Vaccine‐induced binding and neutralizing antibodies against Omicron 6 months after a homologous BNT162b2 booster

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Vaccine‐induced binding and neutralizing antibodies against Omicron 6 months after a homologous BNT162b2 booster via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract Introduction Evidence about the long-term persistence of the booster-mediated immunity against Omicron is mandatory for pandemic management and deployment of vaccination strategies. Methods A total of 155 healthcare professionals (104 COVID-19 naive and 51 with a history of SARS-COV-2 infection) received a homologous BNT162b2 booster. Binding antibodies against the spike protein and neutralizing antibodies against Omicron were measured at several time points before and up to 6 months after the booster. Geometric mean titers of measured antibodies were correlated to vaccine efficacy against symptomatic disease. Results Compared to the highest response, a significant 10.2 and 11.5-fold decrease in neutralizing titers was observed after 6 months in participants with and without history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A corresponding 2.5 and 2.9-fold decrease in binding antibodies was observed. The estimated T1/2 of neutralizing antibodies in pa rticipants with and without history of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 42 (95%CI, 25–137) and 36 days (95%CI, 25–65). Estimated T1/2 were longer for binding antibodies: 168 (95%CI, 116–303) and 139 days (95%CI, 113–180), respectively. Both binding and neutralizing antibodies were strongly correlated to vaccine efficacy (r = 0.83 and 0.89). However, binding and neutralizing antibodies were modestly correlated, and a high proportion of subjects (36.7%) with high binding antibody titers (i.e. > 8,434 BAU/mL) did not have neutralizing activity. Conclusion A considerable decay of the humoral response was observed 6 months after the booster, and was strongly correlated with vaccine efficacy. Our study also shows that commercial assays available in clinical laboratories might require adaptation to better predict neutralization in the Omicron era. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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Tracking Occupational Voice State with a Visual Analog Scale: Voice Quality, Vocal Fatigue, and Effort

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Tracking Occupational Voice State with a Visual Analog Scale: Voice Quality, Vocal Fatigue, and Effort via The Laryngoscope This study aimed to determine if the concurrent and construct validity of three visual analog scales (VASs) of voice quality and symptoms could be used as a screening tool in call center agents. VAS as a self-report instrument of vocal symptoms was related to psychosocial voice impairment and alterations of acoustic voice parameters in call center workers. Such instruments could be easily implemented to identify voice complaints in these populations. Background Due to elevated vocal health risk in industries such as call centers, there is a need to have accessible and quick self-report tools for voice symptoms. This study aimed to determine if the concurrent and construct validity of three visual analog scales (VASs) of voice quality and symptoms could be used as a screening tool in call center agents. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in three call center companies. The Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and a vocal hygiene and symptoms survey were administered to 66 call center workers. Further, acoustic parameters including harmonics-to-noise ratio (HNR), smoothed cepstral peak prominence (CPPs), L1-L0 slope, and Alpha ratio were collected. Finally, workers completed three VASs capturing self-perception of vocal effort (VAS-1), voice quality (VAS-2), and vocal fatigue (VAS-3). Linear regression models with bootstrapping evaluated the possible relationship between the three VASs measurements, self-perceived vocal symptoms, and acoustic parameters. Results VAS-1 scores were associated with HNR and voice breaks, VAS-2 with voice breaks, and VAS-3 with Alpha ratio. Using the area under a receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the highest AUC for detecting an altered VHI-10 questionnaire score was observed for the three VASs. Also, the highest AUC for detecting altered CPPs was reached for the VAS-1. Conclusions VAS as a self-report instrument of vocal symptoms is related to psychosocial voice impairment and alterations of acoustic voice parameters in call center workers. Such instruments could be easily implemented to identify voice complaints in these populations. Level of Evidence Level 2 (Diagnosis research question) Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Cetuximab-Based vs Carboplatin-Based Chemoradiotherapy for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Cetuximab-Based vs Carboplatin-Based Chemoradiotherapy for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer via JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery Online First This cohort study compares survival with cetuximab-based and carboplatin-based chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. View on Web

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Perspectives from recent advances of Helicobacter pylori vaccines research

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Perspectives from recent advances of Helicobacter pylori vaccines research via Helicobacter Abstract Background Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the main factor leading to some gastric diseases. Currently, H. pylori infection is primarily treated with antibiotics. However, with the widespread application of antibiotics, H. pylori resistance to antibiotics has also gradually increased year by year. Vaccines may be an alternative solution to clear H. pylori. Aims By reviewing the recent progress on H. pylori vaccines, we expected it to lead to more research efforts to accelerate breakthroughs in this field. Materials & Methods We searched the research on H. pylori vaccine in recent years through PubMed®, and then classified and summarized these studies. Results The study of the pathogenic mechanism of H. pylori has led to the development of vaccines using some antigens, such as urease, catalase, and heat shock protein (Hsp). Based on these antigens, whole-cell, subunit, nucleic acid, vector, and H. pylori exosome vaccines have been tested. Discussion At present, researchers have developed many types of vaccines, such as whole cell vaccines, subunit vaccines, vector vaccines, etc. However, although some of these vaccines induced protective immunity in mouse models, only a few were able to move into human trials. We propose that mRNA vaccine may play an important role in preventing or treating H. pylori infection. The current study shows that we have developed various types of vaccines based on the virulence factors of H. pylori. However, only a few vaccines have entered human clinical trials. In order to improve the efficacy of vaccines, it is necessary to enhance T-cell immunity. Conclusion We should fully understand the pathogenic mechanism of H. pylori and find its core antigen as a vaccine target. View on Web

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