Dysfunctional Self-Focus and Fear of Progression in Cancer Patients Mediated by Depression, Anxiety, and Dysfunctional Sleep Beliefs.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores whether cancer patients' dysfunctional self-focus is a significant contributor to their fear of progression. In addition, we investigated whether their psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and dysfunctional beliefs about sleep may mediate the relationship between these factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective medical records review of 196 cancer patients who visited the Stress Management Clinic for the first time from March to September 2022. Their demographic information and responses to rating scales such as the Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), Dysfunctional Self-focus Attribution Scale (DSAS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Items (PHQ-9), State subcategory of the State and Trait of Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Cancer-related Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep scale (C-DBS), and numeric rating scales of pain and fatigue were collected. RESULTS: A high FoP-Q-SF score was significantly correlated with high PHQ-9 (r=0.60), STAI-S (r=0.38), ISI (r=0.34), C-DBS (r=0.47), pain (r=0.24), fatigue (r=0.37), and DSAS (r=0.58, all p<0.001). A linear regression analysis showed that the FoP-Q-SF score was significantly predicted by younger age (ß=-0.13, p=0.011), PHQ-9 (ß=0.36, p<0.001), STAI-S (ß=0.18, p=0.001), C-DBS (ß=0.22, p<0.001), and DSAS (ß=0.25, p<0.001). A mediation analysis showed that dysfunctional self-focus directly influenced patients' fear of progression. In addition, cancer patients' depression, anxiety, and cancer-related dysfunctional beliefs about sleep mediated this relationship. CONCLUSION: We observed that dysfunctional self-focus may influence cancer patients' fear of progression, mediated by depression, anxiety, and cancer-related dysfunctional beliefs about sleep.

Efficacy and safety of digital therapeutic application of Sleep Index-Based Treatment for Insomnia (dSIBT-I): a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of digital therapeutic application of Sleep Index-Based Treatment for Insomnia (dSIBT-I) and compare them with those of digital application of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (dCBT-I). This randomised prospective pilot study was conducted at the Asan Medical Center. A total of 50 patients with insomnia were recruited between December 2022 and January 2023 and randomly allocated to the dSIBT-I or dCBT-I group. The study was carried out for one month. The primary outcome was the significant reduction in Insomnia Severity Index score at Week 4 compared to baseline, while the secondary outcome was proportion of participants whose Insomnia Severity Index scores were reduced to <15 at Week 4. We performed linear mixed model and generalised estimating equation analyses. Both dSIBT-I and dCBT-I groups showed significant improvements in Insomnia Severity Index scores at Week 4. There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of Insomnia Severity Index scores at Week 4 (group × time effect, F = 1.07, p = 0.382) and proportion of participants whose Insomnia Severity Index scores were reduced to <15 at Week 4 (group × time effects, F = 1.80, p = 0.615). However, at Week 2, the dSIBT-I group showed better results than the dCBT-I group in terms of both Insomnia Severity Index scores (p = 0.044) and proportion of participants whose Insomnia Severity Index scores were reduced to <15 (82.6% vs. 48.0%, p = 0.017). No treatment-emergent adverse events were reported in either group. The dSIBT-I is a safe and effective therapy for insomnia, with rapid treatment effects.

Cancer signature ensemble integrating cfDNA methylation, copy number, and fragmentation facilitates multi-cancer early detection.

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) sequencing has demonstrated great potential for early cancer detection. However, most large-scale studies have focused only on either targeted methylation sites or whole-genome sequencing, limiting comprehensive analysis that integrates both epigenetic and genetic signatures. In this study, we present a platform that enables simultaneous analysis of whole-genome methylation, copy number, and fragmentomic patterns of cfDNA in a single assay. Using a total of 950 plasma (361 healthy and 589 cancer) and 240 tissue samples, we demonstrate that a multifeature cancer signature ensemble (CSE) classifier integrating all features outperforms single-feature classifiers. At 95.2% specificity, the cancer detection sensitivity with methylation, copy number, and fragmentomic models was 77.2%, 61.4%, and 60.5%, respectively, but sensitivity was significantly increased to 88.9% with the CSE classifier (p value < 0.0001). For tissue of origin, the CSE classifier enhanced the accuracy beyond the methylation classifier, from 74.3% to 76.4%. Overall, this work proves the utility of a signature ensemble integrating epigenetic and genetic information for accurate cancer detection.

Globally shared TCR repertoires within the tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes of patients with metastatic gynecologic cancer.

Gynecologic cancer, including ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, is characterized by morphological and molecular heterogeneity. Germline and somatic testing are available for patients to screen for pathogenic variants in genes such as BRCA1/2. Tissue expression levels of immunogenomic markers such as PD-L1 are also being used in clinical research. The basic therapeutic approach to gynecologic cancer combines surgery with chemotherapy. Immunotherapy, while not yet a mainstream treatment for gynecologic cancers, is advancing, with Dostarlimab recently receiving approval as a treatment for endometrial cancer. The goal remains to harness stimulated immune cells in the bloodstream to eradicate multiple metastases, a feat currently deemed challenging in a typical clinical setting. For the discovery of novel immunotherapy-based tumor targets, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) give a key insight on tumor-related immune activities by providing T cell receptor (TCR) sequences. Understanding the TCR repertoires of TILs in metastatic tissues and the circulation is important from an immunotherapy standpoint, as a subset of T cells in the blood have the potential to help kill tumor cells. To explore the relationship between distant tissue biopsy regions and blood circulation, we investigated the TCR beta chain (TCRß) in bulk tumor and matched blood samples from 39 patients with gynecologic cancer. We found that the TCR clones of TILs at different tumor sites were globally shared within patients and had high overlap with the TCR clones in peripheral blood.

Assessing Stress and Anxiety in Firefighters During the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic: A Comparative Adaptation of the Stress and Anxiety in the Viral Epidemic-9 Items and Stress and Anxiety in the Viral Epidemics-6 Items Scales.

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the reliability and validity of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 items (SAVE-9) and Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items (SAVE-6) scales for measuring viral anxiety among firefighters during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among 304 firefighters assigned in Gyeonggi-do. The SAVE-9 scale, initially developed for healthcare workers, was adapted for firefighters. We compared it with the SAVE-6 scale designed for the general population among the firefighters sample. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to explore the factor structure of both scales. Internal consistency reliability was checked using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega. Convergent validity was assessed in accordance with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scales. RESULTS: The SAVE-9 scale demonstrated a Cronbach alpha of 0.880, while the SAVE-6 scale yielded an alpha of 0.874. CFA indicated good model fits for both SAVE-9 and SAVE-6 scales among firefighters sample. The SAVE-9 and SAVE-6 comparably measures viral anxiety of firefighters. CONCLUSION: Both of the SAVE-9 and SAVE-6 scales are reliable and valid instruments for assessing viral anxiety among firefighters during the pandemic.

Mediating Effect of Intolerance of Uncertainty and Cancer-Related Dysfunctional Beliefs About Sleep on Psychological Symptoms and Fear of Progression Among Cancer Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the mediating effects of cancer-related dysfunctional beliefs regarding sleep and intolerance of uncertainty on the effect of depression, insomnia, and anxiety on fear of progression (FoP). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients with cancer who visited the Sleep Clinic for cancer patients in Asan Medical Center for the first time between December 2021 and March 2022. Data collected included age, sex, types of cancer, staging, current treatment modalities, and history of surgical procedures. In addition, psychological symptoms were rated using the Insomnia Severity Scale (ISI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), State subcategory of the State and Trait of Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S), Short form of Fear of Progression Questionnaire, Cancer-related Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep scale (C-DBS), single item of pain and fatigue, Connor Davidson Resilience Scale 2-item (CD-RISC2), and Intolerance of Uncertainty-12 (IUS-12). The predictive variables for FoP were determined by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The FoP was significantly correlated with age (r=-0.289), ISI (r=0.178), PHQ-9 (r=0.703), STAI-S (r=0.377), fatigue (r=0.452), CD-RISC2 (r=-0.270), IUS-12 (r=0.585), and C-DBS (r=0.427, all p<0.01). A mediation analysis showed that intolerance of uncertainty and dysfunctional beliefs about sleep mediated the relationship of FoP with insomnia, depression, or anxiety. CONCLUSION: Psychological support for intolerance of uncertainty and cancer-related dysfunctional beliefs about sleep in patients with cancer may be beneficial to reduce their FoP.

Accurate Detection of Urothelial Bladder Cancer Using Targeted Deep Sequencing of Urine DNA.

Patients with hematuria are commonly given an invasive cystoscopy test to detect bladder cancer (BC). To avoid the risks associated with cystoscopy, several urine-based methods for BC detection have been developed, the most prominent of which is the deep sequencing of urine DNA. However, the current methods for urine-based BC detection have significant levels of false-positive signals. In this study, we report on uAL100, a method to precisely detect BC tumor DNA in the urine without tumor samples. Using urine samples from 43 patients with BC and 21 healthy donors, uAL100 detected BC with 83.7% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The mutations identified in the urine DNA by uAL100 for BC detection were highly associated with BC tumorigenesis and progression. We suggest that uAL100 has improved accuracy compared to other urine-based methods for early BC detection and can reduce unnecessary cystoscopy tests for patients with hematuria.

EBS-seq: enrichment-based method for accurate analysis of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine at single-base resolution.

BACKGROUND: A growing body of research has emphasized 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) as an important epigenetic mark. High-resolution methods to detect 5hmC require high sequencing depth and are therefore expensive. Many studies have used enrichment-based methods to detect 5hmC; however, conventional enrichment-based methods have limited resolution. To overcome these limitations, we developed EBS-seq, a cost-efficient method for 5hmC detection with single-base resolution that combines the advantages of high-resolution methods and enrichment-based methods. RESULTS: EBS-seq uses selective labeling of 5hmC, deamination of cytosine and 5-methylcytosine, pull-down of labeled 5hmC, and C-to-T conversion during DNA amplification. Using this method, we profiled 5hmC in HEK293T cells and two colorectal cancer samples. Compared with conventional enrichment-based 5hmC detection, EBS-seq improved 5hmC signals by localizing them at single-base resolution. Furthermore, EBS-seq was able to determine 5hmC levels in CpG-dense regions where distortion of signals can occur, such as CpG islands and CpG shores. Comparing EBS-seq and conventional high-resolution 5hmC detection by ACE-seq, we showed that EBS-seq is more effective at finding 5hmC sites. Using EBS-seq, we found strong associations between gene expression and gene-body 5hmC content in both HEK293T cells and colorectal cancer samples. CONCLUSIONS: EBS-seq is a reliable and cost-efficient method for 5hmC detection because it simultaneously enriches 5hmC-containing DNA fragments and localizes 5hmC signals at single-base resolution. This method is a promising choice for 5hmC detection in challenging clinical samples with low 5hmC levels, such as cancer tissues.

Changes in Insomnia Severity are Associated With the Changes in Discrepancy Between Desired Time in Bed and Desired Total Sleep Time Among the General Population.

OBJECTIVE: The discrepancy between desired time in bed and desired total sleep time (DBST index) is correlated with the severity of insomnia among the general population. This study aimed to explore whether the change in DBST index is associated with changes in insomnia severity. METHODS: The study was conducted as a single source tracking online survey among the general population. The first survey (T1) was completed by all 399 participants, and the second survey (T2) was completed by 233 participants 5-6 weeks after the T1 survey with a simple instruction of reducing the DBST index. Participants' age, sex, marital status, past psychiatric history, and sleep patterns were collected. In addition to the DBST index, the Glasgow Sleep Effort Scale (GSES), Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep-2 items (DBS-2), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were rated. RESULTS: The change in the ISI (T1-T2) was significantly correlated with the changes in the GSES (r=0.24, p<0.001), DBS-2 (r=0.22, p<0.001), and DBST index (r=0.15, p=0.020). The change in insomnia severity was expected with change in the GSES (ß=0.23, p<0.001), DBS-2 (ß=0.20, p=0.002), and DBST index (ß=0.13, p=0.037). Mediation analysis showed that change in DBST index directly influenced change in insomnia severity and change in GSES or DBS-2 did not mediate the relationship. CONCLUSION: Changing the DBST index can be a simple way to reduce insomnia severity among the general population.

Intolerance of Uncertainty Mediates the Influence of Viral Anxiety on Social Distancing Phobia Among the General Korean Population During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examined the reliability and validity of Korean version of Social Distancing Phobia scale, and whether intolerance of uncertainty mediates the association of the general population's social distancing phobia with viral anxiety and depression. METHODS: Through this anonymous online survey, we collected responses from 400 individuals in the general Korean population. Participants' demographic information and rating scales scores, including the Social Distancing Phobia scale, Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Intolerance of Uncertainty-12 items. RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good model fit, and the Korean version of Social Distancing Phobia scale showed good internal consistency. Social distancing phobia was significantly correlated with age (r=0.213, p<0.001), viral anxiety (r=0.390, p<0.001), depression (r=0.244, p<0.001), and intolerance of uncertainty (r=0.323, p<0.001). A linear regression analysis showed that age (ß=0.235, p<0.001), viral anxiety (ß=0.281, p<0.001), depression (ß=0.121, p=0.009), and intolerance of uncertainty (ß=0.200, p<0.001; adjusted R2=0.246, F=33.6, p<0.001) predicted social distancing phobia. Mediation analysis revealed that viral anxiety directly influenced social distancing phobia (z=6.48, p<0.001), and intolerance of uncertainty partially mediated this association (z=2.92, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Social distancing phobia may cause psychological stress but may also increase adherence to physical distancing measures and prevent the spread of viruses.

Effect of Cancer-Related Dysfunctional Beliefs About Sleep on Fear of Cancer Progression in the Coronavirus Pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore clinical correlates of fear of progression (FoP) among patients with cancer during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and examine the mediation effect of cancer-related dysfunctional beliefs about sleep (C-DBS). METHODS: Medical charts of patients with cancer who visited a psycho-oncology clinic between July and November 2021 were reviewed. Baseline socio-demographic and cancer-related variables were collected. Patients' self-report questionnaires, regarding FoP, depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items; PHQ-9), viral anxiety (Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-6 items; SAVE-6), C-DBS, and other distress, were investigated. Pearson's correlation and linear regression were performed to examine the risk factors of FoP. Mediation effect analysis with the bootstrap method with 2,000 resamples was implemented. RESULTS: A total of 231 patients were included in the analysis. Linear regression revealed that FoP was predicted by age (ß = -0.14, P = 0.003), PHQ-9 (ß = 0.48, P < 0.001), SAVE-6 (ß = 0.34, P < 0.001), and C-DBS (ß = 0.15, P = 0.005). FoP was directly influenced by SAVE-6 and mediated by C-DBS, while it was directly influenced by PHQ-9 with no mediation effect. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FoP of patients with cancer was associated with younger age, depression, viral anxiety, and C-DBS. Depression and viral anxiety directly influenced FoP, while C-DBS mediated the association between viral anxiety and FoP. Therefore, oncology healthcare professionals are recommended to assess C-DBS of their patients when they are highly distressed from FoP.

Psychometric properties of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 scale among frontline nursing professionals working in the COVID-19 inpatients ward.

This study examined the reliability and validity of the Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9 (SAVE-9) scale among nursing professionals working in a COVID-19 inpatient ward. An anonymous, online survey was conducted among working frontline nursing professionals between April 7 and 18, 2022. We collected information about the participants' age, sex, years of employment, shift work, and marital status. In addition, the participants were asked whether they had dealt with infected patients recently, and whether they had been quarantined, infected, or vaccinated. SAVE-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate symptoms. We used the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to determine the validity of the two-factor model of the SAVE-9 scale. We also tested reliability and convergent validity using the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scales. A total of 136 responses was analyzed, and CFA for two-factors model of the SAVE-9 scale showed a good model fit among frontline nursing professionals (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.040, RMSEA = 0.000, RSMR = 0.060). Multi-group CFAs revealed that the SAVE-9 scale can measure work-related stress and viral anxiety in the same way across sex, having depression, or having generalized anxiety. The internal consistency was shown to be good, and the SAVE-9 scale was significantly correlated with the GAD-7 (r = 0.328, p < 0.001) and PHQ-9 score (r = 0.361, p < 0.001). The two-factor model of the SAVE-9 is a valid and reliable scale for frontline nursing professionals.

Validation of the Korean version of the Metacognitions Questionnaire-Insomnia (MCQ-I) scale and development of shortened versions using the random forest approach.

We aimed to validate a Korean version of the Metacognitions Questionnaire-Insomnia (MCQ-I) and develop two shortened versions of the MCQ-I by applying the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. A total of 310 participants responded through an online survey, during April 3-6, 2021, which included rating scales such as the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), as well as the MCQ-I. After validating the scale, we developed two shortened versions by applying the RF. Finally, we explored the psychometric properties of the shortened versions. The Korean version of the MCQ-I showed good internal consistency based on a Cronbach's alpha of 0.96. Factor analyses showed good model fits for the single structure of the MCQ-I. From the results of the RF, 6 of the 60 items of the MCQ-I were sufficient to distinguish between people with MCQ-I scores above the cut-off value and the rest with high accuracy (AUC>0.97), leading to the 6-item (MCQI-6) version of the MCQ-I. Furthermore, we have also developed a 14-item (MCQI-14) version of the MCQ-I with higher accuracy (AUC>0.98). Both versions were reliable based on their internal consistency (alpha = 0.843 and 0.912), and confirmatory factor analysis showed good model fits for both shortened versions. In addition, good convergent validity of both shortened versions with insomnia, sleep quality, depression, and anxiety were observed. The Korean version of the MCQ-I and two shortened versions (MCQI-6, and MCQI-14) were useful, reliable, and valid tools to evaluate the role of metacognitive beliefs in sleep problems among the Korean population.

Dynamic changes in longitudinal circulating tumour DNA profile during metastatic colorectal cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) has been spotlighted as an attractive biomarker because of its easy accessibility and real-time representation of tumour genetic profile. However, the clinical utility of longitudinal ctDNA monitoring has not been clearly defined. METHODS: Serial blood samples were obtained from metastatic colorectal cancer patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy. ctDNA was sequenced using a targeted next-generation sequencing platform which included 106 genes. Changes in ctDNA profile and treatment outcome were comprehensively analysed. RESULTS: A total of 272 samples from 62 patients were analysed. In all, 90.3% of patients had detectable ctDNA mutation before treatment. ctDNA clearance after chemotherapy was associated with longer progression-free survival which was independent of radiological response (adjusted hazard ratio 0.22, 95% confidence interval 0.10-0.46). Longitudinal monitoring was able to detect ctDNA progression which preceded radiological progressive disease (PD) in 58.1% (median 3.3 months). Diverse resistant mutations (34.9%) and gene amplification (7.0%) at the time of PD were discovered. For 16.3% of the PD patients, the newly identified mutations could be potential candidates of targeted therapy or clinical trial. CONCLUSION: ctDNA profile provided a more accurate landscape of tumour and dynamic changes compared to radiological evaluation. Longitudinal ctDNA monitoring may improve personalised treatment decision-making.

Mediating Effects of Reassurance-Seeking Behavior or Obsession With COVID-19 on the Association Between Intolerance of Uncertainty and Viral Anxiety Among Healthcare Workers in Korea.

BACKGROUND: This study explores whether the intolerance of uncertainty among healthcare workers prompts viral anxiety, and whether this association is mediated by their reassurance-seeking behavior and preoccupation with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Korea. METHODS: An online survey was conducted among healthcare workers in Asan Medical Center, on November 29, 2021. Demographic characteristics and responses to items from rating scales were collected, including Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics-9, Coronavirus Reassurance-Seeking Behaviors Scale (CRBS), Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9, Insomnia Severity Scale, and Intolerance of Uncertainty-12 (IUS-12). RESULTS: Among the 329 participants, viral anxiety of healthcare workers was predicted by being female (ß = 0.14, P = 0.002), CRBS (ß = 0.30, P < 0.001), OCS (ß = 0.32, P < 0.001), and IUS-12 (ß = 0.15, P = 0.002) scores (adjusted R² = 0.43, F = 31.1, P < 0.001). Mediation analysis showed that the intolerance of uncertainty directly influenced viral anxiety, and reassurance-seeking behavior and obsession with COVID-19 partially mediated the association. CONCLUSION: The intolerance of uncertainty among healthcare workers directly influenced their viral anxiety, and reassurance-seeking behavior and obsession with COVID-19 mediated this association in this era of "living with coronavirus" in Korea.

Discrepancy between desired time in bed and desired total sleep time in patients with cancer: The DBST index and its relationship with insomnia severity and sleep onset latency.

Patients with cancer can often experience insomnia or sleep disturbances. This study aimed to explore whether the discrepancy between a patient's desired time in bed and desired total sleep time (DBST index) can be used as a measurement tool for insomnia severity or sleep onset latency [SOL] in patients with cancer. This retrospective medical records review study gathered clinical information and scores from scales and indices such as the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Cancer-related Dysfunctional Beliefs about Sleep (C-DBS) scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 items (PHQ-9), State subcategory of State and Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the short form of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire. Sleep indices of time variables (bedtime, sleep onset time, and wake-up time), duration variables [SOL, time in bed (TIB), time in bed over 24 hours (TIB/d), and duration from wake-up time to bedtime (WTB)], and DBST index were calculated. ISI scores were predicted by the PHQ-9 (ß = 0.34, P < 0.001), C-DBS scale (ß = 0.17, P = 0.034), and DBST indices (ß = 0.22, P = 0.004). Long SOL value was predicted by early bedtimes (ß = -0.18, P = 0.045), short WTB durations (ß = -0.26, P = 0.004), and high DBST index values (ß = 0.19, P = 0.013). The DBST index was significantly correlated with both insomnia severity and SOL in patients with cancer.

Accurate Detection of Rare Mutant Alleles by Target Base-Specific Cleavage with the CRISPR/Cas9 System.

The detection of low-frequency somatic mutations enables early diagnosis of disease; however, base-substitution errors that arise during genomic library preparation and high-throughput sequencing can lead to false diagnostic information. To discriminate true genomic alterations from technical errors, we developed spCas9-assisted true variant labeling sequencing (CARVE-seq), which detects low-frequency mutant alleles with high accuracy. CARVE-seq utilizes single-base discrimination during spCas9 cleavage reactions to exclude technical errors. Ten single nucleotide variants that recurrently occur in tumors were assayed by CARVE-seq using 20 ng reference samples, and 100% positive predictive value and specificity was observed, which proved the highly accurate performance of CARVE-seq.

MAPS-seq: magnetic bead-assisted parallel single-cell gene expression profiling.

Recently developed single-cell RNA sequencing methods allow the simultaneous profiling of the transcriptomes of thousands of individual cells. However, current methods still require advanced equipment or entail substantial waste of reagents. Here, we introduce magnetic bead-assisted parallel single-cell gene expression sequencing (MAPS-seq), a microwell-based method that pools samples before the reverse transcription step, increasing the ease of sample preparation and reducing reagent waste. Moreover, because this method uses universal reagents and standard molecular biology lab instruments, it is easy to implement, even in labs that have not previously conducted single-cell RNA sequencing. We validated our method by demonstrating that it can generate gene expression data at the single-cell level. We then applied the MAPS-seq method to analyze 237 human myelogenous leukemia cells treated with one of three different drugs or dimethyl sulfoxide. We observed transcriptional changes and identified marker genes that indicate a drug response. Furthermore, the MAPS-seq method produced data of comparable quality to those of existing single-cell RNA sequencing methods. Consequently, we expect that our method will provide researchers with a more accessible, less wasteful, and less burdensome method for investigating the transcriptomes of individual cells.

Data that effectively demonstrate the benefits of a 3D CAPPI algorithm.

The data presented in this article are related to the research article entitled "Three-dimensional analysis of the initial stage of convective precipitation using an operational X-band polarimetric radar network" [1]. The data presented were obtained using a three-dimensional constant-altitude plan-position-indicator (3D CAPPI), which was generated by a new method proposed by [1]. The data used to create the 3D CAPPI were derived from two X-band polarimetric radar installations in the Kanto region of Japan, Ebina (139.39°E, 35.40°N), and Shin-yokohama (139.60°E, 35.51°N). These data are superior to operational radar data in terms of their temporal and spatial resolution. These high resolution data can indicate a rapidly developing storm, such as localized precipitation. It is particularly important to understand the early stages of storms in terms of numerical and short-term models. These data show the time of appearance, life cycle, and evolution of each cell that constitutes a storm in three-dimensional detail.

Highly Manufacturable Nanoporous Ag Films Using New Sputtering System for Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrate.

We have developed and characterized a highly manufacturable nanoporous Ag film using a custom-made sputtering system for a surface enhanced Raman scattering substrate for biosensors. The Raman response property of the Ag nanoporous thin film peaked at the same characteristic wavelength as a commercial specimen with an intensity that was 1.5 times higher. We also observed the characteristics of the Ag nanoporous films prepared in this study up to 10 picomole of Rhodamine 6G concentration and 1 picomole and 0.1 picomole using additional signal processing methods. The Raman intensity was at least 10 times higher than the intensity of the Ag nanoporous thin film itself, at densities of 4.3 × 104 cps, 4.0 × 104 cps, 2.9 × 104 cps, and 1.4 × 104 cps. The characteristic peak wavelength also differed. The Raman intensity peak was highest at a wave number of 1513/cm, regardless of the thickness of the Ag nanoporous film, and was found to have a large peak, in the order of 1364/cm, 1314/cm, 612/cm, and 1653/cm. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the Ag nanoporous thin film proposed in this paper can be used as a SERS substrate.