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Memorias Do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz 2024The coinfection between malaria (ML) and arboviral diseases represents a major global public health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. Despite...
The coinfection between malaria (ML) and arboviral diseases represents a major global public health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. Despite its relevance, this topic is still insufficiently discussed in the current literature. Here, we aimed to investigate the worldwide distribution, symptoms, and diagnosis during coinfection between ML and arboviral diseases. We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement and assessed the selection and eligibility criteria, created and diagrammed maps, and analysed major symptoms with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using prevalence ratio and effect size, also performing latent class analysis. A total of 85,485 studies were retrieved, of which 56 were included: 57.14% in Asia, 25% in Africa, 14.30% in South America, and 3.56% in Europe. A total of 746 individuals were reported to be coinfected with Plasmodium and arbovirus. Concurrent ML, Dengue (DEN), Chikungunya (CHIK), and Zika (ZIK) patients are more likely to present headache and skin rash. Regarding diagnosis, 58,253 were made, of which 38,176 were positive (ML and at least one arboviral disease). The magnitude of these pathogens' coexistence points out the pressing need for improvements in public health policies towards diagnosis and prevention of both diseases, especially in endemic areas.
Topics: Humans; Coinfection; Malaria; Arbovirus Infections; Global Health; Prevalence
PubMed: 38922217
DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760240015 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Schistosome egg deposition in pregnant women may affect the placenta of infected mothers and cause placental schistosomiasis (PS). Histopathological examination of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Schistosome egg deposition in pregnant women may affect the placenta of infected mothers and cause placental schistosomiasis (PS). Histopathological examination of placental tissue is an inadequate detection method due to low sensitivity. So far, there has not been any systematic review on PS.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline and included all publications that reported microscopically confirmed cases of PS, as well as the relevant secondary literature found in the citations of the primarily included publications.
RESULTS
Out of 113 abstracts screened we found a total of 8 publications describing PS with a total of 92 cases describing egg deposition of dead and/or viable eggs and worms of and in placental tissue. One cross-sectional study investigating the prevalence of PS and its association with adverse birth outcomes, found 22% of placentas to be infested using a maceration technique but only <1% using histologic examination. Additionally, no direct link to deleterious pregnancy outcomes could be shown.
CONCLUSIONS
PS is a highly unattended and underdiagnosed condition in endemic populations, due to a lack of awareness as well as low sensitivity of histopathological examinations. However, PS may play an important role in mediating or reinforcing adverse birth outcomes (ABO) such as fetal growth restriction (FGR) in maternal schistosomiasis, possibly by placental inflammation.
PubMed: 38921768
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060470 -
Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer... Jun 2024The BRCA1/2 mutation status testing is the global standard of care for breast cancer patients with a family history of cancer. BRCA1/2 mutations are known to be...
OBJECTIVE
The BRCA1/2 mutation status testing is the global standard of care for breast cancer patients with a family history of cancer. BRCA1/2 mutations are known to be ethno-specific. For some ethnic groups of the Northern Asia (Buryats, Yakuts, Altaians, Tuvans, Khakasses, etc.) the founder mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes have not been revealed. This systematic review was conducted to assess the prevalence of BRCA1/2 mutation in breast cancer patients inhabiting Eastern Europe and Northern Asia (or Siberia).
METHODS
A total of 23,561 studies published between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed, of which 55 were included in the review. The literature search was conducted using RusMed, Cyberleninka, Google Scholar, eLibrary, NCBI databases (n=5) and conference papers.
RESULTS
The founder mutations (c.5266dupC and/or c.181T>G) of BRCA1 gene that were frequently observed in the Slav peoples were also identified in Chechens, Armenians, Bashkirs, Ukrainians, Mordovians, Mari, Kabardians, Tatars, Uzbeks, Kyrgyz, Ossetians, Khanty indigenous peoples and Adygs. For Chechens, Kabardians, Ingush, Buryats, Khakasses, Sakha, Tuvans and Armenians, rare pathogenic variants of the BRCA1/2, ATM, СНЕК2, BRIP1, NBN, PTEN, TP53, PMS1, XPA, LGR4, BRWD1 and PALB2 genes were found. No data are available about the frequency of pathogenic BRCA1/2 mutations for ethnic groups, such as the Udmurts, Komi, Tajiks, Tabasarans, and Nogais indigenous people.
CONCLUSION
This is the first systematic review that provides the spectrum of BRCA mutations in ethnic groups of breast cancer patients inhabiting Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It has been shown that the mutations are ethnospecific (varied widely within groups) and not all groups are equally well studied. Further studies on the ethnic specificity of BRCA gene mutations are required.
Topics: Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Female; BRCA1 Protein; Germ-Line Mutation; BRCA2 Protein; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Prevalence; Asia; Prognosis
PubMed: 38918649
DOI: 10.31557/APJCP.2024.25.6.1891 -
Poultry Science Jun 2024This systematic review aimed at investigating the role that biosecurity can have in preventing or controlling colibacillosis in broiler production. Primary studies with...
This systematic review aimed at investigating the role that biosecurity can have in preventing or controlling colibacillosis in broiler production. Primary studies with natural or experimental exposure to avian pathogenic Escherichia coli, evaluating any biosecurity measure to prevent or control colibacillosis in broiler chickens with at least one of the following outcomes: feed conversion ratio (FCR), condemnations at slaughter, and mortality due to colibacillosis, were included. A systematic search was carried out in 4 databases according to the Cochrane handbook and reported following the PRISMA 2020 directions. Studies (n = 3,886) were screened in a 2-phase process and data matching the inclusion criteria were extracted. Risk of bias assessment was performed. Four studies reporting biosecurity measures to prevent or control colibacillosis in broiler production were included. In all studies, only disinfection during either the pre-hatching period (n = 3) or the post-hatching period (n = 1) was evaluated as biosecurity measure in broiler production, as well as its effect on FCR (n = 2) and mortality (n = 4) due to colibacillosis. No studies with effects on condemnations at slaughter were found. Due to the heterogeneity of studies in regard to interventions and outcomes, meta-analysis was not carried out. The limited findings of this systematic review do not provide a comprehensive evidence to statistically evaluate the efficacy of biosecurity to prevent or control colibacillosis in broiler production. The scarcity of evidence found suggests that further and deeper investigations on the topic are needed, considering the variety of interventions related to biosecurity.
PubMed: 38917608
DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2024.103955 -
Frontiers in Pediatrics 2024Acute upper respiratory tract infection (AURI) includes infections caused by a variety of pathogens and is one of the most common diseases in children. Traditional...
BACKGROUND
Acute upper respiratory tract infection (AURI) includes infections caused by a variety of pathogens and is one of the most common diseases in children. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injections are widely used for treating AURI in clinical practice, but their efficacy is unclear because of the lack of clear evidence. In this study, a network meta-analysis (NMA) was used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TCM injections in the treatment of AURI and to provide a reference for clinical treatment.
METHODS
Eight databases were searched, namely, PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Wanfang database, and the Chinese Scientific Journal database (VIP). The search time period was from 1 January 2013 to 1 November 2023. Randomized controlled trials of herbal injections for treating AURI were searched. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool was used to assess the quality of these studies. Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 15.0 were used for the NMA.
RESULTS
A total of 81 papers involving 11,736 patients were included. These involved five different TCM injections, namely, Xiyanping injection (XYPI), Qingkailing injection (QKLI), Reduning injection (RDNI), Yanhuning injection (YHNI), and Tanreqing injection (TRQI). QKLI was most effective in alleviating symptoms of fever and improving overall clinical effectiveness. TRQI was most effective in relieving cough symptoms. YHNI was most effective in alleviating sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion. The overall incidence of adverse effects of these herbal injections in the treatment of AURI was lower, and their safety profiles were better.
CONCLUSIONS
The herbal injections combined with ribavirin improved clinical outcomes, and were superior to ribavirin injection alone in alleviating clinical symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and nasal congestion, and have favorable safety profiles.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023484099, CRD42023484099.
PubMed: 38915872
DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1358639 -
International Journal of Nanomedicine 2024Due to their ability to replicate the in vivo microenvironment through cell interaction and induce cells to stimulate cell function, three-dimensional cell culture... (Review)
Review
Due to their ability to replicate the in vivo microenvironment through cell interaction and induce cells to stimulate cell function, three-dimensional cell culture models can overcome the limitations of two-dimensional models. Organoids are 3D models that demonstrate the ability to replicate the natural structure of an organ. In most organoid tissue cultures, matrigel made of a mouse tumor extracellular matrix protein mixture is an essential ingredient. However, its tumor-derived origin, batch-to-batch variation, high cost, and safety concerns have limited the usefulness of organoid drug development and regenerative medicine. Its clinical application has also been hindered by the fact that organoid generation is dependent on the use of poorly defined matrices. Therefore, matrix optimization is a crucial step in developing organoid culture that introduces alternatives as different materials. Recently, a variety of substitute materials has reportedly replaced matrigel. The purpose of this study is to review the significance of the latest advances in materials for cell culture applications and how they enhance build network systems by generating proper cell behavior. Excellence in cell behavior is evaluated from their cell characteristics, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and even gene expression. As a result, graphene oxide as a matrix optimization demonstrated high potency in developing organoid models. Graphene oxide can promote good cell behavior and is well known for having good biocompatibility. Hence, advances in matrix optimization of graphene oxide provide opportunities for the future development of advanced organoid models.
Topics: Organoids; Animals; Graphite; Humans; Cell Proliferation; Cell Differentiation; Drug Combinations; Cell Culture Techniques; Cell Culture Techniques, Three Dimensional; Mice; Laminin; Collagen; Proteoglycans
PubMed: 38911499
DOI: 10.2147/IJN.S455940 -
New Microbes and New Infections 2024Avian influenza A H5N1 is a significant global public health threat. Although relevant, systematic reviews about its prevalence in animals are lacking. (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Avian influenza A H5N1 is a significant global public health threat. Although relevant, systematic reviews about its prevalence in animals are lacking.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature review in bibliographic databases to assess the prevalence of H5N1 in animals. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model was performed to calculate the pooled prevalence and 95 % confidence intervals (95%CI). In addition, measures of heterogeneity (Cochran's Q statistic and I test) were reported.
RESULTS
The literature search yielded 1359 articles, of which 33 studies were fully valid for analysis, including 96,909 animals. The pooled prevalence for H5N1 in birds (n = 90,045, 24 studies) was 5.0 % (95%CI: 4.0-6.0 %; I = 99.21); in pigs (n = 3,178, 4 studies) was 1.0 % (95%CI: 0.0-1.0 %); in cats (n = 2,911, 4 studies) was 0.0 % (95%CI: 0.0-1.0 %); and in dogs (n = 479, 3 studies) was 0.0 % (95%CI: 0.0-2.0 %).
CONCLUSIONS
While the occurrence of H5N1 in animals might be comparatively limited compared to other influenza viruses, its impact on public health can be substantial when it transmits to humans. This virus can potentially induce severe illness and has been linked to previous outbreaks. Therefore, it is essential to closely monitor and comprehend the factors influencing the prevalence of H5N1 in both avian and human populations to develop effective disease control and prevention strategies.
PubMed: 38911488
DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2024.101439 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding...
INTRODUCTION
Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a complex disorder caused by genetic and environmental factors that frequently results from loss-of-function variants in the gene encoding lipoprotein lipase (LPL). Heterozygous patients have a range of symptoms, while homozygous LPL deficiency presents with severe symptoms including acute pancreatitis, xanthomas, and lipemia retinalis.
METHODS
We described the clinical characteristics of three Slovenian patients (an 8-year-old female, an 18-year-old man, and a 57-year-old female) and one Pakistani patient (a 59-year-old male) with LPL deficiency. We performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) targeting all coding exons and intron-exon boundaries of the gene, and Sanger sequencing for variant confirmation. In addition, we performed a systematic literature review of all cases with three identified variants and described their clinical characteristics.
RESULTS
Two Slovenian patients with a heterozygous pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.984G>T (p.Met328Ile) were diagnosed within the first three years of life and had triglyceride (TG) values of 16 and 20 mmol/L. An asymptomatic Pakistani patient with TG values of 36.8 mmol/L until the age of 44 years, was identified as heterozygous for a pathogenic variant NM_000237.3:c.724G>A (p.Asp242Asn). His TG levels dropped to 12.7 mmol/L on dietary modifications and by using fibrates. A Slovenian patient who first suffered from pancreatitis at the age of 18 years with a TG value of 34 mmol/L was found to be homozygous for NM_000237.3:c.337T>C (p.Trp113Arg).
CONCLUSIONS
Patients with LPL deficiency had high TG levels at diagnosis. Homozygous patients had worse outcomes. Good diet and medication compliance can reduce severity.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Slovenia; Adolescent; Middle Aged; Lipoprotein Lipase; Child; Pakistan; Hyperlipoproteinemia Type I; Mutation
PubMed: 38911039
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1387419 -
Advances in Nutrition (Bethesda, Md.) Jun 2024Microbiota in early life is closely associated with the health of infants, especially premature ones. Probiotics are important drivers of gut microbiota development in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Microbiota in early life is closely associated with the health of infants, especially premature ones. Probiotics are important drivers of gut microbiota development in preterm infants; however, there is no consensus regarding the characteristics of specific microbiota in preterm infants receiving probiotics. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis of 5 microbiome data sets (1816 stool samples from 706 preterm infants) to compare the gut microbiota of preterm infants exposed to probiotics with that of preterm infants not exposed to probiotics across populations. Despite study-specific variations, we found consistent differences in gut microbial composition and predicted functional pathways between the control and probiotic groups across different cohorts of preterm infants. The enrichment of Acinetobacter, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus spp and the depletion of the potentially pathogenic bacteria Finegoldia, Veillonella, and Klebsiella spp. were the most consistent changes in the gut microbiota of preterm infants supplemented with probiotics. Probiotics drove microbiome transition into multiple preterm gut community types, and notably, preterm gut community type 3 had the highest α-diversity, with enrichment of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides spp. At the functional level, the major predicted microbial pathways involved in peptidoglycan biosynthesis consistently increased in preterm infants supplemented with probiotics; in contrast, the crucial pathways associated with heme biosynthesis consistently decreased. Interestingly, Bifidobacterium sp. rather than Lactobacillus sp. gradually became dominant in gut microbiota of preterm infants using mixed probiotics, although both probiotic strains were administered at the same dosage. Taken together, our meta-analysis suggests that probiotics contribute to reshaping the microbial ecosystem of preterm infants at both the taxonomic and functional levels of the bacterial community. More standardized and relevant studies may contribute to better understanding the crosstalk among probiotics, the gut microbiota, and subsequent disease risk, which could help to give timely nutritional feeding guidance to preterm infants. This systematic review and meta-analysis was registered at PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/) as CRD42023447901.
Topics: Humans; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Probiotics; Infant, Premature; Infant, Newborn; Bifidobacterium; Feces; Bacteria; Lactobacillus; Female
PubMed: 38908894
DOI: 10.1016/j.advnut.2024.100233 -
The Journal of Infection Jun 2024The clinical relevance of Mycobacterium malmoense isolation from pulmonary specimens has been considered high compared with other non-tuberculous mycobacteria. In this... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The clinical relevance of Mycobacterium malmoense isolation from pulmonary specimens has been considered high compared with other non-tuberculous mycobacteria. In this study, we aimed to analyse all published clinical data of patients with M. malmoense isolation to investigate the clinical spectrum, relevance, and outcomes of infections with this uncommon mycobacterium.
METHODS
A systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus was performed to identify all clinical data about M. malmoense. Random effects meta-analyses of proportions were calculated for clinical relevance, treatment success, and mortality, as well as for other clinical characteristics. A logistic regression analysis, investigating predictors of mortality, as well as Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, were performed.
RESULTS
One hundred and eighty eight patients with individual data from 112 articles and 671 patients with pooled data from 12 articles were included in the meta-analyses. Of patients with individual data, pulmonary infection was the most common manifestation (n = 106/188, 56.4%). One third (n = 61/188, 32.4%) suffered from isolated extra-pulmonary and 21/188 (11.2%) from disseminated disease. In 288 patients with pooled data and pulmonary affection, clinical relevance was high with 68% (95% CI 44-85%) of patients fulfilling criteria for clinical disease. Macrolide and rifamycin-containing regimens were associated with improved survival (adjusted OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.42, p = 0.002, and 0.23, 95% CI 0.04-0.86, p = 0.03, for lethal events, respectively).
CONCLUSION
In this study, we provide a detailed clinical description of M. malmoense infections. The pathogen is of high clinical relevance for the individual patient with more than 2 out of 3 patients having relevant disease and >40% of manifestations being extra-pulmonary or disseminated. Macrolide and rifamycin-containing regimens are associated with improved survival.
PubMed: 38906266
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2024.106203