Application of the SARS-CoV-2-S1 ACE-2 receptor interaction as the basis of the fully automated assay to detect neutralizing SARS-CoV-2-S1 antibodies in blood samples.

A quantitative, high throughput, fully automated diagnostic method for the detection of neutralizing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was developed on the Phadia system based on the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein and the human ACE-2 receptor. This method was compared to the current state of the art plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) and a high correlation between the two methods was observed. Using a large cohort of blood samples from convalescent patients and controls the method displays very high sensitivity and specificity (99,8% and 99.99%, respectively). Neutralizing antibody titers of mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2-vaccinated persons can also be quantified with this method as well. This fully automated method provides the possibility to determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody concentrations in just 2  h.

Orthotic management of Charcot feet after external fixation surgery.

The authors use a total contact cast (TCC), Charcot restraint orthotic walker (CROW), or prefabricated diabetic walker (DW) for the treatment of neuroarthropathy, depending on the medical, social, and economic circumstances. There is not one single orthosis for the treatment of Charcot feet, but there are several models with advantages and disadvantages the physician should be aware of. In a retrospective study of 200 Charcot feet, the ankle foot orthosis (AFO) built in the authors' workshop turned out to be an efficient and comfortable appliance for orthotic treatment after reconstructive surgery. They prefer this type of orthosis because of its versatility and its safe application in a compliant patient.