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.

Mild antecedent COVID-19 associated with symptom-specific post-acute sequelae.

Background: The impact of COVID-19 severity on development of long-term sequelae remains unclear, and symptom courses are not well defined.

Methods: This ambidirectional cohort study recruited adults with new or worsening symptoms lasting ≥3 weeks from confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between August 2020-December 2021. COVID-19 severity was defined as severe for those requiring hospitalization and mild for those not.

Inter-rater reliability of manual muscle strength testing in ICU survivors and simulated patients.

Objective: The goal of the paper is to determine inter-rater reliability of trained examiners performing standardized strength assessments using manual muscle testing (MMT).

Design, Subjects, And Setting: The authors report on 19 trainees undergoing quality assurance within a multi-site prospective cohort study.

Intervention: Inter-rater reliability for specially trained evaluators ("trainees") and a reference rater, performing MMT using both simulated and actual patients recovering from critical illness was evaluated.

Technology to enhance physical rehabilitation of critically ill patients.

Background: Neuromuscular complications after critical illness are common and can be severe and persistent. To ameliorate complications, there is growing interest in starting physical medicine and rehabilitation therapy immediately after physiologic stabilization. The introduction of physical medicine and rehabilitation-related technology into the intensive care unit may help facilitate delivery of this therapy.

Bench-to-bedside review: mobilizing patients in the intensive care unit--from pathophysiology to clinical trials.

As the mortality from critical illness has improved in recent years, there has been increasing focus on patient outcomes after hospital discharge. Neuromuscular weakness acquired in the intensive care unit (ICU) is common, persistent, and often severe. Immobility due to prolonged bed rest in the ICU may play an important role in the development of ICU-acquired weakness.