Prior vaccination promotes early activation of memory T cells and enhances immune responses during SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection of vaccinated individuals is increasingly common but rarely results in severe disease, likely due to the enhanced potency and accelerated kinetics of memory immune responses. However, there have been few opportunities to rigorously study early recall responses during human viral infection. To better understand human immune memory and identify potential mediators of lasting vaccine efficacy, we used high-dimensional flow cytometry and SARS-CoV-2 antigen probes to examine immune responses in longitudinal samples from vaccinated individuals infected during the Omicron wave. These studies revealed heightened spike-specific responses during infection of vaccinated compared to unvaccinated individuals. Spike-specific cluster of differentiation (CD)4 T cells and plasmablasts expanded and CD8 T cells were robustly activated during the first week. In contrast, memory B cell activation, neutralizing antibody production and primary responses to nonspike antigens occurred during the second week. Collectively, these data demonstrate the functionality of vaccine-primed immune memory and highlight memory T cells as rapid responders during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Prior vaccination enhances immune responses during SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection with early activation of memory T cells followed by production of potent neutralizing antibodies

SARS-CoV-2 infection of vaccinated individuals is increasingly common but rarely results in severe disease, likely due to the enhanced potency and accelerated kinetics of memory immune responses. However, there have been few opportunities to rigorously study early recall responses during human viral infection. To better understand human immune memory and identify potential mediators of lasting vaccine efficacy, we used high-dimensional flow cytometry and SARS-CoV-2 antigen probes to examine immune responses in longitudinal samples from vaccinated individuals infected during the Omicron wave. These studies revealed heightened Spike-specific responses during infection of vaccinated compared to unvaccinated individuals. Spike-specific CD4 T cells and plasmablasts expanded and CD8 T cells were robustly activated during the first week. In contrast, memory B cell activation, neutralizing antibody production, and primary responses to non-Spike antigens occurred during the second week. Collectively, these data demonstrate the functionality of vaccine-primed immune memory and highlight memory T cells as rapid responders during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Changes in Vertebral Column Height (VCH) at Different Distance Intervals During a 3-Mile Walk

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in vertebral column height (VCH) of males and females, at every one-half mile, for a total walking distance of 3 miles.

METHODS

Twenty males and twenty females between the ages of 21 and 40 years walked 3 miles on a treadmill maintaining a walking speed that the subject rated between 12 and 14 on Borg's rate of perceived exertion scale. Blood pressure, heart rate, and VCH measurements were taken initially and at each half-mile interval throughout the three-mile walk. Vertebral column height (VCH) was measured from the spinous process of C7 to S2 using a standard tape measure.

RESULTS

Significant differences existed in vertebral column height according to sex (F = 16.18; p < .05) and significant differences in vertebral column height at the different distances (F = 65.02: p < .0001). Significant changes occurred in the VCH between half-mile intervals only between 0.5 miles and 1.0 mile and between 1.0 mile and 1.5 miles during the walk. As found with a regression analysis, curvilinear relationship exists between the distance walked and VCH; with VCH decreasing throughout the distance of the walk.

CONCLUSIONS

Vertebral column height decreased in a curvilinear relationship throughout the distance of walking 3 miles in both males and females.

Selective oxidation of allylic sulfides by hydrogen peroxide with the trirutile-type solid oxide catalyst LiNbMoO(6)

Chemoselective sulfur oxidation of allylic sulfides containing double bonds of high electron density due to multiple alkyl substituents or extended conjugation was developed using the composite metal oxide catalyst, LiNbMoO(6), without any epoxidation of the electron-rich double bond(s). Selective oxidation to either the corresponding sulfoxides or the sulfones was realized by controlling the stoichiometry of the quantitative oxidant, H(2)O(2). This new oxidant system had general applicability for chemoselective oxidation of various allylic, benzylic, or propargylic sulfides containing unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds with different electron properties. Various functional groups including hydroxy, formyl, and ethers of THP or TBDMS are compatible under this mild oxidation reaction condition.

Culturally related anxiety and ethnic identity in Navajo college students

The Cultural Involvement and Detachment Anxiety Questionnaire (D. W. McNeil, C. A. Porter, M. J. Zvolensky, & J. M. Chaney, 1998) and the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (J. S. Phinney, 1992) were administered to 160 Navajo college students to explore the relation between ethnic identity and culturally related anxiety, compare level of ethnic identity in reference to standardized samples, and test for gender differences. Correlations indicated a notable lack of relation between ethnic identity and cultural anxiety. This particular Navajo sample evidenced significantly higher levels of ethnic identity in comparison to students of Caucasian, Asian, Hispanic, or mixed ethnicity. There were no significant gender differences in culturally related anxiety. Results are discussed in relation to culturally related anxiety and ethnic identity in the Navajo, with implications for better understanding the nature of cultural anxiety in other American Indians and Alaska Natives.

Poisoning by amatoxin-containing mushrooms in suburban New York--report of four cases

We report four cases of poisoning with amatoxin-producing mushrooms in suburban Long Island. All occurred when amateur mushroom hunters picked mushrooms from neighboring lawns. Two patients presented 30 hours post ingestion with evidence of acute hepatic dysfunction. One survived, after treatment with charcoal and penicillin; the other, a 90-year-old woman with prior cardiac disease soon developed shock and subsequently died. The other two patients were admitted 18 hours after ingestion of Lepiota chlorophyllum and received prompt charcoal hemoperfusion. Both did well, although one had a mild elevation of transaminases. Although most reports of amatoxin poisoning originate in Europe, these cases confirm that amatoxin-producing mushrooms, including Lepiota chlorophyllum, may be found in northeastern American suburbs. Such patients who present prior to 24 hours after ingestion should receive charcoal hemoperfusion if a lethal dose (> 50 g of mushroom) has been eaten.

Post-traumatic stress disorder and civil violence in Northern Ireland

The case records of 499 victims of civil and terrorist violence were examined, and the presence or absence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated features recorded. The results support the face, and predictive, validities of PTSD. 'Acting as if the event were reoccurring' and 'survivor guilt' seemed not to be characteristic symptoms, and the homogeneity of the emotional state in PTSD was questionable. Only marital disharmony and suicidal behaviour were associated complications. PTSD seemed to be found in a wide range of stressors, but the danger in over-reliance on results from combat veterans is emphasised.

Post-traumatic stress in Northern Ireland

The sample studied was a group of 643 adults each seeking compensation for "Nervous Shock" and seen by a single Belfast psychiatrist for medico-legal assessment. Demographic information, risk factors, diagnosis, type of incident, symptoms and outcome were recorded for each patient. From the symptoms recorded, a subgroup of 23% were identified as suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as defined in DSM III. This subgroup tended to be older, included more females, had more depressive symptoms and had more severe, prolonged disturbance. The findings document our experience of PTSD in the special context of Northern Ireland and suggest it may be a more useful term in describing psychological reaction to violence than the nebulous concept of "Nervous Shock" used at present by our courts.