Validation of a membrane touch biosensor for the qualitative detection of IgG class antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2

A novel type of biosensor was assessed for application to the qualitative determination of circulating antibodies to herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). The device utilises a high activity HSV-2 type specific gG2 antigen for antibody capture and commercially available ELISA reagents. The study compares the diagnostic performance of a prototype HSV-2 biochip to well-established in vitro tests routinely applied in clinical procedures. A panel of human serum samples (n = 60) previously characterised for HSV-2 serological status using the DiaSorin LIAISON® HSV-2 chemiluminescent immunoassay were assayed on the HSV-2 biochip and the Focus Diagnostics HerpeSelect® 2 ELISA IgG kit to determine concordance with the predicate test method. Sensitivity and specificity of the HSV-2 biochip were found comparable to both the DiaSorin and Focus test methods. Sample index values calculated from the immunoassay response of the biochip\u27s coulometric sensors indicated a high degree of linear correlation of the dataset with the corresponding index values from the DiaSorin LIAISON® test (r2 0.8799) and Focus HerpeSelect® test (r2 0.8794). The HSV-2 biochip demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance in qualitative and semi-quantitative measurements, matching closely the performance of two diagnostic industry standard predicate methods

β-Methylumbelliferone Surface Modification and Permeability Investigations at PENTEL™ Graphite Electrodes

Electrochemical and micro-imaging analysis of a commercial graphite-composite material is presented following electro-oxidation with β-methylumbelliferone. Charge-transfer surface modification was observed for the graphite electrode, presumed to have arisen from adsorbed interfacial umbelliferone moieties. The molecular permeability of the new surface towards a range of similar, yet size-variable (23 Å3–136 Å3) molecular redox probes is discussed. Red-shift fluorescence in confocal microscopy offers further support for the presence of a surface-bound umbelliferone layer. An SEM-platinum profiling technique was used as an imaging tool to map the umbelliferone surface and size-distribution of electroactive sites

Quantum dot nanotoxicity investigations using human lung cells and toxor electrochemical enzyme assay methodology

Recent studies have suggested that certain nanomaterials can interfere with optically based cytotoxicity assays resulting in underestimations of nanomaterial toxicity. As a result there has been growing interest in the use of whole cell electrochemical biosensors for nanotoxicity applications. Herein we report application of an electrochemical cytotoxicity assay developed in house (TOXOR) in the evaluation of toxic effects of mercaptosuccinic acid capped cadmium telluride quantum dots (MSA capped CdTe QDs), toward mammalian cells. MSA capped CdTe QDs were synthesized, characterized, and their cytotoxicity toward A549 human lung epithelial cells investigated. The internalization of QDs within cells was scrutinized via confocal microscopy

Welcome to Implementation Science

Implementation research is the scientific study of methods to promote the systematic uptake of research findings and other evidence-based practices into routine practice, and, hence, to improve the quality and effectiveness of health services and care. This relatively new field includes the study of influences on healthcare professional and organisational behaviour. Implementation Science will encompass all aspects of research in this field, in clinical, community and policy contexts. This online journal will provide a unique platform for this type of research and will publish a broad range of articles – study protocols, debate, theoretical and conceptual articles, rigorous evaluations of the process of change, and articles on methodology and rigorously developed tools – that will enhance the development and refinement of implementation research. No one discipline, research design, or paradigm will be favoured. Implementation Science looks forward to receiving manuscripts that facilitate the continued development of the field, and contribute to healthcare policy and practice

Assessing personality in San Joaquin kit fox in situ: efficacy of field-based experimental methods and implications for conservation management

Utilisation of animal personality has potential benefit for conservation management. Due to logistics of robust behavioural evaluation in situ, the majority of studies on wild animals involve taking animals into captivity for testing, potentially compromising results. Three in situ tests for evaluation of boldness in San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) were developed (ENOT: extended novel object test; RNOT: rapid novel object test; TH: trap/handling test). Each test successfully identified variation in boldness within its target age class(es). The TH test was suitable for use across all age classes. Tests were assessed for in situ suitability and for quantity/quality of data yielded. ENOT was rated as requiring high levels of time, cost and labour with greater likelihood of failure. However, it was rated highly for data quantity/quality. The TH test was rated as requiring little time, labour and cost, but yielding lower quality data. RNOT was rated in the middle. Each test had merit and could be adapted to suit project or species constraints. We recommend field-based evaluation of personality, reducing removal of animals from the wild and facilitating routine incorporation of personality assessment into conservation projects