar, Mardiana Marzuki, Xiaohua Lu, Andrea Lee, Giovani Claresta Wijaya, Nirmala Arul Rayan, Zhong Zhuang, Elsa Du Bruyn, Cynthia Bin Eng Chee, Bernett Lee, Josephine Lum, Francesca Zolezzi, Michael Poidinger, Olaf Rotzschke, Chiea Chuen Khor, Robert J. Wilkinson, Yee T. Wang, George K. Chandy, Gennaro De Libero, Amit Singhal, Shyam Prabhakar
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ugur Parlatan, Mehmet Ozgun Ozen, Ibrahim Kecoglu, Batuhan Koyuncu, Hulya Torun, Davod Khalafkhany, Irem Loc, Mehmet Giray Ogut, Fatih Inci, Demir Akin, Ihsan Solaroglu, Nesrin Ozoren, Mehmet Burcin Unlu, Utkan Demirci
Summary: Researchers have developed a method that combines surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with machine learning algorithms to classify extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from different cell lines and determine their cellular origins. This machine learning-assisted SERS method allows for label-free investigation of EV preparations and differentiation between cancer cell-derived exosomes and healthy cell-derived exosomes, offering new avenues for early detection and monitoring of diseases.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ismail Es, Abdullah Kafadenk, M. Burak Gormus, Fatih Inci
Summary: This study explores an isotropic XeF2 dry etching process to fabricate silicon-based solid microneedles (MNs). By modifying the CAD designs, photolithographic process, and etching conditions, the fabrication of dense MNs (up to 1452 MNs cm(-2)) with varying heights (80-300 μm) is achieved. The coated MNs show improved surface roughness and less displacement upon applied force, making them suitable for real-life applications without fracture.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Eylul Gulsen Yilmaz, Emre Ece, Ozgecan Erdem, Ismail Es, Fatih Inci
Summary: The skin, as the largest epithelial surface of the human body, is susceptible to various skin diseases. Dermal and transdermal patches or microneedles made of biocompatible and biodegradable materials offer controlled and effective delivery of medications, but their synthetic nature may have harmful environmental effects. This review explores the use of natural materials in eco-friendly patches and discusses their implementation in wound healing, skin cancer, inflammations, and infections, highlighting the importance of these studies for future perspectives.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Emre Ece, Nedim Haciosmanoglu, Fatih Inci
Summary: Microplastic pollution is increasing rapidly and causing significant problems for the ecosystem. The impact of microplastics on life and environmental cycles has reached a irreversible point, but global awareness and regulations can help address this issue for human health. Deploying detection and separation methods for different types of microplastics is crucial to reversing their effects. Microfluidics, with its low cost and high efficiency, has immense potential to tackle the challenges of microplastics. This review discusses conventional detection and separation technologies, along with state-of-the-art examples of microfluidic platforms, and provides insights into future directions for microfluidics to eradicate microplastic pollution more efficiently.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Yusuf Aslan, Maryam Atabay, Hussain Kawsar Chowdhury, Ilgim Gokturk, Yeseren Saylan, Fatih Inci
Summary: Recent innovations in POC diagnostic technologies have paved the way for improved application of biomedicine in resource-scarce settings. The usage of antibodies as bio-recognition elements is limited due to cost and production obstacles, but aptamers offer a promising alternative. Aptamers, short sequences of DNA and RNA structures, possess advantageous properties that make them critical in the development of sensitive and portable POC systems. The integration of computational tools can help overcome deficiencies in biosensor schematics and provide insights into aptamer modeling for POC integration.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Emre Ece, Ismail Es, Fatih Inci
Summary: Preventing plant loss and improving their health are crucial for the agricultural industry. Microneedles have emerged as a innovative tool with numerous applications in agriculture, offering advantages such as non-invasiveness, speed, and precision. This review highlights recent advancements in the use of microneedles in agriculture, including DNA extraction, gene expression, and compound detection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ozgecan Erdem, Ismail Es, Yeseren Saylan, Maryam Atabay, Murat Alp Gungen, Kadriye Olmez, Adil Denizli, Fatih Inci
Summary: The current synthesis methods for molecularly imprinted polymers face challenges such as lengthy process, low productivity, the need for expensive and sophisticated equipment, and inability for in situ synthesis. In this study, a micro-reactor was developed for in situ and continuous production of molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles that contain specific molecular fingerprints. The micro-reactor showed significantly improved productivity compared to conventional methods.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mina Askun, Kutay Sagdic, Fauh Inci, Bengi Ozgun Ozturk
Summary: This study demonstrates that encapsulating homogeneous catalysts in hollow silica gels is an efficient approach to improve the performance and recyclability of ruthenium catalysts in ring-closing metathesis reactions. The resulting catalytic system shows enhanced stability even under an air atmosphere and can maintain its activity for up to 6 months of storage time on the benchtop.
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zeynep Tunali, Kutay Sagdic, Fatih Inci, Bengi Ozgun Ozturk
Summary: In this study, nano-sized mesoporous carbon-supported HG2 and magnetic gamma-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were encapsulated within calcium alginate gels using a one-pot procedure. The encapsulated HG2 catalyst showed improved performance in water, achieving quantitative yields in ring-closing metathesis reactions even in tap water under an air atmosphere. The catalyst can be easily separated and reused multiple times.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Andrew Chancellor, Alessandro Vacchini, Gennaro De Libero
Summary: The discovery of MR1 presenting microbial antigens to MAIT cells has been a significant advancement in understanding immune recognition. The recent identification of MR1-restricted T cells and their self-reactivity suggests that the microbial antigens characterized so far may only represent a small portion of the potential structures presented by MR1. This opens up new perspectives on the role of MR1-restricted antigen presentation in immunity and disease.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
