Interlaboratory assays from the fungal PCR Initiative and the Modimucor Study Group to improve qPCR detection of Mucorales DNA in serum: one more step toward standardization.

Unlabelled: The aim of this study was to identify parameters influencing DNA extraction and PCR amplification efficiencies in an attempt to standardize Mucorales qPCR. The Fungal PCR Initiative Mucorales Laboratory Working Group distributed two panels of simulated samples to 26 laboratories: Panel A (six sera spiked with Mucorales DNA and one negative control serum) and Panel B (six Mucorales DNA extracts). Panel A underwent DNA extraction in each laboratory according to the local procedure and were sent to a central laboratory for testing using three different qPCR techniques: one in-house qPCR assay and two commercial assays (MucorGenius and Fungiplex).

Yield of Targeted Polymerase Chain Reaction in Probable Early-Onset Sepsis: A Prospective Cohort Study in Term and Near-Term Neonates With Negative Blood Culture Results.

Background: Discriminating noninfected from infected neonatal cases remains challenging, and subsequently many neonates are treated with antibiotics in the first week of life. We aimed to study the additional value of a targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for group B streptococcus (GBS) and on leftover blood culture media from term and near-term neonates with probable early-onset sepsis (EOS).

Methods: Leftover blood culture material from neonates participating in the RAIN study was stored after 5 days of incubation.

Oropharyngeal gonorrhoea among heterosexual men and women at a sexual health centre in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 2023: reservoir for transmission?

Background: Sexual health centres (SHCs) in the Netherlands report a surge in gonorrhoea, especially among young women (notably oropharyngeal) and men who have sex with women (MSW) since the second half of 2022. MSW are not routinely oropharyngeal tested, and women only when reporting oral sex. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess oropharyngeal gonorrhoea in MSW and women, and potential underdiagnosis.

Using gas-assisted electrospinning to design rod-shaped particles from starch for thickening agents and Pickering emulsifiers.

Starch's large particle size and compact semi-crystalline structure limit its effectiveness as an emulsifier and shear-reversible thickener. To address this, we used gas-assisted electrospinning to convert large starch granules into thin fibers and then into rod-shaped particles for use as starch-based thickeners and emulsifiers. Manipulating the starch concentration in formic acid, and the electrospinning parameters, caused the jetted polymers to form different shapes.

Safety Assessment of Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol as Used in Cosmetics.

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol as used in cosmetics. These ingredients are reported to function as humectants, skin-conditioning agents, or flavoring agents. The Panel considered the available data and concluded that these sugar alcohol ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment.