Recent Submissions

  • A comparative analysis of heme vs non-heme iron administration: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

    Gallo Ruelas, Mariano; Alvarado-Gamarra, Giancarlo; Aramburu, Adolfo; Dolores-Maldonado, Gandy; Cueva, Karen; Rojas-Limache, Gabriela; Diaz-Parra, Carmen del Pilar; Lanata, Claudio F. (Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2025-02-01)
    Background and purpose: Bioavailability studies and observational evidence suggest that heme iron (HI) may have greater impact on iron status indicators compared with non-heme iron (NHI). This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to review the current evidence on the effect of the administration of HI compared with NHI for improving iron status in non-hospitalized population groups. Methods: We searched Pubmed, CENTRAL, Scopus, Web of Science, and LILACS from inception to July 2024. There was no language restriction or exclusion based on age or iron status. Only randomized controlled trials comparing HI with NHI were considered. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to compare the effect of treatments for iron status indicators and total side effects (including gastrointestinal side effects). We measured the certainty of the evidence (CoE) using GRADE assessment. Results: After screening 3097 articles, 13 studies were included. Most of the interventions used HI in low doses combined with NHI. The meta-analysis showed higher hemoglobin increases in children with anemia or low iron stores receiving HI (MD 1.06 g/dL; 95% CI: 0.34; 1.78; CoE: very low). No statistically significant difference between interventions were found for any iron status indicator in the other population subgroups (CoE: very low). Participants receiving HI had a 38% relative risk reduction of total side effects compared to NHI (RR 0.62; 95% CI 0.40; 0.96; CoE: very low). Conclusion: The current evidence comparing HI with NHI is very limited, preliminary findings suggest that interventions using HI may result in fewer side effects and may be superior in children with iron deficiency or anemia. However, given the very low certainty of the evidence, these results need further investigation through high-quality clinical trials. Protocol registration: CRD42023483157.
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  • Adaptation, validation, and factorial invariance of a scale to assess the quality of virtual courses developed for Peruvian health sciences students during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Intimayta-Escalante, Claudio; Plasencia-Dueñas, Rubí; Nuñez-Lupaca, Janeth N.; Flores-Lovon, Kevin; Ramirez-Bernuy, Nancy; Pares-Ballasco, Giancarlo; Barrientos-Odias, Natalia; Castillo-Blanco, Ronald (Elsevier Espana S.L.U, 2025-05-01)
    Objective: To adapt, validate and evaluate the factorial invariance of a scale that assess the quality of virtual courses (QVC) among health sciences students (HSS). Methods: Cross-sectional study developed with virtual surveys to HSS to assess the QVC of the 2020 academic year, as well as sociodemographic and educational characteristics. Content-based validity was estimated with VAiken. Validity based on internal structure was assessed with the Goodness of Fit Indices (GFI) in the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), considering adequate the comparative fit index (CFI) and the Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) greater than 0.90, as well as values of the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) less than 0.08. Factor invariance was considered adequate when the ΔCFI ≤ 0.010 and the ΔRMSEA ≤ 0.015 between models at different levels. Reliability was assessed with the alpha and omega index. Results: Of the 629 HSS included, 62.96% were women, 49.76% studied human medicine and 316 other health areas. The VAiken was 0.86 on the instrument. The CFA showed adequate GFI (CFI = 0.956, TLI = 0.950, RMSEA = 0.073 and SRMR = 0.044). The ΔCFI (≤ 0.002) and ΔRMSEA (≤ 0.004) between models were estimated for the characteristics evaluated (sex, place of residence, study career, stage of training and type of university management). Reliability indices were greater than 0.85 in the domains. Conclusion: The 30-item scale and six domains to assess QVC developed for HSS in Peru showed adequate evidence of validity and reliability. In addition, it showed adequate factorial invariance in different sociodemographic and educational contexts of HSS.
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  • Longitudinal transitions of the double burden of overweight and stunting from childhood to early adulthood in India, Peru, and Vietnam

    Escher, Nora A.; Carrillo-Larco, Rodrigo M.; Parnham, Jennie C.; Curi-Quinto, Katherine; Ghosh-Jerath, Suparna; Millett, Christopher; Seferidi, Paraskevi (Oxford University Press, 2024-12-01)
    Background: Examining trajectories of undernutrition and overnutrition separately limits understanding of the double burden of malnutrition. We investigated transitions between normal, stunting, overweight and concurrent stunting and overweight (CSO) and associations with sociodemographic factors in children and adolescents. Methods: We used data from the Young Lives cohort in India, Peru and Vietnam, which follow children 1-15 (N = 5413) and 8-22 years (N = 2225) over five rounds between 2002 and 2016. We estimated transitions between nutritional states using a Markov chain model and estimated sociodemographic associations employing a logit parametrization. Results: Transitions into stunting peaked in ages 1-5 years (India: 22.9%, Peru: 17.6%, Vietnam: 14.8%), while stunting reversal was highest during adolescence across all countries. Transitions into overweight peaked in ages 19-22, while overweight reversal increased in ages 1-5 and 12-15 years. Transitions away from stunting to overweight were rare; more commonly, stunted individuals developed overweight while remaining stunted, leading to a CSO state. In Peru, 20.2% of 19-year-olds who were stunted reached CSO by age 22, with 4% shifting from stunted to overweight. Reversion to a normal state is least likely for those in a CSO state. Household wealth gradually reduced the likelihood of transitioning into stunting [odds ratios (ORs) for wealthiest quartile in Peru: 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20-0.41; India: 0.43, 95% CI 0.32-0.57; Vietnam: 0.36, 95% CI 0.26-0.50), with stunting reversal only being more likely in the two wealthiest quartiles across all countries (ORs for wealthiest quartile in Peru: 2.39, 95% CI 1.57-3.65; India: 1.28, 95% CI 1.05-1.54; Vietnam: 1.89, 95% CI 1.23-2.91). In Vietnam, only the richest quartile was at higher risk of transitioning into overweight (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.28-2.72), while in Peru and India, the risk gradually rose across all wealth quartiles (ORs for wealthiest quartile in Peru: 2.84, 95% CI 2.14-3.77; India: 2.99, 95% CI 1.61-5.54). Conclusions: Childhood and adolescence represent critical periods for prevention and reversal of stunting and overweight, thereby averting the development of CSO later in life. Context-specific interventions are crucial for preventing disparate transitions towards the double burden of malnutrition across socioeconomic groups.
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  • Quantitative MODS-Wayne assay for rapid detection of pyrazinamide resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis from sputum samples

    Toscano-Guerra, Emily; Alcántara, Roberto; Untiveros, Katherine Lozano; Gilman, Robert; Grandjean, Louis; Zimic, Mirko; Sheen, Patricia (American Society for Microbiology, 2024-12-01)
    Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significantglobal health challenge, exacerbated by the emergence of drug-resistant strains, such as those resistant to pyrazinamide (PZA). The current scarcity of affordableand precise quantitative diagnostic tests for PZA resistance underscores the urgent need for more accessible diagnostic tools. We evaluated PZA susceptibility in 264 TB-positive samples by quantifying pyrazinoic acid (POA) production, using both the MODS-Wayne qualitative assay and our newly developed quantitative approach (MODS-WQ). The MODS-WQ was assessed in 7H9 medium (MODS-WQ7H9) or citrate buffer(MODS-WQCB), with POA levels measured via spectrophotometry against a calibration curve. PZA susceptibility determinations were based on a composite reference standard. Associations between POA levels and pyrazinamidase mutations were explored. The composite standard detected PZA resistance in 23.5% of the samples, which accounts for 62.8% of the multidrug-resistant (MDR) samples. The MODS-WQ established specificPOA cutoffsof 123.25 μM for MODS-WQ7H9 and 664.7 μM for MODS-WQCB, with sensitivities of 81.3% and 92.3% and specificitiesof 77.2% and 95.9%, respectively. Notably, samples with mutations in the pyrazinamidase metal-binding site exhibited significantlylower POA levels compared with mutations in the enzyme periphery. Furthermore, a significantcorrelation was found between POA production and PZA resistance, Bactec Growth Index, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values. This study presents a novel, direct, and accessible susceptibility test for PZA resistance that quantifiesPOA, enhancing the detection capabilities for this condition. The citrate-bufferedMODS-WQ assay demonstrated high sensitivity and specificityfor quantifying POA, confirmingthat POA production is a reliable indicator of PZA resistance.
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  • An in vitro protocol to assay mRNA translation inhibitors using the fluorescent assembly of the split-GFP

    Quiroz-Huanca, Ana; Sanchez-Castro, Ana; Soriano-Castillo, Pablo; Poletti, Chiara; Nloh Tientcheu, Therese Manuela; Fabbretti, Attilio; Giuliodori, Anna Maria; Milon, Pohl (Cell Pres, 2024-12-20)
    Here, we present an in vitro protocol to assay mRNA translation inhibitors using the fluorescent assembly of split-GFP for translation test (FAST), based on the small fragment GFP11 binding to GFP1-10fast. We detail the expression and purification of the GFP1-10fast protein, DNA template amplification, in vitro GFP11-tagged CspA synthesis, FAST detection of the GFP11-tagged protein, and optional recovery of the fluorescent complex. In vitro synthesis of GFP11 maximizes the molar yield of synthesized proteins, providing enhanced sensitivity to test translation inhibitors. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Pham et al.
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  • Perception of the virtual learning environment and social presence in Physiotherapy students during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Ochoa, A.; Oré, F.; Sánchez, C.
    Introduction: the aim of this study was to determine the association between the perception of the virtual learning environment and the social presence in Physiotherapy students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and method: the design was observational, cross-sectional and analytical. The perception of the virtual learning environment and social presence were measured through the Spanish version of the Distance Learning Education Environments Survey and Networked Minds Social Presence Measure questionnaires, respectively. The survey was sent to 223 students, but only 65 entered the research. Results: it was found that 76.9 % had regular internet quality, 84.6 % used a laptop as the main technological device for the study and 72.3 % indicated that the use of the device was exclusive. Regarding the virtual learning environment, the constructs «Active learning»(4.1 ± 0.6) and «Autonomy» (4.1 ± 0.6) obtained high scores; while, for social presence, the constructs «Co-presence» (5.4 ± 1.0) and «Perceived understanding of the message» (5.0 ± 0.9). In addition, it was found that «Teacher support» (r = 0.41, p < 0.001) and «Personal relevance» (r = 0.37, p = 0.002) were associated with social presence. Conclusion: an association was found between the perception of teacher support and personal relevance in the virtual learning environment and social presence in Physiotherapy students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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  • Characteristics of COVID-19 mortality during and after the pandemic in Peru

    Arrasco, Juan; Medina, José; Ordoñez, Luis; Vargas Linares, Elena; Ramos, Willy (Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Facultad de Medicina, 2024-01-01)
    Introduction. The COVID-19 emergency caused a pandemic with a great impact on mortality in Peru. Objective. To analyze the magnitude of mortality due to COVID-19 and identify some sociodemographic characteristics. Methods. A descriptive ecological study was carried out, analyzing data on deaths due to COVID-19 during the period 2020-2023, as well as publicly accessible socioeconomic and demographic indicators. The variables included in the study were: year of death, number of deaths, sex, age group, province of origin, natural region, macroregion, human development index (HDI), unmet basic needs (UBN) and population density. Results. 220,628 deaths due to COVID-19 were reported, of which 219,374 (99.43%) occurred during the pandemic and 1,254 (0.57%) in the post-pandemic period; The cumulative mortality rate was 6.76 deaths/1000 inhabitants. The COVID-19 death curve shows that between 2020-2023, five waves occurred, with the second wave having the highest mortality, followed by the first wave. Mortality predominated in men, older adults (69.77%) and adults (28.11%). The macroregion of Metropolitan Lima and Callao had the highest mortality rates with 9.36 deaths/1000 inhabitants. The provinces with the highest cumulative mortality rates were those located on the coast, in quintiles with less NBI, in quintiles with a higher HDI and in those provinces with a higher population density. Conclusions. The COVID-19 pandemic caused high mortality in Peru, being higher in males, older adults, from coastal cities, with higher population density and better socioeconomic indicators.
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  • Core needle biopsy of breast tumours: comparison of diagnostic performance between surgery and radiology services at a national cancer centre in Latin America

    Ziegler-Rodriguez, Gonzalo Javier; Portella, Miguel Ángel Pinillos; De la Cruz Ku, Gabriel; Santillan, Sheila Eunice Vílchez; Yataco, Jorge Dunstan; Zegarra, José Antonio Galarreta; Valencia, Gabriela Calderón; Concha, José Manuel Cotrina (ecancer Global Foundation, 2024-01-01)
    Introduction: Breast pathology is a very common reason for medical attention. Tissue diagnosis is usually obtained with core needle biopsy which could be performed by breast surgeons or interventional radiologists. Our aim was to assess the comparison of diagnostic performance between the two services. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out on patients who had breast pathology at Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplasicas in 2019. Descriptive analyses, sensitivity and specificity were calculated using the R program version 4.2.3. Results: From 1,082 patients with breast tumours who underwent core needle biopsy (CNB) during 2019, 782 cases were included. Breast surgeons performed 462 CNBs and radiologists performed 320 CNBs. The 87.5% were palpable tumours and 525 breast carcinomas were identified in the final pathology. The diagnostic performance showed that the sensitivity and specificity were greater than 95% and 98%, respectively. The waiting time in both showed that >95% underwent a CNB before 2 months. The breast surgery service performed the majority of the biopsies in less than 1 week since the indication of the execution of the CNB compared to the radiology service (90% versus 36%). Conclusion: Both hospital services, breast surgery and radiology, are efficient in determining an accurate diagnosis using CNB. However, the breast surgery service performs CNB in a shorter time interval. Breast surgical oncologists are encouraged to perform CNB if there are understaffed radiology services to expedite the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer patients.
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  • Telomere length in subjects with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

    Pérez-López, Faustino Ramón; Fernández-Alonso, Ana Maria; Ulloque-Badaracco, Juan Ramiro; Benites-Zapata, Vicente Aleixandre; Varikasuvu, Seshadri Reddy (Associacao Medica Brasileira, 2024-01-01)
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  • Homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate circulating levels in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis

    Ulloque-Badaracco, Juan R.; Al-kassab-Córdova, Ali; Hernández-Bustamante, Enrique A.; Alarcón-Braga, Esteban A.; Cabrera-Guzmán, Juan C.; Horruitiner-Mendoza, Andres A.; Robles-Valcárcel, Pamela; Benites-Zapata, Vicente A.; Pérez-López, Faustino R. (SAGE Publications Ltd, 2024-01-01)
    Background: Some studies have reported that homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels are associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), whereas other studies yielded controversial results. Objectives: This study aimed to systematize the available evidence of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folate levels in women with and without PCOS. Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis Data Sources and Methods: A systematic search without language restrictions was performed on PubMed, Ovid/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science. In addition, the reference lists of the selected studies were reviewed. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was employed to evaluate the quality of studies. The means and standard deviations of the outcomes were pooled as standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Furthermore, the DerSimonian and Laird method was employed for the quantitative synthesis. Results: A total of 75 studies met the eligibility criteria for at least one outcome. Patients with PCOS had higher circulating homocysteine levels than those without (SMD: 0.82; 95% CI: 0.62–1.02, n = 70 studies, p < 0.001). This trend remained in the sensitivity and subgroup analyses by world regions of studies, assay methods, and insulin resistance. No significant differences were observed in circulating vitamin B12 (SMD: −0.11; 95% CI: −0.25 to 0.03; n = 17 studies, p = 0.13) and folate levels (SMD: −0.2; 95% CI: −0.68 to 0.27; n = 17 studies, p = 0.41) between patients with and without PCOS. Conclusions: (i) Patients with PCOS exhibited significantly higher homocysteine levels than those without, and (ii) no significant differences were observed in both vitamin B12 and folate levels in women with and without PCOS. Registration: PROSPERO ID (CRD42023432883)
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  • Burkholderia cepacia cervical spondylodiscitis in a 39-year-old immunocompetent woman after a rhinoplasty: A case report and review of literature

    Perona-Fajardo, Francisco; Morales-Díaz, Arturo; Malpartida-Tabuchi, Oscar; Salcedo, Ricardo Manuel (Scientific Scholar, 2024-01-01)
    Background: Burkholderia cepacia has been described as a rare etiology for spondylodiscitis (SD) after surgical procedures. Case Description: We report a rare case of cervical SD caused by B. cepacia in a 39-year-old immunocompetent woman after a rhinoplasty treated with complex cervical surgery and prolonged antibiotic therapy. The follow-up visits showed no recurrence of symptoms. Conclusion: Diagnostic and therapeutic of rare spinal infections, particularly those caused by atypical pathogens such as B. cepacia, are challenging. Identification and personalized therapy are crucial.
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  • Programmatic implementation of depression screening and remote mental health support sessions for persons recently diagnosed with TB in Lima, Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic

    Contreras, Carmen; Cruz, Janeth Santa; Galea, Jerome T.; Chu, Alexander L.; Puma, Daniela; Ramos, Lourdes; Tovar, Marco; Peinado, Jesús; Lecca, Leonid; Keshavjee, Salmaan; Yuen, Courtney M.; Raviola, Giuseppe (Cambridge University Press, 2024-04-04)
    Background: Few studies have explored a stepped care model for delivering mental health care to persons with tuberculosis (TB). Here, we evaluated depression screening and remote low-intensity mental health interventions for persons initiating TB treatment in Lima, Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We used the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) to screen participants for depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 5). Participants with PHQ-9, 5–14 received remote Psychological First Aid (PFA) or Problem Management Plus (PM+). Participants were reevaluated 6 months after intervention completion. We then compared the change in median PHQ-9 scores before and after intervention completion. Those with PHQ-9 ≥ 15 were referred to higher-level care. Findings: We found that 62 (45.9%) of the 135 participants had PHQ-9 ≥ 5 at baseline. Then, 54 individuals with PHQ-9, 5–9 received PFA, of which 44 (81.5%) were reevaluated. We observed significant reductions in median PHQ-9 scores from 6 to 2 (r = 0.98; p < 0.001). Four participants with PHQ-9, 10–14 received PM+ but were unable to be reevaluated. Four participants with PHQ-9 ≥ 15 were referred to higher-level care. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms were common among persons recently diagnosed with TB. We observed improvements in depressive symptoms 6 months later for most participants who received remote sessions of PFA.
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  • A Survey of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis E Virus at the Human–Wildlife Interface in the Peruvian Amazon

    Menajovsky, María Fernanda; Espunyes, Johan; Ulloa, Gabriela; Montero, Stephanie; Lescano, Andres G.; Santolalla, Meddly L.; Cabezón, Oscar; Mayor, Pedro (Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2024-09-01)
    Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis E virus (HEV) are zoonotic pathogens posing significant health concerns in rural Amazonia, a region marked by high endemicity, poverty, and limited healthcare access. However, the epidemiology of HBV and HEV in this ecosystem remains underexplored. This study examines the circulation of HBV and HEV at the human–wildlife interface and identifies risk factors within an isolated Amazonian indigenous community reliant on hunting for subsistence. Antibodies against HBV core antigens (HBcAbs) were found in three wildlife species: Cuniculus paca (0.8%), Tayassu pecari (1.6%), and Mazama americana (4.1%), marking the first record of HBV antibodies in free-ranging wildlife in the Amazon. However, further research is necessary to identify circulating strains and their relation to human HBV. HBcAbs were also detected in 9.1% of human samples, confirming exposure to HBV in the region. HEV IgG antibodies were present in 17.1% of humans and were associated with higher age. All wildlife and domestic animal samples tested negative for HEV, but transmission through consumption of wild animals and contaminated water needs further investigation. The identified risk factors highlight the urgent need for measures to promote safer food handling, improved sanitation, hygiene, and practices related to contact with wild animals.
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  • Concurrent-Validity and Reliability of Photocells in Sport: A Systematic Review

    Multhuaptff, Weilhelmn; Fernández-Peña, Eneko; Moreno-Villanueva, Adrián; Soler-López, Alejandro; Rico-González, Markel; Clemente, Filipe Manuel; Bravo-Cucci, Sergio; Pino-Ortega, José (Termedia Publishing House Ltd., 2024-01-01)
    Specific physical qualities such as sprint running, change-of-direction or jump height are determinants of sports performance. Photocell systems are practical and easy to use systems to assess the time from point A to point B. In addition, these photoelectric systems are also used to obtain the time of vertically displaced movements. Knowing the accuracy and precision of photocell timing can be a determinant of ensuring a higher quality interpretation of results and of selecting the most appropriate devices for specific objectives. This systematic review aimed to identify and summarize studies that have examined the validity and reliability of photocells in sport sciences. A systematic review of PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. From the 164 studies initially identified, 16 were fully reviewed, and their outcome measures were extracted and analyzed. Photocells appear to have a strong agreement with force plates (gold standard), but are not interchangeable to measure the vertical jump. For monitoring horizontal displacement, double beam systems, compared to single beam systems, are more valid and reliable when it comes to avoiding false triggers caused by swinging arms or legs.
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  • Association of vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine with COVID-19 severity and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

    Ulloque-Badaracco, Juan R.; Al-Kassab-Córdova, Ali; Alarcon-Braga, Esteban A.; Hernandez-Bustamante, Enrique A.; Huayta-Cortez, Miguel A.; Cabrera-Guzmán, Juan C.; Robles-Valcarcel, Pamela; Benites-Zapata, Vicente A. (SAGE Publications Ltd, 2024-01-01)
    Objective: We aimed to review the available evidence on the association between vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine levels with worse outcomes among COVID-19 patients. Methods: The search was carried out in ten databases simultaneously run on 10 May 2023, without language restrictions. We included cross-sectional, case-control, and cohort studies. The random-effects meta-analysis was performed using the Sidik-Jonkman method and corrected 95% confidence intervals using the truncated Knapp-Hartung standard errors. Standardized mean difference and 95% CI was used as the measure effect size. Results: Thirteen articles were included in this review (n = 2134). Patients with COVID-19 who did not survive had the highest serum vitamin B12 values (SMD: 1.05; 95% CI: 0.31–1.78; p = 0.01, I2 = 91.22%). In contrast, low serum folate values were associated with patients with severe COVID-19 (SMD: −0.77; 95% CI: −1.35 to −0.19; p = 0.02, I2 = 59.09%). The remaining tested differences did not yield significant results. Conclusion: Elevated serum levels of vitamin B12 were associated with higher mortality in patients with COVID-19. Severe cases of COVID-19 were associated with low serum folate levels. Future studies should incorporate a larger sample size.
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  • Current challenges in neurocysticercosis: Recent data and where we are heading

    Coyle, Christina M.; Bustos, Javier A.; Garcia, Hector H. (Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2024-10-01)
    Purpose of reviewNeurocysticercosis (NCC) is still a significant contributor to neurological disease in vast regions of the world, and increasingly diagnosed in nonendemic countries because of travel and immigration from endemic settings. There is a need for clinicians in endemic and nonendemic regions to understand the complexities of its diagnosis and management.Recent findingsRecent information on the performance and use of available imaging and immunodiagnostic tools as well as antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory therapeutic regimes were assessed.SummaryImaging and serology data should be assessed in the context of the specific type of NCC to improve diagnostic precision. In terms of therapeutic approaches, more controlled data is required on the efficacy and safety of combined antiparasitic therapy, and antiseizure and anti-inflammatory regimes should be optimized to minimize perilesional damage and reduce the risk of epilepsy.
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  • Twelve tips for strengthening global equity in health professions education publication

    Atta, Komal; Shankar, Pathiyil Ravi; Archer, Elize; Andon, Anabelle; Zaidi, Zareen; Sabzwari, Saniya; Naidu, Thirusha; Chow, Candace J.; Ashry, Soha; Çalışkan, S. Ayhan; Keenoo, Bibi Sumera; Lee, Young Mee; Lu, Peih ying; Malca-Casavilca, Michan; Marjadi, Brahmaputra; Micheal, Sowbhagya; Park, Hyunmi; Tun, Wunna (Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2024-01-01)
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  • Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in animals: A systematic review and meta-analysis

    Bonilla-Aldana, D. Katterine; Calle-Hernández, Dayana M.; Ulloque-Badaracco, Juan R.; Alarcón-Braga, Esteban A.; Hernández-Bustamante, Enrique A.; Cabrera-Guzmán, Juan C.; Quispe-Vasquez, Sthephanie M.; Huayta-Cortez, Miguel A.; Benites-Zapata, Vicente A.; Rodriguez-Morales, Alfonso J. (Elsevier Ltd, 2024-08-01)
    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 I2 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 %; I2 = 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
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  • Electrochemical Energy Generation by Reusing Domestic Gray Water

    Rivera-Aquino, Hugo; Rodriguez, Ciro; Cesar-Minga, Julio; Rodriguez, Diego (International Information and Engineering Technology Association, 2024-08-01)
    This study explores the potential of converting domestic graywater into electrochemical energy as a sustainable energy solution amidst growing environmental concerns. Employing a custom-designed galvanic cell prototype, the research aims to transform the chemical energy in graywater into electrical energy through redox reactions, quantifying the electrical potential generated. Results demonstrate the prototype's success in generating an average no-load voltage of 5.1907 volts, effectively powering low-power devices like LEDs and validating the viability of greywater as an alternative energy source. However, the study acknowledges limitations such as the prototype's small scale and the potential impact of varied graywater compositions on energy efficiency, suggesting cautious application at larger scales. Future research directions include enhancing prototype efficiency and scalability, understanding the effects of different graywater compositions, and conducting long-term performance assessments. The study contributes to sustainable energy research by offering a novel approach to wastewater energy recovery, promoting environmental sustainability and efficient energy utilization.
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  • Research priorities and trends in pulmonary tuberculosis in Latin America: A bibliometric analysis

    Morán-Mariños, Cristian; Visconti-Lopez, Fabriccio J.; Espiche, Carlos; Llanos-Tejada, Felix; Villanueva-Villegas, Renzo; Casanova-Mendoza, Renato; Bernal-Turpo, Capriny (Elsevier Ltd, 2024-08-15)
    Tuberculosis (TB) poses a significant global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Over the years, scientific research has played a pivotal role in addressing this disease. In this study, we aimed to analyze and outline the trends in scientific output on TB and identify research priorities in Latin America (LA) from 1990 to 2021. Scientific production was analyzed, and the number of publications, financing sources, and journal characteristics were evaluated. Collaboration networks and keywords were visualized using mapping analysis with VOSviewer software. Research themes were prioritized by country based on co-occurrence frequency. In total, 4399 documents were identified, a significant trend was evident in the number of publications per year (R2 = 0.981), and research substantially contributed to the reduction of TB-related mortality (R2 = −0.876). Most publications were original articles (83.8 %). The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease had the highest publication and citation rates per document. International collaboration was predominantly with the United States, France, and Canada. Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico had the highest number of publications and external collaborations. In LA, interest in researching studies related to treatment and diagnosis (32.5 %) was notably high, followed by epidemiology and screening (26.9 %). Among the 20 countries in LA, research priorities varied, with the highest emphasis on HIV/AIDS (14/20), epidemiology (9/20), anti-TB agents (6/20), and mortality (5/20). TB resistance was only considered a research priority in Brazil, Peru, and Haiti. Therefore, LA experienced significant growth in its scientific output, playing a crucial role in TB control. Strategic adaptation to the region's specific challenges was observed, particularly in HIV/AIDS coinfection, epidemiological studies, and drug resistance. This progress was achieved by outstanding international scientific collaboration. This holistic approach emphasizes the importance of research in the fight against TB in LA.
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