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Journal of the Pediatric Infectious... Feb 2023Phaeohyphomycosis is an infection caused by pigmented fungi, which can be life-threatening in immunocompromised hosts and in disseminated disease. In adults with... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Phaeohyphomycosis is an infection caused by pigmented fungi, which can be life-threatening in immunocompromised hosts and in disseminated disease. In adults with disseminated disease, mortality is as high as 79%. Data in children are derived from case reports and series. We conducted this study to review the characteristics of phaeohyphomycoses in children.
METHODS
We conducted this study following the PRISMA 2020 guideline for reporting systematic reviews. We performed a review of the reported cases of pediatric phaeohyphomycoses in core bibliographic databases published in the English and Spanish language, between June 1977 and October 2021. We included all eligible cases in patients <18 years to determine the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
RESULTS
A total of 130 cases were reviewed. The mean age was 8 years. The most common underlying conditions and risk factors included hematologic malignancies (32.5%), neutropenia (26.9%), steroid therapy (24.6%), trauma or surgery (23.1%), and children that received a transplant (14.6%). The most common presentation was localized infection (61.5%); skin and soft tissue infections were the most prevalent (25.4%). Exserohilum spp (20.8%) and Exophiala spp (17.7%) were the most common organisms isolated. Antifungal therapy remains as the most frequent treatment (87%). Overall mortality rate was 22.3% (localized 13.7% vs disseminated 37.3%).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this review suggest that phaeohyphomycoses in children have a better outcome compared to adults. We report a lower mortality rate in children when compared with adults in disseminated infection (37.3% vs 79%) and CNS infection (50% vs 60-70%). However, there is a wide variation in mortality rates according to the infection site, treatment, and underlying conditions. Prospective studies are needed.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child; Phaeohyphomycosis; Antifungal Agents; Skin; Ascomycota; Immunocompromised Host
PubMed: 36170027
DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piac106 -
Journal of Family & Reproductive Health Dec 2023Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of central nervous system (CNS). There are a few articles studying the risk factors of developing MS in men. Male infertility... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease of central nervous system (CNS). There are a few articles studying the risk factors of developing MS in men. Male infertility can stem from a range of etiological factors such as genetics or environment. In the context of MS, research suggests a potential link, possibly due to shared immunological and inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore, we designed this study to evaluate the relationship between male infertility and MS development.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, web of science, Google scholar and gray literature including references of the references as well as conference papers which were published up to June 2021. The search strategy in PubMed was ("Infertility, Male"[Mesh] OR [Male Infertility] OR [Sterility, Male] OR [Male Sterility] OR [Subfertility, Male] OR [Male Subfertility] OR [Sub-Fertility, Male] OR [Male Sub-Fertility] OR [Sub Fertility, Male]) AND ("Multiple Sclerosis"[Mesh] OR [Sclerosis, Multiple] OR [Sclerosis, disseminated] OR [Disseminated Sclerosis] OR [MS] OR [Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating]) AND ("Testicular Diseases"[Mesh] OR [Disease, Testicular] OR [Diseases, Testicular] OR [Testicular Disease]) AND ("Multiple Sclerosis"[Mesh] OR [Sclerosis, Multiple] OR [Sclerosis, disseminated] OR [Disseminated Sclerosis] OR [Multiple Sclerosis, Acute Fulminating] OR [MS]).
RESULTS
The literature search revealed 197 articles, after deleting duplicates 109 remained. For the meta-analysis, 3 studies were included. Totally, 2090 MS cases as well as 3895562 healthy subjects were enrolled. One hundred and fourteen infertile men were in MS group and 139716 infertile men were in controls. The pooled OR for male factor infertility and odds of developing MS was1.87 (95% CI: 0.89-3.94) (I=86.1%, P=0.001).
CONCLUSION
The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis show that there is no relationship between male factor infertility and risk of MS.
PubMed: 38807619
DOI: 10.18502/jfrh.v17i4.14590 -
PloS One 2017Our objective was to evaluate quality of conduct and reporting of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses in paediatric surgery. We also aimed to identify... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to evaluate quality of conduct and reporting of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses in paediatric surgery. We also aimed to identify characteristics predictive of review quality.
BACKGROUND
Systematic reviews summarise evidence by combining sources, but are potentially prone to bias. To counter this, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was published to aid in reporting. Similarly, the Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) measurement tool was designed to appraise methodology. The paediatric surgical literature has seen an increasing number of reviews over the past decade, but quality has not been evaluated.
METHODS
Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review with a priori design to identify systematic reviews and meta-analyses of interventions in paediatric surgery. From 01/2010 to 06/2016, we searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, Web of Science, Google Scholar, reference lists and journals. Two reviewers independently selected studies and extracted data. We assessed conduct and reporting using AMSTAR and PRISMA. Scores were calculated as the sum of reported items. We also extracted author, journal and article characteristics, and used them in exploratory analysis to determine which variables predict quality.
RESULTS
112 articles fulfilled eligibility criteria (53 systematic reviews; 59 meta-analyses). Overall, 68% AMSTAR and 56.8% PRISMA items were reported adequately. Poorest scores were identified with regards a priori design, inclusion of structured summaries, including the grey literature, citing excluded articles and evaluating bias. 13 reviews were pre-registered and 6 in PRISMA-endorsing journals. The following predicted quality in univariate analysis:, word count, Cochrane review, journal h-index, impact factor, journal endorses PRISMA, PRISMA adherence suggested in author guidance, article mentions PRISMA, review includes comparison of interventions and review registration. The latter three variables were significant in multivariate regression.
CONCLUSIONS
There are gaps in the conduct and reporting of systematic reviews in paediatric surgery. More endorsement by journals of the PRISMA guideline may improve review quality, and the dissemination of reliable evidence to paediatric clinicians.
Topics: Child; Humans; Pediatrics; Surgical Procedures, Operative
PubMed: 28384296
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0175213 -
Journal of Minimally Invasive Gynecology 2016The objective of this study was to evaluate nonmalignant sequelae of unconfined morcellation at hysterectomy and myomectomy. We performed a systematic review following... (Review)
Review
The objective of this study was to evaluate nonmalignant sequelae of unconfined morcellation at hysterectomy and myomectomy. We performed a systematic review following the PRISMA statement key words of "morcellation, uterine leiomyoma, uterine fibroid, laparoscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic total hysterectomy, and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy" and their combination. Fifty-one articles met the inclusion criteria: 11 articles were related to endometriosis, adenomyosis, and endometrial hyperplasia; 30 articles parasitic myoma; and 9 disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL) and 1 DPL and endometriosis. We found that laparoscopic hysterectomy or myomectomy with unconfined morcellation is associated with the risk of iatrogenic endometriosis (1.4%), adenomyosis (0.57%), parasitic myoma (0.9%), and rarely DPL. Our study showed that benign sequelae of uterine or myoma morcellation could be found in up to 1% of cases. This is much higher than the prevalence of uterine sarcoma after morcellation. Benign conditions have less consequences than malignancy, yet they are more common and might require another operation. Accordingly, if morcellation is required, confined morcellation should be considered.
Topics: Adenomyosis; Adult; Endometriosis; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Laparoscopy; Leiomyoma; Morcellation; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Myomectomy; Uterine Neoplasms
PubMed: 26802909
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2016.01.017 -
Mycoses Jul 2016Fungi in the order Mucorales cause acute, invasive and frequently fatal infections in susceptible patients. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of all... (Review)
Review
Fungi in the order Mucorales cause acute, invasive and frequently fatal infections in susceptible patients. This study aimed to perform a systematic review of all reported mucormycosis cases during the last 25 years in Iran. After a comprehensive literature search, we identified 98 cases in Iran from 1990-2015. The mean patient age was 39.8 ± 19.2 years. Diabetes was the most common underlying condition (47.9%), and 22.4% of the patients underwent solid organ or bone marrow transplantation. The most common clinical forms of mucormycosis were rhinocerebral (48.9%), pulmonary (9.2%) and cutaneous (9.2%). Eight cases of disseminated disease were identified. Overall mortality in the identified cases was 40.8%, with the highest mortality rate in patients diagnosed with disseminated infection (75%). The mortality rate in rhinocerebral infection patients was significantly lower (45.8%). Rhinocerebral infection was the most common clinical manifestation in diabetes patients (72.9%). Patients were diagnosed using various methods including histopathology (85.7%), microscopy (12.3%) and culture (2.0%). Rhizopus species were the most prevalent (51.7%), followed by Mucor species (17.2%). Sixty-nine patients were treated with a combination of surgery and antifungal therapy (resulting survival rate, 66.7%). Owing to the high mortality rate of advanced mucormycosis, early diagnosis and treatment may significantly improve survival rates. Therefore, increased monitoring and awareness of this life-threatening disease is critical.
Topics: Adult; Antifungal Agents; Dermatomycoses; Diabetes Complications; Female; Humans; Invasive Fungal Infections; Iran; Lung Diseases, Fungal; Male; Middle Aged; Mucorales; Mucormycosis; Rhizopus; Survival Rate; Young Adult
PubMed: 26906121
DOI: 10.1111/myc.12474 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jul 2023Nocardia species can cause local or disseminated infection. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of nocardiosis are required, because it can cause significant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Nocardia species can cause local or disseminated infection. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of nocardiosis are required, because it can cause significant morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of local species distribution and susceptibility patterns is important to appropriate empiric therapy. However, knowledge on the epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of clinical Nocardia species remains limited in China.
METHODS
The data of isolation of Nocardia species were collected from databases such as Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase as well as Chinese databases (CNKI, Wanfang and VIP). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Random effect models were used and tested with Cochran's Q and I2 statistics taking into account the possibility of heterogeneity between studies.
RESULTS
In total, 791 Nocardia isolates were identified to 19 species levels among all the recruited studies. The most common species were N. farcinica (29.1%, 230/791), followed by N. cyriacigeorgica (25.3%, 200/791), N. brasiliensis (11.8%, 93/791) and N. otitidiscaviarum (7.8%, 62/791). N. farcinica and N. cyriacigeorgica were widely distributed, N. brasiliensis mainly prevalent in the south, N. otitidiscaviarum mainly distributed in the eastern coastal provinces of China. Totally, 70.4% (223/317) Nocardia were cultured from respiratory tract specimens, 16.4% (52/317) from extra-pulmonary specimens, and 13.3% (42/317) from disseminated infection. The proportion of susceptible isolates as follows: linezolid 99.5% (197/198), amikacin 96.0% (190/198), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 92.9% (184/198), imipenem 64.7% (128/198). Susceptibility varied by species of Nocardia.
CONCLUSIONS
N. farcinica and N. cyriacigeorgica are the most frequently isolated species, which are widely distributed in China. Pulmonary nocardiosis is the most common type of infection. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole can still be the preferred agent for initial Nocardia infection therapy due to the low resistance rate, linezolid and amikacin could be an alternative to treat nocardiosis or a choice in a combination regimen.
Topics: Humans; Nocardia; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination; Linezolid; Amikacin; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Nocardia Infections; China
PubMed: 37428800
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011432 -
Aesthetic Surgery Journal. Open Forum 2023TikTok (San Jose, CA) is a popular and rapidly growing social media platform. With beauty and skincare among the top 5 most popular categories, TikTok represents an... (Review)
Review
TikTok (San Jose, CA) is a popular and rapidly growing social media platform. With beauty and skincare among the top 5 most popular categories, TikTok represents an important platform for plastic surgery education and communication. However, given the vast array of content shared daily, regulating content for veracity is challenging. It may also be an important and potentially overlooked avenue for the dissemination of inaccurate information pertaining to plastic surgery. This systematic review evaluates TikTok's impact on plastic surgery. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Guidelines, a systematic literature review was performed of the use of TikTok within the plastic surgery field. The following databases were queried: PubMed (National Institutes of Health; Bethesda, MD), EMBASE (Elsevier; Amsterdam, the Netherlands), and PsychInfo (American Psychological Association; Washington, DC). The search captured 31 studies of which 7 were included in the final analysis. The studies examined the following areas: gender-affirming surgery ( = 1), breast reconstruction ( = 1), aesthetic surgical procedures ( = 1), plastic surgeon profiles ( = 1), and profiles of videos relating to plastic surgery hashtags ( = 3). The videos' quality was assessed using the DISCERN scale. Physician videos scored notably higher than nonphysician videos. The mean DISCERN score across all the videos ( = 386) was 1.91 (range: 1.44-3.00), indicating poor quality. TikTok is a popular medium for sharing plastic surgery content. The existing literature has demonstrated overall poor-quality information on plastic surgery, and further study is needed to evaluate its impact in terms of perceptions of the specialty and healthcare behaviors. Future work should focus on promoting accurate, high-quality videos, potentially including a peer-review function for healthcare content. This can leverage TikTok's potential for disseminating content while upholding patient safety.
PubMed: 37868688
DOI: 10.1093/asjof/ojad081 -
Patient Related Outcome Measures 2022Patient engagement is increasingly considered to be an important element in the treatment of brain disorders to optimise outcomes for patients, society, and healthcare... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Patient engagement is increasingly considered to be an important element in the treatment of brain disorders to optimise outcomes for patients, society, and healthcare systems. Nonetheless, scientific research examining methodologies to engage patients with brain diseases in Research and Innovation (R&I) is scarce.
AIM
To review existing scientific evidence regarding the engagement of patients with brain disorders in research and innovation.
METHODS
Studies were retrieved from several bibliographic databases (publication date between January 2016 and April 2019) with pre-specified selection criteria.
RESULTS
In total, 49 articles were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria and were reviewed systematically. Results showed that there is limited evidence available on the impact and (cost-) effectiveness of patient engagement in (brain) research and innovation. Most published studies are protocols, guidelines, and discussion articles for patient engagement in health research and innovation. Overall, there exists a general consensus to engage patients in every step of the research procedure. Relevant evidence identified includes principles of engagement, definitions of stakeholder types, key considerations for planning, conducting and disseminating engaged research, potential engagement activities, and examples of promising practices.
DISCUSSION
Findings are inconclusive due to methodological differences. Comparison between studies was difficult due to differences in patients, form of engagements, and total duration of engagement of patients. Experiences of patient engagement mainly concern adherence to medical treatments or participation of "expert patients" in clinical trials, but very rarely the governance of R&I according to the dictates of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). More structuralized, well-conducted and comparable Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are needed to be able to make evidence-based recommendations on how to increase effective patient engagement in research and innovation and assess the impact and (cost)-effectiveness.
PubMed: 36536754
DOI: 10.2147/PROM.S256396 -
European Journal of Neurology May 2023Non-(acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) (non-ADEM) encephalitis and/or fluid attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense lesions in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Non-(acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) (non-ADEM) encephalitis and/or fluid attenuated inversion recovery hyperintense lesions in anti-myelin-oligodendrocyte-glycoprotein-associated encephalitis with seizures (FLAMES) are rarely described in patients with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies (Abs). The aim was (i) to describe the clinical features and disease course of children and adults with non-ADEM encephalitis and/or FLAMES associated with MOG Abs and (ii) to describe their association with other central nervous system autoantibodies.
METHODS
This was a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. Patients fulfilled criteria for non-ADEM encephalitis and/or FLAMES, and all were MOG Ab positive.
RESULTS
In total, 83 (79%) patients with non-ADEM encephalitis (48 also had FLAMES) and 22 (21%) with isolated FLAMES were included. At the first episode, children (n = 45) had more infections (11/45, 24.4%; p = 0.017) and more of the phenotype consisting of non-ADEM encephalitis (42/45, 93.3%; p = 0.014) than adults (n = 38). Children had more episodes consistent with working memory deficits (25/54, 46.3%; p = 0.014) but fewer psychiatric symptoms (16/54, 29.6%; p = 0.002). Twenty-eight (40.6%) of 69 patients had N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) Abs in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), being more frequent in adults (19/29, 65.5%; p < 0.001). Compared to negatives, positive CSF NMDAR Abs had more relapses (14/20, 70%; p = 0.050), required ventilatory support more frequently (8/34, 23.5%; p = 0.009) and had more psychiatric episodes (28/34, 82%; p < 0.001) or abnormal movements (14/34, 41.2%; p = 0.008). Apart from an older age in FLAMES, positive and negative CSF NMDAR Ab groups shared similar features.
CONCLUSION
Non-ADEM encephalitis patients with MOG Abs show specific clinical and radiological features, depending on the age at first episode. The presence of MOG Abs in non-ADEM encephalitis patients should not rule out to test other autoantibodies, especially concomitant NMDAR Abs in patients with suggestive symptoms such as behavioural or movement alterations.
Topics: Humans; Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein; Encephalitis; Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated; Disease Progression; Autoantibodies
PubMed: 36704861
DOI: 10.1111/ene.15684 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2023Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but lethal infection of the brain caused by a eukaryote called (). The aim of this review is to consolidate the... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but lethal infection of the brain caused by a eukaryote called (). The aim of this review is to consolidate the recently published case reports of infection by describing its epidemiology and clinical features with the goal of ultimately disseminating this information to healthcare personnel.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and OVID databases until 31 December 2022 by two independent reviewers. All studies from the year 2013 were extracted, and quality assessments were carried out meticulously prior to their inclusion in the final analysis.
RESULTS
A total of 21 studies were selected for qualitative analyses out of the 461 studies extracted. The cases were distributed globally, and 72.7% of the cases succumbed to mortality. The youngest case was an 11-day-old boy, while the eldest was a 75-year-old. Significant exposure to freshwater either from recreational activities or from a habit of irrigating the nostrils preceded onset. The symptoms at early presentation included fever, headache, and vomiting, while late sequalae showed neurological manifestation. An accurate diagnosis remains a challenge, as the symptoms mimic bacterial meningitis. Confirmatory tests include the direct visualisation of the amoeba or the use of the polymerase chain reaction method.
CONCLUSIONS
infection is rare but leads to PAM. Its occurrence is worldwide with a significant risk of fatality. The suggested probable case definition based on the findings is the acute onset of fever, headache, and vomiting with meningeal symptoms following exposure to freshwater within the previous 14 days. Continuous health promotion and health education activities for the public can help to improve knowledge and awareness prior to engagement in freshwater activities.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Male; Amoeba; Brain; Central Nervous System Protozoal Infections; Fever; Headache; Naegleria fowleri
PubMed: 36833715
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043021