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BMC Geriatrics May 2024Impaired immune response in multiple myeloma renders the patients vulnerable to infections, such as COVID-19, and may cause worse response to vaccines. Researchers... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Impaired immune response in multiple myeloma renders the patients vulnerable to infections, such as COVID-19, and may cause worse response to vaccines. Researchers should analyze this issue to enable the planning for special preventive measures, such as increased booster doses. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the response and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in patients with multiple myeloma.
METHODS
This meta-analysis followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines, conducting a comprehensive database search using specified keywords. Study selection involved a two-phase title/abstract and full-text screening process. Data extraction was performed by two researchers, and statistical analysis involved meta-analysis, subgroup analysis based on vaccine dosage and study time, random effects meta-regression, and heterogeneity testing using the Q test.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis revealed that patients with multiple myeloma (MM) had a lower likelihood of developing detectable antibodies after COVID-19 vaccination compared to healthy controls (Log odds ratio with 95% CI: -3.34 [-4.08, -2.60]). The analysis of antibody response after different doses showed consistent lower seropositivity in MM patients (after first dose: -2.09, [-3.49, -0.69], second: -3.80, 95%CI [-4.71, -3.01], a booster dose: -3.03, [-5.91, -0.15]). However, there was no significant difference in the mean level of anti-S antibodies between MM patients and controls (Cohen's d -0.72, [-1.86, 0.43]). Evaluation of T-cell responses indicated diminished T-cell-mediated immunity in MM patients compared to controls. Seven studies reported clinical response, with breakthrough infections observed in vaccinated MM patients.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings highlight the impaired humoral and cellular immune responses in MM patients after COVID-19 vaccination, suggesting the need for further investigation and potential interventions.
Topics: Multiple Myeloma; Humans; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Antibodies, Viral; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination
PubMed: 38720296
DOI: 10.1186/s12877-024-05006-0 -
PloS One 2024Spermatozoa cryopreservation has been practiced for decades and is a very useful technique for long-term preservation of sperm fertility. The capability for semen...
Spermatozoa cryopreservation has been practiced for decades and is a very useful technique for long-term preservation of sperm fertility. The capability for semen cryopreservation varies across species, seasons, latitudes, and even for different ejaculates from the same animal. This article summarizes research results on sperm cryotolerance biomarkers in several species, focusing on three areas: spermatozoa cryotolerance biomarkers, seminal plasma proteins cryotolerance biomarkers, and other cryotolerance biomarkers. We discovered that sperm cryoresistance biomarkers are primarily related to sperm plasma membrane stability, the presence of antioxidant substances in sperm or seminal plasma, sperm cell energy metabolism, water and small molecule transport channels in the sperm plasma membrane, and antistress substances in sperm or seminal plasma. The research conducted using diverse livestock models can be employed to enhance the basic and applied reproduction of other mammals through the study of sperm cryotolerance biomarkers, as well as the substantial similarities between livestock and other organisms, including endangered species.
Topics: Cryopreservation; Male; Biomarkers; Semen Preservation; Animals; Semen; Spermatozoa; Humans; Cell Membrane
PubMed: 38776323
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303567 -
JAMA Network Open Jun 2024Published research suggests that patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are neither commonly collected nor reported in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for solid tumors....
IMPORTANCE
Published research suggests that patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are neither commonly collected nor reported in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for solid tumors. Little is known about these practices in RCTs for hematological malignant neoplasms.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence of PROs as prespecified end points in RCTs of hematological malignant neoplasms, and to assess reporting of PROs in associated trial publications.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
All issues of 8 journals known for publishing high-impact RCTs (NEJM, Lancet, Lancet Hematology, Lancet Oncology, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Blood, JAMA, and JAMA Oncology) between January 1, 2018, and December 13, 2022, were searched for primary publications of therapeutic phase 3 trials for adults with hematological malignant neoplasms. Studies that evaluated pretransplant conditioning regimens, graft-vs-host disease treatment, or radiotherapy as experimental treatment were excluded. Data regarding trial characteristics and PROs were extracted from manuscripts and trial protocols. Univariable analyses assessed associations between trial characteristics and PRO collection or reporting.
FINDINGS
Ninety RCTs were eligible for analysis. PROs were an end point in 66 (73%) trials: in 1 trial (1%) as a primary end point, in 50 (56%) as a secondary end point, and in 15 (17%) as an exploratory end point. PRO data were reported in 26 of 66 primary publications (39%): outcomes were unchanged in 18 and improved in 8, with none reporting worse PROs with experimental treatment. Trials sponsored by for-profit entities were more likely to include PROs as an end point (49 of 55 [89%] vs 17 of 35 [49%]; P < .001) but were not significantly more likely to report PRO data (20 of 49 [41%] vs 6 of 17 [35%]; P = .69). Compared with trials involving lymphoma (18 of 29 [62%]) or leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (18 of 28 [64%]), those involving plasma cell disorders or multiple myeloma (27 of 30 [90%]) or myeloproliferative neoplasms (3 of 3 [100%]) were more likely to include PROs as an end point (P = .03). Similarly, compared with trials involving lymphoma (3 of 18 [17%]) or leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome (5 of 18 [28%]), those involving plasma cell disorders or multiple myeloma (16 of 27 [59%]) or myeloproliferative neoplasms (2 of 3 [67%]) were more likely to report PROs in the primary publication (P = .01).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this systematic review, almost 3 of every 4 therapeutic RCTs for blood cancers collected PRO data; however, only 1 RCT included PROs as a primary end point. Moreover, most did not report resulting PRO data in the primary publication and when reported, PROs were either better or unchanged, raising concern for publication bias. This analysis suggests a critical gap in dissemination of data on the lived experiences of patients enrolled in RCTs for hematological malignant neoplasms.
Topics: Humans; Patient Reported Outcome Measures; Hematologic Neoplasms; Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 38829615
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.14425 -
Perioperative Medicine (London, England) Jun 2024The purpose of the current study was to assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) on reducing bleeding in cardiac surgical patients with preoperative antiplatelet... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The purpose of the current study was to assess the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) on reducing bleeding in cardiac surgical patients with preoperative antiplatelet therapy (APT).
METHODS
Five electronic databases were searched systematically for randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of intravenous TXA on post-operative bleeding on cardiac surgical patients with preoperative APT until May 2024. Primary outcome of interest was post-operative blood loss. Secondary outcomes of interest included the incidence of reoperation due to post-operative bleeding, post-operative transfusion requirements of red blood cells (RBC), fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), and platelet concentrates. Mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) or odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI was employed to analyze the data. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to assess the possible influence of TXA administration on reducing bleeding and transfusion requirements.
RESULTS
A total of 12 RCTs with 3018 adult cardiac surgical patients (TXA group, 1510 patients; Control group, 1508 patients) were included. The current study demonstrated that TXA significantly reduced post-operative blood loss (MD = - 0.38 L, 95% CI: - 0.73 to - 0.03, P = 0.03; MD = - 0.26 L, 95% CI: - 0.28 to - 0.24, P < 0.00001; MD = - 0.37 L, 95% CI: - 0.63 to - 0.10, P = 0.007) in patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT), aspirin, or clopidogrel, respectively. Patients in TXA group had significantly lower incidence of reoperation for bleeding as compared to those in Control group. The post-operative transfusion of RBC and FFP requirements was significantly lower in TXA group than Control group. Subgroup analyses showed that studies with DAPT discontinued on the day of surgery significantly increased the risk of post-operative blood loss [(MD: - 1.23 L; 95% CI: - 1.42 to - 1.04) vs. (MD: - 0.16 L; 95% CI: - 0.27 to - 0.05); P < 0.00001 for subgroup difference] and RBC transfusion [(MD: - 3.90 units; 95% CI: - 4.75 to - 3.05) vs. (MD: - 1.03 units; 95% CI: - 1.96 to - 0.10); P < 0.00001 for subgroup difference] than those with DAPT discontinued less than 5-7 days preoperatively.
CONCLUSIONS
This meta-analysis demonstrated that TXA significantly reduced post-operative blood loss and transfusion requirements for cardiac surgical patients with preoperative APT. These potential clinical benefits may be greater in patients with aspirin and clopidogrel continued closer to the day of surgery.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42022309427.
PubMed: 38886771
DOI: 10.1186/s13741-024-00418-3 -
Arthroscopy : the Journal of... Apr 2024We conducted our network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of the steroid injections to other injectable therapies in partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs).
Hyaluronate acid plus platelet-rich plasma is superior to steroids for pain relief less than 6 months using injection therapy of partial rotator cuff tears: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.
PURPOSE
We conducted our network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of the steroid injections to other injectable therapies in partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs).
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed until October 25, 2021 in three databases (CENTRAL, Embase, MEDLINE). Eligible studies compared the efficacy of steroid, hyaluronic acid (HA), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), the combination of HA and PRP (HA+PRP), and adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRC) in RC tears. The primary outcomes were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Constant Murley Score (CMS), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form. Using paired and network meta-analysis, we calculated pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
We included a total of seven articles in the quantitative synthesis. In shorter periods, the HA+PRP combination was superior to the other substances we investigated (HA+PRP: VAS (0-4 weeks): MD: -0.99 [CI = -1.62, -0.36]; CMS (0-3 months): 20.56 [CI = 16.18, 24.94]. This combination was followed by the use of HA or PRP alone, depending on the duration of follow-up and the outcome being studied. In our study, short-term results suggest that saline is superior to steroids for partial tears, but this trend is reversed at six-month follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Our results suggest the combination of HA and PRP to be a more effective therapeutic option for partial RC ruptures for short terms, but there is no significant difference after 6 months.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
II, Included of Level of Evidence studies I-II.
PubMed: 38599539
DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.03.035 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Silver-releasing dressings are used in the treatment of infected wounds. Despite their widespread use, neither the amount of silver released nor the potential toxicity...
INTRODUCTION
Silver-releasing dressings are used in the treatment of infected wounds. Despite their widespread use, neither the amount of silver released nor the potential toxicity is known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects and the amount of silver released from commercially available dressings with infected wounds.
METHODS
The review was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. The Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched for studies from 2002 through December 2022. The criteria were as follows: population (human patients with infected wounds); intervention (commercial dressings with clinical silver authorized for use in humans); and outcomes (concentrations of silver ions released into tissues and plasma). Any study based on silver-free dressings, experimental dressings, or dressings not for clinical use in humans should be excluded. According to the type of study, systematic reviews, experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational studies in English, Spanish, or Portuguese were considered. The quality of the selected studies was assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tools. Studies that assessed at least 65% of the included items were included. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers.
RESULTS
740 articles were found and five were finally selected (all of them quasi-experimental). Heterogeneity was found in terms of study design, application of silver dressings, and methods of assessment, which limited the comparability between studies.
CONCLUSION
comparative studies of clinical dressings for control of infection lack a standardized methodology that allows observation of all the variables of silver performance at local and systemic levels, as well as evaluation of its cytotoxicity. It cannot be concluded whether the assessed concentrations of released silver in commercial dressings for the topical treatment of infected wounds are cytotoxic to skin cells.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022351041, PROSPERO [CRD42022351041].
Topics: Humans; Bandages; Databases, Factual; Ions; Silver; Wound Infection
PubMed: 38450128
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1331753