scholarly journals Serological Responses to Influenza Vaccination during Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2305
Author(s):  
Ana Vazquez-Pagan ◽  
Stacey Schultz-Cherry
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Communicable Diseases ◽  
Maternal Antibodies ◽  
Pregnant Animal

Pregnant women, newborns, and infants under six months old are at the highest risk of developing severe and even fatal influenza. This risk is compounded by the inability to vaccinate infants under six months, highlighting the importance of vertically transferred immunity. This review identifies novel insights that have emerged from recent studies using animal models of pregnancy and vaccination. We also discuss the knowledge obtained using existing clinical trials that have evaluated influenza-specific serological responses in pregnant women and how these responses may impact early life immunity. We delineate the mechanisms involved in transferring specific maternal antibodies and discuss the consequences for early life immunity. Most importantly, we highlight the need for continued research using pregnant animal models and the inclusion of pregnant women, a commonly neglected population, when evaluating novel vaccine platforms to better serve and treat communicable diseases.

Berberine: A Promising Natural Isoquinoline Alkaloid for the Development of Hypolipidemic Drugs

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (28) ◽  
pp. 2634-2647
Author(s):  
Dong-Dong Li ◽  
Pan Yu ◽  
Wei Xiao ◽  
Zhen-Zhong Wang ◽  
Lin-Guo Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Physicochemical Properties ◽  
Isoquinoline Alkaloid ◽  
Hypolipidemic Activity ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
Lipid Lowering Drug ◽  
Lipid Lowering Agent ◽  
Lowering Drug ◽  
Hypolipidemic Drugs

: Berberine, as a representative isoquinoline alkaloid, exhibits significant hypolipidemic activity in both animal models and clinical trials. Recently, a large number of studies on the lipid-lowering mechanism of berberine and studies for improving its hypolipidemic activity have been reported, but for the most part, they have been either incomplete or not comprehensive. In addition, there have been a few specific reviews on the lipid-reducing effect of berberine. In this paper, the physicochemical properties, the lipid-lowering mechanism, and studies of the modification of berberine all are discussed to promote the development of berberine as a lipid-lowering agent. Subsequently, this paper provides some insights into the deficiencies of berberine in the study of lipid-lowering drug, and based on the situation, some proposals are put forward.

A Randomized Trial of Two 2-Dose Influenza Vaccination Strategies for Patients Following Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin W Teh ◽  
Vivian K Y Leung ◽  
Francesca L Mordant ◽  
Sheena G Sullivan ◽  
Trish Joyce ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Stem Cell ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Stem Cell Transplantation ◽  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Cell Transplantation ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem Cell ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem

Abstract Background Seroprotection and seroconversion rates are not well understood for 2-dose inactivated influenza vaccination (IIV) schedules in autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (autoHCT) patients. Methods A randomized, single-blind, controlled trial of IIV in autoHCT patients in their first year post-transplant was conducted. Patients were randomized 1:1 to high-dose (HD) IIV followed by standard dose (SD) vaccine (HD-SD arm) or 2 SD vaccines (SD-SD arm) 4 weeks apart. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay for IIV strains was performed at baseline, 1, 2, and 6 months post–first dose. Evaluable primary outcomes were seroprotection (HI titer ≥40) and seroconversion (4-fold titer increase) rates and secondary outcomes were geometric mean titers (GMTs), GMT ratios (GMRs), adverse events, influenza-like illness (ILI), and laboratory-confirmed influenza (LCI) rates and factors associated with seroconversion. Results Sixty-eight patients were enrolled (34/arm) with median age of 61.5 years, majority male (68%) with myeloma (68%). Median time from autoHCT to vaccination was 2.3 months. For HD-SD and SD-SD arms, percentages of patients achieving seroprotection were 75.8% and 79.4% for H1N1, 84.9% and 88.2% for H3N2 (all P > .05), and 78.8% and 97.1% for influenza-B/Yamagata (P = .03), respectively. Seroconversion rates, GMTs and GMRs, and number of ILI or LCIs were not significantly different between arms. Adverse event rates were similar. Receipt of concurrent cancer therapy was independently associated with higher odds of seroconversion (OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.2–14.9; P = .02). Conclusions High seroprotection and seroconversion rates against all influenza strains can be achieved with vaccination as early as 2 months post-autoHCT with either 2-dose vaccine schedules. Clinical Trials Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12619000617167.

Coverage and Timing of Influenza Vaccination Among Privately Insured Pregnant Women in the United States, 2010-2018

2021 ◽  
pp. 003335492110267
Author(s):  
Kai Hong ◽  
Megan C. Lindley ◽  
Fangjun Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vaccination Coverage ◽  
Influenza Season ◽  
The United States ◽  
Metropolitan Statistical Area ◽  
Provider Education ◽  
Vaccination Uptake ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Privately Insured

Objective Pregnant women are at increased risk of serious complications from influenza and are recommended to receive an influenza vaccination during pregnancy. The objective of this study was to assess trends, timing patterns, and associated factors of influenza vaccination among pregnant women. Methods We used 2010-2018 MarketScan data on 1 286 749 pregnant women aged 15-49 who were privately insured to examine trends and timing patterns of influenza vaccination coverage. We examined descriptive statistics and identified factors associated with vaccination uptake by using multivariate log-binomial and Cox proportional hazard models. Results In-plan influenza vaccination coverage before delivery increased from 22.0% during the 2010-2011 influenza season to 33.2% during the 2017-2018 influenza season. About two-thirds of vaccinated women received the vaccine in September or October during each influenza season. For women who delivered in September through May, influenza vaccination coverage increased rapidly at the beginning of influenza season and flattened after October. For women who delivered in June through August, influenza vaccination coverage increased gradually until February and flattened thereafter. Most vaccinated women who delivered before January received the vaccine in the third trimester. Increased likelihood of being vaccinated was associated with age 31-40, living in a metropolitan statistical area, living outside the South, enrollment in a consumer-driven or high-deductible health plan, being spouses or dependents of policy holders, and delivery in November through January. Conclusions Despite increases during the past several years, vaccination uptake is still suboptimal, particularly after October. Health care provider education on timing of vaccination and recommendations throughout influenza seasons are needed to improve influenza vaccination coverage among pregnant women.

scholarly journals Inflammation and Atherosclerosis

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1197
Author(s):  
Klaus Ley
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Basic Science ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
Special Issue

This 11-chapter Special Issue of Cells spans the gamut from basic science in mechanistic animal models to translational science to outcomes of clinical trials, all focused on the role of inflammation in atherosclerosis [...]

scholarly journals 31. Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Survey of the Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitudes of Mexican Gynecologists and Family Physicians

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S39-S39
Author(s):  
Erika Z Lopatynsky-Reyes ◽  
Sue Ann Costa-Clemens ◽  
Enrique Chacon-Cruz ◽  
Michael Greenberg
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Beliefs And Attitudes ◽  
In Pregnancy

Abstract Background Influenza in pregnancy is associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. Influenza vaccines are both safe and effective in pregnancy, supporting routine use in this population. Even though influenza vaccination in Mexico is recommended for pregnant women, there are no publications of influenza vaccine coverage in pregnancy. This is the first Latin American survey done only in physicians aiming to assess the knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes that Mexican Obstetrics-Gynecologists (OBG) and Family Physicians (FP) have towards influenza and influenza immunization during pregnancy. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted, both paper-based and online. The questionnaire was composed of 35 questions, which addressed general knowledge of influenza, recommendations for vaccination during pregnancy, and beliefs and attitudes concerning the acceptability of the vaccine in pregnant women. Results A total of 206 completed surveys were available, 98 (47.6%) from OBG, 108 (52.4%) from FP. Regarding current practicing medical institutions, 76 (37%), 69 (34%), 31 (14.5%), 30 (14.5%) reported working for the Mexican Institute of Social Security, Private Sector, Secretariat of Health, or a combination of all respectively, representing an estimated 2,472 daily pregnancy consultations. About a quarter (26.2%) reported not having a notion that influenza is more severe among pregnant women. More than half (51.5%) ignored the potential side effects of influenza infection on the fetus. The majority (56.8%) did not know when vaccination during pregnancy should occur. Pregnancy as a risk factor for developing influenza complications was known only in 48.1%. Also, 46.1 % believed that vaccination only confers protection to the mother, but not to the fetus. Nevertheless, 96.1% considered that immunization against influenza during pregnancy is a safe and effective preventive intervention. A results’ summary is shown in Figure-1. Conclusion Based on this survey, current knowledge of OBG and FP for influenza morbidity and mortality during pregnancy, and the importance of influenza vaccination in pregnant women, is poor. Mandatory recommendations to educate medical providers regarding influenza vaccination during pregnancy in Mexico are necessary, even as imperative for CME credits. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy in spinal cord injury, early to advance to clinical trials? A systematic review and meta-analysis on animal studies

2021 ◽  
pp. 197140092110268
Author(s):  
Seyedeh Niloufar Rafiei Alavi ◽  
Arian Madani Neishaboori ◽  
Mahmoud Yousefifard
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Animal Models ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mean Difference ◽  
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy ◽  
Extracorporeal Shockwave ◽  
Shockwave Therapy ◽  
Cord Injury

Background As there is no consensus over the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of spinal cord injury complications, the current meta-analysis aims to investigate preclinical evidence on the matter. Methods The search strategy was developed based on keywords related to ‘spinal cord injury’ and ‘extracorporeal shockwave therapy’. A primary search was conducted in Medline, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science until the end of 2020. Studies which administered extracorporeal shockwave therapy on spinal cord injury animal models and evaluated motor function and/or histological findings were included. The standardised mean difference with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Results Seven articles were included. Locomotion was significantly improved in the extracorporeal shockwave therapy treated group (standardised mean difference 1.68, 95% CI 1.05–2.31, P=0.032). It seems that the efficacy of extracorporeal shockwave therapy with an energy flux density of 0.1 mJ/mm2 is higher than 0.04 mJ/mm2 ( P=0.044). Shockwave therapy was found to increase axonal sprouting (standardised mean difference 1.31, 95% CI 0.65, 1.96), vascular endothelial growth factor tissue levels (standardised mean difference 1.36, 95% CI 0.54, 2.18) and cell survival (standardised mean difference 2.49, 95% CI 0.93, 4.04). It also significantly prevents axonal degeneration (standardised mean difference 2.25, 95% CI 1.47, 3.02). Conclusion Extracorporeal shockwave therapy significantly improves locomotor recovery in spinal cord injury animal models through neural tissue regeneration. Nonetheless, in spite of the promising results and clinical application of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in various conditions, current evidence implies that designing clinical trials on extracorporeal shockwave therapy in the management of spinal cord injury may not be soon. Hence, further preclinical studies with the effort to reach the safest and the most efficient treatment protocol are needed.

scholarly journals Influenza vaccination during pregnancy and influencing factors in Korea: A multicenter questionnaire study of pregnant women and obstetrics and gynecology doctors

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Byung Soo Kang ◽  
San Ha Lee ◽  
Woo Jeng Kim ◽  
Jeong Ha Wie ◽  
In Yang Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Vaccination ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
World Health ◽  
Obstetrics And Gynecology ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
The Government ◽  
Vaccine Information ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Maternal Influenza

Abstract Background Although the World Health Organization and health authorities in most countries recommend that pregnant women receive inactivated influenza virus vaccines, coverage remains low. This study aimed to investigate (1) the proportion of pregnant women who received an influenza vaccination and influencing factors and (2) the proportion of obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) doctors who routinely recommend influenza vaccination to pregnant women and influencing factors. Methods Two separate, anonymized questionnaires were developed for physicians and pregnant and postpartum women and were distributed to multicenters and clinics in South Korea. The proportions of women who received influenza vaccination during pregnancy and OBGYN doctors who routinely recommend the influenza vaccine to pregnant women were analyzed. Independent influencing factors for both maternal influenza vaccination and OBGYN doctors’ routine recommendations to pregnant women were analyzed using log-binomial regression analysis. Results The proportion of self-reported influenza vaccination during pregnancy among 522 women was 63.2%. Pregnancy-related independent factors influencing maternal influenza vaccination were “(ever) received information about influenza vaccination during pregnancy” (OR 8.9, 95% CI 4.17–19.01), “received vaccine information about from OBGYN doctors” (OR 11.44, 95% CI 5.46–24.00), “information obtained from other sources” (OR 4.38, 95% CI 2.01–9.55), and “second/third trimester” (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.21–4.82).. Among 372 OBGYN doctors, 76.9% routinely recommended vaccination for pregnant women. Independent factors effecting routine recommendation were “working at a private clinic or hospital” (OR 5.33, 95% CI 2.44–11.65), “awareness of KCDC guidelines” (OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.11–8.73), and “awareness of the 2019 national free influenza vaccination program for pregnant women” (OR 4.88, 95% CI 2.34–10.17). OBGYN doctors most commonly chose ‘guidelines proposed by the government or public health (108, 46%) and academic committees (59, 25%), as a factor which expect to affect the future recommendation Conclusion This study showed that providing information about maternal influenza vaccination, especially by OBGYN doctors, is crucial for increasing vaccination coverage in pregnant women. Closer cooperation between the government and OBGYN academic societies to educate OBGYN doctors might enhance routine recommendations.

scholarly journals The Potential Role of Nonhuman Primate Models to Better Comprehend Early Life Immunity and Maternal Antibody Transfer

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 306
Author(s):  
Julie Sartoretti ◽  
Christiane S. Eberhardt
Keyword(s):  
Nonhuman Primate ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Maternal Antibody ◽  
Maternal Antibodies ◽  
Immunological Methods ◽  
Human Pathogens ◽  
Childhood Immunization ◽  
Primate Model ◽  
The Impact

Early life immunity is a complex field of research and there are still gaps in knowledge regarding the detailed mechanism of maternal antibody transfer, the impact of maternal antibodies on infant vaccine responses and the ontogeny of human early life immunity. A comprehensive understanding is necessary to identify requirements for early life vaccines and to improve early childhood immunization. New immunological methods have facilitated performing research in the youngest, however, some questions can only be addressed in animal models. To date, mostly murine models are used to study neonatal and infant immunity since they are well-described, easy to use and cost effective. Given their limitations especially in the transfer biology of maternal antibodies and the lack of infectivity of numerous human pathogens, this opinion piece discusses the potential and prerequisites of the nonhuman primate model in studying early life immunity and maternal antibody transfer.

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