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International Journal of Molecular... May 2023The pulmonary endothelium is a highly regulated organ that performs a wide range of functions under physiological and pathological conditions. Since endothelial... (Review)
Review
The pulmonary endothelium is a highly regulated organ that performs a wide range of functions under physiological and pathological conditions. Since endothelial dysfunction has been demonstrated to play a direct role in sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, its role in COVID-19 has also been extensively investigated. Indeed, apart from the COVID-19-associated coagulopathy biomarkers, new biomarkers were recognised early during the pandemic, including markers of endothelial cell activation or injury. We systematically searched the literature up to 10 March 2023 for studies examining the association between acute and long COVID-19 severity and outcomes and endothelial biomarkers.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Vascular Diseases; Lung; Biomarkers
PubMed: 37175942
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098237 -
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy May 2023The introduction of motorized spiral enteroscopy (mSE) into clinical practice holds diagnostic and therapeutic potential for small-bowel investigations. This systematic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
The introduction of motorized spiral enteroscopy (mSE) into clinical practice holds diagnostic and therapeutic potential for small-bowel investigations. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the performance of this modality in diagnosing and treating small-bowel lesions.
METHODS
A systematic search of MEDLINE, Cochrane, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were performed through September 2022. The primary outcome was diagnostic success, defined as the identification of a lesion relative to the indication. Secondary outcomes were successful therapeutic manipulation, total enteroscopy rate (examination from the duodenojejunal flexion to the cecum), technical success (passage from the ligament of Treitz or ileocecal valve for anterograde and retrograde approach, respectively), and adverse event rates. We performed meta-analyses using a random-effects model, and the results are reported as percentages with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
From 2016 to 2022, 9 studies (959 patients; 42% women; mean age >45 years; 474 patients [49.4%] investigated for mid-GI bleeding/anemia) were considered eligible and included in analysis. The diagnostic success rate of mSE was 78% (95% CI, 72-84; I = 78.3%). Considering secondary outcomes, total enteroscopy was attempted in 460 cases and completed with a rate of 51% (95% CI, 30-72; I = 96.2%), whereas therapeutic interventions were successful in 98% of cases (95% CI, 96-100; I = 79.8%) where attempted. Technical success rates were 96% (95% CI, 94-97; I = 1.5%) for anterograde and 97% (95% CI, 94-100; I = 38.6%) for retrograde approaches, respectively. Finally, the incidence of adverse events was 17% (95% CI, 13-21; I = 65.1%), albeit most were minor adverse events (16%; 95% CI, 11-20; I = 67.2%) versus major adverse events (1%; 95% CI, 0-1; I = 0%).
CONCLUSIONS
mSE provides high rates of diagnostic and therapeutic success with a low prevalence of severe adverse events.
Topics: Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Male; Intestine, Small; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
PubMed: 36738795
DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2023.01.048 -
Journal of the European Academy of... Sep 2023The current evidence on paediatric melanoma is heterogeneous, especially regarding the prognosis of different histological subtypes. We sought to systematically review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The current evidence on paediatric melanoma is heterogeneous, especially regarding the prognosis of different histological subtypes. We sought to systematically review the evidence on paediatric melanoma, highlighting the major sources of heterogeneity and focusing on available data on single patients. A systematic search was performed from 1948 to 25 January 2021. Only studies reporting at least one case of cutaneous melanoma in patients aged ≤18 years were included. Unknown primary and uncertain malignant melanomas were excluded. Three couples of authors independently performed title/abstract screening and two different authors reviewed all the relevant full texts. The selected articles were manually cross-checked for overlapping data for qualitative synthesis. Subsequently data on single patients were extracted to perform a patient-level meta-analysis. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021233248. The main outcomes were melanoma-specific survival (MSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) outcomes. Separate analyses were done of cases with complete information on histologic subtype, focusing on superficial spreading (SSM), nodular (NM) and spitzoid melanomas, as well as of those classified as de-novo (DNM) and acquired or congenital nevus-associated melanomas (NAM). The qualitative synthesis covered 266 studies; however, data on single patients were available from 213 studies including 1002 patients. Among histologic subtypes, NM had a lower MSS than both SSM and spitzoid melanoma, and a lower PFS than SSM. Spitzoid melanoma had a significantly higher progression risk than SSM and trended toward lower mortality. Focusing on nevus-associated status, DNM demonstrated better MSS after progression than congenital NAM, and no differences were highlighted in PFS. Our findings describe the existence of different biological patterns in paediatric melanoma. Specifically, spitzoid melanomas demonstrated intermediate behaviour between SSM and NM and showed a high risk of nodal progression but low mortality. This raises the question of whether spitzoid lesions are being over-diagnosed as melanoma in childhood.
Topics: Child; Humans; Melanoma; Nevus; Nevus, Epithelioid and Spindle Cell; Skin Neoplasms; Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
PubMed: 37210654
DOI: 10.1111/jdv.19220 -
Dermatopathology (Basel, Switzerland) Jul 2022Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory scarring disease felt to be related to occlusion of the hair follicle unit in intertriginous areas. We perform a... (Review)
Review
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory scarring disease felt to be related to occlusion of the hair follicle unit in intertriginous areas. We perform a systematic review on HS histopathology to evaluate current knowledge and discuss future directions. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for relevant articles published from January 1985 to January 2021 that discussed the pathology of HS. Additional articles were identified by hand-searching, which entailed manually scanning selected journals. A total of 355 citations were identified in the primary search within the main databases. Two hundred and seventy-nine articles were excluded after a review of titles, abstracts, and duplicates. Sixty-one studies did not meet the inclusion criteria or were found to be duplicates, resulting in a total of 15 articles for analysis. Three articles were hand-searched. This comprehensive systematic review of the histopathology of HS confirms a high prevalence of follicular occlusion, follicular hyperkeratosis, and hyperplasia of the follicular epithelium. These findings support the central role of follicular occlusion in the development and progression of HS while providing a potential path to directing therapeutics against follicular occlusion.
PubMed: 35892482
DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology9030029 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Oct 2023Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor. While the majority of meningiomas are benign, rarely they can metastasize extracranially. There is a need for...
BACKGROUND
Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial tumor. While the majority of meningiomas are benign, rarely they can metastasize extracranially. There is a need for a more comprehensive review of these patients to improve our understanding of this rare phenomenon and its prevalence globally. Here we describe our institution's experience of patients presenting with metastatic meningiomas. We further perform a systematic review of the existing literature to explore common features of this rare manifestation of meningioma and review the efficacy of current treatments.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective clinical review of all adult patients with metastatic meningioma managed at our institution over the past 20 years, identifying 6 patients. We then performed a systematic review of cases of metastatic meningioma in the literature ranging from the years 1886 to 2022. A descriptive analysis was then conducted on the available data from 1979 onward, focusing on the grade and location of the primary tumor as well as the latency period to, and location of, the metastasis.
RESULTS
In total, we analyzed 155 cases. Fifty-four percent of patients initially presented with a primary meningioma located in the convexity. The most common site of metastasis was the lung. Risk factors associated with a shorter time to metastasis were male sex and a high initial grade of the tumor. Regarding treatment, the addition of chemotherapy was the most common adjunct to the standard management of surgery and radiotherapy. Despite an exhaustive review we were unable to identify effective treatments. The majority of published cases came from centers situated in high-income countries (84%) while only 16% came from lower- and middle-income countries.
CONCLUSIONS
Metastatic meningiomas pose a pertinent, and likely underestimated, clinical challenge within modern neurosurgery. To optimize management, timely identification of these patients is important. More research is needed to explore the mechanisms underlying these tumors to better guide the development of effective screening and management protocols. However, screening of each meningioma patient is not feasible, and at the heart of this challenge is the inability to control the primary disease. Ultimately, a consensus is needed as to how to correctly screen for and manage these patients; genomic and epigenomic approaches could hold the answer to finding druggable targets.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Male; Brain Neoplasms; Meningeal Neoplasms; Meningioma; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37491650
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05687-3 -
Pancreatology : Official Journal of the... Nov 2023Mucinous pancreatic cysts harbor the potential to progress to highly lethal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Since these precursor cysts require cancer... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Mucinous pancreatic cysts harbor the potential to progress to highly lethal pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Since these precursor cysts require cancer surveillance or surgical resection, they need to be reliably distinguished from harmless pancreatic cysts. Current clinical and radiographic assessment is imperfect and the value of cyst fluid analysis for differential diagnosis is unclear. Therefore, we set out to investigate the value of cyst fluid biomarkers in distinguishing pancreatic cysts.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of the current literature to identify articles that evaluated the diagnostic performance of clinically relevant and promising candidate cyst fluid biomarkers, with a particular emphasis on DNA-based biomarkers. Meta-analysis was performed for biomarkers targeted at identifying cyst type and presence of high-grade dysplasia or PDAC.
RESULTS
Data from a total of 42 studies was analyzed. Mutations in KRAS and/or GNAS allowed identification of mucinous cysts with a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 98%. This exceeded the performance of the traditional biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; sensitivity 58%, specificity 87%). Mutations in VHL were specific for serous cystadenomas (SCAs; sensitivity 56%, specificity 99%) and help to exclude mucinous cysts. Mutations in CDKN2A, PIK3CA, SMAD4, and TP53 each had high specificities of 97%, 97%, 98%, and 95%, respectively, to identify high-grade dysplasia or PDAC in mucinous cysts.
CONCLUSIONS
Cyst fluid analysis can be a valuable tool in the characterization of pancreatic cysts, with relevant clinical implications. Our results support the use of DNA-based cyst fluid biomarkers in the multidisciplinary diagnostic work-up of pancreatic cysts.
Topics: Humans; Cyst Fluid; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Carcinoembryonic Antigen; Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal; Pancreatic Cyst; DNA; Biomarkers, Tumor
PubMed: 37230894
DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2023.05.005 -
Clinical Gastroenterology and... Apr 2022Intestinal strictures are a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Biomarkers of intestinal strictures would assist in their prediction, diagnosis, and monitoring....
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Intestinal strictures are a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD). Biomarkers of intestinal strictures would assist in their prediction, diagnosis, and monitoring. Herein we provide a comprehensive systematic review of studies assessing biomarkers that may predict or diagnose CD-associated strictures.
METHODS
We performed a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus to identify citations pertaining to biomarkers of intestinal fibrosis through July 6, 2020, that used a reference standard of full-thickness histopathology or cross-sectional imaging or endoscopy. Studies were categorized based on the type of biomarker they evaluated (serum, genetic, histopathologic, or fecal).
RESULTS
Thirty-five distinct biomarkers from 3 major groups were identified: serum (20 markers), genetic (9 markers), and histopathology (6 markers). Promising markers include cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, hepatocyte growth factor activator, and lower levels of microRNA-19-3p (area under the curves were 0.805, 0.738, and 0.67, respectively), and multiple anti-flagellin antibodies (A4-Fla2 [odds ratio, 3.41], anti Fla-X [odds ratio, 2.95], and anti-CBir1 [multiple]). Substantial heterogeneity was observed and none of the markers had undergone formal validation. Specific limitations to acceptance of these markers included failure to use a standardized definition of stricturing disease, lack of specificity, and insufficient relevance to the pathogenesis of intestinal strictures or incomplete knowledge regarding their operating properties.
CONCLUSIONS
There is a lack of well-defined studies on biomarkers of intestinal stricture. Development of reliable and accurate biomarkers of stricture is a research priority. Biomarkers can support the clinical management of CD patients and aid in the stratification and monitoring of patients during clinical trials of future antifibrotic drug candidates.
Topics: Biomarkers; Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein; Constriction, Pathologic; Crohn Disease; Humans; Intestinal Obstruction; MicroRNAs; Serine Endopeptidases
PubMed: 34089850
DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.05.054 -
Journal of Neuro-oncology Jul 2022Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating disease with poor overall survival. Despite the common occurrence of GBM among primary brain tumors, metastatic disease is rare. Our... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a devastating disease with poor overall survival. Despite the common occurrence of GBM among primary brain tumors, metastatic disease is rare. Our goal was to perform a systematic literature review on GBM with osseous metastases and understand the rate of metastasis to the vertebral column as compared to the remainder of the skeleton, and how this histology would fit into our current paradigm of treatment for bone metastases.
METHODS
A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-compliant literature search was performed using the PubMed database from 1952 to 2021. Search terms included "GBM", "glioblastoma", "high-grade glioma", "bone metastasis", and "bone metastases".
RESULTS
Of 659 studies initially identified, 67 articles were included in the current review. From these 67 articles, a total of 92 distinct patient case presentations of metastatic glioblastoma to bone were identified. Of these cases, 58 (63%) involved the vertebral column while the remainder involved lesions within the skull, sternum, rib cage, and appendicular skeleton.
CONCLUSION
Metastatic dissemination of GBM to bone occurs. While the true incidence is unknown, workup for metastatic disease, especially involving the spinal column, is warranted in symptomatic patients. Lastly, management of patients with GBM vertebral column metastases can follow the International Spine Oncology Consortium two-step multidisciplinary algorithm for the management of spinal metastases.
Topics: Bone Neoplasms; Brain Neoplasms; Glioblastoma; Humans; Spine
PubMed: 35578056
DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-04025-4 -
Radiology Jul 2023Background Radiological lung may explain the persistence of respiratory complaints in post-COVID-19 condition (long-COVID). Purpose To perform a systematic review and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Background Radiological lung may explain the persistence of respiratory complaints in post-COVID-19 condition (long-COVID). Purpose To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence and type of COVID-19 residual lung abnormalities at 1-year chest CT. Materials and Methods A literature search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Medline databases was performed from January 2020 to January 2023. Full-text reports of CT lung in adults (≥18 years) with confirmed COVID-19 at 1-year follow-up were included. The prevalence of any residual lung abnormality and type (fibrotic or not) was analyzed according to the Fleischner Glossary. The meta-analysis included studies with chest CT data assessable in no less than 80% of individuals. A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled prevalence. Multiple sub-group (country, journal category, methodological quality, study setting, outcomes) and meta-regression analyses were performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. I statistics estimated low (25%), moderate (26-50%) and high (>50%) heterogeneity. 95% Prediction Intervals (95% PIs) were computed to describe the expected estimates range. Results Of 22 709 records, 21 studies were reviewed (20 prospective, 9 from China, and 7 in radiology journals). The meta-analysis included 14 studies with chest CT data in 1854 of 2043 individuals (M/F: 1109/934). Estimates of lung were highly heterogeneous (7.1-96.7%), with a pooled frequency of 43.5% (I=94%; 95% PI: 5.9%, 90.4%). This also applied to single non-fibrotic changes, including ground glass opacity, consolidations, nodules/masses, parenchymal bands, and reticulations. The prevalence range of fibrotic traction bronchiectasis/bronchiolectasis was 1.6-25.7% (I=93%; 95% PI: 0.0%, 98.6%;); honeycombing was unremarkable (0-1.1%; I=58%; 95% PI: 0%, 60%). Lung were unrelated to any characteristics of interest. Conclusion The prevalence of COVID-19 lung at 1-year chest CT is highly heterogeneous among studies. Heterogeneity determinants remain unknown suggesting caution in data interpretation with no convincing evidence. PROSPERO (CRD42022341258) COVID-19 pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, chest CT, long-COVID, systematic review, metaanalysis See also the editorial by Parraga and Svenningsen in this issue.
Topics: Adult; Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome; Prospective Studies; Lung; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Bronchiectasis; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Disease Progression
PubMed: 37404150
DOI: 10.1148/radiol.230535 -
The American Surgeon Dec 2023Completion pancreatectomy (C.P.) is one acceptable treatment of choice in clinical scenarios such as management of post-pancreatectomy complications and recurrence in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE (S)
Completion pancreatectomy (C.P.) is one acceptable treatment of choice in clinical scenarios such as management of post-pancreatectomy complications and recurrence in the pancreatic remnant. Studies referring to completion pancreatectomy as a distinct operation are limited, without emphasizing at the operation itself, rather reporting completion pancreatectomy as a possible option for treatment of various diseases. The identification of indications of CP in various pathologies and the clinical outcomes are therefore mandatory.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed in the Pubmed and Scopus Databases (February 2020),guided by the PRISMA protocol, for all studies reporting CP as a surgical procedure with reference at indications for performing it combined with postoperative morbidity and/or mortality.
RESULTS
Out of 1647 studies, 32 studies from 10 countries with 2775 patients in total, of whom 561 (20.2%) CPs met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. Inclusion year ranged from 1964 to 2018 and were published from 1992 until 2019. 17 studies with a total number of 249 CPs were performed for post-pancreatectomy complications. Mortality rate was 44.5% (111 out of 249). Morbidity rate was (72.6%). 12 studies with 225 CPs were performed for isolated local recurrence after initial resection with a morbidity rate of 21.5% and 0% mortality rate in the early postoperative period. Two studies with a total number of 12 patients reported CP as a treatment option for recurrent neuroendocrine neoplasms. The mortality in those studies was 8% (1/12) and the mean morbidity rate was 58.3% (7/12). Finally, CP for refractory chronic pancreatitis was presented in one study with morbidity and mortality rates of 19% and 0%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Completion pancreatectomy is a distinct treatment option for various pathologies. Morbidity and mortality rates depend on the indications of performing CP, the status performance of the patients and whether the operation is performed electively or urgently
Topics: Humans; Pancreatectomy; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Pancreas; Pancreatitis, Chronic; Retrospective Studies; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 37295804
DOI: 10.1177/00031348231183121