Electrochemiluminescence Method Research Articles

Tuned-Potential Covalent organic framework Electrochemiluminescence platform for lutetium analysis

Mechanism diagram. Through the structural design at the molecular level, the ECL-COF with electrocatalytic performance and excellent electronic structure was obtained, which display an adjustable easily potential ECL platform. Meanwhile, the advanced COF’ECL platform was developed for accurate monitoring of Lu 3+ , indicating the inestimable application potential of COFs in environment field. • The azine-linked COFs are prepared for precise ECL performance regulation. • COFs display decrease of reduction potential and increase of intensity in ECL. • Introducing nitrogen into COFs bring electrocatalysis for ECL enhancement. • COFs show efficiently carrier transport for improving ECL. • A novel COF-ECL platform is structured for Lu 3+ detection. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as a novel class of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) materials on account of its highly tunable structure and versatile properties. However, decoding the ECL property and its luminophor structure to improve the luminous performance remains challenging, which hinders its deeper development and wider application. Herein, by condensing triphenylarene aldehydes with varying number of nitrogen atoms with 2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-tricarbonitrile, a series of COFs were prepared to regulate the ECL potential, opening up a new way to precisely improve ECL performance. The electron and spatial changes in the precursor are transferred to the generated COFs skeleton, resulting in a progressively decrease in the reduction potential and a gradual increase intensity in ECL with the precise increase of nitrogen content in the skeleton. Introduction of nitrogen into COFs brings electrocatalysis and planarization of the framework for more efficiently carrier transport. The conclusion is confirmed by optical, electrical tests, as well as density functional theory calculations. As a proof-of-methodology, an ECL method was developed for the selective determination of lutetium ion with a detection limit as low as 1.6 nM (S/N = 3). This work exhibits that the advanced potential-tunable ECL-COFs can be obtained accurately and easily through design structure at the molecular level, which is expected to promote the exploration of the relationship between ECL potential and framework structure, and further apply to environment-related sensing analysis.

One-step detection of alpha fetal protein based on gold microelectrode through square wave voltammetry

The detection of tumor markers in blood samples with high efficiency and sensitivity is in urgent need. In this work, a one-step quantitative detection assay for alpha fetal protein (AFP) based on gold microelectrode which is denoted as AuμE through square wave voltammetry using [Fe(CN)6]3-/4- as mediator was developed. As the biorecognition element of the assay, sulfydryl-modified AFP aptamer could be directly conjugated onto the surface of the AuμE, which could capture AFP with high specificity, and this attachment would cause the decrease of the capacitive current of the cyclic voltammetry due to the reduction of the active area of the electrodes. Under the optimized conditions, the AuμE aptasensor exhibited a linear detection range for AFP from 10−10 to 10−7 g/mL (S = 7.6 nA/dec, R2 = 0.991), and the detection limit is 2.5 × 10−11 g/mL. The AuμEs aptasensor demonstrates good selectivity against other types of proteins and small molecules, and has good reproducibility. The real blood samples were used for detection of AFP using the AuμEs aptasensor, the results agree well with those provided by the hospital through electrochemiluminescence method. Herein, the proposed one-step detection assay has a great application potential in point-of-care clinical diagnostics.

Ultrasensitive and Rapid Detection of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) Using Fiber Optic Nanogold-Linked Immunosorbent Assay.

The N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is considered an important blood biomarker for heart failure. Herein, we report about a fiber optic nanogold-linked immunosorbent assay (FONLISA) method for the rapid, sensitive, and low-cost detection of NT-proBNP. The method is based on a sandwich immunoassay approach that uses two monoclonal NT-proBNP antibodies, a capture antibody (AbC), and a detection antibody (AbD). AbD is conjugated to a free gold nanoparticle (AuNP) to form the free AuNP@AbD conjugate, and AbC is immobilized on an unclad segment of an optical fiber. The detection of analyte (A), in this case NT-proBNP, is based on the signal change due to the formation of an AuNP@AbD–A–AbC complex on the fiber core surface, where a green light transmitted through the optical fiber will decrease in intensity due to light absorption by AuNPs via the localized surface plasmon resonance effect. This method provides a wide linear dynamic range of 0.50~5000 pg·mL−1 and a limit of detection of 0.058 pg·mL−1 for NT-proBNP. Finally, the method exhibits good correlation (r = 0.979) with the commercial central laboratory-based electrochemiluminescent immunoassay method that uses a Roche Cobas e411 instrument. Hence, our method is potentially a suitable tool for point-of-care testing.

Carboxyl group bearing iridium(III) solvent complex as photoluminescence and electrochemiluminescence probe for the detection of histidine

• A new carboxyl group bearing iridium(III) solvent complex [Ir(pbz) 2 (DMSO)Cl] was successfully synthesized. • Two “signal on” PL and ECL methods were developed for the detection of histidine. • The coordination interaction of [Ir(pbz) 2 (DMSO)Cl] with histidine was studied. • 1:1 of binding stoichiometry and (2.31 ± 1.43) × 10 9 M −1 of binding constant were obtained for the interaction between [Ir(pbz) 2 (DMSO)Cl] and histidine. Histidine (His), as the essential amino acid in human body, plays crucial roles in many biological activities. Here, a new carboxyl group bearing iridium(III) solvent complex [Ir(pbz) 2 (DMSO)Cl] (pbz = 3-(2-pyridyl)benzoic acid, Ir1-DMSO) was synthesized as photoluminescence (PL) and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) probe for the detection of His. Ir1-DMSO exhibits weak PL and ECL emissions. In the presence of His, the coordination interaction of the Ir1-DMSO with His led to the enhancement of PL and ECL emissions. Two “signal on” PL and ECL methods were developed for the selective and sensitive detection of His. The detection limit of His is calculated to be 100 nM and 7 nM via PL and ECL methods, respectively. The coordination interaction between Ir1-DMSO and His was investigated. 1:1 of binding stoichiometry and (2.31 ± 1.43) × 10 9 M −1 of binding constant were obtained for the interaction of Ir1-DMSO and His. This work demonstrates that carboxyl group bearing Ir1-DMSO is an alternative “signal on” PL and ECL probe for the detection of histidine with high sensitivity, good selectivity and larger binding ability, which can be extended in the assay of His-related molecules.

Differences in plasma lipoprotein profiles between patients with chronic peripheral neuropathic pain and healthy controls: an exploratory pilot study.

Little is still known about the underlying mechanisms that drive and maintain neuropathic pain (NeuP). Recently, lipids have been implicated as endogenous proalgesic ligands affecting onset and maintenance of pain; however, in the case of NeuP, the relationship is largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to investigate the lipoprotein profile in patients with chronic peripheral NeuP compared with healthy controls. The concentrations of 112 lipoprotein fractions in plasma from patients with NeuP (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 13) were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A multiplex immunoassay based on an electrochemiluminescent detection method was used to measure the concentration of 71 cytokines in plasma from patients with NeuP (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 11). Multivariate data analysis was used to identify patterns of protein intercorrelations and proteins significant for group discrimination. We found 23 lipoproteins that were significantly upregulated in patients with NeuP compared with healthy controls. When the influence of cytokines was included in a regression model, 30 proteins (8 cytokines and 22 lipoprotein fractions) were significantly upregulated or downregulated in patients with NeuP. Both conditions presented lipoprotein profiles consistent with inflammation. Body mass index did not affect lipoprotein profiles in either group. No relationship between age and lipoprotein pattern was found in NeuP, but a significant relationship was found in healthy controls. Patients with NeuP presented a lipoprotein profile consistent with systemic low-grade inflammation, like that seen in autoimmune, cardiometabolic, and neuroprogressive diseases. These preliminary results emphasize the importance of chronic low-grade inflammation in NeuP.

Simultaneous detection of two ovarian cancer biomarkers in human serums with biotin-enriched dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles-labeled multiplex lateral flow immunoassay

The more accurate the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, the higher the survival rate of patients. We report here the first preparation of biotin-enriched dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (BDMSNs) and successfully combined it with multiplex lateral flow immunoassay (MLFIA) for simultaneous detection of ovarian cancer biomarkers (CA125 and HE4). Benefiting from the aggregation-induced emission property of the newly synthesized shuriken-like molecules and the high affinity of biotin-streptavidin system, BDMSNs can be utilized as fluorescent signal reporters and have robust antibody enrichment properties. The linear ranges, limits of detection, and accuracies of simultaneous detection of CA125 and HE4 were evaluated by using BDMSNs-MLFIA. The results displayed that the corresponding limits of detection were 5 U/mL and 5 pM, respectively; the coefficient of variation of intra-assay and inter-assay were both less than 15 %. Compared with commercial electrochemiluminescence method, the clinical test results of BDMSNs-MLFIA have a correlation coefficient of more than 98%. BDMSNs-MLFIA initially explored the simultaneous detection of CA125 and HE4 in clinical human serum, greatly improved the practicability of LFIA and emphasizing its important role in precision medicine.

Beyond hemoglobin: uncovering iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia using serum ferritin concentration among pregnant women in eastern Ethiopia: a community-based study

BackgroundAlthough the high burden of anemia among pregnant women in low-resource settings like Ethiopia is well documented, evidence is scarce on the underlying causes using biochemical tests. Therefore, this study assessed the iron status and factors associated with iron deficiency (ID) using serum ferritin concentration among pregnant women in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected pregnant women in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia. The serum ferritin (SF) concentration was measured in the National Biochemical Laboratory of Ethiopia on a fully automated Cobas e411 (German, Japan Cobas 4000 analyzer series) immunoassay analyzer using the electro-chemiluminescence (ECL) method and standard procedures. A log-binomial regression analysis identified variables associated with iron deficiency, and defined as serum ferritin concentration < 15 μg/L (per the World Health Organization recommendation in developing countries). An adjusted risk ratio (aRR), and a 95% confidence interval (CI), were used to report associations. Finally, the p-value < 0.05 was the cut-off point for the significant association.ResultsA total of 446 pregnant women with a mean age of 24.78 (+ 5.20) were included in the study. A total of 236 (52.91%; 95% CI: 48.16–57.63) had iron deficiency. The overall prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was 45.96% (95% CI: 41.32–50.71) and 28.03% (95% CI: 21.27–32.44), respectively. The risk of iron deficiency was more likely among women with low dietary diversity (aRR = 1.36; 95% CI = 1.07–1.72) and those who skipped meals (aRR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.05–1.57), but less among women who had antenatal care (aRR = 0.73 (95% CI = 0.61–0.88).ConclusionMore than half of the pregnant women in eastern Ethiopia had iron deficiency. Improving dietary diversity, meal frequency, and prenatal follow-up is essential to improve the high burden of ID and the adverse effect on pregnant women and the fetus. Moreover, a prospective study comparing maternal and perinatal outcomes among these spectra—iron depletion, ID, and IDA—is crucial for understanding their impact on maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.

Paper-based electrochemiluminescence gas sensor

In this report, a novel paper-based Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) gas sensor was fabricated with a simple design and applied for the total ammonia detection in aqueous solutions, which has not been reported previously for the total ammonia detection in solution by converting dissolved NH4+ into ammonia gas. Here, we benefited from the acting of ammonia as a co-reactant in combination with Ru(bpy)32+ for the total ammonia detection in a water sample. The developed method is based on the conversion of dissolved NH4+ ions into ammonia gas and the detection of total ammonia using an ECL method. Under the optimized conditions, a linear increase on the ECL signals was observed by varying logarithms of ammonia concentrations in the range from 1.0 × 10−1 to 1.0 × 10−7 M with a determinant coefficient (R2) of 0.9896. The limit of detection was calculated as 0.6 × 10−9 M. The developed method was successfully used for the total ammonia detection in the tap water samples with an average recovery value of 92.4%. The results suggest that the developed method can be considered as an ammonia detection method not only for gas samples but also for both environmental and biological samples. Furthermore, the developed ECL gas sensor will provide an opportunity as a portable gas sensor with low-cost fabrication for several applications.

Accurate biodetection of trace uranium by electrochemiluminescence and its application inIn vivo toxicokinetic dynamic research

Due to the technical barriers and complexity of biological detection equipment, the intensive study of the toxicokinetics of uranium has been limited. In other words, efficient biodetection system for accurately and conveniently uranium analysis is the core demand. In this study, an efficient monitoring system was developed for rapid visual detection of trace UO22+ in biological samples by using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging technology. In detail, poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-(1-cyanovinylene-1,4-phenylene)] (CN-PPV) was prepared as polymer dots (Pdots), which give a low background signal and notable visual UO22+ response in accurate monitoring as well as high selectivity. This sensor was successfully applied to visual UO22+ detection in blood and urine in an oral uranyl metabolism rat model. The results showed that UO22+ concentration in rat blood reached the maximum 30 min after administration and then decreased rapidly. Even after 48 h, trace UO22+ could still be detected with the developed method, demonstrating its ultrahigh sensitivity and selectivity. This work is the first visualized UO22+ detection via ECL in biological samples. This ECL method for accurate trace UO22+ monitoring in biological samples indicates its wide field of application with good prospects such as nuclear forensics, evidence-based medicine, and toxicological research.

Neutrophil-lymphocyte Ratio and C-Reactive Protein Levels are not Associated with Strength, Muscle Mass, and Functional Capacity in Kidney Transplant Patients.

Chronic inflammation has been associated with components of sarcopenia; however, these associations are unknown in kidney transplant patients (KTPs). The aim of this study was to associate neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) with strength, muscle mass, and functional capacity in KTPs. A cross-sectional study evaluating 108 KTPs was performed. Strength was evaluated by handgrip strength and five-times-sit-to-stand test (5STS), and appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was estimated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. The ASM index (ASMI) was calculated using the ASM (kg)/height (m2). Functional capacity was assessed by the 4-m gait speed test and short physical performance battery (SPPB). The electrochemiluminescence method was used for analyzing CRP levels, and the cytometric method XN-3000 Sysmex was used for obtaining leukogram values to calculate the NLR. Linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between systemic inflammation and sarcopenia components, adjusting for confounders. NLR and CRP levels were not associated with handgrip strength (β = - 0.231, p = 0.389; β = - 0.291, p = 0.577), 5STS (β = - 0.114, p = 0.288; β = - 0.202, p = 0.334), ASM (β = - 0.027, p = 0.813; β = 0.062, p = 0.788), ASMI (β = - 0.036, p = 0.242; β = 0.040, p = 0.505), 4-mgait speed (β = 0.013, p = 0.082; β = 0.004, p = 0.769), and SPPB (β = 0.076, p = 0.170; β = 0.152, p = 0.157), respectively. In conclusion, NLR and CRP levels were not associated with muscle mass, strength, and functional capacity in KTPs.

In Situ Synthesis of a Bi2Te3-Nanosheet/Reduced-Graphene-Oxide Nanocomposite for Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Dopamine Sensing.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps cells to transmit pulsed chemicals. Therefore, dopamine detection is crucial from the viewpoint of human health. Dopamine determination is typically achieved via chromatography, fluorescence, electrochemiluminescence, colorimetry, and enzyme-linked methods. However, most of these methods employ specific biological enzymes or involve complex detection processes. Therefore, non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors are attracting attention owing to their high sensitivity, speed, and simplicity. In this study, a simple one-step fabrication of a Bi2Te3-nanosheet/reduced-graphene-oxide (BT/rGO) nanocomposite was achieved using a hydrothermal method to modify electrodes for electrochemical dopamine detection. The combination of the BT nanosheets with the rGO surface was investigated by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry were performed to analyze the electrochemical-dopamine-detection characteristics of the BT/rGO nanocomposite. The BT/rGO-modified electrode exhibited higher catalytic activity for electrocatalytic oxidation of 100 µM dopamine (94.91 µA, 0.24 V) than that of the BT-modified (4.55 µA, 0.26 V), rGO-modified (13.24 µA, 0.23 V), and bare glassy carbon electrode (2.86 µA, 0.35 V); this was attributed to the synergistic effect of the electron transfer promoted by the highly conductive rGO and the large specific surface area/high charge-carrier mobility of the two-dimensional BT nanosheets. The BT/rGO-modified electrode showed a detection limit of 0.06 µM for dopamine in a linear range of 10–1000 µM. Additionally, it exhibited satisfactory reproducibility, stability, selectivity, and acceptable recovery in real samples.

Evaluation of selected semen parameters and biomarkers of male infertility - preliminary study.

Background: Because the etiopathogenesis of male infertility is multifactorial our study was designed to clarify the relationship between standard semen parameters, testicular volume, levels of reproductive hormones and the fragmentation of sperm nuclear DNA (SDF). Methods: Patients (n = 130) were clustered as subjects: 1) with an abnormal volume (utrasonography) of at least one testis (<12 mL) or with a normal volume of testes and 2) with abnormal levels of at least one of the reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, PRL, TSH, total T - electrochemiluminescence method) or with normal hormonal profiles and 3) with high level of SDF (>30%), moderate (>15-30%) or low (≤15%) (sperm chromatin dispersion test). Results: In subjects with a decreased testicular volume and in subjects with abnormal levels of reproductive hormones, decreased basic semen parameters were found. Participants with abnormal testicular volume had a higher percentage of SDF and a higher level of FSH (Mann-Whitney U test). In turn, men with a high level of SDF had lower testicular volume and conventional sperm parameters than men with a low level of SDF (Kruskal-Wallis test). Conclusions: We showed that spermatogenesis disorders coexisted with decreased testicular volume and increased FSH levels. The disorders of spermatogenesis were manifested by reduced basic sperm characteristics and a high level of sperm nuclear DNA damage.

The Benefits of Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 during Pregnancy in Favor of the Mother/Newborn Dyad.

When the first vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 emerged, pregnant women were excluded from clinical trials, so vaccine recommendations were initially adjourned, with late initiation for this populational category. The present study aims to quantify the serum and breastmilk values of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antibodies in both the mother and her newborn after complete vaccination during pregnancy. Ninety-one vaccinated patients were included, some of whom presented COVID-19 infection during pregnancy. In the delivery room, venous blood was collected from the mother and umbilical cord blood from her offspring. All samples were processed using the ECLIA (electrochemiluminescence) method. Breastmilk was collected and tested during the third postnatal day. The highest maternal serum values were 19,523 U/mL (detection limit > 0.8 U/mL) and in breastmilk, 206.7 U/mL. Every single newborn had antibody values higher than 0, with a mean serum value (M = 5288.37, SD = 5661.49) significantly higher than 0, t(90) = 8.91, p < 0.001. Consequently, this study intents to emphasize the importance of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy. This double kind of neonatal protection, attained by placental and breastmilk transfer, can be accomplished by encouraging vaccination, breastfeeding, bonding, and providing maternal empowerment to participate in her infant’s care.

Titres of Antibodies to Hepatitis B Surface Antigen following Hepatitis B Vaccination among Medical Students

Aim: To estimate antibody titres to Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among vaccinated medical students.&#x0D; Study Design: Cross sectional study&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Study was done in the Department of Microbiology, Adichunchanagiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B.G. Nagara between October 2019 to November 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: Study included 281 medical students who had taken three doses of Hepatitis B vaccination. Informed consent and Institutional Ethical clearance was obtained. Under aseptic precautions, 5 ml of venous blood was collected and serum was separated by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 min. Serum were stored at -200 C. Antibodies to Hepatitis B surface antigen were estimated by Electro Chemiluminescence method (Anti-HBs G2 Elecsys cobas e 100- Roche Diagnostics India Pvt. Ltd.) as per manufacturer’s instruction using quality controls.&#x0D; Results: In the present study, 98.9% of students had Anti HBs antibody titres &gt;10mIU/ml. Only one (1.1%) student had titre &lt;10mIU/ml. Seventy (77.8%) students had antibody titres &gt;1000 mIU/ml and 15 (16.7%) had antibody levels &gt;100≤1000 mIU/ml. Higher seroconversion rates were noted among female students (100%) but was not statistically significant (P value=0.34)&#x0D; Conclusion: Except for one, all other study participants were found to have protective antibody titres. Vaccination cards containing the vaccination details and the antibody titres should be made available to all medical students to guide infection control practices in case of accidental exposure.

Electrochemical fabrication of Ru[bpy]32+@Cu-MOF(-SH)/Au photo/electrochemical coupling interface and its DNA-based biosensing performance

An electrochemical fabrication method of Ru[bpy]32+@Cu-MOF(-SH)/Au (MOF = metal–organic framework) was developed with a photo/electrochemical information characterization and a DNA-based biosensing validation for the proposed interface. Applying an anodic synthesis method, a modification layer of Ru[bpy]32+ encapsulated with MOF was formed on the Au electrode surface to fabricate an interface with photo/electrochemical dual-signal response. Combining the scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) imaging technology with electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection, the information about the interfacial photo/electrochemical bi-functional properties was explored from three aspects of the parameter variable, intensity variable, and morphology variable. The results show that the effect of parameter variables on the interfacial response follows an “interference effect” mechanism. Under the optimized conditions, the background and the saturation ECL intensities are 610.0 and 24.0 with a quenching efficiency of 96.1% and a detection limit of 30 fM. The saturation current is 48.8 µA with a detection limit of 330.0 nM. Both ECL and electrochemical imaging methods can corroborate each other, validating the logical correlation between the interface fabrication and the response performance in the regional interfacial distribution and laying a methodological foundation for evaluating the interface fabrication quality based on imaging morphology qualitatively. The proposed interface can construct photo/electrochemical dual-signal DNA-based biosensors.

Reversible Ratiometric Electrochemiluminescence Biosensor Based on DNAzyme Regulated Resonance Energy Transfer for Myocardial miRNA Detection.

Myocardial miRNAs in peripheral blood are closely related to the pathogenic process of myocardial infarction. Rapid identification and accurate quantification of myocardial miRNAs are of great significance to clinical interventions for treating cardiovascular lesions. Therefore, a ratiometric electrochemiluminescence (ECL) biosensor integrating DNAzyme with a resonance energy transfer (RET) system was designed to detect myocardial miRNA. The dual-signal system was composed of rA marked substrate strand functionalized CdTe quantum dots (QDs) as reductive-oxidative (R-O) emitters and Cy5-labeled strand-functionalized Ru(bpy)32+-filled silica nanoparticles (RuSi NPs) as oxidative-reductive (O-R) emitters. In the presence of target miRNA, DNAzyme was activated to cut substrate strands on the CdTe QDs and release triggers for opening hairpin probes. Then, the Cy5 molecule-labeled hairpin DNA on the RuSi NPs was opened to introduce Cy5 molecules and RuSi NPs into the system. The R-O ECL was quenched by ECL-RET between CdTe QDs and Cy5 molecules and the O-R ECL was introduced by the RuSi NPs. In this way, based on the simultaneous changing of the ECL signal, the dual-potential dynamic signal ratiometric ECL sensing platform was developed. By measuring the ratio of O-R ECL signal to R-O ECL signal, the concentration of miRNA-499 was accurately quantified in the range of 10 fM to 10 nM, and the detection limit was as low as 2.44 fM (S/N = 3). This DNAzyme guided dual-potential ratiometric ECL method provides a sensitive and reliable method for myocardial miRNA detection, and it has great potential in clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Serum markers, morphological index, RMI, and ROMA in preoperative diagnosis of ovarian cancer

Background/Aim: Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecologic malignancy worldwide and is the deadliest among gynecological cancers. It is important that this cancer, which is usually diagnosed in advanced stages, is referred to a gynecologist oncologist without delay. An ideal screening method does not yet exist. Although CA 125 is still the most used tumor marker, it cannot detect early-stage ovarian cancer. Also, CA 125 is not specific for ovarian malignancy. Therefore, new serum markers, such as HE4, and more complex algorithms, like ROMA and RMI, have emerged. Here we evaluate the preoperative potential of patients with adnexal mass to have a malignant or benign mass with morphological index, CA 125, HE4, RMI, and ROMA tests. Methods: This study is a prospective cohort study. A power analysis was done before starting the study. The sample size was at least 80 when the Type I error was set at 0.05, and the confidence interval was 95%. We included into the study 84 patients admitted to our clinic because of pelvic mass and underwent operation between March 2016 and October 2018. To homogenize the benign and malignant groups, 42 patients were collected from each group. CA 125 and HE4 levels of the samples were studied by the electrochemiluminescence method. ROMA and RMI values were calculated, and the data were entered into SPSS. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 statistical package program. Results: Each of the CA 125 (P = 0.002), HE4 (P < 0.001), morphological index (P < 0.001), ROMA (P < 0.001), and RMI (P < 0.001) tests has been successful in differentiating malignant masses from benign masses. In the malignant-benign differentiation of adnexal masses preoperatively, CA 125 was the test with the lowest sensitivity, and RMI had the highest sensitivity. However, in the ROC analysis, the morphological index has a higher area under the curve. Conclusion: Although CA 125 is still the most frequently used marker in the preoperative evaluation of adnexal masses, it has low specificity and sensitivity, especially in premenopausal patients. The use of new tumor markers (e.g., HE4) and other algorithms (e.g., ROMA and RMI) is supported by our findings and the literature. However, here we show that an expert ultrasonographic evaluation with morphological index alone could be effective.

Cord blood 25(OH)D3, cord blood total immunoglobulin E levels, and food allergies in infancy: A birth cohort study in Chongqing, China

BackgroundFood allergy (FA) in infants has become a common disease worldwide. There are many controversies surrounding the relationships among levels of cord blood 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and FA. MethodsIn this study, we recruited pregnant women in the third trimester undergoing obstetric examination in Chongqing City, Western China. Healthy full-term singleton births between May to August 2018 and November 2018 to January 2019 were included in the summer-birth and winter-birth cohorts, respectively. Questionnaires on vitamin D status in pregnancy and family allergies were used to investigate the pregnant women. The levels of <12 ng/mL, 12～20 ng/mL, and >20 ng/mL 25(OH)D3 in cord blood detected by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry were considered deficient, insufficient, and sufficient, respectively. The electrochemiluminescence method was used to detect the total lgE levels in cord blood, classified into low-IgE (<0.35IU/mL) and high-IgE (≥0.35IU/mL) levels, respectively. Within postnatal 6 months, allergic symptoms in infants were investigated using questionnaire during the infants’ monthly physical examinations. Suspected cases of FA underwent a history inquiry, skin prick test, food elimination test, and open-food challenge for diagnosis of FA. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of FA in infants. ResultsIn this study, we recruited 741 pairs of pregnant women and infants, including 343 infants in the summer-birth cohort and 398 infants in the winter-birth cohort. The incidence of FA within postnatal 6 months was 6.88%, showing significantly higher incidence of FA in the winter-birth cohorts than in the summer-birth cohorts (10.3% vs. 2.9%, χ2 = 15.682, P = 0.000). Among the 741 infants, 47.1%, 27.5%, and 13.8% of infants had deficient, insufficient, and sufficient 25(OH)D3, respectively, in the cord blood; 81.5% and 18.5% of infants had total low-IgE and total high-IgE levels, respectively, in the cord blood. No significant correlation was found between the 25(OH)D3 and IgE levels (r = −0.038, P = 0.300). Logistic regression analysis showed that winter birth [odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.292 (2.003～8.359)] compared with infants in summer birth group, and sufficient (>20 ng/mL) 25(OH)D3 levels in cord blood [OR (95% CI): 2.355 (1.129～4.911) compared with infants in the deficient group (<12 ng/mL) and 3.782 (1.680～8.514) compared with infants in the insufficient group (12～20 ng/mL)] were independent risk factors for FA in infants within postnatal 6 months. ConclusionsWinter birth and sufficient 25(OH)D3 levels in infant cord blood were independent risk factors for FA in infants. 25(OH)D3 and total IgE levels in cord blood cannot be used as predictors of FA in early infancy.

Electrogenerated Chemiluminescent Detection of Polyamines on a Microfluidic Device Using Micromolded Carbon Paste Microelectrodes

AbstractA simple, sensitive, and rapid electrochemiluminescent (ECL) method was developed for the detection of several polyamines on a microfluidic chip. Rapid prototyping of poly(dimethylsiloxane) was used to fabricate flow channels and carbon paste microelectrodes. These devices are easily fabricated and amenable to ECL detection due to their planar and optically transparent nature. The ECL reaction between tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) and amine‐containing co‐reactants was used to generate the ECL signal. Experimental parameters were optimized and low micromolar limits of detection (S/N=3) were determined for four different polyamines. The method was successfully used to determine the concentration of spermine in milk samples.

Highly Efficient Aggregation-Induced Enhanced Electrochemiluminescence of Cyanophenyl-Functionalized Tetraphenylethene and Its Application in Biothiols Analysis.

Exploring new electrochemiluminescence (ECL) luminophores with high ECL efficiency and good stability in aqueous solution is in great demand for biological sensing. In this work, highly efficient aggregation-induced enhanced ECL of cyanophenyl-functionalized tetraphenylethene (tetra[4-(4-cyanophenyl)phenyl]ethene, TCPPE) and its application in biothiols analysis were reported. TCPPE contains four 4-cyanophenyl groups covalently attached to the tetraphenylethene (TPE) core, generating a nonplanar three-dimensional twisted conformation structure. TCPPE nanoparticles (NPs) with an average size of 15.84 nm were prepared by a precipitation method. High ECL efficiency (593%, CdS as standard) and stable ECL emission (over one month) were obtained for TCPPE NPs in aqueous solution. The unique properties of TCPPE NPs could be ascribed to the efficient suppression of nonradiative transition, the decrease of the energy gap, and the increase of anionic radical stability, which were proved by theoretical calculation and electrochemical and fluorescence methods. Contrasting aggregation-induced ECL chromic emission was first observed for TCPPE NPs. As a proof-of-methodology, an ECL method was developed for three biothiol assays with detection limits of 6, 7, and 300 nM for cysteine, homocysteine, and glutathione, respectively. This work demonstrates that TCPPE NPs are promising ECL luminophores, and the incorporation of appropriate substituents into luminophores can improve ECL efficiency and radical stability.