scholarly journals Analysis of Autoantibodies to 3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A Reductase Using Different Technologies

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucile Musset ◽  
Makoto Miyara ◽  
Olivier Benveniste ◽  
Jean-Luc Charuel ◽  
Alexander Shikhman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
Coenzyme A ◽  
Clinical Phenotype ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Necrotizing Myopathy ◽  
Nuclear Antigens ◽  
Autoantibody Profile ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Negative Controls ◽  
Statin Use

Diagnostic tests are needed to aid in the diagnosis of necrotizing myopathies associated with statin use. This study aimed to compare different technologies for the detection of anti-HMGCR antibodies and analyze the clinical phenotype and autoantibody profile of the patients. Twenty samples from myositis patients positive for anti-HMGCR antibodies using a research addressable laser bead assay and 20 negative controls were tested for autoantibodies to HMGCR: QUANTA Lite HMGCR ELISA and QUANTA Flash HMGCR CIA. All patients were also tested for antibodies to extractable nuclear antigens and myositis related antibodies. To verify the specificity of the ELISA, 824 controls were tested. All three assays showed qualitative agreements of 100% and levels of anti-HMGCR antibodies showed significant correlation: Spearman’s rho > 0.8. The mean age of the anti-HMGCR antibody positive patients was 54.4 years, 16/20 were females, and 18/20 had necrotizing myopathy (two patients were not diagnosed). Nine out of 20 anti-HMGCR positive patients were on statin. All patients with anti-HMGCR antibodies were negative for all other autoantibodies tested. Testing various controls showed high specificity (99.3%). Anti-HMGCR antibodies are not always associated with the use of statin and appear to be the exclusive autoantibody specificity in patients with statin associated myopathies.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 specific antibody and neutralization assays reveal the wide range of the humoral immune response to virus

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mikail Dogan ◽  
Lina Kozhaya ◽  
Lindsey Placek ◽  
Courtney Gunter ◽  
Mesut Yigit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Specific Antibody ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Humoral Immune ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Negative Controls

AbstractDevelopment of antibody protection during SARS-CoV-2 infection is a pressing question for public health and for vaccine development. We developed highly sensitive SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody and neutralization assays. SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein or Nucleocapsid protein specific IgG antibodies at titers more than 1:100,000 were detectable in all PCR+ subjects (n = 115) and were absent in the negative controls. Other isotype antibodies (IgA, IgG1-4) were also detected. SARS-CoV-2 neutralization was determined in COVID-19 and convalescent plasma at up to 10,000-fold dilution, using Spike protein pseudotyped lentiviruses, which were also blocked by neutralizing antibodies (NAbs). Hospitalized patients had up to 3000-fold higher antibody and neutralization titers compared to outpatients or convalescent plasma donors. Interestingly, some COVID-19 patients also possessed NAbs against SARS-CoV Spike protein pseudovirus. Together these results demonstrate the high specificity and sensitivity of our assays, which may impact understanding the quality or duration of the antibody response during COVID-19 and in determining the effectiveness of potential vaccines.

scholarly journals Non-Invasive Molecular Survey of Sarcoptic Mange in Wildlife: Diagnostic Performance in Wolf Faecal Samples Evaluated by Multi-Event Capture–Recapture Models

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 243
Author(s):  
Julieta Rousseau ◽  
Mónia Nakamura ◽  
Helena Rio-Maior ◽  
Francisco Álvares ◽  
Rémi Choquet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Detection ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Sarcoptes Scabiei ◽  
Sarcoptic Mange ◽  
Diagnostic Specificity ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Event Capture

Sarcoptic mange is globally enzootic, and non-invasive methods with high diagnostic specificity for its surveillance in wildlife are lacking. We describe the molecular detection of Sarcoptes scabiei in non-invasively collected faecal samples, targeting the 16S rDNA gene. We applied this method to 843 Iberian wolf Canis lupus signatus faecal samples collected in north-western Portugal (2006–2018). We further integrated this with serological data (61 samples from wolf and 20 from red fox Vulpes vulpes, 1997–2019) in multi-event capture–recapture models. The mean predicted prevalence by the molecular analysis of wolf faecal samples from 2006–2018 was 7.2% (CI95 5.0–9.4%; range: 2.6–11.7%), highest in 2009. The mean predicted seroprevalence in wolves was 24.5% (CI95 18.5–30.6%; range: 13.0–55.0%), peaking in 2006–2009. Multi-event capture–recapture models estimated 100% diagnostic specificity and moderate diagnostic sensitivity (30.0%, CI95 14.0–53.0%) for the molecular method. Mange-infected individually identified wolves showed a tendency for higher mortality versus uninfected wolves (ΔMortality 0.150, CI95 −0.165–0.458). Long-term serology data highlights the endemicity of sarcoptic mange in wild canids but uncovers multi-year epidemics. This study developed and evaluated a novel method for surveying sarcoptic mange in wildlife populations by the molecular detection of S. scabiei in faecal samples, which stands out for its high specificity and non-invasive character.

Validity of hearTest Smartphone-Based Audiometry for Hearing Screening in Workers Exposed to Noise

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luma Cordeiro Rodrigues ◽  
Silvia Ferrite ◽  
Ana Paula Corona
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Hearing Screening ◽  
Youden Index ◽  
Hearing Level ◽  
Predictive Values ◽  
Auditory Thresholds ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Sensitivity Specificity

Abstract Purpose This article investigates the validity of a smartphone-based audiometry for hearing screening to identify hearing loss in workers exposed to noise. Research Design This is a validation study comparing hearing screening with the hearTest to conventional audiometry. The study population included all workers who attended the Brazilian Social Service of Industry to undergo periodic examinations. Sensitivity, specificity, the Youden index, and positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) for hearing screening obtained by the hearTest were estimated according to three definitions of hearing loss: any threshold greater than 25 dB hearing level (HL), the mean auditory thresholds for 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz greater than 25 dB HL, and the mean thresholds for 3, 4, and 6 kHz greater than 25 dB HL. Note that 95% confidence intervals were calculated for all measurements. Results A total of 232 workers participated in the study. Hearing screening with the hearTest presented good sensitivity (93.8%), specificity (83.9%), and Youden index (77.7%) values, a NPV (97.2%), and a low PPV (69.0%) for the identification of hearing loss defined as any auditory threshold greater than 25 dB HL. For the other definitions of hearing loss, we observed high specificity, PPV and NPV, as well as low sensitivity and Youden index. Conclusion The hearTest is an accurate hearing screening tool to identify hearing loss in workers exposed to noise, including those with noise-induced hearing loss, although it does not replace conventional audiometry.

Clinical and genetic associations of autoantibodies to 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme a reductase in patients with immune-mediated myositis and necrotizing myopathy

2015 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vidya Limaye ◽  
Chris Bundell ◽  
Peter Hollingsworth ◽  
Arada Rojana-Udomsart ◽  
Frank Mastaglia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coenzyme A ◽  
Genetic Associations ◽  
Necrotizing Myopathy ◽  
Immune Mediated ◽  
Coenzyme A Reductase

scholarly journals Assessment of Insecticidal Potency of Eggshell Powder Against Maize Weevil

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-50
Author(s):  
Olagunju O.D. ◽  
Rahman M.O. ◽  
Okparavero N.F. ◽  
Abah I.A. ◽  
Odutola B.S. ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Positive Control ◽  
Ambient Condition ◽  
Maize Weevil ◽  
Synthetic Chemicals ◽  
Grain Damage ◽  
Chicken Eggshell ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Negative Controls

Efficacy of chicken eggshell powder at concentrations 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g /100 g maize, for control of Sitophilus zeamais, were compared with permethrin at dosage rate of 0.167g / 100 g of yellow maize. Experiments were conducted at Biotechnology laboratory (NSPRI), Ilorin under ambient condition (26±3oC 65±5% RH). Mortality of S. zeamais increased with increasing dosages of the CESP as well as with days of exposure. CESP at 2.0g gives 96.67% mortality which is not significantly different from the positive control. The mean progeny emergence (0.00%), weight loss (1.11%), and percentage grain damage (19.68%) by S. zeamais was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased with increased dosage of CESP. However, CESP did not significantly affect seed germination. Total coliform count at 2.0 g (2.48 x 102) was significantly different from both positive and negative controls at p<0.05 Therefore, CESP can serve as a good maize protectant which can be used as substitute for synthetic chemicals.

What are the best diagnostic tests for diagnosing bacterial arthritis of a native joint?

2021 ◽  
Vol 103-B (12) ◽  
pp. 1745-1753
Author(s):  
Alex B. Walinga ◽  
Tobias Stornebrink ◽  
David W. G. Langerhuizen ◽  
Peter A. A. Struijs ◽  
Gino M. M. J. Kerkhoffs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Synovial Fluid ◽  
Diagnostic Tests ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Youden Index ◽  
Polymorphonuclear Cells ◽  
Gram Stain ◽  
Bacterial Arthritis ◽  
Diagnostic Modality ◽  
Serum Crp

Aims This study aimed to answer two questions: what are the best diagnostic methods for diagnosing bacterial arthritis of a native joint?; and what are the most commonly used definitions for bacterial arthritis of a native joint? Methods We performed a search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane libraries for relevant studies published between January 1980 and April 2020. Of 3,209 identified studies, we included 27 after full screening. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve, and Youden index of diagnostic tests were extracted from included studies. We grouped test characteristics per diagnostic modality. We extracted the definitions used to establish a definitive diagnosis of bacterial arthritis of a native joint per study. Results Overall, 28 unique diagnostic tests for diagnosing bacterial arthritis of a native joint were identified. The following five tests were deemed most useful: serum ESR (sensitivity: 34% to 100%, specificity: 23% to 93%), serum CRP (sensitivity: 58% to 100%, specificity: 0% to 96%), serum procalcitonin (sensitivity: 0% to 100%, specificity: 68% to 100%), the proportion of synovial polymorphonuclear cells (sensitivity: 42% to 100%, specificity: 54% to 94%), and the gram stain of synovial fluid (sensitivity: 27% to 81%, specificity: 99% to 100%). Conclusion Diagnostic methods with relatively high sensitivities, such as serum CRP, ESR, and synovial polymorphonuclear cells, are useful for screening. Diagnostic methods with a relatively high specificity, such as serum procalcitonin and synovial fluid gram stain, are useful for establishing a diagnosis of bacterial arthritis. This review helps to interpret the value of various diagnostic tests for diagnosing bacterial arthritis of a native joint in clinical practice. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(12):1745–1753.

Abstract 17402: Increased Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume is Associated With Left Ventricular Diastolic Function in Patients With Zero Coronary Artery Calcium Score

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 138 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hiroto Utsunomiya ◽  
Hideya Yamamoto ◽  
Atsushi Shimada ◽  
Toshiro Kitagawa ◽  
Takayuki Hidaka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Coronary Artery ◽  
Epicardial Adipose Tissue ◽  
Coronary Artery Calcium Score ◽  
Calcium Score ◽  
Left Ventricular ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Artery Disease ◽  
Lv Diastolic Dysfunction ◽  
Statin Use

Background: Recent publications suggested that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) contributes to the pathogenesis of coronary atherosclerosis. Although some studies showed the association between EAT accumulation and left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, these associations are not fully understood. Methods: We evaluated 153 patients without coronary artery disease who underwent coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography and Doppler echocardiography. We evaluated 153 patients (mean age of 60 years and 54% men) with zero coronary artery calcium score in coronary CT. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area was simultaneously measured by abdominal scans, and EAT volume was also calculated. These measurements were corrected by body surface area; VAT area index (VATAI), and EAT volume index (EATVI). The early diastolic mitral annular velocity at the septal (septal E’) and lateral (lateral E’) were measured using tissue Doppler echocardiography. Results: The mean values of BMI, VATAI, EATVI, and LVMI were 23.7 ± 3.8 kg/m 2 , 52.6 ± 26.4 cm 2 /m 2 , 71.3 ± 29.8 cm 3 /m 2 , and 83.3 ± 17.7 g/m 2 , respectively. The mean septal E’ and lateral E’ velocities were 7.2 ± 2.2 cm/s and 9.8 ± 2.9 cm/s, respectively. Each E’ velocity was negatively correlated with EATVI (septal, R = 0.276, p < 0.001; lateral, R = 0.342, p < 0.001) and VATAI (septal, R = 0.241, p = 0.03; lateral, R = 0.255, p = 0.002; Figure). In contrast, each E’ velocity was not correlated with LVMI (septal, R = 0.161, p = 0.03; lateral, R = 0.118, p = 0.14) and BMI (septal, R = 0.182, p = 0.03; lateral, R = 0.152, p = 0.06). To determine each E’ velocity, we performed stepwise multiple regression analyses where all clinical parameters were entered. Diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.014), statin use (p = 0.011), LVMI (p = 0.003), and EATVI (p = 0.004) were independently correlated with septal E’ velocity, and statin use (p = 0.024), LVMI (p = 0.011), and EATVI (p < 0.001) were independently correlated with lateral E’ velocity. Conclusion: An increase in EATVI was associated with the decrease of early diastolic mitral annular velocity along each side of the left ventricle in patients with coronary calcium score of zero. These findings indicate that EAT accumulation may cause LV diastolic dysfunction in the early phase of coronary artery disease.

Abstract P183: Lipid Control in Veterans Following Percutaneous Intervention

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sloane A McGraw ◽  
Chris Healy ◽  
Burhan Mohamedali ◽  
Anupama Shivaraju ◽  
Adhir Shroff
Keyword(s):  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Therapeutic Option ◽  
Coronary Intervention ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Management ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Lipid Control ◽  
Statin Use

Background: Management of lipids is vital in patients with underlying coronary artery disease (CAD). According to the American College of Cardiology (ACC) guidelines, all patients with CAD should have low density lipoproteins (LDL) goals to be less than 100 mg/dl with the therapeutic option of treatment to less than 70 mg/dl. This can be achieved using multiple lipid lowering agents, however statin use is encouraged in CAD patients due to its multiple beneficial effects. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study focusing on lipid management and statin use in 857 veterans undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) between September 2004 and December 2009 at the Jesse Brown Veterans Hospital in Chicago, IL. Values were collected both pre-intervention as well as at six month follow up. Results: Both pre and post PCI, focus was maintained on the total cholesterol as well as the LDL levels. The mean total cholesterol prior to intervention was 166mg/dl and decreased to150mg/dl at six month follow up. The LDL mean pre-PCI was 98mg/dl and at six months the mean LDL decreased to 86mg/dl. With regards to ACC guidelines, the percent at goal for LDL less than 100mg/dl increased from 59% pre-PCI to 74% post-PCI Furthermore, treatment to less than 70mg/dl increased from 22 to 32% at six months. Lastly, the use of statins increased from 72 to 89%. Conclusions: There were in improvements in both total cholesterol and LDL values at six months post-PCI. There were also improvements in the percentage of patients who met the ACC recommended goal of LDL cholesterol less than 100mg/dl and the suggested goal of 70mg/dl. At six months, there was also an increase in usage of statin therapy.

Sickle cell crisis as evaluated from measurements of hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase and myoglobin in plasma.

1981 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 314-316 ◽  
Author(s):  
E F Roth ◽  
P A Bardfeld ◽  
S J Goldsmith ◽  
E Radel ◽  
J C Williams
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Sickle Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Cell Disease ◽  
Sickle Cell Crisis ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Low Sensitivity ◽  
Sickle Cell Crises

Abstract Data on plasma hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase activity (I) and myoglobin concentration were used to evaluate painful sickle cell crises. I was increased during non-crisis steady state in patients with sickle cell disease as compared to normal values (232, SD 79.7 vs 85, SD 33 Sigma units/mL). During crisis, the mean value for I increased further to 379 (SD 139) Sigma units/mL. For 12 patients evaluated both during steady state and crisis, there was a mean increase in plasma I of 131% (SD 76%). Repeated determinations of I in sickle cell disease patients during several months while they were in steady state showed that baseline I varied by no more than 20% from the mean. Plasma myoglobin in patients with sickle cell disease was not above normal, but during crisis 21 of 39 patients tested had increased plasma myoglobin concentrations. Our data suggest that I may be a useful indicator of sickle cell crisis when the patient's own baseline value is available for comparison. Plasma myoglobin measurements give evidence of muscle damage during crisis with high specificity but low sensitivity.

scholarly journals Disappearance of human chorionic gonadotropin and its α- and β-subunits after term pregnancy

1997 ◽  
Vol 43 (11) ◽  
pp. 2155-2163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juha Korhonen ◽  
Henrik Alfthan ◽  
Pekka Ylöstalo ◽  
Johannes Veldhuis ◽  
Ulf-Håkan Stenman
Keyword(s):  
Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin ◽  
Elimination Rate ◽  
High Specificity ◽  
Term Pregnancy ◽  
Elimination Half ◽  
Fitting Algorithm ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Predicted Values ◽  
Total Elimination

Abstract We have used high-specificity and precision immunofluorometric assays to measure the elimination half-times of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), hCGα, and hCGβ in serum over 21 days after delivery in six women with term pregnancies. Baseline concentrations and half-times were calculated with the use of a curve-fitting algorithm for multiexponential decay. In contrast to the two-component model, a three-component exponential function with baseline provided a fit for which predicted values could not be distinguished from the observed values by analysis of variance. Median half-times were 3.6, 18.0, and 53.0 h for hCG; 1.0, 23.4, and 194 h for hCGβ; and 0.6, 6.2, and 21.9 h for hCGα. The mean ratio of hCGα to hCG decreased rapidly from 36.9% to 3.3% on day 3; thereafter it increased to 64.3% 21 days after delivery because of a higher baseline concentration of hCGα. hCGβ had the slowest total elimination rate, and the ratio of hCGβ to hCG in serum increased from 0.8% before delivery to 26.7% after 21 days. If the metabolism of hCG and hCGβ is similar in patients with trophoblastic disease, the ratio of hCGβ to hCG must be evaluated with caution in samples taken several days after initiating therapy. We conclude that the disappearance of hCGβ from plasma is slower than previously recognized and that the ratios of hCGβ or hCGα to intact hCG vary as a function of postpartum time. Such information may be important in clinical studies of pregnancy disorders.

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