COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during Delta-dominant and Omicron-dominant periods in Japan: a multi-center prospective case-control study (FASCINATE study)

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection during Delta-dominant and Omicron-dominant periods in Japan: a multi-center prospective case-control study (FASCINATE study) via Clinical Infectious Diseases Advance Access Abstract Background Although several COVID-19 vaccines initially showed high efficacy, there have been concerns due to waning immunity and the emergence of variants with immune escape capacity. Methods A test-negative design case-control study was conducted in 16 healthcare facilities in Japan during the Delta-dominant period (August-September 2021) and the Omicron-dominant period (January-March 2022). Vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was calculated for 2 doses for the Delta-dominant period and 2 or 3 doses for the Omicron-dominant period, compared to unvaccinated individuals. Results The analysis included 5795 individuals with 2595 (44.8%) cases. Among vaccinees, 2242 (55.8%) received BNT162b2 and 1624 (40.4%) received mRNA-1273 at manufacturer-recommended intervals. During the Delta-dominant period, VE was 88% (95% CI: 82-93) 14 days-3 months after dose 2 and 87% (95% CI: 38-97) 3-6 months a fter dose 2. During the Omicron-dominant period, VE was 56% (95% CI: 37-70) 14 days-3 months since dose 2, 52% (95% CI: 40-62) 3-6 months after dose 2, 49% (95% CI: 34-61) 6 + months after dose 2, and 74% (95% CI: 62-83) 14 + days after dose 3. Restricting to individuals at high risk of severe COVID-19 and additional adjustment for preventive measures (i.e. mask-wearing/high-risk behaviors) yielded similar estimates, respectively. Conclusions In Japan where most are infection-naïve and strict prevention measures are maintained regardless of vaccination status, 2-dose mRNA vaccines provided high protection against symptomatic infection during the Delta-dominant period and moderate protection during the Omicron-dominant period. Among individuals who received an mRNA booster dose, VE recovered to a high level. View on Web

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Extracorporeal hemoadsorption with the CytoSorb device as a potential therapeutic option in severe intoxications: Review of the rationale and current clinical experiences

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Extracorporeal hemoadsorption with the CytoSorb device as a potential therapeutic option in severe intoxications: Review of the rationale and current clinical experiences via Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics Extracorporeal hemoadsorption with the CytoSorb device as a potential therapeutic option in severe intoxications: review of the rationale and current clinical experiences. Abstract What is known and objective Many severe intoxications occur with substances with no specific antidote, which is why methods of extracorporeal elimination represent a particularly useful and even critical component in their management. The purpose of this review is to summarize the accumulating evidence and clinical results from the application of CytoSorb hemoadsorption therapy in patients with severe intoxications. Comment The technology represents a promising technique with an increasing number of publications in a variety of severe intoxication scenarios suggesting that early intervention might provide rapid substance removal with subsequent overall clinical improvement. What is new and conclusion Given the tremendous challenges in performing prospective, randomized trials in this field, the strong safety profile of the device and the high acuity of these life-threatening situations, CytoSorb should be considered as a therapeutic option in severe intoxications, particularly when direct antidotes are not available. However, further clinical data are desirable to provide precise recommendations. View on Web

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Effects of boosted mRNA and adenoviral‐vectored vaccines on immune responses to omicron BA.1 and BA.2 following the heterologous CoronaVac/AZD1222 vaccination

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Effects of boosted mRNA and adenoviral‐vectored vaccines on immune responses to omicron BA.1 and BA.2 following the heterologous CoronaVac/AZD1222 vaccination via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract Introduction The coronavirus 2019 omicron variant has surged rapidly and raises concerns about immune evasion even in individuals with complete vaccination because it harbors mutations. Here, we examine the capability of booster vaccination following CoronaVac/AZD1222 prime to induce neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against omicron (BA.1 and BA.2) and T-cell responses. Methods A total of 167 participants primed with heterologous CoronaVac/AZD1222 for 4-5 months were enrolled to receive AZD1222, BNT162b2, or mRNA-1273 as a third dose. Reactogenicity was recorded. Immunogenicity analyses of SARS-CoV-2 binding antibodies were measured using ELISA. The neutralizing antibody (NAb) titers against omicron BA.1 and BA.2 were determined using the focus reduction neutralization test (FRNT50) and total interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) responses were measured to observe the T cell activation. Results A substantial loss in neutralizing potency to omicron variant was found at 4 to 5 months after receiving the heterologous CoronaVac/AZD1222. Following booster vaccination, a significant increase in binding antibodies and neutralizing activities toward delta and omicron variants was observed. Neutralization to omicron BA.1 and BA.2 were comparable, showing the highest titers after boosted mRNA-1273 followed by BNT162b2 and AZD1222. In addition, individuals boosted with mRNA vaccines develop a T cell response to spike protein while those boosted with AZD1222 did not. Reactogenicity was mild to moderate without serious adverse events. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that mRNA booster vaccination is able to overcome waning immunity to provide antibodies that neutralize omicron BA.1 and BA.2, as well as a T cell response. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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An involvement of COX and 5‐LOX pathways in the penicillin‐ and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)‐induced epilepsy models

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader An involvement of COX and 5‐LOX pathways in the penicillin‐ and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)‐induced epilepsy models via Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology Abstract Purpose This study aimed to examine the relationship between epilepsy and COX/5-LOX inflammation pathways in the penicillin and pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced epilepsy models. Methods For this purpose, forty-two albino male Wistar rats were used in this study. In the penicillin and PTZ-induced epilepsy models, epileptiform activity was induced by injection of penicillin (500 IU, i.c) and PTZ (35 mg/kg, i.p, three times a week), respectively. Licofelone (20 mg/kg, i.p), a dual inhibitor of COX/5-LOX, and esculetin (20 mg/kg, i.p), a 5-LOX inhibitor, were given. In the penicillin-induced epilepsy model, ECoG activity was recorded for 180 min. In the PTZ-induced epilepsy model, both ECoG activity was recorded and behavioral parameters were performed. Results In the penicillin groups, both licofelone and esculetin decreased the mean spike frequency and amplitude during the experiments. In the PTZ groups, licofelone (20 mg/kg, i.p) was more effective than esculetin (20 mg/kg, i.p). Licofelone showed its protective effects both in ECoG activity and in behavioral parameters. Esculetin was less effective when compared to licofelone. Conclusion The electrophysiological and behavioral data from the present study indicated that inflammation pathways might have a crucial role in controlling epileptiform activity in rats. Licofelone might be a valuable candidate in advanced studies. View on Web

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Prognostic capacity of the transcriptional expression of lactate dehydrogenase A in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Prognostic capacity of the transcriptional expression of lactate dehydrogenase A in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma via Head & Neck Abstract Background To analyze the relationship between the transcriptional expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) and the disease control in patients with a head and squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods We determined the transcriptional expression of LDHA in 110 HNSCC patients treated with surgery. Results Five-year disease-free survival for patients with a high transcriptional expression of LDHA (n = 51) was 39.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 25.3%–53.1%), and for patients with a low expression (n = 59), it was 63.6% (95% CI: 51.1%–76.1%) (p = 0.004). According to the results of a multivariate analysis, patients with a high transcriptional expression of LDHA had a 3.4-fold increased risk of tumor recurrence. Patients with a high transcriptional expression of LDHA tended to show a higher intensity of immunohistochemical expression of LDHA at the tumor cells (p = 0.086). Conclusion In HNSCC patients treated with surgery, a high transcriptional expression of LDHA was associated with a significant decrease in disease-free survival. View on Web

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Epstein-Barr Virus–Positive Plasma Cell Neoplasm of Nasal Cavity in an Immunocompetent Adult

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Epstein-Barr Virus–Positive Plasma Cell Neoplasm of Nasal Cavity in an Immunocompetent Adult via JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery Online First This case report describes patient in their 40s with a medical history of sleep apnea and diabetes and no history of immunosuppression who presented with left-sided nasal obstruction for 1 year and was found to have an Epstein-Barr virus–positive plasmacytoma. View on Web

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Transoral Laser Microsurgery in Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Transoral Laser Microsurgery in Recurrent Laryngeal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis via The Laryngoscope The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the oncological outcomes of salvage transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the treatment of patients suffering from recurrent laryngeal cancer. We demonstrated that TLM is a valuable treatment option for the management of locally recurrent laryngeal carcinoma if performed by experienced surgeons and following rigorous patients' selection criteria. Further studies should be conducted to define stage-based clinical guidelines. Objective To determine the oncological outcomes of salvage transoral laser microsurgery (TLM) in the treatment of patients suffering from recurrent laryngeal cancer. Methods PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched. English language, original studies investigating oncological outcomes of TLM in adult patients with recurrent laryngeal cancer were included. Data were pooled using a distribution-free approach for estimating summary local control (LC), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) curves with random effects. Results Two hundred and thirty-five patients underwent salvage TLM after primary (chemo)radiotherapy. The mean follow-up time was 60.8 months (95% CI: 32.7–88.9). Estimated pooled LC rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 74.2% (61.7–89.4), 53.9% (38.5–75.3), and 39.1% (25.2–60.8). Estimated pooled DSS rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 88.4% (82.0–95.3), 67.8% (50.9–90.3), and 58.9% (42.7–81.1). Two hundred and seventy-one patients underwent TLM after primary laser treatment. The mean follow-up time was 70.9 months (95% CI: 36.9–104.9). Estimated pooled LC rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 72.2% (64.7–80.6), 53.2% (42.2–66.9), and 40.4% (29.6–55.2). Estimated pooled DSS rates (95% CI) at 1, 3 and 5 years were 92.1% (85.5–99.1), 77.0% (64.4–92.0), and 67.1% (51.6–87.3). Conclusions TLM is a valuable treatment option for the management of locally recurrent laryngeal carcinoma if performed by experienced surgeons and following rigorous patients' selection criteria. Further studies should be conducted to define stage-based clinical guidelines. Level of Evidence NA Laryngoscope, 2022 View on Web

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Survival and complications of implant‐supported cantilever fixed dental prostheses with zirconia and metal frameworks: A retrospective cohort study

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Survival and complications of implant‐supported cantilever fixed dental prostheses with zirconia and metal frameworks: A retrospective cohort study via Clinical Implant Dentistry and Related Research Abstract Background Current evidence about long-term survival of all-ceramic implant-supported cantilever fixed dental prostheses (cFDP) is limited. Purpose To evaluate the survival and complication rates of all-ceramic and metal–ceramic implant-supported cFDPs located in anterior and posterior sites, under consideration of risk factors. Methods of study The retrospective analysis compared an experimental group (75 implant-supported cFDPs among 48 patients [mean age 60.47 ± 9.25 years; 21 men]; mean observation period 3.56 years) with a control group (300 implant-supported non-cantilever FDPs [ncFDP] among 241 patients [mean age 62.85 ± 10.72 years; 109 men]; mean observation period 7.25 years). Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to describe the long-term survival and success of both groups. Log-rank tests were used for group comparisons. Mixed-effects Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the effects of restoration- and site-specific risk factors. A random intercept was included in the models to take multiple FDPs per patient into account. Results Five-year cumulative survival until loss of restoration was 97.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.93–1.00) for cFDPs and 97.0% (95% CI 0.95–0.99) for ncFDPs. Ten-year survival was 93.7% (95% CI 0.86–1.00) for cFDPs and 92.8% (95% CI 0.87–0.98) for ncFDPs, no difference between the survival curves of these groups was observed. Success differed between cFDPs and ncFDPs (p Log  = 0.002), zirconia and metal frameworks (p Log  < 0.001), and provisional and definitive cements (p Log  = 0.025). The effects of the variables "framework material" and "attachment method" were confirmed in a mixed-effects Cox regression model. Loss of retention was the predominant complication for both cFDPs and ncFDPs and usually affected provisionally cemented FDPs. Conclusions cFDPs do not differ from ncFDPs with regard to long-term failure, whereas additional complications were higher for cFDPs. Fewer complications were observed for zirconia frameworks without occlusal veneers and definitive cemented FDPs. Clinical trial registration: the trial has no registration number because it commenced before January 31, 2017. View on Web

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Does the presence of third molars during sagittal split mandibular ramus osteotomy favour complications? Systematic review and meta-analysis

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader Does the presence of third molars during sagittal split mandibular ramus osteotomy favour complications? Systematic review and meta-analysis via International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery via MedWorm.com The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess whether the presence of inferior third molars during sagittal split mandibular ramus osteotomy increases the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications. The PRISMA protocol was followed in this study, and the review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42020147642). A search was conducted in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Scopus databases on November 1, 2021. Nineteen articles were included, and the variables analysed were unfavourable fractures, infection, neurosensory disturbance, removal of osteosynthesis material, and duration of surgery. (Source: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) View on Web

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BK polyomavirus in Iranian Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Is It a Major Future Challenge?

alexandrossfakianakis shared this article with you from Inoreader BK polyomavirus in Iranian Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer: Is It a Major Future Challenge? via Journal of Medical Virology Abstract BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is a well-known cause of nephropathy in renal transplant recipients. It has recently received much attention from researchers as a major predisposing factor for various cancers. This study aimed to investigate how BKPyV affected the advancement of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). A total of 1057 samples were tested for BKPyV DNA and RNA, comprising 645 paraffin-embedded PTC biopsy samples (PEBS), 412 fresh biopsy samples (FBS), and 1057 adjacent non-cancerous samples. The BKPyV DNA was found in 511 (48.3%) of the specimens, including 347 (84.2%) FBS and 164 (25.4%) PEBS. The mean BKPyV copy number was significantly lower in patients with PEBS (0.5 × 10-4 ± 0.1 × 10-4 copies/cell) than in FBS (1.3 × 10-1 ± 0.2 × 10-1 copies/cell) and non-PTC normal samples (0.3 × 10-5 ± 0.04 × 10-5 copies/cell). The PEBS had lower LT-Ag RNA expression than FBS, and no V P1 gene transcript expression was detected. In conclusion, although our findings indicated the presence of BKPyV in some Iranian PTC patients, more research is needed to corroborate these findings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. View on Web

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