FDA Issues Health Alert on Kids' Tamiflu Dosages Sep 26, 2009
The results of the RIDT were compared with the reverse transcription --polymerase chain reaction assay. A low sensitivity of 47 percent was found for the rapid test. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
QIAGEN Acquires DxS Ltd -- Creating Leadership in Personalized Healthcare Sep 23, 2009
The currently marketed portfolio spans seven real-time PCR tests including a test for the mutation status of the oncogene K-RAS, which is indicative for successful treatment of patients suffering from metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with EGFR inhibitors ... -- QIAGEN creates a leading portfolio in companion diagnostics: - DxS adds seven PCR assays targeting biomarkers including K-RAS and EGFR29, which may be useful in identifying patients' response to certain cancer treatments (e. (Primezone Releases)
Paediatric HIV management at primary care level: an evaluation of the integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) guidelines for HIV Sep 22, 2009
Positive rapid HIV tests were confirmed with HIV PCR in children aged less than 18 months. HIV positive children had a CD4 count and HIV clinical staging done. (BioMed Central)
Click to read:Lab Tech Arrested, Charged in Yale Murder Sep 18, 2009
The police executed a body search warrant on him Tuesday, arrested him Thursday; two days is more than enough to do a PCR and run a gel to match his DNA to the evidence at the scene of the crime. They KNOW he is guilty, now they just need to collect more supporting evidence to build a case to make sure he goes to jail forever. (CBS News)
Gut Ecology In Transplant Patients Sep 17, 2009
Using both DNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of this gene, the researchers were able to measure the relative proportions of different types of bacteria. Among ileostomy patients, the populations seemed to be fairly stable over time and dominated by bacteria that are "facultative anaerobes" -- they can use oxygen, but don't need it. (Science Daily)
Swine Flu May Be Even More Contagious Sep 17, 2009
De Serres and colleagues studied 43 people with confirmed H1N1 pandemic flu, as well as members of their households, using polymerase chain reaction technology to detect the virus and culture methods to find live influenza. Eight days after their symptoms started, De Serres said eight of the 43 (or 19 percent) were still shedding live virus, detected by culture methods. (ABC News)
Daily Bathroom Showers May Deliver Face Full Of Pathogens, Says Study Sep 16, 2009
A molecular genetics technique developed by Pace in the 1990s allowed researchers to swab samples directly from the showerheads, isolate DNA, amplify it using the polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, and determine the sequences of genes present in order to pinpoint particular pathogen types. "There have been some precedents for concern regarding pathogens and showerheads," said Pace. (Science Daily)
Exon deletions and intragenic insertions are not rare in ataxia with oculomotor apraxia 2 Sep 11, 2009
To detect mutations in patients showing a clinical phenotype consistent with AOA2, the coding region including splice sites of the SETX gene was sequenced and dosage analyses for all exons were performed on genomic DNA. The sequence of cDNA fragments of alternative transcripts isolated after RT-PCR was determined ... In another patient, PCR amplification of exon 11 to 15 dropped out. (BioMed Central)
NIST calculations may improve temperature measures for microfluidics Sep 10, 2009
Microfluidic DNA amplification (production of numerous copies of DNA from a tiny sample) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one procedure that could benefit from the new NIST calculations, Shah says. "PCR requires a microfluidic device to be cycled through temperatures at three different zones starting around 65 degrees Celsius, so a useful dye intensity-to-temperature ratio would have to be based on that temperature and not a reference point of 23 degrees Celsius," she explains. (EurekAlert!)
Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy after Natalizumab Monotherapy Sep 10, 2009
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a presumed multiple sclerosis lesion, and JC virus DNA was not detected on polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assay of cerebrospinal fluid. The patient's symptoms worsened, and the diagnosis of PML was established with a more sensitive quantitative PCR assay after 16 infusions of natalizumab ... JC virus DNA was no longer detectable on quantitative PCR assay, and the patient's symptoms improved. (New England Journal of Medicine)
10 years after triple murders, the nightmare continues Sep 6, 2009
He s currently in his PCR process; there have been arguments before the judge, said Mark Plowden, spokesman for the S.C. attorney general s office in Columbia. The judge has asked both sides for written orders. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
HPV Vaccine Could Prevent Some Forms Of Breast Cancer, Australian Research Suggests Sep 5, 2009
As well, the genetic probe technique used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been criticized for its propensity for contamination. The technique is based on taking small genetic samples and rapidly copying them to provide a large enough sample to study. (Science Daily)
Pittsylvania County horse tests positive for West Nile virus Sep 4, 2009
The Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services originally tested the brain for rabies, but when that was negative, it tested for other diseases and the brain was positive for West Nile virus by polymerase chain reaction. The mare had not been vaccinated for West Nile. (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
New Test For Safer Biomedical Research Results Aug 30, 2009
The method is based on multiplication of specific DNA sequences by polymerase chain reaction and subsequent detection of the multiplied DNA regions. A special advantage of the new test is that it can be carried out on a high-throughput basis. (Science Daily)
Microchip Does 1,000 Chemical Reactions At Once Aug 24, 2009
24, 2008) Researchers in Hong Kong have miniaturized technology needed to perform the versatile polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -- widely used in criminal investigations, disease diagnosis, and a range of. (Apr. (Science Daily)
Two county residents die from swine flu; more illness expected Aug 21, 2009
Meanwhile, the 34-year-old tested positive for influenza A by a PCR diagnostic test, according to Public Health. He is presumed by the state to be a swine flu victim since testing shows that only the swine flu influenza virus is circulating in California. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Anti-oncogenic and pro-differentiation effects of clorgyline, a monoamine oxidase A inhibitor, on high grade prostate cancer cells Aug 20, 2009
Expression of genes of interest was validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results. (BioMed Central)
Researchers develop new, more-sensitive assay for detecting DNA methylation in colon cancer Aug 17, 2009
The enhanced sensitivity of the test was achieved through the use of PCR amplification of individual DNA fragments covalently attached to specially coated magnetic beads ... If the vimentin gene sequence was present in the sample, subsequent PCR resulted in thousands of copies of the gene attached to each individual magnetic bead ... The researchers say that this method has enabled the accurate detection of a single copy of methylated vimentin sequence in a mixture and improved the technical... (EurekAlert!)
Pvt hospitals reluctant to join battle against H1N1 Aug 12, 2009
The labs said they already have the golden Real Time PCR H1N1 testing kits. However, they wanted a relaxation of the rules. (India Times, India)
Genetic code unravelled? Aug 11, 2009
Instead, the sample is directly amplified by a process called polymerase chain reaction. The long string of "rungs" is then broken up and unravelled by parallel sequencers, and the data then fed into a powerful computer for reassembly and analysis. (iAfrica.com)
Private labs may get nod to conduct tests Aug 8, 2009
They would however have to first get accreditatied by the government and also have with them the gold standard test the Real Times PCR to detect H1N1. "The labs will be allowed to test only if they are BSL II and RTPCR equipped. They will be free to set price for testing. Private hospitals with an isolation ward will also be allowed to join in," Dayal said. (India Times, India -- Community News)
* The swine flu testing trade-off: speed and economy, or accuracy Aug 8, 2009
The rapid tests also cost only about US$10 to US$20, though some doctors might charge more, versus about US$100 for a test using a sophisticated technique called the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). While a negative result on a rapid test might not be reliable, a positive result, at least during flu season, usually does indicate a person has the flu. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Pune doc, chemist with H1N1 battle for life Aug 8, 2009
These private facilities are also required to have a real-time PCR, the gold-standard test to detect H1N1. Health authorities also directed fliers in high-risk groups, such as senior citizens, pregnant women and heart patients, to wear masks at all times during the journey. (India Times, India)
Rapid tests often wrong about swine flu Aug 7, 2009
All had been evaluated using a slower but highly accurate test called real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, or rRT-PCR, which checks for the genetic material of the virus ... GlaxoSmithKline and Enigma Diagnostics have an agreement to develop point-of-care PCR tests to identify specific flu strains ... Seegene, based in South Korea and Maryland, says it is developing a multiplex PCR test for hospitals that can quickly detect different influenza types and look for resistance... (MSNBC -- Health)
MAPLE reactors not a quick fix to the global isotope issue Jul 31, 2009
The main hurdle to completing the reactors was, and remains, resolving a power coefficient of reactivity (PCR) issue ... The reactors were licensed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to operate with a small negative PCR. That means the core reactivity was to decrease as power increased ... In June 2003, commissioning was put on hold when test data analysis indicated the reactor had a small positive PCR.. (PR Newswire)
Namibia: Country Makes Strides in Paediatric HIV Jul 29, 2009
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, which can be used on newborns from the age of six weeks to identify DNA changes caused by HIV, can still only conducted by the Windhoek-based Namibia Institute of Pathology. Still, the EID programme, which has been rolled out in all the country's antenatal clinics, has made major strides in reducing paediatric HIV.. (allAfrica.com)
Viral pneumonia in Nepalese children investigated Jul 27, 2009
The specimens were examined for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus type A (InfA) and B (InfB), parainfluenza virus types 1, 2 and 3 (PIV1, PIV2, and PIV3), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) using a multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Results. (BioMed Central)
Study Demonstrates the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Pine Bark Extract on Inflammatory Mediators COX-2 and 5-LOX Jul 15, 2009
The behavior of specific white blood cells (leukocytes) for generating a repertoire of enzymes in inflammatory condition was tested by real-time PCR. The gene expression of enzymes COX-2, 5-LOX, FLAP and COX-1 were monitored and the products these enzymes generate, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, were quantified. A baseline study revealed that the volunteers' immune cells rapidly initiated production of COX-2, 5-LOX and FLAP enzymes upon pro-inflammatory stimulation. (PR Newswire)
Brave New World of Infant DNA Data-Basing Jul 14, 2009
The question isn t whether or not the sample has DNA present, but whether or not there is enough of substantial quality to run a PCR and then run a sequence, forensic fingerprint or other genomic test. Fred Lorey, Ph. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Of Yeast And Men: Unraveling The Molecular Mechanisms Of Friedreich's Ataxia Jul 13, 2009
This allowed the team to measure the precise rate of repeat expansions at various experimental settings by growing yeast on the special selective medium followed by determining the repeat lengths via polymerase chain reaction. Using this approach, the researchers observed massive expansion of GAA repeats that ranged between 200 and 450 repeats. (Science Daily)
Faster, More Cost-effective DNA Test For Crime Scenes, Disease Diagnosis Jul 11, 2009
ScienceDaily (July 10, 2009) Scientists in Japan are reporting development of a faster, less expensive version of the fabled polymerase chain reaction (PCR) a DNA test widely used in criminal investigations, disease diagnosis, biological research and other applications ... Universal Quenching Probe System: Flexible, Specific, and Cost-Effective Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Method ... 24, 2008) Researchers in Hong Kong have miniaturized technology needed to perform the versatile polymerase... (Science Daily)
Bovine tuberculosis tests in Neb. come back clean Jul 7, 2009
The Enigma FL instrument was used to analyse more than 100 blood samples that had already been screened by antigen ELISA and a laboratory-based RT-PCR for the presence of the BVD virus. Approximately half of the samples were proved BVDV positive by the laboratory-based PCR. With the level of concordance between the two tests being above 97%, this confirmed the Enigma FL system can produce laboratory-standard results with a high degree of confidence. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Ultrasensitive Detector Promises Improved Treatment Of Viral Respiratory Infections Jul 7, 2009
Currently, there are several standard tests for RSV including culturing the virus, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To have any of these tests done, doctors must send a mucous sample from a patient to a special laboratory. (Science Daily)
Promising Biomarker And Candidate Tumor Suppressor Gene Identified For Colorectal Cancer Jun 26, 2009
Quantitative methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to examine NDRG4 promoter methylation as a biomarker in fecal DNA from 75 colorectal cancer patients and 75 control subjects ... A methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assay for NDRG4 promoter methylation in stool identified the presence of colorectal cancer in 53% of colorectal cancer cases and correctly categorized a subject as cancer free 100% of the time. (Science Daily)
Genes That Regulate Human Circadian Rhythm Significantly Disturbed In Individuals With Arthritis Jun 17, 2009
Expression of the genes responsible for regulation of the human body clock were determined by immunohistochemistry and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. TNF-alpha levels were measured by ELISA, and transactivation of TNF-alpha gene was examined by reporter assay. (Science Daily)
QIAGEN Transfers Distribution Rights for Transplantation Testing Product Portfolio and Related Assets to LinkMed Jun 16, 2009
The products QIAGEN covered in this distribution rights transfer agreement are the sequence specific primer ("SSP") typing products for determining HLA alleles using PCR techniques with SSP. The SSP technology was added to QIAGEN's product portfolio in 2002 as part of the acquisition of GenoVision ... Within the segment PCR-SSP, management estimates Olerup SSP to be the global leader in relation to HLA. Olerup SSP AB is a wholly owned subsidiary of LinkMed. (Primezone Releases)
Rapid approach to identify influenza A virus mutations and drug resistance developed May 29, 2009
The system, which combines a novel generic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with NimbleGen's unique microarray-based platform, makes use of the same RNA (ribonucleic acid) material that is left over from traditional PCR-based diagnostics and is able to recognize any novel strain of influenza A in the first pass. This enables a faster development of diagnostics for any possible new variant; it can also rapidly determine whether the strain has developed drug resistance. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Walker Catoosa Dade Medical Society minutes May 28, 2009
The criteria for establishing the diagnosis with nasal swab rapid test, IFA, PCR tests or viral culture to establish a confirmed case as opposed to probable or suspected cases was discussed. Since the infectious period is from the day before the illness begins until seven days after, patients may come with a report of exposure even before the symptoms begin. (WWalker County Messenger, GA)
GeneThera Updates Its Shareholders and Investing Public May 26, 2009
This equipment along with Roche 380 real time PCR thermo cycler will be our molecular diagnostic platform, particularly for the commercial operation in Monterrey, Mexico ... The Company's proprietary diagnostic solution is based on a genetic expression assay, GES, a protocol designed to function on a highly automated Fluorogenic PCR platform. (Primezone Releases)
Immunomagnetic Beads Can Attract Plague Bacteria May 26, 2009
The team is also using genetic methods that rely on a common DNA test known as the "polymerase chain reaction," or PCR. The group has developed PCR-based methods to detect Y. pestis and differentiate it from other foodborne bacteria, including two closely related Yersinia species, Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis. They have also developed a PCR method that targets genes related to the virulence of Y. pestis. (Science Daily)
Transgenomic, Inc. Announces Appointment of New Board Members May 23, 2009
STI is a seed-stage biotechnology company built on a proprietary antibody library construction technology, the STI technology, which applies RNA transcription rather than PCR for the amplification of variable lgG domains to yield high fidelity mAb libraries. Prior to STI, Dr. Schuh was the Founding Chief Executive Officer and Director of AviaraDx, Inc. AviaraDx was a molecular diagnostics laboratory company focused on oncology testing which was acquired by bioMerieux. (PR Newswire)
Nigeria seeks WHO, CDC aid for more swine flu labs May 21, 2009
They are going through training and we do get updates from them," he explained. The Asokoro District Hospital, National Influenza Diagnostic Laboratory in Abuja was in April certified as a diagnostic centre for Influenza A (H1N1) infection in humans. This development was based on the listing of Nigeria by the WHO as one of the countries capable of diagnosing the Influenza A (H1N1) infection in humans. The nation got the listing based on the global health body's approval of countries with... (Guardian News, Nigeria)
Genome-wide association study identifies single-nucleotide polymorphism in KCNB1 associated with left ventricular mass in humans: The HyperGEN Study May 20, 2009
8) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the genome-wide study were successfully genotyped using quantitative real time PCR in a validation study. Results. (BioMed Central)
Boston Scientific Welcomes Launch of Syntax Score Website May 19, 2009
The Company made the announcement at the annual EuroPCR Scientific Program in Barcelona ... Boston Scientific will be announcing subset data analyses from the SYNTAX trial this week at EuroPCR. ... CONTACT: Paul Donovan 508-650-8541 (office) 508-667-5165 (mobile) Media Relations Boston Scientific Corporation Natacha Gassenbach (onsite at PCR) 508-250-9348 (mobile) 33 1 6 08 97 70 36 (mobile) Media Relations Boston Scientific Corporation Larry Neumann 508-650-8696 (office) Investor Relations... (PR Newswire)
Boston Scientific Launches Third-Generation Platinum Chromium Drug-Eluting Stent May 19, 2009
CONTACT: Paul Donovan 508-650-8541 (office) 508-667-5165 (mobile) Media Relations Boston Scientific Corporation Natacha Gassenbach (onsite at PCR) 508-250-9348 (mobile) 33 1 6 08 97 70 36 (mobile) Media Relations Boston Scientific Corporation Larry Neumann 508-650-8696 (office) Investor Relations Boston Scientific Corporation. SOURCE Boston Scientific Corporation. (PR Newswire)
A New Era in the Application of Lab-on-a-Chip to Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnosis May 18, 2009
The VDS technology has an advantage of not requiring the use of specialized equipment; VetDetect utilizes real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and VetScreen employs the conventional gel-based RT-PCR technique. All three platforms are highly sensitive and specific, giving rapid and accurate results within two to four hours. (PR Newswire)
Boston Scientific to Participate in Piper Jaffray PCR Post-Op Summit May 16, 2009
May 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: ) is scheduled to participate in the Piper Jaffray PCR Post-Op Summit in London. Jim Tobin, President and Chief Executive Officer, will participate in a 40-minute question and answer session on Friday, May 22, beginning at approximately 9:30 a.m. London time. (PR Newswire)
Fatal Case of Deer Tick Virus Encephalitis May 14, 2009
Nucleic acid was extracted from formalin-fixed tissue, and the presence of deer tick virus was verified on a flavivirus-specific polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assay, followed by sequence confirmation. Immunohistochemical analysis with antisera specific for deer tick virus identified numerous immunoreactive neurons, with prominent involvement of large neurons in the brain stem, cerebellum, basal ganglia, thalamus, and spinal cord. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Quest Diagnostics Introduces First Commercial Laboratory Test for Identifying the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus May 12, 2009
Real-time PCR test validated using clinical specimens confirmed ... MADISON, N.J., May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: ), the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced that its Focus Diagnostics infectious disease reference laboratory has introduced a laboratory-developed real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to aid in identifying Influenza A H1N1 Swine-origin (H1N1) flu virus ("S-OIV" or "novel H1N1"),... (PR Newswire)
Sexually Transmitted Infections: Transistors Used To Detect Fungus Candida Albicans May 12, 2009
To date, conventional diagnosis of Candida has been carried out using microbial cultures, serological tests, PCR molecular biology techniques (polymerase chain reactions used to amplify DNA), or immunoassays such as ELISA (Enzyme Linked Inmunoabsorbent Assay). These techniques require long analysis times and sometimes give rise to false positives and negatives. (Science Daily)
First Swine Flu DNA Test Produced May 11, 2009
The PrimerDesign swine flu real-time PCR kit is sold primarily for research use but could be used to diagnose the disease in laboratories globally. Adapted from materials provided by. (Science Daily)
Microarray analysis of RNA extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded and matched fresh-frozen ovarian adenocarcinomas May 9, 2009
RNA from FFPE samples was extracted using two different methods, Ambion and Agencourt, and its quality was determined by profiling starting total RNA on Bioanalyzer and by amplifying increasing size fragments of beta actin (ACTB) and claudin 3 (CLDN3) by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Five matched FF and FFPE ovarian serous adenocarcinoma samples, as well as a set of normal ovary samples, were profiled using whole genome Agilent microarrays. (BioMed Central)
Africa: No A (H1N1) Cases - Reality Or Poor Lab Facilities? May 9, 2009
Identifying A (H1N1) involves carrying out a polymerase chain reaction or 'PCR' test on a throat swab, which enlarges DNA to help technicians identify a virus. The process requires a 'primer' to start DNA replication. (allAfrica.com)
Frost & Sullivan Award Reinforces Outstanding Product Line Strategy by SIRS-Lab May 7, 2009
Since VYOO(R) can run on any PCR equipment, investment is low, making it easy for laboratories to adopt ... SIRS-Lab has further strengthened its ability to penetrate the market through an in-licensing agreement with DxS Limited for Scorpions PCR platform technology. (PR Newswire)
InDevR's FluChip detects and distinguishes swine-origin H1N1 from human influenza viruses May 6, 2009
"The FluChip assay detected all of the 6 swine-origin H1N1 viruses tested, and the resulting pattern, or signature, on the microarray was dramatically different than the signature for seasonal A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 viruses. Interestingly, the signature of the swine H1N1 virus indicated an avian component within the M-gene, which is consistent with its reported Eurasian lineage, said Dr. Erica Dawson, the Lead Scientist on the project at InDevR and co-inventor of the FluChip technology.... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Nigeria: Country Has Capacity to Diagnose Swine Flu - WHO May 4, 2009
Lagos Nigeria has been listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO), as one of the countries with PCR capacity in place to diagnose the Influenza A(H1N1) infections in humans. WHO has said with effect from April 30, the new influenza virus hitherto called Swine Flu, had been renamed, "Influenza A(H1N1)," ostensibly because the influenza is transmitted from humans to humans and to avoid any misunderstanding of the nature of the influenza as it relates to pigs and pork. (allAfrica.com)
As Swine Flu Eases Mexicans Ask: Was Government Lucky or Good? May 4, 2009
Lezana concedes that Mexican labs did not then have the rare and expensive form of PCR and RT-PCR analysis a means of identifying a virus' genetic makeup to pinpoint such an unusual strain. (They have such analysis now. (Time.com)
ECOWAS issues swine flu alert to member countries May 4, 2009
Also, Nigeria has been listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as one of the countries with Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) capacity in place to diagnose the swine flu infection in humans. Special Assistant (Communications) to the Minister of Health, Mr. Niyi Ojuolape, told The Guardian that the Asokoro District Hospital, National Influenza Diagnostic Laboratory in Abuja was one of the facilities recognised as having satisfied the prescribed criteria. (Guardian News, Nigeria)
H1N1 flu: Reconstructing a puzzling outbreak May 3, 2009
For four hours, a PCR machine copied the virus' genetic material over and over, slowly revealing its odd genome. Once he identified it as a swine flu, Shaw printed out a chart that showed how it fit on the family tree of swine flus it was out on its own lonely branch, a distant cousin to any other known virus. (Honolulu Advertiser)
More of this story May 3, 2009
Not a Dope wrote on May 2, 2009 7:26 PM:" It is called a false positive not a "faults positive" and if they are doing PCR based assays, there will be no mistaking what they have. Even ELISA based tests will be extremely specific and a false positive will be exceedingly rare. ". parent wrote on May 2, 2009 6:53 PM:" CLOSE THE SCHOOLS, PLEASE. THEY ARE BREEDING GROUNDS FOR VIRUSES AND BACTERIA TO SPREAD. PLEASE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, CLOSE THE SCHOOLS BEFORE KIDS START GETTING SICK. ". (Westerly Sun, RI)
Africa: Continent's Disease Burden Could Conceal Swine Flu Cases May 1, 2009
The institute said it will have the specific PCR (polymerase chain reaction) primers required for confirmation of the presence of the virus by the end of the week. "Many African countries have surveillance for epidemics, and some systems work well," says Lucille Blumberg, head of the Johannesburg-based Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit at the NICD, highlighting laboratories run across the continent by the Pasteur Institute. (allAfrica.com)
Diabetes, Obesity And Hypertension Increase Mortality In Hepatitis C Patients May 1, 2009
HCV was defined as positive HCV RNA by PCR assay. Subjects without other causes of chronic liver disease such as presumed NAFLD with elevated serum aminotransferases (ALT> 40 U/L, AST> 37 U/L in men, and ALT> 31 U/L, AST>31 U/L in women), excessive alcohol use (>10 grams/day in women and > 20 grams/day in men), elevated transferrin saturation (>50%) and positive hepatitis Bs antigen were designated controls without liver disease. (Science Daily)
Testing for Swine Flu No Easy Feat, Expert Says Apr 30, 2009
Testing increases of antibodies and a technique called real-time PCR are the other approaches. The PCR technique - which researcher Easton called the most efficient - uses a device to amplify copies of genes so researchers can easily compare a sample taken from a sick person to the genetic material of the potentially pandemic infection ... The PCR device itself can within a few hours compare the genetic makeup of the sample with that of a pandemic virus, Easton said. (MEDLINEplus)
FluChip technology licensed to combat deadly flu virus Apr 29, 2009
The most popular diagnostic tests for influenza include rapid immunoassays, which are only able to identify the type (A or B) of influenza virus, and reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays, which were designed for human-adapted influenza viruses and are not able to identify the swine H1N1 subtype. State Public Health Laboratories must now send any influenza A viruses that cannot be subtyped using existing diagnostics to the CDC for analysis by genome sequencing or viral... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Hong Kong Developing Rapid Swine Flu Test Apr 28, 2009
Tsang said the test will be based on a standard laboratory procedure called PCR, or polymerase chain reaction, which is already used to diagnose dozens of other infections. The process can find bits of genetic material that are unique to the virus, then reproduce them in large quantities for easy identification. (KIRO TV, WA)
