Immunoassay Method Research Articles

Assessing the diagnostic accuracy of serological tests for hepatitis delta virus diagnosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hepatitis Delta Virus (HDV), a satellite virus of Hepatitis B virus, exacerbates liver damage in affected individuals. Screening for HDV antibodies in HBsAg positive patients is recommended, but the diagnostic accuracy of serological tests remains uncertain. This review aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of serological tests for HDV. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus etc. for relevant studies. Studies measuring the sensitivity and specificity of serological HDV tests against PCR as a reference standard were included. Pooled sensitivity and specificity for each test method and sero-marker were calculated. The review included six studies with 11 study arms, evaluating ARCHITECT immunoassay, EIA, ELISA, QMAC, RIA, and Western Blot test methods targeting Anti-HDV IgG, Total anti-HDV and Anti-HDV IgM. Sensitivities for Anti-HDV IgG, Total Anti-HDV and Anti-HDV IgM, tests were 97.4%, 51.9%, and 62.0%, respectively, with specificities of 95.3%, 80.0%, and 85.0%. Our findings, with its limited number of studies, suggest that HDV serological tests, particularly those identifying Anti IgG exhibit high accuracy and can serve as effective screening tools for HDV.

Increase in the specificity of immunoassay methods by direct targeting different epitopes; sequential chain reactions.

Immunoassay methods typically involve the use of antibodies, which are either labeled with an enzyme to generate a detectable product or directly tagged with a radioactive or fluorescent substrate. One approach to enhance the specificity of immuno-detection methods is by employing a combination of different antibodies, such as primary and secondary. However, relying solely on one antibody targeting another may not offer the highest level of precision for improving immunoassay specificity; A novel strategy for enhancing the specificity of immunoassay techniques involves directly targeting different epitopes of an antigen. This approach entails utilizing sequential chain reactions facilitated by distinct enzymes bound to various antibodies, each directed at specific epitopes on the antigen. Such an innovative method holds promise for advancing the specificity of immunoassay methods.

Application of ultrasensitive single molecule immunoassay technology in clinical biomarker detection

Single-molecule immunoassay technology represents an ultrasensitive immunoassay method that enables the resolution and detection of individual biomolecules at the nanoscale. This article highlights various representative techniques and clinical applications of single-molecule immunoassay technology, while also discussing the current challenges and future development directions. Through multiple optimizations at both the technical and commercial levels, single-molecule immunoassay technology exhibits unique advantages in real-time detection, disease diagnosis and treatment, and medical research. This technology is poised to contribute to the advancement of precision medicine by integrating individualized detection methods into clinical practice.

Assessment of Metabolic, Inflammatory, and Immunological Disorders Using a New Panel of Plasma Parameters in People Living with HIV Undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy-A Retrospective Study.

Background/Objectives: People living with HIV (PLWH) treated with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) show a greater predisposition to metabolic and inflammatory disturbances compared to the general population. This study aimed to assess the effect of five years of cART use on the level of selected parameters related to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and inflammation in PLWH compared to the uninfected. Methods: The levels of sirtuins (-1, -3, -6); irisin (IRS); myostatin (MSTN); peptide YY (PYY); glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1); dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4); fetuin-A (FETU-A); pentraxin 3 (PTX3); chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1); regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and presumably secreted (RANTES); and interleukins (-4, -7, -15) in the plasma of PLWH and a control group were evaluated by immunoassay methods. The results obtained after five years of antiretroviral therapy were compared with the levels obtained before and one year after cART. Results: Analysis of the parameters after five years of cART showed significantly higher levels in PLWH compared to the control group for SIRT-6, IRS, and IL-4 and significantly lower levels for RANTES and IL-7. There were significantly higher levels of SIRT-6, PYY, GLP-1, and PTX3 obtained after five years of cART compared to the results before therapy and after one year of cART. Conclusions: The results indicated changes occur in the expression of selected parameters during cART use in PLWH. Further research on the clinical usefulness of selected parameters and obtaining new information on the development of HIV-related comorbidities needs to be conducted.

Development of plate-type and tubular chemiluminescence immunoassay against African swine fever virus p72

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease that has caused huge economic losses to the pig and related industries worldwide. At present, rapid, accurate, and sensitive laboratory detection technologies are important means of preventing and controlling ASF. However, because attenuated strains of African swine fever virus (ASFV) are constantly emerging, an ASFV antibody could be used more effectively to investigate the virus and control the disease on pig farms. The isolation of ASFV-specific antibodies is also essential for the diagnosis of ASF. Therefore, in this study, we developed two chemiluminescence immunoassays (CLIAs) to detect antibodies directed against ASFV p72: a traditional plate-type blocking CLIA (p72-CLIA) and an automatic tubular competitive CLIA based on magnetic particles (p72-MPCLIA). We compared the diagnostic performance of these two methods to provide a feasible new method for the effective prevention and control of ASF and the purification of ASFV. The cut-off value, diagnostic sensitivity (Dsn), and diagnostic specificity (Dsp) of p72-CLIA were 40%, 100%, and 99.6%, respectively, in known background serum, whereas those of p72-MPCLIA were 36%, 100%, and 99.6%, respectively. Thus, both methods show good Dsn, Dsp, and repeatability. However, when analytical sensitivity was evaluated, p72-MPCLIA was more sensitive than p72-CLIA or a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. More importantly, p72-MPCLIA reduced the detection time to 15 min and allowed fully automated detection. In summary, p72-MPCLIA showed superior diagnostic performance and offered a new tool for detecting ASFV infections in the future.Key points• Two chemiluminescence immunoassay (plate-type CLIA and tubular CLIA) methods based on p72 monoclonal antibody (mAb) were developed to detect ASFV antibody.• Both methods show good diagnostic performance (Dsn (100%), Dsp (99.6%), and good repeatability), and p72-MPCLIA detects antibodies against ASFV p72 with high efficiency in just 15 min.

Serum Vitamin D Level in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and it’s Association with IBD Activity Abstract

Vitamin D influences innate immunity, which is believed to be the imbalance of it involved in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Evidence exists on the association between vitamin D deficiency and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To assess the serum vitamin D concentration in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and to study the relationship of vitamin D level with disease activity in the patients with inflammatory bowel disease. This case-control study was carried out in the department of Gastroenterology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) on 40 IBD cases, diagnosed on clinical background and 40 apparently healthy control group of similar age and sex. Blood samples were collected and serum vitamin D level was measured with Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) method in Biochemistry laboratory of BSMMU. The result were analyzed by SPSS version 22. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were defined as serum concentration of ≤20 ng/ml and 21–29 ng/ml respectively. Disease activity were evaluated using the Harvey Bradshaw Index for Crohn’s Disease, Truelove and Witt’s Index for Ulcerative colitis. The vitamin D levels were correlated with disease activity in IBD patients comparing with control group. Mean (±SD) serum vitamin D levels were 16.27 ± 5.16 ng/ml in IBD group and 24.25 ± 6.69 in controls (p <0.001). Almost all (97 %) of IBD patients had low serum vitamin D in comparison to controls; more than three-fourth (77.5%) of the patients of IBD exhibited deficiency (˂20 ng/ml), one-fifth (20%) had insufficiency (21-29 ng/ml) of serum vitamin D, whereas in the controls 30% had deficiency, 42.5% had insufficiency, and 27.5% had sufficient serum vitamin D. There was highly significant inverse correlation between vitamin D level and disease activity in IBD patients. The study showed that IBD patients had significantly lower serum vitamin D levels in comparison to controls. Serum vitamin D concentration is inversely correlated with disease activity in IBD patients. The study suggests that inadequate vitamin D level, along with other factors, probably contributes to the development of active disease in patients with IBD. Bangladesh Med J. 2023 May; 52(2): 20-28

Hormonal Imbalance as a Prognostic Factor of Physical Development of Children with Intellectual Disability.

The purpose was to study the indicators of physical development of primary-school-aged children with intellectual disability by observing the type of autonomic nervous regulation and their levels of catecholamines and serotonin. A total of 168 primary school age children were examined, of which 54 had intellectual disability. The autonomic nervous system was assessed using cardiointervalography; anthropometric parameters were applied in accordance with recommendations. The contents of serotonin and catecholamines in blood plasma and lymphocytes were assessed using enzyme immunoassay and luminescent histochemical methods. Delayed physical and mental development in children with intellectual disability were associated with low serotonin levels in this group of children. The optimal option for the physical development of children with intellectual disability is a sympathetic type of autonomic nervous regulation, while negative-type vagotonic nervous regulation was associated with the maximum delay in physical development. The hypersympathetic type of nervous regulation was accompanied by minimal changes in physical development, despite the hormonal imbalance in the ratio of catecholamines and serotonin. The level of the neurotransmitter serotonin is a prognostic marker of the physical development of children of primary school age. The total amount of catecholamines and serotonin in blood plasma has a direct relationship with the amount of these neurotransmitters in blood lymphocytes; the more hormones in plasma, the more of them in lymphocytes. Therefore, the determination of the contents of catecholamines and serotonin in lymphocytes can be used as a model for studying neurotransmitters in humans.

Diagnostic Accuracy of IgA Anti-Transglutaminase Assessed by Chemiluminescence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

A new chemiluminescence immunoassay method (CLIA) for detecting IgA anti-transglutaminase (atTG IgA) in celiac disease (CD) has prompted inquiries into its diagnostic performance. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing CLIA with traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fluorescence enzyme immunoassay (FEIA). We searched PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases up to March 2024. The diagnostic references were intestinal biopsy and ESPGHAN guidelines. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity of atTG IgA assessed by CLIA and the odds ratio (OR) between the assays. Eleven articles were eligible for the systematic review and seven for the meta-analysis. Sensitivity and specificity of atTG IgA CLIA-assay were 0.98 (95% CI, 0.95-0.99) and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94-0.99), respectively. The sensitivity of atTG IgA antibody detection did not significantly vary across the three assay modalities examined (CLIA vs. ELISA OR: 1.08 (95% CI, 0.56-2.11; p = 0.8); CLIA vs. FEIA OR: 6.97 (95% CI, 0.60-81.03; p = 0.1). The specificity of atTG IgA assessed by FEIA was higher than for CLIA (OR 0.17 (95% CI, 0.05-0.62); p < 0.007). According to the systematic review, normalization of atTG IgA levels in CD patients following a gluten-free diet was delayed when using CLIA compared to ELISA and FEIA methods. Conflicting findings were reported on the antibody threshold to use in order to avoid biopsy confirmation.

The Correlation Between Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Levels and the Extent of Coronary Lesions Based on SYNTAX Scores in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS)

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;Atherosclerosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Inflammation plays a causal role in atherosclerosis. There are many inflammatory markers related to ACS, including C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, matrix metal loproteinases, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-27. IL-6 is the sign of synthesis of acute phase proteins. Recently, the clinical trials related to ACS showed that IL-6 may be an indicator of increased risk for ACS. An Interleukin-6 (IL-6) examination is can be used to assess risk factors for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Interleukin-6 is a marker of local inflammation of coronary plaque and peripheral blood circulation which increases the occurrence of coronary heart disease causing plaque instability and rupture. The SYNTAX scoring system has correlation assessed through angiography assessing the complexity of the severity of coronary artery stenosis. This study aims to determine the between Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and the extent of coronary lesions based on the SYNTAX score in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This is a cross-sectional study of 45 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who were treated at H. Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan (February 2023 – May 2023). IL-6 levels were examined using the Electrochemiluminescent Immunoassay (ECLIA) method using Cobas e 411. The extent of the coronary lesion was calculated based on the SYNTAX score from coronary angiography which was calculated by two invasive cardiologist as suggested before using an online calculator. We used the Spearman correlation test and Mann Whitney test to analyze the data.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The were 39 male subjects (86.7%) total.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt; The mean age of the subjects was 54.89 ± 10.3 years old. Most of the subjects experienced STEMI in total 28 people (62.2%). The Median IL-6 levels was 19.22 pg/mL while the median of SYNTAX score level was 13.00. By using &lt;em&gt;cross-sectional&lt;/em&gt; study and the spearman correlationa test, there is a significant correlation between IL-6 and the SYNTAX score with the correlation value obtained r = 0.343 (p = 0.021).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;There is a significant relationship between IL-6 and the extent of coronary lesions based on the SYNTAX score in patients with acute coronary syndrome.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Screening and identification of peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 inhibitors from herbal plants extracts and purified natural products by a trypsin assisted sensitive immunoassay based on streptavidin magnetic beads

Peptidyl arginine deiminase 4 (PAD4) plays a critical role in many autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis. Herein, a trypsin assisted highly immunoassay method was established to determine PAD4 activity and screen potent inhibitors from herbal plants extracts and purified natural products. The method was applied to determine endogenous PAD4 activity in both cell and tissue lysates, as well as the inhibitory effects of 20 herbal plants and 50 purified natural products. The Cinnamomi ramulus extract showed strongest inhibitory potency with IC50 value lower than 5 μg/mL. Meanwhile, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), widely used as a dietary supplement, was discovered as a promising PAD4 inhibitor with an IC50 value lower than 4 μM. The inhibition kinetic analysis, drug affinity response target stability (DARTS) and molecular docking were performed to confirm the interaction between PQQ and PAD4. This method has great potential for researchers to monitor activities and discover potential inhibitors of PAD4.

A miniaturized platform based on reciprocating-flowing immunobinding for ultrafast, highly-sensitive and on-site immunoassay

Immunoassays are considered important methods for detecting disease biomarkers for biomedical diagnosis. Particularly, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a commonly-used immunoassay method due to its high reliability and low cost. Nowadays, automatic analyzers integrating all steps of ELISA can achieve detection without manual operation to save labor, increase detection efficiency and avoid manual error. However, most ELISA analyzers require more than 30 min for one detection, which are not fast enough for on-site point-of-care testing (POCT). Herein, based on the reciprocating-flowing immunobinding strategy, we developed a miniaturized reciprocating-flowing POCT platform (RF-POCT platform) for rapid immunodetection. RF-POCT platform, which included an electronic control module, a fluid control module, a mechanical control module and a detection module, enabled fast immunobinding of antigen and antibody. Taking ELISA as an example of immunoassay methods for RF-POCT platform, we developed a miniaturized reciprocating-flowing ELISA analyzer (RF-ELISA analyzer) to automatically detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein (SARS-CoV-2 N protein) and dust mite-specific immunoglobulin E (DM-IgE), with the LOD of 5.2–6.6 pg/mL and the CV less than 3 %. The detection required only 3.5 min. Afterwards, we detected the SARS-CoV-2 N protein in nasal swab samples and the DM-IgE in serum samples; the specificities were 85.7–100 %, the sensitivities were 96.3–100 %. The quantitative results from RF-ELISA analyzer were generally-consistent with those from large ELISA analyzers in hospitals. Therefore, RF-ELISA analyzer demonstrated excellent performance on ultrafast, highly-sensitive, and on-site immunoassay, with potential to support on-site POCT for primary hospitals and community clinics.

Hybrid Mn Atomic Clusters/Single-Dispersed Atoms with Dual Antioxidant Activities for a Chemiluminescent Immunoassay.

Single-dispersed atoms (SDAs) as catalysts have drawn extensive attention due to their ultimate atom utilization efficiency and desirable catalytic capability. Atomic clusters (ACs) with potential multiple enzyme-like activities also display great practicability in catalysis-based biosensing. In this work, hybrid Mn ACs/SDAs were implanted in the frameworks of defect-engineered MIL 101(Cr) modulated by excess acetic acid, with a high loading capability of 13.9 wt %. Distinctively, Mn SDAs display weak superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity for specifically eliminating superoxide anion (O2•-), while Mn ACs/SDAs display both catalase-like and SOD-like activities for remarkable elimination of total reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the cooperative effect of the two atom-scale catalytic sites. Thus, Mn ACs/SDAs can efficiently inhibit the chemiluminescent (CL) emission of multiple ROS-mediated luminol systems with a superior quenching rate of 85.5%. To validate the practicability of Mn ACs/SDAs for a sensitive CL assay, an immunoassay method was established to detect acetamiprid by using Mn ACs/SDAs as signal quenchers, which displayed a quantification range of 10 pg mL-1-25 ng mL-1 and a detection limit of 3.3 pg mL-1. This study paves an avenue for developing ACs/SDAs with multiple antioxidant activities that are suitable for application in biosensing.

The Influence of Growth Hormone and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 on Anthropometric Parameters in Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

The goal is to study the indicators of somatotropic hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 to assess the effect on anthropometric indicators of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. 74 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 14 children in the control group were examined. Average age 12±3.5 years. The assessment of physical development was carried out on the basis of an assessment of anthropometric indicators — height and body weight with the calculation of BMI and compared with centile tables. Determination of the concentration of hormones such as GH and IGF-1 was determined by special ELISA kits using the enzyme immunoassay method using an analyzer (Mindray MR-96A). The obtained data were subjected to statistical processing. It was revealed that 8 (36.4%) boys and the majority of girls 14 (63.6%) achieved the target level of glycated hemoglobin. Children with T1DM are statistically significant and stunted in height and weight compared to healthy children in the control group.

Increased serum ferritin is associated with severity of orbital disease in COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis: A quantitative analysis.

Effect of serum ferritin on severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. To study the association between increased serum ferritin and severity of orbital disease in COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis. A cross-sectional study. Hundred (n) out of 155 treatment-naive patients of COVID-19 infection presenting with the signs and symptoms of rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis were enrolled in study. Based on the classification proposed by Honavar, the study patients were classified into four stages: Stage 1: involvement of the nasal mucosa (n = 11), Stage 2: involvement of paranasal sinuses (n = 14), Stage 3: involvement of the orbit (n = 37), Stage 4: involvement of the central nervous system (n = 38). Stage 3 was further divided into four substages: 3a: nasolacrimal duct, medial orbit, vision unaffected (n = 4); 3b: diffuse orbital involvement (>1 quadrant or >2 structures), vision unaffected (n = 15); 3c: central retinal artery occlusion or ophthalmic artery occlusion, superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis, involvement of superior orbital fissure, inferior orbital fissure, orbital apex, diminution or loss of vision (n = 13); 3d: bilateral orbital involvement (n = 5). Fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), and inflammatory markers (serum ferritin, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, and D-dimer) were assessed. Serum level of ferritin was analyzed by using chemiluminescence immunoassay method. Mean FBS (mg/dl) was 165.03 ± 70.43 for stage 1, 185.67 ± 64.82 for stage 2, 159.05 ± 68.60 for stage 3, and 158.20 ± 62.05 for stage 4. Mean PPBS (mg/dl) was 238.70 ± 141.29 for stage 1, 252 ± 103.69 for stage 2, 257.09 ± 103.48 for stage 3, and 229.53 ± 76.81 for stage 4. Mean serum ferritin (µg/l) was 302.67 ± 266.95 in stage 1, 444.19 ± 116.36 in stage 2, 504.85 ± 205.99 in stage 3, and 825.95 ± 777.30 in stage 4. A statistically significant increase in serum ferritin levels with severity of disease (P = 0.005) was noted. Similar trend was observed in substages of stage 3. Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between serum ferritin and severity of disease (P = 0.0007). Increased serum ferritin was significantly independently associated with severity of orbital disease in COVID-19-associated rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis.

Drugs in blood and urine samples from victims of suspected exposure to drink spiking: A prospective observational study from Oslo, Norway.

People regularly contact emergency medicine services concerned that they have been exposed to drink spiking, i.e., exposure to drugs without their knowledge or permission. We identified drugs in blood and urine samples from patients suspecting exposure to drink spiking, with special consideration for drugs not reported taken by the patient (unreported drugs). From September 2018 to May 2019, we collected blood and urine samples from patients 16 years or older presenting at an emergency clinic in Oslo, Norway, within 48 hours of suspected exposure to drink spiking. We also collected information on ethanol ingestion and drugs taken. Blood samples were analyzed for 20 classical recreational drugs using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and an automated enzymatic method for ethanol. Urine samples were analyzed using immunoassay methods and a specific gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) method for gammahydroxybutyrate (GHB). From 100 included patients (median age 24 years, 62 females), we collected 100 blood samples and 72 urine samples. Median time since exposure was 5 hours. Unreported drugs were found in 15 patients. Unreported drugs in the blood samples were clonazepam in 3, methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in 3, amphetamine in 2, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in 2, tramadol in 1, cocaine in 1, and methamphetamine in 1. Unreported drugs in the urine samples were cocaine in 5, amphetamine in 4, ecstasy in 3, and cannabis in 2. Ethanol was found in 69 patients, all reporting ethanol ingestion. Median blood ethanol concentration was higher in patients with no unreported drugs detected, 1.00‰ (interquartile range (IQR) 0-1.52) vs. 0‰ (IQR 0-0.46) (p<0.001). GHB was not detected. Unreported drugs, possibly used for drink spiking, were found in 15% of patients. Blood ethanol concentration was higher when no unreported drugs were found. GHB was not detected in any patient.

Glyphosate contamination: implications for honeybee Apis mellifera and consumers in Southeastern Mexico

In a study conducted from June 2021 to May 2022 in two apiaries in southeastern Mexico, levels of glyphosate residues in pollen collected by bee Apis mellifera were analyzed to assess potential risks to both bees and humans. The analysis used an immunoassay method after residue extraction using the QUECHERS method. The results revealed the presence of glyphosate in all samples, with concentrations ranging between 3.71 and 7.29 μg/kg. However, risk analysis, as indicated by the pollen hazard quotient, suggested that these quantities did not pose a serious threat to bees or humans. The levels were within acceptable limits of the acceptable daily intake (ADI), acute reference dose (ARfD) and acceptable operator exposure level (AOEL). In conclusion, although this study did not find any significant association between glyphosate and potential risks for both humans and bees, its persistence in the environment is demonstrated. Glyphosate levels at the study site were low, suggesting minimal risk to both species. However, the wide distribution of glyphosato in the region makes it necessary to emphasize long-term studies to understand the possible chronic effects of the pesticide on all species in the area.

High prevalence of hepatitis B and HIV among women survivors of sexual violence in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Limited data are available on the prevalence rates of hepatitis B and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) among women survivors of sexual violence (WSSV) in South Kivu province, in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where armed conflicts persist. Here, we aimed to assess the prevalence of these two infections in this vulnerable local population. A total of 1002 WSSV, aged from 18 to 70 years old were enrolled from May 2018 to May 2020 at three healthcare facilities (Panzi, Mulamba and Bulenga hospitals), which are called "The One-Stop Centre Care Model" for the management of sexual violence in South Kivu. Blood samples were collected and tested for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antigens and antibodies using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) methods. Subsequently, viral load quantification for HBV and HIV were performed using the GeneXpert. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess factors associated with HIV-positive and HBV-positive status. For HBV, overall prevalence was 8.9% (95% CI; 7.2-10.8%), 32.1% (95% CI; 29.3-35.0%), and 14.5% (95% CI; 12.3-16.8%) for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs antibodies, respectively. Among the 89 HBsAg-positive patients, 17 (19.1%) were HBeAg-positive. The median age of individuals with a positive HBsAg test was higher than those with a negative test (median: 40 years (IQR 30-52) compared to 36 years (IQR 24-48)). Risk factors for HBV infection were age (≥35 years) (AOR = 1.83 [1.02-3.32]; p = 0.041), having no schooling (AOR = 4.14 [1.35-12.62]; p = 0.012) or only primary school-level (AOR = 4.88 [1.61-14.75]; p = 0.005), and multiple aggressors (AOR = 1.76 [1.09-2.84], p = 0.019). The prevalence of HIV was 4.3% [95% CI: 3.1-5.7%]. HIV/HBV co-infection occurred only in 5 individuals (0.5%). The HBV viral load was detectable (> 1 log10 UI/mL) in 61.8% of HBsAg-positive subjects and 64.8% HIV-positive subjects had a high viral load (≥ 3 log10 copies/mL). This study revealed a high prevalence of HBV and HIV infections among WSSV in South Kivu. The results generated highlight the urgent need for systematic screening of HBV and HIV by integrating fourth-generation ELISA tests in HIV and HBV control programs.

Methods of Analysis of Phytoestrogenic Compounds: An Up-to-Date of the Present State

Phytoestrogens, natural compounds with structural similarity to 17-β-estradiol, are known to have potential health benefits, including in hormone-dependent malignancies. The therapeutic interest and some safety concerns observed triggered the need to develop accurate methods to assess their level in different matrices. This narrative review examines the existing analytical methods used to isolate, quantify, and characterize phytoestrogens and their metabolites in plants, foods, and biological samples. Different conventional and modern extraction techniques, such as ultrasonication-assisted extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, or enzyme-assisted extraction, were presented and compared. The advantages and limitations of the existing analytical methods, such as high-performance liquid chromatography using different sensitive detectors, gas chromatography often coupled with mass spectrometry, and immunoassay methods, are highlighted, along with the need for ongoing research to improve the sensitivity and selectivity of the analysis.

Exploring the Association between Depression, Suicidality, and Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, FAM19A5, Total Antioxidant Status, Total Oxidant Status, Oxidative Stress Index, and Cytokine Levels: A Case-Control Study of Drug-Naive Adolescents with First-Episode Major Depressive Disorder

Introduction: Considering the importance of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), peripheral blood biomarkers are promising for the prediction of diagnosis and treatment outcomes. We aimed to elucidate the neuroinflammatory pathophysiology of depression by evaluating serum levels of FAM19A5 as a new biomarker of inflammatory activation, proinflammatory cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and oxidative stress parameters. Methods: Adolescents diagnosed with first-episode drug-naive MDD (n = 35) were compared neurobiologically healthy control group (n = 33). Serum FAM19A5 levels, cytokine levels, BDNF and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunoassay method. All participants were assessed with the Level-2 Depression Severity Scale, Sleep Disturbance Scale, Somatic Symptom Scale. Results: BDNF levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. While BDNF showed a positive correlation with all scale scores; BDNF was significantly higher in the suicide risk groups than the control group. IL-1β levels displayed a negative correlation with the severity of sleep disturbances. Conclusions: In adolescents with MDD, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were not raised in peripheral blood, unlike in adults. However, BDNF levels, which typically decrease in neurodegenerative conditions, were higher in those with MDD.

Serum DNase1, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 as Risk Factors for Lupus Nephritis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

BACKGROUND: Early detection and management of lupus nephritis (LN) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are essential to prevent irreversible kidney damage and improve patient outcomes; therefore, identifying reliable biomarkers to predict LN is paramount. However, there are still relatively few studies examining the potential biomarkers for LN in SLE patients. This study was conducted to investigate serum deoxyribonuclease I (DNase), soluble tumor necrosing factor 1 (sTNFR1) and soluble tumor necrosing factor 2 (sTNFR2) as a risk factor for LN in SLE patients.METHODS: A case-control study involving SLE patients aged 20-60 years was conducted. Blood was withdrawn from each subject for the measurement of serum level of DNase1, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 that was performed using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) methods. Data was then analyzed using Chi-Square test and logistic regression tests.RESULTS: A total of 22 patients with LN and 22 without LN were included. The cut-off value for DNase1, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were 5.05 ng/mL, 6.52 ng/mL, and 7.02 ng/mL, respectively. The risk factors of LN in SLE patients were the low level of serum DNase1 (aOR=6.64; 95%CI: 1.25-35.29; p=0.026), low level of serum sTNFR1 (aOR=8.12; 95% CI: 1.56-42.10; p=0.013), and low level of serum sTNFR2 (aOR=5.57; 95%CI: 1.03-30.11; p=0.046).CONCLUSION: Serum DNase1 lower than 5.05 ng/mL, sTNFR1 lower than 6.52 ng/mL, and sTNFR2 lower than 7.02 ng/mL were risk factors for lupus nephritis in SLE patients. Hence, serum DNase1, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 could be used as risk factors predictors for LN in SLE patients.KEYWORDS: DNase1, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, SLE, lupus nephritis