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Journal of Biomedical Science Jun 2023The global burden of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has shown an upsurge in recent years due to the higher load of immunocompromised patients suffering from various... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The global burden of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) has shown an upsurge in recent years due to the higher load of immunocompromised patients suffering from various diseases. The role of early and accurate diagnosis in the aggressive containment of the fungal infection at the initial stages becomes crucial thus, preventing the development of a life-threatening situation. With the changing demands of clinical mycology, the field of fungal diagnostics has evolved and come a long way from traditional methods of microscopy and culturing to more advanced non-culture-based tools. With the advent of more powerful approaches such as novel PCR assays, T2 Candida, microfluidic chip technology, next generation sequencing, new generation biosensors, nanotechnology-based tools, artificial intelligence-based models, the face of fungal diagnostics is constantly changing for the better. All these advances have been reviewed here giving the latest update to our readers in the most orderly flow.
MAIN TEXT
A detailed literature survey was conducted by the team followed by data collection, pertinent data extraction, in-depth analysis, and composing the various sub-sections and the final review. The review is unique in its kind as it discusses the advances in molecular methods; advances in serology-based methods; advances in biosensor technology; and advances in machine learning-based models, all under one roof. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no review covering all of these fields (especially biosensor technology and machine learning using artificial intelligence) with relevance to invasive fungal infections.
CONCLUSION
The review will undoubtedly assist in updating the scientific community's understanding of the most recent advancements that are on the horizon and that may be implemented as adjuncts to the traditional diagnostic algorithms.
Topics: Humans; Artificial Intelligence; Invasive Fungal Infections; Polymerase Chain Reaction
PubMed: 37337179
DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00926-2 -
Pediatric Annals Jan 2024Genital ulcers may be located on the vagina, penis, and anorectal or perineal areas and may be infectious or noninfectious. Vaginal ulcers affect patients of all ages... (Review)
Review
Genital ulcers may be located on the vagina, penis, and anorectal or perineal areas and may be infectious or noninfectious. Vaginal ulcers affect patients of all ages and are commonly due to sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes simplex virus, the most common cause of genital ulcers in the United States. Non-sexually transmitted infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, and other noninfectious causes, such as trauma, medications, and autoimmune disease, rarely can present with genital ulcers. Appropriate history, examination findings, and targeted testing must be used to correctly diagnose and treat vaginal ulcers. .
Topics: Female; Humans; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Ulcer; Vagina; Vulvovaginitis
PubMed: 38194657
DOI: 10.3928/19382359-20231113-03 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2023Circulating cytokines play a crucial role in the onset and progression of immune skin diseases. However, the causal relationships and the direction of causal effects...
BACKGROUND
Circulating cytokines play a crucial role in the onset and progression of immune skin diseases. However, the causal relationships and the direction of causal effects require further investigation.
METHODS
Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were conducted to assess the causal relationships between 41 circulating cytokines and six immune skin diseases including alopecia areata, chloasma, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), lichen planus (LP), seborrheic dermatitis, and urticaria, using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies. Reverse MR analyses was performed to test for the reverse causation. Pleiotropy and heterogeneity tests were conducted to assess the robustness of the findings.
RESULTS
Twelve unique cytokines showed a suggestive causal relationship with the risk of six immune skin diseases. Among them, the causal effects between 9 unique cytokines and immune skin diseases have strong statistical power. Additionally, the concentrations of six cytokines might be influenced by LP and urticaria. After Bonferroni correction, the following associations remained significant: the causal effect of beta-nerve growth factor on HS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.634, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.226-2.177, p = 7.97e-04), interleukin (IL)-6 on LP (OR = 0.615, 95% CI = 0.481-0.786, p = 1.04e-04), IL-4 on LP (OR = 1.099. 95% CI = 1.020-1.184, p = 1.26e-02), and IL-2 on urticaria (OR = 0.712, 95% CI = 0.531-0.955, p = 2.33e-02).
CONCLUSION
This study provides novel perspectives on the relationship between circulating cytokines and immune skin diseases, potentially providing valuable insights into their etiology, diagnostic approaches, and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Cytokines; Genome-Wide Association Study; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Urticaria; Lichen Planus; Hidradenitis Suppurativa; Interleukin-6; Immune System Diseases
PubMed: 37954607
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1240714 -
International Journal of Surgery... Aug 2023A pilonidal sinus (PS) is an acquired disease resulting from recurrent infections and chronic inflammation. A PS involving the sacrococcyx is referred to as a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
A pilonidal sinus (PS) is an acquired disease resulting from recurrent infections and chronic inflammation. A PS involving the sacrococcyx is referred to as a sacrococcygeal PS (SPS). An SPS is a rare chronic infectious disease for which surgery is a good choice. The incidence of SPS has gradually increased worldwide in recent years. However, surgeons have not reached a consensus on the preferred surgical approach for SPS. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to analyze differences in the efficacy of different surgical approaches for the treatment of SPS.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed database covering the period from 1 January 2003, to 28 February 2023. The primary outcome parameters were recurrence and infection. Finally, statistical analysis (meta-analysis) was carried out using RevMan 5.4.1 software. In addition, we systematically reviewed the latest progress in the surgical treatment of SPS over the past 20 years, especially as reported in the past 3 years.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven articles, 54 studies, and 3612 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The recurrence rate following the midline closure (MC) technique was much higher than that of other techniques. Among the techniques analyzed, the differences between MC and Limberg flap (LF), and between MC and marsupialization were statistically significant [ P =0.0002, risk ratio (RR)=6.15, 95% CI 2.40, 15.80; P =0.01, RR=12.70, 95% CI 1.70, 95.06]. The recurrence rate of open healing was higher than that of the Karydakis flap (KF) technique, and the difference was statistically significant ( P =0.02, RR=6.04, 95% CI 1.37, 26.55). Most of the results comparing MC with other techniques suggested that the former had a higher infection rate, and the difference between MC and LF was statistically significant ( P =0.0005, RR=4.14, 95% CI 1.86, 9.23). Comparison between KF and LF, modified LF and KF showed that the differences were not statistically significant in terms of recurrence and infection ( P ≥0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
There are various surgical treatment options for SPS, including incision and drainage, excision of diseased tissue with primary closure and secondary healing, and minimally invasive surgery. It is still not possible to determine which surgical technique should be considered the gold standard for treatment, as even the results of different researchers using the same operation method are conflicting. But what is certain is that the midline closure technique has a much higher incidence of postoperative recurrence and infection than other techniques. Therefore, the anorectal surgeon should formulate the most suitable individualized plan for the patient based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's wishes, appearance of the SPS, and the professional ability of the surgeon.
Topics: Humans; Pilonidal Sinus; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Surgical Flaps; Wound Closure Techniques; Wound Healing; Recurrence
PubMed: 37158142
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000447 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Mar 2024Anal pruritus is a common anorectal symptom that can significantly impair a patient's quality of life, including their mental health. It can be one of the most difficult...
Anal pruritus is a common anorectal symptom that can significantly impair a patient's quality of life, including their mental health. It can be one of the most difficult proctological conditions to treat. Patients often delay seeking medical attention, since it is an embarrassing but non-life-threatening situation. Pruritus ani can be associated with idiopathic and secondary causes, such as anorectal diseases, cancer (anal or colorectal), dermatological and sexually transmitted diseases, fungal infections and systemic diseases. If patients are referred for a colonoscopy, this can sometimes provide the first opportunity to evaluate the perianal area. Classifications of anal pruritus are based on the abnormalities of the perianal skin, one of the most commonly used being the Washington classification. A proper digital anorectal examination is important, as well as an anoscopy to help to exclude anorectal diseases or suspicious masses. Endoscopists should be aware of the common etiologies, and classification of the perianal area abnormalities should be provided in the colonoscopy report. Information on treatment possibilities and follow-up can also be provided. The treatment normally consists of a triple approach: proper hygiene, elimination of irritants, and skin care and protection. Several topical therapies have been described as possible treatments, including steroids, capsaicin, tacrolimus and methylene blue intradermal injections.
PubMed: 38577644
DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v16.i3.112 -
Indian Journal of Dermatology 2023The human monkeypox (mpox) virus is an orthopox virus that can be transmitted to humans. Though the disease has been endemic in Africa, the recent mpox outbreak since... (Review)
Review
The human monkeypox (mpox) virus is an orthopox virus that can be transmitted to humans. Though the disease has been endemic in Africa, the recent mpox outbreak since May 2022. We attempted to examine differences between the endemic form of mpox and the current outbreak. Review of electronic medical database with relevant keywords. The current outbreak of mpox has disproportionately impacted the gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM) community. This is also the first time that widespread semen testing has turned up evidence of mpox viral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Cases in the present outbreak are more likely to affect adults, involve the genitalia, and have no prodrome. Close diagnostic differentials include varicella and hand-foot-mouth disease. The disease is usually self-limiting; though secondary infections, anorectal pain, pharyngitis, ocular lesions and rarely, renal injury and myocarditis may occur. This review focuses primarily on the novel clinical characteristics and emerging sexual transmission route of the mpox virus, which, although unconfirmed, appears extremely likely as the route of spread. Dermatologists have an important role in this health emergency, as early diagnosis can cause a significant reduction in disease transmission.
PubMed: 38371541
DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_335_23