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Microorganisms Jul 2023Control and treatment programs (CDTI) have been set up nationally in all endemic countries to overcome the impact of onchocerciasis on the affected populations. However,... (Review)
Review
Control and treatment programs (CDTI) have been set up nationally in all endemic countries to overcome the impact of onchocerciasis on the affected populations. However, Gabon must still succeed in setting up real onchocerciasis control programs. Here, various database articles have been used to provide the scientific community with a summary document showing the mapping of this disease in Gabon. The articles dealing with onchocerciasis, animal reservoirs, surveillance, and elimination were analyzed. Results showed that little research has been performed. Most studies are concentrated in one region (The area of Lastourville). In addition, we observed that the distribution of the disease varies significantly across the country. Indeed, specific environments present a hyper-endemicity of the disease, while others are meso and hypo-endemic. So, we found some departments with a prevalence ranging from 0% to over 20%; within them, villages had infection levels comprising 10% to 60%, indicating potential hotspots. Vectors activities were studied in some areas. This paper showed the challenges encountered in the country to eliminate this disease. One solution is a deeper understanding of the disease's bioecology to establish effective health policies to eliminate onchocerciasis in Gabon effectively.
PubMed: 37630506
DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081946 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023The remarkable recent advances in managing keratoconus, the most common corneal ectasia, encouraged researchers to conduct further studies on the disease. Despite the... (Review)
Review
The remarkable recent advances in managing keratoconus, the most common corneal ectasia, encouraged researchers to conduct further studies on the disease. Despite the abundance of information about keratoconus, debates persist regarding the detection of mild cases. Early detection plays a crucial role in facilitating less invasive treatments. This review encompasses corneal data ranging from the basic sciences to the application of artificial intelligence in keratoconus patients. Diagnostic systems utilize automated decision trees, support vector machines, and various types of neural networks, incorporating input from various corneal imaging equipment. Although the integration of artificial intelligence techniques into corneal imaging devices may take time, their popularity in clinical practice is increasing. Most of the studies reviewed herein demonstrate a high discriminatory power between normal and keratoconus cases, with a relatively lower discriminatory power for subclinical keratoconus.
PubMed: 37627975
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13162715 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2023Insecticide-based interventions, such as long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), remain the backbone of malaria vector control.... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Insecticide-based interventions, such as long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), remain the backbone of malaria vector control. These interventions target mosquitoes that prefer to feed and rest indoors, but have limited capacity to prevent transmission that occurs outdoors or outside regular sleeping hours. In low-endemicity areas, malaria elimination will require that these control gaps are addressed, and complementary tools are found. The use of topical repellents may be particularly useful for populations who may not benefit from programmatic malaria control measures, such as refugees, the military, or forest goers. This Cochrane Review aims to measure the effectiveness of topical repellents to prevent malaria infection among high- and non-high-risk populations living in malaria-endemic regions.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effect of topical repellents alone or in combination with other background interventions (long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, or indoor residual spraying, or both) for reducing the incidence of malaria in high- and non-high-risk populations living in endemic areas.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases up to 11 January 2023: the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialised Register; CENTRAL (in the Cochrane Library); MEDLINE; Embase; CAB Abstracts; and LILACS. We also searched trial registration platforms and conference proceedings; and contacted organizations and companies for ongoing and unpublished trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster-randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) of topical repellents proven to repel mosquitoes. We also included non-randomized studies that complied with pre-specified inclusion criteria: controlled before-after studies (CBA), controlled interrupted time series (ITS), and controlled cross-over trials.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Four review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, and extracted the data. Two authors independently assessed the risk of bias (RoB) using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. A fifth review author resolved any disagreements. We analysed data by conducting a meta-analysis, stratified by whether studies included populations considered to be at high-risk of developing malaria infection (for example, refugees, forest goers, or deployed military troops). We combined results from cRCTs with RCTs by adjusting for clustering and presented results using forest plots. We used the GRADE framework to assess the certainty of the evidence. We only included data on Plasmodium falciparum infections in the meta-analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
Thirteen articles relating to eight trials met the inclusion criteria and were qualitatively described. We included six trials in the meta-analysis (five cRCTs and one RCT). Effect on malaria incidence Topical repellents may slightly reduce P falciparum infection and clinical incidence when both outcomes are considered together (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 0.98; 3 cRCTs and 1 RCT, 61,651 participants; low-certainty evidence); but not when these two outcomes were considered independently. Two cRCTs and one RCT (12,813 participants) evaluated the effect of topical repellents on infection incidence (IRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.02; low-certainty evidence). One cRCT (48,838 participants) evaluated their effect on clinical case incidence (IRR 0.66, 95% CI 0.32 to 1.36; low-certainty evidence). Three studies (2 cRCTs and 1 RCT) included participants belonging to groups considered at high-risk of being infected, while only one cRCT did not include participants at high risk. Adverse events Topical repellents are considered safe. The prevalence of adverse events among participants who used topical repellents was very low (0.6%, 283/47,515) and limited to mild skin reactions. Effect on malaria prevalence Topical repellents may slightly reduce P falciparum prevalence (odds ratio (OR) 0.81, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.97; 3 cRCTs and 1 RCT; 55,366 participants; low-certainty evidence). Two of these studies (1 cRCT and 1 RCT) were carried out in refugee camps, and included exclusively high-risk populations that were not receiving any other background vector control intervention.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is insufficient evidence to conclude that topical repellents can prevent malaria in settings where other vector control interventions are in place. We found the certainty of evidence for all outcomes to be low, primarily due to the risk of bias. A protective effect was suggested among high-risk populations, specially refugees, who might not have access to other standard vector control measures. More adequately powered clinical trials carried out in refugee camps could provide further information on the potential benefit of topical repellents in this setting. Individually randomized studies are also likely necessary to understand whether topical repellents have an effect on personal protection, and the degree to which diversion to non-protected participants affects overall transmission dynamics. Despite this, the potential additional benefits of topical repellents are most likely limited in contexts where other interventions are available.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Insecticides; Mosquito Vectors; Malaria, Falciparum; Controlled Before-After Studies; Culicidae
PubMed: 37602418
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015422.pub2 -
BMC Veterinary Research Aug 2023Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is one of the most economically important diseases affecting the dairy industry. The SCM does not cause visible changes in the udder or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Subclinical mastitis (SCM) is one of the most economically important diseases affecting the dairy industry. The SCM does not cause visible changes in the udder or physical changes of the milk as compared to clinical mastitis, and a clear overview of the prevalence and risk factors in the different regions of Africa is still lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of SCM and assess the associated risk factors and dominant bacterial pathogens among cattle in Africa.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We gathered and systematically reviewed literature concerning SCM, published in English from January 2010 through December 2020 in two databases (PubMed and Web of Science), and meta-analysis was conducted using the 'meta' and 'metafor' packages in the R statistical software.
RESULTS
A total of 258 studies were retrieved and at the end of the screening, 82 full-texts were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of SCM was reported in 11 countries in five regions of Africa, and the random-effects model showed that the weighted pooled prevalence estimate (PPE) was 48.2% (95% CI: 43.6-52.8%). Heterogeneity was high and statistically significant as I (proportion of observed variation) was 98.1% (95% CI: 98.0-98.3%), τ (true between-study variance) was 0.0433 (95% CI: 0.0322-0.0611), and the Cochran Q statistic was 4362.8 (p < 0.0001). Subgroup and meta-regression analyses showed that East Africa had significantly (p = 0.0092) the highest PPE of SCM (67.7%, 95% CI: 55.7-78.7) followed by West Africa (50.5%, 95%CI: 31.4-69.5), and the lowest was in North Africa (40.3%, 95%: 32.2-48.6). Other significant moderators for SCM were age (p < 0.0001), breed (p = 0.0002), lactation stage (p = 0.019) and parity (p = 0.0008) of cattle. Staphylococcus species (prevalence 43.7%) were the most predominant pathogens, followed by Streptococcus (18.2%) and Escherichia species (9.5%).
CONCLUSION
The present study showed a high variation of SCM prevalence in various parts of Africa, although there is a need for more data in some regions. The reported prevalence is a clear sign of inappropriate management practices among cattle herds and an indicator of the threat that SCM poses to the dairy industry. The information about the predisposing factors may guide effective management and control strategies to reduce transmission of the disease.
Topics: Pregnancy; Animals; Cattle; Female; Staphylococcal Infections; Prevalence; Mastitis, Bovine; Lactation; Milk; Risk Factors; Africa; Dairying; Cattle Diseases
PubMed: 37573335
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03673-6 -
Parasites & Vectors Aug 2023Bovine babesiosis, caused by different Babesia spp. such as B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, and B. major, is a global disease that poses a serious threat to... (Review)
Review
Bovine babesiosis, caused by different Babesia spp. such as B. bovis, B. bigemina, B. divergens, and B. major, is a global disease that poses a serious threat to livestock production. Babesia bovis infections are associated with severe disease and increased mortality in adult cattle, making it the most virulent agent of bovine babesiosis. Babesia bovis parasites undergo asexual reproduction within bovine red blood cells, followed by sexual reproduction within their tick vectors, which transmit the parasite transovarially. Current control methods, including therapeutic drugs (i.e., imidocarb) have been found to lead to drug resistance. Moreover, changing environmental factors add complexity to efficient parasite control. Understanding the fundamental biology, host immune responses, and host-parasite interactions of Babesia parasites is critical for developing next-generation vaccines to control acute disease and parasite transmission. This systematic review analyzed available research papers on vaccine development and the associated immune responses to B. bovis. We compiled and consolidated the reported vaccine strategies, considering the study design and rationale of each study, to provide a systematic review of knowledge and insights for further research. Thirteen studies published since 2014 (inclusive) represented various vaccine strategies developed against B. bovis such as subunit, live attenuated, and viral vector vaccines. Such strategies incorporated B. bovis proteins or whole live parasites with the latter providing the most effective prophylaxis against bovine babesiosis. Incorporating novel research approaches, such as "omics" will enhance our understanding of parasite vulnerabilities.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Babesia bovis; Babesiosis; Cattle Diseases; Babesia; Vaccines
PubMed: 37563668
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05885-z -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Aug 2023Transmission models have a long history in the study of mosquito-borne disease dynamics. The mosquito biting rate (MBR) is an important parameter in these models,...
BACKGROUND
Transmission models have a long history in the study of mosquito-borne disease dynamics. The mosquito biting rate (MBR) is an important parameter in these models, however, estimating its value empirically is complex. Modeling studies obtain biting rate values from various types of studies, each of them having its strengths and limitations. Thus, understanding these study designs and the factors that contribute to MBR estimates and their variability is an important step towards standardizing these estimates. We do this for an important arbovirus vector Aedes aegypti.
METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
We perform a systematic review using search terms such as 'biting rate' and 'biting frequency' combined with 'Aedes aegypti' ('Ae. aegypti' or 'A. aegypti'). We screened 3,201 articles from PubMed and ProQuest databases, of which 21 met our inclusion criteria. Two broader types of studies are identified: human landing catch (HLC) studies and multiple feeding studies. We analyze the biting rate data provided as well as the methodologies used in these studies to characterize the variability of these estimates across temporal, spatial, and environmental factors and to identify the strengths and limitations of existing methodologies. Based on these analyses, we present two approaches to estimate population mean per mosquito biting rate: one that combines studies estimating the number of bites taken per gonotrophic cycle and the gonotrophic cycle duration, and a second that uses data from histological studies. Based on one histological study dataset, we estimate biting rates of Ae. aegypti (0.41 and 0.35 bite/mosquito-day in Thailand and Puerto Rico, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE
Our review reinforces the importance of engaging with vector biology when using mosquito biting rate data in transmission modeling studies. For Ae. aegypti, this includes understanding the variation of the gonotrophic cycle duration and the number of bites per gonotrophic cycle, as well as recognizing the potential for spatial and temporal variability. To address these variabilities, we advocate for site-specific data and the development of a standardized approach to estimate the biting rate.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Mosquito Vectors; Aedes; Insect Bites and Stings; Thailand; Feeding Behavior
PubMed: 37552669
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010831 -
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience 2023In recent years, radiomics has been increasingly utilized for the differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the application of radiomics in PD...
BACKGROUND
In recent years, radiomics has been increasingly utilized for the differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the application of radiomics in PD diagnosis still lacks sufficient evidence-based support. To address this gap, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic value of radiomics-based machine learning (ML) for PD.
METHODS
We systematically searched Embase, Cochrane, PubMed, and Web of Science databases as of November 14, 2022. The radiomics quality assessment scale (RQS) was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. The outcome measures were the c-index, which reflects the overall accuracy of the model, as well as sensitivity and specificity. During this meta-analysis, we discussed the differential diagnostic value of radiomics-based ML for Parkinson's disease and various atypical parkinsonism syndromes (APS).
RESULTS
Twenty-eight articles with a total of 6,057 participants were included. The mean RQS score for all included articles was 10.64, with a relative score of 29.56%. The pooled c-index, sensitivity, and specificity of radiomics for predicting PD were 0.862 (95% CI: 0.833-0.891), 0.91 (95% CI: 0.86-0.94), and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87-0.96) in the training set, and 0.871 (95% CI: 0.853-0.890), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.81-0.89), and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83-0.91) in the validation set, respectively. Additionally, the pooled c-index, sensitivity, and specificity of radiomics for differentiating PD from APS were 0.866 (95% CI: 0.843-0.889), 0.86 (95% CI: 0.84-0.88), and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75-0.84) in the training set, and 0.879 (95% CI: 0.854-0.903), 0.87 (95% CI: 0.85-0.89), and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.77-0.86) in the validation set, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Radiomics-based ML can serve as a potential tool for PD diagnosis. Moreover, it has an excellent performance in distinguishing Parkinson's disease from APS. The support vector machine (SVM) model exhibits excellent robustness when the number of samples is relatively abundant. However, due to the diverse implementation process of radiomics, it is expected that more large-scale, multi-class image data can be included to develop radiomics intelligent tools with broader applicability, promoting the application and development of radiomics in the diagnosis and prediction of Parkinson's disease and related fields.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=383197, identifier ID: CRD42022383197.
PubMed: 37484694
DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1199826 -
Parasites & Vectors Jul 2023Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) is a nematode with a worldwide geographical distribution. It causes a disease called lung capillariosis by affecting the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) is a nematode with a worldwide geographical distribution. It causes a disease called lung capillariosis by affecting the respiratory tract of wild and domestic animals, and has also occasionally been described in humans. Despite steady increases in knowledge of the morphology of this neglected parasite, many aspects are still poorly understood. Epidemiological data regarding, for example, geographic distribution, range of hosts, clinical relevance and the actual zoonotic potential of this nematode are scarce and incomplete.
METHODS
This article is a systematic review based on the screening of three databases (PubMed, Web of Science and Science Direct) to identify eligible studies published from 1973 to the end of 2022.
RESULTS
From a total of 606 studies describing the occurrence of E. aerophilus, 141 articles from 38 countries worldwide were included in this meta-analysis, all of which presented results obtained mainly with flotation and necropsy. Due to the occurrence of E. aerophilus in many different species and different matrices (lungs and faeces), we decided to conduct the meta-analysis separately for each species with a given matrix. This systematic review confirmed the status of the Red fox as the main reservoir and main transmitter of E. aerophilus (average prevalence of 43% in faeces and 49% in lungs) and provided evidence of a higher prevalence of E. aerophilus in wild animals in comparison to domestic animals, such as dogs (3% in faeces) and cats (2% in faeces and 8% in lungs). Previous studies have investigated many host-related factors (age, sex, environmental/living conditions) in relation to the prevalence of E. aerophilus, but they show wide variations and no simple relationship has been demonstrates. Furthermore, mixed infections with other pulmonary nematodes, such as Crenosoma vulpis and/or Angiostrongylus vasorum, are reported very frequently, which greatly complicates the diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review focused on identifying data gaps and promoting future research directions in this area. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review that evaluates and summarizes existing knowledge on the occurrence and prevalence of E. aerophilus in wild and domestic animals originating from different geographical locations worldwide.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Cats; Humans; Nematode Infections; Animals, Domestic; Animals, Wild; Lung; Metastrongyloidea; Foxes
PubMed: 37475031
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05830-0 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jul 2023Normal voice production depends on the synchronized cooperation of multiple physiological systems, which makes the voice sensitive to changes. Any systematic,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Normal voice production depends on the synchronized cooperation of multiple physiological systems, which makes the voice sensitive to changes. Any systematic, neurological, and aerodigestive distortion is prone to affect voice production through reduced cognitive, pulmonary, and muscular functionality. This sensitivity inspired using voice as a biomarker to examine disorders that affect the voice. Technological improvements and emerging machine learning (ML) technologies have enabled possibilities of extracting digital vocal features from the voice for automated diagnosis and monitoring systems.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to summarize a comprehensive view of research on voice-affecting disorders that uses ML techniques for diagnosis and monitoring through voice samples where systematic conditions, nonlaryngeal aerodigestive disorders, and neurological disorders are specifically of interest.
METHODS
This systematic literature review (SLR) investigated the state of the art of voice-based diagnostic and monitoring systems with ML technologies, targeting voice-affecting disorders without direct relation to the voice box from the point of view of applied health technology. Through a comprehensive search string, studies published from 2012 to 2022 from the databases Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were scanned and collected for assessment. To minimize bias, retrieval of the relevant references in other studies in the field was ensured, and 2 authors assessed the collected studies. Low-quality studies were removed through a quality assessment and relevant data were extracted through summary tables for analysis. The articles were checked for similarities between author groups to prevent cumulative redundancy bias during the screening process, where only 1 article was included from the same author group.
RESULTS
In the analysis of the 145 included studies, support vector machines were the most utilized ML technique (51/145, 35.2%), with the most studied disease being Parkinson disease (PD; reported in 87/145, 60%, studies). After 2017, 16 additional voice-affecting disorders were examined, in contrast to the 3 investigated previously. Furthermore, an upsurge in the use of artificial neural network-based architectures was observed after 2017. Almost half of the included studies were published in last 2 years (2021 and 2022). A broad interest from many countries was observed. Notably, nearly one-half (n=75) of the studies relied on 10 distinct data sets, and 11/145 (7.6%) used demographic data as an input for ML models.
CONCLUSIONS
This SLR revealed considerable interest across multiple countries in using ML techniques for diagnosing and monitoring voice-affecting disorders, with PD being the most studied disorder. However, the review identified several gaps, including limited and unbalanced data set usage in studies, and a focus on diagnostic test rather than disorder-specific monitoring. Despite the limitations of being constrained by only peer-reviewed publications written in English, the SLR provides valuable insights into the current state of research on ML-based voice-affecting disorder diagnosis and monitoring and highlighting areas to address in future research.
Topics: Humans; Monitoring, Physiologic; Machine Learning
PubMed: 37467031
DOI: 10.2196/46105 -
Experimental Biology and Medicine... Oct 2023Dengue fever disease (DFD) which is caused by four antigenically distinct dengue viruses (DENV) presents a global health threat, with tropical and subtropical regions at...
Dengue fever disease (DFD) which is caused by four antigenically distinct dengue viruses (DENV) presents a global health threat, with tropical and subtropical regions at a greater risk. The paucity of epidemiological data on dengue in West African subregion endangers efforts geared toward disease control and prevention. A systematic search of DFD prevalence, incidence, and DENV-infected in West Africa was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, African Index Medicus, and Google Scholar in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 58 human prevalence studies involving 35,748 people from 8 countries were identified. Two incidence and six DENV-infected studies were also reviewed. Nigeria and Burkina Faso contributed the majority of the prevalence studies which spanned between 1968 and 2018, with a considerable variation in coverage among the countries reviewed in this study. An average prevalence of 20.97% was observed across both general prevalence and acute DENV infection study categories, ranging between 0.02% and 93%. The majority of these studies were conducted in acute febrile patients with a prevalence range of 0.02-93% while 19% ( = 11) of all studies were general population-based studies and reported a prevalence range of 17.2-75.8%. DENV-infected were reported in four out of the five countries with published reports; with DENV-2 found circulating in Cape Verde, Senegal, and Burkina Faso while DENV-3 and DENV-4 were also reported in Senegal and Cape Verde, respectively. High prevalence of DFD in human populations and the occurrence of DENV-infected have been reported in West Africa, even though weaknesses in study design were identified. Epidemiological data from most countries and population in the subregion were scarce or non-existent. This study highlights the epidemic risk of DFD in West Africa, and the need for research and surveillance to be prioritized to fill the data gap required to enact effective control measures.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Aedes; Burkina Faso; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dengue; Dengue Virus
PubMed: 37452719
DOI: 10.1177/15353702231181356