Expression profiling by high-throughput sequencing reveals GADD45, SMAD7, EGR-1 and HOXA3 activation in Myostatin (MSTN) and GDF11 treated myoblasts.

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) and myostatin (MSTN/GDF8) are closely related members of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, sharing structural homology. Despite these structural similarities, recent research has shed light on the distinct roles these ligands play within muscle tissue. This study aims to uncover both the differences and similarities in gene expression at the transcriptome level by utilizing RNA sequencing.

Clinical performance and accuracy of a qPCR-based SARS-CoV-2 mass-screening workflow for healthcare-worker surveillance using pooled self-sampled gargling solutions: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The large number of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections necessitates general screening of employees. We evaluate the performance of a SARS-CoV-2 screening program in asymptomatic healthcare-workers (HCW), utilizing self-sampled gargling-solution and sample pooling for RT-qPCR.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional retrospective study to collect real-life data on the performance of a screening-workflow based on automated-pooling and high-throughput qPCR testing over a 3-month-period at the University Hospital Hamburg.

SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection in a Healthcare Worker Despite the Presence of Detectable Neutralizing Antibodies.

So far, only a few reports about reinfections with SARS-CoV-2 have been published, and they often lack detailed immunological and virological data. We report about a SARS-CoV-2 reinfection with a genetically distinct SARS-CoV-2 variant in an immunocompetent female healthcare worker that has led to a mild disease course. No obvious viral escape mutations were observed in the second virus variant.

Handling and accuracy of four rapid antigen tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 compared to RT-qPCR.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostics is facing material shortages and long turnaround times due to exponential increase of testing demand.

Objective: We evaluated the analytic performance and handling of four rapid Antigen Point of Care Tests (AgPOCTs) I-IV (Distributors: (I) Roche, (II) Abbott, (III) MEDsan and (IV) Siemens).

Methods: 100 RT-PCR negative and 84 RT-PCR positive oropharyngeal swabs were prospectively collected and used to determine performance and accuracy of these AgPOCTs.

Percutaneous Cryoablation: Safety and Efficacy for Pain Palliation of Metastases to Pleura and Chest Wall.

Purpose: To assess safety and efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation for pain palliation of metastases to pleura and chest wall.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective single-center cohort study included 22 patients (27% female, mean age 63 y ± 11.4) who underwent 25 cryoablation procedures for pain palliation of 39 symptomatic metastases measuring 5.