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Vaccines Apr 2022As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is ongoing, and new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are emerging,... (Review)
Review
As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is ongoing, and new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are emerging, vaccines are needed to protect individuals at high risk of complications and to potentially control disease outbreaks by herd immunity. After SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) presenting with a pulmonary hemorrhage has been described. Previous studies suggested that monocytes upregulate major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II cell surface receptor human leukocyte antigen receptor (HLA-DR) molecules in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) patients with proteinase 3 (PR3)- and myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA seropositivity. Here, we present a case of new-onset AAV after booster vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Moreover, we provide evidence that the majority of monocytes express HLA-DR in AAV after SARS-CoV-2 booster vaccination. It is possible that the enhanced immune response after booster vaccination and presence of HLA-DR monocytes could be responsible for triggering the production of the observed MPO- and PR3-ANCA autoantibodies. Additionally, we conducted a systematic review of de novo AAV after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination describing their clinical manifestations in temporal association with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, ANCA subtype, and treatment regimens. In light of a hundred million individuals being booster vaccinated for SARS-CoV-2 worldwide, a potential causal association with AAV may result in a considerable subset of cases with potential severe complications.
PubMed: 35632410
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050653 -
PloS One 2015Lifespan and the proportion of older people in the population are increasing, with far reaching consequences for the social, political and economic landscape. Unless... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Lifespan and the proportion of older people in the population are increasing, with far reaching consequences for the social, political and economic landscape. Unless accompanied by an increase in health span, increases in age-related diseases will increase the burden on health care resources. Intervention studies to enhance healthy ageing need appropriate outcome measures, such as blood-borne biomarkers, which are easily obtainable, cost-effective, and widely accepted. To date there have been no systematic reviews of blood-borne biomarkers of mortality.
AIM
To conduct a systematic review to identify available blood-borne biomarkers of mortality that can be used to predict healthy ageing post-retirement.
METHODS
Four databases (Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched. We included prospective cohort studies with a minimum of two years follow up and data available for participants with a mean age of 50 to 75 years at baseline.
RESULTS
From a total of 11,555 studies identified in initial searches, 23 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Fifty-one blood borne biomarkers potentially predictive of mortality risk were identified. In total, 20 biomarkers were associated with mortality risk. Meta-analyses of mortality risk showed significant associations with C-reactive protein (Hazard ratios for all-cause mortality 1.42, p<0.001; Cancer-mortality 1.62, p<0.009; CVD-mortality 1.31, p = 0.033), N Terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (Hazard ratios for all-cause mortality 1.43, p<0.001; CHD-mortality 1.58, p<0.001; CVD-mortality 1.67, p<0.001) and white blood cell count (Hazard ratios for all-cause mortality 1.36, p = 0.001). There was also evidence that brain natriuretic peptide, cholesterol fractions, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen, granulocytes, homocysteine, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, neutrophils, osteoprotegerin, procollagen type III aminoterminal peptide, serum uric acid, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 and tumour necrosis factor receptor II may predict mortality risk. There was equivocal evidence for the utility of 14 biomarkers and no association with mortality risk for CD40 ligand, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, ferritin, haemoglobin, interleukin-12, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, matrix metalloproteinase 9, myelopereoxidase, P-selectin, receptor activator of nuclear factor KappaB ligand, sex hormone binding globulin, testosterone, transferrin, and thyroid stimulating hormone and thyroxine.
CONCLUSIONS
Twenty biomarkers should be prioritised as potential predictors of mortality in future studies. More studies using standardised protocols and reporting methods, and which focus on mortality rather than risk of disease or health status as an outcome, are needed.
Topics: Aged; Biomarkers; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cohort Studies; Female; Humans; Longevity; MEDLINE; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms
PubMed: 26039142
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0127550 -
Translational Andrology and Urology Apr 2020Antenatal hydronephrosis is a common finding detected on prenatal ultrasound. Although hydronephrosis will spontaneously resolve in the majority of newborns, there is a... (Review)
Review
Antenatal hydronephrosis is a common finding detected on prenatal ultrasound. Although hydronephrosis will spontaneously resolve in the majority of newborns, there is a significant amount of cases that will worsen with the risk of a progressive and permanent loss of renal function. There is an increasing concern among experts that the current criteria for evaluation of clinically significant obstructions are limited. Our aim is to provide a systematic review of the available literature on biomarkers of renal injury, potential targets for diagnosis and prognosis of children with hydronephrosis. The main search was conducted in the electronic databases from inception through March 2019 using various combinations of the keywords: pelvic-ureteric [All Fields] AND junction [All Fields] AND obstruction [All Fields] AND "biomarkers" [MeSH Terms] OR "biomarkers" [All Fields] OR "biomarker" [All Fields]. To broaden the research, additional articles were identified through hand-searching review of the references reported in each study previously selected. Histopathological studies, studies with no control group or with participants suffering from concomitant urological diseases and articles published in language other than English were excluded. Data on study design, sample size, average patient age, hydronephrosis definition used, surgical indication, duration and pattern of follow-up, details on biomarker studied, diagnostic test characteristics, area under the curve (AUC) on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis with the best cut-off (BCO) values, sensitivity, specificity and outcomes were all collected. 38 articles analysing 41 biomarkers were selected. The most frequent proteins investigated were neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) (n=9; 23.7%), monocyte chemotactic peptide-1 (MCP1) (n=8; 21.1%), transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) (n=7; 18.4%), epidermal growth factor (EGF) (n=6; 15.8%) and kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM 1) (n=6; 15.8%). Twenty-seven (71.1%) studies evaluated the effect of pyeloplasty on voided urine biomarker concentrations, comparing their values before and after surgery. Twelve (31.6%) studies investigated the correlation between preoperative biomarker concentration and the anterior posterior renal pelvis diameter (DAP) while 20 (52.6%) studies investigated the correlation between preoperative biomarker concentration with the split renal function (SRF) measured on nuclear medicine assessments. ROC curves were used to investigate the performance of urinary biomarkers in the total patient data set in 27 (71.1%) studies. Some biomarkers offer promising results. However, a critic analysis of the published studies demonstrates bias and lack of consistency suggesting that larger multicentre and carefully designed prospective studies are still needed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of urinary biomarkers in the diagnosis and follow-up of children with congenital obstructive hydronephrosis.
PubMed: 32420179
DOI: 10.21037/tau.2020.01.01 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2022Dry eye is a common inflammatory condition of the ocular surface. While oral omega-3 supplementation for its treatment has been extensively studied, recent large-scale... (Review)
Review
Dry eye is a common inflammatory condition of the ocular surface. While oral omega-3 supplementation for its treatment has been extensively studied, recent large-scale studies have cast doubt on their efficacy. However, efficacy of topical omega-3 has yet to be reviewed. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for all studies evaluating topical omega-3 in dry eye. Five human and five animal studies were included. Of the five human studies, two were on dry eye disease (DED), one was on contact lens discomfort, and two were on patients undergoing corneal collagen crosslinking. In humans, there is promising evidence for improved ocular surface staining and tear break-up time compared to controls, equivocal evidence for improvements to ocular surface symptoms and meibomian gland dysfunction, and no effect on increasing tear production. Data from animal models largely agree with these findings, and further reveal decreased inflammatory cytokines and monocyte infiltration. Our review suggests that topical omega-3 is a promising treatment for dry eye, but also points to the paucity of evidence in this field. Further trials in humans are required to characterize effects of topical omega-3 and optimize its dosage.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Ophthalmic Solutions; Dry Eye Syndromes; Fatty Acids, Omega-3; Tears; Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
PubMed: 36361942
DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113156 -
OncoTargets and Therapy 2017Lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) was recently reported as a prognostic factor of pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the prognostic role of LMR in PC remains inconsistent... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) was recently reported as a prognostic factor of pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the prognostic role of LMR in PC remains inconsistent and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of LMR in patients with PC through meta-analysis.
METHODS
Eligible studies inquiring into the connection between LMR and survival of patients with PC were collected and extracted by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science up to May 9, 2017. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and the 95% CIs were calculated to assess the prognostic value of LMR on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival/recurrence-free survival/time to progression (DFS/RFS/TTP).
RESULTS
A total of 1,795 patients with PC from 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis indicated that elevated LMR predicted a favorable OS (HR =0.56, 95% CI: 0.38-0.83, =0.004) and DFS/RFS/TTP in PC patients (HR =0.38, 95% CI: 0.15-0.95, =0.04). Prognostic values of LMR on OS were observed in subgroups with all ethnicities, treatment with surgery, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage of III-IV, and LMR cut-off value ≥3. In addition, low LMR was significantly connected with gender and AJCC stage.
CONCLUSION
An elevated LMR is associated with favorable survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.
PubMed: 28744143
DOI: 10.2147/OTT.S142022 -
Inflammation Research : Official... Mar 2016A systematic review of all literature was done to assess the ability of the progestin dienogest (DNG) to influence the inflammatory response of endometriotic cells. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN
A systematic review of all literature was done to assess the ability of the progestin dienogest (DNG) to influence the inflammatory response of endometriotic cells.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
In vitro and in vivo studies report an influence of DNG on the inflammatory response in eutopic or ectopic endometrial tissue (animal or human).
RESULTS
After strict inclusion criteria were satisfied, 15 studies were identified that reported a DNG influence on the inflammatory response in endometrial tissue. These studies identified a modulation of prostaglandin (PG) production and metabolism (PGE2, PGE2 synthase, cyclo-oxygenase-2 and microsomal PGE synthase-1), pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and stromal cell-derived factor-1], growth factor biosynthesis (vascular endothelial growth factor and nerve growth factor) and signaling kinases, responsible for the control of inflammation. Evidence supports a progesterone receptor-mediated inhibition of the inflammatory response in PR-expressing epithelial cells. It also indicated that DNG inhibited the inflammatory response in stromal cells, however, whether this was via a PR-mediated mechanism is not clear.
CONCLUSIONS
DNG has a significant effect on the inflammatory microenvironment of endometriotic lesions that may contribute to its clinical efficacy. A better understanding of the specific anti-inflammatory activity of DNG and whether this contributes to its clinical efficacy can help develop treatments that focus on the inhibition of inflammation while minimizing hormonal modulation.
Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Endometriosis; Epithelial Cells; Female; Hormone Antagonists; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Nandrolone; Prostaglandins; Stromal Cells
PubMed: 26650031
DOI: 10.1007/s00011-015-0909-7 -
WMJ : Official Publication of the State... Dec 2023Peripheral smear examination is a simple and cost-effective test that is routinely performed while monitoring patients diagnosed with COVID-19. We sought to summarize... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Peripheral smear examination is a simple and cost-effective test that is routinely performed while monitoring patients diagnosed with COVID-19. We sought to summarize the peripheral blood morphologic findings in patients with COVID-19 infection.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted using a standardized keyword search on Medline database (PubMed), med RXIV, Google Scholar, EMBASE, and SCOPUS for studies discussing peripheral blood smear or morphologic blood findings in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
RESULTS
A total of 28 studies were included in the review. Normocytic normochromic anemia was the most frequently encountered red blood cell finding. Neutrophilia was seen in most of the studies. A variety of morphological changes were observed in neutrophils, including pyknotic nuclei, variable shapes, toxic granules, and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Hyposegmented neutrophils, pseudo-Pegler Huet forms, and hypogranular forms were common findings reported by many studies. Lymphopenia was reported by most studies. Lymphocytes showed numerous morphological changes, including reactive forms, Downey forms, increased large granular lymphocytes, and plasmacytoid cells. The presence of giant platelets was seen frequently.
CONCLUSIONS
The peripheral blood in COVID-19 shows a spectrum of findings, mostly reactive changes in neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, and platelets. Increased neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and higher neutrophil counts have been associated with poor prognosis, which potentially could help triage patients, but this needs to be confirmed in larger studies.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19
PubMed: 38180924
DOI: No ID Found -
American Journal of Kidney Diseases :... Dec 2015Early accurate detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) occurring after cardiac surgery may improve morbidity and mortality. Although several novel biomarkers have been... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Early accurate detection of acute kidney injury (AKI) occurring after cardiac surgery may improve morbidity and mortality. Although several novel biomarkers have been developed for the early detection of AKI, their clinical utility in the critical intraoperative and immediate postoperative period remains unclear.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING & POPULATION
Adult patients having cardiac surgery.
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES
EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and PubMed from January 1990 until January 2015 were systematically searched for cohort studies reporting the utility of novel biomarkers for the early diagnosis of AKI after adult cardiac surgery. Reviewers extracted data for study design, population, timing of biomarker measurement and AKI occurrence, biomarker performance (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC]), and risk of bias.
INDEX TESTS
Novel urine, plasma, and serum AKI biomarkers, measured intraoperatively and in the early postoperative period (<24 hours).
REFERENCE TESTS
AKI was defined according to the RIFLE, AKIN, or 2012 KDIGO criteria.
RESULTS
We found 28 studies reporting intraoperative and/or early postoperative measurement of urine (n=23 studies) or plasma or serum (n=12 studies) biomarkers. Only 4 of these studies measured biomarkers intraoperatively. Overall, intraoperative discrimination by the urine biomarkers neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury marker 1 (KIM-1) demonstrated AUROCs<0.70, whereas N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) and cystatin C had AUROCs<0.75. In the immediate 24-hour postoperative period, the urine biomarkers NGAL (16 studies), KIM-1 (6 studies), and liver-type fatty acid binding protein (6 studies) exhibited composite AUROCs of 0.69 to 0.72. The composite AUROCs for postoperative urine cystatin C, NAG, and interleukin 18 were ≤0.70. Similarly, the composite AUROCs for postoperative plasma NGAL (6 studies) and cystatin-C (5 studies) were <0.70.
LIMITATIONS
Heterogeneous AKI definitions.
CONCLUSIONS
In adults, known urinary, plasma, and serum biomarkers of AKI possess modest discrimination at best when measured within 24 hours of cardiac surgery.
Topics: Acetylglucosaminidase; Acute Kidney Injury; Biomarkers; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Creatinine; Cystatin C; Fatty Acid-Binding Proteins; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Predictive Value of Tests
PubMed: 26253993
DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2015.06.018 -
Indian Journal of Occupational and... 2023The white blood cell (WBC) count increases significantly in reaction to infections and certain chronic diseases. Shift employment increases the risk for chronic... (Review)
Review
The white blood cell (WBC) count increases significantly in reaction to infections and certain chronic diseases. Shift employment increases the risk for chronic low-grade inflammation and the progression of several chronic diseases. The objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the evidence from studies on total and differential WBC counts in shift employees. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases using keywords for research published before March 1, 2022. A meta-analysis was conducted for total and differential WBC counts using a random-effects approach. A total of 25 studies covering a sample of 37,708 day and shift employees were included in this review. The studies represented America, Europe, East Asia, and Middle East. A significant increase in the total counts (×10/L) of WBC [mean difference (MD) = 0.43; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.34-0.52; < 0.001], lymphocytes (MD = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.02-0.30; = 0.02), monocytes (MD = 0.04; 95% CI: 0-0.07; = 0.03), and eosinophils (MD = 0.01; 95% CI: 0-0.01; = 0.03) was observed in shift workers compared to the day counterparts. However, neutrophils and basophils were not significantly different between the groups. Shift work significantly increases the total and differential blood counts in peripheral circulation. Therefore, total and differential WBC counts represent a relatively inexpensive biomarker for diagnostics and prognostics of diseases in shift workers.
PubMed: 38390477
DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_326_22 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Aug 2017Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. While a curative intent is the aim of any surgical treatment many patients either present with or go onto develop... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide. While a curative intent is the aim of any surgical treatment many patients either present with or go onto develop disseminated disease requiring systemic anti-cancer therapy with a palliative intent. Given their limited life expectancy appropriate allocation of treatment is vital. It is recognised that systemic chemoradiotherapy may shorten the quality/quantity of life in patients with advanced cancer. It is against this background that the present systematic review and meta-analysis of the prognostic value of markers of the systemic inflammatory response in patients with advanced cancer was conducted.
METHODS
An extensive literature review using targeted medical subject headings was carried out in the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CDSR databases until the end of 2016. Titles were examined for relevance and studies relating to duplicate datasets, that were not published in English and that did not have full text availability were excluded. Full texts of relevant articles were obtained and were then examined to identify any further relevant articles.
RESULTS
The majority of studies were retrospective. The systemic inflammatory response, as evidenced by a number of markers at clinical thresholds, was reported to have independent prognostic value, across tumour types and geographical locations. In particular, C-reactive protein (CRP, 63 studies), albumin (33 studies) the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS, 44 studies) and the Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR, 59 articles) were consistently validated across tumour types and geographical locations. There was considerable variation in the thresholds reported to have prognostic value when CRP and albumin were examined. There was less variation in the thresholds reported for NLR and still less for the GPS.
DISCUSSION
The systemic inflammatory response, especially as evidenced by the GPS and NLR, has reliable prognostic value in patients with advanced cancer. Further prospective studies of their clinical utility in randomised clinical trials and in treatment allocation are warranted.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers, Tumor; Humans; Inflammation; Neoplasms; Prognosis
PubMed: 28693795
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2017.06.002