PubMed HealthSearch

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Rapid Genetic Testing”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures: A scoping review of clinical features, diagnostic testing including genetics, long-term outcomes, mortality, and current and emerging therapeutic strategies.

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS) is among the most severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), marked by intractable multifocal seizures migrating across both hemispheres, profound developmental arrest, and high early mortality. Advances in next-generation sequencing have revealed a heterogeneous genetic architecture dominated by KCNT1 gain-of-function variants across more than 30 implicated genes, creating opportunities for precision therapeutics. OBJECTIVE: To systematically map published evidence on the clinical, electrophysiological, neuroimaging, genetic, and therapeutic landscape of EIMFS, and to delineate critical knowledge gaps and future research priorities. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O'Malley framework, searching PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library/CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov. RESULTS: Of 643 articles screened, 89 met inclusion criteria. Beyond confirmation of the canonical electroclinical phenotype, several gaps emerged: neonatal versus post-neonatal onset stratification by genetic etiology remains largely uncharacterized; genotype-specific EEG biomarkers are lacking except for a single small KCNT1 study; and the clinical significance of atypical EEG features-including burst suppression and hypsarrhythmia-is undefined. Neuroimaging literature documents progressive cerebral atrophy and myelination abnormalities without quantitative volumetry, diffusion tractography markers, or attribution to seizure burden, medication effects, or underlying etiology. Genetic diagnostic yield was 70-80%, with KCNT1 accounting for 30-50% of solved cases; however, genotype-outcome stratification is limited. Seizures were broadly refractory; potassium bromide, ketogenic diet, cannabidiol, and quinidine (in KCNT1-confirmed cases) showed partial efficacy. Emerging precision approaches include sodium channel blockers for SCN2A gain-of-function variants, novel small molecules, fluoxetine, antisense oligonucleotides, and divalent siRNA targeting KCNT1. Systemic-to-pulmonary collateral circulation causing severe cardiopulmonary complications was reported across multiple cases, yet no consensus screening protocol exists. CONCLUSIONS: EIMFS remains one of the most refractory epilepsy syndromes of infancy. Precision genetic diagnosis is essential to guide targeted therapy. International collaborative registries, standardized outcome measures, genotype-stratified biomarker studies, and rapid point-of-care genomic testing are urgently needed to advance evidence-based care for this highly vulnerable population.

Humans

An evaluation of the E. coli K-12 uvrB/recA DNA repair host-mediated assay. II. In vivo results for 36 compounds tested in the mouse.

The aim of this study was to further evaluate the E. coli K-12 DNA repair host-mediated assay, as a short-term in vivo genotoxicity test, to be used as a complement to the micronucleus test in the routine testing of chemicals and drugs. The assay involves the administration of the test substance to mice by the route of choice, followed by the intravenous administration of a mixture of DNA repair deficient and proficient derivatives of E. coli K-12. After an incubation period the relative survival of the two strains was determined in blood, liver, lungs, kidneys and testes of the host. A significant preferential reduction of the DNA repair deficient strain in any organ indicates that the test substance possesses genotoxic properties. A total of 36 substances, 26 carcinogens, 4 weak or non-carcinogens and 6 unclassified substances, were tested in this assay. Positive results were obtained for 23 compounds. Of the carcinogens 18 were positive and of the non-carcinogens 3 were negative. The overall concordance between the assay and carcinogenicity was 72%. In general, alkylating agents and direct-acting nitroso compounds showed genotoxic activity in all organs tested, while the other substances were positive in a limited number of organs. With oral administration, which was the most commonly used administration route in the study, the organ showing a positive response most often was the blood. The results from the present study were compared with results from the micronucleus test, which were available for 26 of the substances. Results were in agreement for 15 of the substances, while 8 substances were positive in the present assay and negative in the micronucleus test: 4-aminobiphenyl, 2-anisidine, epichlorohydrin, formaldehyde, 1- and 2-naphthylamine, 2-nitrophenylenediamine and 4-nitroquinoline-N-oxide. The substances negative in the E. coli DNA repair host-mediated assay, but positive in the micronucleus test were: benzene, catechol and cyclophosphamide. It is concluded from this evaluation that the E. coli K-12 DNA repair host-mediated assay detects a number of carcinogens that are negative in the micronucleus test, while detecting most of the compounds that are positive in the latter. The advantages of this test are that differential DNA repair measures a broad spectrum of genetic damage, an in vitro/in vivo comparison is possible with the same test organisms, results can be obtained from various organs and the test is rapid.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals

Mapping human chromosomes by walking with sequence-tagged sites from end fragments of yeast artificial chromosome inserts.

Sequence-tagged sites (STSs) derived from end fragments of chromosome-specific yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) can facilitate the assembly of an overlapping YAC/STS map. Contigs form rapidly by iteratively screening YAC collections with end-fragment STSs from YACs that have not yet been detected by any previous STS. The map is rendered rapidly useful during its assembly by incorporating supplementary STSs from genes and genetic linkage probes with known locations. Methods for the systematic development and testing of the end-fragments STSs are given here, and a group of 100 STSs is presented for the X chromosome. The mapping strategy is shown to be successful in simulations with portions of the X chromosome already largely mapped into overlapping YACs by other means.

Base Sequence

Alternative models for early onset of childhood leukaemia.

This paper considers theoretical models for early-onset childhood leukaemia. The major focus of attention is the two-hit mutational model. A simple mathematical representation is used to explore mechanisms which might lead to onset of leukaemia at an unusually early age. Two such mechanisms are considered. The first of these, a germinal or very early embryonic first mutation is shown to imply that multiple independent leukaemic clones are likely to arise sequentially in very young patients. Clonal multiplicity could underlie the poor prognosis which has been associated with early onset childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. It implies that curative therapy might require intensive treatment followed by bone marrow rescue to ensure eradication of all single-hit predisposed target cells. The prediction of multiple leukaemic clones might be tested in female patients by means of X-linked restriction fragment length polymorphisms and in patients with B-lineage neoplasms by determination of immunoglobin gene rearrangements. A second mechanism for early onset leukaemogenesis is the occurrence of a high cellular mutation rate in some patients. This is shown to result in leukaemia at significantly earlier age if the mutation rate is sufficiently high to influence target cell loss rate. This mechanism would enable more rapid clonal evolution of leukaemic cells and the early emergence of drug resistant variants. The prediction might be tested experimentally by sequential observation of genetic markers (e.g. Karyotypes, DNA fingerprint patterns) and the rate of emergence of drug resistant phenotypes. Other models, considered more briefly, include one-hit mutational 'dominants' in the developing embryo and faster growth kinetics in neoplasms of younger patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cell Division

Genetic heterogeneity among nutritionally deficient streptococci.

The nutritionally deficient (variant) streptococci (NDS) share the auxotrophic characteristic of requiring pyridoxal or thiol group supplementation for growth. The deoxyribonucleic acid relatedness of these organisms among themselves is unknown. Improved speciation of NDS would lead to a better knowledge of their pathogenesis and possible insight into improved clinical management. Therefore, DNA-DNA hybridization and biotyping of 23 nutritionally deficient streptococci were performed. Biochemical testing using the API Rapid Strept Identification method revealed that the organisms in this study were characterized among three broad biotype groups. Only one strain was nontypeable. DNA-DNA hybridization among the nutritionally deficient streptococci that we compared revealed genetic heterogeneity. Only four (17%) of 23 isolates were highly homologous; all were of biotypes 2 and 3. Reference viridans streptococcal strains had minimal homology to the NDS strains. The data indicate that the NDS are genetically heterogeneous.

Bacterial Typing Techniques

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ alpha oligonucleotide typing on biological evidence samples: casework experience.

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method of specific gene amplification was used in casework to synthesize millions of copies of the polymorphic second exon of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ alpha (or DQA1) locus from a variety of evidence samples. The HLA-DQ alpha allelic variants in the amplified deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) were determined in a rapid non-radioactive test by hybridization to sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes in both the dot-blot and reverse dot-blot formats. This genetic typing system has been subjected to blind proficiency testing; the performance of this test in the analysis of experimentally mixed samples was also evaluated. As of August 1990, over 250 cases have been tested and more than 2000 individual evidence (bloodstains, semen stains, individual hairs, bone fragments, and tissue sections) and reference samples have been analyzed. The first 198 of these cases are summarized in this paper; in 65% of the cases with conclusive results a suspect was included, and in 35%, all suspects were excluded. Individual cases as well as some of the general issues relating to forensic science analysis and this genetic typing system are discussed. The high rate of exclusion reported here combined with the ability of PCR to type old evidence samples suggests the relevance of this genetic test for postconviction review; two cases in which the convicted suspect was excluded are discussed.

Adolescent

Research note: effects of beak trimming and genetic stock on rate of mash consumption and feeding-related behavior in egg-strain pullets.

Pullets whose beaks were trimmed once (at 9 days) and twice (at 9 days and 9 wk) were able to ingest feed, in the form of mash, more rapidly under competitive feeding conditions and at least as rapidly in the absence of competition as pullets with intact beaks. Tests of feeding rate, when pullets fed in groups, were carried out after a feed deprivation period of 7 h at ages of 10 through 16 wk. Similar tests were done at 18 wk, when pullets fed without competition. Genetic stock and age had significant effects on frequency of agonistic acts at the feeder and displacements from the feeder during 5-min tests under competitive feeding conditions. Age influenced the number of pullets feeding simultaneously and amount of feed eaten per pullet during the same feeding tests. No interactions were detected among beak treatment, stock, and age for feeding-related behaviors or rate of feed consumption during competitive feeding. In noncompetitive feeding tests, genetic stock affected feeding rate but no stock by beak treatment interaction was present.

Aging

Signal, noise, and reliability in molecular phylogenetic analyses.

DNA sequences and other molecular data compared among organisms may contain phylogenetic signal, or they may be randomized with respect to phylogenetic history. Some method is needed to distinguish phylogenetic signal from random noise to avoid analysis of data that have been randomized with respect to the historical relationships of the taxa being compared. We analyzed 8,000 random data matrices consisting of 10-500 binary or four-state characters and 5-25 taxa to study several options for detecting signal in systematic data bases. Analysis of random data often yields a single most-parsimonious tree, especially if the number of characters examined is large and the number of taxa examined is small (both often true in molecular studies). The most-parsimonious tree inferred from random data may also be considerably shorter than the second-best alternative. The distribution of tree lengths of all tree topologies (or a random sample thereof) provides a sensitive measure of phylogenetic signal: data matrices with phylogenetic signal produce tree-length distributions that are strongly skewed to the left, whereas those composed of random noise are closer to symmetrical. In simulations of phylogeny with varying rates of mutation (up to levels that produce random variation among taxa), the skewness of tree-length distributions is closely related to the success of parsimony in finding the true phylogeny. Tables of critical values of a skewness test statistic, g1, are provided for binary and four-state characters for 10-500 characters and 5-25 taxa. These tables can be used in a rapid and efficient test for significant structure in data matrices for phylogenetic analysis.

Animals

Non-radioisotopic methods for DNA probes.

We have recently developed a new colorimetric method, DNA enzyme immunoassay (DEIA), for detecting specific hybrids of complementary nucleic acids. This technology is based on an antibody that selectively recognizes double, but not single-stranded DNA. The molecule does not react with a specific probe immobilized on microwells through an avidin-biotin bridge, nor with non-specific amplified sequences, since they are removed by washing. The antibody reveals the hybridization event, independently of the DNA sequences and, for this reason, the method is broadly applicable and extremely versatile. Although we chose a format based on the immobilization of the probe through an avidin-biotin interaction, DEIA assay can also be applied to other analytical schemes that do not require any modification of the probe. Most importantly, the test has an ELISA format and is rapid and convenient for processing large numbers of samples. This technology has been applied, in our laboratory, to different areas, including virology, genetic and basic immunology. The DEIA assay has been successfully used to detect the presence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) sequences in serum of patients, to discriminate different HLA alleles, to identify mutations in the Cystic Fibrosis gene, and to investigate the role of the T cell receptor in some immunological diseases. The results obtained in all our experiments demonstrated that the advantages offered by the assay do not penalize its analytical performance as compared to conventional Southern blot.

Colorimetry

Lysine biosynthesis in selected pathogenic fungi: characterization of lysine auxotrophs and the cloned LYS1 gene of Candida albicans.

The alpha-aminoadipate pathway for the biosynthesis of lysine is present only in fungi and euglena. Until now, this unique metabolic pathway has never been investigated in the opportunistic fungal pathogens Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Five of the eight enzymes (homocitrate synthase, homoisocitrate dehydrogenase, alpha-aminoadipate reductase, saccharopine reductase, and saccharopine dehydrogenase) of the alpha-aminoadipate pathway and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, a glycolytic enzyme used as a control, were demonstrated in wild-type cells of these organisms. All enzymes were present in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the pathogenic organisms except C. neoformans 32608 serotype C, which exhibited no saccharopine reductase activity. The levels of enzyme activity varied considerably from strain to strain. Variation among organisms was also observed for the control enzyme. Among the pathogens, C. albicans exhibited much higher homocitrate synthase, homoisocitrate dehydrogenase, and alpha-aminoadipate reductase activities. Seven lysine auxotrophs of C. albicans and one of Candida tropicalis were characterized biochemically to determine the biochemical blocks and gene-enzyme relationships. Growth responses to alpha-aminoadipate- and lysine-supplemented media, accumulation of alpha-aminoadipate semialdehyde, and the lack of enzyme activity revealed that five of the mutants (WA104, WA153, WC7-1-3, WD1-31-2, and A5155) were blocked at the alpha-aminoadipate reductase step, two (STN57 and WD1-3-6) were blocked at the saccharopine dehydrogenase step, and the C. tropicalis mutant (X-16) was blocked at the saccharopine reductase step. The cloned LYS1 gene of C. albicans in the recombinant plasmid YpB1078 complemented saccharopine dehydrogenase (lys1) mutants of S. cerevisiae and C. albicans. The Lys1+ transformed strains exhibited significant saccharopine dehydrogenase activity in comparison with untransformed mutants. The cloned LYS1 gene has been localized on a 1.8-kb HindIII DNA insert of the recombinant plasmid YpB1041RG1. These results established the gene-enzyme relationship in the second half of the alpha-aminoadipate pathway. The presence of this unique pathway in the pathogenic fungi could be useful for their rapid detection and control.

Candida albicans

Review: The African turquoise killifish as a model for the integrative physiology of vertebrate aging.

With increasing emphasis on extending healthy lifespan, aging research requires vertebrate models that permit efficient mechanistic investigation and intervention testing within practical time and cost constraints. The African turquoise killifish (Nothobranchius furzeri) has attracted growing attention because it combines an exceptionally short life cycle with an intact vertebrate physiological context and an expanding genetic toolkit, enabling relatively rapid evaluation of candidate aging interventions and mechanistic analysis across molecular, tissue, and organismal levels. This review assesses N. furzeri from an integrative-physiology perspective, focusing on germline-soma interactions, gut microbiota-host crosstalk, nutrient sensing and metabolic remodeling, temperature responsiveness, and AMPK-mTOR-linked programs. It also examines expanding genome-engineering and reporter approaches that support mechanistic and tissue-resolved investigation of these physiological processes. Building on recent reviews of killifish biology, disease modeling, regeneration, and the hallmarks of aging, we synthesize evidence across major intervention domains, distinguish established phenotypic effects from incompletely resolved mechanisms, and highlight functional endpoints, methodological standardization, and the appropriate interpretation of the model's translational relevance. Together, these features position N. furzeri as a strategically useful vertebrate platform for rapid mechanistic testing, intervention evaluation, and prioritization of aging-related pathways. Future progress will require improved methodological standardization, tissue-resolved causal studies, and question-driven cross-species validation where appropriate.

Animals

Critically unwell infants and children with mitochondrial disorders diagnosed by ultrarapid genomic sequencing.

PURPOSE: To characterize the diagnostic and clinical outcomes of a cohort of critically ill infants and children with suspected mitochondrial disorders (MD) undergoing ultrarapid genomic testing as part of a national program. METHODS: Ultrarapid genomic sequencing was performed in 454 families (genome sequencing: n = 290, exome sequencing +/- mitochondrial DNA sequencing: n = 164). In 91 individuals, MD was considered, prompting analysis using an MD virtual gene panel. These individuals were reviewed retrospectively and scored according to modified Nijmegen Mitochondrial Disease Criteria. RESULTS: A diagnosis was achieved in 47% (43/91) of individuals, 40% (17/43) of whom had an MD. Seven additional individuals in whom an MD was not suspected were diagnosed with an MD after broader analysis. Gene-agnostic analysis led to the discovery of 2 novel disease genes, with pathogenicity validated through targeted functional studies (CRLS1 and MRPL39). Functional studies enabled diagnosis in another 4 individuals. Of the 24 individuals ultimately diagnosed with an MD, 79% had a change in management, which included 53% whose care was redirected to palliation. CONCLUSION: Ultrarapid genetic diagnosis of MD in acutely unwell infants and children is critical for guiding decisions about the need for additional investigations and clinical management.

Humans

Detection of ABO blood group polymorphism by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis.

We report the use of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) format together with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) which allows rapid identification of the 6 major genotypes (AA, AO, BB, BO, AB and OO) of the human ABO blood group polymorphism in a single amplification. The procedure also distinguishes hitherto undescribed polymorphisms associated with the O and B alleles. Thus in testing 95 unrelated European individuals 4 different O alleles, 2 B alleles and 1 A allele were identified by DGGE and the level of recognisable heterozygosity, and hence the information content of the locus as a genetic marker, was raised from 3/95 (3%) to 66/95 (70%). The procedure is robust, genotyping is rapid and clear-cut, and has immediate implications for the use of the ABO locus in linkage analysis on chromosome 9q, the investigation of disease associations and forensic identification.

ABO Blood-Group System

Use of tRNA consensus primers to indicate subgroups of Pseudomonas solanacearum by polymerase chain reaction amplification.

Polymerase chain reaction amplification of DNA from 112 Pseudomonas solanacearum strains with the tRNA consensus primers T3A and T5A divided the species into three fingerprint groups. These groups correspond well with previous divisions made by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. This polymerase chain reaction test is a facile method for rapidly classifying P. solanacearum strains.

Base Sequence

Rapid test for assay of ozone sensitivity in Escherichia coli.

A rapid test devised for assay of ozone sensitivity in Escherichia coli is described. The detection of new mutants, either more resistant or more sensitive than wild type strain to ozone, and the genetic analysis of ozone recombinants are now possible. Results confirm that ozone resistance is probably involved with DNA repair mechanism; and show that ozone and ultraviolet light inhibit the cell division capacity of lon mutant in a similar way.

Bacteriological Techniques

Development of a new recombineering system for Edwardsiella species.

Edwardsiella species are important aquaculture pathogens that also cause opportunistic infections in humans, necessitating efficient genome editing tools to study their pathogenesis and develop control strategies. In this study, we identified and characterized six endogenous recombinases pairs from Edwardsiella and its phages. Among these, the BAS_MS17 system exhibited the highest recombination efficiency in E. piscicida EIB202Δp. Extending homology arms from 150 bp to 200 bp improved editing efficiency by 2-fold, while the addition of Redg or Plug further enhanced recombination by 3-fold and 2.5-fold, respectively, without compromising accuracy (100%). More importantly, when applied to E. piscicida sdu12S, Redg or Plug improved the editing efficiency by 8-fold and 7-fold, respectively. Deletion of the phage-derived single-strand binding protein (SSB) reduced efficiency to 25% of the BAS_MS17 level, whereas expression of the endogenous RecA-family SSB (rSSB) increased recombinant yield by 5-fold, highlighting functional conservation. Furthermore, SSB proteins from heterologous hosts failed to enhance recombination efficiency. Using the optimized system, we successfully knocked out ten distinct genes, including virulence-associated loci, with editing accuracy exceeding 85%. Phenotypic analysis revealed that luxR, but not the other tested genes, contributes to biofilm formation. Virulence evaluation results showed that aroA, fur, and hfq are critical virulence-associated factors. Collectively, this streamlined recombineering system provides a simple, rapid, and efficient genetic tool for Edwardsiella, supporting mechanistic studies of virulence and the development of live attenuated vaccine candidates.

Edwardsiella piscicida

Weight gain and heterosis at different stages of development of the rat.

Diallel crosses among four highly inbred lines of rats were made in order to evaluate their combining ability at 10 day intervals during postnatal growth. Analyses were undertaken to consider the relative magnitudes of different components of variation, including a heterotic effect, over a long developmental period. A general analysis of variance for least square means of body weights indicated that postnatal growth was influenced greatly by the maternal lines and to a lesser extent by the paternal line. Heterosis was measured as a statistically significant difference in body weight gain at 10 day intervals between the hybrid and either the averaged mean of the parent lines or the mean of the largest parent line. Of the effects analyzed, heterosis accounted for a major part of body weight variability in both sexes between 30 and 100 days of age but reached much higher levels in male than in female progeny. The heterotic response was most pronounced during the rapid growth phase; that is, between the ages of 20 to 50 days. Although interesting specific exceptions were observed, heterotic responses generally became more pronounced with increasing age through 100 days. Evidence for differential heterosis associated with particular lines was present in male progeny at growth stages immediately preceding and following the phase of most rapid growth. Specific combining ability, however, was generally lacking. Analyses of specific matings indicated that heterosis, in the lines tested, is a variable phenomenon which may be dependent upon the degree of genetic divergence between inbred parent lines and the combining ability of the genotype involved.

Age Factors

In vitro correlates of rejection. II. Rat mixed lymphocyte reactivity in vitro and cardiac allograft acute rejection, hyperacute or accelerated rejection, and prolongation by active immunization.

The relationship of F1 hybrid to parental strain cardiac allograft rejection rates to mixed lymphocyte reactivity in vitro has been studied in 10 strain combinations crossing the major histocompatibility barrier in three different models of acute rejection, accelerated or hyperacute rejection after skin graft immunization, and attempted active enhancement using 10(7) donor strain bone marrow cells. Although high and low reactivity could be discerned between the F1 hybrid and reciprocal parental strain in three of five instances in the one-way lymphocyte culturr reaction, low reactivity was only associated with prolonged graft survival in one combination. Two strain combinations giving high in vitro lymphocyte responses were associated with easily enhanced grafts. The BN strains was a low responder in vitro in the three combinations tested and as a recipient strain, allografts could not be actively enhanced. After skin graft presensitization, BN recipients rejected grafts hyperacutely in two of three combinations and with a median survival time of 2 days in the third combination. The association of poor in vitro proliferative responses, the inability to induce enhancement, and rapid graft rejection after skin graft presensitization could be related to genetic mechanisms controlling the amount and class or subclass of antibody or to the generation of suppressor cells and remains to be determined.

Animals