MENSA, a Media Enriched with Newly Synthesized Antibodies, to Identify SARS-CoV-2 Persistence and Latent Viral Reactivation in Long-COVID.

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS2) infection (PASC) is a heterogeneous condition, but the main viral drivers are unknown. Here, we use MENSA, Media Enriched with Newly Synthesized Antibodies, secreted exclusively from circulating human plasmablasts, to provide an immune snapshot that defines the underlying viral triggers. We provide proof-of-concept testing that the MENSA technology can capture the new host immune response to accurately diagnose acute primary and breakthrough infections when known SARS2 virus or proteins are present.

Baricitinib versus dexamethasone for adults hospitalised with COVID-19 (ACTT-4): a randomised, double-blind, double placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Baricitinib and dexamethasone have randomised trials supporting their use for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. We assessed the combination of baricitinib plus remdesivir versus dexamethasone plus remdesivir in preventing progression to mechanical ventilation or death in hospitalised patients with COVID-19.

Methods: In this randomised, double-blind, double placebo-controlled trial, patients were enrolled at 67 trial sites in the USA (60 sites), South Korea (two sites), Mexico (two sites), Singapore (two sites), and Japan (one site).

One-Stop Serum Assay Identifies COVID-19 Disease Severity and Vaccination Responses.

SARS-CoV-2 has caused over 100,000,000 cases and almost 2,500,000 deaths globally. Comprehensive assessment of the multifaceted antiviral Ab response is critical for diagnosis, differentiation of severity, and characterization of long-term immunity, especially as COVID-19 vaccines become available. Severe disease is associated with early, massive plasmablast responses.

Elevated SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies Distinguish Severe Disease in Early COVID-19 Infection.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has caused over 36,000,000 cases and 1,000,000 deaths globally. Comprehensive assessment of the multifaceted anti-viral antibody response is critical for diagnosis, differentiation of severe disease, and characterization of long-term immunity. Initial observations suggest that severe disease is associated with higher antibody levels and greater B cell/plasmablast responses.

High Rates of New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase Carbapenemase Genes in Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria in Nicaragua.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health crisis. Much of the burden of AMR in resource-limited settings remains unknown. This pilot study characterized clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rods (MDR-GNRs) from Nicaragua.

The influence of race and sex on gonorrhea and chlamydia treatment in the emergency department.

Background: Emergency Departments (EDs) are a care source for patients with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). St. Louis, MO reports among the highest rates of gonorrhea and chlamydia infection.

Swimming with the Pigs: A Case of Severe Soft Tissue Infection during a Caribbean Vacation.

A 74-year-old man presented to the emergency department with severe right leg cellulitis following a trip to the Bahamas where he swam in both chlorinated pools and the ocean. His blood cultures grew species, a marine pathogen known to cause disease in humans, following exposure to seawater. He was treated with cefepime for a total of two weeks without needing any surgical intervention.

Acceptability and potential impact of brief preconception health risk assessment and counseling in the WIC setting.

Purpose: To determine the reproductive risks of women using the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and the acceptability of delivering preconception screening and counseling with the WIC encounter.

Design: A mixed methods approach to include quantitative analysis of reproductive risks and qualitative analysis of post-counseling interviews.

Setting: A WIC clinic in Clayton County, Georgia.