scholarly journals Observational Characterization of the Ecological and Environmental Features Associated with the Presence of Oropouche Virus and the Primary Vector Culicoides paraenesis: Data Synthesis and Systematic Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 143
Author(s):  
Christine E. S. Walsh ◽  
Michael A. Robert ◽  
Rebecca C. Christofferson

Oropouche virus (OROV), a member of the Orthobunyavirus genus, is an arthropod-borne virus (arbovirus) and is the etiologic agent of human and animal disease. The primary vector of OROV is presumed to be the biting midge, Culicoides paraenesis, though Culex quinquefasciatus, Cq. venezuelensis, and Aedes serratus mosquitoes are considered secondary vectors. The objective of this systematic review is to characterize locations where OROV and/or its primary vector have been detected. Synthesis of known data through review of published literature regarding OROV and vectors was carried out through two independent searches: one search targeted to OROV, and another targeted towards the primary vector. A total of 911 records were returned, but only 90 (9.9%) articles satisfied all inclusion criteria. When locations were characterized, some common features were noted more frequently than others, though no one characteristic was significantly associated with presence of OROV using a logistic classification model. In a separate correlation analysis, vector presence was significantly correlated only with the presence of restingas. The lack of significant relationships is likely due to the paucity of data regarding OROV and its eco-epidemiology and highlights the importance of continued focus on characterizing this and other neglected tropical diseases.

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Tamirat Hailegebriel ◽  
Endalkachew Nibret ◽  
Abaineh Munshea

Background. Schistosomiasis is one of the neglected tropical diseases causing a serious human health problem in Ethiopia. Praziquantel is the only drug that has been used for the treatment of human schistosomiasis in the country. In line with this, the efficacy of praziquantel has been evaluated in a few interventional studies in the country, but there is a lack in systematically gathered and analyzed information for policymakers. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide a summary of the efficacy of praziquantel for the treatment of human schistosomiasis in Ethiopia. Methods. We conducted a literature search from ScienceDirect, PubMed/Medlin, and Google Scholar databases. A total of 140 articles published in English from 1980 to June 2021 were accessed and 15 of them were eligible for this meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 14 software, “metan command.” The heterogeneities among studies were evaluated using I2 test. Results. A total of 140 articles were reviewed, but only 15 of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The polled cure rate of 40 mg/kg praziquantel was 89.2% (95% CI: 85.4–93.1) and 93.6% (95% CI: 80.6–106) among Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium, respectively. Similarly, the mean egg reduction rates of 40 mg/kg praziquantel were 90.2% and 85% among S. mansoni and S. haematobium infected subjects, respectively. The common adverse events observed after receiving praziquantel include abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, and bloody stool. Conclusion. This systematic review and meta-analysis has indicated that praziquantel is still an appropriate drug for the treatment of human schistosomiasis in Ethiopia.


2017 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 484-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Candace Christensen

The purpose of this article is to examine how photovoice research addresses gender-based violence (GBV) among individuals and communities that experience and witness GBV. Photovoice action research (PVAR) methods act as both an intervention and a research method by engaging participants in using photography to depict a topic of concern and in developing potential solutions. To date, there is not a published review of PVAR publications that focus on addressing GBV. This article is comprised of a qualitative systematic review of studies that use photovoice research methods to address GBV. This review is conducted in accordance with the Supplementary Guidance of the Cochrane handbook and results in the examination of 17 publications that meet inclusion criteria. The data synthesis engages grounded theory (GT) methods and results in the emergence of one primary category transgressing the violence and three subcategories illustrating the problem, caring for self and others, and harnessing community resources. The results of this review reveal research, practice, and policy implications for photovoice projects aimed at addressing GBV.


Author(s):  
Webster Leonardo Costa ◽  
Isa Barbosa ◽  
Débora Prado ◽  
Natália Domann ◽  
Hanstter Rezende

Toxoplasma gondii was initially classified in three main lineages related to its virulence: Types I, II and III. The recombination of genes during sexual cycle in felids gut led to more than 200 genotypes, found in ToxoDB database, using 11 RFLP markers. Free-range chickens are good bioindicators of soil contamination with T. gondii oocysts. In this sense, there are systematic reviews regarding data of genetic characterization of this parasite in felines and ruminants, but not in chickens heretofore, what makes this work necessary. A systematic review in the literature was performed with papers published prior to September 21st, 2020. The main inclusion criteria was the presence of T. gondii genotypes, isolated strictly from free-range chickens, in experimental works. Initially, a total of 1,343 studies related to the terms were identified on databases and 30 studies were selected to be systematically reviewed. A total of 561 isolates of T. gondii from 6,356 free-range chickens were analyzed for genotyping, revealing 190 genotypes. ToxoDB #59 and #2 were the most frequent in America, #1 was the most frequent in Africa and 3 atypical isolates from genotype ToxoDB #9 were found in Asia. There is not data from Europe and Oceania. The majority of studies were Brazilian (16/30). A total of 68 RFLP genotypes were recognized among the 561 isolates’ DNAs analyzed from the 30 studies. Some studies show new genotypes never described before, which reinforces the idea that some years from now, even more new genotypes will be isolated, due to progressive genetic recombination. The large amount of undefined genotypes makes it necessary to perform Nested PCR technique when genotyping. Moreover, the lack of data in Continents such as Europe, Asia and Oceania makes it necessary to perform new isolating and genotyping studies in these places.


Author(s):  
Charles D. Humphrey ◽  
E. H. Cook ◽  
Karen A. McCaustland ◽  
Daniel W. Bradley

Enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis (ET-NANBH) is a type of hepatitis which is increasingly becoming a significant world health concern. As with hepatitis A virus (HAV), spread is by the fecal-oral mode of transmission. Until recently, the etiologic agent had not been isolated and identified. We have succeeded in the isolation and preliminary characterization of this virus and demonstrating that this agent can cause hepatic disease and seroconversion in experimental primates. Our characterization of this virus was facilitated by immune (IEM) and solid phase immune electron microscopic (SPIEM) methodologies.Many immune electron microscopy methodologies have been used for morphological identification and characterization of viruses. We have previously reported a highly effective solid phase immune electron microscopy procedure which facilitated identification of hepatitis A virus (HAV) in crude cell culture extracts. More recently we have reported utilization of the method for identification of an etiologic agent responsible for (ET-NANBH).


2020 ◽  
Vol 01 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carla Pires ◽  
Ana Fernandes

Background: Natural products are commonly used for treating health problems. These products may be associated with adverse events, which are defined as "noxious and unintended response to a medicinal product" by the European Medicine Agency. Objectives: To identify studies describing at least one adverse event (or with potential to promote an adverse event) related to the use of natural products, as well as to describe the involved product(s) and adverse event(s). Methods: A pre-systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Keywords: "natural product(s)" and ["adverse drug reaction(s)" or "adverse effect(s)"]. Screened databases: PubMed, SciELO, DOAJ and Google Scholar. Inclusion criteria: papers describing at least one adverse event associated with the use of natural products and published between 2017 and 2019. Exclusion criteria: Repeated studies, reviews and papers written in other languages than English, Portuguese, French or Spanish. Results: 104 studies were identified (20 PubMed; 0 SciELO; 2 DOAJ; 82 Google Scholar), but only 10 were selected (4 PubMed and 6 Google Scholar): 1 in-vitro study; 2 non-clinical studies, 1 study reporting in-vitro and clinical data and 5 studies were cases reports. Globally, 997 reports of adverse drug reactions with natural products were identified, mainly non-severe cases. Conclusion: Since a limited number of studies was found, we conclude that adverse events due to natural products may be underreported, or natural products may have a good safety profile. This review contributes for assuring the safety of natural products consumers, by evaluating the knowledge/information on the potential adverse events and interactions of these products.


2021 ◽  
pp. 030157422110195
Author(s):  
Ashish Agrawal ◽  
TM Chou

Introduction: The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effect of vibrational force on biomarkers for orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: An electronic search was conducted for relevant studies (up to December 31, 2020) on the following databases: Pubmed, Google scholar, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wiley Library, and ProQuest Dissertation Abstracts and Thesis database. Hand searching of selected orthodontic journals was also undertaken. The selected studies were assessed for the risk of bias in Cochrane collaboration risk of bias tool. The “traffic plot” and “weighted plot” risk of bias distribution are designed in the RoB 2 tool. The 2 authors extracted the data and analyzed it. Results: Six studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The risks of biases were high for 4, low and some concern for other 2 studies. The biomarkers, medium, device, frequency and duration of device, as well as other data were extracted. The outcomes of the studies were found to be heterogenous. Conclusion: One study showed highly statistically significant levels of IL-1 beta with <.001. Rate of tooth movement was correlated with levels of released biomarkers under the influence of vibrational force in 3 studies, but it was found to be significant only in 1 study. It was further observed that vibration does not have any significant reduction in pain and discomfort.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (13) ◽  
pp. 2873
Author(s):  
Cornelia Melinda Adi Santoso ◽  
Fera Ketti ◽  
Taufan Bramantoro ◽  
Judit Zsuga ◽  
Attila Nagy

Emerging evidence has linked poor oral hygiene to metabolic syndrome (MetS), but previously, no summary of evidence has been conducted on the topic. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the associations of oral hygiene status and care with MetS. A systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases from inception to March 17, 2021, and examination of reference lists was conducted to identify eligible observational studies. A random-effects model was applied to pool the effects of oral hygiene status and care on MetS. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria and had sufficient methodological quality. Good oral hygiene status (OR = 0.30 (0.13–0.66); I2 = 91%), frequent tooth brushing (OR = 0.68 (0.58–0.80); I2 = 89%), and frequent interdental cleaning (OR = 0.89 (0.81–0.99); I2 = 27%) were associated with a lower risk of MetS. Only one study examined the association between dental visits and MetS (OR = 1.10 (0.77–1.55)). Our findings suggested that there might be inverse associations of oral hygiene status, tooth-brushing frequency, and interdental cleaning with MetS. However, substantial heterogeneity for tooth-brushing frequency and inconsistent results for oral hygiene status in subgroup analyses were observed. There was insufficient evidence for the association between dental visits and MetS. Further longitudinal studies are needed to investigate these associations.


2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Josefa Domingos ◽  
Tamine Capato ◽  
Catarina Godinho

Exercise is widely recommended for people with Parkinson (PD). Boxing is a popular mode of training. However, including individuals with less favorable profiles may have a negative impact on participation. We performed a systematic review to study the patient characteristics that were included in boxing exercise programs research and reflect on the possible inclusion criteria that professionals can use for boxing exercise programs. Indications for the best profiles were limited due to the small number of studies. Boxing programs should include people with the diagnosis of PD in earlier stages, independently ambulatory, and without current severe musculoskeletal or cardiovascular conditions.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 868
Author(s):  
Jorge Lorenzo Calvo ◽  
Xueyin Fei ◽  
Raúl Domínguez ◽  
Helios Pareja-Galeano

Cognitive functions are essential in any form of exercise. Recently, interest has mounted in addressing the relationship between caffeine intake and cognitive performance during sports practice. This review examines this relationship through a structured search of the databases Medline/PubMed and Web of Science for relevant articles published in English from August 1999 to March 2020. The study followed PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were defined according to the PICOS model. The identified records reported on randomized cross-over studies in which caffeine intake (as drinks, capsules, energy bars, or gum) was compared to an identical placebo situation. There were no filters on participants’ training level, gender, or age. For the systematic review, 13 studies examining the impacts of caffeine on objective measures of cognitive performance or self-reported cognitive performance were selected. Five of these studies were also subjected to meta-analysis. After pooling data in the meta-analysis, the significant impacts of caffeine only emerged on attention, accuracy, and speed. The results of the 13 studies, nevertheless, suggest that the intake of a low/moderate dose of caffeine before and/or during exercise can improve self-reported energy, mood, and cognitive functions, such as attention; it may also improve simple reaction time, choice reaction time, memory, or fatigue, however, this may depend on the research protocols.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica B. Farley ◽  
Lily M. Barrett ◽  
Justin W. L. Keogh ◽  
Carl T. Woods ◽  
Nikki Milne

Abstract Background Understanding the relationships between physical fitness characteristics and sports injury may assist with the development of injury minimisation programs. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the association between physical fitness attributes and sports injury in female, team ball sport players. Methods Four scientific databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, SPORTDiscus, Scopus) and reference lists of relevant research were searched for eligible studies up to September 2, 2019. Full-text articles examining the relationship between physical fitness and sports injury in female, team ball sport players were included. A modified Downs and Black checklist was used to assess methodological quality. Data synthesis determined summary conclusions based on the number of significant relationships divided by the total relationships investigated and reported as a percentage. Level of certainty was identified for summary conclusions based on level of evidence. Sub-analyses regarding competition level, age, and single injury types were also conducted. Results A total of 44 studies were included. Data synthesis revealed no associations (low to moderate certainty) between body composition (1/9; 11%), flexibility (18–20%), and balance (2/8; 25%) and ‘any injury’ classification. No associations (mostly of moderate certainty) were found between flexibility (0–27%), muscular strength (0–27%), and body composition (14–33%) and various body region injury classifications, whereas mixed summary conclusions were shown for balance (0-48%). Many associations between physical fitness and sports injury were deemed ‘unknown’ or with an insufficient level of certainty. Sub-analyses revealed no association between strength and noncontact ACL injuries (0/5; 0%) or ankle sprains (0/12; 0%), and between flexibility and ankle sprains (1/5; 20%); however, insufficient certainty of these results exists. Clear associations were concluded between balance and lower body injuries in female, non-elite (10/16; 63%) and junior (9/12; 75%) team ball sport players, with moderate and insufficient certainty of these results, respectively. Conclusion Limited evidence is available to demonstrate relationships between physical fitness and sports injury in female, team ball sport players. High-quality evidence investigating the multifactorial nature of sports injury, including the interactions physical fitness qualities have with other injury determinants, is needed to better understand the role of physical fitness in minimising sports injuries in female, team ball sport players. Trial Registration CRD42017077374 (PROSPERO on September 14, 2017).


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