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Down-Weighting Overlapping Genes Improves Gene Set Analysis, Adi Tarca, Sorin Draghici, Gaurav Bhatti, Roberto Romero

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

The identification of gene sets that are significantly impacted in a given condition based on microarray data is a crucial step in current life science research. Most gene set analysis methods treat genes equally, regardless how specific they are to a given gene set.

Results

In this work we propose a new gene set analysis method that computes a gene set score as the mean of absolute values of weighted moderated gene t-scores. The gene weights are designed to emphasize the genes appearing in few gene sets, versus genes that appear in many gene sets. We demonstrate the …

Otx But Not Mitf Transcription Factors Are Required For Zebrafish Retinal Pigment Epithelium Development, Brandon M. Lane, James A. Lister

Human and Molecular Genetics Publications

Otx and Mitf transcription factors have been implicated in the development of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), but the relationship between these factors and their specific roles in the development of the RPE have not been fully defined. The role of the three Otx transcription factors (Otx1a, Otx1b, and Otx2) and two Mitf transcription factors (Mitfa and Mitfb) in the development of the zebrafish RPE was explored in these experiments. The loss of Otx activity through morpholino knockdown produced variable eye defects, ranging from delayed RPE pigmentation to severe coloboma, depending on the combination of Otx factors that were targeted. …

A First-Generation Multi-Functional Cytokine For Simultaneous Optical Tracking And Tumor Therapy, Shawn Hingtgen, Randa Kasmieh, Elizabeth Elbayly, Irina Nesterenko, Jose-Luiz Figueiredo, Rupesh Dash, Devanand Sarkar, David Hall, Dima Kozakov, Sandor Vajda, Paul B. Fisher, Khalid Shah

Human and Molecular Genetics Publications

Creating new molecules that simultaneously enhance tumor cell killing and permit diagnostic tracking is vital to overcoming the limitations rendering current therapeutic regimens for terminal cancers ineffective. Accordingly, we investigated the efficacy of an innovative new multi-functional targeted anti-cancer molecule, SM7L, using models of the lethal brain tumor Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Designed using predictive computer modeling, SM7L incorporates the therapeutic activity of the promising anti-tumor cytokine MDA-7/IL-24, an enhanced secretory domain, and diagnostic domain for non-invasive tracking. In vitro assays revealed the diagnostic domain of SM7L produced robust photon emission, while the therapeutic domain showed marked anti-tumor efficacy and significant …

Genetic Dissection Of Acute Ethanol Responsive Gene Networks In Prefrontal Cortex: Functional And Mechanistic Implications, Aaron R. Wolen, Charles A. Phillips, Michael A. Langston, Alex H. Putman, Paul J. Vorster, Nathan A. Bruce, Timothy P. York, Robert W. Williams, Michael F. Miles

Human and Molecular Genetics Publications

Background

Individual differences in initial sensitivity to ethanol are strongly related to the heritable risk of alcoholism in humans. To elucidate key molecular networks that modulate ethanol sensitivity we performed the first systems genetics analysis of ethanol-responsive gene expression in brain regions of the mesocorticolimbic reward circuit (prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and ventral midbrain) across a highly diverse family of 27 isogenic mouse strains (BXD panel) before and after treatment with ethanol.

Results

Acute ethanol altered the expression of ~2,750 genes in one or more regions and 400 transcripts were jointly modulated in all three. Ethanol-responsive gene networks were extracted …

Down-Regulation Of The Transcription Factor Snail In The Placentas Of Patients With Preeclampsia And In A Rat Model Of Preeclampsia, Larissa Federova, Cara Gatto-Weis, Sleiman Smaili, Nauman Khurshid, Joseph I. Shapiro M.D., Deepak Malhorta, Terrence Horrigan

Biochemistry and Microbiology

Background: Placental malfunction in preeclampsia is believed to be a consequence of aberrant differentiation of trophoblast lineages and changes in utero-placental oxygenation. The transcription factor Snail, a master regulator molecule of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in embryonic development and in cancer, is shown to be involved in trophoblast differentiation as well. Moreover, Snail can be controlled by oxidative stress and hypoxia. Therefore, we examined the expression of Snail and its downstream target, e-cadherin, in human normal term, preterm and preeclamptic placentas, and in pregnant rats that developed preeclampsia-like symptoms in the response to a 20- fold increase in sodium intake.

Methods: Western …

Fusion, 2012, George Washington University, William H. Beaumont Medical Research Honor Society

Fusion

No abstract provided.

Discovery Of Prostamide F2Α And Its Role In Inflammatory Pain And Dorsal Horn Nociceptive Neuron Hyperexcitability, Luisa Gatta, Fabiana Piscitelli, Catia Giordano, Serana Boccella, Aron H. Lichtman, Sebatino Maione, Vincenzo Di Marzo

Pharmacology and Toxicology Publications

It was suggested that endocannabinoids are metabolized by cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 in the spinal cord of rats with kaolin/λ-carrageenan-induced knee inflammation, and that this mechanism contributes to the analgesic effects of COX-2 inhibitors in this experimental model. We report the development of a specific method for the identification of endocannabinoid COX-2 metabolites, its application to measure the levels of these compounds in tissues, and the finding of prostamide F2α (PMF2α) in mice with knee inflammation. Whereas the levels of spinal endocannabinoids were not significantly altered by kaolin/λ-carrageenan-induced knee inflammation, those of the COX-2 metabolite of AEA, PMF2α, were strongly elevated. The …

Consumption Of High Ω-3 Fatty Acid Diet Suppressed Prostate Tumorigenesis In C3(1) Tag Mice, Juliana A. Akinsete, Gabriela Ion, Theodore R. Witte, W. Elaine Hardman

Biochemistry and Microbiology

Prostate cancer incidence and mortality are high in the Western world and high ω-6/ω-3 PUFA in the Western diet may be a contributing factor. We investigated whether changing from a diet that approximates ω-6 fat content of the Western diet to a high ω-3 fat diet at adulthood might reduce prostate cancer risk. Female SV 129 mice that had consumed a high ω-6 diet containing corn oil for 2 weeks were bred with homozygous C3(1)Tag transgenic male mice. All male offspring were weaned to the corn oil diet (CO) until postpuberty when half of the male offspring were transferred to …

Modeling Stochastic And Spatial Heterogeneity In A Human Airway Tree To Determine Variation In Respiratory System Resistance, Del Leary, Swati A Bhatawadekar, Grace Parraga, Geoffrey N Maksym

Medical Biophysics Publications

Asthma is a variable disease with changes in symptoms and airway function over many time scales. Airway resistance (Raw) is variable and thought to reflect changes in airway smooth muscle activity, but just how variation throughout the airway tree and the influence of gas distribution abnormalities affect Raw is unclear. We used a multibranch airway lung model to evaluate variation in airway diameter size, the role of coherent regional variation, and the role of gas distribution abnormalities on mean Raw (Raw) and variation in Raw as described by the SD (SDRaw). We modified an anatomically correct airway tree, provided by …

The Fit-Hansa Demonstrates Reliability And Convergent Validity Of Functional Performance In Patients With Shoulder Disorders, Prajyot Kumta, Joy C. Macdermid, Saurabh Mehta, Paul W. Stratford

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

Study

DesignPsychometric study design.

Objectives

To assess the test-retest reliability and convergent validity of the Functional Impairment Test-Hand and Neck/Shoulder/Arm (FIT-HaNSA) in patients with shoulder disorders.

Background

Performance tests that assess functional ability of patients with shoulder disorders can provide useful information for making clinical or return-to-activity decisions. No performance-based shoulder test has yet demonstrated sufficient relevance or clinical measurement properties. The FIT-HaNSA examines upper extremity performance during repetitive tasks that emphasize shoulder reaching and static postures and, therefore, has greater relevance for assessing performance.

Methods

Thirty-six patients with shoulder disorders and 65 healthy controls were recruited for the study. …

New Portable Tool To Screen Vestibular And Visual Function—National Institutes Of Health Toolbox Initiative, Rose Marie Rine, Dale Roberts, Bree A. Corbin, Roberta Mckean-Cowdin, Rohit Varma, Jennifer Beaumont, Jerry Slotkin, Michael C. Schubert

Physical Therapy Faculty Research

As part of the National Institutes of Health Toolbox initiative, we developed a low-cost, easy-to-administer, and time-efficient test of vestibular and visual function. A computerized test of dynamic visual acuity (cDVA) was used to measure the difference in visual acuity between head still and moving in yaw. Participants included 318 individuals, aged 3 to 85 years (301 without and 17 with vestibular pathology). Adults used Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) optotypes; children used ETDRS, Lea, and HOTV optotypes. Bithermal calorics, rotational chair, and light box testing were used to validate the cDVA. Analysis revealed that the cDVA test …

Deficits On The Clock Drawing Test In Parkinson’S Disease, Ashley Rober

Undergraduate Review

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects 1% of the world population over the age of 65—anywhere from four to six million people (National Parkinson Foundation, 2010). Although most people identify PD as a movement disorder, cognitive deficits are also present. Poor performance on tasks such as set shifting, internal control of attention, and sequencing is commonly reported by PD patients (Stout & Johnson, 2005), as are visual and verbal memory impairments (Moody, Bookheimer, Vanek, & Knowlton, 2004). Visuospatial skills are also problematic, including depth perception, spatial orientation, and spatial organization (Bowen, Burns, Brady, & Yahr, 1972).

Administration Of Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Into The Liver: Potential To Rescue Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum In A Mouse Model (Abcc6-/-)., Qiujie Jiang, Shunsuke Takahagi, Jouni Uitto

Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Biology Faculty Papers

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a heritable ectopic mineralization disorder caused by loss-of-function mutations in the ABCC6 gene which is primarily expressed in the liver. There is currently no effective treatment for PXE. In this study, we characterized bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and evaluated their ability to contribute to liver regeneration, with the aim to rescue PXE phenotype. The MSCs, isolated from GFP-transgenic mice by magnetic cell sorting, were shown to have high potential for hepatic differentiation, with expression of Abcc6, in culture. These cells were transplanted into the livers of 4-week-old immunodeficient Abcc6⁻/⁻ mice by intrasplenic injection …

Identification Of The Functional Binding Pocket For Compounds Targeting Small-Conductance Ca²⁺-Activated Potassium Channels., Miao Zhang, John M Pascal, Marcel Schumann, Roger S Armen, Ji-Fang Zhang

Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Faculty Papers

Small- and intermediate-conductance Ca(2+)-activated potassium channels, activated by Ca(2+)-bound calmodulin, have an important role in regulating membrane excitability. These channels are also linked to clinical abnormalities. A tremendous amount of effort has been devoted to developing small molecule compounds targeting these channels. However, these compounds often suffer from low potency and lack of selectivity, hindering their potential for clinical use. A key contributing factor is the lack of knowledge of the binding site(s) for these compounds. Here we demonstrate by X-ray crystallography that the binding pocket for the compounds of the 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone (1-EBIO) class is located at the calmodulin-channel interface. …

Synthesis And Anti–Hiv Activities Of Symmetrical Dicarboxylate Esters Of Dinucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors, Hitesh K. Agarwal, Karen W. Buckheit, Robert W. Buckheit Jr., Keykavous Parang

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Three nucleoside analogues, 3′-fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (FLT), 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (AZT), and 2′,3′-dideoxy-3′-thiacytidine (3TC) were conjugated with three different dicarboxylic acids to afford the long chain dicarboxylate esters of nucleosides. In general, dinucleoside ester conjugates of FLT and 3TC with long chain dicarboxylic acids exhibited higher anti-HIV activity than their parent nucleosides. Dodecanoate and tetradecanoate dinucleoside ester derivatives of FLT were found to be the most potent compounds with EC50 values of 0.8–1.0 nM and 3–4 nM against HIV-1US/92/727 and HIV-1IIIB cells, respectively. The anti-HIV activity of the 3TC conjugates containing long chain dicarboxylate diester (EC50 = 3–60 nM) was improved by 1.5–66 fold …

Vorinostat: A Potent Agent To Prevent And Treat Laser-Induced Corneal Haze, Ashish Tandon, Jonathan C. K. Tovey, Michael R. Waggoner, Ajay Sharma, John W. Cowden, Daniel J. Gibson, Yuanjing Liu, Gregory S. Schultz, Rajiv R. Mohan

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

PURPOSE—This study investigated the efficacy and safety of vorinostat, a deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, in the treatment of laser-induced corneal haze following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in rabbits in vivo and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) -induced corneal fibrosis in vitro.

METHODS—Corneal haze in rabbits was produced with −9.00 diopters (D) PRK. Fibrosis in cultured human and rabbit corneal fibroblasts was activated with TGFβ1. Vorinostat (25 μm) was topically applied once for 5 minutes on rabbit cornea immediately after PRK for in vivo studies. Vorinostat (0 to 25 μm) was given to human/rabbit corneal fibroblasts for 5 minutes or 48 …

Electronic Nose Based On Independent Component Analysis Combined With Partial Least Squares And Artificial Neural Networks For Wine Prediction, Teodoro Aguilera, Jesús Lozano, José A. Paredes, Francisco J. Alvarez, José I. Suárez

Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Physiology Faculty Publications

The aim of this work is to propose an alternative way for wine classification and prediction based on an electronic nose (e-nose) combined with Independent Component Analysis (ICA) as a dimensionality reduction technique, Partial Least Squares (PLS) to predict sensorial descriptors and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for classification purpose. A total of 26 wines from different regions, varieties and elaboration processes have been analyzed with an e-nose and tasted by a sensory panel. Successful results have been obtained in most cases for prediction and classification.

One-Pot Regioselective Synthesis Of Tetrahydroindazolones And Evaluation Of Their Anti-Proliferative And Src Kinase Inhibitory Activities, V. Kameshwara Rao, Bhupender S. Chhikara, Rakesh Tiwari, Amir Nasrolahi Shirazi, Keykavous Parang, Anil Kumar

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

A number of 2-substituted tetrahydroindazolones were synthesized by three-component condensation reaction of 1,3- diketones, substituted hydrazines, benzaldehydes, and Yb(OTf)3 as a catalyst in [bmim][BF4] ionic liquid using a simple, efficient, and economical one-pot method. The synthesized tetrahydroindazolones were evaluated for inhibition of cell proliferation of human colon carcinoma (HT-29), human ovarian adenocarcinoma (SK-OV-3), and c-Src kinase activity. 3,4-Dichlorophenyl tetrahydroindazolone derivative (15) inhibited the cell proliferation of HT-29 and SK-OV-3 cells by 62% and 58%, respectively. 2,3-Diphenylsubstituted tetrahydroindazolone derivatives, 19, 25, and 33, inhibited the cell proliferation of HT-29 cells by 6572% at a concentration of 50 μM. In general, the …

Effects Of Adipocyte Deficiency Of Angiotensin Type 1a Receptors In Models Of Obesity And Hypercholesterolemia, Kelly Anne Putnam

Theses and Dissertations--Nutritional Sciences

Adipocytes express angiotensin II (AngII) receptors; however the direct effects of AngII at the adipocyte remain unclear. Knockout mouse models of renin-angiotensin system components exhibit reduced body weight, reduced adiposity, improved glucose tolerance, and improved blood pressure when fed high fat diets, which may be due to reduced action of AngII through the AT1aR in adipocytes. Additionally, hypercholesterolemic AT1aR deficient mice are protected from AngII-induced increases in atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation. We hypothesized that deficiency of AT1aR in adipocytes would reduce the development of obesity, obesity-induced disorders, and vascular diseases. To test this hypothesis, we created a …

How To Write An Article: Preparing A Publishable Manuscript!, Vinod B. Shidham, Martha B. Pitman, Richard M. Demay

Department of Pathology

Most of the scientific work presented as abstracts (platforms and posters) at various conferences have the potential to be published as articles in peer-reviewed journals. This DIY (Do It Yourself) article on how to achieve that goal is an extension of the symposium presented at the 36th European Congress of Cytology, Istanbul, Turkey (presentation available on net at http://alturl.com/q6bfp). The criteria for manuscript authorship should be based on the ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts. The next step is to choose the appropriate journal to submit the manuscript and review the 'Instructions to …

Gene Therapy In The Cornea: 2005--Present, Rajiv R. Mohan, Jonathan C. K. Tovey, Ajay Sharma, Ashish Tandon

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

Successful restoration of vision in human patients with gene therapy affirmed its promise to cure ocular diseases and disorders. The efficacy of gene therapy is contingent upon vector and mode of therapeutic DNA introduction into targeted cells/tissues. The cornea is an ideal tissue for gene therapy due to its ease of access and relative immune-privilege. Considerable progress has been made in the field of corneal gene therapy in last 5 years. Several new gene transfer vectors, techniques and approaches have evolved. Although corneal gene therapy is still in its early stages of development, the potential of gene-based interventions to treat …

Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome Severity And Cephalometric And Clinical Variables, Süleyman Hakan Tuna, Önder Öztürk, Muhammet Hakan Türkkahraman, Hüseyi̇n Alkiş, Hüseyi̇n Avni̇ Balcioğlu, Ahmet Akkaya

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To evaluate the cephalometric features of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and to elucidate the relationship between the severity of OSAS and cephalometric and clinical variables. Materials and methods: Ninety-three patients (71M/22W) with OSAS were classified into 3 subgroups according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Various cephalometric and clinical measurements were carried out for all patients. Results: Inferior airway space (IAS), maximum soft palate thickness (MSPT), SNGoGn°, and distance of hyoid bone to mandibular plane (Hy-MPPerp) were found to be higher in severe OSAS for both sexes. Middle airway space, IAS, MSPT, and Hy-MPPerp were correlated positively with …

Effectiveness Of An Original Vaginal Placation Of The Uterosacral Ligaments As Vault Prolapse Prevention, Vesna Antovska

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an original vaginal plication of the uterosacral ligaments as a preventive procedure for recurrent vault prolapse. Materials and methods: In total, 216 women with stage III/IV genital prolapse (POPQ system) underwent vaginal hysterectomy combined with uterosacral ligaments plication. First, the rectum was dissected from the posterior vaginal wall; next, 3 absorbable sutures were placed through both uterosacral ligaments; finally, a fourth suture was placed circularly through both uterosacral ligaments and the posterior vaginal margin. Statistical analysis made use of Student's paired test and Mantel-Haenszel's chi-square test. Results: At the …

Creating A Risk Model To Determine Paraaortic Lymph Node Involvement In Endometrial Carcinoma, Ahmet Taner Turan, Burcu Aykan Yildirim, Işin Üreyen, Deni̇z Hizli, Mustafa Alper Karalök, Ömer Lütfi̇ Tapisiz, Hakki Gökhan Tulunay, Nuretti̇n Boran, Nejat Özgül, Mehmet Faruk Köse

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To define a high-risk group for paraaortic (PA) lymph node metastasis among endometrial carcinoma patients. Materials and methods: Prognostic factors determining PA lymph node metastasis were defined. Using these factors in different combinations, 14 risk groups were formed. A patient with at least one of these factors was considered as high-risk for PA lymph node metastasis. Results: This study included 152 patients. Of these patients, 18 had tumors in the PA region. Lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) and pelvic lymph node metastasis were independent prognostic factors for PA lymph node involvement. In the risk modeling system, pelvic lymph node metastasis was …

Comparison Of Three Volumetric Techniques For Estimating Thyroid Gland Volume, Ümi̇t Erkan Vurdem, Ni̇yazi̇ Acer, Tolga Erteki̇n, Ahmet Savranlar, Ömer Topuz, Mustafa Keçeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aims of this study were to estimate the preoperative thyroid volume in patients with a multinodular goiter by the use of ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and then to compare these approaches with the postsurgical total volume measured by Archimedes' principle. Materials and methods: In this study, we compared 3 methods for the determination of thyroid volume: thyroid volume measured with ellipsoid formula via 2-dimensional ultrasonography (2D USG); the stereological (point-counting) method using MRI; and the postsurgical total volume determined by the fluid displacement technique as a gold standard. Results: Thyroid volumes were calculated in a total …

What Is The Best Cut-Off Point For Screening Gestational Diabetes In Turkish Women?, Aydin Köşüş, Nermi̇n Köşüş, Ni̇lgün Turhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To find an optimal threshold level with higher sensitivity and specificity for screening of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Turkish pregnant women. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective study. Screening for GDM was performed in all pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation using the 1 h 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) with a subsequent 3 h 100 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for confirmation if screened positive. The glucose values obtained were analyzed by both the Carpenter and Coustan (C&C criteria) and National Diabetes Data Group (NDDG) criteria. Results: There were 808 women meeting …

Modulation Of Autoimmune Diabetes By B Cells Specific For N-Acetyl-D-Glucosamine, Brian L. Dizon

All ETDs from UAB

Type I diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which ß cells are destroyed by the immune system; however, role of infections in type I diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis is unclear. Reports suggesting that childhood Group A Streptococcal (GAS) infections protected against T1D prompted us to study how antibodies to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc), which are induced by GAS infection, influenced T1D development. We found that GlcNAc-specific antibodies reacted with ß cell secretory granules, and neonatal NOD mice immunized with GAS or given GAS-immune sera were protected from spontaneous diabetes. Monoclonal GlcNAc-specific IgM blocked activation and effector responses to islet antigens by diabetogenic …

Discovery And Characterization Of Streptococcus Pneumoniae Serotype 11e Reveals A Novel Model Of Serotype Evolution, Juan Jose Calix

All ETDs from UAB

The facultative pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae is capable of producing a polysaccharide (PS) capsule that prevents bacterial recognition and clearance by the host immune system. Over 90 antigenically distinct capsule serotypes have been identified. Because anti-capsule antibodies can mediate bacterial clearance, capsule diversity is critical to S. pneumoniae survival. However, the mechanisms of capsule evolution remain unclear. Due to the complex interaction of capsule synthesis (cps) genes, it is commonly thought that pneumococcal serotypes evolve once and that all clinically relevant serotypes are genetically derived from a single founding clone. In this dissertation we demonstrate a novel mechanism of capsule evolution …

Contribution Of The Infection-Associated Complement Regulator-Acquiring Surface Protein 4 (Erpc) To Complement Resistance Of Borrelia Burgdorferi, Claudia Hammerschmidt, Teresia Hallström, Christine Skerka, Reinhard Wallich, Brian Stevenson, Peter F Zipfel, Peter Kraiczy

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

Borrelia burgdorferi evades complement-mediated killing by interacting with complement regulators through distinct complement regulator-acquiring surface proteins (CRASPs). Here, we extend our analyses to the contribution of CRASP-4 in mediating complement resistance of B. burgdorferi and its interaction with human complement regulators. CRASP-4 (also known as ErpC) was immobilized onto magnetic beads and used to capture proteins from human serum. Following Western blotting, factor H (CFH), CFH-related protein 1 (CFHR1), CFHR2, and CFHR5 were identified as ligands of CRASP-4. To analyze the impact of native CRASP-4 on mediating survival of serum-sensitive cells in human serum, a B. garinii strain was generated …

Quantitative Reagent-Free Detection Of Fibrinogen Levels In Human Blood Plasma Using Raman Spectroscopy, Kelvin Poon, Fiona Lyng, Peter Knief, Orla L. Howe, Aidan Meade, James Curtin, Hugh Byrne, Joseph Vaughan

Articles

Fibrinogen assays are commonly used as part of clinical screening tests to investigate haemorrhagic states, for detection of disseminated intravascular coagulation and as a predictor of a variety of cardiovascular events. The Clauss assay, which measures thrombin clotting time, is the most commonly used method for measuring fibrinogen levels. Nevertheless, inconsistencies are present in inter-manufacturer reagent sources, calibration standards and methodologies. Automated coagulation analysers, which measure changes in optical density during the prothrombin time (PT-Fg), have found use in many hospitals. However, the PT-Fg method is found to give falsely elevated values due to varying choices of calibrants, reagents and …