Quartz tuning fork-based biosensor for the direct detection of human cytomegalovirus

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) possess great threat to immunocompromised patients and pregnant women since It can cause disability if left untreated. Especially for unborn babies, if the virus was not detected at early stages, it can cause disabilities as the baby develops. Furthermore, the virus can be asymptomatic, hence, low-cost and rapid detection techniques are desirable. Currently available detection techniques of the virus are labor intensive and demand experienced technicians. For these reasons, new detection techniques are needed to overcome the current challenges associated with conventional techniques. In this work, quartz tuning fork (QTF)-based biosensor was developed for the detection of UL83-antigen of HCMV for the first time. Firstly, QTF coated with gold was functionalized with cysteamine and glutaraldehyde for UL83-antibody immobilization at the QTF surface. Then, the biosensor was tested against a variety of UL83-antigen concentrations. As the UL83-antigen concentration increased, the measured resonance frequency decreased due to increased mass loading at the QTF surface. The sensitivity of the biosensor is 15.91 Hz/ln(ng/mL). Whereas the limit of detection is 0.36 ng/mL. The biosensor showed comparable biosensing performances to those available in the literature. Furthermore, the biosensor demonstrated its selectivity towards UL83-antigen when tested against samples containing a mixture of biomarkers. The reported work demonstrates a platform for the direct and low-cost mass screening of diseases

SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: data from an international prospective cohort study

Background: Preoperative SARS-CoV-2 vaccination could support safer elective surgery. Vaccine numbers are limited so this study aimed to inform their prioritization by modelling. Methods: The primary outcome was the number needed to vaccinate (NNV) to prevent one COVID-19-related death in 1 year. NNVs were based on postoperative SARS-CoV-2 rates and mortality in an international cohort study (surgical patients), and community SARS-CoV-2 incidence and case fatality data (general population). NNV estimates were stratified by age (18-49, 50-69, 70 or more years) and type of surgery. Best- and worst-case scenarios were used to describe uncertainty. Results: NNVs were more favourable in surgical patients than the general population. The most favourable NNVs were in patients aged 70 years or more needing cancer surgery (351; best case 196, worst case 816) or non-cancer surgery (733; best case 407, worst case 1664). Both exceeded the NNV in the general population (1840; best case 1196, worst case 3066). NNVs for surgical patients remained favourable at a range of SARS-CoV-2 incidence rates in sensitivity analysis modelling. Globally, prioritizing preoperative vaccination of patients needing elective surgery ahead of the general population could prevent an additional 58 687 (best case 115 007, worst case 20 177) COVID-19-related deaths in 1 year. Conclusion: As global roll out of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination proceeds, patients needing elective surgery should be prioritized ahead of the general population