Antibody response six months after the booster dose of Pfizer in previous recipients of CoronaVac

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Antibody response six months after the booster dose of Pfizer in previous recipients of CoronaVac via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract The most widely used vaccines were mRNA, viral vector, and inactivated virus with two-dose schedules. In Brazil, the CoronaVac (Sinovac) was the first vaccine approved for emergency use and the third dose was administered, preferably, with the BNT162b2 vaccine. We evaluated antibody levels after six months of the booster dose with BNT162B2 in previous recipients of CoronaVac and whether a subsequent SARS-COV-2 infection enhances the antibody response. We analyze of the humoral response, S IgM for the SARS-CoV-2, S IgG and N IgG in samples collected before the third dose and six months after the third dose. The presence of antibodies was measured by using Abbott Architect i2000SR. The IgM and IgG anti-spike were stimulated mainly in 30D/3D with a decline over time. The IgG anti-N was stimulated predominantly in 90/3D and 180/3D. The N IgG levels were 50 and 35 times higher in the positive PCR group in 90/3D and 180/3D, respectively. The S IgG titers were 1.5 times elevated in the positive PCR group, in 180/3D. The BNT162b2 boosted the S IgG levels, decreasing after the 60 days. The booster shot induced IgM and IgG antibodies against Spike protein. Infection after vaccination increased antibodies against protein N. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Isthmus morphology influences debridement efficacy of activated irrigation: a laboratory study involving biofilm mimicking hydrogel removal and high‐speed imaging

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Isthmus morphology influences debridement efficacy of activated irrigation: a laboratory study involving biofilm mimicking hydrogel removal and high‐speed imaging via International Endodontic Journal Abstract Aim Little is known about the influence of isthmus morphology on the debridement efficacy of activated irrigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of isthmus morphology on the debridement efficacy of laser-activated irrigation (LAI), EDDY and needle irrigation (NI), and to explain the methods of isthmus cleaning by LAI and EDDY. Methodology Four root canal models (apical diameter: 0.30 mm, taper: 0.06, curvature: 23°, length: 20 mm) were produced by CAD-CAM with different isthmus morphologies: long-wide (4 mm; 0.4 mm), long-narrow (4 mm; 0.15 mm), short-wide (2 mm; 0.4 mm) and short-narrow (2 mm; 0.15 mm). The isthmuses were filled with a hydrogel containing dentine debris. The canals were filled with irrigant and models were assigned to the following irrigation protocols (n=240): needle irrigation (NI) with a 30G needle, Eddy, and LAI (2940 nm Er:YAG-laser, 15 Hz, 40 mJ, SWEEPS, tip at the canal entrance). Standardized images of the isthmuses were taken before and after irrigation, and the amount of removed hydrogel was determined using image analysis software and compared across groups using Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn's multiple comparison. Visualization of the isthmus during activation was achieved using a high-speed camera. The pattern and speed of the flow in the isthmus as well as transient and stable cavitation were analysed using imaging software. Results LAI, EDDY and NI removed more hydrogel in short-wide isthmuses than in narrow isthmuses (P<0.001). LAI and EDDY removed more hydrogel than NI in every isthmus configuration (P<0.001). EDDY showed eddies and stable cavitation, and LAI showed transient cavitation at each pulse, and pulsed horizontal flow with the highest particle speed in closed short isthmuses. Conclusions Isthmus morphology influences debridement in all irrigation groups. Short-wide isthmuses were the easiest to clean while narrow isthmuses were the most challenging to clean. Width seems to be a more critical anatomical parameter than length. LAI and EDDY resulted in the greatest biofilm removal and performed better than NI. EDDY produced eddies and stable cavitation in the isthmus, and LAI showed transient cavitation and pulsed horizontal flow. View on Web

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Optimal Timing of the Salivary Pepsin Test for the Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Optimal Timing of the Salivary Pepsin Test for the Diagnosis of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux via The Laryngoscope Salivary pepsin testing combined waking, 1 h and 2 h after breakfast and lunch, and 1 h after dinner has almost the same diagnostic value as MTPSPT, and testing at these time points can be an effective method for diagnosing LPR. Objective To investigate the optimal time point for diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) through combining 24-h hypopharyngeal-esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (24-h HEMII-pH) monitoring and the multi-time point salivary pepsin test (MTPSPT). Study Design Prospective uncontrolled trial. Method Patients with and without LPR symptoms were included as the test group and the control group, respectively. The patients in the test group underwent 24-h HEMII-pH and MTPSPT. The results of 24-h HEMII-pH were used as a diagnostic criterion for LPR, and the diagnostic value of salivary pepsin tests performed at different time points was compared by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results A total of 153 patients were included. Based on 24-h HEMII-pH, the positive rate of LPR in the test group of patients was 84.00%. In the control group, only one person (3.57%) had a positive salivary pepsin test result. The area under the curve (AUC) of the MTPSPT was 0.827. In addition, we separately calculated the AUC of the combined salivary pepsin test at different time points, and found good diagnostic value (AUC = 0.799) when the test was combined with the waking, 1 and 2 h after breakfast and lunch, and 1 h after dinner tests. However, when the number of tests were further increased, the diagnostic value did not improve significantly. Conclusion Salivary pepsin testing combined with waking, 1 h and 2 h after breakfast and lunch, and 1 h after dinner has almost the same diagnostic value as MTPSPT, and testing at these time points can be an effective method for diagnosing LPR. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Association of treated and untreated chronic hepatitis C with the incidence of active tuberculosis disease: a population-based cohort study.

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Association of treated and untreated chronic hepatitis C with the incidence of active tuberculosis disease: a population-based cohort study. via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes dysregulation and suppression of immune pathways involved in the control of tuberculosis (TB) infection. However, data on the role of chronic hepatitis C as a risk factor for active TB are lacking. We sought to evaluate the association between HCV infection and the development of active TB. Methods We conducted a cohort study in Georgia among adults tested for HCV antibodies (January 2015 – September 2o2o) and followed longitudinally for the development of newly diagnosed active TB. Data were obtained from the Georgian National programs of hepatitis C and TB. The exposures of interest were untreated and treated HCV infection. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate adjusted hazards ratios. Results A total of 1,828,808 adults were included (median follow-up time: 26 months, IQR: 13-39 months). Active TB was diagnosed in 3,163 (0.17%) individuals after a median of 6 months follow-up (IQR: 1-18 months). The incidence rate per 100,000 person-years was 296 among persons with untreated HCV infection, 109 among those with treated HCV infection, and 65 among HCV-negative persons. In multivariable analysis, both untreated (aHR = 2.9, 95%CI: 2.4-3.4) and treated (aHR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.4-2.0) HCV infection were associated with a higher hazard of active TB, compared to HCV-negative persons. Conclusions Adults with HCV infection, particularly untreated i ndividuals, were at higher risk of developing active TB disease. Screening for latent TB infection and active TB disease should be part of clinical evaluation of people with HCV infection, especially in high TB burden areas. View on Web

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Co-administration of Oral Cholera Vaccine with Oral Polio Vaccine among Bangladeshi Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Open Label Trial to Assess Interference

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Co-administration of Oral Cholera Vaccine with Oral Polio Vaccine among Bangladeshi Young Children: A Randomized Controlled Open Label Trial to Assess Interference via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background Cholera remains a public health threat for low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. ShancholTM, an inactivated oral cholera vaccine (OCV) is currently in use globally. OCV and oral poliovirus vaccines (OPV) could be administered concomitantly but the immunogenicity and safety of coadministration among children aged 1-3 years is unknown. Method We undertook an open-label, randomized, controlled, inequality trial in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Healthy children aged 1-3 years were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: bivalent OPV (bOPV)-alone, OCV-alone, or combined bOPV + OCV and received vaccines on the day of enrollment and 28 days later. Blood samples were collected on the day of enrollment, day 28, and day 56. Serum poliovirus neutralizing antibodies and vibriocidal antibodies against V. cholerae O1 were assessed using microneutralization assays. Results A total of 579 children aged 1‒3 years were recruited, 193 children per group. More than 90% of the children completed visits at day 56. Few adverse events following immunization were recorded and were equivalent among study arms. On day 28, 60% (90% Confidence interval, 53%-67%) and 54% (46%-61%) of participants with co-administration of bOPV + OCV responded to polioviruses type 1 and 3 respectively, compared to 55% (47%-62%) and 46% (38%-53%) in the bOPV-only group. Additionally, >50% of participants showed a ≥4-fold increase in vibriocidal antibody titre responses on day 28, comparable to the responses observed in OCV-only arm. Conclusions Co-administration of bOPV and OCV is safe and effective in children aged 1-3 years and can be cost-beneficial. View on Web

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Tooth survival after endodontic treatment

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Tooth survival after endodontic treatment via International Endodontic Journal Abstract There are several measures that are, or could be, in use in relation to estimating the outcome of endodontic treatments. It is important to reflect on when and why a certain outcome measure is used; when caring for an individual patient it is obvious that the goal always should be a tooth in a healthy state, that is striving to remove any infection and aim for the tooth to have healthy periapical tissues. For patients in general and for society, it is also interesting to know if endodontic treatments will lead to retention of teeth in a functioning state. From epidemiological studies, with high prevalence of root filled teeth with periapical radiolucencies, it is implied that dentists and/or patients accept the retention of a root filled tooth with persistent apical periodontitis. However, we do not know if or how this affects the health of the individual. In conjunction with an endodontic treatment the prognosis is considered and since the prognostic factors seem to be somewhat different depending on whether one is considering for example the outcome ´healthy periapical tissues´ or ´tooth survival´ they are equally important to know. Factors affecting the outcome ´healthy periapical tissues´ probably has to do with removal of infection and reconstituting the barrier to prevent leakage whilst ´tooth survival´ is more likely associated with factors outside of the classical endodontic field such as restorability and avoidance of further destruction of tooth substance. This narrative review will focus on tooth survival after endodontic treatment and root canal treatment will be the focus. As a crude estimation, there is to be an annual loss of 2% of teeth which have received a root canal treatment. Of the pre-, peri- and postoperative factors that have been studied in conjunction with root canal treatments the restoration of the tooth is the factor that has been most extensively studied. Many studies imply that root filled teeth restored with indirect restorations have a better survival than teeth restored with direct restorations, it is not possible to determine whether this indeed is a prognostic factor. View on Web

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Effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle function and recovery after exercise‐induced muscle damage: a systematic review.

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Effects of vitamin D supplementation on muscle function and recovery after exercise‐induced muscle damage: a systematic review. via Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics ABSTRACT Background Vitamin D is essential for the optimal health of the skeletal system. However, this vitamin is also involved in other functions of the human body, such as muscle, immune and inflammatory ones. Some studies suggest that adequate levels of vitamin D support muscular function during exercise and accelerate recovery because they reduce specific pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, but those results have not always been observed. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress and recovery after exercise. Methods This systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. A literature search of SPORTDiscuss, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus was performed from inception through February, 2021. The articles' methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro scale. Results After the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 eligible articles were included. A ll the studies were considered of moderate methodological quality. Ten studies involved regular vitamin D supplementation for more than 7 days, and one study performed acute vitamin D supplementation 24 h before exercise. Conclusions The existing evidence suggests that vitamin D supplementation for periods of more than 1 week with a minimum dose of 2000 IU/day appears to be an efficacious strategy for attenuating muscle damage and inflammation after exercise. The potential positive effects on muscle function, muscle pain and oxidative stress need to be confirmed with new investigations. Further research is also required to clarify the adequate vitamin D dosage to obtain positive effects without adverse effects. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Blood counts in children with Down syndrome

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Blood counts in children with Down syndrome via Pediatric Blood & Cancer Abstract Background Children with Down syndrome (DS) are more likely to have hematologic and immunologic abnormalities compared to their typically developing peers, but normal ranges have not been defined. The goal of this study was to create references for complete blood counts (CBCs) in patients with DS. Methods A retrospective investigation of 355 (male = 196, 55.2%; mean age = 6.49 years, SD = 5.07) healthy pediatric patients with DS who received a CBC between 2011 and 2017 as part of their medical care at a single, large, pediatric teaching hospital. Control data on 770 healthy patients without DS were included. Descriptive statistics were performed on demographic and clinical characteristics. Kruskal–Wallis H tests, nested analysis-of-variance tests, and t-tests were run to determine the significant associations. Results Age-related normative curves for healthy children with DS outlining 2.5th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 97.5th percentiles are provided for total white blood count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, and platelet, absolute neutrophil, absolute lymphocyte, eosinophil, monocyte, and basophil counts. Statistical differences were found between children with and without DS receiving care at the same hospital based on matched age/sex groups. Conclusions This study demonstrates that patients with DS have different reference ranges for multiple blood counts compared to those without DS, creating a new resource for pediatricians to refer to when evaluating CBCs in this population. View on Web

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Low‐dose acyclovir for prophylaxis of varicella‐zoster virus reactivation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Low‐dose acyclovir for prophylaxis of varicella‐zoster virus reactivation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children via Pediatric Blood & Cancer Abstract Background Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) reactivation is a serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Although low-dose acyclovir can prevent VZV reactivation after HSCT in adults, the efficacy of a dose of acyclovir lower than the recommended dose, such as 60–80 mg/kg/day in children, is unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of VZV reactivation after HSCT during and after low-dose acyclovir administration for preventing VZV reactivation in children. Methods This single-center retrospective study included children aged ≤15 years who received oral acyclovir (at 15 mg/kg/day) to prevent VZV reactivation after HSCT. We examined the cumulative incidence of VZV reactivation after HSCT, during and after prophylactic acyclovir administration. Results Fifty-three eligible patients were included in this study, of whom 37 underwent allogeneic HSCT. The median duration of prophylactic acyclovir therapy was 264 days (range: 69–1140 days). VZV reactivation occurred in 13 patients (24.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.9–37.6). The cumulative incidence of VZV reactivation 1 and 2 years after HSCT was 6.26% (95% CI: 1.60–15.5) and 20.9% (95% CI: 10.3–34.0), respectively. While only one patient developed VZV reactivation during the administration of prophylactic acyclovir, the cumulative incidence of VZV reactivation increased to 24.2% (95% CI: 12.5–38.0) 1 year after the cessation of acyclovir. Conclusion Low-dose acyclovir (15 mg/kg/day) could be effective for preventing VZV reactivation after HSCT in children because VZV reactivation seldom occurs during the administration of 15 mg/kg/day acyclovir. View on Web

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Longitudinal use of patient reported outcomes in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma reveals clinically relevant symptomatic adverse events

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Longitudinal use of patient reported outcomes in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma reveals clinically relevant symptomatic adverse events via Pediatric Blood & Cancer Abstract Background Leukemia and lymphoma (LL) are the most common cancer diagnoses of childhood with high survival rates, but not without impact on the child's functioning and quality of life. This study aimed to use patient-reported data to describe the symptomatic adverse event (AE) experiences among children with LL diagnoses. Methods Two hundred and fifty seven children and adolescents aged 7–18 years with a first LL diagnosis completed the Pediatric Patient-Reported version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (Ped-PRO-CTCAE) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric measures before starting a treatment course (T1) and after the treatment (T2). Results Fatigue was the most severe AE (68.1% at T1; 67% at T2) and caused the most interference over time. Gastrointestinal AEs were also quite common (e.g., nausea 46.3% at T1 and 48.9% at T2; abdominal pain 42.4% at T1; 46.5% at T2). In general, symptoms were present both at T1 and T2 and did not change significantly in severity or interference. The prevalence of AEs varied by LL disease group (e.g., nausea was most common in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), fatigue was most severe in ALL and Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), acute myeloid leukemia had the fewest AEs). Conclusion Despite current supportive care regimens, many children with LL continue to report fatigue, pain, insomnia, and gastrointestinal symptoms as the most frequent or severe symptoms during therapy. View on Web

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