16 SARS-COV-2 INFECTION AND VACCINATION PATTERNS DETERMINE LONG-TERM ANTIBODY RESPONSES IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS: DATA FROM NH-COVAIR

Background

Older Nursing Home Residents (NHRs) are at greatest risk of morbidity and mortality from SARS-CoV-2, particularly in the context of both waning vaccine efficacy and the emergence of Variants-of-Concern (VOCs). However, the determinants of long-term vaccine-induced protective antibody responses are yet to be determined in this group.

Methods

NH-COVAIR recruited older NHRs for comprehensive clinical and frailty (NH-FRAIL) assessment. Blood samples were obtained pre-vaccination, at 6-weeks and 6-months following primary vaccination and 6-months following booster vaccination. Antibody titres were measured using both an electrochemiluminescence assay and a custom bead-based array (Luminex™) to measure antibody titre and avidity for Wuhan strain/major VOC antigens. Stepwise adjusted linear regression (log-transformed) assessed longitudinal determinants of vaccine-induced antibody responses.

Results

Of 86 participants (81.1 ± 10.8 years; 65% female), just under half (45.4%) had evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. All NHRs mounted a significant antibody-response to vaccination at 5 weeks followed by a significant decrease in antibody titre by 6 months. Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was the strongest predictor of antibody waning at all timepoints (β: 3.59; 2.89, 4.28; P < 0.001 for 6-months). Independent of infection history, both age (β: –0.05; –0.08, –0.02; p<0.001) and frailty (β: –0.22; –0.33, –0.11; p<0.001) were associated with faster antibody waning at 6-months. Cross-reactivity and avidity were significantly lower for Beta (B.1.351) and Gamma (P.1) VOC strains (all p<0.001). Additionally, there was faster antibody waning and significantly reduced antibody avidity to Beta and Gamma VOCs in SARS-CoV-2 naïve NHRs.

Conclusion

Older NHRs are capable of mounting protective antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Responses were more durable, with a greater cross-reactivity to and avidity for VOCs in those with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increasing age and greater frailty in NHRs was associated with faster antibody waning. Our findings support ongoing serological surveillance and use of additional vaccine doses in older NHRs, particularly in those without previous SARS-CoV-2 exposure.

953 PREVIOUS SARS-COV2 INFECTION, AGE AND FRAILTY PREDICT 6-MONTH BNT162B2 VACCINE-INDUCED ANTIBODY TITRE IN NURSING HOME RESIDENTS

Introduction

Older nursing home residents are the population at greatest risk of morbidity and mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection. No studies have examined the determinants of long-term antibody responses post-vaccination in this group.

Method

Longitudinal cohort study in residents of 5 nursing homes assessed prior to vaccination and at both 5-weeks and 6-months post SARS-CoV2 vaccine (BNT162b2). Comprehensive clinical assessment was performed, including assessment for comorbidity, frailty (NH-FRAIL) and SARS-CoV-2 infection history. Serum Nucleocapsid and Anti-Spike Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) antibodies were analysed at all timepoints and an in vitro Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE2) Receptor-Spike RBD neutralisation assay used to assess serum neutralisation capacity.

Results

Of 86 participants (81.1 ± 10.8 years; 65% female), just-under half (45.4%; 39/86) had evidence of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. All participants demonstrated a significant antibody response to vaccination at 5-weeks and a significant decline in this response by 6-months. SARS-CoV-2 infection history was the strongest predictor of antibody titre (log-transformed) at both 5-weeks (β: 3.00; 95% CI [Confidence Interval]: 2.32, 3.70; p &lt; 0.001) and 6-months (β: 3.59; 95% CI: 2.89, 4.28; p &lt; 0.001). Independent of SARS-CoV-2 infection history, both age in years (β: -0.05; 95% CI: −0.08, −0.02; p &lt; 0.001) and frailty (β: -0.22; 95% CI: −0.33, −0.11; p &lt; 0.001) were associated with a lower antibody titre at 6-months. Antibody titres at both 5-weeks and 6-months significantly correlated with in vitro neutralisation capacity.

Conclusion and Implications

In older nursing home residents, SARS-CoV-2 infection history was the strongest predictor of anti-spike antibody titres at 6-months, whilst age and frailty were independently associated with lower titres at 6-months. Antibody titres significantly correlated with in vitro neutralisation capacity. Whilst older SARS-CoV-2 naïve nursing home residents may be particularly vulnerable to breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection, the relationship between antibody titres, SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical outcomes remains to be fully elucidated in this cohort.

The potential impact of post-COVID symptoms in the healthcare sector

BACKGROUND

The phenomenon of post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is evolving from an abstract array of non-specific symptoms to an identifiable clinical entity of variable severity. Its frequency and persistence have implications for service delivery and workforce planning.

AIMS

This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of symptoms consistent with PCS and the subjective degree of recovery in a cohort of healthcare workers, focusing on those who have returned to work.

METHODS

A study population of 1176 was surveyed when attending for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody testing. Two sub-groups were identified: those with known (i.e. diagnosed on PCR testing) and assumed (i.e. antibody evidence of previous infection) SARs-CoV-2 infection, at least 12 weeks prior to the study. Each group was asked about their subjective degree of recovery and the nature of their persistent symptoms. Results were analysed via excel and SPSS.

RESULTS

In total, 144 employees showed PCR evidence of previous infection, with 139 of these being infected at least 12 weeks prior to the study. Of these 139, only 19% (n = 26) reported feeling 100% recovered, and 71% reported persistent symptoms. Of those with assumed SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 78), 32 (41%) were truly asymptomatic since the commencement of the pandemic, while 46 (59%) described symptoms suggestive of possible infection at least 12 weeks prior to the study. Of this latter group, 23% (n = 18) also reported residual symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

PCS is prevalent among this group, including those not previously diagnosed with COVID-19. Its' frequency and duration present challenges to employers with regards to the management of work availability and performance.

The spectrum of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome: a case series in children

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) is a disease caused by certain toxigenic strains of Staphylococcus aureus. While the classic severe phenotype is widely recognized in children, SSSS in fact exists on a spectrum with mild and moderate variants. Misunderstanding the phenotypic spectrum of SSSS may result in misdiagnosis of an otherwise treatable condition. To increase awareness of the heterogeneity of SSSS, we report four cases that together represent a range of clinical presentations.

A pharmacogenetic analysis of peripheral sensory neuropathy related to administration of taxanes in breast cancer patients

e13133

Background: Commonly used in the treatment of breast cancer, the taxane class includes paclitaxel and docetaxel. Both medications are primarily metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes and transporters mediate drug membrane influx and efflux. Variability in metabolizing enzymes and drug transporter function can affect drug clearance. This study sought to determine if the presence of pharmacogenetic changes in metabolizing enzymes and transporters resulted in a patient experiencing peripheral sensory neuropathy. Methods: In this case-control study, patients were enrolled between April 13, 2018 and April 30, 2018. Electronic medical records of patients with current appointments at Cone Health Cancer Center- Wesley Long were reviewed to identify patients who completed treatment with taxanes for breast cancer after January 1, 2017 for evaluation for inclusion in the study. Buccal swabs for pharmacogenetics testing were collected. Genes of interest, ABCB1, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and SLCO1B1, were evaluated and data was categorized by phenotype. Baseline characteristics and phenotype results were compared using Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and Wilcoxon Rank Sum for numeric variables as appropriate. Results: Thirty-three patients were included in the final analysis. The population was mainly white at 72% and all patients in the study were female. The average patient age was 57 years old. Most patients had stage 1 breast cancer. Most patients received docetaxel. Among patients with peripheral sensory neuropathy, nine were grade 1, five were grade 2, and seven were grade 3. Resulting phenotypes: CYP3A5, all patients were normal metabolizers. CYP3A5, 7 normal metabolizer, 4 intermediate, and 22 poor. SLCO1B1, 25 normal function, 8 intermediate, and no low. ABCB1, 13 normal function, 7 intermediate, and 13 low. For all genes, there was no statistically significant difference in phenotype between the neuropathy and no neuropathy study arms, CYP3A5 (p = 0.075) SLCO1B1 (p = 0.106), ABCB1 (p = 0.902). Conclusions: The findings of our study indicate that having pharmacogenetics changes in the genes, ABCB1, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and SLCO1B1 did not influence the patients experience with peripheral sensory neuropathy.

Severe group A streptococcal infections in mothers and their newborns in London and the South East, 2010-2016: assessment of risk and audit of public health management

OBJECTIVE

We describe cases of invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) in mothers or neonates and assess management according to national guidelines, which recommend administering antibiotics to both mother and neonate if either develops iGAS infection within 28 days of birth and investigation of clusters in maternity units.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional retrospective study.

SETTING AND POPULATION

Notified confirmed iGAS cases in either mothers or neonates with onset within 28 days of birth in London and the South East of England between 2010 and 2016 METHOD: Review of public health records of notified cases.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence and onset time of iGAS in postpartum mothers and babies, proportion given prophylaxis, maternity unit clusters within 6 months.

RESULTS

We identified 134 maternal and 21 neonatal confirmed iGAS infections. The incidence (in 100 000 person years) of iGAS in women within 28 days postpartum was 109 (95% CI 90-127) compared with 1.3 in other females aged 15-44. For neonates the incidence was 1.5 (95% CI 9-23). The median onset time was 2 days postpartum [interquartile range (IQR) 0-5 days] for mothers and 12 days (IQR 7-15 days) for neonates. All eligible mothers and most (109, 89%) eligible neonates received chemoprophylaxis. Of 20 clusters (59 cases of GAS and iGAS) in maternity units, two clusters involved possible transmission. However, in 6 of 15 clusters, GAS isolates were not saved for comparison even after relevant guidance was issued.

CONCLUSIONS

iGAS infection remains a potential postpartum risk. Prophylaxis among neonates and storage of isolates from maternity cases can be improved.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Are public health guidelines being followed in the management of mothers and their newborns to reduce the risk of iGAS infection?

Just a "Puff of Smoke"

CASE

A 44 year old woman with a history of stroke s/p aneurysm clipping, seizure, and substance abuse was brought to the hospital after a family member received a call from her friend saying she was acting unusual and may have had a seizure while hanging out on the street. At her baseline, she needed modest assistance in daily activities after her CVA and conversed without issue. Her mother died of a stroke. On exam the patient was afebrile, normotensive with mild tachycardia to 110. The patient moved all her extremities but was lethargic, agitated, responded to pain but would not follow commands and moaned nonsensical speech. Labs were unrevealing with mild leukocytosis (WBC: 11.7 × 109/L);, normal metabolic panel, ammonia, glucose, and a negative urine toxicology. Initial computed tomography (CT); of her head demonstrated atrophy with large area of encephalomalacia in Left middle cerebral artery (MCA); area. Repeat CT, 1 day later showed edema and sulcal effacement in the right occipital, posterior, temporal, and posterior parietal lobes with evolving infarct in right posterior cerebral artery (PCA); and right MCA territories. CT angiogram showed occlusion of the clinoid segments of both internal carotid arteries, consistent with Moyamoya pattern of collateral flow. Neurosurgery was consulted and recommended cerebral bypass. The patient was unable to consent for surgery and her closest relative refused surgery. The patient received supportive therapy with minimal improvements in word findings/ communication and no improvement in inability to perform daily activities. She was accepted to inpatient stroke rehab upon discharge.

DISCUSSION

Moyamoya disease is a rare vascular condition which leads to progressive stenosis of the internal carotid arteries through wall thickening of the associated arteries which leads to progressive strokes and the development of collateral vessels. Moyamoya is a Japanese term for a "puff of smoke" which describes the appearance on imaging of the small collateral vessels that develop around the progressively blocked arteries. There is a hereditary association and our patient's mother likely had the disease as well. The prognosis is poor and the disease will lead to a cognitive decline with associated CVAs. Treatment includes cerebral revascularization or bypass. The case highlights the need for early diagnosis, as our patient was too debilitated to make medical decisions for treatment at the time of her diagnosis.

p53, Cyclin D1, p21 (WAF1) and Ki-67 (MIB1) Expression at Invasive Tumour Fronts of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas and Development of Local Recurrence

BACKGROUND

Expression of p53, cyclin D1, p21 (WAF1) and Ki-67 (MIB1) was evaluated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) to test whether levels of these markers at invasive tumour fronts (ITFs) could predict the development of local recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Archived paraffin-embedded specimens from 51 patients with T1/T2 tumours were stained immunohistochemically and analysed quantitatively. Local recurrence-free survival was tested with Kaplan-Meier survival plots (log-rank test) using median values to define low and high expression groups and with a Cox's proportional hazards model in which the expression scores were entered as continuous variables.

RESULTS

The assessment of expression of all markers was highly reliable, univariate analysis showing that patients with clear surgical margins, with low cyclin D1 and high p21 expression at the ITF had the best local recurrence-free survival. Multivariate analysis showed that these three parameters were independent prognostic factors but that neither p53 nor MIB1 expression were of prognostic value.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of p53, cyclin D1, p21 (WAF1), and Ki-67 (MIB1) at the ITF could help to predict local recurrence in early stage oral squamous cell carcinoma cases.

PROFICIENCY AT OBJECT CONTROL SKILLS BY NINE- TO TEN-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA: THE NW-CHILD STUDY

Adequate proficiency at object control skills, which is influenced by biological and environmental constraints, underlies the development of more complex sport-specific skills. This study describes proficiency at six object control skills and demographic correlates associated with each skill and each skill criteria in 9- to 10-year-old children who were randomly selected from 20 schools (N=826) and tested with the Test of Gross Motor Development-2. Cross-tabulation and hierarchical linear models were used to analyze the effects of sex (433 boys, 393 girls), ethnicity (619 Black, 207 White), and high (n=312) and low (n= 514) socioeconomic school environments. Twenty-three percent of the sample showed below average proficiency. Significant sex and socioeconomic school environment differences were found favoring boys and children from higher socioeconomic environments, although kicking showed significant interaction effects. It is concluded that environmental opportunities are the primary cause of differences across skills and the rates at which the skills are learned.

Factors influencing elevated serum apolipoprotein B48 in diabetic and control participants

Factors influencing the concentration of apolipoprotein B48 (apo B48) at fasting and post-prandial time frames are still being elucidated. This study assesses some possible contributing factors including the presence of type 2 diabetes and gender using an established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Apo B48 and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured before and for two, four and six hours post-prandially in 49 poorly controlled participants with type 2 diabetes and in 60 apparently healthy participants (controls). Apo B48 levels in the control participants increased post-prandially, peaking at four hours (14.81 ± 7.72 μg/mL) with similar responses demonstrated in TG concentrations. Post-prandial apo B48 levels were significantly higher in male control participants as demonstrated by apo B48 area under the curve (AUC); similar responses were also confirmed in triglyceride AUC. Post-prandial apo B48 concentrations in control participants correlated with HOMA-IR (P < 0.05). Apo B48 continued to increase throughout the six hours in participants with type 2 diabetes (17.73 ± 13.46 μg/mL), when levels were significantly greater than in the control participants (13.04 ± 7.67 μg/mL) (P < 0.05) despite a decrease in accompanying TG levels in participants with type 2 diabetes. Using an ELISA method, this study demonstrated that gender, insulin resistance (as evidenced by HOMA-IR) and diabetes status influence serum apo B48 levels. These effects were only apparent post-prandially.

Traveling waves in 2D hexagonal granular crystal lattices

This study describes the dynamic response of a two-dimensional hexagonal packing of uncompressed stainless steel spheres excited by localized impulsive loadings. The dynamics of the system are modeled using the Hertzian normal contact law. After the initial impact strikes the system, a characteristic wave structure emerges and continuously decays as it propagates through the lattice. Using an extension of the binary collision approximation for one-dimensional chains, we predict its decay rate, which compares well with numerical simulations and experimental data. While the hexagonal lattice does not support constant speed traveling waves, we provide scaling relations that characterize the directional power law decay of the wave velocity for various angles of impact. Lastly, we discuss the effects of weak disorder on the directional amplitude decay rates.

[Mucoviscidosis: CFTR mutation-specific therapy: a ray of sunshine in a cloudy sky]

There is a need to find a cure for pulmonary disease in cystic fibrosis (CF), though full benefit of this approach will be restricted to those patients with well-preserved lungs. The most promising route is currently that of a pharmacological mutation-specific approach aiming at correcting the mechanism by which mutations lead to impairment of chloride conductance across respiratory epithelial cells. In the past 14years, 7 candidate drugs (CPX, 4PBA, gentamicin, PTC124, VX-770 or Ivacaftor, VX-809 or Lumacaftor, and Miglustat) have been investigated in CF patients. A postulate of 14 out of the 15 published studies has been that an effective agent had to improve total chloride secretion as assessed in vivo by nasal potential difference measurements. The present review casts a critical look at these studies. Apparent inconsistencies are discussed as well as possible limitations of nasal potential difference measurements as outcome parameters in these trials. Primarily targeting a mutation carried by less than 2% of French CF patients, the 2 Ivacaftor studies could well be a milestone on the long road toward a cure for CF. However, further data on safety and long-term efficacy are obviously needed and the current price of this medication in the US would make it unaffordable for European patients.

Effects of weak disorder on stress-wave anisotropy in centered square nonlinear granular crystals

The present study describes wave propagation characteristics in a weakly disordered two-dimensional granular media composed of a square array of spheres accommodating interstitial cylindrical intruders. Previous investigations, performed experimentally as well as numerically, emphasized that wave-front shapes in similar systems are tunable via choice of material combinations. Here, we investigate the effects of statistical variation in the particle diameters and compare the effects of the resulting disorder in experiments and numerical simulations, finding good agreement.

Stress wave anisotropy in centered square highly nonlinear granular systems

Highly ordered, close packed granular systems present a nonlinear dynamic behavior stemming from the Hertzian contact interaction between particles. We investigated the propagation of elastic stress waves in an uncompressed, centered square array of spherical and cylindrical particles. We show, via experiments and numerical simulations, that systematic variations of the mass and stiffness ratios of the spherical and cylindrical particles lead to large variations in the characteristics of the propagating stress wave fronts traveling through the system. The ability to control the stress wave front properties in these granular systems may allow for the development of new wave-tailoring materials including systems capable of redirecting impact energy.

Chromosomal Aberrations in Human Lymphocytes Inducedin Vitroby Very Low Doses of X-rays

This paper presents results of a collaborative experiment between six laboratories which examined the yields of unstable chromosomal aberrations in human lymphocytes induced in vitro by X-rays over the dose range 0-300 mGy. The work included data points of nominal doses of 0, 3, 5, 6, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 300 mGy. Cells from 24 donors were examined and a total of about 300,000 metaphases were scored. The work was undertaken to determine the limits of sensitivity of the system taking into account variations in scoring data due to inter-donor sample and inter-laboratory effects. Despite the existence of these effects, aberration yields significantly in excess of control values were seen at doses greater than 20 mGy and these were consistent with a linear extrapolation from higher doses. Below 20 mGy the observed dicentric yields were generally lower than background, but not significantly so. Excess acentric aberrations, on the other hand, and centric rings, were higher than the controls but the increase was usually not significant. It is concluded that the statistical uncertainties are such that below 20 mGy this technique cannot distinguish between a linear or a threshold model.

Omalizumab for exacerbations of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis in patients with cystic fibrosis

Anti-IgE therapy was proposed to two teenagers with cystic fibrosis (CF) with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) exacerbation, reluctant to a further course of oral steroids. Both patients experienced ABPA exacerbations within the past 3 years, requiring oral steroid bursts. Clinical, laboratory and radiographic features were consistent with ABPA exacerbations (representing at the time of evaluation the fourth and third episodes for patient 1 and 2, respectively). Total serum IgE was very high, >1000 kU/litre in both cases. Treatment consisting of subcutaneous injections of 375 mg anti-IgE (omalizumab) twice monthly was successful in rapidly improving respiratory symptoms and lung function. Based on clinical and functional improvement, interval between injections was progressively increased and treatment could be withdrawn after 11 injections, without recurrence at 20 weeks of follow-up after withdrawal.

[Cystic fibrosis and pseudomonas aeruginosa current and future strategies]

Cystic fibrosis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa current and future strategies Pseudomonas aeruginosa is long recognized as the main pathogen in cystic fibrosis and avoiding or postponing chronic colonization of the lungs by this germ is considered as the most important challenge for the clinicians dedicated to the care of CF patient. The need for early intervention is widely accepted but its optimal modalities are still debated and the failure rate of this approach is estimated around 20%. This underlines the potential of other strategies including attempts to develop an effective vaccine against PA and anti-PA prophylaxis. Surprisingly enough, the latter approach which could involve early use of inhaled antibiotics has never been studied prospectively. In chronically colonized patients, inhaled antibiotics and oral azythromycin are of value, slowing the FEV1 decline and reducing the number of exacerbations. Whether intravenous antibiotics are to be used electively (during exacerbations) or more systematically (every 3 months for example) remains controversial.