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Background The Applied Biosystems 3500 Genetic Analyzer (ABI3500) allows for automated capillary electrophoresis on multiple targets. So far, the application of this method for detecting cerebrospinal fluid pathogens has hardly been reported. Methods To assess the performance of multiplex-PCR assay for 18 pathogens detection, 127 CSF samples from hospitalized children with suspected viral encephalitis were prospectively collected from April to November 2018. The Sanger sequencing was applied to verify this assay. Results All of the 18 target pathogens can be identified by multiplex-PCR assay at 104 copies (or CFU/mL) of each virus, bacterium and fungus. In contrast, 10 control microorganisms failed to be amplified. Approximately 68.5 % of the cases tested had positive results, the enterovirus accounted for the majority of the positive cases (63.8 %). Agreement between multiplex-PCR and sequencing was 91.49 %. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the ABI3500-based multiplex-PCR detection kit could be a valuable diagnostic tool for pathogen detection in CSF of children with suspected viral encephalitis.

BaxCe0.8Tb0.2O3−α (x=0.98–1.03) solid electrolytes were synthesized and characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD). By using AC impedance spectroscopy and gas concentration cell electromotive force (EMF) measurements, the electrical conduction behavior of the specimens was investigated in different gases during 500–1000 °C. The influence of nonstoichiometry in the specimens with x≠1 on conduction properties was studied and compared with that in the specimen with x=1. The results show that the specimens are all of perovskite-type orthorhombic structure. In 500–1000 °C, electronic hole conduction is dominant in dry and wet oxygen, air or nitrogen. Protonic conduction is dominant in wet hydrogen and it is about two orders of magnitude higher than that in hydrogen-free atmospheres (oxygen, air and nitrogen). The electrical conductivity of the same specimen in water vapor-saturated oxygen, air or nitrogen is slightly higher than that in corresponding gas without water vapor. The electrical conductivities of the nonstoichiometric specimens are higher than those of the stoichiometric one.