Annals of medicine
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Meta Analysis
Association between apnea-hypopnea index and coronary artery calcification: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
The present study aimed to evaluate the association between presence and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and the presence of subclinical coronary artery disease (CAD) as assessed by coronary calcium score. ⋯ In participants without symptomatic coronary disease, the presence of OSA was associated with the presence and extent of CAC. However, potential confounders such as age, gender, and BMI and the diversity of CAC scores may affect the association.
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COVID-19 counts 46 million people infected and killed more than 1.2 million. Hypoxaemia is one of the main clinical manifestations, especially in severe cases. HIF1α is a master transcription factor involved in the cellular response to oxygen levels. The immunopathogenesis of this severe form of COVID-19 is poorly understood. ⋯ The up-regulation and participation of HIF1α in events such as inflammation, immunometabolism, and TLR make it a potential molecular marker for COVID-19 severity and, interestingly, could represent a potential target for molecular therapy. Key messages Critically ill COVID-19 patients show emergency myelopoiesis. HIF1α and its transcriptionally regulated genes are expressed in immature myeloid cells which could serve as molecular targets. HIF1α and its transcriptionally regulated genes is also expressed in lung cells from critically ill COVID-19 patients which may partially explain the hypoxia related events.
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Meta Analysis
The use of statins was associated with reduced COVID-19 mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Statins are widely used to treat people with metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. The effect of statins on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is unclear. To investigate the association between statins and COVID-19 outcomes and, if possible, identify the subgroup population that benefits most from statin use. ⋯ The use of statins was significantly associated with a reduced need for IMV and decreased mortality among individuals with COVID-19. Statins may not need to be discontinued because of concern for COVID-19 on admission. Further randomized controlled trial (RCTs) are needed to clarify the causal effect between statin use and severe COVID-19 outcomes.Key messagesParticipants in five types of studies were shown to have even lower odds of death when taking statins.The use of statins was significantly associated with a reduced need for invasive mechanical ventilation and decreased all-cause mortality among individuals with COVID-19. However, statin use did not prevent participants from needing care in the intensive care unit.The results justify performing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to validate the benefits of statins on COVID-19 outcomes.
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Acute leukemia (AL) occurring in pregnancy is extremely rare, and its treatment is a clinical dilemma. ⋯ In general, initiation of chemotherapy as early as possible may increase the CR rate. Combined with literature data, we proposed that, for patients diagnosed in early and late stages of pregnancy (>30 weeks), elective termination or induced delivery before chemotherapy may be a good choice for better maternal (and fetal) outcome.KEY MESSAGESAcute leukaemia diagnosed in pregnancy is extremely rare, and its treatment is a clinical dilemma.In general, initiation of chemotherapy as early as possible may increase the CR rate.For patients who are diagnosed in the first trimester or late stage of pregnancy (>30 weeks), elective termination or induced delivery before starting chemotherapy may be a good choice for better maternal (and fetal) outcome.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
A randomized phase-I pharmacokinetic trial comparing the potential biosimilar tocilizumab (QX003S) with the reference product (Actemra®) in Chinese healthy subjects.
QX003S is a biosimilar candidate for the reference tocilizumab, Actemra®. We investigated the tolerance, variability, and pharmacokinetics (PK) of QX003S biosimilar in healthy Chinese male subjects. ⋯ The PK characteristics and immunogenicity exhibited by QX003S were similar to that of the reference product, Actemra®. The safety profile was similar in the two treatment groups with mild-moderate adverse effects.Trial RegistrationThe trial is registered at Chinese Clinical Trial website (http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/index.html#CTR20190002)Key pointsThis was the first clinical report of a new proposed tocilizumab biosimilar, QX003S.This phase-I randomized, controlled study compared pharmacokinetics, variability,immunogenicity, and safety of QX003S vs. the approved tocilizumab product (Actemra@).The results demonstrate bioequivalence between BAT1806 and the reference products (Actemra@), as well as comparable immunogenicity, safety and tolerability profiles.