COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose Fails to Enhance Antibody Response to Omicron Variant in Reinfected Healthcare Workers.

The emergence of new variants and diverse vaccination regimens have raised uncertainty about vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to investigate the impact of Omicron primo-/reinfection and primary vaccination schedules on the immunogenicity of an mRNA-based booster dose over a six-month period. We conducted a prospective cohort study to assess the durability and level of antibodies of 678 healthcare workers fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

CD-44 targeted nanoparticles for combination therapy in an in vitro model of triple-negative breast cancer: Targeting the tumour inside out.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive form of breast cancer defined by the lack of three key receptors: estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. This lack of receptors makes TNBC difficult to treat with hormone therapy or drugs, and so it is characterised by a poor prognosis compared to other kinds of breast cancer. This study explores photoactive Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles as a potential therapeutic strategy for TNBC.

Impact of Repeated Variant Exposures on Cellular and Humoral Immunogenicity Induced by SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines.

Background/objectives: The emergence of the Omicron variant has complicated COVID-19 control and prompted vaccine updates. Recent studies have shown that a fourth dose significantly protects against infection and severe disease, though long-term immunity data remain limited. This study aimed to assess Anti-S-RBD antibodies and interferon-γ levels in healthcare workers 12 months after receiving bivalent Original/Omicron BA.

Increased expression levels of PIEZO1 in visceral adipose tissue in obesity and type 2 diabetes are triggered by mechanical forces and are associated with inflammation.

Background: PIEZO1 has emerged as a mechanoreceptor linked with adipogenesis, adipose tissue (AT) inflammation and insulin resistance. We aimed to determine the impact of obesity and obesity-associated type 2 diabetes (T2D) as well as mechanical compression forces on the expression of PIEZO1 in visceral AT (VAT) and its relation with inflammation.

Methods: Blood and VAT samples were obtained from 100 volunteers.

Transmission Rates of UV-A and Green Light in an ex vivo Corneal Cross-linking Model for Infectious Keratitis.

Purpose: To investigate the light transmission (LT) of UV-A and green light through infected corneas saturated with riboflavin or rose bengal in an ex vivo porcine model for infectious keratitis.

Setting: University of Zurich and EMPA.

Design: Laboratory study.