SARS-CoV-2 infection history and antibody response to three COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader SARS-CoV-2 infection history and antibody response to three COVID-19 mRNA vaccine doses via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access ABSTRACT Background Three doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines produce robust antibody responses, but data are limited among individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. From a cohort of health care personnel (75.5%), first responders (4.6%), and other frontline workers (19.8%) in 6 US states, we longitudinally assessed antibody waning after dose-2, and response to dose-3, according to SARS-CoV-2 infection history. Methods Participants submitted sera every three months, after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and after each COVID-19 vaccine dose. Sera were tested for antibodies and reported quantitatively as area under the serial dilution curve (AUC). Changes in the AUC values over time were compared as fold-changes using a linear mixed model. Results Analysis included 388 participants who received dose-3 by November 2021. Three comparison groups: (1) vaccine only with no known prior SARS-CoV-2 inf ection (n = 224); (2) infection prior to dose-1 (n = 123); and (3) infection after dose 2 and before dose-3 (n = 41). The interval from dose 2 and dose 3 was approximately 8-months. After dose-3, antibody levels rose 2.5-fold (95%CI = 2.2-3.0) in group 2, and 2.9-fold (95%CI = 2.6-3.3) in group 1. Those infected within 90 days before dose-3 (and median 233 days (IQR = 213-246) after dose-2) did not increase significantly after dose-3. Conclusions A third dose of mRNA vaccine typically elicited a robust humoral immune response among those with primary vaccination regardless of SARS-CoV-2 infection >3 months prior to boosting. Those with infection < 3 months prior to boosting did not have a significant increase in antibody concentrations in response to a booster. View on Web

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Do incentives work to motivate voluntary blood donation?

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Do incentives work to motivate voluntary blood donation? via Psychology & Marketing Abstract Based on previous research on blood donation incentives, we investigated the effectiveness of two incentives—eligibility for free blood transfusions and improving individual credit scores—and explored the psychological mechanisms underlying these effects. We conducted four studies to explore the relationship between incentives and blood donation intention. The results showed that eligibility for free blood transfusions was more effective than improving individual credit scores due to the mediating effect of perceived attractiveness. Meanwhile, improving individual credit scores failed to play an effective role and was significantly lower than eligibility for free blood transfusions due to the mediating effect of perceived threat to freedom. We further found that after adding the moderating variable of involvement, there was no difference between the two incentives due to the weakened mediating effects of perceived threat to freedom and perceived attractiveness in the high-invo lvement group. This study establishes two effect paths from incentives to perceived threat to freedom/perceived attractiveness to blood donation intention, explaining the effectiveness of incentives. View on Web

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Diagnosis and Management of Vocal Complications after Chondrolaryngoplasty

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Diagnosis and Management of Vocal Complications after Chondrolaryngoplasty via The Laryngoscope Anterior commissure dislocation should be suspected with signs of vocal impairment after chondrolaryngoplasty. Following proper diagnosis, resuspension of the anterior commissure via feminization laryngoplasty approach can be an effective reparative technique. Objective Transfeminine patients (transwomen/feminine nonbinary folks assigned male at birth) can undergo chondrolaryngoplasty ("tracheal shave") to feminize their neck appearance. While isolated cases of vocal complications have been reported following the procedure, aggregated outcomes have not been quantitatively studied. We present acoustic and stroboscopic data to describe a patient cohort with vocal complications after chondrolaryngoplasty and discuss reparative surgical technique. Methods Subjective and objective data, including videostroboscopy, were collected from patients with voice complaints after chondrolaryngoplasty. Dislocated anterior commissures were reconstructed with feminization laryngoplasty. Postoperative voice data were recorded and statistically compared to preoperative data using paired t-tests. Results On consecutive chart review, of the 94 transfeminine women with prior outside history of chondrolaryngoplasty, 27 (29%) reported chronic postoperative hoarseness, deepened pitch, or loss of upper register. On endoscopy, short, lax vocal folds with persistent anterior glottic gap and phase asymmetry were commonly noted; anterior commissure dislocation was confirmed in-office by using needle localization through absent thyroid cartilage. After open resuspension of the anterior commissure with feminization laryngoplasty, post-repair modal-speaking, minimum, and maximum fundamental frequencies (F0) increased on average by 7, 8, and 5 semitones, respectively (p < 0.01), when compared to pre-repair values. On average, perioperative maximum phonation time did not change significantly (p = 0.15). Average self-assessment of vocal femininity increased by 48% (p < 0.01). Conclusion Anterior commissure dislocation should be suspected with signs of vocal impairment after chondrolaryngoplasty. Following proper diagnosis, resuspension of the anterior commissure via feminization laryngoplasty approach can be an effective reparative technique. Level of Evidence This work represents a 2011 OCEBM Level 4 evidence as a case series Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Reassessing Endotracheal Tube Size in Critically Ill Patients

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Reassessing Endotracheal Tube Size in Critically Ill Patients via JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery Online First To the Editor We read with great interest the article by Esianor and colleagues on endotracheal tube (ETT) size in critically ill patients. Laryngotracheal injuries after invasive mechanical ventilation range from reversible pressure injuries to permanent damage, scarring, fistulas, and transmural lesions. Endotracheal tubes larger than 7.0 mm pose greater risk of laryngeal injury, and ETTs larger than 7.5 mm are often selected for critically ill patients in efforts to improve airflow resistance, avoid blockage, and facilitate procedural int erventions. Little is known as to whether larger ETTs improve recovery. Esianor and colleagues found no difference in 30-day all-cause in-hospital survival between patients with small, appropriate, or large-for-height endotracheal tubes. If larger tubes do not improve survival, is survivorship a better focus? Even with optimally sized tubes, translaryngeal intubation carries risks for impaired speech, swallowing, and airway protection. The investigation presented new questions around selection of ETT size, and has several implications for current practice and future investigation. View on Web

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Analysis of Unmet Information Needs Among Patients With Thyroid Cancer

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Analysis of Unmet Information Needs Among Patients With Thyroid Cancer via JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery Online First This survey study uses mixed-methods analysis to assess pretre atment counseling experiences of survivors of thyroid cancer and to identify their unmet information needs. View on Web

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Künstliche Intelligenz auf dem Vormarsch – Hohe Vorhersage-Genauigkeit bei der Früherkennung pigmentierter Melanome

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Künstliche Intelligenz auf dem Vormarsch – Hohe Vorhersage-Genauigkeit bei der Früherkennung pigmentierter Melanome via Laryngo-Rhino-Otologie Laryngorhinootologie DOI: 10.1055/a-1949-3639 Weltweit steigt die Inzidenz des malignen Melanoms an. Bei frühzeitiger Erkennung ist das Melanom gut behandelbar, eine Früherkennung ist also lebenswichtig.Die Hautkrebs-Früherkennung hat sich in den letzten Jahrzehnten bspw. durch die Einführung des Screenings im Jahr 2008 und die Dermatoskopie deutlich verbessert. Dennoch bleibt die visuelle Erkennung insbesondere von frühen Melanomen eine Herausforderung, weil diese viele morphologische Überlappungen mit Nävi zeigen. Daher ist der medizinische Bedarf weiterhin hoch, die Methoden zur Hautkrebsfrüherkennung gezielt weiterzuentwickeln, um Melanome bereits in einem sehr frühen Stadium sicher diagnostizieren zu können.Die Routinediagnostik zur Hautkrebs-Früherkennung umfasst die visuelle Ganzkörperinspektion, oft ergänzt durch die Dermatoskopie, durch die sich die diagnostische Treffsicherheit erfahrener Hautärzte deutlich erhöhen lässt. E in Verfahren, was in einigen Praxen und Kliniken zusätzlich angeboten wird, ist die kombinierte Ganzkörperfotografie mit der digitalen Dermatoskopie für die Früherkennung maligner Melanome, insbesondere für das Monitoring von Hochrisiko-Patienten.In den letzten Jahrzenten wurden zahlreiche nicht invasive zusatzdiagnostische Verfahren zur Beurteilung verdächtiger Pigmentmale entwickelt, die das Potenzial haben könnten, eine verbesserte und z. T. automatisierte Bewertung dieser Läsionen zu ermöglichen. In erster Linie ist hier die konfokale Lasermikroskopie zu nennen, ebenso die elektrische Impedanzspektroskopie, die Multiphotonen-Lasertomografie, die Multispektralanalyse, die Raman-Spektroskopie oder die optische Kohärenztomografie. Diese diagnostischen Verfahren fokussieren i. d. R. auf hohe Sensitivität, um zu vermeiden, ein malignes Melanom zu übersehen. Dies bedingt allerdings üblicherweise eine geringere Spezifität, was im Screening zu unnötigen Exzisionen vieler gutartiger Läsionen führen kann. Auch sind einige der Verfahren zeitaufwendig und kostenintensiv,was die Anwendbarkeit im Screening ebenfalls einschränkt.In naher Zukunft wird insbesondere die Nutzung von künstlicher Intelligenz die Diagnosefindung in vielfältiger Weise verändern. Vielversprechend ist v. a. die Analyse der makroskopischen und dermatoskopischen Routine-Bilder durch künstliche Intelligenz. Für die Klassifizierung von pigmentierten Hautläsionen anhand makroskopischer und dermatoskopischer Bilder erzielte die künstliche Intelligenz v. a. in Form neuronaler Netze unter experimentellen Bedingungen in zahlreichen Studien bereits eine vergleichbare diagnostische Genauigkeit wie Dermatologen. Insbesondere bei der binären Klassifikationsaufgabe Melanom/Nävus erreichte sie hohe Genauigkeiten, doch auch in der Multiklassen-Differenzierung von verschiedenen Hauterkrankungen zeigt sie sich vergleichbar gut wie Dermatologen. Der Nachweis der grundsätzlichen Anwendbark eit und des Nutzens solcher Systeme in der klinischen Praxis steht jedoch noch aus. Noch zu schaffende Grundvoraussetzungen für die Translation solcher Diagnosesysteme in die dermatologischen Routine sind Möglichkeiten für die Nutzer, die Entscheidungen des Systems nachzuvollziehen, sowie eine gleichbleibend gute Leistung der Algorithmen auf Bilddaten aus fremden Kliniken und Praxen.Derzeit zeichnet sich ab, dass computergestützte Diagnosesysteme als Assistenzsysteme den größten Nutzen bringen könnten, denn Studien deuten darauf hin, dass eine Kombination von Mensch und Maschine die besten Ergebnisse erzielt. Diagnosesysteme basierend auf künstlicher Intelligenz sind in der Lage, Merkmale schnell, quantitativ, objektiv und reproduzierbar zu erfassen, und könnten somit die Medizin auf eine mathematische Grundlage stellen – zusätzlich zur ärztlichen Erfahrung. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text View on Web

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Dysphagie bei tracheotomierten Patienten nach Langzeitbeatmung

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Dysphagie bei tracheotomierten Patienten nach Langzeitbeatmung via Laryngo-Rhino-Otologie Laryngorhinootologie 2023; 102: 27-31 DOI: 10.1055/a-1076-9686 Unabhängig von der Art der kritischen Erkrankung haben tracheotomierte Patienten ein hohes Risiko für die Entwicklung einer Schluckstörung. Diese ist potenziell lebensbedrohlich, da sie zu Aspiration und Pneumonie führen kann. Vor einer oralen Nahrungsgabe sollte daher unbedingt eine Schluckdiagnostik mittels Bolusfärbetest und/oder FEES durchgeführt werden. Da ein physiologischer Luftstrom durch den Larynx und ein adäquater subglottischer Druck Schlüsselkomponenten eines effektiven Schluckaktes sind, sollte eine Oralisierung bei geblockter Trachealkanüle möglichst vermieden werden. [...] Georg Thieme Verlag KG Rüdigerstraße 14, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany Article in Thieme eJournals: Table of contents  |  Abstract  |  Full text View on Web

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three-dimensional airway changes after fibula flap reconstruction for benign and malignant tumours in the anterior mandible

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader A comparative study of three-dimensional airway changes after fibula flap reconstruction for benign and malignant tumours in the anterior mandible via International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery via MedWorm.com Surgical treatment of tumours in the anterior mandible and surrounding tissues may result in defects which can be restored by a fibula free flap. The upper airway may change during this process. The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate upper airway changes after fibula free flap reconstruction. A total of 37 patients who underwent anterior mandibulectomy and fibula free flap reconstruction between 2012 and 2020 were recruited. Patients with benign and malignant tumours involving the anterior mandible were included. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) View on Web

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Esthetic and clinical outcomes after immediate placement and restoration: Comparison of two implant systems in the anterior maxilla—A cross‐sectional study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Esthetic and clinical outcomes after immediate placement and restoration: Comparison of two implant systems in the anterior maxilla—A cross‐sectional study via Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research Abstract Aim To assess the esthetic and clinical performance of a novel self-tapping implant system for single-tooth restorations in the esthetic zone after immediate placement and provisionalization. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study included 52 patients contributing a total of 52 immediately placed and restored implants with ≥12 months after functional loading, comparing two different implant systems: Straumann® BLX (Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland; 25 patients) and Ankylos® (Dentsply Sirona, Hanau, Germany; 27 patients). As the primary outcome measure, peri-implant tissue esthetics were assessed by means of pink esthetics score (PES) rated by three independent clinicians. Moreover, as secondary outcome measures, the peri-implant tissue health was assessed by means of bleeding on probing, probing depth, and suppuration. Apart from that, the modified plaque index, keratinized mucosa width, and the presence of mucosal recessions were also assessed. When clinical signs suggested the possibility of peri-implantitis, radiographs were indicated to assess progressive bone loss. Results The mean PES ratings were 12.10 ± 1.10 for Ankylos versus 11.2 ± 1.86 for BLX, both achieving good esthetic results without significant differences (p = 0.143). There were no differences among most clinical parameters (plaque, bleeding on probing, probing depth, peri-implant mucosal recession), although peri-implant mucositis was present in one-third of the cases. The inter-rater agreement on esthetics was not significant (p < 0.250). Conclusion Within the limitations of the present study, it was concluded that the use of either BLX or Ankylos implant systems was associated to comparable peri-implant health and good pink esthetic outcomes during immediate implantation and restoration protocols, for at least 12 months. View on Web

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CLEC5A expression can be triggered by spike glycoprotein and may be a potential target for COVID‐19 therapy

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader CLEC5A expression can be triggered by spike glycoprotein and may be a potential target for COVID‐19 therapy via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract The immune response is crucial for coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) progression, with the participation of proinflammatory cells and cytokines, inducing lung injury and loss of respiratory function. CLEC5A expression on monocytes can be triggered by viral and bacterial infections, leading to poor outcomes. SARS-CoV-2 is able to induce neutrophil activation by CLEC5A and Toll-like receptor 2, leading to an aggressive inflammatory cascade, but little information is known about the molecular interactions between CLEC5A and SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Here, we aimed to explore how CLEC5A expression could be affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection using immunological tools with in vitro, in vivo and in silico assays. The findings revealed that high levels of CLEC5A expression were found in monocytes from severe COVID-19 patients in comparison with mild COVID-19 and unexposed subjects, but not in vaccinated subjects who developed mild COVID-19. In hamsters, we detected CLEC5A ge ne expression during 3-15 days of Omicron strain viral challenge. Our results also showed that CLEC5A can interact with SARS-CoV-2, promoting inflammatory cytokine production, probably through an interaction with the receptor binding domain in the N-acetylglucosamine binding site (NAG-601). The high expression of CLEC5A and high levels of proinflammatory cytokine production were reduced in vitro by a human CLEC5A monoclonal antibody. Finally, CLEC5A was triggered by spike glycoprotein, suggesting its involvement in COVID-19 progression; therapy with a monoclonal antibody could be a good strategy for COVID-19 treatment, but vaccines are still the best option to avoid hospitalization/deaths. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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