Articles: sars-cov-2.
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The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and the waning of immunity raise concerns about vaccine effectiveness and protection against COVID-19. While antibody response has been shown to correlate with the risk of infection with the original variant and earlier variants of concern, the effectiveness of antibody-mediated protection against Omicron and the factors associated with protection remain uncertain. ⋯ Data show that IgG and IgA induced by vaccines against the original strain or by hybrid immunization are valid correlates of protection against Omicron BA.1 despite immune escape and support the benefits of heterologous vaccination regimens to enhance antibodies and the prioritization of booster vaccination in individuals without recent infections.
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Chinese medical journal · Mar 2024
ReviewIndividualized brain mapping for navigated neuromodulation.
The brain is a complex organ that requires precise mapping to understand its structure and function. Brain atlases provide a powerful tool for studying brain circuits, discovering biological markers for early diagnosis, and developing personalized treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuromodulation techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation, have revolutionized clinical therapies for neuropsychiatric disorders. ⋯ Still, the individual variability among patients and the diversity of brain diseases make it necessary to develop personalized solutions. The article provides an overview of recent advances in individualized brain mapping and navigated neuromodulation and discusses the methodological profiles, advantages, disadvantages, and future trends of these techniques. The article concludes by posing open questions about the future development of individualized brain mapping and navigated neuromodulation.
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The immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroid (CS) injections have come under more scrutiny during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The aim of the study was to explore any relationship between joint/epidural CS injection and SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) positivity. ⋯ The study was not conclusive on the effect of joint or epidural CS injection on SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate, although adjusted analysis suggests higher 3-month SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity rate after CS injection in patients with severe comorbidities with significant disease burden when compared to controls.