Arch Med Sci
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It is reported that there is a close association between interleukin-1β (IL-1β) gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk. However, the results remain controversial. ⋯ The rs16944 and rs1143627 polymorphisms are significantly associated with the risk of breast cancer only in Asian people and in post-menopausal women respectively.
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Rapid spread of COVID-19 has caused detrimental effects globally. Involvement of the ACE2 receptor has identified COVID-19 as a multi-organ disease. Preliminary studies have provided evidence that cardiac involvement, including right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) and pulmonary hypertension (PH), were found in COVID-19 cases, even in the non-advanced stage. This meta-analysis aims to analyze the prevalence of RVD and PH, and their association with COVID-19 clinical outcome. ⋯ RVD and PH were prevalent in COVID-19 and associated with mortality, severity, ICU admission, and MV usage in COVID-19 patients. Bedside echocardiography examination could be considered as a novel risk stratification tool in COVID-19.
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The rapid transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) requires a fast, accurate, and affordable detection method. Despite doubts of their diagnostic accuracy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are used worldwide due to their practicality. This systematic review aims to determine the diagnostic accuracy of antibody-based RDTs in detecting COVID-19. ⋯ Antibody-based RDTs are not satisfactory as primary diagnostic tests but have utility as a screening tool.
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In responders, cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) results in improved left ventricular (LV) function and reduced atrial arrhythmia. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the potential relationship between the left atrium (LA) volume and CRT response. ⋯ Baseline LAVI predicts CRT response, and its reduction reflects devise-related LA remodelling. These results emphasis the role of LAVI assessment as an integral part of cardiac function response to CRT.
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Influenza virus infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and so additional therapeutic strategies to reduce the burden for healthcare systems are needed. Statins, by virtue of their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, have been hypothesized as capable of influencing the host's response against the influenza virus. The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the effect of ongoing statin treatment on susceptibility to influenza virus infection and on influenza-associated mortality. ⋯ Reduced influenza prevalence and increased survival from influenza infection was observed in patients on ongoing statin treatment. Further research is needed to define the possible role of statins as adjunctive therapy in patients with influenza infection.