Evaluation of self-collected dried blood spots for detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antibodies shows low sensitivity.

Background And Aims: Dried blood spots (DBS) have been proposed as a cost-effective surveillance method for population-wide screening of SARS-CoV-2 immunity but sensitivity of DBS based on self-collected DBS samples is unknown. To evaluate the success of vaccination strategies, it is necessary to differentiate vaccination from natural infection. Therefore, a test for antibodies against the viral nucleocapsid protein (anti-N) is desirable.

Burden of post-acute COVID-19 sequelae in healthcare workers and its course over a 30-month period-results from a prospective multicentre cohort.

Purpose: As healthcare workers (HCW) have been disproportionally affected by COVID-19, its post-acute sequelae (PASC) in HCW can impact healthcare systems. We assessed the burden and course of PASC in HCW over a 30-month period.

Methods: In a prospective multicentre HCW cohort in Switzerland, PASC surveys were conducted in 03/2021, 09/2021, 06/2022, 04/2023, and 10/2023.

A comparison of individual force decline profiles during a fatiguing eccentric trunk flexion and extension protocol: a pilot study.

Introduction: Muscle fatigue, characterized by diminished force production and contraction sustainability, can impair muscle coordination and increase joint instability. Differing force profiles used in fatiguing tasks, such as prolonged eccentric trunk protocols, might provide insights into individualized strategies and resulting spinal stability. Thus, this study assessed individual differences in fatigue characteristics during an eccentric trunk flexion-extension protocol in a population of asymptomatic individuals.

A Large-Scale Genome-Wide Study of Gene-Sleep Duration Interactions for Blood Pressure in 811,405 Individuals from Diverse Populations.

Although both short and long sleep duration are associated with elevated hypertension risk, our understanding of their interplay with biological pathways governing blood pressure remains limited. To address this, we carried out genome-wide cross-population gene-by-short-sleep and long-sleep duration interaction analyses for three blood pressure traits (systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure) in 811,405 individuals from diverse population groups. We discover 22 novel gene-sleep duration interaction loci for blood pressure, mapped to 23 genes.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination is Not Associated With Involuntary Childlessness in Female Healthcare Workers: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background: There is debate about the causes of the recent birth rate decline in high-income countries worldwide. During the pandemic, concern about the effects on reproductive health has caused vaccine hesitancy. We investigated the association of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination and infection with involuntary childlessness.

SARS-CoV-2 immunity and reasons for non-vaccination among healthcare workers from eastern and northern Switzerland: results from a nested multicentre cross-sectional study.

Aims Of The Study: We aimed to assess the extent of SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity elicited by previous infections and/or vaccination among healthcare workers, and to identify reasons why healthcare workers decided against vaccination.

Methods: This nested cross-sectional study included volunteer healthcare workers from 14 healthcare institutions in German-speaking Switzerland. In January 2021, SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were available for healthcare workers.

An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) for the quantification of primidone in human serum and plasma.

Objectives: Primidone is an anticonvulsive drug used in the treatment of epilepsy and essential tremor. It offers beneficial effects in controlling seizures, but its usage is also associated with possible side effects. To ensure optimal therapy, it is crucial to measure its concentration through accurate quantification methods.

An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure for the quantification of carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide in human serum and plasma.

Objectives: A reference measurement procedure (RMP) using isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated with the aim of accurately measuring carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide concentrations in human serum and plasma.

Methods: To establish traceability to SI units, the absolute content of the reference material was determined using quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) spectroscopy. As sample preparation a protein precipitation protocol followed by a high dilution step was established.

A Large-Scale Genome-Wide Study of Gene-Sleep Duration Interactions for Blood Pressure in 811,405 Individuals from Diverse Populations.

Although both short and long sleep duration are associated with elevated hypertension risk, our understanding of their interplay with biological pathways governing blood pressure remains limited. To address this, we carried out genome-wide cross-population gene-by-short-sleep and long-sleep duration interaction analyses for three blood pressure traits (systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure) in 811,405 individuals from diverse population groups. We discover 22 novel gene-sleep duration interaction loci for blood pressure, mapped to genes involved in neurological, thyroidal, bone metabolism, and hematopoietic pathways.

An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) for the quantification of phenobarbital in human serum and plasma.

Objectives: Phenobarbital serves as an antiepileptic drug (AED) and finds application in the treatment of epilepsy either as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy. This drug exhibits various pharmacodynamic properties that account for its beneficial effects as well as potential side effects. Accurate measurement of its concentration is critical for optimizing AED therapy through appropriate dose adjustments.

Reliability of assessing skeletal muscle architecture and tissue organization of the gastrocnemius medialis and vastus lateralis muscle using ultrasound and spatial frequency analysis.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate inter- and intra-rater reliability as well as the inter-rater interpretation error of ultrasound measurements assessing skeletal muscle architecture and tissue organization of the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle.

Methods: The GM and VL of 13 healthy adults (22 ± 3 years) were examined thrice with sagittal B-mode ultrasound: intraday test-retest examination by one investigator (intra-rater) and separate examinations by two investigators (inter-rater). Additionally, images from one investigator were analysed by two interpretators (interpretation error).

First Trimester Contingent Screening for Aneuploidies with Cell-Free Fetal DNA in Singleton Pregnancies - a Swiss Single Centre Experience.

Introduction: Switzerland was amongst the first countries to offer cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) testing covered by the health insurance to pregnant women with a risk ≥ 1:1000 for trisomies at first trimester combined screening (FTCS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation of this contingent model in a single tertiary referral centre and its effect on gestational age at diagnosing trisomy 21.

Materials And Methods: Between July 2015 and December 2020 all singleton pregnancies at 11-14 weeks of gestation without major fetal malformation were included and stratified according to their risk at FTCS.

An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure for the quantification of zonisamide in human serum and plasma.

Objectives: To describe and validate an isotope dilution-liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) based reference measurement procedure (RMP) for zonisamide to accurately measure serum and plasma concentrations.

Methods: Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) spectroscopy was employed to determine the absolute content of the reference material used in order to establish traceability to SI units. Separation of zonisamide from known or unknown interferences was performed on a C8 column.

An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure for the quantification of carbamazepine in human serum and plasma.

Objectives: An isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) was developed and validated to accurately measure serum and plasma concentrations of carbamazepine.

Methods: Quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) spectroscopy was used to determine the absolute content of the reference material, ensuring its traceability to SI units. The separation of carbamazepine from potential interferences, whether known or unknown, was achieved using a C18 column.

Phosphorylated tau in Alzheimer's disease.

There is a need for blood biomarkers to detect individuals at different Alzheimer's disease (AD) stages because obtaining cerebrospinal fluid-based biomarkers is invasive and costly. Plasma phosphorylated tau proteins (p-tau) have shown potential as such biomarkers. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and aimed to determine whether quantification of plasma tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau181), threonine 217 (p-tau217) and threonine 231 (p-tau231) is informative in the diagnosis of AD.

The Association of suPAR with Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Young and Healthy Adults.

The soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), as a correlate of chronic low-grade inflammation, may be used to predict individual cardiovascular risk. Since chronic low-grade inflammation is thought to be associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, this study aimed to evaluate if suPAR plasma levels are correlated with cardiovascular risk factors in young and healthy adults (aged 25-41 years). Consequently, data from the GAPP (genetic and phenotypic determinants of blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors) study were used to investigate suPAR plasma levels in relation to the following cardiovascular risk factors and laboratory parameters: BMI, physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking status, blood pressure parameters, glucose status, and lipid levels.

An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure for the quantification of topiramate in human serum and plasma.

Objectives: Topiramate is an antiepileptic drug (AED) used for the monotherapy or adjunctive treatment of epilepsy and for the prophylaxis of migraine. It has several pharmacodynamic properties that contribute to both its clinically useful properties and observed adverse effects. Accurate measurement of its concentration is therefore essential for dose adjustment/optimisation of AED therapy.

Concentrations of Serum Brain Injury Biomarkers Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Individuals with and without Long-COVID-Results from the Prospective Population-Based COVI-GAPP Study.

It is unknown whether neurological symptoms are associated with brain injury after SARS-CoV-2 infections and whether brain injury and related symptoms also emerge in Long-COVID patients. Biomarkers such as serum neurofilament light chain (sNfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) can be used to elucidate neuro-axonal and astroglial injuries. We investigated whether these biomarkers are associated with COVID-19 infection status, associated symptoms and Long-COVID.

Development of a risk score to identify patients at high risk for a severe course of COVID-19.

Aim: We aimed to develop a risk score to calculate a person's individual risk for a severe COVID-19 course (POINTED score) to support prioritization of especially vulnerable patients for a (booster) vaccination.

Subject And Methods: This cohort study was based on German claims data and included 623,363 individuals with a COVID-19 diagnosis in 2020. The outcome was COVID-19 related treatment in an intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, or death after a COVID-19 infection.