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Parasitology Research Oct 2021Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is one of the most prevalent parasitoses in the World. Certain freshwater snail species are the intermediate host in... (Review)
Review
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), is one of the most prevalent parasitoses in the World. Certain freshwater snail species are the intermediate host in the life cycle of schistosome species. Controlling snails employing molluscicides is an effective, quick, and convenient intervention strategy to prevent the spread of Schistosoma species in endemic regions. Advances have been made in developing both synthetic molluscicides and molluscicides derived from plants. However, at present, the development of molluscicides is not adapted to the actual demand for snails and schistosoma controlling. We undertake a systematic review of exploitation and application of synthetic molluscicides and molluscicides derived from plants to combat intermediate host snails. The detailed molluscicidal activity, structure-activity relationship, structural feature, and possible mechanism of some molluscicides are also highlighted, which may afford an important reference for the design of new, more effective molluscicides with low environmental impact and realize the aim of controlling schistosome at transmission stages.
Topics: Animals; Food; Molluscacides; Schistosoma; Schistosomiasis; Snails
PubMed: 34486075
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-021-07288-4 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Mar 2021We were tasked by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the following question: What techniques should be used to diagnose Schistosoma infections in snails and...
BACKGROUND
We were tasked by the World Health Organization (WHO) to address the following question: What techniques should be used to diagnose Schistosoma infections in snails and in the water in potential transmission sites? Our goal was to review and evaluate the available literature and provide recommendations and insights for the development of WHO's Guidelines Development Group for schistosomiasis control and elimination.
METHODOLOGY
We searched several databases using strings of search terms, searched bibliographies of pertinent papers, and contacted investigators who have made contributions to this field. Our search covered from 1970 to Sept 2020. All papers were considered in a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, and retained papers were grouped by technique and subjected to our GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) evidence assessment profile determined in consultation with WHO. We also considered issues of sensitivity, specificity, coverage, cost, robustness, support needs, schistosome species discrimination, and relevant detection limits.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Our PRISMA process began with the perusal of 949 articles, of which 158 were retained for data extraction and evaluation. We identified 25 different techniques and for each applied a GRADE assessment considering limitations, inconsistency, imprecision, indirectness, and publication bias. We also provide advantages and disadvantages for each category of techniques.
CONCLUSIONS
Our GRADE analysis returned an assessment of moderate quality of evidence for environmental DNA (eDNA), qPCR and LAMP (Loop-mediated isothermal amplification). No single ideal diagnostic approach has yet been developed, but considerable recent progress has been made. We note a growing trend to use eDNA techniques to permit more efficient and replicable sampling. qPCR-based protocols for follow-up detection offer a versatile, mature, sensitive, and specific platform for diagnosis though centralized facilities will be required to favor standardization. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) can play a complementary role if inhibitors are a concern, or more sensitivity or quantification is needed. Snail collection, followed by shedding, is encouraged to provide specimens for sequence verifications of snails or schistosomes. LAMP or other isothermal detection techniques offer the prospect of less expensive and more distributed network of analysis but may face standardization and verification challenges related to actual sequences amplified. Ability to detect schistosome infections in snails or in the water is needed if control and elimination programs hope to succeed. Any diagnostic techniques used need to be regularly verified by the acquisition of DNA sequences to confirm that the detected targets are of the expected species. Further improvements may be necessary to identify the ideal schistosome or snail sequences to target for amplification. More field testing and standardization will be essential for long-term success.
Topics: Animals; DNA, Environmental; DNA, Helminth; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; Schistosoma; Schistosomiasis; Snails; Water
PubMed: 33760814
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009175 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Feb 2021Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma and belongs to the neglected tropical diseases. The disease has been reported...
BACKGROUND
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma and belongs to the neglected tropical diseases. The disease has been reported in 78 countries, with around 290.8 million people in need of treatment in 2018. Schistosomiasis is predominantly considered a rural disease with a subsequent focus of research and control activities in rural settings. Over the past decades, occurrence and even expansion of schistosomiasis foci in peri-urban and urban settings have increasingly been observed. Rural-urban migration in low- and middle-income countries and subsequent rapid and unplanned urbanization are thought to explain these observations. Fifty-five percent (55%) of the world population is already estimated to live in urban areas, with a projected increase to 68% by 2050. In light of rapid urbanization and the efforts to control morbidity and ultimately achieve elimination of schistosomiasis, it is important to deepen our understanding of the occurrence, prevalence, and transmission of schistosomiasis in urban and peri-urban settings. A systematic literature review looking at urban and peri-urban schistosomiasis was therefore carried out as a first step to address the research and mapping gap.
METHODOLOGY
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic computer-aided literature review was carried out using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and the World Health Organization Database in November 2019, which was updated in March 2020. Only papers for which at least the abstract was available in English were used. Relevant publications were screened, duplicates were removed, guidelines for eligibility were applied, and eligible studies were reviewed. Studies looking at human Schistosoma infections, prevalence, and intensity of infection in urban and peri-urban settings were included as well as those focusing on the intermediate host snails.
PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
A total of 248 publications met the inclusion criteria. The selected studies confirm that schistosomiasis is prevalent in peri-urban and urban areas in the countries assessed. Earlier studies report higher prevalence levels in urban settings compared to data extracted from more recent publications, yet the challenge of migration, rapid uncontrolled urbanization, and resulting poor living conditions highlight the potential for continuous or even newly established transmission to take place.
CONCLUSIONS
The review indicates that schistosomiasis has long existed in urban and peri-urban areas and remains a public health problem. There is, however, a challenge of comparability of settings due to the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes urban and peri-urban. There is a pressing need for improved monitoring of schistosomiasis in urban communities and consideration of treatment strategies.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Schistosoma; Schistosomiasis; Snails; Suburban Population; Urban Population
PubMed: 33630833
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008995 -
Scientific Reports Mar 2023A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of resistance training under hypoxic conditions (RTH) on muscle hypertrophy and strength... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effects of resistance training under hypoxic conditions (RTH) on muscle hypertrophy and strength development. Searches of PubMed-Medline, Web of Science, Sport Discus and the Cochrane Library were conducted comparing the effect of RTH versus normoxia (RTN) on muscle hypertrophy (cross sectional area (CSA), lean mass and muscle thickness) and strength development [1-repetition maximum (1RM)]. An overall meta-analysis and subanalyses of training load (low, moderate or high), inter-set rest interval (short, moderate or long) and severity of hypoxia (moderate or high) were conducted to explore the effects on RTH outcomes. Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. The overall analyses showed similar improvements in CSA (SMD [CIs] = 0.17 [- 0.07; 0.42]) and 1RM (SMD = 0.13 [0.0; 0.27]) between RTH and RTN. Subanalyses indicated a medium effect on CSA for longer inter-set rest intervals and a small effect for moderate hypoxia and moderate loads favoring RTH. Moreover, a moderate effect for longer inter-set rest intervals and a trivial effect for severe hypoxia and moderate loads favoring RTH was found on 1RM. Evidence suggests that RTH employed with moderate loads (60-80% 1RM) and longer inter-set rest intervals (≥ 120 s) enhances muscle hypertrophy and strength compared to normoxia. The use of moderate hypoxia (14.3-16% FiO) seems to be somewhat beneficial to hypertrophy but not strength. Further research is required with greater standardization of protocols to draw stronger conclusions on the topic.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Resistance Training; Gastropoda; Hypertrophy; Hypoxia; Muscles
PubMed: 36871095
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30808-4 -
Food Microbiology Feb 2023Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) have been found as the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in all age groups and are significantly correlated with the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Human noroviruses (HuNoVs) have been found as the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks in all age groups and are significantly correlated with the consumption of shellfish. In this study, the contamination of HuNoVs in shellfish was estimated through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Studies on the contamination of HuNoVs in shellfish were searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library from January 2000 to August 2021. A total of 75 studies were included, and the pooled HuNoVs prevalence in shellfish was 29% (95% CI: 23-35) worldwide. As revealed by the results of the subgroup meta-analysis, the prevalence of dominant genogroup was variable, and 4% (95% CI: 3-6), 13% (95% CI: 10-17), with 7% (95% CI: 4-11) of the samples, respectively, contaminated by GI alone, GII alone, and GI&GII. The HuNoVs prevalence of shellfish in Europe, America, and Asia was 33% (95% CI: 24-43), 24% (95% CI: 7-47), and 27% (95% CI: 18-35), respectively, while only 10% (95% CI: 5-17) in Africa. Furthermore, the prevalence of HuNoVs in shellfish was the highest in spring (35%, 95% CI: 23-49) and winter (35%, 95% CI: 22-50), and the lowest in summer (11%, 95% CI: 5-18). Oysters, clams, and mussels had comparable HuNoVs prevalence of 28% (95% CI: 20-37), 27% (95% CI: 16-39) and 24% (95% CI: 17-32), respectively. The prevalence of HuNoVs in shellfish from harvest areas and markets was 30% (95% CI: 23-38) and 30% (95% CI: 19-41), respectively. The results of this study suggest a substantial burden of HuNoVs in shellfish worldwide, with GII.4 (92.86%) and GII.2 (46.43%) as the predominant genotypes. This study provides information regarding the contamination of HuNoVs in shellfish worldwide, which will contribute to the development of appropriate control measures to prevent shellfish-related HuNoVs gastroenteritis.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Norovirus; Shellfish; Ostreidae; Gastroenteritis; Genotype; Bivalvia; Caliciviridae Infections
PubMed: 36309442
DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2022.104140 -
Acta Parasitologica Sep 2021For the evolution of schistosomiasis in China, a systematic review was provided about the history of the disease and its public health impacts. We aimed to depict the... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
For the evolution of schistosomiasis in China, a systematic review was provided about the history of the disease and its public health impacts. We aimed to depict the journey from disease discovery to elimination and the experience and lessons learned during the process.
METHODS
We systematically reviewed the Chinese history of schistosomiasis and its public health impacts and collected data on the disease by searching relevant books and articles.
RESULTS
An important milestone for the disease discovery is that Schistosoma japonicum eggs were identified in the two Chinese corpses dating back to around 2180 years ago. The earliest Chinese ancient book documented symptoms resembling schistosomiasis that could date back to about 4700 years ago. The first nationwide survey on the disease in the mid-1950s revealed that schistosomiasis was endemic in 433 counties or cities of 12 provinces and affected about 11.6 million people in China. The Chinese government has provided continuous investment in schistosoiasis control, and the national multifaceted, integrated control programs have been uninterruptedly implemented since 1955. Schistosomiasis control in China can be divided into six stages, and various schistosomiasis control strategies have been developed and adjusted. The number of schistosomiasis cases decreased from 11.6 million in 1950s to 38,000 in 2017 and the number of acute cases decreased from 13,191 in 1989 to only 1 in 2017.
CONCLUSIONS
Schistosomiasis transmission has been under control in all parts of China since 2017. An elimination of schistosomiasis can be achieved in the foreseeable future in China.
Topics: Animals; China; Cities; Humans; Schistosoma japonicum; Schistosomiasis; Snails
PubMed: 33713275
DOI: 10.1007/s11686-021-00357-9 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Oct 2023Clonorchis sinensis, one of the most important food-borne zoonotic trematodes, remains prevalent in China. Understanding its infection status in animals is crucial for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Clonorchis sinensis, one of the most important food-borne zoonotic trematodes, remains prevalent in China. Understanding its infection status in animals is crucial for controlling human clonorchiasis. Here we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to focus on the spatio-temporal disparities of C. sinensis infection in animals in China.
METHODS
Data on C. sinensis prevalence in snails, the second intermediate hosts, or animal reservoirs in China were extracted from electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Chinese Wanfang database, CNKI, VIP, and China Biomedical Literature database. A random-effects meta-analysis model was utilized to estimate the pooled prevalence in each of the above animal hosts. Subgroup analysis and multivariable meta-regression were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity across studies and compare the temporal disparity of infection rates between high and low epidemic areas. Scatter plots were used to depict the biogeographical characteristics of regions reporting C. sinensis infection in animals.
RESULTS
The overall pooled prevalence of C. sinensis was 0.9% (95% CI: 0.6-1.2%) in snails, 14.2% (12.7-15.7%) in the second intermediate host, and 14.3% (11.4-17.6%) in animal reservoirs. Prevalence in low epidemic areas (with human prevalence < 1%) decreased from 0.6% (0.2-1.2%) before 1990 to 0.0% (0.0-3.6%) after 2010 in snails (P = 0.0499), from 20.3% (15.6-25.3%) to 8.8% (5.6-12.6%) in the second intermediate hosts (P = 0.0002), and from 18.3% (12.7-24.7%) to 4.7% (1.0-10.4%) in animal reservoirs. However, no similar decrease in prevalence was observed in high epidemic areas (with human prevalence ≥ 1.0%). C. sinensis infections were predominantly reported in areas with altitudes below 2346 m and annual cumulative precipitation above 345 mm and were mostly concentrated in eastern China.
CONCLUSIONS
There are spatio-temporal disparities in the animal infections of C. sinensis in different areas of China. Animal infections are primarily concentrated in regions with low altitude and high precipitation. The results suggest that implementing One Health-based comprehensive measures targeting both humans and animals, especially in high epidemic areas, is essential for successful eradication of C. sinensis in China.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Clonorchiasis; Clonorchis sinensis; China; Prevalence; Snails
PubMed: 37845775
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01146-4 -
Water Environment Research : a Research... May 2024Microplastics (MPs) pollution has wreaked havoc on biodiversity and food safety globally. The false ingestion of MPs causes harmful effects on organisms, resulting in a... (Review)
Review
A systematic review on microplastic contamination in marine Crustacea and Mollusca of Asia: Current scenario, concentration, characterization, polymeric risk assessment, and future Prospectives.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution has wreaked havoc on biodiversity and food safety globally. The false ingestion of MPs causes harmful effects on organisms, resulting in a decline in biodiversity. The present review comprehended the current knowledge of MP contamination in Crustacea and Mollusca from 75 peer-reviewed articles published in Asia between 2015 and 2023. A total of 79 species (27 Crustacea and 52 Mollusca) have been recorded to be contaminated with MPs. Out of the total 27 species of Crustacea, Metopograpsus quadridentatus (327.56 MPs/individual) and Balanus albicostatus (0.42 MPs/individual) showed the highest and lowest contamination, respectively. Out of the total 52 species of Mollusca, Dolabella auricularia (2325 MPs/individual) and Crassostrea gigas and Mytilus edulis (0.2 MPs/individual) showed the highest and lowest contamination, respectively. In terms of country-wise MP contamination, China has the highest number of contaminated species in both phylums among Asia. Findings of pollution indices revealed a very high risk of MP contamination in all the countries. Fiber was reported predominantly in both groups. Blue and black-colored MPs having <500 μm and <500 μm-1 mm size were found dominantly in Crustacea and Mollusca, respectively. Polypropylene was recorded as the dominant plastic polymer in both Crustacea and Mollusca. In essence, this review has provided a comprehensive insight into MP concentration in Crustacea and Mollusca of Asia, highlighting variations among species and geographic locations. This understanding is crucial for tackling urgent environmental challenges, safeguarding human health, and promoting global sustainability initiatives amid the escalating issue of plastic pollution. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Microplastic pollution has created havoc on biodiversity and food safety. A total of 27 and 52 species of crustaceans and Mollusca have been recorded to be contaminated with MPs. Metopograpsus quadridentate and Dolabella auricularia have shown higher MPs contamination. Polypropylene was recorded as the dominant plastic polymer in both crustacean and Mollusca. Findings of pollution indices revealed a very high risk of MP contamination in all the countries.
Topics: Animals; Mollusca; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Risk Assessment; Asia; Microplastics; Crustacea; Environmental Monitoring
PubMed: 38708452
DOI: 10.1002/wer.11029 -
International Journal of Environmental... May 2021Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), causes morbidity and mortality in over 250 million people globally. And 700 million people are at risk of... (Review)
Review
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease (NTD), causes morbidity and mortality in over 250 million people globally. And 700 million people are at risk of contracting it. It is caused by a parasite of the genus . Freshwater snails of the family Planorbidae are of public health significance as they are intermediate hosts of these highly infective flukes. Accurate diagnostic techniques to detect schistosome infections in intermediate host snails (IHS) and environmental surveillance are needed to institute measures for the interruption of transmission and eventual elimination. We carried out a systematic review of the literature to assess advantages and limitations of different diagnostic techniques for detecting schistosome infections in snails. Literature from Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases from 2008 to 2020 were searched using combinations of predefined search terms with Boolean operators. The studies revealed that conventional diagnostics are widely used, although they are labor-intensive, have low specificity and sensitivity levels, and cannot detect prepatent infections. Whereas more advanced techniques such as immunological, nucleic-acid amplification, and eDNA diagnostics have high sensitivity and specificity levels, they are costly, hence, not suitable for field applications and large-scale surveys. Our review highlights the importance of designing and developing innovative diagnostics that are high in specificity and sensitivity as well as affordable and technically feasible for use in field laboratories and for large-scale surveys.
Topics: Animals; Fresh Water; Humans; Neglected Diseases; Schistosoma; Schistosomiasis; Snails
PubMed: 34069316
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105403 -
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Nov 2021The aim of this review was to identify the current knowledge regarding the concentration of microplastics in bivalves in the marine, estuarine, and freshwater... (Review)
Review
The aim of this review was to identify the current knowledge regarding the concentration of microplastics in bivalves in the marine, estuarine, and freshwater environments. For this purpose, researches were conducted from September 2020 to February 2021 in the Scopus, Web of Science, and Google scholar databases, following a meticulous selection of articles. To comprehensively understand the selected articles, an extensive review was carried out in order to identify the methodologies employed, sampling sites, species evaluated, characteristics of the microplastics (concentrations, shapes, sizes, and polymers) and their relationship with the concentration of this particles in the environment. A total of 93 articles were selected, with an exponential growth in the number of articles from April 2014 to February 2021. Worldwide, 80 articles were realized in the Northern Hemisphere and thirteen in the Southern Hemisphere. The samplings of organisms were carried out in 36 countries, besides one in Antarctica. The concentration of microplastics were studied in 70 species, with mussels Mytilus spp. and the oysters Crassostrea spp. being the main genus studied. Due to the different methodologies used to digest the tissues of organisms and identify microplastics and species, it is difficult to make comparisons between the results of different studies. In addition, data on the concentrations of microplastics in the environment, as well as their composition and characteristics, are needed, enabling the verification of relationships with the concentrations identified in organisms, which does not occur in most studies. Thus, we suggest an increase in the number of studies to be realized in the southern hemisphere, future studies use the same methodology of digestion, the polymer identification of microplastics and samplings of the surrounding environment, enabling a greater comparison between studies.
Topics: Animals; Environmental Monitoring; Microplastics; Mytilus; Plastics; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 34839390
DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09639-1