Multiplex Dual-Target Reverse Transcription PCR for Subtyping Avian Influenza A(H5) Virus.

An increased risk for human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses is of concern. We developed an internally controlled, dual-target reverse transcription PCR for influenza A(H5) subtyping. This test could be used to detect influenza A(H5) in clinical samples.

Negative Selection on a SOD1 Mutation Limits Canine Degenerative Myelopathy While Avoiding Inbreeding.

Several hundred disease-causing mutations are currently known in domestic dogs. Breeding management is therefore required to minimize their spread. Recently, genetic methods such as direct-to-consumer testing have gained popularity; however, their effects on dog populations are unclear.

Two cases of MPXV infection during pregnancy in heterosexual cisgender women without classic cutaneous lesions, Northern California, 2022.

As part of an epidemiologic survey, we screened remnant samples collected for STI testing for mpox virus. We identified two cases of presumed MPXV infection in pregnant, heterosexual cisgender women. Here, we describe their pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Prevalence of Mpox (Monkeypox) in patients undergoing STI screening in northern California, April-September 2022.

Background: Despite the sharp increase in mpox (formerly monkeypox) incidence and the wide geographic spread of mpox during the 2022 outbreak, the community prevalence of infection remains poorly characterized. This study is a retrospective epidemiologic survey to estimate mpox prevalence.

Methods: Samples obtained for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing from April to September 2022 in the public hospital and clinic system of San Mateo County, California were screened for mpox virus (MPXV) using polymerase chain reaction.

Comparison of Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR for Detection of Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA is an established biomarker for endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, existing real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays are limited by poor interlaboratory reproducibility. This is a barrier to biomarker integration into staging systems and management.

Evaluation of a multiplexed oligonucleotide ligation assay for SARS-CoV-2 variant identification.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 variant surveillance informs vaccine composition and decisions to de-authorize antibody therapies. Though detailed genetic characterization requires whole-genome sequencing, targeted mutation analysis may complement pandemic surveillance efforts.

Methods: This study investigated the qualitative performance of a multiplex oligonucleotide ligation assay targeting 19 spike mutations using 192 whole genome sequenced upper respiratory samples representing SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Retrospective Screening of Clinical Samples for Monkeypox Virus DNA, California, USA, 2022.

We retrospectively screened oropharyngeal and rectal swab samples originally collected in California, USA, for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae testing for the presence of monkeypox virus DNA. Among 206 patients screened, 17 (8%) had samples with detectable viral DNA. Monkeypox virus testing from mucosal sites should be considered for at-risk patients.

mRNA bivalent booster enhances neutralization against BA.2.75.2 and BQ.1.1.

The emergence of the highly divergent SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has jeopardized the efficacy of vaccines based on the ancestral spike. The bivalent COVID-19 mRNA booster vaccine within the United States is comprised of the ancestral and the Omicron BA.5 spike.

Multiplex Epstein-Barr virus BALF2 genotyping detects high-risk variants in plasma for population screening of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Background: Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) exhibits unusual geographic restriction despite ubiquitous lifelong infection. Screening programs can detect most NPC cases at an early stage, but existing EBV diagnostics are limited by false positives and low positive predictive value (PPV), leading to excess screening endoscopies, MRIs, and repeated testing. Recent EBV genome-wide association studies (GWAS) suggest that EBV BALF2 variants account for more than 80% of attributable NPC risk.

Characterizing the Severity of SARS-CoV-2 Variants at a Single Pediatric Center.

Since March 2020, SARS-CoV-2 has plagued the world with COVID-19 and individuals of all ages have experienced varying symptoms of disease. Older adults were experiencing more severe disease compared to children and were prioritized by vaccination efforts. While biologic therapies and vaccinations were implemented, there were changes in public health restrictions with subsequent surges resulting in more infected children.

Evaluation of a Rapid and Accessible Reverse Transcription-Quantitative PCR Approach for SARS-CoV-2 Variant of Concern Identification.

The ability to distinguish between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) is of ongoing interest due to differences in transmissibility, responses to vaccination, clinical prognosis, and therapy. Although detailed genetic characterization requires whole-genome sequencing (WGS), targeted nucleic acid amplification tests can serve a complementary role in clinical settings, as they are more rapid and accessible than sequencing in most laboratories. We designed and analytically validated a two-reaction multiplex reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assay targeting spike protein mutations L452R, E484K, and N501Y in reaction 1 and del69-70, K417N, and T478K in reaction 2.

Long-term safety and effectiveness of linagliptin by baseline body mass index in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: a 3-year post-marketing surveillance study.

Background: A recent 3-year post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study reaffirmed the safety and effectiveness of linagliptin in linagliptin-naïve Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). We present further analyses from this study by body mass index (BMI).

Research Design And Methods: Safety and effectiveness were assessed across BMI subgroups (<25, 25 to <30, and ≥30 kg/m).

Amyloid-β oligomers interact with NMDA receptors containing GluN2B subunits and metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 in primary cortical neurons: Relevance to the synapse pathology of Alzheimer's disease.

Recent evidence suggests that soluble amyloid-β oligomers (AβOs) act as a key factor in the pathogenetic mechanism of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AβOs induce neurotoxic and synaptotoxic effects probably through binding to certain receptors, however it remains unclarified which receptors are most critically involved. In addition, dysregulation in glutamatergic signaling is implicated in AD.

Effect of adding magnifying BLI, magnifying NBI, and iodine staining to white light imaging in diagnosis of early esophageal cancer.

We investigated the effect of adding magnifying blue laser imaging (BLI), magnifying narrow-band imaging (NBI), and iodine staining to white light imaging in diagnosis of early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (EESCC) in high-risk patients. Between May 2013 and March 2016, two parallel prospective cohorts of patients received either primary WLI followed by NBI-magnifying endoscopy (ME) or primary WLI followed by BLI-ME, were studied. At the end of screening, both groups underwent iodine staining.

Safety and tolerability of linagliptin in Asians with type 2 diabetes: a pooled analysis of 4457 patients from 21 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials.

Background: Safety and tolerability of glucose-lowering drugs is a key consideration for use in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We evaluated the safety and tolerability of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor linagliptin in Asian patients with T2D.

Research Design And Methods: This was a post-hoc, descriptive pooled analysis of 21 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials of linagliptin in T2D patients lasting ≤52 weeks.

Multiplex SARS-CoV-2 Genotyping Reverse Transcriptase PCR for Population-Level Variant Screening and Epidemiologic Surveillance.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with concerning phenotypic mutations is of public health interest. Genomic surveillance is an important tool for a pandemic response, but many laboratories do not have the resources to support population-level sequencing. We hypothesized that a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) to genotype mutations in the viral spike protein could facilitate high-throughput variant surveillance.

Plasma as an alternative COVID-19 diagnostic specimen in a hospitalized patient negative for SARS-CoV-2 by nasopharyngeal swab.

We present the case of an inpatient with pneumonia and repeatedly negative nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 testing. In such challenging cases, alternative diagnostic options include lower respiratory tract and plasma SARS-CoV-2 RNA testing, of which the latter may be particularly useful where bronchoscopy is deferred due to clinical factors or transmission risk.

Effects of anti-diabetes medications on cardiovascular and kidney outcomes in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes: a rapid evidence assessment and narrative synthesis.

Background: The cardiovascular and kidney safety of glucose-lowering drugs is a key concern in type 2 diabetes (T2D). We evaluated cardiorenal outcomes with glucose-lowering drugs in Asian patients, who comprise over half of T2D cases globally.

Research Design And Methods: A rapid evidence assessment was conducted for phase III or IV, double-blind, randomized clinical trials of glucose-lowering drugs reporting cardiovascular or kidney outcomes for Asian T2D patients (Embase, Medline, Cochrane Library databases: 1 January 2008-14 June 2020).