High-dimensional analysis of 16 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine combinations reveals lymphocyte signatures correlating with immunogenicity.

The range of vaccines developed against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS­CoV­2) provides a unique opportunity to study immunization across different platforms. In a single-center cohort, we analyzed the humoral and cellular immune compartments following five coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines spanning three technologies (adenoviral, mRNA and inactivated virus) administered in 16 combinations. For adenoviral and inactivated-virus vaccines, heterologous combinations were generally more immunogenic compared to homologous regimens. The mRNA vaccine as the second dose resulted in the strongest antibody response and induced the highest frequency of spike-binding memory B cells irrespective of the priming vaccine. Priming with the inactivated-virus vaccine increased the SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell response, whereas boosting did not. Distinct immune signatures were elicited by the different vaccine combinations, demonstrating that the immune response is shaped by the type of vaccines applied and the order in which they are delivered. These data provide a framework for improving future vaccine strategies against pathogens and cancer.

Wastewater based epidemiology as a silent sentinel of the trend of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in the community in central Argentina.

Monitoring wastewater for the traces of viruses allows effective surveillance of entire communities, including symptomatic and asymptomatic infected individuals, providing information on whether a specific pathogen is circulating in a population. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, 261 wastewater samples from six communities of the province of Córdoba, Argentina were analyzed. From mid-May 2020 to the end of August 2021, raw sewage samples were collected from the central network pipe that enters into the Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) in Córdoba city and five communities in the Punilla Valley. SARS-CoV-2 was concentrated by using the polyethylene glycol-6000 precipitation method. Viral genomes were extracted from concentrated samples, and N- and E-SARS-CoV-2 genes were detected by using real time RT-PCR. Wastewater samples that resulted positive for SARS-CoV-2 genome detection were subjected to viral variants of concern (VOCs) identification by real time RT-PCR. Overall, just by using the identification of the N gene or E gene, the rates of viral genome detection were 43.4% (86/198) and 51.5% (102/198) respectively, and by using both methodologies (positivity criterion: detection of N and / or E gene), the detection rate was 71.2% (141/198). Thereby, the optimal strategy to study the SARS-CoV-2 genome in wastewater would be the use of the combined detection of both genes. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in wastewater reflected their circulation in the community, showing no VOCs detection in the first COVID-19 wave and their co-circulation with Gamma, Alpha and Delta VOCs during 2021. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 Wastewater Based Epidemiology (WBE) described the introduction, permanence and/or the co-circulation of viral variants in the community. In geographical areas with a stable population, SARS-CoV-2 WBE could be used as an early warning sign of new COVID-19 cases, whereas in localities with a low number of inhabitants and high tourist influx, WBE may only be useful to reflect the circulation of the virus in the community. Overall, the monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater can become a silent sentinel of the trend of viral circulation in the community, providing supplementary information for clinical surveillance to support public health measures.

Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid conversion time in military personnel outbreaks with presence of specific IgG antibodies.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is transmitted person-to-person mainly by close contact or droplets from respiratory tract. However, the actual time of viral shedding is still uncertain as well as the different routes of transmission. We aimed to characterize RNA shedding from nasopharyngeal and rectal samples in prolonged cases of mild COVID-19 in young male soldiers. Seventy patients from three different military locations were monitored after recommending to follow more strict isolation measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Then, nasopharyngeal, rectal, and blood samples were taken. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by RT-PCR and specific antibodies by chemiluminescent immunoassays. The median nucleic acid conversion time (NACT) was 60 days (IQR: 7-85 days). Rectal swabs were taken in 60 % of patients. Seven patients (10 %) were positive in nasopharyngeal and rectal swabs, and five (7.14 %) remained positive in rectal swabs, but negative in nasopharyngeal samples. Four patients (5.71 %) that had been discharged, were positive again after 15 days. No significant difference was found in nucleic acid conversion time between age groups nor clinical classification. Maintaining distancing among different positive patients is essential as a possible re-exposure to the virus could cause a longer nucleic acid conversion time in SARS-COV-2 infections.

SARS-CoV-2 detection in multi-sample pools in a real pandemic scenario: A screening strategy of choice for active surveillance.

BACKGROUND: The current COVID-19 pandemic has overloaded the diagnostic capacity of laboratories by the gold standard method rRT-PCR. This disease has a high spread rate and almost a quarter of infected individuals never develop symptoms. In this scenario, active surveillance is crucial to stop the virus propagation. METHODS: Between July 2020 and April 2021, 11,580 oropharyngeal swab samples collected in closed and semi-closed institutions were processed for SARS-CoV-2 detection in pools, implementing this strategy for the first time in Córdoba, Argentina. Five-sample pools were constituted before nucleic acid extraction and amplification by rRT-PCR. Comparative analysis of cycle threshold (Ct) values from positive pools and individual samples along with a cost-benefit report of the whole performance of the results was performed. RESULTS: From 2,314 5-sample pools tested, 158 were classified as positive (6.8%), 2,024 as negative (87.5%), and 132 were categorized as indeterminate (5.7%). The Ct value shift due to sample dilution showed an increase in Ct of 2.6±1.53 cycles for N gene and 2.6±1.78 for ORF1ab gene. Overall, 290 pools were disassembled and 1,450 swabs were analyzed individually. This strategy allowed correctly identifying 99.8% of the samples as positive (7.6%) or negative (92.2%), avoiding the execution of 7,806 rRT-PCR reactions which represents a cost saving of 67.5%. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility of pooling samples to increase the number of tests performed, helping to maximize molecular diagnostic resources and reducing the work overload of specialized personnel during active surveillance of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of heterologous immunization against SARS CoV-2 using Sputnik V, ChAdOx1-S, BBIBP-CorV, Ad5-nCoV, and mRNA-1273.

Heterologous vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) provides a rational strategy to rapidly increase vaccination coverage in many regions of the world. Although data regarding messenger RNA (mRNA) and ChAdOx1 vaccine combinations are available, there is limited information about the combination of these platforms with other vaccines widely used in developing countries, such as BBIBP-CorV and Sputnik V. Here, we assess the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of 15 vaccine combinations in 1,314 participants. We evaluate immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-spike response and virus neutralizing titers and observe that a number of heterologous vaccine combinations are equivalent or superior to homologous schemes. For all cohorts in this study, the highest antibody response is induced by mRNA-1273 as the second dose. No serious adverse events are detected in any of the schedules analyzed. Our observations provide rational support for the use of different vaccine combinations to achieve wide vaccine coverage in the shortest possible time.

Description and Clinical Assessment of the Bone Block Tendon Interposition Technique for the Management of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Pellegrini's surgical technique is the most useful for thumb carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis. The purpose of this paper is to describe the technique of a modified version using a bone block in the tunnel through which the flexor carpi radialis tendon is passed (BBTI). METHODS: Case series of patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, in stage II or higher based on Eaton's classification, that were intervened using the BBTI technique for a 2-year period. Grip and pinch strength, range of motion, and 1-2 metacarpal angle were evaluated. Pain and function were measured using the visual analogue scale and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scale. RESULTS: The study included 16 cases in 14 patients (11 women and 3 men), with an average age of 55.7 ± 7.1 years. Encouraging results were obtained, with an average DASH score of 24.3 ± 17.9 and a minimum VAS pain score. A total of 58% showed a grip strength of over 80% and the postoperative movement was equivalent to the contralateral limb. No cases of infection were reported, and only two minor complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The BBTI technique is a surgical option that incorporates an interference screw, offering good functional results for managing osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint, with a similar complication rate to that of the original technique.

Monkeypox virus genome sequence from an imported human case in Colombia / Secuencia genómica del virus de la viruela símica de un caso importado en Colombia

Introduction: Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus with a genome of approximately 197.209 bp. The current classification divides MPXV into three clades: Clade I (Central African or Congo Basin clade) and clades IIa and IIb (West African clades). Objective: To report the complete genome and phylogenetic analysis of a human monkeypox case detected in Colombia. Materials and methods: Exudate from vesicular lesions was obtained from a male patient with recent travel history to Spain. A direct genomic approach was implemented in which total DNA from the sample was purified through a column-based method, followed by sequencing on the Nanopore GridION. Reads were aligned against the MPXV reference genome using minimap2 v.2.24 and phylogenetic inference was performed using maximum likelihood estimation. Results: A total of 11.951 reads mapped directly to a reference genome with 96.8% of coverage (190.898 bp). Conclusion: Phylogenetic analysis of the MPXV circulating in Colombia demonstrated its close relationship to clade IIb responsible for the multi-country outbreak in 2022.

Introducción. El virus de la viruela del mono (MPXV) está compuesto por un genoma de ADN bicatenario, aproximadamente, de 197.209 pb. La clasificación actual agrupa el MPXV en tres clados: clado I (de la cuenca del Congo en África central), y clados IIa y IIb (de África occidental). Objetivo. Reportar el genoma completo y el análisis filogenético de un caso humano de viruela símica detectado en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Se obtuvo exudado de lesiones vesiculares de un paciente varón con el antecedente de un viaje reciente a España. Se implementó un enfoque directo, en el cual se purificó el ADN total de la muestra mediante un método basado en columnas, seguido de la secuenciación directa en la plataforma Nanopore GridION. Las lecturas se alinearon con el genoma de referencia del MPXV, utilizando minimap2, v.2.24, y la inferencia filogenética fue realizada mediante la estimación por máxima verosimilitud. Resultados. Un total de 11.951 lecturas se alinearon directamente con el genoma de referencia con una cobertura del 96,8 % (190.898 pb). Conclusión. El análisis filogenético del MPXV circulante en Colombia demostró su estrecha relación con el clado de África occidental (clado IIb) responsable del brote en múltiples países en el 2022.

Whole-Genome Sequence of a Colombian Acinetobacter baumannii Strain, a Coproducer of OXA-72 and OXA-255-Like Carbapenemases.

Colombian Acinetobacter baumannii strain ST920 was isolated from the sputum of a 68-year-old male patient. This isolate possessed blaOXA-72 and blaOXA-255-like genes. The assembled genome contained 4,104,098 pb and 38.79% G+C content. This is the first case reported of the coproduction (blaOXA-72 and blaOXA-255-like) of carbapenem-hydrolyzing class D ß-lactamases (CHDLs) in Acinetobacter baumannii.

Acute Dislocation of the Metacarpal-Trapezoid Joint.

The trapezoid metacarpal dislocation is a rare event. In the literature, it is found in case reports. This injury is caused by direct or indirect high energy trauma. In most cases, the dislocation is dorsal and is difficult to reproduce because the joint is not very mobile. Given the low incidence and little evidence supported in the literature regarding the management, this injury can be treated by open or closed reduction; however, it has been published that most authors use Kirschner wire fixation with good results. Here we present our experience in the management of a male patient with acute trapezoid metacarpal dislocation handled with a splint with good functional results at 6 weeks.

Manejo endoscópico del síndrome de túnel del carpo, una experiencia de 5 años / Endoscopic management of the carpal tunnel syndrome, an experience of 5 years

Introducción: El síndrome de túnel del carpo afecta el 1% de la población, siendo la neuropatía por compresión más frecuente, la liberación endoscópica es una técnica que presenta buenos resultados, aunque no está exenta de complicaciones. Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio es determinar la prevalencia de complicaciones asociadas en una experiencia de 5 años. Metodología: Estudio de corte transversal en pacientes con diagnóstico del túnel del carpo sometidos a liberación endoscópica en un periodo de 5 años, donde se documentó todas las complicaciones neurológicas, vasculares e infección. Resultados: Se incluyeron 175 manos en 139 pacientes con un promedio de edad de 52 años de edad; el 89.2% de los casos se presentaron en mujeres. Las comorbilidades encontradas fueron: hipertensión arterial 31.6%, hipotiroidismo 29.5%, diabetes 5%, y consumo de cigarrillo 11%. La prevalencia de complicaciones fue del 5.7% (10 casos), de las cuales la lesión neurológica fue del 0.6% clasificada como neuropraxia del nervio cubital, 1.7% presentaron hematomas que resolvieron sin cirugía y 3.4% presentaron infección que resolvieron con manejo antibiótico y curaciones. Todas las complicaciones presentaron una recuperación satisfactoria. El 99% de los pacientes presentaron resolución de los síntomas. Conclusiones: La técnica de liberación endoscópica del túnel del carpo es una técnica segura, en donde se encontró un porcentaje bajo de complicaciones siendo comparables a otras series.

Introduction: The carpal tunnel syndrome affects 1% of the population, remain the most common compression neuropathy, endoscopic release is a technique that gives good results, although not without complications. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of complications in an experience of 5 years. Methodology: Cross-sectional study in patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel undergoing endoscopic release over a period of 5 years, where all neurological, vascular complications and infection was documented. Results: We included 175 hands in 139 patients with an average age of 52 years; 89.2% of cases occurred in women. Comorbidities found: hypertension 31.6%, 29.5% hypothyroidism, diabetes 5% and 11% cigarette consumption. The prevalence of complications was 5.7% (10 cases), of which the neurologic injury was 0.6% classified as neuropraxia of the ulnar nerve, 1.7% had hematoma that resolved without surgery and 3.4% had infection threated with oral antibiotics. All complications had a satisfactory recovery. 99% of patients experienced resolution of symptoms. Conclusions: The technique of endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a safe technique, low complication rate was found and is comparable to other series.

Abordaje del esguince de tobillo para el médico general / Approach of ankle sprain for the general physician

El esguince de tobillo es una de las patologías musculo esqueléticas más frecuentes tanto para el deportista como para la población en general, presentándose en el 30 % de las lesiones deportivas causando pérdida considerable de tiempo por discapacidad, y un costo elevado en la atención médica. La lesión más frecuente se presenta en el ligamento lateral en el 85% de los casos, 10% comprometen la sindesmosis y 5% el ligamento deltoideo. El esguince de tobillo se clasifica en 3 grados dependiendo de las características clínicas y de los hallazgos del examen físico, con lo cual se puede definir el tipo de manejo y el pronóstico. Dado que es una patología frecuente que acarrea morbilidad y discapacidad en los casos donde no se identifica precozmente, es importante conocer el abordaje diagnóstico y de clasificación para mejorar las tasas de recuperación y los buenos resultados.

The ankle sprain is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal pathologies for both the athlete and the general population, occurring in 30% of sports injuries, causing considerable loss of time for disability and high cost medical care. The most common injury occurs in the lateral ligament in 85% of cases, 10% compromise syndesmosis and 5% the deltoid ligament. It is classified according to clinical features and physical examination in 3 degrees, this classification is useful to define the type of management and prognosis. Since it is a common condition that leads to disease and disability in cases where it is not identified early, is important to know the diagnosis and classification approach to improve recovery rates and good results.

Terapéutica de la fluxión hemorroidal / Therapeutics of hemorrhoidal fluxion

Introducción: La fluxión hemorroidal es una complicación severa de la enfermedad hemorroidaria. Combinando el tratamiento conservador con el quirúrgico, puede resultar en una cirugía menos amputativa. Objetivos: Analizar los resultados en pacientes con fluxión hemorroidal y evaluar los beneficios del tratamiento combinado médico-quirúrgico. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio observacional retrospectivo de 35 hemorroidectomías por fluxión, operados entre mayo de 2010 y mayo de 2015. Resultados: El sexo masculino fue más frecuente con 68,5%, con una proporción hombre/mujer de 2,2 a 1. El rango etario general varió desde los 20 a 75 años. El motivo de consulta más frecuente fue la tumoración anal en 29 (82,8%). En 22 pacientes (65,7%) que se les completó más de 48hs de tratamiento médico, se le denominó grupo A, a quienes se realizaron 2 Buie bilateral (9%), 7 Hemi Buie con S/A asociada (31,8%), 10 Salmon Allingham (45,4%) y 3 Ferguson (13,6%). Mientras que los restantes 13 (31,4%) fueron denominados como grupo B, donde existieron 2 Buie bilateral (15,3%), 4 Hemi Buie con S/A asociada (30,7%), 5 Salmon Allingham (38,4%) y 2 Ferguson (15,3%). La estadía hospitalaria varió en el rango de 2 a 7 días, con una media de 2,8 días, no hubo diferencia en los grupos de pacientes. Conclusión: Los resultados son buenos, sin recidivas o secuelas. El tratamiento combinado podría beneficiar reduciendo la magnitud de la cirugía.

Introduction: The hemorrhoidal fluxion is a severe complication of hemorrhoidal disease. Combining conservative surgical treatment, it may result in a less amputative surgery. Objectives: Analyzing the results in patients with hemorrhoidal fluxion and evaluate the benefits of combined medical-surgical treatment. Patients and Methods: The retrospective observational study of 35 hemorrhoidectomies by fluxion operated between May 2010 and May 2015. Results: Males were more frequent with 68.5%, with a male / female ratio of 2.2 to 1. The general age range varied from 20 to 75 years. The most frequent symptom was the anal tumor in 29 (82.8%). Group A was conformed by 22 patients (65.7%), who underwent 48 hours of medical treatment, and after that the surgical treatment: Buie in 2 (9%), 7 Hemi Buie were performed using S / A associated (31.8 %), 10 Salmon Allingham (45.4%) and 3 Ferguson (13.6%). The remaining 13 (31.4%) were designated as Group B, where there were 2 Buie (15.3%), 4 Hemi Buie with S / A associated (30.7%), 5 Salmon Allingham (38, 4%) and 2 Ferguson (15.3%). Hospital stay varied from 2 to 7 days, with a medium 2.8 days. There was no difference between both groups. Conclution: The results are good, without recurrence or sequelae. The combination therapy could benefit by reducing the extent of the surgery.

Fractura compleja de escápula tratada con reducción y osteosíntesis con placa anatómica bloqueada de calcáneo / Complex fracture of scapula treated with reduction and osteosynthesis with calcaneus anatomical locked plate

En la mayoría de los casos de fractura de escápula se observa que el mecanismo de trauma es de alta energía, por lo que afecta con mayor frecuencia a pacientes jóvenes, pero teniendo en cuenta que la escápula es un hueso irregular que está cubierto por varias estructuras musculares las cuales realizan un importante aporte sanguíneo, el proceso de consolidación se ve favorecido. Las fracturas de escápula constituyen el 1% de todas las fracturas y el 5% de las fracturas de la cintura escapular, la mayoría de veces el manejo no quirúrgico tiene resultados aceptables, sin embargo existen indicaciones para preferir el manejo quirúrgico con buenos resultados. A continuación se presenta un caso con revisión de la literatura de un paciente al que se le ofreció un manejo quirúrgico con una placa anatómica bloqueada para calcáneo, con buenos resultados quirúrgicos. MÉD.UIS. 2014;27(3):135-139.

In most cases of scapular fractures the mechanism of injury is a high energy trauma, therefore the most affected are young patients, but considering that the scapula is an irregular bone that is covered by several muscular structures which perform an important blood supply, this makes the consolidation process favored. Scapular fractures constitute 1% of all fractures and 5% of fractures of the shoulder girdle, non-operative management has acceptable results, but there are indications to prefer surgery with good results. We present a case with a review of the literature of a patient who was offered surgery with an anatomical locked calcaneus plate, with good results. MÉD.UIS. 2014;27(3): 135-139.

Cirugía extendida para el cáncer colorrectal localmente avanzado / Extended Surgery for locally advanced colorectal carcinoma

Introducción: Entre un 5 a un 16% de los pacientes resecados por cáncer colorrectal presentarán compromiso de uno o más órganos vecinos. La resección extendida en bloque de estos tumores ofrece mayores probabilidades de supervivencia, aunque con un incremento de la morbilidad. Objetivo: Análisis retrospectivo de los resultados en la cirugia extendida del cáncer colorrectal avanzado. Material y Método: Estudio de 43 pacientes con cirugia extendida con intención curativa por cáncer colorrectal realizadas entre Enero de 1999 a Diciembre de 2007. Según protocolo se incluyeron los pacientes resecados por cáncer colorrectal con compromiso neoplásico de órganos vecinos y se excluyeron los pacientes con metástasis a distancia o adherencias no neoplásicas. Se analizaron morbilidad, supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad utilizando el método de Kaplan Meier. Resultados: Sobre 883 cirugías colorrectales realizadas en dicho periodo, 634 fueron por cáncer. De las mismas, 61 fueron cirugías extendidas, se excluyeron 18 pacientes según protocolo quedando 43 para el estudio. La morbilidad fue del 32,5%, no hubo mortalidad operatoria. 12 pacientes correspondian al estadio IIB y 31 al IlIB. La supervivencia global a 5 años fue del 54,05% y la supervivencia global libre de enfermedad fue del 48,64%. Hubo diferencia significativa en la supervivencia a 5 años por estadio, siendo del 66,6% para el estadio IIB y del 48% para el IIIB. Conclusiones: las resecciones extendidas en carcinomas colorrectales que comprometen órganos vecinos pero sin propagación a distancia, tienen un índice de complicaciones aceptable y una supervivencia que justifican su realización.

Background: Between 5 to 16% of patient undergoing resections for colorectal cancer will submit at least one adjacent organ committed. Although the in bloc resections improves survival rates in colorectal cancer, morbidity may be increased. Objective: A retrospective analysis of extended surgery results for locally advanced colorectal cancer. Patient and Methods: 43 patients undergoing extended resections for colorectal cancer from January 1999 to December 2007 were included. Morbidity, survival rates and disease free survival rate were analyzed, with the Kaplan and Meier method. Results: 883 surgeries were carried out in that period, 634 were for cancer, 61 of thern were extended resections, but were excluded by protocol 18, so we studied 43 patients. The morbidity rate was 32,5 %, there was no operative mortality. 12 patients belong to stage IIB, and 31 to stage IIIB. Five year global survival was 54.05%, and the free disease survival was 48.64%.There were significant difference in the survival rate at five years between stages IIB to IIIB. Conclusions: morbidity and survival rates, justify in bloc resection in patients without distant spread.