Association of Corticosteroid Inhaler Type with Saliva Microbiome in Moderate-to-Severe Pediatric Asthma.

: Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are common inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) inhaler devices. The difference in formulation and administration technique of these devices may influence oral cavity microbiota composition. We aimed to compare the saliva microbiome in children with moderate-to-severe asthma using ICS via MDIs versus DPIs.

Effects of infection control measures towards preventing SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in a German choir boarding school from March 2020 to April 2022.

Background: Singing in a choir was associated with larger outbreaks in the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Materials And Methods: We report on the effect and acceptance of various infection control measures on the occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in the world famous Domspatzen boys' choir from March 2020 to April 2022.

Results: In addition to basic general hygiene measures, systematic rRT-PCR testing and scientifically approved concepts of distancing during singing were applied.

Analysis of COVID-19 Infection Chains in a School Setting: Data From a School-Based rRT-PCR-Gargle Pool Test System.

Background: School testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was implemented in some countries to monitor and prevent SARS-CoV-2 transmissions. Here, we analyze infection chains in primary schools and household members of infected students based on systematic real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (rRT-PCR)-gargle pool testing.

Methods: Students and school staff ( = 4300) of all 38 primary schools in the rural county of Cham, Germany, were tested twice per week with a gargle pool rRT-PCR system from April to July of 2021.

Autoantibodies against SUMO1-DHX35 in long-COVID.

Long COVID is a collection of symptoms as a late sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It often includes mental symptoms such as cognitive symptoms, persisting loss of smell and taste, in addition to exertional dyspnea. A role of various autoantibodies (autoAbs) has been postulated in long-COVID and is being further investigated.

Gargle pool PCR testing in a hospital during medium and high SARS-CoV-2 incidence.

Background: Hospitals need to be protected from SARS-CoV-2 infections to protect vulnerable patients. Thus, a safe, efficient, and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 testing system for hospitals, in addition to standard hygiene measures and vaccination of staff, is necessary. Here we report on the feasibility and performance of a pool real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (rRT-PCR) test system at, medium and high incidence.

Autoantibodies against interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: a multicentre, retrospective, cohort study.

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious complication of infection with SARS-CoV-2. A possible involvement of pathogenetically relevant autoantibodies has been discussed. Recently, neutralising autoantibodies against inflammatory receptor antagonists progranulin and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) were found in adult patients with critical COVID-19.

Results of WICOVIR Gargle Pool PCR Testing in German Schools Based on the First 100,000 Tests.

Opening schools and keeping children safe from SARS-CoV-2 infections at the same time is urgently needed to protect children from direct and indirect consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this goal, a safe, efficient, and cost-effective SARS-CoV-2 testing system for schools in addition to standard hygiene measures is necessary. We implemented the screening WICOVIR concept for schools in the southeast of Germany, which is based on gargling at home, pooling of samples in schools, and assessment of SARS-CoV-2 by pool rRT-PCR, performed decentralized in numerous participating laboratories.

Symptoms, SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies, and Neutralization Capacity in a Cross Sectional-Population of German Children.

Children and youth are affected rather mildly in the acute phase of COVID-19 and thus, SARS-CoV-2 infection infection may easily be overlooked. In the light of current discussions on the vaccinations of children it seems necessary to better identify children who are immune against SARS-CoV-2 due to a previous infection and to better understand COVID-19 related immune reactions in children. In a cross-sectional design, children aged 1-17 were recruited through primary care pediatricians for the study (a) randomly, if they had an appointment for a regular health check-up or (b) if parents and children volunteered and actively wanted to participate in the study.

RET Gene Analysis in Patients with Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma.

Background: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor from the para follicular C cells of the thyroid gland. It occurs either sporadically or as part of an inherited syndrome. It is caused by an autosomal dominant mutation in the RET (Rearranged during Transfection) proto-oncogene.