Phase 1/2 clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccine in Japanese participants: A report of interim findings

We initiated a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 1/2 trial to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the S-268019-b recombinant protein vaccine, scheduled as 2 intramuscular injections given 21 days apart, in 60 randomized healthy Japanese adults. We evaluated 2 regimens of the S-910823 antigen (5 μg [n = 24] and 10 μg [n = 24]) with an oil-in-water emulsion formulation and compared against placebo (n = 12). Reactogenicity was mild in most participants. No serious adverse events were noted. For both regimens, vaccination resulted in robust IgG and neutralizing antibody production at days 36 and 50 and predominant T-helper 1-mediated immune reaction, as evident through antigen-specific polyfunctional CD4+ T-cell responses with IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 production on spike protein peptides stimulation. Based on the interim analysis, the S-268019-b vaccine is safe, produces neutralizing antibodies titer comparable with that in convalescent serum from COVID-19-recovered patients. However, further evaluation of the vaccine in a large clinical trial is warranted.     

Safety and immunogenicity of Px563L,a recombinant anthrax vaccine candidate,in a two-dose regimen for post-exposure prophylaxis in healthy adults

Px563L is a next-generation anthrax vaccine candidate consisting of a protein subunit, mutant recombinant protective antigen SNKE167-ΔFF-315-E308D (mrPA), and liposome-embedded monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) adjuvant. Px563L has the potential to deliver an improved safety and immunogenicity profile relative to the currently licensed vaccine, which is produced from filtered B. anthracis culture supernatants.We conducted a Phase 1, double–blind, placebo–controlled, dose–escalation study in 54 healthy subjects to evaluate Px563L at 3 dose levels of mrPA (10, 50, and 80 mcg). For each dose level, 18 subjects were randomized in an 8:8:2 ratio to Px563L (mrPA with adjuvant), RPA563 (mrPA only) or placebo (saline). Each subject received an intramuscular (IM) injection on Day 0 and Day 28. Primary safety and immunogenicity analysis was conducted after all subjects completed the Day 70 visit, a duration deemed clinically relevant for post-exposure prophylaxis. Long-term safety was assessed through Day 393.Vaccinations with Px563L at all dose levels were well-tolerated. There were no serious adverse events or adverse events (AE) leading to early withdrawal. In all treatment groups, most AEs were due to injection site reactions, and all AEs at the 10 and 50 mcg dose levels were mild. For the primary immunogenicity endpoint (protective toxin neutralizing antibody 50% neutralization factor [TNA NF₅₀]), titers started to increase significantly after the second administration of Px563L, from Day 35 through Day 70, with the geometric mean and lower bound of the 95% confidence interval exceeding 0.56, a threshold correlating with significant survival in animal models of anthrax exposure.In conclusion, Px563L, administered as two IM doses 28 days apart, was well-tolerated and elicited a protective antibody response starting at seven days after the second vaccination. These findings support the continued development of Px563L in a two-dose regimen for anthrax post-exposure prophylaxis. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02655549.     

Efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) created using covered stents of different diameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to make a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the stent diameter (8 mm vs. 10 mm) that conveys better safety and clinical efficacy for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).Materials and methodsFour databases were used to identify clinical trials published from inception until March 2020. Data were extracted to estimate and compare one-year and three-year overall survivals, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal rebleeding, and shunt dysfunction rates between patients with 8 mm covered stents and those with 10 mm covered stents.ResultsFive eligible studies were selected, which included 489 patients (316 men, 173 women). The 8 mm covered stent group had higher efficacy regarding one-year or three-year overall survival (odds ratio [OR], 2.88; P = 0.003) and (OR, 1.81; P = 0.04) and lower hepatic encephalopathy (OR, 0.69; P = 0.04) compared with 10 mm covered stent group. There were no significant differences in variceal rebleeding rate (OR 0.80; P = 0.67). However, shunt dysfunction was lower in 10 mm covered stent group (OR, 2.26; P = 0.003).ConclusionsOur results suggest that the use of 8 mm covered stents should be preferred to that of 10 mm covered stents for TIPS placement when portal pressure is frequently monitored.     

Minimally Invasive Treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

PurposeTo review and to compare indirectly the outcomes of minimally invasive therapies for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.Materials and MethodsA literature search via Medline and Cochrane Central databases was completed for randomized control studies published between January 2000 to April 2020 for the following therapies: Rezum, Urolift, Aquablation, and prostatic artery embolization (PAE). Data on the following variables were included: International prostate symptom score (IPSS), maximum urinary flow rate, quality of life, and postvoid residual (PVR). Standard mean differences between treatments were compared through a meta-analysis using transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to assess differences in treatment effect.ResultsThere was no significant difference in outcomes between therapies for IPSS at the 3, 6, and 12-month follow ups. Although outcomes for Rezum were only available out to 3 months, there were no consistently significant differences in outcomes when comparing Aquablation versus PAE versus Rezum. TURP PVR was significantly better than Urolift at 3, 6, and 12 months. No significant differences in minor or major adverse events were noted.ConclusionAlthough significant differences in outcomes were limited, Aquablation and PAE were the most durable at 12 months. PAE has been well studied on multiple randomized control trials with minimal adverse events while Aquablation has limited high quality data and has been associated with bleeding-related complications.     

中药治疗哮喘-慢阻肺重叠的Meta分析＊

目的 系统评价中药治疗哮喘-慢阻肺（ACO）的疗效与安全性。方法 全面检索PubMed、Cochrane Library、Web of Science、中国知网、万方、维普、中国医学文献数据库，纳入有关中医药治疗ACO的随机对照试验（RCT），运用Cochrane手册对纳入研究的方法学质量进行评估，采用Review Manager 5.3进行Meta分析。结果 共纳入32项RCT，包括2688例ACO患者，其中试验组1361例，对照组1327例。Meta分析结果显示，中医药可以显著改善ACO患者的中医证候疗效［RR=1.19，95% CI（1.13，1.25），P<0.00001］、CAT评分［MD=-3.62，95% CI（-4.37，-2.87），P<0.00001］、ACT评分［MD=3.42，95% CI（2.23，4.62），P<0.00001］，、中医证候总积分［MD=-3.61，95% CI（-4.83，-2.39），P<0.00001］、FEV₁［MD=0.59，95% CI（0.08，1.10），P=0.02］、FEV₁%［MD=8.61，95% CI（5.20，12.1），P<0.00001］、FEV₁/FVC［MD=6.52，95% CI（4.24，8.80），P<0.00001］、6 min步行实验［MD=41.18，95% CI（22.15，60.21），P<0.0001］、急性发作次数［MD=-2.46，95% CI（-3.62，-1.13），P<0.0001］。所有研究均未报道严重不良反应。结论 中药治疗ACO，可以显著提高临床疗效，改善患者的肺功能且具有较好安全性，但是需要更高质量、多样本、多中心的随机对照试验进一步确认。     

Recent advances with cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors: therapeutic agents for breast cancer and their role in immuno-oncology

Introduction: Collaborative interactions between several diverse biological processes govern the onset and progression of breast cancer. These processes include alterations in cellular metabolism, anti-tumor immune responses, DNA damage repair, proliferation, anti-apoptotic signals, autophagy, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, components of the non-coding genome or onco-mIRs, cancer stem cells and cellular invasiveness. The last two decades have revealed that each of these processes are also directly regulated by a component of the cell cycle apparatus, cyclin D1.

Area covered: The current review is provided to update recent developments in the clinical application of cyclin/CDK inhibitors to breast cancer with a focus on the anti-tumor immune response.

Expert opinion: The cyclin D1 gene encodes the regulatory subunit of a proline-directed serine-threonine kinase that phosphorylates several substrates. CDKs possess phosphorylation site selectivity, with the phosphate-acceptor residue preceding a proline. Several important proteins are substrates including all three retinoblastoma proteins, NRF1, GCN5, and FOXM1. Over 280 cyclin D3/CDK6 substrates have b\een identified. Given the diversity of substrates for cyclin/CDKs, and the altered thresholds for substrate phosphorylation that occurs during the cell cycle, it is exciting that small molecular inhibitors targeting cyclin D/CDK activity have encouraging results in specific tumors.     

Respecting the circle of life: one year outcomes from a randomized controlled comparison of an HIV risk reduction intervention for American Indian adolescents

Potential for widespread transmission of HIV/AIDS among American Indian (AI) adolescents exists, yet no evidence-based interventions (EBIs) have been adapted and evaluated with this population. Intensive psychoeducation may improve knowledge and decision-making which could potentially translate to reductions in HIV risk behaviors. A peer group randomized controlled comparison of an adapted EBI vs. control was delivered over an eight-day summer basketball camp in one reservation-based tribal community to adolescents ages 13–19. Outcome data were gathered immediately post-camp and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. Self-selected peer groups were randomized to intervention (n = 138) or control (n = 129) conditions for a total sample of 267 participants (56.2% female), mean age 15.1 years (SD = 1.7). Intervention participants had better condom use self-efficacy post-camp (Adjusted Mean Difference [AMD] = ?0.75, p < 0.005) and at 6 (AMD = ?0.44, p < 0.005) and 12 months (AMD = ?0.23, p < 0.05) follow-up. Intervention participants also had higher HIV prevention and transmission knowledge (post-camp: AMD = 0.07, p < 0.01; 6 months: AMD = 0.06, p < 0.01) were more likely to believe condoms prevent sexually transmitted infections (post-camp: RR = 1.41, p < 0.005; 6 months: RR = 1.34, p < 0.05), to talk with an adult about HIV/AIDS (post-camp: RR=1.78, p < 0.005; 6 months: RR = 1.14, p < 0.005), had higher partner negotiation efficacy related to substance use during sex (post-camp: AMD = 0.37, p < 0.01), and were more likely to intend to use a condom (post-camp: RR = 1.39, p < 0.01). The adapted intervention had short- and medium-term impacts on AI adolescent risk for HIV/AIDS, but attenuated at 12 months. Intervention delivery through a community-based camp is feasible and acceptable with strong retention. Additional study is needed to evaluate the adapted intervention's impact on sexual risk behaviors and if booster sessions and parent involvement translate to long-term impacts.