Deoxyribonucleic Acid Testing Research Articles

Assessment of public awareness and willingness for establishment/storage of DNA profile in a national DNA database in Nigeria

One prominent aspect of forensic deoxyribonucleic acid testing is the establishment and expansion of centralized national forensic DNA databases and body of evidence have continued to emerge, demonstrating the extensive efficiency and effectiveness of the DNA database in assisting criminal investigation globally. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine public awareness on Forensic DNA Database and the willingness for storage of DNA profiles. The design used in this study is the survey research design and the sample size of this study was a total number of five hundred University of Benin students drawn from our population for empirical investigation. The study adopted descriptive statistics which involves the use of frequency and percentage. The result of this study revealed that majority of the respondent demonstrated an adequate level of awareness and knowledge (71.2%), showed good knowledge on the function of a national forensic DNA database (54.4%), demonstrated increased level of awareness and knowledge on the benefit of a national forensic DNA database (44.8%), and revealed that 422 (84.4%) were willing for the storage of their profiles in the national forensic DNA database.The study also observed that a vast proportion of the respondents indicated that fear of violation of individual’s privacy was the only barrier they considered for the storage of DNA profiles in the National Database and our observations provides a good a basis for reviewing and implementing policies that find a reasonable balance based on the creation of moral and ethical spectrum involving professionals in the area of forensics, law enforcement and the public, in particular, social groups which are less involved in genetics.

The Role of Anti-HBc Testing on Donor Selection and Its Contribution to Current Alghorithms; Can the Gülhane Experience Be a Model for Turkey?

Additional or different test procedures can be applied to maximize transfusion safety by reducing the risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. Antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) is one of the most commonly used serologic marker in this context. The aim of the study was to analyse anti-Hbc test results performed within the scope of routine screening tests in our center and to examine the effect of the donor re-entry protocol established. A total of 57191 people who applied to Gülhane Regional Blood Center to donate blood between 2014-2019 were included in the study. All blood donations were screened for anti-HBc by chemiluminescense immunoassay (Architect i2000 SR, AXSYM, Abbott, IL, USA). Hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (ABI Prism 7500 Real time PCR system, Applied Biosystems, USA) tests were performed in accordance with the donor recovery protocol for those who could be reached among those with positive for anti-HBc test results. Samples with > 100 IU/ml of anti-HBs levels and negative for HBV DNA test were included in the donor pool. Of the 57 191 blood donors involved in the study, 5125 (8.5%) were found as positive for anti-HBc. Of the donors, 54 035 (94.4%) were male and 3156 (5.5%) were female. The difference was found to be statistically significant in terms of gender distribution between the years of the study (p<0.001). The highest anti-HBc positivity rate (35.7%) was in the age group of 60 years and over while the lowest positivity rate (3.8%) was in the age group of 18-30 years (r= 0.549, p= 0.0001). The year with the highest anti-HBc seroprevalance (10.1%) was 2017, while the year with the lowest (7.9%) was 2014. The distribution of seropositivity over the years was statistically significant (p<0.001). In the study, anti-HBs and HBV-DNA test results of 439 donors were accessible and of which 301 (68.5%) were considered eligible to donate again according to the re-entry protocol. The isolated anti-HBc positivity and HBV-DNA positivity rates were 7.5% (33/430) and 0.2% (1/439) respectively,in blood donors to whom re-entry protocol was performed. The seroprevalance of anti-HBc below 10% during the six-year period in which the study was conducted is a critical data for the evaluation of this test within the scope of routine microbiological screening tests. Moreover, we have observed that donor losses due to the antiHBc testing can be significantly reduced with the implementation of donor re-entry protocols. Anti-HBc screening strategy should be decided by considering of HBV epidemiology, cost-effectivity and possible blood donor losses.

Updated terminology for gamete and embryo donors: directed (identified) to replace “known” and nonidentified to replace “anonymous”: a committee opinion

Technology and the regulatory framework in which we practice and live are continually evolving. Shifting mores and the ease with which individuals can identify one another with the assistance of social media and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing has necessitated the current change in medical terminology. For decades, gamete and embryo donors were referred to as "known" if they had a relationship with the intended parent(s) and "anonymous" if they were unknown to one another at the time of the donation. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine encourages all stakeholders with an interest in gamete and embryo donation to adopt directed (identified) in lieu of "known" and nonidentified in lieu of "anonymous" to more accurately describe the relationships between donors and recipients in this new era of social media and genetic information sharing.

Performance of visual Inspection With Acetic Acid for Cervical Cancer Screening as Compared to Human papillomavirus Deoxyribonucleic acid Testing Among Women With HIV in Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of visual inspection with acetic acid compared with Human papillomavirus Deoxyribonucleic acid (HPV DNA) testing among women with HIV in Ethiopia.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to address the aforementioned objective. Data were collected from January to October 2021, to compare the performance of these two screening modalities. Trained clinicians collected cervical specimens and immediately applied acetic acid for visual inspection. The HPV DNA testing was done using Abbott m2000rt/SP by trained laboratory professionals in accredited laboratories. A total of 578 women with HIV aged 25-49 years were included.ResultsTest positivity was 8.9% using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) and 23.3% using HPV DNA test. The sensitivity and specificity of the VIA test were 19.2% and 95.1%, respectively. The strength of agreement between the two screening methods was poor (k = .184). The burden of genetic distribution of high risk HPV16 was 6.1%, and HPV18 was 1.1%. Other high risk HPV types (ie non-HPV 16/18 high risk HPV genotypes) were predominant in this study (18.6%).ConclusionThe higher positivity result using HPV DNA testing compared with VIA, and low sensitivity of VIA are indicating that the implementation of HPV DNA testing as the primary screening strategy is likely to reduce cervical cancer cases and deaths of women in the country.

Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy—Further Insight into the Clinical Spectrum of Desmoplakin Disease

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a familial heart muscle disease characterized by structural, electrical, and pathological abnormalities. Recognition of left ventricular (LV) involvement in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) has led to the newer term of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM). We report on a family with autosomal dominant desmoplakin (DSP) related ACM to illustrate the broad clinical spectrum of disease. The importance of evaluation of relatives with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and consideration of genetic testing in the absence of Task Force diagnostic criteria is discussed. The practical and ethical issues of access to the Guthrie collection for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing are considered.

Proactive and reactive responses to pregnancies resulting from sexual exploitation and abuse: an ecological model based on Haitian survivors’ experiences

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the lived experience of seeking justice and reparations related to conceiving a peacekeeper-fathered child.Design/methodology/approachBased on 18 semi-structured qualitative interviews conducted across Haiti in 2017, the authors mapped the experiences of Haitian mothers of peacekeeper-fathered children onto the ecological framework, proposing prevention/response strategies at the micro, meso and macro levels.FindingsThe findings mainly focus on reporting and access to support. Reporting was sometimes discouraged by the peacekeeper fathers due to the fear of being reprimanded. Among women who did report, some were told that nothing could be done, as the peacekeeper returned to his home country. Disclosure fatigue was common among participants who formally reported their pregnancies/peacekeeper-fathered children, particularly when promises of employment or child support failed to materialize. Overall, there was widespread distrust and disillusionment with the UN’s reporting and support system.Originality/valueTo improve the UN’s sexual abuse and exploitation prevention/response system at the micro level, the authors propose addressing personal knowledge/attitudes/beliefs through scenario-based and contextually relevant peacekeeper training and addressing the sexual/reproductive health needs of women and girls in proximity to peacekeeping bases. At the meso level, the UN should improve trust in reporting. Efforts to do so should include mandatory third-party deoxyribonucleic acid testing and banking, streamlined reporting mechanisms and removing the practice of automatically repatriating implicated peacekeepers. At the macro level, the authors recommend investments to improve educational and economic opportunities for women and girls, as well as revamping policies that contribute to impunity and absolve peacekeepers and troop-contributing countries of their responsibilities to provide child support.

A MISSED OPPORTUNITY TO SETTLE THE LAW ON DNA TESTING IN PATERNITY DISPUTES YD (now M) v LB 2010 6 SA 338 (SCA)

On 17 September 2010, in (YD (Now M) v LB (2010 6 SA 338 (SCA)), the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) unanimously delivered what should have been a ground-breaking decision in the use of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing for paternity disputes. This was an appeal against the decision of Murphy J, in order to determine the child’s paternity. An order for DNA tests was granted by the court a quo against the mother and her daughter, Y, to determine whether Mr LB (B) was the biological father of Y in the case of unmarried persons. If the tests proved that he was the father, he would then be entitled to full parental rights. This judgment should have been ground-breaking for two main reasons. First, YD was the first SCA judgment dealing with the use of scientific tests in paternity disputes. Until then, different provincial divisions had reached different conclusions on the court’s power to compel either a minor or an adult to submit to the tests. Thus, YD was an ideal opportunity for the SCA to unify “the provincial divisions”, that is, to bring certainty of law regarding DNA testing for paternity disputes. Second, the decision came at a time of the constitutional era and the era of the Children’s Act (38 of 2005) with its section 37, which deals with parties not willing to submit to DNA testing in paternity disputes. In particular, section 37 is meant to be a statutory intervention seeking to achieve a compromise position where the court is faced with the evil of having to force a recalcitrant adult to submit himself or the minor child, against his or her will, for testing where paternity is disputed. Hence, this was an opportunity for the SCA to put section 37, which had not been tested before a court of law, into perspective. However, the court missed this golden opportunity. Therefore, the purpose of this note is to provide a critical analysis of the SCA’s decision of YD. It begins with a brief overview of the legal position prior to the judgment of YD and concludes by reviewing the possible effects of the YD judgment.

English

BACKGROUND A long pathological process for investigation of precursor lesion squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) leads to invasive cervical cancer. This SIL can be detected much earlier before the lesion progresses to invasive cancer. For greater than fifty years, screening for cancer cervix was done by conventional scrape smears and stained by Papanicolaou [Pap] stain but conventional Pap smears (CPAP) have been reported to have low sensitivity. To overcome these drawbacks manual liquid-based cytology [MLBC] was introduced. The objective of this study was to screen females for cervical cancer using CPAP and MLBC techniques and compare the results of these techniques. METHODS Cervical cytology samples were obtained from 120 non-pregnant females through specialised Uprep cytobrush with a detachable head. Thus, obtained samples were first smeared onto a clean glass slide for CPAP smear, and the whole head to cytobrush was dropped into the specialised Uprep liquid preservative medium and processed by using Uprep Cytospin machine to obtain MLBC smears. Both the smears were stained by conventional Pap stain and reported according to 2014 Bethesda system. RESULTS In this study, the CPAP method had a greater number of unsatisfactory smears than that of MLBC method which was statistically significant. MLBC identified more number of intraepithelial lesions when compared to CPAP and MLBC had an increased detection rate [IDR] of 73.68 % over CPAP. CONCLUSIONS Analysis of our results showed that MLBC had more advantages over CPAP. Since the cost effective MLBC has an improved rate of detection of abnormal lesions, MLBC can be used as a routine technique for screening of cancer cervix in India. Also, MLBC offers an important advantage of performing both human papillomaviruses deoxyribonucleic acid (HPV DNA) test and cytological analysis on a single sample. KEYWORDS Cervical Cancer, Conventional Pap Smear, Manual Liquid Based Cytology, Human Papilloma Virus (HPV DNA), Bethesda System

Frequencies and results of anti-nuclear, anti-dsDNA and anti-ENA in a tertiary-care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

To analyse frequencies and results of anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and anti-extractable nuclear antigens tests ordered in a tertiary-care hospital. The retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, and comprised all tests ordered for anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid and anti-extractable nuclear antigens from March 2017 to January 2018. Data was retrieved from the institutional electronic database. The frequencies and results of the tests were determined. Anti-nuclear antibodies test was determined by indirect immunofluorescence, while the other two tests were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patterns emerging from anti-nuclear antibodies tests were also analysed. Of the 1053 cases studied, 1000(95%) were tested for for anti-nuclear antibodies. The test was positive in 260(26%) patients, and was repeated in 8(3%) of the positive and 9(1.2%) of the negative patients. Anti-double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid test was ordered in 300(40.5%) and anti-extractable nuclear antigens test in 125(17%) patients who had tested negative for anti-nuclear antibodies. Among those who tested positive for anti-nuclear antibodies, the commonly observed patterns were homogenous 109(41.9%) and speckled 103(39.6%). Rod and ring pattern was seen in 10(3.8%) patients, and none of them were on anti-viral treatment. There was injudicious and unjustified ordering of auto-antibodies testing, indicating the need for greater physician education and cost-effective protocols.

Effect of direct addition of two different bacteria in concrete as self-healing agent

In this paper, a suitable and practical method to make bacterial concrete on a large and bulky scale is presented. In this method, first, bacteria compatible with concrete are extracted and identified. The bacteria are then added to the concrete in solution in a simple way. To find bacteria compatible with concrete, first, the soil near the roots of plants (rhizosphere) and two types of cement called Portland pozzolanic cement (PPC) for Darab city and Portland cement type 2 (PC2) for Hormozgan-Bandar Khamir were used. After extracting the cultured samples, it was observed that bacteria grew only in the soil sample and did not grow significantly in the cement samples. Therefore, the cultivation and reproduction of bacteria from concrete fragments were investigated. At this stage, concrete samples were prepared with two types of cement (PPC and PC2). Then, some concrete powder containing all the constituent materials was used to extract bacteria. The resulting bacteria were identified by the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) testing. Bacterial samples obtained from the concrete made of PPC with certainty exhibited the genus and species of Bacillus paralicheneniformis, but in the case of bacterial samples of concrete prepared with PC2 can only be bacterial Cited by Bacillus sp. Afterward, 4 mixing designs were designed to make concrete from the two abovementioned types of cement, with the addition of bacteria and without the addition of bacteria. In this mixing design, bacterial sediments were added to the solution and directly to the concrete mixing design. Finally, the compressive strength, water absorption and crack recovery in concrete samples were investigated. The results indicated that the presence of bacteria had slight effect on the compressive strength of concrete. The water absorption percentages of bacterial concrete samples with PPC and PC2 were 0.07 and 0.19% higher than those of non-bacterial samples, respectively. Both types of bacteria had the ability to repair cracks. Uncontrolled cracks in concrete samples were repaired to a width of at least 39.82 μm.

Relationship between granulomatous lobular mastitis and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism.

BACKGROUNDVariations in the methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene have been reported as risk factors for numerous conditions, including cardiovascular disease, thrombophilia, stroke, hypertension and pregnancy-related complications. Moreover, it was reported there is an association between breast cancer and mutations in MTHFR-C677T. However, whether there is an association between MTHFR gene polymorphism and granulomatous lobular mastitis or not has been rarely investigated.AIMTo analyze the association between MTHFR gene polymorphism and granulomatous lobular mastitis.METHODSFifty-one patients with granulomatous lobular mastitis admitted to The First Hospital of Kunming were selected as study samples. Their hospitalization time ranged from February 2018 to February 2019. The 51 patients were included in the experimental group, and another 51 women who underwent physical examination at The First Hospital of Kunming in the same period were included in the control group. Deoxyribonucleic acid and MTFR genetic polymorphism testing were performed in each group. The association between MTHFR gene polymorphism and granulomatous lobular mastitis was observed.RESULTSThere were significant differences in genotype frequency and allele frequency of C/C and C/T between the experimental group and the control group (all P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in frequency of T/T genotype between the two groups (P > 0.05). In addition, there was no significant difference in genotype frequency and allele frequency of A/A, A/C and C/C between the two groups (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONMTHFR gene C677T locus polymorphism is closely related to granulomatous lobular mastitis.

Cytomegalovirus in Adult Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplant Patients Before or Around the Period of Neutrophil Recovery: A Single-Center, Retrospective, Descriptive Study.

BackgroundFew reports exist on pre-engraftment cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNAemia in allogeneic blood or marrow transplant (allo BMT) recipients. We describe this clinical entity, its management, and the potential effect of 3 different quantitative CMV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests used during the 6-year study period. MethodsWe performed a retrospective, single-center study of allo BMT recipients from 2010 to 2015 who developed CMV DNAemia before neutrophil recovery (absolute neutrophil count [ANC] <1000 cells/mm3, “pre-engraftment CMV”) or who became neutropenic concomitant with detectable CMV DNA (“peri-engraftment CMV”). Clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record.ResultsAmong 1151 adult allo BMT patients, 73 developed CMV DNAemia before engraftment or while neutropenic after initial engraftment. Most patients were eventually treated (valganciclovir or ganciclovir, N = 68; foscarnet, N = 1); 4 were not treated. First CMV detection occurred at median day +12 (range, 0–48), but treatment was not started until median day +33 (range, 4–105) at median ANC of 760 cells/mm3. Six patients had peak viral loads >5000 IU/mL; none had tissue-invasive disease. One developed ganciclovir resistance. No significant differences were observed upon stratification by quantitative CMV DNA test. ConclusionsCytomegalovirus DNA was detected in 6.3% of pre- and peri-engraftment allo-HSCT patients. Ganciclovir derivatives were commonly used for treatment despite risk of neutropenia. Treatment was typically deferred until CMV DNA and ANC rose. With rare exceptions, this treatment strategy did not appear to have adverse clinical consequences with respect to acute CMV. Different CMV DNA quantification tests used performed similarly from a clinical perspective despite different analytical performance characteristics.

Confessions Selected by Consequences: An Operant Analysis of False Confessions and Interrogation Techniques

Documented cases of innocent persons in the United States having confessed to crimes that they did not commit have become commonplace since the emergence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing as a means for confirming a person’s innocence or guilt. The risk of imprisoning any more innocent individuals on the basis of false confessions warrants a closer look at the contingencies that give rise to this kind of tragedy. Using Skinner’s (1957, Verbal Behavior, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall) and Palmer’s (1991, “A Behavioral Interpretation of Memory,” in L. J. Hayes & P. N. Chase [Eds.], Dialogues on Verbal Behavior [pp. 261–279], Reno, NV: Context Press) analyses of verbal behavior and memory, this article explores how verbal episodes between suspects and law enforcement can culminate in a false admission of guilt. In addition, to try to identify the variables that might lead to high rates of false confessions in the United States, this article examines some of the contingencies under which law enforcement investigations operate. Finally, we provide some recommendations for how the behavior analyst can fulfill the role of an expert witness, how to take into consideration a systemic and cultural perspective, and how to incorporate some technological safeguards and additional precautions when interacting with vulnerable populations.

Direct Analysis of Human Hair Before and After Cosmetic Modification Using a Recent Data Fusion Method

The cosmetic modification of hair is a very common procedure used to mask or cover evidence at a crime scene. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) tests are expensive and require good-quality collection of samples and a database profile. To overcome these challenges, direct analysis was performed on a large set of hair strands collected from individuals, denoted original samples, and the data were compared with those of the same samples after cosmetic modification performed by bleaching the samples in the laboratory. A total of 127 samples were evaluated in this study using two analytical techniques, wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). Instead of testing many algorithms to develop classification models for the original and bleached samples, a recent method was applied that combines information from 17 classifiers. Data fusion was also evaluated to improve the accuracy of the classification model, which was higher than 99.2%, with no requirements to select eigenvectors or thresholds.

T790M mutations identified by circulating tumor DNA test in lung adenocarcinoma patients who progressed on first-line epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Background:Plasma circulating tumor deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) test is an alternative method to detect the T790M mutation. Compared to conventional tumor rebiopsy, ctDNA possesses several advantages including less invasive, faster, lower costs, and having minimal risk of complications for patients.Objective:The main objective of the study is to identify the prevalence of T790M mutations in lung adenocarcinoma patients who progressed after tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapy using ctDNA examination.Materials and Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study based on medical records of lung adenocarcinoma patients in the Oncology Outpatient Clinic of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital within the period of January 2017–June 2018. Patients who progressed after receiving first-line epidermal growth factor receptor-TKI (EGFR-TKI) undergone plasma ctDNA examination and genotyping using digital platforms (Droplet Digital™ PCR) method.Results:In total, there were 39 patients who met the criteria for ctDNA testing. Thirty-three patients (84.6%) received first-line gefitinib, while the other six (15.4%) received erlotinib. The T790M mutations were detected in 46.2% of patients. In addition, EGFR common mutation in exon 19 and exon 21 were detected in 87.2% of patients. Median progression-free survival of patients receiving first-line gefitinib or erlotinib were both around 9 months and did not differ significantly.Conclusions:CtDNA examination successfully detected T790M mutation in a certain proportion of lung adenocarcinoma patients who progressed after first-line EGFR-TKI without the need for difficult and invasive rebiopsy.

Prevalence and Incidence of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Before and After Pregnancy: Pooled Analysis of the Control Arms of Efficacy Trials of HPV-16/18 AS04-Adjuvanted Vaccine

ObjectiveData on human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence around pregnancy were inconsistent. We assessed HPV prevalence before and after pregnancy, HPV incidence after pregnancy, and risk factors for HPV infection.MethodData from 15 754 women in control arms of 5 AS04-HPV-16/18 vaccine efficacy trials were analyzed, including 3001 women with at least 1 pregnancy. Results of HPV deoxyribonucleic acid testing on cervical samples were available. We analyzed risk factors, including age, region, pregnancy and its outcomes, duration from pregnancy resolution to collection of first postresolution cervical sample, previous HPV infection, cigarette smoking, and number of sexual partners with Cox regression.ResultsPrevalence of high-risk oncogenic (hr)-HPV types was similar before and after pregnancy (20.8% vs 19.8%). Incidence of hr-HPV was 40.1 per 1000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.4–64.2) at 0–3 months, 266.7 (95% CI, 217.4–323.7) at 3–6 months, and 95.7 (95% CI, 83.9–108.7) at >6 months after pregnancy. Risk factors associated with HPV infection after pregnancy are previous HPV infection, elective abortion, and younger age at pregnancy resolution.ConclusionsPregnancy could not be confirmed as a risk factor for HPV infection in this population despite an increased incidence detected 3–6 months after pregnancy resolution. Most women remained HPV negative after pregnancy.Clinical Trial RegistrationNCT001226810 (HPV-008 trial), NCT00294047 (HPV-015 trial), NCT00316693 and NCT00929526 (HPV-032/063 trials), and NCT00779766 (HPV-039 trial).

Kikuchi\u2013Fujimoto disease associated with systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a case report

BackgroundKikuchi–Fujimoto disease, which was originally described in young women, is a benign condition characterized by necrotizing lymphadenitis and fever. Even though the clinical course is usually self-limiting, it can be associated with recurrences and rarely can be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus or can be complicated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. We report the case of a 17-year-old Sri Lankan Sinhalese schoolboy who presented with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy diagnosed as Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease and was complicated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis subsequently. Later he fulfilled the criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus.Case presentationA 17-year-old previously healthy Sinhalese schoolboy presented with high-grade fever associated with chills and rigors associated with loss of appetite and loss of weight for more than 40 days. On examination, he had bilateral firm matted tender cervical lymphadenopathy and firm hepatomegaly. An excision biopsy of his right cervical lymph node revealed necrotizing lymphadenitis and immunohistochemistry of a lymph node biopsy favored Kikuchi disease. Initial antinuclear antibody and anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid tests were negative and his C3 and C4 levels were normal. An infections screening was negative. He was treated with steroids. While in hospital he developed hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and renal impairment. Later his antinuclear antibody titer became positive in 1:160 and fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus. He was managed with steroids and immune suppressive drugs and showed remarkable improvement.ConclusionAlthough Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease is uncommon in male patients, it needs to be considered in patients with lymphadenopathy and fever. The disease can be complicated with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and the patients need continuous monitoring for the possible development of systemic lupus erythematosus later in the course.

Prevalence of herpes simplex virus-1 in hospitalized adult patients with clinical diagnosis of meningoencephalitis using real-time polymerase chain reaction: A single-center, cross-sectional study.

Background:Early diagnosis of herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) meningoencephalitis is very important because antiviral therapy significantly decreases mortality and morbidity. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a reliable method with high sensitivity and specificity in detection of HSV-1. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of HSV-1 in patients with diagnosis of meningoencephalitis using real-time PCR.Materials and Methods:The cerebrospinal fluid samples were collected from 126 patients with clinical diagnosis of HSV-1 meningoencephalitis in Alzahra Referral Hospital in Isfahan, Iran. After deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction, real-time PCR was performed by fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay and participants underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging, as well.Results:Among 126 patients, 68.3% were male and 31.7% were female. The mean age of the participants was 41.96 ± 22.36 years. Most of the participants were in the age group of 20–29 years. Three patients (2.4%) had positive and 123 patients (97.6%) had negative HSV-1 DNA test. Among three positive cases, two were in the age group of 20–29 years and one in the age group of ≥80 years. No HSV-2 DNA was detected.Conclusion:According to the estimated prevalence of HSV-1 meningoencephalitis in the current study, it seems that the prevalence of HSV-1 meningoencephalitis is not too high in our community; therefore, initial empiric acyclovir therapy is frequently overused.

USE OF DNA IN HUMAN IDENTIFICATION: FROM SKIN TO GENES

This article is based on ‘use of Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) in human identification, from skin to genes’. DNA has been used as a vital element in the identification of the individuals on the basis of the human genes. The study is based on secondary data analysis. The sources were analyzed critically, and information relevant to the research was extracted. Many different kinds of libraries, journals and articles were reviewed in order to gain extensive insight about the proposed study. Some of the databases include Google scholar, sage publications and other relevant websites. Today, the accuracy of DNA tests requires a commitment to quality scientific excellence, since the results may be crucial for resolving cases of child custody, inheritance, assaults, identification of biological remains or finding the missing link in searching the lineage of an adopted.

Durability of Antibody Response Against the Hepatitis B Virus in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Proposed Immunization Guideline From a 3-Year Follow-up Clinical Study.

BackgroundDespite the importance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunization in kidney transplantation (KT), data are lacking on fluctuations in hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBsAb) levels and optimal levels for KT recipients.MethodsThe study consisted of anti-HBsAb-positive recipients aged 18–70 years at the time of the KT. Recipients with anti-HBsAb <100 IU/L received a single booster HBV vaccination, and anti-HBsAb was measured at baseline and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months post-KT. Anti-HBsAb, quantitative HBV deoxyribonucleic acid testing (12 and 24 months post-KT), and hepatitis B core-related antigen (24 months post-KT) were evaluated in recipients with anti-HBsAb >100 IU/L who received a hepatitis B surface antigen positive renal allograft.ResultsSeventy-six of 257 (29.6%) KT recipients with anti-HBsAb <100 IU/L at the time of enrollment received a single booster of HBV vaccination. Anti-HBsAb levels increased (≥100 IU/L) 1 and 3 months post-booster dose in 86% and 93% of cases, respectively. Anti-HBsAb levels were ≥100 IU/L in 95% of these recipients 6 months post-booster dose. Among 181 (70%) recipients with anti-HBsAb ≥100 IU/L without a booster dose, anti-HBsAb gradually decreased after the KT from 588 IU/L at baseline to 440 and 382 IU/L 3 and 6 months post-KT, respectively (P < .01).ConclusionsTo ensure optimal immunity against HBV, KT recipients should first be stratified according to their risk of HBV reactivation. Kidney transplantation recipients of renal allografts from HBV nonviremic or viremic donors should be reimmunized when their anti-HBsAb titers are <250 IU/L. A cutoff level of 100 IU/L is recommended in other cases.