LIVIVO - Search results -

Search results

Result 1 - 10 of total 79

Search options

Article ; Online: L1-CAM in Mucinous Ovarian Carcinomas and Borderline Tumors: Impact on Tumor Recurrence and Potential Role in Tumor Progression.

Wiedenhoefer, Rebekka / Schmoeckel, Elisa / Grube, Marcel / Sulyok, Mihály / Pasternak, Iana / Beschorner, Christine / Greif, Karen / Brucker, Sara / Mayr, Doris / Kommoss, Stefan / Fend, Falko / Staebler, Annette / Fischer, Anna K

The American journal of surgical pathology

2023 Volume 47, Issue 5, Page(s) 558–567

Abstract: Mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare histotype of primary ovarian carcinoma. Frequent pathogenic molecular alterations include mutations in KRAS , TP53 , and overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, but without having prognostic ... ...

Abstract	Mucinous ovarian carcinoma (MOC) is a rare histotype of primary ovarian carcinoma. Frequent pathogenic molecular alterations include mutations in KRAS , TP53 , and overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, but without having prognostic relevance. As L1-CAM (cell adhesion molecule) has previously shown prognostic relevance in other epithelial tumors of the female genital tract, we analyzed whether L1-CAM expression affected MOC prognosis. In addition, we investigated L1-CAM expression in mucinous borderline tumors (MBOTs) with and without adjacent MOC to identify its potential role in the pathogenesis of MOC. We examined a well-characterized collective of 39 MOCs by immunohistochemistry and compared their expression with clinicopathologic data. L1-CAM positivity was defined as any (even single-cell) positivity. Furthermore, we compared the L1-CAM expression in 20 MBOT regions adjacent to a MOC with that of 15 pure MBOTs. L1-CAM expression in MOC was significantly associated with recurrence, independent of tumor stage. Overall, 7/20 positive cases recurred versus 0/19 L1-CAM-negative cases ( P =0.032), showing a significant difference in time to progression. Furthermore, the presence of at least 1 defined molecular alteration (L1-CAM, aberrant p53, or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) was found more frequently in the MBOT regions adjacent to a MOC (14/20) than in pure MBOTs (3/15) ( P =0.024). Expression of the tumor marker L1-CAM is frequent (51%) in MOC and is associated with tumor recurrence. The lack of L1-CAM may serve to characterize cases with a low risk of recurrence. Furthermore, the presence of specific molecular alterations in MBOTs is associated with adjacent carcinomas and may define potential pathways in tumor progression.
MeSH term(s)	Female ; Humans ; Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1 ; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/genetics ; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous/pathology ; Neoplasms, Cystic, Mucinous, and Serous ; Precancerous Conditions
Chemical Substances	Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule L1
Language	English
Publishing date	2023-02-28
Publishing country	United States
Document type	Journal Article
ZDB-ID	752964-8
ISSN	1532-0979 ; 0147-5185
ISSN (online)	1532-0979
ISSN	0147-5185
DOI	10.1097/PAS.0000000000002027
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

In stock of ZB MED Cologne/Königswinter

Zs.A 1356: Show issues

Location:
Je nach Verfügbarkeit (siehe Angabe bei Bestand)
bis Jg. 1994: Bestellungen von Artikeln über das Online-Bestellformular
Jg. 1995 - 2021: Lesesall (1.OG)
ab Jg. 2022: Lesesaal (EG)

Order via subito

This service is chargeable due to the Delivery terms set by subito. Orders including an article and supplementary material will be classified as separate orders. In these cases, fees will be demanded for each order.

Details ▾
- See ZB MED holdings
- Order with fees

Article ; Online: Power and Agenda-Setting in Tanzanian Health Policy

Sara Elisa Fischer / Martin Strandberg-Larsen

International Journal of Health Policy and Management, Vol 5, Iss 6, Pp 355-

An Analysis of Stakeholder Perspectives

2016 Volume 363

Abstract: Background: Global health policy is created largely through a collaborative process between development agencies and aid-recipient governments, yet it remains unclear whether governments retain ownership over the creation of policy in their own countries. ...

Abstract	Background: Global health policy is created largely through a collaborative process between development agencies and aid-recipient governments, yet it remains unclear whether governments retain ownership over the creation of policy in their own countries. An assessment of the power structure in this relationship and its influence over agenda-setting is thus the first step towards understanding where progress is still needed in policymaking for development. Methods: This study employed qualitative policy analysis methodology to examine how health-related policy agendas are adopted in low-income countries, using Tanzania as a case study. Semi-structured, in-depth, key informant interviews with 11 policy-makers were conducted on perspectives of the agenda-setting process and its actors. Kingdon’s stream theory was chosen as the lens through which to interpret the data analysis. Results: This study demonstrates that while stakeholders each have ways of influencing the process, the power to do so can be assessed based on three major factors: financial incentives, technical expertise, and influential position. Since donors often have two or all of these elements simultaneously a natural power imbalance ensues, whereby donor interests tend to prevail over recipient government limitations in prioritization of agendas. One way to mediate these imbalances seems to be the initiation of meaningful policy dialogue. Conclusion: In Tanzania, the agenda-setting process operates within a complex network of factors that interact until a “policy window” opens and a decision is made. Power in this process often lies not with the Tanzanian government but with the donors, and the contrast between latent presence and deliberate use of this power seems to be based on the donor ideology behind giving aid (defined here by funding modality). Donors who used pooled funding (PF) modalities were less likely to exploit their inherent power, whereas those who preferred to maintain maximum control over the aid they provided (ie, non-pooled ...
Keywords	Health Policy ; Policy Analysis ; Agenda-Setting ; Power ; Tanzania ; Public aspects of medicine ; RA1-1270
Subject code	360
Language	English
Publishing date	2016-06-01T00:00:00Z
Publisher	Kerman University of Medical Sciences
Document type	Article ; Online
Database	BASE - Bielefeld Academic Search Engine (life sciences selection)

Full text online

Full text

Inter-library loan at ZB MED

Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

Article ; Online: Power and Agenda-Setting in Tanzanian Health Policy: An Analysis of Stakeholder Perspectives.

Fischer, Sara Elisa / Strandberg-Larsen, Martin

International journal of health policy and management

2016 Volume 5, Issue 6, Page(s) 355–363

Abstract	Background: Global health policy is created largely through a collaborative process between development agencies and aid-recipient governments, yet it remains unclear whether governments retain ownership over the creation of policy in their own countries. An assessment of the power structure in this relationship and its influence over agenda-setting is thus the first step towards understanding where progress is still needed in policy-making for development. Methods: This study employed qualitative policy analysis methodology to examine how health-related policy agendas are adopted in low-income countries, using Tanzania as a case study. Semi-structured, in-depth, key informant interviews with 11 policy-makers were conducted on perspectives of the agenda-setting process and its actors. Kingdon's stream theory was chosen as the lens through which to interpret the data analysis. Results: This study demonstrates that while stakeholders each have ways of influencing the process, the power to do so can be assessed based on three major factors: financial incentives, technical expertise, and influential position. Since donors often have two or all of these elements simultaneously a natural power imbalance ensues, whereby donor interests tend to prevail over recipient government limitations in prioritization of agendas. One way to mediate these imbalances seems to be the initiation of meaningful policy dialogue. Conclusion: In Tanzania, the agenda-setting process operates within a complex network of factors that interact until a "policy window" opens and a decision is made. Power in this process often lies not with the Tanzanian government but with the donors, and the contrast between latent presence and deliberate use of this power seems to be based on the donor ideology behind giving aid (defined here by funding modality). Donors who used pooled funding (PF) modalities were less likely to exploit their inherent power, whereas those who preferred to maintain maximum control over the aid they provided (ie, non-pooled funders) more readily wielded their intrinsic power to push their own priorities.
MeSH term(s)	Administrative Personnel/legislation & jurisprudence ; Developing Countries ; Health Policy/legislation & jurisprudence ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Policy Making ; Poverty ; Power (Psychology) ; Tanzania
Language	English
Publishing date	2016-02-09
Publishing country	Iran
Document type	Evaluation Studies ; Journal Article
ZDB-ID	2724317-5
ISSN	2322-5939 ; 2322-5939
ISSN (online)	2322-5939
ISSN	2322-5939
DOI	10.15171/ijhpm.2016.09
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

Full text online

Full text

Order via subito

Details ▾
- Full text online
- Order with fees

Article: Is it about the ‘where’ or the ‘how’? Comment on

Fischer, Sara Elisa / Patil, Poorvaprabha / Zielinski, Chris / Baxter, Lori / Bonilla-Escobar, Francisco Javier / Hussain, Shabina / Lai, Claudia / Walpole, Sarah Catherine / Ohanyido, Francis / Flood, David / Singh, Ambrish / Al-Shorbaji, Najeeb

BMJ global health

2020 Volume 5, Issue 5

MeSH term(s)	Global Health ; Public Health
Keywords	covid19
Language	English
Publishing date	2020-03-23
Publishing country	England
Document type	Journal Article ; Comment
ISSN	2059-7908
ISSN	2059-7908
DOI	10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002567
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

Order via subito

Inter-library loan at ZB MED

Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

Article ; Online: Inmunidad humoral frente a SARS-CoV-2 en trabajadores de centros sociosanitarios de Castilla y León después de la vacunación con la vacuna de ARNm BNT162b2 de Pfizer/Biontech.

Casas Fischer, Ricardo

Revista espanola de salud publica

2021 Volume 95

Abstract: ... BioNtech. Using the ELISA technique for anti-nucleocapsid (N) IgM and CLIA S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 for anti ... for vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The Family Ministry of Castilla y León realized a seroprevalence survey ... measuring the humoral immunity of its workers after the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.: Methods ...

Title translation	Humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in workers of social health care centers of Castilla y León after vaccination with the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine from Pfizer/Biontech.
Abstract	Objective: Workers and residents of care facilities for elder people/people with disabilities were particularly hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. Workers from these centres were included as a priority group for vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. The Family Ministry of Castilla y León realized a seroprevalence survey measuring the humoral immunity of its workers after the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2. Methods: In February and March 2021, IgM/IgG antibodies were measured in 7 social health care centers in a total of 1,085 workers at least 15 days after completing the vaccination with the BNT162b2 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNtech. Using the ELISA technique for anti-nucleocapsid (N) IgM and CLIA S-RBD SARS-CoV-2 for anti-spicule (S) IgG, titers were compared between vaccinated with cero, one or two doses, and differentiating in these subgroups between having passed or not COVID-19. Means and percentages were compared using Student's t and Chi2 (EPIDAT 3.1). Results: Among the 1,085 workers studied, there were 54 workers with a single dose of vaccine, of which 51 (94%) had a positive IgG (average titers of 459 AU/mL), 951 workers with 2 doses, of which 949 (99.8%) showed positive IgG (mean titers of 677 AU/mL), and 80 unvaccinated workers, of which 51 (64%) had positve IgG (mean titers of 49 AU/mL). 7 cases of COVID-19 were notified at least 15 days after full vaccination. The titers were significantly higher if COVID-19 had been passed in the group vaccinated with 1 and 2 doses (259 vs 894 and 601 vs 1,085 AU/mL respectively, p<0.05), but not in the unvaccinated group (53 vs 34 AU/mL, p<0.05). Conclusions: 99.8% of social health workers who received 2 doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine from Pfizer/BioNtech, and 94% of those who received 1 single dose, presented humoral immunity with high IgG titers, with high clinical effectiveness expressed in the absence of cases. 64% of unvaccinated workers presented humoral immunity. The history of having passed COVID-19 produces an important booster effect both after one and after two doses of vaccine. Measurement of humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 could be considered as a parameter for sufficient immunity.
MeSH term(s)	Aged ; BNT162 Vaccine ; COVID-19 ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Delivery of Health Care ; Humans ; Immunity, Humoral ; Pandemics ; RNA, Messenger ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Spain ; Vaccination ; Vaccines
Chemical Substances	COVID-19 Vaccines ; RNA, Messenger ; Vaccines ; BNT162 Vaccine (N38TVC63NU)
Language	Spanish
Publishing date	2021-10-25
Publishing country	Spain
Document type	Journal Article
ZDB-ID	1288657-9
ISSN	2173-9110 ; 0034-8899 ; 1135-5727
ISSN (online)	2173-9110
ISSN	0034-8899 ; 1135-5727
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

In stock of ZB MED Cologne/Königswinter

Zs.A 483: Show issues

Location:
Je nach Verfügbarkeit (siehe Angabe bei Bestand)
bis Jg. 1994: Bestellungen von Artikeln über das Online-Bestellformular
Jg. 1995 - 2021: Lesesall (1.OG)
ab Jg. 2022: Lesesaal (EG)

Order via subito

Details ▾
- See ZB MED holdings
- Order with fees

Article: Small intestinal permeability in older adults.

Valentini, Luzia / Ramminger, Sara / Haas, Verena / Postrach, Elisa / Werich, Martina / Fischer, André / Koller, Michael / Swidsinski, Alexander / Bereswill, Stefan / Lochs, Herbert / Schulzke, Jörg-Dieter

Physiological reports

2014 Volume 2, Issue 4, Page(s) e00281

Abstract: Abstract It is not yet clear whether intestinal mucosal permeability changes with advancing age in humans. This question is of high importance for drug and nutrition approaches for older adults. Our main objective was to answer the question if small ... ...

Abstract	Abstract It is not yet clear whether intestinal mucosal permeability changes with advancing age in humans. This question is of high importance for drug and nutrition approaches for older adults. Our main objective was to answer the question if small intestinal barrier integrity deteriorates with healthy aging. We conducted a cross-sectional study including the pooled data of 215 nonsmoking healthy adults (93 female/122 male), 84 of whom were aged between 60 and 82 years. After a 12-h fast, all participants ingested 10 g of lactulose and 5 g of mannitol. Urine was collected for 5 h afterwards and analyzed for test sugars. The permeability index (PI = lactulose/mannitol) was used to assess small intestinal permeability. Low-grade inflammation defined by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ≥1 mL/L and kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate) were determined in the older age group. The PI was similar in older compared to younger adults (P = 0.887). However, the urinary recovery of lactulose and mannitol was lower in the older adults and this change was neither associated with urinary volume nor glomerular filtration rate. The PI was not significantly correlated with low-grade inflammation or presence of noninsulin-dependent type 2 diabetes. However, it significantly deteriorated in the copresence of both conditions compared to low-grade inflammation alone (P = 0.043) or type 2 diabetes alone (P = 0.015). Small intestinal mucosal barrier does not deteriorate with age per se. But low-grade inflammation coupled with minor disease challenges, such as type 2 diabetes, can compromise the small intestinal barrier.
Language	English
Publishing date	2014-04-22
Publishing country	United States
Document type	Journal Article
ZDB-ID	2724325-4
ISSN	2051-817X
ISSN	2051-817X
DOI	10.14814/phy2.281
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

Order via subito

Article ; Online: A combined strategy to detect plasma samples reliably with high anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers in routine laboratories.

Fischer, Bastian / Lichtenberg, Christoph / Müller, Lisa / Timm, Jörg / Fischer, Johannes / Knabbe, Cornelius

Journal of clinical virology : the official publication of the Pan American Society for Clinical Virology

2021 Volume 144, Page(s) 104984

Abstract: ... in special laboratories. Our data reveal the suitability of a novel ELISA-based surrogate ... The determination of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) is of interest in many respects ... anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Both assays are appropriate for high-throughput screening in standard BSL-2 ...

Abstract	The determination of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) is of interest in many respects. High NAb titers, for example, are the most important criterion regarding the effectiveness of convalescent plasma therapy. However, common cell culture-based NAb assays are time-consuming and feasible only in special laboratories. Our data reveal the suitability of a novel ELISA-based surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) to easily measure the inhibition-capability of NAbs in the plasma of COVID-19 convalescents. We propose a combined strategy to detect plasma samples with high NAb titers (≥ 1:160) reliably and to, simultaneously, reduce the risk of erroneously identifying low-titer specimens. For this approach, results of the sVNT assay are compared to and combined with those acquired from the Euroimmun anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG assay. Both assays are appropriate for high-throughput screening in standard BSL-2 laboratories. Our measurements further show a long-lasting humoral immunity of at least 11 months after symptom onset.
MeSH term(s)	Antibodies, Neutralizing ; Antibodies, Viral ; COVID-19/therapy ; Humans ; Immunization, Passive ; Laboratories ; SARS-CoV-2
Chemical Substances	Antibodies, Neutralizing ; Antibodies, Viral
Language	English
Publishing date	2021-09-16
Publishing country	Netherlands
Document type	Journal Article
ZDB-ID	1446080-4
ISSN	1873-5967 ; 1386-6532
ISSN (online)	1873-5967
ISSN	1386-6532
DOI	10.1016/j.jcv.2021.104984
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

In stock of ZB MED Cologne/Königswinter

Zs.A 3790: Show issues

Location:
Je nach Verfügbarkeit (siehe Angabe bei Bestand)
bis Jg. 1994: Bestellungen von Artikeln über das Online-Bestellformular
Jg. 1995 - 2021: Lesesall (2.OG)
ab Jg. 2022: Lesesaal (EG)

Order via subito

Details ▾
- See ZB MED holdings
- Order with fees

Article ; Online: G-protein binding features and regulation of the RalGDS family member, RGL2.

Ferro, Elisa / Magrini, David / Guazzi, Paolo / Fischer, Thomas H / Pistolesi, Sara / Pogni, Rebecca / White, Gilbert C / Trabalzini, Lorenza

The Biochemical journal

2008 Volume 415, Issue 1, Page(s) 145–154

Abstract: RGL2 [RalGDS (Ral guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator)-like 2] is a member of the RalGDS family that we have previously isolated and characterized as a potential effector for Ras and the Ras analogue Rap1b. The protein shares 89% sequence identity ...

Abstract	RGL2 [RalGDS (Ral guanine nucleotide dissociation stimulator)-like 2] is a member of the RalGDS family that we have previously isolated and characterized as a potential effector for Ras and the Ras analogue Rap1b. The protein shares 89% sequence identity with its mouse orthologue Rlf (RalGDS-like factor). In the present study we further characterized the G-protein-binding features of RGL2 and also demonstrated that RGL2 has guanine-nucleotide-exchange activity toward the small GTPase RalA. We found that RGL2/Rlf properties are well conserved between human and mouse species. Both RGL2 and Rlf have a putative PKA (protein kinase A) phosphorylation site at the C-terminal of the domain that regulates the interaction with small GTPases. We demonstrated that RGL2 is phosphorylated by PKA and phosphorylation reduces the ability of RGL2 to bind H-Ras. As RGL2 and Rlf are unique in the RalGDS family in having a PKA site in the Ras-binding domain, the results of the present study indicate that Ras may distinguish between the different RalGDS family members by their phosphorylation by PKA.
MeSH term(s)	Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases/metabolism ; Gene Deletion ; Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors/physiology ; Humans ; Mice ; Models, Molecular ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism ; Phosphorylation ; Protein Structure, Tertiary ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins/metabolism ; Sequence Alignment ; Structure-Activity Relationship ; Transcription Factors/chemistry ; Two-Hybrid System Techniques ; rab GTP-Binding Proteins/chemistry ; rab GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics ; rab GTP-Binding Proteins/physiology ; ras Proteins/metabolism
Chemical Substances	Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors ; RGL2 protein, human ; Recombinant Fusion Proteins ; Rgl2 protein, mouse ; Transcription Factors ; Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases (EC 2.7.11.11) ; Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins (EC 3.6.5.2) ; rab GTP-Binding Proteins (EC 3.6.5.2) ; ras Proteins (EC 3.6.5.2)
Language	English
Publishing date	2008-10-01
Publishing country	England
Document type	Journal Article ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
ZDB-ID	2969-5
ISSN	1470-8728 ; 0006-2936 ; 0306-3275 ; 0264-6021
ISSN (online)	1470-8728
ISSN	0006-2936 ; 0306-3275 ; 0264-6021
DOI	10.1042/BJ20080255
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

In stock of ZB MED Cologne/Königswinter

Uc I Zs.110: Show issues

Location:
Je nach Verfügbarkeit (siehe Angabe bei Bestand)
bis Jg. 2021: Bestellungen von Artikeln über das Online-Bestellformular
ab Jg. 2022: Lesesaal (EG)

Order via subito

Details ▾
- See ZB MED holdings
- Order with fees

Article: Surface engineering of styrene/PEGylated-fluoroalkyl styrene block copolymer thin films

Martinelli, Elisa / Menghetti, Sara / Galli, Giancarlo / Glisenti, Antonella / Krishnan, Sitaraman / Paik, Marvin Y / Ober, Christopher K / Smilgies, Detlef-M / Fischer, Daniel A

Journal of polymer science. Part A, Polymer chemistry. 2009 Jan. 01, v. 47, no. 1

2009

Abstract: A series of diblock copolymers prepared from styrenic monomers was synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization. One block was derived from styrene, whereas the second block was prepared from a styrene modified with an amphiphilic PEGylated- ... ...

Abstract	A series of diblock copolymers prepared from styrenic monomers was synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization. One block was derived from styrene, whereas the second block was prepared from a styrene modified with an amphiphilic PEGylated-fluoroalkyl side chain. The surface properties of the resulting polymer films were carefully characterized using dynamic contact angle, XPS, and NEXAFS measurements. The polymer morphology was investigated using atomic force microscope and GISAXS studies. The block copolymers possess surfaces dominated by the fluorinated unit in the dry state and a distinct phase separated microstructure in the thin film. The microstructure of these polymers is strongly influenced by the thin film structure in which it is investigated.
Language	English
Dates of publication	2009-0101
Size	p. 267-284.
Publishing place	Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company
Document type	Article
ISSN	0887-624X
DOI	10.1002/pola.23151
Database	NAL-Catalogue (AGRICOLA)

Order via subito

Inter-library loan at ZB MED

Your chosen title can be delivered directly to ZB MED Cologne location if you are registered as a user at ZB MED Cologne.

Article ; Online: Optimized strategy for real-time qPCR detection of Onchocerca volvulus DNA in pooled Simulium sp. blackfly vectors.

Doherty, Mary / Grant, Jessica R / Pilotte, Nils / Bennuru, Sasisekhar / Fischer, Kerstin / Fischer, Peter U / Lustigman, Sara / Nutman, Thomas B / Pfarr, Kenneth / Hoerauf, Achim / Unnasch, Thomas R / Hassan, Hassan K / Wanji, Samuel / Lammie, Patrick J / Ottesen, Eric / Mackenzie, Charles / Williams, Steven A

PLoS neglected tropical diseases

2023 Volume 17, Issue 12, Page(s) e0011815

Abstract: ... ELISA-based molecular technique. In this study, we address the potential of an updated, practical ...

Abstract	Background: Onchocerca volvulus is a filarial parasite that is a major cause of dermatitis and blindness in endemic regions primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. Widespread efforts to control the disease caused by O. volvulus infection (onchocerciasis) began in 1974 and in recent years, following successful elimination of transmission in much of the Americas, the focus of efforts in Africa has moved from control to the more challenging goal of elimination of transmission in all endemic countries. Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin has reached more than 150 million people and elimination of transmission has been confirmed in four South American countries, with at least two African countries having now stopped MDA as they approach verification of elimination. It is essential that accurate data for active transmission are used to assist in making the critical decision to stop MDA, since missing low levels of transmission and infection can lead to continued spread or recrudescence of the disease. Methodology/principal findings: Current World Health Organization guidelines for MDA stopping decisions and post-treatment surveillance include screening pools of the Simulium blackfly vector for the presence of O. volvulus larvae using a PCR-ELISA-based molecular technique. In this study, we address the potential of an updated, practical, standardized molecular diagnostic tool with increased sensitivity and species-specificity by comparing several candidate qPCR assays. When paired with heat-stable reagents, a qPCR assay with a mitochondrial DNA target (OvND5) was found to be more sensitive and species-specific than an O150 qPCR, which targets a non-protein coding repetitive DNA sequence. The OvND5 assay detected 19/20 pools of 100 blackfly heads spiked with a single L3, compared to 16/20 for the O150 qPCR assay. Conclusions/significance: Given the improved sensitivity, species-specificity and resistance to PCR inhibitors, we identified OvND5 as the optimal target for field sample detection. All reagents for this assay can be shipped at room temperature with no loss of activity. The qPCR protocol we propose is also simpler, faster, and more cost-effective than the current end-point molecular assays.
MeSH term(s)	Animals ; Humans ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; Intestinal Volvulus ; Ivermectin/therapeutic use ; Onchocerca/genetics ; Onchocerca volvulus/genetics ; Onchocerciasis/drug therapy ; Simuliidae/parasitology
Chemical Substances	DNA, Mitochondrial ; Ivermectin (70288-86-7)
Language	English
Publishing date	2023-12-14
Publishing country	United States
Document type	Journal Article
ZDB-ID	2429704-5
ISSN	1935-2735 ; 1935-2735
ISSN (online)	1935-2735
ISSN	1935-2735
DOI	10.1371/journal.pntd.0011815
Database	MEDical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System OnLINE

Order via subito

To top

More links

Kategorien

In stock of ZB MED Cologne/Königswinter

Order via subito

Full text online

More links

Kategorien

Inter-library loan at ZB MED

Full text online

More links

Kategorien

Order via subito

More links

Kategorien

Order via subito

Inter-library loan at ZB MED

More links

Kategorien

In stock of ZB MED Cologne/Königswinter

Order via subito

More links

Kategorien

Order via subito

More links

Kategorien

In stock of ZB MED Cologne/Königswinter

Order via subito

More links

Kategorien

In stock of ZB MED Cologne/Königswinter

Order via subito

More links

Kategorien

Order via subito

Inter-library loan at ZB MED

More links

Kategorien

Order via subito