Effect of different storage conditions on COVID-19 RT-PCR results

Reliable and rapid detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in laboratory setting is critical to control the pandemic. We aimed to an evaluated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) efficiency of nasopharyngeal swabs stored in viral transport medium (VTM) in different temperatures. Ninety swabs taken into VTM were analyzed at the first hour, then divided into two groups with similar numbers of positive and negative samples. Positive samples of each group were also subgrouped according to Fam CT values as low CT (<25), medium CT (25-32), and high CT (32-38) groups. One group was stored at 4 degrees C, while the other was stored at room temperature, PCR analyses were repeated every 24 h for 5 days and on Day 12. There was a total of 30 positive samples (12 low CT, 11 medium CT, and 7 high CT). The CT values of both groups remained unchanged in first 3 days while the CT values of the room temperature group increased after the third day. All of the positive samples remained positive in both groups for the first 5 days. On the 12th day, the total number of positives decreased to 8 in the room temperature group and 11 in the 4 degrees C groups. All the low CT samples remained positive in both groups. In conclusion, it is safe to store positive samples in room temperature for up to 5 days. Only samples with high viral loads remain positive for 12 days, regardless of whether stored at room temperature or 4 degrees C. Negative samples don't turn to invalid if stored in VTM

The effectiveness of small heterodimer partner and FGF 19 levels in prediction of perinatal morbidity in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

© 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and small heterodimer partner (SHP) are molecules responsible for controlling serum bile acid levels. We designed this study for evaluating the effects of FGF 19 and SHP in intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Fifty-six pregnant women having ICP and 20 healthy pregnant women were included in the study. The patients were followed up until delivery in terms of pregnancy-related morbidity/mortality. Serum FGF 19 and SHP levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum FGF 19 and SHP levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p:.04, p:.003, respectively). In ROC analysis, SHP level above 1995 ng/L was found effective in predicting the need for neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up with 53.8% sensitivity and 77.8% specificity. High SHP levels were correlated with perinatal morbidity, mortality and neonatal ICU hospitalisation.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Itching, elevated serum transaminase and serum total bile acid (TBA) levels are the most important clinical and biochemical findings of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) and small heterodimer partner (SHP) are molecules–responsible for controlling serum bile acid levels. ICP is associated with preterm labour, asphyxia, foetal distress, stillbirth and preeclampsia. What do the results of this study add? Serum FGF 19 and SHP levels were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group. High SHP level was found effective in predicting the need for neonatal intensive care unit and showed a negative correlation with birth week and birth weight. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Checking SHP levels can help to predict perinatal mortality and morbidity. Treatments to be developed through the mechanism of action of FGF 19 and SHP can be promising in the treatment of ICP and other cholestatic liver diseases

Majčina crijevna mikrobiota u trudnoćama iz kojih su rođena djeca s Downovim sindromom - probno ispitivanje

Down syndrome (DS) is one of the main genetic abnormalities of newborns. Therefore, prenatal diagnosis of this syndrome is of paramount importance to the family and the community. The microbiota system is important in early brain development. We tried to study and compare gut microbiota (GM) composition in pregnancies that resulted in DS neonates with pregnancies that resulted in healthy children. The study population consisted of 21 pregnant women having delivered DS newborns (group 1) and 22 pregnant women who had given birth to healthy newborns (group 2). The GM composition was determined and compared between the two groups. There were no significant age and gestational age differences between the two groups (p>0.005 both). Regarding GM analysis, microorganisms of the families Clostridiaceae and Pasteurellaceae were more abundant in the group of women having delivered DS neonates than the group of women having delivered healthy newborns (p<0.05). The results of our pilot study showed that the GM system might have a role in the pathophysiology of DS. The GM changes may be used in the prenatal diagnosis and prevention of this syndrome. Further studies are needed in this field.Downov sindrom (DS) je jedna od glavnih genetskih nenormalnosti kod novorođenčadi, stoga je prenatalna dijagnostika ovoga sindroma od velike važnosti za obitelj, kao i za društvo. Sustav mikrobiote ima važnu ulogu u ranom razvoju mozga. U ovom istraživanju ispitali smo i usporedili sastav crijevne mikrobiote (CM) u trudnoćama iz kojih su rođena djeca s DS i u trudnoćama iz kojih su rođena zdrava djeca. Istraživana populacija obuhvatila je 21 trudnicu koje su rodile djecu s DS (1. skupina) i 22 trudnice koje su rodile zdravu djecu (2. skupina). Sastav CM utvrđen je i uspoređen među dvjema skupinama. Nije bilo razlike u dobi i gestacijskoj dobi između skupina (p>0,005 oboje). Analiza CM je pokazala da su mikroorganizmi iz porodica Clostridiaceae i Pasteurellaceae zastupljenije u skupini žena koje su rodile djecu s DS u usporedbi sa skupinom žena koje su rodile zdravu djecu (p<0,05). Rezultati našeg probnog ispitivanja pokazuju da bi sustav CM mogao imati ulogu u patofiziologiji DS. Promjene u CM mogle bi se rabiti u prenatalnoj dijagnostici i prevenciji ovoga sindroma. Potrebna su daljnja istraživanja u ovom području