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Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2023The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about the potential for co-infection or over-infection with other respiratory infections, as they can complicate the diagnosis,... (Review)
Review
The COVID-19 pandemic raised concerns about the potential for co-infection or over-infection with other respiratory infections, as they can complicate the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the disease. This is also a challenge for forensic pathologists, who may come across cases where the presence of co-infection or over-infection is suspected or confirmed, and it is important that they take this into account when determining the cause of death. The aim of this systematic review is to analyse the prevalence of each specific pathogen co-infecting or over-infecting patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In total, 575 studies were selected from the Scopus and Pub-Med online databases and 8 studies were included in a meta-analysis. Male gender, advanced age and nursing home care are risk factors associated with the development of co-infection, whereas age, tachypnoea, hypoxaemia and bacterial infection are predictors of mortality. Overall, however, having a SARS-CoV-2 infection does not represent a real risk for the development of co-infections/super-infections.
PubMed: 37242315
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050646 -
Transplant Immunology Aug 2023COVID-19 vaccines exhibit high levels of immunogenicity in the overall population. Data on the effects of immunomodulators on the consequences of COVID-19 in patients... (Review)
Review
The effects of methotrexate on the immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccines in the patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease: A systematic review of clinical evidence.
COVID-19 vaccines exhibit high levels of immunogenicity in the overall population. Data on the effects of immunomodulators on the consequences of COVID-19 in patients with Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) remains scarce. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the immune responses to the COVID-19 vaccines in IMID patients receiving methotrexate (MTX) compared to healthy individuals. A comprehensive literature search was carried out using electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Embase up to August 2022 to identify eligible RCTs evaluating the effect of MTX on immune responses in patients with COVID-19. The PRISMA checklist protocol was applied for the quality assessment of the selected trials. Our findings demonstrated that MTX lowered the responses of T cells and antibodies in IMID patients compared to healthy controls. We also discovered that young age (<60 years) was the main parameter influencing the antibody response after vaccination, while MTX had little effect. Following vaccination, MTX-hold and age were considered the main factors influencing the antibody response. In patients older than 60 years of age, the time point of 10 days of MTX discontinuation was critical to boosting the humoral response to anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Because many IMID patients did not have adequate humoral and cellular responses, our findings highlighted the importance of second or booster doses of vaccine and temporary MTX discontinuation. As a result, it implies that individuals with IMIDs should be subjected to more research, particularly humoral and cellular immunity efficiency trials after COVID-19 vaccination, until credible information is achieved.
Topics: Humans; Infant, Newborn; Middle Aged; COVID-19 Vaccines; COVID-19; Methotrexate; Immunomodulating Agents; Immunoglobulin G; Antibodies, Viral; Immunity, Cellular
PubMed: 37236514
DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2023.101858 -
Journal of International Society of... 2023Oral submucous fibrosis is one of the common oral potentially malignant disorders that can result in severe morbidity. Due to its widespread involvement in the oral... (Review)
Review
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Oral submucous fibrosis is one of the common oral potentially malignant disorders that can result in severe morbidity. Due to its widespread involvement in the oral cavity and high risk of malignant transformation, the diagnosis and treatment of this disease at an early stage is essential to prevent further complications. This research was carried out to review various classification systems of oral submucous fibrosis documented in the literature to date, including their benefits and drawbacks, thus focusing on a need to discover some reliable classification systems.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
An electronic search of the published English literature was performed without publication year limitation in PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases using keywords like ('Oral submucous fibrosis' OR 'Oral submucous fibroses'), AND ('Classification' OR 'Grade' OR 'Stage'), AND ('Clinical', OR/ AND 'Histological', OR/AND 'Functional') following PRISMA guidelines. A manual search of all related Dental and Medical journals was also performed. We also checked the reference lists of the relevant articles for any other possible information on the subject.
RESULTS
The search strategy revealed 31 relevant articles and it could be appreciated that oral submucous fibrosis has been classified in seven different ways. Each system is enclosed with its own limitations and benefits.
CONCLUSION
From this research, it can be concluded that despite the existence of several classification systems for oral submucous fibrosis, at present, no classification scheme is considered to be reliable that could help in the accurate assessment of the progression of the disease and classifying oral submucous fibrosis still remains a challenging task for clinicians, surgeons, and pathologists. We have postulated a proposed new classification system based on our literature research, but still robust research is needed in this aspect.
PubMed: 37153926
DOI: 10.4103/jispcd.JISPCD_207_22 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Apr 2023Most women living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) present with advanced-stage breast cancer. Limitations of poor serviceable health systems, restricted... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Most women living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) present with advanced-stage breast cancer. Limitations of poor serviceable health systems, restricted access to treatment facilities, and lack of breast cancer screening programmes all likely contribute to the late presentation of women with breast cancer living in these countries. Women are diagnosed with advanced disease and frequently do not complete their care due to a number of factors, including financial reasons as health expenditure is largely out of pocket resulting in financial toxicity; health system failures, such as missing services or health worker lack of awareness on common signs and symptoms of cancer; and sociocultural barriers, such as stigma and use of alternative therapies. Clinical breast examination (CBE) is an inexpensive early detection technique for breast cancer in women with palpable breast masses. Training health workers from LMICs to conduct CBE has the potential to improve the quality of the technique and the ability of health workers to detect breast cancers early.
OBJECTIVES
To assess whether training in CBE affects the ability of health workers in LMICs to detect early breast cancer.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Breast Cancer Specialised Registry, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) search portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov up to 17 July 2021.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (including individual and cluster-RCTs), quasi-experimental studies and controlled before-and-after studies if they fulfilled the eligibility criteria.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened studies for inclusion, and extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We performed statistical analysis using Review Manager software and presented the main findings of the review in a summary of findings table.
MAIN RESULTS
We included four RCTs that screened a total population of 947,190 women for breast cancer, out of which 593 breast cancers were diagnosed. All included studies were cluster-RCTs; two were conducted in India, one in the Philippines, and one in Rwanda. Health workers trained to perform CBE in the included studies were primary health workers, nurses, midwives, and community health workers. Three of the four included studies reported on the primary outcome (breast cancer stage at the time of presentation). Amongst secondary outcomes, included studies reported CBE coverage, follow-up, accuracy of health worker-performed CBE, and breast cancer mortality. None of the included studies reported knowledge attitude practice (KAP) outcomes and cost-effectiveness. Three studies reported diagnosis of breast cancer at early stage (at stage 0+I+II), suggesting that training health workers in CBE may increase the number of women detected with breast cancer at an early stage compared to the non-training group (45% detected versus 31% detected; risk ratio (RR) 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01 to 2.06; three studies; 593 participants; I = 0%; low-certainty evidence). Three studies reported diagnosis at late stage (III+IV) suggesting that training health workers in CBE may slightly reduce the number of women detected with breast cancer at late stage compared to the non-training group (13% detected versus 42%, RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.94; three studies; 593 participants; I = 52%; low-certainty evidence). Regarding secondary outcomes, two studies reported breast cancer mortality, implying that the evidence is uncertain for the impact on breast cancer mortality (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.24 to 3.26; two studies; 355 participants; I = 68%; very low-certainty evidence). Due to the study heterogeneity, we could not conduct meta-analysis for accuracy of health worker-performed CBE, CBE coverage, and completion of follow-up, and therefore reported narratively using the 'Synthesis without meta-analysis' (SWiM) guideline. Sensitivity of health worker-performed CBE was reported to be 53.2% and 51.7%; while specificity was reported to be 100% and 94.3% respectively in two included studies (very low-certainty evidence). One trial reported CBE coverage with a mean adherence of 67.07% for the first four screening rounds (low-certainty evidence). One trial reported follow-up suggesting that compliance rates for diagnostic confirmation following a positive CBE were 68.29%, 71.20%, 78.84% and 79.98% during the respective first four rounds of screening in the intervention group compared to 90.88%, 82.96%, 79.56% and 80.39% during the respective four rounds of screening in the control group.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Our review findings suggest some benefit of training health workers from LMICs in CBE on early detection of breast cancer. However, the evidence regarding mortality, accuracy of health worker-performed CBE, and completion of follow up is uncertain and requires further evaluation.
Topics: Female; Humans; Breast Neoplasms; Developing Countries; Early Detection of Cancer; Health Facilities; Health Personnel
PubMed: 37070783
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012515.pub2 -
Journal of Infection Prevention May 2023Bronchoscopy is generally a safe and efficient procedure. However, the risk of cross-contamination with reusable flexible bronchoscopes (RFB) has been detected in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Bronchoscopy is generally a safe and efficient procedure. However, the risk of cross-contamination with reusable flexible bronchoscopes (RFB) has been detected in several outbreaks worldwide.
AIM
To estimate the average cross-contamination rate of patient-ready RFBs based on available published data.
METHODS
We performed a systematic literature review in PubMed and Embase to investigate the cross-contamination rate of RFB. Included studies identified indicator organisms or colony forming units (CFU) levels, and total number of samples >10. The Contamination threshold was defined according to the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Nurse and Associates (ESGE-ESGENA) guidelines. To calculate the total contamination rate, a random effects model was applied. Heterogeneity was analysed via a Q-test and illustrated in a forest plot. Publication bias was analysed via the Egger's regression test and illustrated in a funnel plot.
RESULTS
Eight studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The random effects model included 2169 samples and 149 events (positive tests). The total RFB cross-contamination rate was 8.69% ± 1.86 (standard division [SD]) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.06-12.33%). The result showed significant heterogeneity of 90% and publication bias.
DISCUSSION
Significant heterogeneity and publication bias is likely associated with varying methodology and aversion towards publishing negative findings, respectively. Based on the cross-contamination rate an infection control paradigm shift is needed to ensure patient safety. We recommend to follow the Spaulding classification and classify RFBs as critical items. Accordingly, infection control measures such as obligatory surveillance, and implementing single-use alternatives must be considered where feasible.
PubMed: 37065274
DOI: 10.1177/17571774231158203 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... Jan 2024Pathologists have produced a substantial body of literature on graduate medical education (GME). However, this body of literature is diverse and has not yet been...
CONTEXT.—
Pathologists have produced a substantial body of literature on graduate medical education (GME). However, this body of literature is diverse and has not yet been characterized.
OBJECTIVE.—
To chart the concepts, research methods, and publication patterns of studies on GME in pathology.
DATA SOURCES.—
This was a systematic scoping review covering all literature produced since 1980 in the PubMed and Embase databases.
CONCLUSIONS.—
Research on GME in pathology is evenly dispersed across educational topics. This body of literature would benefit from research based on theory, stronger study designs, and studies that can provide evidence to support decisions on educational policies.
Topics: Humans; Education, Medical, Graduate; Pathologists; Research Design; Internship and Residency
PubMed: 37014974
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2022-0365-RA -
Frontiers in Oncology 2023Castleman´s disease is an extremely rare heterogenous lymphoproliferative pathology with a mostly benign behavior. It is a localized or generalized lymph node...
BACKGROUND
Castleman´s disease is an extremely rare heterogenous lymphoproliferative pathology with a mostly benign behavior. It is a localized or generalized lymph node enlargement of an unknown aetiology. Unicentric form is typically a slow-growing solitary mass occurring mostly in the mediastinum, abdominal cavity, retroperitoneum, pelvis and neck. Aetiology and pathogenesis of CD is probably diverse, varying in different types of this heterogeneous disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Authors present a review of this issue based on their extensive experience. The aim is to summarize the crucial factors in the management of diagnostics and a surgical treatment of the unicentric form of Castleman´s disease. One of the key issues in the unicentric form is precise preoperative diagnostics and thus choosing the right surgical treatment strategy. Authors highlight pitfalls of the diagnosis and surgical treatment.
RESULTS
All histological types such as a hyaline vascular type, plasmacytic type and a mixed type are presented as well as options of surgical and conservative treatment. Differential diagnosis and malignant potential is discussed.
CONCLUSION
Patients with Castleman´s disease should be treated in the high- volume centers, with a great experience in major surgical procedures as well as with preoperative imaging diagnostic techniques. Specialized pathologists and oncologists focusing on this issue are also absolutely necessary to avoid misdiagnosis. Only this complex approach can lead to excellent outcomes in patients with UCD.
PubMed: 36793610
DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1057683 -
Diagnostics (Basel, Switzerland) Jan 2023The recovery of severely altered cadavers (i.e., extensively decomposed, mummified, charred or dismembered) can be a challenge for forensic pathologists due to the... (Review)
Review
The recovery of severely altered cadavers (i.e., extensively decomposed, mummified, charred or dismembered) can be a challenge for forensic pathologists due to the difficulties in identification, PMI estimation and manner and cause of death determination. In such cases, integrating routine approaches (autopsy, histology, toxicology) to more specific forensic branches can be fundamental to improving the investigative process. In this paper a systematic review using PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases has been performed. The aim was to evaluate the forensic approaches implemented in the management of severely altered bodies due to decomposition, mummification, skeletonization, charring or dismemberment (to which we refer to as "complex"), and the role of each approach in the solution of a case. Then, the literature revision results were used to propose a schematic flowchart summarizing the post mortem activities that can be performed in forensic practice, adaptable in relation to each case.
PubMed: 36673120
DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13020310 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Thyroid disorders (TD) represent a remarkable share of all the late morbidities experienced following pediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with...
Thyroid function disorders and secondary cancer following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in pediatrics: State of the art and practical recommendations for a risk-based follow-up.
Thyroid disorders (TD) represent a remarkable share of all the late morbidities experienced following pediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with long-term reported occurrence often exceeding 70%. In addition, the data collected on wide cohorts of survivors assessed longitudinally outlined a progressive increase in the cumulative incidence of TD as far as 30 years following transplantation. Accordingly, a life-long monitoring of thyroid health is warranted among patients exposed to HSCT in childhood, in order to early detect TD and undertake a prompt dedicated treatment. Although several national and international have provided recommendations for the early detection of thyroid disorders among childhood cancer survivors exposed to radiotherapy and alkylating agents, no guidelines specifically and thoroughly focused on HSCT-related TD have been published to date. As stem cell transplantation has become the standard-of-care in a growing body of non-oncological conditions, this urge has become pivotal. To highlight the challenging issues specifically involving this cohort of patients and to provide clinicians with the proposal of a practical follow-up protocol, we reviewed published literature in the light of the shared experience of a multidisciplinary team of pediatric oncologists, transplantologists, pathologists and endocrinologists involved in the long-term care of HSCT survivors. As a final result, we hereby present the proposals of a practical and customized risk-based approach to tailor thyroid health follow-up based on HSCT-related detrimental factors.
Topics: Humans; Child; Follow-Up Studies; Thyroid Diseases; Neoplasms, Second Primary; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
PubMed: 36619560
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1064146 -
Cancers Dec 2022The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown promising performance as a support tool in clinical pathology workflows. In addition to the well-known interobserver... (Review)
Review
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown promising performance as a support tool in clinical pathology workflows. In addition to the well-known interobserver variability between dermatopathologists, melanomas present a significant challenge in their histological interpretation. This study aims to analyze all previously published studies on whole-slide images of melanocytic tumors that rely on deep learning techniques for automatic image analysis. Embase, Pubmed, Web of Science, and Virtual Health Library were used to search for relevant studies for the systematic review, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Articles from 2015 to July 2022 were included, with an emphasis placed on the used artificial intelligence methods. Twenty-eight studies that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were grouped into four groups based on their clinical objectives, including pathologists versus deep learning models ( = 10), diagnostic prediction ( = 7); prognosis ( = 5), and histological features ( = 6). These were then analyzed to draw conclusions on the general parameters and conditions of AI in pathology, as well as the necessary factors for better performance in real scenarios.
PubMed: 36612037
DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010042