Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Ling Li, Chianru Tan, Jia Zeng, Chen Luo, Shi Hu, Yanke Peng, Wenjuan Li, Zhixiong Xie, Yueming Ling, Xuejun Zhang, E. Deng, Haixia Xu, Jue Wang, Yudi Xie, Yaling Zhou, Wei Zhang, Yong Guo, Zhong Liu
Summary: This study collected nasopharyngeal swabs, anal swabs, saliva, blood, and urine specimens from patients with a course of disease ranging from 7 to 69 days. It was found that the positive detection rate was highest in nasopharyngeal swabs, followed by anal swabs. There was no significant correlation between antibody levels and days after symptom onset or viral load.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jie Yi, Nan Wang, Jie Wu, Yueming Tang, Jingjia Zhang, Lingxiang Zhu, Xiao Rui, Yong Guo, Yingchun Xu
Summary: This study developed a ddPCR method for detecting P. jirovecii DNA in respiratory specimens and evaluated its sensitivity against qPCR. The results showed that ddPCR was more sensitive than qPCR, especially in detecting low-pathogen-load P. jirovecii, making it a useful, viable, and reliable alternative to qPCR in testing P. jirovecii in patients with immunodeficiency.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jennifer M. Geris, Mark R. Schleiss, Anthony J. Hooten, Erica Langer, Nelmary Hernandez-Alvarado, Michelle A. Roesler, Jeannette Sample, Lindsay A. Williams, David S. Dickens, Rajen J. Mody, Yaddanapudi Ravindranath, Kate L. Gowans, Matthew G. Pridgeon, Logan G. Spector, Heather H. Nelson
Summary: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer and a leading cause of death in children. Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has been identified as a potential risk factor for ALL. This study compared the prevalence of cCMV infection between ALL cases and matched controls, and found that cCMV was associated with increased risk of hyperdiploid ALL.
Review
Virology
Amir Asri Kojabad, Mahdieh Farzanehpour, Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin Galeh, Ruhollah Dorostkar, Ali Jafarpour, Masoumeh Bolandian, Majid Mirzaei Nodooshan
Summary: ddPCR is a high-throughput digital PCR method that offers high sensitivity, specificity, absolute quantification without the need for a standard curve, good reproducibility, and tolerance to PCR inhibitors, making it a valuable addition to virologists' toolbox. Recent technological advances in ddPCR methods and their applications in viral identification are outlined in this review.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Marine Jeanmougin, Hans Petter Brodal, Heidi Dietrichson Pharo, Hege Marie Vedeld, Guro Elisabeth Lind
Summary: Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) has the potential for high sensitivity DNA methylation investigation, but the lack of analysis methods has resulted in manual data processing. PoDCall, an R package, automates the calling, quantification, and normalization of methylation levels in ddPCR experiments, providing an intuitive and interactive interface.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Simone Belmonti, Simona Di Giambenedetto, Francesca Lombardi
Summary: This review examines the importance of quantifying total HIV DNA in targeting the HIV reservoir and discusses the clinical implications and challenges of its future application. Total HIV DNA quantification is the most widely used marker for exploring the HIV reservoir, providing insights into HIV pathogenesis. The clinical role of total HIV DNA in both untreated and treated patients is extensively supported by evidence, and efforts to standardize protocols and involve the biomedical industry are needed to further advance its use in clinical practice.
Article
Virology
Elizabeth Hastie, Harold Amogan, David Looney, Sanjay R. Mehta
Summary: This study examined the association between nasopharyngeal (NP) SARS-CoV-2 viral loads and clinical outcomes, and identified factors that might predict the NP viral load and its role as a predictor of clinical outcomes. The results showed that individuals with respiratory symptoms and fevers had higher NP viral loads. The predictive models suggested that NP viral load approached significance as a predictor of in-hospital mortality. In conclusion, NP viral load may not be a strong predictor of moderate-to-severe disease, but it is predictive of symptomatic diseases and has some significance in predicting in-hospital mortality, supporting the importance of early viral control in preventing disease progression.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mustafa Fatih Abasiyanik, Blake Flood, Jing Lin, Sefika Ozcan, Sherin J. Rouhani, Athalia Pyzer, Jonathan Trujillo, Chaojie Zhen, Ping Wu, Stephen Jumic, Andrew Wang, Thomas F. Gajewski, Peng Wang, Madeline Hartley, Bekim Ameti, Rachael Niemiec, Marian Fernando, Vasudha Mishra, Peter Savage, Bulent Aydogan, Cindy Bethel, Scott Matushek, Kathleen G. Beavis, Nishant Agrawal, Jeremy Segal, Savas Tay, Evgeny Izumchenko
Summary: Saliva has significant advantages as a test medium for detecting SARS-CoV-2 infection, with a developed testing pipeline showing high effectiveness in detecting infected cases in both outpatient and inpatient settings. The saliva-based testing has the potential for higher sensitivity in detecting low-abundance viral loads, making it a reliable alternative to traditional testing methods.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Liao Chen, Vivek Yadav, Chenguang Zhang, Xiaoye Huo, Ceming Wang, Satyajyoti Senapati, Hsueh-Chia Chang
Summary: The droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) platform reported in this study utilizes a unique flattened pipette tip design to achieve rapid, stable, and highly sensitive quantification of low virus RNA load without the need for bulky lab-bound equipment. The technology allows for fast generation of thousands of monodispersed droplets, which can be easily counted or imaged for accurate quantification of target copies. This platform shows promising potential for rapid virus detection and epidemic control, offering a convenient solution for point-of-care (POC) applications.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Annarita Oranger, Caterina Manzari, Matteo Chiara, Elisabetta Notario, Bruno Fosso, Antonio Parisi, Angelica Bianco, Michela Iacobellis, Morena D'Avenia, Anna Maria D'Erchia, Graziano Pesole
Summary: Oranger et al. utilized digital droplet PCR to develop an assay that offers a real-time snapshot of SARS-CoV-2 sub-genomic messenger RNA levels in infected individuals, potentially enhancing diagnostic precision for COVID-19.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Dragana Milosevic, Ann M. Moyer, Ramanath Majumdar, Benjamin R. Kipp, Joseph D. Yao
Summary: A quantitative RT-ddPCR assay was developed and evaluated for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The assay showed good reproducibility and agreement, and can be used to identify patients with low viral load and monitor the efficacy of COVID-19 therapy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francesca Kasimir, Danny Toomey, Zheng Liu, Agnes C. Kaiping, Maria Eugenia Ariza, Bhupesh K. Prusty
Summary: This study found evidence of tissue-specific active HHV-6 and EBV infection in ME/CFS patients' brains and neuronal tissues, providing grounds for renewed discussion on the role of herpesviruses in ME/CFS.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dumrong Mairiang, Adisak Songjaeng, Prachya Hansuealueang, Yuwares Malila, Paphavee Lertsethtakarn, Sasikorn Silapong, Yongyuth Poolpanichupatam, Chonticha Klungthong, Kwanrutai Chin-Inmanu, Somchai Thiemmeca, Nattaya Tangthawornchaikul, Kanokwan Sriraksa, Wannee Limpitikul, Sirijitt Vasanawathana, Damon W. Ellison, Prida Malasit, Prapat Suriyaphol, Panisadee Avirutnan
Summary: RT-ddPCR demonstrates superior sensitivity compared to qRT-PCR in detecting and quantifying DENV, with interlaboratory variations observed in quantification of DENV in clinical samples. This optimized protocol could potentially harmonize DENV quantification results and enhance disease severity correlation studies.
Article
Oncology
Nan Lv, Yue Zhao, Yiying Song, Mingyu Ji, Yunying Zhou
Summary: HPV genotypes 16 and 18 are correlated with cervical carcinogenesis, but their prevalence varies according to region, nationality, and environment. This study developed a reliable droplet digital PCR method to detect and quantify HPV genotypes accurately. The method showed high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity compared to traditional quantitative real-time PCR and supplemented the detection of HPV genotypes in the Chinese population.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raquel Carrasco, Mercedes Ingelmo-Torres, Ramon Trullas, Fiorella L. Roldan, Leonardo Rodriguez-Carunchio, Lourdes Juez, Joan Sureda, Antonio Alcaraz, Lourdes Mengual, Laura Izquierdo
Summary: Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) has emerged as a real-time biomarker for monitoring cancer patients. This study found that tumor-agnostic ctDNA testing is a feasible strategy for monitoring disease progression and therapeutic response in muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) patients after radical cystectomy (RC). The study suggests that ctDNA status can predict tumor progression and patient outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anna A. Mensah, Joanne Lacy, Julia Stowe, Giulia Seghezzo, Ruchira Sachdeva, Ruth Simmons, Antoaneta Bukasa, Shennae O'Boyle, Nick Andrews, Mary Ramsay, Helen Campbell, Kevin Brown
Summary: The study found that reinfection with SARS-COV-2 was associated with lower mortality and hospitalization rates in unvaccinated individuals, while age, sex, and underlying comorbidities were identified as principal risk factors for illness severity at reinfection.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ben Kasstan, Sandra Mounier-Jack, Louise Letley, Katherine M. Gaskell, Chrissy H. Roberts, Neil R. H. Stone, Sham Lal, Rosalind M. Eggo, Michael Marks, Tracey Chantler
Summary: The study explores how the coronavirus vaccination program was co-delivered between public health services and an Orthodox Jewish health organization. The findings suggest that a localized approach to delivering vaccination services through collaboration with community organizations can address service gaps and promote vaccination among minority groups.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shennae O'Boyle, Luis Nacul, Flavio E. Nacul, Kathleen Mudie, Caroline C. Kingdon, Jacqueline M. Cliff, Taane G. Clark, Hazel M. Dockrell, Eliana M. Lacerda
Summary: This article proposes a framework for the treatment, rehabilitation, and research of ME/CFS, emphasizing the distinct stages of the disease using a natural history approach. It suggests that understanding the pathological mechanisms at each stage is crucial for tailored management and research. Early stages require strategies to decrease long-term morbidity, while later stages call for a holistic approach to alleviate symptoms and multi-systemic dysfunction. Standardized use of case definitions in research is also highlighted as crucial for evidence-based management policies.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Florence Brellier, Mar Pujades-Rodriguez, Emma Powell, Kathleen Mudie, Eliana Mattos Lacerda, Luis Nacul, Kevin Wing
Summary: This study found that Lyme disease in the UK is associated with subsequent fatigue and ME/CFS. These effects persist beyond 6 months after diagnosis and should be taken into consideration by patients and healthcare providers.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Deborah Watson-Jones, Hugo Kavunga-Membo, Rebecca F. Grais, Steve Ahuka, Natalie Roberts, W. John Edmunds, Edward M. Choi, Chrissy H. Roberts, Tansy Edwards, Anton Camacho, Shelley Lees, Maarten Leyssen, Bart Spiessens, Kerstin Luhn, Macaya Douoguih, Richard Hatchett, Daniel G. Bausch, Jean-Jacques Muyembe
Summary: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of a prophylactic vaccine during an Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The participants, including adults and children aged 1 year and above, were offered a two-dose vaccine regimen. The study will also assess the safety and immune responses of the vaccine, and qualitative research will be conducted with participants or their parents/care providers.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
William Waites, Carl A. B. Pearson, Katherine M. Gaskell, Thomas House, Lorenzo Pellis, Marina Johnson, Victoria Gould, Adam Hunt, Neil R. H. Stone, Ben Kasstan, Tracey Chantler, Sham Lal, Chrissy H. Roberts, David Goldblatt, Michael Marks, Rosalind M. Eggo
Summary: This study investigates the relative contribution and risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in different social settings, based on a large-scale COVID-19 epidemic in a religious community. The findings suggest that congregate settings play a significant role in transmission, with certain settings having a higher contribution than others. Furthermore, the study reveals a higher general-community transmission rate for women and lower susceptibility to infection in children.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Amber Barton, Athumani Ramadhani, Elias Mafuru, Tara Mtuy, Patrick Massae, Aiweda Malissa, Tamsyn Derrick, Joanna Houghton, Anna Harte, Thomas Payne, Harry Pickering, Matthew J. Burton, Chrissy H. Roberts, Martin J. Holland
Summary: HLA typing was performed on 336 Maasai participants using locus-specific amplicon sequencing at the HLA-A,-B,-C,-DRB1,-DQB1 and-DPB1 loci. The participants were recruited from three villages in North Tanzania for a study on risk factors for trachomatous scarring in children. Apart from the HLA-A locus, all other loci significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, possibly due to high relatedness among individuals: 238 individuals shared a household with at least one other participant. The most frequent alleles at each locus were A*68:02 (14.3%), B*53:01 (8.4%), C*06:02 (19.2%), DRB1*13:02 (17.7%), DQB1*02:01 (16.9%), and DPB1*01:01 (15.7%), while the most common inferred haplotype was A*68:02 B*18:01 C*07:04 DRB1*08:04 DQB1*04:02 DPB1*04:01 (1.3%).
Editorial Material
Immunology
Amber Barton, Harry Pickering, Thomas Payne, Nkoyo Faal, Ansumana Sillah, Anna Harte, Robin L. Bailey, David C. W. Mabey, Chrissy H. Roberts, Martin J. Holland
Summary: HLA DRB1, DQB1, and DPB1 alleles were determined for 939 Gambian individuals using locus-specific amplicon sequencing. The participants were from various regions of The Gambia and divided into two studies: a family study investigating the relationship between host genotype and trachomatous scarring (N = 796) and a cohort study identifying correlates of trachoma immunity (N = 143). Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed in all loci, likely due to the inclusion of family members in the study population. The most common alleles for HLA-DRB1, DQB1, and DPB1 were DRB1*13:04 (18.8%), DQB1*03:19 (27.9%), and DPB1*01:01 (25.4%), respectively. The participants belonged to different ethnic groups, including Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, and Jola.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria Luiza Almeida Bastos, Thalyta Gleyane Silva de Carvalho, Eliana Mattos Lacerda, Marcelo Jose Monteiro Ferreira
Summary: The study aims to quantify the number of days away from work due to mental disorders (MDs) in endemic fighting agents (EFAs) in Northeast Brazil. The researchers conducted a historical cohort study using 584 expert medical records of EFAs and performed Poisson regression models to assess associations. The results showed that the days away from work increased over time. Endemic fighting agents with mood disorders (IRR, 21.37; 95% CI, 12.36-36.93), alcoholism (IRR, 17.12; 95% CI, 10.04-29.34), and stress-related disorders (IRR, 10.32; 95% CI, 6.05-17.63) had a higher risk of absenteeism longer than 15 days. The study highlights the importance of addressing MDs in EFAs.
JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Norman K. Fry, Ellen Pringle, William Newsholme, Margot Nicholls, Jim Stephenson, Rachel Thorn Heathcock, Charlotte Gower, Joanne Lacy, Shennae O'Boyle, David J. Litt, Carmen Sheppard, Natalie Groves, Joshua D'Aeth, Katie L. Hopkins, Daniele Meunier, Aruni De Zoysa, Androulla Efstratiou, Colin Brown, Meera Chand, Gayatri Amirthalingam
Summary: This study reports a cluster of NTTB C. diphtheriae cases in a skin clinic and evidence of onward household transmission. The results show that the strains have a deletion in the tox gene, leading to non-expression of diphtheria toxin. There was no evidence of reversion to toxin expression over a 6.5 year period. These findings informed revisions to the management guidance for NTTB cases and their contacts in the UK.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiabao Xu, Tiffany Lodge, Caroline Kingdon, James W. L. Strong, John Maclennan, Eliana Lacerda, Slawomir Kujawski, Pawel Zalewski, Wei E. Huang, Karl J. Morten
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of using a single-cell Raman platform and artificial intelligence to diagnose and manage ME/CFS. The Raman profiles of blood cells can accurately distinguish between healthy individuals, disease controls, and ME/CFS patients, as well as differentiate between different severity levels of ME/CFS. The identification of specific Raman peaks also provides insights into biological changes and potential therapeutic targets.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tiago Dias Domingues, Joao Malato, Anna D. Grabowska, Ji-Sook Lee, Jose Ameijeiras-Alonso, Przemyslaw Biecek, Luis Graca, Helena Mourin, Carmen Scheibenbogen, Francisco Westermeier, Luis Nacul, Jacqueline M. Cliff, Eliana Lacerda, Nuno Sepulveda
Summary: In this study, the researchers re-analyzed data from ME/CFS and MS patients and found that IgG antibody data is more informative in explaining the symptoms of MS patients than ME/CFS patients. However, the clinical implications of these findings in ME/CFS patients remain to be determined due to the fluctuating nature of their symptoms.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Chrissy H. Roberts, Callum Stott, Marianne Shawe-Taylor, Zain Chaudhry, Sham Lal, Michael Marks
Summary: The availability of low-cost biometric hardware sensors and software allows for the efficient and secure collection and storage of unique biological signatures for identification purposes. This has various applications in research and trials, particularly for consent, case reporting linkage, participant identity confirmation, and adherence to data laws. The development of an open-source app and method for capturing and matching biometric fingerprint templates with popular data platforms provides a valuable tool for data management and record linkage, with high accuracy achieved through multiple fingerprint linkage.
FRONTIERS IN DIGITAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Caroline Kingdon, Adam Lowe, Charles Shepherd, Luis Nacul
Summary: The new NICE guideline for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) brings significant changes to treatment recommendations, emphasizing individualized management and well-being. It rejects fixed incremental increases in physical activity and exercise, and only recommends cognitive-behavioral therapy as a supportive intervention.