SARS-CoV-2 IgG Spike antibody levels and avidity in natural infection or following vaccination with mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2 vaccines.

Certain aspects of the immunogenicity and effectiveness of the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines (mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2) developed in response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic are still uncharacterized. Serum or plasma samples from healthy donor recipients of either vaccine (BNT162b2 n = 53, mRNA-1273 n = 49; age 23-67), and individuals naturally infected with SARS-CoV-2 (n = 106; age 18-82) were collected 0-2 months post-infection or 1- and 4 months after second dose of vaccination. Anti-Spike antibody levels and avidity were measured via an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, vaccination induced higher circulating anti-Spike protein immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels and avidity compared to infection at similar time intervals. Both vaccines produced similar anti-Spike IgG concentrations at 1 month, while mRNA-1273 demonstrated significantly higher circulating antibody concentrations after 4 months. mRNA-1273 induced significantly higher avidity at month 1 compared to BNT162b2 across all age groups. However, the 23-34 age group was the only group to maintain statistical significance by 4 months. Male BNT162b2 recipients were approaching statistically significant lower anti-Spike IgG avidity compared to females by month 4. These findings demonstrate enhanced anti-Spike IgG levels and avidity following vaccination compared to natural infection. In addition, the mRNA-1273 vaccine induced higher antibody levels by 4 months compared to BNT162b2.

Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding, topoisomerase inhibition, and apoptosis induction studies of a novel cobalt(III) complex with a thiosemicarbazone ligand.

In this study, 9-anthraldehyde-N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone (MeATSC) 1 and [Co(phen)2(O2CO)]Cl·6H2O 2 (where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized. [Co(phen)2(O2CO)]Cl·6H2O 2 was used to produce anhydrous [Co(phen)2(H2O)2](NO3)33. Subsequently, anhydrous [Co(phen)2(H2O)2](NO3)33 was reacted with MeATSC 1 to produce [Co(phen)2(MeATSC)](NO3)3·1.5H2O·C2H5OH 4. The ligand, MeATSC 1 and all complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT IR, UV-visible, and multinuclear NMR (1H, 13C, and 59Co) spectroscopy, along with HRMS, and conductivity measurements, where appropriate. Interactions of MeATSC 1 and complex 4 with calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) were investigated by carrying out UV-visible spectrophotometric studies. UV-visible spectrophotometric studies revealed weak interactions between ctDNA and the analytes, MeATSC 1 and complex 4 (Kb = 8.1 × 105 and 1.6 × 104 M-1, respectively). Topoisomerase inhibition assays and cleavage studies proved that complex 4 was an efficient catalytic inhibitor of human topoisomerases I and IIα. Based upon the results obtained from the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay on 4T1-luc metastatic mammary breast cancer cells (IC50 = 34.4 ±â€¯5.2 µM when compared to IC50 = 13.75 ±â€¯1.08 µM for the control, cisplatin), further investigations into the molecular events initiated by exposure to complex 4 were investigated. Studies have shown that complex 4 activated both the apoptotic and autophagic signaling pathways in addition to causing dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Furthermore, activation of cysteine-aspartic proteases3 (caspase 3) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner coupled with the ΔΨm, studies implicated the intrinsic apoptotic pathway as the major regulator of cell death mechanism.

Soft Tissue Enhancement and Implant Placement Following Partial Mandibulectomy Due to Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Many dental procedures allow for implant placement in partially or totally edentulous patients. Despite the availability of various implant and abutment types on the market, it often becomes quite challenging to achieve the biological and esthetic goals in a patient who has ridge deficiencies. Problems arise from the lack of adequate bone quality and quantity. 1 , 2 Soft tissue form and maintenance is also a consideration to evaluate. 3 Primary reconstructive techniques following segmental mandibulectomy is evolving and improves quality of life. A seldom encountered complication is the discovery and treatment of a malignant process (for example, squamous cell carcinoma). Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies worldwide and accounts for more than 90% of all oral cancers. 4 It is ranked as the sixth leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The most common sites of OSCC are the lateral ventral surface of the tongue, the floor of the mouth and buccal mucosa. For most oral cavity cancers, surgery is the initial treatment of choice (often involving the full or partial removal of bony jaw structure). 5 Radiation or chemoradiation is added postoperatively if disease is more advanced or has high-risk features. Successful cancer therapy can affect the quantity and quality of soft tissue in areas where implants are planned, thus affecting the initial placement and the long-term success of the implants. Complications can be numerous; especially difficult is implant treatment in the mandibular anterior area where inadequate alveolar height results in the lingual floor and the vestibule becoming contiguous. 6 Further complicating treatment is the presence of scar tissue (often found following cancer surgery and radiotherapy). The present case is a report of the combination of a soft tissue enhancement and implant placement following partial mandibulectomy resulting from the treatment of oral squamous cell carcinoma. A video abstract is available for viewing at https://youtu.be/dZ9t3j4ufOc?list=PLvRxNhB9EJqbqjcYMbwKbwi8Xpbb0YuHI .

The Use of Inorganic Compounds in Photodynamic Therapy: Improvements in Methods and Photosensitizer Design

Background: Nanotechnology has provided significant benefits to photodynamic therapy (PDT), which has revolutionized treatments of several diseases. The success of this versatile technique is governed by the sequential in situ generation of reactive oxygen species, after a suitable photosensitizer has been irradiated by a defined wavelength of light. While PDT provides a minimally-invasive and convenient method for the treatment of several afflictions, the efficiency of this therapeutic strategy still has potential for improvements. Several bodies of works within this realm have highlighted the use of inorganic compounds, which is pivotal for the development of photosensitizers (PSs), nanoparticles (NPs) and irradiation sources. Methods: The past decade of online patented reports based on PDT were reviewed. Results: The patented reports analyzed showcased the integration of nanomaterials and inorganic compounds into PDT. The patents were grouped according to the following categories, viz., "Nanoparticles in Photodynamic Therapy", "Photosensitizers Incorporating Various Metal Centers", and "Modifications to Light Delivery". Conclusion: PDT is a suitable treatment option for several diseases however there are several challenges and limitations. The incorporation of NPs in the field of PDT is an extremely promising avenue which can be utilized to improve the execution of PDT. Furthermore, the use of inorganic compounds was noted to be frequented in the development of PSs and NP conjugates. The patents presented addressed the associated problems with PDT but there still remains an opportunity for continued research efforts so that more clinical applications are possible.