Article
Microbiology
Beverly Egyir, Jeannette Bentum, Naiki Attram, Anne Fox, Noah Obeng-Nkrumah, Labi Appiah-Korang, Eric Behene, Selassie Kumordjie, Clara Yeboah, Bright Agbodzi, Ronald Essah Bentil, Rhodalyn Tagoe, Blessing Kofi Adu Tabi, Felicia Owusu, Nicholas T. K. D. Dayie, Eric S. Donkor, Josephine Nsaful, Kwaku Asah-Opoku, Edward Nyarko, Edward Asumanu, Anders Rhod Larsen, David M. Wolfe, Andrew G. Letizia
Summary: This study characterized S. aureus isolates from SSIs in Ghana, revealing a novel pvl-positive ST152-t355 MRSA clone. The presence of multi-drug-resistant S. aureus epidemic clones highlights the need for ongoing surveillance to monitor the spread and resistance trends of S. aureus in hospital settings in the country.
Article
Immunology
Kyle J. Popovich, Stephanie N. Thiede, Chad Zawitz, Alla Aroutcheva, Darjai Payne, William Janda, Michael Schoeny, Stefan J. Green, Evan S. Snitkin, Robert A. Weinstein
Summary: This study examined MRSA transmission in jails and found a high burden of MRSA upon intake. Genomic analysis indicated potential spread of incoming strains and networks of spread during incarceration, with transmission often occurring among detainees housed in similar locations. Sharing personal items during incarceration was associated with MRSA acquisition and could be a target for intervention.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kyle J. Popovich, Stefan J. Green, Koh Okamoto, Yoona Rhee, Mary K. Hayden, Michael Schoeny, Evan S. Snitkin, Robert A. Weinstein
Summary: The study revealed frequent spread of MRSA USA300 and USA100 strains among patients, environment, and healthcare workers in ICUs. Whole genome sequencing showed that isolates from patients, healthcare workers, and environment were genetically similar, with substantial diversity between encounters. Notably, clusters containing similar strains were found from different encounters, suggesting intra- and inter-ICU spread of strains.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
T. Sato, T. Yamaguchi, K. Aoki, C. Kajiwara, S. Kimura, T. Maeda, S. Yoshizawa, M. Sasaki, H. Murakami, J. Hisatsune, M. Sugai, Y. Ishii, K. Tateda, Y. Urita
Summary: This study conducted a molecular epidemiological analysis of MRSA strains isolated from bloodstream-infected patients in a Japanese university hospital using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. The results showed that the prevalence of MRSA clones changed over time, with SCCmec II strains becoming rare and SCCmec IV strains becoming dominant. In addition, SNP analysis revealed silent nosocomial transmission in the hospital, highlighting the effectiveness of whole-genome analysis in monitoring MRSA and detecting nosocomial transmission.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Tendai Mugwagwa, Ibrahim Abubakar, Peter J. White
Summary: Despite progress in TB control in countries like England and Wales, there are still diagnostic delays. Molecular testing and/or WGS can provide more rapid diagnosis, and the cost-effectiveness of these options in low-burden settings has been explored. The study found that routine use of WGS or molecular testing, or their combined use, is cost-effective in low-burden settings. The combined use of Xpert-Ultra and WGS was identified as the most cost-effective option.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
P. M. Kinnevey, A. Kearney, A. C. Shore, M. R. Earls, G. Brennan, T. T. Poovelikunnel, H. Humphreys, D. C. Coleman
Summary: Using whole-genome sequencing (WGS), this study detected numerous potential hospital MRSA transmission events involving healthcare workers, patients, and the environment under non-outbreak conditions, primarily associated with CC22-MRSA, CC45-MRSA, and CC8-MRSA.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhe Xu, Si Cheng, Xin Qiu, Xiaoqi Wang, Qiuwen Hu, Yanfeng Shi, Yang Liu, Jinxi Lin, Jichao Tian, Yongfei Peng, Yong Jiang, Yadong Yang, Jianwei Ye, Yilong Wang, Xia Meng, Zixiao Li, Hao Li, Yongjun Wang
Summary: This study constructed an optimized pipeline and identified applicable fingerprint panels to address the sample tagging problem in whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) data. By using autosome-wide A/T polymorphic single nucleotide variants (SNVs), a fingerprint panel was designed and genotypes were called from the WGBS data. The capability to tag WGBS data was validated and the lower boundary for the number of fingerprint genetic variants needed for correct sample tagging was determined.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Devin Incerti, Xiang-Ming Xu, Jacquelyn W. Chou, Nina Gonzaludo, John W. Belmont, Brock E. Schroeder
Summary: This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of genome sequencing (GS) in diagnosing critically ill infants and pediatric patients with suspected rare genetic diseases. The findings suggest that GS may be a cost-neutral or cost-saving diagnostic tool for children and critically ill infants.
GENETICS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Economics
Martijn J. H. G. Simons, Carin A. Uyl-de Groot, Valesca P. Retel, Joanne M. Mankor, Bram L. T. Ramaekers, Manuela A. Joore, Wim H. van Harten
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the cost-effectiveness, budget impact, and impact of uncertainty of future developments concerning whole-genome sequencing (WGS) as a clinical diagnostic test compared with standard of care in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. The findings suggest that WGS is likely to become cost-effective in the near future if it identifies more patients with actionable targets and shows the impact of uncertainty regarding its diagnostic yield.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ying Ni, Xudong Liu, Zemenu Mengistie Simeneh, Mengsu Yang, Runsheng Li
Summary: This study evaluates the application of the recently released R10.4 flow cell from Oxford Nanopore Technologies in human cancer genomics and epigenomic research. The results show that R10.4 performs better than R9.4.1 in terms of read accuracy, variant detection, methylation calling, and genome recovery rate. In addition, the study proposes a promising method for high-yield single-cell whole-genome amplification sequencing and provides a possible solution for filtering false positive sites using R10.4 data.
COMPUTATIONAL AND STRUCTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Y. Hosaka, K. Yahara, A. Clark, H. Kitagawa, J. Hisatsune, M. Sugai, K. Shibayama, J. Stelling
Summary: The study conducted phenotypic monitoring of emerging resistance in Staphylococcus aureus and correlated priority strain phenotypes with whole-genome sequencing findings. The research revealed the emergence of a new resistance phenotype and provided a model for future epidemiological studies on antimicrobial resistance.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ashley Jones, David Stanley, Scott Ferguson, Benjamin Schwessinger, Justin Borevitz, Norman Warthmann
Summary: This study presents a cost-conscious protocol for generating multiplexed short-read DNA libraries using a bead-linked transposome from Illumina, which reduces costs and labor time compared to conventional methods.
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Bart S. Ferket, Zach Baldwin, Priyanka Murali, Akila Pai, Kathleen F. Mittendorf, Heidi V. Russell, Flavia Chen, Frances L. Lynch, Kristen Hassmiller Lich, Lucia A. Hindorff, Renate Savich, Anne Slavotinek, Hadley Stevens Smith, Bruce D. Gelb, David L. Veenstra
Summary: This study aims to develop conceptual frameworks for model-based cost-effectiveness analyses of GS/ES. Through a scoping review and expert discussions, specific considerations were provided for different clinical scenarios to guide the design of model-based CEAs.
GENETICS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jose Givanildo Silva, Wydemberg Jose Araujo, Elma Lima Leite, Larissa Maranhao Dias, Priscylla Carvalho Vasconcelos, Nubia Michelle Vieira Silva, Raylson Pereira Oliveira, Maria Jose Sena, Celso Jose Bruno Oliveira, Rinaldo Aparecido Mota
Summary: This study reports the genomic features of the first mecC-mediated, beta-lactam resistant MRSA strain associated with livestock in Brazil and the American continent. The strain was identified as sequence type 126 (ST126) and spa type t605, and harbored various genes related to antibiotic resistance and virulence. This research provides important epidemiologic and genomic information for understanding the origin and dissemination of mecC-MRSA among animals and its impact on public health.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Chunmei Li, Stacey Vandersluis, Corinne Holubowich, Wendy J. Ungar, Elaine S. Goh, Kym M. Boycott, Nancy Sikich, Irfan Dhalla, Vivian Ng
Summary: Genetic testing plays a crucial role in addressing unexplained developmental disabilities and multiple congenital anomalies. Comprehensive sequencing can improve diagnosis but comes with higher cost. The study suggests that utilizing ES earlier in the diagnostic pathway may be cost-saving.
GENETICS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Hayden Holmes, Jessica McMaster, Heather Davies, Victoria Vaines, James Turvill
Summary: This study analyzed the data from the York Fecal Calprotectin Care Pathway (YFCCP) and found that it is a cost-effective and beneficial approach for treating patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to the current recommended pathways.
EXPERT REVIEW OF PHARMACOECONOMICS & OUTCOMES RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christopher J. R. Illingworth, William L. Hamilton, Christopher Jackson, Ben Warne, Ashley Popay, Luke Meredith, Myra Hosmillo, Aminu Jahun, Tom Fieldman, Matthew Routledge, Charlotte J. Houldcroft, Laura Caller, Sarah Caddy, Anna Yakovleva, Grant Hall, Fahad A. Khokhar, Theresa Feltwell, Malte L. Pinckert, Iliana Georgana, Yasmin Chaudhry, Martin Curran, Surendra Parmar, Dominic Sparkes, Lucy Rivett, Nick K. Jones, Sushmita Sridhar, Sally Forrest, Tom Dymond, Kayleigh Grainger, Chris Workman, Effrossyni Gkrania-Klotsas, Nicholas M. Brown, Michael P. Weekes, Stephen Baker, Sharon J. Peacock, Theodore Gouliouris, Ian Goodfellow, Daniela De Angelis, M. Estee Torok
Summary: This article describes a method for rapid identification of potentially linked cases of COVID-19 infection in a clinical setting. The method combines knowledge about infection dynamics, data describing individuals' movements, and evolutionary analysis of genome sequences to assess whether data collected from infection cases are consistent or inconsistent with direct transmission linkage. The results of a retrospective analysis and real-time application show the value of this method in monitoring infection cases in a clinical context.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dinesh Aggarwal, Ben Warne, Aminu S. Jahun, William L. Hamilton, Thomas Fieldman, Louis du Plessis, Verity Hill, Beth Blane, Emmeline Watkins, Elizabeth Wright, Grant Hall, Catherine Ludden, Richard Myers, Myra Hosmillo, Yasmin Chaudhry, Malte L. Pinckert, Iliana Georgana, Rhys Izuagbe, Danielle Leek, Olisaeloka Nsonwu, Gareth J. Hughes, Simon Packer, Andrew J. Page, Marina Metaxaki, Stewart Fuller, Gillian Weale, Jon Holgate, Christopher A. Brown, Rob Howes, Duncan McFarlane, Gordon Dougan, Oliver G. Pybus, Daniela De Angelis, Patrick H. Maxwell, Sharon J. Peacock, Michael P. Weekes, Chris Illingworth, Ewan M. Harrison, Nicholas J. Matheson, Ian G. Goodfellow
Summary: Understanding the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in higher education settings is crucial in limiting spread among students and at-risk populations. A study conducted at the University of Cambridge analyzed viral isolates and found limited introductions of the virus into the university. Student cases were primarily linked to a single genetic cluster, likely originating from social gatherings outside of the university. Transmission was observed within student accommodations and courses but was effectively contained through local infection control measures and a national lockdown. The study highlights important factors in SARS-CoV-2 transmission and effective interventions in higher education settings.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Hannah Baker, Brooke Avey, Line Overbeck Rethmeier, Stuart Mealing, Marie Lynge Buchter, Marcio Augusto Averbeck, Nikesh Thiruchelvam
Summary: This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of hydrophilic-coated intermittent catheters (HCICs) compared to uncoated intermittent catheters (UICs) from the perspective of the UK National Health Service. The results showed that HCICs are a cost-effective alternative to UICs, as they significantly reduce the occurrence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections.
CURRENT MEDICAL RESEARCH AND OPINION
(2023)
Review
Rheumatology
Bruno Fautrel, Jacoby Patterson, Catherine Bowe, Mick Arber, Julie Glanville, Stuart Mealing, Viviam Canon-Garcia, Laura Fagerhed, Hilde Rabijns, Roberto Giacomelli
Summary: This systematic review evaluated the efficacy and safety of biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) for adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD). The review included three randomized controlled trials, one retrospective case series, and 17 case series. Limited data from randomized controlled trials showed that bDMARDs may be effective compared to conventional DMARDs or placebo. However, the lack of standardized assessment criteria hindered comparisons between studies. Uncontrolled retrospective case series suggested that bDMARDs were effective in AOSD, but no comparative data were available. Standardization of therapeutic response definition and larger comparative studies are needed to determine the most effective bDMARDs for AOSD.
SEMINARS IN ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Heather Davies, Joel Russell, Angel Varghese, Hayden Holmes, Marta O. Soares, B. Woods, Ruth Puig-Peiro, Stephanie Evans, Rory Tierney, Stuart Mealing, Mark Sculpher, Julie V. Robotham
Summary: This study developed a conceptual modeling framework to estimate the current and potential future consequences of antibiotic resistance on surgical procedures in England. The framework considered the impact of increasing antibiotic resistance on surgical site infection rates and the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment. The results showed the potential significant impact of antibiotic resistance on surgical outcomes and costs.
MDM POLICY & PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Maria Hee Jung Park Frausing, Jens Brock Johansen, Daniela Afonso, Ole Dan Jorgensen, Thomas Olsen, Christian Gerdes, Mette Lundsby Johansen, Claudia Wolff, Stuart Mealing, Jens Cosedis Nielsen, Mads Brix Kronborg
Summary: The use of an absorbable antibacterial envelope during implantation can effectively prevent cardiac implantable electronic device infections in patients with a moderate-to-high infection risk. A recent Danish study demonstrated that using an antibacterial envelope is cost-effective in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) reoperations, in line with previous research conducted in other healthcare systems.
Article
Economics
Sam Harper, Lukasz Grodzicki, Stuart Mealing, Liz Gemmill, Paul J. Goldsmith, Ahmed R. Ahmed
Summary: This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of RefluxStop compared with other treatment options for GERD. The results showed that RefluxStop had better surgical outcomes and was highly likely to be a cost-effective treatment option within the UK National Health Service.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Economics
A. Looby, H. Davies, S. Mealing, A. B. Smith, B. Avey, A. Laezza, A. Crossland, E. F. Lane, M. Ridler, M. Cawson
Summary: This study aimed to assess the utility decrements associated with three attributes of catheterization for individuals with spinal cord injuries. Health state vignettes and an online time trade-off questionnaire were used to collect data, and the results showed that community residence and the process of catheterization had significant impacts on health utility.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ECONOMICS
(2023)
Review
Economics
Heather Davies, Mary Chappell, Yingying Wang, Angaja Phalguni, Stephanie Wake, Mick Arber, Judith Shore
Summary: myCOPD is a digital tool designed to help individuals manage their chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) through education, self-management, symptom tracking, and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). It was selected by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for medical technologies guidance in 2020.
APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria Hollmen, Marlies Wijsenbeek, Tom Bromilow, Adam B. Smith, Stuart Mealing, Damian Lewis, Liam Galvin, Steve Jones, Guus Asijee, Stephane Soulard, Antoine Froidure
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the preferences of IPF patients, caregivers, and pulmonologists regarding the treatment profiles of AF drugs using a DCE. The findings showed that patients and caregivers prioritized the management of treatment-related adverse events, while pulmonologists emphasized lung function and exacerbations control. These differences should be taken into account by clinicians to involve patients in IPF treatment decision-making.
PATIENT PREFERENCE AND ADHERENCE
(2023)
Article
Economics
Maria Mata Lorenzo, Mahmood Ali, Stuart Mealing, Joe Moss
Summary: Through a health economic model, this study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of roxadustat compared to ESAs for treating anemia of non-dialysis-dependent CKD. The model incorporates a hypothetical cohort of 1,000 NDD CKD patients and considers eight different health states representing varying levels of anemia. Results show that roxadustat is on average less costly and more effective than ESAs, with a dominant incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. The model highlights the potential cost-effectiveness and impact of roxadustat in reducing the burden of anemia in NDD CKD patients.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Oussama Wazni, Joe Moss, Malte Kuniss, Jason Andrade, Gian Battista Chierchia, Stuart Mealing, Waruiru Mburu, Alicia Sale, Rachelle Kaplon, Eleni Ismyrloglou, Tom Bromilow, Emily Lane, Damian Lewis, Matthew R. Reynolds
Summary: From the perspective of U.S. Medicare payers, initial rhythm control with first-line cryoballoon ablation is highly cost-effective compared with first-line antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs).