Differential Urinary Proteomics and Absolute Protein Quantification Reveal Biomarkers of Muscle-Invasive and Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer

A comparative urinary proteomic analysis using the Total Protein Approach (TPA) revealed distinct protein abundance profiles between patients with muscle-invasive (MIBC) and non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), suggesting potential diagnostic utility. Notably, several proteins, including periostin (POSTN), immunoglobulin variable regions (IGLV3-21, IGHV3-49, IGHV5-51), and complement regulator (C4BPB), were found at significantly higher concentrations in the urine of MIBC patients. These findings support their value as non-invasive indicators of tumour aggressiveness. The TPA-based urinary protein signature holds promise for improving early risk stratification, detecting biological features associated with invasive disease, and may inform treatment strategies

Transformational Goal for Science Education: The 1Student - 1Apparatus (1S1A) Model

Limited access to hands-on laboratory equipment remains a significant barrier to effective science education. To address this challenge, we evaluated the analytical performance of the Doctor Vida® Education platform - an ultra-compact, low-cost, multifunctional analytical device designed under the ‘One Student–One Apparatus’ (1S1A) model. Using the Bradford method, we quantified total protein in urine and serum samples and compared results against those obtained from a commercial CLARIOstar® microplate reader. Calibration curves constructed from eight independent replicates revealed comparable slopes and intercepts between the two systems, with Doctor Vida® Education device demonstrating high linearity and repeatability. Despite the CLARIOstar® achieving lower limits of detection and quantification, the Doctor Vida® Education device showed superior reproducibility, with consistently lower relative standard deviations across operators and experimental conditions. Statistical analysis of urine and serum measurements confirmed strong agreement between methods, with no significant differences in most samples and improved precision observed with Doctor Vida® Education device in serum analysis. With a unit cost below 1000 €, the Doctor Vida® Education device platform proves to be a reliable, robust, and accessible solution for individualized, competence-based learning in analytical sciences

A study of SARS-CoV-2 genomic profiles, evolutionary changes, and transmission dynamics in Southeastern India during three pandemic waves

SARS-CoV-2 bio-surveillance at all levels is crucial for understanding its genetic evolution and vaccine effectiveness.This study investigated the emergence and evolution of new SARS-CoV-2 variants in the city of Puducherry, India throughout the three peaks of infection. A total of 128 samples were subjected to Illumina deep RNA sequencing. The results indicate that the first wave was dominated by uncommon variants, the second by Delta, and the third by Omicron. Lineages B.1.560 and B.1.617.2 were most prevalent. Analysis of 3133 common and 11 new mutations revealed Spike_D614G as the most common mutation and a novel set of mutations was observed in NS16, a key immune evasion factor. These NS16 mutations raise concerns about increased virulence, reduced vaccine efficacy, and potential antiviral resistance, warranting further investigation. Our findings contribute to SARS-CoV-2 evolutionary and genetic epidemiology research and highlight the need for ongoing surveillance to anticipate future variant threats

Vol. 15 NO. 3 (2025)

Vol. 15 NO. 3 (2025