Local Genomic Surveillance of Invasive in Eastern North Carolina (ENC) in 2022-2023.

The recent increase in Group A (GAS) incidences in several countries across Europe and some areas of the Unites States (U.S.) has raised concerns.

Wastewater based epidemiology as a surveillance tool during the current COVID-19 pandemic on a college campus (East Carolina University) and its accuracy in predicting SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in dormitories.

The COVID-19 outbreak led governmental officials to close many businesses and schools, including colleges and universities. Thus, the ability to resume normal campus operation required adoption of safety measures to monitor and respond to COVID-19. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of wastewater-based epidemiology as a surveillance method in monitoring COVID-19 on a college campus.

Dynamic Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in a Patient on Chemotherapy.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has evolved significantly during the pandemic and resulted in daunting numbers of genomic sequences. Tracking SARS-CoV-2 evolution during persistent cases could provide insight into the origins and dynamics of new variants. We report here a case of B-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia on chemotherapy with infection of SARS-CoV-2 for more than two months.

Post-kidney transplant cancers: Racial and ethnic differences in sun-exposed skin versus non-sun-exposed anogenital skin.

Background: Transplant recipients have a 2- to 4-fold increased risk of developing malignancies over the general population. Cancer is the second most common cause of death for recipients. The magnitude of the risk depends on the cancer type and increases in viral-related malignancies.

Racial differences in incident de novo donor-specific anti-HLA antibody among primary renal allograft recipients: results from a single center cohort study.

Controversy exists as to whether African American (AA) transplant recipients are at risk for developing de novo donor-specific anti-human leucocyte antigen (HLA) antibody (dnDSA). We studied 341 HLA-mismatched, primary renal allograft recipients who were consecutively transplanted between 3/1999 and 12/2010. Sera were collected sequentially pre- and post-transplant and tested for anti-HLA immunoglobulin G (IgG) via single antigen bead assay.

Incidence and impact of anti-HLA-DP antibodies in renal transplantation.

Background: The role of anti-HLA-DP antibodies in renal transplantation is poorly defined. This study describes the impact of donor (donor-specific antibody [DSA]) and non-donor-specific antibodies against HLA-DP antigens in renal transplant patients.

Methods: Of 195 consecutive patients transplanted between September 2009 and December 2011, 166 primary kidney recipients and their donors were typed (high-resolution) for DP antigens.

Risk Stratification of Human Leukocyte Antigen Class II Donor Specific Antibody Positive Patients by Immunoglobulin G Subclasses.

Background: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies are a major cause of graft loss in mismatched transplant recipients. However, the time to graft loss resulting from antibody induced injury is unpredictable. The unpredictable nature of antibodies may be related to the subclass of antibodies.

Changes in successive measures of de novo donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies intensity and the development of allograft dysfunction.

Background: Many patients develop de novo donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies (dnDSA) after transplantation. Despite development of dnDSA, not all patients will immediately fail. This study analyzes dnDSA intensity and longitudinal trends as prospective clinical parameters to assess subsequent allograft function.

Impact of IgM and IgG3 anti-HLA alloantibodies in primary renal allograft recipients.

Background: With standard IgG donor-specific anti-HLA antibody (DSA) testing, it is unclear which immunoglobulin-G (IgG) DSA positive patients will fail. We looked further into the immune response by studying immunoglobulin-M (IgM) and IgG subclass 3 (IgG3) DSA to determine if these identify the IgG DSA patients at highest risk for allograft loss.

Methods: In 189 consecutively transplanted primary renal allograft recipients, sera were collected sequentially pre- and posttransplant.

Improved Long-Term Survival in Kidney Transplant Recipients with Donor-Specific HLA Antibodies After Mycophenolic Acid Escalation.

The development of donor specific antibodies (DSA) post transplant has been associated with chronic rejection and graft failure. In a longitudinal study, we have shown that increases in DSA precede rejection by months, thus allowing time for intervention. We hypothesized that mycophenolic acid (MPA) dose increases may reduce and/or stabilize DSA strength and also preserve renal function.

Trends and characteristics in early glomerular filtration rate decline after posttransplantation alloantibody appearance.

Background: Approximately 7% to 9% of patients with donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSA) fail within 1 year post-DSA onset. However, little is known as to how this DSA-associated failure temporally progresses. This longitudinal study investigates DSA's temporal relationship to allograft dysfunction and identifies predictors of allograft function's progressive deterioration post-DSA.

The role of immunoglobulin-G subclasses and C1q in de novo HLA-DQ donor-specific antibody kidney transplantation outcomes.

Background: Anti-HLA-DQ antibodies are the predominant HLA class II donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) after transplantation. Recently, de novo DQ DSA has been associated with worse allograft outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the further complement-binding characteristics of the most harmful DQ DSA.

Incidence and impact of de novo donor-specific alloantibody in primary renal allografts.

Background: To date, limited information is available describing the incidence and impact of de novo donor-specific anti-human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (dnDSA) in the primary renal transplant patient. This report details the dnDSA incidence and actual 3-year post-dnDSA graft outcomes.

Methods: The study includes 189 consecutive nonsensitized, non-HLA-identical patients who received a primary kidney transplant between March 1999 and March 2006.

Novel biomarker combination predicts long-term allograft outcome.

Donor specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibodies (DSA) are a significant cause of allograft failure. However, it has been reported that some DSA negative patients still experience allograft failure. In addition, some DSA positive patients maintain good graft function for >20 years.

A report of the epidemiology of de novo donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies (DSA) in "low-risk" renal transplant recipients.

The donor specific anti-HLA antibody (DSA) has been increasingly recognized as the major cause of allograft loss. Despite this, no published reports exist describing the true epidemiology of de novo DSA.Here we describe the epidemiology of DSA based on the results of one of the longest running antibody study in consecutive renal transplant recipients.

Beyond histology: lowering human leukocyte antigen antibody to improve renal allograft survival in acute rejection.

Background: The common endpoint in the treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) is functional reversal (creatinine levels). Reduction of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) antibody strength is not commonly considered as an essential endpoint for AMR resolution. The purpose of this study was to determine whether reduction in HLA antibody intensity in patients with histologic AMR reversal influences long-term renal allograft survival.

Longitudinal testing of 266 renal allograft patients for HLA and MICA antibodies: Greenville experience.

1. From the analysis of 266 Greenville kidney recipients, we found that almost every patient who had graft failure had HLA antibodies (93%), while less than half of patients with currently functioning graft had antibodies (46%). 2.

Comparison of hemolysis in blood samples collected using an automatic incision device and a manual lance.

Objective: To evaluate the magnitude of hemolysis in blood specimens collected from the heels of newborns using an automated blood collection device that uses a spring-loaded lance with blood collected using a manual lance.

Design: A randomized controlled trial involving 134 newborns assigned to have blood collected using either an automated blood collection device or a manual lance. A single experienced individual performed all blood collections.