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(1) Background: The detection of methylated SEPT9 (mSEPT9) in plasma is a promising approach to non-invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Traditional approaches have limitations in sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, particularly in resource-limited settings. (2) Methods: We developed a semi-nested realtime PCR assay utilizing extendable blocking probes (ExBP) to enhance the detection of low-level mSEPT9 based on DNA melting. This assay allows for the discrimination of mSEPT9 in the presence of high concentrations of non-methylated SEPT9 (up to 100,000 times higher). (3) Results: The assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 73.91% and specificity of 80%, showcasing its ability to detect very low levels of methylated DNA effectively. The innovative use of ExBP without costly modified probes simplifies the assay setup and reduces the overall costs, enhancing its applicability in diverse clinical settings. (4) Conclusions: This novel assay significantly improves the detection of mSEPT9, offering a potential advance in CRC screening and monitoring. Its cost-efficiency and high sensitivity make it particularly suitable for the early detection and management of CRC, especially in settings with limited resources. Future studies are encouraged to validate this assay in larger populations to establish its clinical benefits and practical utility.

(1) Background: The detection of methylated SEPT9 (mSEPT9) in plasma is a promising approach to non-invasive colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Traditional approaches have limitations in sensitivity and cost-effectiveness, particularly in resource-limited settings. (2) Methods: We developed a semi-nested realtime PCR assay utilizing extendable blocking probes (ExBP) to enhance the detection of low-level mSEPT9 based on DNA melting. This assay allows for the discrimination of mSEPT9 in the presence of high concentrations of non-methylated SEPT9 (up to 100,000 times higher). (3) Results: The assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 73.91% and specificity of 80%, showcasing its ability to detect very low levels of methylated DNA effectively. The innovative use of ExBP without costly modified probes simplifies the assay setup and reduces the overall costs, enhancing its applicability in diverse clinical settings. (4) Conclusions: This novel assay significantly improves the detection of mSEPT9, offering a potential advance in CRC screening and monitoring. Its cost-efficiency and high sensitivity make it particularly suitable for the early detection and management of CRC, especially in settings with limited resources. Future studies are encouraged to validate this assay in larger populations to establish its clinical benefits and practical utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reference interview is integral to the success of the reference transaction. Thus, learning to conduct an effective reference interview is essential for library and information science students. Despite abundant literature on how to conduct the interview, little research exists on how well library and information science students are applying competencies associated with the reference interview, and how successful their reference interactions are. Through a survey reflection on a course-embedded assignment, this study examines reference success from the point of view of the library and information science student and their patrons. The results of the study have implications for library faculty and employers and reference managers. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article focuses on use of marital narratives for assessment and case planning with Asian women facing domestic violence. Topics discussed include issues concerning domestic violence and physical, emotional and sexual abuse faced by the Asian community, psychosocial interventions addressing intrapsychic adaptation to be included for empowerment of abused Asian women, and dependence of models of risk assessment and case planning on feminist principles of power and control.

Over the last decade in the United States, there has been a rapid intensification of the criminalization of immigration. At the nexus of this criminalization is a new institution with potentially profound consequences for transnational migrants, an especially vulnerable population now receiving increased attention from the social work profession. This article explores this phenomenon and its relevance for international social work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Culturally relevant and responsive social work practice is essential to any social worker's professional identity, however, little has been written about how one acquires such a sense of self, professionally speaking. For the bilingual native, negotiating two cultures is an inherent way of living that directly feeds the essence of being and thus informs and shapes the practice of doing. This narrative illuminates the personal and professional experiences of its author becoming bi-cultural and draws on these experiences to offer insights about becoming culturally responsive as a professional social worker. The emphasis in this article is intentionally placed on the process of professional identity development since much of the literature on culturally competent practice is focused on the acquisition of knowledge, awareness, and skills. Wherever useful, the author also draws on the use of creative narratives such as ethnic folklore, cultural idioms, fairy tales, and koans to support the main ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]