The Outcome of BNT162b2, ChAdOx1-Sand mRNA-1273 Vaccines and Two Boosters: A Prospective Longitudinal Real-World Study

To date, the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and booster doses has yet to be evaluated in longitudinal head-to-head studies. This single-center longitudinal study assessed the effectiveness of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273 vaccines and assessed two BNT162b2 boosters in 1550 participants, of whom 26% had comorbidities. In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 antibody dynamics was monitored. A group of 1500 unvaccinated subjects was included as the controls. The study’s endpoint was the development of virologically-proven COVID-19 cases after vaccine completion, while the secondary endpoint was hospitalizations due to severe COVID-19. Overall, 23 (4.6%), 16 (3%), and 18 (3.8%) participants vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, BNT162b2, and mRNA-1273, respectively, developed COVID-19 after vaccine completion, with an effectiveness of 89%, 92%, and 90%. Ten COVID-19 cases were reported in participants with comorbidities, three of whom were hospitalized. No hospitalizations occurred after boosters. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels peaked 2–4 weeks after the second vaccine dose but declined after a mean of 28.50 ± 3.48 weeks. Booster doses significantly enhanced antibody responses. Antibody titers ≤ 154 U/mL were associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 emergence. Thus, COVID-19 vaccines effectively reduced COVID-19 and prevented severe disease. The vaccine-induced SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses declined after 28–32 weeks. Booster doses induced significant maintained responses. SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels may help determine the timing and need for vaccine booster doses

RC beam strengthening using hinge and anchorage approach

Retrofitting of existing structures using adhesively bonded plates has been a major growth area in civil engineering and has gained well-deserved popularity over the past few years. This strengthening technique is in line with sustainable practices in construction and can be used to preserve eminent structures of historical or cultural values. This study aims to present an ideal design model for strengthening reinforced concrete elements using the hinge and anchorage design philosophies for retrofitting and plating existing structures. This includes a check on the intermediate crack (IC), critical diagonal crack (CDC), and plate end (PE) debonding mechanisms. The results of a theoretical model for an FRP plated reinforced concrete beam element were presented, and the findings showed that plating increased the shear at the datum point to cause a diagonal crack by 46.7%. The increase in moment capacity due to plating the hogging region was 64.3% while allowing for 30% moment redistribution from the sagging region to the hogging region. The accompanying increase in uniformly distributed load due to 30% moment redistribution was 42.8%. The results of the theoretical model were compared with previous design models for IC debonding to which it has been shown that following the anchorage approach, a higher strain in the plate may be allowed as compared to the hinge approach. In addition to the theoretical model presented, analysis on an FRP plated RC beam and slab were also presented to show the effect of different plate widths on the moment capacity and PE moment capacity

Injuries Type and Its Relation with Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score and Blood Transfusion in Road Traffic Accident Victims.

Motor Vehicular Accidents claim about 1.2 million lives and injure more than 10 million people annually worldwide. The injuries caused by MVAs can be analyzed based on the type of injury, injury severity score, Glasgow Coma Scale and required blood transfusion. Methodology: A total number of 190 patients were included in this retrospective study from January 01, 2010 to December 31, 2015. The study aimed to determine the correlation between the type of injuries and GCS, ISS, and blood transfusions in the patients suffering from Motor Vehicle Accidents, who were presented to the Emergency Department at the King Khalid Hospital. All the data of the patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were collected from the database at medical records department of the hospital. Results: Majority of the patients were adults Saudi male. 68.9% of the patients did not sustain shock, and 75.8% of patients did not require a blood transfusion. Patients with head, neck, chest, abdominal, internal organ, pelvic or spinal injuries conferred a statistically significant higher mean ISS. Patients with abdominal or internal organ injuries had a statistically significant higher mean units of blood transfused. GCS was seen to be lower in the head, neck, chest, abdominal, internal organ, spinal and other injuries. Conclusions: The study documents a significant correlation between the type of injury and GCS, ISS, and blood transfusion in victims of road traffic accident. Emergency physician and the caregivers should be more careful about the injuries associated with lower GCS. Patients sustaining injuries of certain parts related to high ISS (i.e., head, chest, abdominal, internal organ, pelvic) should be addressed on priority basis