A combination of real-time PCR and high-resolution melting analysis to detect and identify CpGV genotypes involved in type I resistance

Cydia pomonella granulovirus, in particular CpGV-M isolate, is used as a biological control against the codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella. As a result of intensive control over the years, codling moth populations have developed resistance against this isolate. This resistance is now called type I resistance. Isolates, among them, CpGV-R5, have been found that are able to overcome type I resistance. Both CpGV-M and CpGV-R5 are used in orchards to control the codling moth. High resolution melting (HRM) has been adapted to differentiate between CpGV-M and CpGV-R5 isolates. Specific PCR primers have been designed for the CpGV p38 gene, encompassing the variable region responsible for the ability to overcome resistance. Because each amplicon has a specific melting point, it is possible to identify the CpGV-M and CpGV-R5 genotypes and to quantify their relative proportion. This method has been validated using mixtures of occlusion bodies of each isolate at various proportions. Then, the HRM has been used to estimate the proportion of each genotype in infected larvae or in occlusion bodies (OBs) extracted from dead larvae. This method allows a rapid detection of genotype replication and enables the assessment of either success or failure of the infection in field conditions

SARS-CoV-2 detection by direct rRT-PCR without RNA extraction

Rapid and reliable screening of SARS-CoV-2 is fundamental to assess viral spread and limit the pandemic we are facing. In this study, we compared direct rRT-PCR method (without RNA extraction) using SeeGene AllplexTM 2019-nCoV rRT-PCR with the RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR kit (Altona Diagnostics). Furthermore, we assessed the impact of swab storage media composition on PCR efficiency. We show that SeeGene and Altona's assays provide similar efficiency. Importantly, we provide evidence that RNA extraction can be successfully bypassed when samples are stored in UTM medium or in molecular water but not when samples are stored in saline solution and in Hanks medium. © 2020 The Author(s

Thermal insulation of YSZ and erbia-doped yttria-stabilised zirconia EB-PVD thermal barrier coating systems after CMAS attack

The impact of small deposits of calcium–magnesium–aluminium silicates (CMAS) on the top of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) made of yttria-stabilised zirconia (YSZ) produced via electron-beam physical vapour deposition (EB-PVD) is shown to play a role in the microstructural and chemical stability of the coatings; hence, it also affects the thermal insulation potential of TBCs. Therefore, the present work investigates the degradation potential of minor CMAS deposits (from 0.25 to 5 mg·cm−2) annealed at 1250 °C for 1 h on a novel Er2O3-Y2O3 co-stabilised ZrO2 (ErYSZ) EB-PVD TBC, which is compared to the standard YSZ coating. Due to the higher reactivity of ErYSZ coatings with CMAS, its penetration is limited in comparison with the standard YSZ coatings, hence resulting in a better thermal insulation of the former after ageing

BMC Nephrol

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article

Correct Social Usage Volume 2: A Course of Instruction in Good Form Style and Deportment by Eighteen Distinguished Authors

The preface of the first volume says that, This course of instruction sums up for its readers the substance of the truest good form. It teaches society\u27s customs intelligently, it treats society topics thoroughly, it offers helps for social perplexities. In the scope of its subject matter it includes everything which could rightly be placed between the covers of a practical work on etiquette, while in the unique manner of presenting this matter it has accomplished something never attempted before. This second volume is organized into four more books, dedicated to Ceremonious Occasions , Entertainments, Formal and Informal , The Home and Family , and Men and Their Manners. Ceremonious Occasions discusses etiquette for events like christenings, weddings, and funerals. Entertainments, Formal and Informal discusses social gatherings like receptions, dinners, balls, and theater and opera parties. The Home and Family discusses hosts and guests, house parties, the engaged girl, children, and servants. Men and Their Manners discusses men\u27s clothing and the bachelor as host.https://openworks.wooster.edu/motherhomeheaven/1092/thumbnail.jp

Genetics of venous thrombosis: insights from a new genome wide association study

Background: Venous Thrombosis (VT) is a common multifactorial disease associated with a major public health burden. Genetics factors are known to contribute to the susceptibility of the disease but how many genes are involved and their contribution to VT risk still remain obscure. We aimed to identify genetic variants associated with VT risk. Methodology/Principal Findings: We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on 551,141 SNPs genotyped in 1,542 cases and 1,110 controls. Twelve SNPs reached the genome-wide significance level of 2.0×10−8 and encompassed four known VT-associated loci, ABO, F5, F11 and FGG. By means of haplotype analyses, we also provided novel arguments in favor of a role of HIVEP1, PROCR and STAB2, three loci recently hypothesized to participate in the susceptibility to VT. However, no novel VT-associated loci came out of our GWAS. Using a recently proposed statistical methodology, we also showed that common variants could explain about 35% of the genetic variance underlying VT susceptibility among which 3% could be attributable to the main identified VT loci. This analysis additionally suggested that the common variants left to be identified are not uniformly distributed across the genome and that chromosome 20, itself, could contribute to ∼7% of the total genetic variance. Conclusions/Significance: This study might also provide a valuable source of information to expand our understanding of biological mechanisms regulating quantitative biomarkers for VT

Recommendations for initiation and cessation of enzyme replacement therapy in patients with Fabry disease: the European Fabry Working Group consensus document.

To access publisher's full text version of this article, please click on the hyperlink in Additional Links field or click on the hyperlink at the top of the page marked Files. This article is open access.Fabry disease (FD) is a lysosomal storage disorder resulting in progressive nervous system, kidney and heart disease. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) may halt or attenuate disease progression. Since administration is burdensome and expensive, appropriate use is mandatory. We aimed to define European consensus recommendations for the initiation and cessation of ERT in patients with FD.A Delphi procedure was conducted with an online survey (n = 28) and a meeting (n = 15). Patient organization representatives were present at the meeting to give their views. Recommendations were accepted with ≥75% agreement and no disagreement.For classically affected males, consensus was achieved that ERT is recommended as soon as there are early clinical signs of kidney, heart or brain involvement, but may be considered in patients of ≥16 years in the absence of clinical signs or symptoms of organ involvement. Classically affected females and males with non-classical FD should be treated as soon as there are early clinical signs of kidney, heart or brain involvement, while treatment may be considered in females with non-classical FD with early clinical signs that are considered to be due to FD. Consensus was achieved that treatment should not be withheld from patients with severe renal insufficiency (GFR < 45 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and from those on dialysis or with cognitive decline, but carefully considered on an individual basis. Stopping ERT may be considered in patients with end stage FD or other co-morbidities, leading to a life expectancy of <1 year. In those with cognitive decline of any cause, or lack of response for 1 year when the sole indication for ERT is neuropathic pain, stopping ERT may be considered. Also, in patients with end stage renal disease, without an option for renal transplantation, in combination with advanced heart failure (NYHA class IV), cessation of ERT should be considered. ERT in patients who are non-compliant or fail to attend regularly at visits should be stopped.The recommendations can be used as a benchmark for initiation and cessation of ERT, although final decisions should be made on an individual basis. Future collaborative efforts are needed for optimization of these recommendations.Ministry of Health (ZonMw

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London