Shimadzu’s LCMS-8050 triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS meets the growing demand for trace-level quantitation in clinical research and other markets. It incorporates proprietary ultrafast technologies as well as a newly developed ion source and collision cell technology. As the flagship model of Shimadzu’s UFMS (Ultra-Fast Mass Spectrometry) product line, the LCMS-8050 features high sensitivity, high data quality and also claims the the world’s fastest data acquisition rates in the market.

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Acute dengue virus infections can be diagnosed at an early stage using a new ELISA which detects the viral antigen NS1 (non-structural protein 1). NS1 is a highly conserved glycoprotein which is present in the serum of infected persons at the onset of clinical symptoms in both primary and secondary infections. It is detectable before the appearance of IgM and IgG antibodies in first infections and also before IgM in subsequent infections, and it remains detectable for a longer time frame than viral RNA. The combined analysis of NS1 and specific antibodies enables reliable diagnosis of dengue virus infections in all stages. The microplates of the new Dengue Virus NS1 ELISA are coated with monoclonal anti-NS1 antibodies, which specifically detect the NS1 protein from all dengue virus serotypes (DENV 1, 2, 3 and 4). The ELISA has been extensively evaluated in clinical studies and quality assessment schemes, and shows a high sensitivity and specificity. NS1 detection by ELISA offers the additional advantage of being technically simpler and less expensive than other early-stage detection methods such as viral RNA analysis by reverse transcription PCR, or virus cultivation. Serological detection of specific antibodies provides confirmation of acute infections at later stages and past infections. Anti-dengue virus antibodies can be determined by ELISA based on highly purified viral particles from dengue virus-infected cells, or by indirect immunofluorescence using a mosaic of four cell substrates, each infected with a different serotype. To exclude cross reactions with other structurally similar flaviviruses, a further BIOCHIP mosaic of cells infected with e.g. tick-borne encephalitis virus, West Nile virus, yellow fever virus and Japanese encephalitis virus can be incubated in parallel.

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Building on the principles of SMART Automation, Sakura Finetek introduces the next step in total laboratory automation, the Tissue-Tek AutoSection Automated Microtome for histopathology laboratories. The first of its kind, this fully-automated and programmable microtome aligns and trims blocks with optimal precision, section after section. AutoAlign, the core technology behind AutoSection, precisely orients blocks and dramatically reduces the risk of losing tissue. In addition, with AutoTrim technology, blocks are ready for sectioning in seconds. Another major benefit of automation and stress-free microtomy is the reduction of repetitive motion and the increase of staff satisfaction. AutoSection ensures consistent high-quality sectioning, preservation of valuable tissue, improved productivity and minimal repetitive motions.

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A CE-marked multiplex real-time PCR reagent targeting Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis is adapted to the most used qPCR automated systems usually dedicated to C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae. This new kit can dramatically improve the diagnosis process for patients with sexually transmitted infection. The mg219 gene was found to be in all strains of M. genitalium and was highly conserved; it is coupled to the mgPa gene and T. vaginalis. A quick and accurate detection of pathogens causing various STIs can solve a lot of problems with regard to partner contamination and supports adapted antibiotherapy regimens. Molecular diagnostics enables an easier and more reliable diagnosis than traditional methods. Mycoplasma genitalium has been convincingly linked to non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) and nonchlamydial-non-gonococcal urethritis (NCNGU); association of M. genitalium infection and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) aft er termination of pregnancy is an independent and strong risk factor for both cervicitis and PID. Therefore, M. genitalium infection in women is associated with clinical manifestations and complications that in some instances are amenable to prevention and treatment.
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Blood lactate concentration is directly related to the availability of oxygen: when the amount of oxygen is inadequate in cells and tissues (hypoxia), the anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism leads to lactic acidosis. So, lactic concentration is increased in any type of tissue hypoxia, such as severe congestive heart failure, shock of any etiology (septic, cardiogenic…), severe anemia or monoxide carbon intoxication. Lactic acidosis can also happen in favourable tissue oxygenation, as in leukemia and solid tumours where the cause may be excessive lactate production by the neoplastic tissue. Other causes include poorly controlled diabetes or severe hepatic insufficiency. Lactate levels may also increase during intense exercise, causing a transitory and benign lactic acidosis. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lactate test may be ordered, along with a blood lactate test, to help distinguish between viral and bacterial meningitis. Increased levels also occur in any clinical condition associated with reduced oxygenation of brain and/or increased intracranial pressure. This new lactate reagent is based on the Lactate Oxidase/Peroxidase method, which is more convenient for random access–type equipment because of its long stability on board and lack of cross contamination when compared with the Lactate Dehydrogenase method.
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