DSpace Collection: 833 - 972

Validation of a modified enrichment broth for efficient screening of group B Streptococcus in pregnant women

2025-02-21T08:29:22Z

Title: Validation of a modified enrichment broth for efficient screening of group B Streptococcus in pregnant women Authors: Tanno, Daiki; Saito, Kyoichi; Tomii, Yasuaki; Nakatsuka, Yukari; Uechi, Kohei; Ohashi, Kazutaka Abstract: Abstract We validated a modified enrichment broth that changes its color when group B Streptococcus (GBS) grows. No GBS was detected in any of the non-yellow samples. Thus, the non-yellow samples were considered GBS-negative without conducting further examinations, potentially reducing medical costs and workload.

Unveiling the dynamics of respiratory infections revealed by multiplex PCR testing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan, 2020e2023

2025-02-21T08:28:39Z

Title: Unveiling the dynamics of respiratory infections revealed by multiplex PCR testing during the COVID-19 pandemic in Taiwan, 2020e2023 Authors: Su, Hung-Chieh; Chang, Yu-Chang; Chen, Chih-Hao; Cheng, Meng-Yu; Hsih, Wen-Hsin; Chen, Yi-Jhen Abstract: Abstract Background: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019 sparked the global COVID- 19 pandemic, leading to varied vaccine policies worldwide. The evolving patterns of respiratory pathogens, aside from SARS-CoV-2, during the pandemic have had a significant impact on the development of vaccine strategies. Methods: This study explores the landscape of respiratory pathogens, encompassing SARS-CoV- 2, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza viruses, through a retrospective analysis of data obtained from the BioFire Respiratory Panel 2.1 (RP 2.1) at China Medical University Hospital (Taichung, Taiwan) spanning from January 2020 to November 2023. Results: Among the 7950 respiratory samples studied, pediatric cases exhibited higher positivity (64.9%, 2488/3835) and mixed detection rates (43.8%, 1090/2488) than adults. Annual mixed detection rates increased (27.9e48%). Prevalence analysis revealed diverse patterns across age groups, with higher rates in pediatrics. Notably, human rhinovirus/enterovirus predominated (48.1%). Mixed detection illustrated viral co-detections, notably with parainfluenza viruses and adenovirus. Government policies and pandemic dynamics influenced infection patterns, with RSV resurgence after May 2022. Age-specific RSV detection demonstrated a shift, influencing vaccine considerations. Amid global vaccine initiatives, RSV’s increasing trend in adults warrants attention. Conclusions: This comprehensive analysis emphasizes the importance of multiplex PCR testing in shaping targeted vaccination strategies during evolving respiratory pathogen landscapes.

The persistence of low CD4/CD8 ratio in chronic HIV-infection, despite ART suppression and normal CD4 levels, is associated with pre-therapy values of inflammation and thymic function

2025-02-21T08:23:48Z

Title: The persistence of low CD4/CD8 ratio in chronic HIV-infection, despite ART suppression and normal CD4 levels, is associated with pre-therapy values of inflammation and thymic function Authors: Garrido-Rodrı´guez, Vanesa; Bulnes-Ramos, A´ngel; Olivas-Martı´nez, Israel; Pozo-Balado, Marı´a del Mar; A´lvarez-Rı´os, Ana Isabel; Gutie´rrez, Fe´lix Abstract: Abstract Background: Persistence of a low CD4/CD8 ratio is associated with an increased morbimortality in people living with HIV (PLWH) under effective antiretroviral therapy. We aimed to explore the immunological significance of a persistently low CD4/CD8 ratio, even despite normal CD4 levels, and assess whether these features vary from those associated to a low nadir-CD4, another well-established predictor of disease progression. Methods: CD4-recovered PLWH were classified by CD4/CD8 ratio after three-years of ART (viral suppression, CD4 500; R < 0.8, n Z 24 and R > 1.2, n Z 28). sj/b-TRECs ratio and inflammatory-related markers were quantified. PBMCs were immunophenotyped by CyTOF and functionally characterized by ELISPOT. Subjects were also reclassified depending on nadir-CD4 (N 350/N > 350). Results: R < 0.8 showed a differential inflammatory profile compared to R > 1.2 (increased b2- microglobulin, D-dimers and IP-10 before ART). R < 0.8 presented lower baseline thymic function, being inversely correlated with post-ART inflammation. R < 0.8 at follow-up showed most alterations in CD8 subsets (increasing frequency and exhibiting a senescent phenotype [e.g., CD57þ, CD95þ]) and enhanced T-cell IFNg/IL-2 secretion. However, comparing N 350 to N > 350, the main features were altered functional markers in CD4 T-cells, despite no differences in maturational subsets, together with a restricted T-cell cytokine secretion pattern. Conclusion: Persistence of low CD4/CD8 ratio in successfully-treated PLWH, with normal CD4 counts, is associated with baseline inflammation and low thymic function, and it features post-therapy alterations specific to CD8 T-cells. Differently, subjects recovered from low nadir-CD4 in this setting feature post-therapy alterations on CD4 T-cells. Hence, different mechanisms of disease progression could underlie these biomarkers, potentially requiring different clinical approaches.

The clinical impact of primary granulocytecolony stimulating factor prophylaxis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who underwent induction chemotherapy

2025-02-21T07:54:35Z

Title: The clinical impact of primary granulocytecolony stimulating factor prophylaxis in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia who underwent induction chemotherapy Authors: Lu, Yi-An; Liu, Hsi-Che; Hou, Jen-Yin; Chiu, Nan-Chang; Huang, Ting-Huan; Yeh, Ting-Chi Abstract: Abstract Background: Data describing the risk factors for the occurrence of severe infections in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients following induction chemotherapy and the role of prophylactic granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) in the era of antimicrobials prophylaxis are limited. Methods: This study enrolled 188 children aged 18 years with newly diagnosed ALL who received Taiwan Pediatric Oncology Group ALL-2002 and 2013 treatments between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2021. Prophylactic G-CSF was administered when a patient continues neutropenia after achieving the first bone marrow remission since June 1, 2015. Clinical factors were assessed for their association with severe infections. Results: From January 2010 to May 2015, 80 children experienced a total of 11 (13.5%) episodes of severe infections; while 10 (9.2%) episodes were reported to occur in 108 patients who received prophylactic G-CSF. Reduction of severe infections occurrence did not achieve statistical significance during prophylactic G-CSF administration in ALL patients. Compared with ALL-high risk (HR) and very high risk patients with no G-CSF prophylaxis, the use of G-CSF prophylaxis significantly reduced episodes of febrile neutropenia. Occurrence of grade III-IV intestinal ileus, grade II-III oral mucositis, prolonged neutropenia, central venous catheter (CVC) placement, or the requirement insulin therapy for hyperglycemia were associated with higher risk of bloodstream infections. Conclusions: ALL-HR patients with G-CSF prophylaxis were associated with reduction of febrile neutropenia episodes. Occurrence of severe ileus, oral mucositis, hyperglycemia, CVC placement, or prolonged neutropenia were associated with severe infections in ALL patients receiving induction chemotherapy.