Enzyme-linked Immunoassay Kit Research Articles

Development of non-enzymatic and photothermal immuno-sensing assay for detecting the enrofloxacin in animal derived food by utilizing black phosphorus-platinum two-dimensional nanomaterials

The two-dimensional black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) provide strong support for the construction of nanozymes with high catalytic performance due to the sheet structure and high electronic activity. A peroxidase-like BP-Pt nanocomposites was successfully synthesized using the instability of BPNS, a non-enzymatic immunosensing assay (NISA) was established with BP-Pt as immunosensing probe. Take the antibiotic enrofloxacin (ENR) as the target, NISA realized the highly sensitive ENR detection with detection limit (IC15) of 0.005 μg/L. In addition, based on the good photothermal performance of oxTMB at 808 nm, a photothermal immunosensing assay (PT-NISA) was established, and ENR detection results was similar to NISA were obtained. In the analysis of the samples, the same detection results as the commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassay kit were obtained. These NISA and PT-NISA provide a more rapid and promising strategy for detecting food contaminants, and was expected to be used to detect other highly sensitive biological macromolecules.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A among Medical Students of a Tertiary Care Centre in Kerala, Southern India

Introduction: Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis caused by a Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) virus. The mode of transmission is fecal-oral route and the risk factors include unsafe water, poor personal hygiene and sanitation. Even though seroprevalence rate is high in low socio-economic regions, it is low in urban areas and the need of vaccination is looked for. Aim: To estimate the seroprevalence of hepatitis A in medical students of Southern India. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted in the medical students of Government Medical College, Manjeri, Kerala, India. Blood samples of 377 students during the year 2015-2018 were taken. These students were in their 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th year MBBS course who admitted in the years 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Commercially available Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (ELISA) kits for anti HAV IgG antibodies were used. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 377 participants 238 (63.2%) were females and 139 (36.8%) were males. A total of 51 (13.5%) were positive for IgG antibodies. A total of 43 were in 21-22 age group with a p-value >0.05. An association of seropositivity and seronegativity with frequency of dining out pattern was there with a p-value <0.05. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of hepatitis A was found in a declining stage hence, vaccination against hepatitis A should be included in the National Immunisation Schedule.

Behavioral Endocrinology: Integrating Mind and Body

AbstractThe nervous system and the endocrine system interact to integrate behavior and physiolo­gy. Hormones play an important role in this interaction, particularly steroid hormones. Other molecules, notably oxytocin, can serve both as hormones in the soma and neuro­modulators in the central nervous system. Understanding the influence of the endocrine system on human behavior, both individual and social, has been a primary focus of behav­ioral endocrinology for many decades, though technical and methodological challenges have been formidable. The recent enthusiasm for enzyme-linked immunoassay kits for measuring steroid hormones in saliva has been found to be largely unsound, for example. Despite these difficulties, advances in many areas have been made and new areas, such as the endocrinology of paternal behavior and the role of oxytocin in social interactions, have emerged. Reproductive ecology provides a theoretical framework for integrating the di­verse content of human behavioral ecology.

Short Communication: Relationship between interferon-tau level (IFN- τ) and embryo mortality incident in Aceh cattle

Abstract. Melia J, Siregar TN, Alfahmi L, Husnurrizal, Saumar H, Mukhtar, Meutia N, Panjaitan B, Armansyah T. 2020. Short Communication: Relationship between interferon-tau level (IFN- τ) and embryo mortality incident in Aceh cattle. Biodiversitas 21: 5758-5762. The purpose of this research is to determine the relationship between interferon-tau level (IFN-τ) and the incidence of embryo mortality in Aceh cattle from the Province of Aceh, Indonesia. Data were obtained from four Aceh cattle, aged 3-5 years and body weight of 150-250 kg. The cattle were clinically healthy, with at least two regular reproduction cycles, and a pregnant status after estrous synchronization and artificial insemination. This process was carried out on a 10-day interval using the intramuscular administration of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) hormone, at a dose of 25 mg, with double injection pattern. The blood samples were collected from the jugular vein on day 14 to 18 post-insemination for the assessment of IFN-τ concentration, which was measured using the enzyme linked-immunoassay (ELISA) method and the bovine interferon ELISA kit (Cusabio Technology LLC AII, USA). In addition, the transrectal ultrasonography method was used to test the pregnancy and embryo mortality of the cattle on the 25th day. The examination was repeated every 10 days until day 55. The IFN-τ concentrations of pregnant cows against those with embryo mortality on the 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th day, were 12.066±8.222 vs 17.853±11.126, 12.983±3.491 vs 20.503±3.858, 12.193±4.535 vs 16.458±8.065, 10.143±5.370 vs 17.604±1.888, and 12.767±7.753 vs 15.096±6.955 pg/mL, respectively. Therefore, the embryo mortality in Aceh cattle is not related to IFN-τ.

Urinary kynurenine as a biomarker for Parkinson's disease.

To examine whether urine kynurenine (KYN) levels were associated with early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD), as well as the value of urine KYN as a potential biomarker in early-stage PD. Eighty-two participants including 41 PD patients and 41 healthy controls were enrolled into this study. Urine KYN levels were measured with a KYN enzyme-linked immunoassay kit. In order to explore the correlation between some clinical parameters and urine KYN, the clinical parameters for these participants were recorded. Diagnostic value and clinical relevance of urine KYN were assessed by using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and correlation analysis. Urine KYN levels were significantly higher in the PD group than in the healthy group (891.95 ± 276.65pg/ml vs. 640.11 ± 122.37pg/ml, p = 0.000). The correlations between urine KYN levels and clinical parameters are as follows: Hoehn-Yahr stage (r = 0.676, p = 0.000), disease duration (r = 0.772, p = 0.000), Mini-Mental State Examination scores (r = -0.434, p = 0.005). There was no statistically significant correlation between urine KYN with age, low-density cholesterol (LDL), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (TC), homocysteine (HCY), uric acid (UA), and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The ROC analysis showed that urine KYN optimal cutoff value of 751.88pg/ml had a sensitivity of 65.9% and a specificity of 90.2% for distinguishing between PD and controls, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.776. Urine KYN were significantly associated with PD severity and mild cognitive impairment. Urine KYN may be a new biomarker for early-stage PD.

Intraindividual comparison of cytokine and prostaglandin levels with and without low-energy, high-frequency femtosecond laser cataract pretreatment after single-dose topical NSAID application.

To investigate interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and total prostaglandin (PG) levels in the anterior chamber in patients undergoing low pulse energy femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Forty patients undergoing immediate sequential cataract surgery received randomized low-energy femtosecond laser pretreatment in 1 eye and conventional phacoemulsification in the other. Aqueous humor was collected precisely 5 minutes after femtosecond laser pretreatment and before conventional phacoemulsification from all 80 eyes. IL-1β, IL-6, and total PG (including PGE1, PGE2; PGF1a, PGF2a) levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunoassay kits. One drop of ketorolac 0.5% was administered 30 minutes preoperatively. Mean concentrations of IL-1β, IL-6, and total PG were 0.87, 0.67, and 32.19 pg/mL in the femto group compared with 0.10 (P = .36), 0.78 (P = .79), and 19.66 pg/mL (P < .05) in the nonfemto group. Levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were not statistically significantly different when compared between groups. There was a small but statistically significant increase of PG levels in the femto group. There were no statistically significant correlations between levels of 1β, IL-6, or total PG and suction time or lens density (P > .05). Low pulse energy femtosecond laser pretreatment did not trigger any additional IL and only a small but statistically significant increase of PG release in the anterior chamber after a single-dose of topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug administered 30 minutes before the start of cataract surgery. The findings indicated that the minor inflammatory reaction was due to the lower pulse energy concept applied by the femtosecond laser.

Study of Urinary Calprotectin Levels in Type 2 Diabetics with Peripheral Arterial Disease

Abstract Objective The aim of the present study is to investigate the association of urinary calprotectin levels with lower extremities peripheral arterial disease (LEPAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Background calprotectin is formed by two different calcium- binding proteins; it constitutes about 40% of neutrophils all cytosolic proteins. Calprotectin or its components (S100A8/S100A9) consider as a potential therapeutic target in inflammatory conditions including diabetes mellitus. The ankle-brachial index of less than 0.9 was applied for LEPAD diagnosis. Method we recruited 60 patients with T2DM; half of them had LEPAD and a healthy control group consists of 30 participants. Urinary Calprotectin and high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassay kit. Results Urinary calprotectin level was statistically significant higher among the three participating groups (p value &amp;lt;0.001), however, in post-hoc analysis there was no difference between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without LEPAD (p value =0.993). However, urinary calprotectin was weakly associated with LEPAD severity (p value = 0.175, p value = 0.06 respectively).There was a statistically significant positive correlation between urinary calprotectin level and hsCRP (r = 0.65, p value 0.001). Conclusion Urinary calprotectin cannot be used as a biomarker for LEPAD in T2DM.

Modern Approaches to Quality Evaluation of Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay Diagnostic Kits

Background. Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) diagnostic kits are a medical device designed to solve an important task as patient's life and health depend on the correctness of laboratory test result. Therefore, at present, special attention is given to the quality of in vitro diagnostic medical devices, which in turn is related to standardization and technical regulation. Objective. The goal of the work was analysis of up-to-date methodological approaches to quality assessment of ELISA diagnostic kits. Methods. The results of the development, standardization, and testing of ELISA kits, as well as the recommendations of international institutions and certification bodies, were studied and analyzed. Results. Properties of biological components of diagnostic kits (immunoenzymatic conjugates and immunosorbents) were analyzed; their impact on diagnostic quality level of ELISA kits was determined. The current methodology for assessing the quality conjugates and immunoassay diagnostic kits, in general, was analyzed. The important role of standardized sera panels (qualification, verification, seroconversion, expert, and sensitivity panels) in the assessment procedure for the diagnostic ELISA kits has been demonstrated. The methods of obtaining control materials used to assess the quality of diagnostic kits were analyzed. Special attention was paid to methods to ensure the stability of control materials. Conclusions. In the case of the most socially important infections (HIV, hepatitis B and C), strict values of specificity and sensitivity have been established by regulatory authorities and/or international institutions. In the case of other diseases, rationing of diagnostic indicators has to be performed (justified) by research and development group and/or by the manufacturer.

Kai‐Xin‐San, a Chinese Herbal Decoction, Accelerates the Degradation of β‐Amyloid by Enhancing the Expression of Neprilysin in Rats

This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of Kai-Xin-San (KXS, a famous Chinese herbal decoction used to treat amnesia) on the degradation of Aβ and further elucidate the mechanism of KXS on Aβ-induced memory dysfunction. After pretreatment with KXS (1.08 g/kg/day) for two weeks, Aβ42 (2 μL, 200 μM) was injected into rat hippocampus to induce cognitive dysfunction. Morris water maze (MWM) test was developed to evaluate cognitive performance in rats. Hippocampal neurons were observed by histological staining using Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) methods. Levels of exogenous Aβ42, which was injected into the hippocampus, were continually measured through a special Enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit to observe the catabolic process of Aβ in the brain. Similarly, Aβ degradation in PC12 cells was also investigated using the ELISA kit. The expressions of Aβ degeneration enzymes, including neprilysin (NEP), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and endothelin-converting enzyme (ECE), were detected by western blotting to elucidate Aβ reduction mechanism. Our results showed that KXS prevented Aβ42-induced cognitive impairment and attenuated hippocampus neuronal damage caused by Aβ42. Moreover, KXS could accelerate Aβ42 degradation in Aβ42 injected rats. Furthermore, NEP, an Aβ degradation enzyme, was increased in the hippocampus while ECE and ACE, other two Aβ-degrading enzymes, were not changed. KXS accelerated Aβ degradation in PC12 cells. Our findings revealed that KXS facilitated the degradation of Aβ42 by increasing the expression of NEP in rat hippocampus. By reducing the Aβ burdens, KXS protected hippocampal neurons, leading to the improvement of cognitive function in rats.

Evaluation of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of different universal adhesive systems.

Objectives:The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of different universal adhesive systems in the mouse fibroblast cell line L929.Materials and Methods:L929 (mouse fibroblast) cells were exposed to G-Premio Bond (GPB) (GC Europe, Belgium), Prime&Bond Universal (Dentsply Sirona, USA), Universal Bond Quick (Kuraray, USA), Single Bond (SB) Universal (3M ESPE, USA), and Tokuyama Universal Bond (TB) (Tokuyama, USA). Cell viability was assessed by the 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide test, whereas oxidative DNA damage was assessed by determining the 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine level using an enzyme-linked immunoassay kit. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way analysis of variance, followed by Bonferroni post hoc tests.Results:Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of TB and SB Universal groups were significantly higher than the other groups (P < 0.05). Among the adhesives tested, GPB (93.0 ± 1.3) had the least cytotoxicity, while TB (67.3 ± 3.0) had the most cytotoxic effect. In terms of genotoxicity, GPB (2.2 ± 0.3) had the least genotoxic effect, while Tokuyama Bond Universal (4.17 ± 0.4) had the most genotoxic effect.Conclusions:Universal adhesive systems used in dentistry have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in live cells. Universal adhesive systems should, therefore, be used with caution due to their cytotoxic and genotoxic effects in clinical applications.

Screening of immunoglobulin g antibodies against chikungunya virus among urban population in Ilorin Nigeria

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne viral disease which is becoming a serious global public health problem. The principal vector in many parts of Africa is Aedes species . There are recent reports of CHIKV importation into Europe, Asia and America by travelers returning from west and central Africa. Yet, there is scanty information from the guinea savannah region of Nigeria. This study determined previous exposure to CHIKV in the urban population. It is a cross-sectional study involving 89 participants enrolled from three hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State. A qualitative Chikungunya Enzyme Linked Immunoassay kit was used to detect IgG antibodies. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22. Statistically significant level was p≤0.05. Out of the study participants, 24.7% were previously exposed to CHIKV. Age group 31-40years had highest proportion while children under 10years had least IgG level. In this study, we found Chikungunya to be endemic in Ilorin Nigeria. There is need for sustained surveillance, to determine spatio-temporal epidemiology of CHIKV. Efforts should be poised to strengthen vector control measures. Keywords: Chikungunya virus, Immunoglobulin G, Guinea Savannah, Ilorin, Urban

Effect of Coagulation Factor Concentrates on Markers of Endothelial Cell Damage in Experimental Hemorrhagic Shock.

Plasma-based resuscitation showed protective effects on the endothelial glycocalyx compared with crystalloid resuscitation. There is paucity of data regarding the effect of coagulation factor concentrates (CFC) on the glycocalyx in hemorrhagic shock (HS). We hypothesized that colloid-based resuscitation supplemented with CFCs offers a therapeutic value to treat endothelial damage following HS. Eighty-four rats were subjected to pressure-controlled (mean arterial pressure (MAP) 30-35 mm Hg) and lab-guided (targeted cutoff: lactate >2.2. mmol/L and base deficit > 5.5 mmol/L) HS. Animals were resuscitated with fresh frozen plasma (FFP), human albumin (HA) or Ringer's lactate (RL) and RL or HA supplemented with fibrinogen concentrate (FC) or prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC). Serum epinephrine and the following markers of endothelial damage were assessed at baseline and at the end-of-observation (120 min after shock was terminated): syndecan-1, heparan sulfate, and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 (sVEGFR 1). Resuscitation with FFP had no effect on sVEGFR1 compared with crystalloid-based resuscitation (FFP: 19.3 ng/mL vs. RL: 15.9 ng/mL; RL+FC: 19.7 ng/mL; RL+PCC: 18.9 ng/mL; n.s.). At the end-of-observation, syndecan-1 was similar among all groups. Interestingly, HA+FC treated animals displayed the highest syndecan-1 concentration (12.07 ng/mL). Resuscitation with FFP restored heparan sulfate back to baseline (baseline: 36 ng/mL vs. end-of-observation: 36 ng/mL). The current study revealed that plasma-based resuscitation normalized circulating heparan sulfate but not syndecan-1. Co-administration of CFC had no further effect on glycocalyx shedding suggesting a lack of its therapeutic potential. VExperimental in vivo study.

LPA genotype is associated with premature cardiovascular disease in familial hypercholesterolemia

In recent years, lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) has been recognized as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). A variant in the LPA gene, rs10455872, has been associated with higher concentrations of Lp(a), as well as an increased risk of CVD in the general population. The objective of the present study is to compare the predictive value of an LPA variant, rs10455872, as well as Lp(a) concentration on the prevalence of CVD and on the age of the first CVD event in a cohort of genetically confirmed heterozygous patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Lp(a) total particle mass was measured by an enzyme-linked immunoassay kit. The rs10455872 genotype has been obtained via an exome chip genotyping method. The cohort comprised 88 carriers and 580 noncarriers of the rs10455872. The Lp(a) concentration (g/L) was significantly higher in carriers than in noncarriers (0.41 [0.33-0.60] vs 0.12 [0.05-0.27], respectively, P<.0001). There was a significant association between rs10455872 and prevalent CVD in a model corrected for classical CVD risk factors (odds ratio 1.97, 95% confidence interval 1.05-3.68, P=.04). There was a significant association between rs10455872 and the age of the first CVD event in a model corrected for all cardiovascular risk factors including Lp(a) levels (39.7 vs 43.9years in carriers vs noncarriers, respectively, P=.02). Our results suggest that the LPA variant rs10455872 is a good predictor of premature CVD risk in FH. This also suggest that targeting Lp(a) in FH subjects could be associated with further reduction in CVD risk.

The Relationship between Plasma Taurine Levels and Diabetic Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Taurine has an active role in providing glucose homeostasis and diabetes causes a decline in taurine levels. This paper investigates the relationship between taurine and diabetic complications, patients’ demographic features, and biochemical parameters. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and 28 healthy control subjects between the ages of 32 and 82 were included in the study. The mean age of subjects was 55.6 ± 10.3 and mean diabetes duration was 10.2 ± 6.0 years. The most commonly accompanying comorbidity was hypertension (HT) (64.5%, n = 38), and the most frequent diabetic complication was neuropathy (50.8%, n = 30). Plasma taurine concentrations were measured by an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit. Results: Plasma taurine concentrations were significantly lower in diabetic patients (0.6 ± 0.1 mmol/L) than controls (0.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L) and in hypertensive (0. 6 ± 0.1 mmol/L) patients (p = 0.000, p = 0.027 respectively). Conclusion: Plasma taurine levels were decreased in patients with T2DM and this was not related to FBG, HbA1c, and microalbuminuria. With regard to complications, we only found a correlation with neuropathy. We suggest that taurine levels may be more important in the development of diabetes; however, it may also have importance for the progression of the disease and the subsequent complications. We further assert that taurine measurement at different times may highlight whether there is a causal relationship in the development of complications.

SLC22A3 is associated with lipoprotein (a) concentration and cardiovascular disease in familial hypercholesterolemia

Background and aimsSeveral clinical and genetic factors have been shown to modulate the cardiovascular risk in subjects affected by familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Genome wide association studies (GWAS) in the general population have identified several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This include the rs2048327 variant in the SLC22A3 gene. However, the effect of this SNP in FH subjects is unknown. The objectives of this study are to investigate the association between rs2048327 and the prevalence of CVD as well as with the concentration of lipoprotein (a) (Lp (a)), in a cohort of genetically-confirmed heterozygous FH patients. MethodsAn enzyme-linked immunoassay kit was used to assess the Lp (a) concentration, whereas an exome chip genotyping method was used to impute the rs2048327 genotype. ResultsThe cohort comprised 287 non-carriers (TT), 305 heterozygous carriers (TC) and 76 homozygous carriers of the rs2048327 variant. In a model corrected for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, rs2048327 was significantly associated with Lp (a) level (median value of 12, 16 and 29 mg/dL in TT, TC and CC carriers, respectively, p < .0001). In a model corrected for cardiovascular risk factors and Lp(a) value, carrying the C allele was associated with a 2-fold increased risk of CVD (OR 1.96, 95%CI 1.21–3.19, p = .007). ConclusionsIn this study, we demonstrated that the rs2048327 SNP of the SLC22A3 gene was significantly associated with Lp(a) as well as with CVD events in FH subjects. Further studies are required in order to investigate the mechanisms behind these associations.

Maternal serum vitamin D levels and preterm delivery among low-risk parturients in Lagos, Nigeria.

To determine the association between low maternal vitamin D levels and preterm delivery among parturients in Lagos, Nigeria. The present study was an analytical cross-sectional study of women with preterm deliveries (defined as <37weeks) and women with term deliveries (defined as ≥37weeks) at the labor unit of Lagos University Teaching Hospital between December 1, 2015, and October 31, 2016. Relevant information was obtained via a proforma, and maternal venous samples were collected immediately after delivery. Serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D was determined by a vitamin D enzyme-linked immunoassay kit. The study enrolled 103 women in each group. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 14.1% (29/206). 24 (23.3%) women with preterm delivery had low serum vitamin D (<30ng/mL) as compared with only 5 (4.9%) women with term delivery (P<0.001). Compared with normal serum vitamin D levels, low maternal vitamin D had an approximately nine-fold higher likelihood of preterm delivery (adjusted odds ratio 9.41, 95% confidence interval 2.42-36.54; P<0.001). The prevalence of serum vitamin D deficiency was higher among women with preterm delivery than among those with term delivery. The potential role of prenatal vitamin D supplementation in the prevention of preterm delivery should be further investigated.

Plasma CXCL13 is a predictive factor for HBsAg loss and clinical relapse after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment

In this study, we investigated whether plasma cytokine/chemokine levels could predict HBsAg loss or clinical relapse (CR) after stopping nucleos(t)ides analogue (NA) treatment. Theplasma cytokines/chemokines levels were measured at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 weeks after NA discontinuation by using the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit. Cox regression analysis revealed that CXCL13 level at the end of treatment (EOT) was an independent predictor for CR (HR 0.26, p < 0.001) and HBsAg loss (HR 3.01, p = 0.008) after treatment cessation. Among the patients with EOT CXCL13 level < 80 pg/ml, the cumulative incidences of CR and HBsAg loss were 65% and 0% at 4 years, respectively. As for the patients with EOT CXCL13 level ≥ 1000 pg/ml, 47.5% cases had HBsAg loss. Our study showed that EOT CXCL13 level was associated with off-treatment response, which may be used to guide cessation of NA treatment in clinical practice.

Design of a redox-active surface for ultrasensitive redox capacitive aptasensing of aflatoxin M1 in milk

Herein, we report the design of a novel label-free aptasensor based on ferrocene and silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) for ultrasensitive detection of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk. Given that silicon nanomaterials stand out by their high capacitive power, we used them to develop a novel capacitive transduction system based on electrochemical capacitance spectroscopy (ECS). This strategy relies on the changes of the redox capacitance signal owed to the surface-tethered ferrocene film, by performing electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements without using an external redox probe. The redox capacitance variation was found to correlate well with the increasing concentrations of AFM1 in the linear range from 10 to 500 fmol⋅L-1 with a sensitivity of 0.46 μF*fM-1*cm − 2. Furthermore, the aptasensor allowed to reach very low limits of detection and quantification equal to 4.53 fM and 14.95 fM, respectively. The platform revealed a high selectivity toward the target analyte, and it was applied to quantify very low concentrations of AFM1 in commercial pasteurized milk. Finally, the results of real sample analysis were successfully gauged against those obtained using commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits.

Evaluation of total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index in some economically important plants from Turkey

This study aims to develop antioxidant properties of thirty four economically important plants of Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families, from Turkey. Analyses were done with reliable measurement research kits. Total antioxidant status, total oxidant status were determined with a novel method using available enzyme-linked immuno assay kit (TOS Cat. No: RL0024, TAS Cat. No: RL0017).Total antioxidant (TAS) level of studied Asteraceae and Lamiaceae taxa were detected as 71.61±37.05 mmol/L and 36.97±9.6 mmol/L, respectively. In addition, TAS level of Asteraceae taxa was found to be higher (p<0.38) than Lamiaceae taxa. When compared total oxidant (TOS) level of Asteraceae (3.02±0.66) and Lamiaceae taxa (5.26±1.06), no significant (p=0.08) differences were observed. In the similar way OSI levels in the Asteraceae (12.52±3.63 AU) Lamiaceae families (30.8±8.4 AU) were found to be no significant difference (p=0.05). The present study concluded that antioxidative feature of studied plant taxa is remarkable. So studied plant taxa are emerges a natural source of antioxidants and could be a good experimental system for further researches.

Radiosurgery reduces plasma levels of angiogenic factors in brain arteriovenous malformation patients

PurposeAberrant expression of angiogenic factors has been anecdotally documented in brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) nidus vessels; however, no data is available on the effect of radiosurgery on the levels of angiogenic factors in AVM patients. We sought to determine the plasma contents of VEGF, TGF-β, Ang-2 and bFGF in 28 brain AVM patients at baseline and post radiosurgery and further analyzed the relationship between plasma contents of these angiogenic factors with clinicopathologic variables of these patients. MethodsWe enrolled brain AVM patients who underwent Cyberknife radiosurgery at our hospital between January 2014 and December 2015. Brain AVM was confirmed by cerebral angiography and radiosurgery was performed with Cyberknife irradiation. Plasma contents of VEGF, TGF-β, Ang-2 and bFGF were analyzed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kits. ResultsThe baseline plasma VEGF content was 222.63 pg/mL (range 43.25–431.25 pg/mL). At three months post surgery, there was a significant −34.29% decline in plasma VEGF content versus baseline (P = 0.000). Furthermore, the median baseline plasma VEGF levels were higher in brain AVM with a nidus volume ≥ 10 cm3) than those with a nidus volume < 10 cm3 [median(IQR) 293.5 (186.5,359.25) vs. 202 (59.75, 270.75) pg/mL, P = 0.057]. The baseline plasma TGF-β content was 556.17 pg/mL (range 44.44–1486.11 pg/mL) and there was a significant −27.47% decline in plasma TGF-β content at 3 months post radiosurgery versus baseline (P = 0.015). Moreover, the baseline plasma ANG-2 content was 214.27 pg/mL (range 77.14–453.76 pg/mL). There was an immediate and significant −12.47% decline in plasma ANG-2 content post surgery versus baseline (P = 0.002). At three months post surgery, the plasma ANG-2 content still remained significantly depressed versus baseline (P = 0.002). In addition, the baseline plasma bFGF content was 9.17 pg/mL (range 3.67–36.78 pg/mL). No significant difference in plasma bFGF content was observed immediately post surgery and 3 months post surgery versus baseline (P = 0.05). ConclusionsRadiosurgery for brain AVM patients significantly reduced the plasma levels of angiogenic factors. The plasma angiogenic factors may be candidate markers for aberrant agniogenesis of brain AVM and patient response to radiosurgery.