BackgroundMutations in calreticulin (CALR) have been reported to be key markers in the molecular diagnosis of myeloid proliferative neoplasms. In most previous reports, CALR mutations were analyzed by using Sanger sequencing. Here, we report a new, rapid, and convenient system for screening CALR mutations without sequencing.MethodsEighty-three bone marrow samples were obtained from 81 patients with thrombocytosis. PCR primers were designed to detect wild-type CALR (product: 357 bp) and CALR with type 1 (product: 302 bp) and type 2 mutations (product: 272 bp) in one reaction. The results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing and compared with results from fragment analysis.ResultsThe minimum detection limit of the screening PCR was 10 ng for type 1, 1 ng for type 2, and 0.1 ng for cases with both mutations. CALR type 1 and type 2 mutants were detected with screening PCR with a maximal analytical sensitivity of 3.2% and <0.8%, respectively. The screening PCR detected 94.1% (16/17) of mutation cases and showed concordant results with sequencing in the cases of type 1 and type 2 mutations. Sanger sequencing identified one novel mutation (c.1123_1132delinsTGC). Compared with sequencing, the screening PCR showed 94.1% sensitivity, 100.0% specificity, 100.0% positive predictive value, and 98.5% negative predictive value. Compared with fragment analysis, the screening PCR presented 88.9% sensitivity and 100.0% specificity.ConclusionsThis screening PCR is a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective method for the detection of major CALR mutations.

Direct real-time PCR using vaginal-rectal specimen could be used for detecting GBS in emergent conditions. Molecular serotypes III, Ib and V were most common. MLST analysis frequently presented ST-1, ST-19 and ST-862.

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The CAL-8000 analysis line is beneficial for precise, fast hematology work, and even more useful in malaria endemic areas.

BackgroundApixaban and rivaroxaban are approved for the prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and embolic stroke in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The aim of this study was to find appropriate methods of monitoring the anticoagulant effects of are direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and establish on‐therapy ranges using conventional tests.MethodsA total of 184 samples were collected from 91 patients receiving DOACs. Concentrations of apixaban and rivaroxaban in plasma were accessed by an anti‐factor Xa chromogenic assay. PT, APTT, antithrombin, D‐dimer, dRVVT screen/confirm, FDP, and fibrinogen levels were measured. On‐therapy ranges were calculated by substituting previously reported trough plasma concentrations of DOACs.ResultsAnti‐factor Xa chromogenic assay‐based DOACs levels were 26.0‐279.5 (115.9 ± 56.5) ng/mL for apixaban at 2.5 mg BID, 19.9‐565.1 (205.3 ± 162.4) ng/mL for apixaban at 5 mg BID, 2.3‐395.3 (205.3 ± 162.4) ng/mL for rivaroxaban at 15 mg OD, 3.6‐494.8 (119.6 ± 95.1) ng/mL for rivaroxaban at 20 mg OD, and 9.6‐431.4 (140.8 ± 113.6) ng/mL for rivaroxaban at 15 mg BID. PT (%), antithrombin, and dRVVT confirm tests showed good correlation with plasma apixaban levels. Plasma rivaroxaban concentrations were correlated well with PT (sec), PT (%),and dRVVT confirm results. On‐therapy ranges established for dRVVT confirm test by linear regression were as follows: 1.32‐1.52 for apixaban 2.5 mg BID, 1.12‐1.75 for apixaban 5 mg BID, 1.11‐1.78 for rivaroxaban 15 mg OD, 1.09‐1.64 for rivaroxaban 20 mg OD, and 1.22‐1.81 for rivaroxaban 20 mg BID.ConclusionsApixaban concentrations were well correlated with PT (%), antithrombin, and dRVVT confirm test. Rivaroxaban concentrations showed good correlation with PT (sec), PT (%), and dRVVT confirm test.

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BackgroundAmino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a well-established prognostic factor in heart failure (HF). However, numerous causes may lead to elevations in NT-proBNP, and thus, an increased NT-proBNP level alone is not sufficient to predict outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of two acute response markers, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), in patients with an increased NT-proBNP level.MethodsThe 278 patients were classified into three groups by etiology: 1) acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (n=62), 2) non-ACS cardiac disease (n=156), and 3) infectious disease (n=60). Survival was determined on day 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, 90, 120, and 150 after enrollment.ResultsH-FABP (P<0.001), NT-proBNP (P=0.006), hsCRP (P<0.001) levels, and survival (P<0.001) were significantly different in the three disease groups. Patients were divided into three classes by using receiver operating characteristic curves for NT-proBNP, H-FABP, and hsCRP. Patients with elevated NT-proBNP (≥3,856 pg/mL) and H-FABP (≥8.8 ng/mL) levels were associated with higher hazard ratio for mortality (5.15 in NT-proBNP and 3.25 in H-FABP). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed H-FABP was a better predictor of 60-day mortality than NT-proBNP.ConclusionsThe combined measurement of H-FABP with NT-proBNP provides a highly reliable means of short-term mortality prediction for patients hospitalized for ACS, non-ACS cardiac disease, or infectious disease.