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Risk Management and Healthcare Policy 2023Early studies showed that the risks of mRNA vaccine-associated myocarditis and pericarditis are low but with substantial variation across studies. Study characteristics,... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Early studies showed that the risks of mRNA vaccine-associated myocarditis and pericarditis are low but with substantial variation across studies. Study characteristics, ethnicity, vaccine types, dose intervals, and SARS-CoV-2 infection prevalence may influence the rates of myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA vaccination in population-based studies.
METHODS
We comprehensively searched MEDLINE for relevant articles published before November 30, 2022. We also searched the websites of health authorities in several countries for unpublished surveillance data on myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA vaccination. The outcome of interest was the incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis developed after mRNA vaccination for COVID-19.
RESULTS
A total of 17 studies form 10 countries were included for review. We noted that considerable heterogeneity in study characteristics, including surveillance method, case definition, and observation period, may partially be responsible for the widely varied reported rates. Studies from countries that adopted active surveillance reported higher rates than those using passive surveillance. Compared to BNT162b2 vaccine, mRNA-1273 may have a higher risk of myocarditis only in young men after the second dose. Our comparison of sex-, age-, vaccine type-, and dose-specific rates of myocarditis across countries did not support the hypothesis that individuals with recent SARS-CoV-2 infection and young Asian males were at higher risk. We also could not find sufficient evidence to conclude whether extending the between-dose interval could reduce myocarditis incidence following mRNA vaccination.
CONCLUSION
Differences in the study characteristics must be fully considered when comparing the risks of mRNA vaccine-related myocarditis and pericarditis in different countries.
PubMed: 37841076
DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S422372 -
PloS One 2023To identify differential expression of shorter non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
AIMS
To identify differential expression of shorter non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
BACKGROUND
ncRNA are functional molecules that derive from non-translated DNA sequence. The HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) have approved ncRNA gene classes with alignment to the reference human genome. One subset is microRNA (miRNA), which are highly conserved, short RNA molecules that regulate gene expression by direct post-transcriptional repression of messenger RNA. Several miRNA genes are implicated in the development and regulation of the nervous system. Expression of miRNA genes in ASD cohorts have been examined by multiple research groups. Other shorter classes of ncRNA have been examined less. A comprehensive systematic review examining expression of shorter ncRNA gene classes in ASD is timely to inform the direction of research.
METHODS
We extracted data from studies examining ncRNA gene expression in ASD compared with non-ASD controls. We included studies on miRNA, piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA), small NF90 (ILF3) associated RNA (snaR), small nuclear RNA (snRNA), small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), vault RNA (vtRNA) and Y RNA. The following electronic databases were searched: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ERIC, AMED and CINAHL for papers published from January 2000 to May 2022. Studies were screened by two independent investigators with a third resolving discrepancies. Data was extracted from eligible papers.
RESULTS
Forty-eight eligible studies were included in our systematic review with the majority examining miRNA gene expression alone. Sixty-four miRNA genes had differential expression in ASD compared to controls as reported in two or more studies, but often in opposing directions. Four miRNA genes had differential expression in the same direction in the same tissue type in at least 3 separate studies. Increased expression was reported in miR-106b-5p, miR-155-5p and miR-146a-5p in blood, post-mortem brain, and across several tissue types, respectively. Decreased expression was reported in miR-328-3p in bloods samples. Seven studies examined differential expression from other classes of ncRNA, including piRNA, snRNA, snoRNA and Y RNA. No individual ncRNA genes were reported in more than one study. Six studies reported differentially expressed snoRNA genes in ASD. A meta-analysis was not possible because of inconsistent methodologies, disparate tissue types examined, and varying forms of data presented.
CONCLUSION
There is limited but promising evidence associating the expression of certain miRNA genes and ASD, although the studies are of variable methodological quality and the results are largely inconsistent. There is emerging evidence associating differential expression of snoRNA genes in ASD. It is not currently possible to say whether the reports of differential expression in ncRNA may relate to ASD aetiology, a response to shared environmental factors linked to ASD such as sleep and nutrition, other molecular functions, human diversity, or chance findings. To improve our understanding of any potential association, we recommend improved and standardised methodologies and reporting of raw data. Further high-quality research is required to shine a light on possible associations, which may yet yield important information.
Topics: Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; RNA, Small Nucleolar; MicroRNAs; RNA, Untranslated; RNA, Messenger; Piwi-Interacting RNA
PubMed: 37319303
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287131 -
Journal of Medical Virology Oct 2022To systematically review and synthesize the safety and efficacy of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in children and adolescents. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of... (Review)
Review
To systematically review and synthesize the safety and efficacy of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in children and adolescents. PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library databases, the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR), and ClinicalTrials.gov website were searched to collect accessible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the safety and efficacy of human COVID-19 vaccines in children and adolescents until May 1, 2022. Three steps, including duplicate removal, title and abstract screening, and full-text review, were used to screen the studies. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs was used to assess the bias risk of the included studies. Microsoft Excel 16.57 (2021) software was used for data extraction and analysis. (PROSPERO Code No: CRD42021295422). COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in a total of 10 950 children and adolescents in seven published studies and over 49 530 participants in 26 ongoing randomized controlled trials. Descriptive findings of the included published studies were reported stratified by vaccine type. The overall, local, and systemic adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) reported in most trials were similar between the vaccine and placebo groups. Most of the reactions reported were mild to moderate, whereas a few were severe. The common adverse events were injection-site pain, fever, headache, cough, fatigue, and muscle pain. Few clinical trials reported serious adverse events, but most of them were unrelated to vaccination. In terms of efficacy, the investigated messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine was found to be 90.7%-100% efficacious in preventing COVID-19 among children and adolescents, revealing good efficacy profiles in this age group. Among children and adolescents, the safety of current COVID-19 vaccines is acceptable, and studies have suggested that mRNA vaccines can provide high protection against COVID-19 infection in pediatric age groups.
Topics: Adolescent; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Child; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 35705969
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27940 -
Global reports of myocarditis following COVID-19 vaccination: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome Jun 2022Recent media reports of myocarditis after receiving COVID-19 vaccines, particularly the messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, are causing public concern. This review summarizes... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND AND AIMS
Recent media reports of myocarditis after receiving COVID-19 vaccines, particularly the messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, are causing public concern. This review summarizes information from published case series and case reports, emphasizing patient and disease characteristics, investigation, and clinical outcomes, to provide a comprehensive picture of the condition.
METHODS
A systematic literature search of PubMed and Google scholar was conducted from inception to April 27, 2022. Individuals who develop myocarditis after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of the type of vaccine and dose, were included in the study.
RESULTS
Sixty-two studies, including 218 cases, participated in the current systematic review. The median age was 29.2 years; 92.2% were male and 7.8% were female. 72.4% of patients received the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccine, 23.8% of patients received the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (mRNA-1273), and the rest of the 3.5% received other types of COVID-19 vaccine. Furthermore, most myocarditis cases (82.1%) occurred after the second vaccine dose, after a median time interval of 3.5 days. The most frequently reported symptoms were chest pain, myalgia/body aches and fever. Troponin levels were consistently elevated in 98.6% of patients. The admission ECG was abnormal in 88.5% of cases, and the left LVEF was lower than 50% in 21.5% of cases. Most patients (92.6%) resolved symptoms and recovered, and only three patients died.
CONCLUSION
These findings may help public health policy to consider myocarditis in the context of the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.
Topics: 2019-nCoV Vaccine mRNA-1273; Adult; BNT162 Vaccine; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Female; Humans; Male; Myocarditis; Vaccination; Vaccines
PubMed: 35660931
DOI: 10.1016/j.dsx.2022.102513 -
Journal of Cancer 2024Meta analysis was adopted to investigate the correlation between messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and clinicopathological features of breast cancer (BC).
BACKGROUND
Meta analysis was adopted to investigate the correlation between messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression and clinicopathological features of breast cancer (BC).
METHODS
English databases, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and The Cochrane Library, etc., were searched using a computer. The time range of retrieval was set to be from the establishment of the database to December 2023. The search terms were set as "mRNA", "Breast cancer", "Pathology", "Clinicopathological characteristics", etc. The literatures were screened in line with the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the data was extracted for analysis by Revman5.3.
RESULTS
Finally, 5 suitable included literatures were selected, including 969 patients. The analysis results were found to reveal a significant association between mRNA expression and BC grading (OR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.04-0.30, Z = 4.26, <0.0001); a significant correlation was observed between mRNA expression and BC staging (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.05-0.65, Z = 2.65, = 0.008<0.05); no correlation was found between mRNA expression and menstrual status of BC patients (OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.22-1.78, Z = 0.88, = 0.38>0.05); a correlation was identified between mRNA expression and tumor size in BC (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.24-0.99, Z = 2.00, = 0.05). In the Discussion section, this study, comprising 10 research studies, aimed to explore the correlation between messenger ribonucleic acid and the clinical pathological features of BC. staging and grading of BC, a certain correlation with tumor size, and no correlation with the menstrual status of BC patients.
PubMed: 38706916
DOI: 10.7150/jca.93607 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2023The rapid emergence of COVID-19 variants of concern (VOCs) has hindered vaccine uptake. To inform policy, we investigated the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccination... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The rapid emergence of COVID-19 variants of concern (VOCs) has hindered vaccine uptake. To inform policy, we investigated the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccination among adolescents against symptomatic and severe COVID-19 diseases using mostly real-world data (15 studies). We searched international databases until May 2022 and used Cochrane's risk of bias tools for critical appraisal. Random effects models were used to examine overall vaccine effectiveness (VE) across studies (general inverse-variance) and the effect of circulating VOCs on VE (log relative ratio and VE). Meta-regression assessed the effect of age and time on VE (restricted-maximum likelihood). BNT162b2 VE against PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 was 82.7% (95%CI: 78.37-87.31%). VE was higher for severe (88%) than non-severe (35%) outcomes and declining over time improved following booster dose in omicron era [73%(95%CI:65-81%)]. Fully vaccinated adolescents are protected from COVID-19 circulating VOCs by BNT162b2 especially for the need of critical care or life support.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; BNT162 Vaccine; Vaccination; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 37277959
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2214495 -
BMC Genomics Aug 2022The histidine metabolism and transport (his) genes are controlled by a variety of RNA-dependent regulatory systems among diverse taxonomic groups of bacteria including...
BACKGROUND
The histidine metabolism and transport (his) genes are controlled by a variety of RNA-dependent regulatory systems among diverse taxonomic groups of bacteria including T-box riboswitches in Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and RNA attenuators in Proteobacteria. Using a comparative genomic approach, we previously identified a novel DNA-binding transcription factor (named HisR) that controls the histidine metabolism genes in diverse Gram-positive bacteria from the Firmicutes phylum.
RESULTS
Here we report the identification of HisR-binding sites within the regulatory regions of the histidine metabolism and transport genes in 395 genomes representing the Bacilli, Clostridia, Negativicutes, and Tissierellia classes of Firmicutes, as well as in 97 other HisR-encoding genomes from the Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Synergistetes phyla. HisR belongs to the TrpR family of transcription factors, and their predicted DNA binding motifs have a similar 20-bp palindromic structure but distinct lineage-specific consensus sequences. The predicted HisR-binding motif was validated in vitro using DNA binding assays with purified protein from the human gut bacterium Ruminococcus gnavus. To fill a knowledge gap in the regulation of histidine metabolism genes in Firmicutes genomes that lack a hisR repressor gene, we systematically searched their upstream regions for potential RNA regulatory elements. As result, we identified 158 T-box riboswitches preceding the histidine biosynthesis and/or transport genes in 129 Firmicutes genomes. Finally, novel candidate RNA attenuators were identified upstream of the histidine biosynthesis operons in six species from the Bacillus cereus group, as well as in five Eubacteriales and six Erysipelotrichales species.
CONCLUSIONS
The obtained distribution of the HisR transcription factor and two RNA-mediated regulatory mechanisms for histidine metabolism genes across over 600 species of Firmicutes is discussed from functional and evolutionary points of view.
Topics: Actinobacteria; Bacteria; DNA; Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Histidine; Humans; Phylogeny; Riboswitch; Transcription Factors
PubMed: 36008760
DOI: 10.1186/s12864-022-08796-y -
Multiple Sclerosis (Houndmills,... Apr 2023Data are sparse regarding the safety of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Data are sparse regarding the safety of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
OBJECTIVE
To estimate (1) the pooled proportion of MS patients experiencing relapse among vaccine recipients; (2) the rate of transient neurological worsening, adverse events, and serious adverse events; (3) the previous outcomes of interest for different SARS-CoV-2 vaccine types.
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacovigilance registries and observational studies.
RESULTS
Nineteen observational studies comprising 14,755 MS patients who received 23,088 doses of COVID-19 vaccines were included. Mean age was 43.3 years (95% confidence interval (CI): 40-46.6); relapsing-remitting, secondary-progressive, primary-progressive MS and clinically isolated syndrome were diagnosed in 82.6% (95% CI: 73.9-89.8), 12.6% (95% CI: 6.3-20.8), 6.7% (95% CI: 4.2-9.9), and 2.9% (95% CI: 1-5.9) of cases, respectively. The pooled proportion of MS patients experiencing relapse at a mean time interval of 20 days (95% CI: 12-28.2) from vaccination was 1.9% (95% CI: 1.3%-2.6%; = 78%), with the relapse risk being independent of the type of administered SARS-CoV-2-vaccine ( for subgroup differences = 0.7 for messenger RNA (mRNA), inactivated virus, and adenovector-based vaccines). After vaccination, transient neurological worsening was observed in 4.8% (95% CI: 2.3%-8.1%) of patients. Adverse events and serious adverse events were reported in 52.8% (95% CI: 46.7%-58.8%) and 0.1% (95% CI: 0%-0.2%) of vaccinations, respectively.
CONCLUSION
COVID-19 vaccination does not appear to increase the risk of relapse and serious adverse events in MS. Weighted against the risks of SARS-CoV-2-related complications and MS exacerbations, these safety data provide compelling pro-vaccination arguments for MS patients.
Topics: Adult; Humans; COVID-19; COVID-19 Vaccines; Multiple Sclerosis; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination
PubMed: 36722184
DOI: 10.1177/13524585221150881 -
Annals of Coloproctology Apr 2023Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the possible involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of inflammatory bowel diseases. However, the possible involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been scarcely investigated. This systematic review aims to search through research papers that are focusing on messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression profile in EMT in fistula or in intestinal fibrosis.
METHODS
Electronic exploration was performed until April 24, 2019 through PubMed, Ovid, Science Direct, and Scopus databases with the terms of "fistula" OR "intestinal fibrosis" AND "epithelial-mesenchymal transition". Two independent reviewers scrutinized the suitability of the title and abstract before examining the full text that met the inclusion criteria. For each study, the sample types that were used, methods for analysis, and genes expressed were identified. The list of genes was further analyzed using DAVID (Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathway.
RESULTS
There were 896 citations found; however, only 3 studies fulfilled the requirements. Among the EMT-related genes, 5 were upregulated genes at mRNA level while 6 were at protein level. However, only 2 downregulated genes were found at each mRNA and protein level. Of the 4 inflammation-related genes found, 3 genes were upregulated at mRNA level and 1 at protein level. These genes were confirmed to be involved in the development of inflammatory induced fibrosis and fistula through EMT. Results from quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis were consistent with the process of EMT, confirmed by the western blot protein analysis.
CONCLUSION
Many significant genes which are involved in the process of EMT in fistula and intestinal fibrosis have been identified. With high-end technology many more genes could be identified. These genes will be good molecular targets in the development of biomarkers for precision drug targeting in the future treatment of intestinal fibrosis and fistula.
PubMed: 34856655
DOI: 10.3393/ac.2021.00584.0083 -
Vaccine Jun 2023Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) are at a potentially higher risk for COVID-19 infection complications. Given their inherent altered immune system and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) are at a potentially higher risk for COVID-19 infection complications. Given their inherent altered immune system and the use of immunomodulatory medications, vaccine immunogenicity could be unpredictable with a suboptimal or even an exaggerated immunological response. The aim of this study is to provide real-time data on the emerging evidence of COVID-19 vaccines' efficacy and safety in patients with ARDs.
METHODS
We performed a literature search of the PubMed, EMBASE, and OVID databases up to 11-13 April 2022 on the efficacy and safety of both types of the mRNA-vaccines and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines in patients with ARD. The risk of bias in the retrieved studies was evaluated using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. Also, current clinical practice guidelines from multiple international professional societies were reviewed.
RESULTS
We identified 60 prognostic studies, 69 case reports and case series, and eight international clinical practice guidelines. Our results demonstrated that most patients with ARDs were able to mount humoral and/or cellular responses after two doses of COVID-19 vaccine although this response was suboptimal in patients receiving certain disease-modifying medications including rituximab, methotrexate, mycophenolate mofetil, daily glucocorticoids >10 mg, abatacept, as well as in older individuals, and those with comorbid interstitial lung diseases. Safety reports on COVID-19 vaccines in patients with ARDs were largely reassuring with mostly self-limiting adverse events and very minimal post-vaccination disease flares.
CONCLUSION
Both types of the mRNA-vaccines and the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective and safe in patients with ARD. However, due to their suboptimal response in some patients, alternative mitigation strategies such as booster vaccines and shielding practices should also be followed. Management of immunomodulatory treatment regimens during the peri vaccination period should be individualized through shared decision making with patients and their attending rheumatologists.
Topics: Humans; Aged; COVID-19 Vaccines; RNA, Messenger; COVID-19; ChAdOx1 nCoV-19; Autoimmune Diseases; Rheumatic Diseases
PubMed: 37244811
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.05.048