Chemiluminescence Method Research Articles

Rational design of antibodies and development of a novel method for (1-3)-β-D glucan detection as an alternative to Limulus amebocyte lysate assay.

With advances in medicine, increasing medical interventions have increased the risk of invasive fungal disease development. (1-3)-β-D glucan (BDG) is a common fungal biomarker in serological tests. However, the scarcity of Limulus resources for BDG detection poses a challenge. This study addresses the need for an alternative to Limulus amebocyte lysate by using BDG mutant antibody for chemiluminescence detection. The wild-type BDG antibody was obtained by immunizing rabbits. An optimal V52HI/N34L Y mutant antibody, which has increased 3.7-fold of the testing efficiency compared to the wild-type antibody, was first achieved by mutating "hot-spot" residues that contribute to strong non-covalent bonds, as determined by alanine scanning and molecular dynamics simulation. The mutant was then applied to develop the magnetic particle chemiluminescence method. 574 clinical samples were tested using the developed method, with a cutoff value of 95 pg/mL set by Limulus amebocyte lysate. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.905 (95% CI: 0.880-0.929). Chemiluminescence detected an antigen concentration of 89.98 pg/mL, exhibiting a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 89.76%. In conclusion, the results showed a good agreement with Limulus amebocyte lysate and demonstrated the feasibility of using BDG mutant antibodies for invasive fungal disease diagnosis. The new method based on chemiluminescence for detecting BDG could shorten the sample-to-result time to approximately 30 min, rescue Limulus from being endangered and is resource efficient in terms of equipment and the non-use of a skilled technician.

The role and importance of vitamin D in patients with Corona virus disesase (COVID-19)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly progressed from an outbreak to a global pandemic, with new variants emerging rapidly. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, can lead to multiorgan damage. Due to the highly contagious and fatal nature of the virus, the priority of medical research has been to find effective treatments. Amid this search, the role of vitamin D in modulating various aspects of the innate and adaptive immune system has been debated.The aim of the work: research on the role of vitamin D in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Although there are some conflicting results, the consensus is that vitamin D has a number of immunomodulatory effects that may be beneficial in the context of COVID-19 and that low vitamin D levels may result in dysfunction of key antimicrobial effects, potentially contributing to a poor prognosis. The aim of the paper is to investigate the impact and importance of vitamin D in patients with the corona virus.Work methods: During this retrospective study, data were taken from the Registry of those tested for the presence of the SARS-CoV2 virus, Specialist Center "Health House" in Bijeljina. The research included 30 patients positive for the presence of the SARS-CoV2 virus and 30 patients negative for the presence of the SARS-CoV2 virus. The following parameters were observed in the research: age, gender and vitamin D values, data on the body temperature of the patients and the duration of the disease, as well as the obtained results of the inflammatory parameters (Leukocytes and C- reactive protein CRP). The dana of all patients are anonymous. All patients were tested using the molecular method of polymerase chain reaction known as RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). Separate samples were tested with Arhitectt Vitamin D reagent by the chemiluminescence method (CMIA), manufactured by Abott Arhitectt and 1000sr. Reference values of Vitamin D are from 75 to 150 nmol/L.Results: The concentration of vitamin D was lower in the group of patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) compared to individuals with the absence of the coronavirus disease. There is a tendency towards a negative correlation between the concentration of vitamin D and the duration of the disease in the group of patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as like as the concentration of vitamin D and body temperature in the group of patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). There is also a tendency towards a negative relationship between the concentration of vitamin D and parameters of inflammation (CRP, Le) in the group of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Long-lasting chemiluminescence of lucigenin/p-aminophenol system for detection of p-aminophenol in environmental water

Long-lasting chemiluminescence of lucigenin/p-aminophenol (4-AP) system is explored for the first time and possible chemiluminescence enhancement mechanism is also proposed in this work. 4-AP can enhance chemiluminescence of lucigenin nearly 150 times and is stable for nearly 5 min, which overcomes the need of flow syringe pump. While o-aminophenol (2-AP) slightly enhances chemiluminescence of lucigenin and m-aminophenol (3-AP) does not. Thus, it can be applied in discrimination of three aminophenol isomers. More importantly, cyclic voltammetry proves the lowest oxidation peak for 4-AP at 115 mV, which is speculated to be the main reason for 4-AP induced chemiluminescence enhancement. It has been applied in chemiluminescence enhancement detection of 4-AP and p-nitrophenol (4-NP) from 80 nM to 60 μM, from 0.5 μM to 60 μM with limit of detection (LOD) of 26 nM and 0.17 μM, respectively. It shows high selectivity and anti-interference in chemiluminescence enhancment detection of 4-AP and 4-NP towards other organic compounds and metal ions. It also exhibits high accuracy in chemiluminescence enhancment detection of 4-AP and 4-NP in lake water with recoveries from 98.7% to 101.5% for and recoveries from 98.7% to 102.2%, respectively. It expands the study of long-lasting lucigenin chemiluminescence system and chemiluminescence method utilized in discrimination of aminophenols isomers.

A novel microfluidic chip integrating with microcolumn array electrodes for rapid and ultrasensitive detection of alpha-fetoprotein

BackgroundCancer posed a serious threat to human health, and early diagnosis of cancer biomarker was extremely important for the treatment and control of cancer. Electrochemistry-based assays were low-cost, responsive and easy to operate, but there were some challenges in terms of accuracy, detection limit, efficiency and portability. The combination of microfluidic devices and electrochemical methods was expected to construct a high-performance sensing platform, but long-time antigen-antibody incubation was still required. Therefore, a novel microfluidic chip needs to be developed, which has the advantages of good portability, short incubation time, high accuracy, low detection limit and great application to point-of-care testing. ResultsA microfluidic sensor based on microcolumn array electrodes was developed, in which microcolumns could create local mixed flow to reduce the incubation time of target molecules and enhance their interaction with the sensing interface. Besides, three dimensional Mxene fibers-gold nanoparticles (3D MF-Au) was modified on the microcolumn array electrodes to increase active sites and provide more electrolyte shuttle holes. The electrolyte turbulence caused by the microcolumn array electrodes could heighten the contact between the target molecules and sensing interface and accelerate the transfer of redox pairs, thus reducing the incubation time of the target molecules and improving the electrochemical responses in synergy with the 3D MF-Au. Herein, the detection of AFP was chosen as a model, and the microfluidic sensor possessed superior performance for analysis of AFP in the range of 0.1 pg mL−1 - 200 ng mL−1 with a low detection limit (LOD) of 0.0648 pg mL−1. SignificanceThis microfluidic chip integrating with microcolumn array electrodes has been successfully implemented to detect AFP in human serum, and the results were consistent with that of electrochemical chemiluminescence method. The microfluidic chip provided a new strategy of portability, shortening incubation time and enhancing electrical signals for antigen detection of real samples, which showed great utilization potentiality in point-of-care testing.

Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Vitamin D Receptor, and Vitamin-D-Binding Protein Gene Polymorphisms and Risk of Dementia Among Older Adults With Prediabetes.

The association between vitamin D and dementia risk in those with prediabetes remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) with incident dementia among older adults with prediabetes, and examine whether apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotypes, vitamin D receptor (VDR), and vitamin-D-binding protein (VDBP) gene polymorphisms may modify this association. A total of 34237 participants aged ≥60 with prediabetes (HbA1c <6.5% and ≥5.7%) and without dementia at baseline were included from the UK Biobank. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay method. The primary outcome was incident all-cause dementia. Secondary outcomes included incident Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia, respectively. The VDR and VDBP gene polymorphisms included single nucleotide polymorphisms of rs7975232, rs1544410, rs2228570, rs731236, and rs7041, rs4588, respectively. During a median follow-up of 11.8 years, 941 (2.7%) participants developed incident all-cause dementia. Overall, serum 25OHD was inversely associated with all-cause dementia (per standard deviation increment, adjusted hazard ratio: 0.82; 95% confidence interval: 0.75, 0.89). Similar trends were found for incident AD and vascular dementia. Furthermore, there was a stronger inverse relationship between serum 25OHD and all-cause dementia among VDR rs7975232 C allele noncarriers (p-interaction < 0.05). However, APOE Ɛ4, other VDR, and VDBP gene polymorphisms did not significantly modify the relation of serum 25OHD with incident all-cause dementia (all p-interactions >.05). There was an inverse association between serum 25OHD and incident dementia among older adults with prediabetes, especially in VDR rs7975232 AA allele carriers.

A novel chemiluminescence sensor for alpha-fetoprotein detection based on an aptamer-luminol modified magnetic graphene oxide and copper-based MOF composite.

Herein, an aptamer-luminol modified magnetic graphene oxide and copper-based MOF composite was prepared and used to build a novel target-triggered "turn on" chemiluminescence (CL) sensor for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) detection. Magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) was functionalized with the complementary sequence of the AFP aptamer (cDNA), and then MGO-cDNA was linked to aptamer modified luminol (Apt-luminol) through the complementary base pairing effect. The functionalized magnetic graphene oxide (MGO-cDNA/Apt-luminol) was prepared as a specific magnetic separation and signal switch material. ZnONPs-Au@CuMOFs shows excellent catalytic performance and was used as a catalyst for the luminol-H2O2 reaction. AFP will specifically recognize and bind to Apt on MGO-cDNA/Apt-luminol when AFP is present, which causes luminol release and triggers the CL reaction. The released luminol encounters ZnONPs-Au@CuMOFs and produces strong CL intensity. Therefore, a novel target-triggered "turn on" CL method with high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting AFP has been established. The linear range and detection limit were 1.0 × 10-4-50 ng mL-1 and 4.2 × 10-5 ng mL-1, respectively. The sensor also exhibited good selectivity, reproducibility and stability, and was finally used for AFP detection in serum samples.

Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with antenatal depression: A cross-sectional study.

Approximately 6 to 13% of women suffer from antenatal depression (AD) around the world. AD can lead to several health problems for mother-baby. Vitamin D is a molecule that appears to have great preventive/therapeutic potential against neuropsychiatric disorders. The present study aimed to analyze the association between deficiency of vitamin D and AD in pregnant women in a city in the south of Brazil (Pelotas, RS). We hypothesize that pregnant women with a positive AD diagnosis have deficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). This cross-sectional study was conducted in a cohort study (CEP/UCPEL 47807915.4.0000.5339). From this cohort, 180 pregnant women at up to 24 weeks gestation were selected (130 non-depressed and 50 depressed), and the diagnosis of depression was made using the MINI-Plus. Blood was collected and stored for the later analysis of vitamin D (25(OH)D) by chemiluminescence method. The SPSS program was used for data analysis, and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. In our study, we showed a significant association between Major Depressive Episode current in the antenatal period and vitamin D deficiency (OR: 0.9; CI 95%: 0.9;1.0, p=0.003). Our results demonstrate that vitamin D deficiency may be involved in major depressive disorder in the antenatal period, in this way it advised a follow-up of vitamin D levels in the pregnancy-puerperal cycle to minimize mental health problems in women and prevent developmental deficits in children.

Combined measurement of serum zinc with PSA ameliorates prostate cancer screening efficiency via support vector machine algorithms

BackgroundEarly screening of prostate cancer (PCa) is pivotal but challenging in the clinical scenario due to the phenomena of false positivity or false negativity of some serological evaluations, e.g. PSA testing. Decline of serum Zn2+ levels in PCa patients reportedly plays a crucial role in early screening of PCa. Accordingly, we combined 4 indices comprising the serum levels of total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA), Zn2+ and demographic information (especially age) in order to ameliorate the efficacies of PCa screening with support vector machine (SVM) algorithms. MethodsA total of 858 male patients with prostate disorders and 345 healthy male controls were enrolled. Patients’ data included 4 variables and serum Zn2+ was quantified via a self-invented Zn2+ responsive AIE-based fluorescent probe as previously published. tPSA and fPSA were routinely determined by a chemiluminescent method. Mathematical simulations were conducted to establish a SVM model for the combined diagnostics with the four variables. Moreover, ROC and its characteristic AUC were also employed to evaluate the classification efficacy of the model. Sigmoid function was utilized to estimate corresponding probabilities of classifying the clinical subjects as per 5 grades, which were incorporated into our established prostate index (PI) stratification system. ResultsIn SVM model, the mean AUC of the ROC with the quartet of variables was approximately 84% for PCa diagnosis, whereas the mean AUC of the ROCs with tPSA, fPSA, [Zn2+] or age alone was 64%, 62%, 55% and 59%, respectively. We further established an integrated prostate index (PI) stratification system with 5 grades and a software package to support clinicians in predicting PCa, with the accuracy of our risk stratification system being 83.3%, 91.6% and 83.3% in predicting normal, benign and PCa cases in corresponding groups. Follow-up findings especially MRI results and PI-RADS scores supported the reliability of this stratification platform as well. ConclusionFindings from our present study demonstrated that index combination via SVM algorithms may well facilitate clinicians in early differential screening of PCa. Meanwhile, our established PI stratification system based on SVM model and Sigmoid function provided substantial accuracy in preclinical risk prediction of developing prostate cancer.

Vitamin D serum concentration is prospectively associated with depressive symptoms in the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study: a structural equation modeling approach.

To evaluate the direct, indirect, and total prospective effects of serum concentrations of [25(OH)D, 25-hydroxycolecalciferol] on depressive symptoms in older adults. Data from the second (2013-2015) and third (2017-2019) waves of the EpiFloripa Aging Cohort Study (≥ 60 years) were analyzed. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). 25(OH)D levels were measured using the microparticle chemiluminescence method. A directed acyclic graph (DAG) was constructed to identify the minimum set of adjustments. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was used to determine the effects of 25(OH)D on depressive symptoms. A total of 574 older adults' data were analyzed (63.1% female). In the follow-up (n=390), 16.2% of older adults presented high-severity of depressive symptoms (> or = 6 points). SEM analysis revealed a small direct and negative effect of 25(OH)D (β=-0.11, P < 0.05), and a total negative effect (β=-0.13; P < 0.05) on depressive symptoms on wave 3 (an increase of 25(OH)D led to a decrease on depressive symptoms). No direct effect on wave 2 and no indirect effect mediated by depressive symptoms in wave 2 were found. Findings indicate a prospective association between 25(OH)D and depressive symptoms, suggesting a long-term effect in older adults from southern Brazil.

Correlation of HBV Core-Related Antigen with Conventional Serologic Indicators of Hepatitis B and Disease Stage.

Hepatitis B caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global public health issue. Currently, serological indicators serve as important markers for the diagnosis of hepatitis B. It has been found that HBV core-related antigen (HBcrAg) correlates well with intrahepatic cccDNA, intrahepatic HBV DNA, serum HBV DNA, and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). To provide a more reliable basis for the diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B, we explored the correlation between HBcrAg and conventional serologic testing indicators and disease staging. Five hundred forty-two patient serum samples were collected at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from November 2021 to March 2022. The serum HBcrAg was measured by the magnetic particle chemiluminescence method in addition with other serum indicators. HBcrAg statistically correlated with HBV DNA level (r = 0.655, p < 0.001) and HBeAg level (r = 0.945, p < 0.001. The mean HBcrAg levels in the immune-tolerant and immune-clearance phases were significantly higher than those in the immunologic-control phase and the reactivation phase. This study demonstrated that serum HBcrAg positively correlated with serum HBV DNA and HBeAg. Even in cases where HBV DNA and HBeAg are negative, there is still a higher positivity rate of HBcrAg in hepatitis B patients. HBcrAg is a reliable serum marker to avoid underdiagnosis of occult HBV infection.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Receptor Polymorphisms as Risk Factors for COVID-19

Background: Early immune responses to COVID-19 can help eliminate the virus; therefore, strategies to improve the immune system have become important in disease prevention. Vitamin D plays a crucial role in the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 by increasing the expression of the vitamin D receptor. Objectives: This study investigated the impact of vitamin D deficiency, Fok 1, and Taq 1 Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and comorbidities on the susceptibility to COVID-19. Methods: Fok1 and Taq1 polymorphisms were analyzed using the RT-PCR method, and vitamin D levels were measured using the chemiluminescence method. A total of 200 patients, 100 with COVID-19 and 100 without, provided blood samples for analysis. Results: The COVID-19 positive group had a significantly lower mean vitamin D level of 16.2 ± 11.3 ng/mL compared to the COVID-19 negative control group, 26.7 ± 15.9 ng/mL (P &lt; 0.001). Individuals with a vitamin D level below 18.4 ng/mL had a 2.448 times higher risk of COVID-19 positivity (P &lt; 0.001). There was no significant difference in the Fok1 and Taq1 gene polymorphisms between the two groups. (P = 0.548 and P = 0.098). The COVID-19 positive group had a significantly higher number of comorbid diseases with 40 (40%) compared to the negative group with 10 (10%) participants (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: Levels of vitamin D above the cut-off value of 18.4 ng/mL were found to protect against COVID-19, while the presence of comorbid diseases was identified as a risk factor. However, no association was observed between the Fok1 and Taq1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to COVID-19.

CHARACTERISTICS OF CIRCADIAN BLOOD PRESSURE PROFILE IN PATIENTS WITH ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH THYROID FUNCTION

The paper presents the results of a study of circadian arterial blood pressure (ABP) profile in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and their association with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.&#x0D; Aim. To conduct a comparative analysis of circadian BP monitoring (CBPM) indicators in patients with ACS and their association with the TSH level.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. The study includes 125 patients with ACS aged 36 to 81 (mean age - 60.98± 0.81 years old). The patients were divided into two groups according to thyroid function. Group one (I) included 51 individuals (40.8%) - hypothyroid patients (TSH level&gt;4mIU/ml), mean age - 62.51±1.18 years old; Group II included 74 individuals (59.2%) - euthyroid patients (TSH level 0.4-4mIU/ml), mean age - 59.93±1.08 years old. The serum-free thyroxine (FT4) levels were within the normal range in both groups. In the general group, the proportion of individuals with unstable angina (UA) was 28.8%, and with myocardial infarction (MI) - 71.2%. In particular, in Group I, the proportion of individuals with UA was 23.53%, and with MI - 76.47%; in Group II, the proportion of individuals with UA was 32.43%, and with MI - 67.57%, p&gt;0,05 between Groups I and II. The circadian BP monitoring was carried out using the Biomed ВАТ41-2 device after stabilization of the patient's condition (on the second day of hospital admission). The following indicators have been determined: systolic BP (SBP) - daytime, nighttime, and average daily (24 hours) (SBPd, SBPn, and SBPav); diastolic BP (DBPd, DBPn, and DBPav); pulse BP (PBPd, PBPn, and PBPav); time index (TI) for SBPd, SBPn, and SBPav (SBPd TI, SBPn TI, and SBPav TI) and DBP (DBPd TI, DBPn TI, and DBPav TI); variability of SBPd, SBPn, and SBPav (SBPd var, SBPn var, and SBPav var) and DBP (DBPd var, DBPn var, and DBPav var); average daily index for SBP (SBP AvDI) and DBP (DBP AvDI); average daily heart rate (HRav). To study thyroid function in patients enrolled, TSH and FT4 levels were determined by chemiluminescent immunoassay method on the ARCHITECT iSystem analyzer using reagent kits for the quantitative determination of TSH (ARCHITECT TSH) and FT4 (ARCHITECT Free T4).&#x0D; Results and Discussion. The comparison of the CBPM results in both groups of patients with ACS shows significantly higher mean nighttime (SBPn and DBPn) levels in Group I patients compared to Group II patients: SBPn - by 6.27% (125.44±2.98 mm Hg (I) versus 117.58±2.26 (II), p&lt;0,05), DBPn - by 6.15% (73.65±1.91 mm Hg (I) versus 69.12±1.62 (II), p&lt;0,05), in the absence of a significant between-group difference between the mean levels of respective daytime and average daily indicators. Mean DBPn TI value also turned out to be significantly higher in Group I patients compared to Group II patients - by 33.69% (42.47±4.60% (I) versus 28.16±3.60% (II), p&lt;0.01). Significant difference was detected between mean SBP AvDI and DBP AvDI indicators in hypothyroid patients (I) versus respective indicators in euthyroid patients (II): SBP AvDI (I) 2.52±1.25% versus SBP AvDI (II) 5.99±0.98, p&lt;0.05; and DBP AvDI (I) 4.69±1.38% versus DBP AvDI (II) 8.88±1.32, p&lt;0.05.&#x0D; Conclusions. 1. Mean nighttime BP indicator (SBPn, DBPn, and DBPn TI) levels were significantly higher in the Group of hypothyroid patients with ACS, compared to euthyroid patients. In addition, the proportion of patients whose mean nighttime SBP and DBP levels exceeded the permissible values (SBPn&lt;120, DBPn&lt;70 mm Hg) was significantly higher in the Group of hypothyroid patients (I) compared to the Group of euthyroid patients (II). 2. Every third hypothyroid patient (I) (SBP AvDI: 37.25% and DBP AvDI: 31.37%) had a night-peaker circadian BP profile, characterized by nighttime BP increase instead of reduction, which suggests an extremely unfavorable prognosis. The findings may signal an additional adverse effect of thyroid dysfunction on arterial tone and, accordingly, BP regulation, which brings about a high risk of complications of ACS.

Chronic Iodine Intake Excess Damages the Structure of Articular Cartilage and Epiphyseal Growth Plate.

This study aimed to explore the influence of excess iodine on the articular cartilage and epiphyseal growth plate in rats. Wistar rats (n = 200) were randomly divided into five groups with 40 rats in each: normal iodine (NI), 5-fold high iodine group (5HI), 10-fold high iodine group (10HI), 50-fold high iodine group (50HI), and 100-fold high iodine group (100HI). The rats were executed in 6 and 12months. 24-h urinary iodine concentration (UIC) was monitored by arsenic-cerium catalytic spectrophotometry. The chemiluminescence method was used to determine the thyroid function. The pathological changes in the epiphyseal plate, articular cartilage, and thickness of the epiphyseal plate were observed. The mRNA expression of collagen II (ColII), collagen X, matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 in articular chondrocytes was detected by RT-PCR. 24-h UIC increased as iodine intake increased. In the 12th month, there was a significant increase in serum sTSH and a decrease in serum FT4 in HI groups, compared to the NI group. There was a decrease in the number of proliferating cells in the epiphyseal plate and an increase in the number of mast cell layers. The chondrocytes appeared disorganized, and the tidal lines were disturbed or even broken. Growth plate thickness decreased with increasing iodine intake. Compared with the NI group, ColII and MMP-13 mRNA expression in chondrocytes in all HI groups significantly increased. Chronic iodine overdose increases the risk of hypothyroidism. Chronic iodine overdose leads to abnormal morphology of epiphyseal growth plates and articular cartilage, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.

Micelle-mediated chemiluminescence of 6-aza-2-thiothymine-protected gold nanoclusters for carbazochrome sodium sulfonate detection

Chemiluminescence (CL) intensity of luminol-H2O2 system was dramatically enhanced by cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) micelle-mediated 6-aza-2-thiothymine-protected gold nanoclusters (ATT-AuNCs). It is proved that spherical micelles of CTAB in aqueous solution improved the dispersity of ATT-AuNCs, thus enhancing their catalytic activity, which brought in the increased CL intensity of luminol-H2O2 system. Carbazochrome sodium sulfonate (CSS) with a hemostatic containing tetrahydroindole structure broke the spherical micelles and notably quenched the CL intensity of luminol-H2O2-CTAB-ATT AuNCs system. Based on these results, a simple, fast, and sensitive CL method has been developed for the detection of CSS with a linear range of 0.25–25 μM and a detection limit of 0.11 μM. The method has also been successfully applied to the determination of CSS in serum with satisfied recoveries in the range of 89.6 % to 103.7 %. This study not only provides an effective approach for CSS detection but also paves the way for AuNCs-based CL applications.

Diagnosis of bacterial and viral infection by HNL, SAA, PCT and CRP combined test

The value of combined detection of neutrophil apolipoprotein (HNL), serum amyloid A (SAA), procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in the differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral infectious diseases. A retrospective study was conducted to collect the clinical data of infected patients and healthy people in the clinical department of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital from September to December in 2022. 100 patients with confirmed infection were divided into bacterial infection group (n=50) and virus infection group (n=50), and 50 healthy people were selected as control group (n=50). Fasting venous blood was collected at the initial stage of admission or on the day of physical examination. HNL was detected by double antibody sandwich method, SAA and CRP were detected by nephelometry, and PCT was detected by chemiluminescence method. The efficacy of infection markers in the differential diagnosis of bacterial infection and viral infection in infected patients was evaluated. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of HNL, SAA, PCT and CRP in bacterial and viral infectious diseases; Logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of each index on the diagnostic efficiency. The results showed that the levels of HNL (126.60±33.32) ng/ml, PCT (28.02±11.37) ng/ml and CRP (36.13±14.37) mg/L in bacterial infection group were significantly higher than those of HNL (47.72±15.94) ng/ml, PCT (1.27±0.40) ng/ml, CRP (18.77±10.66) mg/L in virus group and HNL (38.21±12.53) ng/ml, PCT (0.38±0.12) ng/ml and CRP (4.13±1.07) mg/L in control group. The level of HNL increased most significantly (F=89.228, P<0.05). The area under ROC curve (AUC) from large to small was HNL+SAA+PCT+CRP (0.976), HNL (0.907), PCT (0.885), CRP (0.856), SAA (0.790), SAA/CRP (0.733). The level of SAA/CRP in virus infection group (94.05±3.75) was significantly higher than that in bacteria group (17.70±3.69) and control group (3.89±1.50) (F=84.005, P<0.05). The area under ROC curve (AUC) from large to small was HNL+SAA+PCT+CRP (0.986), SAA/CRP (0.956), SAA (0.878), HNL (0.768), CRP (0.742), PCT (0.730). In conclusion, HNL has the best auxiliary diagnostic efficacy in bacterial infection, followed by PCT; SAA/CRP has the best auxiliary diagnostic efficacy in viral infection, followed by SAA; the combined detection of serum HNL, SAA, PCT and CRP may be helpful for the differential diagnosis of bacterial and viral infections.

The Effect of Hollow Glass Microspheres on the Kinetics of Oxidation of Poly(ε-Caprolactone) Determined from Non-Isothermal Thermogravimetry and Chemiluminescence

The effect of hollow glass beads on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) oxidative degradation has been evaluated by the non-isothermal chemiluminescence (CL) method and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). The main goal of the research and this publication was to reduce the production costs associated with the materials for 3D printing, which would also have a low mass, excellent biocompatibility and suitable thermal properties. Experiments have clearly shown the dual effect of a filler and its extent in terms of poly(ε-caprolactone). The chosen methods demonstrate the superposition of both the pro-degradation and stabilization effects of hollow glass beads on the polymer. The former was evident above the load of 10 wt.% of filler. The non-isothermal TGA records were analyzed as being composed of three temperature-dependent processes of the first-order kinetics. A massive compensation effect between the so-called activation energy and the logarithm of pre-exponential factors for heating rates of 2.5, 5 and 10 °C/min has been shown to be typical for similar non-isothermal thermogravimetry evaluation.

Diagnostic Efficacy of Photostimulated Chemiluminescence Assay for Detecting Anti-HIV Antibodies: A Retrospective Study.

The transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through blood poses a slightly increased risk. As a result, patients requiring blood transfusions should be screened for HIV antibodies. This study examined the diagnostic effectiveness of the photostimulated chemiluminescence assay in detecting anti-HIV antibodies and determined the cut-off value for this method. The performance of the fully automated photostimulated chemiluminescence assay system was validated according to CNAS-GL038:2019 (2020) and CNAS-GL037:2019 (2019) guidelines. A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Medical Laboratory, Nanjing Tongren Hospital, affiliated with Southeast University, from January 2020 to December 2022. A total of 77,386 cases were tested for anti-HIV antibodies using the photostimulated chemiluminescence assay, with 79 cases initially testing positive. The method's performance in detecting anti-HIV antibodies was evaluated using the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and the average Coefficient of Variation (CV) value of 3-year in-house quality control. The precision, detection limit, coincidence rate, and critical value of the performance verification results met the requirements. Using Western blotting (WB) as the reference method, positive cases were initially screened using the light-induced chemiluminescence method to determine the cut-off index (COI) value and draw the ROC curve. The maximum area under the ROC curve using the chemiluminescence method was 0.997, with a cutoff value of < 28.56, sensitivity of 98%, specificity of 100%, Jordan index of 0.98, and an average CV value of 3.55%. In conclusion, the photostimulated chemiluminescence assay has good diagnostic efficacy in detecting anti-HIV antibodies and is suitable for rapid screening before blood transfusion and surgery.

Relationship among serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibrosis stage, genetic susceptibility, and risk of severe liver disease

ObjectivesThe prospective association between vitamin D and new-onset severe liver disease is still uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the association of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) with new-onset severe liver disease and to evaluate whether fibrosis stage, as assessed by the fibrosis- 4 (FIB-4) scores and genetic risk for liver cirrhosis may modify this association. MethodsThe study included 439 807 participants without liver diseases at baseline from the UK Biobank. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were measured using the chemiluminescent immunoassay method. The primary outcome was new-onset severe liver disease, a composite definition of compensated or decompensated liver cirrhosis, liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver-related death. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 12 y, 4510 participants developed new-onset severe liver disease. Overall, there was an inverse association of serum 25(OH)D with new-onset severe liver disease (per SD increment, adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.84–0.91). Similarly, serum 25(OH)D (per SD increment) was significantly and inversely associated with new-onset compensated cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver-related death, respectively, with HRs ranging from 0.75 to 0.87. No significant association was found for hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, there was a stronger inverse association between serum 25(OH)D and severe liver disease among those with a higher FIB-4 score (≥2.67, 1.3 to <2.67, and <1.3; Pinteraction < 0.001). However, the genetic risks for liver cirrhosis, calculated using 12 related single nucleotide polymorphisms, did not significantly modify the association between serum 25(OH)D and severe liver disease (Pinteraction = 0.216). ConclusionsLower serum 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly associated with a greater risk for new-onset severe liver disease, especially in participants with higher FIB-4 scores.

Evaluation of the frequency of hepatitis b virus reactivation and the importance of hepatitis b prophylaxis in hematology patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy: a single-center study

Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in hematology patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy in our center and the clinical characteristics of patients with HBVr. We will also investigate the importance of effective prevention of this potentially life-threatening event and management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) prophylaxis. Methods: In this study, hepatitis B prophylaxis and its effects on patients over 18 years of age receiving immunosuppressive therapy in the hematology clinic were analyzed. 122 patients were included in the study. The HBV markers of the patients were determined by the chemiluminescence method. In the study, HbsAg(+) and isolated antiHbc IgG-positive patients received prophylactic antiviral treatment. The differential diagnosis of HBV reactivation and the criteria determined to define HBV reactivation were performed. Clinical characteristics and descriptive information of patients receiving HBV prophylaxis were analyzed using SPSS 25.0. Results: The median age of 122 patients (59.8% male) was 58 years. It was determined that five HbsAg-positive patients had no prior follow-up and did not receive antiviral treatment. 117 patients had isolated anti-HBc IgG positivity. The median duration of prophylaxis was 15 (9- 21.25) months, and the total follow-up period was 19.5 (11.75- 30.25) months. 81.1% of the patients received regular HBV prophylaxis treatment; 59% of them received entecavir, and the rest received tenofovir disoproxil. Bone marrow transplantation was performed in 25 patients. HBV reactivation was detected in only 4 patients (3.3%); one of these patients had received allogeneic and one autologous bone marrow transplantation; and three patients had received chemoimmunotherapy including Rituximab. The diagnoses of the patients with HBVr were acute myeloid leukemia, lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. During the follow-up period, 29 patients (23.8%) died due to their primary disease, but there were no deaths due to HBV reactivation. Conclusion: The data obtained in this study show that effective hepatitis B prophylaxis treatment is successful in preventing HBV reactivation in hematology patients. HBVr was observed in four patients who did not take HBV prophylaxis medication regularly.

COF-300-AR@CRL as a two-in-one nanocatalyst for one-step chemiluminescent detection of diphenyl ether herbicide residues in vegetable and fruit samples.

A sensitive and accurate chemiluminescence (CL) method wasdevelopedfor one-step determination of diphenyl ether herbicides at trace level with nitrofen (2,4-dichlorophenyl-p-nitrophenyl ether) as a model analyte. Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) was immobilized on a nanocarrier of amine-linked covalent organic framework (named as COF-300-AR) through a self-assembly strategy. The formed nanocomposite of COF-300-AR@CRL owns dual enzymatic catalytic activities. It can directly catalyze luminol-dissolved oxygen reaction to produce an intense CL emission by virtue of oxidase mimic activity of COF-300-AR but also effectively decompose nitrofen to release phenolic compounds by the immobilized CRL. The released phenolic compounds own strong reducing capacity and in turn decrease the CL signal sharply. Under the optimal conditions, the decreased CL intensity presents a good linear response to nitrofen concentration in the 0.02-50.0 μM range. The limit of detection (LOD, 3sb/S) is 11 nM and the precision is 2.0% for replicate measurements of 50.0 nM nitrofen solution (n = 11). This method has the advantages of rapid analytical efficiency, good selectivity, satisfactory stability, and recyclability. Recovery experiments were conducted on spiked vegetable and fruit samples with the recoveries falling in the range 90.0-107.0%.