Using symptom-based case predictions to identify host genetic factors that contribute to COVID-19 susceptibility

Epidemiological and genetic studies on COVID-19 are currently hindered by inconsistent and limited testing policies to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, it was shown that it is possible to predict COVID-19 cases using cross-sectional self-reported disease-related symptoms. Here, we demonstrate that this COVID-19 prediction model has reasonable and consistent performance across multiple independent cohorts and that our attempt to improve upon this model did not result in improved predictions. Using the existing COVID-19 prediction model, we then conducted a GWAS on the predicted phenotype using a total of 1,865 predicted cases and 29,174 controls. While we did not find any common, large-effect variants that reached genome-wide significance, we do observe suggestive genetic associations at two SNPs (rs11844522, p = 1.9x10-7; rs5798227, p = 2.2x10-7). Explorative analyses furthermore suggest that genetic variants associated with other viral infectious diseases do not overlap with COVID-19 susceptibility and that severity of COVID-19 may have a different genetic architecture compared to COVID-19 susceptibility. This study represents a first effort that uses a symptom-based predicted phenotype as a proxy for COVID-19 in our pursuit of understanding the genetic susceptibility of the disease. We conclude that the inclusion of symptom-based predicted cases could be a useful strategy in a scenario of limited testing, either during the current COVID-19 pandemic or any future viral outbreak

Multiphoton microscopy and ultrafast spectroscopy: Imaging meets quantum (MUSIQ) roadmap

In April 2019 the EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Innovative Training Networks (ITN) MUSIQ officially started. The network brought together a unique team of world-leading academics and industrial partners at the forefront of optical micro-spectroscopy and ultrafast laser technology developments merged with fundamental studies of coherent light-matter interaction phenomena, development of quantitative image analysis tools beyond state-of-the-art, and biomedical/pharmaceutical real-world applications. The unique vision of MUSIQ has been to develop and apply the next-generation optical microscopy technologies exploiting quantum coherent nonlinear phenomena. This Roadmap has been written collectively by the MUSIQ early-stage researchers and their supervisors. It provides a summary of the achievements within MUSIQ to date, with an outlook towards future directions

Integration of Cervical and Scapular Mobilization and Stabilization for a Patient with Medial Epicondylitis: A Case Report

Background and Purpose: Lee et al. discovered a correlation between cervical radiculopathy and medial epicondylitis. 1 There have been no follow up studies indicating whether one pathology leads to the others or whether treating cervical radiculopathy affects the concomitant medial epicondylitis. The purpose of this case report is to outline a treatment program for individuals with cervical radiculopathy and concomitant medial epicondylitis . Case Description: The patient was a 54 - year - old, Hispanic female who presented with complaints of right - sided, m edial elbow pain as well as grip, wrist, and elbow weakness. Upon further evaluation, the patient also presented with cervical radiculopathy. The patient did not receive any steroid injections for medial epicondylitis. Patient had significant past medical history including right shoulder adhesive capsulitis and bilateral lateral epicondylitis. Outcome Measures: The patient was assessed using the QuickDASH, pain rating via Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), strength via Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), grip stren gth via dynamometer, as well as a cervical radiculopathy cluster exam. The patient was seen for a total of 7 visits over the course of 4 weeks. Discussion: Treating concomitant cervical radiculopathy in a patient with medial epicondylitis appeared to be a safe and effective intervention program for decreasing elbow pain and improving grip strength. The presenting case report may be useful in helping clinicians determine optimal plan of care for patients with “golfers elbow”. Future randomized control trials should evaluate the relationship between cervical radiculopathy and medial epicondylitis as well as whether treating cervical radiculopathy improves patient outcomes in those with “golfers elbow”

Roadmap on bio-nano-photonics

In the quest to decipher the chain of life from molecules to cells, the biological and biophysical questions being asked increasingly demand techniques that are capable of identifying specific biomolecules in their native environment, and can measure biomolecular interactions quantitatively, at the smallest possible scale in space and time, without perturbing the system under observation. The interaction of light with biomolecules offers a wealth of phenomena and tools that can be exploited to drive this progress. This Roadmap is written collectively by prominent researchers and encompasses selected aspects of bio-nano-photonics, spanning from the development of optical micro/nano-spectroscopy technologies for quantitative bioimaging and biosensing to the fundamental understanding of light–matter interaction phenomena with biomolecules at the nanoscale. It will be of interest to a wide cross-disciplinary audience in the physical sciences and life sciences.publishe

Roadmap on bio-nano-photonics

International audienceIn the quest to decipher the chain of life from molecules to cells, the biological and biophysical questions being asked increasingly demand techniques that are capable of identifying specific biomolecules in their native environment, and can measure biomolecular interactions quantitatively, at the smallest possible scale in space and time, without perturbing the system under observation. The interaction of light with biomolecules offers a wealth of phenomena and tools that can be exploited to drive this progress. This Roadmap is written collectively by prominent researchers and encompasses selected aspects of bio-nano-photonics, spanning from the development of optical micro/nano-spectroscopy technologies for quantitative bioimaging and biosensing to the fundamental understanding of light–matter interaction phenomena with biomolecules at the nanoscale. It will be of interest to a wide cross-disciplinary audience in the physical sciences and life sciences