• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제24권8호
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• pp.1044-1050
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• 2014

Since there is no consensus about the most reliable assays to detect invasive aspergillosis from samples obtained by minimally invasive or noninvasive methods, we compared the efficacy of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for galactomannan (GM) detection and quantitative real-time PCR assay (qRT-PCR) for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. Neutropenic, male Sprague-Dawley rats (specific pathogen free; 8 weeks old; weight, $200{\pm}20g$) were immunosuppressed with cyclophosphamide and infected with Aspergillus fumigatus intratracheally. Tissue and whole blood samples were harvested on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 post-infection and examined with GM ELISA and qRT-PCR. The A. fumigatus DNA detection sequence was detected in the following number of samples from 12 immunosuppressed, infected rats examined on the scheduled days: day 1 (0/12), day 3 (0/12), day 5 (6/12), and day 7 (8/12) post-infection. The sensitivity and specificity of the qRT-PCR assay was 29.2% and 100%, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis indicated a Ct (cycle threshold) cut-off value of 15.35, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.627. The GM assay detected antigen in sera obtained on day 1 (5/12), day 3 (9/12), day 5 (12/12), and day 7 (12/12) post-infection, and thus had a sensitivity of 79.2% and a specificity of 100%. The ROC of the GM assay indicated that the optimal Ct cut-off value was 1.40 (AUC, 0.919). The GM assay was more sensitive than the qRT-PCR assay in diagnosing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in rats.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권12호
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• pp.7621-7628
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• 2013

Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) status is an important prognostic factor in breast cancer. There is no globally accepted method for determining its status, and which method is most precise is still a matter of debate. We here analyzed HER2 mRNA expression by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) and HER2 DNA amplification using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). In parallel, we performed a routine evaluation of HER2 protein by immunohistochemistry (IHC). To assess the accuracy of the RT-PCR and MLPA techniques, a combination of IHC and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used, substituting FISH when the results of IHC were ambiguous (2+) and for those IHC results that disagreed with MLPA and qRT-PCR, this approach being termed IHC-FISH. The IHC results for four samples were not compatible with the MLPA and qRT-PCR results; the MLPA and qRT-PCR results for these samples were confirmed by FISH. The correlations between IHC-FISH and qRT-PCR or MLPA were 0.945 and 0.973, respectively. The ASCO/CAP guideline IHC/FISH correlation with MLPA was (0.827) and with RT-PCR was (0.854). The correlations between the IHC results (0, 1+ as negative, and 3+ as positive) and qRT-PCR and MLPA techniques were 0.743 and 0.831, respectively. Given the shortcomings of IHC analysis and greater correlations between MLPA, qRT-PCR, and FISH methods than IHC analysis alone with each of these three methods, we propose that MLPA and real-time PCR are good alternatives to IHC. However a suitable cut-off point for qRTPCR is a prerequisite for determining the exact status of HER2.

• 한국해양학회지:바다
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.422-428
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• 2019

어류폐사 와편모조류인 Cochlodinium polykrikoides는 large-subunit(LSU) ribosomal RNA gene을 기반으로 전 세계적으로 4가지 유전타입이 알려져 있으며, 남해안에는 2가지 유전타입이 출현한다고 보고되었다. 본 연구에서는 C. polykrikoides의 동아시아 타입과 필리핀 타입의 남해안 출현양상을 quantitative real-time PCR(qPCR)을 이용하여 3년간(2014~2016년) 조사하였다. 동아시아 타입의 경우 2014~2016년에 40~100% 비율로 남해안 전 정점(통영~완도)에서 검출이 된 반면, 필리핀타입은 대마난류 유입이 강했던 2016년에만 통영~고흥 일부 해역에서 1~2% 비율로 극미량 검출되었다. 위 결과는 동아시아타입이 남해안의 우점 C. polykrikoides 개체군임을 보여주고 있으며, 일부 유영세포는 대마난류를 따라 외해역으로 부터 유입될 수 있음을 시사한다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제22권11호
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• pp.1575-1579
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• 2012

Paenibacillus polymyxa is known to be a plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium. The present study describes a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for the specific detection and quantitation of P. polymyxa using a primer pair based on the sequence of a membrane-fusion protein for the amplification of a 268 bp DNA fragment. This study reports that the qPCR-based method is applicable for the rapid and sensitive detection of P. polymyxa and can be used as an alternative method for agricultural soil monitoring.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.1655-1659
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• 2013

Background: HER-2/neu is a proto-oncogene that encodes a transmembrane tyrosine kinase growth factor which is crucial for stimulating growth and cellular motility. Overexpression of HER-2/neu is observed in 10-35% of human breast cancers and is associated with pathogenesis, prognosis as well as response to therapy. Given the imperative role of HER-2/neu overexpression in breast cancer, it is important to determine the magnitude of amplification which may facilitate a better prognosis as well as personalized therapy in affected patients. In this study, we determined HER-2/neu protein expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) concurrently with HER-2/neu DNA amplification by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR). Materials and Methods: A total of 53 paired tissue samples from breast cancer patients were frozen-sectioned to characterize the tumour and normal tissues. Only tissues with 80% tumour cells were used in this study. For confirmation, Q-PCR was used to determine the HER-2/neu DNA amplification. Results: We found 20/53 (37.7%) of the tumour tissues to be positive for HER-2/neu protein overexpression using IHC. Out of these twenty, only 9/53 (17%) cases were in agreement with the Q-PCR results. The concordance rate between IHC and Q-PCR was 79.3%. Approximately 20.7% of positive IHC cases showed no HER-2/neu gene amplification using Q-PCR. Conclusion: In conclusion, IHC can be used as an initial screening method for detection of the HER-2/neu protein overexpression. Techniques such as Q-PCR should be employed to verify the IHC results for uncertain cases as well as determination of HER-2/neu gene amplification.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.64-70
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• 2019

Dirofilaria immitis (D. immitis)는 개의 심폐사상충증을 일으키는 선형사상충이다. 이 기생충에 감염된 개는 감염 후기 단계에서 하나 이상의 증상과 혈관 주위의 염증을 동반한 심화된 심장 질환을 보인다. 감염 초기단계에 특이적이고 효율적으로 D. immitis를 검출하기 위해서, 선행연구에서 밝혀낸 D. immitis의 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)와 개의 glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)를 검출하는 특이적인 프라이머와 프로브를 이용하여 이중 TaqMan qPCR 방법을 개발했다. 양성 대조군인 플라스미드 유전자는 TA-cloning vector와 D. immitis의 COI나 개의 GAPDH로 구성되었다. 단일과 이중 TaqMan qPCR 방법은 특이적인 프라이머와 프로브, 그리고 게놈 유전자나 플라스미드 유전자로 수행했다. 프라이머의 농도를 최적한 후, 본 연구에서 개발한 이중 반응은 D. immitis의 COI와 개의 GAPDH를 동일 시료에서 동시에 검출했다. 검출 한계는 단일과 이중 방법 모두 25 copies였고, 두 방법 모두 좋은 선형성과 높은 민감도, 그리고 우수한 PCR 효율을 보여주었다. 병원체를 검출하기 위한 이중 방법은 단일 방법에 비해 비용과 노동력, 시간이 적게 든다. 따라서 이중 TaqMan qPCR 방법의 개발은 많은 수의 시료로부터 동시에 효율적으로 D. immitis 검출과 정량이 가능하게 할 것이다.

• Toxicological Research
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.81-87
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• 2016

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is produced by Aspergillus flavus growing in feedstuffs. Early detection of maize contamination by aflatoxigenic fungi is advantageous since aflatoxins exert adverse health effects. In this study, we report the development of an optimized conventional PCR for AFB1 detection and a rapid, sensitive and simple screening Real-time PCR (qPCR) with SYBR Green and two pairs of primers targeting the aflR genes which involved aflatoxin biosynthesis. AFB1 contaminated maize samples were divided into three groups by the toxin concentration. Genomic DNA was extracted from those samples. The target genes for A. flavus were tested by conventional PCR and the PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis. A conventional PCR was carried out as nested PCR to verify the gene amplicon sizes. PCR-RFLP patterns, obtained with Hinc II and Pvu II enzyme analysis showed the differences to distinguish aflatoxin-producing fungi. However, they are not quantitative and need a separation of the products on gel and their visualization under UV light. On the other hand, qPCR facilitates the monitoring of the reaction as it progresses. It does not require post-PCR handling, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination and handling errors. It results in a much faster throughout. We found that the optimal primer annealing temperature was $65^{\circ}C$. The optimized template and primer concentration were $1.5{\mu}L\;(50ng/{\mu}L)$ and $3{\mu}L\;(10{\mu}M/{\mu}L)$ respectively. SYBR Green qPCR of four genes demonstrated amplification curves and melting peaks for tub1, afIM, afIR, and afID genes are at $88.0^{\circ}C$, $87.5^{\circ}C$, $83.5^{\circ}C$, and $89.5^{\circ}C$ respectively. Consequently, it was found that the four primers had elevated annealing temperatures, nevertheless it is desirable since it enhances the DNA binding specificity of the dye. New qPCR protocol could be employed for the determination of aflatoxin content in feedstuff samples.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제27권5호
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• pp.508-513
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• 2010

싸이토카인은 염증 및 면역 반응의 평가에 있어서 매우 중요한 요소이다. 따라서 이들의 mRNA 수준을 정량하고 평가하는 것은 염증 및 면역 반응을 평가하는데 있어서 그 민감도가 매우 높은 방법으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구의 목적은 SYBR green dye를 이용하여 개의 싸이토카인 mRNA를 정량적 실시간 역전사 중합효소연쇄반응(real-time reverse transcriptase PCR; qRT-PCR)으로 분석을 할 수 있도록 함에 있다고 할 수 있다. 제작된 시발체(primer)의 최적화된 붙임 온도(annealing temperature; $T_a$)는 인터루킨(interleukin; IL)-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-10이 각각 $62^{\circ}C$, glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH)와 tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-${\alpha}$가 $60^{\circ}C$ 그리고 high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)이 $58^{\circ}C$였다. 표준 정량 곡선을 이용하여 측정한 시발체의 효율성은 97.1%에서 102.%로 매우 높았고, 2차 구조물(secondary structure)과 시발체-이합체 형성(primer-dimer formation)은 융해곡선(melt-curve)분석과 전기영동을 통해 확인하였다. 이렇게 정립된 qRT-PCR 분석법은 민감도와 특이도가 매우 높은 개 싸이토카인 유전자 정량법으로 활용될 수 있을 것이다.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제22권6호
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• pp.87.1-87.12
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• 2021

Background: African swine fever virus (ASFV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) are still prevalent in many regions of China. Co-infections make it difficult to distinguish their clinical symptoms and pathological changes. Therefore, a rapid and specific method is needed for the differential detection of these pathogens. Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (multiplex qRT-PCR) for the simultaneous differential detection of ASFV, CSFV, and PRRSV. Methods: Three pairs of primers and TaqMan probes targeting the ASFV p72 gene, CSFV 5' untranslated region, and PRRSV ORF7 gene were designed. After optimizing the reaction conditions, including the annealing temperature, primer concentration, and probe concentration, multiplex qRT-PCR for simultaneous and differential detection of ASFV, CSFV, and PRRSV was developed. Subsequently, 1,143 clinical samples were detected to verify the practicality of the assay. Results: The multiplex qRT-PCR assay could specifically and simultaneously detect the ASFV, CSFV, and PRRSV with a detection limit of 1.78 × 10⁰ copies for the ASFV, CSFV, and PRRSV, but could not amplify the other major porcine viruses, such as pseudorabies virus, porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), PCV2, PCV3, foot-and-mouth disease virus, porcine parvovirus, atypical porcine pestivirus, and Senecavirus A. The assay had good repeatability with coefficients of variation of intra- and inter-assay of less than 1.2%. Finally, the assay was used to detect 1,143 clinical samples to evaluate its practicality in the field. The positive rates of ASFV, CSFV, and PRRSV were 25.63%, 9.36%, and 17.50%, respectively. The co-infection rates of ASFV+CSFV, ASFV+PRRSV, CSFV+PRRSV, and ASFV+CSFV+PRRSV were 2.45%, 2.36%, 1.57%, and 0.17%, respectively. Conclusions: The multiplex qRT-PCR developed in this study could provide a rapid, sensitive, specific diagnostic tool for the simultaneous and differential detection of ASFV, CSFV, and PRRSV.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제54권1호
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• pp.39-46
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• 2016

Theileria annulata is a tick-borne intracellular protozoan parasite that causes tropical theileriosis, a fatal bovine lymphoproliferative disease. The parasite predominantly invades bovine B lymphocytes and macrophages and induces host cell transformation by a mechanism that is not fully comprehended. Analysis of signaling pathways by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) could be a highly efficient means to understand this transformation mechanism. However, accurate analysis of qPCR data relies on selection of appropriate reference genes for normalization, yet few papers on T. annulata contain evidence of reference gene validation. We therefore used the geNorm and NormFinder programs to evaluate the stability of 5 candidate reference genes; 18S rRNA, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), ACTB (${\beta}-actin$), PRKG1 (protein kinase cGMP-dependent, type I) and TATA box binding protein (TBP). The results showed that 18S rRNA was the reference gene most stably expressed in bovine PBMCs transformed and non-transformed with T. annulata, followed by GAPDH and TBP. While 18S rRNA and GAPDH were the best combination, these 2 genes were chosen as references to study signaling pathways involved in the transformation mechanism of T. annulata.