Clinics
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To summarize the data on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence surveys conducted in Brazil before the introduction of vaccines METHODS: The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Brazil. The present review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The authors searched Medline, Embase, and LILACS databases for serologic surveys conducted in the Brazilian population, in the period from 01/10/2019 to 07/11/2021, without language restrictions. The authors included studies that presented data concerning SARS-CoV-2 antibodies seroprevalence in Brazil and had a sample size ≥50 individuals. Considering the expected heterogeneity between studies, all analyses were performed using the random effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic RESULTS: Of 586 publications identified in the initial searches, 54 were included in the review and meta-analysis, which contained the results of 135 surveys, with 336,620 participants. The estimated seroprevalence was 11.0%, ranging from 1.0% to 83.0%, with a substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 99.55%). In subgroup analyses, the authors observed that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 13.0% in blood donors, 9.0% in the population-based surveys, 13% in schoolchildren, and 11.0% in healthcare workers. ⋯ Seroprevalence increases over time. Large differences were observed among the regions of the country. It was higher in the Northern region, decreasing towards the South. The present results may contribute to the analysis of the spread of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Brazilian population before vaccination, one of the factors that may be influencing the clinical presentation of COVID-19 cases related to the new variants, as well as the effectiveness of the vaccination program.
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Lung transplantation represents the definite treatment for CF patients with advanced-stage pulmonary disease. Recent major developments in the treatment of CF indicate the need for an evaluation of lung transplantation as the current best practice in end-stage disease. This systematic review was performed to evaluate the impact of lung transplantation on health-related quality of life in patients with CF. ⋯ Lung transplantation conveys improved HRQoL to CF patients with the advanced-stage pulmonary disease for up to five years, and to levels comparable to the general population and non-waitlisted CF patients. This systematic review quantifies, using current evidence, the improvements in HRQoL gained by CF patients following lung transplantation.
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Review
Programmed cell death-1 and its ligands: Current knowledge and possibilities in immunotherapy.
Programmed Cell Death-1 (PCD-1) is a key immune checkpoint receptor, which mainly expresses on activated T, B, Dendritic (DC), Natural Killer (NK), and Treg cells. On the surface of activated T-cells, PCD-1 expression is upregulated after the recognition of peripherals antigens by T cells; subsequently, the elevated binding of PD-1 to Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) and Programmed Death Ligand-2 (PD-L2) becomes a key step for downstream inhibitory signaling. ⋯ The complex interplay between these factors plays a major role in the diffusion and clinical application of PD-L1 IHC assays as predictive biomarkers of response to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Checkpoint blockades are registered for the treatment of various cancers, including gynecological malignancies.
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Although miR-653-5p has been validated to participate in the progression of multiple types of cancer, the functional role of exosomal miR-653-5p derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Laryngeal Papilloma (LP) has still remained elusive. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the role of MSCs-derived exosomal miR-653-5p in LP. ⋯ chictr-ior-17011021.
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COVID-19 can converge with the pro-inflammatory immunoregulatory mechanisms of chronic lung diseases. Given the disorders inherent to lung transplantation and the inexistence of other definitive therapeutic alternatives, Adipose tissue-derived Stem Cells (ASCs) presented themselves as a therapeutic hope. The purpose of this review is to assess the basis for the potential use of ASCs in lung diseases unresponsive to conventional therapy, relating to their possible use in COVID-19 ARDS. 35 studies comprised this review, 14 being narrative reviews, 19 preclinical trials and two proofs of concept. ⋯ Its detailed reading indicated the absence of serious adverse effects and toxicity to the administration of ASCs and suggested possible effectiveness in reducing lung damage, in addition to promoting the recovery of leukocytes and lymphocytes with its immunomodulatory and anti-apoptotic effects. The revised clinical data suggests optimism in the applicability of ASCs in other immunoinflammatory diseases and in severe COVID-19 ARDS. However, further studies are needed to develop a consensus on the methods of collection of ASCs, the ideal dosage schedule, the most effective time and route of administration, as well as on the definition of indications for the administration of ASCs in cases of COVID-19 for conducting clinical trials in near future.