Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Muhabat Adeola Raji, Raja Chinnappan, Atef Shibl, Ghadeer Suaifan, Karina Weber, Dana Cialla-May, Juergen Popp, Enas El Shorbagy, Khaled Al-Kattan, Mohammed Zourob
Summary: The timely diagnosis of MRSA is crucial for reducing morbidity/mortality, but current identification methods have shortcomings. A new optical immunosensor was developed to detect MRSA on contaminated surfaces, with high specificity and sensitivity, making it a powerful point-of-care diagnostic platform.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antoine Oloma Tshomba, Daniel Mukadi-Bamuleka, Anja De Weggheleire, Olivier M. Tshiani, Charles T. Kayembe, Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Faustin M. Chenge, Bart Karl M. Jacobs, Dieudonne N. Mumba, Desire D. Tshala-Katumbay, Sabue Mulangu
Summary: This study evaluates the efficiency of incorporating Ebola prediction scores and rapid diagnostic tests into the screening algorithm during an outbreak. The findings suggest that using the conditional test algorithm and the dual conditional test with the rapid diagnostic test can lower the number of confirmation tests and overall care costs during an Ebola epidemic.
Article
Economics
Madeline Adee, Huaiyang Zhong, Elena Ivanova Reipold, Yueran Zhuo, Sonjelle Shilton, Jagpreet Chhatwal
Summary: A study found that using a core antigen (cAg)-based HCV rapid diagnostic test can improve diagnosis rates, save costs, and have a significant impact on the feasibility of HCV elimination.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
John T. Schousboe, Brian L. Sprague, Linn Abraham, Ellen S. O'Meara, Tracy Onega, Shailesh Advani, Louise M. Henderson, Karen J. Wernli, Dongyu Zhang, Diana L. Miglioretti, Dejana Braithwaite, Karla Kerlikowske
Summary: The study found that extending screening mammography to age 80 may have benefits for some women, but the absolute reduction in death rates is small for women with comorbidities. Therefore, women over 75 should weigh the risks and benefits when considering screening mammography.
ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
John T. Schousboe, Brian L. Sprague, Linn Abraham, Ellen S. O'Meara, Tracy Onega, Shailesh Advani, Louise M. Henderson, Karen J. Wernli, Dongyu Zhang, Diana L. Miglioretti, Dejana Braithwaite, Karla Kerlikowske
Summary: Extending mammography screening to age 80 appears to be cost-effective in certain scenarios, but the absolute number of deaths averted is small, especially for women with comorbidities. Women considering screening beyond age 75 should carefully weigh the potential harms of overdiagnosis against the potential benefits of averting breast cancer death.
ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Natalia Kolesnik-Goldmann, Elias Bodendoerfer, Kim Roethlin, Sebastian Herren, Frank Imkamp, Martina Marchesi, Stefano Mancini
Summary: The article discusses infections and resistance issues caused by Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci, proposes a rapid method to detect methicillin resistance, and evaluates the application value of this method in detecting pathogenic staphylococcal isolates.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
S. Suratwala, D. Kommareddy, P. Duvvuri, J. Woltmann, A. Segal, E. Krauss
Summary: This study assessed the MRSA infection rate, associated costs, and costs of screening before and after implementation in a healthcare system. The results showed that although screening was costly, it had little impact on infection rates. Therefore, the screening protocol may be more suitable for high-risk populations rather than average TJA patients.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Whitney K. Hendrickson, Laura Havrilesky, Nazema Y. Siddiqui
Summary: This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of selective, universal, and no preoperative bacteriuria screening protocols in women undergoing surgery for prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. The results showed that in most scenarios, implementing a selective preoperative bacteriuria protocol is cost-effective and associated with only a <1% increase in the 30-day postoperative urinary tract infection rate.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Falk Schwendicke, Lisa Bombeck
Summary: This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of near-infrared-light-transillumination (NILT) for school-based caries screening and found that NILT may provide limited effectiveness gains and cost savings in the modelled populations. However, in countries other than Germany, NILT may have higher cost-effectiveness.
JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Iakovos Toumazis, Pianpian Cao, Koen de Nijs, Mehrad Bastani, Vidit Munshi, Mehdi Hemmati, Kevin ten Haaf, Jihyoun Jeon, Martin Tammemagi, G. Scott Gazelle, Eric J. Feuer, Chung Yin Kong, Rafael Meza, Harry J. de Koning, Sylvia K. Plevritis, Summer S. S. Han
Summary: In their 2021 update, the USPSTF emphasized the need for further research on the benefits and harms of risk model-based lung cancer screening strategies. This comparative modeling analysis found that risk model-based screening strategies were more cost-effective than the USPSTF recommendation, with a 6-year risk threshold of 1.2% or greater being the most cost-effective.
ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Rikke Sogaard, Axel Cosmus Pyndt Diederichsen, Lars M. Rasmussen, Jess Lambrechtsen, Flemming H. Steffensen, Lars Frost, Kenneth Egstrup, Grazina Urbonaviciene, Martin Busk, Jes S. Lindholt
Summary: A recent trial suggests that screening for cardiovascular disease in men may decrease all-cause mortality. This study evaluates the cost effectiveness of such screening and finds that comprehensive screening is cost effective compared to no screening.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jim Nonomiya, Ke Sherry Li, Brett M. Babin, Melinda M. Mulvihill
Summary: Interest in covalent drug discovery has increased following the success of covalent inhibitors targeting BTK and KRAS G12C approved by the FDA. High-throughput screening by intact protein mass spectrometry is commonly used to identify lead compounds, but it does not provide binding site information. This article introduces CoMPAS, a new targeted mass spectrometry-based covalent screening method that provides binding site information in the initial screen and offers advantages such as higher sensitivity and reduced protein reagent requirements.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Dongheyu Zhang, Yuntao Guo, Liyang Zhang, Yao Wang, Siqi Peng, Simeng Duan, Lin Geng, Xiao Zhang, Wei Wang, Mengjie Yang, Guizhen Wu, Jiayi Chen, Zihao Feng, Xinyuan Wang, Yue Wu, Haotian Jiang, Qikang Zhang, Jingjun Sun, Shenwei Li, Yuping He, Meng Xiao, Yingchun Xu, Hongqiu Wang, Peipei Liu, Qun Zhou, Haiyun Luo
Summary: This study established an integrated system that uses artificial intelligence and infrared spectroscopy technology for rapid COVID-19 screening, and combines it with a disinfection module to prevent secondary infections. The experimental results showed that the system has high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy, and also has efficient inactivation effect on bacteria.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Johan Lyth, Emma Svennberg, Lars Bernfort, Mattias Aronsson, Viveka Frykman, Faris Al-Khalili, Leif Friberg, Marten Rosenqvist, Johan Engdahl, Lars-Ake Levin
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of population-based screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) using clinical outcomes. The analysis showed that the screening intervention group had higher gained life years and gained quality-adjusted life years at a lower cost.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Economics
Tristan Snowsill
Summary: Diagnostic tests are used to determine the presence or absence of a disease or condition in a patient based on their symptoms or clinical signs. Evaluations of the economic aspects of these tests can be used to determine if the benefits justify the costs. However, the current focus is often limited to the accuracy of the test, and additional factors such as time to diagnosis and patient acceptability should be considered. This article explores the challenges in conducting economic evaluations of diagnostic tests, suggests solutions, and identifies areas for further research.
Article
Oncology
Clare A. Aitken, Federica Inturrisi, Sylvia Kaljouw, Daan Nieboer, Albert G. Siebers, Willem J. G. Melchers, Adriaan J. C. van den Brule, Anco Molijn, John W. J. Hinrichs, Hubert G. M. Niesters, Folkert J. van Kemenade, Johannes Berkhof, Inge M. C. M. de Kok
Summary: In the Netherlands, self-collected samples have lower high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) positivity but higher cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2+ detection compared to clinician-collected samples. The differences between the two sampling methods are likely related to sociodemographic factors as well as differences in screening test accuracy and background risk. Self-sampling can be used as a more convenient screening tool for underscreened women.
CANCER EPIDEMIOLOGY BIOMARKERS & PREVENTION
(2023)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Marjolein Duijvestijn, G. Ardine de Wit, Paul F. F. van Gils, G. C. Wanda Wendel-Vos
Summary: This systematic review examines the relationship between physical inactivity and healthcare costs. The included studies show that physical inactivity is associated with higher healthcare costs in the general population. However, aversion of physical inactivity-related diseases may lead to increased healthcare costs in life-years gained.
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jacky Flipse, Anne-Marie Niekamp, Anne Dirks, Nicole H. T. M. Dukers-Muijrers, Christian J. P. A. Hoebe, Petra Wolffs, Inge H. M. van Loo
Summary: Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum is the causative agent of syphilis, and its diagnosis and disease staging are based on clinical findings and serologic testing. PCR analysis of swab samples from genital ulcers is recommended, but its added value is debatable. In this study, both PCR and IgM serology were found to aid in the diagnosis of early syphilis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jodie A. Schildkraut, Jordy P. M. Coolen, Heleen Severin, Ellen Koenraad, Nicole Aalders, Willem J. G. Melchers, Wouter Hoefsloot, Heiman F. L. Wertheim, Jakko van Ingen
Summary: We introduce a new sequencing technique that can identify nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) to (sub)species level based on whole-genome extracted from enriched shotgun metagenomic data. This technique can be used to study the association between genotypes and clinical manifestations and pave the way for personalized healthcare.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Tom Schoenmakers, Bas C. T. Van Bussel, Stefan H. M. Gorissen, Inge H. M. Van Loo, Frank Van Rosmalen, Wilhelmine P. H. G. Verboeket-van de Venne, Petra F. G. Wolffs, Walter N. K. A. Van Mook, Mathie P. G. Leers, CoLalC Consortium
Summary: This study aims to investigate whether biochemical and haematological changes due to the patient's host response (CoLab algorithm) in combination with a SARS-CoV-2 viability PCR (v-PCR) can be used to determine when a patient with COVID-19 is no longer infectious. The study consists of three parts using different cohorts of patients, aiming to develop an algorithm, investigate its efficacy, and validate it. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and presentations.
Article
Microbiology
Tim J. H. Baltussen, Norman van Rhijn, Jordy P. M. Coolen, Jan Dijksterhuis, Paul E. Verweij, Michael J. Bromley, Willem J. G. Melchers
Summary: Germination of inhaled Aspergillus fumigatus conidia is a necessary step for infection. The transcription factor SltA plays a crucial role in regulating germination and hyphal development.
Article
Microbiology
Simone J. C. F. M. Moorlag, Jordy P. M. Coolen, Bart van den Bosch, Elisabeth Hui-Mei Jin, Jochem B. B. Buil, Heiman F. L. Wertheim, Willem J. G. Melchers
Summary: The study evaluates the clinical utility of a novel method called 16S RC-PCR for the identification of bacterial species. It shows that this method is more sensitive and accurate compared to the traditional 16S Sanger sequencing method, leading to improved clinical outcomes and patient care.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Isidor Happacher, Mario Aguiar, Mostafa Alilou, Beate Abt, Tim J. H. Baltussen, Clemens Decristoforo, Willem J. G. Melchers, Hubertus Haas
Summary: Aspergillus fumigatus, a common airborne fungal pathogen, utilizes two high-affinity iron uptake mechanisms, reductive iron assimilation (RIA) and siderophore-mediated iron acquisition (SIA), to maintain iron homeostasis and enhance virulence. This study focused on understanding iron acquisition during germination and revealed that ferricrocin, a siderophore, plays a crucial role in this process. Ferricrocin was found to be secreted and taken up during early germination, regardless of iron availability, indicating developmental regulation of this iron acquisition system. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of iron acquisition and suggest potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Cultural Studies
Alena Kamenshchikova, Petra F. G. Wolffs, Christian J. P. A. Hoebe, John Penders, Klasien Horstman
Summary: Complex phenomena, such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), are often explained in biomedical sciences using analogies and metaphors. These metaphors play a crucial role in knowledge production and can shape scientific models of thought. Some metaphors, like 'AMR is an apocalypse' or 'antibiotics are weapons', are recognized immediately, but others, such as 'bacterial reservoirs' and 'bacterial colonies', are presented as literal and descriptive. However, these terms still carry historical links and can perpetuate thinking about bacteria as foreign actors.
SCIENCE AS CULTURE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Margriet W. J. Hokken, Jordy P. M. Coolen, Hilbert Steenbreker, Jan Zoll, Tim J. H. Baltussen, Paul E. Verweij, Willem J. G. Melchers
Summary: This study compared the adaptational response to azole drugs from A. fumigatus isolates with different azole susceptibility and genetic backgrounds. Through RNA sequencing, it was found that there were many similarities in up-regulation of ergosterol biosynthesis across isolates, except for the pan-azole-resistant isolate which showed very little differential regulation compared to other isolates. Additionally, differential regulation of membrane efflux transporters, secondary metabolites, iron metabolism, and various stress response and cell signaling mechanisms were observed.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Vikas Soekhai, Bas Donkers, Jennifer Viberg Johansson, Cecilia Jimenez-Moreno, Cathy Anne Pinto, G. Ardine de Wit, Esther de Bekker-Grob
Summary: This study compares the outcomes of two methods, discrete choice experiments and BWS-2, in terms of treatment preference weights and relative importance scores. The overall results show differences in attribute importance rankings between the two methods. Latent class analysis reveals similar latent classes in both methods, although there are differences in specific attributes. Careful consideration and pilot testing are necessary when choosing the appropriate method for a specific decision context.
PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ian P. Smith, Chiara L. Whichello, Esther W. de Bekker-Grob, Maureen P. M. H. Rutten-van Moelken, Jorien Veldwijk, G. Ardine de Wit
Summary: This study found that providing patients with video-based educational materials does not necessarily lead to higher patient engagement or different preference outcomes compared to traditional text-based information. Increasing patient engagement with educational materials should be a focus of future research.
PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Rachael L. Disantostefano, Ian P. Smith, Marie Falahee, Aura Cecilia Jimenez-Moreno, Serena Oliveri, Jorien Veldwijk, G. Ardine de Wit, Ellen M. Janssen, Conny Berlin, Catharina G. M. Groothuis-Oudshoorn
Summary: This study aimed to identify prioritized topics and questions relating to health preferences based on the perspective of members of the preference research community. The survey results indicated that the research focus should be on preference synthesis, transferability across populations or related diseases, and comparison of methods. Furthermore, there were differences in research priorities among different stakeholders, highlighting the need for discussion and alignment.
PATIENT-PATIENT CENTERED OUTCOMES RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Kirsten Visscher, Lisanne H. J. A. Kouwenberg, Marije Oosterhoff, Adrienne H. Rotteveel, G. Ardine de Wit
Summary: Dutch citizens experienced postponed healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, with women, individuals with chronic diseases, high-income individuals, and those with poor self-reported health being more likely to be affected. Postponed healthcare resulted in negative health effects, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions and low income levels.
FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Sofie C. M. Tops, Claire E. P. Schapendonk, Jordy P. M. Coolen, Fred C. Tenover, Isabella A. Tickler, Willem J. G. Melchers, Heiman F. L. Wertheim
Summary: The increasing prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales has implications for the empirical treatment of common infections. Rapid identification of ESBL-containing pathogens is desirable to provide effective treatment without resorting to last resort antibiotics.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)