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Andrologia Oct 2020We performed this systematic review to evaluate the possibility of an impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility. SARS-CoV-2 enters the cells with the help of...
We performed this systematic review to evaluate the possibility of an impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on male fertility. SARS-CoV-2 enters the cells with the help of ACE2; therefore, testicular expression of ACE2 was analysed from transcriptome sequencing studies and our unpublished data. Literature suggested that SARS-CoV-1 (2002-2004 SARS) had a significant adverse impact on testicular architecture, suggesting a high possibility of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 as well. Out of two studies on semen samples from COVID-19 affected patients, one reported the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the semen samples while the other denied it, raising conflict about its presence in the semen samples and the possibility of sexual transmission. Our transcriptome sequencing studies on rat testicular germ cells showed ACE expression in rat testicular germ cells. We also found ACE2 expression in transcriptome sequencing data for human spermatozoa, corroborating its presence in the testicular germ cells. Transcriptome sequencing data from literature search revealed ACE2 expression in the germ, Sertoli and Leydig cells. The presence of ACE2 on almost all testicular cells and the report of a significant impact of previous SARS coronavirus on testes suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is highly likely to affect testicular tissue, semen parameters and male fertility.
Topics: Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; Animals; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; Coronavirus Infections; Gene Expression Profiling; Humans; Infertility, Male; Male; Models, Animal; Pandemics; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Pneumonia, Viral; Rats; SARS-CoV-2; Semen; Spermatozoa; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus; Testis
PubMed: 32578263
DOI: 10.1111/and.13712 -
Nutricion Hospitalaria Nov 2014Hydrolysable tannins (HT) have been of scientific interest because of their nutraceutical potential. Both gallotannins (GT) and ellagitannins (ET) show different... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Hydrolysable tannins (HT) have been of scientific interest because of their nutraceutical potential. Both gallotannins (GT) and ellagitannins (ET) show different biochemical properties that result in various health benefits (eg anti-diabetic, anti-mutagenic, anti-microbial) for consumers, all associated with their antioxidant capacity (AOXc).
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the most relevant aspects (biochemical, nutritional/analytical and health effects) of HT reported in the scientific literature.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in several databases (PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect) and free-access repositories (Google Scholar) on HT, GT and ET. This information was further sub-classified into biochemical, nutritional and analytical aspects (narrative review) and health effects (systematic review).
RESULTS
The high molecular complexity and amount of hydroxyl groups (-OH) in both ET and GT, are responsible not only for a plethora of methods for extraction and purification but also for the several pro-and anti-physiological effects of them such as enzyme inhibitions, protein excretion stimulation, AOXc and anti-proliferative effects.
CONCLUSIONS
The association of ET/GT with several macromolecules present in foodstuffs and the digestive tract, counteract the AOXc of these compounds but conversely allow the differential distribution of GT and ET to different target organs in such way that their health effects seems to be different.
Topics: Animals; Anticarcinogenic Agents; Antioxidants; Humans; Hydrolyzable Tannins
PubMed: 25561098
DOI: 10.3305/nh.2015.31.1.7699 -
European Review For Medical and... May 2021This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between the prealbumin and severity and mortality in COVID-19. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between the prealbumin and severity and mortality in COVID-19.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a systematic literature search from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases up until 2 February 2021. The primary outcome was the poor outcome, a composite of mortality and severity. Severe COVID-19 was defined as COVID-19 that fulfill the criteria for severe pneumonia or patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome/disease progression/need for intensive care unit or mechanical ventilation. The effect estimates were a mean difference between patients with and without a poor outcome in mg/dL and odds ratio (OR) per 1 mg/dL decrease in prealbumin level. The effect estimates were reported with their 95% confidence interval (95% CI).
RESULTS
Nine studies comprising of 2104 patients were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Patients with poor outcome have lower prealbumin level (mean difference -71.48 mg/dL [95% CI -93.74, -49.22], p<0.001; I2: 85.9%). Every 1 mg/dL decrease in prealbumin level was associated with 1% increase in poor outcome (OR 0.992 [0.987, 0.997], p=0.004, I2: 81.7%). Meta-regression analysis showed that the association between the prealbumin level and poor outcome varies with gender (male) (coefficient: 3.50, R2: 100%, p<0.001), but not age, diabetes, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.
CONCLUSIONS
Low serum prealbumin was associated with poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Odds Ratio; Prealbumin; SARS-CoV-2; Severity of Illness Index; Sex Factors
PubMed: 34109596
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202105_25955 -
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal Jul 2016Studies have explored the risk for and impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection requiring hospitalization among healthy preterm infants born at 29-35 weeks... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Studies have explored the risk for and impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection requiring hospitalization among healthy preterm infants born at 29-35 weeks of gestational age not given RSV immunoprophylaxis. We performed a systematic review and qualitative synthesis of these studies.
METHODS
Two experienced reviewers used prespecified inclusion/exclusion criteria to screen titles/abstracts and full-text studies using MEDLINE, Embase, BIOSIS and Cochrane Library (January 1, 1985, to November 6, 2014). We abstracted data on risk factors for RSV hospitalization, incidence and short- and long-term outcomes of RSV hospitalization. Using standard procedures, we assessed study risk of bias and graded strength of evidence (SOE).
RESULTS
We identified 4754 records and reviewed 27. Important risk factors for RSV hospitalization included young age during the RSV season, having school-age siblings and day-care attendance, with odds ratios >2.5 in at least one study (high SOE). Incidence rates for RSV hospitalizations ranged from 2.3% to 10% (low SOE). Length of hospital stays ranged from 3.8 to 6.1 days (low SOE). Recurrent wheezing rates ranged from 20.7% to 42.8% 1 to 2 years after RSV hospitalization (low SOE).
CONCLUSIONS
Young chronological age and some environmental risk factors are important clinical indicators of an increased risk of RSV hospitalization in healthy preterm infants 32 to 35 weeks of gestational age. SOE was low for estimates of incidence of RSV hospitalizations, in-hospital resource use and recurrent wheezing in this population. Studies were inconsistent in study characteristics, including weeks of gestational age, age during RSV season and control for confounding factors.
Topics: Gestational Age; Hospitalization; Humans; Incidence; Infant, Premature; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Palivizumab; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Risk Factors; Seasons; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 27093166
DOI: 10.1097/INF.0000000000001163 -
Journal of Dairy Science Feb 2016Bovine paratuberculosis is a disease characterized by chronic granulomatous enteritis causing protein-losing enteropathy. Adverse effects on animal productivity are key... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Bovine paratuberculosis is a disease characterized by chronic granulomatous enteritis causing protein-losing enteropathy. Adverse effects on animal productivity are key drivers in the attempt to control paratuberculosis at the farm level. Economic models require an accurate estimation of the production effects associated with paratuberculosis. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of paratuberculosis on milk production. A total of 20 effect estimates from 15 studies were included in the final meta-analysis. Substantial between-study heterogeneity was observed. Subgroup analysis by case definition and study design was carried out to investigate heterogeneity. The majority of between-study variation was attributed to studies that defined cases on serology. Calculation of a pooled effect estimate was only appropriate for studies that defined cases by organism detection. A reduction in milk yield, corrected for lactation number and herd of origin of 1.87 kg/d, equivalent to 5.9% of yield, was associated with fecal culture or PCR positivity in individual cows.
Topics: Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Feces; Female; Lactation; Milk; Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis; Paratuberculosis
PubMed: 26686704
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-10156 -
Viruses Feb 2021For over 100 years after the description of the first case of African swine fever (ASF) in Kenya, ASF virus (ASFV) cross-border spread in eastern and southern Africa has... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
For over 100 years after the description of the first case of African swine fever (ASF) in Kenya, ASF virus (ASFV) cross-border spread in eastern and southern Africa has not been fully investigated. In this manuscript, we reviewed systematically the available literature on molecular epidemiology of ASF in Tanzania and its eight neighboring countries in order to establish the transmission dynamics of ASFV between these countries. Data were retrieved from World Animal Health Information System (WAHIS), Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and CrossRef databases, using the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and reviewed to document ASF outbreaks and ASFV genotypes distribution. Using phylogeographic approach applied to ASFV p72 sequence dataset, the evolutionary history and the dispersal pattern of the ASFV strains were assessed. From 2005 to 2019, a total of 1588 ASF outbreaks affecting 341,742 cases that led to 302,739 domestic pig deaths were reported. The case fatality rates (CFR) varied from 15.41% to 98.95% with an overall CFR of 88.58%. Fifteen different p72 ASFV genotypes were reported and the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for ASFV strains dated back to 1652.233 (1626.473, 1667.735) with an evolutionary rate of 4.805 × 10 (2.5857 × 10, 9.7789 × 10). Phylogeographic dispersal analysis revealed several transboundary spread events of ASFV strains between these countries. These results suggest persistent circulation of ASFV in these countries and advocate for more research to improve our understanding of the transmission dynamics of the virus and for a regional approach to mitigate the spread of ASFV.
Topics: African Swine Fever; African Swine Fever Virus; Animals; Capsid Proteins; Disease Outbreaks; Female; Genotype; Kenya; Male; Molecular Epidemiology; Phylogeny; Sus scrofa; Swine; Tanzania
PubMed: 33672090
DOI: 10.3390/v13020306 -
BMC Infectious Diseases Jun 2021Increasing incidences of syphilis highlight the preoccupation with the occurrence of neurosyphilis. This study aimed to understand the current diagnostic tools and their...
PURPOSE
Increasing incidences of syphilis highlight the preoccupation with the occurrence of neurosyphilis. This study aimed to understand the current diagnostic tools and their performance to detect neurosyphilis, including new technologies and the variety of existing methods.
METHODS
We searched databases to select articles that reported neurosyphilis diagnostic methods and assessed their accuracy, presenting sensitivity and specificity values. Information was synthesized in tables. The risk of bias was examined using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Diagnostic Test Accuracy recommendations.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies were included. The main finding was a remarkable diversity of tests, which had varied purposes, techniques, and evaluation methodologies. There was no uniform criterion or gold standard to define neurosyphilis. The current basis for its diagnosis is clinical suspicion and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. There are new promising tests such as PCR tests and chemokine measurement assays.
CONCLUSIONS
The diagnosis of neurosyphilis is still a challenge, despite the variety of existing and developing tests. We believe that the multiplicity of reference standards adopted as criteria for diagnosis reveals the imprecision of the current definitions of neurosyphilis. An important next step for the scientific community is to create a universally accepted diagnostic definition for this disease.
Topics: Chemokines; Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures; Humans; Neurosyphilis; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Reference Standards; Sensitivity and Specificity; Treponema pallidum
PubMed: 34126948
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-06264-8 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Dec 2016Dengue virus (DENV) infection is widespread and its disease burden has increased in past decades. However, little is known about the epidemiology of dengue in the Middle... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Dengue virus (DENV) infection is widespread and its disease burden has increased in past decades. However, little is known about the epidemiology of dengue in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
METHODOLOGY / PRINCIPAL FINDINGS
Following Cochrane Collaboration guidelines and reporting our findings following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically reviewed available records across MENA describing dengue occurrence in humans (prevalence studies, incidence studies, and outbreak reports), occurrence of suitable vectors (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus), and DENV vector infection rates. We identified 105 human prevalence measures in 13 of 24 MENA countries; 81 outbreaks reported from 9 countries from 1941-2015; and reports of Ae. aegypti and/or Ae. albopictus occurrence in 15 countries. The majority of seroprevalence studies were reported from the Red Sea region and Pakistan, with multiple studies indicating >20% DENV seroprevalence in general populations (median 25%, range 0-62%) in these subregions. Fifty percent of these studies were conducted prior to 1990. Multiple studies utilized assays susceptible to serologic cross-reactions and 5% of seroprevalence studies utilized viral neutralization testing. There was considerable heterogeneity in study design and outbreak reporting, as well as variability in subregional study coverage, study populations, and laboratory methods used for diagnosis.
CONCLUSIONS / SIGNIFICANCE
DENV seroprevalence in the MENA is high among some populations in the Red Sea region and Pakistan, while recent outbreaks in these subregions suggest increasing incidence of DENV which may be driven by a variety of ecologic and social factors. However, there is insufficient study coverage to draw conclusions about Aedes or DENV presence in multiple MENA countries. These findings illustrate the epidemiology of DENV in the MENA while revealing priorities for DENV surveillance and Aedes control.
Topics: Aedes; Africa, Northern; Animals; Antibodies, Viral; Dengue; Dengue Virus; Humans; Insect Vectors; Seroepidemiologic Studies
PubMed: 27926925
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005194 -
Medicine Mar 2019The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is rising around the world, thus further increasing the burden on healthcare services. Approximately 20% of AP will develop... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is rising around the world, thus further increasing the burden on healthcare services. Approximately 20% of AP will develop severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with persistent organ failure (>48 h), which is the leading cause of high mortality. To date, there is no specific drug in treating SAP, and the main treatment is still based on supportive care. However, some clinical control studies regarding the superiority of continuous blood purification (CBP) has been published recently. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of CBP in SAP treatment.
METHODS
Four databases (Medline, SinoMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) were searched for eligible studies from 1980 to 2018 containing a total of 4 randomized controlled trials and 8 prospective studies.
RESULTS
After the analysis of data amenable to polling, significant advantages were found in favor of the CBP approach in terms of Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score (WMD = -3.00,95%CI = -4.65 to -1.35), serum amylase (WMD = -237.14, 95% CI = -292.77 to 181.31), serum creatinine (WMD = -80.54,95%CI = 160.17 to -0.92), length of stay in the ICU (WMD = -7.15,95%CI = -9.88 to -4.43), and mortality (OR = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.38-0.94). No marked differences were found in terms of C-reactive protein (CRP), alamine aminotransferase (ALT) and length of hospital stay (LOS).
CONCLUSION
Compared with conventional treatment, CBP remedy evidently improved clinical outcomes, including reduced incidence organ failure, decreased serum amylase, APACHE II score, length of stay in the ICU and lower mortality rate, leading us to conclude that it is a safer treatment option for SAP. Furthermore, relevant multicenter RCTs are required to prove these findings.
Topics: APACHE; Acute Disease; Hemofiltration; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Length of Stay; Multiple Organ Failure; Pancreatitis; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 30896634
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000014873 -
PloS One 2016Hepatitis E virus is one of new threats to blood safety which was usually considered to be transmitted via fecal-oral route. China is one of the hyperendemic regions... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
Hepatitis E virus is one of new threats to blood safety which was usually considered to be transmitted via fecal-oral route. China is one of the hyperendemic regions where frequent outbreaks of hepatitis E are noted. However, the overall prevalence of HEV infection among mainland Chinese blood donors is not clear until now.
METHOD
The peer-reviewed literatures reporting the prevalence of HEV in Chinese blood donors were identified by systematic searching of five electronic databases. The systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement issued in 2009. Data manipulation and statistical analyses were performed by Stata 12.0.
RESULTS
Fourteen eligible articles involving 22 independent studies were included. Pooled prevalence of HEV infection biomarkers (anti-HEV IgG, anti-HEV IgM, RNA and antigen) among mainland Chinese blood donors were 29.2%, 1.1%, 0.1% and 0.1%, respectively which were higher than the data reported in other countries. The analysis of HEV genotypes indicated that the most prevalent strains in Chinese blood donors were genotype 1 and 4.
CONCLUSIONS
Mainland China is indicated with a relatively higher risk of transmission of hepatitis E through transfusion and the screening of blood donors for HEV RNA, especially in HEV-endemic areas, might reduce the potential risk of HEV infection via transfusion.
Topics: Biomarkers; Blood Donors; Blood Safety; China; Hepatitis Antibodies; Hepatitis E; Hepatitis E virus; Humans
PubMed: 27597991
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0161089