Limited evidence of infection with other tick-borne pathogens in patients tested for Lyme neuroborreliosis in the Netherlands.

Ixodes ricinus is the main vector of the causative agents of Lyme neuroborreliosis. This tick species can also transmit tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), spotted fever group (SFG) Rickettsia and Borrelia miyamotoi to humans. These tick-borne pathogens are present in Dutch ticks and have also been associated with human neurological infections, but well characterized disease cases are seldom reported.

Bladder cancer detection in urine by novel methylation markers.

Although cystoscopy is a reliable tool for detecting bladder cancer (BC) in patients with hematuria, it is invasive, costly and often unnecessary since most patients with hematuria do not have BC. Consequently, developing urinary biomarkers for non-invasive BC detection is a major clinical need. While DNA methylation markers hold promise, diagnostic performance can still be improved.

Molecular analysis for ovarian cancer detection in patient-friendly samples.

Background: High ovarian cancer mortality rates motivate the development of effective and patient-friendly diagnostics. Here, we explored the potential of molecular testing in patient-friendly samples for ovarian cancer detection.

Methods: Home-collected urine, cervicovaginal self-samples, and clinician-taken cervical scrapes were prospectively collected from 54 patients diagnosed with a highly suspicious ovarian mass (benign n = 25, malignant n = 29).

Comparative Studies of the Structural and Physicochemical Properties of the First Fullerene Derivative FD-C (Fullerenol) and Second Fullerene Derivate SD-C (3HFWC).

In order to maximally reduce the toxicity of fullerenol (the first derivative of C, FD-C), and increase its biomedical efficiency, the second derivative SD-C (3HFWC, Hyper-Harmonized Hydroxylated Fullerene Water Complex) was created. Several different methods were applied in the comparative characterization of FD-C and SD-C with the same OH groups in their core. FD-C as an individual structure was about 1.

Unlocking the potential of tumor-derived DNA in urine for cancer detection: methodological challenges and opportunities.

High cancer mortality rates and the rising cancer burden worldwide drive the development of innovative methods in order to advance cancer diagnostics. Urine contains a viable source of tumor material and allows for self-collection from home. Biomarker testing in this liquid biopsy represents a novel approach that is convenient for patients and can be effective in detecting cancer at a curable stage.

Real-time analysis of the cancer genome and fragmentome from plasma and urine cell-free DNA using nanopore sequencing.

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) can be isolated and sequenced from blood and/or urine of cancer patients. Conventional short-read sequencing lacks deployability and speed and can be biased for short cfDNA fragments. Here, we demonstrate that with Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing we can achieve delivery of genomic and fragmentomic data from liquid biopsies.

Argumentation in collaboration: the impact of explicit instruction and collaborative writing on secondary school students' argumentative writing.

This paper has investigated the importance of explicit instruction and collaborative writing on (a) argumentative writing performance and (b) self-efficacy for writing of secondary school students. This intervention study additionally aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of alternating between individual and collaborative writing throughout the writing process (planning collaboratively, writing individually, revising collaboratively, and rewriting individually). A cluster randomized control trial (CRT) design was opted for.

The role of writing motives in the interplay between implicit theories, achievement goals, self-efficacy, and writing performance.

It is well established that students' motivation for writing is a key predictor of their writing performance. The aim of the current study is to study and map the relations underlying different motivational constructs (i.e.

Ethnic differences in blood pressure levels over time: the HELIUS study.

Aims: Hypertension is an important global health burden with major differences in prevalence among ethnic minorities compared with host populations. Longitudinal research on ethnic differences in blood pressure (BP) levels provides the opportunity to assess the efficacy of strategies aimed at mitigating gaps in hypertension control. In this study, we assessed the change in BP levels over time in a multi-ethnic population-based cohort in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

DNA methylation testing for endometrial cancer detection in urine, cervicovaginal self-samples and cervical scrapes.

Endometrial cancer incidence is rising and current diagnostics often require invasive biopsy procedures. DNA methylation marker analysis of minimally- and non-invasive sample types could provide an easy-to-apply and patient-friendly alternative to determine cancer risk. Here, we compared the performance of DNA methylation markers to detect endometrial cancer in urine, cervicovaginal self-samples and clinician-taken cervical scrapes.

Viral, Bacterial, Metabolic, and Autoimmune Causes of Severe Acute Encephalopathy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Multicenter Cohort Study.

Objectives: To assess whether viral, bacterial, metabolic, and autoimmune diseases are missed by conventional diagnostics among children with severe acute encephalopathy in sub-Saharan Africa.

Study Design: One hundred thirty-four children (6 months to 18 years) presenting with nontraumatic coma or convulsive status epilepticus to 1 of 4 medical referral centers in Uganda, Malawi, and Rwanda were enrolled between 2015 and 2016. Locally available diagnostic tests could be supplemented in 117 patients by viral, bacterial, and 16s quantitative polymerase chain reaction testing, metagenomics, untargeted metabolomics, and autoimmune immunohistochemistry screening.

Detection of non-metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer in urine by methylation-specific PCR analysis: A feasibility study.

Background: Lung cancer has the highest cancer-related mortality worldwide and earlier detection could improve outcomes. Urine circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) represents a true non-invasive means for ambulant sample collection. In this prospective study, the potential of urine for perioperative detection of non-metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using ctDNA methylation analysis is evaluated.

Metagenomic DNA sequencing for semi-quantitative pathogen detection from urine: a prospective, laboratory-based, proof-of-concept study.

Background: Semi-quantitative bacterial culture is the reference standard to diagnose urinary tract infection, but culture is time-consuming and can be unreliable if patients are receiving antibiotics. Metagenomics could increase diagnostic accuracy and speed by sequencing the microbiota and resistome directly from urine. We aimed to compare metagenomics to culture for semi-quantitative pathogen and resistome detection from urine.

Effect of Denture Hygiene Protocols on Patient Satisfaction, Oral Health-Related Quality of Life, and Salivary Parameters: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial compared four denture hygiene protocols in terms of patient satisfaction, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), and salivary parameters in complete denture wearers with denture stomatitis.

Material And Methods: For this randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 108 participants were assigned to soak their dentures in one of the following solutions: (1) 0.25% sodium hypochlorite (positive control), (2) 0.

Dynamics of methylated cell-free DNA in the urine of non-small cell lung cancer patients.

High levels of methylated DNA in urine represent an emerging biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) detection and are the subject of ongoing research. This study aimed to investigate the circadian variation of urinary cell-free DNA (cfDNA) abundance and methylation levels of cancer-associated genes in NSCLC patients. In this prospective study of 23 metastatic NSCLC patients with active disease, patients were asked to collect six urine samples during the morning, afternoon, and evening of two subsequent days.

Effect of local hygiene protocols on denture-related stomatitis, biofilm, microbial load, and odor: A randomized controlled trial.

Statement Of Problem: Denture stomatitis affects complete denture wearers and is frequently treated with antifungals drugs, as well as treating the denture with sodium hypochlorite. Whether the limitations of these treatments can be overcome with local hygiene protocols that do not damage the denture materials or adversely affect the patient is unclear.

Purpose: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of denture hygiene protocols on complete denture wearers with denture stomatitis.

Efficacy of PerioTabs, a NitrAdine-based gingiva brushing solution, on periodontally affected patients treated with fixed partial dentures: a randomized controlled study.

Objectives: Recent data show that teeth prepared with horizontal finishing lines supporting crowns and fixed partial dentures present more periodontal disorders than untreated control teeth. Several studies have shown that NitrAdine (bonyf) induces a significant reduction of dental biofilm. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that 10-day use of PerioTabs (bonyf), a NitrAdine-based gingiva brushing solution, is effective in treating gingival inflammation of prosthodontic patients.

Non-invasive detection of endometrial cancer by DNA methylation analysis in urine.

Background: The incidence of endometrial cancer is rising, and current diagnostics often require invasive biopsy procedures. Urine may offer an alternative sample type, which is easily accessible and allows repetitive self-sampling at home. Here, we set out to investigate the feasibility of endometrial cancer detection in urine using DNA methylation analysis.

DNA methylation markers for endometrial cancer detection in minimally invasive samples: a systematic review.

DNA methylation testing for endometrial cancer detection in minimally invasive specimens is a promising tool to improve screening and diagnostic procedures. Available literature was systematically reviewed to assess the potential of this approach and define methylation markers deserving further development. A systematic search up to March 31 2020 was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

[16S rRNA sequence analysis: application and pitfalls].

16S rRNA gene sequencing is a useful tool for identification of non-cultured or hard-to-identify bacteria. This technique can be used to detect and identify bacteria in clinical materials, such as cerebrospinal fluid and heart valves, if conventional methods do not reveal pathogens. A major advantage compared with other techniques is that it is not necessary to know in advance what pathogen is the likely cause of the disease.

Molecular basis and rationale for combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer.

Immunotherapy has prompted a paradigm shift in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, by demonstrating superior efficacy to chemotherapy alone both in second- and in first-line setting. Novel insights on molecular mechanisms and regimens to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy are warranted, as only a minority of patients (˜20%) respond to checkpoint blockade. Taking into account the multiple mechanisms adopted by tumor cells to evade the immune system through cancer immunoediting, the frontline combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapy appears to be a successful strategy as: 1) it enhances the recognition and elimination of tumor cells by the host immune system (immunogenic cell-death), and 2) it reduces the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

[Relapsing fever after travelling in the tropics; a story with a twist].

Background: Relapsing fever is an infectious disease caused by Spirochaetes. The presentation is characterised by recurrent episodes of fever.

Case Description: At the end of her trip through South Africa and Botswana, a 54-year-old woman had symptoms of fever and dry cough.

Case report: persistently seronegative neuroborreliosis in an immunocompromised patient.

Background: Infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex (B. b. sl) spirochetes can cause Lyme borreliosis, manifesting as localized infection (e.

Travel-related acquisition of diarrhoeagenic bacteria, enteral viruses and parasites in a prospective cohort of 98 Dutch travellers.

Background: Limited prospective data are available on the acquisition of viral, bacterial and parasitic diarrhoeagenic agents by healthy individuals during travel.

Methods: To determine the frequency of travel associated acquisition of 19 pathogens in 98 intercontinental travellers, qPCR was used to detect 8 viral pathogens, 6 bacterial enteric pathogens and 5 parasite species in faecal samples collected immediately before and after travel.

Results: We found high pre-travel carriage rates of Blastocystis spp.