3.A consensus on the standardization of the next generation sequencing process for the diagnosis of genetic diseases (2)-Sample collection, processing and detection
Xiufeng ZENG ; Zhenpeng XU ; Hui HUANG ; Wubin QU ; Ian J WU ; Juan WANG ; Yong GAO ; Dongyan AN ; Xiaoqing WANG ; Hui XIONG ; Yiping SHEN ; Ming QI ; Xuxu DENG ; Xiong XU ; Lele SUN ; Zhiyu PENG ; Weihong GU ; Shangzhi HUANG ; Shihui YU
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2020;37(3):339-344
With high accuracy and precision,next generation sequencing (NGS) has provided a powerful tool for clinical testing of genetic diseases.To follow a standardized experimental procedure is the prerequisite to obtain stable,reliable,and effective NGS data for the assistance of diagnosis and/or screening of genetic diseases.At a conference of genetic testing industry held in Shanghai,May 2019,physicians engaged in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases,experts engaged in clinical laboratory testing of genetic diseases and experts from third-party genetic testing companies have fully discussed the standardization of NGS procedures for the testing of genetic diseases.Experts from different backgrounds have provided opinions for the operation and implementation of NGS testing procedures including sample collection,reception,preservation,library construction,sequencing and data quality control.Based on the discussion,a consensus on the standardization of the testing procedures in NGS laboratories is developed with the aim to standardize NGS testing and accelerate implementation of NGS in clinical settings across China.
4.Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis
Ta-Wei TAI ; Hsuan-Yu CHEN ; Chien-An SHIH ; Chun-Feng HUANG ; Eugene MCCLOSKEY ; Joon-Kiong LEE ; Swan Sim YEAP ; Ching-Lung CHEUNG ; Natthinee CHARATCHAROENWITTHAYA ; Unnop JAISAMRARN ; Vilai KUPTNIRATSAIKUL ; Rong-Sen YANG ; Sung-Yen LIN ; Akira TAGUCHI ; Satoshi MORI ; Julie LI-YU ; Seng Bin ANG ; Ding-Cheng CHAN ; Wai Sin CHAN ; Hou NG ; Jung-Fu CHEN ; Shih-Te TU ; Hai-Hua CHUANG ; Yin-Fan CHANG ; Fang-Ping CHEN ; Keh-Sung TSAI ; Peter R. EBELING ; Fernando MARIN ; Francisco Javier Nistal RODRÍGUEZ ; Huipeng SHI ; Kyu Ri HWANG ; Kwang-Kyoun KIM ; Yoon-Sok CHUNG ; Ian R. REID ; Manju CHANDRAN ; Serge FERRARI ; E Michael LEWIECKI ; Fen Lee HEW ; Lan T. HO-PHAM ; Tuan Van NGUYEN ; Van Hy NGUYEN ; Sarath LEKAMWASAM ; Dipendra PANDEY ; Sanjay BHADADA ; Chung-Hwan CHEN ; Jawl-Shan HWANG ; Chih-Hsing WU
Osteoporosis and Sarcopenia 2024;10(1):3-10
Objectives:
This study aimed to present the Asia-Pacific consensus on long-term and sequential therapy for osteoporosis, offering evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of this chronic condition.The primary focus is on achieving optimal fracture prevention through a comprehensive, individualized approach.
Methods:
A panel of experts convened to develop consensus statements by synthesizing the current literature and leveraging clinical expertise. The review encompassed long-term anti-osteoporosis medication goals, first-line treatments for individuals at very high fracture risk, and the strategic integration of anabolic and anti resorptive agents in sequential therapy approaches.
Results:
The panelists reached a consensus on 12 statements. Key recommendations included advocating for anabolic agents as the first-line treatment for individuals at very high fracture risk and transitioning to anti resorptive agents following the completion of anabolic therapy. Anabolic therapy remains an option for in dividuals experiencing new fractures or persistent high fracture risk despite antiresorptive treatment. In cases of inadequate response, the consensus recommended considering a switch to more potent medications. The consensus also addressed the management of medication-related complications, proposing alternatives instead of discontinuation of treatment.
Conclusions
This consensus provides a comprehensive, cost-effective strategy for fracture prevention with an emphasis on shared decision-making and the incorporation of country-specific case management systems, such as fracture liaison services. It serves as a valuable guide for healthcare professionals in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the ongoing evolution of osteoporosis management.
5.Circulation of influenza and other respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia and New Zealand, 2020–2021
Genevieve K O' ; Neill ; Janette Taylor ; Jen Kok ; Dominic E Dwyer ; Meik Dilcher ; Harry Hua ; Avram Levy ; David Smith ; Cara A Minney-Smith ; Timothy Wood ; Lauren Jelley ; Q Sue Huang ; Adrian Trenholme ; Gary McAuliffe ; Ian Barr ; Sheena G Sullivan
Western Pacific Surveillance and Response 2023;14(3):13-22
Objective: Circulation patterns of influenza and other respiratory viruses have been globally disrupted since the emergence of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the introduction of public health and social measures (PHSMs) aimed at reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission.
Methods: We reviewed respiratory virus laboratory data, Google mobility data and PHSMs in five geographically diverse regions in Australia and New Zealand. We also described respiratory virus activity from January 2017 to August 2021.
Results: We observed a change in the prevalence of circulating respiratory viruses following the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in early 2020. Influenza activity levels were very low in all regions, lower than those recorded in 2017–2019, with less than 1% of laboratory samples testing positive for influenza virus. In contrast, rates of human rhinovirus infection were increased. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity was delayed; however, once it returned, most regions experienced activity levels well above those seen in 2017–2019. The timing of the resurgence in the circulation of both rhinovirus and RSV differed within and between the two countries.
Discussion: The findings of this study suggest that as domestic and international borders are opened up and other COVID-19 PHSMs are lifted, clinicians and public health professionals should be prepared for resurgences in influenza and other respiratory viruses. Recent patterns in RSV activity suggest that these resurgences in non-COVID-19 viruses have the potential to occur out of season and with increased impact.