Test Reaction Research Articles

Spore PCR and qPCR Methods for Rapid Detection of Five Colletotrichum Species Responsible for Pepper Anthracnose in Korea

Pepper anthracnose, caused by <i>Colletotrichum</i> spp., leads to a decrease in the quantity of pepper fruit production. Molecular diagnosis is crucial for rapid identification of pathogens and determination of fungicide resistance. However, the traditional process of isolating the pathogen, extracting genomic DNA, and analyzing the gene sequence is time-consuming, which delays rapid diagnosis. In this study, we introduced a method using conidia of <i>Colletotrichum</i> spp. instead of genomic DNA, eliminating the need for DNA extraction or special processing for diagnosis. To elucidate this method, sensitivity was assessed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) tests using internal transcribed spacer-based primer pairs. Both PCR and qPCR tests showed that detection is feasible with just one conidia, with over 1,000 conidia yielding results comparable to approximately 1 pg of genomic DNA. For amplifying the cytochrome b gene for quinone-outside inhibitor fungicide susceptibility testing, detection from a single conidium is achievable, but a stable PCR product is obtained by increasing the number of cycles to 35. Additionally, the addition of 10% grinding fresh chili pepper paste to V8-Juicea gar medium, which is known for inducing conidia rapidly from the isolates, resulted in 3.2 to 6.0 times more conidia compared to the commonly used potato dextrose agar medium, enhancing the potential for swift testing. Taken together, this study presents a direct utilization of pepper anthracnose conidia through PCR or qPCR, offering a valuable technique for amplifying target genes, such as the minimum conidial amount and barcode genes, for molecular identification of anthracnose disease in pepper through PCR and qPCR analysis.

Investigating The Clinical Manifestations, Severity And Outcomes Of COVID-19 Among Inpatients With Rheumatic Diseases: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study In Iran

Introduction — Patients with rheumatic diseases (RD) may be at an increased risk of developing severe symptoms of COVID-19. They are likely to have a wide range of manifestations and outcomes that can make it difficult to control the disease. The goal of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations, severity, and outcomes of adult patients with RD hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods — We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study. Eligible rheumatology patients were confirmed by a rheumatologist in compliance with American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and had COVID-19 confirmed by computed tomography (CT) scan or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Information about their gender, age, and clinical manifestations of COVID-19, along with the variables pertaining to the outcomes of the patients, was collected. Descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software. Results — A total of 105 patients with RD and COVID-19 were included. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was the most common disease (86 patients). Most patients were female (75.2%). The mean age of the participants was 58.97±12.25 years. Myalgia/arthralgia was the predominant symptom of COVID-19 (77.1%), followed by shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Only platelet count exhibited a significant association with the type of RD (p = 0.004). Conclusion — Common adverse outcomes included moderate severity based on CT grading, anemia, oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) below 90%, and severe CT-based grade of severity. The mortality rate was relatively high.

Influence of η1‐Acetylide Ligands on the Spin State and Catalytic Activity of Iron(II) PNP Pincer Complexes

Here, we report the preparation, structures and reactivity of iron(II) PNP pincer complexes bearing one, two or three η1‐acetylide ligands bound to the metal center. The described complexes are accessible through the reaction of either one, two or ≥ 3 equivalent of LiCCR (R = SiMe3, Ph) with the dibromide complex [Fe(PNP)Br2] (1). Through increasing the number of η1‐acetylides the overall ligand field strength can be modulated resulting in S = 2, S = 1 and S = 0 spin states for mono‐, bis‐ and tris‐acetylated complexes, respectively. These findings are supported by DFT calculations on the spin state spitting in these complexes and appear to affect their binding affinity towards additional co‐ligands. The Fe(II) mono‐, bis‐ and tris‐acetylides were tested as catalyst in the catalytic dimerization of terminal alkynes. These test reactions revealed that only the bis‐acetylated complexes are catalytically competent while mono‐acetylated species are inactive. The tris‐acetylated complexes were found to be off‐cycle intermediates in the presence of lithium acetylides.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Mental Health Problems Among Peripartum Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of probable depression and probable anxiety in early postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with early postpartum women who applied to a maternity hospital to give birth in Turkey between March-June 2021. Women aged 19-45 years, with 23–42 weeks of gestation, with a singleton pregnancy, and negative for the SARSCoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test were included in the study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the presence of probable depression (HADS depression score >7) and probable anxiety (HADS anxiety score >10). The associations between women’s sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics and depression and anxiety were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: A total of 450 women were included in the study. Of these, 50.2% (n=226) had probable depression, and 28% (n=126) had probable anxiety. Multivariate analysis revealed that while perceived poor income level increased the odds for the presence of probable depression, unintended pregnancy, anemia, and SARS-CoV2 infection during pregnancy were associated with probable anxiety. Conclusion: The presence of probable depression and probable anxiety were considerably high among women who had given birth during the pandemic. This study identified the most vulnerable groups in terms of mental health problems among women who were in the early postpartum period during the pandemic. It is essential to develop strategies to prevent and control the mental health problems of these risk groups for future emergency health crises.

ROLE OF THE EMOTIONAL-MOTIVATIONAL COMPONENT IN THE DYNAMICS OF CNS FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY IN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

The main clinical syndromes of chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) are impaired gait and balance disorders, High morbidity level among school children, which has been recorded over the past decade in our country, necessitates a review of the contributing causes, mechanisms and factors. Objective. The purpose of the study is to assess CNS functional capacity in secondary school students taking into account anxiety and the motivational component. Materials and Methods. The study enrolled 424 secondary school students aged 10–17, living in Astrakhan. Simple and complex visual-motor reaction test was carried out. To study personality traits, anxiety and motivation levels of the participants, the authors used Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (JEPQ), School Anxiety Test (Phillips Test), and Spielberg-Andreeva motivation questionnaire. Results. A significant decrease in the level of CNS functional capacity was noted when compared with the age norm. CNS functional level increases with age, while its values in the examined 12–13 and 14–15 year-old participants are below the average age ones. A decrease in the motivation level was revealed among the trial subjects. A positive attitude towards learning and effective motivation was revealed in 53.6 % of secondary school students aged 10–11; 38,6 % aged 12–13; 30,3 % aged 14–15 and 30 % aged 16–17. A high level of general anxiety was revealed in 40.9 % of secondary school students aged 10–11; 63.6 % aged 12–13; 12.8 % aged 14–15 and 6 % aged 16–17. Conclusion. The parameters of CNS functional capacity in most cases are characterized by below average values. The anxiety level significantly decreases with age, which indicates an adequate influence of learning environment on students. The highest anxiety level was revealed in the trial subjects aged 12–13. Motivation for learning decreases with age, which is probably due to psychological and motivational age-related changes in adolescence.

Factors affecting symptom duration and recovery among home-treated COVID- 19 patients in Baghdad-Iraq: a cross-sectional study.

To determine the prevalence of Long COVID among home-treated coronavirus disease-2019 cases, and the factors that may influence the duration of symptoms. The cross-sectional study was conducted from February to July 2021 at 20 primary healthcare centres in 10 health districts of Baghdad, Iraq, after approval from the ethics review committee of the College of Medicine, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad. Those included were adults of both genders who previously had coronavirus disease-2019 infection as diagnosed through on polymerase chain reaction test, and received supportive treatment during isolation at home. Data was collected through direct interview using a questionnaire which consisted of demographic characteristics, comorbidities, smoking history and symptoms of coronavirus disease-2019 along with their duration. Measurement of weight and height was also done for each subject. Data was analysed using SPSS 27. Of the 400 participants, 248(62%) were males and 152(38%) were females. The overall mean age was 40.8±12.8 years (range: 18-71 years). Of the total, 121(30.25%) subjects had persistent symptoms for >4 weeks. The mean duration of illness was 4.2±3.6 weeks (range: 1-16 weeks). The symptoms that lasted for >4 weeks were fatigue 94(23.5%), loss of smell or taste 59(14.75%), and cough 8(2%). Age, smoking status, comorbidities and the total number of initial symptoms showed a significant association with the duration of illness (p<0.05). A substantial number of mild to moderate coronavirus disease-2019 cases suffered from persistent symptoms. The duration of illness could have been influenced by age, comorbidities, smoking status and total number of initial symptoms.

Reaction kinetics of Ni-Fe oxygen carriers with high performance for chemical looping hydrogen production

The chemical looping hydrogen production (CLHP) process utilizing iron-based oxygen carriers holds promise for practical hydrogen generation applications. However, challenges persist in developing iron-based carriers that are easy to prepare and demonstrate effective reactivity. Our research focuses on evaluating the CLHP reaction performance using bimetallic Ni-Fe oxygen carrier particles, synthesized by a scalable mechanical mixing method. This study unravels the role of Ni in bimetallic Ni-Fe oxygen carriers and investigates the influence of varying nickel-doping ratios on enhancing the reduction reactivity of iron-based oxygen carriers. Compared to the undoped sample, the 20 wt% nickel-doped Fe2O3/Al2O3 (20NiFe) particles enabled a reduction in the reaction temperature by at least 50 K. With the dopant, the methane conversion rate at 923 K is 500% higher than that of carriers without the dopant. Heterogeneous kinetic analysis demonstrates that the global reduction reaction data for the Ni-Fe oxygen carriers fit with the nucleation-nuclei growth model. Through redox reactivity tests and reduction kinetic analysis, 20NiFe shows the lowest apparent activation energy at 53.93 kJ/mol. Furthermore, the kinetic study and quasi in-situ XRD analysis aid in proposing the evolution process of methane reduction reaction for nickel-doped iron-based oxygen carriers, clarifying the role of doping in improving chemical looping reactivity from a kinetic perspective. This work provides valuable guidance for the design and optimization of oxygen carriers, thus accelerating the readiness for industrial deployment of hydrogen production via chemical looping process.

Strengthening Fungal Infection Diagnosis and Treatment: An In-depth Analysis of Capabilities in Honduras.

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are a major public health concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to limited diagnostic and treatment resources, leading to high morbidity and mortality. Despite their significant global burden, IFIs are underrecognized and underdiagnosed in LMICs. This study evaluates the diagnostic and therapeutic capacities for managing IFI in Honduras, a country with unique health care challenges. From March to December 2023, a comprehensive survey was conducted across multiple health care centers in Honduras. The survey, reviewed for content and clarity by local medical institutions, targeted medical microbiologists and clinicians to assess various aspects of fungal disease diagnosis and treatment. Data included the availability and use of diagnostic tools and antifungal therapies, identifying gaps and limitations in current practices. The survey revealed that Candida spp (97.4%) and Aspergillus spp (35.9%) were the most concerning pathogens. Although microscopy and culture methods were available in most institutions, their application in suspected IFI cases was inconsistent, and antifungal susceptibility testing was rarely performed. Advanced diagnostic techniques, such as antigen detection, were available in only a few institutions, while antibody detection and polymerase chain reaction testing were entirely absent. All hospitals had access to at least 1 triazole antifungal, typically fluconazole, but there was a notable scarcity of more potent antifungals, including amphotericin B formulations and echinocandins. The limited use of available diagnostic tools and the restricted availability of essential antifungals were identified as major barriers to effective IFI management. This study highlights significant gaps in the diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for managing IFI in Honduras. The underutilization of basic diagnostic tools, the inaccessibility of advanced testing methods, and the limited availability of essential antifungal medications underscore the urgent need for capacity-building initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and policy reforms. Addressing these deficiencies is critical for enhancing the management of IFI in Honduras, with broader implications for similar LMIC settings. These findings can inform targeted interventions and resource allocation to improve outcomes for patients with IFI.

Micro- and macrovascular function in the highest city in the world: a cross sectional study

Since vascular responses to hypoxia in both healthy high-altitude natives and chronic mountain sickness (a maladaptive high-altitude pathology characterised by excessive erythrocytosis and the presence of symptoms-CMS) remain unclear, the role of inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress on the endothelium-dependent and -independent responses in both the micro- and macrocirculation, in healthy Andeans at different altitudes and in CMS patients, was examined. 94 men were included: 18 lowlanders (LL), 38 healthy highlanders permanently living at 3800m (n=21-HL-3800) or in La Rinconada, the highest city in the world (5100-5300m) (n=17-HL-5100/No CMS). Moreover, 14 participants with mild (Mild CMS) and 24 with moderate to severe CMS (Mod/Sev CMS) were recruited. All undertook two reactivity tests: i) local thermal hyperaemia (microcirculation) and ii) flow-mediated dilation (macrocirculation). Endothelium-independent function (glyceryl trinitrate) was also assessed only in La Rinconada. Conductance and skin blood flow velocity during the microcirculation test, as well as macrocirculation progressively decreased with altitude (LL>HL-3800 > HL-5100/No CMS). CMS also induced a decrease in macrocirculation (HL-5100/No CMS>Mild CMS= Mod/Sev CMS), while glyceryl trinitrate restored vascular function. Both oxidative stress and nitric oxide metabolites increased with altitude only. Principal component analysis revealed that increasing inflammation with altitude was associated with a progressive decline in both micro- and macrovascular function in healthy highlanders. Both micro and macrovascular function are affected by chronic exposure to hypoxia, the latter being further compounded by CMS. The "Fonds de dotation AGIR pour les maladies chroniques", the "Air Liquide Foundation", and the "French National Research Agency".

Acute angle-closure glaucoma before, during, and after the outbreak of COVID-19 in China

ObjectivesAcute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) is a major cause of irreversible and severe visual function loss. Robust rise in AACG was observed in the ophthalmic outpatient clinics concomitant with the outbreak of COVID-19 infection in China after the relaxing of “zero-COVID policy” in early December 2022. Here we compared the demographic and clinical profiles of patients with AACG before, during and after the COVID-19 outbreak. Underlying mechanisms were tentatively investigated. MethodsThis is a retrospective comparative study. Consecutive cases with newly diagnosed AACGs in a tertiary eye hospital were retrospectively collected during December 17, 2022 to January 8, 2023. Data from the same period in 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, 2020–2021 and 2021–2022, and 2023–2024 were collected as pre-pandemic, pandemic-control, and post-pandemic control, respectively. For the patients in 2022–2023 outbreak group, COVID-19 infection was confirmed by reversed transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction or antibody test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from nasopharyngeal swabs. Ocular parameters, serum electrolytes and coagulative parameters were compared between COVID-19 positive and negative AACGs in observational group. SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid in the aqueous humor was detected. ResultsA total of 106 AACG cases were diagnosed during the outbreak period in 2022–2023. In contrast, 18 (in 2018–2019) and 22 (in 2019–2020) cases were included during pre-pandemic period, and 21 (in 2023–2024) during the post-pandemic period. Only 13 and 4 newly onset AACG were included in 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 during the pandemic-control period, respectively. Younger age and higher proportion of bilateral involvement were detected in COVID-19 outbreak group than that of other groups (p = 0.034 and p = 0.080). Sixty-eight (64.2 %) patients in the outbreak group had a confirmed COVID-19 infection. Intervals between infection and AACG attack was 52 ± 85h (0-15d). Fifty-three patients (77.9 %) reported the applications of ibuprofen or other antipyretic medications and 25 (36.8 %) reported large volume water intake before AACG attack. COVID-19-positive AACG patients had higher level of D-dimer than their negative counterparts (1.13 ± 2.60 mg/L vs. 0.46 ± 0.43 mg/L, p = 0.083). No difference in IOP, serum electrolytes, and coagulative parameters other than D-dimer was observed between COVID-19 positive and negative cases. SARS-CoV-2 were negative in the aqueous humor from 14 COVID-19 positive and 8 negative patients. ConclusionCOVID-19 infection surged the onset of AACG in patients at risk. Mental stress, water intake, increased choroidal thickness due to SARS-CoV-2 induced ACE receptor activation, and hyper-coagulation, may contribute to the disease onset. Ocular involvement should not be ignored in both routine and new systemic emergent conditions.

Comparison of post-COVID-19 pulmonary complications in individuals vaccinated with BioNTech or Sinovac

Aims: Although several research have been undertaken to investigate the impact of the vaccination on long Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome or post-acute sequelae, there is a lack of published evidence on the long-term effects of vaccines on lung-sequelae-related disease. Considering the limited global COVID-19 vaccine distribution, it is essential to establish the impact of vaccination in reducing pulmonary complications. Turkey has been offering COVID-19 vaccines from two platforms, including BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech, mRNA vaccine) and CoronaVac (Sinovac, inactivated vaccine). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of BioNTech and Sinovac vaccines in reducing post-COVID-19 pulmonary complications in individuals. Methods: A total of 94 patients COVID-19 pneumonia patients who were categorized based on the quantity of BioNTech or Sinovac vaccines they received before their first COVID-19 infection were included. The inclusion criteria consisted of a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia through polymerase chain reaction testing, availability of the mentioned before and follow-up computed tomography scans, and administration of at least one dose of vaccine. Results: The number of complications in patients fully vaccinated with Sinovac and who experienced post-COVID lung complications was significantly greater than in those vaccinated with BioNTech. The C-reactive protein and D-Dimer measurements of individuals who experienced complications in the Sinovac vaccinated group were significantly elevated on the index date. Conclusion: The quantity of lung sequelae after COVID and laboratory parameters indicating this result were found to be higher in inactivated virus vaccines than in mRNA vaccines. This suggests that the protection of inactivated vaccines may be insufficient in severe cases.

An Investigation of a Community Chickenpox Outbreak with a Fatal Case, Songkhla Province, Thailand, October 2022

In October 2022, a suspected chickenpox death was notified. A field investigation was done to verify the diagnosis and cause of death, describe the epidemiological characteristics, identify risk factors, and control the outbreak. We conducted a descriptive study and a matched case-control study. A case was defined as a person with multiple stages of skin lesions on at least two body areas in Subdistrict from 1 Aug 2022 to 24 Oct 2022. We reviewed medical records and searched for cases house-to-house. For the matched case-control study, cases were chickenpox cases residing in Bo Tru Subdistrict, from 1 Aug 2022 to 14 Oct 2022. Controls were neighbors without symptoms or chickenpox history, matched by age. Samples were tested using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction technique. Environmental surveys were performed. We identified 30 cases including the deceased, who was 49 years old. The median (interquartile range) age of the cases was 11 (7–38) years. Seventeen were elementary-school students. None of the cases received chickenpox vaccination or had a history of chickenpox. The secondary attack rate among household contacts was 41.2% (14/34). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction tests from three cases were all positive. Being a close contact with a case and sharing personal utensils were risk factors. We strengthened the surveillance system for early detection and treatment and provided risk communication in the community. Chickenpox cases should be isolated from susceptible persons. Standard treatment guidelines for complicated cases should be distributed among healthcare services.

SARS-CoV-2 Quarantine Mandated by Contact Tracing: Burden and Infection Rate Among Close Contacts in Zurich, Switzerland, 2020-2021.

Before vaccines and effective treatments were available, quarantine of close contacts was important to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2. To evaluate potential benefits and harms of quarantine, we aimed to estimate infection rates and describe experiences and mental health among persons in mandated quarantine during the early SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We invited adults in mandated quarantine after an exposure to SARS-CoV-2 identified through contact tracing of the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland, between August 2020 and January 2021. Participants completed two questionnaires and received up to two SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction tests, during and at the end of quarantine. Among 395 participants, quarantine duration ranged from 2 to 20days. By day 11 since the last contact, 11.1% [95% CI 8.4%-14.7%] were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The proportion of participants with symptoms of depression doubled from 9.3% before quarantine to 18.9% during quarantine, and 12.1% reported quarantine was very or extremely difficult. Although quarantine was only moderately burdensome for most participants, some experienced significant difficulties and burden. Policymakers need to balance infection control with potential harms placed on individuals.

Shilajit (Mumio) Elicits Apoptosis and Suppresses Cell Migration in Oral Cancer Cells Through Targeting Urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator and Its Receptor and Chemokine Signaling Pathways

Background Shilajit a natural phytomineral has a proven record of treating many human body ailments. Purpose This study aimed to explore the influence of Shilajit on cell proliferation and apoptosis induction in oral cancer cells (OCC) and to comprehend the molecular mechanism associated with OCC migration. Materials and Methods Human gingival fibroblast (hGF) and OCC (KB-1 (KERATIN-forming tumor cell line HeLa)) were exposed to Shilajit solution dilutions. Cell growth and apoptosis were measured by MTT and Annexin-V tests (control/test group). Cellular morphology using an inverted microscope, cellular apoptosis using acridine orange/ethidium bromide dual staining, reactive oxygen species production analysis using 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining, and gene protein expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction test were used to measure study outcomes. The data enumerated were the average of three trial experiments. Categorical and numerical data were expressed as frequency distribution and means, respectively. Differences in groups (control/test; zero/24 h/48 h) were determined using Student’s t-test and one way analysis of variance, with probability ‘ p’ value considered significant at ≤0.05. Results The viability of OCC exhibited a concentration and time-dependent response to Shilajit. Notably, Shilajit demonstrated selectivity against cancer cells. Through an examination of the Annexin-V apoptosis assay, it was observed that Shilajit induces apoptosis by upregulating the proapoptotic gene expression ( p ≤ 0.05) and downregulating antiapoptotic proteins ( p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the impact of Shilajit on cell migration decreased significantly when compared to control cells through modulating the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and its receptor (uPAR) and chemokines gene expression. Conclusion Shilajit exhibited greater cytotoxicity, decreased OCC proliferation and migration, and initiated OCC apoptosis as equivalent to normal cells. These promising outcomes indicate that Shilajit holds potential as a robust, promising option for oral cancer treatment, underscoring the need for further research in this domain.

Analiza różnic w stężeniu przeciwciał przeciw SARS-CoV-2 w przebiegu COVID-19 w zależności od ciężkości choroby, płci, wieku i statusu szczepienia

Introduction and objectiveThe role of immunoglobulin G antibodies in combating SARS-CoV-2 infection, modulation of COVID-19 disease severity, and persistence of humoral response after primary infection and vaccination is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the role of antibodies in limiting the infection, modulating disease severity, and determining the durability of the immune response depending on the clinical status of patients, their age, sex, and vaccination status.Material and methodsThe study involved 156 patients, 99 men and 57 women, aged 58.3 ± 12.5 years old, hospitalised for pneumonia in the course of COVID-19, with infection confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction test. The concentration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was tested at 3, 6, and 9 months from the day of hospitalisation.ResultsThe concentration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in patients with severe COVID-19 was higher compared to the group of patients with mild to moderate disease. The level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was comparable in men and women. In patients over 60 years of age, a lower concentration of antibodies was observed than in patients under 60 years of age. In the vaccinated group, the level of antibodies was higher than in the unvaccinated group.ConclusionsThe study findings showed that the concentration of IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was not a parameter dependent on the sex of the patients, but rather on the severity of the disease and the age of the patients and their vaccination status.

Salt Tolerance of Fungi and Prospects for Mycodiagnostics of Contamination in Saline Soils

The review is devoted to the analysis of the characteristics of salt-tolerant fungi in order to identify the possibility of their use for indicating chemical contamination of highly mineralized soils and the search for potential test species for laboratory mycotesting. A list of representatives of halophilic and halotolerant genera of micromycetes is given, which can serve as indicators of pollution by heavy metals, oil products and other toxicants against the background of increased mineralization of soil substrates. For biotesting of soils with an average level of mineralization, micromycetes belonging to moderate halotolerant species are proposed as promising. The morphological, physiological and molecular mechanisms of adaptation of halophilic and halotolerant fungi to conditions of increased salinity of habitats are analyzed. The effects on fungal communities, which are caused by a combination of salinity with chemical pollution of different nature, are considered. Methodological aspects of the practical use of salt-tolerant fungi for biodiagnostics of the degree of unfavourability of saline soils are considered: the composition of media, cultivation conditions, and test reactions of fungal cultures that are optimal for an adequate assessment of the degree of halotolerance of fungi and ecotoxicity of soil samples.

Acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 Surveillance Testing Among Patients Receiving Dialysis

Integrating routine SARS-CoV-2 testing in dialysis facilities may benefit patients receiving dialysis by mitigating risks of serious illness and reducing transmission. Patient acceptance of nonmandatory testing is unknown. To evaluate the acceptance of 2 SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies among patients in hemodialysis facilities nationwide. This nationwide cluster (dialysis facility-level) randomized trial investigated the acceptance of SARS-CoV-2 testing among patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis at facilities located in 22 states. Anterior nares real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction tests offered once every 2 weeks (static testing facilities) vs offered once a week, once every 2 weeks, or once a month depending on county COVID-19 infection prevalence (dynamic testing facilities). Facilities were randomized by county, and tests were offered for 3 months between February 4 and July 24, 2023. The primary outcome was test acceptance. Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients who accepted at least 1 test. In total, 62 hemodialysis facilities were randomized and 57 participated. Among 2389 participating patients, the median age was 64 (IQR, 54-74) years, 1341 (56%) were male, 138 (6%) were categorized as American Indian, 60 (3%) Asian, 885 (37%) Black, 75 (3%) Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, 338 (14%) Hispanic, and 876 (37%) White; and 1603 (67%) had diabetes. A median of 6 (IQR, 6-6) tests were offered per patient in the static arm and 4 (3-6) tests in the dynamic arm. Test acceptance was low: 8% of offered tests were accepted in each of the test arms. Among 503 patients who accepted at least 1 test, the median percentage of offered tests that were accepted was 16% (IQR, 17%-42%) using the static testing strategy and 50% (IQR, 33%-75%) using the dynamic testing strategy (P < .001). Older patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.08 [95% CI, 1.01-1.16] per 5-year age increment), patients with (vs without) diabetes (OR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.18-2.16]), and women compared with men (OR, 1.30 [95% CI, 0.98-1.73]) were more likely to accept multiple tests. Patients designated in the electronic health record as Hispanic were more likely than patients designated as White (OR, 1.78 [95% CI, 1.15-2.76]) to accept at least 1 test, whereas patients living in zip codes electing Republican representatives to Congress were less likely than patients living in zip codes electing Democratic representatives (OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.17-0.69]) to accept multiple tests. In this cluster randomized trial evaluating 2 SARS-CoV-2 testing strategies in dialysis facilities, test acceptance was low, and a dynamic testing strategy anchored to COVID-19 infection prevalence did not outperform a static testing strategy of every 2 weeks. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05225298.

The value of patch testing with plants "as is" in diagnosing plant sensitization.

The number of commercially available plant allergens/extracts is limited and therefore patch testing with fresh/dried plant material may be a necessary supplement in diagnosing plant allergy. To evaluate the usefulness of patch testing with plants "as is" compared to patch testing with commercial and in-house produced plant test materials and to report on species eliciting positive patch test reactions. Consecutive eczema patients, who were patch tested between January 2019 and December 2023 and who had at least one positive reaction to a plant allergen and/or extract and/or plant "as is" were included in the study. A total 57 out of 1893 patients tested (3%) were sensitised to plants. Compositae plants were the most frequent sensitizers, followed by tomato, tulipalin A, falcarinol, and Philodendron plants. In 12 patients (21%), the diagnosis was based on patch testing with fresh plants only. Occupational sensitization occurred in 32%. Other sensitizers included Hydrangea, Pelargonium zonale, and Monstera. A large minority of plant-sensitised patients would have been undiagnosed without patch testing with plants "as is." Most of the culprit plants were known sensitizers, but not commercially available, and these and new species taken into cultivation makes patch testing with fresh plants unavoidable and worthwhile.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Children Identified by Preprocedural Testing at 5 US Children's Hospital Systems.

The burden of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in asymptomatic children was initially presumed to be high, which influenced hospital, school and childcare policies. Before vaccines were widely available, some hospitals implemented universal preprocedural SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction testing on asymptomatic patients. Understanding SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in asymptomatic children is needed to illuminate the diversity of viral characteristics and inform policies implemented during future pandemics. Data were extracted from patient records of outpatient children who were preprocedurally tested for SARS-CoV-2 from 5 US hospital systems between March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021. Prevalence was determined from positive test results. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were calculated using mixed logistic regression with the site as a random effect. This study analyzed 93,760 preprocedural SARS-CoV-2 test results from 74,382 patients and found 2693 infections (3.6%) from 2889 positive tests (3.1%). Site-specific prevalence varied across sites. Factors modestly associated with infection included being uninsured [AOR, 1.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45-2.13)], publicly insured [AOR, 1.17 (95% CI, 1.05-1.30)], Hispanic [AOR, 1.78 (95% CI, 1.59-1.99)], Black [AOR, 1.22 (95% CI, 1.06-1.39)], elementary school age [5-11 years; AOR, 1.15 (95% CI, 1.03-1.28)], or adolescent [12-17 years; AOR, 1.26 (95% CI, 1.13-1.41)]. SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was low in outpatient children undergoing preprocedural testing, a population that was predominantly asymptomatic at the time of testing. This study contributes evidence that suggests that undetected infection in children likely did not play a predominant role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission during the early prevaccine pandemic period when the general population was naive to the virus.

Analytical Validation of Cxbladder® Detect, Triage, and Monitor: Assays for Detection and Management of Urothelial Carcinoma.

Background: Cxbladder® assays are reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) tests incorporating five genetic biomarkers (CDK1, MDK, IGFBP5, HOXA13, and CXCR2) to provide risk stratification for urothelial carcinoma (UC) in patients with hematuria or undergoing surveillance for recurrent disease. This study evaluated the analytical validity of the Cxbladder Detect, Triage, and Monitor assays. Methods: Pre-specified acceptance criteria, including the assays' fundamental aspects (sample and reagent stability, RNA extraction quality, RT-qPCR linearity, and analytical sensitivity and specificity), accuracy and precision, and reproducibility between laboratories. Results: Cxbladder had an analytical sensitivity of 12.5-31.1 RNA copies/mL urine for the CDK1, MDK, IGFBP5, and HOXA13 UC biomarkers and 68.9 RNA copies/mL for the inflammatory biomarker CXCR2. All the pre-specified analytical criteria were met. Cxbladder had diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive values of 77%, 94%, 68%, and 96%, respectively, for Detect; 95%, 46%, 20%, and 98% for Triage; and 91%, 39%, 21%, and 96% for Monitor. Cxbladder had high analytical accuracy (≤10.63% inaccuracy across all biomarkers) and good reproducibility (>85% concordance between laboratories). Conclusions: Cxbladder accurately and reproducibly detects UC biomarker expression and can aid clinicians in risk stratification of hematuria patients or those undergoing surveillance for recurrent UC.