Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zheng Lin Tan, Masato Yasuura, Yukichi Horiguchi, Hiroki Ashiba, Takashi Fukuda
Summary: This paper presents a new method called gel capsule-based digital PCR (gc-dPCR), which improves the stability of hydrogel capsules compared to droplets. This method enhances the sensitivity and stability of ddPCR, reduces its cost, and provides a more accurate quantification of low-concentration samples.
Article
Parasitology
Gereon Schares, Majda Globokar Vrhovec, Mareen Tuschy, Maike Joeres, Andrea Baerwald, Bretislav Koudela, Jitender P. Dubey, Pavlo Maksimov, Franz J. Conraths
Summary: The 529-bp repeat of H. hammondi can be used to establish a quantitative real-time PCR assay, with excellent specificity and sensitivity. This assay is a valuable diagnostic tool for epidemiological and cell biological studies on H. hammondi and related parasites.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Weidu Song, Chuanhao Zhang, Huichao Lin, Taiyi Zhang, Haixia Liu, Xiaowen Huang
Summary: The proposed real-time rotary PCR reaction system (RRP) meets the requirements of low cost, low-power consumption, potential for miniaturization, and portability. Experimental and theoretical results demonstrate its feasibility in the rapid quantitative detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and have broad application prospects in bacteria detection and food safety.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Shaolei Huang, Yiquan An, Bangchao Xi, Xianglian Gong, Zhongfu Chen, Shan Shao, Shengxiang Ge, Jun Zhang, Dongxu Zhang, Ningshao Xia
Summary: Nucleic acid detection is a method that directly identifies the presence of pathogenic microorganisms and has advantages of high sensitivity, commendable specificity, and a short window period. A real-time PCR system based on multiple temperature zones was proposed to solve the time-consuming problem, enabling fast detection speed and high sensitivity under extreme conditions.
Article
Microbiology
Rohit Ruhal, Rashmi Kataria
Summary: Biofilms formed by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria are the root cause of industrial biofouling and antimicrobial resistance during infections. To understand the mechanisms of biofilm formation better, it is essential to study common components and genetic regulations that are shared among the two types of bacteria.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Qingliang Wang, Xiaojie Li, Wenting Tang, Xiaoling Guan, Zhiyong Xiong, Yong Zhu, Jiao Gong, Bo Hu
Summary: This study explored the gene differences between Gram-negative, Gram-positive, and mixed infections in sepsis using genome-wide techniques. The results showed molecular heterogeneity between Gram-negative and Gram-positive sepsis, which was confirmed in the validation dataset.共有40个共同的差异基因集识别. The findings offer new insights into investigating the pathophysiology of bacterial sepsis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Vanesa Anton-Vazquez, Rafal Dworakowski, Antonio Cannata, George Amin-Youssef, Margaret Gunning, Alexandros Papachristidis, Phil MacCarthy, Max Baghai, Ranjit Deshpande, Habib Khan, Jonathan Byrne, Amanda Fife
Summary: This study assessed the impact of 16S rDNA PCR in the aetiological diagnosis of culture-negative infective endocarditis (IE) patients. The results showed that 16S rDNA PCR significantly improved the detection and identification of bacterial nucleic acid in heart valve tissue compared to valve culture alone. Therefore, 16S rDNA PCR may be a useful diagnostic tool for culture-negative IE, but further studies are needed to evaluate its clinical impact.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jae Jong Kim, Hyoung-Min Park, A. Young Kyoung, In Kyung Park, Si-Kyu Lim, Byoung Chul Park
Summary: Genetic mutations like SNP are common in genetic disorders and cancers, and PCR methods are widely used for SNP detection. The specifically designed PCR platform STexS can efficiently distinguish small amounts of SNP mixed in normal DNA, aiding in targeting potential SNPs or genetically mutated biomarkers in human clinical samples.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jacqueline F. Gould, Maria Makrides, Robert A. Gibson, Thomas R. Sullivan, Andrew J. McPhee, Peter J. Anderson, Karen P. Best, Mary Sharp, Jeanie L. Y. Cheong, Gillian F. Opie, Javeed Travadi, Jana M. Bednarz, Peter G. Davis, Karen Simmer, Lex W. Doyle, Carmel T. Collins
Summary: Limited research suggests that DHA supplementation in infants born before 29 weeks of gestation may have a positive impact on cognitive development.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Elisabeth C. McGowan, Julie A. Hofheimer, T. Michael O'Shea, Howard Kilbride, Brian S. Carter, Jennifer Check, Jennifer Helderman, Charles R. Neal, Steve Pastyrnak, Lynne M. Smith, Marie Camerota, Lynne M. Dansereau, Sheri A. Della Grotta, Barry M. Lester
Summary: This study found that high-risk neonatal neurobehavioral patterns at NICU discharge were associated with adverse cognitive, motor, and behavioral outcomes at 2 years.
Article
Immunology
Justyna Czech-Kowalska, Dominika Jedlinska-Pijanowska, Beata Kasztelewicz, Magdalena Klodzinska, Aleksandra Pietrzyk, Eliza Sarkaria, Dorota Dunin-Wasowicz, Kinga Gradowska, Anna Niezgoda, Dariusz Gruszfeld, Anna Dobtsanska
Summary: A positive CSF-CMV-PCR result is associated with prematurity, microcephaly, seizures, sensorineural hearing loss, and other symptoms in infants with cCMV. Cystic lesions and calcifications on MRI are significant predictors of positive CSF-CMV-PCR results.
PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASE JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Pediatrics
Willemien S. Kalteren, Arend F. Bos, Willem van Oeveren, Jan B. F. Hulscher, Elisabeth M. W. Kooi
Summary: The study found that urinary I-FABP levels were higher in anemic preterm infants before transfusion compared to non-anemic controls, indicating a link between anemia and intestinal injury. Anemia may result in reduced splanchnic oxygen saturation and intestinal tissue hypoxia, contributing to the development of NEC. Lower hemoglobin levels were associated with higher urinary I-FABP levels in anemic preterm infants, supporting the hypothesis that anemia leads to intestinal cell injury and potentially NEC.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Dandan Chen, Xinqing Jiang, Yong Hong, Zhihui Wen, Shuquan Wei, Guangming Peng, Xinhua Wei
Summary: In this study, chest CT was found to be valuable in diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia, especially for patients with negative initial RT-PCR results. Most COVID-19 lesions were located in multiple lobes in both lungs, with ground-glass opacity and consolidation being the main CT features. Patients with negative initial RT-PCR results were less likely to show pulmonary consolidation on CT.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF ROENTGENOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Huitao Li, Xueyu Chen, Xiaomei Qiu, Weimin Huang, Chuanzhong Yang
Summary: In this study, qPCR and ddPCR assays were established for the diagnosis and quantification of IFI, showing 100% specificity for both methods. When tested in clinical samples, ddPCR demonstrated higher sensitivity compared to qPCR.
JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS AND TISSUE ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Suzan S. Asfour, Belal Alshaikh, Latifah AlMahmoud, Haider H. Sumaily, Nabeel A. Alodhaidan, Mousa Alkhourmi, Hissah A. Abahussain, Thanaa M. Khalil, Bushra A. Albeshri, Aroub A. Alhamidi, Maha R. Al-Anazi, Raneem S. Asfour, Mountasser M. Al-Mouqdad
Summary: The study examined the effects of SMOFlipid on growth velocity and neonatal morbidities in very preterm infants. The results showed that SMOFlipid was associated with decreased growth velocity and lower rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), but a higher rate of late-onset sepsis.
Article
Oncology
Paroni O. L. Fan, Kam-Tong Leung, Kathy Y. Y. Chan, Alex W. K. Leung, Grace K. S. Lam, Terry T. W. Chow, Frankie W. T. Cheng, Liz Y. P. Yuen, Takaya Moriyama, Jun J. Yang, Chi-Kong Li
Summary: The study evaluated the association of common variants of ABCC4, ITPA, NUDT15, and TPMT with 6-MP dose intensity and toxicity in pediatric ALL patients. Results showed significant associations between NUDT15 and ABCC4, ITPA variants with 6-MP dose intensity and intolerance, recommending pharmacogenetic screening for ALL patients to avoid 6-MP induced toxicity.
PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Renee W. Y. Chan, Kate C. C. Chan, Grace C. Y. Lui, Joseph G. S. Tsun, Kathy Y. Y. Chan, Jasmine S. K. Yip, Shaojun Liu, Michelle W. L. Yu, Rita W. Y. Ng, Kelvin K. L. Chong, Maggie H. Wang, Paul K. S. Chan, Albert M. Li, Hugh Simon Lam
Summary: The study found that early and intense nasal S1-specific IgA levels are associated with a rapid decrease in viral load in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients. These findings provide insights into the importance of mucosal immunity in SARS-CoV-2 exposure and protection, and suggest a potential role of NELF IgA in screening and diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Article
Ethics
L. L. Hui, E. A. S. Nelson, H. B. Deng, T. Y. Leung, C. H. Ho, J. S. C. Chong, G. P. G. Fung, J. Hui, H. S. Lam
Summary: In Hong Kong, most parents support the use of residual dried blood spots (rDBS) for medical research, but also express concerns about potential risks and privacy issues. They prefer to be asked for permission before storage and do not accept an opt-out approach.
BMC MEDICAL ETHICS
(2022)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Stephanie C. Y. Yu, Jiaen Deng, Rong Qiao, Suk Hang Cheng, Wenlei Peng, So Ling Lau, L. Y. Lois Choy, Tak Y. Leung, John Wong, Vincent Wai-Sun Wong, Grace L. H. Wong, Peiyong Jiang, Rossa W. K. Chiu, K. C. Allen Chan, Y. M. Dennis Lo
Summary: Recent studies have highlighted the presence of a substantial amount of analyzable long cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma through single molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing. In this study, the size biases of SMRT sequencing by PacBio and nanopore sequencing by ONT were evaluated. The results showed that both platforms had biases towards sequencing longer DNA fragments, with PacBio showing a stronger bias. Tissue-of-origin analysis based on single-molecule methylation patterns performed comparably on both platforms. It is important to be aware of the analytical characteristics and biases of the sequencing platforms used when analyzing the size and end motif of cfDNA.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
So Ling Lau, Zara Lin Zau Lok, Shuk Yi Annie Hui, Genevieve Po Gee Fung, Hugh Simon Lam, Tak Yeung Leung
Summary: This study investigated the predictors of adverse long-term outcomes in infants with umbilical artery pH <7. It found that a cord arterial pH of <6.9 and an Apgar score at 5 min <7 were independent prognostic factors for neonatal/infant death or adverse long-term neurological outcomes.
ACTA OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Article
Oncology
W. K. Jacky Lam, Ann D. King, Jacob A. Miller, Zhiwei Liu, Kelly J. Yu, Melvin L. K. Chua, Brigette B. Y. Ma, Ming Yuan Chen, Benjamin A. Pinsky, Pei-Jen Lou, John K. S. Woo, Wan-Lun Hsu, Julia Simon, Denise L. Doolan, Tim Waterboer, Edwin P. Hui, Hui Li, Raymond K. Tsang, Kenneth C. W. Wong, Julian P. Goh, Alexander C. Vlantis, Qi Yong Ai, Lun M. Wong, Victor Abdullah, Jin Ching Lin, Chien-Jen Chen, Ruth M. Pfeiffer, Quynh-Thu Le, Anne W. M. Lee, Mingfang Ji, Sumei Cao, Jun Ma, Anthony T. C. Chan, K. C. Allen Chan, Allan Hildesheim
Summary: A meeting of experts in November 2021 discussed the performance and cost-effectiveness of EBV-based approaches for screening early stage nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Both serum EBV antibody and plasma EBV DNA testing methods were found to be favorable. Additionally, the use of MRI was recommended to increase the sensitivity of NPC detection without greatly impacting the cost-effectiveness of the screening program.
JNCI-JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Xue-Lian Wang, Eman Leung, Genevieve Po Gee Fung, Hugh Simon Lam
Summary: This study provides a detailed analysis of neonatal deaths in Hong Kong, showing that overall neonatal mortality remains stable but varies among different gestational weeks. The proportion of extremely preterm infants who died significantly increased, with hemorrhagic conditions being the leading cause of death. Congenital anomalies were the leading cause of death in neonates born after 27 weeks' gestation, but their cause-specific mortality has decreased, mainly attributed to trisomy 13/18 and multiple anomalies.
WORLD JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Shaojun Liu, Joseph G. S. Tsun, Genevieve P. G. Fung, Grace C. Y. Lui, Kathy Y. Y. Chan, Paul K. S. Chan, Renee W. Y. Chan
Summary: This study compared the effect of a booster vaccine in inducing mucosal and serological antibody between Covid-19 recovered patients and vaccine-only subjects. The results showed that the booster expanded the nasal antibody levels in recovered patients and improved the inhibition against the BA.1 variant and ancestral SARS-CoV-2. The nasal antibodies induced by natural infection lasted longer than those induced by vaccines, while both groups maintained high levels of plasma antibodies for at least 21 weeks after booster.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Lai Ling Hui, Frederick K. Ho, Charlotte Margaret Wright, Tim J. Cole, Hugh Simon Lam, Han-Bing Deng, Hung-Kwan So, Patrick Ip, E. Anthony S. Nelson
Summary: Using the WHO head circumference standards would lead to the overdiagnosis of macrocephaly and the underdiagnosis of microcephaly, except for Indians and some Asian neonates. Population-specific cut-offs or references are more appropriate for many populations. Healthcare professionals need to be educated about the limitations of the WHO head circumference standards.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Xuelian Wang, Lai Ling Hui, Tim J. Cole, E. Anthony S. Nelson, Hugh Simon Lam
Summary: This study compared the fitness of the INTERGROWTH-21st birth weight standards (INTERGROWTH21) with a local reference (FOK2003) for ethnic Chinese babies. The results showed that INTERGROWTH21 performed less well, especially in infants born <33 weeks' gestation, compared to FOK2003 in predicting complications related to small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. A more robust chart based on a larger sample of appropriately selected infants is needed.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD-FETAL AND NEONATAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Qiu-Ye Lan, Kate Ching-Ching Chan, Chun-Ting Au, Peggy Hiu-Ying Chan, Ngan Yin Chan, Yun Kwok Wing, Albert Martin Li, Hugh Simon Lam
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the secular trends of sleep-wake patterns of preschool children in Hong Kong. It found a significant downward trend in sleep duration and a positive correlation between parental and children's sleep duration.
Article
Biology
Chi-Keung Cheng, Yuk-Lin Yung, Hoi-Yun Chan, Kam-Tong Leung, Kathy Y. Y. Chan, Alex W. K. Leung, Frankie W. T. Cheng, Chi-Kong Li, Thomas S. K. Wan, Xi Luo, Herbert-Augustus Pitts, Joyce S. S. Cheung, Natalie P. H. Chan, Margaret H. L. Ng
Summary: A genomic analysis of pediatric acute myeloid leukemia patients reveals extensive gene fusion events and mutations, providing new insights into the genetic complexities of this cancer. The study highlights the importance of understanding the genetic basis of pediatric AML for improving prognostic classification and treatment options.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Hematology
Yaqun Xu, Kathy Yuen Yee Chan, Siu Ping Fok, Chi Kong Li, Kam Tong Leung
BRITISH JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Han Wang, Kathy Yuen Yee Chan, Chi Keung Cheng, Margaret H. L. Ng, Po Yi Lee, Frankie Wai Tsoi Cheng, Grace Kee See Lam, Tin Wai Chow, Shau Yin Ha, Alan K. S. Chiang, Wing Hang Leung, Anskar Y. H. Leung, Chi Chiu Wang, Tao Zhang, Xiao-Bing Zhang, Chi Chiu So, Yuet Ping Yuen, Qiwei Sun, Chi Zhang, Yaqun Xu, John Tak Kit Cheung, Wing Hei Ng, Patrick Ming-Kuen Tang, Wei Kang, Ka-Fai To, Wayne Yuk Wai Lee, Raymond S. M. Wong, Ellen Ngar Yun Poon, Qi Zhao, Junbin Huang, Chun Chen, Patrick Man Pan Yuen, Chi-kong Li, Alex Wing Kwan Leung, Kam Tong Leung
Summary: This study conducted integrated drug and genomic profiling of patient biopsies to build the functional genomic landscape of pediatric AML. Age-specific differences in drug response and new gene-drug interactions were identified. The feasibility of functional precision medicine-guided management of children with high-risk AML was successfully demonstrated in two evaluable clinical cases.
BLOOD CANCER DISCOVERY
(2022)