The clinical characteristics of pediatric patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and whole viral genome sequencing analysis.

Pediatric population was generally less affected clinically by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Few pediatric cases of COVID-19 have been reported compared to those reported in infected adults. However, a rapid increase in the hospitalization rate of SARS-CoV-2 infected pediatric patients was observed during Omicron variant dominated COVID-19 outbreak.

The clinical application of metagenomic next-generation sequencing for detecting pathogens in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid: case reports and literature review.

Introduction: Clinical metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) allows a comprehensive genetic analysis of microbial materials. Different from other traditional target-driven molecular diagnostic tests, such as PCR, mNGS is a hypothesis-free diagnostic approach that allows a comprehensive genetic analysis of the clinical specimens that cover nearly any common, rare, and new pathogens ranging broadly from viruses, bacteria, fungi to parasites.

Areas Covered: In this article, we discussed the clinical application of the mNGS using two clinical cases as examples and described the use of mNGS to assist the diagnosis of parasitic pulmonary infection.

The applications of big data in molecular diagnostics.

: Big Data technologies instilled an informational perspective to our understanding of the world. However, fundamental issues such as the management and storage of data can create privacy concerns. Heterogeneous types of data pose challenges in reproducibility and standardization.

Application of NanoString technologies in companion diagnostic development.

: NanoString nCounter technology, a novel molecular assay, is gaining prevalent use in clinical settings as it can overcome some common constraints that are associated with the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Compared to PCR, NanoString technology does not involve any amplification steps, which significantly minimizes the chance of contamination. NanoString measures the number of mRNA transcripts directly by 'molecular counting', as up to 800 colored probes can be run simultaneously in a single reaction.

Tranexamic acid-associated necrosis and intralesional thrombosis of uterine leiomyomas: a clinicopathologic study of 147 cases emphasizing the importance of drug-induced necrosis and early infarcts in leiomyomas.

Introduction: Women with menorrhagia have increased levels of plasminogen activators in the endometrium. Tranexamic acid (cyklokapron), an antifibrinolytic agent, is commonly prescribed worldwide to women with menorrhagia, including those with fibroids. Necrosis in uterine leiomyomas may be associated with pregnancy, and progestogen or oral contraceptive use but its association with tranexamic acid has not been investigated.

Relapsed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: A 20-year experience.

Objective: To review relapsed gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN).

Study Design: Patients who had relapsed GTN between 1978 and 2001 at Queen Mary Hospital were included in the study. Records were reviewed and data analyzed regarding treatment, follow-up and survival.

Methotrexate, bleomycin, and Etoposide in the treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia.

Objective: The combination of methotrexate (1 g/m(2) day 1), bleomycin (10 mg day 3), and etoposide (100 mg/m(2) days 1-5) (MBE) has been used for disease relapse or as a second-line chemotherapy in the treatment of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) resistant to multiple-agent chemotherapy. With the identification of ultra-high-risk GTN, MBE has also been used as first-line chemotherapy. The current study is to review the use of MBE in the treatment of GTN.