Age and sex associations of SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses post BNT162b2 vaccination in healthcare workers: A mixed effects model across two vaccination periods.

This study aimed to examine the associations with epidemiological, behavioral and clinical parameters of IgG antibody responses against the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) after immunization with two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine in a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs, n = 439) in Greece. We used a mixed effects model to investigate the potential associations of antibody levels one and three months after vaccination and examined by bootstrapping t-tests the putative effects of gender and age for each period. We also employed exact tests of independence in R × C contingency tables to explore associations between behavioral and gender variables with vaccinations side effects. We found significant differences between males and females as well as between subjects in the youngest (21-30 years) and the older age groups in both study periods. We also detected a decrease in titers with age and time. Males had steeper elimination rates across the age span in both periods, in contrast to females who exhibited a softer elimination titer rate with age in the first period and almost constant titers in the second. Concerning side effects, we found a significant association between pain at the injection site and female sex. Hence, our real-world data analyses revealed potentially important clues into the associations of antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 spike. We discuss the importance of these findings in view of current mass vaccination perspectives and provide useful clues for the design and optimal timing of booster doses for COVID-19.

Organic semiconductor distributed feedback (DFB) laser as excitation source in Raman spectroscopy.

As an application of organic semiconductor distributed feedback (DFB) lasers we demonstrate their use as excitation sources in Raman spectroscopy. We employed an efficient small molecule blend, a high quality resonator and a novel encapsulation method resulting in an improved laser output power, a reduced laser line width and an enhanced power stability. Based on theses advances, Raman spectroscopy on selected substances was enabled. Raman spectra of sulfur and cadmium sulfide are presented and compared with the ones excited by a helium-neon laser. We also fabricated a spectrally tunable organic semiconductor DFB laser to optimize the Raman signals for a given optical filter configuration.

Intrapericardial drug delivery: pharmacologic properties and long-term safety in swine.

BACKGROUND: Intrapericardial drug delivery is a promising new technique, but the pharmacologic properties of various agents delivered via this route are not known. Furthermore, the long-term safety of intrapericardial catheters has not been previously examined. METHODS: Using a pericardial access device, a catheter connected to a drug-delivery system was implanted in five pigs. Plasma levels and electrocardiographic measurements were obtained after intravenous and intrapericardial administration of digoxin and procainamide. Histological examination was performed after the device had been implanted for a total of 6 months. RESULTS: The QTc interval did not change significantly after digoxin or procainamide intravenous administration. QTc decreased by 47+/-23 ms (p=0.046) 8 h after digoxin intrapericardial administration and increased by 128+/-60 ms (p=0.002) 1 h after procainamide intrapericardial administration. The QRS duration did not change significantly after intravenous administration of either agent, but it increased by 17+/-9 ms (p=0.004) 1 h and by 15+/-4 ms (p=0.01) 8 h after procainamide intrapericardial administration. After intravenous procainamide the RR interval decreased, but it did not change significantly after intrapericardial administration of either agent. Histology showed moderate inflammatory infiltration and fibrosis adjacent to the catheter. CONCLUSIONS: Intrapericardial delivery of digitalis and procainamide produces unique electrophysiological properties. In contrast to satisfactory success of the implantation technique, long-term dwell of the catheter in the pericardium induces moderate, albeit probably clinically significant, fibrosis.