Sensitive Detection of Small Molecules by Competitive Immunomagnetic-Proximity Ligation Assay

A novel detection method of small molecules, competitive immunomagnetic-proximity ligation assay (CIPLA), was developed and described in this report. Through the proximity effect caused by special proximity probes we prepared, small molecules can be detected using only one monoclonal antibody. CIPLA overcomes the obstacle that the proximity ligation assay (PLA) cannot be used in small molecular detection, as two antibodies are unable to combine to one small molecule due to its small molecular structure. Two small molecular compounds, clenbuterol (CLE) and ractopamine (RAC), were selected as targets for CIPLA. The limit of detection (LOD) reached 0.01 ng mL^–1, which was 10–50-fold lower than ELISA. With 5 orders of magnitude of the dynamic range achieved, the excellent sensitivity and broad dynamic range of CIPLA are noted. It can be applied widely in the sensitive detection of many other small molecular materials such as pesticides, additives in food, drugs, and biological samples, which have great significance in both theoretical and practical aspects

Association between gene polymorphisms and lung cancer risk in non-smokers.

<p>Association between gene polymorphisms and lung cancer risk in non-smokers.</p

Association between gene polymorphisms and smoking behaviors among smokers of lung cancer cases and controls.

<p>Data were expressed as mean±standard deviation.</p

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns of the two SNPs in 15q25.1.

<p>Numbers inside the boxes represent <i>r</i>² values for LD. Colors indicate the strength of LD between pair-wise combinations of SNPs (white, low LD; red, high LD).</p

Interaction between gene polymorphisms and smoking behaviors on lung cancer risk.

<p>Interaction between gene polymorphisms and smoking behaviors on lung cancer risk.</p

Comparison of demographic characteristics between case and control groups.

<p>Comparison of demographic characteristics between case and control groups.</p

Chromosome 15q25 (<i>CHRNA3-CHRNB4</i>) Variation Indirectly Impacts Lung Cancer Risk in Chinese Males

<div><p>Introduction</p><p>Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in Caucasian populations have identified an association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the <i>CHRNA5-A3-B4</i> nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit gene cluster on chromosome 15q25, lung cancer risk and smoking behaviors. However, these SNPs are rare in Asians, and there is currently no consensus on whether SNPs in <i>CHRNA5-A3-B4</i> have a direct or indirect carcinogenic effect through smoking behaviors on lung cancer risk. Though some studies confirmed rs6495308 polymorphisms to be associated with smoking behaviors and lung cancer, no research was conducted in China. Using a case-control study, we decided to investigate the associations between <i>CHRNA3</i> rs6495308, <i>CHRNB4</i> rs11072768, smoking behaviors and lung cancer risk, as well as explore whether the two SNPs have a direct or indirect carcinogenic effect on lung cancer.</p><p>Methods</p><p>A total of 1025 males were interviewed using a structured questionnaire (204 male lung cancer patients and 821 healthy men) to acquire socio-demographic status and smoking behaviors. Venous blood samples were collected to measure rs6495308 and rs11072768 gene polymorphisms. All subjects were divided into 3 groups: non-smokers, light smokers (1–15 cigarettes per day) and heavy smokers (>15 cigarettes per day).</p><p>Results</p><p>Compared to wild genotype, rs6495308 and rs11072768 variant genotypes reported smoking more cigarettes per day and a higher pack-years of smoking (P<0.05). More importantly, among smokers, both rs6495308 CT/TT and rs11072768 GT/GG had a higher risk of lung cancer compared to wild genotype without adjusting for potential confounding factors (OR = 1.36, 95%CI = 1.09–1.95; OR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.07–1.58 respectively). Furthermore, heavy smokers with rs6495308 or rs11072768 variant genotypes have a positive interactive effect on lung cancer after adjustment for potential confounding factors (OR = 1.13, 95%CI = 1.01–3.09; OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.01–3.41 respectively). However, No significant associations were found between lung cancer risk and both rs6495308 and rs11072768 genotypes among non-smokers and smokers after adjusting for age, occupation, and education.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>This study confirmed both rs6495308 and rs11072768 gene polymorphisms association with smoking behaviors and had an indirect link between gene polymorphisms and lung cancer risk.</p></div

Adjusted OR for the presence of impaired renal function and/or urinary abnormalities, albuminuria or impaired renal function.

<p>Adjusted OR for the presence of impaired renal function and/or urinary abnormalities, albuminuria or impaired renal function.</p

High Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors for Impaired Renal Function and Urinary Abnormalities in a Rural Adult Population from Southern China

<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased and will continue to rise worldwide. However, data regarding the prevalence of CKD in a rural area of China are limited. We therefore investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of impaired renal function and urinary abnormalities in an adult rural population in southern China.</p> <h3>Methods</h3><p>Between December 2006 and January 2007, residents older than 20 years from four villages in Zhuhai city were randomly selected using a stratified, multistage sampling technique. All participants were interviewed and tested for hematuria, albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The associations between age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperuricemia, education level and indicators of renal damage were examined.</p> <h3>Results</h3><p>Overall, 1,214 subjects were enrolled in this study. After adjustment for age and gender, the prevalence of albuminuria was 7.1% (95% CI: 4.5, 8.1), reduced eGFR was 2.6% (95% CI: 1.7%, 3.3%), and hematuria was 4.6% (95% CI: 3.3%, 6.0%). Approximately 13.6% (95% CI: 12.0%, 15.1%) of the patients had at least one indicator of renal damage, but only 8.3% were previously aware. Age, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, hyperuricemia, use of nephrotoxic medications, coronary heart disease and history of CKD were independently associated with impaired renal function and urinary abnormalities. Additionally, age, diabetes, and hypertension were independently associated with albuminuria. Age, hypertension, hyperuricemia, central obesity, and coronary heart disease were independently associated with reduced renal function.</p> <h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The high prevalence and low awareness of impaired renal function and urinary abnormalities in this population illustrates the urgent need to implement a CKD prevention program in the rural areas of southern China.</p> </div

Comparison of prevalence of adjusted indicators of kidney damage and related diseases between Doumen (a rural area of Zhuhai) and Guangzhou (urban data [10]).

<p>Comparison of prevalence of adjusted indicators of kidney damage and related diseases between Doumen (a rural area of Zhuhai) and Guangzhou (urban data <a href="http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0047100#pone.0047100-Chen1" target="_blank">[10]</a>).</p