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Archivos de Bronconeumologia Dec 2022No previous systematic reviews have comprehensively investigated the features of Xpert MTB/XDR and other rapid tests to diagnose pre-XDR/XDR-TB. The aim of this...
INTRODUCTION
No previous systematic reviews have comprehensively investigated the features of Xpert MTB/XDR and other rapid tests to diagnose pre-XDR/XDR-TB. The aim of this systematic review is to assess existing rapid diagnostics for pre-XDR/XDR-TB from a point-of-care perspective and describe their technical characteristics (i.e., sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values).
METHODS
Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to detect the articles focused on the accuracy of commercially available rapid molecular diagnostic tests for XDR-TB according to PRISMA guidelines. The analysis compared the diagnostic techniques and approaches in terms of sensitivity, specificity, laboratory complexity, time to confirmed diagnosis.
RESULTS
Of 1298 records identified, after valuating article titles and abstracts, 97 (7.5%) records underwent full-text evaluation and 38 records met the inclusion criteria. Two rapid World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed tests are available: Xpert MTB/XDR and GenoType MTBDRsl (VER1.0 and VER 2.0). Both tests had similar performance, slightly favouring Xpert, although only 2 studies were available (sensitivity 91.4-94; specificity 98.5-99; accuracy 97.2-97.7; PPV 88.9-99.1; NPV 95.8-98.9).
CONCLUSIONS
Xpert MTB/XDR could be suggested at near-point-of-care settings to be used primarily as a follow-on test for laboratory-confirmed TB, complementing existing rapid tests detecting at least rifampicin-resistance. Both Xpert MTB/XDR and GenoType MTBDRsl are presently diagnosing what WHO defined, in 2021, as pre-XDR-TB.
Topics: Humans; Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis; Rifampin; Genotype; Predictive Value of Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity; Tuberculosis, Multidrug-Resistant
PubMed: 35945071
DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2022.07.012 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2022The recent advancements in hybrid positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging systems (PET/MRI) have brought massive value in the investigation of disease... (Review)
Review
The recent advancements in hybrid positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance imaging systems (PET/MRI) have brought massive value in the investigation of disease processes, in the development of novel treatments, in the monitoring of both therapy response and disease progression, and, not least, in the introduction of new multidisciplinary molecular imaging approaches. While offering potential advantages over PET/CT, the hybrid PET/MRI proved to improve both the image quality and lesion detectability. In particular, it showed to be an effective tool for the study of metabolic information about lesions and pathological conditions affecting the brain, from a better tumor characterization to the analysis of metabolic brain networks. Based on the PRISMA guidelines, this work presents a systematic review on PET/MRI in basic research and clinical differential diagnosis on brain oncology and neurodegenerative disorders. The analysis includes literature works and clinical case studies, with a specific focus on the use of PET tracers and MRI contrast agents, which are usually employed to perform hybrid PET/MRI studies of brain tumors. A systematic literature search for original diagnostic studies is performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science. Patients, study, and imaging characteristics were extracted from the selected articles. The analysis included acquired data pooling, heterogeneity testing, sensitivity analyses, used tracers, and reported patient outcomes. Our analysis shows that, while PET/MRI for the brain is a promising diagnostic method for early diagnosis, staging and recurrence in patients with brain diseases, a better definition of the role of tracers and imaging agents in both clinical and preclinical hybrid PET/MRI applications is needed and further efforts should be devoted to the standardization of the contrast imaging protocols, also considering the emerging agents and multimodal probes.
Topics: Brain; Contrast Media; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Neoplasms; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography
PubMed: 35937076
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S362192 -
Current Issues in Molecular Biology Jul 2022The aim of this review was to assess recent progress in targeted radionuclide tumor therapy, focusing on the best delivery strategies. A literature search was conducted... (Review)
Review
The aim of this review was to assess recent progress in targeted radionuclide tumor therapy, focusing on the best delivery strategies. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus using the terms "radionuclides", "liposomes", "avidin-biotin interaction", "theranostic", and "molecular docking". The 10 year filter was applied, except for the avidin-biotin interaction. Data were retrieved from both preclinical and clinical settings. Three targeting strategies were considered: pretargeting, liposomes, and ligands. Pretargeting can be achieved by exploiting the avidin-biotin interaction. This strategy seems very promising, although it has been investigated mainly in resectable tumors. Radiolabeled liposomes have attracted new interest as probes to identify the most suitable patients for treatment with liposomal formulations of common chemotherapeutics. The use of ligands for the delivery of radiotherapeutics to a specific target is still the most appealing strategy for treating tumors. The most appropriate ligand can be identified by virtually simulating its interaction with the receptor. All strategies showed great potential for use in targeted radionuclide therapy, but they also have numerous drawbacks. The most promising option is probably the one based on the use of new ligands.
PubMed: 35892711
DOI: 10.3390/cimb44080225 -
European Journal of Clinical... Nov 2022Patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (sHTG) are often refractory to lipid-lowering therapy. Apolipoprotein (Apo) CIII inhibition could be promising to treat... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia (sHTG) are often refractory to lipid-lowering therapy. Apolipoprotein (Apo) CIII inhibition could be promising to treat subjects with sHTG. The antisense oligonucleotide against APOC3 mRNA volanesorsen was recently introduced to treat sHTG. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs on the efficacy and safety of volanesorsen as compared to placebo treatment in patients with severe HTG.
METHODS
Studies were systematically searched in the PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases according to PRISMA guidelines. The last search was performed on 7 February 2022.
RESULTS
Four studies showed significant reduction in TG after 3 months of treatment with volanesorsen as compared with placebo (MD: -73.9%; 95%CI: -93.5%, -54.2; p < .001 I = 89.05%; p < .001); VLDL-C level (MD: -71.0%; 95%CI: -76.6%, -65.4%; p < .001 I = 94.1%; p < .001); Apo-B48 level (MD: -69.03%; 95%CI: -98.59.4%, -39.47%; p < .001, I = 93.51%; p < .001) and Apo-CIII level (MD: -80.0%; 95%CI: -97.5%, -62.5; p < .001 I = 94.1%; p < .001) with an increase in HDL-C level (MD: +45.92%, 95%CI: +37.24%, +54.60%; p < .001 I = 94.34%; p < .001) and in LDL-C level (MD: +68.6%, 95%CI: +7.0%, +130.1%; p < .001 I = 96.18%; p < .001) without a significant elevation of Apo-B100 level (MD: +4.58%, 95%CI: -5.64%, +14.79%; p = .380 I = 95.09%; p < .001) in 139 volanesorsen patients as compared to 100 placebo-treated controls. Most of adverse events were mild and related to local injection site reactions.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with severe HTG, volanesorsen is associated with a significant reduction in TG, VLDL-C, Apo-B48 and non-HDL-C and increment of HDL-C as compared to placebo. Documented efficacy is accompanied by an acceptable safety profile.
Topics: Apolipoprotein B-48; Apolipoprotein C-III; Cholesterol, LDL; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Hypertriglyceridemia; Oligonucleotides; Oligonucleotides, Antisense; RNA, Messenger; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Triglycerides
PubMed: 35851450
DOI: 10.1111/eci.13841 -
Epigenomics Jun 2022We systematically reviewed and evaluated current literature on alcohol consumption and DNA methylation (DNAm) at the genome-wide and probe-wise level in blood of... (Review)
Review
We systematically reviewed and evaluated current literature on alcohol consumption and DNA methylation (DNAm) at the genome-wide and probe-wise level in blood of adults. Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycInfo) were searched until 20 December 2020. Studies assessing the effect of alcohol dependence on DNAm were not eligible. 11 cross-sectional studies were included with 88 to 9643 participants. Overall, all studies had a risk of bias criteria unclear or unmet. Epigenome-wide association studies identified between 0 and 5458 differentially methylated positions, and 15 were observed in at least four studies. Potential methylation markers for alcohol consumption have been identified, but further validation in large cohorts is needed.
Topics: Adult; Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholism; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA Methylation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Epigenome; Genome-Wide Association Study; Humans
PubMed: 35762294
DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0055 -
Interdisciplinary Perspectives on... 2022Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of mortality and the first killer among infectious diseases of poverty (IDoPs) worldwide. It disproportionately affects...
Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of mortality and the first killer among infectious diseases of poverty (IDoPs) worldwide. It disproportionately affects on-third of the world's low-income countries including Ethiopia. One of the factors driving the TB epidemic is the global rise of MDR/XDR-TB and their low detection affect the global TB control progress. Recently, the resistance-associated genetic mutations in MTBC known to confer drug resistance have been detected by rapid molecular diagnostic tests and sequencing methods. In this article, the published literature searched by PubMed database from 2010 to 2021 and English language were considered. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the prevalence of the most common rpoB, katG, and inhA gene mutations associated with multidrug resistance in MTBC clinical strains among TB patients in Ethiopia. Though 22 studies met our eligibility criteria, only 6 studies were included in the final analysis. Using the molecular GenoType MTBDRplus and MTBDRsl line probe assay and sequencing procedures, a total of 932 culture-positive MTBC isolates were examined to determine RIF, INH, and MDR-TB resistance patterns along with rpoB, katG, and inhA gene mutation analysis. As a result, among the genotypically tested MTBC isolates, 119 (12.77%), 83 (8.91%), and 73 (7.32%) isolates were INH, RIF, and MDR-TB resistant, respectively. In any RIF-resistant MTBC strains, the most common single point mutations were in codon 531 (S531L) followed by codon 526 (H526Y) of the rpoB gene. Besides, the most common mutations in any INH-resistant MTBC were strains observed at codon 315 (S315T) and WT probe in the katG gene and at codon C15T and WT1 probe in the inhA promoter region. Detection of resistance allele in rpoB, KatG, and inhA genes for RIF and INH could serve as a marker for MDR-TB strains. Tracking the most common S531L, S315T, and C15T mutations in rpoB, katG, and inhA genes among RIF- and INH-resistant isolates would be valuable in TB diagnostics and treatment regimens, and could reduce the development and risk of MDR/XDR-TB drug-resistance patterns.
PubMed: 35757683
DOI: 10.1155/2022/1967675 -
Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis Jul 2022The incidence of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is high. In recent years, novel therapeutic modalities have shown... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The incidence of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is high. In recent years, novel therapeutic modalities have shown significant lipid-lowering ability. In this paper, we summarize the recent developments in novel therapies for FH via the treatment of different targets and discuss the characteristics of each targeted therapy. Based on the process of protein synthesis, we attempt to summarize the direct-effect targets including protein, RNA, and DNA.
METHODS
For this systematic review, relevant studies are assessed by searching in several databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The publications of original researches are considered for screening.
RESULTS
Most drugs are protein-targeted such as molecule-based and monoclonal antibodies, including statins, ezetimibe, alirocumab, evolocumab, and evinacumab. Both antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) approaches, such as mipomersen, vupanorsen, inclisiran, and ARO-ANG3, are designed to reduce the number of mRNA transcripts and then degrade proteins. DNA-targeted therapies such as adeno-associated virus or CRISPR-Cas9 modification could be used to deliver or edit genes to address a genetic deficiency and improve the related phenotype.
CONCLUSION
While the therapies based on different targets including protein, RNA, and DNA are on different stages of development, the mechanisms of these novel therapies may provide new ideas for precision medicine.
Topics: Anticholesteremic Agents; Humans; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type II; Oligonucleotides, Antisense; RNA
PubMed: 35712827
DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24552 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2022Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women, with high morbidity and mortality rates. In breast cancer, the use of novel radiopharmaceuticals in...
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women, with high morbidity and mortality rates. In breast cancer, the use of novel radiopharmaceuticals in nuclear medicine can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and staging, refine surveillance strategies and accuracy in choosing personalized treatment approaches, including radioligand therapy. Nuclear medicine thus shows great promise for improving the quality of life of breast cancer patients by allowing non-invasive assessment of the diverse and complex biological processes underlying the development of breast cancer and its evolution under therapy. This review aims to describe molecular probes currently in clinical use as well as those under investigation holding great promise for personalized medicine and precision oncology in breast cancer.
PubMed: 35492341
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.881551 -
Environmental Science and Pollution... Jun 2022Exposure to environmental pollutants has been associated with alteration on relative levels of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn). However, the results obtained... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Exposure to environmental pollutants has been associated with alteration on relative levels of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn). However, the results obtained from epidemiological studies are inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether environmental pollutant exposure can modify the relative levels of mtDNAcn in humans. We performed a literature search using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. We selected and reviewed original articles performed in humans that analyzed the relationship between environmental pollutant exposure and the relative levels of mtDNAcn; the selection of the included studies was based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only twenty-two studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. A total of 6011 study participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. We grouped the included studies into four main categories according to the type of environmental pollutant: (1) heavy metals, (2) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), (3) particulate matter (PM), and (4) cigarette smoking. Inconclusive results were observed in all categories; the pooled analysis shows a marginal increase of relative levels of mtDNAcn in response to environmental pollutant exposure. The trial sequential analysis and rate confidence in body evidence showed the need to perform new studies. Therefore, a large-scale cohort and mechanistic studies in this area are required to probe the possible use of relative levels of mtDNAcn as biomarkers linked to environmental pollution exposure.
Topics: Air Pollutants; DNA Copy Number Variations; DNA, Mitochondrial; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Humans; Mitochondria; Particulate Matter
PubMed: 35399130
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-19967-5 -
European Journal of Nuclear Medicine... Jul 2022This systematic review aims to summarize the current developments of fluorescence and chemi/bioluminescence imaging based on the molecular fluorophores for in vivo... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
This systematic review aims to summarize the current developments of fluorescence and chemi/bioluminescence imaging based on the molecular fluorophores for in vivo imaging in the second near-infrared window.
METHODS AND RESULTS
By investigating most of the relevant references on the web of science and some journals, this review firstly begins with an overview of the background of fluorescence and chemi/bioluminescence imaging. Secondly, the chemical and optical properties of NIR-II dyes are discussed, such as water solubility, chemostability and photo-stability, and brightness. Thirdly, the bioimaging based on NIR-II fluorescence emission is outlined, including the in vivo imaging of polymethine dyes, donor - acceptor - donor (D - A - D) chromophores, and lanthanide complexes. Fourthly, we demonstrate the chemi/bioluminescence in vivo imaging in the second near-infrared window. Fifthly, the clinical application and translation of near-infrared fluorescence imaging are presented. Finally, the current challenges, feasible strategies and potential prospects of the fluorophores and in vivo bioimaging are discussed.
CONCLUSIONS
Based on the above literature research on the applications of molecular fluorescent and chemi/bioluminescent probes in the second near-infrared window in recent years, this review weighs the advantages and disadvantages of fluorescence and chemi/bioluminescence imaging, and NIR-II fluorophores based on polymethine dyes, D - A - D chromophores, and lanthanide complexes. Besides, this review also provides a very important guidance for expanding the imaging applications of molecular fluorophores in the second near-infrared window.
Topics: Fluorescent Dyes; Humans; Lanthanoid Series Elements; Optical Imaging
PubMed: 35088125
DOI: 10.1007/s00259-022-05688-x