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Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Nov 2016Antigenic drift of seasonal influenza viruses and the occasional introduction of influenza viruses of novel subtypes into the human population complicate the timely... (Review)
Review
Antigenic drift of seasonal influenza viruses and the occasional introduction of influenza viruses of novel subtypes into the human population complicate the timely production of effective vaccines that antigenically match the virus strains that cause epidemic or pandemic outbreaks. The development of game-changing vaccines that induce broadly protective immunity against a wide variety of influenza viruses is an unmet need, in which recombinant viral vectors may provide. Use of viral vectors allows the delivery of any influenza virus antigen, or derivative thereof, to the immune system, resulting in the optimal induction of virus-specific B- and T-cell responses against this antigen of choice. This systematic review discusses results obtained with vectored influenza virus vaccines and advantages and disadvantages of the currently available viral vectors.
Topics: Animals; Drug Carriers; Genetic Vectors; Humans; Influenza Vaccines; Vaccines, Attenuated; Vaccines, Synthetic; Viruses
PubMed: 27455345
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1210729 -
Journal of Clinical Microbiology Nov 2015Treponema pallidum PCR (Tp-PCR) testing now is recommended as a valid tool for the diagnosis of primary or secondary syphilis. The objectives were to systematically... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis Review
Comparison of Diagnostic Accuracy of PCR Targeting the 47-Kilodalton Protein Membrane Gene of Treponema pallidum and PCR Targeting the DNA Polymerase I Gene: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Treponema pallidum PCR (Tp-PCR) testing now is recommended as a valid tool for the diagnosis of primary or secondary syphilis. The objectives were to systematically review and determine the optimal specific target gene to be used for Tp-PCR. Comparisons of the performance of the two main targets are tpp47 and polA genes were done using meta-analysis. Three electronic bibliographic databases, representing abstract books from five conferences specialized in infectious diseases from January 1990 to March 2015, were searched. Search keywords included ("syphilis" OR "Treponema pallidum" OR "neurosyphilis") AND ("PCR" OR "PCR" OR "molecular amplification"). We included diagnostic studies assessing the performance of Tp-PCR targeting tpp47 (tpp47-Tp-PCR) or the polA gene (polA-Tp-PCR) in ulcers from early syphilis. All studies were assessed against quality criteria using the QUADAS-2 tool. Of 37 studies identified, 62.2% were judged at low risk of bias or applicability. Most used the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definitions for primary or secondary (early) syphilis (89.2%; n = 33); 15 (40.5%) used darkfield microscopy (DFM). We did not find differences in sensitivity and specificity between the two Tp-PCR methods in the subgroup of studies using adequate reference tests. Among studies using DFM as the reference test, sensitivities were 79.8% (95% confidence intervals [CI], 72.7 to 85.4%) and 71.4% (46.0 to 88.0%) for tpp47-Tp-PCR and polA-Tp-PCR (P = 0.217), respectively; respective specificities were 95.3% (93.5 to 96.6%) and 93.7% (91.8 to 95.2%) (P = 0.304). Our findings suggest that the two Tp-PCR methods have similar accuracy and could be used interchangeably.
Topics: Carrier Proteins; DNA Polymerase I; Humans; Lipoproteins; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Sensitivity and Specificity; Syphilis; Treponema pallidum
PubMed: 26311859
DOI: 10.1128/JCM.01619-15 -
Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Research 2019To evaluate the reported literature on the use of stem cells or growth factors for post extraction treatment of the alveolar bone. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the reported literature on the use of stem cells or growth factors for post extraction treatment of the alveolar bone.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A NCBI PubMed and PubMed Central databases search was conducted between September 2010 and August 2018, to identify animal or clinical studies reporting the clinical, radiographical and/or histological outcomes of socket preservation techniques after applying mesenchymal stem cells or growth factors. Only studies published in English language in the last 10 years were included in the study.
RESULTS
Eleven studies were identified fulfilling the inclusion criteria. They evaluate a total of 386 post extraction sockets. The main tested materials identified in the current review were bone morphogenetic protein-2 - 3 studies and mesenchymal stem cells - 3 studies. Other comparators were bone morphogenetic protein-9, platelet-derived growth factor-BB homodimers and bone marrow. Overall evaluation indicate positive results for all test groups showing differences in final socket width between 0.64 and 1.28 mm favouring the test groups. Histologically, no particular differences are detected between test and control groups. Most of the studies present low risk of bias.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, the use of mesenchymal stem cells or bioactive osteogenic molecules favours bone regeneration after tooth extraction, as evaluated clinically, radiographically and histologically. However, specific differences that support particular recommendations are still unclear in light of the current published evidence. Future studies should include the standardization of the mesenchymal stem cells selection and purification as well as dosage and delivery methods of bioactive molecules.
PubMed: 31620269
DOI: 10.5037/jomr.2019.10307 -
Journal of Chromatography. A Jan 2021Following the consolidation of therapeutic proteins in the fight against cancer, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases, recent advancements in biochemistry and...
Following the consolidation of therapeutic proteins in the fight against cancer, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative diseases, recent advancements in biochemistry and biotechnology have introduced a host of next-generation biotherapeutics, such as CRISPR-Cas nucleases, stem and car-T cells, and viral vectors for gene therapy. With these drugs entering the clinical pipeline, a new challenge lies ahead: how to manufacture large quantities of high-purity biotherapeutics that meet the growing demand by clinics and biotech companies worldwide. The protein ligands employed by the industry are inadequate to confront this challenge: while featuring high binding affinity and selectivity, these ligands require laborious engineering and expensive manufacturing, are prone to biochemical degradation, and pose safety concerns related to their bacterial origin. Peptides and pseudopeptides make excellent candidates to form a new cohort of ligands for the purification of next-generation biotherapeutics. Peptide-based ligands feature excellent target biorecognition, low or no toxicity and immunogenicity, and can be manufactured affordably at large scale. This work presents a comprehensive and systematic review of the literature on peptide-based ligands and their use in the affinity purification of established and upcoming biological drugs. A comparative analysis is first presented on peptide engineering principles, the development of ligands targeting different biomolecular targets, and the promises and challenges connected to the industrial implementation of peptide ligands. The reviewed literature is organized in (i) conventional (α-)peptides targeting antibodies and other therapeutic proteins, gene therapy products, and therapeutic cells; (ii) cyclic peptides and pseudo-peptides for protein purification and capture of viral and bacterial pathogens; and (iii) the forefront of peptide mimetics, such as β-/γ-peptides, peptoids, foldamers, and stimuli-responsive peptides for advanced processing of biologics.
Topics: Antibodies; Biological Products; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Chromatography, Affinity; Family Characteristics; Humans; Ligands; Peptides; Peptoids; Proteins
PubMed: 33333349
DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461632 -
Nutrients Apr 2020For millennia, naturopaths and physicians have used (reishi mushroom) for its diverse therapeutic properties, as recorded in the oldest Chinese herbal encyclopedia.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
For millennia, naturopaths and physicians have used (reishi mushroom) for its diverse therapeutic properties, as recorded in the oldest Chinese herbal encyclopedia. Indeed, a radioprotective effect has been reported in the isolated components of its extracts. A systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) was conducted in March 2020, searching databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar, along with Clinical Trials. The inclusion criteria were ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo studies, with full texts in English, conducted to determine the radioprotective benefits of , or reports in which ionizing radiation was used. From a total number of 1109 records identified, 15 full text articles were eligible, none of them were clinical trials. In vivo studies reveal the efficiency of aqueous extracts of polysaccharides and triterpenes in mice exposed to -rays. In plasmid, they can reduce radiation damage as an increment of the open circular form, as well as increase the DNA extension, as shown in vitro studies. Ex vivo studies conducted in human blood cells show the radioprotective effect of β-glucan of aqueous extract of , nevertheless, its implementation as radioprotector to humans is in need of further clinical research studies.
Topics: Animals; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Fungal Polysaccharides; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Mice; Phytotherapy; Radiation Injuries; Radiation-Protective Agents; Reishi; Triterpenes
PubMed: 32325828
DOI: 10.3390/nu12041143 -
Malaria Journal Oct 2011During pregnancy, malaria infection with Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax is related to adverse maternal health and poor birth outcomes. Diagnosis of malaria,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
During pregnancy, malaria infection with Plasmodium falciparum or Plasmodium vivax is related to adverse maternal health and poor birth outcomes. Diagnosis of malaria, during pregnancy, is complicated by the absence or low parasite densities in peripheral blood. Diagnostic methods, other than microscopy, are needed for detection of placental malaria. Therefore, the diagnostic accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), detecting antigen, and molecular techniques (PCR), detecting DNA, for the diagnosis of Plasmodium infections in pregnancy was systematically reviewed.
METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science were searched for studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of RDTs, PCR, microscopy of peripheral and placental blood and placental histology for the detection of malaria infection (all species) in pregnant women.
RESULTS
The results of 49 studies were analysed in metandi (Stata), of which the majority described P. falciparum infections. Although both placental and peripheral blood microscopy cannot reliably replace histology as a reference standard for placental P. falciparum infection, many studies compared RDTs and PCR to these tests. The proportion of microscopy positives in placental blood (sensitivity) detected by peripheral blood microscopy, RDTs and PCR are respectively 72% [95% CI 62-80], 81% [95% CI 55-93] and 94% [95% CI 86-98]. The proportion of placental blood microscopy negative women that were negative in peripheral blood microscopy, RDTs and PCR (specificity) are 98% [95% CI 95-99], 94% [95% CI 76-99] and 77% [95% CI 71-82]. Based on the current data, it was not possible to determine if the false positives in RDTs and PCR are caused by sequestered parasites in the placenta that are not detected by placental microscopy.
CONCLUSION
The findings suggest that RDTs and PCR may have good performance characteristics to serve as alternatives for the diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy, besides any other limitations and practical considerations concerning the use of these tests. Nevertheless, more studies with placental histology as reference test are urgently required to reliably determine the accuracy of RDTs and PCR for the diagnosis of placental malaria. P. vivax-infections have been neglected in diagnostic test accuracy studies of malaria in pregnancy.
Topics: Antigens, Protozoan; DNA, Protozoan; Diagnostic Tests, Routine; Female; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Malaria, Falciparum; Malaria, Vivax; Microscopy; Parasitemia; Placenta; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious
PubMed: 22035448
DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-10-321 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Mar 2021COVID-19 has been arguably the most important public health concern worldwide in 2020, and efforts are now escalating to suppress or eliminate its spread. In this study... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
COVID-19 has been arguably the most important public health concern worldwide in 2020, and efforts are now escalating to suppress or eliminate its spread. In this study we undertook a meta-analysis to estimate the global and regional seroprevalence rates in humans of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), and to assess whether seroprevalence is associated with geographical, climatic and/or sociodemographic factors.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed PubMed, Scopus, Embase, medRxiv and bioRxiv databases for preprints or peer-reviewed articles (up to 14 August 2020). Study eligibility criteria were population-based studies describing the prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 (IgG and/or IgM) serum antibodies. Participants were people from different socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds (from the general population), whose prior COVID-19 status was unknown and who were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 serum antibodies. We used a random-effects model to estimate pooled seroprevalence, and then extrapolated the findings to the global population (for 2020). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses explored potential sources of heterogeneity in the data, and relationships between seroprevalence and sociodemographic, geographical and/or climatic factors.
RESULTS
In total, 47 studies involving 399 265 people from 23 countries met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity (I = 99.4%, p < 0.001) was seen among studies; SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in the general population varied from 0.37% to 22.1%, with a pooled estimate of 3.38% (95%CI 3.05-3.72%; 15 879/399 265). On a regional level, seroprevalence varied from 1.45% (0.95-1.94%, South America) to 5.27% (3.97-6.57%, Northern Europe), although some variation appeared to relate to the serological assay used. The findings suggested an association of seroprevalence with income levels, human development indices, geographic latitudes and/or climate. Extrapolating to the 2020 world population, we estimated that 263.5 million individuals had been exposed or infected at the time of this study.
CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence varied markedly among geographic regions, as might be expected early in a pandemic. Longitudinal surveys to continually monitor seroprevalence around the globe will be critical to support prevention and control efforts, and might indicate levels of endemic stability or instability in particular countries and regions.
Topics: Adult; Antibodies, Viral; COVID-19; COVID-19 Serological Testing; Child; Climate; Female; Geography; Global Health; Humans; Male; SARS-CoV-2; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Socioeconomic Factors; Time Factors
PubMed: 33228974
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2020.10.020 -
European Review For Medical and... May 2021This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between the prealbumin and severity and mortality in COVID-19. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between the prealbumin and severity and mortality in COVID-19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases up until 2 February 2021. The primary outcome was the poor outcome, a composite of mortality and severity. Severe COVID-19 was defined as COVID-19 that fulfill the criteria for severe pneumonia or patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome/disease progression/need for intensive care unit or mechanical ventilation. The effect estimates were a mean difference between patients with and without a poor outcome in mg/dL and odds ratio (OR) per 1 mg/dL decrease in prealbumin level. The effect estimates were reported with their 95% confidence interval (95% CI).
RESULTS
Nine studies comprising of 2104 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients with poor outcome have lower prealbumin level (mean difference -71.48 mg/dL [95% CI -93.74, -49.22], p<0.001; I2: 85.9%). Every 1 mg/dL decrease in prealbumin level was associated with 1% increase in poor outcome (OR 0.992 [0.987, 0.997], p=0.004, I2: 81.7%). Meta-regression analysis showed that the association between the prealbumin level and poor outcome varies with gender (male) (coefficient: 3.50, R2: 100%, p<0.001), but not age, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Low serum prealbumin was associated with poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Odds Ratio; Prealbumin; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors
PubMed: 34109596
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202105_25955 -
Journal of Dairy Science Feb 2016Bovine paratuberculosis is a disease characterized by chronic granulomatous enteritis causing protein-losing enteropathy. Adverse effects on animal productivity are key... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Bovine paratuberculosis is a disease characterized by chronic granulomatous enteritis causing protein-losing enteropathy. Adverse effects on animal productivity are key drivers in the attempt to control paratuberculosis at the farm level. Economic models require an accurate estimation of the production effects associated with paratuberculosis. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of paratuberculosis on milk production. A total of 20 effect estimates from 15 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Substantial between-study heterogeneity was observed. Subgroup analysis by case definition and study design was carried out to investigate heterogeneity. The majority of between-study variation was attributed to studies that defined cases on serology. Calculation of a pooled effect estimate was only appropriate for studies that defined cases by organism detection. A reduction in milk yield, corrected for lactation number and herd of origin of 1.87 kg/d, equivalent to 5.9% of yield, was associated with fecal culture or PCR positivity in individual cows.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Feces; Female; Lactation; Milk; Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis; Paratuberculosis
PubMed: 26686704
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10156 -
American Journal of Kidney Diseases :... Sep 2013Preparations of the herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F are used widely for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in China. The efficacy and safety of Tripterygium... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Preparations of the herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F are used widely for the treatment of chronic kidney disease in China. The efficacy and safety of Tripterygium preparations still have not been fully identified.
STUDY DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
SETTING & POPULATION
Patients with chronic kidney disease.
SELECTION CRITERIA FOR STUDIES
Randomized controlled trials.
INTERVENTION
Tripterygium preparations (Tripterygium glycoside tablets, Tripterygium hypoglaucum Hutch tablets, and Tripterygium granules or extracts) versus placebo, standard care, or other immunosuppressive treatment.
OUTCOMES
Weighted mean difference and summary estimates of relative risk (RR) reductions with 95% CIs were calculated with a random-effects model. Outcomes analyzed included change in proteinuria, serum creatinine level, and creatinine clearance rate, as well as remission and relapse rate and drug-related adverse events.
RESULTS
We identified 75 trials that included 4,386 participants. Overall, Tripterygium therapy reduced proteinuria by protein excretion of 628 (95% CI, -736 to -521) mg/d and reduced serum creatinine level by 0.12 (95% CI, -0.17 to -0.06) mg/dL compared with controls (both P < 0.001) in a range of kidney conditions. Tripterygium preparations also increased the rate of complete remission by 56% (95% CI, 32%-85%; P < 0.001) and of complete or partial remission by 24% (95% CI, 17%-31%; P < 0.001) while reducing relapse by 58% (95% CI, 42%-69%; P < 0.001). Tripterygium preparations increased the rate of liver function test result abnormalities (RR, 4.03; 95% CI, 2.24-7.25; P < 0.001) and altered menstruation (RR, 5.29; 95% CI, 2.09-13.38; P < 0.001).
LIMITATIONS
Suboptimal study quality, significant heterogeneity in the primary outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
Tripterygium preparations may have nephroprotective effects, but high-quality trials are required to reliably determine the balance of benefits and harms.
Topics: Humans; Plant Extracts; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic; Tablets; Treatment Outcome; Tripterygium
PubMed: 23664549
DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2013.02.374