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| Open AccessThe temporal dynamics and infectiousness of subpatent Plasmodium falciparum infections in relation to parasite density
The role of subpatent infections for malaria transmission and elimination is unclear. Here, Slater et al. analyse several malaria datasets to quantify the density, detectability, course of infection and infectiousness of subpatent infections.
- Hannah C. Slater
- , Amanda Ross
- & Lucy C Okell
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| Open AccessEarly preclinical detection of prions in the skin of prion-infected animals
There are currently no validated methods for the diagnosis of prion disease at the preclinical stage. Here the authors show that serial protein misfolding cyclic amplification and real-time quaking-induced conversion can be used to detect prions in the skin of prion-inoculated hamsters and humanized transgenic mice at early preclinical stages.
- Zerui Wang
- , Matteo Manca
- & Wen-Quan Zou
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| Open AccessSmartphone app for non-invasive detection of anemia using only patient-sourced photos
Anemia has a global prevalence of over 2 billion people and is diagnosed via blood-based laboratory test. Here the authors describe a smartphone app that can estimate hemoglobin levels and detect anemia by analyzing pictures of fingernail beds taken with a smartphone and without the need of any external equipment.
- Robert G. Mannino
- , David R. Myers
- & Wilbur A. Lam
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| Open AccessDNA engineered micromotors powered by metal nanoparticles for motion based cellphone diagnostics
Micromotors have a range of potential healthcare applications. Here, the authors describe the development of a metal nanoparticle DNA micromotor which can be used to detect human HIV-1 by a change in the motion of the micromotors, monitored by cell phone camera, triggered by binding of HIV-1 RNA.
- Mohamed Shehata Draz
- , Kamyar Mehrabi Kochehbyoki
- & Hadi Shafiee
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| Open AccessWhole blood stabilization for the microfluidic isolation and molecular characterization of circulating tumor cells
The current FDA-approved whole blood stabilization method for circulating tumor cell (CTC) isolation suffers from RNA degradation. Here the authors combine hypothermic preservation and antiplatelet strategies to stabilize whole blood up to 72 h without compromising CTC yield and RNA integrity.
- Keith H. K. Wong
- , Shannon N. Tessier
- & Mehmet Toner
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| Open AccessDiagnosing peri-implant disease using the tongue as a 24/7 detector
Early detection of gum inflammation caused by dental implants helps prevent tissue damage. Here, the authors present a peptide sensor that generates a bitter taste when cleaved by proteases present in peri-implant disease, embed it in a chewing gum, and compare the probe to existing sensors using patient saliva.
- J. Ritzer
- , T. Lühmann
- & L. Meinel
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| Open AccessEndothelial to mesenchymal transition is common in atherosclerotic lesions and is associated with plaque instability
Endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a crucial developmental process that also plays a role in the pathogenesis of some diseases. Here the authors show that EndMT contributes to the development of atherosclerosis in mice and humans, and is associated with complex human plaques that may be prone to rupture.
- Solene M. Evrard
- , Laura Lecce
- & Jason C. Kovacic
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| Open AccessTenascin-C drives persistence of organ fibrosis
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a fibrotic disease affecting multiple organs. Here the authors use patient samples plus mouse studies to show a central role for tenascin C as a TLR4 activator responsible for persistence of fibrosis in the context of SSc and SSc-like disease.
- Swati Bhattacharyya
- , Wenxia Wang
- & John Varga
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| Open AccessA small number of abnormal brain connections predicts adult autism spectrum disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is manifested by subtle but significant changes in the brain. Here, Yahata and colleagues devise a novel machine learning algorithm and develop a reliable ASD classifier based on brain functional connectivity, with which they quantitatively measure neuroimaging dimensions between ASD and other mental disorders.
- Noriaki Yahata
- , Jun Morimoto
- & Mitsuo Kawato
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| Open AccessAntibody-based PET imaging of amyloid beta in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease
Imaging tools for evaluating progression of Alzheimer’s disease have been lacking. Here the authors develop a blood brain barrier-permeable Aß probe based on a radiolabelled, anti-Aß antibody, and report age-dependent brain uptake visualized in vivo with PET in mouse models of the disease.
- Dag Sehlin
- , Xiaotian T. Fang
- & Stina Syvänen
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| Open AccessGWAS of 89,283 individuals identifies genetic variants associated with self-reporting of being a morning person
Circadian rhythms and related behaviours vary across individuals. Here, a large genome-wide association study reveals common single nucleotide variants influencing whether an individual reports as being a ‘morning person’ by identifying 15 significant loci, including 7 near known circadian genes.
- Youna Hu
- , Alena Shmygelska
- & David A. Hinds
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| Open AccessA shear gradient-activated microfluidic device for automated monitoring of whole blood haemostasis and platelet function
The current hemostasis assays are unable to predict thrombotic or bleeding risk in clinics. Here, Jain et al. present a novel microfluidic device mimicking stenosed arterioles that determines clotting times in vitroand in extracorporeal circuits, offering a simple and reliable monitoring of blood homeostasis and platelet function.
- Abhishek Jain
- , Amanda Graveline
- & Donald E. Ingber
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| Open AccessSoluble LR11/SorLA represses thermogenesis in adipose tissue and correlates with BMI in humans
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis is an important determinant of organismal energy expenditure in mammals. Here, Whittle et al. report that the protein sLR11 is a negative regulator of BAT activity in mice, repressing thermogenesis by inhibiting BMP/Smad signalling in brown adipocytes.
- Andrew J. Whittle
- , Meizi Jiang
- & Hideaki Bujo
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| Open AccessInternational genome-wide meta-analysis identifies new primary biliary cirrhosis risk loci and targetable pathogenic pathways
Primary biliary cirrhosis is an autoimmune liver disease with poor therapeutic options. Here Cordell et al. a perform meta-analysis of European genome-wide association studies identifying six novel risk loci and a number of potential therapeutic pathways.
- Heather J. Cordell
- , Younghun Han
- & Katherine A. Siminovitch
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In vivo capture and label-free detection of early metastatic cells
Tumour metastasis is a significant source of mortality, often because it is detected at an advanced stage. In this study, in an effort to identify metastasis at an early stage, Azarin et. al. capture and image metastasizing cells in mice in vivousing a biomaterial scaffold.
- Samira M. Azarin
- , Ji Yi
- & Lonnie D Shea
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| Open AccessRise and fall of subclones from diagnosis to relapse in pediatric B-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Genetic heterogeneity and clonal evolution contribute to cancer progression. Here Ma et al.use deep whole-exome sequencing to identify recurrently mutated pathways and clonal architecture in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, shedding light on the evolutionary trajectory from diagnosis to relapse
- Xiaotu Ma
- , Michael Edmonson
- & Jinghui Zhang
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Impedance sensing device enables early detection of pressure ulcers in vivo
Sustained pressure on the skin reduces blood flow and causes wounds. Here the authors describe a flexible electronic ‘bandage’ that measures changes in tissue impedance spectra and detects early tissue damage in rats before it can be visualized, thus enabling possible prevention of pressure ulcers.
- Sarah L. Swisher
- , Monica C. Lin
- & Michel M. Maharbiz
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| Open AccessIdentification of platelet function defects by multi-parameter assessment of thrombus formation
Platelets from patients with bleeding disorders often display altered adherence to surface proteins. In this study, de Witt et al.design a flow chamber for the systematic interrogation of platelets attaching to 52 adhesive surfaces, which may be helpful for the diagnosis of platelet disorders.
- Susanne M. de Witt
- , Frauke Swieringa
- & Judith M.E.M. Cosemans
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| Open AccessUltra-sensitive liquid biopsy of circulating extracellular vesicles using ExoScreen
The potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as cancer biomarkers is substantial. Here, Yoshioka et al. describe a sensitive technique to analyse EVs directly from blood samples of patients with colorectal cancer, highlighting a liquid biopsy technique with cancer-detection possibilities.
- Yusuke Yoshioka
- , Nobuyoshi Kosaka
- & Takahiro Ochiya
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A sensitive two-photon probe to selectively detect monoamine oxidase B activity in Parkinson’s disease models
Monoamine oxidase B is an enzyme that is unusually active in Parkinson’s disease, a feature that makes it an ideal diagnostic biomarker. Here, Li et al. create a highly specific fluorogenic probe that can selectively detect monoamine oxidase B activity in vivoto effectively diagnose Parkinson’s disease.
- Lin Li
- , Cheng-Wu Zhang
- & Shao Q. Yao
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Non-invasive mapping of deep-tissue lymph nodes in live animals using a multimodal PET/MRI nanoparticle
The imaging of tumour-draining lymph nodes is important for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Here, Thorek et al. report a nanoparticle that allows for the combined imaging of deep-tissue lymph nodes by positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in cancer-bearing mice.
- Daniel L. J. Thorek
- , David Ulmert
- & Jan Grimm
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Real-time in vivo imaging of invasive- and biomaterial-associated bacterial infections using fluorescently labelled vancomycin
Invasive and biomaterial-associated infections in humans are often difficult to diagnose and treat. Here, the authors demonstrate that real-time in vivodetection and imaging of these bacterial infections can be successfully performed with fluorescently labelled vancomycin.
- Marleen van Oosten
- , Tina Schäfer
- & Gooitzen M. van Dam
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Flexible polymer transistors with high pressure sensitivity for application in electronic skin and health monitoring
Flexible pressure sensors may be key in realising biomedical prostheses and robots that can interact with their environment. Here, Schwartz et al.report an organic thin film pressure sensing device that combines fast response times with low power consumption and cyclic stability.
- Gregor Schwartz
- , Benjamin C.-K. Tee
- & Zhenan Bao
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Detection and differential diagnosis of colon cancer by a cumulative analysis of promoter methylation
Changes in the methylation pattern of gene promoters are hallmarks of certain cancers, such as colon cancer. Here Yang et al.identify and validate a set of genes and measure the cumulative methylation of promoters, which allows them to distinguish between two stages of colon cancer.
- Qiong Yang
- , Ying Dong
- & Shu Wang
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Alternative α-synuclein transcript usage as a convergent mechanism in Parkinson's disease pathology
The protein α-synuclein is implicated in Parkinson's disease. Rhinn and colleagues perform gene expression analysis and find that specific α-synuclein transcripts are preferentially associated with Parkinson's disease, and that they potentiate the accumulation of α-synuclein protein.
- Herve Rhinn
- , Liang Qiang
- & Asa Abeliovich
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| Open AccessFasciola hepatica is associated with the failure to detect bovine tuberculosis in dairy cattle
The incidence of bovine tuberculosis in the UK is increasing despite efforts to eradicate the disease. The authors of this paper show that infection of cattle with the parasiteFasciola hepaticaimpedes the diagnosis of tuberculosis, which may in part explain why the current eradication campaign is failing.
- Jen Claridge
- , Peter Diggle
- & Diana J.L. Williams
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| Open AccessPAR2 absence completely rescues inflammation and ichthyosis caused by altered CAP1/Prss8 expression in mouse skin
The activity of serine proteases, including CAP1/Prss8, is altered in some human skin disorders; however, the downstream effectors of these proteins are relatively unknown. Here, using animal models, the authors show that protease-activated receptor-2 is a critical component of the CAP1/Prss8 signalling cascade.
- Simona Frateschi
- , Eric Camerer
- & Edith Hummler