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Environmental Science and Pollution... Nov 2023Advances in agriculture include integrated methods of controlling pests, diseases, and weeds with biocontrollers, which are constantly increasing, along with herbicides.... (Review)
Review
Advances in agriculture include integrated methods of controlling pests, diseases, and weeds with biocontrollers, which are constantly increasing, along with herbicides. The objective is to present a systematic review of the main reports of herbicide effects on non-target organisms used in applied biological control and those naturally occurring in the ecosystems controlling pests. The categories were divided into predatory and parasitoid arthropods. Three hundred and fifty reports were analyzed, being 58.3% with parasitoids and 41.7% with predators. Lethal or sublethal effects of herbicides on reproduction, predation, genotoxicity, and abundance of biological control organisms have been reported. Two hundred and four reports of the impact of herbicides on parasitoids were analyzed. The largest number of reports was with parasitoids of the genus Trichogramma, with wide use in managing pests of the herbicide-tolerant transgenic plants. Most tests evaluating effects on parasitism, emergence, and mortality of natural enemies subjected to herbicides are with parasitoids of Lepidoptera eggs with a high diversity and use in managing these pests in different crops. Additive and synergistic effects of molecules increase the risks of herbicide mixtures. Herbicide use for weed management must integrate other control methods, as the chemical can impact natural enemies, reducing the biological control of pests.
Topics: Animals; Herbicides; Ecosystem; Hymenoptera; Arthropods; Lepidoptera; Pest Control, Biological; Weed Control
PubMed: 37848791
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30198-0 -
Journal of Epidemiology and Global... Jun 2024Humans are infected by Toxoplasma gondii worldwide and its consequences may seriously affect an immune deprived population such as HIV and transplanted patients or... (Review)
Review
Humans are infected by Toxoplasma gondii worldwide and its consequences may seriously affect an immune deprived population such as HIV and transplanted patients or pregnant women and foetuses. A deep knowledge of toxoplasmosis seroprevalence in Spain is needed in order to better shape health policies and educational programs. We present the results of the first systematic review and meta-analysis on the human prevalence for this disease in Spain. Databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Teseo) were searched for relevant studies that were published between January 1993 and December 2023 and all population-based cross-sectional and longitudinal studies reporting the human seroprevalence in Spain were revised. Within the population analysed, our targeted groups were immunocompetent population, pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. Among 572 studies and 35 doctoral theses retrieved, 15 studies and three doctoral theses were included in the meta-analysis. A random effects model was used for the meta-analyses due to the high heterogeneity found between studies (I: 99.97), since it is a statistically conservative model, in addition to allowing better external validity. The global pooled seroprevalence was 32.3% (95% CI 28.7-36.2%). Most of the studies carried out were in pregnant women and the meta-analysis reported that the pooled seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women in Spain was 24.4% (24,737/85,703, 95% CI 21.2-28.0%), based on the random effects model. It is recommended to continue monitoring the seroprevalence status of T. gondii in order to obtain essential guidelines for the prevention and control of the infection in the population.
PubMed: 38864976
DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00258-w -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted developmental condition that commonly appears during early childhood. The etiology of ASD remains multifactorial and not...
A comparison between children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders and healthy controls in biomedical factors, trace elements, and microbiota biomarkers: a meta-analysis.
INTRODUCTION
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaceted developmental condition that commonly appears during early childhood. The etiology of ASD remains multifactorial and not yet fully understood. The identification of biomarkers may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms and pathophysiology of the disorder. The present study aimed to explore the causes of ASD by investigating the key biomedical markers, trace elements, and microbiota factors between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and control subjects.
METHODS
Medline, PubMed, ProQuest, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and EMBSCO databases have been searched for publications from 2012 to 2023 with no language restrictions using the population, intervention, control, and outcome (PICO) approach. Keywords including "autism spectrum disorder," "oxytocin," "GABA," "Serotonin," "CRP," "IL-6," "Fe," "Zn," "Cu," and "gut microbiota" were used for the search. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist was used to assess the article quality, and a random model was used to assess the mean difference and standardized difference between ASD and the control group in all biomedical markers, trace elements, and microbiota factors.
RESULTS
From 76,217 records, 43 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analyses showed that children with ASD had significantly lower levels of oxytocin (mean differences, MD = -45.691, 95% confidence interval, CI: -61.667, -29.717), iron (MD = -3.203, 95% CI: -4.891, -1.514), and zinc (MD = -6.707, 95% CI: -12.691, -0.722), lower relative abundance of (MD = -1.321, 95% CI: -2.403, -0.238) and (MD = -0.081, 95% CI: -0.148, -0.013), higher levels of c-reactive protein, CRP (MD = 0.401, 95% CI: 0.036, 0.772), and GABA (MD = 0.115, 95% CI: 0.045, 0.186), and higher relative abundance of (MD = 1.386, 95% CI: 0.717, 2.055) and (MD = 0.281, 95% CI: 0.035, 0.526) when compared with controls. The results of the overall analyses were stable after performing the sensitivity analyses. Additionally, no substantial publication bias was observed among the studies.
INTERPRETATION
Children with ASD have significantly higher levels of CRP and GABA, lower levels of oxytocin, iron, and zinc, lower relative abundance of and , and higher relative abundance of , and when compared with controls. These results suggest that these indicators may be a potential biomarker panel for the diagnosis or determining therapeutic targets of ASD. Furthermore, large, sample-based, and randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
PubMed: 38283894
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1318637 -
Acta Parasitologica Mar 2024In the present study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the global and regional seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. and associated risk factors... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
In the present study, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the global and regional seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. and associated risk factors among children.
METHODS
The present systematic review and meta-analysis was followed based on the Preferred Reporting. Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. We searched the online databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and Google Scholar search engine for studies that measured seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. among children, published between 1 January 2000 and 15 January 2022. Accordingly, the pooled seroprevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis model.
RESULTS
A total of 65 articles from 22 countries met the inclusion criteria. The global seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection among children was estimated as 25% (95% CI 22-29). Meta-regression analysis showed that the type of population studied (p = 0.002) and year of publication (p = 0.044) it may be the source of heterogeneity. The highest and lowest pooled seroprevalence of Toxocara spp. infection were estimated in Thailand and Colombia as 58.2% (95% CI 50.9-65.5) and 7.04% (95% CI 3.05-11.3), respectively. Male gender was associated with a higher risk of Toxocara spp. compared to females, and this association was statistically significant (OR = 1.24; 95% CI 1.09-1.41, p = 0.001). However, residing in rural areas did not show a statistically significant increase in risk compared to living in urban areas (OR = 1.39; 95% CI 0.88-2.21, p = 0.143).
CONCLUSION
Toxocariasis is common among children, hence, prevention and control scheme of this helminth in children should be considered by health officials and health policymakers, especially in developing countries, where seroprevalence is highest.
Topics: Animals; Child; Humans; Global Health; Risk Factors; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Toxocara; Toxocariasis
PubMed: 38195773
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00772-0 -
Therapeutic Advances in Urology 2023Aspergillosis localized to the kidneys and the urinary tract is uncommon. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to evaluate risk factors and clinical outcomes... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Aspergillosis localized to the kidneys and the urinary tract is uncommon. We conducted a comprehensive systematic review to evaluate risk factors and clinical outcomes of patients with isolated renal and genito-urinary tract aspergillosis.
METHODS
We systematically searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, African Journal Online, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library, covering the period from inception to August 2023 using the key terms 'renal' OR 'kidney*' OR 'prostate' OR 'urinary bladder' OR 'urinary tract*AND 'aspergillosis' OR 'aspergillus' OR 'aspergilloma' OR 'mycetoma'. We included single case reports or case series. Review articles, guidelines, meta-analyses, animal studies, protocols, and cases of genitourinary and /or renal aspergillosis occurring as a part of disseminated disease were excluded.
RESULTS
We identified 91 renal and urinary aspergillosis cases extracted from 76 publications spanning 1925-2023. Among the participants, 79 (86.8%) were male, with a median age of 46 years. Predominantly, presentations consisted of isolated renal infections (74 instances, 81.3%), followed by prostate (5 cases, 5.5%), and bladder (7 cases, 7.7%) involvement. (42.9%), (9.9%), and (1.1% each) were isolated. Underlying risk factors included diabetes mellitus (29.7%), HIV (12.1%), haematological malignancies (11%), and liver cirrhosis (8.8%), while common symptoms encompassed flank pain (36.3%), fever (33%), and lower urinary tract symptoms (20.9%). An autopsy was conducted in 8.8% of cases. Diagnostic work-up involved histopathology (70.5%), renal CT scans and urine microscopy and culture (52.6% each), and abdominal ultrasound (17.9%). Treatments included amphotericin B (34 cases, 37.4%) and azole-based regimens (29 cases, 31.9%). Nephrectomy was performed in 16 of 78 renal cases (20.5%). All-cause mortality was 24.4% (19 cases). No significant mortality rate difference was observed among antifungal regimens ( = 0.739) or nephrectomy status ( = 0.8).
CONCLUSION
Renal and urinary aspergillosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised and people with diabetes mellitus. While varied treatment strategies were observed, mortality rates showed no significant differences based on treatments or nephrectomy status. Further research is needed to refine diagnostics, optimize treatments, and enhance awareness among clinicians for early detection and management.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42023430959.
PubMed: 38130371
DOI: 10.1177/17562872231218621 -
Current Medical Imaging Aug 2023Liesegang rings (LR) are concentric acellular lamellar structures, usually found in cystic and inflammatory tissues but can also be seen in neoplastic conditions. They...
INTRODUCTION
Liesegang rings (LR) are concentric acellular lamellar structures, usually found in cystic and inflammatory tissues but can also be seen in neoplastic conditions. They have been mistakenly interpreted as various structures like psammomatous calcification, parasites, and algae. This study has aimed to systematically review and summarize the existence of LRs in both non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions of the kidney. The systematic search in PUBMED, PUBMED CENTRAL, and EMBASE databases along with Google Scholar was performed by using Kidney, Liesegang Rings, or Liesegang structure or pseudo parasitic structure in combination with the Boolean operators ''and'' as searching terms. Data were collected for demographic characteristics and histopathology diagnosis. The search function was limited to human subjects. Two reviewers independently performed the eligibility assessment and data extraction. Eligibility inclusion criteria were all publications in the English literature worldwide related to Liesegang rings in association with kidney's non-neoplastic and neoplastic conditions, regardless of the years of publication. Also included were those cases whose full articles were unavailable, but the abstract was well-described, fulfilling our inclusive criteria. Eligibility exclusion criteria included LRs found elsewhere in the body organs apart from the kidney and availability of full text in a different language, non-human, and duplicate article/case.
METHOD
After the exclusion of the articles as per the exclusion criteria, the total articles that fulfilled the inclusive criteria were reviewed. In addition, all the articles were further cross-referenced for additional articles. All published papers retrieved from this search were considered for this review. A total of 22 records (26 cases) were found with a diagnosis of LRs in the kidney to date. Some articles were published as case series. Accordingly, 26 patients were reported to have Liesegang rings associated with kidney neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions, 12 were male and 14 were female. For one case the gender was not mentioned. LRs presented a higher frequency in individuals between the 4th and 5th decades of life. No single case was reported in infants and younger children. Regarding predisposing factors for LRs, cystic fluid contents were the most common underlying condition.
RESULT
In our practice, we encountered an unusual case of a 55-year-old female with a complaint of pain in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen. The ultrasound revealed nephrolithiasis and chronic kidney disease for which a nephrectomy was performed. On the histopathological examination, there was an incidental finding of Liesegang rings and a papillary adenoma along with features of chronic pyelonephritis. Our review will provide insight into LRs in different spectrums of kidney diseases.
CONCLUSION
This study represents the first available systematic review of the literature demonstrating LRs in the kidney. Although Liesegang rings have no great clinical significance, nonetheless, their presence in both tissue and cytological specimens should be kept in mind while dealing with different lesions of the kidney as they are good mimickers of many organic and inorganic substances, parasites, and malignancies.
PubMed: 37594156
DOI: 10.2174/1573405620666230817094600 -
Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and... 2024Toxocariasis is an important health problem caused by the parasitic species () and (). Prevalence of toxocariasis in pregnant women as a vulnerable population is... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Toxocariasis is an important health problem caused by the parasitic species () and (). Prevalence of toxocariasis in pregnant women as a vulnerable population is doubly important, and the aim of this study is to estimate the overall prevalence of toxocariasis infection in pregnant women according to the available reports.
METHODS
The present study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklists. A systematic search was carried out in international scientific databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed) between 1990 and 2023. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was estimated with a random-effects model. All analyses (overall prevalence, heterogeneity, publication bias, and sensitivity analysis) were performed with comprehensive meta-analysis (V2.2, Bio stat) software.
RESULTS
Amid the final eleven included studies, based on the random-effects model, the estimation of the pooled prevalence of spp. was 20.8% (95% CI, 9.8-38.7%). The association between the risk factors of toxocariasis and the prevalence of the disease was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, significant prevalence was reported; however, considering the limited number of studies, it seems that the actual prevalence of the disease is higher. Therefore, it seems necessary to monitor this health problem in pregnant women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Toxocariasis; Animals; Toxocara; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Prevalence; Toxocara canis
PubMed: 38682081
DOI: 10.1155/2024/1943353 -
Proceedings. Biological Sciences Jan 2024Birds and ants are among the most ubiquitous taxa co-occurring in terrestrial ecosystems, but how they mutually interact is almost unknown. Here, the main features of... (Review)
Review
Birds and ants are among the most ubiquitous taxa co-occurring in terrestrial ecosystems, but how they mutually interact is almost unknown. Here, the main features of this neglected interaction are synthetized in a systematic literature review. Interaction with ants has been recorded in 1122 bird species (11.2% of extant species) belonging to 131 families widely distributed across the globe and the avian phylogeny. On the other hand, 47 genus of ants (14.4% of extant genus) belonging to eight subfamilies interact with birds. Interactions include competition, antagonism (either ant-bird mutual predation or parasitism) and living together commensally or mutualistically. Competition (48.9%) and antagonism (36.1%) were the most common reported interactions. The potential for engaging in commensalism and competition with ants has a phylogenetic structure in birds and was present in the birds' ancestor. Interaction is better studied in the tropics, in where the network is less dense and more nested than in temperate or arid biomes. This review demonstrates that ant-bird interactions are a pervasive phenomenon across ecological domains, playing a key role in ecosystem function. Future studies need to combine sensible experimentation within anthropogenic disturbance gradients in order to achieve a better understanding of this interaction.
Topics: Animals; Ants; Biological Evolution; Birds; Ecosystem; Phylogeny
PubMed: 38166423
DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2023 -
One Health (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Dec 2023There is an urgent need for biosurveillance of unregulated African meat imports at border points of entry in destination markets. This is underscored by recent pandemics... (Review)
Review
There is an urgent need for biosurveillance of unregulated African meat imports at border points of entry in destination markets. This is underscored by recent pandemics linked to exotic wildlife products. Our objective was to catalog the quantity of meat that is informally transported from Africa into and through Europe often without any veterinary or sanitary checks. We searched and included peer-reviewed studies that contained data on the intercontinental movement of unregulated meat from the African continent. This was followed by an investigation of the reported contamination of such meat. We included fifteen airport studies with limited data on this topic. The references included in this review describe the quantity of meat found at border inspection posts and the presence of pathogens. Disease-causing pathogens were found to be present, and the results are organized into bacteria, virus, and parasite categories. The species of animal meat found in this review were linked to CITES-protected species some of which are known reservoir hosts for infectious diseases. This represents a potential and unquantified human health risk to populations along the supply chain, and a loss to biodiversity in supply countries. Meat samples described in this review were primarily found opportunistically by Customs officials, indicating that any estimate of the total quantities passing undetected through border checkpoints must remain tentative, and cannot rule out the possibility that it is indeed considerably higher. We propose a template for future studies regarding African meat imports at border points of entry. The result of this review illustrates a gap in knowledge and lacunae regarding the amount of unregulated African meat imports worldwide, the pathogens it may contain, and the resulting biodiversity loss that occurs from the intercontinental movement of this meat.
PubMed: 37545542
DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100599 -
Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews.... 2024Malaria, caused by different species of protists of the genus Plasmodium, remains among the most common causes of death due to parasitic diseases worldwide, mainly for... (Review)
Review
Malaria, caused by different species of protists of the genus Plasmodium, remains among the most common causes of death due to parasitic diseases worldwide, mainly for children aged under 5. One of the main obstacles to malaria eradication is the speed with which the pathogen evolves resistance to the drug schemes developed against it. For this reason, it remains urgent to find innovative therapeutic strategies offering sufficient specificity against the parasite to minimize resistance evolution and drug side effects. In this context, nanotechnology-based approaches are now being explored for their use as antimalarial drug delivery platforms due to the wide range of advantages and tuneable properties that they offer. However, major challenges remain to be addressed to provide a cost-efficient and targeted therapeutic strategy contributing to malaria eradication. The present work contains a systematic review of nanotechnology-based antimalarial drug delivery systems generated during the last 10 years. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease.
Topics: Humans; Antimalarials; Drug Delivery Systems; Malaria; Models, Theoretical; Plasmodium; Nanomedicine
PubMed: 38426407
DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1943