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American Journal of Translational... 2019Normal B lymphocyte function and antibody secretion during inflammation can provide critical protection for the host. We aimed to synthesize existing evidence to explore... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Normal B lymphocyte function and antibody secretion during inflammation can provide critical protection for the host. We aimed to synthesize existing evidence to explore whether circulating B cells and plasma immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were associated with survival during sepsis.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Knowledge, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched. Studies with data on circulating B cells and plasma IgM levels within the initial 24 hours after sepsis onset were selected.
RESULTS
A total of 11 studies were qualified for inclusion in this systematic review and meta-analysis with a total of 829 patients with sepsis and/or septic shock. Number of circulating B cells was similar between septic patients and health controls (SMD = -1.81, 95% CI: -4.15, 0.54; P = 0.13, I = 99%), while it was significantly reduced in sepsis survivors versus sepsis non-survivors (SMD = -0.60, 95% CI: -0.87, -0.32; P < 0.0001, I = 0%). Concentration of plasma IgM level was significantly decreased in septic patients as compared with healthy controls. Also, the plasma IgM level was significantly lower in sepsis survivors versus sepsis non-survivors.
CONCLUSIONS
A poor prognostic survival outcome was observed for patients with decreased circulating B cells as well as IgM levels within the initial 24 h after sepsis onset.
PubMed: 31934274
DOI: No ID Found -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2014Most patients with oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal carcinoma are diagnosed at an advanced stage and require palliative intervention. Although there are many kinds of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Most patients with oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal carcinoma are diagnosed at an advanced stage and require palliative intervention. Although there are many kinds of interventions, the optimal one for the palliation of dysphagia remains unclear. This review updates the previous version published in 2009.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this review was to systematically analyse and summarise the efficacy of different interventions used in the palliation of dysphagia in primary oesophageal and gastro-oesophageal carcinoma.
SEARCH METHODS
To find new studies for this updated review, in January 2014 we searched, according to the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Diseases model, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL; and major conference proceedings (up to January 2014).
SELECTION CRITERIA
Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in which patients with inoperable or unresectable primary oesophageal cancer underwent palliative treatment. Different interventions like rigid plastic intubation, self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) insertion, brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapy, oesophageal bypass surgery, chemical and thermal ablation therapy, either head-to-head or in combination, were included. The primary outcome was dysphagia improvement. Secondary outcomes included recurrent dysphagia, technical success, procedure related mortality, 30-day mortality, adverse effects and quality of life.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data collection and analysis were performed in accordance with the methods of the Cochrane Upper Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Diseases Review Group.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 3684 patients from 53 studies. SEMS insertion was safer and more effective than plastic tube insertion. Thermal and chemical ablative therapy provided comparable dysphagia palliation but had an increased requirement for re-interventions and for adverse effects. Anti-reflux stents provided comparable dysphagia palliation to conventional metal stents. Some anti-reflux stents might have reduced gastro-oesophageal reflux and complications. Newly-designed double-layered nitinol (Niti-S) stents were preferable due to longer survival time and fewer complications compared to simple Niti-S stents. Brachytherapy might be a suitable alternative to SEMS in providing a survival advantage and possibly a better quality of life, and might provide better results when combined with argon plasma coagulation or external beam radiation therapy.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Self-expanding metal stent insertion is safe, effective and quicker in palliating dysphagia compared to other modalities. However, high-dose intraluminal brachytherapy is a suitable alternative and might provide additional survival benefit with a better quality of life. Some anti-reflux stents and newly-designed stents lead to longer survival and fewer complications compared to conventional stents. Combinations of brachytherapy with self-expanding metal stent insertion or radiotherapy are preferable due to the reduced requirement for re-interventions. Rigid plastic tube insertion, dilatation alone or in combination with other modalities, and chemotherapy alone are not recommended for palliation of dysphagia due to a high incidence of delayed complications and recurrent dysphagia.
Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Brachytherapy; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Deglutition Disorders; Esophageal Neoplasms; Gastroesophageal Reflux; Humans; Laser Therapy; Palliative Care; Photochemotherapy; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recurrence; Stents
PubMed: 25354795
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005048.pub4 -
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial... 2022The excess reactive oxygen species or free radicals reaction leads to oxidative injury to the biological components such as cells and tissues, which would result in the...
BACKGROUND
The excess reactive oxygen species or free radicals reaction leads to oxidative injury to the biological components such as cells and tissues, which would result in the initiation and progression of carcinogenesis. The magnitude of oxidative damage depends primarily on the balance between free radicals (pro-oxidants) and antioxidant system activity.
AIM
To assess antioxidant status by evaluating the reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in various biological samples of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using available literature.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic literature search was carried out in PubMed (MeSH), Science Direct, Scopus and Cross Reference by using specific keywords.
RESULTS
The systematic electronic search identified 704 articles. After studying the articles' titles and abstracts, 657 articles were excluded for the following reasons; duplicated articles, animal studies, studies of low quality and not relevant to the research question. The remaining 47 articles were selected for full-text assessment. After eliminating the articles that did not match the objectives, the present qualitative synthesis finally included 27 articles for evaluation. The ten studies, which showed coherent data, were included in quantitative analysis. The GSH levels in OSCC groups are significantly decreased ( < 0.001) in plasma and erythrocyte samples compared to healthy controls.
CONCLUSION
The selected studies showed significantly lower levels of GSH in various biological samples of OSCC. Hence, future studies are required to validate the expression of GSH as a prognostic biomarker in oral cancer.
PubMed: 37082062
DOI: 10.4103/jomfp.jomfp_324_21 -
International Journal of Molecular... Mar 2024Wound healing is an intricate process involving coordinated interactions among inflammatory cells, skin fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. Successful... (Review)
Review
Wound healing is an intricate process involving coordinated interactions among inflammatory cells, skin fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. Successful tissue repair hinges on controlled inflammation, angiogenesis, and remodeling facilitated by the exchange of cytokines and growth factors. Comorbid conditions can disrupt this process, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for enhancing wound healing, utilizing cells from diverse sources such as endothelial progenitor cells, bone marrow, adipose tissue, dermal, and inducible pluripotent stem cells. In this systematic review, we comprehensively investigated stem cell therapies in chronic wounds, summarizing the clinical, translational, and primary literature. A systematic search across PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library yielded 22,454 articles, reduced to 44 studies after rigorous screening. Notably, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) emerged as an optimal choice due to their abundant supply, easy isolation, ex vivo proliferative capacities, and pro-angiogenic factor secretion. AD-MSCs have shown efficacy in various conditions, including peripheral arterial disease, diabetic wounds, hypertensive ulcers, bullous diabeticorum, venous ulcers, and post-Mohs micrographic surgery wounds. Delivery methods varied, encompassing topical application, scaffold incorporation, combination with plasma-rich proteins, and atelocollagen administration. Integration with local wound care practices resulted in reduced pain, shorter healing times, and improved cosmesis. Stem cell transplantation represents a potential therapeutic avenue, as transplanted stem cells not only differentiate into diverse skin cell types but also release essential cytokines and growth factors, fostering increased angiogenesis. This approach holds promise for intractable wounds, particularly chronic lower-leg wounds, and as a post-Mohs micrographic surgery intervention for healing defects through secondary intention. The potential reduction in healthcare costs and enhancement of patient quality of life further underscore the attractiveness of stem cell applications in wound care. This systematic review explores the clinical utilization of stem cells and stem cell products, providing valuable insights into their role as ancillary methods in treating chronic wounds.
Topics: Humans; Endothelial Cells; Quality of Life; Wound Healing; Pluripotent Stem Cells; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; Cytokines; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 38474251
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053006 -
Clinical Rheumatology Sep 2021Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that carries high social and economic costs and can lead to permanent disability. RA pathogenesis has not... (Review)
Review
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that carries high social and economic costs and can lead to permanent disability. RA pathogenesis has not been completely elucidated yet. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-contained vesicles released by cells playing a role in cell-to-cell communication and they could be involved in different diseases. Evidence on the involvement of EVs in RA is currently inconclusive. Therefore, a systematic review on the role of EVs in RA was performed in order to explore this relationship. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The research was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Embase up to March 5, 2020: 41 studies were analyzed out of 674 screened. The total plasmatic and synovial fluid (SF) EV number seems increased in RA as compared with healthy controls. Both RA plasma and SF contained EVs subpopulations of heterogenous origin, especially derived from platelets and immune system cells. No univocal evidence emerged on miRNA expression and EV content profile within RA patients. EVs showed to enhance pro-inflammatory pathways, such as cytokines and chemokine release and TNF blockade seemed to revert this effect. Our work highlights the requirement to standardize study methodologies in order to make results comparable and draw conclusions that remain, at present, unclear.
Topics: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Blood Platelets; Extracellular Vesicles; Humans; MicroRNAs; Synovial Fluid
PubMed: 33544235
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-021-05614-w -
BMJ Open Jan 2024Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder. The most widely accepted staging system for MM is the revised International Staging System based on... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder. The most widely accepted staging system for MM is the revised International Staging System based on cytogenetic and clinical biomarkers. The circulating clonal plasma cells (CPCs) were reported to have potential prognostic impact on MM. Among various diagnostic approaches, multiparametric flow cytometry (FCM) offers heightened sensitivity, minimal invasiveness and reproducibility. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic value of quantifying CPCs via FCM in newly diagnosed symptomatic MM (NDMM) patients.
DESIGN
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCE
PubMed, Web of Science, Embase and references of included studies.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
We included observational studies that evaluated the prognostic value of CPCs detected by FCM in NDMM.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were screened and extracted independently by two investigators. The pooled results originated from random effects models. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The secondary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). To evaluate the prognostic value of CPCs in NDMM, HRs and their 95% CI for both OS and PFS were derived using COX multivariable models. These values were then used to compute the pooled estimated effect.
RESULTS
Our meta-analysis encompassed a total of 2704 NDMM patients from 11 studies up to 27 August 2022. The pooled HR for OS and PFS in CPC-positive (CPCs+) group and CPC-negative group were 1.95 (95% CI 1.24 to 3.07) and 2.07 (95% CI 1.79 to 2.39), respectively. The autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) failed to eliminate the adverse impact on OS and PFS. The heterogeneity may stem from the use of novel agents or traditional chemotherapy as initial treatment.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis indicates CPCs+ had an adverse impact on the prognosis of NDMM patients in the total population, and the adverse impact could not be eliminated by ASCT.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021272381.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Myeloma; Prognosis; Plasma Cells; Flow Cytometry; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Reproducibility of Results; Transplantation, Autologous
PubMed: 38216195
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071548 -
Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology 2022Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common young male malignancy with a steadily rising incidence. Standard clinical practice is radical orchidectomy of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are the most common young male malignancy with a steadily rising incidence. Standard clinical practice is radical orchidectomy of suspicious lumps followed by histopathological diagnosis and tumor subtyping. This practice can lead to complications and quality of life issues for the patients. Liquid biopsies, especially cell-free DNA (cfDNA), promised to be true surrogates for tissue biopsies, which are considered dangerous to perform in cases of testicular tumors. In this study, we have performed a systematic review on the potential of cfDNA in TGCT patient management, its potential challenges in translation to clinical application and possible approaches in further research.
MATERIALS & METHODS
The review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on EuropePMC and PUBMED electronic databases, with the last update being on October 21, 2021. Due to the high heterogeneity in identified research articles, we have performed an overview of their efficacy.
RESULTS
Eight original articles have been identified on cfDNA in TGCT patients published from 2004 to 2021, of which six had more than one TGCT patient enrolled and were included in the final analysis. Three studies investigated cfDNA methylation, one has investigated mutations in cfDNA, two have investigated cfDNA amount, and one has investigated cfDNA integrity in TGCT. The sensitivity of cfDNA for TGCT was found to be higher than in serum tumor markers and lower than miR-371a-3p, with comparable specificity. cfDNA methylation analysis has managed to accurately detect teratoma in TGCT patients.
CONCLUSION
Potential challenges in cfDNA application to TGCT patient management were identified. The challenges relating to the biology of TGCT with its low mutational burden and low cfDNA amounts in blood plasma make next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods especially challenging. We have also proposed possible approaches to help find clinical application, including a focus on cfDNA methylation analysis, and potentially solving the challenge of teratoma detection.
PubMed: 35656387
DOI: 10.1177/17588359221090365 -
Stem Cells International 2018The purpose of this study was to highlight the clinical performance of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) used as an adjunctive tool for regeneration in infrabony periodontal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to highlight the clinical performance of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) used as an adjunctive tool for regeneration in infrabony periodontal defects using different biomaterials or performing different surgical flap approaches. Comparative evaluation of main clinical outcomes as probing pocket depth reduction, clinical attachment gain, and recession reduction with and without the use of PRP has been analysed.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
According to the focused question, an electronic and hand searching has been performed up to December 2016. From a batch of 73 articles, the selection strategy and Jadad quality assessment led us to include 15 studies for the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Despite the high heterogeneity found and the lack of complete data regarding the selected clinical outcomes, a comparative analysis has been possible by the categorization of used biomaterials and surgical flap approaches. This method led us to observe the best performance of grafts with the use of adjunctive PRP in CAL gain and PPD reduction. No difference has been outlined with a specific surgical flap.
CONCLUSIONS
Although PRP is considered a cheap and patient's derived growth factor, the not conclusive data reported would suggest that its use in addition to bone substitutes could be of some clinical benefit in the regenerative treatment of infrabony defects.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This systematic review was intended to sort out the huge controversial debate in the field about the possible use of PRP in regenerative surgery in infrabony defect. The clinical relevance of using blood-borne growth factors to conventional procedures is effective as these could determine a better performance and outcomes despite the surgical approach adopted and limit the use of additional biomaterials for the blood clot stabilization.
PubMed: 29755531
DOI: 10.1155/2018/9594235 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2017Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive inherited haemoglobinopathy which causes painful vaso-occlusive crises due to sickle red blood cell dehydration.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sickle cell disease is an autosomal recessive inherited haemoglobinopathy which causes painful vaso-occlusive crises due to sickle red blood cell dehydration. Vaso-occlusive crises are common painful events responsible for a variety of clinical complications; overall mortality is increased and life expectancy decreased compared to the general population. Experimental studies suggest that intravenous magnesium has proven to be well-tolerated in individuals hospitalised for the immediate relief of acute (sudden onset) painful crisis and has the potential to decrease the length of hospital stay. Some in vitro studies and open studies of long-term oral magnesium showed promising effect on pain relief but failed to show its efficacy. The studies show that oral magnesium therapy may prevent sickle red blood cell dehydration and prevent recurrent painful episodes. There is a need to access evidence for the impact of oral and intravenous magnesium effect on frequency of pain, length of hospital stay and quality of life.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of short-term intravenous magnesium on the length of hospital stay and quality of life in children and adults with sickle cell disease. To determine the effects of long-term oral magnesium therapy on the frequency of painful crises and the quality of life in children and adults with sickle cell disease.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register, compiled from electronic database searches and handsearching of journals and conference abstract books.Date of last search of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group's Haemoglobinopathies Trials Register: 01 December 2016.Date of last search of other resources (clinical trials registries): 29 March 2017.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We searched for published and unpublished randomized controlled studies of oral or intravenous magnesium compared to placebo or no magnesium.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Authors independently assessed the study quality and extracted the data using standard Cochrane methodologies.
MAIN RESULTS
We included five randomized placebo-controlled studies with a total of 386 participants (aged three to 53 years). Two shorter parallel studies (n = 306) compared intravenous magnesium sulphate to placebo (normal saline) for admission to hospital due to a vaso-occlusive crisis, for which we were able to analyse data. The quality of evidence was moderate for studies presenting this comparison mainly due to limitations due to risk of bias and imprecision. Two of the three longer-term studies comparing oral magnesium pidolate to placebo had a cross-over design. The third was a parallel factorial study which compared hydroxyurea and oral magnesium to each other and to placebo over a longer period of time; we only present the comparison of oral magnesium to placebo from this study. The quality of evidence was very low with uncertainty of the estimation.The eight-hourly dose levels in the two studies of intravenous magnesium were different; one used 100 mg/kg while the second used 40 mg/kg. Only one of these studies (n = 104) reported the mean daily pain score while hospitalised (a non-significant difference between groups, moderate quality evidence). The second study (n = 202) reported a number of child- and parent-reported quality of life scores. None of the scores showed any difference between treatment groups (low quality evidence). Data from one study (n = 106) showed no difference in length of stay in hospital between groups (low quality evidence). Both studies reported on adverse events, but not defined by severity as we had planned. One study showed significantly more participants receiving intravenous magnesium experienced warmth at infusion site compared to placebo; there were no differences between groups for other adverse events (low quality evidence).Three studies (n = 80) compared oral magnesium pidolate to placebo. None of them reported data which we were able to analyse. One study (n = 24) reported on the number of painful days and stated there was no difference between two groups (low quality evidence). None of the studies reported on quality of life or length of hospital stay. Two studies (n = 68) reported there were no differences in levels of magnesium in either plasma or red blood cells (moderate quality evidence). Two studies (n = 56) reported adverse events. One reported episodes of mild diarrhoea and headache, all of which resolved without stopping treatment. The second study reported adverse events as gastrointestinal disorders, headache or migraine, upper respiratory infections and rash; which were all evenly distributed across treatment groups (moderate quality evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Moderate to low quality evidence showed neither intravenous magnesium and oral magnesium therapy has an effect on reducing painful crisis, length of hospital stay and changing quality of life in treating sickle cell disease. Therefore, no definitive conclusions can be made regarding its clinical benefit. Further randomized controlled studies, perhaps multicentre, are necessary to establish whether intravenous and oral magnesium therapies have any effect on improving the health of people with sickle cell disease.
Topics: Administration, Oral; Adolescent; Adult; Anemia, Sickle Cell; Antisickling Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Hydroxyurea; Injections, Intravenous; Magnesium; Magnesium Sulfate; Middle Aged; Pain Measurement; Parents; Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28409830
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011358.pub2 -
Cellular Physiology and Biochemistry :... 2018Elevated pretreatment plasma D-dimer level has been reported as an unfavorable prognostic indicator in several malignancies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Elevated pretreatment plasma D-dimer level has been reported as an unfavorable prognostic indicator in several malignancies. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the prognostic value of elevated D-dimer level in solid tumors.
METHODS
A comprehensive search of electronic databases up to June 10, 2017 was carried out by two independent reviewers. We included studies exploring the association between pretreatment plasma D-dimer level and patients' survival outcomes in solid tumors. Overall survival (OS) was regarded as primary outcome and progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free survival (DFS) as well as cancer-specific survival (CSS) were chosen as secondary outcomes. Hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were extracted directly or indirectly from included studies.
RESULTS
49 studies with 13001 patients were included in our meta-analysis. Elevated D-dimer was markedly associated with poor OS (pooled HR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.63 - 2.20, P < 0.001). The effect was observed in all different tumor sites, disease stages, cut-off values and ethnicities. Meanwhile, patients with a high plasma D-dimer had a shorter PFS (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.22-1.76; P < 0.001), DFS (HR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.56-2.62) and CSS (HR = 2.04, 95% CI= 1.58 - 2.64).
CONCLUSIONS
Analysis of the pretreatment plasma D-dimer might provide useful information to predict prognosis in patients with solid tumors.
Topics: Biomarkers, Tumor; Databases, Factual; Disease-Free Survival; Fibrin Fibrinogen Degradation Products; Humans; Neoplasms; Prognosis; Proportional Hazards Models; Survival Rate
PubMed: 29490291
DOI: 10.1159/000487734