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Andrologia Oct 2020We performed this systematic review to evaluate the possibility of an impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility. SARS-CoV-2 enters the cells with the help of...
We performed this systematic review to evaluate the possibility of an impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility. SARS-CoV-2 enters the cells with the help of ACE2; therefore, testicular expression of ACE2 was analysed from transcriptome sequencing studies and our unpublished data. Literature suggested that SARS-CoV-1 (2002-2004 SARS) had a significant adverse impact on testicular architecture, suggesting a high possibility of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 as well. Out of two studies on semen samples from COVID-19 affected patients, one reported the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the semen samples while the other denied it, raising conflict about its presence in the semen samples and the possibility of sexual transmission. Our transcriptome sequencing studies on rat testicular germ cells showed ACE expression in rat testicular germ cells. We also found ACE2 expression in transcriptome sequencing data for human spermatozoa, corroborating its presence in the testicular germ cells. Transcriptome sequencing data from literature search revealed ACE2 expression in the germ, Sertoli and Leydig cells. The presence of ACE2 on almost all testicular cells and the report of a significant impact of previous SARS coronavirus on testes suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is highly likely to affect testicular tissue, semen parameters and male fertility.
Topics: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Animals; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Gene Expression Profiling; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Models, Animal; Pandemics; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Pneumonia, Viral; Rats; SARS-CoV-2; Semen; Spermatozoa; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus; Testis
PubMed: 32578263
DOI: 10.1111/and.13712 -
Vaccine Aug 2011Vaccine development for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is dependent on in-depth understanding of toxin and colonization factor (CF) distribution. We sought to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Vaccine development for enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is dependent on in-depth understanding of toxin and colonization factor (CF) distribution. We sought to describe ETEC epidemiology across regions and populations, focusing on CF and toxin prevalence.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of the published literature, including studies reporting data on ETEC CF and toxin distributions among those with ETEC infection. Point estimates and confidence intervals were calculated using random effects models.
RESULTS
Data on 17,205 ETEC isolates were abstracted from 136 included studies. Approximately half of the studies (49%) involved endemic populations, and an additional 17% involved only travel populations. Globally, 60% of isolates expressed LT either alone (27%) or in combination with ST (33%). CFA/I-expressing strains were common in all regions (17%), as were ETEC expressing CFA/II (9%) and IV (18%). Marked variation in toxins and CFs across regions and populations was observed.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS
These results demonstrate the relative importance of specific CFs in achieving target product profiles for a future ETEC vaccine. However, heterogeneity across time, population, and region, confounded by variability in CF and toxin detection methodologies, obfuscates rational estimates for valency requirements.
Topics: Bacterial Toxins; Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli; Enterotoxins; Escherichia coli Infections; Escherichia coli Proteins; Escherichia coli Vaccines; Fimbriae Proteins; Humans
PubMed: 21723899
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2011.06.084 -
British Journal of Cancer Mar 2014A significant proportion of squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx (OP-SCC) are related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and p16 overexpression. This subgroup... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A significant proportion of squamous cell carcinomas of the oropharynx (OP-SCC) are related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and p16 overexpression. This subgroup proves better prognosis and survival but no evidence exists on the correlation between HPV and p16 overexpression based on diagnostic measures and definition of p16 overexpression. We evaluated means of p16 and HPV diagnostics, and quantified overexpression of p16 in HPV-positive and -negative OP-SCCs by mode of immunohistochemical staining of carcinoma cells.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from 1980 until October 2012. We applied the following inclusion criteria: a minimum of 20 cases of site-specific OP-SCCs, and HPV and p16 results present. Studies were categorised into three groups based on their definition of p16 overexpression: verbal definition, nuclear and cytoplasmatic staining between 5 and 69%, and ≥70% staining.
RESULTS
We identified 39 studies with available outcome data (n=3926): 22 studies (n=1980) used PCR, 6 studies (n=688) used ISH, and 11 studies (n=1258) used both PCR and ISH for HPV diagnostics. The methods showed similar HPV-positive results. Overall, 52.5% of the cases (n=2062) were HPV positive. As to p16 overexpression, 17 studies (n=1684) used a minimum of 5-69% staining, and 7 studies (n=764) used ≥70% staining. Fifteen studies (n=1478) referred to a verbal definition. Studies showed high heterogeneity in diagnostics of HPV and definition of p16. The correlation between HPV positivity and p16 overexpression proved best numerically in the group applying ≥70% staining for p16 overexpression. The group with verbal definitions had a significantly lower false-positive rate, but along with the group applying 5-69% staining showed a worse sensitivity compared with ≥70% staining.
CONCLUSIONS
There are substantial differences in how studies diagnose HPV and define p16 overexpression. Numerically, p16 staining is better to predict the presence of HPV (i.e. larger sensitivity), when the cutoff is set at ≥70% of cytoplasmatic and nuclear staining.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitor p16; Female; Genes, p16; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasm Proteins; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Papillomaviridae; Papillomavirus Infections; Prognosis; Risk Factors; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Young Adult
PubMed: 24518594
DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2014.42 -
The American Journal of Chinese Medicine 2020Bufalin is an anticancer drug extract from traditional Chinese medicine. Several articles about bufalin have been published. However, the literature on bufalin has not...
Bufalin is an anticancer drug extract from traditional Chinese medicine. Several articles about bufalin have been published. However, the literature on bufalin has not yet been systematically studied. This study aimed to identify the study status and knowledge structures of bufalin and to summarize the antitumor mechanism. Data were retrieved and downloaded from the PubMed database. The softwares of BICOMB, gCLUTO, Ucinet 6.0, and NetDraw2.084 were used to analyze these publications. The bufalin related genes were recognized and tagged by ABNER software. Then these BF-related genes were performed by Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. A total of 474 papers met the search criteria from 2000 to 2019. By biclustering clustering analysis, the 50 high-frequency main MeSH terms/subheadings were classified into 5 clusters. The clusters of drug therapy and the mechanism of bufalin were hotspot topics. A total of 50 genes were identified as BF-related genes. PPI network analysis showed that inducing apoptosis was the main effect of bufalin, and apoptosis-related gene Caspase 3 was the most reported by people. Bufalin could inhibit the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells through multiple signaling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT, Hedgehog, MAPK/JNK, Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin, TGF-[Formula: see text]/Smad, Integrin signaling pathway, and NF-KB signaling pathway via KEGG analysis. Through the quantitative analysis of bufalin literature, we revealed the research status and hot spots in this field and provided some guidance for further research.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents; Apoptosis; Bufanolides; Caspase 3; Cell Proliferation; Computational Biology; Data Mining; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; Molecular Targeted Therapy; NF-kappa B; Neoplasms; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases; Phytotherapy; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 33148004
DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X20500810 -
The Journal of Infection Nov 2013We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to evaluate the accuracy of commercial MPT64-based immunochromatographic tests for rapid identification... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies to evaluate the accuracy of commercial MPT64-based immunochromatographic tests for rapid identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex.
METHODS
We identified studies by searching Pubmed, BIOSIS Previews and Web of Science, and included studies using predetermined inclusion criteria. The data were pooled using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model.
RESULTS
A total of 28 studies were included in the final analysis. Pooled estimates were 97% (confidence interval [CI] 96-97%) for sensitivity and 98% (CI 98-99%) for specificity. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve showed an area of 0.9968 and a Q* of 0.98. Subgroup analysis showed that test accuracy did not depend on commercial kit, reference test and medium.
CONCLUSIONS
Commercial MPT64-based immunochromatographic tests are highly sensitive and specific for rapid identification of M. tuberculosis complex. They are good alternatives to biochemical test and molecular assays. Nevertheless, additional studies are required in setting with high prevalence of mpt64 mutations or high contamination of cultures.
Topics: Antigens, Bacterial; Chromatography, Affinity; Humans; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; ROC Curve; Tuberculosis
PubMed: 23796870
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2013.06.009 -
Biomedicines Nov 2023Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is often a consequence of a dysregulated immune response; therefore, immunomodulation by extracorporeal cytokine removal has... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is often a consequence of a dysregulated immune response; therefore, immunomodulation by extracorporeal cytokine removal has been increasingly used as an adjuvant therapy, but convincing data are still missing. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of adjunctive hemoadsorption (HA) on clinical and laboratory outcomes in patients with ARDS.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science (PROSPERO: CRD42022292176). The population was patients receiving HA therapy for ARDS. The primary outcome was the change in PaO2/FiO2 before and after HA therapy. Secondary outcomes included the before and after values for C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and norepinephrine (NE) doses.
RESULTS
We included 26 publications, with 243 patients (198 undergoing HA therapy and 45 controls). There was a significant improvement in PaO2/FiO2 ratio following HA therapy (MD = 68.93 [95%-CI: 28.79 to 109.06] mmHg, = 0.005) and a reduction in CRP levels (MD = -45.02 [95%-CI: -82.64; -7.39] mg/dL, = 0.026) and NE dose (MD = -0.24 [95%-CI: -0.44 to -0.04] μg/kg/min, = 0.028).
CONCLUSIONS
Based on our findings, HA resulted in a significant improvement in oxygenation and a reduction in NE dose and CRP levels in patients treated with ARDS. Properly designed RCTs are still needed.
PubMed: 38002070
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113068 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Apr 2018Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (Airy Shaw & Suvat.) Niyomdham (commonly termed P. mirifica, PM) growing in upland Thailand has a long history as a postmenopausal... (Review)
Review
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Pueraria candollei var. mirifica (Airy Shaw & Suvat.) Niyomdham (commonly termed P. mirifica, PM) growing in upland Thailand has a long history as a postmenopausal rejuvenant therapy for indigenants. Its amelioration of menopause symptoms in clinical trials was assessed.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
International and Thai databases were searched from inception to February 2017. Clinical trials investigating effects of PM menopausal or postmenopausal women were included. Outcomes were self-reported menopausal symptoms, serum reproductive hormones, urino-genital tract function, and bone surrogates. Methodological quality was assessed by Cochrane risk-of-bias v2.0, and a 22-parameter quality score based on the CONSORT checklist for herbal medicines.
RESULTS
Eight studies (9 articles) used data from 309 menopausal patients. Five-studies demonstrated that PM was associated with climacteric scores reduced by ~50% compared to baseline. Other PM studies using limited numbers of placebo participants suggested improved vaginal and other urogenital tract symptoms. Bone alkaline phosphatase halved (suggesting lowered bone turnover). Variable serum reproductive hormone levels suggested menopausal status differed between studies. PM active ingredients and sources were not defined. Adverse event rates (mastodynia, vaginal spotting, dizziness) were similar in all groups (PM, conjugated equine estrogen, and placebos) but serum C-reactive protein doubled. These studies had design and reporting deficiencies, high risks of biases, and low quality scores.
CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of PM on menopausal symptoms remains inconclusive because of methodological short-comings especially placebo effects inherent in self-assessment/recall questionnaires and no PM standardization. PM efficacy and safety need a fundamental re-appraisal by: (i) cohort (retro- and prospective) studies on current users to define its traditional use for rejuvenation; (ii) tightly coupling long-term efficacy to safety of well-defined PM and multiple end-points; (iii) using study design related to current understanding of menopause progression and estrogen pharmacology (iv) robust pharmacovigilance.
Topics: Adult; Biomarkers; Clinical Trials as Topic; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Menopause; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Plants, Medicinal; Pueraria; Risk Assessment; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29409850
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.01.028 -
Public Health Dec 2017Dried blood spots (DBS) specimens can be used for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection screening in cases where serum specimens are difficult to obtain. However,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVES
Dried blood spots (DBS) specimens can be used for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection screening in cases where serum specimens are difficult to obtain. However, uncertainties surround the sensitivity and specificity of DBS for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) serology testing. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of DBS use to screen for HCV infection.
STUDY DESIGN
We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Medline and EMBASE databases were searched for articles published between 1989 and November 2016. We included studies comparing DBS to plasma/serum specimens to detect anti-HCV in adults. Two authors extracted data and assessed the quality of the studies using an adapted standards for reporting diagnostic accuracy studies (STARD) and independently checked the data for accuracy. Meta-analysis was computed with the bivariate and the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristic models.
RESULTS
Twelve studies (3307 specimens) were analyzed, where 11 of them evaluated the anti-HCV using enzyme immunoassays (EIAs), and the remaining one used rapid diagnostic tests. The studies were mostly case-controls (83.3%) and from developed countries (66.7%). The overall pooled sensitivity (95% confidence interval; CI) and specificity (95% CI) of DBS to detect anti-HCV was 98.1% (96.1-99.1%) and 99.7% (98.9-99.9%), respectively. In studies using EIAs, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 97.3% (94.3-98.8%) and 99.6% (98.5-99.9%), respectively. Considering only studies using EIAs, sensitivity analysis excluding one study carried out in people who inject drugs showed the pooled sensitivity of 97.8% (96.2-98.8%) and specificity of 99.5% (98.5-99.9%).
CONCLUSIONS
In testing for anti-HCV by means of EIAs, the efficacy of DBS is found to be similar or slightly lower than that of serum specimens. However, the risk of finding negative and positive results that are both false when using DBS remains present. Therefore, further work including optimal storage and processing methodologies are recommended. This is to help establish consensus guidelines for use of DBS specimens for anti-HCV screening.
Topics: Case-Control Studies; Dried Blood Spot Testing; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis C; Hepatitis C Antibodies; Humans; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 29035801
DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2017.08.008 -
PloS One 2021To describe the laboratory parameters and biomarkers of the cytokine storm syndrome associated with severe and fatal COVID-19 cases. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To describe the laboratory parameters and biomarkers of the cytokine storm syndrome associated with severe and fatal COVID-19 cases.
METHODS
A search with standardized descriptors and synonyms was performed on November 28th, 2020 of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, LILACS, and IBECS to identify studies of interest. Grey literature searches and snowballing techniques were additionally utilized to identify yet-unpublished works and related citations. Two review authors independently screened the retrieved titles and abstracts, selected eligible studies for inclusion, extracted data from the included studies, and then assessed the risk of bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Eligible studies were those including laboratory parameters-including serum interleukin-6 levels-from mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19 cases. Laboratory parameters, such as interleukin-6, ferritin, hematology, C-Reactive Protein, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and D-dimer, were extracted from the studies. Meta-analyses were conducted using the laboratory data to estimate mean differences with associated 95% confidence intervals.
DATA SYNTHESIS
The database search yielded 9,620 records; 40 studies (containing a total of 9,542 patients) were included in the final analysis. Twenty-one studies (n = 4,313) assessed laboratory data related to severe COVID-19 cases, eighteen studies (n = 4,681) assessed predictors for fatal COVID-19 cases and one study (n = 548) assessed laboratory biomarkers related to severe and fatal COVID-19 cases. Lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and elevated levels of interleukin-6, ferritin, D-dimer, aspartate aminotransferase, C-Reactive-Protein, procalcitonin, creatinine, neutrophils and leucocytes were associated with severe and fatal COVID-19 cases.
CONCLUSIONS
This review points to interleukin-6, ferritin, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, C-Reactive Protein, procalcitonin, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and D-dimer as important biomarkers of cytokine storm syndrome. Elevated levels of interleukin-6 and hyperferritinemia should be considered as red flags of systemic inflammation and poor prognosis in COVID-19.
Topics: Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; COVID-19; Cytokine Release Syndrome; Ferritins; Humans; Interleukin-6; Leukocytes; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 34185801
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253894 -
Transactions of the Royal Society of... Aug 2006A meta-analysis of rapid (=60 min) dengue diagnostic assays was conducted to determine accuracy and identify causes of between-study heterogeneity. A systematic review... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of rapid immunochromatographic assays for the detection of dengue virus IgM antibodies during acute infection.
A meta-analysis of rapid (=60 min) dengue diagnostic assays was conducted to determine accuracy and identify causes of between-study heterogeneity. A systematic review identified 302 potentially suitable studies, of which 11 were selected for meta-analysis. All selected studies evaluated the immunochromatographic test (ICT) manufactured by Panbio Pty Ltd. Individual study results for sensitivity ranged from 0.45 to 1.0, specificity 0.57-1.0, diagnostic odds ratio 4.5-1287, and positive:negative likelihood ratios 2.3-59 and 0.01-0.56, respectively. Results indicated that the ICT evaluated in the selected studies can both rule in and rule out disease but is more accurate when samples are collected later in the acute phase of infection. Limitations of this meta-analysis were significant between-study heterogeneity caused by inconsistencies in evaluation methodologies, and the evaluation of only the Panbio ICT. It is recommended that additional, standardized evaluations are required for other dengue ICTs.
Topics: Antibodies, Viral; Dengue; Dengue Virus; Humans; Immunoassay; Immunoglobulin M; Sensitivity and Specificity
PubMed: 16551470
DOI: 10.1016/j.trstmh.2005.10.018