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To face the current COVID-19 pandemic, diagnostic tools are essential. It is recommended to use real-time RT-PCR for RNA viruses in order (a) to perform a rapid and accurate diagnostic, (b) to guide patient care and management and (c) to guide epidemiological strategies. Further studies are warranted to define the role of serological diagnosis and a possible correlation between serological response and prognosis. The aim was to guide clinical microbiologists in the use of these diagnostic tests and clinicians in the interpretation of their results. A search of literature was performed through PubMed and Google Scholar using the keywords SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis, SARS-CoV-2 immune response, SARS-CoV-2 serology/antibody testing, coronavirus diagnosis. The present review discusses performances, limitations and use of current and future diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2. Real-time RT-PCR remains the reference method for diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. On the other hand, notwithstanding its varying sensitivity according to the time of infection, serology represents a valid asset (a) to try to solve possible discrepancies between a highly suggestive clinical and radiological presentation and negative RT-PCR, (b) to solve discrepancies between different PCR assays and (c) for epidemiological purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several reports showed SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen tests (RATs) performances among COVID-19 symptomatic subjects in outpatient settings during periods of highest incidence of infections and high rates of hospital admissions, but few data are present for asymptomatic patients. We investigated the role of RATs in an emergency department, as a novel screening tool before admission for COVID-19 asymptomatic patients. A total of 116 patients were screened on admission in a 250-bed community hospital in Morges, Switzerland. RAT detected 2/7 RT-PCR-positive patients and delivered two false-positive results. These data suggest the non-fiability of RATs screening in this clinical scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Introduction Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are among the most common urological causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in childhood. Recently, genomic imbalances have been cited as potential risk factors for altered kidney function and have been associated with CKD. The phenotypic effects of a copy number variant (CNV) in boys with PUV are unknown. Here, it was hypothesised that the progression to early renal failure in PUV patients may be influenced by genetic aberrations. Objective To assess the relationship between CNVs and renal outcomes. Patients and methods Between September 2012 and July 2015, 45 children with PUV were recruited to evaluate the presence of CNVs in their DNA. The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed. The criteria for outcomes of renal function included: assessments of the nadir serum creatinine in the first year of life, the estimated glomerular filtration rate at 1 and 5 years, and the requirement for renal replacement. Results Thirteen CNVs were identified in 12 boys (29% of the cohort). Microarray analysis revealed two pathogenic CNVs (well-established CNVs known to be associated with genetic disease) and 11 of unknown significance (CNVs with insufficient current available evidence for unequivocal determination of clinical significance), including genes that have been previously implicated in kidney diseases and urogenital disorders. The median follow-up was 10.2 years (range 3–17.5) in the group of patients with CNV compared with 5.8 years (range 1–16.6) in those CNV−. The nadir creatinine values were significantly higher in boys with CNVs than in those without CNVs (57.5 μmol/L (range 23–215) and 28 μmol/L (range 18–155), respectively ( P = 0.05) (Figure). Boys CNV+ had a worse prognosis, with a higher incidence of Stage-V CKD compared with the control group (33% with CNVs vs. 9% in CNV−, P = 0.06) at a median age of 22 months (range 8 months–16 years). Four (33%) patients CNV+ underwent renal transplantation. Discussion The role of CNVs in the deterioration of renal function remains unknown. It can be hypothesised that CNVs could be a contributing factor or may serve as an accelerant for the progression to renal failure. Conclusion The CNVs >100 Kb were significantly associated with early onset renal failure in children with PUV. Prenatal detection of CNV could help to identify foetuses at high risk of severe renal impairment in cases of suspected PUV, especially in cases without oligohydramnios or severe pulmonary hypoplasia. These preliminary results should be confirmed in a larger cohort of patients. Summary Figure Box plot graphic representation of nadir of creatinine value during the first year of life according to the presence of CNV (CNV+) or the absence of CNV (CNV−). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Microstructural and mechanical characterisation of Mg96Ni2Y1RE1 alloy have been performed in the 25–400°C temperature range. The material was processed by melting, casting and subsequent extrusion at 400°C. The microstructure of the extruded material showed the alignment of several phases (Mg12RE, Mg2Ni and a long periodic ordered phase) along the magnesium dendrites. This microstructure provides high strength up to 250°C, which has been correlated with load transfer from the matrix to the intermetallic phases. At higher temperatures the material exhibits superplastic behaviour. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]