Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yixiao Pan, Shiming Gong, Xinye Zhu, Chuqing Xue, Yilei Jing, Yinghua Sun, Yongbing Qian, Jianjun Zhang, Qiang Xia
Summary: COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is a significant issue among liver transplant recipients, but comprehensive vaccine knowledge dissemination and training for medical workers can improve vaccine acceptance.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Andrea Costantino, Letizia Morlacchi, Maria Francesca Donato, Andrea Gramegna, Elisa Farina, Clara Dibenedetto, Mariarosaria Campise, Matteo Redaelli, Marta Perego, Carlo Alfieri, Francesco Blasi, Pietro Lampertico, Evaldo Favi
Summary: COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy exists among solid organ transplant recipients, with concerns about adverse events and perceived lack of efficacy being the main reasons. Establishing appropriate and targeted patient-doctor communication strategies, as well as implementing specific vaccination campaigns, is crucial to reduce COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality.
Article
Immunology
Sarah R. MacEwan, Alice A. Gaughan, Graham N. Dixon, Ramona G. Olvera, Willi L. Tarver, Saurabh Rahurkar, Laura J. Rush, Austin D. Schenk, Jack Stevens, Ann Scheck McAlearney
Summary: This study aimed to improve our understanding of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on kidney transplant recipients, including their views on COVID-19 vaccination. Through semi-structured interviews with 38 kidney transplant recipients, it was found that most interviewees utilized public health measures to protect themselves against COVID-19, and the decision to receive or not receive the vaccine was influenced by different concerns and experiences. These findings highlight the unique needs of transplant recipients and reveal opportunities to support their health.
Article
Virology
Zhigang Zheng, Yefeng Lu, Min Wang, Yi Luo, Ping Wan, Tao Zhou, Mingxuan Feng, Jianjun Zhu, Ji Wu, Hao Ji, Yanyan Song, Ting Zhang, Yanbo Zhu, Qing Cao, Jing Chen, Qiang Xia, Feng Xue
Summary: This study aims to investigate COVID-19 vaccine coverage and guardian vaccine acceptance in immunosuppressed children and identify associated factors. Additionally, characteristics of pediatric transplant recipients with Omicron were analyzed. The three-dose vaccine coverage for liver transplant and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation children was low, and guardian vaccine acceptance was moderate. Independent risk factors for vaccine acceptance included child's age, geographic location, type of transplant, guardian's vaccination status, distress about epidemic events, risk perception ability, anxiety, and knowledge of epidemic control. The main reasons for vaccine hesitancy were fear of adverse events and doubts about efficacy. Most Omicron-infected children had mild symptoms and were infected within the family. Targeted education and vaccination instructions should be developed for guardians of liver transplant children.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Madison Ashworth, Linda Thunstrom, Todd L. Cherry, Stephen C. Newbold, David C. Finnoff
Summary: The study found that public messages emphasizing the personal health benefits have the largest impact on increasing vaccine intentions. Additionally, public health messages have a positive effect on vaccine intentions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jiangbo Fan, Xi Wang, Shuai Du, Ayan Mao, Haiping Du, Wuqi Qiu
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to global public health security, and vaccination through public health interventions has been recognized as crucial. However, mistrust plays a major role in vaccine hesitancy, thus impeding the widespread acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. This paper aims to discuss the key issues and the role of trust in promoting the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines and implementing effective policies.
Article
Immunology
John Paul Fobiwe, Peter Martus, Brian D. Poole, Jamie L. Jensen, Stefanie Joos
Summary: Trust in institutions and democracy plays a significant role in COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The study found that factors such as trust in institutions, trust in non-pharmaceutical interventions, and various demographic factors were associated with intent to vaccinate. History of influenza vaccination and satisfaction with democratic institutions were highly predictive of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Results also showed that social determinants of health and receiving the flu vaccine were predictors of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance.
Article
Immunology
Takeshi Yoda, Hironobu Katsuyama
Summary: The study found that 65.7% of Japanese respondents were willing to be vaccinated, including older age groups, those living in rural areas, and individuals with underlying medical conditions; males showed less hesitancy towards vaccination. Despite the presence of selection bias, the study provides important information for understanding the willingness of Japanese people to be vaccinated.
Article
Immunology
Yi-Miao Zhao, Lin Liu, Jie Sun, Wei Yan, Kai Yuan, Yong-Bo Zheng, Zheng-An Lu, Lin Liu, Shu-Yu Ni, Si-Zhen Su, Xi-Mei Zhu, Na Zeng, Yi-Miao Gong, Ping Wu, Mao-Sheng Ran, Yue Leng, Jie Shi, Le Shi, Lin Lu, Yan-Ping Bao
Summary: The study in China shows that while the majority of the general population is willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines, hesitancy is common, with factors such as vaccine safety and information sources influencing attitudes. Vaccine acceptance, hesitancy, and resistance are associated with factors including gender, age, income, and residence.
Article
Immunology
Mehmet Emin Parlak, Erdogan Oz, Osman Kucukkelepce
Summary: This study investigated the attitudes and behaviors of breastfeeding mothers towards the COVID-19 vaccine, focusing on their knowledge and hesitation about it. It was a cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted in the Kahta district of Adiyaman, Turkey, between January and May 2022. The study included 405 mothers who visited the Kahta State Hospital Pediatrics outpatient clinic. Data was collected using a questionnaire, and consent was obtained from the participants. The vaccination rate was higher for mothers with higher education levels and for those whose breastfed child was younger than 6 months. Mothers who had been infected with the COVID-19 virus had a lower vaccination rate. Mothers who received information from their family doctor and the internet had higher vaccination rates compared to those who obtained information from other sources. Mothers with lower education levels were more likely to think that babies should stop breastfeeding before vaccination. To address vaccine hesitancy among mothers, it is important to provide accurate information and education to the whole society, especially focusing on families with lower education and economic levels.
Article
Immunology
Bent Steenberg, Nellie Myburgh, Andile Sokani, Nonhlanhla Ngwenya, Portia Mutevedzi, Shabir A. Madhi
Summary: COVID-19 immunization programs have been rolled out globally on an unprecedented scale. This article highlights the challenges faced in achieving vaccine acceptance in Soweto, South Africa. Despite normative hypothetical acceptance, vaccine uptake remains concerningly low in South Africa, particularly in Soweto. Factors such as distrust towards authorities and misinformation have contributed to hesitancy and denialism among the public. Stated intent to immunize does not necessarily translate to actual behavior. Unveiling and addressing barriers to vaccine confidence and selectivity is crucial, especially in lower-income groups with specific cultural, spiritual, historical, and socioeconomic contexts. Effective media communication and debunking of false claims are essential in promoting immunization.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Pierluigi Toniutto, Edmondo Falleti, Sara Cmet, Annarosa Cussigh, Laura Veneto, Davide Bitetto, Ezio Fornasiere, Elisa Fumolo, Carlo Fabris, Assunta Sartor, Roberto Peressutti, Francesco Curcio, Laura Regattin, Lucrezia Grillone
Summary: This study explores the long-term antibody response and failure mechanism of COVID-19 vaccines in liver transplant recipients, revealing significantly lower antibody titers after vaccination compared to controls and identifying MMF as a major predictor of vaccination failure.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Wei-Chen Lee, Hao-Chien Hung, Jin-Chiao Lee, Chung-Guei Huang, Po-Wei Huang, Po-Wen Gu, Yu-Chao Wang, Chih-Hsien Cheng, Tsung-Han Wu, Chen-Fang Lee, Ting-Jung Wu, Hong-Shiue Chou, Kun-Ming Chan
Summary: Liver transplant recipients were found to have low immunogenicity for anti-COVID-19 antibodies. Temporarily suspending the use of immunosuppressant drugs such as MMF or EVR during Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccination can facilitate antibody production. Factors such as temporary drug suspension and monotherapy were found to be favorable for generating a humoral response to the vaccine.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Li Ping Wong, Haridah Alias, Megat Mohamad Amirul Amzar Megat Hashim, Hai Yen Lee, Sazaly AbuBakar, Ivy Chung, Zhijan Hu, Yulan Lin
Summary: This study aims to assess the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccine among Muslims in Malaysia. The majority of participants expressed a definite or probable intent to receive the vaccine. Attitudes towards vaccination were found to be the strongest influencing factor, while religious health fatalism was not significantly associated with vaccination intent.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Matthew Z. Dudley, Benjamin Schwartz, Janesse Brewer, Lilly Kan, Roger Bernier, Jennifer E. Gerber, Haley Budigan Ni, Tina M. Proveaux, Rajiv N. Rimal, Daniel A. Salmon
Summary: This study survey found that more than half of unvaccinated adults remained uncertain about COVID-19 vaccination during the surge of the Delta variant. The majority of the unvaccinated population were younger, without a bachelor's degree, earning lower income, and tended to be Republican/Independent. Concerns among the unvaccinated included safety, speed of development, and suspicion of the government and pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, about one third of the unvaccinated reported facing barriers to vaccination.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Elisabetta Degasperi, Maria P. Anolli, Pietro Lampertico
Summary: Chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) is a severe form of chronic viral hepatitis, affecting millions of people worldwide. The only treatment option for CHD, interferon, has limited efficacy and significant side effects. Bulevirtide (BLV) has shown promising results as a new HBV-HDV entry inhibitor, with high virological response rates and good tolerability. BLV has received conditional approval for the treatment of compensated CHD, providing a new treatment option for patients.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Massimo Iavarone, Giulia Tosetti, Floriana Facchetti, Matilde Topa, Joey Ming Er, Shou Kit Hang, Debora Licari, Andrea Lombardi, Roberta D'Ambrosio, Elisabetta Degasperi, Alessandro Loglio, Chiara Oggioni, Riccardo Perbellini, Riccardo Caccia, Alessandra Bandera, Andrea Gori, Ferruccio Ceriotti, Luigia Scudeller, Antonio Bertoletti, Pietro Lampertico
Summary: This study found that patients with cirrhosis have a suboptimal immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, particularly in those who have not been infected with SARS-CoV-2 before. However, the cellular immune response in patients with cirrhosis remains preserved, and a low rate of breakthrough infections was observed.
DIGESTIVE AND LIVER DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Harry L. A. Janssen, Jinlin Hou, Tarik Asselah, Henry L. Y. Chan, Fabien Zoulim, Yasuhito Tanaka, Ewa Janczewska, Ronald G. Nahass, Stefan Bourgeois, Maria Buti, Pietro Lampertico, Oliver Lenz, Thierry Verbinnen, Joris Vandenbossche, Willem Talloen, Ronald Kalmeijer, Maria Beumont, Michael Biermer, Umesh Shukla
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of JNJ-56136379 in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The results showed that JNJ-56136379+NA significantly reduced HBV DNA and HBV RNA levels, but had limited effects on HBsAg or HBeAg declines in HBeAg-positive patients. Overall, JNJ-56136379 did not demonstrate clear superiority over NA in terms of efficacy.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Marzia Rossi, Andrea Vecchi, Camilla Tiezzi, Valeria Barili, Paola Fisicaro, Amalia Penna, Ilaria Montali, Stephane Daffis, Simon P. Fletcher, Anuj Gaggar, Jonathan Medley, Michael Graupe, Latesh Lad, Alessandro Loglio, Roberta Soffredini, Marta Borghi, Teresa Pollicino, Cristina Musolino, Arianna Alfieri, Federica Brillo, Diletta Laccabue, Marco Massari, Chiara Boarini, Gianluca Abbati, Giuseppe Pedrazzi, Gabriele Missale, Pietro Lampertico, Carlo Ferrari, Carolina Boni
Summary: This study characterized the functional impairment of exhausted HBV-specific CD8 T cells in patients with chronic HBV infection. It identified subsets of patients with different capacities to control infection and respond to immune modulation. It also found that functionally more efficient HBV-specific CD8 T cell subsets with lower expression of coinhibitory molecules were present in some chronic viraemic patients. The ability to distinguish patient cohorts with different responses to immune modulation through phenotypic CD8 T cell exhaustion profiling is clinically significant.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Elisabetta Degasperi, Maria Paola Anolli, Pietro Lampertico
Summary: Chronic hepatitis Delta (CHD) is a rare and severe form of chronic viral hepatitis. The current treatment approach is the off-label use of PegInterferon alpha (PegIFN alpha), but it has suboptimal efficacy and significant side effects. The entry inhibitor Bulevirtde (BLV) has been conditionally approved for the treatment of compensated CHD and has shown promising results in clinical trials and real-life studies.
JOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Elisa Farina, Alessandro Loglio, Giulia Tosetti, Elisabetta Degasperi, Mauro Vigano, Carmine Gentile, Sara Monico, Riccardo Perbellini, Marta Borghi, Floriana Facchetti, Sara Colonia Uceda Renteria, Ferruccio Ceriotti, Federica Cerini, Massimo Primignani, Pietro Lampertico
Summary: In patients with HBV-related compensated cirrhosis receiving long-term TDF/ETV treatment, the risk of developing/progessing EV is negligible, challenging the current endoscopic surveillance recommendations in patients without EV at baseline.
ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Marc G. Ghany, Maria Buti, Pietro Lampertico, Hannah M. Lee
Summary: Representatives from academia, industry, regulatory agencies, and patient advocacy groups convened under the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) in June 2022 to achieve consensus on chronic HBV and HDV treatment endpoints. The conference focused on the primary goal of guiding clinical trials aiming to cure HBV and HDV, and reached agreements on key points such as preferred endpoints for trials, suitable patient candidates, and the role of novel biomarkers and existing therapies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Giuseppina Brancaccio, Barbara Coco, Alessandra Nardi, Maria Giovanna Quaranta, Maria Elena Tosti, Luigina Ferrigno, Irene Cacciola, Vincenzo Messina, Luchino Chessa, Filomena Morisco, Michele Milella, Francesco Barbaro, Alessia Ciancio, Francesco Paolo Russo, Nicola Coppola, Pierluigi Blanc, Ernesto Claar, Gabriella Verucchi, Massimo Puoti, Anna Linda Zignego, Liliana Chemello, Salvatore Madonia, Stefano Fagiuoli, Alfredo Marzano, Carlo Ferrari, Pietro Lampertico, Vito Di Marco, Antonio Craxi, Teresa Antonia Santantonio, Giovanni Raimondo, Maurizia R. Brunetto, Giovanni Battista Gaeta, Loreta A. Kondili
Summary: The study examined the characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus in Italy and found that a significant proportion of patients were non-Italian natives, and there was a decline in HBeAg prevalence and stable anti-HDV prevalence. Cirrhosis was common in both cohorts, with a higher proportion in the PITER cohort, and variables such as age, sex, BMI, and anti-HDV positivity were associated with cirrhosis. The study also observed an increase in adherence to antiviral treatment recommendations over time. In conclusion, chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Italy appears to be under control, but HDV infection remains a health concern.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Maria Paola Anolli, Elisabetta Degasperi, Lena Allweiss, Angelo Sangiovanni, Marco Maggioni, Caroline Scholtes, Valerie Oberhardt, Christoph Neumann-Haefelin, Maura Dandri, Fabien Zoulim, Pietro Lampertico
Summary: Bulevirtide has received conditional approval from the EMA for treating chronic hepatitis delta, but the optimal duration of therapy remains unknown. In this study, a patient with compensated cirrhosis and esophageal varices achieved hepatitis delta cure after 3 years of bulevirtide monotherapy. Virological and biochemical responses were maintained during the 72-week off-therapy follow-up, and significant improvements were observed in liver biopsy results.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Serena Pelusi, Cristiana Bianco, Massimo Colombo, Giuliana Cologni, Paolo del Poggio, Nicola Pugliese, Daniele Prati, Marie Graciella Pigozzi, Roberta D'Ambrosio, Pietro Lampertico, Stefano Fagiuoli, Luca Valenti
Summary: This study aimed to examine the impact of metabolic dysfunction (MD) on patients cured of chronic hepatis C (CHC). The results showed that MD had a significant effect on liver stiffness in patients with advanced fibrosis and was associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Further classification based on diagnostic criteria improved risk stratification. Therefore, MD is an effective way to identify individuals at risk of developing HCC in CHC patients.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Fabrizio Fabrizi, Maria Francesca Donato, Federica Tripodi, Anna Regalia, Pietro Lampertico, Giuseppe Castellano
Summary: The aim of this review is to assess the role of antiviral therapy for HBV in improving survival after a kidney transplant. The results suggest a negative correlation between HBV-positive status and survival after a kidney transplant. Antiviral therapy has been shown to improve patient and graft survival in HBV-positive individuals.
Editorial Material
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Benjamin Maasoumy, Pietro Lampertico
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Andrea Costantino, Marco Michelon, Daniele Noviello, Fabio Salvatore Macaluso, Salvo Leone, Nicole Bonaccorso, Claudio Costantino, Maurizio Vecchi, Flavio Caprioli, AMICI Sci Board
Summary: The vaccination rate against some vaccine-preventable diseases is low among Italian patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), despite a generally positive attitude towards vaccinations.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Pietro Lampertico, Elisabetta Degasperi, Lisa Sandmann, Heiner Wedemeyer
Summary: Chronic infection with hepatitis delta virus (HDV) affects millions of people worldwide, leading to severe liver disease and complications. While progress has been made in understanding the virus, there is still much to learn about its natural history and the immune system's role. Diagnosis and treatment of HDV remain challenging, but recent advancements in antiviral therapy, such as bulevirtide, offer hope for improved outcomes. The first international Delta Cure meeting provided a platform for sharing the latest research and discussing potential strategies for HDV treatment.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Vincenza Lombardo, Alice Scricciolo, Andrea Costantino, Luca Elli, Giorgia Legnani, Angel Cebolla, Luisa Doneda, Federica Mascaretti, Maurizio Vecchi, Leda Roncoroni
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of urinary gluten immunogenic peptides (uGIP) in the follow-up of celiac disease (CD). The results showed that uGIP test can accurately assess the adherence to gluten-free diet and correlated significantly with duodenal biopsy results.