Africa: Treating HIV-Positive Babies Wth ARVs Really Works Nov 21, 2008
PCR tests, the only way to determine whether babies under 18 months have contracted the virus, have been available in South Africa's public health sector since 2004, but implementation has been patchy ... Even at the relatively well-resourced PHRU clinic in Soweto, and the Tygerberg Children's Hospital in Cape Town - the other site used in the study - PCR testing is only carried out in about 60 percent of babies born to HIV-positive mothers, said Violari. (allAfrica.com)
Steven Burrill, others win biotech honors Nov 15, 2008
Lifetime Achievement: Dr. Kary Mullis, the Nobel Prize winner for his work in developing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), one of the most important scientific techniques of the 20th century because the process allows scientists to amplify DNA. DNA amplification that occurs with PCR has multiple applications within fields of medicine, genetics, biotechnology and forensics. Outstanding Company: BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN), a Marin County-based company that develops and... (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Diagenic Announces Launch of First Breast Cancer Gene-Expression Blood Test Nov 10, 2008
These 384 simultaneous real-time PCR reactions are performed without the need to use liquid-handling robots or multichannel pipettors. The array is run on the Applied Biosystems 7900HT Fast Real-time PCR System by Labindia. (PR Newswire)
The seer of science Nov 6, 2008
Case in point: In 1986, an eccentric scientist/surfer named Kary Mullis perfected an idea he'd come up with (reputedly while on LSD) -- polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a method of replicating tiny amounts of DNA into large amounts. From DNA fingerprinting to cloning, PCR has changed the world. (Winnipeg Sun)
Dorset County Hospital Enhances MRSA Surveillance Programme Through Rapid Patient Screening Nov 4, 2008
The GeneXpert(R) System is the only system to combine on-board sample preparation with real-time PCR (polymerase chain reaction) amplification and detection functions for fully integrated and automated nucleic acid analysis. The system is designed to purify, concentrate, detect and identify targeted nucleic acid sequences thereby delivering answers directly from unprocessed samples. (PR Newswire)
Roche Receives FDA Approval for Hepatitis C Viral Load Test on Its Fully Automated Real-Time PCR Platform Oct 31, 2008
The test uses Roche's proprietary real-time PCR technology to quantify the amount of Hepatitis C RNA in a patient's blood ... About the COBAS(R) AmpliPrep/COBAS(R) TaqMan(R) System The COBAS(R) AmpliPrep / COBAS(R) TaqMan(R) HCV Viral Load Test is designed for use on the first fully automated, FDA approved, real-time PCR platform, providing sample-in/results-out capability ... The COBAS(R) AmpliPrep / COBAS(R) TaqMan(R) HCV Test is the third Roche COBAS(R) TaqMan(R) real-time PCR test approved... (PR Newswire)
New Test Promises Quicker, More Accurate Evaluation For Cystic Fibrosis Patients Oct 29, 2008
Using real-time polymerase chain reaction and additional statistical tools, the researchers identified three of those genes that most accurately correlated with a positive therapeutic response: CD36, CD64 and ADAM9. CD36 and CD64 are genes associated with cells absorption of foreign organisms and cellular debris. (Science Daily)
Boy survives after iron rod pierces his chin Oct 21, 2008
Shiv Dutt, a Class 8 student of the Thomson Public School in west Delhi's Uttam Nagar, was rushed in a Police Control Room (PCR) van to the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Hospital where doctors performed a surgery to remove the rod. According to doctors, there was no damage to his eyes and his condition was stable. (Sify)
Delhi woman sets self afire over dowry Oct 18, 2008
A PCR van took her to hospital,'' said a senior police officer. The officer added that Darshan had told them that his daughter got married in 1996. (India Times, India)
Genes that control cell death fingered in age-related hearing loss Oct 17, 2008
Then the team narrowed its focus to 35 such genes, employing a newer technique known as a PCR array to measure activity. Through that test the scientists identified eight genes, all part of the apoptotic process, whose activity differed between the two groups. (EurekAlert!)
OCEANSIDE: Westfield challenges plan for giant Oceanside shopping center Oct 16, 2008
Whats really ironic is the original developer of PCR wanted to place it at this site and instead we got the Drive-Inn's in Oceanside because Carlsbad gave them incentives to build over there. A small part of the mall is actually on City of Oceanside owned land too, thats what they have been trying to get annexed into Carlsbad so they can build housing around the mall. (North County Times)
Tips from the journals of the American Society for Microbiology Oct 16, 2008
In the study researchers developed and evaluated a TaqMan probe-based real-time PCR method for detecting Y. enterocolitica in food in one to two days. Following overnight synthetic enrichment of samples of milk, minced beef, cold-smoked sausage, fish and carrots with Y. enterocolitica, results of the TaqMan PCR test showed high levels of sensitivity, robustness, precision and efficiency in detecting the bacterium ... "A rapid and specific real-time PCR method for the detection of pathogenic Y.... (EurekAlert!)
Claflin AIDS researcher has long association with Nobel winner Oct 10, 2008
In it, he said Bagasra s use of a technique called in situ polymerase chain reaction, has the potential to bring many of the hazy issues of HIV retrovirology into focus. Dr. Bagasra is not only a skillful, innovative laboratory researcher; he is also a discerning scholar who explores novel ideas, many of which he has discussed with me during scientific conferences, Dr. Montagnier wrote. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Stool DNA Testing For Colorectal Cancer Has Potential, But Challenges Remain Oct 8, 2008
Tumor DNA may account for less than one-millionth of total stool DNA. The instruments used to measure DNA for the interim results could not always detect the DNA. Since then, Mayo Clinic and others have improved the sensitivity of the measurement tools using digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique to duplicate DNA, and other analytical techniques. "To prevent colorectal cancer deaths, we need an easy-to-use screening tool that consistently finds precancerous polyps," says Dr.... (Science Daily)
Captain Birdseye's Robotic Nose Oct 4, 2008
Using a technique based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Eyj;fur Reynisson and colleagues from Matis-Icelandic Food Research, Reykjavik, can assess the levels of bacteria in a sample in just five hours. This is four times faster than the current quickest method, which involves traditional cultivation of the bacteria Pseudomonas, the root cause of stinking fish. (Science Daily)
Looking at this Braves winter and beyond Oct 3, 2008
McFann - PCR yea that is the day I checked on my calendar, was sure I had it written in (dear diary) but no so I checked the DOB MIB archives and this was the blog title on then on DOB titled it so maybe we should count down to PCC pitching camp convenes then PCR pitchers and catchers report, oh the drama ... McFann thanks for doing the math you are probably in the ball park I say that because my guess is they translate back from opening day which is different this coming year I think now I... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever Transmitted by Blood Transfusion Oct 3, 2008
The stored serum sample was positive for dengue virus type 2, as ascertained by means of a polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assay. 2. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Working women jittery in Delhi Oct 3, 2008
I located the nearest PCR van and informed them of the incident ... Even if Delhi Police PRO ACP Rajan Bhagat claims that there are enough PCR vans and surprise checks at night to keep criminals at bay, stories like Sandhyas are not rare ... For almost 3-4 km, there are no PCR vans. (India Times, India)
New, More Sensitive Nanotechnology Test For Chemical DNA Modifications Developed Sep 25, 2008
Methylation specific PCR, which copies specific DNA sequences millions of times within a few hours, may not be sensitive enough to detect small amounts of methylation, and real time PCR, which allows scientists to view increases in the amount of DNA as it is copied, needs to be run several times and can be expensive, he says. The Hopkins-developed test makes PCR technology more sensitive and efficient, Bailey said ... Then the scientists used PCR with labeled primers to copy and label these DNA... (Science Daily)
What is the Lyme Disease Rash? Sep 22, 2008
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) biopsies from the outer margins of the rashes of eleven patients more consistently showed Borrelia DNA than do biopsies from the centers of the same rashes. ELISA tests were positive for Borrelia in samples taken from only five of these patients, while IgM and IgG ELISA tests of the other six patients were negative or inconclusive. (Suite101.com)
hefA plays an important role in multidrug resistance of Helicobacter pylori Sep 20, 2008
Zheng from Zhengzhou University used fluorescence real-time quantitative PCR to study the levels of mRNA expression of hefA in MDR strains and its parent strains. To futher evaluate the contribution of hefA in multidrug resistance of H pylori, the article also constructed an H pylori mutant strain ( H. pylori LZ1026), and detected the susceptibility to 10 antimicrobials of the H pylori LZ1026 with a more sensitive method of twofold agar dilution tests. (EurekAlert!)
Combined Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen names leadership team Sep 18, 2008
The division will house the business units of PCR Systems, Genomic Assays and Molecular Biology Reagents, and will combine Invitrogen s broad reagent technologies with Applied Biosystems expertise in molecular analysis workflows to create the leading portfolio for applications in gene expression, genotyping, gene regulation and proteomics. The division will be led by Peter Dansky, the current leader of Applied Biosystems Molecular and Cell Biology Functional Analysis division. (East Bay Business Times, CA)
2nd BMW hit-and-run: Driver arrested Sep 12, 2008
A Delhi Police motorcycle patrol spotted the two and immediately informed the PCR van stationed near Moolchand which rushed the two to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) where the condition of Anuj was stated to be critical. He had suffered head and spinal injuries. (India Times, India)
Hindu Rao doctors strike after attack Sep 7, 2008
"We want security to be beefed up. We want a police chowki on the campus. A PCR van should also be deployed so that we can call the police in an emergency," said Dr Vishwakarma. Additional MCD commissioner Janak Digal visited the doctors and assured them that their demands would be looked into. (Times of India)
Summer means science for these students Sep 4, 2008
Based on the theory that students learn best through discovery, participants created mock medicines to learn about the drug development process, mutated the gene for Blue Fluorescent protein to Green Fluorescent protein by PCR mutagenesis, transformed E. Coli and then purified the protein by column chromatography. During the third, more rigorous Advanced Adventures in Biotechnology session, students differentiated pluripotent cells in culture into neural cells and learned a variety of... (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
M. D. Anderson study finds change in HER2 status after treatment with Herceptin Sep 4, 2008
At the time of surgery, 50 percent of the women achieved a pathologic complete response (pCR), or no evidence of breast cancer. Of those who did not achieve pCR, pre- and post-treatment tissue samples were available for 23 patients The samples were analyzed using FISH, a laboratory technique that uses fluorescent probes to detect specific DNA sequences, in this case, additional copies of the HER2 gene ... 8 percent) who had achieved a pCR had recurred, compared to eight patients (11. (EurekAlert!)
Infections Linked To Premature Births More Common Than Thought, Study Finds Aug 27, 2008
For this study, DiGiulio used a highly sensitive technique called polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, to track down micro-organisms in amniotic fluid samples collected from 166 women in preterm labor at the Detroit Medical Center between October 1998 and December 2002. Of these, 113 women went on to deliver their infants prematurely. (Science Daily)
Study: Preterm Births, Infections Linked Aug 27, 2008
This time around, Relman and research fellow Dr. Dan DiGiulio used more sophisticated testing known as PCR to find and reproduce bits of genetic material from germs ... Adding the PCR tests found 56% more infected women than standard testing alone detected. (Time.com)
Infections may trigger premature birth Aug 26, 2008
This time around, Relman and research fellow Dr. Dan DiGiulio used more sophisticated testing known as PCR to find and reproduce bits of genetic material from germs ... Adding the PCR tests found 56 percent more infected women than standard testing alone detected. (MSNBC -- Health)
Boveran Diagnostics, Inc. Adds Nobel Prize Winner, Dr. Kary Mullis, to Board of Advisors Aug 25, 2008
Dr. Mullis received a Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1993 for his invention of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) ... His many publications include "The Cosmological Significance of Time Reversal" (Nature), "The Unusual Origin of the Polymerase Chain Reaction" (Scientific American), "Primer-directed Enzymatic Amplification of DNA with a Thermostable DNA Polymerase" (Science), and "Specific Synthesis of DNA In Vitro via a Polymerase Catalyzed Chain Reaction" (Methods in Enzymology). (PR Newswire)
Chemical Liberated By Leaky Gut May Allow HIV To Infect The Brain, Scientists Find Aug 20, 2008
This meant that the monocytes could be detected either by looking for glowing green cells under the microscope or by using polymerase chain reaction, a sensitive genetic assay capable of detecting the DNA of the GFP gene. Next, the researchers isolated millions of monocytes HIV/GFP-producing monocytes from the HIV/GFP-TG mice, and monocytes from the GFP-TG mice producing GFP alone and injected each type of monocyte into control mice. (Science Daily)
'NATURE' ARTICLE: Neutralizing antibodies derived from the B cells of 1918 influenza pandemic survivors Aug 19, 2008
The isotype and subclass of secreted antibodies were determined by ELISA. Nucleotide sequences of variable gene segments were determined from cloned cDNA generated by PCR with reverse transcription (RT PCR) amplification of cellular messenger RNA using variable gene-specific primers designed to amplify antibody genes from all gene families ... The sequences of the HA genes of these viruses used were confirmed by RT PCR and cDNA sequence analysis ... RNA was extracted from virus-infected... (USA Today -- Tech)
Fungal Disease Culprits Identified With Molecular Genetics Aug 11, 2008
Though not ready for commercial use, the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays set the stage for building a comprehensive risk-management database that will help farmers decide the best way to counter the fungi, based on how many of them are present in the soil, as well as other factors such as prevailing conditions, the type of crop grown, and other variables. Patricia Okubara, Timothy Paulitz and Kurtis Schroeder at the ARS Root Disease and Biological Control Research... (Science Daily)
What is touch DNA? Aug 9, 2008
Here s how it works: Investigators recover cells from the scene, then use a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to make lots of copies of the genes. Next, scientists mix in fluorescent compounds that attach themselves to 13 specific locations on the DNA and give a highly specific genetic portrait of that person. (Scientific American)
HHV-6A in Syncytial Giant-Cell Hepatitis Aug 7, 2008
At the onset of the disease, the detection of HHV-6A (but not HHV-6B) DNA in plasma, in affected liver tissue, and in single micromanipulated syncytial giant cells with the use of two different polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assays indicated the presence of active HHV-6A infection in the patient. Expression of the HHV-6A specific early protein, p41/38, but not of the HHV-6B specific late protein, p101, was demonstrated only in liver syncytial giant cells in the absence of other infectious... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Dinucleotide repeat polymorphism in Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (Flt-1) gene is not associated with preeclampsia Jul 17, 2008
The region containing the dinucleotide repeat polymorphism of the Flt-1 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from the DNA samples and was analyzed by direct PCR sequencing. Results. (BioMed Central)
Agency to Unveil TB Test Jul 1, 2008
The new diagnostic test -- called a line-probe assay -- is made by Germany's Hain Lifescience GmbH, and uses a technology known as polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, to identify genes linked with resistance to two first-line TB drugs, rifampin and isoniazid. The information will enable doctors to more quickly start treatment, quelling the bug's spread. (Wall Street Journal)
Monsoon illness claims 1 more life Jun 23, 2008
"We will be testing his blood samples with a high-tech PCR test to check if it was indeed leptospirosis," she said. Another 137 Mumbaikars were hospitalised with fever. (Times of India)
Genetic and biochemical studies in Argentinean patients with variegate porphyria Jun 21, 2008
We have studied at molecular level 18 new Argentinean patients biochemically diagnosed as VP. PPOX gene was amplified in one or in twelve PCR reactions ... For RT-PCR studies RNA was retrotranscripted, amplified and sequenced. (BioMed Central)
Mutation spectrum of 122 hemophilia A families from Taiwanese population by LD-PCR, DHPLC, multiplex PCR and evaluating the clinical application of HRM Jun 20, 2008
We designed the competitive multiplex PCR to identify the carrier with exonal deletions ... There was one family identified with whole exons deletion, and the carriers were successfully recognized by multiplex PCR. By HRM, the different melting curve patterns were easily identified in 25 out of 28 cases (89%) and 15 out of 15 (100%) carriers. (BioMed Central)
A New Arenavirus in Transplantation Jun 12, 2008
Second, diagnostic tests for LCMV (polymerase chain reaction, serologic tests, or viral isolation) would undoubtedly have detected the agent, had these tests been used on initial screening. The omission of these tests. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Acinetobacter baumannii in Intensive Care Unit: a Novel System to Study Clonal Relationship Among the Isolates. Jun 9, 2008
The Repetitive sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR) has been recognized as an effective method and it was recently adapted to an automated format known as the DiversiLab system. Methods. (BioMed Central)
Third Wave buys Stratagene patents May 31, 2008
Third Wave said the new chemistry also opens new research markets to the company, including the $500-million quantitative polymerase chain reaction market. In a press release, Third Wave president and CEO Kevin Conroy said: "The next-generation Invader chemistries strengthened by this acquisition will give Third Wave's clinical products fundamental competitive advantages in the most valuable molecular diagnostic markets.". (Milwaukee Business Journal, WI)
Med BioGene Appoints Diagnostics Industry Veteran Dr. Heiner Dreismann to Board of Directors May 29, 2008
While at Roche, Dr. Dreismann led the introduction in Europe of the company's PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and, now industry-standard, real-time PCR-based tests. PCR is a Nobel-prize winning technology which has been recognized as one of the most important scientific developments of our generation ... PCR allows scientists to copy a single segment of DNA billions of times, making it possible to take a specimen, copy its genetic sequence, and, within hours, generate a test sample sufficient to... (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
US Senate to consider extra $400m for NIH May 26, 2008
Reagents (protein, genomic, PCR, cell-culture). Separation Sciences (chromatography). (LabTechnologist.com)
A novel de novo mutation in the serine-threonine kinase STK11 gene in a Korean patient with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome May 22, 2008
Using DNA samples obtained from the patient and his family members, we sequenced nine exons and flanking intron regions of the STK11 gene using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. Results. (BioMed Central)
The evolution of teen science May 20, 2008
The highly sophisticated work using mouse-cell cultures and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) will probably see light in a peer-reviewed academic journal. The gold has left Kirkland Lake, but millions of tonnes of tailings from the mines haven't. (Toronto Star)
AECL pulls plug on reactors after millions spent May 17, 2008
In the past three years alone, AECL spent more than $200-million as it sought an answer to a vexing problem known as a positive power coefficient of reactivity (PCR). The reactor is supposed to have a negative coefficient of reactivity, meaning the nuclear reaction would slow down if the power in the core increased. (Globe and Mail)
Teen Helps Design Classroom DNA Experiments Using Common Food Dyes May 15, 2008
Explaining another experiment from the study, Trigiano continued: "The second laboratory exercise requires more extensive equipment and a more advanced set of skills, but the exercise has been completed successfully by middle school-level through graduate-level students and teachers. In this exercise, the internally transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal subunit for a fungus, plant, and insect are amplified and separated electrophoretically on agarose gels. A simple crime is solved using... (Science Daily)
Kids More Vulnerable to Swimming-Related Illness May 9, 2008
The newer method called quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) may be able to reveal contamination levels in as little as two hours. To determine how well testing methods were able to gauge illness risk, the researchers tested water quality. (MEDLINEplus)
Services crippled as doctors at LNJP continue to strike May 8, 2008
Their other demands included lodging an FIR against the family and deployment of a PCR van in the hospital. "They (family of the deceased) alleged the patient died due to medical negligence, which is not true. We need security for ourselves," he added. (Zee News)
Lab In A Drop: Pocket-sized PCR Rapid Test Including Sample Preparation May 8, 2008
They have now developed a rapid test for genetic diagnosis that combines the preparation of biological samples with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on one chip ... PCR allows gene sequences to be duplicated and identified to identify a disease trigger, for example ... Because of the slow heating and cooling processes, laboratory PCR usually takes several hours. (Science Daily)
Bureaucracy Hampers an E. Coli Weapon May 7, 2008
GeneSystems, which has raised $15 million in venture capital, accomplishes this feat by doing away with traditional slow-growing Petri dish cultures, instead harnessing a molecular biology technique called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that produces as many as 100 billion copies of a strand of DNA in a single afternoon. With a large sample to work from, lab technicians can more easily spot bacteria such as E. coli using diagnostic equipment. (BusinessWeek)
Stored Ovarian Tissue Needs Testing before Re-Implantation May 2, 2008
Only one test ever detected minimal residual disease in ovarian tissue: modern, highly sensitive, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a test that amplifies sections of DNA to detect molecular markers that would indicate the presence of cancer cells. The authors suggested that, as methods for detecting cancer cells are improving all the time, and ovarian tissue can be stored for more than 10 years, tests to detect residual disease should be carried out just before transplantation rather... (MEDLINEplus)
Cancer Could Return Unless Stored Ovarian Tissue Undergoes Adequate Testing Before Re-implantation May 2, 2008
" Dr Meirow, who leads the fertility preservation programme in the IVF Unit at Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer (headed by Professor Jehoshua Dor), carried out the research with Professor Dina Ben Yehuda, director of the Hematology Division at Hadassah University Hospital, Jerusalem. Dr Meirow said that fertility centres with close connections to cancer and haematological centres should be able to work together in order to adopt the correct methods for checking stored tissue. Before... (Science Daily)
Anti-fibrotic Mechanism Of A Chinese Medicinal Herb May Inspire Drug Development May 2, 2008
Using human hepatic stellate cells and a real-time quantitative PCR method, this research was performed by physicians from the Beijing Genomics Institute, the Liver Research Center of the Beijing Friendship Hospital, and the Institute of Medicinal Plant Development of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China. Further research should be done to explain the mechanism for Cpd 861's regulation of collagen-related gene expression and to identify the active antifibrotic ingredient in Cpd 861. (Science Daily)
GREEN GODDESS Apr 22, 2008
" Hudson helped choose the ingredients for Babaii for WildAid's Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Conditioner, like volcanic ash from the Vanuatu Islands in the South Pacific, which is said to add volume to the hair, to butter harvested from the Amazon, used for its hydrating properties. (Proceeds benefit WildAid, an eco-force working towards ending the illegal wildlife trade and save endangered species around the world.) Kiehl's introduced their antioxidant-rich Superbly Restorative body lotion... (New York Post -- Entertainment)
New Technologies Offer More Accurate Means Of Diagnosis And Monitoring Cancer Apr 21, 2008
Using a laboratory technique called methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction, which enables the production of millions of copies of a specific DNA sequence in a short period of time, the researchers analyzed promoter methylation (a DNA modification that shuts down gene expression) of the tumor suppressor genes p16 and FHIT in 1,774 samples of oral and bronchial tissue taken from the study participants. They found that methylation patterns observed in the oral tissues correlated with those... (Science Daily)
Expression Profiling with RNA from Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded Material Apr 20, 2008
g. by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR, QPCR) remain a major challenge ... The RNA is suitable for expression measurement by QPCR when used in combination with an optimized cDNA synthesis protocol and TaqMan assays specific for short amplicons. (BioMed Central)
Herceptin(R) Helps Eradicate HER2-Positive Breast Tumours When Given Before Surgery Apr 18, 2008
" The GeparQuattro results are consistent with other Herceptin neoadjuvant studies, such as NOAH (NeOAdjuvant Herceptin, including 228 evaluable HER2-positive patients)(2) and TECHNO (Taxol-Epirubicin-Cyclophosphamid-Herceptin Neoadjuvant), reinforcing the strong evidence for the benefits associated with Herceptin in the early stages of HER2-positive breast cancer. "It is very reassuring to see that the GeparQuattro study confirmed the significant benefits observed with Herceptin in other... (Canada Newswire)
Herceptin and chemo improves response rates without major adverse effects in HER2 breast cancer Apr 18, 2008
3% of women with HER2-positive tumours who had received both chemotherapy and trastuzumab; whereas the pathologic complete response rate (pCR, complete disappearance of cancer cells from the breast) was 19 ... Prof Untch said: Previous studies have shown that HER2-positive women who do not receive trastuzumab never have a pCR rate that exceeds 20 ... Our study has shown that it is possible to combine trastuzumab with anthracycline/taxane chemotherapy regimen without any significant adverse... (EurekAlert!)
Have your genetic code unravelled? Apr 17, 2008
Instead, the sample is directly amplified by a process called polymerase chain reaction. The long string of "rungs" is then broken up and unravelled by parallel sequencers, and the data then fed into a powerful computer for reassembly and analysis. (iAfrica.com)
With annual deaths from malaria on the rise: Scientists ask 'where is all the money going?' Apr 12, 2008
Bed nets work at night and have helped contain the spread of malaria, but what about the hours when people arent in their beds" The protection during the day is minimal with current insecticides that cannot be used on a regular basis. The search for a vaccine is necessary, but so are the immediate needs of at-risk communities. The scientists say that organizations such as the Bill da Gates Foundation and The World Health Organizations Roll Back Malaria, lead in funding research for drug and... (EurekAlert!)
Minor raped by three cops in Ludhiana Apr 12, 2008
According to an FIR registered in the civil lines police station, she was overpowered by three policemen deployed there on PCR duty and taken to a corner in the park. They forcibly took away the boy accompanying her, gagged him and allegedly raped the girl, the report said. (India Times, India)
Norovirus strikes in Lake County Apr 11, 2008
O'Connor said the three cases were confirmed via Polymerase Chain Reaction testing. People who do get sick remain contagious for anywhere from 2 to 16 days after the symptoms go away. (Missoulian, MT)
