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Every year, more than 200,000 women in Germany receive an abnormal PAP HID result [1], However, these stages of cervical dysplasia do not necessarily develop into cervical cancer. However, there is still a risk that the precursors will develop into a malignant tumor. In addition to the usual diagnostic methods, such as colposcopy, women have other options for fast, safe and non-invasive diagnostics. The GynTect test from oncgnostics is one of such options [2]. In a cytology class, the students in the 3rd year of training at the MTL school in Munich took a closer look at this molecular biological test for the early detection of cervical cancer. As part of a small study, vaginal swabs were taken in a self-experiment and molecularly examined for the epigenetic markers that are detected by GynTect in order to gain a better understanding of the application and interpretation of the test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytes are obligatory pathogenic hyphomycetes, which according to their origin can be divided in anthropophilic (transmission from man to man, often by non-viable objects), zoophilic (by animals) and geophilic (by soil) species. As keratinophilic organisms they can affect the glabrous skin, the hairy scalp and the nails. They are named as tinea with a suffix characterizing their localization. Tinea pedis is one of the most common infectious diseases of man, while tinea corporis is characterized by characteristic plaques (“ringworm”). The mycological diagnosis is based on the microscopic, cultural and molecular investigations from skin scales, nail shavings, and hair roots. In most cases topical therapy is sufficient, while systemic therapy is necessary in the case of tinea capitis and advanced onychomycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermatophytes are obligatory pathogenic hyphomycetes, which according to their origin can be divided in anthropophilic (transmission from man to man, often by non-viable objects), zoophilic (by animals) and geophilic (by soil) species. As keratinophilic organisms, they can affect the free skin, the hairy scalp and the nails. They are named as tinea with a suffix characterizing their localization. Tinea pedis is one of the most common infectious diseases in humans, while tinea corporis is characterized by characteristic plaques (“ringworm”). The mycological diagnosis is based on the microscopic, cultural and molecular investigations from skin scales, nail shavings and hair roots. In most cases, topical therapy is sufficient, while systemic therapy is necessary in the case of tinea capitis and advanced onychomycosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mpox is a zoonotic disease caused by monkeypox virus, with rodents as a probable vector. In humans it occurs endemically in west and central African countries, and has two distinct viral clades: clade I and clade II (IIa and IIb). With the atypical 2022 outbreak of mpox in non-endemic countries the need for a de - pend able diagnostic method arose. For the establishment of the virellaMonkeypox real time PCR Kit (gerbion GmbH & Co. KG) 74 human samples were analysed at the Institute of Pathology Feldkirch (Austria). In 8/74 samples mpox (OPG185 gene) could be detected via real time PCR and differentiated from other orthopox viruses or the smallpox vaccine (MVA) in the subsequent melt curve analysis. 65/74 samples tested negative for mpox, 1/74 exhibited an inhibition. After the completion of a round robin test the molecular diagnostic tool for mpox was integrated into lab routine, ensuring timely diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses voretigene neparvovec as the first causal treatment for biallelic RPE65 mutation-associated retinal disease which regularly progresses to legal blindness. Topics covered include the aim of the retinal gene therapy to deliver the correct coding sequence of the human RPE65 to the retinal pigment epithelium, the performance of the treatment via subretinal injection following vitrectomy, and concerns about its potential long-term safety following reports of retinal atrophy.

Both Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) are proving to be invaluable tools in the field of biomedical research and clinical diagnostics. The robust, compact, fit-for-purpose Raman spectrometer designs are appropriate for use in surgical procedures to help surgeons assess tumors and allow rapid decisions to be made. Raman systems are also being developed for molecular diagnostic testing to detect and measure human cancer biomarkers. Based on the SERS technique, this approach potentially could change the way bioassays are performed to improve both the sensitivity and reliability of testing. The two applications highlighted in this review, together with other examples of the use of Raman spectrometry in biomedical research areas such as the identification of bacterial infections, are clearly going to make the technique an important part of the medical toolbox, as we continually strive to improve diagnostic techniques and bring a better health care system to patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reports on the development of new molecular imaging machines and novel contrast agents in the U.S. Amplification of a specific cellular signal; Discovery of pre-disease state in a patient following the occurrence of first genomic and proteomic missteps in cascade of events; Provision of better treatment monitoring.

This article focuses on molecular diagnostics. It encompasses an extensive range of tests such as nucleic acid analyses. Laboratories must carefully choose which tests they perform from the wide variety of testing technologies available today. Leading considerations include the medical need for the test, the cost of equipment, requirements for trained personnel and whether payment for a test will be reimbursed. Among these wide variety of technologies, only a few have attained home-run status. These testing success stories include analyses for chlamydia/gonorrhea anti HIV viral load and a new test that screens for a panel of cystic fibrosis mutations. INSET: Homebrews and the Law.

The article discusses a study which examined the genomic landscape of conjunctival melanoma. Topics covered include the findings of molecular genetic testing for actionable mutations of the disease, tumor specimens that were found to have the highest frequency mutations, and mutations identified in four patients who had choroidal melanoma markers.

The article provides information on the genetic background of glaucoma, the leading global cause of irreversible blindness. Topics discussed include cause of the most common Mendelian forms of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), risk assessment in clinical practice, and genetic screening for glaucoma.

The article discusses the reliability of molecular testing in diagnosing respiratory infections, focusing on molecular tests that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, including Luminex xTAG RVP, Luminex RVP FAST, and BioFire FilmArray Respiratory Panel.

The article focuses on the importance of genetics in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal dystrophies. Dr. Hendrik Scholl discusses the imaging techniques used for the diagnosis of retinal dystrophy. Scholl notes that molecular diagnosis is equally challenging as genetic counseling. The article says that researches on the treatment of recessive diseases using gene therapy is already progressing.

The article discusses a study by Dr. Mark Seraly and colleagues which determined the usefulness of the 248-gene panel compared with the 31-gene panel for providing molecular diagnoses in 46 patients from June 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019. Topics include the case of a ten-year-old girl with frequent headaches and distorted vision, finding on optical coherence tomography of her right and left eyes, and indication that more research is needed on the topic.

The article discusses the nature of adenovirus conjunctivitis, a common eye infection which is one of the causes of eye care visit in the U.S., including its cure, diagnostics and molecular testing. Topics discussed include the importance of treatment due to an outbreak of adenovirus type 3 pneumonia and conjunctivitis in a neonatal intensive care unit according to Dr. James Chodosh, exploration of drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the nature of its clinical signs.

The article presents an overview of point-of-care testing (POCT), its challenges and benefits for hospitals in the U.S. Among the point-of-care tests of most importance for hospitals are tight glycemic control and molecular diagnostics. The adoption of POCT produces several advantages such as physician satisfaction and increased hospital revenue.

Explores the factors delaying the development of genetic-based molecular diagnostic tests. Reluctance of companies to take the risk in commercializing tests in new areas without a guaranteed audience; Complexity of genetic diseases; Early stage of understanding the human genome; Proliferation of competing test technologies; Difficulties in educating the medical profession. INSET: HPV Testing--Why Is It Taking So Long?.

The article discusses molecular diagnostic techniques that offer improved sensitivity for detecting pathogenic organisms in postoperative endophthalmitis, adapted from Dr. Russell Van Gelder's presentation at the 2019 meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Topics covered include pathogens have been associated with the infection, the efficacy of 16S metagenomics compared with the traditional methods of diagnosing endophthalmitis, and the future of DNA sequencing technology.

The article discusses research which examined the feasibility of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), that has been used in sepsis and in hospital-based bacterial detection systems, to achieve faster diagnosis in eye infections. Topics covered include the advantages and disadvantages of FISH, improved patient outcomes associated with FISH, and the novel use of FISH for faster identification and treatment of endophthalmitis.

Several excerpts from articles including one on in vitro diagnostics (IVD), companion diagnostics and molecular diagnostics are presented.

The article explores the potential use of molecular tests in distinguishing benign and malignant thyroid nodules via fine-needle aspirates.

The article reports on the submission of 501 (k) applications by GenMark Diagnostics, Inc. to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its ePlex sample-to-answer instrument and Respiratory Pathogen Panel. It mentions the features of the eplex and its capability to offer molecular diagnostic panels on sample-to-answer system and integrates the processes including nucleic acid extraction.

The article focuses on the pocket-sized molecular diagnostic device, which is part of a wider blackgrass resistance initiative, funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the AHDB to detect herbicide resistance in blackgrass. It is noted that the prototype pregnancy test-style kit looks for a protein that is overproduced in blackgrass plants and help growers and agronomists make management decisions early on.

Compares the reliability of heteroduplex, fluorescent-fragment, and fluorescent single-strand conformation polymorphism techniques in the analysis of a single-genetic test developed specifically for preimplantation genetic diagnosis by researchers in Canada. Obtainment of blastomeres from research embryos; Development of a reliable fluorescent multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay; Process of comparing detection systems; Comparison between fragment analysis and standard gel electrophoresis in terms of sensitivity.

The article discusses research on the effects of molecular diagnostic tests on the occurrence of inappropriate use of antibiotics for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, referencing a study by S. Terp published in a 2014 issue of the journal "Clinical Infectious Diseases."

The article discusses research being done on a molecular-based technique for identifying gram-positive organisms in blood cultures, which references a study by Felix Roth and colleagues presented at the 2013 ID Week.

The article lists the benefits of molecular testing on children with respiratory viral infections including the decrease of unnecessary antibiotic use, shorten duration of hospital stay, and its promotion of antiviral therapy.

The article reports on the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Tuberculosis (TB) assay that determines the tuberculosis bacteria and verify if these are rifampin-resistant and a molecular diagnostic test for detecting genes associated with vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

The article discusses research on the molecular and non-molecular testing for Clostridium difficile toxin, by Kimberle Chapin and colleagues, published in the "Journal of Molecular Diagnosis."

This article discusses a study on the use of a molecular diagnostic tool called Prolaris to predict survival in patients with prostate cancer, presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 35th Congress held in Milan, Italy, from October 8 to 12, 2010.

The article reports on the agreement signed by Abbott with GlaxoSmithKline for the development of a molecular diagnostic test to be used as an aid in choosing patients who may benefit from a skin cancer treatment in development by GlaxoSmithKline.

The author emphasizes the significance of molecular stratification to accurately interpret clinical trial results among patients diagnosed with estrogen-receptor (ER) positive breast cancer. He cites the molecular diagnostics are being used to examine sensitivity to chemotherapy among ER positive breast cancer patients. He adds that future studies should be designed to address the molecular subsets of breast cancer therapy.

The article reports that the molecular diagnostics company, Nanosphere has conducted its first initial public offering (IPO). The company has sold about 8 million shares at $14 each. According to the article, Nanosphere is one of the nanotechnology start-ups to become publicly traded. The company is selling the Verigene system for direct genomic and ultrasensitive protein detection.

The article reports on the agreement between Merck & Co. Inc.'s subsidiary, Rosetta Inpharmatics LLC, and Stratagene Corp. for the development of an RNA purification system. This system is designed for molecular diagnostic and research applications. Both companies intend to create an automated system for isolating nucleic acids from clinical samples.

Reports on the merger of Solexa Ltd. and Lynx Therapeutics Inc., on a stock-based transaction that will combine intellectual property, technology and staff to develop DNA-sequencing approaches based on molecular arrays.

Cites the assimilation process by GE Healthcare of its acquisition, Amersham Biosciences through organizational shifts and a molecular diagnostics unit to strengthen its efforts in the life sciences field. Relocation of the discovery systems research team to Niskayuna, New York as an interdisciplinary technology incubator; Integration of biotechnology to support drug discovery research; Establishment of a diagnostics business unit in Piscateway to offer of in vitro diagnostic-based tests; Business forecast for the molecular diagnostics market.

Reports on team-up of Cambridge University with Affymetrix Inc. and ParAllele BioScience Inc. to scale up work in molecular diagnostics.