Microarray method for multiplex and serial latex agglutination tests with digital image registration

A microarray analytical system for performing tests of latex agglutination reaction in microformat with digital image registration was developed. The system allows the application of latex microdrops to the surface of the carrier in the form of a regular microarray and mixing of the latex droplets with the individual samples in each droplet of the microarray. The reaction is performed in a total mixture volume of about 1 microl for each of 30 samples simultaneously with video registration and interpretation of the results using a scanning device and specially developed software. The results of the semi-quantitative determination of C-Reactive Protein, Rheumatoid Factor and Anti-Streptolysin O concentrations by traditional macro- and proposed micro-arrayagglutination method were compared with the immunoturbidimetric measurements used as reference method. It was concluded that the suggested method for performing latex agglutination reactions on the basis of a microarray approach with digital image evaluation of results can provide a high throughput and reliable results and also offers significant advantages to the traditional latex agglutination tests with visual interpretation. Comprehensive documentation and objectification of readouts show a siginificant improvement to the present methodology.     

Bumps in the Road: Panniculitis in Children and Adolescents Treated with Vemurafenib

Vemurafenib is increasingly being used to treat nonmelanoma tumors that are positive for the BRAF V600E mutation. We report three children who presented with panniculitis induced by vemurafenib while undergoing treatment for central nervous system tumors and review the literature.     

Alzheimer Amyloid α-Secretase: A Special Target for Drug Development

Abstract: Multiple lines of evidence suggest that increased production and deposition of amyloid β peptide (Aβ) contribute to Alzheimer's disease (amyloid hypothesis). Several factors regulate processing of amyloid precursor protein. Mechanisms of Aβ production and clearance from the brain have been the subject of considerable interest. Here we summarize recent advances in the identification of amyloid secretases and rational drug design.     

Learning potential as a predictor of skill acquisition in people with serious mental illness

Twenty-five individuals with serious mental illness completed a grocery shopping skills intervention and a test-train-test version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), which yielded indices of static performance and learning potential. WCST learning potential predicted skill acquisition beyond the static index of traditional WCST performance.