Publications by authors named "L Cincotta"
Background: Evaluating the performance of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) serological assays and clearly articulating the utility of selected antigens, isotypes, and thresholds is crucial to understanding the prevalence of infection within selected communities.
Methods: This cross-sectional study, implemented in 2020, screened PCRconfirmed coronavirus disease 2019 patients (n 86), banked prepandemic and negative samples (n 96), healthcare workers and family members (n 552), and university employees (n 327) for antiSARS-CoV-2 receptor-binding domain, trimeric spike protein, and nucleocapsid protein immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgA antibodies with a laboratory-developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and tested how antigen, isotype and threshold choices affected the seroprevalence outcomes. The following threshold methods were evaluated: (i) mean 3 standard deviations of the negative controls; (ii) 100 specificity for each antigen-isotype combination; and (iii) the maximal Youden index.
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates how the oropharyngeal microbiome, which is the community of microorganisms in the upper respiratory tract, affects the severity of COVID-19 in patients presenting with acute symptoms.
- Among 115 patients tested for COVID-19, 50 had confirmed positive results; of these, 76% required supplemental oxygen support.
- Machine learning methods revealed that certain low-abundance microorganisms and metabolic pathways in the microbiome can predict the need for respiratory support in COVID-19 patients.
Article Synopsis
- This study investigates how the oropharyngeal microbiome might influence the severity of COVID-19 in patients presenting with acute symptoms.
- * Out of 115 patients, 74 tested positive for COVID-19, with a significant percentage (76%) requiring respiratory support.
- * The analysis identified certain microbial characteristics and metabolic pathways that could predict the need for respiratory interventions, indicating that the microbiome may impact the progression of severe COVID-19 symptoms.*
Article Synopsis
- The study investigates the relationship between the oral microbiome and long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms, known as long COVID, which are thought to be linked to immune system issues and inflammation.
- Researchers collected tongue swabs from COVID-19 patients, identifying that those with prolonged symptoms had higher levels of inflammation-inducing bacteria, specifically from the genera Prevotella and Veillonella.
- The findings suggest a potential connection between an unhealthy oral microbiome and long COVID, indicating that oral bacteria may play a role in the persistent symptoms experienced by some patients.
Objective: To analyze risk factors for type 2 diabetes among women attending menopause clinics in Italy for counselling about the menopause.
Subjects: Women attending a network of first-level outpatient menopause clinics in Italy for general counselling about menopause or treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Methods: Cross-sectional study with no exclusion criteria.