Factors influencing creatine kinase-MM concentrations in newborns and implications for newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Introduction: Newborn screening for Duchenne muscular dystrophy can be performed via a first-tier creatine kinase-MM measurement followed by reflex testing to second-tier molecular analysis of the DMD gene. In order to establish appropriate cut-offs for the creatine kinase-MM screen, factors that influence creatine kinase-MM in newborns were investigated.

Materials And Methods: Creatine kinase-MM data from a consented pilot study in New York State were collected over a two-year period and combined with de-identified validation data and analyzed.

Serological analysis reveals an imbalanced IgG subclass composition associated with COVID-19 disease severity.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with a wide spectrum of disease presentation, ranging from asymptomatic infection to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Paradoxically, a direct relationship has been suggested between COVID-19 disease severity and the levels of circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific antibodies, including virus-neutralizing titers. A serological analysis of 536 convalescent healthcare workers reveals that SARS-CoV-2-specific and virus-neutralizing antibody levels are elevated in individuals that experience severe disease.

The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Thyroxine and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone in Newborns.

Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is performed by measuring the concentration of thyroxine (T4) and/or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in dried blood spots. Unfortunately, the levels of T4 and TSH vary due to multiple factors, and therefore the false-positive rate for the test is a challenge. We analyzed screening data from 2008 to 2017 to determine the effect of seasonal changes and manufacturer kit lot changes on T4 and TSH values and on numbers of infants referred.

HIV test offers and acceptance: New York State findings from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system and the National HIV behavioral surveillance, 2011-2012.

Background: The New York State HIV testing law requires that patients aged 13-64 years be offered HIV testing in health care settings. We investigated the extent to which HIV testing was offered and accepted during the 24 months after law enactment.

Methods: We added local questions to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) surveys asking respondents aged 18-64 years whether they were offered an HIV test in health care settings, and whether they had accepted testing.