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Cancer Management and Research 2021Despite the vivid progress in molecular and genetic profiling, extensive diagnosis and multiple therapeutic modalities, cancers of unknown primary in the head and neck... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Despite the vivid progress in molecular and genetic profiling, extensive diagnosis and multiple therapeutic modalities, cancers of unknown primary in the head and neck region continue to be a formidable challenge.
AIM
The purpose of the review is to present the most recent and well-established findings concerning cancers of unknown primary (CUPs) in the head and neck patients and consequently to provide medical specialists with essential information regarding the biology, pathology, histology, diagnosis and treatment of CUP in the head and neck region.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The Medline/PubMed database was searched by using the following keywords "CUP", "cancer of unknown primary", "CUP biology", "head and neck". The references of the publications of interest were also screened for relevant papers. There were no limitations in regard to the publication date.
CONCLUSION
Unique biology and pathophysiology prompt the management of CUP to be demanding. The vivid rise in HPV-related CUPs during the last 20 years has put more focus on this phenomenon. New findings concerning the enigmatic biology of CUP provide fundaments for targeted therapy. Despite the availability of various diagnostic methods, the diagnosis of CUP continues to be a time-consuming, strenuous process that eventually provides answers. It remains controversial as to what combination of treatment methods is the most effective. There is no consensus on the value of combining chemotherapy with radiotherapy. Highly specific surgical treatments for particular histological types of CUP produce more satisfactory results. It is paramount to establish reliable guidelines concerning the diagnosis and treatment of CUP patients.
PubMed: 34566429
DOI: 10.2147/CMAR.S319179 -
Cancers Oct 2021Adrenocortical tumors are rare in children. This systematic review summarizes the published evidence on pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) to provide a basis for a... (Review)
Review
Adrenocortical tumors are rare in children. This systematic review summarizes the published evidence on pediatric adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) to provide a basis for a better understanding of the disease, investigate new molecular biomarkers and therapeutic targets, and define which patients may benefit from a more aggressive therapeutic approach. We included 137 studies with 3680 ACC patients (~65% female) in our analysis. We found no randomized controlled trials, so this review mainly reflects retrospective data. Due to a specific mutation in the TP53 gene in ~80% of Brazilian patients, that cohort was analyzed separately from series from other countries. Hormone analysis was described in 2569 of the 2874 patients (89%). Most patients were diagnosed with localized disease, whereas 23% had metastasis at primary diagnosis. Only 72% of the patients achieved complete resection. In 334 children (23%), recurrent disease was reported: 81%-local recurrence, 19% ( = 65)-distant metastases at relapse. Patients < 4 years old had a different distribution of tumor stages and hormone activity and better overall survival ( < 0.001). Although therapeutic approaches are typically multimodal, no consensus is available on effective standard treatments for advanced ACC. Thus, knowledge regarding pediatric ACC is still scarce and international prospective studies are needed to implement standardized clinical stratifications and risk-adapted therapeutic strategies.
PubMed: 34771430
DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215266 -
Parasites & Vectors Apr 2021Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne parasitosis caused by filarial nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria. In humans, who represent accidental hosts, dirofilariosis is mostly... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dirofilariosis is a vector-borne parasitosis caused by filarial nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria. In humans, who represent accidental hosts, dirofilariosis is mostly caused by Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis. In Austria, the first reported case occurred in 1978. Since then, several (case) reports have been published.
METHODS
A systematic and retrospective review of collected published cases and new, unpublished confirmed cases of human dirofilariosis occurring in Austria was performed. A nematode was extracted from the eyelid of a previously unreported case and subsequently characterized histologically and using molecular biology techniques.
RESULTS
Data on a total of 39 cases of human dirofilariosis in Austria occurring between 1978 and 2020 are summarized. Over the past four decades the incidence has markedly increased, in particular after 1998. Of the 39 patients, men and women were equally affected, and the mean age was 47.1 years. The area most frequently affected was the head (38.5% of cases). Confined ocular involvement was observed in 23.1% of cases, and nematodes were isolated from the neck/trunk, extremities and the genito-inguinal area in 25.6, 15.4 and 15.4% of patients, respectively. Microfilariae were detected in two cases. Of the 39 patients, only 73.9% tested positive for anti-filarial antibodies and 56.3% for eosinophilia, despite successful isolation of a nematode; consequently, these measures did not represent reliable markers for dirofilariosis. Most patients had a travel history to countries endemic for Dirofilaria species. One patient who had not traveled abroad represented the only autochthonous case recorded to date. Dirofilaria repens was the predominant species, identified in 89.7% of cases. In the newly reported case of subcutaneous dirofilariosis, a live non-gravid Dirofilaria repens adult female of 12 cm length was isolated from the eyelid of the patient, and a video of the extraction is provided.
CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of human dirofilariosis cases has increased strikingly over the last four decades in Austria. More cases can be expected in the foreseeable future due to changes in human behavior and (travel) activities as well as climate changes and the associated alterations in the availability of the natural reservoir, the vectors and the intrinsic characteristics of the parasite.
Topics: Animals; Austria; Communicable Diseases; Dirofilaria immitis; Dirofilaria repens; Dirofilariasis; Disease Reservoirs; Eyelids; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Microfilariae; Retrospective Studies; Vector Borne Diseases
PubMed: 33926526
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04696-4 -
Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism May 2022Epigenetic modifications might be associated with serum triglycerides (TG) levels. This study aims to systematically review the studies on the relationship between the... (Review)
Review
Epigenetic modifications might be associated with serum triglycerides (TG) levels. This study aims to systematically review the studies on the relationship between the methylation of specific cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites and serum TG levels. This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement. A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane library up to end of 2020. All observational studies (cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort) were included. Studies that assessed the effect of DNA methylation of different CpG sites of , , and genes on serum TG levels were selected. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) checklist was used to assess the quality of included articles. Among 2790 articles, ten studies were included in the quantitative analysis and fourteen studies were included in the systematic review. DNA methylation of gene had significant positive association with TG levels (β = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.04, 0.05, P heterogeneity < 0.001). There was significant inverse association between DNA methylation of gene and serum TG levels (β = -0.03, 95% CI = -0.03, -0.02, P heterogeneity < 0.001). DNA methylation of gene was positively and significantly associated with serum TG levels (β = 0.03; 95% CI = 0.02-0.04, P heterogeneity < 0.001). DNA methylation of and genes has positive association with serum TG level, whereas this association is opposite for gene. The role of epigenetic factors should be considered in some populations with high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia.
PubMed: 35551677
DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000472 -
BJUI Compass Jul 2023The mostly indolent natural history of prostate cancer (PCa) provides an opportunity for men to explore the benefits of lifestyle interventions. Current evidence... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The mostly indolent natural history of prostate cancer (PCa) provides an opportunity for men to explore the benefits of lifestyle interventions. Current evidence suggests appropriate changes in lifestyle including diet, physical activity (PA) and stress reduction with or without dietary supplements may improve both disease outcomes and patient's mental health.
OBJECTIVE
This article aims to review the current evidence on the benefits of all lifestyle programmes for PCa patients including those aimed at reducing obesity and stress, explore their affect on tumour biology and highlight any biomarkers that have clinical utility.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
Evidence was obtained from PubMed and Web of Science using keywords for each section on the affects of lifestyle interventions on (a) mental health, (b) disease outcomes and (c) biomarkers in PCa patients. PRISMA guidelines were used to gather the evidence for these three sections (15, 44 and publications, respectively).
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
For lifestyle studies focused on mental health, 10/15 demonstrated a positive influence, although for those programmes focused on PA it was 7/8. Similarly for oncological outcomes, 26/44 studies demonstrated a positive influence, although when PA was included or the primary focus, it was 11/13. Complete blood count (CBC)-derived inflammatory biomarkers show promise, as do inflammatory cytokines; however, a deeper understanding of their molecular biology in relation to PCa oncogenesis is required (16 studies reviewed).
CONCLUSIONS
Making PCa-specific recommendations on lifestyle interventions is difficult on the current evidence. Nevertheless, notwithstanding the heterogeneity of patient populations and interventions, the evidence that dietary changes and PA may improve both mental health and oncological outcomes is compelling, especially for moderate to vigorous PA. The results for dietary supplements are inconsistent, and although some biomarkers show promise, significantly more research is required before they have clinical utility.
PubMed: 37334023
DOI: 10.1002/bco2.237 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2022Asthma and obesity are considered as highly prevalent diseases with a great impact on public health. Obesity has been demonstrated to be an aggravating factor in the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Asthma and obesity are considered as highly prevalent diseases with a great impact on public health. Obesity has been demonstrated to be an aggravating factor in the pathogenesis of asthma. Adipose tissue secretes proinflammatory cytokines and mediators, including leptin, which may promote the development and severity of asthma in obese patients. This study is a systematic review and a meta-analysis based on the relationship between leptin and asthma during obesity. MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE and CINAHL databases were used. Data heterogeneity was analyzed using Cochran’s Q and treatment effect with the DerSimonian and Laird method. Random effect analyses were carried out to test data sensitivity. Asymmetry was estimated using Begg’s and Egger’s tests. All studies showed significant differences in leptin levels. The effect of the measures (p < 0.001), data sensitivity (p < 0.05) and data asymmetry were statistically significant, as well as tBegg’s test (p = 0.010) and Egge’s test (p < 0.001). Despite the existing limiting factors, the results of this study support the relevant role of leptin in the pathophysiology of asthma in obese subjects. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to obtain better insight in the relationship between leptin and asthma in obesity.
Topics: Humans; Adipose Tissue; Asthma; Cytokines; Leptin; Obesity
PubMed: 36613991
DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010546 -
Microbial Genomics Nov 2023(group B , GBS) has recently emerged as an important pathogen among adults. However, it is overlooked in this population, with all global efforts being directed towards...
(group B , GBS) has recently emerged as an important pathogen among adults. However, it is overlooked in this population, with all global efforts being directed towards its containment among pregnant women and neonates. This systematic review assessed the molecular epidemiology and compared how the lineages circulating among non-pregnant populations relate to those of pregnant and neonatal populations worldwide. A systematic search was performed across nine databases from 1 January 2000 up to and including 20 September 2021, with no language restrictions. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Prevalence Critical Appraisal Tool (PCAT) was used to assess the quality of included studies. The global population structure of GBS from the non-pregnant population was analysed using typing and phylogenetic reconstruction tools. Twenty-four articles out of 13 509 retrieved across 9 databases were eligible. Most studies were conducted in the World Health Organization European region (12/24, 50 %), followed by the Western Pacific region (6/24, 25 %) and the Americas region (6/24, 25 %). Serotype V (23%, 2310/10240) and clonal complex (CC) 1 (29 %, 2157/7470) were the most frequent serotype and CC, respectively. The pilus island PI1 : PI2A combination (29 %, 3931/13751) was the most prevalent surface protein gene, while the tetracycline resistance M (55 %, 5892/10624) was the leading antibiotic resistance gene. This study highlights that, given the common serotype distribution identified among non-pregnant populations (V, III, Ia, Ib, II and IV), vaccines including these six serotypes will provide broad coverage. The study indicates advanced molecular epidemiology studies, especially in resource-constrained settings for evidence-based decisions. Finally, the study shows that considering all at-risk populations in an inclusive approach is essential to ensure the sustainable containment of GBS.
Topics: Pregnancy; Adult; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Streptococcus agalactiae; Molecular Epidemiology; Phylogeny; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Databases, Factual
PubMed: 38019122
DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.001140 -
Avicenna Journal of Medical... 2020() is the highly contagious causative agent of a broad range of diseases in animals as well as an occasional human pathogen. Economically significant infections caused... (Review)
Review
() is the highly contagious causative agent of a broad range of diseases in animals as well as an occasional human pathogen. Economically significant infections caused by include avian fowl cholera, rabbit snuffles, and hemorrhagic septicemia in cattle, goats and pigs. Chemotherapy of pasteurellosis infections has some limitations, such as high cost of treatment, low efficacy, and the possibility of therapy failure due to antibiotic resistance. Prophylactic immunization offers a safe and effective preventive measure in case of zoonotic diseases. Bacterins, live attenuated and some old traditional vaccines against pasteurellosis remain in use today, beside their limitations. However, the past few years have seen significant progress in research to identify modern, effective vaccine candidates, but there is no new vaccine produced by new strategies. While scientists should struggle with a lot of aspects to design vaccine producing strategies, this review shows how pasteurellosis vaccine evolved and the limitations in its application which need to be overcome.
PubMed: 32695276
DOI: No ID Found -
Biological Trace Element Research Sep 2022Several studies have indicated that selenium deficiency may be detrimental in the context of various viral disorders, and in the case of COVID-19, several studies have...
Several studies have indicated that selenium deficiency may be detrimental in the context of various viral disorders, and in the case of COVID-19, several studies have reported heterogeneous results concerning the association of selenium deficiency with the severity of disease. To summarize the available data surrounding the association of body selenium levels with the outcomes of COVID-19, a systematic search was performed in the Medline database (PubMed), Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science using keywords including "SARS-CoV-2," "COVID-19," and "selenium," Studies evaluating the association of COVID-19 with body selenium levels were included. Among 1,862 articles viewed in the database search, 10 articles were included after title, abstract, and full-text review. One study was further included after searching the literature again for any newly published articles. Out of 11 included studies, 10 studies measured serum selenium level, and one study investigated urinary selenium level. Three of 10 studies measured serum SELENOP level as well as selenium level. Glutathione peroxidase-3 level in serum was also assessed in one study. The reported outcomes were severity, mortality, and risk of COVID-19. Nine studies indicated that a lower serum selenium level is associated with worse outcomes. Two studies reported no significant association between serum selenium level and COVID-19. In one study, urinary selenium level was reported to be higher in severe and fatal cases compared to non-severe and recovered patients, respectively. In most cases, selenium deficiency was associated with worse outcomes, and selenium levels in COVID-19 patients were lower than in healthy individuals. Thus, it could be concluded that cautious selenium supplementation in COVID-19 patients may be helpful to prevent disease progression. However, randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm this.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Malnutrition; SARS-CoV-2; Selenium; Selenoprotein P
PubMed: 34739678
DOI: 10.1007/s12011-021-02997-4 -
Cancer Reports (Hoboken, N.J.) Jan 2023Accumulating studies have evaluated the association between MAP3K1 polymorphisms and cancer prognosis. However, the results of these studies are conflicting. Given the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Accumulating studies have evaluated the association between MAP3K1 polymorphisms and cancer prognosis. However, the results of these studies are conflicting. Given the potential impact of MAP3K1 rs889312 SNP on the prognosis of various cancers, this meta-analysis was performed to obtain solid and credible evidence.
METHODS AND MATERIALS
This study was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. A comprehensive article search was conducted to find and select articles from multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library, published up to 15th September 2022. The data analysis was performed with Review Manager v5.2. Pooled HR with its 95% CI and p-value was calculated where HR >1 suggests worse/poor survival and HR <1 suggests better survival of cancer patients.
RESULTS
A total of five articles comprising 24 439 patients were included for both qualitative and quantitative data synthesis. It was found that only the dominant genetic model (AC + CC vs. AA) showed a statistically significant poor overall survival for MAP3K1 rs889312 polymorphism (HR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.06-1.47, p = .01). In addition, publication bias analysis by the Egger's test and the Begg-Mazumdar test reported no significant bias in the analysis of overall survival (p > .05).
CONCLUSIONS
The present study concludes that MAP3K1 gene rs889312 polymorphism plays a prognostic role in the survival of cancer patients. However, future research is recommended that will analyze more MAP3K SNPs along with rs889312, which may reveal more credible outcomes in terms of cancer prognosis.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Prognosis; MAP Kinase Kinase Kinase 1
PubMed: 36560873
DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1773