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Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases Jan 2024Published data on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in camels worldwide have been collected to provide an overview of the global prevalence and species diversity of camelid... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Published data on tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) in camels worldwide have been collected to provide an overview of the global prevalence and species diversity of camelid TBPs. Several TBPs have been detected in dromedary camels, raising concerns regarding their role as natural or maintenance hosts for tick-borne pathogens. Insubstantial evidence exists regarding the natural infection of camels with Babesia spp., Theileria spp., Anaplasma spp., and Ehrlichia spp., particularly because most of the camels were considered healthy at the time of sampling. Based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a pooled prevalence of 35.3% (95% CI: 22.6-48.1%) was estimated for Anaplasma, which was the most frequently tested TBP in dromedaries, and DNA of Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma platys, and A. platys-like were isolated, of which ruminants and dogs are reservoirs. Similarly, the estimated pooled prevalence for the two piroplasmid genera; Babesia and Theileria was approximately equal (10-12%) regardless of the detection method (microscopy or PCR testing). Nevertheless, Babesia caballi, Theileria equi, and Theileria annulata DNA have frequently been detected in camels but they have not yet been proven to be natural hosts. Scarce data detected Babesia microti, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) DNA in blood of dromedaries, although ticks of the genus Ixodes are distributed in limited areas where dromedaries are raised. Interestingly, a pooled seroprevalence of 47.7% (26.3-69.2%) was estimated for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, and viral RNA was detected in dromedary blood; however, their contribution to maintain the viral transmission cycles requires further experimental investigation. The substantially low incidence and scarcity of data on Rickettsia and Ehrlichia species could imply that camels were accidentally infected. In contrast, camels may play a role in the spread of Coxiella burnetii, which is primarily transmitted through the inhalation of aerosols emitted by diseased animals and contaminated environments. Bactrian camels showed no symptoms due to the examined TBPs, meanwhile, clinical disease was seen in alpacas infected with A. phagocytophilum. Similar to dromedaries, accidental tick bites may be the cause of TBP DNA found in the blood of Bactrian camels.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Camelus; Prevalence; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Ehrlichia; Rickettsia; Anaplasma; Babesia; Ixodes; Theileria annulata; DNA; Tick-Borne Diseases; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37769585
DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2023.102268 -
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology,... Feb 2024Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease rarely found outside Africa. Monkeypox can be spread from person to person through close contact with an infected person, and the... (Review)
Review
Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease rarely found outside Africa. Monkeypox can be spread from person to person through close contact with an infected person, and the rate of transmission is not very high. In addition, monkeypox and variola virus are both pox viruses, and the spread of monkeypox virus was also controlled to some extent by the smallpox campaign, so monkeypox was not widely paid attention to. However, as smallpox vaccination is phased out in various countries or regions, people's resistance to orthopoxviruses is decreasing, especially among people who have not been vaccinated against smallpox. This has led to a significant increase in the frequency and geographical distribution of human monkeypox cases in recent years, and the monkeypox virus has become the orthopoxvirus that poses the greatest threat to public health. Since the last large-scale monkeypox infection was detected in 2022, the number of countries or territories affected has exceeded 100. Many confirmed and suspected cases of monkeypox have been found in individuals who have not travelled to affected areas, and the route of infection is not obvious, making this outbreak of monkeypox a cause for concern globally. The purpose of this systematic review is to further understand the pathophysiological and epidemiological characteristics of monkeypox, as well as existing prevention and treatment methods, with a view to providing evidence for the control of monkeypox.
Topics: Humans; Mpox (monkeypox); Smallpox; Monkeypox virus; Disease Outbreaks; Public Health
PubMed: 38177001
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2023.12.006 -
Translational Vision Science &... Nov 2023This systematic review evaluates the safety and efficacy of ocular gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
This systematic review evaluates the safety and efficacy of ocular gene therapy using adeno-associated virus (AAV).
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched systematically for controlled or non-controlled interventional gene therapy studies using key words related to retinal diseases, gene therapy, and AAV vectors. The primary outcome measure was safety, based on ocular severe adverse events (SAEs). Secondary outcome measures evaluated efficacy of the therapy based on best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and improvements in visual sensitivity and systemic involvement following ocular delivery. Pooling was done using a DerSimonian Laird random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, version 1.
RESULTS
Our search identified 3548 records. Of these, 80 publications met eligibility criteria, representing 28 registered clinical trials and 5 postmarket surveillance studies involving AAV gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), choroideremia, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), X-linked retinoschisis, and achromatopsia. Overall, AAV therapy vectors were associated with a cumulative incidence of at least one SAE of 8% (95% confidence intervals [CIs] of 5% to 12%). SAEs were often associated with the surgical procedure rather than the therapeutic vector itself. Poor or inconsistent reporting of adverse events (AEs) were a limitation for the meta-analysis. The proportion of patients with any improvement in BCVA and visual sensitivity was 41% (95% CIs of 31% to 51%) and 51% (95% CIs of 31% to 70%), respectively. Systemic immune involvement was associated with a cumulative incidence of 31% (95% CI = 21% to 42%).
CONCLUSIONS
AAV gene therapy vectors appear to be safe but the surgical procedure required to deliver them is associated with some risk. The large variability in efficacy can be attributed to the small number of patients treated, the heterogeneity of the population and the variability in dosage, volume, and follow-up.
TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE
This systematic review will help to inform and guide future clinical trials.
Topics: Humans; Retinal Degeneration; Dependovirus; Macular Degeneration; Retinitis Pigmentosa; Genetic Therapy
PubMed: 37982768
DOI: 10.1167/tvst.12.11.24 -
BMC Gastroenterology Aug 2023The incidence of HBV-negative and HCV-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC) is significantly increasing. However, their clinicopathologic features and prognosis... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Comparison of clinicopathologic characteristics among patients with HBV-positive, HCV-positive and Non-B Non-C hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
The incidence of HBV-negative and HCV-negative hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC) is significantly increasing. However, their clinicopathologic features and prognosis remain elucidated. Our study aimed to compare the clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes of NBNC-HCC with hepatitis virus-related HCC.
METHOD
A literature review was performed in several databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science, to identify the studies comparing NBNC-HCC with HBV-positive HCV-negative HCC (B-HCC), HBV-negative HCV-positive (C-HCC) and/or HBV-positive HCV-positive HCC (BC-HCC). The clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes were extracted and pooled to access the difference.
RESULTS
Thirty-two studies with 26,297 patients were included: 5390 patients in NBNC-HCC group, 9873 patients in B-HCC group, 10,848 patients in C-HCC group and 186 patients in BC-HCC group. Patients in NBNC-HCC group were more liable to be diagnosed at higher ages, but with better liver functions and lighter liver cirrhosis. Comparing to B-HCC and C-HCC groups, although NBNC-HCC group was prone to have larger tumor sizes, it did not have more advanced tumors. Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in both 5-year and 10-year disease-free survival and overall survival between NBNC-HCC group and B-HCC or C-HCC group.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis revealed patients with NBNC-HCC had as worse prognosis as those with hepatitis virus-related HCC. More attention should be paid on patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or metabolic syndromes to prevent the incidence of NBNC-HCC.
Topics: Humans; Hepatectomy; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Hepatitis B virus; Liver Neoplasms; Hepatitis C
PubMed: 37612653
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02925-x -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Dec 2023Given the central role that radiation has in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin, it is imperative to review how treatment...
PURPOSE
Given the central role that radiation has in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin, it is imperative to review how treatment paradigms have been refined and continue to evolve in the modern era.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
This study was designed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) statement. A literature search of peer-reviewed publications was undertaken to identify works pertaining to the use of radiation for squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary origin presenting as cervical lymph node metastases. Articles published from January 2002 to January 2023 with full text available on PubMed and restricted to the English language and human subjects were included. The full bibliographies of identified articles were reviewed and irrelevant studies were removed.
RESULTS
While such breakthroughs as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, positron emission tomography, biomarker testing with immune-histochemistry, and minimally invasive surgical techniques such as transoral robotic surgery have fundamentally changed the approach to this disease in recent decades, controversies still exist with respect to the manner in which radiation is delivered. Although the incidence of head and neck unknown primary cancer is relatively low, questions regarding the necessity of comprehensive radiation using the age-old standard method of targeting the bilateral necks and entire pharyngeal axis to encompass all putative sites of mucosal disease persist.
CONCLUSIONS
Prospective evidence is lacking, and the available studies have been complicated by such factors as the relatively limited sample sizes, as well as the variability in work-up, treatment, inclusion criteria, and follow-up. Regardless, advances in science and technology have ushered in more precise approaches with a high degree of customization, particularly given the increased proportion of patients presenting with human papillomavirus-related disease.
Topics: Humans; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Neoplasms, Unknown Primary; Papillomavirus Infections; Systematic Reviews as Topic
PubMed: 37844736
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109952 -
International Journal of Public Health 2023To study the prevalence and the association of HPV infection in retinoblastoma and to determine the most common genotype presented in RB. Following the PRIMSA... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
To study the prevalence and the association of HPV infection in retinoblastoma and to determine the most common genotype presented in RB. Following the PRIMSA guideline, 14 studies reporting HPV infection in RB acquired from six databases were included. The prevalence of HPV from 941 RB samples was 15.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.3-30]. Mexico followed by India and Brazil had the highest HPV prevalence in RB samples, 61.7% (95% CI: 17-93), 22.5% (95% CI: 9-47), and 12.1% (95% CI: 2-52), in order. HPV 16 was the most common genotype presented in RB samples 23% (95% CI: 9-47), followed by HPV 18 10% (95% CI: 3-30) and the combined HPV 16-18 6% (95% CI: 0-50). We did not find a significant association between HPV and RB [odds ratio (OR): 12.2; 95% CI: 0.65-232; = 0.09]. However, after removing the largest-weighted study, a significant association between HPV and RB was observed (OR: 45.9; 95% CI; 8.6-245; < 0.001). HPV prevalence in RB samples was 15% and HPV 16 was the most presented genotype in RB samples. There may be an association between HPV and RB that is needed to be confirmed by high quality future studies. Preventive and treatment measures against HPV infection are essential for the prevention of any possible consequences, in particular, RB.
Topics: Humans; Retinoblastoma; Papillomavirus Infections; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Cross-Sectional Studies; Human papillomavirus 16; Prevalence; Retinal Neoplasms
PubMed: 37497122
DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605284 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2024Despite the ongoing global vaccination campaign aimed at preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) related health issues, the uptake of the HPV vaccine remains unacceptably... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Despite the ongoing global vaccination campaign aimed at preventing human papillomavirus (HPV) related health issues, the uptake of the HPV vaccine remains unacceptably low in developing regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at determining the pooled prevalence and associated factors of HPV vaccine uptake among adolescent school girls in SSA. Electronic bio-medical databases were explored. Pooled prevalence, publication bias, meta-regression, sub-group, and sensitivity analysis were performed. The estimated pooled prevalence of HPV vaccine uptake was 28.53% [95% CI: (5.25, 51.81)]. Having good knowledge and a positive attitude was significantly associated with HPV vaccine uptake in SSA. Subgroup analysis revealed the highest uptake was 62.52% from Kenya and the lowest was 3.77% in Nigeria. The HPV vaccine uptake is low. It underscores the need for community education, school-based immunization, and education programs that promote the uptake of the vaccine to increase coverage.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adolescent; Papillomavirus Infections; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Papillomavirus Vaccines; Vaccination; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Africa South of the Sahara
PubMed: 38505959
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2326295 -
JCO Global Oncology Mar 2024Head and neck cancer accounts for about one third of the global burden in India. Mucosal high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) has been hypothesized as a contributory... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Head and neck cancer accounts for about one third of the global burden in India. Mucosal high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) has been hypothesized as a contributory risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNC) but its prevalence in Indian patients is not well established. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV in HNC in India and their attributable fraction by considering the biomarkers of carcinogenesis, p16, and HPV mRNA.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was done in Medline via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, and Cochrane to identify studies on HPV and HNC in the Indian population, published between January 1990 and October 2022. Fifty-four eligible studies were identified and relevant clinical information was collected. Meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled prevalence of HPV DNA, p16INK4a, and mRNA percent positivity by random-effect logistic regression model using Metapreg, STATA 18.
RESULTS
Thirty-four high-quality studies were taken for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of HPV in HNC was 20% (95% CI, 12 to 32) with a high level of heterogeneity ( = 90.79%). The proportion of HPV in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC; 22% [95% CI, 13 to 34]) and laryngeal cancer (LC; 29% [95% CI, 17 to 46]) was higher than in oral cancer (OC; 16% [95% CI, 8 to 30]). The HPV-attributable fraction of OPC, considering the mRNA and p16 positivity, was 12.54% and 9.68%, respectively, almost similar to LC (11.6% and 9.57%), while it was much lower in OC (3.36% and 4%).
CONCLUSION
The HPV-attributable fraction is considerably lower for OC, suggesting a negligible causative role of HPV in OC. A significant proportion of OPC and LC are attributed to HPV; however, their exact causative role is unclear because of the presence of other known risk factors.
Topics: Humans; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Papillomavirus Infections; DNA, Viral; Head and Neck Neoplasms; India; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 38513185
DOI: 10.1200/GO.23.00464 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Sep 2023Immunotherapy shows promise as a treatment option for various cancers. However, there is growing concern over potential complications from hepatitis B virus (HBV)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Immunotherapy shows promise as a treatment option for various cancers. However, there is growing concern over potential complications from hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation after checkpoint blockade immunotherapy. Although most of the previous clinical trials on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) excluded patients with HBV, a few case reports and retrospective studies of HBV reactivation have been published. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) in patients receiving ICIs for advanced cancer.
METHODS
English and Chinese language literature published prior to April 30, 2023, was searched in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane, SinoMed, CNKI and Wanfang Data for studies reporting HBVr rates in cancer patients treated with ICIs. A pooled risk estimate was calculated for HBVr rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
RESULTS
Data from 34 studies including 7126 patients were retrieved and analyzed. The pooled HBVr rate in cancer patients treated with ICIs was 1.3% (I = 90.44%, 95% CI: 0.2-2.9%, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), HBV carriers, and patients from Asian regions or in developing countries have a higher rate of HBVr.
CONCLUSIONS
Our meta-analysis demonstrated a low risk of HBVr in patients treated with ICIs for advanced cancer. ICI treatment may be safely used in patients with existing HBV infection or chronic hepatitis B, accompanied by regular monitoring and appropriate antiviral prophylaxis if necessary.
Topics: Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Retrospective Studies; Liver Neoplasms; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus
PubMed: 37736699
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01128-6 -
Cancer Treatment Reviews Jun 2024Gastric cancer (GC), known for its unfavorable prognosis, has been classified in four distinct molecular subtypes. These subtypes not only exhibit differences in their... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Gastric cancer (GC), known for its unfavorable prognosis, has been classified in four distinct molecular subtypes. These subtypes not only exhibit differences in their genome and transcriptome but also in the composition of their tumor immune microenvironment. The microsatellite instable (MSI) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positive GC subtypes show clear clinical benefits from immune checkpoint blockade, likely due to a neoantigen-driven and virus-driven antitumor immune response and high expression of immune checkpoint molecule PD-L1. However, even within these subtypes response to checkpoint inhibition is variable, which is potentially related to heterogeneity in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and expression of co-inhibitory molecules. We conducted a systematic review to outline the current knowledge about the immunological features on the TIME of MSI and EBV + GCs.
METHODS
A systematic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library. All articles from the year 1990 and onwards addressing immune features of gastric adenocarcinoma were reviewed and included based on predefined in- and exclusion criteria.
RESULTS
In total 5962 records were screened, of which 139 were included that reported immunological data on molecular GC subtypes. MSI and EBV + GCs were reported to have a more inflamed TIME compared to non-MSI and EBV- GC subtypes. Compared to microsatellite stable (MSS) tumors, MSI tumors were characterized by higher numbers of CD8 + and FoxP3 + T cells, and tumor infiltrating pro- and anti-inflammatory macrophages. HLA-deficiency was most common in MSI tumors compared to other molecular GC subtypes and associated with lower T and B cell infiltrates compared to HLA-proficient tumors. EBV + was associated with a high number of CD8 + T cells, Tregs, NK cells and macrophages. Expression of PD-L1, CTLA-4, Granzyme A and B, Perforin and interferon-gamma was enriched in EBV + tumors. Overall, MSI tumors harbored a more heterogeneous TIME in terms of immune cell composition and immune checkpoints compared to the EBV + tumors.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION
MSI and EBV + GCs are highly Handbook for Conducting a Literature-Based Health Assessment Using OHAT Approach for Systematic Review and Evidence Integration.; 2019pro-inflammatory immune cell populations. Although studies on the direct comparison of EBV + and MSI tumors are limited, EBV + tumors show less intra-subgroup heterogeneity compared to MSI tumors. More studies are needed to identify how Intra-subgroup heterogeneity impacts response to immunotherapy efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Stomach Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; DNA Mismatch Repair; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Microsatellite Instability
PubMed: 38669788
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102737