Editorial Material
Otorhinolaryngology
Anni Koskinen, Morag Tolvi, Maria Jauhiainen, Eliisa Kekalainen, Anu Laulajainen-Hongisto, Satu Lamminmaki
Summary: This case series investigated the frequency and type of SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal test complications in Helsinki, Finland.
JAMA OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD & NECK SURGERY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tina Ursic, Rok Kogoj, Jaka Sikonja, Monika Jevsnik Virant, Miroslav Petrovec
Summary: This study compares a simplified nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) collection method with one rotation to a standard method with five rotations. The results show that there is no significant difference in the quality of the samples collected using these two methods, but the one rotation method is less uncomfortable for patients and takes less time.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Surbhi Bihani, Aryan Gupta, Subina Mehta, Andrew T. Rajczewski, James Johnson, Dhanush Borishetty, Timothy J. Griffin, Sanjeeva Srivastava, Pratik D. Jagtap
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the exploration of the microbiome is necessary due to impaired immunity and cases of secondary infections. This study used mass spectrometry-based data to investigate the metaproteome of nasopharyngeal swab samples from COVID-19 patients. Through a bioinformatics workflow, microbial peptides belonging to opportunistic pathogens were detected, and upregulated microbial proteins were found in severe patients. Clinical metaproteomics based on mass spectrometry can be a powerful tool for detecting and characterizing potential pathogens, impacting the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bianca Clerici, Antonio Muscatello, Francesca Bai, Donatella Pavanello, Michela Orlandi, Giulia C. Marchetti, Valeria Castelli, Giovanni Casazza, Giorgio Costantino, Gian Marco Podda
Summary: The study aimed to assess the sensitivity of nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) in COVID-19 patients, with a sensitivity rate of 77% for all NPS evaluated and 79% for the first follow-up swabs. Results showed no significant variations in sensitivity over time, and factors such as time since symptom onset, age, sex, number of comorbidities, and onset symptoms did not significantly impact the sensitivity of the first follow-up NPS. The utility of NPS in the diagnostic algorithm of COVID-19 should be reconsidered based on these findings.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Getachew Tesfaye Beyene, Fekadu Alemu, Eyerusalem Solomon Kebede, Dawit Hailu Alemayehu, Tamirayehu Seyoum, Dessalegn Abeje Tefera, Gebeyehu Assefa, Abebech Tesfaye, Anteneh Habte, Gadissa Bedada, Birhanemeskel Tegene, Melese Yeshambaw, Liya Wassie, Adane Mihret, Alemseged Abdissa, Andargachew Mulu
Summary: Saliva can be a good alternative sample for diagnosing COVID-19 patients, showing higher yield and viral load compared to NPS samples.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Nicolas Sananes, Massimo Lodi, Antoine Koch, Lise Lecointre, Axel Sananes, Nicolas Lefebvre, Christian Debry
Summary: In this study, a realistic nasopharyngeal swab collection simulator was developed through 3D printing, providing complete operating instructions. The simulator can simulate the actual collection process and provide real-time feedback, which is beneficial for training purposes.
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF OTO-RHINO-LARYNGOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Carlos Barrera-Avalos, Roberto Luraschi, Eva Vallejos-Vidal, Maximiliano Figueroa, Esteban Arenillas, Daniela Barria, Felipe Hernandez, Carlos Mateluna, Javier Mena, Claudia Rioseco, Claudia Torrent, Claudio Vergara, Gaby Gutierrez, Javiera Quiroz, Javiera Alarcon, Julio Cartagena, Javiera Cayunao, Andrea Mella-Torres, Alvaro Santibanez, Sebastian Tapia, Alejandro Undurraga, Deborah Vargas, Valentina Wong, Ailen Inostroza-Molina, Daniel Valdes, Monica Imarai, Claudio Acuna-Castillo, Felipe E. Reyes-Lopez, Ana M. Sandino
Summary: This study compared the performance of different viral transport media in COVID-19 diagnosis in Santiago, Chile, finding DNA/RNA Shield (TM) to be more effective. PBS medium may compromise sample diagnosis, while NAT, Ezmedlab, VTM-N, and DNA/RNA Shield (TM) media show acceptable RT-qPCR parameters.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Francesco Aiello, Marco Ciotti, Gabriele Gallo Afflitto, Maria Cristina Rapanotti, Bartolo Caggiano, Michele Treglia, Sandro Grelli, Sergio Bernardini, Silvestro Mauriello, Carlo Nucci, Luigi Tonino Marsella, Raffaele Mancino
Summary: The study showed that SARS-CoV-2 cannot contaminate post-mortem corneal epithelium, but can persist in other structures of the ocular surface, implying possible contamination ante-mortem.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Arun Arjunan, Suhaib Zahid, Ahmad Baroutaji, John Robinson
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to global shortages of nasopharyngeal swabs, prompting researchers to develop 3D printed swabs to reduce patient discomfort.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Carmela Nardelli, Ivan Gentile, Mario Setaro, Carmela Di Domenico, Biagio Pinchera, Antonio Riccardo Buonomo, Emanuela Zappulo, Riccardo Scotto, Giovanni Luca Scaglione, Giuseppe Castaldo, Ettore Capoluongo
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to significant differences in the nasopharyngeal microbiome composition between patients and controls. The reduction of certain bacteria, such as Fusobacterium periodonticum (FP), may affect the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further research is needed to elucidate the specific role of FP in COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Ahmad Mamba'udin, Murni Handayani, Farid Triawan, Yosephin Dewiani Rahmayanti, Muhammad Akhsin Muflikhun
Summary: In this study, 3D-printed nasopharyngeal swabs for medical sample collection were manufactured, evaluated, and characterized. A design with separate production of the swab and handle was proposed for sustainable and environmentally friendly production. The mechanical properties, surface roughness, and dimensional accuracy of the 3D-printed swabs were evaluated, and the results showed outstanding tensile strength and flexibility compared to commercial swabs. The proposed 3D-printed swabs were able to carry artificial mucus samples and had a cost of USD0.01-0.02 per swab, showing potential as a greener and more sustainable option with less medical waste.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Bawlah Tahir, Fitsum Weldegebreal, Firayad Ayele, Desalegn Admassu Ayana
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of saliva compared to nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) in the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The results showed that saliva had a higher detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 compared to NPS, and there was significant agreement between the two specimens. Therefore, saliva could be a suitable and easily obtainable alternative diagnostic specimen for SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Cedric Hartard, Sibel Berger, Thomas Josse, Evelyne Schvoerer, Helene Jeulin
Summary: The LIAISON(R) SARS-CoV-2 Ag test showed a specificity of 99.4% and a negative predictive value of 100% in asymptomatic individuals. It demonstrated an overall sensitivity of 84.8%, reaching 91.9% in the first four days after symptom onset. The test may be particularly useful for COVID-19 diagnosis, especially within the early symptom onset period.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Abhijith Biji, Oyahida Khatun, Shachee Swaraj, Rohan Narayan, Raju S. Rajmani, Rahila Sardar, Deepshikha Satish, Simran Mehta, Hima Bindhu, Madhumol Jeevan, Deepak K. Saini, Amit Singh, Dinesh Gupta, Shashank Tripathi
Summary: Analysis and validation revealed S100 family genes (S100A6, S100AB, S100A9, and S100P) as prognostic markers of severe COVID-19. Thioredoxin (TXN) was consistently upregulated. Auranofin, targeting Thioredoxin reductase, reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro and in a preclinical hamster model.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Paolo Zamboni, Daria Bortolotti, Savino Occhionorelli, Luca Traina, Luca Maria Neri, Roberta Rizzo, Roberta Gafa, Angelina Passaro
Summary: This study identified three asymptomatic patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who had the virus present in resected specimens from acute bowel ischemia. Despite lacking respiratory or constitutional symptoms, these patients tested strongly positive for SARS-CoV-2 in their resected tissues, suggesting a potential unique presentation of the virus in acute abdominal distress.
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)