Background: We evaluated severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific humoral and cellular responses for up to 6 months after the 3rd dose of ancestral coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in people living with HIV (PLWH) and healthy controls (HCs) who were not infected with COVID-19. Methods: Anti-spike receptor-binding domain IgG (anti-RBD IgG) concentrations using chemiluminescence immunoassay and neutralizing antibodies using focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT) were assessed at 1 week after each dose of vaccination, and 3 and 6 months after the 3rd dose in 62 PLWH and 25 HCs. T-cell responses using intracellular cytokine stain were evaluated at 1 week before, and 1 week and 6 months after the 3rd dose. Results: At 1 week after the 3rd dose, adequate anti-RBD IgG (> 300 binding antibody unit /mL) was elicited in all PLWH except for one patient with 36 CD4 T-cell count/mm3 . The geometric mean titers of 50% FRNT against wild type (WT) and omicron BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2 in PLWH with CD4 T-cell count ≥ 500 cells/mm3(high CD4 recovery, HCDR) were comparable to HC, but they were significantly decreased in PLWH with CD4 T-cell count < 500/mm3 (low CD4 recovery, LCDR). After adjusting for age, gender, viral suppression, and number of preexisting comorbidities, CD4 T-cell counts < 500/mm3 significantly predicted a poor magnitude of neutralizing antibodies against WT, omicron BA.5, and XBB 1.5 strains among PLWH. Multivariable linear regression adjusting for age and gender revealed that LCDR was associated with reduced neutralizing activity (P = 0.017) and interferon-γ-producing T-cell responses (P = 0.049 for CD T-cell; P = 0.014 for CD8 T-cell) against WT, and strongly associated with more decreased cross-neutralization against omicron BA.5 strains (P < 0.001). Conclusion HCDR demonstrated robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses after a booster dose of ancestral SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, whereas LCDR showed diminished immune responses against WT virus and more impaired cross-neutralization against omicron BA.5 strain.

Background: We evaluated severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific humoral and cellular responses for up to 6 months after the 3rd dose of ancestral coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in people living with HIV (PLWH) and healthy controls (HCs) who were not infected with COVID-19. Methods: Anti-spike receptor-binding domain IgG (anti-RBD IgG) concentrations using chemiluminescence immunoassay and neutralizing antibodies using focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT) were assessed at 1 week after each dose of vaccination, and 3 and 6 months after the 3rd dose in 62 PLWH and 25 HCs. T-cell responses using intracellular cytokine stain were evaluated at 1 week before, and 1 week and 6 months after the 3rd dose. Results: At 1 week after the 3rd dose, adequate anti-RBD IgG (> 300 binding antibody unit /mL) was elicited in all PLWH except for one patient with 36 CD4 T-cell count/mm3 . The geometric mean titers of 50% FRNT against wild type (WT) and omicron BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2 in PLWH with CD4 T-cell count ≥ 500 cells/mm3(high CD4 recovery, HCDR) were comparable to HC, but they were significantly decreased in PLWH with CD4 T-cell count < 500/mm3 (low CD4 recovery, LCDR). After adjusting for age, gender, viral suppression, and number of preexisting comorbidities, CD4 T-cell counts < 500/mm3 significantly predicted a poor magnitude of neutralizing antibodies against WT, omicron BA.5, and XBB 1.5 strains among PLWH. Multivariable linear regression adjusting for age and gender revealed that LCDR was associated with reduced neutralizing activity (P = 0.017) and interferon-γ-producing T-cell responses (P = 0.049 for CD T-cell; P = 0.014 for CD8 T-cell) against WT, and strongly associated with more decreased cross-neutralization against omicron BA.5 strains (P < 0.001). Conclusion HCDR demonstrated robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses after a booster dose of ancestral SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, whereas LCDR showed diminished immune responses against WT virus and more impaired cross-neutralization against omicron BA.5 strain.

Background: We evaluated severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific humoral and cellular responses for up to 6 months after the 3rd dose of ancestral coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in people living with HIV (PLWH) and healthy controls (HCs) who were not infected with COVID-19. Methods: Anti-spike receptor-binding domain IgG (anti-RBD IgG) concentrations using chemiluminescence immunoassay and neutralizing antibodies using focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT) were assessed at 1 week after each dose of vaccination, and 3 and 6 months after the 3rd dose in 62 PLWH and 25 HCs. T-cell responses using intracellular cytokine stain were evaluated at 1 week before, and 1 week and 6 months after the 3rd dose. Results: At 1 week after the 3rd dose, adequate anti-RBD IgG (> 300 binding antibody unit /mL) was elicited in all PLWH except for one patient with 36 CD4 T-cell count/mm3 . The geometric mean titers of 50% FRNT against wild type (WT) and omicron BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2 in PLWH with CD4 T-cell count ≥ 500 cells/mm3(high CD4 recovery, HCDR) were comparable to HC, but they were significantly decreased in PLWH with CD4 T-cell count < 500/mm3 (low CD4 recovery, LCDR). After adjusting for age, gender, viral suppression, and number of preexisting comorbidities, CD4 T-cell counts < 500/mm3 significantly predicted a poor magnitude of neutralizing antibodies against WT, omicron BA.5, and XBB 1.5 strains among PLWH. Multivariable linear regression adjusting for age and gender revealed that LCDR was associated with reduced neutralizing activity (P = 0.017) and interferon-γ-producing T-cell responses (P = 0.049 for CD T-cell; P = 0.014 for CD8 T-cell) against WT, and strongly associated with more decreased cross-neutralization against omicron BA.5 strains (P < 0.001). Conclusion HCDR demonstrated robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses after a booster dose of ancestral SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, whereas LCDR showed diminished immune responses against WT virus and more impaired cross-neutralization against omicron BA.5 strain.

Background: We evaluated severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific humoral and cellular responses for up to 6 months after the 3rd dose of ancestral coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in people living with HIV (PLWH) and healthy controls (HCs) who were not infected with COVID-19. Methods: Anti-spike receptor-binding domain IgG (anti-RBD IgG) concentrations using chemiluminescence immunoassay and neutralizing antibodies using focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT) were assessed at 1 week after each dose of vaccination, and 3 and 6 months after the 3rd dose in 62 PLWH and 25 HCs. T-cell responses using intracellular cytokine stain were evaluated at 1 week before, and 1 week and 6 months after the 3rd dose. Results: At 1 week after the 3rd dose, adequate anti-RBD IgG (> 300 binding antibody unit /mL) was elicited in all PLWH except for one patient with 36 CD4 T-cell count/mm3 . The geometric mean titers of 50% FRNT against wild type (WT) and omicron BA.5 strains of SARS-CoV-2 in PLWH with CD4 T-cell count ≥ 500 cells/mm3(high CD4 recovery, HCDR) were comparable to HC, but they were significantly decreased in PLWH with CD4 T-cell count < 500/mm3 (low CD4 recovery, LCDR). After adjusting for age, gender, viral suppression, and number of preexisting comorbidities, CD4 T-cell counts < 500/mm3 significantly predicted a poor magnitude of neutralizing antibodies against WT, omicron BA.5, and XBB 1.5 strains among PLWH. Multivariable linear regression adjusting for age and gender revealed that LCDR was associated with reduced neutralizing activity (P = 0.017) and interferon-γ-producing T-cell responses (P = 0.049 for CD T-cell; P = 0.014 for CD8 T-cell) against WT, and strongly associated with more decreased cross-neutralization against omicron BA.5 strains (P < 0.001). Conclusion HCDR demonstrated robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses after a booster dose of ancestral SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, whereas LCDR showed diminished immune responses against WT virus and more impaired cross-neutralization against omicron BA.5 strain.

This case report aims to document and analyze a unique instance of functional dysphonia with diminished vocal cord movement observed in a patient following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. The study focuses on the outcomes of a one-month voice treatment regimen administered to alleviate the dysphonic symptoms. The findings provide valuable insights into the management of post-COVID-19 vocal impairments and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the varied manifestations of this viral infection.

Mucormycosis encompasses a range of fungal infections that can impact various organs. Although pulmonary mucormycosis is relatively rare, it poses a significant threat, particularly to individuals with compromised immune systems. Pulmonary mucormycosis presents with various radiological manifestations. Notably, the involvement of the angioinvasive pulmonary artery in pulmonary mucormycosis cases has seldom been documented. In this report, we showcase the radiological characteristics of angioinvasive mucormycosis, which can mimic pulmonary thromboembolism or a pulmonary artery tumor, in a patient diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome.

Background: Sacubitril-valsartan reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). However, its long-term protective effects on cardiac function with concurrent acute kidney injury (AKI) remain unclear. This study investigated the recovery of cardiac function relative to kidney function decline. Methods: A total of 512 patients with HFrEF who started sacubitril-valsartan or valsartan treatment were enrolled in cohort 1. Additionally, patients who experienced AKI and underwent follow-up transthoracic echocardiography were enrolled in cohort 2. In cohort 1, short- and long-term kidney outcomes were analyzed. For cohort 2, changes in cardiac function in relation to changes in kidney function after drug initiation were analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 68.3 ± 15.1 years, and 57.4% of the patients were male. AKI occurred in 15.9% of the sacubitril-valsartan group and 12.5% of the valsartan group. After AKI, 78.4% of patients in the sacubitril-valsartan group and 71.4% of those in the valsartan group underwent recovery. Furthermore, cardiovascular outcomes in patients who developed AKI after drug initiation were analyzed in cohort 2. The sacubitril-valsartan group showed a greater improvement in cardiac function compared with the valsartan group (12.4% ± 15.4% vs. 1.4% ± 5.7%, p = 0.046). The ratio of deltas of cardiac and kidney function in the sacubitril-valsartan and valsartan groups were –1.76 ± 2.58 and –0.20 ± 0.58, respectively (p = 0.03). Conclusion Patients with HFrEF treated with sacubitril-valsartan exhibited significant improvements in cardiovascular outcomes despite AKI.

Purpose: This study investigated changes in psychological and physiological indices in cancer survivors who participated in a forest therapy camp in Korea. Methods: A total of 37 cancer survivors (19 and 18 in the experimental and control groups, respectively) participated in this study. Over a 2-night and 3-day period, the participants in the experimental group took part in a forest therapy camp that included activities such as gymnastics, walking, five-senses experiences, and meditation. Both groups completed self-report questionnaires that measured their stress levels and profile of mood states, both before and after the forest therapy camp. Blood samples were collected to measure the levels of cortisol, serotonin, and natural killer (NK) cells. Results: After the forest therapy camp, the experimental group exhibited reduced stress levels (p = .031) and a significant improvement in total mood disturbance (p = .047) when compared with the control group. The level of serotonin also significantly increased (p < .001). However, in contrast to the prediction, a significant increase in cortisol was noted in the experimental group relative to the control group (p = .016). Moreover, no significant difference in NK cells was noted between the two groups. Conclusion Forest therapy can be easily applied to cancer survivors. The positive psychological effects of the forest therapy camp were confirmed by improvements in stress and mood states and the increased level of serotonin in forest therapy camp participants. However, there is a need for a follow-up evaluation of cortisol and NK cells due to the absence of significant between-group differences.

In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.

Objective: This study examined whether related experts within the same organ know the standardized viscosity system of fluids and can manufacture solutions consistently. Methods: The subjects of this study were 22 rehabilitation ward nurses, 21 non-rehabilitation ward nurses, and 19 occupational therapists. The additional thickeners, manufacturing time and order, viscosity appropriateness, and solution homogeneity were measured for IDDSI level 4, 3, and 2 solutions manufactured using xanthan gum-based food thickeners. Results: The viscosity appropriateness in the three groups in stages IDDSI levels 4 and 3, but there was a significant difference among the three groups in stage IDDSI level 2. The factors affecting viscosity appropriateness were group and homogeneity of solution. The rehabilitation nurse group produced thicker solutions than the IDDSI standard compared to the other group. The homogeneity of the solution showed significant differences among the three groups in IDDSI levels 4, 3, and 2. The factors affecting homogeneity included the manufacturing order and job group, which often resulted in a clumping phenomenon when water was added first. Compared to the groups of therapists, the clumping phenomenon was significantly higher in the nurse (IDDSI level 3) and non-rehabilitation nurse groups (IDDSI level 4, 3) than the occupational therapists group. Conclusion This study showed that awareness and education about the liquid stage are necessary for medical personnel involved in hydration for patients with dysphagia and that consistent application using a standardized food thickener protocol at an institution is necessary.