Small-volume detection: platform developments for clinically-relevant applications.

Biochemical analysis of human body fluids is a frequent and fruitful strategy for disease diagnosis. Point-of-care (POC) diagnostics offers the tantalizing possibility of providing rapid diagnostic results in non-laboratory settings. Successful diagnostic testing using body fluids has been reported on in the literature; however, small-volume detection devices, which offer remarkable advantages such as portability, inexpensiveness, capacity for mass production, and tiny sample volume requirements have not been thoroughly discussed. Here, we review progress in this research field, with a focus on developments since 2015. In this review article, we provide a summary of articles that have detailed the development of small-volume detection strategies using clinical samples over the course of the last 5 years. Topics covered include small-volume detection strategies in ophthalmology, dermatology or plastic surgery, otolaryngology, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. In ophthalmology, advances in technology could be applied to examine tear or anterior chamber (AC) fluid for glucose, lactoferrin, interferon, or VEGF. These approaches could impact detection and care for diseases including diabetic mellitus, dry-eye disease, and age-related maculopathy. Early detection and easy monitoring are critical approaches for improving overall care and outcome. In dermatology or plastic surgery, small-volume detection strategies have been applied for passive or interactive wound dressing, wound healing monitoring, and blister fluid analysis for autoimmune disease diagnosis. In otolaryngology, the analysis of nasal secretions and mucosa could be used to differentiate between allergic responses and infectious diseases. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis could be applied in neurodegenerative diseases, central neural system infection and tumor diagnosis. Other small-volume fluids that have been analyzed for diagnostic and monitoring purposes include semen and cervico-vaginal fluids. We include more details regarding each of these fluids, associated collection and detection devices, and approaches in our review.

Correlation Between IL-20 and De Quervain's Disease Severity.

De Quervain's disease is a stenosing tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist. Histopathological studies have reported that the thickening of the first dorsal retinaculum is characterized by degeneration rather than inflammation. However, significant infiltration of mast cells and macrophages was noted in a torn tendon study, which suggested that innate immune pathways are part of the mechanism that mediates early tendinopathy. Recently, Interleukin-20 (IL-20) has been reported to provoke potent inflammation and regulate angiogenesis and chemotaxis, which are important for the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. The main purpose of our study was to investigate the correlation between IL-20 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and clarify the potential predictor of tendinopathy progression. Hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining were used to score and analyze the clinical outcome. TNF-α, IL-20 and related inflammation cytokines were examined. Moreover, the tenocytes were cultured with a stimulator and were used to examine inflammatory cytokine secretions. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect the gene expression profile. The IHC data showed that TNF-α is up-regulated in grade III de Quervain's. The analysis data showed that IL-20 is positively correlated with TNF-α and disease severity. The real-time PCR showed that the inflammation stimulator enhanced the expression of IL-20 mRNA expression. Inflammation cytokines such as TNF-alpha, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and IL-1 have been used as predictors of de Quervain's; IL-20 is a new predictor based on this study. In the future, IL-20 expression's involvement in the molecular mechanism of the severity of de Quervain's should be further investigated.

MiR-148a and miR-152 reduce tamoxifen resistance in ER+ breast cancer via downregulating ALCAM.

Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM), also called CD166 is a 105-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein of the immunoglobin superfamily. In this study, we studied the association between ALCAM expression and tamoxifen resistance in ER + breast cancer and further investigated how ALCAM is regulated in the cancer cells. IHC staining data showed that the tumor tissues from non-responders (N = 20) generally had significantly stronger ALCAM staining than that from tamoxifen responders (N = 16). In vitro cell assay also confirmed ALCAM upregulation in tamoxifen resistant (TamR) MCF-7 cells than in tamoxifen sensitive (TamS) MCF-7 cells. ALCAM overexpression significantly alleviated 4-Hydroxytestosterone (4-OHT) induced cell viability inhibition and cell apoptosis in TamS MCF-7 cells, while ALCAM knockdown remarkably enhanced 4-OHT induced cell viability inhibition and cell apoptosis in TamR MCF-7 cells. Demethylation reagent treatment significantly restored miR-148a and miR-152 expression in TamR MCF-7 cells. MiR-148a and miR-152 can directly target ALCAM 3'UTR and decrease ALCAM expression. MiR-148a overexpression had similar effect as ALCAM siRNA on enhancing 4-OHT induced cell viability inhibition and cell apoptosis in TamR MCF-7 cells. MiR-152 overexpression alone caused growth inhibition and increased cell apoptosis in TamR MCF-7 cells. It also enhanced the effect of 4-OHT. Simultaneous inhibition of miR-148a and miR-152 significantly protected TamS MCF-7 cells from 4-OHT induced cell viability inhibition and cell apoptosis. Based on these findings, we infer that MiR-148a and miR-152 can sensitize TamR MCF-7 cells to tamoxifen at least via downregulating ALCAM.

Melatonin Suppresses the Growth of Ovarian Cancer Cell Lines (OVCAR-429 and PA-1) and Potentiates the Effect of G1 Arrest by Targeting CDKs.

Melatonin is found in animals as well as plants. In animals, it is a hormone that anticipates the daily onset of darkness and regulates physiological functions, such as sleep timing, blood pressure, and reproduction. Melatonin has also been found to have anti-tumor properties. Malignant cancers are the most common cause of death, and the mortality rate of ovarian tumor is the highest among gynecological diseases. This study investigated the anti-tumor effects of melatonin on the ovarian cancer lines, OVCAR-429 and PA-1. We observed the accumulation of melatonin-treated cells in the G1 phase due to the down-regulation of CDK 2 and 4. Our results suggest that in addition to the known effects on prevention, melatonin may also provide anti-tumor activity in established ovarian cancer.

COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy: Pilot Study of Plasma MicroRNAs Associated with Inflammatory Cytokines after COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: The impact of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on the immunological profiles of pregnant women remains a crucial area of study. This research aims to explore the specific immunological changes triggered by these vaccines in this demographic. METHODS: In a focused investigation, we examined the effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccination on microRNA expression in pregnant women. Key microRNAs, including miR-451a, miR-23a-3p, and miR-21-5p, were analyzed for expression changes post-vaccination. Additionally, we assessed variations in S1RBD IgG levels and specific cytokines to gauge the broader immunological response. RESULTS: Post-vaccination, significant expression shifts in the targeted microRNAs were observed. Alongside these changes, we noted alterations in S1RBD IgG and various cytokines, indicating an adapted inflammatory response. Notably, these immunological markers displayed no direct correlation with S1RBD IgG concentrations, suggesting a complex interaction between the vaccine and the immune system in pregnant women. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot study provides valuable insights into the nuanced effects of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on immune dynamics in pregnant women, particularly emphasizing the role of microRNAs. The findings illuminate the intricate interplay between vaccines, microRNAs, and immune responses, enhancing our understanding of these relationships in the context of pregnancy. This research contributes significantly to the growing body of knowledge regarding mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and their specific impact on maternal immunology, offering a foundation for further studies in this vital area.

TRAIL and IP-10 dynamics in pregnant women post COVID-19 vaccination: associations with neutralizing antibody potency.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate changes in TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and gamma interferon-induced protein 10 (IP-10) after COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women and to explore their association with neutralizing antibody (Nab) inhibition. Methods: The study evaluated 93 pregnant women who had previously received two (n=21), three (n=55) or four (n=17) doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Also we evaluated maternal blood samples that were collected during childbirth. The levels of TRAIL, IP-10 and Nab inhibition were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results and discussion: Our study revealed four-dose group resulted in lower TRAIL levels when compared to the two-dose and three-dose groups (4.78 vs. 16.07 vs. 21.61 pg/ml, p = 0.014). The two-dose group had reduced IP-10 levels than the three-dose cohort (111.49 vs. 147.89 pg/ml, p=0.013), with no significant variation compared to the four-dose group. In addition, the four-dose group showed stronger Nab inhibition against specific strains (BA.2 and BA.5) than the three-dose group. A positive correlation was observed between TRAIL and IP-10 in the two-dose group, while this relationship was not found in other dose groups or between TRAIL/IP-10 and Nab inhibition. As the doses of the COVID-19 vaccine increase, the levels of TRAIL and IP-10 generally increase, only by the fourth dose, the group previously vaccinated with AZD1222 showed lower TRAIL but higher IP-10. Despite these changes, more doses of the vaccine consistently reinforced Nab inhibition, apparently without any relation to TRAIL and IP-10 levels. The variation may indicate the induction of immunological memory in vaccinated mothers, which justifies further research in the future.

Pilot Study on Evaluating the Impact of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap), Influenza, and COVID-19 Vaccinations on Antibody Responses in Pregnant Women.

This study assessed IgG levels to influenza/pertussis and neutralizing antibody (Nab) responses of COVID-19 vaccines in blood of pregnant women following immunization with pertussis (Tdap), influenza, and COVID-19 vaccines. We prospectively collected 71 participants categorized by the following vaccine combinations: 3TI, 4TI, 3T, and 4T groups (three and four doses of COVID-19 vaccines plus Tdap/influenza or Tdap vaccines alone). Our findings have indicated that the 3TI group exhibited elevated IgG levels for influenza B compared to the 3T group (12.90 vs. 7.75 U, p = 0.001); this pattern was not observed for influenza A. Pertussis IgG levels remained uniform across all groups. The 4TI group demonstrated a greater Nab inhibition rate from COVID-19 vaccines compared to both the 3TI and 3T groups (61.34% vs. 22.5% and 15.16%, respectively, p = 0.001). We observed no correlation between Nab inhibition rate and IgG levels for Tdap/influenza, with the exception of a moderate correlation with influenza B in the 3TI group. The efficacy of Tdap vaccine in pregnant women remained consistent, regardless of the administration of COVID-19 or influenza vaccines. Interestingly, without the influenza vaccine, both three and four doses of the COVID-19 vaccine still offered protection against influenza A, but not B. Hence, co-administering COVID-19, influenza, and Tdap vaccines during prenatal care maintains immunogenicity and is highly advised to safeguard pregnant women fully.

COVID-19 Bivalent Booster in Pregnancy: Maternal and Neonatal Antibody Response to Omicron BA.5, BQ.1, BF.7 and XBB.1.5 SARS-CoV-2.

Our study was to investigate the effects of bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccination during pregnancy on neutralizing antibody (Nab) levels in maternal blood (MB), transplacental transmission in umbilical cord blood (CB), and efficacy against Omicron SARS-CoV-2 subvariants including BA.5, BF.7, BQ.1, and XBB.1.5. We collected MB and CB from 11 pregnant participants during baby delivery and detected Nab inhibition by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Nab inhibition was 89-94% in MB and 82-89% in CB for Omicron subvariants. Those receiving AZD1222 vaccines in previous monovalent vaccination demonstrated poorer maternal Nab inhibition of BA.5, BQ.1, and XBB.1.5 than others. Poorer maternal Nab inhibition of BA.5, BF.7, and BQ.1 was found in those receiving two-dose AZD1222 vaccinations than with either one or no AZD1222 vaccination. MB from those with infants weighing < 3100 g demonstrated better Nab inhibition of BF.7 than those > 3100 g (97.99 vs. 95.20%, p = 0.048), and there were also similar trends for Nab inhibition of BA.5 and BQ.1. No significant differences were seen in CB samples. Although diminished maternal Nab inhibition was seen in those with previous monovalent AZD1222 vaccination and heavier newborns, neonatal Nab inhibition was still strong after bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccination.

COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy: Pilot Study for Maternal and Neonatal MicroRNA Profiles.

This pilot study explores alterations in miRNA profiles among pregnant women and their neonates upon receiving different doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Blood samples, including maternal blood (MB) and neonatal cord blood (CB), collected from five pregnant women were scrutinized using the miRNA PanelChip Analysis System, identifying nine distinct miRNAs, including miR-451a and miR-1972, which exhibited significant downregulation with two vaccine doses in both MB and CB. When compared with women vaccinated with four doses, miR-486-5p, miR-451a, and miR-1972 in the two-dose group also showed notable downregulation. Evaluating recipients of three and four doses, miR-423-5p and miR-1972 expression were significantly reduced in both MB and CB. Further comparative analysis highlighted a decline in miR-223-3p expression with increasing vaccine doses, while miR15a-5p, miR-16-5p, and miR-423-5p showed an upward trend. Notably, miR-451a, miR-1972, and miR-423-5p levels varied across doses and were associated with pathways such as "PI3K-Akt", "neurotrophin signaling", and "cortisol synthesis", suggesting the profound influence of vaccination on diverse molecular mechanisms. Our research has uncovered that escalating vaccine dosages impact miRNA profiles, which may be associated with the immunological response mechanisms in both the mother and fetus, thus indicating a substantial impact of vaccination on various molecular processes.

Pilot Study for Immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine with Seasonal Influenza and Pertussis Vaccines in Pregnant Women.

Background: It is well known that the implementation of routine immunizations to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases has a significant impact on the health and well-being of infants, children, and pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate the influence of influenza, tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine on the immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among pregnant women, the priority population recommended for vaccination. Methods: We conducted a prospective study among pregnant women without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in Taiwan. Maternal and umbilical cord blood samples at delivery were analyzed for the percentage of inhibition of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against the original strain, Delta, and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 as well as the total antibody to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. We examined the association between different doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in combination with influenza and Tdap vaccination, and two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccination with or without influenza and Tdap vaccines via a two-sample t-test. Results of p < 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant. Results: 98 pregnant women were enrolled in our study, with 32 receiving two doses of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-1273 vaccine, 60 receiving three-dose of mRNA-1273, and 6 receiving one-dose of ChAdOx1 and two-dose of mRNA-1273. Twenty-one participants were immunized with SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and Tdap vaccines. Of these 21 individuals, there were no significant NAbs levels in maternal and cord blood samples against the Omicron variant, regardless of doses or type of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. However, antibody responses against the wild-type and Delta variant were significantly lower in all maternal sera in the two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine group. Among 32 women receiving two-dose mRNA-1273, significantly lower levels of NAbs in maternal sera were observed against the Delta variant and total antibody both in maternal sera and cord blood were observed in individuals receiving SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccine. Conclusion: This is the pilot study to demonstrate the effects of influenza and the Tdap vaccine on the immunogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among pregnant women. These results suggest that combination vaccination during pregnancy may result in immunogenic interactions.

A pilot clinical validation study of a self-collected vaginal swab device for the detection of chlamydia trachomatis in women.

Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) is one of the most prevalent preventable sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the world. In women, C. trachomatis infection can lead to long-term complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and other related conditions such as ectopic pregnancies and even tubal factor infertility. These complications are preventable given early detection and clinical intervention, but these efforts are often hampered by asymptomatic silent infections, and non-compliance to screenings for STDs. Some women do not get tested out of concerns for violation of privacy, and fear of discomfort. Clinicians often use a multitude of tests to determine if a patient is infected by C. trachomatis, including a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test of First catch urine (FCU) samples. However, these tend to be inconvenient to store and transport, as they carry risk of spillage and have stringent refrigeration requirements. Moreover, given the gold-standard recommendations set forth by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC), the current technique can be inconvenient in remote areas where refrigeration and transport may not always be reliable. The current study therefore looks at the potential of a self-collected vaginal swab device that relies on Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests (NAATs), is dry-stored, and does not require refrigeration, to detect the presence of C. trachomatis in women. The study found evidence to suggest that the self-collection device has the potential to aid clinicians in the diagnosis of C. trachomatis in women when compared to doctor-collected vaginal discharge samples as the designated standard, FCU, and blood serology. Moreover, as a self-collection device it has the potential to break down some of the barriers to STD screening especially in young women, such as violation of privacy. The device therefore has a potential to encourage screening and therefore a potentially effective tool in the fight against the spread of preventable sexually transmitted diseases.

PD-L1 expressed from tumor cells promotes tumor growth and invasion in lung cancer via modulating TGF-ß1/SMAD4 expression.

BACKGROUND: Programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) has a known association with the prognosis of human cancers because of its ability to alter tumor immune surveillance via its interaction with PD-1. We questioned whether expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells could directly promote tumor growth and invasiveness in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to evaluate PD-L1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in lung tumors. The prognostic value of PD-L1 mRNA was assessed by Cox regression model. Transcriptional regulation of PD-L1 by human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 E6 oncoprotein or by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation in lung cancer cells was examined by Western blot and luciferase reporter assay. The cell growth and invasion were evaluated by colony formation, soft agar growth, and Boyden chamber assay. RESULTS: The PD-L1 mRNA levels showed a positive association with HPV 16/18 E6 oncoprotein and with EGFR mutation in 223 surgically resected NSCLC patients. The prognostic significance of PD-L1 was more commonly observed in patients with high PD-L1/E6 positive and high PD-L1/EGFR mutant tumors. Mechanistically, upregulation of PD-L1 transcription by E6 or mutant EGFR occurred largely through the ERK-C/EBPß-TLR4-NF-κB cascade. PD-L1 promotes the efficacy of colony formation, soft agar growth, and cell invasion. PD-L1 upregulates BAG-1 to reduce transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 expression, and the decrease in SMAD4 because of TGF-ß1 occurs through the p53/microRNA (miR)-224 axis. The decreases in TGF-ß1 and SMAD4 are responsible for PD-L1-mediated cell invasiveness. CONCLUSION: Induction of PD-L1 by E6 oncoprotein or mutant EGFR through the ERK-C/EBPß-TLR4-NF-κB cascade may promote tumor growth and invasiveness in NSCLC because of decreasing TGF-ß1 and SMAD4 expression.

Evaluation of Transplacental Antibody Transfer in SARS-CoV-2-Immunized Pregnant Women.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection during pregnancy could result in adverse perinatal outcome. Clinical data on the assessment of the immune response in vaccinated pregnant women and subsequent transplacental antibody transfer are quite limited. OBJECTIVE: To assess maternal and neonatal neutralizing antibody levels against both wildtype and Delta (B.1.617.2) variants after maternal mRNA vaccination. STUDY DESIGN: This cohort study was conducted 29 pregnant women who were vaccinated at least one dose of Moderna (mRNA-1273) vaccine. Both neutralizing antibody (wildtype and Delta variant) and S1 receptor binding domain IgG antibody levels were evaluated in maternal and cord blood on the day of delivery. RESULTS: Superiority of antibody level was significant in fully vaccinated women compared with the one-dose group (maternal sera, median, 97.46%; cord sera, median, 97.37% versus maternal sera, median, 4.01%; cord sera, median, 1.44%). No difference in antibody level was noted in relation to interval of second immunization to delivery in the two-dose group (95.99% in 0-2 weeks, 97.45% in 2-4 weeks, 97.48% in 4-8 weeks, 97.72% in 8-10 weeks). The most pronounced reduction was observed for the Delta variant. The wildtype neutralizing antibody level of full-vaccinated women was not influenced by the pertussis vaccination. CONCLUSION: The data underscore the importance of full vaccination in pregnancy and support the recommendation of COVID-19 immunization for pregnant women. The lower level of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies for the Delta variant indicates insufficient protection for mother and newborn and highlights the need for development of effective vaccine strategies.

Using MicroRNA Arrays as a Tool to Evaluate COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy.

In order to solve COVID-19 pandemic, the entire world has invested considerable manpower to develop various new vaccines to temporarily alleviate the disaster caused by the epidemic. In addition to the development of vaccines, we need to also develop effective assessment methods to confirm vaccines' efficacy and maximize the benefits that vaccines can bring. In addition to common evaluation methods, vaccine-specific and temporal expression of microRNAs have been shown to be related to vaccine efficacy or vaccine-associated diseases. In this article, we have introduced a microRNA-array-based approach, which could be potentially used for evaluating COVID-19 vaccine efficacy, specifically for pregnant women. As the mRNA in mRNA vaccines is decomposed by host cells within a few days, it is considered more suitable for pregnant women to utilize the method of vaccination during pregnancy. Moreover, pregnant women belong to a high-risk group for COVID-19, and there is currently no appropriate vaccine to newborns. Therefore, it's important to find improved tools for evaluation of vaccine efficacy in response to the current situation caused by COVID-19.

Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Variants in Pregnant Women and Their Neonates under Antenatal Vaccination with Moderna (mRNA-1273) Vaccine.

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on the anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain IgG antibody (SRBD IgG) binding ratio (SBR) from Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants of SARS-CoV-2 in pregnant women and neonates. The impact of antenatal influenza (flu) and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines was also studied. We enrolled pregnant women vaccinated with the Moderna (mRNA-1273) vaccine during pregnancy and collected maternal plasma (MP) and neonatal cord blood (CB) during delivery to determine the SBR via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). A total of 78 samples were collected from 39 pregnant women. The SBR was higher for Alpha variants compared to Beta/Gamma variants (MP: 63.95% vs. 47.91% vs. 43.48%, p = 0.0001; CB: 72.14% vs. 56.78% vs. 53.66%, p = 0.006). Pregnant women receiving two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated a better SBR against SARS-CoV-2 Alpha, Beta, and Gamma variants than women receiving just a single dose. Women who received the Tdap/flu vaccines demonstrated a better SBR when two COVID-19 vaccine doses were < 6 weeks apart. A better SBR was detected among women who had more recently received their second COVID-19 vaccine dose. Two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine provided recipients with a better SBR for Alpha/Beta/Gamma variants. Although Tdap/flu vaccines may affect the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, different vaccination timings can improve the SBR.

Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Neutralizing Antibodies in Vaccinated Pregnant Women and Neonates by Using a Lateral Flow Immunoassay Coupled with a Spectrum-Based Reader.

The focus of this study was to investigate the detection of neutralizing antibodies (Nabs) in maternal serum and cord blood as the targeted samples by employing a lateral flow immunoassay combined with a spectrum reader (LFI-SR) and the correlation of Nab protection against different types of SARS-CoV-2. We enrolled 20 pregnant women who were vaccinated with the Moderna (mRNA-1273) vaccine during pregnancy and collected 40 samples during delivery. We used an LFI-SR for the level of spike protein receptor binding domain antibody (SRBD IgG) as Nabs and examined the correlation of the SRBD IgG concentration and Nab inhibition rates (NabIR) via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The LFI-SR had high confidence for the SRBD IgG level (p < 0.0001). Better NabIR were found in wild-type SARS-CoV-2 (WT) compared to Delta-type (DT) and Omicron-type (OT). Women with two-dose vaccinations demonstrated greater NabIR than those with a single dose. The cut-off value of the SRBD IgG level by the LFI-SR for NabIR to DT (≥30%; ≥70%) was 60.15 and 150.21 ng/mL for mothers (both p = 0.005), and 156.31 (p = 0.011) and 230.20 ng/mL (p = 0.006) for babies, respectively. An additional vaccine booster may be considered for those mothers with SRBD IgG levels < 60.15 ng/mL, and close protection should be given for those neonates with SRBD IgG levels < 150.21 ng/mL, since there is no available vaccine for them.

Development of a Tetrazolium-Derived Paper-Based Diagnostic Device as an Early, Alternative Bacteria Screening Tool.

(1) Background: The complexity, amount of time, and the large amount of resource required to perform gold-standard bacteria culture procedures makes it difficult to perform timely pathogenic analyses, especially in areas where such resources are not readily available. A paper-based biochemical analytical tool can potentially tackle problems economically in terms of time and convenience, potentially finding utility in applications where simple and timely detection of bacteria is necessary; (2) Methods: The utility of paper-based MTT-PMS strips was tested using a simple colorimetric analytical methodology; (3) Results: Sufficient evidence was obtained to suggest that the strips can potentially be used as a rapid and convenient early, alternative bacteria screening tool for a variety of applications; (4) Conclusions: The potential of strips for the rapid detection of bacteria compared to standard bacteria culture is a key advantage in certain clinical, agricultural, and environmental applications.

Vaginal pH Value for Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Common Vaginitis.

In modern society, 75% of all women worldwide have had vaginitis at least once in their lives. The vagina has a dynamic microbial ecosystem with varying vaginal pH levels. An imbalance in that ecosystem can alter the vaginal pH and tip the scale to the point of causing issues, such as vaginitis, that require medical attention. Although vaginitis is not an incurable disease, it causes discomfort and pain that disrupt women's daily lives. The most common causes of vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis, and vulvovaginal candidiasis. In this review, we discuss the causes, diagnostic methods, and symptoms of different types of vaginitis, the relationship of vaginitis to the prevalence of other diseases, issues associated with recurrent vaginitis and the immune system, and a variety of effective available treatments. In our article, we summarize the relationship of pH with the vaginal ecosystem, discuss the associated factors of vaginal pH, and finally introduce the different available vaginal pH self-test products.