Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Patients Receiving Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibodies: A Diagnostic Challenged by Negative Nasopharyngeal RT-PCR and Successful Treatment with COVID-19 High-Titer Convalescent Plasma.

We highlighted in this current paper similar prolonged respiratory presentation with COVID-19 pneumonia in four severely immunocompromised patients currently being treated with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), such as ocrelizumab and rituximab, for multiple sclerosis or rheumatoid polyarthritis. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on a nasopharyngeal swab specimen was negative in all patients. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

Development of an autonomous detector for sensing of nerve agents based on functionalized silicon nanowire field-effect transistors.

The ability to detect minute traces of chemical warfare agents is mandatory both for military forces and homeland security. Various detectors based on different technologies are available but still suffer from serious drawbacks such as false positives. There is still a need for the development of innovative reliable sensors, in particular for organophosphorus nerve agents like Sarin.