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Validation of highly polymorphic fluorescent multiplex short tandem repeat systems using two generations of DNA sequencers.

Validation studies are a crucial requirement before implementation of new genetic typing systems for clinical diagnostics or forensic identity. Two different fluorescence-based multiplex DNA profiling systems composed of amelogenin, HumD21S11 and HumFGA (referred to as multiplex 1A), and HumD3S1358, HumD21S11 and HumFGA (multiplex 1B) have been evaluated for use in forensic identification using the Applied Biosystems Model 373A and Prism 377 DNA Sequencers, respectively. Experiments were aimed at defining the limit of target DNA required for reliable profiling, the level of degradation that would still permit amplification of the short tandem repeat (STR) loci examined, and the robustness of each locus in the multiplexes after samples were exposed to environmental insults. In addition, the specificity of the multiplexes was demonstrated using nonhuman DNAs. Forensically relevant samples such as cigarette butts, chewing gum, fingernails and envelope flaps were processed using both an organic extraction procedure and a QIAamp protocol. DNAs and resultant multiplex STR profiles were compared. The validation of the triplex STR systems was extended to include over 140 nonprobative casework specimens and was followed with a close monitoring of initial casework (over 300 exhibits). Our results document the robustness of these multiplex STR profiling systems which, when combined with other multiplex systems, could provide a power of discrimination of approximately 0.9999.

Animals↗

Identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia complex, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in respiratory samples from cystic fibrosis patients using multiplex PCR.

A multiplex PCR method was developed to identify P. aeruginosa, B. cepacia complex, and S. maltophilia directly in sputum and oropharyngeal samples from CF patients. One hundred and six patients (53 male, and 53 female) attending our pulmonology clinic were studied from September 2000-April 2001. Two hundred and fifty-seven samples were cultured in selective media and submitted to multiplex PCR reactions, using three primer pairs targeting specific genomic sequences of each species, with an additional primer pair targeting a stretch of ribosomal 16S DNA, universal for bacteria, to act as a control. P. aeruginosa was isolated by culture in 56% of samples, B. cepacia complex in 4.3%, and S. maltophilia in 2.7%, while multiplex PCR identified P. aeruginosa in 78.7%, B. cepacia complex in 3.9%, and S. maltophilia in 3.1% of samples. Multiplex PCR results were verified by PCR reactions using different species-specific primers described in the literature and DNA sequencing of amplicons from a few samples. Comparing to culture results, the sensitivity and specificity values of multiplex PCR for bacterial identification were, respectively, 97.2% and 45.5% for P. aeruginosa, 45.5% and 97.9% for B. cepacia complex, and 40% and 97.6% for S. maltophilia. All 10 multiplex PCR-positive results for B. cepacia complex were confirmed using other species-specific primers described in the literature, while this approach confirmed results for S. maltophilia identification in 7/8 samples (87.5%). Sequencing of amplicons from samples culture-negative but multiplex PCR-positive for P. aeruginosa and B. cepacia complex confirmed their identity, while minor nucleotide differences among amplicons ruled out the hypothesis of PCR contamination.

Adolescent↗

Four-color multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction--overcoming its limitations.

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) conducted in real time is a powerful tool for measuring messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in biological samples. Multiplex PCR is defined as the simultaneous amplification of two or more DNA (cDNA) targets in a single reaction vessel and may be carried out only using uniquely labeled probes for each target. Up to four genes can be detected in a multiplex 5' nuclease assay when using the appropriate instrument and the right combination of fluorophores. One of the more important advantages of multiplexing is a reduced sample requirement, which is especially important when sample material is scarce. Additional benefits are saving time on reaction setup and lower cost compared to singleplex reactions. Although multiplexing has several advantages over singleplex qRT-PCR, limited work has been done to show its feasibility. Few publications on four-color multiplex qRT-PCR have been reported, and to our knowledge no work has been done to explore the assay's limitations. In this paper, we report the first in-depth analysis of a four-gene multiplex qRT-PCR. To achieve a better understanding of the potential limitations of the qRT-PCR assay, we used in vitro transcribed RNA derived from four human genes. To emulate gene expression experiments, we developed a model system in which the in vitro transcripts were spiked with plant total RNA. This model allowed us to develop an artificial system closely resembling differential gene expression levels varying up to a million fold. We identified a single "universal" reaction condition that enabled optimal amplification in real time of up to four genes over a wide range of template concentrations. This study shows that multiplexing is a feasible approach applicable to most qRT-PCR assays performed with total RNA, independent of the expression levels of the genes under scrutiny.

Color↗

High-throughput fluorescent multiplex array for indoor allergen exposure assessment.

BACKGROUND: Current enzyme immunoassay methods for detection of common indoor allergens in environmental dust samples are labor-intensive and time consuming. OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a fluorescent multiplex array to measure 6 (Der p 1, Der f 1, Der p 2, Der f 2, Fel d 1, and Can f 1) indoor allergen levels simultaneously. METHODS: A multiplex array for 6 allergens, using mAbs covalently coupled to fluorescent microspheres, was developed using a single universal standard composed of purified natural allergens. The multiplex array was validated by comparing the measured dust mite, cat, and dog allergen levels in household dust samples to those obtained by standard ELISA methods. RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed a highly significant quantitative correlation between the multiplex array and ELISA for dust mite, cat, and dog allergens: R(2) values ranging from 0.90 to 0.99 (P < .001). In addition, the sensitivity, limit of detection (<0.1 ng/mL), reproducibility, intra-assay coefficient of variance (<5%), and interassay coefficient of variance (<25%) of the fluorescent multiplex array were shown to be equal to or better than the ELISA method. CONCLUSION: A multiplex array has been developed to measure simultaneously 6 indoor allergens from a single sample. The array will facilitate epidemiologic studies and indoor air quality assessments and can, in principle, be expanded to include other allergens and biologics. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The multiplex array lends itself to clinical studies, population-based environmental surveys, and allergen avoidance studies comparing allergen exposure in large populations over several time points.

Air Pollution, Indoor↗

Rapid discrimination of rabies viruses isolated from various host species in Brazil by multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Rabies is carried mainly by mammalian carnivores and vampire bats in Latin America. However, rabies virus (RV) has been isolated in recent years from not only vampire bats in rural areas but also from several non-vampire bat species in urban areas, respectively. Therefore, rapid molecular screening is necessary for efficient epidemiology of these RVs. In this study, we investigated the usefulness of multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for determining the origins of 54 RV isolates from various host species in Brazil. And to evaluate the multiplex RT-PCR as a potential diagnostic tool, we investigated the sensitivity of this method. In addition, we compared the results with a phylogenetic tree developed from sequences of the RV glycoprotein (G protein) gene. Multiplex RT-PCR products showed five different sizes of products, whereas the phylogenic tree showed six groups. Of these six groups, four corresponded with the four sizes of the multiplex RT-PCR products. The other two groups showed correspondance with another one size of the multiplex RT-PCR products, indicating that multiplex RT-PCR results reflected the lineage of the 54 isolates. This study also showed that this method can detect trace amounts of RNA. In conclusion, this multiplex RT-PCR method allows the rapid, specific, and simultaneous detection of RVs isolated from various host species in Brazil.

Animals↗

Analytical evaluation of primer engineered multiplex polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism for detection of factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A.

Factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A are clinically relevant genetic risk factors for venous thrombosis. Analysis for both mutations is increasingly being performed on patients exhibiting hypercoagulability. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the performance of primer-engineered multiplex polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for the simultaneous detection of factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A. Primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP methods for the detection of factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A from the medical literature were reviewed. A modified method was optimized in which both mutations generate HindIII RFLPs and the prothrombin amplicon contains an invariant HindIII recognition site to assess the completeness of endonuclease digestion. Digested amplification products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis in a single gel lane and visualized by ethidium bromide. Primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP was used to analyze 205 human genomic DNA samples whose factor V Leiden genotypes had been previously determined by MnlI PCR-RFLP. Complete concordance for factor V Leiden genotypes was observed between the two methods in the 205-sample cohort comprising 139 wild-type, 62 heterozygous mutant, and four homozygous mutant individuals. For prothrombin G20210A, primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP identified 196 wild-type and nine heterozygous mutant individuals in the 205-sample cohort. To independently verify prothrombin genotypes, the nine heterozygous mutants and an additional 11 wild-type patient samples (representing 10% of patient samples) were subjected to DNA sequencing. Complete concordance was observed between DNA sequencing and primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP results. In further validation, 123 of the DNA samples consisting of four heterozygous mutant and 119 wild type individuals were genotyped with the Invader Assay for Factor II (prothrombin G20210A). Results showed 100% concordance between the Invader Assay and primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP. A primer-engineered multiplex PCR-RFLP based on single restriction endonuclease digestion has been evaluated and shown to simultaneously and accurately detect factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutations. The method is robust and readily adaptable to the clinical molecular diagnostic laboratory.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Multiplex PCR for screening of microdeletions on the Y chromosome.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex PCR protocol, which could be suitable for screening of microdeletions in the three azoospermia factor (AZF) regions on the Y chromosome. METHODS: In the screening protocol, 36 known sequence tagged site (STS) primer pairs were first tested in single PCR reactions and thereafter combined in multiplex PCR to test for specificity and sensitivity in order to develop a stable and reliable multiplex PCR assay to detect Y microdeletions. RESULTS: Of the 36 primers tested, 11 turned out not to be specific or produced PCR products that were too weak, and they were therefore not used in the multiplex PCR. The remaining 25 STSs were selected on the basis of their ability to be reproducibly amplified with each other using identical amplification conditions. Five multiplex sets, each consisting of five primer pairs, were established in the multiplex PCR setup. CONCLUSION: The multiplex PCR protocol presented in this study is an easy and reliable method for detection of Y chromosome microdeletions and could be used for screening of infertile men to allow genetic counseling about the risk of transmitting infertility from father to son.

DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase↗

Detection of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Ureaplasma urealyticum, and Mycoplasma genitalium in First-void Urine Specimens by Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Background: Sexually transmitted diseases are often caused by one or more microorganisms, and asymptomatic carriage and transmission may be of significance. Testing for more than one organism in a single assay could be a useful approach to laboratory diagnosis. Methods and Results: A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed that employed specific primers targeted to the 7.5-kb cryptic plasmid of Chlamydia trachomatis, the cppB gene of the 4.2-kb cryptic plasmid of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the 140-kd major adhesion protein gene of Mycoplasma genitlium, and the urease gene of Ureaplasma urealyticum. All four polymerase chain reaction products were detectable by agarose gel electorphoresis and were confirmed by Southern hybridization using fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled oligonucleotide probes and enhanced chemiluminescent detection. Using purified DNA preparations, multiplex PCR had a reproducible detection limit of 1 fg of C. trachomatis DNA, 100 fg of N. gonorrhoeae DNA, and 10 fg U. urealyticum DNA and M. genitalium DNA, which converts to 1-2 genomic equivalents (ge) of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae, 4 ge of M. genitalium, and 10 ge U. urealyticum. Multiplex PCR was compared with individual uniplex polymerase chian reaction PCR assays by testing 117 first-void urine samples (91 men, 26 women) from Canadian or Kenyan patients. Multiplex PCR detected 45 of 46 (97.8%) urines with C. trachomatis DNA, 42 of 42 (100%) urines with N. gonorrhoeae DNA, 17 of 17 (100%) urines with U. urealyticum DNA, 4 of 4 (100%) urines with M. genitalium DNA, 12 of 12 urines that had DNA from two bacteria, and 2 of 2 urines with DNA from three bacteria. Multiplex PCR correctly identified bacteria in 92 of 93 urines for an overall sensitivity of 98.9%. Specificity calculations were 100% for C. trachomatis (71/71), N. gonorhoeae (75/75), U. urealyticum (100/100), and M. genitalium (113/113). Conclusions: Multiplex PCR provided a single sensitive and specific test for the detection of four bacteria in first-void urine samples. Testing of first-void urine samples by multiplex PCR could facilitate studies aimed at improving our understanding of the epidemiology of these important sexually transmitted diseases.

Journal Article↗

Multiplex analysis of intracellular signaling pathways in lymphoid cells by microbead suspension arrays.

Phosphorylation analysis of signaling proteins is key for examining intracellular signaling pathways. Conventional biochemical approaches, e.g. immunoprecipitation, Western blot, and ELISA, have played a major role in elucidation of individual signaling events. However, these methods are laborious, time-consuming, and difficult to adapt for high throughput analysis. A multiplex approach to measure phosphorylation state of multiple signaling proteins simultaneously would significantly enhance the efficiency and scope of signaling pathway analysis for mechanistic studies and clinical application. This report describes a novel multiplex microbead suspension array approach to examine phosphoproteomic profiles in lymphoid cells. In the Jurkat T-cell leukemia line, the multiplex assay enabled targeted investigation of phosphorylation kinetics of signal transduction from receptor proximal events (tyrosine phosphoproteins CD3, Lck, Zap-70, and linker for T-cell activation) to cytosolic events (serine/threonine phosphoproteins Erk and Akt) to transcription factors (serine/threonine phosphorylated Rsk, cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein, and STAT3). To broaden the application of the multiplex analysis, signaling pathways were also studied in B-cell lymphoid tumor lines that included chronic lymphocytic leukemia lines. In these cell lines, multiplex suspension array enabled phosphoproteomic analysis of signaling cascade mediated by Syk, a homolog of Zap-70. Results obtained by multiplex analysis were confirmed by immunoprecipitation and Western blot methods. The examples of T-cell and B-cell signaling pathway analyses in this report demonstrate the utility of the multiplex suspension arrays to investigate phosphorylation dynamics and kinetics of several signaling proteins simultaneously in signal transduction pathways.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Assessment of the response to imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia patients--comparison between the FISH, multiplex and RT-PCR methods.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the kinetics of molecular response in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients treated with imatinib and to compare between the fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), multiplex and real-time quantitative RT-PCR (RQ-PCR) methods with this respect. METHODS: Molecular follow-up was carried out on 24 CML patients treated with imatinib. FISH analysis was performed according to the standard protocol. For RT-PCR the multiplex and RQ-PCR methods were used. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent and 52% of the patients achieved complete remission according to FISH and multiplex RT-PCR analyses, respectively. Seventy-five percent of the patients achieved remission within the first year of treatment. In 83% of the cases the FISH and RT-PCR results were concordant. RQ-PCR analysis was carried out on 32 of the 41 samples negative by multiplex RT-PCR but only nine were negative. All samples with a BCR-ABL/ABL ratio below 2% were also negative by FISH. There was an excellent correlation between the RQ-PCR and the FISH tests. CONCLUSIONS: Molecular remission according to FISH and multiplex RT-PCR can be achieved by imatinib within 1 yr of therapy. There is a good correlation between the FISH, multiplex and RQ-PCR results in terms of the kinetics of disappearance of the BCR-ABL transcript and the predictability of each method for the other. Although RQ-PCR is the most sensitive method for molecular follow-up, FISH and multiplex RT-PCR can be used as complementary tools, at least during the early period of treatment.

Adult↗

Efficiency of a pneumococcal opsonophagocytic killing assay improved by multiplexing and by coloring colonies.

For evaluating pneumococcal vaccines, the opsonophagocytic killing assay (OPKA) is useful as a supplement to the pneumococcal antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). However, evaluations of pneumococcal vaccines require the determination of antibody responses to 7 to 11 serotypes, and the OPKA is tedious to perform and requires more serum than the ELISA. Consequently, the OPKA is infrequently used for evaluating pneumococcal vaccines. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a simple multiplexed (double-serotype) OPKA by using antibiotic-resistant pneumococci for nine serotypes. Serotype 6B, 9V, 19A, and 23F strains were made streptomycin resistant, and serotype 4, 6A, 14, 18C, and 19F strains were made optochin resistant. The multiplexed OPKA was the same as the single-serotype OPKA except for two changes. First, the target bacteria were a mixture of one streptomycin-resistant strain and one optochin-resistant strain. Second, the surviving bacteria of each serotype were enumerated by plating on Todd-Hewitt agar plates with yeast extract and an agar overlay containing the appropriate antibiotics and 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride. The performance of the multiplexed OPKA was evaluated by analyzing 28 serum samples from adults immunized with a 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine by using the single-serotype OPKA and the multiplexed OPKA. The multiplexed OPKA was specific for the desired serotypes. The multiplexed and conventional OPKAs had comparable assay sensitivities and produced results that were highly correlated (r(2) values ranging from 0.92 to 0.98) for all nine serotypes. A simple modification of the conventional OPKA produces a multiplexed assay that greatly reduces effort, reagents, and the necessary amount of serum.

Adult↗

Use of a multiplex PCR to detect and identify Mycobacterium avium and M. intracellulare in blood culture fluids of AIDS patients.

The presence of mycobacteria in blood culture fluids (BACTEC) of AIDS patients with positive growth indices (GIs, > 20 U) was investigated by using a multiplex PCR to detect and identify members of the genus Mycobacterium, M. avium, M. intracellulare, and M. tuberculosis. Three different methods of extracting mycobacterial DNA from blood culture fluid were compared for use with the multiplex PCR. Mycobacterial cells were pelleted from a small aliquot of blood culture fluid by centrifugation, and the DNA was extracted from cells by heat lysis or a sodium iodide-isopropanol or a phenol-chloroform method. DNAs of different sizes were amplified from a region of the MPB70 gene of M. tuberculosis (372 bp) and from a region of the 16S rRNA gene of members of the genus Mycobacterium (1,030 bp), M. intracellulare (850 bp), or M. avium (180 bp) as a multiplex PCR in a single tube. The amplified DNA products were detected by agarose gel electrophoresis and ethidium bromide staining in all 41 (100%) positive cultures after sodium iodide-isopropanol extraction, in 18 (44%) after heat lysis, and in 5 (12%) after phenol-chloroform extraction. Of the 41 positive cultures, 38 were identified as M. avium and 2 were identified as M. intracellulare by both routine methods and multiplex PCR. The remaining mycobacterium was identified as M. intracellulare by routine methods and as M. avium by the multiplex PCR. Another six blood cultures that were negative for the presence of acid-fast bacilli after Ziehl-Neelson staining were also negative by PCR. The study shows that the multiplex PCR is a useful method for the detection and identification of either M. avium or M. intracellulare in small samples of cultured BACTEC 13A fluid with positive GIs ranging from 21 to 999 U. The average time to positive GI was 18 days (median, 13 days) and ranged between 8 and 42 days. The multiplex PCR may permit cultured mycobacteria to be identified at an earlier stage than the routine methods which have been adapted for use with the BACTEC system. The results also show that the method selected for extracting mycobacterial DNA from blood culture fluids is crucial for providing sensitive and accurate PCR results.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Multiplex real-time PCR assay for detection of influenza and human respiratory syncytial viruses.

A multiplex real-time PCR assay was developed with a LightCycler instrument for detection of influenza viruses A and B and the human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV). Detection of each viral product and of an internal control was based on determination of specific melting temperatures by the LightCycler software. The lower limit of detection in the multiplex PCR assay was found to be 50 copies for each viral target. In an evaluation of nasopharyngeal samples collected from hospitalized children (ages, 0 to 3 years) with acute respiratory tract infections during the winter of 2001 to 2002, a viral pathogen was detected by the multiplex PCR test in 139 (66.8%) of 208 cases, including 45 (21.6%) influenza A virus infections, no (0%) influenza B virus infections, 106 (51%) HRSV infections, and 12 (5.8%) coinfections. The multiplex PCR test was compared to rapid antigen detection assays for influenza viruses A and B (Directigen; Becton Dickinson, Sparks, Md.) and HRSV (RSV TestPack; Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.) in 172 and 204 samples, respectively. After resolution of discrepant test results by use of additional PCR assays targeting other viral genes, the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the multiplex PCR assay for influenza A virus were 100 and 97.7% compared to 43.6 and 98.5% for the antigenic test. Similarly, the Se and Sp of the multiplex PCR assay for HRSV were 94.5 and 98.9% compared to 81.6 and 94.7% for the antigenic test. In conclusion, our multiplex real-time PCR assay combines both rapidity and sensitivity for detecting the most important respiratory viral pathogens in children.

Child, Preschool↗

Nested multiplex RT-PCR for detection and differentiation of West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalomyelitis virus in brain tissues.

A traditional nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay specific for eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE) virus was designed to multiplex with a previously described West Nile (WN) virus nested RT-PCR assay. Differentiation of EEE and WN was based on base pair size of the amplified product. One hundred fifty-seven mammalian and avian brain tissues were tested by EEE/WN nested multiplex RT-PCR, EEE nested RT-PCR, and WN nested RT-PCR, and results were compared with other diagnostic test results from the same animals. Serological and virus isolation testing confirmed the results of the multiplex PCR assay. When compared with cell culture virus isolation, the multiplex assay was shown to be more sensitive in detecting the presence of EEE or WN virus in brain tissues. The multiplex assay was shown to be sensitive and specific for North American EEE and WN and provided a rapid means of identifying both viruses in brain tissues. No apparent sacrifice in sensitivity was observed in the multiplex procedure compared with the individual EEE and WN nested RT-PCR assays. Data collected from an additional 485 multiplex RT-PCR tests conducted during the summer and fall of 2002 further support the validity of the procedure.

Animals↗

Multiplexing Fluo-4 NW and a GeneBLAzer transcriptional assay for high-throughput screening of G-protein-coupled receptors.

Activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) leads to a cascade of signaling events, including calcium mobilization and downstream transcriptional activation of various proteins. Two commonly used methods of high-throughput screening for GPCRs include calcium-sensitive dyes, such as Fluo-4 NW, and reporter gene assays, such as beta-lactamase. To determine whether the advantages of each assay format could be combined by multiplexing, Jurkat and CHO-K1 cell lines over-expressing the M1 muscarinic receptor and beta-lactamase under control of an NFAT response element were tested in a multiplexed format. The Jurkat cell line was further screened with a subset of the LOPAC(1280) library. The multiplexing assay was compatible with both the CHO-K1 and Jurkat cell lines. For the screen, there was 100% correlation of on-target hits in the multiplexed format, and several false positives with each assay format were identified. Therefore, not only can the assays be multiplexed, but by multiplexing, the false positives associated with each assay format also could be easily identified. In addition to enhanced reliability, this method saves time and money because only half the amount of compounds, cells, and consumables are needed to screen a cell line in a multiplexed mode versus separate screening by both methods.

Aniline Compounds↗

Automated, multiplex assay for high-frequency microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer.

PURPOSE: In a series of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) patients, we evaluated the sensitivities of the individual microsatellites recommended by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) consensus workshop for detection of high-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H). On the basis of this evaluation, we developed a three-marker assay that assigns microsatellite instability (MSI) in a multiplex polymerase chain reaction. METHODS: Individual marker sensitivity was assessed in 18 HNPCC tumors. Multiplex and NCI assays were then assessed in a series of 120 patients with early-onset colon cancer. RESULTS: The sensitivity of microsatellite markers BAT25, BAT26, D2S123, D5S346, and D17S250 for ASI in HNPCC cancers was 100%, 94%, 72%, 50%, and 50%, respectively. The three most accurate markers were combined and optimized in a multiplex assay that assigned MSI-H whenever at least two of three markers revealed ASI. In early-onset colon cancers, the prevalence of MSI-H determined by the multiplex assay and by the NCI assay was 16% and 23%, respectively. The additional MSI-H tumors and patients with MSI-H identified by the NCI assay lacked the traits characteristic of MSI-H seen in tumors and patients identified by the multiplex assay: retention of heterozygosity (NCI additional 22% v multiplex 84%; P =.003), characteristic tumor morphology (0% v 64%; P =.006), and 5-year cancer survival rate (44% v 100%; P =.0003). CONCLUSION: The multiplex assay identifies colon cancers with MSI-H by assessing three highly accurate microsatellite markers. This assay identifies a smaller MSI-H cohort with more homogeneous clinical features and is superior as a marker of favorable prognosis. It merits prospective evaluation as a marker of prognosis and as a screening test for HNPCC.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Multiplexed computer-generated hologram with polygonal apertures.

A novel type of multiplexed computer-generated hologram (CGH) is designed with more than one billion of pixels per period. It consists of elementary cells divided into arbitrary-shaped polygonal apertures, the division being identical in all cells. The cells are further digitized into pixel arrays to exploit the huge space-bandwidth product of electron-beam lithography. The polygonal apertures in the same location inside the cells constitute a subhologram. With the Abbe transform that has never, to our knowledge, been used in other CGH designs, the subhologram images (subimages) are obtained with fast Fourier transforms. It is therefore possible to design a multiplexed CGH that has a size thousands of times larger than the manageable size of a conventional CGH designed with the iterative Fourier transform algorithm (IFTA). A much larger object window than that of the conventional CGH can also be achieved with the multiplexed polygonal-aperture CGH, owing to its extremely large dimensions. The multiplexed polygonal-aperture CGH is designed with the novel iterative subhologram design algorithm, which considers the coherent summation of the subimages and applies constraints on the total image, subimages, and subholograms. As a result, the noise appearing in the preceding multiplexed-CGH designs is avoided. The multiplexed polygonal-aperture CGH has a much higher diffraction efficiency than that resulting from either the preceding multiplexed-CGH designs or the conventional CGH designed by the IFTA.

Journal Article↗

Optimal transformations for optical multiplex measurements in the presence of photon noise.

Hadamard multiplexing is a measurement strategy that yields best sensitivity improvements over scanning measurements for signal-independent detector noise. The presence of photon noise degrades the performance of Hadamard multiplexing because of the increase of photon noise by the superposition of multiple signals. I derive the reduction of the sensitivity gain of a Hadamard measurement and an upper limit for the gain of any cyclic multiplexing strategy in the presence of photon noise. This upper limit clearly exceeds the reduced Hadamard gain and can be achieved by multiplexing sequences that differ from Hadamard S sequences but also share some similarities with respect to their autocorrelation. Examples of such sequences are given. As the analysis shows, the presence of photon noise limits the gain of multiplexing strategies to a finite value, which depends on the ratio between photon noise and detector noise and cannot be exceeded by increasing the number of multiplexed channels. In addition, only switching multiplex schemes, which superpose either all the light or no light of individual channels, can achieve the upper limit of the gain.

Journal Article↗