Machine Learning-Driven and Smartphone-Based Fluorescence Detection for CRISPR Diagnostic of SARS-CoV-2.

Rapid, accurate, and low-cost detection of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial to contain the transmission of COVID-19. Here, we present a cost-effective smartphone-based device coupled with machine learning-driven software that evaluates the fluorescence signals of the CRISPR diagnostic of SARS-CoV-2. The device consists of a three-dimensional (3D)-printed housing and low-cost optic components that allow excitation of fluorescent reporters and selective transmission of the fluorescence emission to a smartphone. Custom software equipped with a binary classification model has been developed to quantify the acquired fluorescence images and determine the presence of the virus. Our detection system has a limit of detection (LoD) of 6.25 RNA copies/µL on laboratory samples and produces a test accuracy of 95% and sensitivity of 97% on 96 nasopharyngeal swab samples with transmissible viral loads. Our quantitative fluorescence score shows a strong correlation with the quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) Ct values, offering valuable information of the viral load and, therefore, presenting an important advantage over nonquantitative readouts.

Correlation of HBV and HCV with CH, LC, HCC in liver biopsied tissue at Rajavithi Hospital.

Retrospective study in Clinicopathology of 66 surgical liver tissue from adult Thai patients admitted at Rajavithi Hospital, in Bangkok, during December 2002-September 2003 (10 month periods). The main purposes are: 1) To find the correlation of HBV, HCV with CH, LC, HCC. 2) To compare the correlation of Hepatocyte, AFP, CEA (IHC) in malignant cells, which one is the best usage to confirm the diagnosis of HCC in both primary and metastasis. 3) To review the clinicopathology of all these 66 liver samples. The results were significant correlation of HBsAg (serology) with HCC (p = 0.010), and also significant correlation of HBsAg (IHC in liver tissue) with CH, LC (p = 0.038, 0.021 respectively). Although no significant correlation (p > 0.05) of HCV (positive anti HCV) with CH, LC, HCC; the causes due to the small sample sizes and short period study are possibly bias factors. The authors concluded that Hepatocyte or Hep-Par I is the best immunocellular marker for malignant liver cells both in primary and metastasis (p < 0.001). The AFP, CEA show no correlation (p = 0.999, 0.670). The authors found other interesting non-viral related liver disease, common, uncommon, tumor and tumor-like (pseudotumor) lesions in the liver from the present study. The results of significant correlation of HBV (HBsAg) with CH, LC, HCC is one good evidence to further support The National HBV Vaccine Program for the uninfected population, which has been sponsored by the Thai Government, The Ministry of Public Health since 1992 and be one of the best and successful Thai Public-Health Policy.