Correlation Of Pcr Ct Values With Symptom Onset Across Diagnostic Platforms For Sars-Cov-2

Abstract Introduction/Objective Following the definition of SARS-CoV2 outbreak as a pandemic by WHO, FDA gave EUA approval to the CDC real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay and soon to other vendors to increase test availability. Most of testing platforms are PCR based, which test for multiple gene targets. We aimed to compare distribution of crossing threshold (cT) values of Diasorin (DIA), NeuMoDX (NDX) and Cepheid GenXpert (GX) for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients and assess performance of individual gene targets within the assays. We also correlated cT values with time from symptom onset. Methods/Case Report Retrospective review of medical and laboratory records of patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV2 between 08/01/2020 and 10/10/2020 on DIA, NDX, and GX platforms. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) We included 212 patients in our study. Days since symptom onset included 1 to 16 days. For DIA, mean Ct values for 46 symptomatic patients were 21.75 (S gene) and 22.74 (ORF1 gene); whereas 23.49 (S gene) and 25.49 (ORF1 gene) for 12 asymptomatic patients. Similarly, on NDX mean was 22.21 (N gene) and 23.13 (NSP2 gene) for 69 symptomatic, though 28.09 (N gene) and 28.61 (NSP2 gene) for 35 asymptomatic patients. GX manifested mean Ct value of 27.13 (E gene) and 31.22 (N2 gene) for 19 symptomatic; while 33.85 (E gene) and 36.42 (N2 gene) for 31 asymptomatic patients. Correlation coefficient for cT values versus days since symptom onset are DIA (r2 0.19), NDX (r2 0.22), and GX (r2 0.02). Conclusion The difference in cT values was statistically significant for symptomatic versus asymptomatic patients. There was positive correlation between days since symptom onset and cT values for DIA and NDX but not for GX, which may be due to difference in population tested in these platforms. These observations may be used to predict viral load and thus infectivity of patients who test positive for SARS-CoV2.

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Epidemiology of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Emergence Amidst Community-Acquired Respiratory Viruses

The Journal of Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/infdis/jiaa464 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 222 (8) ◽

pp. 1270-1279 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Karoline Leuzinger ◽

Tim Roloff ◽

Rainer Gosert ◽

Kirstin Sogaard ◽

Klaudia Naegele ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Respiratory Viruses ◽

World Health ◽

Immune Memory ◽

N Gene ◽

E Gene ◽

S Gene ◽

Annual Peak ◽

Gene Assay ◽

Syncytial Virus

Abstract Background Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged in China as the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 in December 2019 and reached Europe by late January 2020, when community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs) are at their annual peak. We validated the World Health Organization (WHO)–recommended SARS-CoV-2 assay and analyzed the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and CARVs. Methods Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs (NOPS) from 7663 patients were prospectively tested by the Basel S-gene and WHO-based E-gene (Roche) assays in parallel using the Basel N-gene assay for confirmation. CARVs were prospectively tested in 2394 NOPS by multiplex nucleic acid testing, including 1816 (75%) simultaneously for SARS-CoV-2. Results The Basel S-gene and Roche E-gene assays were concordant in 7475 cases (97.5%) including 825 (11%) SARS-CoV-2 positives. In 188 (2.5%) discordant cases, SARS-CoV-2 loads were significantly lower than in concordant positive ones and confirmed in 105 (1.4%). Adults were more frequently SARS-CoV-2 positive, whereas children tested more frequently CARV positive. CARV coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 occurred in 1.8%. SARS-CoV-2 replaced CARVs within 3 weeks, reaching 48% of all detected respiratory viruses followed by rhinovirus/enterovirus (13%), influenza virus (12%), coronavirus (9%), respiratory syncytial virus (6%), and metapneumovirus (6%). Conclusions Winter CARVs were dominant during the early SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, impacting infection control and treatment decisions, but were rapidly replaced, suggesting competitive infection. We hypothesize that preexisting immune memory and innate immune interference contribute to the different SARS-CoV-2 epidemiology among adults and children.

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Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 Emergence Amidst Community-Acquired Respiratory Viruses

10.1101/2020.07.07.20148163 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Karoline Leuzinger ◽

Tim Roloff ◽

Rainer Gosert ◽

Kirstine Soegaard ◽

Klaudia Naegele ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Differential Diagnosis ◽

Infection Control ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Respiratory Viruses ◽

N Gene ◽

E Gene ◽

S Gene ◽

Gene Assay ◽

Adults And Children

Background. SARS-CoV-2 emerged in China in December 2019 as new cause of severe viral pneumonia (CoVID-19) reaching Europe by late January 2020. We validated the WHO-recommended assay and describe the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs). Methods. Naso-oropharyngeal swabs (NOPS) from 7663 individuals were prospectively tested by the Basel-S-gene and the WHO-based E-gene-assay (Roche) using Basel-N-gene-assay for confirmation. CARVs were tested in 2394 NOPS by multiplex-NAT, including 1816 together with SARS-CoV-2. Results. Basel-S-gene and Roche-E-gene-assays were concordant in 7475 cases (97.5%) including 825 (11%) positive samples. In 188 (2.5%) discordant cases, SARS-CoV-2 loads were significantly lower than in concordant positive ones and confirmed in 105 NOPS. Adults were more likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2, while children were more likely to test CARV-positive. CARV co-infections with SARS-CoV-2 occurred in 1.8%. SARS-CoV-2 replaced other CARVs within 3 weeks reaching 48% of all detected respiratory viruses followed by rhino/enterovirus (13%), influenzavirus (12%), coronavirus (9%), respiratory syncytial (6%) and metapneumovirus (6%). Conclusions. The differential diagnosis for respiratory infections was broad during the early pandemic, affecting infection control and treatment decisions. We discuss the role of pre-existing immunity and competitive CARV replication for the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 infection among adults and children.

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The Distinction between [P] and [S]

10.23943/princeton/9780691161006.003.0018 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Galen Strawson

Keyword(s):

Personal Identity ◽

Radical Change ◽

Legal Responsibility ◽

The Difference ◽

Definition Of ◽

Over Time

This chapter examines the difference between John Locke's definition of a person [P], considered as a kind of thing, and his definition of a subject of experience of a certain sophisticated sort [S]. It first discusses the equation [P] = [S], where [S] is assumed to be a continuing thing that is able to survive radical change of substantial realization, as well as Locke's position about consciousness in relation to [P]'s identity or existence over time as [S]. It argues that Locke is not guilty of circularity because he is not proposing consciousness as the determinant of [S]'s identity over time, but only of [S]'s moral and legal responsibility over time. Finally, it suggests that the terms “Person” and “Personal identity” pull apart, in Locke's scheme of things, but in a perfectly coherent way.

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L'anglicisme dans la langue française

Digital Press Social Sciences and Humanities ◽

10.29037/digitalpress.43286 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 00013

Author(s):

Danny Susanto

Keyword(s):

English Language ◽

Oil Industry ◽

English Word ◽

Public Institutions ◽

Font Size ◽

The World ◽

French Speaking ◽

The Difference ◽

Definition Of ◽

Bibliographic Study

The purpose of this study is to analyze the phenomenon known as “anglicism”: a loan made to the English language by another language. Anglicism arose either from the adoption of an English word as a result of a translation defect despite the existence of an equivalent term in the language of the speaker, or from a wrong translation, as a word-by-word translation. Said phenomenon is very common nowadays and most languages of the world including making use of some linguistic concepts such as anglicism, neologism, syntax, morphology etc, this article addresses various aspects related to Anglicisms in French through a bibliographic study: the definition of Anglicism, the origin of Anglicisms in French and the current situation, the areas most affected by Anglicism, the different categories of Anglicism, the difference between French Anglicism in France and French-speaking Canada, the attitude of French-speaking society towards to the Anglicisms and their efforts to stop this phenomenon. The study shows that the areas affected are, among others, trade, travel, parliamentary and judicial institutions, sports, rail, industrial production and most recently film, industrial production, sport, oil industry, information technology, science and technology. Various initiatives have been implemented either by public institutions or by individuals who share concerns about the increasingly felt threat of the omnipresence of Anglicism in everyday life.

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Phylogeny of 2019-nCoVs and SARS-like CoVs of Human, Bat and Pangolin Origin

International Journal of Veterinary Science ◽

10.37422/ijvs/20.078 ◽

2020 ◽

Keyword(s):

N Gene ◽

Whole Genome ◽

Human Origin ◽

Gene Sequences ◽

M Gene ◽

S Gene ◽

Shared Identity ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

S Genes

A novel coronavirus first broke out in Wuhan, China in December, 2019 has been declared a pandemic by WHO on March, 2020. This work aimed to search for probable ancestor of the virus, phylogeny of 2019-nCoVs and similar SL-CoVs based on the whole genome, M, N, ORF1ab, orf3a, and S gene sequences (n=84) obtained from GenBank using BLASTn software in the NCBI was done. Nucleotides of ORF3a and S-genes among 2019-nCoVs are identical, whereas its similar on the whole genome (99.9-100%), M-gene (99.7-100%), N-gene (99.9-100%) and ORF1ab-gene (99.7-100%). nCoVs are similar to bat CoV/RaTG13 on the whole genome (96.2%), M-gene (95.0%), N-gene (97%), ORF1ab-gene (95.3%), ORF3a-gene (99.1%) and S-gene (90.7%). Likewise, nCoVs exhibited homology to bat-CoVZXC21 on M-gene (93.2%), N-gene (91.5%), ORF1ab-gene (93.1%) and ORF3a-gene (94.4%). The emergent viruses shared identity to bat-CoVZC45 on N-gene (91.3%), ORF1ab-gene (92.8%) and ORF3a-gene (94.0%). In addition, pangolin-CoV/MP789 exhibited common sequences on M-gene (91.0%), N-gene (96.3%) and ORF3a-gene (93.3%) to nCoV. Furthermore, pangolin-CoV/MP789 is analogous to bat CoV/RaTG13 (91.3%) and bat-SL-CoVZXC21 (92.2%) on M-gene and to bat CoV/RaTG13 (94.8%) on N-gene. Nevertheless, nCoVs are distinct from the previously identified SL-CoVs of human origin. The present analysis indicates that nCoVs may have transmitted from bats, pangolin and/or unidentified hosts.

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Performance of Unobserved Self-Collected Nasal Swabs for Detection of SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR Utilizing a Remote Specimen Collection Strategy

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofab039 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ron M Kagan ◽

Amy A Rogers ◽

Gwynngelle A Borillo ◽

Nigel J Clarke ◽

Elizabeth M Marlowe

Keyword(s):

Return To Work ◽

Screening Program ◽

False Negative ◽

N Gene ◽

Rt Pcr ◽

Pooled Testing ◽

Specimen Collection ◽

Asymptomatic Patients ◽

Nasal Swabs ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The use of a remote specimen collection strategy employing a kit designed for unobserved self-collection for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR can decrease the use of PPE and exposure risk. To assess the impact of unobserved specimen self-collection on test performance, we examined results from a SARS-CoV-2 qualitative RT-PCR test for self-collected specimens from participants in a return-to-work screening program and assessed the impact of a pooled testing strategy in this cohort. Methods Self-collected anterior nasal swabs from employee return to work programs were tested using the Quest Diagnostics SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR EUA. The Ct values for the N1 and N3 N-gene targets and a human RNase P (RP) gene control target were tabulated. For comparison, we utilized Ct values from a cohort of HCP-collected specimens from patients with and without COVID-19 symptoms. Results Among 47,923 participants, 1.8% were positive. RP failed to amplify for 13/115,435 (0.011%) specimens. The median (IQR) Cts were 32.7 (25.0-35.7) for N1 and 31.3 (23.8-34.2) for N3. Median Ct values in the self-collected cohort were significantly higher than those of symptomatic, but not asymptomatic patients. Based on Ct values, pooled testing with 4 specimens would have yielded inconclusive results in 67/1,268 (5.2%) specimens but only a single false-negative result. Conclusions Unobserved self-collection of nasal swabs provides adequate sampling for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing. These findings alleviate concerns of increased false negatives in this context. Specimen pooling could be used for this population as the likelihood of false negative results is very low due when using a sensitive, dual-target methodology.

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Identity, Community and Belonging in gcc States

Sociology of Islam ◽

10.1163/22131418-00604004 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 401-428

Author(s):

Miriam R. Lowi

Keyword(s):

Religious Affiliation ◽

Protective Role ◽

The Other ◽

National Project ◽

Scholarly Literature ◽

National Community ◽

The Difference ◽

Definition Of

Studies of identity and belonging in Gulf monarchies tend to privilege tribal or religious affiliation, if not the protective role of the ruler as paterfamilias. I focus instead on the ubiquitous foreigner and explore ways in which s/he contributes to the definition of national community in contemporary gcc states. Building upon and moving beyond the scholarly literature on imported labor in the Gulf, I suggest that the different ‘categories’ of foreigners impact identity and the consolidation of a community of privilege, in keeping with the national project of ruling families. Furthermore, I argue that the ‘European,’ the non-gcc Arab, and the predominantly Asian (and increasingly African) laborer play similar, but also distinct roles in the delineation of national community: while they are differentially incorporated in ways that protect the ‘nation’ and appease the citizen-subject, varying degrees of marginality reflect Gulf society’s perceptions or aspirations of the difference between itself and ‘the other(s).’

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Involvement of the Inconstant Bursa of the Fifth Metatarsophalangeal Joint in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Clinical and Ultrasonographic Study

BioMed Research International ◽

10.1155/2014/174841 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Giovanni Ciancio ◽

Stefania Volpinari ◽

Maria Fotinidi ◽

Federica Furini ◽

Ilaria Farina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Psoriatic Arthritis ◽

Healthy Subjects ◽

Statistical Significance ◽

Metatarsophalangeal Joint ◽

Metatarsal Bone ◽

The Other ◽

Control Group ◽

Asymptomatic Patients ◽

Seronegative Spondyloarthritis ◽

The Difference

Objective. To evaluate the involvement of the bursa located next to the head of the 5th metatarsal bone in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in comparison with the other seronegative spondyloarthritis (SpA).Methods. All patients with PsA seen during a period of 24 months were enrolled. The control group included healthy subjects and patients with the other SpA. All subjects underwent clinical and ultrasound (US) examination of the lateral surface of the 5th metatarsal.Results. 150 PsA patients (88 M; 62 F), 172 SpA (107 M; 65 F), and 95 healthy controls (58 M; 37 F) were evaluated. Based on clinical and US evaluation, bursitis was diagnosed in 17/150 (11.3%) PsA patients but in none of the SpA (P<0.0001) and healthy (P=0.0002) controls. In detecting bursitis, US was more sensitive than clinical examination, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (P=0.09).Conclusion. The bursa of the 5th metatarsophalangeal joint appears to be involved in PsA more frequently than by chance. If confirmed by other studies, this finding could be considered as a distinctive clinical sign of PsA, useful for differential diagnosis with the other SpA. In asymptomatic patients, US proved to be more sensitive in the detection of bursitis.

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Charge-Transfer Dipoles at the Si-SiO2 Interface and the Metal-Semiconductor Worfunction Difference In Mos Devices.

MRS Proceedings ◽

10.1557/proc-105-265 ◽

1987 ◽

Vol 105 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Hisham Z. Massoud

Keyword(s):

Dipole Moment ◽

Charge Transfer ◽

Dipole Moments ◽

Silicon Substrates ◽

Interface Dipole ◽

Mos Devices ◽

Flatband Voltage ◽

The Difference ◽

Definition Of ◽

Mos Structures

AbstractThe magnitude of the dipole moment at the Si-SiO2 interface resulting from partial charge transfer that takes place upon the formation of interface bonds has been calculated. The charge transfer occurs because of the difference in electronegativity between silicon atoms and SiO2 molecules which are present across the interface. Results obtained for (100) and (111) silicon substrates indicate that the magnitude of the interface dipole moment is dependent on substrate orientation and the interface chemistry. Dipole moments at the Si-SiO2 and gate-SiO2 interfaces should be included in the definition of the flatband voltage VFB of MOS structures. CV-based measurements of the metal-semiconductor workfunction difference φms on (100) and (111) silicon oxidized in dry oxygen and metallized with Al agree with the predictions of this model. Other types of interface dipoles and their processing dependence are briefly discussed.

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India-2021: Middle class in pandemic conditions

Азия и Африка сегодня ◽

10.31857/s032150750016839-4 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 14

Author(s):

Elena A. Bragina

Keyword(s):

Developing Countries ◽

Middle Class ◽

Gradual Increase ◽

Population Group ◽

Special Significance ◽

Statistical Estimates ◽

National Characteristics ◽

The Difference ◽

Definition Of ◽

Sociological Studies

The article analyzes the conditions for the formation of the middle class in India. Shown is its important balancing role in the politics and economy of the country. The nature of the definition of "middle class", its special significance in developing countries is considered. Due to the difference in the applied criterion - the initial unit of account (employee, family, population group), due to the weakness of statistical services, the results of sociological studies, statistical estimates of the size of the middle class are often approximate. The work shows that the official and infor-mal (shadow) parts of the middle class coexist in the economies of developing countries in parallel. The pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of the Indian middle class is taken into account. The article examines the national characteristics of the formation of the middle class inherent in India. Due to the unclear definition of the criteria, the inconsistency of its assessments, the insufficient level of work of statistical organizations, information on the size of the middle class is inaccurate (according to various estimates, about 210-360 million people). Attention is paid to the formation of the rural middle class in India, rural residents make up a significant part of it (estimated at 48-66%).The forecast of the recovery of the Indian middle class ispresented. It is assumed that its quantitative growth, which was observed before the pandemic, and a gradual increase in influence will continue and will allow in the future. The topic is relevant, in demand by the Russian reader.

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