Article
Virology
Lucia Hans, Ed G. Marins, Christian O. Simon, Dieketseng Magubane, Britta Seiverth, Sergio Carmona
Summary: The study compared HIV-1 viral load results from cobas PSC and DBS using different assay systems, showing that PSC and c8800 had higher sensitivity and specificity compared to DBS and RealTime assay. This means that fewer patients had viral loads below 1000 copies/mL in plasma when using PSC, indicating a promising alternative in settings where plasma cannot be used.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jakob Tschaepe, Anika Cobernuss-Rahn, Sean Boyle, Neil Parkin, Ben LaBrot, Shagufta Aslam, Stephen Young, Peter Gohl
Summary: The cobas 5800 system is a new nucleic acid testing system that can perform qualitative and quantitative testing, including viral load determination. The system has been compared to the cobas 6800 system and found to have equivalent performance. This study demonstrates that the cobas 5800 system is a viable option for low- to mid-throughput laboratories looking to optimize their viral molecular testing efficiency.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Matilu Mwau, Sven Schaffer, Humphrey Kimani, Purity Kasiano, Francis Ogolla, Elizabeth Ajema, Scriven Adoyo, Ednah Nyairo, Norah Saleri, Sangeetha Vijaysri Nair
Summary: This study evaluated the performance characteristics of the Hologic Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx Assay for viral load monitoring using dried blood spots (DBS) and plasma samples in Kenya. The study also determined the stability of HIV-1 RNA in DBS. The results showed that the Aptima assay had high agreement with the Abbott RealTime HIV-1 Assay and demonstrated accurate VL monitoring in both DBS and plasma samples.
Article
Microbiology
Ying Yan, Le Chang, Huimin Ji, Yang Han, Lunan Wang
Summary: This study evaluates the analytical performance of the Aptima HBV Quant assay and concludes that it is suitable for HBV DNA detection. The assay shows high sensitivity with low limits of detection and good linear regression fitting. It performs comparably to widely used assays and is not impacted by usual mutations in the HBV S region.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Qing Yang, Hui Du, Xinfeng Qu, Wenkui Dai, Liming Gui, Changzhong Li, Chun Wang, Chunlei Guo, Yi Zhang, Lihui Wei, J. L. Belinson, Ruifang Wu
Summary: The study validates the correlation between the HPV viral loads indicated by Cobas4800 cycle threshold values (CtV) and the viral loads per unit cells from BMRT. Results show a high consistency between the two assays and a strong correlation between CtV and viral loads, indicating the potential clinical application of Cobas-CtV.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Younhee Park, Juhye Roh, Sinyoung Kim
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of cobas 6800 and Aptima assays for quantifying viral load of HIV-1, HBV, and HCV, and found that both assays showed good agreement and correlation in their results.
ANNALS OF LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Masahiro Matsumoto, Ryoichi Hamasuna, Phuong Thi Le, Naohiro Fujimoto, Tetsuro Matsumoto
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of the Abbott RealTime CT/NG assay and the Cobas 4800 CT/NG assay in detecting oropharyngeal NG and CT using oral wash specimens. The results showed that both assays had high sensitivity and specificity, with high negative predictive values. However, there is limited data available on oropharyngeal NG and CT detection, and further studies are needed.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Weiming Tang, Yusha Tao, Emmanuel Fajardo, Elena Ivanova Reipold, Roger Chou, Joseph D. Tucker, Philippa Easterbrook
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic performance of point-of-care (PoC) HCV viral load assays and found that they demonstrate excellent performance in various settings and populations. There was a slight reduction in sensitivity for fingerstick samples compared to serum or plasma, but the specificity was similar between frozen and fresh samples.
Article
Pathology
Adolfo Vubil, Carina Nhachigule, Ana Flora Zicai, Bindiya Meggi, Paulino da Costa, Nedio Mabunda, Sofia Viegas, Nadia Sitoe, Ilesh Jani
Summary: Our study found that HIV RNA remains stable in PSC specimens exposed to different temperatures and storage times, with minor variations observed in some cases. The results indicate that PSC can be a reliable method for VL testing in HIV patients.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Margo Bell, Bo Verberckmoes, Janne Devolder, Heleen Vermandere, Olivier Degomme, Yasmin Medeiros Guimaraes, Luani Rezende Godoy, Elena Ambrosino, Piet Cools, Elizaveta Padalko
Summary: This study demonstrates that the novel Allplex II HPV28 assay has a good diagnostic performance compared to widely used HPV assays. The assay has a user-friendly and automated workflow, an open platform for add-on assays, and provides quick and easy-to-interpret results. It shows potential for simplification and standardization of future diagnostic testing programs.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Almas Shamaila Mohammed, Aniket Balapure, Aleem Ahmed Khan, Mahammad Nanne Khaja, Ramakrishnan Ganesan, Jayati Ray Dutta
Summary: This study has developed a simplified molecular diagnostic strategy for direct genotyping of HCV 1 and 3, prevalent worldwide, using a combination of genotype-specific ASOs and plasmonic gold nanoparticles. The results show 100% specificity and sensitivity in clinical samples, opening up new avenues for PCR-free direct genotyping of other viruses through rational design of ASOs.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Eleanor A. Ochodo, Easter Elizabeth Olwanda, Jonathan J. Deeks, Sue Mallett
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care (POC) tests in detecting high viral load levels in people living with HIV (PLHIV). The results showed that POC tests have high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing high HIV viral load in PLHIV attending healthcare facilities at a clinical threshold of >= 1000 copies/mL.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Monday Tola, Ramadhani O. Habib, Adebajo Sylvia, Trevor A. Crowell, Nowak G. Rebecca, Manhattan E. Charurat, Patrick Dakum, Nicaise Ndembi
Summary: In resource-limited settings, dried blood spots (DBS) may be a practical alternative to plasma for monitoring viral load in people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Results from DBS showed strong correlation with standard plasma viral load testing, indicating their potential usefulness in settings such as Nigeria.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Rongqi Wang, Suxian Zhao, Jinghua Du, Jie Qiao, Wencong Li, Yuemin Nan
Summary: The study revealed a significant decrease in serum hepcidin levels in HCV-infected patients, indicating a potential iron metabolism disorder. Evaluating patient conditions by measuring hepcidin levels and regulating iron metabolism may improve prognosis for HCV patients.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Anita Boyapati, Matthew F. Wipperman, Peter J. Ehmann, Sara Hamon, David J. Lederer, Alpana Waldron, John J. Flanagan, Elif Karayusuf, Rafia Bhore, Michael C. Nivens, Jennifer D. Hamilton, Giane Sumner, Sumathi Sivapalasingam
Summary: This study found that the viral load of COVID-19 hospitalized patients is closely related to clinical outcomes, with higher viral load associated with worse prognosis. Treatment with sarilumab did not impact viral load.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Simone Anna Keimburg, Jens Theysohn, Matthias Buechter, Jassin Rashidi-Alavijeh, Katharina Willuweit, Hannah Schneider, Axel Wetter, Benjamin Maasoumy, Christian Lange, Heiner Wedemeyer, Antoaneta Angelova Markova
Summary: The study investigated the survival outcomes of liver cirrhosis patients after TIPS treatment, finding that the FIB-4 score can predict liver-related events, and that APRI and FIB-4 scores are associated with survival.
Editorial Material
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tammo L. Tergast, Benjamin Maasoumy
Summary: This article is linked to the papers by Tergast et al. To view these articles, visit and click on the link.
ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tammo L. Tergast, Benjamin Maasoumy
Summary: This article is linked to the papers by Tergast et al. Visit the link to view these papers.
ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Rapisa Nantanee, Watsamon Jantarabenjakul, Peera Jaru-Ampornpan, Pimpayao Sodsai, Orawan Himananto, Jitthiwa Athipunjapong, Jiratchaya Sophonphan, Sira Nanthapisal, Nattiya Hirankarn, Thanyawee Puthanakit
Summary: This study evaluated the immunogenicity of a half-dose BNT162b2 booster after AZD1222 and found that the lower dose vaccine provided comparable immune responses to the standard dose.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Carlos Oltmanns, Zhaoli Liu, Jasmin Mischke, Jan Tauwaldt, Yonatan Ayalew Mekonnen, Melanie Urbanek-Quaing, Jennifer Debarry, Benjamin Maasoumy, Heiner Wedemeyer, Anke R. M. Kraft, Cheng-Jian Xu, Markus Comberg
Summary: This study investigates the association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and epigenetic changes and biological age acceleration, as well as the reversibility of these changes after sustained virologic response (SVR). The results show that patients with chronic HCV infection have significant epigenetic age acceleration, which partially reverses after SVR. However, some patients still show incomplete reversal of biological age after treatment.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Thanyawee Puthanakit, Napaporn Chantasrisawad, Kirana Yoohat, Rapisa Nantanee, Jiratchaya Sophonphan, Thutsanun Meepuksom, Pimpayao Sodsai, Supranee Phanthanawiboon, Watsamon Jantarabenjakul, Nattiya Hirankarn, Pope Kosalaraksa
Summary: This study investigated the immunogenicity of fractional doses of BNT162b2 in healthy adolescents aged 12-18, showing that the regimen provided good immune responses and may serve as an alternative option for vaccination.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Suvimol Niyomnaitham, Anan Jongkaewwattana, Atibordee Meesing, Nawamin Pinpathomrat, Sira Nanthapisal, Nattiya Hirankarn, Sarawut Siwamogsatham, Suppachok Kirdlarp, Romanee Chaiwarith, Saranath Lawpoolsri, Supranee Phanthanawiboon, Arunee Thitithanyanont, Pokrath Hansasuta, Sansanee Chaiyaroj, Punnee Pitisuttithum
Summary: This study aimed to compare the immunogenicity and safety of fractional (half) third doses of heterologous COVID-19 vaccines (AZD1222 or BNT162b2) to full doses after the two-dose CoronaVac and when boosting after three different extended intervals. The results showed no difference in immunogenicity between half doses and full doses, but the full doses and longer intervals substantially improved immunogenicity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lisa Sandmann, Tammo Lambert Tergast, Heiner Wedemeyer, Katja Deterding, Benjamin Maasoumy
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nattarika Khuisangeam, Sirirut Jewmoung, Rattapoom Thaiwong, Suparat Tudsamran, Nattiya Hirankarn, Koramit Suppipat, Supannikar Tawinwung
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of adoptive cellular therapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for treating breast cancer by targeting mucin-1 (MUC1) antigen. The incorporation of the 41BB signaling domain in CAR MUC1 T cells improves T cell proliferation, reduces surface PD1 expression, and suppressive cytokine upregulation, highlighting the superiority of this costimulatory signal.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pornpimol Phuengmaung, Phuriwat Khiewkamrop, Jiradej Makjaroen, Jiraphorn Issara-Amphorn, Atsadang Boonmee, Salisa Benjaskulluecha, Patcharee Ritprajak, Aleksandra Nita-Lazar, Tanapat Palaga, Nattiya Hirankarn, Asada Leelahavanichkul
Summary: The absence of Ezh2 in macrophages resulted in less severe sepsis, indicating the importance of Ezh2 in regulating the inflammatory response. Additionally, the use of an Ezh2 inhibitor might be beneficial in severe infections.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lisa Sandmann, Benjamin Maasoumy
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Valerie Ohlendorf, Benjamin Maasoumy
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Benjamin Maasoumy, Patrick Ingiliz, Christoph D. Spinner, Christiane Cordes, Hans-Juergen Stellbrink, Julian Schulze zur Wiesch, Stephan M. Schneeweiss, Katja Deterding, Tobias Mueller, Julia Kahlhoefer, Petra Doerge, Maria von Karpowitz, Michael P. Manns, Heiner Wedemeyer, Markus Cornberg
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an 8-week treatment with sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir for acute HCV monoinfection. The results showed that all adherent patients achieved sustained virologic response at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Therefore, early treatment with sofosbuvir/velpatasvir can be recommended to effectively prevent the spread of HCV in high-risk groups.
Editorial Material
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Benjamin Maasoumy, Pietro Lampertico
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Yannick Stahl, Iyad Kabar, Hauke Heinzow, Benjamin Maasoumy, Birgit Bremer, Heiner Wedemeyer, Hartmut H. -J. Schmidt, Thomas Pietschmann, Bernhard Schlevogt, Patrick Behrendt
Summary: Urine-based antigen testing appears to be superior to measuring antibodies or viral RNA for diagnosing and monitoring HEV infection.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)